- 90,000 bonus points
- no annual fee for this card
- $6,000 minimum spend
I'll share some of the things we enjoyed, but first, some pros to staying on the big island. The most important is affordability.
The Airbnb's are cheaper, we are talking $100 per night cheaper which adds up quickly. Food is cheaper because there are just more options. Tours are cheaper because again more options and less tourists.
Why You Might Want To Spend Some Time on Tahiti Island
So what did we find to do?
1. Well, the most obvious is taking a boat out to see the famous surf wave at Teahupoo. Totally worth it! In fact, it's wild to be sitting on a boat with the surfers next to you riding one of the most famous waves in the world.
Only once did we worry about taking a wave ourselves.
We booked a 4-hour tour through Teahupoo Excursions. Michael and his crew were fabulous. We spent about an hour at the wave and then headed to the southern tip of Tahiti Iti, past the end of the road. They maneuvered the boat through a canal into the jungle where we disembarked and swam across the river. The guide led us on a short walk through the jungle to a beautiful grotto inside a lava tube for a short swim.
When we returned to the boat, the crew served chips and a very homemade cocktail that you just drink and don't ask what inside. It was delicious by the way.
The next few sights can be done over a few days or in one long day as a driving loop around the island.
2. Black Sand Beach at Taharuu - probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The current is strong and the rocks are plentiful so watch your feet. Be sure to check out the eels in the lagoon.
3. Grotto de Maraa - giant cave formed by a lava tube. No swimming, but beautiful photo spot. FREE admission.
4. Water Garden of Vaipahi - beautiful botanical garden that can provide the perfect picnic spot. Watch out for the chickens though who may want to share. your food. FREE admission and bathrooms available.
5. Arapaho Blowhole - one of the only blowholes in the world that spits out compressed air instead of water.
6. Waterfalls at Tiarei - there are actually three waterfalls here. The first is a short walk from the parking lot. The others are a 20 minute walk from the parking lot. No swimming, but the view is meditative.
7. Point Venus - the best spot on the island to view the sunset. It also features calm waters perfect for swimming, a lovely beach and volleyball courts.
We chose to do all of these stops as a one day self driving tour. We started the day around 11am and returned home by 7:30pm so it's a full day. If you prefer a guide or don't have a car, I recommend Lydia. Let her know I sent you.
Other notable things to see and do on the island of Tahiti:
8. Downtown Papeete - This is a half day walking tour that you can do on your own. Check out the indoor street market in Papeete, the cathedral, botanical gardens and the presidential palace.
10. Fun swimming snorkeling beach - We spent plenty of afternoons at this great beach at highway marker PK18. There are bathrooms available and plenty of free parking. It's also a great place to see the sunset. Be sure to check out the bakery Le Fournil Hautbois which is the best on the island.
We completely enjoyed our time on the island of Tahiti. In my next post, I'll share what we did during our 10 days in Moorea. If you would like help planning your bucket list trip to French Polynesia, reach out to me. I'll help you use points and miles to make this amazing trip affordable.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new AI Travel Assistant, designed to help you discover and plan the perfect getaway for you and your family. Whether you're dreaming of a sun-soaked beach or a bustling city escape, our AI is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our AI Travel Assistant is super easy to use and tailored to your unique preferences. Here's what you can expect:
Give our AI Travel Assistant a spin and watch your dream vacation come to life! We'd love to hear about your experience – did you discover an exciting new destination? Any suggestions to make it even better? Your feedback helps us improve and ensure you're getting the most out of your travel planning.
Happy travels, and remember – adventure is out there, and our AI Travel Assistant is here to help you find it! 🌴🏙️🏔️
#AITravelPlanner #FamilyVacation #TravelHacks #PointsAndMiles #AlmostFreeTravel
We've all been there – falling head over heels for a particular travel brand. Maybe you're always flying with United, or you can't resist a Marriott stay. But is this unwavering loyalty serving you well? Let's break it down and see how flexible points can be a game-changer for family travel.
✈️ Flight Comparison: LAX to Tokyo
Imagine you're planning a family trip to Japan. As a United loyalist, you check their rates first:
That's a whopping 40,000-mile difference per person! For a family of five, that's a 200,000-mile saving. Talk about a loyalty tax!
🏨 Hotel Showdown in Tokyo
Now, let's look at accommodation options:
Both are great options, but what if you're locked into one brand? You might miss out on the best deal for your family.
💳 The Power of Flexible Points
This is where flexible points shine! With programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, AMEX Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, or Citi ThankYou Points, you can:
Flexible points give you the freedom to choose the best value for your family's needs.
🌟 Brand Loyalty: Friend or Foe?
Right now, I am recommending two credit cards for most of my clients:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred - 60,000 bonus points plus $300 travel credit for a $4,000 minimum spend and a $95 annual fee. This card also comes with a $50 hotel credit You can only hold ONE Sapphire credit card and you are only eligible for the bonus every 48 months.
2. Chase Ink Business Unlimited - $900 cash (it's really 90,000 points), $0 annual fee, $6,000 minimum spend. Be sure to apply for the Business Unlimited. Popup will redirect you to the offer.
If you would like help planning your next adventure or using points and miles to take a bucket list vacation, check out our website for travel advising and our new Travel Coaching Program. We would love to help you and your family make memories!
#FlexiblePoints #FamilyTravel #TravelHacks #PointsAndMiles #AlmostFreeTravel