Dad/Son Trip to Italy

Legend

Plane
Train
Location

Raleigh, United States ‐ Mar 8, 2024

I wanted to book a trip for my husband and son for a 1:1 trip. Found a great cash deal on British Airways from RDU to LHR to Milan.
London, United Kingdom ‐ Mar 7, 2024

They had a 2 hour lay-over in LHR. They really had to sprint to make it through customs and get to their next gate. Will avoid an international layover without plenty of time going forward.
Milan, Italy ‐ Mar 8, 2024

Landed in Milian mid morning. They slept okay and were able to walk around to see some sites for a few hours before check in. We had some points in Marriot and were able to find a 3 night say at the Homes & Villas program for 20K total! Had a small kitchen and 2 bedroom. They were walking distance to Duomo and train station.

Marriott Homes and Villas

Italian Way apartment booked through Marriott with points
Milan ‐ Mar 9, 2024

They met up with my brother in law and 2 nephews who flew in that morning. They scheduled a cooking class via Viator. They enjoyed it and the way too detailed story from the host on how he accidentally ended up in a porno film. The rest of the day was walking around sites and going to a few museum.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium ‐ Mar 10, 2024

We could not find direct tickets for this AC Milan game and subsequently paid a premium for the hospitality package. The nice thing about this is that you can get tickets ahead of time and they provide food, drinks, and great seats.
Rome ‐ Mar 11, 2024

The plan was to go to Florence but they got word of an affordable game in Rome. They were able to quickly pivot and I found them a very inexpensive hotel in Rome last minute, again at a Best Western. My husband was happy because he was able to see the colosseum and all the major site. My son was happy because he got to ride e-scooters and see Lazio play. The cash price for these tickets last minute was ridiculously low ($25 each). It was a nice change for a 2 day detour because though it was mor [...]
e crowded, Rome was much warmer. They took the evening train and checked into an IHG Holiday Inn Express hotel walking distance from the terminal.

Best Western Royal Santina
Milan ‐ Mar 13, 2024
London, United Kingdom

They flew back through LHR. But this time, they had more time to get to their gate. I had recently gotten approved for my first Amex Platinum. They were the first to benefit from the club lounge access. My husband and son said they could never go back.
Raleigh, United States

Back home and another Simi-points booking in the books. This one was better organized. And though it was still mostly cash, it helped us meet some minimum spend for the next points trip.