42. Australia Awaits: How Jess Scored Big on Her Dream Trip

Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

We have an exciting podcast for you today as Jess shares her bucket-list experience in Australia! From negotiating for a room with the perfect view to taking the scenic coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, Jess packed her 10-day trip with unforgettable experiences.

First, Jess shares how she scored flights to Sydney that would have cost $24,000 for only $800 out of pocket.

Then she shares where she stayed in Sydney for three nights for FREE!

From a kayaking trip in the Sydney Harbour, to a sumptuous breakfast overlooking the opera house, it's clear that Sydney was bursting with unique experiences. And though it was winter, the Australian weather proved to be pleasantly mild.

And as if Sydney wasn't enough, Jess also took a quick hop over to Melbourne.

She shares how she used British Airways Avios to pay for the flights there, plus how Hyatt points came in clutch once again for her 5 nights in Melbourne.

Melbourne offers the perfect balance of city experiences, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. Whether it's through points, miles, or just splurging a little, the experiences you get are truly priceless.

I'm with Alex on this—if I wasn't already dreaming of a trip down under, I am now! But to get the full scoop, including more on Jess's Australian tales, you're going to want to tune in for yourself. So what are you waiting for? Hit play to hear the full conversation!

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Links For This Episode:

• Park Hyatt Sydney: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-sydney/sydph?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_sydph

• Grand Hyatt Melbourne: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/grand-hyatt-melbourne/melbo?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_melbo

• Park Hyatt Melbourne: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-melbourne/melph?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_melph

• Sydney by Kayak: https://sydneybykayak.com.au/tours/sunrise-kayak-and-coffee/

• Great Ocean Road tour: https://www.theprivatetourguide.com/great-ocean-road-private-tour

• Yarra Valley tour: https://www.theprivatetourguide.com/private-yarra-valley-wine-tour

• Phillip Island/Moonlit Sanctuary tour: https://gowest.com.au/our-tours/phillip-island-penguin-parade-small-group-eco-tour/

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 01:10 Jess shares all about her flights and how she booked them

• 04:09 Pam highlights how important it is to stockpile points for last-minute bookings

• 06:35 Jess shares her experience with her stepdaughter on Qantas Airlines

• 11:21 Here are more airline options for travel to Australia!

• 12:55 Jess talks about her first stay in Sydney at the Park Hyatt

• 27:29 From kayaking in the harbour, to touring the famous Opera House, Sydney is a dream!

• 29:16 Jess dives into the second half of their trip, from Sydney to Melbourne

• 31:28 Jess’s review of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne

• 32:18 Jess’s experience at the Park Hyatt at Melbourne

• 37:57 Jess breaks down her favorite things to do while in Australia

• 43:30 Hear about the fun experiences you can have in Melbourne

• 45:26 Jess gives her Sydney versus Melbourne take