How to Score an All-Inclusive Stay in Punta Cana for Free
Taking a dream vacation without spending a dime? It’s more possible than you think! A four-night all-inclusive escape in sunny Punta Cana that could easily cost nearly $5,000 can be booked for free, using travel points and a few strategic moves. Here’s how it was done—and how you can replicate it for your next tropical getaway.
Flying to Punta Cana Without the Price Tag
Southwest Airlines made the journey to Punta Cana wallet-friendly, thanks to the Southwest Companion Pass. This golden ticket allows one person to fly free (just taxes and fees) whenever another ticket is booked. For this trip, a random Southwest promotion was the cherry on top, making the flights cost a mere $250 in taxes and fees. The tickets would’ve cost a hefty $2,000 otherwise. How were the points accumulated? By channeling everyday spending through Chase cards, which conveniently transfer to Southwest.
The Secret to Booking All-Inclusive Resorts with Points
This trip featured a stay at Breathless Punta Cana, a stunning adult-only, all-inclusive property in Hyatt’s portfolio. Hyatt stands out in the hotel world, especially when it comes to all-inclusives, thanks to its fixed award chart. This means points required for a stay remain consistent, only varying by category or peak times.
This particular resort falls into Hyatt’s Category B, needing 20,000 points per night for a standard room. However, availability can vary, and only club-level suites were open for this stay at 27,000 points per night. Four nights added up to 108,000 points—a smart trade considering the cash price of $2,733.
All-Inclusive Booking Tips to Remember
A key detail with all-inclusive is that the point rate usually covers two guests. Extra guests come with added costs, so keep that in mind if your vacation includes friends or family. While standard rooms offer the best point value, some resorts may only have premium suites available, raising the nightly points cost. Checking the points calendar on Hyatt’s site helps find standard, peak, and off-peak rates quickly.
Earning Points: The Chase Card Advantage
Wondering how to rake in over 100,000 points? The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a game-changer. This card offers a solid welcome offer, so for those managing large expenses, paying taxes with a credit card is an effective way to meet this spend and earn big points. The points earned from a welcome offer and everyday spending can lead directly to booking vacations like this.
Cost Breakdown and Value
Here’s the total breakdown: flights that should’ve been $1,992 and a four-night stay worth $2,733 were booked for points. The real out-of-pocket cost? Just $495, including the card’s $95 annual fee, $250 in flight taxes, and a $150 credit card transaction fee. This strategic use of points turned a potential $4,725 vacation into a steal, with an impressive redemption value of 3.35 cents per point.
The Takeaway
With the right credit card, strategic spending, and a few simple tricks, tropical getaways at all-inclusive resorts can become a reality without emptying your bank account. Grab that Chase card, plan your next big expense wisely, and look forward to lounging in the sun—piña colada in hand—without worrying about the bill.
