How I Traveled from Connecticut to Atlanta for under $150

Last week I had the opportunity to join a group of amazing entrepreneurs for the launch of our new book: Entrepreneurship: My Story, Your Guide. The event took place in Atlanta, GA at the beautiful Sheraton Suites Galleria. As always, I made sure to travel smart without breaking the bank. Here are a few ways I made the trip for under $150:

Flight: $75
I used airline points to cover the departing flight from Connecticut to Atlanta and paid $75 for the returning flight from Atlanta to Connecticut.

Lodging: $0
I used points for the hotel room too. So glad Marriott and Starwood (SPG) merged! I had to link my Marriott and Starwood reward accounts then transfer the points from Marriott to Starwood (I guess when the hotel chains merged in September of last year, I had not done that as of yet). Those small and quick things to get the room for free = $0

Transportation: $0
On the first day my husband dropped me off at the airport in Connecticut and friend in Atlanta picked me up and drove me to the hotel. Later that evening I used the hotel shuttle to go to dinner and a fellow speaker of the event (Whitley Nicely), gave me a ride back to the hotel.

The second day of my trip a friend and his wife picked me up from the hotel and drove me to church and later a person from the church dropped me off at the airport. When I arrived back in Connecticut my husband picked me up.

Food: $56.45
There were great food choices in the area of the event and I made sure to take advantage of the options while still saving. On the first day I grabbed a free coffee thanks to my Starbucks Reward points and added a bagel for only $3.99. For lunch I picked up soup for $9.48 including the tip. Dinner was at Copelands and included an appetizer and entree for $22.15.

On the second day I had two coffees for $6.22, breakfast for $4.24 and a snack for $2.29. I ended the day with Phillips Seafood at the airport for $9.63 including the tip and a Pepsi for $2.69.

The grand total for my entire trip was $131.45! I encourage you to enroll in the hotel, airline, coffee, restaurant, and rental car free reward points programs. Be sure to monitor your points to ensure you get your proper credit after each stay or purchase. Once you have accumulated reward points, you may be able to save on your next get-away. Overall, the event, networking opportunities, brainstorming sessions in the lobby and over dinner were priceless!

If you have similar travel saving stories please share.

Savvy Saver,
Patrina 

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