In the summer of 2017 after a few successful trips to Paris and Hawaii and a planned trip to Rome in February of 2018 we were looking for something to do for the April school vacation in 2018.

As we were brainstorming idea on places, we came to London. My wife and i had been there together in February of 2003 on a fantastic deal we found online. At that time for $180 each round trip, we could fly from Boston to London and would get 2 nights free in a hotel in central London. It was a fantastic deal at the time and we had a great time.

An Extended Family Trip

While my wife’s work travel had taken her to London countless times since then, I had never been back and the kids had never been. We also knew that my dad would love London as he’s a former school teacher and a student of history. He would appreciate the scope and importance of the history there.

We talked it over with him and he was definitely interested in joining us for the trip. It would also be a great bonding opportunity with the kids as they only see him periodically. My dad also is great at articulating the story behind historical events in a way that would captivate the kids. We was after all a teacher for 40 years so he had some practice.

Since my dad is retired, he didn’t really have any time restrictions on when he could go so the April time frame worked for him. He spends winters down south and summers in Maine so we’d just have to coordinate his travel travel to and from Boston around the trip to London.

Utilizing Points

In addition, my dad also had an SPG American Express card. He had the card for years but didn’t really know how to use any of his points so he had accumulated a substantial balance. We would factor in those points when determining where to stay.

This trip would be different in that we would be planning for 5 instead of 4, but we had a general timeframe (the April school vacation break) and a destination.

Next up figuring out how to get there!