Have you ever dreamed of taking your family to London without breaking the bank? My family of four just returned from an unforgettable trip to London, and the best part? We used points and miles to cover the major costs! Here’s how we did it, along with tips to help you plan your dream trip, save money on activities and food, and maximize your credit card rewards.

Flights: Kansas City to London for $5.60 Each

We flew from Kansas City to London Heathrow on American Airlines for just 27,000 AAdvantage miles and $5.60 in taxes per person. That’s $22.40 for all four of us!

How I Earned the Miles: We accumulated these AAdvantage miles by leveraging credit card welcome bonuses and strategically spending on everyday purchases. You can earn miles by opening an AAdvantage credit cards.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to book a similar flight, set up flight alerts on AA’s website and search for off-peak awards for the best redemption rates.

Getting Around: The Elizabeth Line

Upon arrival at Heathrow, we took the Elizabeth Line directly to Tottenham Court Road. It’s an affordable and efficient way to get to central London from the airport.

Accommodation: Staying at Hyatt Scotland Yard

We stayed at the Hyatt Scotland Yard, a luxurious property located in a prime area for exploring London. We booked two rooms: one with a king bed and another with two twins. The rooms were connected, giving us plenty of space and two bathrooms—a must for a family of four!

Cost: 25,000 Hyatt points per room per night.

How I Earned the Points: We transferred points to Hyatt from My Favorite Points earned with our Chase Sapphire Preferred card. My husband and I opened Ink Business Preferred cards, combined the points into my Sapphire Preferred account, and then transferred them to Hyatt.

Perks: Thanks to Globalist status, we enjoyed free complimentary breakfast daily, saving us at least £80 per day for our family.

The Hyatt Regency Blackfriar is another option in an excellent location that is less points per night.

Activities: Affordable and Family-Friendly

London offers so many incredible activities that are either free or budget-friendly. Here’s what we did:

1. Tower of London: Booked tickets through Viator to save time and money. Try and time your visit with a free Beefeater tour.
2. Borough Market: A foodie’s paradise with plenty of affordable eats.
3. Churchill War Rooms Museum: Educational and fascinating for both kids and adults.
4. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market: A festive treat with a beautiful background of the National Portrait Gallary. We had Biscoff mini pancakes it eas an excellent choice.
5. Buckingham Palace: Enjoyed watching the Changing of the Guard.
6. Regent’s Park and St. James’s Park: Perfect for a peaceful stroll and letting kids burn off energy.
7. Harry Potter Filming Sites like Leandehall Market: A must-visit for fans.
8. Natural History Museum: Free tickets booked in advance online.
9. Portobello Road Market: A Paddington-themed stop for us, with unique souvenirs and a vibrant atmosphere.
10. Walk Along the Thames River: From Tower Bridge to our hotel, enjoying iconic views.

Free Activities Families Will Love

London is packed with free attractions. Here are some of our favorites:

• Horizon 22: Book free tickets for stunning city views.
• Sky Garden: Another free viewing spot if you book ahead.
• British Museum: Free entry, though donations are encouraged.

Pro Tip: Plan your itinerary and book free activities three to fours weeks ahead of time to avoid missing out, especially during peak travel seasons.

Dining on a Budget

We found affordable and delicious eats all over London:

• Mercato Mayfair: A food market in a renovated church with a unique vibe.
• Horse and Guardsman Pub: Near Leadenhall Market, perfect for traditional British fare.
• Covent Garden: Christmas décor and fun dining options like Bill’s.
• Buns from Home: A family favorite for pastries and snacks.

Tips to Save Money on Food:

• Take advantage of complimentary breakfast at your hotel.
• Visit markets like Borough and Flat Iron Square for affordable meals and snacks.
• Consider picnicking in one of London’s many parks.

Maximizing Your Points and Miles

Here’s a breakdown of the credit cards and strategies we used:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred:
   • Earn 60,000 points after meeting the minimum spend.
   • Transfer points to Hyatt for hotel stays or to airline partners for flights.
2. Ink Business Preferred:
   • Earn up to 100,000 points, which can be combined with Sapphire Preferred points.
3. Rakuten:
   • Stack purchases through Rakuten’s travel portal to earn extra points or cashback. We used this for booking activities on Viator.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses to maximize your points when moving them to travel partners.

Why Points and Miles Made This Trip Possible

This trip would have cost thousands of dollars if we paid cash, but by leveraging points and miles, we brought the cost down to a fraction. Flights, hotels, and even some activities were covered, leaving more room in our budget for experiences and meals. The memories we created during the holiday season in London were priceless, and it’s all thanks to strategic planning and smart credit card use.

Ready to Plan Your London Adventure?

If you’re ready to take your family to London for less, start by exploring credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred. Focus on earning transferable points, and always plan your itinerary and bookings in advance to maximize your savings.

Please send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook if you decide to open a card. I’d appreciate you using my affilate link. It’s a no cost to you way to support my free work.

Have questions about earning or using points and miles? Leave a comment or reach out to me on Instagram—I’d love to help you plan your next family trip!