Luxury Europe for 70% Less: Switzerland & Lake Como with Amy Fox

#300: Chris and Amy break down how they planned an unforgettable trip to Switzerland and Lake Como mostly on points, miles, and free-night certificates. They share how speculative bookings and award alerts landed them better business class flights, the rental car hack that avoided a cross-border drop-off fee, and one of the best uses of Hilton points around. Plus, an inside look at a fairy tale hotel for families in Switzerland. Link to Full Show Notes: https://www.chrishutchins.com/switzerland-italy-family-trip-points/ Partner Deals Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Kindred: House swap & home exchange with no membership fee Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Hotels Märchenhotel Braunwald Grand Hotel Victoria Victoria Beach Club Park Hyatt Milan Hyatt Regency Mainz Park Hyatt Tokyo Cap Rocat Articles & Videos Amazing: Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa on Lake Como The Märchenhotel on Instagram ATH Podcast #107: Italy Unlocked: Insider Tips, Must-See Destinations and Booking Flights/Hotels on Points with Leigh Rowan #276: Saving $30K+ on the Perfect Spring Break Japan Trip with Amy Fox #290: The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M Hilton Cards Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:47) How a Fairy Tale Hotel Sparked Our Trip to Europe (03:22) Booking Business Class to Europe with Points (09:03) Setting Award Alerts to Find Better Flights (14:51) Using Up Avianca Miles for a Better Flight (17:22) Keeping Return Flights Open Until the Last Minute (18:39) The Trick to Avoid Cross-Border Rental Car Fees (20:55) Booking Switzerland's Märchenhotel Without Points (23:10) Why We Paired Switzerland with Lake Como (26:14) The Math Behind Hilton Points and Free Night Certificates (34:02) Inside the Grand Hotel Victoria (36:55) The Best Breakfast Buffet and Dining in Menaggio (39:26)  Why Menaggio Beats Bellagio (42:10) European Beach Clubs with Kids (43:34) Gelato, Mini Golf and Other Things to Do in Italy (45:27) Is the Grand Hotel Victoria Worth It for Families? (48:51) The Märchenhotel: Switzerland's Fairy Tale Hotel (49:57) What Makes the Märchenhotel Great for Parents and Kids (57:06) Hiking, Via Ferratas and Ropes Courses in Braunwald (01:02:31) Changing Plans and Skipping Milan (01:05:44) A Quick Stop in Mainz Before Flying Home (01:07:15)  Flying Swiss vs. Condor Business Class (01:10:49) What It's Like Traveling with Another Family (01:14:02) What the Whole Trip Cost (01:15:24) Why We're Booking Trips a Year Out Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices