7 Awe-Inspiring Travel Moments That Took My Breath Away

The kind that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Not every trip comes with a jaw-dropping moment.
But some? They stop you in your tracks.
You breathe it in—and wonder how this is even real life.
The kind that etch themselves into your memory, long after you’re home.
Here are seven of mine.

🌋 Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii — Into the Crater

We hiked all the way down into the crater of a volcano.
It felt like walking on the moon—jagged rock, steam rising, eerie stillness.
Then we returned that night to see the sky glowing red from an active lava flow.

Hot. Humbling. Unreal.

🌊 Olivine Pools, Maui — Nature’s Hidden Gem

Tucked along the cliffs of Maui’s rugged coast, the Olivine Pools felt like a secret.
The ocean thundered just beyond the rocks, while crystal-clear pools shimmered like nature’s infinity tubs.

Wild beauty at its best.

💦 Skogafoss, Iceland — Standing in the Spray

You hear it before you see it. Then—boom—Skogafoss appears. Massive. Loud. Unapologetic.
We inched closer until the mist hit our faces and the roar drowned out everything else.

One of those moments you don’t forget.

🖤 Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Iceland — Like Another Planet

The wind, the waves, the jet-black sand.
Basalt columns rose like ancient ruins, and everything felt otherworldly.
I couldn’t stop staring—or smiling—or silently saying, “Is this real?”

Moody in the most beautiful way.

✨ Eiffel Tower at Night, Paris — A Sparkling Dream

I’ve seen it in a million photos. But nothing prepares you for the real thing.

As the Eiffel Tower sparkled to life, it didn’t feel real—like Paris itself was putting on a show just for us.
Even jet lag couldn’t dim the magic.

Iconic—and still somehow surprising.

🐫 The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt — Bigger Than Imagination

I thought I understood how big they were.
Then I stood beside them.
The heat. The history. The scale. It hit all at once.
They’ve stood there for thousands of years—and somehow, I was here too.

Surreal doesn’t even begin to cover it.

🔥 Fiery Furnace, Moab — Nature’s Maze

Twisting trails. Narrow passages. Towering red rock all around.
It’s easy to get lost in the Fiery Furnace—and that’s kind of the point.
It felt like crawling through the imagination of the earth—twists, turns, and towering walls of red rock.

One of the most fun and mind-bending hikes I’ve ever done.

🌍 Rooted Takeaway

You don’t have to go far to feel awe.
But when you do find it—stand there a little longer. Let it wash over you.
Let it remind you how big, wild, and wonderful the world still is.

P.S. Most of these trips? Booked on points.
Because magic moments feel even better when they don’t come with credit card guilt.
Stick around—I’ll show you how.

Luxury Vegas on Points: Waldorf, Bellagio & Amex Perks

Using Hilton Honors Points, Amex Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts perks, and MyVegas Rewards to Hack a Luxe Vegas Getaway

Vegas is the land of indulgence—but you don’t have to spend big to go big. With the right credit cards, loyalty programs, and a little bit of planning, we turned a long weekend into a 5-star experience—complete with Strip views, suite upgrades, and $200+ in food credits. Here's exactly how we did it.

🏨 Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas on Hilton Points: Our 2-Night Stay Review

We kicked off our trip with two nights at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, a non-casino luxury hotel right on the Strip. We booked our stay entirely using Hilton Honors points, and thanks to Hilton Diamond status, we got some serious VIP treatment.

Here’s what we scored:

• 💎 Room upgrade with Strip views

• 🕰 Early check-in & 4 p.m. late checkout

• 🍸 $50 per night resort credit (perfect for cocktails and appetizers at SkyBar during sunset—highly recommend!)

The Waldorf’s peaceful, upscale vibe was the perfect start to our trip. And best of all? We paid $0 out-of-pocket for the room.

🎰 Bellagio Vegas with Amex Platinum FHR: Strip View Suite + Perks

For our third night, we booked a Strip View Suite at the Bellagio using the American Express Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts program (FHR).

This suite was next-level—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bellagio fountains, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the neon glow of the Strip.

FHR Perks included:

• 🕛 Noon check-in & 4 p.m. late checkout

• 🛏 Room upgrade (we were already booked pretty high!)

• 💵 $100 resort credit

• 🍳 Daily breakfast credit for two

We used our breakfast credit for a boozy brunch at Sadelle’s—mimosas, eggs benedict, and all the Vegas vibes. The rest of our resort credit went toward room service later that night. Luxe and easy.

🃏 MyVegas Rewards: How We Got a Free Night at the Bellagio

Our flight home wasn’t until midnight, and instead of hauling our bags around or wasting time at the airport, we found a better way: free hotel night via MyVegas Rewards.

If you haven’t heard of it, MyVegas is a free-to-play rewards app that gives you real Las Vegas comps—like free hotel rooms, drink credits, and show tickets.

I used it to book a free night in a standard room at the Bellagio, giving us:

• A cozy space to freshen up and relax

• More time to explore the Strip

• Free drinks and snacks from lounge rewards

It’s not instant—you need time to earn rewards—but if you start early and let it run in the background, the savings add up fast.

💰 The Bottom Line: How We Travel Hacked a Luxury Vegas Trip

Here’s what we got from this points-powered Vegas getaway:

• ✨ 3 nights in 5-star Vegas hotels

• 🍽 Over $200 in food and beverage credits

• 🌆 Suite upgrades, Strip views, and late checkouts

• 💸 ~$1,500 in total value—for a fraction of the cost

All by stacking:

• Hilton Honors Points + Diamond Member Benefits

• Amex Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts Program

• MyVegas Rewards App

🎯 Want to Do It Too? Your Vegas Travel Hacking Starter Pack

Here’s how to start building your own luxe Vegas trip for less:

• 💼 Hilton Honors Credit Card (Surpass or Aspire) to rack up points and elite status

• 💳 Amex Platinum Card to unlock FHR perks at hotels like Bellagio, Venetian, and Wynn

• 📲 Download the MyVegas app (early!) to start earning comps

• 🧠 Plan strategically—shifting hotels = stacking perks like check-in upgrades and meal credits

🧳 Rooted Takeaway

This trip was the perfect mix of rooted (intentional, strategic, points-savvy) and roaming (spontaneous, indulgent, luxurious).

Vegas is proof: You can stay in world-class hotels, sip champagne with skyline views, and enjoy premium perks—without blowing your budget.

💳 Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Travel Hacking with the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Earn 100,000 Points—Enough for Your First Big Trip

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to travel more, but it’s just too expensive,”—this post is for you.

Right now, Chase is offering one of the best-ever welcome bonuses on their Sapphire Preferred® Card: 100,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. And trust me, this is a rare opportunity.

This isn’t just some random recommendation—this is the card that started it all for me.

Nine years ago, I opened the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and used it to travel hack my honeymoon to Europe.
Flights and hotels across Europe—all covered using points I earned from this card. We flew internationally and stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Cologne, the Marriott in Venice, and the Hilton in Sorrento—all booked on points. It was the ultimate honeymoon on a budget, made possible by a card with a $95 annual fee and a little points magic.

✨ Why This 100,000-Point Offer Matters

This bonus is huge. Like, "book a round-trip flight to Europe" kind of huge.

Here’s what 100,000 points can do:

• Fly round-trip to Europe, or book multiple domestic flights

• Stay free at upscale hotels like Hyatt and Marriott

• Transfer to airline partners like United, Air France, or Emirates

• Redeem through Chase Travel for 25% more value—so 100k becomes $1,250 in travel

It’s one of the best offers I’ve ever seen on this card—and it’s beginner-friendly.

🛫 Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Is My #1 Starter Card

When people ask me how to get into travel hacking, this is always the first card I recommend. Here’s why:

• 2x points on travel and dining (including takeout + delivery)

• Flexible points that transfer to travel partners

• Easy-to-use travel portal for booking flights and hotels

• Built-in protections like trip cancellation coverage and rental car insurance

• No foreign transaction fees (a must for international travel)

It’s simple enough for beginners, but powerful enough to grow with you.

🧭 Real Ways I’ve Used This Card

Besides our honeymoon to Europe, I’ve used this card to:

• Book flights to Cairo and hotel stays in Santorini

• Cover rental cars on U.S. road trips

• Stay at Hyatt resorts for a fraction of the cash price

• Plan spontaneous getaways using Chase’s travel portal or partner transfers

It’s truly the workhorse of my wallet—and it continues to deliver value years later.

📅 Why You Should Apply Now

This 100,000-point offer won’t be around forever. These big bonuses tend to disappear quickly, and I don’t want you to miss out.

If you’ve been thinking about travel hacking, this is your moment to dive in. One card. A few months of everyday spending. And suddenly, your next trip is already (almost) paid for.

🌿 Rooted Takeaway

Travel hacking doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and you don’t need a dozen cards to start.

Just one smart choice (like this one) can unlock flights, hotels, and memories you didn’t think were possible on a budget. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® gave me the tools to plan our honeymoon, and now, nearly a decade later, I’m still using it to fuel adventures.

📌 Ready to start your points-powered travel journey?
You can apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® using my referral link here. I’ll earn a few extra points if you’re approved (which I’ll probably put toward my next trip), and you’ll be well on your way to booking yours, too.

My First Overnight Getaway as a New Mom—Booked on Points

I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave my baby overnight.

But I was sure I hadn’t slept in past 7 a.m. in over six months. Between the baby and the dogs, mornings at our house are... lively. The idea of a slow morning, blackout curtains, and no decisions beyond what kind of coffee to order with breakfast in bed?

That alone made this quick overnight stay feel like a dream.

✨ When the Stars Aligned...

Grandma offered to babysit.
We won Lightning tickets.
And I had a Marriott Free Night Certificate from my Bonvoy Brilliant Amex just sitting there.

We booked it—literally.

My husband and I escaped to The Tampa EDITION for a one-night, soul-recharging, cocktail-sipping, nap-inducing break.

🏨 The Stay: Free Night, Full Reset

We used a Marriott Free Night Certificate, and wow—tapping into those points for a reset felt like luxury.

This was my first night in forever without:

• A baby monitor crackling

• A dog leaping into bed

• A 6:30 a.m. baby wakeup

I soaked up every minute.

💫 What Made It Perfect

• Early check-in at 12 p.m. and late checkout at 4 p.m.
  → Basically a full 28-hour escape

• $40 resort credit used for cocktails at the stunning lobby bar
  → Order the Smoked Paloma—you won’t regret it

• Location, location, location
  → We walked to the Lightning game at Amalie Arena and were back in our robes by the final buzzer

🚶‍♀️ Steps from the Action

The EDITION’s location is unreal.
We were steps from:

• Amalie Arena

• Tampa’s Riverwalk

• Sparkman Wharf

• And tons of restaurants and rooftop bars

Bonus: The hotel’s destination fee includes roundtrip water taxi tickets, so you can explore all the waterfront spots stress-free.

🧘‍♀️ The Vibe

The Tampa EDITION is modern, sleek, and somehow buzzing yet calming all at once.

The room?
Neutral tones, moody lighting, spa-like vibes, and a faux fur throw I strongly considered smuggling home.

Between the aesthetic and the quiet, it felt like the soft reset my nervous system was craving.

💛 Why It Mattered

After months of:

• Diapers

• Late-night feedings

• Trying to figure out how to be a mom and a human...

This was the reminder I needed:
You don’t need a week-long vacation to feel human again.

Sometimes, one night is enough.

No rushing.
No bottles to prep.
No cries in the middle of the night (unless you count the opposing fans when we won).

🌿 Rooted Takeaway: Book the Staycation

Got a Marriott Free Night Certificate sitting in your account?
Use it.

Tap into those points.
Call your mom.
Order the cocktail.
Take the nap.
Sleep in—without guilt.

You deserve it.

💬 Want a packing list, staycation guide, or free night checklist?
Drop a comment or follow along on Instagram @rooted.roaming for more travel hacks and mom-life resets.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting London on Points & Miles (Without Stress!)

Fly Virgin Atlantic, stay Hilton luxe, and explore the city with ease—without breaking the bank

Planning a trip to London doesn’t have to mean draining your savings or navigating a stressful maze of logistics. With the right points strategy and a few smart travel hacks, our trip to London felt seamless, elevated, and (best of all) mostly free.

Here’s exactly how we did it—from booking flights and hotels on points to racing each other through the Tube (spoiler: I won).

✈️ 1. Booking Flights: Virgin Atlantic with Amex or Chase Points

We flew nonstop from Tampa (TPA) to London Heathrow (LHR) on Virgin Atlantic—and covered the entire flight with points.

Here's how we booked:

• Transferred points from Amex Membership Rewards (Amex Platinum) and Chase Ultimate Rewards (Chase Sapphire Preferred).

• Took advantage of a transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic for even better value.

• Used Virgin Atlantic’s partner sweet spots to book in economy (or upgrade to Premium or Upper Class for fewer points than you’d expect).

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin—your points go much further, and you can treat yourself to Upper Class for a fraction of the cost.

🚄 2. Arrival Made Simple: Heathrow Express to Paddington Station

After landing, we skipped the long taxi lines and crowded Tube cars. Instead, we hopped on the Heathrow Express—a direct train that takes you from Heathrow to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes.

• No dragging luggage through the Underground.

• No stress, just swipe and ride.

🏨 3. Stay Steps Away: Hilton London Paddington (on Points!)

We booked the Hilton London Paddington with Hilton Honors points—and it was a total game-changer.

Why we loved it:

• It’s connected to Paddington Station—literally. We rolled off the train and right into our hotel.

• We scored an upgrade to a Tower Room thanks to Hilton Diamond status.

• The Executive Lounge was a dream: free breakfast, evening charcuterie and cocktails, and views of the trains below.

It was luxe, central, and wildly convenient.

🚇 4. Navigating London: Just Tap & Go

London’s public transit is world-class—and with Apple Pay and Apple Maps, it felt effortless.

Here’s what we used:

• Apple Pay to tap in and out of the Tube and trains—no Oyster card needed.

• Apple Maps to see exact train lines, platform numbers, and ETAs.

We felt so confident getting around that my husband and I even raced each other back to the hotel using different Tube routes. (Yes, I won.)

💺 5. Heading Home in Style: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

For our return, we leveled up with Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (booked with points).

Highlights included:

• Fast track security at Heathrow.

• Access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: cocktails, à la carte dining, showers, and spa vibes.

• A fully lie-flat seat that made the long-haul flight feel like a spa day in the sky.

It was the perfect ending to our stress-free London adventure.

🌍 Rooted Takeaway: London on Points = Surprisingly Easy

London doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With smart points redemptions, a hotel directly connected to transit, and a little planning, you can explore this iconic city in comfort and style.

Use your points wisely. Stay where convenience meets comfort. And maybe challenge your travel partner to a Tube race—just for fun.

📌 Follow along on Instagram @rooted.roaming for:

• Points transfer cheat sheets

• Packing tips

• International travel hacks (that actually work)

London Favorites & Hidden Gems: Where to Go, Sip, and Explore Like a Local

From Big Ben to cheese on a conveyor belt—here’s how to experience both the iconic and the unexpected sides of London.

🏛️ Iconic Sights You Shouldn’t Skip

🕰 Big Ben & Westminster Abbey

These landmarks are right next to each other and make for the perfect “welcome to London” moment. Stroll along the Thames, cross Westminster Bridge, and take in that postcard-perfect view.

👑 Tower of London

Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s also absolutely fascinating. Visit for the Crown Jewels, stay for the Beefeater tour, and get swept up in centuries of royal history.

⛪ Climb to the Top of St. Paul’s Cathedral

The inside is beautiful—but if you're up for the 500+ step climb, the view from the dome is unforgettable. Sweeping skyline, historic architecture, and a solid leg workout to balance out all that cheese and wine.

🍴 Market Moments: Eat Your Way Through London

🧀 Borough Market

A must. Go hungry.
Grab a raclette sandwich, fresh-baked bread, and a warm cookie from Gourmet Goat or Bread Ahead. It’s buzzy, flavorful, and full of local character.

🧀 Seven Dials Market (Covent Garden)

A more modern and curated vibe. The highlight? Pick & Cheese- The Cheese Bar—where artisan cheese and charcuterie plates rotate past you on a conveyor belt. Add wine, and it's basically a dream afternoon.

🍸 Mercato Mayfair

A true hidden gem: a food hall inside a converted church, complete with stained glass windows and cozy seating nooks. Grab small plates and a cocktail, and soak up the ambiance. There’s really nothing else like it.

🍸 Drinks with a Story: Mr. Fogg’s Gin Parlour

If you love a theme, this one’s for you.
Tucked in Covent Garden, Mr. Fogg’s Gin Parlour is a Victorian explorer–themed bar with velvet chairs, vintage teacups, and a gin menu that reads like an adventure novel.

It’s quirky, cozy, and has hundreds of gins to explore. A must-visit for cocktail lovers and hidden gem hunters alike.

🎉 Bonus Favorites: Just for Fun

🚄 A Day Trip to Paris on the Eurostar

Yes, it’s doable—and magical.
Hop on the Eurostar from London and be in Paris in just over 2 hours. Croissants, Eiffel Tower strolls, and still back in Soho for dinner? Worth it.

🕵️ The Churchill War Rooms (aka The Bunker Room)

An underground, immersive museum that brings WWII to life. You’ll walk through the very rooms where Churchill and his team made critical wartime decisions.

Perfect for a rainy London afternoon with substance.

🚇 Tap-and-Go Travel

Forget the Oyster card. Just use Apple Pay or your contactless credit card to tap in and out of the Tube and trains. It’s effortless—and Apple Maps makes navigating even easier.

🌍 Rooted Takeaway

London is layered—historic and modern, iconic and surprising. The best trips blend the must-sees with the “how-did-I-find-this?” moments.

Walk past Big Ben. Climb a cathedral. Ride the cheese belt. Sip a secret gin cocktail. Even hop to Paris for a day.

It’s all easier than you think—and absolutely worth it.

💬 Want a downloadable foodie guide? Drop a comment or follow along on Instagram @rooted.roaming for more travel tips and luxe-for-less itineraries.