Do you dream of climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower, exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu, or seeing the northern lights from an Icelandic cabin? No matter what future adventure you’re imagining, Marriott Bonvoy can help make your ultimate getaway a reality with free digital tools that unlock new and improved planning options. Use this step-by-step guide to easily curate your bucket-list trip.
1. Research your dream destinations.
No two travel wish lists are alike, and the trip of a lifetime for some may be the wrong fit for you. Come up with a list of places you’d like to see and things you want to do, and narrow it down from there. Log on to sites like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest for visual inspiration and to get itinerary ideas. Or ask your besties or coworkers about their favorite destinations. Just know that no destination is right or wrong. From hiking in the red-rock wonderland of Zion National Park to skiing the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps to spending your days with your toes in the sand at a Caribbean beach resort, the possibilities are endless.
Once you’ve made your list, organize it. Break it into categories based on trip type, for example: adventurous getaways such as climbing the Tetons or skiing through pure powder in Aspen; cultural escapes spent marveling at the wonders in the Louvre or other great museums; and culinary experiences like a meal at a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Copenhagen or a street food tour in Hanoi.
Now that you’ve categorized your list, it’s time to start narrowing it down. Think about location and your current travel mood. How far, and for how long, are you willing to travel? What trips sound the most exciting to you right now? Pick your top three options, and move on to the next step.
2. Create a budget and finalize your destination.
Taking a dream trip doesn’t mean breaking the bank. It just requires a little bit of extra planning. Adding vacation savings to your monthly budget and opening a travel-specific savings account are great ways to set aside funds for your next big adventure. As you research your final three destinations, set a budget that covers all trip costs, including flights, hotels, meals, and activities.
Next, determine when you want to travel and how much each of your three choices will cost. Think about where you want to splurge and where you want to save, and start searching to find the best deals. Use the Marriott Bonvoy App to discover incredible hotel options in your top three destinations.
Use a site like Google Flights to check flight prices for multiple airlines at each destination. If your dates are flexible, choose a monthlong booking window to find the best flight deals. Once you’ve done all this research, choose the destination that best fits your goals, budget, and timeframe.
3. Research travel and entry requirements.
Now that you know where you’re going, check whether you need specific documents, such as a passport, visas, or electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) to visit. Ensure you’ve secured them before booking flights, hotels, or tours.
Review any travel advisories issued by your country for the region you plan to visit, and make sure you understand your destination’s entry and exit requirements to avoid delays. For extra security, make copies of your passport and driver’s license to store separately from your real passport and wallet.
4. Find hotel deals and book with the Marriott Bonvoy App.
Book your flights when you find the best option, and then use the free Marriott Bonvoy App to research, book, and manage the rest of your upcoming trip. You can search for hotels at every price point on a detailed map and book directly in the app.
If you aren’t ready to choose your hotels yet, just use the app’s Wishlist feature to save your favorites. Then you’ll have a curated digital list ready when you’re ready to book that hotel with a dreamy pool or big-city escape.
5. Discover and book local tours and experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities.
Looking to ride through Colorado’s mountains on horseback, go whale-watching in Cabo San Lucas, or indulge in omakase in Tokyo? Use Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities to add unique excursions, culinary tours, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences to your itinerary. Whether you’re looking to zip line through the jungle or dine at local hot spots, you’ll find curated experiences offered by vetted providers with great reviews.
Search by destination to find experiences ranging from budget-friendly neighborhood food tours to private all-day adventure tours. The best part? You’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points for every booked experience. Alternatively, you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for tours around the globe.
Tip: When you arrive at your destination, ask if your hotel offers any complimentary or discounted experiences for guests. Or see if staff members will share their favorite things to do nearby or any of the area’s hidden gems.
6. Find partnerships to maximize benefits and Marriott Bonvoy points.
When planning and booking your trip, unlock exclusive perks and maximize your Marriott Bonvoy points by booking flights, rental cars, and dining experiences with Marriott Bonvoy partners. Marriott Bonvoy has more than 35 airline partners worldwide, and you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points into airline points, and vice versa. You’ll also earn points and nights toward Elite status with each qualifying night you stay at Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels.
Did you know you can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points on dining out? Whether you’re craving New York–style pizza or fresh Seattle seafood, use Eat Around Town to search a network of more than 20,000 participating restaurants in U.S. cities of your choice. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you’ll earn points per dollar spent on dine-in and takeout orders at any participating restaurant. When ordering takeout on Uber Eats, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points by linking your accounts.
Love coffee and travel? Link your Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks® Rewards accounts to earn double stars on Starbucks purchases during eligible stays at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. You’ll also earn Marriott Bonvoy points on Starbucks purchases during any Marriott Bonvoy Week at Starbucks.
Another way to maximize your travel rewards is with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, which lets you travel better than ever before. Depending on which card you choose, you’ll receive a host of travel perks — plus extra Marriott Bonvoy points. Receive complimentary Elite status, earn Free Night Awards, get property and dining credits, plus much more. And if you’d rather avoid annual card fees, choose the free Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase.
7. Use the Marriott Bonvoy App for a better hotel experience.
While the Marriott Bonvoy App is a great trip-planning tool, it isn’t just for booking and researching. Before arriving at your hotel, use the app to schedule your check-in time and request any room upgrades. You can also use the app to chat with the front desk, request a late checkout or special amenities, check your Marriott Bonvoy points balance, and track your status tier and benefits.
Opt in to Mobile Check-In and Mobile Key to go straight to your room upon arrival, skipping the check-in line. Traveling with family? No problem. The Marriott Bonvoy App lets you easily share the Mobile Key with up to three travel companions.
8. Go with the flow.
While planning your trip is essential, don’t overplan your ultimate vacation. Plan a loose itinerary, but leave some space for discovery and rest. That way, once you arrive, you’ll have the space to add in additional activities, recover from jet lag, or simply extend an adventure you’re already loving. Overstuffing your itinerary can lead to stressful days; leaving some space for spontaneity is key to making your perfect getaway as wonderful as you always imagined.
9. Protect your trip.
Sometimes even the best-laid plans don’t work out. Part of travel is learning to roll with the punches, whether that’s an unforeseen tropical storm right before your Floridian beach vacation or a ski resort in Aspen closing early due to lack of snow. But even if you need to change or cancel the trip, that shouldn’t mean all your planning and investment is a bust.
Protect yourself from unexpected cancellations and changes by checking the policies of your hotel, tour operator, and airline. If they don’t offer free cancellation, add optional travel insurance, or book your trip using a credit card that offers trip protection to guard your investment. That way, even in the worst-case scenario, you’ll still be able to take your dream trip — just a little later than originally planned.
You can also pivot if your dream vacation is suddenly canceled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Just go back to the Marriott Bonvoy App and find other amazing hotels that you saved with the app’s Wishlist feature. Book a road trip or a closer-to-home gem so you can still take a little time off. Then reschedule your bucket-list trip as soon as you’re able to.
No matter where in the world you want to visit, remember that planning your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in advance (and using free digital tools) is among the easiest ways to turn those vacation dreams into a reality.
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