How We Used Points & Amex Credits for an Epic Cappadocia Trip (Ep. 147)

Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastCappadocia may be famous for its sunrise hot air balloons, but planning the perfect trip takes more strategy than simply booking a flight and showing up. In Part 1 of their Turkey, Malta, and Switzerland trip recap, DeAndre and Taryn break down their entire Cappadocia experience, including how stranded Turkish Airlines miles inspired the trip, how they used points and credit card benefits to save thousands of dollars, and the lessons they learned after weather nearly ruined one of their biggest bucket list experiences.The trip started with Turkish Airlines business class from JFK to Istanbul, followed by an overnight airport stay before continuing to Cappadocia. Once there, DeAndre and Taryn stayed at the incredible Argos in Cappadocia, a cave hotel where Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts credits helped significantly reduce their out-of-pocket cost. They share their thoughts on Turkish food and wine, the hotel's underground caves and spa, the best areas to stay, and the activities that made Cappadocia feel like much more than a destination built around balloons.The biggest lesson came from the hot air balloon experience itself. Their original flight was canceled because of weather, and conditions remained bad the following morning. Because they had intentionally left multiple mornings available, they eventually got the experience they traveled all that way for. They explain why travelers should plan at least three mornings in Cappadocia, why the earliest sunrise flight matters, what the balloon ride actually feels like, and why having backup activities can turn a canceled flight into another memorable day. From horseback riding through Cappadocia's valleys to Turkish Night, shopping, local food, and watching Balloon Fest, this episode is a practical guide to building a Cappadocia itinerary that does not depend on everything going perfectly.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro: The Biggest Mistake You Can Make Planning Cappadocia(03:05) How Turkey, Malta and Switzerland Became One Trip(06:32) The Full Route and Our $27,000 Trip Breakdown(07:40) Using Virgin Atlantic Points for Our Positioning Flight(10:30) Flying Turkish Airlines Business Class From JFK to Istanbul(15:11) Turkish Airlines Baggage Rules and What Caught Us Off Guard(17:07) Overnight at Istanbul Airport and the YOTEL Strategy(22:00) Arriving in Cappadocia and Staying at Argos Cave Hotel(26:18) Turkish Food, Wine and Why Cappadocia Surprised Us(32:18) How to Plan Your Cappadocia Itinerary(36:00) Our Hot Air Balloon Flight Gets Canceled(39:07) Why You Need at Least Three Mornings in Cappadocia(41:00) What Flying in a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Is Actually Like(45:00) Why You Should Always Book the Sunrise Balloon Flight(50:00) Horseback Riding, Turkish Night, Shopping and More Cappadocia ExperiencesKey Highlights:Plan Multiple Mornings: DeAndre and Taryn recommend having at least three mornings in Cappadocia if riding in a hot air balloon is a major reason for the trip.Balloon Flights Can Be Canceled: Weather and wind can cancel flights with very little notice, and consecutive cancellation days are absolutely possible.Book the Sunrise Flight: They strongly recommend the earliest balloon departure instead of a later morning flight. The sunrise, colors, and hundreds of balloons in the sky are a huge part of the experience.Stranded Miles Created the Trip: Around 65,000 Turkish Airlines miles from a previous phantom award booking were approaching expiration, giving them the push to finally plan Turkey.$27K Trip for a Fraction of the Cost: The complete Turkey, Malta, and Switzerland itinerary had an estimated cash price of roughly $27,000. They used approximately 518,000 points plus $742 in cash, producing about 5.08 cents per point in value.Positioning With Virgin Atlantic: Their Norfolk to JFK positioning flight cost 12,000 Virgin Atlantic points plus $11 instead of roughly $607 in cash.Turkish Airlines Business Class Delivered: Despite the older 2-3-2 configuration, they enjoyed the food and service and would happily fly the pr