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: podcast@chrishutchins.com






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