Is there a better deal than clubcard points?

[I_Heart_MK]

We're looking to book a trip for next September. Last time we went we used our clubcard points to book with Virgin a split stay with a 5* beach hotel in Naples and the Beach Club. We found this to be a really good deal as after using our £1050 in clubcard vouchers we only payed £3250.

We've heard others say that this is not the best way of doing it as you can getter better deals booking all the elements separately, but we're not sure where to start looking! We need to decide really soon as if we're going to use our clubcard vouchers we need to exchange them before 5th October, and also we want to make sure we get the free dining, and this ends tomorrow (apparently!). We've been quoted £3500, so £2800 after using all our clubcard vouchers, for 5 nights at Coronado Springs with upgrading to the DDP, and 9 nights at Wyndham with flights.

If it is possible to get a good deal without the clubcard points, what do others spend their points on instead that makes it worth it? We can only see things like eating out, which would be a luxury and not something we would necessarily do anyway, so even though it would be nice, I'm not convinced it would actually save us money?

Any thoughts appreciated!!!
Thanks,
Christine xxx

 

[DisneyBB]

I have never found it to be good to use it for package holidays because you are then not entitled to the online discount étc also you are limited to a certIn amount. We use ours for cruises via P&O or royal caribbean both you can use 3x and there is no limit to the amount you use. For £1000 tesco vouchers we got a cruise for 4 to Norway. We use them for restaurants, Denby and hotels.

It is easy to book it all yourself and you should get a better value than VH. Ask disney.co.uk for a quote. We booked 5 nights through Florida escapes and the rest we will do ourselves.

 

[heatherbelle]

I use mine for Avios and VA.

I had loads of VA points but not quite enough for a one way redemption. I converted enough Tesco points to make up the shortfall. I wait until they have a promo on, I think the current one is an extra 25%.

For next August I have managed to book three seats out from Man to MCO in PE. Taxes to pay for three was 890.00 I think.

I also had quite a few Avios points, mainly due to credit card churning, but again was short, so again converted Tesco points to these.

I have secured flights home from Miami via Madrid and LHR to MAN in cattle class for £520.00 for three. One leg is in BCN. I am currently waiting for some more points to post and then I am going change the leg home to Business class. There will be additional taxes to pay and a change fee, but having only travelled in cattle ever and never likely to travel in BC again, it will be worth it. I hope.
I have also had redemptions with Avios to BCN in school hols for £90 for the three of us from LBA.

I wish I could accrue a £1000 worth of Tesco vouchers Disney BB. Those days are long gone for me.

 

[jb68]

I've heard that Virgin Hols are pulling out of Clubcard Rewards.
Edit: I've just found,on Clubcard website, "PLEASE NOTE: If you have been saving your Clubcard vouchers for Virgin Holiday tokens you must have exchanged them by the 5th October 2013."


Have you looked at BAEC/Avios? Or VAFC?