Amusement parks can be fun; the Universal Studio might also be very exciting. But I know different people have different tastes and some of you folks out there really appreciate something less hectic and more peaceful and natural. That’s why I will dedicate this recipe to a relaxing trip to the Rocky Mountain, located in Colorado. There you will get in touch with nature and view some best sceneries in your life. Not to mention this trip is made easier ever with free airplane tickets and hotel nights!

Recipe objective: Using 2 credit card promotions to create a three-night trip to Denver, Colorado with free flight and 3 hotel nights. Aside from visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park, there is much more to explore in Colorado; this recipe will also provide you with a few exciting deals for attractions in Colorado.

• A good 2+ years credit history with no blemishes
• 720+ FICO score

• Get 25,000 miles and $50 credit statement after your first purchase.
• (Optional) Get 5,000 more after adding an authorized user.
• Either way it would be enough for a round trip to Denver, CO. No membership fee for the first year.

• Get 10,000 Starpoints after your first purchase--enough for staying at Aloft Broomfield Denver (category 2 hotel) for 2 weekday nights or 3 weekend nights.
• No annual fee for the first year.

• Search for flights from you city to Denver.
• Choose Economy Class for available flights; it will cost you less than 25,000 miles for a round trip.

• Note that 10,000 will suffice 3 weekend nights (3,000 each), but only 2 weekday nights (4,000 each) at Aloft Broomfield Denver (category 2 hotel).
• If you travel with your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/etc. and each gets on the same deal, you have twice the number of hotel nights!
•  If you plan on keeping the card, note that you can also earn 2 Starwood points (instead of 1) for every dollar you spend at Starwood hotels and resorts.

• From July 22nd to 24th (Friday-Sunday)
• Fly a roundtrip with Continental from New York City, NY to Denver, CO
• Stay at Aloft Broomfield Denver for 3 nights

• Water rafting might be one of the most exciting things to do at the Rocky Mountain National Park, you don’t want to miss it!
• Use Promotion Code “takemerafting” to book your reservation here; you will get 20% off and free wetsuit and splash jacket!
• Valid through September 10th, 2011

• Another must-do at Colorado!
• Use the promotion code “CHD25” when making reservation and receive $25 off.

• Simply enter your pick-up and drop-off date and location, Travelocity will show you the best deals for all categories.

• If you want to go to any other cities or countries, the Reward Flight Search will give you a good idea of how many miles you can redeem.
• Similarly, for other Starwood participating hotels, the conversion table between Starpoints and redeemable hotel nights for hotels in different categories will show you how many nights you can redeem.
• Note that depending on the category of some hotels, the 10,000 points may not be enough for 3 nights.
• If you are more interested in exploring Colorado itself, you can check out this complete guide for all things you can do. Make sure to check out the hot deals section!

1. Check your credit history and score.
2. Apply for Chase Continental Airlines OnePass® Plus Card (at least 25,000 bonus miles).
3. Apply for American Express Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express (10,000 bonus points).
4. Make a purchase with both cards on anything.
5. Book your plane ticket.
6. Book your hotel rooms.
7. Select certain (or all!) side dishes to make a plan for your trip to Colorado for a date with nature.
8. Cancel your cards or keep them to earn points to your convenience.

(Photo: krossbow)