When you close your eyes and picture the ultimate reward, what do you see?
For many of us, it’s the iconic image of a boarding pass for a lie-flat seat, a glass of champagne in hand, jetting off to a far-flung destination.
Booking a premium flight with points is a fantastic goal, but it represents only one chapter in the book of rewards.
By focusing solely on that one type of redemption, you might be missing out on some of the most memorable, luxurious, and valuable experiences your points can unlock right here on the ground.
What if your points could get you more than just a ride? What if they could become the destination itself—an all-inclusive resort, a private train car, or a money-can’t-buy VIP event?
This guide is for everyone who has worked hard to earn their points and is ready to think creatively about how to use them. I’m going to show you seven of my favorite surprising ways to redeem your points for incredible value, proving that the best rewards often begin after the plane has landed.
Two Paths: A Tale of Two Redemptions
To understand the potential, let’s imagine two travelers, both with a healthy balance of 150,000 points.
- Flyer Fred: Fred sees a business class ticket to London for 150,000 points. It’s a great 8-hour experience, and he’s thrilled. He arrives in London and then pays for his hotel and meals with cash. His points got him there.
- Strategic Avery: Avery also has 150,000 points. Instead of the flight, she explores other options. She finds she can book five nights at a luxurious, all-inclusive Hyatt resort in Mexico, where all her food, drinks, and activities are included. Her points became her entire vacation.
Both are great uses of points, but Avery’s approach highlights the incredible value waiting beyond the flight cabin. Let’s explore some of those options.
1. All-Inclusive Luxury Resorts
Imagine a vacation where you don’t touch your wallet for days. Using points to book an all-inclusive stay is one of the most relaxing and high-value redemptions possible.
The best program for this is World of Hyatt, a transfer partner of Chase. Their Ziva and Zilara properties are fantastic.
2. Exclusive “Money-Can’t-Buy” Events
Your points can be a key to unlocking doors that cash simply can’t. Hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy Moments allow you to bid on or redeem points for incredible VIP experiences, like backstage passes to a concert, a private cooking class with a world-renowned chef, or premium seats at the Super Bowl.
3. Overwater Bungalows in Paradise
It’s the ultimate travel dream: a private villa perched over crystal-clear turquoise water. This is an achievable goal with points. By transferring points from Amex Membership Rewards® to partners like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, you can book iconic properties like the St. Regis Maldives or the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
Anya’s Insight: My most memorable point redemption wasn’t a flight. It was using Hyatt points to book an all-inclusive resort in Mexico for my husband and me. For three days, we didn’t pull out our wallets once. It shifted my perspective entirely. A great flight gets you to the destination, but sometimes the best use of points is making the destination itself the unforgettable experience.
4. Private Suites on a Scenic Train Journey
Slow down and make the journey the destination. You can transfer points to programs like Amtrak Guest Rewards to book a private roomette or bedroom on one of their iconic long-distance routes. Watch the American landscape unfold from the comfort of your own room, with meals included.
5. Upgrading an Entire Vacation
Instead of booking a whole trip, use points to upgrade a vacation you’re already taking.
You can often use airline miles to upgrade a cash economy ticket to business class, or use hotel points to turn a standard room booking into a sprawling suite for a special occasion.
6. A Luxury “Staycation” or Spa Day
You don’t have to go far to get amazing value. A “staycation” at a high-end local hotel can feel like a world away. Transferring a small number of points to a hotel program can get you a 5-star experience for a night in your own city. Many hotels also let you redeem points for spa treatments—a perfect way to de-stress.
7. Covering Your Family’s Theme Park Tickets
A trip to a theme park is a massive expense. Flexible points can take the sting out of the ticket prices. Cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards allow you to pay for the tickets directly and then use your miles to “erase” the charge from your statement, making them effectively free.
What’s Your Dream Experience?
The point of earning rewards isn’t just to accumulate a high score in a game; it’s to enrich your life. While booking flights is a cornerstone of any good strategy, it’s just the beginning. I encourage you to look at the list of transfer partners for your credit card and dream a little bigger than just your next flight. Your next unforgettable memory might be waiting for you right here on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are these redemptions “worth it” compared to business class flights?
Value is personal! A $1,000-per-night hotel stay that you’ll absolutely love is a better use of points than a $4,000 first-class flight you’ll never actually take. The best redemption is the one that brings you the most joy.
Do I need a lot of points for these?
Some redemptions, like overwater bungalows, are very point-intensive. But others, like upgrading a single hotel night or booking a spa day, can be done with a much smaller number of points than a big international flight.
Can I book these experiences for other people?
In most cases, yes. You can typically book a hotel room for a friend or family member using your points. For other experiences, you’ll need to check the specific loyalty program’s rules.
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