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Where to Go in 2026: How to Visit The 17 Hottest Destinations Using Points & Miles

ddiscovers

2026-01-21

15 min read

Practical 2026 guide: 17 hot destinations paired with points-and-miles strategies, sample award searches, and seasonality tips for max value.

Stop Hoarding Points — Start Traveling in 2026: A Practical Playbook

Feeling overwhelmed by dozens of loyalty programs, changing award charts and conflicting travel advice? You re not alone. In 2026 the biggest challenge for travelers and outdoor adventurers is turning points and miles into real, reliable trips without getting lost in the hobby. This guide pairs The Points Guy‑curated list of 17 hot destinations for 2026 with clear, step-by-step points-and-miles strategies, sample award searches, and seasonality tips so you can actually book — and maximize value.

Why this guide matters in 2026 (quick take)

Recent developments through late 2025 and early 2026 changed the award landscape: more airlines have pushed toward dynamic award pricing, hotel chains keep shifting category maps, and transfer-bonus windows (Amex, Chase, Capital One) have become essential booking opportunities. That means three things for you:

Be flexible on dates and airports.
Shop transfers during bonus windows — a 25%-40% transfer bonus can beat sticker award prices.
Use a hybrid approach: combine airline miles, bank points and hotel points rather than chasing one perfect program.

How to use this guide

Each destination below includes: a quick 2026 trend note, the best frequent-flyer strategy, the hotel points play, a sample award search you can run right now, and seasonality tips to get the most value. Start with the destinations that match your interests, then scroll to the consolidated booking workflow at the end for a step-by-step action plan.

The 17 hottest destinations — and exactly how to book them with points

1. Lisbon, Portugal

2026 trend: Secondary US-Europe routes expanded in 2025, increasing award seats into Lisbon from more U.S. cities.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use United (Star Alliance) or Air France/KLM Flying Blue for cheaper off-peak awards. Consider British Airways Avios for short-haul hops from Madrid or Paris if routing helps.
Hotel points: Book Lisbon with Marriott Bonvoy (some boutique properties converted 2025) or Hyatt for high-value cat 2nd 3 redemptions in shoulder seasons.
Sample award search: Search United.com for nonstop NYC-LIS in May (shoulder season). Expect economy 20k-35k or business 50k-70k one-way if booked 60+ days out; Flying Blue Promo Rewards sometimes drop business fares to 35k UR-equivalent.
Seasonality tip: Visit late spring (May) or early fall (Sept) to avoid summer rates; Lisbon festival weeks spike cash and award prices.

2. Kyoto & Osaka, Japan

2026 trend: Japan inbound tourism continues robust recovery, with more late-evening award seats as airlines add Tokyo/Osaka frequencies.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use ANA Mileage Club (book via partner transfers from Amex or Chase), United to search Star Alliance availability, or American AAdvantage for one-way pricing if American or JAL routes fit your city.
Hotel points: Kyoto has more small ryokans joining global chains — search World of Hyatt and Marriott for traditional stays; book with points early during cherry blossom (Mar) and fall foliage (Nov).
Sample award search: Try ANA award charts via its site or transfer Amex MR to ANA for business-class saver space; expect 60k-90k miles one-way in business on popular dates and lower prices in shoulder months.
Seasonality tip: If you must hit sakura (spring) or koyo (autumn), plan 6+ months ahead and use flexible date search; otherwise late autumn (Oct-Nov) yields lower award costs.

3. Reykjavík & Iceland Ring Road

2026 trend: Iceland remains an outdoor-adventurer favorite; new transatlantic low-fare capacity in 2025 created short award windows but also periodic bargains.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use British Airways Avios for seasonal direct flights from the U.S. or Delta if flying from Delta hubs. Air France/KLM can be a sleeper for connections.
Hotel points: Consider Hilton Honors for Reykjavik (often has promotional award nights) or small boutique hotels redeemable with World of Hyatt points in Akureyri.
Sample award search: Search Avios for BOS-KEF or BOS-REK; expect one-way economy 20k-30k Avios during shoulder seasons; check Delta for last-minute dynamic award options.
Seasonality tip: Summer (Jun-Aug) is expensive in cash and points; late Sept-early Oct or late Feb-Mar give a balance of daylight and aurora chances with lower award demand.

4. Marrakesh & Morocco

2026 trend: North Africa's boutique riads are now easier to book with hotel points as brands add collections in 2025.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Aer Lingus and Air France/KLM partnerships help connect from the U.S.; use Avios or Flying Blue for best rates.
Hotel points: Look to Marriott Bonvoy and smaller collections (transferable points to partner programs can anchor boutique stays).
Sample award search: Try Madrid or Paris connection awards; a one-way from NYC to RAK through MAD/CDG often dips into 25k-40k Avios/equivalent in economy.
Seasonality tip: Spring and fall are ideal; avoid summer heat when award prices for hotels surge.

5. Kigali & Rwanda (gorilla trekking)

2026 trend: Regenerative travel and high-value, low-volume wildlife experiences grew in demand in 2025 — Rwanda is on many bucket lists.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Qatar Privilege Club or Turkish Miles&Smiles for business-class access via Doha or Istanbul lines; SkyTeam partners can also surface cheaper seats.
Hotel points: High-end lodges rarely take mainstream points; look for Marriott & Hyatt city options in Kigali, and plan paid stays for lodges (use points where available for city nights to minimize costs).
Sample award search: Search Qatar Airways business inventory for JFK-DOH-KGL; expect business awards in the 60k-110k range one-way depending on routing and dynamic pricing.
Seasonality tip: Dry season (June-Aug, Dec-Feb) is best for trekking; secure permits early (gorilla permits sell out months ahead) and book permits early; stack transfer bonuses where possible to reduce the cost of international business segments.

6. Cartagena, Colombia

2026 trend: Caribbean-adjacent and warm-weather escapes are strong picks for hybrid work months; Colombia's boutique hotel scene expanded in 2024 and 2025.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Avianca LifeMiles for intra-Colombia flights and American AAdvantage or United for U.S.-Colombia long-haul award seats.
Hotel points: Cartagena has new properties under Hilton and Marriott brands—look for off-peak redemptions and promotional award nights.
Sample award search: Search JetBlue (for BOS/MID-BOG) and redeem Avios or AAdvantage for short connections; expect economy awards in the 12k-25k range one-way from East Coast hubs.
Seasonality tip: Dry season (Dec-Apr) draws crowds — aim for shoulder months Nov or May for lower award demand and better hotel availability.

7. New Orleans, USA

2026 trend: Culinary and festival travel continues strong; domestic award inventory is abundant if you know where to look.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Best value is Southwest Rapid Rewards for domestic flexibility or American and Delta with off-peak award sales for non-peak festival weeks.
Hotel points: Use Hyatt for centrally located mid-range options and Marriott for higher-end French Quarter-adjacent properties.
Sample award search: Run Southwest flexible date calendars for nearby airports; domestic one-way awards typically range from 5k-12.5k points depending on distance and fares.
Seasonality tip: Avoid major festival weekends (Mardi Gras) unless you can use flexible awards and are prepared for higher hotel redemptions.

8. Bali, Indonesia (Ubud & Seminyak)

2026 trend: Bali continues as a long-stay/remote-work hub; 2025 saw more premium award seats to SIN/DPS via increased Asian and Middle Eastern connections.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Book long-haul to Singapore/Denpasar via Qatar, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, ANA or United depending on departure city. KrisFlyer and ANA often yield the best business-class value.
Hotel points: Use World of Hyatt or Marriott for resorts; consider points + cash nights to balance long stays. For packing ideas and resort-ready pieces, see our Best Beach Gear and Resort Capsule Wardrobe guides.
Sample award search: Search KrisFlyer for SFO-SIN-DPS in off-peak months; look for business awards 70k-110k one-way depending on partner routings.
Seasonality tip: Dry season (Apr-Oct) is ideal for beaches but more expensive; consider shoulder months for lower points rates and quieter beaches.

9. Tokyo (beyond Kyoto)

2026 trend: More city-hopper air routes to regional Japan make multi-city award itineraries practical.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use ANA or JAL via partner transfers, or search United and Asiana for Star Alliance space.
Hotel points: Tokyo has excellent value with Hilton Honors and Marriott points; look for weekday award discounts for business hotels.
Sample award search: Search ANA for ORD-NRT business in Nov: saver space may appear at 75k-90k one-way; also monitor MileagePlus for partner awards.
Seasonality tip: Weekday hotel award rates can be lower than weekend leisure peaks, especially in central business districts.

10. Muscat & Oman

2026 trend: Middle East boutique luxury is expanding; Oman markets have more premium inventory after route upgrades in 2025.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Qatar Privilege Club or British Airways Avios for short connections from Europe; Alaska Mileage Plan can be a niche route saver via partners.
Hotel points: Luxury brands (Ritz-Carlton, Jumeirah) appear in Muscat — watch for targeted hotel points promotions in 2026.
Sample award search: Search Qsuites routes for LHR-MCT or DOH-MCT; expect premium awards to vary widely with dynamic pricing, so stack transfer bonuses when possible.
Seasonality tip: Best to visit Oct-Apr for cooler weather; awards dip in summer when temperatures are high.

11. Ljubljana & Slovenia Coast

2026 trend: Smaller European capitals saw an uptick as travelers seek less-crowded experiences; new low-fare intra-Europe routes opened in 2025.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Avios or Flying Blue for connections via major hubs; consider positioning to Venice or Zagreb for cheaper transatlantic award itineraries.
Hotel points: Use IHG and Marriott in Ljubljana, or leverage short cash stays in boutique coastal towns.
Sample award search: Search Avios from LHR-MBX or CDG-LJU; intra-Europe short hops often fall under 7.5k-15k Avios depending on distance.
Seasonality tip: Shoulder months (May, Sept) yield best coastal weather and lower award/hotel demand.

12. Torres del Paine & Patagonia

2026 trend: Adventure travel demand remains strong; small lodges limit points availability, so plan flights and city hotels with points and pay for remote lodges.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Aerolineas Argentinas partners via LATAM alliances and search LifeMiles for South America business seats. Consider positioning through Santiago (SCL).
Hotel points: Use points for nights in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales; luxury eco-lodges often require paid bookings — budget those into the itinerary.
Sample award search: Search LifeMiles for US-SCL roundtrips and then domestic Chilean flights; expect economy awards 30k-50k RT points depending on seasonality.
Seasonality tip: Southern hemisphere summer (Dec-Feb) is prime but expensive; shoulder months Nov and Mar offer lower demand and still good trekking weather.

13. Madagascar

2026 trend: Remote natural destinations are trending for niche wildlife tours; access remains limited so book international segments with miles early.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Air France/KLM Flying Blue or Air Madagascar partners via Paris connections; consider Qatar for premium cabin access.
Hotel points: Rare boutique lodges rarely accept major points — use points for Antananarivo hotels and plan paid transfers to reserves.
Sample award search: Search FlyingBlue for JFK-CDG-TNR or CDG-TNR; one-way awards vary widely, so use transfer bonuses to reduce cost of premium legs.
Seasonality tip: Dry season (April-Nov) is best for wildlife; plan and book well ahead for limited lodge availability.

14. Zanzibar, Tanzania

2026 trend: Beach + safari combos regained popularity; new charter and regional options added in 2025 improved access from East Africa hubs.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Kenya Airways / SkyTeam partners or Qatar via DOH; look at Avianca/Star Alliance routings for cheaper multi-segment awards.
Hotel points: Luxury beach resorts may be bookable with Marriott or Hilton points; look for off-peak promotions.
Sample award search: Search Qatar for DOH-ZNZ or KQ via NBO; expect dynamic pricing in premium cabins but find better economy award availability in shoulder months.
Seasonality tip: Dry season (June-Oct) is ideal; avoid short rains (Nov-Dec) for best value and fewer crowds.

15. Kerala, India (backwaters & spice routes)

2026 trend: Sustainable, slow travel experiences grew in demand; India domestic networks improved connectivity in 2025.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Air India via Aeroplan (Air Canada) or search United/Star Alliance partners. Consider Singapore or Istanbul connections depending on routing deals.
Hotel points: Many high-quality independent properties now partner with global chains; use World of Hyatt and Marriott selectively.
Sample award search: Search Aeroplan for SFO-DEL-COK or UA for partner routes; expect economy long-haul awards 40k-60k round-trip if booked in saver windows.
Seasonality tip: Best weather Oct-Mar; monsoon (Jun-Sep) brings lower rates but heavy rains can limit activities.

16. Tromsø & Svalbard, Norway (Northern Lights)

2026 trend: Polar tourism regulated for sustainability in 2025 made planning more essential; award seats to Tromsø improved slightly with added winter routes.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use SAS EuroBonus or British Airways Avios for intra-Europe connections; transatlantic positioning via Iceland or Oslo often yields better award prices.
Hotel points: Small coastal hotels often are cash-only; use points for Oslo nights and regional flights with Avios or SAS.
Sample award search: Search Avios for LHR-OSL-TOS short segments; expect intra-Europe awards from 7.5k-25k Avios depending on routing and distance.
Seasonality tip: Peak aurora season (Nov-Feb) is high demand; try shoulder aurora months (late Sept, March) for better award availability.

17. Queenstown, New Zealand

2026 trend: Adventure travel rebounds and more long-haul premium routes to NZ in 2025 improved award choices but demand remains season-driven.

Frequent-flyer strategy: Use Air New Zealand Airpoints or transfer programs to partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and United for North America-New Zealand awards.
Hotel points: Use Hilton and Marriott in Queenstown; consider using points for Auckland/Sydney positioning nights if cheaper.
Sample award search: Search Aeroplan or United for NYC-AKL-ZQN in shoulder seasons; expect long-haul business awards in the 110k-160k round-trip range, but transfers/promotions can lower effective cost.
Seasonality tip: Southern hemisphere summer (Dec-Feb) is peak; April/May and Sep-Oct provide fewer crowds and more award inventory.

General step-by-step booking workflow (use this every time)

Pick your destination and ideal travel window. Use the seasonality notes above to choose shoulder months when awards and hotel redemptions are cheaper.
Search award space across alliances first. Use United, ANA, Flying Blue, and Avios — the major search engines — to map availability on those dates and note which carriers show seats.
Check bank transfer partners. If you use Chase, Amex, Capital One or Citi, see which partner program aligns with the award you want and if transfer bonuses are running (late 2025 saw many 25%-40% bonuses; watch 2026 windows).
Mix points and cash. Use points for high-value long-haul or business seats and cash for boutique lodges/local transfers where points aren’t applicable.
Book refundable or changeable award tickets if you need flexibility. Airlines are increasingly tightening award cancellation policies; pay a small fee for refundable award bookings if uncertain.
Lock hotels early using points. Hotels can sell out for peak events fast; if your hotel allows free cancellation, lock the room with points and cancel if a better deal appears.

Advanced strategies & 2026 hacks

Tokenize your dates: Search +/-3 days and alternate airports. Dynamic awards reward flexibility.
Stack promotions: Transfer during bank transfer bonuses, then apply airline/hotel award promos when they appear — treat transfer bonuses like limited promotions in the broader bargain playbook.
Consider positioning flights: For better award inventory, fly into a major European or Asian hub with attractive award access and then hop on a short Avios/partner ticket.
Use award-alert tools: Set alerts on expert tools (Award Nexus, ExpertFlyer-like services) — in 2026, many award deals release late and sell quickly. For tooling and alert best practices see our notes on on-device and edge tooling.
Book permits and niche experiences early: As with gorilla permits or national-park permits, award seats don’t appear for those capacity constraints; secure permits first, then flight/hotel.

"In 2026, points are a tool, not a trophy. Flexibility wins."

Actionable takeaways (what to do this week)

Make a short list of 2-3 destinations from this guide that fit your calendar.
Check award availability on those dates across United, Flying Blue, Avios and your preferred airline program.
Check current bank transfer bonuses and open the necessary credit card portals to move points when a match appears.
Book any limited-capacity experiences (permits, guided hikes, luxury lodges) immediately with cash if needed; protect the rest with flexible award bookings.

Final notes on 2026 trends and future predictions

Through early 2026, the travel industry has balanced expansion and tightening: more routes, but more dynamic award pricing. That means the traveler who wins is informed, flexible, and ready to combine resources: transferable bank points, airline miles and targeted hotel redemptions. Expect more targeted promotions from hotels and occasional transfer bonuses in 2026 — sign up for program newsletters and you can often turn a standard award into a steal.

Ready to book?

If you found one or two destinations that match your travel goals, take the next step: run the sample award search I suggested for your city pair today, and set one calendar reminder to check transfer bonuses this month. Points and miles are most powerful when used deliberately — and with the right plan you can visit one of the 17 hottest destinations of 2026 without breaking the bank.

Call to action: Pick a destination from the list, run the sample award search now, and if you want a custom booking plan for your exact origin dates and point balances, reply with your home airport and point balances — I can draft a step-by-step booking checklist tailored to you.

discovers

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.