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17 Destinations to Book in 2026 — and How to Stretch Your Points and Miles

ttheresort

2026-01-26

12 min read

17 top 2026 destinations plus concrete points-and-miles strategies to stretch rewards, avoid fees, and book smarter.

Book the right trip in 2026 — without paying full price

Feeling paralyzed by complex award charts, dynamic pricing and confusing hotel programs? You’re not alone. In 2026, travelers face more route choices and more variable award pricing than ever — but that also means more opportunities to stretch points and miles if you know the tricks. This guide pairs 17 hot destinations for 2026 with concrete, actionable strategies for getting there using points, miles and smart booking hacks.

Quick wins: 9 award-travel strategies to use in 2026

Be flexible on dates and airports. A one- or two-day shift often turns a blocked-out cash fare into an attainable award seat.
Leverage transferable points. Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou and Capital One Miles open doors across alliances — match transfer partners to the alliance with the best availability.
Use partner programs to avoid fuel surcharges. Aeroplan and LifeMiles often avoid big carrier surcharges that show up on direct program bookings.
Book mixed-cabin or one-way awards. Piece together the cheapest outbound and return instead of forcing round-trips.
Exploit stopovers and open-jaws. Programs like Alaska, Aeroplan (when available) and some regionals allow creative routings to visit two cities for the price of one award.
Redeem hotel free-night certificates wisely. Use certificates at aspirational hotels or during peak nights when cash rates spike.
Watch for transfer bonuses and award sales. Late-2025 saw several transferable-point-to-airline bonuses — keep an eye in early 2026 for calendar offers. Sign up for alerts and reading on why airline loyalty moves matter for your redemptions.
Pool or gift points if your program allows it. Pooling can bridge the gap to the next award threshold without waiting to earn more.
Book refundable fares and reprice awards. If your program allows changes, hold the booking and monitor price drops; some programs let you reprice to a lower award cost.

2026 trendline: what changed — and why it matters

As of early 2026, two major trends shape award travel: increasingly dynamic award pricing and more transferable partners and promotional bonuses. Airlines continue to mix region-based charts with dynamic pricing, creating unpredictability but also unexpected bargains if you stay nimble. On the hotel side, stronger emphasis on aspirational boutique properties means free-night certificates and targeted award nights deliver bigger savings — if you redeem strategically (peak nights, high-cash-rate dates).

How to read the destination list

Below are 17 destinations generating buzz in 2026. For each, you’ll find a short reason to go, then specific award tactics — which airline programs and hotel redemptions to target, and simple booking steps you can take today.

17 destinations to book in 2026 — and how to use points & miles

1. Lisbon, Portugal — Europe’s sunny gateway

Why go: Lisbon remains Europe’s bargain capital in 2026, mixing old-world charm with easy flights from U.S. gateways.

Airline play: Use Aeroplan or United (Star Alliance partners) for one-stop routings from North America; look for partner award space on TAP Air Portugal when available.
Points tip: Transfer Chase or Amex points to Aeroplan or LifeMiles to avoid fuel surcharges on TAP; book one-way awards to mix carriers and save.
Hotel play: Use Marriott Bonvoy points for Lisbon’s larger properties or World of Hyatt through transfer partners for boutique stays; use free-night certificates during high-season weekends.

2. Marrakech, Morocco — desert gardens & riad culture

Why go: A short hop from Europe with a resurgence in boutique riads and curated wellness stays.

Airline play: Fly via Madrid, Lisbon or Paris on Oneworld or SkyTeam partners; book award space on Iberia or Royal Air Maroc when it shows up.
Points tip: Avail of Iberia or British Airways Avios for short-haul intra-Europe transits — Avios pricing often rewards short connections.
Hotel play: Consider Hyatt and Marriott partnership properties; use points + cash to lower out-of-pocket expense when rates spike.

3. Kyoto, Japan — refined culture & seasonal peaks

Why go: Kyoto continues to be a top draw for travelers seeking temples, tea ceremonies and cherry- or autumn-leaf seasons.

Airline play: Book Star Alliance or Oneworld awards into Tokyo then use a domestic connection; ANA and Japan Airlines often release partner seats early.
Points tip: Use transferable Amex or Chase points to transfer to ANA, JAL or Virgin Atlantic (for select partner redemptions) and book early for seasonal travel.
Hotel play: Redeem Hyatt Category hotels with dynamic pricing in peak months — certificates and peak-night redemptions are high-value in Kyoto.

4. Tokyo, Japan — big-city reimaginings

Why go: Tokyo’s art and food scene has fresh, boundary-pushing energy in 2026 — and new routes from secondary U.S. cities make access cheaper.

Airline play: Search Star Alliance partners and Oneworld for direct and one-stop options; Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles are good for Star Alliance redemptions with relatively low surcharges.
Points tip: Look for transfer bonuses to ANA or Singapore KrisFlyer in early 2026 to reduce the effective cost of premium cabin redemptions.

5. Seoul, South Korea — dynamic food and design scenes

Why go: Seoul’s blend of tech, cuisine and design keeps it high on 2026 itineraries.

Airline play: Use Asiana/Star Alliance or Korean Air-backed partners (watch Oneworld connections) for award space.
Points tip: Capital One’s expanding transfer network has improved options for Korean Air redemptions; watch for limited-time transfer bonuses.
Hotel play: Use Hyatt and Marriott points for central stays; capitalize on hotel package awards that include spa credits or breakfast.

6. Taipei, Taiwan — culinary discovery

Why go: Taipei’s night markets and approachable design hotels make it a repeatable, affordable Asia trip.

Airline play: Use Star Alliance awards into Taipei Taoyuan; look to Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles for transpacific partner inventory.
Points tip: Book one-way awards via Alaska Mileage Plan on non-U.S. carriers when available; Alaska’s one-way stopover rules can add value.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland — wilderness within reach

Why go: Short transatlantic flights plus new ecosystem tourism packages make Iceland an adventure hub in 2026.

Airline play: Use midweek transatlantic award space on Icelandair or partner carriers; Aeroplan and United often have competitive routing options.
Points tip: Use Avios for short Europe-into-Iceland segments or Aeroplan for flexible routings; combine with hotel points for lodge stays outside Reykjavik.

8. Lofoten & Northern Norway — Arctic light and hiking

Why go: Lofoten’s dramatic coastline is a 2026 favorite for active photographers and small-group adventures.

Airline play: Book to Oslo or Evenes via SAS/other partners; use Star Alliance options through Aeroplan or SAS’s partners.
Points tip: Combine award flights into Norway with regional low-cost carriers for last-leg connections; use hotel points for boutique rorbu cabins when available.

9. Medellín, Colombia — year-round spring weather

Why go: Medellín remains a top value with improved hotel inventory and regional connectivity.

Airline play: Use Avianca LifeMiles or United MileagePlus via hubs for intra-Americas routing.
Points tip: United often releases saver awards to Colombian destinations — consider booking one-ways through U.S. hubs to mix partners.
Hotel play: Redeem Hilton Honors or Marriott points in the city’s best neighborhoods; use “points + cash” to stretch balances.

10. Oaxaca, Mexico — culinary & craft revival

Why go: Oaxaca’s festivals and elevated food scene keep visits compelling without big-ticket transits.

Airline play: Book short-haul Avios awards or use Aeroplan for flights into Mexico City then a low-cost carrier or bus for the final leg.
Points tip: Use hotel certificates for boutique hotels in Centro Histórico during festival weekends when cash rates climb.

11. Cape Town, South Africa — epic landscapes & wine

Why go: Cape Town’s post-2025 flight growth has improved routings from secondary European hubs.

Airline play: Use Star Alliance partners into Cape Town via Johannesburg (book with Aeroplan/LifeMiles) or book Oneworld routes via Doha/Europe.
Points tip: Watch for round-trip saver awards or one-way creative routings; avoid carriers with steep carrier-imposed surcharges when possible.
Hotel play: Use Marriott or Hilton points for Western Cape vineyards; target offseason to stretch points further.

12. Zanzibar, Tanzania — Indian Ocean escape

Why go: Zanzibar’s boutique resorts are attracting more award availability as package tourism grows.

Airline play: Connect via Doha, Istanbul or Nairobi; Turkish, Qatar and Kenya Airways partner options can appear in partner inventories.
Points tip: Transferable points to airline partners with African routings (watch for early-bird partner space) — book early and be flexible on routing.

13. Amalfi Coast (Salerno) — Italy’s coastal classic

Why go: New seasonal flights into Salerno and Naples make the Amalfi Coast more accessible in 2026.

Airline play: Use intra-Europe Avios awards or Aeroplan for transatlantic legs; fly into FCO or NAP and take a regional connection.
Points tip: Book trains or ferries with cash where award options are poor — sometimes that yields better overall trip value than forcing a high-value award for a short hop.
Hotel play: Stretch hotel points by staying in nearby Sorrento or Salerno and using local transport to explore Amalfi’s peaks.

14. Dubrovnik & Croatia archipelago — Adriatic charm

Why go: Croatia’s growing season and new hotels make this a 2026 must-book for couples and active travelers.

Airline play: Fly into Dubrovnik via European hubs; Avios and Flying Blue awards often provide good intra-Europe prices.
Points tip: Leverage bank transfer partners for European carrier programs during transfer promotions; combine with hotel points for island stays.

15. Baja California (Cabo & La Paz) — adventure and beaches

Why go: Increased direct flights from U.S. secondary cities opened Baja to weekend getaways and longer adventure trips.

Airline play: Use Avios or Aeroplan for short-haul flights from U.S. West Coast gateways; domestic positioning flights can be cheap award options.
Points tip: Use Hilton free-night certificates at beachfront resorts for big cash-rate savings during winter.

16. Hawaii (Maui & Big Island) — renovation refresh

Why go: Resort renovations and package-driven pricing in 2026 created many points opportunities without the pre-pandemic premiums.

Airline play: United and Alaska often have domestic award availability from the mainland; Alaska’s Mileage Plan is particularly useful for West Coast connections.
Points tip: Use Southwest points for flexible fares if you need last-minute travel; mix hotel certificates and points redemptions for long stays.

17. Vancouver Island / Tofino, Canada — surf, rainforest, coastal lodges

Why go: A Pacific Northwest renaissance in boutique lodging and experiential packages makes Tofino an easy points play for West Coast travelers.

Airline play: Book Air Canada or WestJet awards via Aeroplan to Vancouver then a regional hop; consider ferry or rental car for the final leg.
Points tip: Use transferable points for flexible routing and redeem hotel points for coastal lodges; consider package awards that include breakfast or activities.

Case study: A realistic booking workflow (Lisbon, Spring 2026)

Here’s a repeatable, practical process you can follow for any of the destinations above.

Choose two possible date ranges to maximize flexibility and widen award search windows.
Search one-way award space outbound and inbound separately across multiple programs (Aeroplan, United, LifeMiles); use the airline’s partner search tool where possible.
If you have transferable points, identify the program with availability and the strongest value after fees — transfer to the airline only when you’ve confirmed space.
Check hotel award availability and decide if a free-night certificate or points redemption provides higher value — redeem certificates for peak nights.
Book the award then immediately set up price monitoring and cancellation insurance if you plan to reprice; keep travel dates flexible in case a better routing opens.

Advanced hacks for frequent flyers (for 2026)

Use award alerts and expert tools. Set alerts for specific routes and cabins using award-search tools — saves hours of manual checking.
Exploit mixed-cabin awards. If long-haul premium seats are rare, book premium cabin one way and economy back — still a major comfort upgrade for a fraction of the cost.
Think regionally, not country-by-country. Some programs price regionally; booking a multi-city European trip can be cheaper than two separate short bookings.
Take advantage of new routes. Late-2025 and early-2026 route launches into secondary airports produced temporary award inventories. Monitor new routes for award seat openings; carriers often release generous inventory to promote new services.
Use call centers for complex partner awards. Some partner award space only shows or books correctly via phone — persistence pays off. For tools that help forecast availability and repricing, see reviews of forecasting platforms.

What to avoid in 2026

Don’t transfer points to a program unless you’ve verified award space — transfers are often irreversible.
Avoid booking awards on carriers with known high fuel surcharges unless the convenience outweighs the cost.
Don’t assume a published award chart is final — dynamic pricing can change costs and availability quickly in 2026.

“The best way to stretch points in 2026 is to combine flexibility, transferable points and targeted use of free-night certificates.”

Actionable next steps — a 30-minute plan to book your 2026 trip

Pick your top two destinations from this list and two date ranges each.
Search award availability for those dates across two transferable programs (Amex/Chase/Citi/Capital One) and two airline programs (one Star Alliance, one Oneworld or boutique partner).
Identify which program offers the lowest total cash+fees and confirm hotel award nights or certificate availability.
If you need more points, check bank-card welcome offers or limited-time transfer bonuses and map the quickest legal way to top off the account.
Book when you have a confirmed award seat; then set alerts to watch for cheaper reprices or better routings you can swap into.

Final notes on trust and timing

Travel in 2026 rewards nimble planners who track partner inventory and promotional bonuses. Trust the process: confirm award space before transferring, combine hotel certificates with point redemptions for peak-night value, and keep an eye on loyalty-program changes announced in late 2025 and early 2026. Programs are evolving — but that evolution creates both risk and opportunity. With the strategies above, budget-minded travelers and frequent flyers can confidently redeem points for real, memorable 2026 trips.

Ready to book?

Start now: pick a destination above, run award searches tonight and sign up for at least one transfer-bonus alert list. If you want personalized help, use our award-search checklist or book a one-on-one planning session to map the exact transfer path and certificate usage for your trip. Pack smart — see our best economy luggage guide and consider compact gear for weekend trips like the Liberty Weekend Field Kit for short adventure itineraries.

For travel gear and creator-focused travel kits, also look at compact speakers and portable field-kit reviews when you plan lodging and day trips: compact Bluetooth speakers and PocketPrint field kits can be surprisingly useful for remote stays.

Finally, if you’re chasing off-peak adventures, read our itinerary guide on Beat the Crowds: Off-Peak Ski Itineraries to combine award nights with low-season value.

theresort

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.