Using points and miles to fund your travel dreams is more accessible than ever in 2025. With new airline routes, improved hotel loyalty redemptions, and flexible transfer programs, you can plan unforgettable trips with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

Whether you’re looking for luxury, culture, or outdoor adventure, these five destinations offer excellent value for points-savvy travelers.

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1. Japan: Tradition Meets Modern Travel

Japan remains one of the best-value destinations for award travel. With efficient trains, stunning scenery, and world-class cuisine, it’s a favorite among points users planning ahead.

How to Get There:

Book round-trip business class flights on ANA using Virgin Atlantic (starting at 60,000 miles) or ANA Mileage Club (75,000–95,000 miles). You can also use Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus for flexible options.

Where to Stay:

• Andaz Tokyo and Park Hyatt Kyoto are top-tier Hyatt redemptions, costing around 25,000 to 40,000 points per night.

• Marriott and IHG offer additional options across major cities.

Tip: Use Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to transfer to these partners.

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2. Greece: Island Hopping with a View

With its mix of history, culture, and postcard-worthy islands, Greece is an ideal destination for points travelers in 2025.

Flights:

Fly to Athens with Emirates, United, or Lufthansa using Aeroplan, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, or Skywards miles. British Airways Avios can also be used for short hops between European cities.

Hotel Redemptions:

• Book Domes Resorts in Santorini or Corfu using Marriott Bonvoy points (typically 40,000–60,000 per night).

• Consider the Conrad Mykonos using Hilton Honors points for luxury on the Aegean Sea.

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3. Costa Rica: Eco-Luxury Close to Home

Costa Rica offers lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and beautiful beaches—all within a few hours’ flight from the U.S.

Fly with Points:

Redeem American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, or United miles for direct flights to San José or Liberia. Economy awards often start around 20,000–25,000 miles round trip.

Where to Stay:

• Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is a standout Hyatt redemption (25,000–35,000 points per night).

• Marriott and Hilton offer beachfront resorts across the country.

Use travel credit cards like Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire to cover tours and transfers.

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4. Portugal: A Sophisticated European Escape

Portugal remains one of Europe’s most affordable and rewarding destinations for travelers using points.

Award Flights:

Fly into Lisbon on TAP Air Portugal, which partners with Aeroplan, United, and Avianca. Iberia Avios also provide a great way to reach Lisbon via Madrid.

Hotel Options:

• Book the Hyatt Regency Lisbon for around 20,000–23,000 points per night.

• Marriott’s Fontecruz Lisboa and other properties in Porto offer excellent value with Bonvoy points.

Portugal’s affordability makes it easy to stretch your budget, even outside hotel and flight redemptions.

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5. Thailand: Five-Star Luxury for Less

Thailand is a long-time favorite for travelers seeking luxury experiences without high costs. In 2025, improved flight options from the U.S. make it even easier to reach.

Getting There:

Use Qatar Airways Avios to book business class flights with Qsuite from the U.S. to Bangkok, starting around 75,000–95,000 Avios one way. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Korean Air SKYPASS also offer great options via transfer partners.

Hotel Stays:

• Stay at Park Hyatt Bangkok or Alila Koh Samui using Hyatt points.

• Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and Le Méridien Chiang Rai are excellent luxury redemptions with Hilton or Marriott points.

Thailand is also perfect for using flexible points from Capital One or Chase for local travel and experiences.

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Final Thoughts

2025 is shaping up to be a rewarding year for points travelers. With strategic use of transfer partners and travel credit cards, these five destinations offer outstanding value across flights, hotels, and experiences.

Focus on flexible currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards, AMEX Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Points. These allow you to take advantage of transfer bonuses and book with the programs offering the best deals at the time of travel.

Start planning early to secure the best availability—and let your points take you farther than ever