How to Use Points & Miles to Visit The Points Guy’s 2026 Picks Without Breaking the Bank

Stuck hoarding points for “someday” while TPG’s 2026 picks keep getting more expensive? You’re not alone. With dynamic award pricing, shifting alliances, and confusing transfer rules, turning points and miles into a viral, shareable trip can feel impossible. This guide gives a tactical, 2026-ready playbook for using points and miles to visit The Points Guy’s 17 picks without blowing your budget—actionable redemption routes, real value targets, and local budget hacks you can use right now. For ideas on turning trips into audience wins, see this cross-platform livestream playbook.

Source: The Points Guy: “Where to go in 2026: The 17 best places to travel” (Jan. 16, 2026)

Why 2026 is your year to redeem (trends that matter)

Late 2025 and early 2026 brought three big shifts that change award travel strategy:

• Wider dynamic award pricing means you must be flexible and hunt for sweet-spot partners rather than expecting an award chart number to always apply.
• More frequent bank transfer bonuses and targeted offers (Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One) make moving points to partners at the right moment a top value play—track these like you would coupons and offers (evolution of coupon personalisation).
• Expanded low-cost long-haul options and regional alliances create low-cash alternatives and positioning plays that reduce award outlays.

Bottom line: points and miles still deliver massive value in 2026—but you must combine program knowledge with nimble strategies to lock in the best redemptions.

Core preparation: build a points plan that actually books

Don’t let complexity paralyze you. Use this checklist as your pre-booking routine:

1. Audit your balances and expiration rules. List transferable currencies (Chase UR, Amex MR, Citi TYP, Capital One Miles) and airline/hotel points. Note expirations and family pooling options.
2. Set a target award and value goal. Aim for at least 1.2–1.5 cents per point (CPP) for flexible currencies; for airline programs, target sweet spots (e.g., 25k–45k one-way transatlantic economy; 50k–90k business).
3. Map transfer partners. Know which airline alliances unlock seats: oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and boutique partnerships like Flying Blue–KLM/AF, Avios family (Iberia/Avios), ANA, and Qantas or Emirates for certain regions.
4. Watch transfer bonuses and set alerts. Use award search tools and set bank-transfer bonus alerts—transfer only when the partner offers extra miles or you’ve found space. If you want to prototype alerts yourself, a no-code micro-app can hold alerts and transfer checklists.
5. Be flexible on dates and airports. If TPG’s pick is a region (e.g., Portugal), search nearby airports and shoulder season windows for much lower award prices.

How to evaluate an award in 2026: a quick formula

Estimate whether an award is a good deal by calculating value per point:

• Cash fare saved ÷ points spent = CPP
• Include taxes/fees and a reasonable resale of the points (if you could otherwise use them)

Target CPPs: 1.2–1.5+ for transferable points, 1.5–3.0+ for premium cabin sweet spots.

TPG’s 17 picks: a 17-way playbook for award travel and local budget hacks

Rather than one-size-fits-all, these strategies are grouped by the type of destination TPG put on its list in 2026. For each pick you’ll find the best redemption routes, approximate award ranges, and local money-saving hacks.

1) European capital or mid-size city (e.g., Lisbon, Porto, Prague)

Best redemptions: Avios (Iberia/BA), Flying Blue (Air France/KLM), Aer Lingus via Avios for transatlantic sweet spots.

Estimated award cost: Economy 25k–40k RT; one-way business 50k–90k on partner awards depending on routing.

Actionable tactic: Use off-peak Avios routing or book a positioning flight into a low-fee European gateway (e.g., Dublin/Lisbon) and fly a budget regional carrier into your city.

Local budget hacks: Use city transport passes, eat at mercado stalls, and book locally run guesthouses—many accept cash only and are cheaper than chain hotels. For booking tactics (direct vs OTA tradeoffs), read our Direct Booking vs OTAs guide.

2) Iconic Asian destination (e.g., Tokyo)

Best redemptions: ANA (Star Alliance) for Japan business sweet spots; Singapore KrisFlyer for partner awards; Japan’s low-cost carriers for intra-country hops.

Estimated award cost: Economy transpacific 35k–50k one-way; business 75k+ one-way via partner awards.

Actionable tactic: Use bank transfer bonuses to top off KrisFlyer/ANA and search for availability 330 days out or last-minute saver space. Consider mixed-cabin itineraries to save points.

Local budget hacks: Grab a prepaid IC card for transport, favor izakaya for meals, and consider weeknight bullet train deals or highway bus overnight routes to cut lodging costs.

3) Southeast Asian favorites (e.g., Bangkok, Bali)

Best redemptions: Virgin Atlantic to partner airlines, Avios for short-haul intra-Asia, and flexible points to transfer to regional programs (e.g., KrisFlyer).

Estimated award cost: Economy 30k–60k RT; premium economy/business varies widely.

Actionable tactic: Book long-haul on points and then use cheap regional cash flights—they’re often under $50–$120. Use hotels’ points for short stays or hostels for social content-worthy stays.

Local budget hacks: Street food tours, local SIM for ride apps, and day passes at co-working cafés for digital nomads.

4) Oceania (Australia/New Zealand)

Best redemptions: Qantas points for transpacific flights (watch fuel surcharges), Virgin Australia via Velocity, and United/ANA for Star Alliance routing.

Estimated award cost: Transpacific economy: 40k–70k RT; business: 75k–150k depending on partner.

Actionable tactic: Use stopover allowances (when available) and position via west coast US hubs to find lower award pricing. Consider booking a multi-city open-jaw to reduce backtracking.

Local budget hacks: Grab grocery-store meals, use domestic budget carriers for multi-city itineraries, and time visits to avoid high-season surcharges (school holidays).

5) Latin America (e.g., Medellín, Bogotá, Lima)

Best redemptions: Avianca LifeMiles (Star Alliance) for cheap partner awards, Alaska Airlines for useful partners to LATAM routes, and Amex/Chase transfers to flying partners.

Estimated award cost: Economy 15k–40k one-way; business variable but often reasonable.

Actionable tactic: Book early and use local carriers for intra-region hops. LifeMiles often has promos and no fuel surcharges on many routes.

Local budget hacks: Use day markets, public buses, and shared taxis; book experiences with local operators for better prices and social media angles.

6) Caribbean & Mexico (e.g., Tulum, San Juan)

Best redemptions: Southwest points for U.S. travelers, Aer Lingus/Avios for short bursts, and bank transfers to program-specific partners for last-minute seats.

Estimated award cost: Short-haul economy 7.5k–15k; business rare but sometimes available via partners.

Actionable tactic: Use cheap cash flights on Caribbean LCCs for last-mile legs; use hotel points for beachfront nights only when you get outsized value.

Local budget hacks: Eat at local paladares, use colectivo transport, and book tours through community-run cooperatives.

7) African highlights (e.g., Cape Town, Marrakech)

Best redemptions: South African Airways partners through Star Alliance, Turkish Miles&Smiles for Europe–Africa connections, and Avios (British Airways/Iberia) for intra-Africa hops.

Estimated award cost: Transatlantic economy 35k–60k; business 90k+ on partner routings.

Actionable tactic: Consider indirect routes via Europe or the Middle East to access saver seats. Use hotel points smartly—many boutique stays are cash-cheap and more authentic.

Local budget hacks: Use shared minibuses, book local guides, and bargain at markets for souvenirs.

8) Middle East & Arabian Gulf (e.g., Dubai, Muscat)

Best redemptions: Emirates Skywards (but watch fuel surcharges), Qatar Privilege Club (oneworld partners), and Etihad Guest transfers from Amex/Chase in some cases.

Estimated award cost: Economy 40k–70k RT; business 90k–150k.

Actionable tactic: Use stopovers in Doha/Dubai to split journeys and use lower-cost carriers for domestic legs. Transfer during targeted bonuses.

Local budget hacks: Use the metro and cheap local eats; many museums and districts have free admission windows you'll want to time.

9) Arctic & Adventure (e.g., Iceland, Greenland)

Best redemptions: Iceland often offers cheaper cash fares on flash sales; consider transatlantic award routings via Reykjavik with Avios or Flying Blue.

Estimated award cost: Economy 30k–50k RT; business premiums are high.

Actionable tactic: Book winter shoulder-season trips for aurora chances and cheaper awards. Use local day tours booked independently for lower costs.

Local budget hacks: Rent a campervan off-season or use public pools for a unique, cheap experience—if you need camper setup tips, see how to create a cozy camper.

10) Remote islands & luxe escapes (e.g., Maldives)

Best redemptions: Use airline miles for long-haul to hub, then cash seaplane or domestic carrier; flying-key partners like Qatar/Qantas/Etihad can be excellent.

Estimated award cost: Long-haul economy 40k+; resort transfers cash-heavy—factor them in.

Actionable tactic: Book the long-haul on points and negotiate transfers or choose local guesthouses to cut transfer costs. Consider splitting stays between a splurge resort and a cheaper island guesthouse.

Local budget hacks: Book direct experiences with local operators and skip packaged resort activities that double the cost.

11) U.S. National Park & outdoors (e.g., Utah, Alaska)

Best redemptions: Short domestic awards via American, United, Delta (or Southwest points), and bank points to airline partners.

Estimated award cost: Domestic one-way 7.5k–15k points; avoid peak holiday weekends.

Actionable tactic: Use multi-city routing and an open-jaw to make road trips efficient. For Alaska, combine award flights with repositioning cruises when prices dip.

Local budget hacks: Use national park entrance annual passes, book campsites early, and check for free ranger-led programs.

12) U.S. city culture & food (e.g., New Orleans, Portland)

Best redemptions: Short-haul awards or budget cash flights; use hotel points selectively for expensive weekends.

Estimated award cost: 7.5k–12.5k one-way domestically when booked in advance.

Actionable tactic: Travel midweek; use millage runs or positioning flights when necessary. Book experiences through local creators for better rates and social content.

Local budget hacks: Eat at neighborhood spots, use passes for attractions, and time visits for free festivals.

13) Canada & nearby (e.g., Montreal, Banff)

Best redemptions: Air Canada Aeroplan (watch routing rules), United award space, and WestJet via partner redemptions.

Estimated award cost: Economy 15k–30k one-way; business longer routes more.

Actionable tactic: Use Aeroplan’s stopover policy (when favorable) and partner awards to unlock value. Look for seasonal flights out of border airports to save points.

Local budget hacks: Take advantage of provincial transit passes, and split lodging between town centers and outskirts.

14) Emerging European & Balkans (e.g., Albania, Georgia)

Best redemptions: Turkish Miles&Smiles, Avios, and flights via low-cost carriers from major European hubs.

Estimated award cost: Short-haul Avios pricing or cheap cash flights—often the cheapest of TPG’s picks.

Actionable tactic: Fly into a major hub on points and catch an LCC to the final stop—book LCC legs early and separately.

Local budget hacks: Use guesthouses, eat regional dishes, and hire local guides for low-cost, high-impact experiences.

15) Cultural festival & event picks (seasonal)

Best redemptions: Book award seats early or use last-minute saver seats; use flexible currency transfers to seize flash availability.

Actionable tactic: Set alerts for specific dates and use hotel points or Airbnb alternatives for nights that spike in price. If you want an app to manage alerts and holds, see micro-app templates for quick builds.

Local budget hacks: Volunteer-run events, local markets, and community-hosted workshops are cheaper and create better social content.

16) Culinary hotspots worldwide

Best redemptions: Short to medium-haul awards; use hotel loyalty points for boutique stays to unlock kitchen access for self-catering.

Actionable tactic: Combine an award flight with an Airbnb that has a kitchen to cut meal costs while sampling street food and markets for that authentic content.

Local budget hacks: Take a cooking class with locals—often cheaper than multiple tasting menus and great for shareable social posts.

17) Under-the-radar escapes

Best redemptions: Use flexible points to book out-of-the-way routes—dynamic pricing variability often creates true bargains here.

Actionable tactic: When you see an outlier low award price, transfer instantly (or use points portals) and lock it in—many of these sweet spots disappear fast. Consider pre-positioning balances and simple forecasting tools (forecasting & cashflow tools) to avoid second-guessing transfers.

Local budget hacks: Connect with local operators via social platforms for guided day trips at a fraction of tour-operator prices; tools and communities can help you find them (how to use Bluesky's LIVE badges).

Advanced booking tactics for 2026

Use these higher-level moves when you’re hunting for the absolute best value:

• Split tickets: Book long-haul on award; short-haul separately. It reduces points outlay and gives you late flexibility.
• Use award hold or waitlist options: Many programs let you hold space for 24–72 hours—use it to sync transfers or to tie into a simple alert workflow you build from a micro-app template.
• Leverage one-way building: Book the cheapest one-way partner award outward and a cash fare back if return award pricing is insane.
• Hunt for transfer bonuses: When Chase/Amex/Citi offer bonus points to specific airlines, your CPP improves dramatically—move points then (track transfer promos).
• Consider points marketplaces cautiously: Selling/buying points is often against T&Cs and risky—use reputable partner promos and official transfers instead.

Last-minute redemption & cheap flights playbook

Last-minute award travel is still possible in 2026 if you combine tools and habits:

• Use apps that monitor award space (ExpertFlyer, AwardNexus, SeatSpy) and set alerts—if you want to prototype a simple alerting UI, try a no-code micro-app.
• Check partner programs when an airline shows no availability—partners often see different inventory.
• Be ready to transfer instantly from flexible currencies; pre-position points with frequent transfer partners you trust.
• Watch for airline schedule changes—flexible cancellation/change policies in 2025–2026 make last-minute rebooks less risky.

Real-world example: a 2026 TPG-style booking (case study)

Scenario: You want to visit a European TPG pick in shoulder season from New York.

1. Audit: You have 120k Chase UR and 60k Amex MR.
2. Search: Found a one-way business saver seat via transfer partner (e.g., Avianca LifeMiles or Air France via Flying Blue) for 55k miles.
3. Action: Transfer 55k UR to the partner during a 15% transfer promo, saving points; use Amex MR to top up hotel points for two nights’ free stay.
4. Local hack: Fly into a cheaper European hub and take a sub-$50 regional flight to final city, and book a small B&B using hotel points or local booking platforms.

Result: Comfortable long-haul on points + cheap last-mile cash flight + low-cost authentic lodging = huge value and a shareable trip.

Tools, apps & alerts you must use

• ExpertFlyer / SeatSpy / AwardNexus — award space searches and alerts
• Point tracking apps — AwardWallet, WalletFlo
• Flight deal sites — Secret Flying, Scott’s Cheap Flights (for cash fares to compare value)
• Bank transfer alert tools — monitor bonuses on Reddit communities, newsletters, and bank emails; coupon and offer tracking approaches are useful (coupon personalisation).

Final checklist before you hit “transfer” or “book”

• Confirm award space is ticketable and not just shown on a cached page.
• Calculate CPP and ensure it meets your value target.
• Have a backup routing if the airline cancels or re-prices the itinerary.
• Consider trip protection—many cards include travel protection that’s worth the fee.

Parting predictions & a 2026 callout

Expect continued price fragmentation across award charts in 2026: the winners will be travelers who combine transferable currencies, timely transfer bonuses, and local cash hacks. TPG’s 17 picks are a perfect inspiration list—use the frameworks above to make each one affordable and shareable.

Actionable takeaways (do this today)

• Audit your points and identify three realistic partner programs for your top TPG pick.
• Set alerts for award space and bank transfer bonuses—be ready to move points. If you want a quick tool to manage alerts, try building a simple flow from a micro-app template pack.
• Book the long-haul on points and save cash for local experiences; use local operators for cheaper tours and authentic content. For day-to-day savings and local coupon tactics, see ideas for omnichannel savers.

Ready to convert points into that TPG trip? Start by auditing your wallet, pick one target from TPG’s 17 picks, and set two alerts: one for award availability and one for transfer bonuses. When both line up, transfer and book—don’t wait for perfect. The best redemptions in 2026 go fast.

Want help picking the easiest win from TPG’s 17? Drop your top three destinations and current point balances in the comments or subscribe for an editable checklist and weekly award alerts tailored to your points mix.

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