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If you feel like time is flying, you aren't the only one. As we work toward our New Year’s resolutions, we’re also building bucket lists of places we want to visit this year. Personally, I’m hoping to explore a few off-the-beaten-path destinations, but I’ll also be crossing some popular tourist hotspots off my list.
The AwardWallet team is made up of long-term digital nomads and frequent travelers. We compiled a list of our favorite places we visited in 2025 and added destinations we’re planning for 2026 to give you some inspiration. And in true AwardWallet fashion, we’re sharing ways to get to — and stay in — each of these spots using points and miles.
Here's where you should travel in 2026, and how points and miles can help make it happen.
North America
You don't need to hop on a 12-hour flight to visit a new destination. There are plenty of underrated places in North America — from the U.S. to the Caribbean — worth checking out.
Barbados: Visit for serene beaches and sunshine
Barbados is an island in the eastern Caribbean near St. Lucia. It's more than Rihanna's birthplace — it's also the birthplace of rum. If you're a fan of the spirit, Barbados is a great place to visit.
The island is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and incredible food scene. Even with some of the best beaches in the world, it's not nearly as visited as Caribbean hotspots like Jamaica. If you visit during the summer months, you'll be there for the Crop Over Festival, complete with music, art, parades, costumes, and lots of parties.
How to stay there with points and miles
There are plenty of reasons to visit Barbados any time, but there's also a timely reason — the Royalton CHIC Barbados, a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is set to open in spring 2026. It's an adults-only property, so it's perfect for a relaxing or romantic getaway. At the time of writing, the property wasn't yet available for points bookings through Marriott's website.
Additionally, Hilton and Hyatt each have two properties in Barbados, while IHG has one. Marriott certainly has the biggest presence on the island, with nine additional resorts apart from the new Royalton CHIC set to open in a few months. That makes it advantageous to apply for a Marriott co-branded credit card so you can leverage a new Marriott welcome offer for a few free nights.
- Our best offer is back and better than ever! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
- 2026 Exclusive Offer: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
- 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
- 3X points for every $1 spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
How to get there with points and miles
You can fly nonstop to Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI), from several East Coast hubs, including:
- Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and New York (JFK) on American Airlines
- Atlanta (ATL) and New York (JFK) on Delta Air Lines
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) and New York (EWR) on United Airlines
- New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS) on JetBlue
Thanks to Delta's generous companion certificate for cardholders of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can essentially purchase a buy-one-get-one flight to Barbados, paying only taxes and fees for your second ticket. If you hold the Delta Reserve, you can book a first-class ticket, while Delta Platinum Amex cardholders can book a Main Cabin ticket.
(Terms apply)
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
If you don't have a companion certificate or you'd rather use miles for your flight, JetBlue has one of the best options out there. You'll need as few as 8,600 TrueBlue points each way for the five-hour flight from New York to Bridgetown.
JetBlue points are incredibly easy to earn — you can opt for the JetBlue Plus Card or transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points or Citi ThankYou Points at a 1:1 ratio, as long as you hold an eligible card.
Nicaragua: Visit for outdoor activities
When you think of Central American destinations, Nicaragua might not be at the top of the list. It's hard to pass up destinations like Costa Rica or Belize. But that sense of the unknown is exactly what makes Nicaragua so compelling. Nicknamed “the land of snakes and volcanoes,” it sounds intimidating, but don't let that deter you from booking your trip.
No matter what outdoor activities you enjoy, you can find them here: you can surf, hike more than 19 active volcanoes, visit a rainforest, kayak around Lake Nicaragua, or explore colonial cities like Granada.
How to stay there with points and miles
If we've convinced you to visit Nicaragua, you'll have several points-friendly hotel options. Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt each have properties there.
The most notable is Calala Island, an SLH Hotel — a small private island bookable with Hilton Honors points. Our own JT Genter stayed here in 2024, and it's part of the reason Nicaragua earned a spot on this year's list.
It has a three-night minimum stay, and when you see the rates for a standard room, you might think, “Why would they include this property?”
Yes — 240,000 points per night is steep. But it’s an all-inclusive property, and you can bring a second guest at no extra charge. Transfers to and from Managua’s airport are included, too.
You can also use the Free Night Reward from the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to help offset the cost. Spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year, and you’ll earn an additional Free Night Reward.
With the right strategy, you could book a three-night private island escape for 240,000 Hilton Honors points plus two Free Night Rewards. With cash rates around $12,936, that’s an outstanding redemption. Even without an extra Free Night Reward, you’d still come out well ahead of the average value AwardWallet users get from Hilton Honors points.
(Terms apply)
- Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/15/2026.
- Enhance your hotel stay with complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status and enjoy a world of hotel privileges and benefits. Get exclusive perks at any of Hilton's 25 hotel brands, like a 100% Bonus on Base Points earned on every stay, Premium Wi-Fi and space-available room upgrades at select properties, and more.
- Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
- Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
- Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
- $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
- $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: You can receive up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you sign up and pay for a CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your eligible Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- $100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at HiltonHonorsAspireCard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page, or call Hilton Honors at 855-292-5757 with the proper booking reference.
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
- Pay It Plan It®: Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
- Points don't expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Card is active and in good standing.
- $550 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly through select rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
- 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card
How to get there with points and miles
Nicaragua doesn't offer as many nonstop flights from the U.S. as Barbados, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to get to. You can fly nonstop to Managua (MGA) from:
- Houston (IAH) on United
- Miami (MIA) on American Airlines and Avianca
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on Spirit Airlines
We hate to break it to you, but Spirit might actually be your most affordable option to get to Nicaragua, especially now that Bilt Rewards transfers to Spirit at a 1:1 ratio. You can fly nonstop from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Managua (MGA) for just 2,500 Free Spirit points.
If you're Spirit-averse, don't worry. Avianca LifeMiles also offers excellent ways to get to Nicaragua, especially if you catch a LifeMiles promo fare, like the one below:
South America
As a digital nomad who spends much of the year in South America, the continent holds a special place in my heart. Wherever you go, you’ll be met with warm hospitality and endless things to see and do. Even better, it’s surprisingly easy to reach from most of the U.S.
Salvador da Bahia, Brazil: Visit for authentic culture
When I first traveled to Salvador da Bahia for a work trip, I hadn’t even heard of it. It didn’t take long to realize it might be Brazil’s next great destination.
As Brazil’s first capital — a title it held until 1763 — Salvador still feels deeply rooted in history. Its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful facades reflect centuries of African and Portuguese influence. The city is divided into an upper and lower town, connected by a historic elevator that links the two.
If you visit for Carnival, you're in for a completely different experience than you'd find in the southern parts of Brazil. It's known as both the “soul of Brazil” and the “capital of happiness,” which should tell you everything you need to know about the experience you'll have when you visit.
How to stay there with points and miles
Salvador has a surprising number of luxury hotels. I stayed at Fasano Salvador and can’t recommend it enough. Set in a historic building that once housed a local newspaper, the hotel features sweeping waterfront views from its rooftop pool and impeccable service. It’s also within walking distance of the historic center, filled with galleries, restaurants, and street vendors.
The downside? Fasano isn’t part of a major loyalty program, so traditional hotel points won’t work here. Instead, you could book with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and redeem Capital One miles at a fixed value of 1 cent per mile, or book through a credit card travel portal.
- 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment
- 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
- 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Prefer to use hotel points directly? In Rio Vermelho — Salvador’s artsy seaside neighborhood — Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho is bookable with ALL – Accor Live Limitless points. ALL points have a fixed redemption value (1,000 points equals €20), and Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Points, and Bilt Rewards all transfer to the program at varying ratios.
How to get there with points and miles
There are no nonstop flights from the U.S. to Salvador. However, Copa Airlines offers one-stop service via Panama City (PTY) from dozens of major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Miami, and more.
Since Copa is a member of the Star Alliance, you have several options for booking your flight. LifeMiles comes in handy once again, offering affordable options.
If you don't want to transit through Panama City, you can fly from the U.S. to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, then use 7,500 American Airlines miles to book a GOL-operated flight to Salvador. Now that American Airlines is a Citi ThankYou transfer partner, it's incredibly easy to book this reward.
If you need to boost your AAdvantage balance, a co-branded American Airlines credit card like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® or the new Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® can help. Prefer more flexibility? The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (Rates & Fees) lets you transfer points to multiple airline partners — not just American.
- Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
- Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 12X – Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.
- 6X – Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.
- 6X – Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.
- 1.5X – Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
Iguazu Falls: Visit for the largest waterfall system in the world
To this day, Iguazu Falls is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The world’s largest waterfall system straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil, and both sides are worth exploring. Plan for two full days — one per side — to experience the network of trails, panoramic viewpoints, and walkways that bring you remarkably close to the cascades. You can stand on a bridge above the rushing water or venture below and feel the mist on your face.
It’s hard to capture the scale and power of Iguazu in words. Even as a major tourist attraction, it still feels awe-inspiring and absolutely worth seeing at least once.
How to stay there with points and miles
No matter which side of the border you choose, the towns near Iguazu Falls are small, but you’ll still find a few solid points options. On the Argentina side, City Falls Iguazu (part of Marriott’s portfolio) often runs around 16,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. On the Brazil side, the DoubleTree by Hilton Foz do Iguacu starts at about 35,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
For a once-in-a-lifetime stay, consider Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguazu Falls. Located inside the national park on the Brazilian side, it’s the only hotel with direct access to the falls. Rates start around $821 per night and climb past $1,000 for rooms with waterfall views.
Hotel das Cataratas is part of Chase's The Edit program, which means cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can use their $250 semi-annual The Edit credit to offset part of the cost. It'll still be pricey, but it's one of the more unique experiences on this list.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
- 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3x points on dining worldwide
- 1x points on all other purchases
How to get there with points and miles
Iguazu Falls is unique because you can fly into two airports in two different countries to visit the same waterfall system: Foz do Iguacu (IGU) in Brazil or Puerto Iguazu (IGR) in Argentina.
You can fly nonstop between Buenos Aires and the following cities with these airlines:
- New York (JFK) and Atlanta (ATL) on Delta
- New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), and Dallas (DFW) on American
- Miami (MIA) on Aerolineas Argentinas
- Miami (MIA) on LATAM
- Houston (IAH) on United
Prefer the Brazil side? Use the same strategy we mentioned for Salvador: fly to Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, then book a short onward flight to Foz do Iguacu using AAdvantage miles.
Europe
Europe needs no introduction. For this list, we omitted some major cities, such as Paris, Barcelona, and Budapest, as these hotspots already attract heavy traffic each year. Instead, we focused on up-and-coming destinations where you can soak up culture without battling wall-to-wall tourists.
Malta: Visit for a mix of history and beaches
Malta has become a digital nomad hotspot thanks to its 300-plus days of sunshine each year and its digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to live and work there for up to a year, with possible extensions.
Beyond its appeal to remote workers, Malta offers thousands of years of history, beautiful beaches, and a lively cultural scene. Often called “Europe’s best-kept secret,” it’s worth visiting before the crowds fully catch on.
How to stay there with points and miles
Malta offers no shortage of hotel options. You could book the Hyatt Centric Malta for as few as 9,000 World of Hyatt points, or opt for the upscale InterContinental Malta, which typically runs between 25,000 and 70,000 IHG points.
That makes Malta especially appealing for points collectors, regardless of which hotel brand you prefer. Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt all have a significant presence there, so if you need a boost before booking your trip, check out our favorite hotel credit cards with free night awards.
How to get there with points and miles
Starting in June, Delta will offer nonstop service from New York (JFK) to Malta (MLA), the only direct route from the U.S. to the Mediterranean island. We’re seeing award rates as low as 39,000 SkyMiles each way for the roughly nine-hour flight, or 33,100 SkyMiles if you hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles credit card.
Prefer Star Alliance or Oneworld? You’ll have plenty of options, though you’ll need to connect somewhere in Europe. Airlines like Swiss, Lufthansa, LOT, Turkish, and Aegean serve Malta (MLA) from hubs including:
- Zurich
- Frankfurt
- Munich
- Warsaw
- Istanbul
- Athens
Related: 8 Cheapest Business-Class Flights to Europe Using Miles
Tallinn, Estonia: Visit for Christmas markets
If you love holiday travel but want a Christmas market that’s less crowded than those in Germany, consider Estonia. Tallinn, set along the Baltic Sea, is home to a remarkably well-preserved Old Town that feels straight out of the 13th century. Highlights include Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, both worth seeing year-round.
The Christmas market is typically open daily from late November to late December, so you have plenty of time to squeeze in a visit, even if you're visiting family during the holidays.
How to stay there with points and miles
The Hyatt Place Tallinn is a newer option with solid amenities at a reasonable redemption rate. The hotel just opened in August 2025 and is currently a Category 2 property, with award nights starting at 6,500 points (or up to 9,500 during peak dates).
With several destinations on this list bookable using World of Hyatt points, the The World of Hyatt Credit Card can be especially useful. It offers an annual Category 1-4 free night award and another after $15,000 in annual spending.
- Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- Member FDIC
- Up to 9X points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4X points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5X points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- 1X point per $1 everywhere else
The Hilton Tallinn Park is about five minutes away from the Hyatt and starts around 45,000 Hilton Honors points per night. It’s quite a bit more than the Hyatt; however, that’s to be expected. On average, AwardWallet users redeem Hilton points for 0.59¢ per point, while they redeem Hyatt points for 2.19¢ apiece.
How to get there with points and miles
Estonia is a smaller country, so Tallinn’s airport isn’t as well-connected as those in many Western European capitals. That means you’ll likely connect through a bigger European hub. Options include Helsinki (HEL) for Oneworld, Stockholm (ARN) or Copenhagen (CPH) for SkyTeam, and Warsaw (WAW), Istanbul (IST), Zurich (ZRH), or Frankfurt (FRA) for Star Alliance.
American Airlines can be a strong value from the East Coast. You can book a Finnair-operated flight to Tallinn with a connection in Helsinki for just 22,500 AAdvantage miles each way.
Asia
Asia is far too diverse to narrow down to just one or two destinations. Still, the picks below stand out for 2026. And as is often the case across the region, you can book exceptional hotels for just a few thousand points per night, which makes Asia especially appealing for budget-minded travelers.
Kuala Lumpur: Visit for a vibrant city life
Ask frequent travelers about their favorite cities, and Kuala Lumpur often comes up. Its blend of cultures, languages, and traditions means you’ll find incredible food and activities for every interest. To avoid the rainy season, plan a trip between May and August. December and January are also popular, especially around New Year’s and Lunar New Year celebrations.
AvGeeks and skyline lovers should check out Helipad Bar, a functioning helicopter landing pad that transforms into an open-air bar at night.
How to stay there with points and miles
The Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur is an excellent way to stretch your points. Despite its five-star feel, it’s a Category 1 property, with award nights starting at just 3,500 World of Hyatt points during off-peak dates.
In addition, IHG has a solid footprint in Kuala Lumpur, with properties such as the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur, and Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, all excellent luxury hotels bookable with points. IHG also offers budget-friendly hotels with its Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands. This makes it invaluable to have a card like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, which offers cardholders an anniversary Free Night Award (with a cap of 40,000 points).
- Limited Time Offer! Earn 175,000 Bonus Points
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG® Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Hotel Indigo® & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member
- Earn up to 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
For example, the InterContinental often prices around 27,500 points, while the Crowne Plaza runs about 29,700 points — both within range of the card’s Free Night Award.
How to get there with points and miles
There are no nonstop flights from the U.S. to Kuala Lumpur, so you’ll need to connect along the way. Depending on your airline, that connection could be in hubs like Taipei (TPE), Hong Kong (HKG), Manila (MNL), Tokyo (NRT), or Doha (DOH). Major carriers including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and ANA all serve Kuala Lumpur.
That opens the door to some of the best business-class award options to Asia. For example, Japan Airlines offers business-class awards from North America to Japan starting at 55,000 miles one way, when available. From there, you can book a short intra-Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Or, you can book a Singapore Airlines flight with a stopover in Singapore or Japan so you can visit two cities for the price of one. However, you can only add a stopover on an Advantage award, not a Saver award. Still, the flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is just one hour, so it's an easy way to break up your trip.
Since there’s no single best program for flying to Kuala Lumpur, a card that earns transferable points can give you more flexibility. The American Express Platinum Card® lets you transfer Membership Rewards to several international partners, including ANA Mileage Club, Cathay Pacific, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
(Terms apply)
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount - all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
- Earn 5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings.
Oman: Visit for untouched nature and a rich heritage
Oman may be one of the least-visited Gulf countries, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. You’ll find beaches, mountains, and deserts alongside thousands of years of history. It’s modern, but not in the ultra-flashy way of Dubai or Doha. Oman has preserved its culture and identity while continuing to develop.
If you’re looking for an approachable introduction to the Middle East, Muscat is a great place to start. It's affordable for what you get, and you might not want to leave once you touch down.
How to stay there with points and miles
Oman offers plenty of affordable and luxury stays for the award traveler. You can find everything from the Category 2 Grand Hyatt Muscat to the Category 7 Alila Jabal Akhdar. Marriott also has solid options, including the W Muscat and The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort. However, if you're looking for an ultraluxury hotel, you can stay at the Mandarin Oriental Muscat, an award-winning hotel that's also part of Amex's Fine Hotels and Resorts program.
Book with your Platinum Card®, and you’ll receive perks like early check-in, a one-category room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, an experience credit, and guaranteed 4:00 p.m. checkout. American Express also periodically runs promotions, such as a complimentary third night, which can help offset the cost.
How to get there with points and miles
Oman is a bit trickier to reach from the U.S., as there are no nonstop flights. Still, you have solid award options. Thanks to the partnership between Oman Air and Flying Blue, you can use your Flying Blue miles to book an award.
However, Atmos Rewards is also a solid program for booking a flight between the East Coast and Oman via Qatar Airways. For instance, you can fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Muscat (MCT) with a layover in Doha (DOH) for just 42,500 Atmos Rewards points. Qatar Airways would charge a whopping 75,000 Avios for the exact same flight.
This makes it advantageous to have a card like the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® card to earn Atmos Rewards points directly. Or, consider one of Bilt's three new credit cards to transfer your Bilt Rewards points to Atmos Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Africa
Africa seems overlooked on many “where to travel” lists, but certainly not on ours. From northern standouts like Morocco and Egypt to South Africa’s cities and safaris, the world’s second-largest continent offers more than most itineraries can cover.
Ethiopia: Visit the cradle of humankind
Ethiopia sits in East Africa, and its capital, Addis Ababa, is just a four-hour flight from Muscat — making it possible to pair destinations on this list in one trip. History buffs may recognize Ethiopia as the home of Lucy, one of the most famous early skeletons ever discovered. It’s also the only African nation never formally colonized, giving it a uniquely preserved cultural identity.
Beyond its history, Ethiopia offers dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and some of the most memorable cuisine on the continent.
How to stay there with points and miles
Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott all have a presence in Ethiopia, with the most choices in the capital. Standout properties include the Hilton Addis Ababa, Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa. The Sheraton typically runs around 43,500 Marriott Bonvoy points, while the Category 3 Hyatt Regency starts at 9,000 points for a standard room or 18,000 points for a suite.
To build your balance before an Ethiopia trip, a card that earns transferable rewards can offer the most flexibility. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to World of Hyatt and Marriott, making it easy to book the Sheraton or Hyatt Regency. American Express Membership Rewards transfer 1:2 to Hilton Honors, which pairs well with award rates like the 45,000 points typically required at the Hilton Addis Ababa.
How to get there with points and miles
Believe it or not, you have several nonstop options to get to Ethiopia from the U.S. You can fly nonstop to Addis Ababa from the following cities:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Washington D.C. (IAD)
- Chicago (ORD)
- New York (EWR)
Each route is operated by Ethiopian Airlines. However, it’s a member of Star Alliance, which means you can book flights through United or other Star Alliance partners. If you hold an eligible United credit card, you’ll have access to additional saver-level award availability when booking through United — which can make it easier to find seats at lower mileage rates.
You also have the option to use AAdvantage miles for a flight that connects in Doha with Qatar Airways or in Abu Dhabi with Etihad:
If you book directly through Ethiopian, you can also take advantage of the airline's stopover program, which allows you to get a free hotel stay and meals on layovers between eight and 24 hours. That perk is especially useful if Ethiopia isn’t your final destination and you’re simply breaking up a longer journey.
Final Thoughts
These destinations aren’t just worthy additions to your 2026 travel plans — they’re all within reach using points and miles. If you need a boost before your next redemption, consider one of our top travel credit cards that earns transferable rewards. Here’s to a year filled with meaningful travel.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees), Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and American Express Platinum Card® (Rates & Fees)
