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If you've got a stash of points and miles but aren't quite sure where to go, Point.me — the award search tool — has a solution. The aptly named Explore feature gives you a bird's-eye view of available award flights across multiple cities — an invaluable new resource for travelers who want to make a redemption but don’t have a particular destination in mind.
Here's how the Point.me Explore tool can help you pick a place to go, based on your available rewards.
The Point.me Explore Tool
For the unfamiliar, Point.me is a resource that searches several award programs for seat availability at once. By entering your origin, destination, and travel dates, you can compare several flight options and view the best points and miles currencies to book with. It's an easy way to expedite the award search process.
But if you're not sure where to go, leveraging the platform's new Explore tool is an easy way to compare award costs to thematic places. For example, if you want to visit a culture-oriented destination or the beach, Point.me will have you enter your point of origin and a range of departure dates before showing you the places bookable with points. Even better, it's pretty easy to use.
How the Explore tool works
First things first: To use the Explore tool, you'll have to subscribe to a paid plan. Subscriptions start at $12 monthly or $129 annually for a Standard plan — or $5 for a day pass. Using the promo code “AWARDWALLET,” you can snag the first month for $1.
You also can opt into Point.me's more expensive concierge service, featuring points consulting and a few more premium perks. However, the Explore tool is accessible with any Standard plan, so there's no need to splurge if you don't have to.
After you've signed in, scroll down halfway on Point.me's homepage. You'll see a section titled “Explore.” Click on “Start Exploring.”
Now, for the fun part. Enter your airport of origin, intended class of travel, and a range of dates, then click on a theme. Or, if you're really unsure about where to go with your points, there's also an “anywhere” option. When the parameters check out, click “Explore.”
Once the results start rolling in, you’ll see available flights at the center of the screen. But there are two caveats. First, the results you see might be outdated, so you'll want to “Search live availability” when you stumble across an appealing destination.
Related: Point.Me Launches ‘QuickLook' Tool to Preview Award Availability in Seconds
Second, the advertised price might not be accurate. For example, the 25,000-point pricing between Los Angeles (LAX) and Zurich (ZRH) in business class is deceiving. That's what you'll pay for an economy ticket. Bummer, we know.
After clicking “Search live availability,” you'll be routed to the traditional Point.me search page. The details from your Explore session will transfer over. The only action required on this page is clicking “Search.” More results will roll in, and you'll have an opportunity to filter by airlines, stops, credit card and airline rewards programs, and you can sort in a few different ways.
And like typical Point.me searches, you'll get a snapshot of the currencies you can transfer to make the booking. From there, the final steps are confirming availability with the airline, transferring points (if necessary), and confirming your booking. It's that easy.
Related: Which Credit Card Should You Use To Pay Award Taxes and Fees?
Final Thoughts
Whether you're indecisive or just looking for another way to explore all the places your points can take you, Point.me's Explore tool is a handy resource to keep in your back pocket. To try it out, head over to Point.me and start planning your next vacation.
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