Top Family-Friendly Destinations to Visit with Points and Miles

Top Family-Friendly Destinations to Visit with Points and Miles

Traveling with your family doesn’t have to break the bank, thanks to the power of points and miles. Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches, magical theme parks, or cultural explorations, there are countless destinations that are both family-friendly and easily accessible using travel rewards. Here are some top picks for family adventures you can book using points and miles.

1. Orlando, Florida

Why It’s Great: The ultimate family destination, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and countless other attractions that kids (and parents!) will love.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Use Southwest Rapid Rewards for free flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO). With no blackout dates, Southwest is perfect for family travel.

• Hotels: Redeem Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points for stays at family-friendly resorts near the parks, or use Hyatt points for a stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, which has its own water park.

2. San Diego, California

Why It’s Great: San Diego combines beautiful beaches, kid-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo, and a laid-back vibe perfect for families.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Use Chase Ultimate Rewards to book flights through their travel portal or transfer points to Southwest or United.

• Hotels: The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is a fantastic choice, offering pools, water slides, and proximity to the beach—all bookable with Hyatt points.

3. Hawaii (Multiple Islands)

Why It’s Great: Hawaii offers stunning beaches, volcano hikes, and endless outdoor activities for families looking to relax and explore.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards to airlines like United or Hawaiian Airlines. Look for deals using British Airways Avios on Alaska Airlines flights.

• Hotels: Redeem points at family-friendly properties like the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Hilton Hawaiian Village, or Marriott Waikoloa Beach.

4. Washington, D.C.

Why It’s Great: With free museums, historic monuments, and plenty of parks, Washington, D.C., is an educational and budget-friendly option for families.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Use American Airlines AAdvantage miles or Delta SkyMiles for affordable flights into Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).

• Hotels: The Hyatt Place or Residence Inn are great options for families and can be booked using points. Many hotels are located near metro stops for easy access to the city’s highlights.

5. Cancun, Mexico

Why It’s Great: Cancun offers all-inclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and family-friendly activities like snorkeling and exploring Mayan ruins.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Use points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer to airlines like Aeromexico or American Airlines.

• Hotels: Book an all-inclusive resort like Hyatt Ziva Cancun using World of Hyatt points for a luxury family vacation without the out-of-pocket cost.

6. London, England

Why It’s Great: London offers a mix of history, culture, and family-friendly attractions like the Harry Potter Studio Tour, the Tower of London, and sprawling parks.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Use points from Chase or American Express to book flights on British Airways or American Airlines. Look for off-peak award travel deals.

• Hotels: Stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill or use IHG Rewards for affordable family accommodations.

7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Why It’s Great: With family-friendly beaches, amusement parks, and mini-golf galore, Myrtle Beach is a fun and relaxing destination for kids of all ages.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Use Southwest Rapid Rewards or Chase points to book flights into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR).

• Hotels: Use Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy points to book beachfront resorts with pools and kid-friendly amenities.

8. Tokyo, Japan

Why It’s Great: Tokyo combines cultural immersion with family-friendly attractions like Tokyo Disneyland and Ghibli Museum, making it an unforgettable destination.
How to Get There with Points:

• Flights: Transfer American Express points to ANA or Chase points to United for award flights.

• Hotels: Book family-friendly properties like Hyatt Regency Tokyo or Hilton Tokyo using points.

Tips for Booking Family-Friendly Travel with Points

1. Plan Early: Award travel availability, especially for families, can be limited. Book as far in advance as possible.

2. Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and destinations can help you find better award availability.

3. Leverage Companion Passes: Southwest Airlines’ Companion Pass lets one family member fly free with you, which can save hundreds of dollars.

4. Combine Points and Cash: If you’re short on points, consider using a mix of points and cash for your bookings.

5. Focus on Value: Use points for high-cost items like flights and hotels to maximize savings.

Final Thoughts

With points and miles, the world opens up to families seeking affordable travel experiences. These destinations not only provide fun and adventure for kids of all ages but also let parents enjoy the satisfaction of saving money. Whether you’re lounging on a Hawaiian beach, exploring European cities, or experiencing the magic of Disney, travel hacking makes these family memories possible without the hefty price tag.

Start earning those points today, and get ready to pack your bags for an unforgettable family getaway!