17 Top Places to Travel in 2026 — and How to Book Them Cheap Using Points

Beat information overload: 17 top places to travel in 2026 — and how to book them cheap using points

Hook: Overwhelmed by endless destination lists, afraid you'll miss limited-time deals, and tired of hoarding points for “someday”? You’re not alone. In 2026 the travel landscape is fast-moving — award charts are more dynamic, transfer promos come and go, and the best value moves fast. This guide cuts through the noise: for each of The Points Guy's top 17 picks for 2026, you’ll get a concise, step-by-step points-and-miles playbook to book the trip for far less cash (or no cash at all).

Quick overview — what matters in 2026

• Dynamic award pricing is mainstream. Few programs still price strictly by award charts; that means you’ll need flexible strategies: transfer partners, multi-program searches and snagging transfer bonuses.
• Transfer partners win. Flexible bank currencies (Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, Citi) still unlock the most value — and 2025–2026 saw more targeted transfer promotions.
• Book sooner for sweet spots, but watch last-minute cash fares. For premium cabins, booking 6–12 months out is still ideal; for economy, last-minute flash sales and low-cost long-haul growth have created new cheap-cash options.
• Leverage regional alliances and hub carriers. Knowing which alliance dominates a region (Oneworld in Europe through Iberia/British Airways for transatlantic; SkyTeam and Flying Blue deals; Star Alliance options to Asia) unlocks savings.

How to use this guide: Each destination below includes: the best alliance or program to target, specific transfer partners to prioritize, a step-by-step booking playbook, and a sample points range or strategy. Start at a destination you love and follow the quick steps — we keep it tactical so you can act fast.

1. Tokyo, Japan — culture, food, and easy premium-value awards

• Why 2026: Post-Expo route additions and more premium inventory between the U.S. and Japan mean award seats are easier to find than in 2023–24.
• Best programs: ANA Mileage Club (for roundtrip sweet spots from North America), Alaska Mileage Plan (partner award availability on Japan Airlines), American AAdvantage.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search award availability on the carrier site first (Japan Airlines / ANA / All Nippon Airways).
  2. If space exists, transfer flexible points: Amex → ANA or Chase → British Airways/Avios (for JAL via BA tool when available).
  3. For premium cabins, target 45–90 days after schedule drops or book 9–11 months out for peak windows; set alerts with ExpertFlyer or AwardNexus.
• Quick tactic: Use Alaska miles on JAL for one-way business from the West Coast to Tokyo — excellent availability and low surcharges in 2026.

2. Lisbon, Portugal — Europe's sunny value city

• Best programs: Iberia Plus/Avios, British Airways Avios, Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) for transatlantic deals.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Check Iberia and BA award calendars for off-peak Avios pricing. Iberia often has lower taxes from Madrid — consider an Iberia/Madrid open-jaw.
  2. Transfer points (Chase or Amex to Iberia/British Airways) during transfer bonuses; booking Iberia outbound via Madrid can save thousands of Avios.
  3. For intra-Europe hops, use low-cost carriers or Avios short-haul awards (very cheap).
• Sample range: Short-haul award + transatlantic Avios 45k–90k round-trip in economy / business depending on promos and routing.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland — great for short escapes and adventure

• Best programs: Icelandair (cash + Stopover), United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Look for Icelandair cash promos (Icelandair often runs cheap transatlantic sales). For points, search United/Aeroplan for routing via North America.
  2. Aeroplan's distance-based pricing can be a sweet spot if routing via Canada; target 30–60k round-trip in economy on Aeroplan or United.
  3. Consider Aeroplan stopover rules to add a cheap extra city in Canada.
• Quick tactic: Combine cheap cash one-ways with points for the return to maximize flexibility — useful in 2026 with fluctuating award pricing.

4. Marrakech, Morocco — North Africa’s colorful escape

• Best programs: British Airways Avios, Air France/KLM Flying Blue (via Paris), American AAdvantage (via Madrid/Spain partners).
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search BA and Flying Blue availability to Marrakech (RAK). Flying Blue monthly promo awards can dramatically lower the points cost.
  2. Transfer flexible currency to Flying Blue when a promo award is published — they frequently offer discounted short-haul transcontinental awards in 2025–26.
  3. Avoid heavy fuel-surcharge carriers; favor KLM/Air France routings when taxes are lower.

5. Bali (Ubud/Seminyak) — long-haul value for points

• Best programs: Singapore KrisFlyer (partner awards on United/ANA), Cathay/Asia Miles, Alaska Mileage Plan (partner with Cathay/others).
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search Singapore Airlines and partner availability for flights into Denpasar (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) and connect to Bali.
  2. Transfer Amex or Capital One to KrisFlyer during a transfer promo if you find award space — KrisFlyer can be a stable way to book forward for premium cabins.
  3. Consider split-ticketing: long-haul award to a SE Asia hub + cheap regional cash connection if partner availability is limited.
• Sample range: 70k–120k one-way business on partner awards from the U.S., lower in economy or with mixed cash options.

6. New Zealand (Auckland/Queenstown) — nature and roomy award availability

• Best programs: Air New Zealand (partner with Virgin Atlantic for some routings), Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (sweet spots), Star Alliance partners via ANA/Aeroplan.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search award availability on Air New Zealand and partners; use Virgin Atlantic for unexpected sweet spots (transfers from Amex/Capital One).
  2. Book long-haul business 6–12 months out for seat availability; be open to routing via Australia or Asia to find lower taxes and better award inventory.
  3. Consider using points to upgrade a cheap cash fare domestically in New Zealand — often great value in 2026.

7. Athens, Greece — classic culture with seasonal award deals

• Best programs: Aegean Miles+Bonus (Star Alliance), Avios via British Airways/Iberia, Flying Blue.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Use Aegean or Flying Blue for intra-Europe awards; Flying Blue promo awards often include Athens in off-season sales.
  2. Transfer to Avios for short-haul hops from European hubs; Iberia can be a bargain if you position to Madrid.
  3. For summer travel, book early and use flexible date searches — award space tightens but routes have grown since 2024.

8. Mexico City — cheap, close and perfect for points-minded travelers

• Best programs: Aeromexico Club Premier (SkyTeam), American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Find nonstops from U.S. hubs during off-peak shoulder seasons for low cash fares.
  2. Use domestic award pricing with American or United for one-way redemptions as low as 10–25k; check for oneworld or SkyTeam partner availability.
  3. Pair with a Mexico domestic award (VivaAerobus cash) to see multiple regions cheaply.

9. Cartagena, Colombia — vibrant, colorful and an easy points win

• Best programs: Avianca LifeMiles, United, American for regional partners.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search LifeMiles for direct Avianca inventory — LifeMiles routinely offers promotions and is useful for intra-Latin America legs.
  2. Use United miles for one-way award pricing from U.S. hubs; look for saver-level awards in shoulder season.
  3. Consider mixed award/cash itineraries to lock flights and use points on leg with higher cash fares.

10. Cape Town, South Africa — long haul, big value opportunities

• Best programs: South African Airways (partner availability varies), Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Emirates/KrisFlyer via the Middle East.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Check Flying Blue and Emirates availability; Flying Blue's Promo Rewards occasionally include South Africa.
  2. Transfer to KrisFlyer or Amex → Flying Blue when you find availability; consider routing through Europe with low taxes.
  3. Book earlier for business class and use stopovers (where allowed) to add value.

11. Buenos Aires, Argentina — big-city culture and excellent award deals

• Best programs: Aerolineas Argentinas (oneworld partners via American/British), Aeroplan via Star Alliance routings.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search on Aerolineas partners or Aeroplan; off-peak seasons (Southern Hemisphere winter) often have lower demand and award availability.
  2. Use transferable points to book through partners with lower surcharges and better availability.
  3. Consider positioning to a major hub with nonstops to Buenos Aires for better award options.

12. Edinburgh & Scottish Highlands — castles, whisky, and award sweet spots

• Best programs: Avios (BA/Iberia), Flying Blue, United for transatlantic routing to UK hubs.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Book transatlantic Avios awards to Edinburgh or London; if taxes are high to EDI, fly into London and take a cheap Avios short-haul to EDI.
  2. Use off-peak Avios pricing or Aer Lingus (Avios partner) when available for better taxes.
  3. For domestic Scottish travel, use cheap cash trains or regional Avios awards for short hops.

13. Nairobi & Kenya safari — nature, value, and premium routing tips

• Best programs: Turkish Miles&Smiles, Qatar Privilege Club, KrisFlyer.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search award availability on Star Alliance partners; Turkish and Swiss/ANA partner routings can be sweet spots for lower mileage costs.
  2. Transfer points to programs with partner access to Qatar or Turkish when space appears; consider flying into Nairobi and using local carriers for safari legs.
  3. For luxury safari lodges, use points for the flights and cash for the lodge — often the best points ROI.

14. Norway (Oslo & the fjords) — dramatic landscapes with award bargains

• Best programs: SAS EuroBonus, SAS partner options via Star Alliance, Avios for intra-Europe hops.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Look for SAS and partner sales; EuroBonus has region-based sweet spots for intra-Scandinavia travel and can be excellent for short-haul awards.
  2. Use Avios for short hops to fjord gateways; combine with cash ferries or trains.

15. Hawaii (Maui or Kauai) — domestic value with many points options

• Best programs: Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Mileage Plan, American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search saver award space on Alaska and Hawaiian — they’re typically the best bets for off-peak awards from West Coast hubs.
  2. For East Coast departures, consider positioning via a West Coast hub on cheap cash fares and then redeem points for the transpacific leg.
  3. Use flexible points to transfer to partners during transfer bonuses for extra value.

16. Quebec City — historic charm, great off-season value

• Best programs: Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage (via U.S. gateways).
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search Aeroplan for Canadian routing sweet spots; Aeroplan frequently prices Canada short-haul awards attractively.
  2. Use short-haul awards or cash sales for quick weekend getaways; hotels are cheaper in shoulder seasons — use hotel points to lock the best stays.

17. Istanbul, Turkey — crossroads city with expanding award options

• Best programs: Turkish Miles&Smiles, Avios (through BA partners), Flying Blue for connections.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Search Turkish Airlines award space on Miles&Smiles; it’s often good for premium cabins to IST.
  2. When Miles&Smiles space is thin, search Flying Blue or Avios. Transfers into Turkish from Amex/Chase (when available) are great for last-minute opportunities.
  3. Use stopovers in Istanbul to add two trips for the price of one — several programs allow one-way awards with reasonable stopover rules.

Advanced cross-cutting strategies for 2026

• Set hyper-specific alerts. Use AwardNexus, ExpertFlyer, or airline alert tools. With dynamic pricing, catching the exact seat you want requires alerts and speed.
• Watch for transfer bonuses. Banks occasionally run 20–40% transfer bonuses; in 2025–26, those promos were decisive for premium cabin bookings. Don’t transfer until space exists unless you’re chasing a rare promo.
• Mix cash + points smartly. Use points for the most expensive leg (long-haul or overnight premium segments) and cash for regional short hops where fares are cheap.
• Open-jaws and stopovers unlock value. Use programs that allow stopovers on one-way awards to turn a single award into a multi-city trip.
• Use card benefits. Free checked bags, lounge access, and annual free night certificates can shave hundreds from your trip — factor these into your points ROI.

Sample mini-case study: New York → Lisbon (business class) in 2026

How we booked it: 1) Found Iberia business award on the Iberia site 10 months out. 2) Transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards to Iberia during a 30% transfer promo. 3) Added a cheap economy short-hop with Avios from another European city to Portugal. Total: significantly under cash premium fares.

This approach — find award space, then transfer during a bonus — is repeatable across the 17 destinations above.

Tools & resources to act fast

• Award search: ExpertFlyer, AwardNexus, ITA Matrix for cash fares
• Transfer tracking: PointsTransferTracker (or set calendar reminders for bank promos)
• Deal alerts: Follow airline and credit card newsletters; set Google alerts for targeted route sales
• Community sourcing: FlyerTalk and Reddit’s r/awardtravel for live availability tips and recent bookings

What to watch in late 2025 / 2026

• More dynamic pricing, but more promos: Airlines balance variable awards with targeted promo awards. That means there will be unpredictability, but also opportunity if you monitor promos.
• Transfer bonuses remain king: Banks and loyalty programs occasionally run large transfer bonuses — these are often the single biggest lever for premium redemptions.
• Regional partnerships grow: Expect more creative partner redemptions as airlines expand wet-lease and code-share options post-2024 consolidation.

Actionable takeaways — what to do this week

1. Pick one destination from the 17 and set award alerts tonight.
2. Inventory your transferable points (Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi) and add the right program balances to your planning sheet.
3. If you find real award space, transfer only when you see a transfer bonus or the seat is in risk of disappearing — don’t sit on transfers unless you must.
4. Book one premium segment with points and mix cheap cash legs to maximize trip value.

Final notes from an insider curator

2026 is a year of both challenge and opportunity for points-savvy travelers. Programs are more dynamic, but the number of transfer partners and creative routing options has never been higher. The difference between a dream trip and a missed chance often comes down to speed, alerts and knowing where to transfer your points. Use the per-destination playbooks above as cheat-sheet steps, act when alerts trigger, and always compare mixed cash+points itineraries.

Ready to start booking? Sign up for The Secrets’ free Points & Deals email for real-time alerts, grab our 1-page points transfer cheat sheet, and turn those hoarded points into the 2026 trip you actually take.

Call to action

Get our free 2026 Points & Deals cheat sheet and weekly deal alerts — subscribe now and never miss a transfer bonus or a rare award seat again.

Related Reading

• Plan B Power: Redundancy Strategies for Long International Trips
• From Guardian to Revenant: Which Nightfarer Got the Biggest Win in the Latest Patch?
• How to Stream BTS’s New Album Safely: Regional Restrictions, Releases, and Best Platforms
• Hong Kong Nights in Shoreditch: A Bun House Disco Bar Crawl
• Gallery Guide: Where to See Henry Walsh’s Work This Year