How to Use Points and Miles to Visit the Top 17 Destinations of 2026

Hit the 2026 travel list without bleeding points: a practical guide

If you’re tired of watching your points collect dust while foreign transaction fees and expensive award seats keep you grounded, this guide is for you. The Points Guy’s 2026 list of the 17 must-visit places is a traveler's roadmap — but the map is useless without a strategy. Below I translate that list into action: the best card combos, top transfer partners, ideal booking windows and concrete tactics to secure award flights affordably in 2026.

Why 2026 is a different game: trends you need to know

Two late-2025/early-2026 trends are shaping award travel:

• Wider dynamic pricing among major carriers — more variability but also more short-term sales and “flash” award space.
• More transfer promos and partner shifts from banks and airlines — occasional 20–50% transfer bonuses reintroduce old sweet spots.

That means flexibility and timing beat hoarding. The following strategies assume you’re monitoring transfer promos, using a flexible set of bank points and are ready to move when the right award appears.

Book the award you can get today. If a better routing appears later, most programs allow award changes — often cheaper than waiting for the ideal seat to show up.

How I structured each destination strategy

For each of The Points Guy’s 17 top places in 2026, I give you:

• Best transfer partners (which bank points to move where)
• Card combos that unlock those partners and provide perks
• Timing & sweet-spot tactics — when to search, when to transfer
• A short booking playbook you can follow right away

Quick toolkit: cards and tools to have in your arsenal

• Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve (access to Chase transfer partners and strong protection)
• American Express Platinum/Gold (wide Membership Rewards transfer network + perks)
• Capital One Venture/Capital One Venture X (transfer partners + simple earn)
• Citi Premier (diverse transfer partners in some markets)
• Alaska and United co-branded cards (for targeted partner award access and companion certificates)
• Tools: Google Flights for routing, Award calendars (Airline sites), ExpertFlyer/Point.Me for premium search, an award-watch alert service

Destination strategies (mapped to TPG’s 17 picks for 2026)

1) Kyoto, Japan — best for cultural immersion and train-based travel

Why it’s on the list: Kyoto’s restored tourism balance and preserved neighborhoods make it a 2026 standout. Points strategy centers on Japan’s strong award inventory windows and a few alliance sweet spots.

• Best transfer partners: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards (transfer to airline partners with Japan service such as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and ANA when available), and Capital One (when transfer promos run).
• Card combos: Amex Platinum + Chase Sapphire Reserve. Amex for premium cabin transfers and lounge access; Chase for flexibility to United for Star Alliance routes.
• Timing: Search 10–11 months out for saver award space on transpacific routes; check again 4–8 weeks before departure for last-minute saver openings.
• Playbook: If you find a business-class saver on a Star Alliance carrier, transfer to the partner that prices lowest (use KrisFlyer or Avianca LifeMiles as potential sweet spots if availability shows). Don’t transfer until you’ve confirmed the award is bookable.

2) Lisbon, Portugal — Europe’s rising long-haul value

Lisbon’s affordability and route growth make it a 2026 target. The key is Avios and Flying Blue routing tricks.

• Best transfer partners: Avios (British Airways & Iberia) via Amex or Chase (Iberia/BA access varies by bank), Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) via Amex.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Preferred + Amex Gold. Use Chase for flexible redemptions to carriers like United when needed; Amex for Flying Blue promos and Iberia transfers.
• Timing: Iberia often releases award space ~330 days out for transatlantic redemptions — check for off-peak dates and use Iberia Plus for lower Avios pricing on direct flights.
• Playbook: Look for low-tax Iberia awards from NYC/Madrid routings; if taxes are high on BA itineraries, split into an Iberia award or use Flying Blue Promo Rewards for a discount.

3) Reykjavik, Iceland — short-haul European hops and nature access

Iceland is a 2026 draw for geothermal travel and summer Northern Lights shifts. Short-haul award strategies work best.

• Best transfer partners: Avios, Flying Blue, and Capital One transfer partners for short-haul flights through European partners.
• Card combos: Capital One Venture X + Chase Sapphire Reserve. Venture X’s transfer partners often unlock low-cost hops; Chase gives you United/ANA links if routing via North America.
• Timing: Short-haul saver seats can appear 2–6 months out — monitor for Icelandair sales and use Avios for short intra-Europe legs.
• Playbook: Use Avios for short, direct flights between European hubs and Reykjavik when available; for multi-stop island-hopping, look at Flying Blue promo rewards for savings.

4) Medellín, Colombia — city culture, low-cost living, excellent short-haul connectivity

Medellín is a 2026 favorite for accessible Latin America travel. US regionals and South American carriers create sweet spots.

• Best transfer partners: Avianca LifeMiles (great for intra-Latin America), Amex, and United MileagePlus for Star Alliance routings.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Preferred + Amex Gold. Use Chase for United and Amex for partner promos.
• Timing: Book 6–9 months out for best award pricing but expect frequent mid-range availability; watch for Avianca LifeMiles sales.
• Playbook: Transfer to LifeMiles for good value on Copa or Avianca partners. For nonstop options from the U.S., use United miles or Capital One transfers if nonstop inventory appears at saver levels.

5) Cairo, Egypt — archaeology, Nile cruises and post-recovery demand

Cairo’s renaissance means premium cabins sell out for peak seasons; plan ahead for fewer nonstop award options.

• Best transfer partners: Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) and Turkish Miles&Smiles via transferable bank points (Amex/Chase/Capital One depending on partner).
• Card combos: Amex Platinum + Capital One Venture X. Use Amex for Flying Blue and Capital One for Turkish or other partners.
• Timing: Look 9–11 months out for award space on European carriers; Turkish often releases saver awards, so watch for those windows.
• Playbook: If you find a good business-class transatlantic + one-stop to Cairo via Paris/Istanbul, transfer and book immediately; otherwise split into a discounted European award + a cheap intra-Europe flight to Cairo.

6) Cape Town, South Africa — long flights, big rewards

Long-haul availability defines your success. South Africa remains a 2026 pick for off-the-beaten-path travel and natural scenery.

• Best transfer partners: Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan (when accessible), Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Reserve + Capital One Venture X. Chase for United and Aeroplan routes (where available); Capital One as a flexible backup partner.
• Timing: Book 9–11 months out for the best award availability to Africa; check again 2–6 weeks out for last-minute space.
• Playbook: Look for direct or single-connection options from European carriers; use LifeMiles or Aeroplan when their award charts show favorable pricing. Consider routing through the Middle East (Qatar/Emirates) using transfer partners when flights match your budget and seat preferences.

7) Auckland, New Zealand — the long-haul epic escape

New Zealand often requires premium cabin planning — but sweet spots exist with oneworld and Star Alliance partners.

• Best transfer partners: American Express Membership Rewards (to Air New Zealand partners like KrisFlyer in some cases), Chase (via United for Star Alliance access), Capital One (when transfer promos amplify value).
• Card combos: Amex Platinum + Chase Sapphire Reserve for flexibility and lounge access on long-haul legs.
• Timing: Book as early as possible for long-haul premium space; watch for seasonal sales and transfer bonuses in late 2025–2026.
• Playbook: If you spot saver-level business class on a Star Alliance carrier, secure it through the alliance partner with the lowest taxes and fees. Consider multi-carrier itineraries (US hub → Asia → Auckland) if direct routings are expensive in points.

8) Dubrovnik, Croatia — Adriatic coasts and off-season bargains

Small airports and seasonal flights make flexible routing and Avios a winner here.

• Best transfer partners: Avios (via Amex or Chase where applicable) and Flying Blue.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Preferred + Amex Gold for Avios and Flying Blue promo access.
• Timing: Book intra-Europe legs 2–4 months out for better availability; transatlantic legs 330–360 days out where applicable.
• Playbook: Use Avios for short hops from major hubs (e.g., London, Madrid). If direct flights are limited, fly into a larger regional hub and pick a cheap Avios or low-cost carrier flight into Dubrovnik.

9) Mexico City — affordable luxury and easy redemptions

Mexico City is a constant award-friendly destination with frequent nonstop flights from many U.S. cities.

• Best transfer partners: United MileagePlus, Avianca LifeMiles, and direct cash ticket options using Capital One miles for simplicity.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Preferred + Capital One Venture. Use Chase for United awards and Capital One if you prefer to buy down cash fares.
• Timing: Saver awards often available 2–6 months out; business class redemptions appear more sporadically.
• Playbook: For economy, consider using Capital One’s purchase protection to offset cheap cash fares; for premium cabins, transfer to LifeMiles or United when saver space appears.

10) Barcelona, Spain — food, architecture and easy intra-Europe hops

Barcelona is an ideal transfer target for Avios and Flying Blue strategies.

• Best transfer partners: Avios, Flying Blue, and Amex/Chase networks.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Reserve + Amex Platinum for lounge access and partner transfers.
• Timing: Check 330 days for Iberia/BA availability; use Flying Blue promos for flights from Paris/Amsterdam.
• Playbook: Consider multi-ticket strategies: book the transatlantic award to a major hub (Madrid, Paris) and buy an inexpensive short-haul into Barcelona with Avios or cash—this often beats high-taxes BA routings.

11) Rome, Italy — steady demand, multiple alliance routes

Rome’s high demand makes advanced planning and alliance-shopping essential.

• Best transfer partners: Flying Blue, Avios, Aeroplan (when routing via Canadian hubs makes sense).
• Card combos: Amex Platinum + Chase Sapphire Preferred.
• Timing: Start searching 10–11 months out; check for Flying Blue promo rewards and partner award space 2–4 times between listing and departure.
• Playbook: If you see a low-taxes transatlantic on an operator like ITA/European carriers, transfer and lock it in. Otherwise, route via Madrid with Iberia Avios if pricing is favorable.

12) Athens, Greece — island-hopping and shoulder-season bargains

Athens is best tackled by pairing transatlantic awards with cheap intra-Europe Avios or local carriers.

• Best transfer partners: Avios, Flying Blue, and Capital One for flexible purchases.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Reserve + Capital One Venture X.
• Timing: Book transatlantic legs 9–11 months out; intra-Europe legs 2–3 months out for best pricing.
• Playbook: Lock a transatlantic award to Athens early; use Avios for short island or domestic Greek hops where award charts offer value.

13) Cusco/Machu Picchu, Peru — high demand for limited flights

Domestic Peruvian flights (Lima–Cusco) often sell out early. Transfer-smart routing is crucial.

• Best transfer partners: LifeMiles, United MileagePlus, and Capital One as a fallback for cash-redemption flexibility.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Preferred + Capital One Venture.
• Timing: Book Lima long-haul awards early (9–11 months); secure domestic segments as soon as possible with cash or local loyalty programs if award space is sparse.
• Playbook: Combine an international award into Lima with separately booked domestic tickets if award space to Cusco is limited. Consider using LifeMiles for better connectivity through Avianca partners.

14) Bhutan — boutique, permit-based travel with limited seats

Bhutan requires permits and limited entry windows — book flights and permits together.

• Best transfer partners: Singapore KrisFlyer, Amex transfer partners that access carriers into Paro via India or Nepal connections.
• Card combos: Amex Platinum + Chase Sapphire Preferred for transfer flexibility and insurance when traveling remote routes.
• Timing: Book at least 6–9 months ahead to coordinate permits and flights; peak seasons fill fast.
• Playbook: Coordinate with your Bhutan tour operator before transferring points; secure international awards into Paro’s access hubs and then arrange regional connections and permits together.

15) Istanbul, Turkey — gateway city and cultural crossroads

Istanbul benefits from a huge route network from Europe and the Middle East — and multiple alliance access points.

• Best transfer partners: Turkish Miles&Smiles (via bank transfers where available), Avianca LifeMiles, and Star Alliance partners via Chase/Amex transfers.
• Card combos: Chase Sapphire Reserve + Capital One Venture X.
• Timing: Turkish often releases award space periodically; check 330+ days out and again 6–8 weeks pre-departure.
• Playbook: If Turkish award space appears at saver levels, transfer and book quickly — Turkish often charges reasonable taxes relative to other carriers for business-class redemptions to Istanbul.

16) Maldives (Malé) — island luxury with premium seat demand

Maldives = premium cabins and resort transfers; think full-trip value (flight + seaplane).

• Best transfer partners: Singapore KrisFlyer, Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Amex/Chase partners that access Gulf carriers.
• Card combos: Amex Platinum + Chase Sapphire Reserve for lounge access and premium transfer options.
• Timing: Book long-haul flights 9–11 months out for best premium availability; secure resort transfers separately (many resorts require cash or direct bookings).
• Playbook: Use KrisFlyer or Flying Blue when Emirates/Qatar routes to Maldives show availability. Consider transferring points for premium cabins only when saver space appears; otherwise use Capital One miles to buy down cash fares on trusted routes.

17) Alaska (Denali & coastal routes) — domestic nature and logistical planning

Alaska is often overlooked on international lists but is a 2026 pick for wide-open spaces. Awards are available via Alaska Airlines, American and other domestic partners.

• Best transfer partners: Alaska Mileage Plan (via targeted card products like Alaska co-branded cards), Amex/Citi/Chase for one-way partner redemptions when needed.
• Card combos: Alaska Visa + Chase Sapphire Reserve for domestic protection and priority boarding; Amex for Hyatt/Marriott lodging points.
• Timing: Book 4–8 months out for peak summer; shoulder season offers more saver space.
• Playbook: Use Alaska miles for point-of-origin nonstop routes; if availability is low, piece together awards using partner carriers and consider buying a short domestic ticket to connect to major Alaska gateways.

Advanced tactics to squeeze more value in 2026

• Hold vs. transfer: almost never transfer until you can confirm the exact award. Most banks allow instant transfers but not reversals.
• Set award alerts: Use Point.Me or ExpertFlyer to notify you when saver space hits. In 2026, dynamic seats mean last-minute gaps can appear.
• Stack transfer bonuses: Watch for late-2025/early-2026 bank-to-airline transfer bonuses (20–50%) — these can convert a mediocre redemption into a great one.
• Book in pieces when necessary: Sometimes you’ll get a cheap transatlantic award but no onward domestic seat. Book the international award and buy the short connection separately if the overall cash + points cost is lower.
• Leverage stopovers and open jaws: Some programs still allow free or cheap stopovers (e.g., Aeroplan in certain routings) - use them to visit two cities for the price of one award.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Waiting for a perfect seat: The perfect routing rarely materializes; book the good one and keep monitoring for better options you can change into.
• Ignoring taxes & fees: Avios/BA redemptions can carry heavy surcharges; compare full out-of-pocket costs, not just miles.
• Over-concentrating points: Keep balances across 2–3 flexible currencies (Chase UR, Amex MR, Capital One) to pivot quickly during short windows.

Sample case study: booking Kyoto in 2026 (realistic play)

Scenario: You have 200k Amex MR and 120k Chase UR. You want a business-class roundtrip from New York to Kyoto in October 2026.

1. Search Star Alliance and oneworld availability 10–11 months out using united.com and the major alliance search tools.
2. If you find a business-class saver on ANA (via a Star Alliance partner), compare the price across partners (United, Aeroplan, LifeMiles). Choose the partner with lowest total points plus lowest taxes/fees.
3. Only after confirming the award is bookable, transfer the exact number of points from Amex or Chase to the airline partner and confirm the booking.
4. If no premium space exists, look for one-way business outbound and return economy, or use Capital One miles to cover a high-cash leg and save points for the premium segment.

Actionable checklist before you transfer points

• Confirm award space on the airline’s website.
• Compare multiple transfer partners for the same award.
• Check transfer times — some transfers are instant, others take days.
• Verify taxes and carrier-imposed fees before committing.
• Set up award change alerts in case better space opens after booking.

Final takeaway: be nimble, not greedy

TPG’s 2026 destinations are exciting, but the difference between a dream trip and a missed opportunity is often timing and flexibility. In 2026, dynamic award pricing and frequent transfer promos reward travelers who can act fast and pivot between bank currencies. Use the card combos and partner pairings above as your baseline — and remember these two truths:

• Don’t transfer until you can ticket.
• Keep at least two flexible currencies. When a flash of saver space appears, you’ll be the one with the keys.

Ready to book?

If you want a personalized plan for one of the 17 TPG destinations — including which exact transfer partner to use for your dates and how many points to transfer — request a custom award audit. I’ll map your balances to award availability and a step-by-step transfer timeline so you can fly to your 2026 destination without overpaying.

Start by checking which bank points you have and your top two preferred departure airports — that’s all I need to give you a targeted plan.

Call to action: Ready to convert points into a ticket? Book a free 15-minute award strategy call or download the printable 17-destination award checklist to start planning today.

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