Traci just sent us her reader success story to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Here’s her story: Recently, my family of four ventured to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. I’d come across this property a few times in the points and miles world, and the Gatorade-blue waters called to me during the […]

Before going to the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, I had heard some negative reviews. The service was slow, the hotel was outdated, there wasn’t much to do, etc. So how did it stack up? Here are my thoughts on the Park Hyatt St. Kitts.   Service at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts We were warmly […]

This week’s reader success story to the Grand Cayman Island comes from Christopher, one of the men in the Squad. I particularly love it because it offers the option to replace or extend a visit to Grand Cayman instead of booking the Kimpton Seafire. Here is his story: This past June, my spouse and I […]

Gabb sent us this recent reader success story to sunny Puerto Rico!    I have been using points and miles for about three years now. I live on the East Coast & have taken flights to Paris, Italy, Florida, and California using points and miles, but this trip, we used points and miles not only […]

There is just something about a beach trip that resets your soul. Whether it’s the powdery white sand, turquoise waves, or simply an excuse to stay in your swimsuit for a week. What makes a beach getaway better than the destination? Booking it using points and paying pennies on the dollar for your dream vacation, […]

In 2021, my husband and I made a pact to take one kid-free trip together every single year. With two young children, careers, and the endless stream of school projects and activities, our stress levels tend to reach a breaking point at least once a year. And when that happens, nothing brings us back to […]

After falling hard for Secrets St. Lucia (and those ocean views), we weren’t ready for the magic to end. So we took our tenth-anniversary celebration to the next level, literally, by heading into the mountains for the most unforgettable hotel experience of our lives.  Ladera isn’t just a resort. It’s a love letter to nature. […]

Secrets® St. Lucia Review: What It’s Really Like Staying at This New Adults-Only Resort on Points I love a good plot twist—and this one came with a beach view. When I first joined Award Travel Academy, St. Lucia felt totally out of reach. Availability was scarce, and the points price tag was high enough to […]

How We Picked St. Lucia Every year, my husband and I take a trip together, just the two of us. It is one of my favorite traditions. We celebrate our marriage and enjoy some time away together. We’re fortunate to have a supportive family who steps in to care for our kids while we travel. […]

One of our wonderful readers, Jesse, sent in this success story about her amazing trip to Secrets Cap Cana, in the Dominican Republic.     Our return trip to Secrets Cap Cana was one of the most meaningful points and miles redemptions we’ve made since I started this hobby in March 2023. My husband and I […]

Welcome back to your ultimate guide to the best Caribbean hotels to book with points! If Part One had you dreaming of sandy beaches and turquoise waters, get ready to turn those daydreams into reality. We’re diving deeper into the Caribbean’s most stunning resorts—think hidden gems, luxe escapes, and vibrant spots where your points can […]

Nothing tastes sweeter than a luxury beach vacation in the Caribbean for (almost) free. Let’s be honest, booking luxury hotels on points feels like beating the system in the most delicious way. Whether you’ve been hoarding points like a squirrel or you’re just dipping your toe into the points-and-miles hobby, the Caribbean is a dream […]

From the moment we pulled up to the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, I knew we were in for something special. It is tucked away on a quiet stretch of beach about 45 minutes from the Punta Cana airport. We were warmly greeted with cool towels, a yummy drink, and the vibe? Pure relaxation. If you’re […]

All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean  While we love using our points for hotel stays and flights, it’s even better if those points can pay for your meals, drinks, and snacks on vacation, too! If the Caribbean is on your bucket list, you can book many all-inclusive resorts with various types of points in different locations […]

Amy sent us this reader success story to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. She didn’t even go on this trip but facilitated the trip for her family. Here’s her story: I have three kids in their twenties who have started opening their own cards to dabble in getting points and miles. My 25-year-old son and his […]

No secret here—we love booking vacations with points and miles! (See what I did there?) Secrets® Resorts & Spas, part of the World of Hyatt hotel group, are luxurious, adults-only, all-inclusive properties perfect for a romantic getaway. With stunning locations across Mexico, the Caribbean, and even Europe, there’s a Secrets® resort to check every box […]

Aruba is famous for being “one happy island,” and the best way to maximize your happiness while visiting this stunning Caribbean destination is by booking your stay using points and miles! As a top-tier vacation spot, Aruba naturally sparks a lot of questions about how to book an amazing stay without breaking the bank. So, […]

Michael sent us a reader success story about how he went to Aruba on points and miles. This got my attention as I had a trip planned to Aruba that same November. We used different points and miles but the end result was the same—fun in the sun for next to nothing!   Michael’s Story […]

Stephanie, one of our Points Talk Squad all-stars, sent us her reader success story to Turks and Caicos. I was really excited about this one as it is one of my favorite destinations and I am scheming about a return visit once the Andaz is completed there. Here is her story:   Turks and Caicos: […]

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is the destination of choice for our reader success story to Nassau. This is an extremely popular destination among points and miles users, and we haven’t booked it yet. Thanks, Amanda, for sharing it with us! I love that it was her FIRST redemption – showing everyone that even a […]

Emily sent us her reader success story to Puerto Rico, and we had to share it with you. Our readers love beach vacations so we know you will enjoy this one. Here is her story…   Emily Meets the Points Talk Squad We are a one-income family of six (kids ages 7, 9, 11, and […]