Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Island Escapes in the Caribbean
With winter in full swing, many travelers are dreaming of sunny island getaways. And there's no better place for a warm weather escape than the gorgeous islands of the Caribbean. From laidback beach vacations to action-packed adventures, the Caribbean offers something for every type of traveler.
One of the top Caribbean destinations is Jamaica. With its palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforests, and laidback vibes, Jamaica exudes tropical paradise. Spend lazy days lounging on Seven Mile Beach in Negril or climb up the Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios. And don't miss out on sampling Jamaica's signature jerk chicken and rum punch!
The Cayman Islands are another haven for beach lovers and divers alike. Grand Cayman boasts the famous Seven Mile Beach, considered one of the Caribbean's finest stretches of sand. Under the turquoise waters, divers can explore the cystal-clear visibility and colorful coral reefs of Stingray City.
Barbados combines British refinement with island charm. Explore historic Bridgetown, relax on pretty Payne's Bay, or tour a rum distillery. Animal lovers won't want to miss swimming with sea turtles on the west coast. And foodies will delight in the fresh seafood and fusion cuisine.
Dominica provides a more rugged Caribbean escape, with dense rainforests, 365 rivers, and towering volcanoes. Go whale watching offshore or hike through Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The natural volcanic hot springs are the perfect place to soak sore muscles after a day of adventure.
Off the Venezuelan coast lie the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. With warm weather year-round, these islands draw divers, windsurfers and kiteboarders looking to catch the breezes and ride the waves. Visitors also enjoy the Dutch colonial architecture and mouthwatering local cuisine.
No list of top Caribbean destinations is complete without mentioning the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix each have their own unique appeal. Snorkel pristine coral reefs, stroll the historic streets of Charlotte Amalie, or hike the trails of Virgin Islands National Park. Escape the crowds at one of the quieter villas or resorts.
What else is in this post?
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Island Escapes in the Caribbean
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Luxurious European City Getaways
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Ski Trips to Top Resorts in the Rocky Mountains
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Beach Vacations in Mexico and Central America
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Safari Adventures in Africa
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Asian Megatropolises Offering Big City Thrills
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Dream Australian Vacations Down Under
- Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Remote and Romantic South Pacific Retreats
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Luxurious European City Getaways
For those who crave culture, history, and luxurious experiences, Europe's iconic cities offer the ultimate urban getaways. From world-class museums and Michelin-starred restaurants to opulent hotels and designer shopping, these destinations combine old world charm with modern indulgences.
One perennially popular spot for a luxurious city break is London. The British capital entices with its stately landmarks like Big Ben, its royal pedigree, and its vibrant arts and food scenes. Check into The Savoy, London's grand dame on the River Thames, for impeccable service and Edwardian grace notes. Shop on Bond Street or explore the markets and galleries of Covent Garden before donning your finery for a night at the theater on the West End. Cap it all off with a trip to Harrod's Food Halls and Fortnum & Mason for gourmet treats.
If you're craving la dolce vita, look no further than Rome. This ancient city overflows with magnificent ruins, Baroque frescoes, and winding cobblestone lanes just made for aimless strolling. Treat yourself to a stay at Hotel de Russie, with its leafy gardens and swish spa overlooking the Spanish Steps. See Michelangelo's masterpieces at the Vatican Museums before toasting the sunset on a rooftop terrace sipping Campari cocktails. End the night at a classic trattoria in Trastevere.
For a cultured, cosmopolitan getaway, Paris is perfection. Stroll the Champs-Élysées and tour the Louvre to get your fix of art and history before shopping the haute couture boutiques and languishing over long lunches on sun-drenched terraces. Make your base at Le Bristol, steps from high-end shopping on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Come evening, cruise the Seine before catching a show at the opéra or cabaret. Cap off your Parisian escape with macarons from Ladurée and champagne at a glitzy rooftop bar.
If you're craving Mitteleuropa grandeur, look to Vienna. This imperial city captivates with resplendent palaces, museums brimming with Old Masters' paintings, and charming cafés filled with the sounds of Mozart and Strauss. Make The Ritz-Carlton Vienna your home, where you can swim laps beneath chandeliers before being pampered at the spa. After visiting the Spanish Riding School, indulge in pastries at centuries-old Demel and linger for a leisurely lunch at Fabios. As dusk falls, waltz the night away at a candlelit ball.
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Ski Trips to Top Resorts in the Rocky Mountains
With altitudes soaring above 10,000 feet, the Rocky Mountains are a skier's paradise, boasting some of the best snowfall and skiing conditions in North America. From glitzy Aspen to laidback Jackson Hole, these iconic resort towns deliver breathtaking scenery and adventures galore.
One of Colorado's crown jewels, Aspen offers four interconnected mountains with a combined 5,500 acres of slopes that suit all abilities. Glide down the groomers on Ajax, Aspen Mountain’s main peak, or challenge yourself on the expert runs of Highlands Bowl—just be sure to fuel up first at one of Aspen's acclaimed restaurants. Off the slopes, check out the trendy shops and galleries lining the town’s pedestrianized streets or take a break in the luxurious Aspen Meadows Resort nestled beside the river. Come evening, hit up après ski happy hour local favorites like Mezzaluna before catching a show at the historic Wheeler Opera House.
Not far from Aspen lies Telluride, an old mining town transformed into a top ski destination. Soak up the Wild West charm as you explore the Victorian-era main street before hopping on the free gondola up to Mountain Village. Cruise the groomed boulevards of Blue Sky Basin or seek thrills in the bowls, chutes and trees of the expert-only Palmyra Peak terrain. Refuel with hearty fare and local brews at Slope Side BBQ after an exhilarating day hitting the steeps.
For ski-in, ski-out luxury, look no further than Deer Valley Resort outside Salt Lake City. This meticulously groomed resort exudes premium pampering, with ski valets, gourmet dining and impeccable service. Unwind after your day on the slopes at the lavish Stein Eriksen Lodge, Utah’s only AAA Five Diamond ski resort hotel. Reserve a table at the on-site Glitretind Restaurant, where you can enjoy haute cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Meanwhile, Jackson Hole in Wyoming thrills experts with its steep in-bounds terrain and legendary backcountry access. Test your skills on runs like Corbet’s Couloir before winding down as you take in panoramic Grand Teton views from the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. Get your fill of Wild West adventure and hospitality at the luxe Four Seasons Jackson Hole nestled between the Tetons and Gros Ventre Range. Savor freshly caught seafood at Westbank Grill or enjoy a relaxing treatment at the spa before cozying up fireside in your rustic-chic accommodations.
And you can’t talk Rocky Mountain skiing without mentioning Colorado’s largest resort, Vail. Spanning 5,317 skiable acres, its seven legendary back bowls offer intermediate and advanced skiers seemingly endless terrain to explore. Hop from groomed cruisers to bumps, chutes and tree skiing across Vail’s diverse slopes before indulging in an après ski soak in the outdoor heated pool at The Lodge at Vail. Cap off an epic ski day with creative alpine cuisine and a extensive wine list at Flame at the Four Seasons Resort Vail.
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Beach Vacations in Mexico and Central America
With miles of pristine beaches and laidback vibes, Mexico and Central America offer sun-seekers the perfect escape. Whether you want to party in Cancun, discover ancient ruins in Tulum, or indulge in barefoot luxury in Costa Rica, this region delivers beach bliss.
Many flock to Cancun for its monster mega-resorts and wild nightlife. This bustling tourist hotspot features 14 miles of gorgeous beachfront with something for everyone. At all-inclusive resorts like the Grand Oasis Cancun, you can sunbathe by massive pools flowing with cocktails before hitting the discos to dance the night away. Travelers seeking a more low-key experience can escape to quieter stretches around Punta Cancún or Isla Mujeres, where the pace is slower.
Further south along the Riviera Maya, Tulum captivates with its white sand beaches, azure waters, and fascinating Mayan history. After exploring the ancient cliffside ruins, spend days lounging beneath palm-thatched palapas at beachfront bungalow hotels like the stylish Be Tulum. Cap off serene days swimming in cenotes and sightseeing with delicious Yucatan cuisine and craft mezcal cocktails as the sun melts into the sea.
Over in Costa Rica, beach bums are drawn to the sparkling shores of Guanacaste. With dry heat and gentle surf, the Gold Coast delivers laidback pura vida vibes. At the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, days here pass blissfully with open-air yoga sessions, fresh seafood dinners, and lounging in your luxurious villa's private plunge pool. Or go off the grid at beachfront eco-lodges like Punta Islita, where howler monkeys roam the jungles and scarlet macaws fly overhead.
Nothing says Caribbean idyll quite like Belize, with its reef-fringed islands and barefoot culture. Base yourself at a thatched-roof cottage on Ambergris Caye and spend languid days kayaking to remote motu for world-class snorkeling. On the mainland, Hopkins charms with its colorfully painted wooden houses and welcoming Garifuna culture. Sway in a hammock strung between palms before feasting on fresh-caught seafood and sipping rum punch at laidback beach bars like the funky Thongs Cafe.
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Safari Adventures in Africa
For intrepid travelers who crave once-in-a-lifetime adventures, an African safari promises encounters with majestic wildlife in their natural habitats. This exotic continent teems with iconic animals from elephants, giraffes and zebras to lions, cheetahs, and rhinos. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close is an unforgettable experience that awakens our primal fascination with the wild kingdom.
There's nowhere better to get your fill of Africa's fabulous fauna than the Serengeti in Tanzania. Its endless grassland plains provide a dramatic backdrop as millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes undertake their great migration across this ecosystem. Hop in a 4x4 with guides from Asilia Africa camp and track the herds as they follow the rains and graze for fresh grass. Marvel at endearing giraffe ambling by or a pride of lions lounging under acacia trees as your vehicle kicks up red dust. As dusk falls, sip sundowners as hippos splash in nearby watering holes and the bush comes alive with nocturnal sounds.
Botswana seduces safari-goers with the promise of intimate wildlife encounters. Glide through the channels of the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro canoe to get eye-level with elegant swans, lumbering hippos and wallowing buffalo deep in the papyrus reeds. Under star-studded night skies, listen for the whoops of hyena or roars of distant lions at Sanctuary Baines' Camp. More watery adventures await at Chobe National Park, where herds of elephants swim across the Chobe River with their young to reach the lush floodplains.
The sweeping savannas of Kenya's Masai Mara host one of nature's most incredible shows during the annual Great Migration from July through October. At &Beyond's Bateleur Camp, wake before dawn and venture out in search of hunting cheetahs and Spotted Hyena clans. Track columns of wildebeest and zebra as they thunder across the Mara River, braving hungry Nile crocodiles. Return exhilarated to the camp for sundowners and fireside storytelling under infinity pools glittering with the Southern Cross.
For a luxury safari experience, venture to Namibia where red sand dunes and skeletal camelthorn trees create a Martian landscape. Track endangered black rhinos in Etosha National Park before retiring to the opulent comforts of Hoanib Valley Camp. This remote oasis built by Natural Selection features stilted suites tucked into the rocks. Spend days exploring nearby dry riverbeds for prides of lions and desert-adapted elephants. Then unwind in your private plunge pool as oryx meander past and soaring raptors circle in the boundless sky above.
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Asian Megatropolises Offering Big City Thrills
From the neon-lit alleyways of Tokyo to the sweeping Bund waterfront in Shanghai, Asia's pulsating megacities tantalize with a sensory overload for the intrepid urban explorer. These sprawling metropolises offer a frenetic fusion of modernity and tradition, dazzling with their ambitious architecture and futuristic infrastructure while retaining their age-old culture. For travelers seeking the rush of navigating complex transit systems, eating at bustling night markets, and immersing in unique cityscapes, Asia's massive metropoles deliver big thrills.
Take Tokyo, for instance, where the cityscape appears in constant motion with its animated signage, bullet trains rocketing past, and crowds scrambling through labyrinthine subway stations. After communing with the spiritual at the Meiji Shrine, experience the city's obsession with all things kawaii (cute) as you shop stores filled with Hello Kitty merch and pose with cosplayers in Harajuku. At night, venture down Omoide Yokocho's alleyways crammed with tiny yakitori joints before mixing with locals over shochu at a tiny basement izakaya. Tokyo's energy electrifies as you stumble upon robot restaurants and hang with locals at retro gaming arcades and karaoke joints.
Half a world away, Shanghai dazzles with its kinetic skyline and creative collision of Chinese and Western influences. Marvel at futuristic wonders like the Maglev train before getting lost inside Yu Garden's Ming Dynasty pavilions and rock gardens. Feast on xiaolongbao soup dumplings and window shop the French Concession's chic boutiques. As the sun sets, join the crowds on the historic Bund promenade watching Shanghai's lights dance across the water. After a nightcap on a sky-high rooftop bar, cruise the Huangpu River to soak in this Asian powerhouse's razzle-dazzle after dark.
Further south, Hong Kong delivers nonstop thrills with its soaring skyscrapers, legendary harbor, and fast pace of life. Ride the antique Peak Tram for panoramic views before plunging into the chaos of Kowloon's bustling markets. Wander past crimson temples and towering bamboo in tranquil gardens before diving into neon-soaked nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong's clubs and bars. Whether watching horse races or fireworks over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong enthralls with its unique mix of Chinese roots and international influences.
And you can't talk Asian megacities without mentioning Seoul, where hi-tech modernity fuses with ancient traditions. Shop cutting-edge fashion in Myeong-dong before finding inner peace at 15th-century palaces and temples. Experience the city's youthful energy dancing at a raucous noraebang karaoke joint or screaming at a professional StarCraft competition. Fuel up on street food from fish-shaped waffles to blood sausage stew as you explore hyperconnected neighborhoods wired on blazing fast wifi. With 24-hour activity and an intoxicating pop culture scene, Seoul delivers nonstop delights for urban adventurers.
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Dream Australian Vacations Down Under
With epic landscapes ranging from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback’s Red Center, Australia serves up nonstop natural wonders that fuel the ultimate antipodean adventures. Whether diving the Great Barrier Reef, watching the sun rise over Uluru, cuddling koalas, or roadtripping between world-class wine regions, this gigantic island continent rewards intrepid explorers with thrills and one-of-a-kind experiences.
For many, experiencing Australia’s aquatic marvels tops their bucket list. The Great Barrier Reef off the sunny Queensland coast unveils breathtaking biodiversity and rainbow corals stretching over 1,400 miles. Live out your nautical fantasies by sailing or island-hopping through the Whitsunday Islands, where Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach demand their own dedicated itineraries. Up in Ningaloo, swimmers can snorkel with gentle whale sharks and manta rays.
Of course, no Australian dream vacation is complete without encounters with cuddly marsupials. At Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, visitors can get up close with fuzzy koalas and roos in natural enclosures with stunning Opera House views. On Kangaroo Island off South Australia, wild kangaroos, echidnas, and koalas abound for memorable wildlife sightings.
For a true walk on the wild side, Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks in the Top End serve up croc-spotting on the Adelaide River, plunging waterfalls, and millennia-old Aboriginal rock art. Or take an outback roadtrip through the Red Center from Alice Springs to Uluru, the majestic sandstone monolith steeped in indigenous lore. Watching Uluru’s colors morph from ochre red to burnt orange at sunrise or sunset is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Oenophiles can indulge their palates touring Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, and Margaret River wine regions while savoring complex Chardonnays and earthy Shirazes. Or head to Tasmania, where the pristine landscapes at Josef Chromy Winery, Moorilla Estate, and elsewhere complement fantastic cool climate Pinots, Rieslings, and sparkling wines.
Cashing In: The Top Destinations To Spend Your Points and Miles This February - Remote and Romantic South Pacific Retreats
With its far-flung archipelagos scattered like gems across the vast South Pacific, this region gifts travelers with the ultimate romantic escape. Here, intimate island resorts beckon couples with overwater bungalows, candlelit dinners on the beach, and pampering spa treatments. Secluded from the outside world, these private hideaways set the scene for reconnecting and reigniting the flames of passion.
One ultra-luxe option is The Brando on French Polynesia’s Tetiaroa Atoll, once Marlon Brando’s personal retreat. Accessible only by private plane, this carbon-neutral eco-resort blends luxury with sustainability. Spend lazy days snorkeling the lagoon, biking to hidden beaches, and lounging in your beachfront villa with its own plunge pool. In the evenings, dine on Tahitian cuisine under the stars before drifting off to sleep to the sound of waves lapping right outside your window. With limited WiFi and no TVs, The Brando encourages you to focus fully on each other.
Over in Fiji, couples adore Matangi Private Island Resort. Nestled in the Koro Sea, this family-owned gem spans 240 acres of sublime tropical beauty. Sip sundowners on your private deck then wander barefoot on moonlit beaches before retiring to Fijian-style thatched bures with outdoor rain showers. Surrounded by coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, days here pass serenely with snorkeling, spa treatments in jungle huts, and meals of fresh seafood and produce from Matangi’s organic farm.
For affordable indulgence, Lelewatu Resort seduces lovebirds with its seclusion on Sumba Island, Indonesia. Here, traditional Indonesian bungalows with al fresco bathrooms dot a clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons. Spend balmy days exploring deserted beaches on horseback before private beachfront dinners lit by flickering torches. At Lelewatu’s full-moon bonfires, couples can dance barefoot on the sand before drifting to sleep to the sound of waves.
Over in the Cook Islands, sanctuary awaits at Etu Moana. This boutique adults-only resort on Aitutaki Atoll exudes romance with its overwater bungalows in vivid blues and greens. After a couples massage in a private beach cabana, laze in the sparkling lagoon or sip cocktails as the sun dips into the Pacific. Dine beachside on just-caught seafood before retiring to your stilted bungalow, where glass panels in the floor reveal colorful tropical fish swimming below.