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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Survey Reveals Most Desired Locations to Redeem Credit Card Rewards for Luxury Escapes

Most Desired Credit Card Rewards Escapes
Jon McDonald

Writer: Jon McDonald

Jon McDonald

Jon McDonald, Managing Editor

Jon McDonald brings more than 15 years of journalism expertise to CardRates.com. Informing financial consumers about emerging trends and companies making an impact in the industry, Jon is most knowledgeable in the areas of budgeting, credit card rewards, and responsible credit use; he strives to bring that experience to readers worldwide. Jon has a passion for writing and editing, and his articles have appeared in publications produced by The New York Times.

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Ashley Fricker

Editor: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Andrew Allen

Reviewer: Andrew Allen

Andrew Allen

Andrew Allen, Staff Writer

For nearly 20 years, Andrew has worked for financial institutions ranging from regional investment organizations to some of the largest banks in the world. At Wells Fargo, Andrew was a Consultant within the Insight and Innovation division. A graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Andrew’s goal has been promoting personal financial wellness and solid money decisions.

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Advertiser Disclosure

In a world where travel and luxury are increasingly accessible, credit card holders rich in reward points are finding extravagant ways to spend their hard-earned bonuses. Our recent survey of 3,000 points-rich cardholders sheds light on how these rewards pave the way to some of the world’s most indulgent weekend escapes. 

Credit card points are amassed through everyday purchases, from groceries to gas to utility bills. However, savvy consumers maximize their earnings by using cards that offer accelerated points in categories aligned with their spending habits. Whether it’s dining, travel, or entertainment, choosing the right card can quickly turn an average spender into a points-rich traveler.

“Using amassed credit card points and miles for a spectacular getaway is a wonderful personal reward. This is currency that you worked hard for, and now you get to play with it!” says CardRates.com Financial Expert Eric Sandberg.

Why Cardholders Choose Weekend Getaways 

For many, the allure of using points isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about the freedom to explore opulent experiences without the burden of a hefty price tag. 

Weekend getaways are particularly appealing because they require fewer days off work, making luxurious trips feasible more frequently. These short yet sweet escapes allow points-rich individuals to frequently recharge in grandeur, making every free weekend a potential mini-vacation. 

What follows is a ranking of the most desirable locations cardholders said they would cash in their points to visit.

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Luxurious Destinations Within Reach 

Vineyards: Imagine a scenic weekend sipping the finest wines amid sprawling vineyards. Napa Valley offers not just wine tastings but also gourmet dining experiences that cater to the refined palates of luxury-seekers.

Broadway and Fine Dining in New York: For the urban explorer, a weekend in New York could mean catching a groundbreaking Broadway show followed by dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, all made accessible through points.

Spa Retreats: Those seeking tranquility might opt for a spa retreat in the scenic red rocks of Sedona, where wellness and luxury meet nature.

Exotic Beach Resorts: From the pristine beaches of Maui to the private sands of the Outer Banks, exclusive beachfront resorts offer a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Adventure in the Wild: For the more adventurous, a guided nature experience in the ancient redwoods of California or the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone presents a thrilling escape into nature’s grandeur.

Each of these destinations offers a unique way to spend points, proving that the luxury of travel is not just about where you go but how you get there. Credit card points open the door to experiences that may otherwise seem beyond reach, allowing travelers to indulge in luxury with each redemption.

In Conclusion

Consumers who are points-rich continue to find ever more creative and lavish ways to spend their rewards. From gourmet meals in the sky to peaceful retreats in nature, the options are limitless, with each card swipe bringing the next dream getaway a little closer to reality.

But before you do, Sandberg provides a word of caution:

“Be mindful of where you spend rewards. A weekend trip can be terrific because it’s not so long that you will need a huge amount of points or miles, but you can splurge on a bit of luxury,” Sandberg said. “Identify where you can get the most out of your rewards. Focus on your travel bucket list while also opening yourself up to possibilities that you have not previously considered.”

Advertiser Disclosure

CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.