How to use travel points and miles to save on your holiday trips

Make the most of your travel rewards and fly further for less!  Whether you’re planning a tropical escape or a holiday visit to family, travel costs can add up quickly. But for Canadians who know how to use their travel points and miles wisely, those dream vacations can come at a fraction of the cost — or even free.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll show you how to maximize your points and miles, understand the best programs in Canada, and avoid common pitfalls. From credit card hacks to real-world case studies, you’ll walk away with a practical plan to save big on your next holiday trip.

What are travel points and miles?

Travel points and miles are loyalty rewards offered by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies. When you spend money — whether on flights, groceries, or gas — you earn points or miles that can later be redeemed for travel-related perks like:

• Flights

• Hotel stays

• Car rentals

• Upgrades

• Travel insurance

In Canada, most travel rewards come from credit card rewards programs or airline and hotel loyalty programs. The key to saving money is learning how to earn and redeem them strategically.

The main types of travel reward programs in Canada

Let’s break down the most common types of programs available to Canadians:

1. Airline loyalty programs

These are specific to airlines. When you fly, you earn miles based on distance, fare class, or spending. Popular Canadian programs include:

2. Hotel loyalty programs

Earn points when you stay at certain hotel chains. These points can be used for free nights, upgrades, or discounts.

3. Credit card travel programs

Many credit cards allow you to earn flexible points on all purchases. These can often be transferred to airlines or hotels.

Some top Canadian travel credit cards include:

How to earn travel points and miles quickly

The faster you earn, the faster you fly. Here’s how to speed things up:

1. Leverage welcome bonuses

Many credit cards offer massive signup bonuses — often 30,000 to 90,000 points — if you meet a minimum spend in the first 3 months. This is one of the fastest ways to build a points balance.

💡 Example: Signing up for the American Express Cobalt Card and spending $500/month can earn you up to 30,000+ points in your first year.

2. Optimize your spending

Use the right card for the right purchase. For example:

• Use the Cobalt Card for groceries and dining (5x points)

• Use a Visa card at Costco or where Amex isn’t accepted

• Use a card with no foreign transaction fees when travelling

3. Double dip with loyalty accounts

When booking a flight or hotel, log in to both your credit card portal and the airline/hotel loyalty program. This allows you to earn points from both systems at once.

How to redeem your points for maximum value

Not all redemptions are equal. The best way to save money is by redeeming points for high-value travel.

1. Avoid low-value redemptions

Many people waste points on things like gift cards or merchandise. These redemptions often value points at less than 1 cent per point. Instead, aim for at least 1.5–2 cents per point by using them for flights and hotels.

2. Use transfer partners

Some credit cards (like Amex Membership Rewards) allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners. These transfers can unlock much better value.

3. Book during off-peak times

If you have flexible travel dates, use your points to book during shoulder seasons. Flights and hotels often cost fewer points compared to high-demand periods like Christmas or March Break.

Case study: Saving $1,200 on a family holiday using Aeroplan points

Let’s look at a real-world example to bring this strategy to life.

The scenario:
Samantha and Jason, a couple from Toronto, planned a winter getaway to Vancouver with their two kids.

Here’s how they used points:

Total Savings: Over $1,900
By combining Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, and their Amex Cobalt points, they only paid $180 for a $2,000 trip.

Pro tips to maximize your rewards

Here are some smart strategies to keep in your back pocket:

✅ Check for promotions

Loyalty programs regularly run promotions that offer bonus points for flights, hotel stays, or spending. Sign up for email updates.

✅ Pool points as a household

Some programs like Aeroplan allow family pooling, so everyone’s points go into one pot — helping you reach redemption faster.

✅ Book early for better availability

Flights booked with points have limited seat availability. Booking at least 6 months in advance (especially during peak seasons) gives you the best chance at getting the flight you want.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even experienced travellers can slip up. Watch out for these:

• Letting points expire: Keep your accounts active by earning or redeeming at least once every 12–24 months.

• Not checking point value: Always calculate how much your points are worth before redeeming.

• Paying high fees: Some credit cards come with high annual fees that might not be worth it if you’re not maximizing the benefits.

Step-by-step: how to start using travel points and miles

1. Assess your spending habits
   Choose a credit card that aligns with your biggest expenses (e.g. groceries, gas, dining).

2. Apply for a high-reward credit card
   Look for cards with large welcome bonuses and good point multipliers.

3. Sign up for loyalty programs
   Register for Aeroplan, WestJet Rewards, Bonvoy, etc.

4. Track your points
   Use apps like AwardWallet to manage balances and expiry dates.

5. Set a travel goal
   Whether it’s Hawaii, New York, or Banff — having a goal helps you plan redemptions better.

6. Book early and smart
   Use your points strategically and avoid blackout dates when possible.

Travel smarter, not harder

Using travel points and miles isn’t just for frequent flyers. With the right credit card strategy and a bit of planning, any Canadian can unlock major savings on their holiday travels.

Whether you’re heading to visit family or chasing adventure, travel rewards can turn your plans from expensive to affordable — or even free.

✈️ Ready to take off for less?

Start by choosing the right travel rewards card and signing up for the best loyalty programs. Your next holiday could cost a lot less than you think.