Leana’s 2025 Travel Plans Using Miles and Points

First things first. I don’t generally refer to myself in third person, but since Nancy has already published a similar post, a title clarification seemed warranted.

With that out of the way, I wanted to share my 2025 travel plans, and how miles and points will help with reducing out-of-pocket costs. I’ve said many times that free travel is an illusion, but this hobby can absolutely turn out-of-reach goals into attainable ones.

Our upcoming trips

1) The first family trip of 2025 is actually already in the books. We just came back from Baker’s Cay resort in Key Largo where I used Hilton points in order to book five nights (last one being free). This was our third time there, in fact. The detailed review is coming soon, but for now all I will say is that while we enjoyed our stay, it’s likely the last time I’ll burn points on this property. But the view is glorious, no question about it:

2)Next up is a Holland America cruise in the Caribbean for just me and my husband. I’m really looking forward to it, especially considering the ridiculously low price we paid via match program. It looks like these “free” cruise deals are currently on life support, but you may still be able to take advantage of them if you hurry.

The cruise itself is already paid for, and I hope to use points from my US Bank Altitude Reserve to cover crew tips and internet. I have booked only one excursion, and otherwise plan to relax and take it easy, while enjoying quality time with my husband. Even though our wedding anniversary isn’t until September, the cruise will be our early present to each other.

3) Drum roll, please! Introducing our big family trip of 2025: visiting Peru and Easter island. I’ve already published a post on our itinerary and how I was able to use Alaska miles to cover most flights, so I won’t repeat myself. There were a few changes since then, like rebooking our LATAM flight from Miami to Lima with Qatar Avios. I’ve also recently burned Alaska miles on Lima-Cusco route at 4,500 miles per person, plus $25 in fees and taxes. As far as hotels go, I’m mostly using some Hotels.com gift cards and simply paying cash for local lodging in Peru and Easter island.

We are, however, burning Wyndham points and IHG certificates for one-night stays at hotels connected to Lima and Santiago airports. Since we have a late arrival and early departure on some of our flights, it just made sense to use points and certs for that purpose. Also, for our overnight stay in Miami I’m burning Sonesta currency on a beachfront hotel.

4) We are  trying something new this year. My husband and I have decided to do a local getaway with each kid. My girl gets a weekend at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa (17k Hyatt points per night). I’m waiting until they open their private beach, as this is my daughter’s favorite amenity. We will be using our two renewal certificates from Hyatt credit cards on Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress resort in Orlando for my son’s trip (see my review).

5) In the fall, we are hoping to take our kids to Epic Universe park that is supposed to open this May. We will need to stay two nights in Orlando, so I’ve made a speculative reservation at Sonesta ES Suites International Drive at 25k points per night. This one isn’t set in stone and I may end up pivoting. Basically, the goal is to have a hotel that is relatively close to Epic Universe at the lowest out-of-pocket cost. The brand doesn’t really matter, it’s just a place to sleep.

6) Visiting friends in upstate New York and hopefully witnessing  some fall foliage in the process.
I’ve used Jet Blue points for our return flight and waiting for Southwest schedule to open up, so I can book the other leg.

I’m also utilizing  Hyatt points for lodging and plan to burn US Bank Altitude Reserve points on a rental car.

7) One big unknown for 2025 is where we will end up taking the kids over winter holidays. I normally try to plan a local getaway, as flying during this time is a royal pain in the behind that usually costs a fortune even when using points. Plus, the weather in Florida is usually fantastic during that time of year, so it seems silly to go elsewhere instead of enjoying our own backyard for a price of a tank of gas.

My husband has just been approved for Amex Hilton Aspire card (no lifetime language) that I’ve seen mentioned on Reddit. So it’s likely we will end up using the signup bonus and credits on a local Florida resort. But as mentioned earlier, it won’t be Baker’s Cay this time. Or perhaps we will just stay home with kids and instead use Hilton points and certificate on Rio Perdido SLH resort in Costa Rica that my husband absolutely loved.

Hmm..

Readers, should I be a little selfish? What are you doing with your points this year?