Let’s face it: travel can be expensive. But with a little creativity—and some savvy use of travel rewards programs—you and your friends can explore the world without emptying your wallets. Whether you’re dreaming of an exotic getaway or a weekend escape, using points and miles can turn an expensive trip into an affordable adventure. So, how can you maximize your travel rewards when you’re traveling with friends? Here are 10 tips that will help you score big savings on your next group vacation.
1. Pool Points for Group Travel Magic
- The Strategy: If you and your friends have multiple travel rewards accounts, pool your points together. Many programs, like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards, allow you to transfer points to friends or family members.
- The Result: By combining your points, you can book flights or hotels that might otherwise be out of reach. Need five tickets to Paris? With pooled points, it’s totally doable.
2. Get Smart with Airline Alliances
- The Strategy: Major airline alliances—like SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Star Alliance—let you redeem your miles on partner airlines. This means you can snag better deals and increase the chances of finding award availability.
- The Result: Traveling with a group? These alliances expand your options, allowing you to book multiple seats across different carriers with ease. One person’s miles can get the group flying together, without breaking the bank.
3. Book Hotels with Rewards Points
- The Strategy: Hotels don’t just take cash—they take points too. If you’re heading out with friends, consider using your hotel loyalty points (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG, etc.) to cover the cost of multiple rooms or even upgrade to larger suites.
- The Result: This can free up your cash for other trip expenses, or even allow you to splurge on activities while keeping your accommodation costs low. Some programs also offer bonus points or discounts for group bookings—double the savings!
4. Snag Special Promotions and Deals
- The Strategy: Keep an eye on flash sales and bonus promotions from your rewards programs. Whether it’s an extra 20% bonus on points for a booking or discounted redemptions, these deals can save you a bundle.
- The Result: You and your friends can score flights or hotels at a fraction of the cost. Some programs also offer limited-time promotions that give you more points when booking with certain airlines or hotels—perfect for a group trip.
5. Use ‘Pay with Points’ to Keep Costs Down
- The Strategy: Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum let you “pay with points” through their travel portals. Use your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and even experiences.
- The Result: You won’t have to tap into your savings or go over your budget, as your points take care of travel expenses for you. Pooling points to pay for the trip allows your friends to join in without spending a dime.
6. Book Early for the Best Availability
- The Strategy: Award travel can be limited, especially if you’re booking for a group. Securing multiple award seats or rooms often requires early planning.
- The Result: Booking early gives you the best shot at finding award availability for all travelers. It also allows you to take advantage of the most favorable flight times and hotel rooms, ensuring your group enjoys the trip to the fullest.
7. Use Travel Reward Portals to Maximize Value
- The Strategy: Some travel reward programs have their own online portals where you can book flights, hotels, and car rentals using points. These portals sometimes offer bonus points for bookings or even exclusive discounts.
- The Result: For group bookings, these portals can be a game-changer. You may find better deals or perks that you won’t get when booking directly with airlines or hotels.
8. Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses for Group Travel
- The Strategy: Credit cards with hefty sign-up bonuses are one of the fastest ways to rack up points. If you and your friends are planning a trip, consider applying for new cards with big bonuses, and then pooling your points for a major redemption.
- The Result: A big bonus could cover a large chunk of your travel expenses. With each person contributing their new points, you can easily cover a group’s flights or accommodations without breaking a sweat.
9. Use Points for Group Experiences
- The Strategy: Travel rewards aren’t just for flights and hotels—they can also be used for experiences. Many programs let you redeem points for activities like city tours, excursions, tickets to events, and even restaurant reservations.
- The Result: Turn your group trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience by using points for activities everyone will love. Whether it’s a private tour or tickets to a concert, this helps maximize the value of your points while making the trip memorable.
10. Track Points Expiration Dates
- The Strategy: No one wants to lose valuable points. Travel rewards points can expire if not used within a certain timeframe. Keep track of expiration dates and try to redeem them before they vanish.
- The Result: With careful monitoring, you can avoid wasting points, especially if you’re planning a group trip. Make sure everyone in your group is aware of their points’ expiration and use them to book the most important aspects of your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling with friends is one of life’s best pleasures, and thanks to travel rewards, you can make it more affordable than ever. By pooling points, booking early, and taking advantage of loyalty programs, you can cover flights, hotels, and activities without spending a fortune. So start earning those points, get your friends on board, and make your next getaway a reality—without the financial hangover. Happy travels!