July Travel Rewards: Boost Your Points and Miles Now!

July Points and Miles Deals: Earn More With These Offers

If you’re looking to stretch your points and miles further this July, you’re in for a treat. There are some incredible opportunities available that can help you maximize the value of your existing rewards. Imagine booking that dream vacation, scoring a luxury hotel stay, or even upgrading your seat on a long-haul flight—all without breaking the bank. Here’s the scoop on some of the best deals to take advantage of this month.

The Highlights

Before diving into the details, let me hit you with the main takeaways: By strategically using your points, you could snag premium flights, all-inclusive hotel stays, and must-try travel experiences at a fraction of their cash value. For instance, with the right transfers, you can book a round-trip flight to Europe for as little as 40,000 points, or enjoy five nights in a luxury hotel for just 60,000 points. Plus, if you’re eyeing unique experiences, platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide are offering discounted tours that also let you pay with points from various travel partners.

Current Offers

Here’s what’s currently on the table in July, along with my favorite deals:

Airline Deals

1. American Airlines AAdvantage

   • Offer: Fly between select U.S. cities and Europe for just 40,000 miles one way.
   • Transfer Ratio: 1:1 from ThankYou Points, Capital One, or Marriott Bonvoy.
   • Redemption Value: Typically around 1.5 cents per mile.
   • Booking Experience: Use the AAdvantage site or app to book your flight directly, and make sure to pick flights with no carrier-imposed fees to maximize your value.

2. United MileagePlus

   • Offer: 20% off award tickets during the month of July.
   • Cost: Round-trip from the U.S. to select cities in Asia for as low as 60,000 miles after discount.
   • Transfer Ratio: 1:1 from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
   • Booking Experience: The United mobile app makes it easy to redeem your miles and check mileage upgrade opportunities.

Hotel Deals

1. Marriott Bonvoy

   • Offer: Earn 5,000 bonus points for every 2 nights stayed at participating hotels.
   • Cost: Nights in category 4 hotels start at around 25,000 points per night, meaning two nights could net you a free night for 20,000 points!
   • Redemption Value: Around 0.7 cents per point.
   • Booking Experience: Use Booking.com to find hotels, but try to book directly via Marriott for better rewards.

2. Hilton Honors

   • Offer: Double points on stays booked in July.
   • Cost: Category 5 hotels start at 38,000 points per night. Double points means you’ll rack up 2,000 points per stay.
   • Transfer Ratio: 1:1 from American Express Membership Rewards.
   • Booking Experience: Hilton’s app makes it simple to enjoy free breakfast or upgrades if you’re a loyal member.

Experience Deals

1. Viator/GetYourGuide
   • Offer: Discounts on local tours if booked through points.
   • Cost: Use points from your credit card or airline program for local experiences. Some experiences can be booked starting at 5,000 points.
   • Booking Experience: To redeem, simply log into your rewards account and select “Experiences” to see your options.

Points Transfer Strategies

Many travel awards will allow you to transfer points between programs, which can unlock better value. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to maximize your point transfer options:

1. Check Transfer Partners: Look at programs where you have points. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards can be transferred to United MileagePlus, Southwest Airlines, Hyatt, and several others.

2. Find the Best Value: Use tools like AwardMapper to compare redemption values across various airlines and hotels.

3. Calculate Costs: Before transferring, determine how much you’ll need. If a flight is 50,000 miles but costs 60,000 points from your card, check the cents-per-point value if you use other programs.

4. Make the Transfer: When you identify the best use for your points, navigate to your rewards account, and execute the transfer.

5. Book!: Once added to your airline or hotel provider account, make your reservation and enjoy!

Comparison Table

Travel Program	Offer/Deal	Points Required	Best Use Case	Cents-Per-Point Value
American Airlines	40,000 miles one way to Europe	40,000	Transatlantic Flights	1.5 cents
United	20% off award tickets	60,000	Round-trip Asia flights	Around 1.3 cents
Marriott Bonvoy	5,000 bonus points for 2 nights stayed	60,000 for 3 nights	Luxury hotels	Around 0.7 cents
Hilton	Double points on stays	38,000 for category 5	Quality stays	Around 0.5 cents
Viator/GetYourGuide	Discounts with points	5,000	Local tours	Variable

Action Steps

Now that you know the opportunities available this July and how to maximize your rewards, it’s time to put your plans into action. Start by checking your point balances across different programs. Then, prioritize your travel bucket list and see which options can save you the most. Whether booking a long-awaited family vacation or planning a spontaneous getaway, these deals won’t last forever. So don’t wait—lock in those reservations and enjoy the thrill of traveling smart!

Rates and availability verified as of July 2023. Subject to change — always confirm on the program’s official website.