Key takeaways
- Use your points to fit your itinerary — not the other way around. You don’t have to wait until you save up for a bigger vacation to get the most out of your points.
- Extend your adventure. By using your points to add an extra night or two to your trip, you can slow down and truly immerse yourself in a new environment.
- Cover the transportation cost. You can use your points to pay for a more direct flight to spend less time hanging around airports and more time enjoying your vacation.
- Plan the perfect trip. When you’re organizing your getaway, it can be easy to book your trip with Citi Travel®.
Turn your points into possibilities
The ThankYou® Points you earn with your Citi® card are more than a virtual balance on your account — they can unlock upgrades for any type of vacation. Whether you’re taking a road trip for a fresh perspective or flying somewhere for the weekend, being smart about using your rewards can allow you to travel without compromise.
You don’t have to wait until you’ve saved up a ton of points to spend them. There are many ways to use the points you’ve earned to the fullest — and “the fullest” means something different for everyone. When you use the Citi Travel site, you can book a trip that fits your vision and your wallet. Here are two distinct strategies to keep in mind as you plan your next vacation.
Strategy 1: Using points for more convenient transportation
The goal here is to minimize the “travel” and maximize the “destination.” This is where you can make a strategic move with your points: Use them to cover the price difference of a direct flight. By cutting out a three-hour layover, you trade a crowded airport terminal for a sunset dinner or an extra morning stroll. Or, if you’re taking a road trip, use your points to cover a rental car. That way, you can try out your dream car and travel in style.
Strategy 2: Using points to extend your stay
You don’t want your vacation to feel like a race against the calendar. Using ThankYou Points to cover an extra night or two can shift the pace of your trip from a frantic tour to one of true immersion. It’s the difference between checking off a few landmarks and slowing down to listen to the songs of birds in the morning or returning to that little cafe a second time.
Where to get away
These cities can be fantastic weekend destinations. They’re small enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed or rushed to see everything in just a few days, but each one packs an incredible amount of charm into a smaller footprint.
Portland, Oregon: Brews, bikes and books
This is a great place to fly to, as the recently remodeled airport was named the best in the country by The Washington Post (just wait until you see majestic wood ceiling). Lose yourself in the diverse flora of the Hoyt Arboretum, and find a bench to take in the cedar air before heading back into the city. Then grab a bite to eat from one of the many food cart pods, where you’ll find a mix of innovative cuisine and classic bites. With an extra day, you can enjoy a leisurely bike ride around the Willamette River, crossing the only major bridge in the U.S. dedicated to transit, bikes and pedestrians (no cars allowed).
- Where to stay in Portland: Experience luxury in the heart of the city at Sentinel, located a short walk from Powell’s Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Big-city culture, small-town ease
Discover the “coastal” charm of this Midwest hub, where the Lake Michigan shoreline brings in the cool breeze you’d expect from the ocean — without the salt. Visit the Public Market to grab a cup of squeaky cheese curds, and pair it with a white wine that complements each rich, buttery bite. Milwaukee is also a great starting point for a road trip around the Great Lakes, where you can extend your vacation and choose another city to explore, like Chicago or Cleveland.
- Where to stay in Milwaukee: For a breathtaking view of the city, take the elevator to the rooftop bar of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, where daytime lake views eventually give way to warm tabletop fireplaces and strings of cozy lights.
Savannah, Georgia: Step through history
Spend a few days strolling through the quaint city center, known for its incredible walkability. Feel the century-old cobblestone and brick paths under your feet as you enjoy the shade of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. If it starts to get too hot to explore by foot, you can take a charming trolley tour instead and learn more about the city’s history. A short trip becomes expansive when you have an extra night to linger over an authentic Lowcountry boil while enjoying a view of the river.
- Where to stay in Savannah: After a long day of walking, you can sip a cocktail at the chic Thompson Savannah by Hyatt and watch the sun set over the river.
Plan your next getaway with Citi Travel
Whether you’re looking to use your points on a longer adventure or a more local excursion, book through Citi Travel. With our large collection of hotels in cities across the country, you can use your points to get more from your next vacation.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
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