When it comes to planning a vacation, it can be difficult to find a family destination that is fun and safe.
To assist you, I’ve compiled a list of the best family destinations that are both ideal and affordable with credit card points. These places have something for everyone, from theme parks to outdoor adventures.
I narrowed my search for summer 2024 dates in case you need inspiration for your next family holiday! The fares mentioned are the best I could find.
To plan the best way to earn enough points for your affordable family holiday, you must turn to one or more of these strategies. Also, with both adults contributing, four people travelling to these family destinations with points is achievable.
Going in-depth with all three: points for airfare, Marriott Bonvoy points for hotels, and travel rewards points for Airbnb, or independent hotels will make your family holiday very affordable and perhaps almost free!
Since it takes time to accumulate points, if you are starting from scratch, it’s better to set your expectations for a family holiday with points for 2025. If you do have points already be quick to book these for this summer!
Aeroplan credit cards allow you to earn over 100,000 Aeroplan points easily. One of the best is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card.
Each adult in the household can subscribe to one credit to expedite your earnings towards your family holiday. Aeroplan family sharing is currently suspended, but you can book separately and link your reservations.
See the Ultimate Guide on Aeroplan for more information on the program.
Two people can easily earn 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, and you can transfer up to 100,000 points per year to combine them in the same account.
Each person can apply for the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card and the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card. See our guide here for details about getting a small business card.
This will result in receiving a boatload of points.
Besides, at the time of the annual renewal, you will get one free night certificate worth 35,000 points or less for each of those cards. You can even combine it with points! Therefore, you can have up to four free nights yearly to make your family destination vacation more affordable.
Marriott Bonvoy can be used at all the family destinations mentioned in this article. Furthermore, in some places such as Bali, those points can go really far!
Sometimes, we can’t optimize Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points to their worth. Indeed, the cash price can often be competitive so we’ll resort to Travel Rewards Points that you can use on any purchase.
How to decide which is better? We’ll go in-depth with each family destination mentioned in this article, but you can also take a closer look here.
Here are the main rewards programs which offer travel points:
For example, each adult could subscribe to the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card, resulting in up to 180,000 Aventura points for your family holiday with the first-year free.
With the current redemption promotion, you can get up to $2,250 of value out of those points. You can look at our guide for more details on how to use the Aventura program.
We recommend that beginners start with one or two credit cards and then space out applications by at least 6 to 9 months. Afterwards, as you gain confidence in credit card management, you can increase the amount of applications and gradually move them closer together.
Orlando is a popular family destination with various theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Studios. With so many rides, attractions, and shows, these theme parks offer a fun-filled day for families.
In addition to the thrills of the theme parks, Orlando provides multiple outdoor activities, beaches and lakes for those who want to spend some time outside. For example, Lake Eola Park is an excellent place to picnic, walk around the lake, and enjoy the local food and beverage scene.
The best price you can find for four people to Orlando is about either:
Which is better?
($1,594– $546.68) ÷ 73,600 × 100 = 1.42 ¢
At a valuation of 1.42 ¢, under Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point, it would be better to pay in cash and use Travel Rewards Points such as the Aventura program for your family holiday in Orlando.
While 1.42 ¢ is not a bad estimation, it is below average, and there are many opportunities to redeem them at a higher rate.
San Diego is known for its beautiful shores and outdoor activities. San Diego is an ideal family destination, from the world-renowned San Diego Zoo to the numerous parks and beaches.
Attractions in the city include the USS Midway Museum, which focuses on naval history, and La Jolla Cove, which is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and sea kayaking. Families can also visit Balboa Park, which has a variety of cultural and recreational activities, such as museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
You can also easily rent a car and visit Disneyland in Anaheim during your family holiday!
A reasonable cost of a round-trip ticket to San Diego for four people is around either:
($2,766 – $546.68) ÷ 98,400 × 100 = 2.26 ¢
At a valuation of 2.26 ¢, which is higher than Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point, it would be best to pay for your family vacation in Southern California with Aeroplan points.
Washington, D.C. is a city rich in stories and culture, making it an ideal family destination. Washington, D.C., has something for everyone, from visiting the White House and the Lincoln Memorial to exploring the various museums and cultural experiences.
The city is home to world-renowned museums such as the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum, which provides families with a wealth of history and knowledge. Washington, D.C., also has many parks, including the National Mall, which is ideal for picnics and relaxation.
The average cost of four people travelling to Washington is about either:
($1,678 – $546.68) ÷ 60,800 × 100 = 1.82 ¢
It would be better to pay in cash and use Travel Rewards Points for your family holiday in Washington at an estimation of 1.82 ¢, which is slightly less than Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point.
However, I believe you should also consider redeeming your Aeroplan points when it gets close to 2¢; that valuation isn’t bad either. It all depends on whether you have other plans for those points and whether you have accumulated enough Travel Rewards Points.
Hawaii is a tropical paradise with a variety of family-friendly activities. Hawaii is a great family destination if you are looking for an unforgettable vacation, from the stunning beaches to the unique culture and history.
Hiking, snorkelling, and surfing, for example, are available on the island of Oahu. In contrast, the island of Maui offers breathtaking natural beauty, including the Road to Hana and the famous volcano Haleakala. In Honolulu, families can learn about Hawaiian heritage and past at the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Bishop Museum.
A reasonable fare for four round-trip tickets to Hawaii is about either:
($2,511 – $599.48) ÷ 173,200 × 100 = 1.1 ¢
At a valuation of 1.1 ¢, which is under Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point, it’s a clear choice to pay cash and use Travel Rewards Points. While you can find very affordable Aeroplan fare to Hawaii, they were scarce for next summer. As you can see, there are often very good deals to fly to Hawaii, so always check both cash and points options. Also, if you still have a companion pass, use it for this family holiday!
Costa Rica is well known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. Costa Rica is an ideal family destination, with things to do ranging from exploring cloud forests and national parks to experiencing the local culture.
The country is home to attractions such as the Tortuguero National Park, a sea turtle nesting site, and the La Fortuna Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest. Costa Rica is also known for its environmentally friendly resorts and activities, perfect for families who enjoy the outdoors.
You can find tickets for four people heading to Costa Rica for about either:
($4,729 – $590.60) ÷ 106,400 × 100 = 3.89 ¢
It’s an excellent use of your Aeroplan points to this amazing family destination at a valuation of 3.89 ¢, which is almost double Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point.
Curaçao is a Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and fascinating history. According to members of our community, Curaçao is an ideal family destination, with activities ranging from snorkelling and diving in its crystal-clear waters to exploring its colonial architecture and local markets.
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium offers a chance to see the marine life, and the Hato Caves, a network of caves filled with interesting rock formations, are located on the island. Curaçao is also well known for its distinct local cuisine, which combines Dutch, African, and Caribbean flavours.
This year, the average cost to fly four people to Curaçao is around either:
($3,928 – $681.08) ÷ 167,600 × 100 = 1.94 ¢
At a valuation of 1.94 ¢, which is nearly equal to Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point, it’s a fairly good use of your Aeroplan points. Also, accumulating almost $4,000 in cash or Travel Rewards Points is more difficult than earning Aeroplan points with one of two credit cards for your next family holiday.
Croatia is a beautiful country in Europe’s Balkans region. We travelled to Croatia with our infant, which was a great family holiday. It is well known for its stunning Adriatic Sea coastline and rich history and culture.
It is home to several medieval cities and castles, including Dubrovnik, one of the world’s best-preserved ones. Swimming, hiking, and exploring the countryside are outdoor activities available to families. Croatia is a great family destination for a memorable vacation, whether you’re looking for city sightseeing or natural beauty.
The airfare we can find for a family of four to Croatia for this summer turns around either:
($6,198 – $871) ÷ 270,400 × 100 = 2.57 ¢
At a valuation of 2.57 ¢, which is over Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point, the best would be to redeem Aeroplan Points for this family destination, which will save you a lot of money!
Another alternative to lower the price would be to enter Europe elsewhere and use that gateway to reach Croatia on the wings of a low cost since there are currently no direct flights from Canada.
Italy is rich in history, culture, and gastronomy, making it an ideal family destination. Italy has everything, from ancient ruins and art museums to charming villages and delectable cuisine.
The country is home to attractions such as Rome’s Colosseum, a testament to the Roman Empire, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a famous tilt that draws thousands of visitors yearly. Italy is also well known for its stunning beaches and lakes, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
You can fly four people to Italy for about either:
($4,876 – $460) ÷ 288,000 × 100 = 1.53 ¢
At a valuation of 1.53 ¢, which is under Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point, it is another one of those grey areas where it would be better to pay cash and use Travel Rewards Points and save your Aeroplan Points for a more optimal future redemption.
The questions will always be whether you have other plans for those points, whether you can afford nearly $5,000 in airfare, and whether you have enough Travel Rewards Points to cover the charges.
Portugal, an ideal family destination, has something for everyone, from visiting its beautiful beaches and charming villages to exploring its cities and castles.
Attractions include the Sintra National Palace, a spectacular castle that offers a glimpse into the country’s royal past, and the Lisbon Oceanarium, a world-class aquarium ideal for a family holiday. Portugal is also known for its delicious seafood, which foodies should try.
The price for four people to Portugal is about either:
($4,959 – $475.80) ÷ 285,200 × 100 = 1.57 ¢
At a valuation of 1.57 ¢, which is under Milesopedia’s 2 ¢ per point, the reflection is the same as we previously discussed for Italy.
Bali is a tropical paradise that provides families with a variety of cultural and natural experiences. Bali is a perfect family destination, with its lush forests and pristine beaches, as well as its rich heritage and vibrant local markets.
The island is home to attractions such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, a monkey sanctuary, and the Uluwatu Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Bali is also well known for its traditional dances, such as the famous Kecak Dance, which provides a unique experience for families.
For this summer, the cost for four people to Bali is around either:
($15,160 – $1507) ÷ 400,000 × 100 = 3.41 ¢
At a valuation of 3.41 ¢, which is well over Milesopedia’s 1.7¢ per Avios, they are an excellent way to save on the cost of a family holiday in Bali.
Sure, you can reach Bali with your family for less than $15,000 (more connections, low season, etc.), but that’s the current ”low” fare for a one-stop journey to Indonesia during their high season and in the middle of our Canadian summer at three months out.
You can also fly your family to Bali or Singapore with 400,000 to 520,000 Aeroplan points, but Avios are equally easy to earn in Canada with various credit cards. As usual, it will always depend on the available dates and preferred routing.
While 400,000 Avios or Aeroplan points sound steep, you can earn a lot of membership rewards points with The Platinum Card® and the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, which will allow you to transfer them at a 1:1 ratio to either Avios or Aeroplan.
These top ten places are ideal for families looking for a fun, safe, affordable vacation. These family destinations have something for everyone, from theme parks to outdoor adventures. Whatever you decide, your family will have an unforgettable time.
While there are a lot of many other fabulous family destinations such as South Africa, Martinique, Guadeloupe or even the Maldives on the budget, as I experimented firsthand, I focused on the ones with decent award space and price for summer 2024 travels on such short notice for this article.
Indeed, April is considered late to book 4 award tickets for the summer. Still, it can always be possible, as seen here, if you keep an open mind about the location of your family destination. Book as early as possible when aiming to redeem points to secure the best price and the widest array of choices for your family holiday.
Savings are here:
