Best Family Destinations Using Points for Summer 2026

Points Strategy for Affordable Family Travel

To plan the best way to earn enough points for your vacation to affordable family destinations, you should turn to one or more of these strategies. Additionally, if both adults contribute, it is possible for four people to travel to these family destinations using points.

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!

Aeroplan

Aeroplan credit cards make it easy to earn a lot of Aeroplan points for travel to family destinations. One of the best is the TD?? Aeroplan?? Visa Infinite* Card.

• The TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card offers you and your travel companions the first checked bag free.
• The TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card provides great cardholder exclusivity for a more enhanced travel experience and a more generous welcome bonus.

Each adult in the household can apply for credit to accelerate your earnings for your family vacation. Aeroplan Family Sharing is a great way to combine point balances.

See the Ultimate Guide on Aeroplan for more information on the program.

Marriott Bonvoy

Two people can easily earn 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, and you can transfer up to 100,000 points per year to combine them on the same account.

Each person can apply for the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card and the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card. Consult our guide here to learn how to get 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!

Travel Reward Points for Family Vacations

Sometimes we can’t optimize Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points to their full value. 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 rewards points:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• BMO Rewards
• NBC Rewards
• CIBC Aventura
• Scene+ Scotia
• TD Rewards
• RBC Rewards

For example, each adult could apply for the CIBC Aventura^® Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura? Visa* Gold Card, which would provide a tremendous amount of Aventura points for your family vacation, with the first year being free.

With the current redemption promotion, you can get a lot of value with these points to fly and stay in these family destinations. You can consult our guide to learn how to use the Aventura program.

What’s the Best Country for Children on a Family Trip?

Choosing the best family destinations for traveling with children depends on several criteria: safety, family activities, suitable infrastructure, and ease of travel. Here are some ideal destinations for families:

• Japan: safe and clean, Japan offers fascinating experiences for children, such as Tokyo Disneyland, the Ghibli Museum, and numerous interactive parks. Its culture of respect for rules and family-friendly atmosphere make it a great destination.
• Curaçao: with its calm beaches and activities such as the Curaçao Aquarium and turtle diving, this Caribbean island is perfect for young travellers.
• Costa Rica: a natural paradise for children who love adventure! Animal watching, jungle trekking and hot-spring bathing make it the perfect destination for a full immersion in nature.
• Portugal: from the beaches of the Algarve to the streetcars of Lisbon and the many castles, Portugal is an affordable, family-friendly destination.
• Croatia: with crystal-clear waters, islands to explore and historic cities like Dubrovnik make it an excellent choice for family vacations combining relaxation and cultural discoveries.

Each country has its strengths, but the best family destination choice depends on the children’s interests and age.

Family Sun Destinations

Family Destinations – Costa Rica

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.

Getting There with Points

You can find tickets for four people traveling to this family destination for approximately either:

• $4,729
• 160,500 Aeroplan points + $590.60 in taxes and fees.

Which option is better?

This is an excellent use of your Aeroplan points for this incredible family destination at a valuation of 2.58¢, which is better than the 2¢ per point from Milesopedia.

Family Destinations – Curaçao

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 snorkeling 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.

Getting There with Points

This year, the average cost of a flight for four people to Curaçao is around:

• $3,928
• 167,600 Aeroplan points + $681.08 in taxes and fees.

Which option is better?

With a valuation of 1.94¢, which is almost equal to the 2¢ per point from Milesopedia, this is a fairly good use of your Aeroplan points for this family destination. Moreover, it is harder to accumulate nearly $4,000 in cash or travel reward points than to accumulate Aeroplan points with one of the two credit cards for your next family vacation.

Family European Destinations

Family Destinations – Croatia

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.

Getting There with Points

The airfare we can find for a family of four to Croatia for this summer turns around either:

• 6,198$
• 270,400 Aeroplan points + $871 in taxes and fees.

Which option is better?

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 carrier since there are currently no direct flights from Canada.

Family Destinations – Italy

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.

Getting There with Points

It is possible to take four people to this family destination by plane for an amount of approximately either:

• $4,876
• 288,000 Aeroplan points + $460 in taxes and fees.

Which option is better?

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.

Family Destinations – Portugal

Portugal, is 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 family vacations. Portugal is also known for its delicious seafood, which foodies should try.

Getting There with Points

The price for four people to Portugal is about either:

• $4,959
• 285,200 Aeroplan points + $475.80 in taxes and fees.

Which option is better?

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.

Family Destinations in Asia

Family Destinations – Japan

Japan is a fascinating family destination that combines ancient traditions with modernity, offering families a multitude of immersive experiences for children. This unique country captivates with its historic temples, soothing Zen gardens, and bustling futuristic metropolises.

Japan is full of family-friendly attractions, such as Disneyland Tokyo and Universal Studios Japan, to delight young and old alike. In Kyoto, children will marvel at the magic of temples like the Fushimi Inari and its famous red torii. In Tokyo, the Akihabara district and the Ghibli Museum transport people into the world of manga and Japanese animation. Finally, a stay in Japan wouldn’t be complete without an experience in a traditional ryokan, where families can discover onsen baths and kaiseki cooking.

Getting There with Points

For this summer, the cost for four people to travel to Tokyo is approximately:

• $6,860
• 400,000 Aeroplan points + $500 taxes and fees.

Which option is better?

At a value of 1.59¢, less than Milesopedia’s 2.0¢ per Aeroplan point, they are still an excellent way to save on the cost of a family vacation to Tokyo. It will always depend on the opportunities available with your points. You can either save them for later or use them now to save nearly $7,000.

Family Destinations – Bali, Indonesia

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 Uluwatu Temple, a magnificent 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.

Getting There with Points

For this summer, the cost for four people to Bali is around either:

• $15,160
• 400,000 Avios + $1,507 in taxes and fees.

Which option is better?

At a value of 3.41¢, far more than Milesopedia’s 1.7¢ per Avios, they’re a great way to save on the cost of a family vacation 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 take 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.

Although 400,000 Avios or Aeroplan points may seem high, you can earn a lot of Membership Rewards points with the American Express Platinum Card^® and the Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, both with welcome bonuses and organic spending, which will allow you to transfer them at a 1:1 ratio to Avios or Aeroplan points.

Family Destinations – Bottom Line

These family destinations are ideal for families looking for fun, safe, and affordable vacations. These family destinations have something for everyone, from theme parks to outdoor adventures. Whatever your decision, your family will have an unforgettable time.

While there are many other fabulous family destinations like South Africa, Martinique, Guadeloupe, or even the Maldives on a budget, as I experienced firsthand, I focused on those with decent award availability and pricing for summer 2026 travel 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.

What are the best family destinations to visit using points?

The best family destinations to visit using points include Costa Rica for its wildlife, Curaçao for its beaches, and Tokyo for its cultural attractions. Utilizing loyalty programs to book flights and hotels can make these vacations more affordable.

How can I use my points to save on family vacations?

You can use your points to cover the cost of flights, accommodation, or even on-site activities. Look for promotions and special offers to maximize the value of your points when planning your family vacation.

Which loyalty program offers the most value for family travel?

Programs such as Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy are often recommended for family travel due to their flexibility and partnerships with numerous airlines and hotel chains. They allow for easy accumulation and redemption of points for family destinations.

Is it possible to book family destination activities with points?

Yes, several loyalty programs offer the option to book activities such as guided tours, amusement park tickets, or excursions with your points. Check your program’s platform for available options in your family destination.

What is the best time to travel to family destinations using points?

Traveling during off-peak seasons, such as spring or autumn, can help you find attractive deals and avoid crowds. By planning ahead, you will have more availability to use your points for popular family destinations.