Travelling to Central America and the Caribbean is a dream for many, thanks to their diverse landscapes, paradise beaches, and rich culture. For Canadians, these destinations are especially accessible, notably through several airline alliances and loyalty programs that allow you to effectively use your reward points.
Whether through Aeroplan, AAdvantage, or flexible travel points, it’s now possible to plan a trip to these regions while optimizing your costs and budget.
This article guides you through the best options for using your points and miles, for flights, accommodation and activities, to make the most of your getaway to Central America and the Caribbean.
Central America and the Caribbean are particularly well served from Canada, thanks to several major airline alliances and independent carriers. This makes it much easier to use your reward points to travel there.
The Aeroplan program is a particularly attractive solution for travelling to Central America, thanks to its extensive coverage of the region through Star Alliance member airlines such as Copa Airlines, Avianca, United Airlines and, of course Air Canada.
From major Canadian cities, Air Canada offers many direct flights to Central America and the Caribbean. To reach more specific destinations, such as Puerto Escondido or Managua, a single stopover with a Star Alliance partner is usually all that’s needed, making travel simple and efficient.
The entire Central America and Caribbean region is classified within Aeroplan’s “North America” fare zone. As a result, points costs are based on the distance travelled, with most destinations located between 1,501 and 2,750 miles from Montreal or Toronto. This distance allows travellers to benefit from base rates of around 12,500 points for a one-way flight in economy class, which is very competitive for this geographic area.
It’s important to bear in mind, however, that these minimum prices represent the theoretical minimum. In practice, Air Canada and United apply dynamic pricing, which means that points costs can skyrocket, particularly in high season or during periods of high demand such as school holidays.
On the other hand, if you choose a partner like Avianca, which follows a fixed award chart, your itinerary will necessarily pass through the Bogota hub. This detour increases the total flight distance, which may place you in a higher band above 22,500 points for a one-way flight in economy class.
A strategic advantage of Aeroplan is the ability to add an extended stopover of up to 45 days for only 5,000 additional points on a one-way trip. This option allows you, for example, to visit Panama City before continuing to Costa Rica, or to combine two neighbouring countries in a single trip, thereby maximizing the value of your points.
To quickly earn the points needed for an award ticket to Central America or the Caribbean with Aeroplan, there are several effective strategies to consider:
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is an attractive option for travel to Central America, thanks in particular to its major hubs in the USA. These hubs facilitate access to several key destinations in the region, including San José (Costa Rica), Panama City, San Salvador, Guatemala City, Managua and Tegucigalpa in Nicaragua.
Why choose AAdvantage over Avios? Simply because, although American Airlines flights are sometimes available through Avios, the AAdvantage program generally offers much wider availability for its own flights.
Bear in mind, however, that in order to use your AAdvantage points (or even Avios via Oneworld alliance partners), you need to travel via the USA, as there are no direct Oneworld flights between Canada and Central America or the Caribbean.
So, for destinations without a direct flight, it makes sense to take advantage of this American stopover, especially if the points rates are favourable. The AAdvantage program is particularly well suited for travellers who are open to a connection in the United States on their way to Central America.
AAdvantage uses a semi-fixed award chart for flights between North America and the region, with points costs that are often very competitive. For example, a one-way economy class flight from Montreal to Punta Cana can start at just 7,500 points, while a flight to Managua begins at around 10,000 points.
To make planning easier, American Airlines also offers an interactive calendar that lets you quickly identify the dates when flights are cheapest in points.
While American Airlines does not offer an AAdvantage co-branded card in Canada, it is possible to earn miles through a well-established flexible program: RBC Avion Rewards.
RBC Avion Rewards points, earned through RBC Avion credit cards, are an excellent way to boost your AAdvantage balance. You can transfer your RBC Avion points to AAdvantage at a favourable conversion rate of 10,000 Avion points for 7,000 AAdvantage miles. Occasionally, there are also transfer bonuses, so it may be worthwhile to wait for these promotions.
These RBC Avion cards, known for their ease of earning points on all your everyday purchases, become a valuable tool for making travel with American Airlines and its Oneworld partners possible.
In addition, don’t forget that your flights with American Airlines, British Airways, Alaska Airlines and other alliance partners allow you to earn AAdvantage miles directly, depending on distance and class of travel.
For travel between certain Caribbean islands, the Avios program (British Airways Club) can be a very interesting option. With British Airways’ fifth freedom flights, you can travel from one island to another. For example, you can fly around the islands from Antigua to St. Kitts and Nevis for just 9,250 Avios and $1 in fees and taxes.
This makes travelling within the Caribbean easier and more affordable, allowing you to explore several islands without it being too expensive.
A major advantage of the Avios program is the ease with which you can collect and transfer your points, notably via American Express Membership Rewards or RBC Avion Rewards cards at a 1:1 rate, which quickly adds to your account.
However, some flights may be operated by low-cost or independent airlines, which do not participate in a frequent flyer program. This limits points options. In this case, flexible travel points programs such as Scene+ or TD Rewards may be a better solution.
SkyTeam alliance frequent flyer programs, such as Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) and Delta SkyMiles, theoretically allow you to redeem miles for flights to Central America and the Caribbean from Canada. In practice, however, this is often not an optimal option.
The fares are generally not very competitive: the dynamic pricing used by Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles means it is rare to find tickets at a good price, especially during peak travel periods. Additionally, award seat availability is very limited, and the itineraries offered can sometimes be illogical. For example, flights from Canada to Central America may route through Paris or Amsterdam, unnecessarily extending the duration of the trip.
From Canada, direct flight options within SkyTeam are also very limited. At present, there are only two routes:
This is still slightly better than what the Oneworld alliance offers in terms of direct connections (i.e., none), but the appeal is limited if the fares are not competitive. For example, the AAdvantage program sometimes offers very attractive prices for this destination, which is rarely the case with SkyTeam, where fare fluctuations can be significant.
That said, there may be occasional exceptions. In the past, I’ve spotted Flying Blue flights to Guadeloupe at very attractive fares. At the time of writing, I haven’t been able to find these prices, but it’s still worth checking regularly, especially if you’re flexible about your dates.
Please note: Air Canada’s direct flight to Pointe-à-Pitre, although accessible via Aeroplan, is also subject to dynamic pricing. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find it at the lowest price of 12,500 points. In this context, Flying Blue may represent a viable alternative, especially if you have earned miles with an American Express Membership Rewards card (1:0.75 transfer) or with a Flying Blue card. Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®.
When planning a trip to Central America or the Caribbean, “statement credit” programs, often referred to as travel points, are a simple, flexible and highly effective alternative to traditional loyalty programs such as Aeroplan or AAdvantage.
These programs allow you to pay for your plane ticket (or any other travel-related purchase) in cash, then apply your points to receive a statement credit directly on your credit card. They generally operate with a fixed redemption rate, often around 1 cent per point, which ensures excellent transparency regarding the actual value of your rewards. Whether it’s for a flight, hotel, car rental, or even an all-inclusive package, you maintain full control over your spending and how you use your points.
Another major advantage is that there are no carrier restrictions. Unlike traditional award programs tied to an airline alliance such as Star Alliance or Oneworld, travel points give you access to the entire market, including independent or low-cost airlines that don’t participate in any frequent flyer program. So you’re free to choose the itinerary, dates and airline that suit you best, without having to juggle the availability of award seats or the conditions imposed by airline programs.
In Canada, several financial institutions offer travel points programs well suited to this type of use. These include Scene+ (Scotiabank), NBC Rewards (National Bank), Aventura (CIBC) and TD Rewards (TD Bank).
Here’s a concrete example of how TD Rewards points can be used via their Expedia for TD booking portal, illustrating the simplicity of the process.
Travel points are particularly advantageous in several situations:
In practice, using travel points to book a plane ticket to Central America allows you to take advantage of the best offers available online. Platforms such as Google Flights, Skyscanner or Expedia make it easy to compare fares, and can often unearth highly competitive prices that are less restrictive in terms of availability.
What’s more, Google Flights ‘ “Explore” function is particularly useful for identifying the most advantageous periods and low-cost destinations at a glance, as shown in the screenshot below.
Finally, since tickets are paid for in cash, you also earn air miles on your flight (such as AAdvantage, Avios, Flying Blue or Aeroplan, to name some of the most popular in Canada). This feature allows you to double your benefits: use points to pay for your trip while continuing to accumulate airline points for your flight, an excellent way of maximizing the value of each trip.
Choosing the best points program for travel to Central America and the Caribbean depends on many factors, including your personal preferences, desired flexibility and point of departure in Canada. That said, in most cases Aeroplan remains the most versatile and accessible option. That said, in most cases, Aeroplan remains the most versatile and accessible option. Thanks to its numerous Star Alliance partners, it is often possible to reach popular destinations with only one stopover at most, or even a direct flight from major Canadian cities. The distance-based pricing allows you to book award tickets starting at 12,500 points in economy class and 25,000 points in business class, depending on the itinerary.
That being said, programs like AAdvantage can also be highly relevant, especially for those connecting through major U.S. hubs such as Miami, Dallas, or Atlanta. For example, AAdvantage offers flights to the Caribbean or Central America starting from 7,500 to 17,500 miles in economy class. It becomes particularly attractive if you have RBC Avion points, which can be transferred to AAdvantage.
Flying Blue, for its part, may occasionally offer attractive awards to destinations like Pointe-à-Pitre, although availability is often limited. However, SkyTeam is generally best avoided for this region.
So-called “flexible travel” points programs, such as NBC Rewards, Scene+, CIBC Aventura, TD Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, etc., are a great alternative. They allow you to book any flight for cash, then reimburse your purchase using your points. This model is particularly popular when award ticket availability is low or the price is really good.
To make the best choice, it is important to assess several factors: the ease of accumulating points through your credit cards, the availability of award seats, as well as flexibility options. For all-inclusive vacation enthusiasts, these are the best points for this type of trip! In fact, they allow you to book directly with the company or through a travel agency, if that’s what you prefer.
Finally, it is always recommended to compare your options based on your travel dates and any current promotions. A program may seem optimal on paper, but in reality, availability or pricing can vary significantly. Tools like Roame, Google Flights, or the airlines’ interactive calendars can help you quickly identify the best combination for your traveller profile.
Travelling to Central America or the Caribbean doesn’t mean having to compromise on comfort. Thanks to the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can stay in renowned establishments while reducing your expenses with the help of your points.
Present in several popular destinations, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic, the Marriott chain offers a wide range of hotels, from the practical Courtyard to the luxurious JW Marriott.
For example, you can stay close to the beaches of Tamarindo in Costa Rica, in the heart of historic Panama City, or near the Mayan ruins in Guatemala, while redeeming your points to cover all or part of your stay. Some places, like Panama, are very affordable in points! In fact, you can find overnight stays for as little as 10,000 points.
And don’t forget: if you book five nights with your Bonvoy points, the fifth night is free, a great advantage for extended stays. What’s more, holders of the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card and the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card receive a Free Night Award each year, which can be exchanged for a night’s stay in a hotel, the value of which often exceeds the annual cost of the card.
These cards also offer generous welcome bonuses, perfect for quickly earning the points you need for your trip.
For families or travellers seeking simplicity, some Marriott Bonvoy all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean, such as those in the Dominican Republic, offer a turnkey experience that can be fully paid for with points.
For example, the Royalton Splash Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, is one of the properties that can be booked with your Marriott Bonvoy points.
It’s an excellent option for a family vacation (tested and approved by myself) with wave pools, a children’s water park and all-you-can-eat restaurants.
At this type of hotel, everything is included: meals, snacks, drinks, and entertainment. You use your points, unpack your bags… and enjoy a stress-free stay.
If you prefer to get off the beaten path, Central America is full of small inns, eco-lodges, beachfront bungalows, or guesthouses in the heart of the jungle. These options, often bookable through Airbnb or Booking.com, offer a unique cultural experience.
In this case, flexible travel points programs such as those offered by NBC Rewards, TD Rewards, Scene+, Aventura, etc., are particularly useful. They work on the principle of statement credit: as mentioned earlier in this article, you pay for your independent accommodation with your card, then apply your points to reimburse part or all of the expense.
This is an ideal strategy if you’re looking for more freedom in your choice of accommodation.
Reward programs aren’t limited to airline tickets or hotel accommodations. You can also use your points to book on-site activities and excursions, such as guided tours, nature outings or cultural experiences.
These expenses are often recognized as travel expenses by card issuers, allowing you to pay for them with your travel points, or simply continue to earn rewards. It’s a simple way to maximize your points at every stage of your trip.
For those seeking an authentic Central American adventure, G Adventures is an excellent choice. This Canadian company, known for its small group tours, offers well-designed itineraries that immerse you in the local culture and the spectacular landscapes of the region.
I’ve done a dozen organized tours with G Adventures, and my first was in Central America. Whether it’s discovering the active volcanoes of Nicaragua, exploring the Mayan temples buried in the Belizean jungle or enjoying the wildlife and beaches of Costa Rica, the tours offered by G Adventures allow you to travel differently, away from the crowds, while benefiting from the support of an experienced guide.
As far as points are concerned, these bookings are usually considered as travel expenses by many Canadian rewards programs, such as those offered by National Bank, Scotia or CIBC. In practical terms, this means you can pay for your tour with your card, then apply your travel points as a statement credit for partial or full reimbursement.
When planning a trip to Central America or the Caribbean, it can be tempting to wait until you’re actually there to organize your outings. However, booking in advance with platforms such as Civitatis or GetYourGuide offers several advantages, both practical and financial.
These two online services make it easy to explore the region in a whole new way. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour of the Panama Canal followed by a stroll through the colonial streets of Casco Viejo, an expedition through the cloud forests of Costa Rica, a day of diving in Belize or a cultural activity in Antigua or Havana, you’ll easily find reliable options, often offered in French or English.
In addition to saving you time and queues, these Civitatis or GetYourGuide bookings are generally recognized as travel expenses by most credit card issuers in Canada. This means you can use your travel points to reimburse them in the form of a statement credit.
A trip to Central America or the Caribbean is a dream come true: paradise beaches, exotic nature, and a warm atmosphere. But before you pack your bags, make sure you have the right protection in case of the unexpected. Choosing the right travel insurance can save you from hefty bills if something goes wrong, whether it’s a health problem, a cancelled flight, or lost luggage.
Before shopping around for separate insurance, start by checking what your credit card already offers. Many travel credit cards in Canada include travel coverage:
But be careful: this coverage varies greatly from one card to another. For example, some cards offer no coverage after age 65, or require that 100% of travel expenses be charged to the card. Others exclude certain types of activities (scuba diving, high-altitude hiking, etc.). Take the time to read the terms and conditions, especially if you are using points to pay for your trip, or call your card issuer to fully understand the limitations.
If your card doesn’t protect you sufficiently, or if you’re planning a long-term or multi-country trip, consider independent insurance like SoNomad. SoNomad stands out for its competitive rates and flexibility. This Canadian company offers customized policies, ideal for:
Travelling in Central America and the Caribbean using your points is a smart way to optimize your budget while offering you a rewarding and comfortable experience.
Whether you choose Aeroplan for its flexibility, AAdvantage for its strategic partnerships or more general travel points programs, the key is to adapt your strategy to your needs and travel style.
Remember to take advantage of often overlooked options, such as extended stopovers, hotel nights with Marriott Bonvoy, or local excursions paid for in points.
And don’t forget to take out adequate travel insurance for peace of mind. By planning carefully and comparing your options, you’ll turn your points into memorable experiences in the tropics.
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