How to book a dream vacation using only credit card points

This post is sponsored by RBC.

Booking a trip using nothing but credit card points sounds like an unattainable dream. But it’s actually possible, and there’s real strategy behind it. With the right card and a bit of planning, Canadians can turn everyday spending into flights, hotels, and even full vacation packages. If you’ve ever wondered how people score round-the-world flights without touching their savings, this guide walks you through it.

Before you start, remember: the best travel rewards credit cards in Canada look different for everyone. The right choice depends on your travel goals, your budget, and how much flexibility you want when redeeming points.

Here’s how to get started on your path to booking a vacation with credit card points.

Step 1: Start with where you want to go and how you like to travel

Do you want a beach week in Hawaii, a food tour in Italy, or a quick visit with family in Halifax? Your destination affects how many points you’ll need and which rewards program fits you best, and is an effective starting point for choosing the right rewards program and card.

You should also take into account the style in which you want to travel, and the various methods. Do you plan to use points for flights only, or are you hoping to also cover your hotels, car rentals, or activities? Are you looking for economical options to stretch your rewards, or do you want to upgrade to a first-class experience?

This is where it helps to understand what different reward charts offer.

For example, Avion credit card holders can use points for hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, or vacation packages by booking on the Avion Rewards website or app. They can also use the Avion Rewards Air Travel Redemption Schedule, where 100,000 Avion points can cover a round-trip ticket from a major North American gateway to destinations including Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and more, up to a maximum ticket price of $2,000.

Step 2: Find a program that gets you there for the fewest points

Credit card rewards are a great way to leverage your everyday spending to earn free travel. Here’s what to look for when comparing the best credit cards for travel rewards in Canada:

Award sweet spots

Some programs offer excellent value on specific routes or partner airlines. Fixed charts can be especially helpful because you know exactly how many points you’ll need.

Off-peak pricing

If your travel dates are flexible, booking during slower seasons can save a lot of points.

Partner airline availability and no blackout dates

Look for a program that lets you book when you actually want to travel. For example, look for portals that allow eligible cardholders to book on any airline, any flight, any time, with no blackout dates as long as seats are available for purchase.

Earning categories that match your spending

The best travel rewards credit card is the one that rewards what you already spend on. If groceries and gas dominate your budget, look for strong earn rates there.

Flexible redemption options

The more ways you can use your points, the easier it is to build the kind of trip you want. Some programs let you redeem for flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages through a single booking portal.

Step 3: Multiply your points

Once you’ve chosen a program, the next step is to grow your balance faster. Here are some questions to ask to determine which cards will help you earn more points, quickly.

Does this credit card have a welcome bonus?

A strong welcome bonus can sometimes cover a short-haul flight all on its own. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is a great example of this. New cardholders can get up to 55,000 Avion points just for signing up and spending $5,000 in the first six months, which can equal up to three round trip flights, depending where you’re headed. 

Are there any promotions or seasonal offers available?

Watch for limited-time promotions that help you earn extra points or get better redemption value.

What are the bonus-earning categories for this card?

Some cards offer more points when you spend on gas, travel, dining, or other popular categories.

Does this card allow me to stack offers? 

Shopping portals, in-store offers, and partner deals can help you boost your balance without changing your everyday habits.

Step 4: Use the easiest path to redeem

Once you’ve built up your points, it’s time to decide how to redeem them. Simplicity can be a big advantage. A partner or lender travel portal keeps everything in one place and makes it easy to compare prices across airlines and hotels. 

Look for intuitive websites or apps to book flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and more, paying with points, cash, or a mix of both. It can also make redemption easy to calculate, with a simple formula.

You can also transfer points to travel partners. Transfers can offer great value on certain routes, especially premium cabins, but they take a bit more research.

Step 5: Check early and often for booking availability

After you’ve chosen how you’ll redeem, the next challenge is finding availability. If you’re planning a big trip, start monitoring options early.

Set up alerts for price changes. Check airline calendars to see when award seats are released, as some carriers open seats many months ahead. If you’re flexible, last-minute award releases can be a great way to score premium seats for fewer points.

Step 6: Redeem for extra add-ons

Once your core trip is booked, look at how you want to use any remaining points.

You might redeem for flight or hotel upgrades, lounge access, seat selection, priority boarding, or even airport transfers. These little touches can turn a regular trip into an easier, more enjoyable one.

Step 7: Make sure you have the right travel insurance

Wondering about refunds on points-purchased flights? If your plans change, your refund will follow both your rewards program’s rules and the airline or travel provider’s policy. It could also depend on your insurance coverage. 

Many travel rewards cards include built-in insurance, which can cover things like emergency medical care, lost bags, and rental car collision damage. It can also cover trip interruption. 

Before you take off, make sure you understand what your policy covers, and whether the trip must be purchased using that particular card to activate certain protections.

The bottom line

If your goal is to book a dream vacation using only credit card points, the right card and a clear strategy can get you there. Focus on a flexible program, look for cards with good travel rewards and strong insurance, and be thoughtful about when and how you redeem. With a little patience and planning, your everyday spending can take you somewhere unforgettable.