Top 10 Family Trips from The Points Guy’s 2026 List — Kid-Friendly Itineraries and Money-Saving Hacks

Beat the overwhelm: family trips that actually work — using points, not panic

If you’re juggling work, nap schedules and a credit-card statement, the idea of booking a family vacation with points can feel impossible. You’re not alone. The good news for 2026: there’s never been a smarter moment to turn stacked points and miles into family memories. This guide takes 10 family-ready picks from The Points Guy’s 2026 list and turns them into practical, kid-tested itineraries with packing lists, points-and-miles hacks and stress-minimizing tricks designed for busy parents.

Why plan this way in 2026? The trends that matter to families

Short version: more award-seat volatility, better family services, and a focus on sustainable, experience-driven travel. In late 2025 and into 2026, airlines and hotel chains increasingly leaned into family-friendly policies: flexible change rules stuck around after pandemic-era reforms, several loyalty programs expanded partner redemptions and more rental marketplaces for baby gear emerged. At the same time, dynamic award pricing is now the norm — so flexibility, transferable points and early searches matter more than ever.

Pro tip: prioritize transferable currencies (Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One) and set fare alerts for saver award space — flexibility is the new advantage.

Quick rules-of-thumb before you book

• Search early and often: award seats move quickly for family-sized blocks.
• Book one adult + one kid first: lock the seats you need, then add the rest.
• Mix points and cash: dynamic pricing sometimes makes part-cash bookings smarter.
• Rent gear locally: BabyQuip and local providers reduce checked-bag headaches.
• Insure smartly: family travel insurance with cancel-for-any-reason is more accessible in 2026 and worth it if you’ve got refundable award taxes at stake.

Top 10 family trips from The Points Guy’s 2026 picks — kid-friendly itineraries and money-saving hacks

1. Kyoto, Japan — 5-day cultural immersion for little explorers

Why it works for families: compact neighborhoods, kid-friendly temples, public transit that's stroller-friendly and easy day trips.

1. Day 1: Arrive, settle in an apartment-style hotel (kitchen + washer = sanity). Evening stroll in Gion; early dinner.
2. Day 2: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, boat ride, Monkey Park (short, manageable hike).
3. Day 3: Fushimi Inari early morning (empty trails), afternoon at Kyoto Railway Museum — great for train-obsessed kids.
4. Day 4: Day trip to Nara — deer park and Todai-ji; return for a quiet evening.
5. Day 5: Local market, souvenir shopping, airport transfer.

Points tips: Use transferable points to book Japan flights in advance; consider one-way award routes if availability is limited. Book hotels with free breakfast or suite upgrades via points to keep meal costs down.

Packing musts: compact stroller, travel high chair strap, kid headphones, motion-sickness tablets, small first-aid kit, reusable snack bags.

Money hack: Buy a 7- or 14-day JR Pass only if you plan longer distances — for city-based trips, IC cards + local passes beat an expensive national pass.

Calm factor: Book accommodations near a convenience store and a laundromat — small comforts go a long way.

2. Lisbon, Portugal — 4-day mix of beaches and pastel de nata

1. Day 1: Arrival, tram ride through Alfama, short riverwalk.
2. Day 2: Day at Cascais beach (train ride, family-friendly beaches), picnic.
3. Day 3: Belém for towers and pastries, MAAT museum playground stops.
4. Day 4: Sintra castle half-day trip, low-key afternoon and flight home.

Points tips: Iberian flights often show better economy award availability; transfer points to partner airlines for short-haul business-class redemptions if you want more space with kids.

Packing musts: foldable beach tent, sunscreen wipes, swim diapers, lightweight change of clothes in carry-on.

Money hack: Use Lisbon’s transport day passes and free museum days; eat at local tascas outside tourist centers for big savings.

3. Reykjavik & Iceland ring — 6-day nature + geothermal fun

1. Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon stop if timing allows (pre-book family slot).
2. Day 2: Golden Circle with short stops (Geysir, Gullfoss).
3. Day 3–4: South coast: waterfalls and black sand beaches (short hikes suitable for kids).
4. Day 5: Family-friendly horse farm visit or whale watching.
5. Day 6: Reykjavik museums and fly home.

Points tips: Iceland often has competitive cash fares — use points for hotels and car rentals instead. Book rental SUVs with child-seat add-ons via points or local providers.

Packing musts: waterproof layers, insulated travel blanket, hand warmers for kids, daypack with snacks.

Money hack: Grocery stores are cheaper than restaurants — self-cater several meals using apartment kitchens booked with points.

4. Costa Rica — 7-day rainforest and beach combo

1. Day 1: Arrive San José, move on to Arenal area.
2. Day 2–3: Hot springs, canopy bridges (choose family-friendly operators), short guided night walk.
3. Day 4–6: Transfer to Guanacaste for sandy beaches, tide pools and mellow snorkeling.
4. Day 7: Return and fly out.

Points tips: Use flexible points to book open-jaw flights (San José in, Liberia out) which saves driving time. Hotels on the Pacific coast often have great off-season rates and discounted award nights.

Packing musts: insect repellent wipes, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel set for older kids, quick-dry towels.

Money hack: Book family tours through local operators; they’re cheaper and more patient than large group outfits.

5. Dubrovnik & Croatia coast — 5-day sea, castles and short ferries

1. Day 1: Walk the old city walls early to avoid crowds.
2. Day 2: Island hop by short ferry to Lokrum or Mljet for calm swims.
3. Day 3: Cable car to Srd hill and a relaxed afternoon on the beach.
4. Day 4–5: Day trip to Montenegro’s Kotor Bay or a boat day with picnic stops.

Points tips: Use hotel points for sea-view rooms (worth the upgrade for nap-time peace). Consider booking a private transfer for arrival to minimize the stress of public transport with luggage and kids.

Packing musts: water shoes, small inflatable float, sun hats, lightweight stroller for paved areas.

Money hack: Buy local SIMs for cheap data and map access; less stress than hunting Wi‑Fi with kids in tow.

6. Mexico City, Mexico — 4-day cultural city break with kids

1. Day 1: Settle in a family-friendly neighborhood like La Condesa.
2. Day 2: Chapultepec Park, zoo and Papalote Children’s Museum.
3. Day 3: Teotihuacán sunrise trip (short climb options and shaded stops).
4. Day 4: Xochimilco boat ride and local markets before departure.

Points tips: Short-haul business class redemptions on domestic carriers can be easy with transferred points — great for splitting the flight if one child needs their own seat.

Packing musts: travel stroller that folds compactly, refillable water bottle, kid-friendly electrolyte powders for busy days.

Money hack: Use metro or short private rides for cheap transport; avoid pricey airport taxis by pre-booking an authorized transfer.

7. Cape Town, South Africa — 6-day wildlife, beaches and food

1. Day 1: Table Mountain cable car and V&A Waterfront stroll.
2. Day 2: Boulders Beach penguins (short walks, great kid engagement).
3. Day 3–4: Cape Peninsula scenic drive and small-group family safari near the Garden Route.
4. Day 5–6: Kirstenbosch gardens, interactive children’s activities and a final beach day.

Points tips: Use points for a multi-night hotel stay with airport transfer included; consider business-class long-haul awards to keep kids rested on the way.

Packing musts: sun protective clothing, binoculars for wildlife spotting, pop-up sunshade, motion or sea-sickness remedies if you plan boat trips.

Money hack: Local sim + ride shares beat expensive hotel services. Book small-group safari boots for shorter, kid-appropriate drives.

8. Medellín, Colombia — 5-day city + nature for curious kids

1. Day 1: Arrival and Parque Explora science museum.
2. Day 2: Cable car ride to Parque Arví (outdoor picnic and short trails).
3. Day 3: Day trip to Guatapé — colorful town and boat ride.
4. Day 4–5: Botanical gardens, interactive art walks and a relaxed market day.

Points tips: Short-haul awards and multi-city itineraries can be inexpensive; consider positioning flights to Medellín to capture lower award rates.

Packing musts: lightweight daypack, water-resistant shoes, small travel games for downtime.

Money hack: Eat at local markets and casual eateries; they’re cheap and child-friendly.

9. Rwanda (Kigali + Wildlife) — 6-day gentle safari for older kids

Why it’s possible now: improved infrastructure, family-oriented lodge options and day-friendly wildlife experiences make Rwanda a more accessible choice for families in 2026.

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, city museum and calm acclimation.
2. Day 2–4: Transfer to a family-friendly lodge near Volcanoes National Park; short guided treks tailored to older kids (age restrictions for gorilla permits apply).
3. Day 5–6: Community visits, nature walks and cultural learning before departure.

Points tips: Use points for premium international flights to Kigali and book lodges with award inventory early. Check permit age rules (gorilla treks typically have minimum age limits).

Packing musts: good hiking shoes, sun hat, small day first-aid kit, lightweight waterproof jacket.

Money hack: Combine a city stay with fewer lodge nights to manage costs and give kids more urban downtime.

10. New Zealand (North Island family loop) — 8-day gentle adventure

1. Day 1: Auckland arrival, family-friendly waterfront and aquarium.
2. Day 2–3: Rotorua for geothermal parks, Maori cultural experiences and hot springs.
3. Day 4–6: Coromandel beaches and short coastal hikes.
4. Day 7–8: Hobbiton for kids who love film magic and a slow-drive back to Auckland.

Points tips: Off-peak award nights at boutique lodges can be a great value; transfer points to airline partners for trans-Pacific legs and use hotel points for family suites.

Packing musts: layered clothing for variable weather, kid-sized walking poles if your children are older, travel laundry soap for quick washes.

Money hack: Rent a campervan for part of the trip if your family enjoys flexible sleeping arrangements — it saves on hotels and creates fun memories.

Family packing lists by age (quick printable check)

Baby (0–2)

• Baby carrier + compact stroller
• Portable travel crib (or rent locally)
• Diapers, wipes, quick-change mat
• Pre-measured formula packs or breastfeeding supplies
• Favorite comfort item and white-noise machine app

Toddler (2–5)

• Foldable booster or high-chair strap
• Snack tubes and insulated sippy cup
• Small activity kit and tablet with headphones
• Motion sickness meds and band-aids

Older kids (6–12)

• Kid headphones, portable charger
• Compact binoculars or a simple travel camera
• Reusable water bottle and daypack
• Lightweight layers and a small first-aid kit

Advanced points strategies for families in 2026

• Family pooling: Where available, consolidate points into one account to cover an award seat for a child — check specific program rules.
• Book separately, coordinate seats: If only single award seats appear, book the adults first and keep searching for the children’s seats; call the airline to request adjacent seating once you have all tickets.
• Opt for points-hotel + cash flights: When airline award pricing spikes, using points for hotels and cash for flights often lowers overall family cost.
• Use transfer partners: Transferable points give you options across airline alliances — hugely valuable when searching for two to four seats at the same price bucket.
• Leverage card benefits: Priority Pass lounge access, free checked bags and family travel credits (some cards now include childcare or ride credits) reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Minimizing stress on travel days — proven tactics

• Double up carry-ons: one for essentials (snacks, meds, diapers) and one with distraction toys and devices.
• Airport routines: arrive early, use family lanes, book curbside check-in where possible.
• Sleep plan: time flights to nap schedules when you can; white-noise and shade help on the plane.
• Divide and conquer: one parent manages logistics, the other handles the kids — rotate responsibilities on long travel days.
• Low-expectation days: schedule buffer days with minimal activities after arrival.

Final checklist before you hit “book”

1. Confirm award space for every passenger and the taxes/fees involved.
2. Pre-book seats and cribs directly with the airline/hotel after the award is ticketed.
3. Arrange carry-on essentials and a small emergency kit for travel days.
4. Print or download confirmation PDFs and add travel insurance if you have nonrefundable deposits. Also check the Pre-Trip Passport Checklist before you go.

Parting thoughts — make points work for your family in 2026

Travel in 2026 rewards flexibility, planning and the smart use of transferable points. The destinations above from The Points Guy’s list are fantastic starting points — but the real win comes from shaping them into child-centered itineraries: shorter days, fewer transfers and accommodation that doubles as a retreat. Focus on high-leverage moves (book award seats early, consolidate hotel nights with points, rent gear locally) and you’ll trade less stress for more time making memories.

Ready to plan? Download our family packing checklist and mileage planner, then check your points balances — your next family trip is closer than you think.

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