Travel Wins: Trips I Booked for Only Taxes & Fees
Niagara Falls - Read below our trip to Toronto for taxes and fees
If you’ve ever wondered whether “nearly free travel” is actually real, let me show you exactly what it looks like in practice. These are real trips I booked using points and miles — and the only thing I paid out of pocket was the required taxes and fees. No gimmicks. No extreme couponing. Just smart strategy and the right rewards cards.
Whether you’re brand new to travel hacking or you’ve dipped a toe in and want to see what’s possible, these examples will give you a clear picture of how far your points can take you.
What Does “Taxes & Fees Only” Travel Mean?
When you book a flight or hotel with points, you still pay a small mandatory amount in government taxes or resort fees. But instead of paying hundreds (or thousands) of dollars, you’re paying something like $5.60 for a flight or $20–$40 per night for a hotel.
Everything else? Covered by your points.
This is where the magic happens — and where beginners start to see how powerful points and miles can be.
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🌄 Tamaya Resort, New Mexico
Tamaya Resort and Spa in New Mexico
Nestled between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa was a dream redemption. Using World of Hyatt points, I booked a stay that would have cost hundreds of dollars per night. Instead, I only paid the small resort taxes and fees. This was a perfect 4th of July getaway for my husband and me.
Travel Hack Highlight: Hyatt’s award chart sweet spot made this luxury stay nearly free, proving why Hyatt points are gold for family-friendly resorts.
🎰 Las Vegas Getaway
Vegas is always a fun playground, but it’s even better when the room is free. We score free flights thanks to Southwest Rapid Rewards for our family of four. We combined that with a Hyatt Stay and a Caear’s stay, all with points.
Travel Hack Highlight: Combining casino loyalty perks with credit card points is one of my favorite hacks — it’s how I turn “free nights” into actual free vacations.
🌴Miami Adventure
Anniversary trip to South Beach, all thanks to points and miles. I booked a hotel in South Beach with Hyatt points. Free airfare thanks to Southwest Rapid Rewards and the Companion Pass.
Travel Hack Highlight: Hyatt doesn’t charge resort fees on point stays!
🍁 Toronto Escape
Toronto was a quick but memorable getaway, booked entirely with airline miles and Hyatt free night certificates. The flight was covered by points, leaving me to pay only the government taxes and fees. My downtown hotel stay was courtesy of Hyatt Free Night certificates I received as a credit card sign-up bonus, making this trip nearly cash-free.
Travel Hack Highlight: Pairing airline miles with hotel loyalty programs is the ultimate combo for international city breaks. Toronto proved that even cross-border travel can be done for pennies on the dollar. Check out what all the fun things we did on this points and miles trip -> Discover Best of 3 Days in Toronto
How You Can Start Booking Trips Like This
If you’re thinking, “Okay, but how do I get these points?” — here’s the simple version:
Step 1: Start With a Flexible Points Card
Flexible points are the backbone of almost every trip above. They transfer to airlines and hotels, giving you way more options.
Step 2: Use the Card for Everyday Spending
Groceries, gas, bills, Target runs — it all adds up.
Step 3: Transfer Points to Travel Partners
This is where the magic happens. Hyatt, Southwest, Air Canada, United… all unlocked with the right card.
Step 4: Book Your Trip for Just Taxes & Fees
And enjoy the feeling of paying $5.60 for a flight that normally costs $400.
✈️ Why These Trips Matter
Each of these redemptions shows the power of points and miles when paired with smart strategy. Taxes and fees are unavoidable, but when the bulk of the cost is covered, you can travel more often, stay longer, and enjoy experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach.
Takeaway for Beginners: Focus on programs that offer outsized value — Hyatt for stays, Southwest for flights is a great way to travel for free easily! You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to make these trips happen! Check out my Beginner Travel Guide to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “taxes and fees only” really mean?
It means you’re using points to cover the base cost of the flight or hotel, and you’re only paying the mandatory government taxes or resort fees.
How many points do I need for a free Hyatt stay?
Hyatt award nights start as low as 3,500 points and go up based on category and season.
What’s the easiest way to earn points fast?
Welcome bonuses + putting your everyday spending on the right card.
Which card should beginners start with?
A flexible points card is usually the best starting point because it unlocks the most travel partners.
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
