⭐ What’s Coming Up Next in My Points & Miles Journey
(And how I’m using points, miles, and a few strategic cruise deals to make it all happen)
This summer is shaping up to be one of my busiest travel seasons yet — not because we’re spending a ton of money, but because points, miles, and a few well‑timed cruise deals are doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
I thought it would be fun (and hopefully helpful!) to share what’s coming up next in my travel calendar and the exact strategies I’m using to book everything. If you want to see the full breakdown of everything I’ve already booked for 2026 — including how I used points, miles, and a few strategic deals — you can read that here:
👉 My 2026 Trips (and Exactly How I Booked Them on Points & Miles)
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Let’s dive into what’s ahead.
🇨🇦 1. Canada Cruise with Tanner
Tanner and me in Norway August 2025
This is a mother–son trip I’ve wanted to do for years. Tanner and I don’t get a ton of one‑on‑one travel time anymore now that he’s in college, so this one feels special.
How I booked it:
Flights: booked with points using the method in my Award Booking Guide
Cruise: booked through a deal I found while updating my Cruise Booking Tool post
I’ll also be using my new How I Book Shore Excursions (and When Each Option Makes Sense)strategy for this sailing — especially since Canada ports are perfect for DIY days.
Want the full breakdown of how I booked this trip? 👉 See the complete Canada cruise booking breakdown here.
🏝️ 2. Bahamas Cruise with My Besties
My besties and me at Arrington Vineyards Nashville
Girls’ trips are some of my favorite ways to use points and miles because everyone gets to enjoy the “fun” part of travel without stressing about the cost.
How I booked it:
Cruise: stacked a great deal that Mary Kennedy (cruise agent and bestie found us)
Flights: My flight was booked entirely on points, and I booked each of my friends a flight to the cruise on points!
This is the kind of trip where points let you splurge on the experience instead of the transportation.
🌘 3. Mediterranean Cruise for the Solar Eclipse
Our family in Barcelona - where our cruise this year begins
This is our big bucket‑list cruise of the year. A solar eclipse at sea? Yes, please.
How I booked it:
Flights: booked on points using the same strategy I teach in my Award Booking Guide
Cruise: Casino Cruise Deal booked early because Eclipse itineraries sell out fast
Excursions: I am doing a mix of DIY and Viator for this cruise
If you want to see how I compare cruise prices, check out my Cruise Booking Tools Comparison— it’s the exact process I used for this sailing.
🌲 4. Yosemite — All on Points
Tanner at Valley of Fire state park
National park trips are one of my favorite ways to use miles because the flights and hotels can get expensive fast.
How I booked it:
Flights: points
Hotel: Hyatt free night certificate + Marriott free night certificate
Car rental: using points to offset the cost
How I booked our Trip to Yosemite → Yosemite & Sequoia for Less: AA Miles + Hyatt Points
🎉 5. New Orleans Weekend for My 50th — All on Points
Julie in New Orleans 2025
This one feels extra special. A milestone birthday, a fun city, and a trip that cost almost nothing thanks to points and miles.
How I booked it:
Flights: points
Hotel: points
Food + fun: using card perks and statement credits
If you want to see how I plan milestone trips without blowing the budget, my 2026 Travel Breakdownpost is a great place to start.
This was a really fun stack that I am super proud of check it out → How I Booked a Luxe New Orleans Birthday Weekend for $200 + Points
⭐ Why I’m Sharing This
My goal isn’t to show off where I’m going — it’s to show you what’s possible when you stack:
Points
Miles
Cruise deals
Free night certificates
Casino offers
Loyalty perks
Smart timing
I don’t use spreadsheets. I don’t overcomplicate it. I just use the same strategies I share here on No Point Left Behind.
And if you want to follow along in real time, I share updates inside the Travel Hacking Moms Group on Facebook.
⭐ What to Read Next
To help you plan your own trips, here are the posts that pair perfectly with this one:
My 2026 Trips (and Exactly How I Booked Them on Points & Miles)
How I Book Shore Excursions (and When Each Option Makes Sense)
⭐ About the Author
Hi, I’m Julie — the travel‑hacking mom behind No Point Left Behind. I’ve spent the last decade learning how to stretch points, miles, and smart deals to help my family (and now my college‑age kids and my parents!) travel more for less. We cruise often, fly on points whenever possible, and I share the exact strategies we use so you can do the same — without spreadsheets or overwhelm.
If you want more beginner‑friendly tips, real‑life examples, and weekly deals, come hang out with me inside the Travel Hacking Moms Groupon Facebook. It’s where I share what’s working right now and help families travel smarter.
