Using reward points and miles to pay for tours is one of the most overlooked travel hacks. Many travelers only use them for flights or hotel stays, leaving thousands of unused points that could cover once-in-a-lifetime activities.

With the right strategy, you can turn those points and miles into free or discounted tours, museum passes, safaris, and local experiences — all without spending extra cash. Here’s exactly how to do it and make your rewards go further.

Understanding How Travel Rewards Work

Before you can redeem points or miles for tours, it helps to understand how these programs operate.

The Difference Between Points and Miles

Reward points usually come from credit cards, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards. They can be redeemed for travel, cash, or transferred to partner programs. Miles, on the other hand, are tied to airlines like Delta, United, or American Airlines. They are often earned through flights or partner spending and used for air travel, upgrades, and increasingly — tours and experiences.

Why Most Travelers Don’t Use Them for Tours

Many people assume that points and miles only work for flights or hotels. However, several programs now partner with activity booking sites like Viator and GetYourGuide. This means you can use your rewards to pay for guided tours, adventure packages, and even concerts or events.

Where You Can Use Reward Points or Miles for Tours

Several major programs now allow direct redemption of points for experiences. Knowing where to look makes all the difference.

Airline Loyalty Programs That Support Tours

Airlines are expanding their redemption options.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can access AAdvantage eShopping to book activities through partners.

Delta SkyMiles Experiences offers auctions and exclusive tours for members.

United MileagePlus Activities connects directly with tour operators worldwide, letting you use miles for excursions and attractions.

Credit Card Reward Programs That Cover Tours

If you earn points through a credit card, your redemption options may be even broader.

Chase Ultimate Rewards lets you book tours via its travel portal or transfer to partners like Hyatt and United.

Amex Membership Rewards offers bookings through American Express Travel.

Capital One Miles can be redeemed directly for travel purchases or reimbursed after you book with cash.

Third-Party Tour Platforms That Accept Points

Tour platforms such as Expedia, Viator, and GetYourGuide integrate with credit card reward portals. For instance, you can redeem Chase points through Expedia for guided tours, day trips, or adventure packages in nearly any destination.

Step-by-Step: How to Redeem Points or Miles for Tours

Even beginners can use this process to redeem rewards efficiently.

Step 1 — Log Into Your Rewards Portal

Start by signing into your credit card or airline account. Go to the “Travel” or “Book with Points” section to access tour options.

Step 2 — Search for Tours and Activities

Use the search tool to find available tours in your chosen city. Filter by category — such as sightseeing, adventure, or cultural experiences.

Step 3 — Compare Points Value vs. Cash Price

Before confirming, check the conversion rate. Most programs value points around 1 cent each, though it varies. If a $100 tour costs 15,000 points, you’re getting below-average value and might want to pay cash instead.

Step 4 — Complete the Booking

Once you’ve chosen the best-value option, proceed with redemption. Always check that your booking includes confirmation details and cancellation terms.

Step 5 — Check for Bonus Redemption Offers

Programs like Chase or Amex sometimes boost redemption value by 25% or more during special promotions. Take advantage of these to stretch your rewards further.

Getting the Best Value from Your Reward Points

Not all redemptions are created equal. Some offer far better value than others.

Use Points for High-Value Redemptions

Focus on experiences that are otherwise expensive in cash. For example, helicopter tours or multi-day excursions typically offer better point value than small group tours.

Combine Points and Cash Strategically

Some portals let you pay partly with points and the rest in cash. This is smart when you don’t have enough rewards for the full price or want to preserve points for a future trip.

Transfer Points to Partner Programs

Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Citi ThankYou Points allow point transfers to airlines or hotels. Transferring often unlocks exclusive tour options or higher redemption rates through those partners.

Watch for Limited-Time Promotions

Partners such as Expedia and tour networks regularly offer double-value redemptions during travel seasons. Check for these deals before finalizing your booking.

Common Mistakes When Using Points and Miles for Tours

Even experienced travelers lose value due to a few avoidable mistakes.

Redeeming for Low-Value Experiences

Avoid spending points on low-cost tours or gift cards. If a redemption gives less than 1 cent per point, you’re better off saving for flights or hotels.

Ignoring Taxes and Fees

Some programs still charge small taxes or service fees even when you redeem points. Make sure you review total costs before confirming.

Not Checking Refund Policies

Redemption-based bookings often come with stricter rules. Some are non-refundable, while others charge penalties for cancellations or changes.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Reward Redemptions

These expert tips can help you get the most from your rewards balance.

Stack Promotions with Credit Card Offers

Look for card-linked promotions offering bonus miles or cashback when booking through portals like American Express. Combining deals increases your overall redemption value.

Book Through Transfer Partners for Unique Tours

Some programs like Chase let you transfer points to travel partners that offer exclusive experiences — such as wine tastings, private cultural tours, or special access events.

Track Point Valuations with Reliable Tools

Use resources like The Points Guy to monitor changing point values. These sites regularly update to show which programs offer the best deals for specific destinations.

Should You Use Points or Save Them for Flights and Hotels?

Knowing when to use or save your points helps you make smarter travel decisions.

When Using for Tours Makes Sense

Redeem points for tours if they’re about to expire or when the cash price is unusually high. It’s also a great idea for special experiences you wouldn’t normally pay for out of pocket.

When It’s Better to Save Them

If the redemption value for a tour is poor or you’re planning an international flight, saving for airfare or premium hotels often yields more value per point.

Using Reward Points and Miles for Tours — Final Take

Using reward points and miles for tours lets you travel more while spending less. The key is knowing where to redeem, comparing point values carefully, and using bonuses or transfer partners to stretch your rewards. With a smart approach, those unused points can easily cover your next adventure’s tours and activities.

Sources

Expedia 

American Express 

The Points Guy