Free flights and extra-night stays aren’t the only perks you can get with airline or hotel rewards points. Some hotel chains and airlines let you buy or bid on special experiences on their auction websites. Here is a sampling of what you can find.
Awards shows and festivals. Get access to, say, the Oscars and music festivals such as Coachella. Hilton Honors recently packaged tickets for two to the 2017 Grammy Awards and after-party along with accommodations and transportation. Closing bid: 850,000 points.
Sports events. Suites can start at 25,000 points or less. Blowouts such as NBA All-Star Weekend or the Super Bowl (plus lunch with a player) go for more than 100,000 Marriott points.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Culinary treats. Through Starwood Preferred Guest, foodies can dine privately with famous chefs, such as Daniel Boulud or Guy Savoy, at their restaurants--sometimes with a cooking demo or kitchen tour thrown in. Bidding starts at 1,000 points.
Performances. Sit in prime seats at a show, then head backstage. Delta recently offered two orchestra seats to Aladdin on Broadway, a backstage tour and the opportunity to meet a character in costume. Opening bid: 30,000 miles.
-
Standard Deduction 2026 Amounts Are HereTax Breaks What is the standard deduction for your filing status in 2026?
-
New 2026 Income Tax Brackets Are Set: What to Know NowIncome Tax The IRS has adjusted federal income tax bracket ranges for the 2026 tax year to account for inflation. Here's what you need to know.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the CrowdsBeat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
The United and JetBlue Partnership: Everything We Know About Blue Sky So FarDOT approves Blue Sky, the United and JetBlue partnership that will give frequent fliers more ways to earn and use miles. Here's what you need to know.
-
Struggling with How to Plan a Trip? These Companies Will HelpTravel Plans Sit back, relax and let the professionals handle the logistics.
