As a busy parent, planning a family vacation can seem like a huge task—especially if you’re looking for ways to save money. One great option is using credit card points to cover most or all of your vacation expenses at an all-inclusive resort. Not only do all-inclusive resorts offer the convenience of meals, activities, and accommodations in one package, but many of them also have kids-stay-free deals, making it an even better value for families.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan a family vacation at an all-inclusive resort using credit card points. We’ll also highlight three fantastic family-friendly resort destinations—one in the U.S. and two outside the U.S.—where you can use points to save big on your next vacation.

Step 1: Choose the Right Credit Card for Earning Points

The first step in planning your vacation is making sure you have a credit card that lets you earn points for travel. If you already have a credit card that earns travel points, like a Capital One VentureOne, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or American Express Membership Rewards card, you’re off to a great start.

If not, consider applying for a card that offers bonus points or miles on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining. Some of the best cards for earning travel points include:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases.
  • Capital One Venture: Earn 2x miles on every purchase.
  • American Express Gold: Earn 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.

By using your card for routine expenses, you can quickly build up points to redeem for your next vacation.

Step 2: Find an All-Inclusive Resort

Once you have a credit card that earns travel points, it’s time to find an all-inclusive resort that fits your family’s needs. Many of these resorts allow you to pay for your stay using credit card points, either by booking through a travel portal (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Travel) or by redeeming points as a statement credit for travel expenses.

Look for resorts that offer family-friendly amenities and kids-stay-free deals to get the best value. Below are three great options for all-inclusive family vacations, one in the U.S. and two abroad.

Example 1: Club Med Sandpiper Bay (Port St. Lucie, Florida, U.S.)

Located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Club Med Sandpiper Bay is an all-inclusive resort that’s perfect for families. This resort offers a wide range of activities for both kids and adults, including sports academies, pools, and nightly entertainment. One of the best features of Club Med is that kids under 4 years old stay for free, which can help cut down costs for families with young children.

  • How to Book Using Points: You can book a stay at Club Med using points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or Capital One’s Purchase Eraser feature. For example, if your stay costs $1,000, you would need 100,000 points (at a rate of 1 cent per point) to cover the full cost.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Club Med offers a kids’ club, dedicated sports programs, and even baby equipment for families traveling with little ones. Meals, snacks, and activities are all included in the price, making it a worry-free vacation for busy parents.

Example 2: Hyatt Ziva Cancun (Cancun, Mexico)

For an international getaway, Hyatt Ziva Cancun is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Located right on the beach, this family-friendly resort offers everything from swim-up suites to a water park for kids. Hyatt Ziva Cancun often has special promotions where kids stay free, adding even more value to your trip.

  • How to Book Using Points: Hyatt is a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner, so you can transfer points earned through your Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve card directly to the World of Hyatt loyalty program. The number of points required for a free night varies, but typically ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 points per night.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: This resort offers a KidZ Club with supervised activities, live entertainment, and even a kids’ water park. All meals, snacks, and beverages (including non-alcoholic drinks for the little ones) are included in the price. The resort also has family suites available to accommodate larger groups.

Example 3: Beaches Turks & Caicos (Providenciales, Turks & Caicos)

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean escape, Beaches Turks & Caicos is a top-rated family-friendly all-inclusive resort. This resort offers everything from water sports and scuba diving to a 45,000 square-foot water park. Plus, kids stay free during certain promotions, making it an affordable option for large families.

  • How to Book Using Points: While Beaches resorts are not directly tied to a credit card travel portal, you can use Capital One Venture miles to redeem for travel purchases like your hotel stay through the Purchase Eraser feature. You can also check for availability on travel portals like Expedia to use your points for booking.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Beaches Turks & Caicos offers endless activities for kids of all ages, including a Sesame Street®-themed kids’ camp, a pirate-themed water park, and even a teen disco. With family suites available, Beaches makes it easy for larger families to enjoy a luxurious vacation while keeping costs down.

Step 3: Earn Points with Everyday Purchases

To accumulate enough points for your vacation, it’s essential to maximize your credit card usage on everyday purchases. Here are a few simple ways to earn more points quickly:

  1. Groceries and Gas: Use your travel rewards card to pay for groceries and gas, two of the largest expenses for most families. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture allow you to earn 2x points/miles on these purchases.
  2. Dining and Takeout: Many travel cards offer bonus points on dining. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on restaurants, while the American Express Gold Card offers 4x points at U.S. restaurants.
  3. Streaming Services and Subscriptions: Some cards allow you to earn extra points on recurring subscriptions like Netflix or Hulu. This is a great way to collect more points without changing your spending habits.

Step 4: Plan and Redeem Points for Your Family Vacation

Once you’ve earned enough points, it’s time to plan your trip. Here’s how to make the most of your points when booking an all-inclusive resort:

  1. Check Your Points Balance: Log into your credit card account to see how many points you’ve earned. You’ll also be able to estimate how much they’re worth when redeemed for travel.
  2. Book Through a Travel Portal: Most credit card companies offer a travel portal (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Travel) where you can use your points to book flights, hotels, and vacation packages. Make sure to compare prices between booking directly with the resort and using your credit card’s travel portal.
  3. Use the Purchase Eraser: If your card offers a Purchase Eraser feature (like Capital One Venture), you can book travel as you normally would and then use your points to cover the cost after the purchase. This is a great way to apply points retroactively if you’ve already booked your trip.

Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Vacation with Points

  1. Book Early for Best Availability: Many all-inclusive resorts, especially those offering kids-stay-free deals, fill up quickly. Be sure to book your trip several months in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
  2. Look for Bonus Promotions: Keep an eye out for bonus offers, especially during holiday seasons or back-to-school times, when resorts may offer special deals for families.
  3. Avoid Peak Travel Times: Traveling during off-peak times can save you both points and cash. Resorts often have lower rates during the fall and spring, making it easier to find availability and earn more value for your points.

Conclusion: Plan Your Dream Vacation at an All-Inclusive Resort Using Credit Card Points

Planning a family vacation at an all-inclusive resort doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. By using credit card points to cover your travel expenses, you can take the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank. Whether you choose a U.S. resort like Club Med Sandpiper Bay or venture outside the country to Hyatt Ziva Cancun or Beaches Turks & Caicos, there are plenty of ways to stretch your points and enjoy a fun, relaxing vacation with your family.

Start earning points today with everyday purchases, book early to secure the best deals, and keep an eye out for promotions that offer extra savings—especially if you can find a kids-stay-free offer!

Would you like to start planning your next trip using points?