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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Book an Airbnb in the top 10 wanderlust destinations with your Chase Sapphire Preferred
Stella is a full-time writer with expertise in credit cards, points and miles, and all things travel. She is a journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and previously worked as a copywriter at JetBlue Airways and as a credit cards writer at LendingTree.
May 28, 2021 • 11 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
A recent survey highlights that planning future travel has positively impacted many Americans' mental health during the pandemic.
Airbnb identified the top wish-listed destinations travelers hope to visit post-pandemic, including locations like Los Angeles, Bali and Paris.
Flexible travel rewards can be used for Airbnb stays, gift cards or statement credits, offering options for booking accommodations worldwide.
Sample stays in popular destinations illustrate how rewards can cover multiple nights, with examples ranging from affordable cabins to luxury lofts.
What to consider
Redemption value for Airbnb gift cards or statement credits is typically 1 cent per point, which may differ from higher values available through certain travel partners.
Some enhanced redemption options, such as elevated rates for specific categories, are only available for a limited time and may expire soon.
Not all accommodations or experiences may be available at all times, and travel restrictions can impact destination accessibility.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of how travel rewards can be maximized for Airbnb stays in specific global destinations, including sample nightly rates and stay durations.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
To inspire travel after over a year of staying at home, Airbnb has gathered the top wish-listed destinations by guests that they want to return to after the pandemic is over. According to their survey, 76% of Americans say that “just thinking about future travel has helped their mental health during the pandemic.”
Airbnb users picked destinations ranging from Los Angeles to Bali. As countries are reopening to vaccinated travelers, now’s the time to think about your first destination since the start of the pandemic.
Here at TPG, we often praise the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card as the best travel rewards credit card on the market. It even won a Reader’s Choice TPG Award in 2020 as the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card.
There’s never been a better time to apply with the chance to earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
That amounts to a whopping $2,000 in value, according to TPG valuations. Since each Chase Ultimate Rewards point is worth 5 cents each when redeemed for travel, this card can help you book your first post-pandemic trip — for (almost) free.
When it comes to Airbnb purchases, your Ultimate Rewards points will be worth 1 cent each -- more on that later. You'll typically get the most value from your points when transferring to Chase's 10 airline and three hotel loyalty partners, but for those who don't want to embark on complex transfer options, your 100,000 points are simply worth $1,000 if using for Airbnb.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 wanderlust destinations (as defined by Airbnb) and how you could use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to maximize and unlock (almost) free travel.
How to use your Chase Sapphire Preferred for Airbnb
What we like so much about the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the amount of flexibility and value you get when it comes to travel.
The Sapphire Preferred’s earning rate is easy to remember: 3x on dining and 2x on travel. While dining is self-explanatory, Chase defines travel broadly as it encompasses everything from the obvious (flights and hotels) to the less obvious (Ubers and parking garages). This means you’ll get a solid 4% return on these purchases — including Airbnbs — which quickly adds up over time.
Airbnb Experiences include group or private tours, classes, and other related activities — both in-person and virtual. These will also count as travel purchases, so you’ll also earn 5 points per dollar or a 10% return.
While you can’t book Airbnbs on Chase’s travel portal, you could use your points to redeem for Airbnb gift cards if you’ve found a property you’re eager to stay at. You can redeem your gift cards for 1 cent each, meaning that you could get $800 of Airbnb gift cards through the sign-up bonus alone.
Another option is to leverage your points to redeem at 1 cent each for a statement credit or just get pure cash, which can be used for Airbnb or virtually anything. Note that another lucrative option is Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature for a limited time at an elevated rate (until Sep. 30, 2021) of 1.25 cents and 1.5 cents, respectively, for dining, grocery stores, home improvement stores, select charities or fund a vaccine ride with Lyft with the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve.
Los Angeles, California
The entertainment capital of the world, many Airbnb travelers are actually looking forward to visiting Los Angeles to get some rest and relaxation. That’s because of the temperate Southern California climate and the proximity to beaches and mountains.
This space is well-designed and truly like none other. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
This two-bedroom guesthouse offers an eclectic vibe in the bohemian beach town of Venice Beach, Calif. There’s enough room for four guests to fit comfortably in this modern house. At $333 per night, you could pay for two nights’ accommodation with your Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus.
Americans have turned to road trips and domestic getaways since the pandemic, and we’ll continue to see these destinations rise in popularity. Sevierville is located near the Great Smoky Mountains, beautiful every season, with no shortage of hikes and waterfalls here. Plus, famous country singer and American treasure Dolly Parton is from here, meaning you’re just a quick drive to the Dollywood theme park.
Imagine soaking in all the natural light every morning with these large glass windows. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
This log cabin truly has a ‘wow’ factor to it. From rocking chairs to a hot tub to a charcoal grill, you’ll be sure to feel cozy all year round. Sleeping six people comfortably, this cabin is affordable at just $174 per night — meaning four “free” nights with your points.
I’m biased (all of my extended family lives in South Korea), but I think Seoul is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. It seems like South Korea has got it figured out — from the food, rich history, great music and nightlife — it’s definitely at the top of my list once the country opens back up for visitors.
You’ll take your shoes off in the front yard before entering the hanok. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
What Airbnb users love is the number of unique stays you’ll find on the platform, and this traditional Korean hanok is no exception. Although it’s in the center of a busy city, you’ll find a haven here. It can accommodate up to five guests, perfect for a small family vacation. Best of all? It’s incredibly affordable at just $86 per night, stretching your sign-up bonus to nine nights here.
Growing up in the South, I enjoyed my family road trips to Atlanta — a big city vibe with an unbelievable amount of history and culture to uncover. Top attractions include the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, the Coca-Cola Factory and the Georgia Aquarium.
Airbnb makes it possible to stay in the treehouse of your childhood dreams. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
Located under a half-hour drive from downtown Atlanta, retreat into a treehouse that’s pretty as a picture. This treehouse offers two full bedrooms (ideal for four guests), exciting both the children and the adults in the group. At $289 per night, the Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus covers a two-night stay here.
Paris, France
It’s not surprising that destinations like Paris (and the whole country of France) that have been closed off to tourists due to the pandemic are at the top of mind when it comes to wanderlust travel. Whether you believe that Paris is the city of love or the city of lights, travelers will soon be reunited with the sights, smells and sounds to discover here.
Bookworms will geek over the library in this stunning loft. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
This elegant loft is located in the heart of Paris near the Luxembourg Gardens, capturing the Paris aesthetic in one apartment. There’s a spiral staircase that leads to another bed upstairs, fitting up to four guests in this stay. Stay here for four nights at the price of $195 per night.
If you love being outdoors, Rio should be on the top of your travel list. Discover beaches and mountains or take a Brazilian Samba class. While Brazil is closed off to tourism right now, there’s no reason why you can’t daydream about visiting this wonderful country in the coming years.
The lofted ceilings make the space feel large and inviting. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
This stylish apartment is in an ideal location, steps from the beach and delicious restaurants. It’s a perfect place for couples — wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee every morning on the patio. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced at $85 per night, giving you the chance to stay here for eight nights.
Bali, Indonesia
When you think of Bali, you can’t help but think of paradise. Whether you’re looking for a meditation retreat or want to explore the remarkable beaches (why not both?), you’re never going to want to leave this island.
Eat, pray and love in this Bali villa. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
If you have a large family or like to travel with a group of friends, you should consider booking this entire bamboo hut villa that can accommodate up to eight guests. You’ll have your own swimming pool, cabanas and a private garden. The price is reasonable, too — you’re looking at $300 per night or two nights by taking advantage of your Chase Sapphire Preferred’s sign-up bonus.
Mexico City, Mexico
Skip the tourist destination of Cancun and make your way down to Mexico City. The capital has so much to offer, whether exploring the food scene or the ancient Aztec ruins. Mexico has also been open to tourists, so you could potentially take a visit sooner than you think.
Enjoy your own private patio. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
This vibrant townhome has recently been renovated and is beautifully decorated. Fitting up to five guests, there’s a variety of textures to find and appreciate. Plus, it’s the most affordable option on this list. For just $49 per night, you could stay here for up to 16 nights.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or interested in being at the heart of wildlife and marine conservation, there is an endless number of experiences in Cape Town. You’re at an all-around iconic destination to explore culture and history.
This place offers the comfort of a hotel room but the privacy of a home. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
This Cape Town apartment has one of the most magnificent panoramic views of the Helderberg mountains. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city (only 15 minutes away) but more than enough to feel immersed in nature. This apartment is the ideal size for two, meaning you can book eight nights as it costs just $96 per night.
London’s calling and this city offers an impressive number of historical and architectural wonders to uncover. You’ll cross off all the bucket list items by visiting Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.
This kitchen is a huge selling point. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
Located in the Angel district in Central London, you’ll not only love the location but the furnishings of this beautiful loft. It comfortably fits four people but can accommodate up to six people if needed. Stay here for three nights at a nightly rate of $213.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred rewards you exactly how you want to travel — even if it means booking an Airbnb over a hotel. This popular card is a must-have in any traveler’s wallet, made even more appealing with a tremendous sign-up bonus.
Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred available with a sign-up bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
