In December, my family of four headed to New York City for a festive holiday getaway — and get this — we paid less than $50 out-of-pocket for our flights and hotel thanks to points and miles!

From the nostalgic window displays at Macy’s Herald Square to the twinkling lights at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, NYC was pure magic during the holidays. I’m sharing exactly how we booked this incredible trip using travel rewards, plus our favorite experiences, eats, and how you can do the same.

Let’s get into the details so you can start planning your own trip — and start earning those points!

Flights: Getting to NYC for Less Than $45

We flew roundtrip from Kansas City (MCI) to LaGuardia (LGA) using our Southwest Companion Pass and points. All four of us flew for just under $45 total in taxes and fees — that’s right, under $12 per person!

Pro Tip: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card is a game changer for families — especially if you’re aiming for the Companion Pass!

Ready to start earning your own nearly-free trips? If the Southwest Companion Pass caught your eye (seriously, it’s a game changer for families), don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to Earning the Southwest Companion Pass. It breaks down exactly how to qualify — faster than you think!

Transportation: Getting Around NYC

Once we landed, we used Lyft to get to and from the airport. I paid with my Chase Sapphire Preferred®, which earns 5X points on Lyft rides. It’s one of my favorite cards for flexible travel redemptions.

The rest of the time, we rode the NYC subway (my kids thought it was so cool) and walked a ton — which is honestly one of the best ways to see the city.

Where We Stayed: Thompson Central Park NYC (For Free!)

We stayed at the Thompson Central Park NYC, a gorgeous Hyatt property just steps from Central Park and the theater district. I transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to Hyatt, thanks to my Chase Sapphire Preferred® + Chase Ink Business Cash® Card combo.

Holding the Sapphire Preferred opens the door to 14 travel partners, including Hyatt, which often offers the best point value per night.

Verdict: Stunning hotel, unbeatable location, and completely free. 10/10 recommend!

And if Hyatt stays are on your travel wish list, I’ve got you covered there too. Read Hyatt Stays on Points: The Best Cards to Use and How to Book for all the tips on maximizing your points for luxurious stays (like our Central Park hotel!).

What We Did: Must-Do NYC Holiday Activities

We packed a LOT into four days — and with a little smart booking, we earned even more rewards on the way. Here’s what we loved:

Broadway Show: Wicked

A huge highlight! I used Chase points through Hyatt FIND Experiences to book our Broadway tickets — a $500+ value, completely free to us.

Viator Experiences You’ll Love (and Can Earn Points On!)

Here are some of the most unique and family-friendly NYC tours and activities — all available through Viator, and most offer free cancellation! I earn a small commission when you book through my links (thank you so much for your support ).
New York CityPASS® – From $154
Central Park Pedicab Guided Tour – From $40
9/11 Memorial Museum Admission Ticket – From $36
Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island Guided Tour -From $69
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets – From $48

✅ Tip: I booked through Groupon and Viator and stacked those purchases with the AAdvantage eShopping Portal to earn American Airlines miles. Don’t forget to double-dip when you book!

Want to learn how to stack portals like a pro?
Read: 5 Ways to Book Experiences + Earn More Points

What We Ate: Markets, Burgers, and Cozy Nights In

• Columbus Circle Holiday Market – My absolute favorite! We ate lunch here one day, trying several booths, but Empanada Mama was the standout.
• Burger Joint (inside Thompson Central Park) – This hidden gem down the hall from the hotel lobby served the best burgers! One night, we were so wiped from exploring, we ordered burgers and fries to our room and watched Home Alone 2. It was so New York.

Final Thoughts: NYC is Always a Good Idea

This was my fourth time visiting NYC, and it still gives me goosebumps. My first trip was at 18, coming from a town of just 500 people in Missouri — and it completely opened my eyes to the world. Now, I get to share that same magic with my kids, and thanks to points and miles, we do it without blowing our budget.

Whether you’re dreaming of big-city lights or want to create meaningful travel memories with your family — you can do this too.

Want to Travel More for Less? Start Here:

The credit cards that made this trip possible:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Best for beginners & transferring points to travel partners
• Chase Ink Business Cash® – No annual fee, huge earning potential
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards – Ideal for families aiming for the Companion Pass

Using my links helps support this blog — and I appreciate it so much! 💛

Want help planning your own trip using points and miles? Drop your questions in the comments or DM me on Instagram — I love helping families make this travel lifestyle happen!