 TITLE: Vacationing With Points: When to Redeem Points and When to Pay Cash CONTENT: It Might Make Sense to Just Pay Cash\n------------------------------------\nWith all that said, there are still some times when it just makes sense to pay cash.\n1.  Cheap deals: For the most part, if you are getting a great deal on a flight, stay or package, it is usually easier just to pay for it rather than trying to redeem airline miles, hotel points, cash back or a combination of all three. Chances are, you won't get a lot of value per point or mile on such bookings anyway, so it's not worth the bother.\n2.  Awards aren't available: Sometimes, award flights and nights just do not open up, so your only option is to pay. This is more often the case for so-called \"saver\" awards that require the fewest miles or points, and which also represent a better value. Also watch out for \"blackout dates\" on the calendar when airlines and hotels do not open up these types of awards, and if they aren't available, paying as usual is always a good alternative.\n3.  Business travel: If you are traveling for business, it is also typically just worth paying since your trip will either be covered by your business, or you might be able to deduct the expense from taxes if paying yourself.\n4.  Elite status: Another instance where it makes sense to pay for travel is if you are hoping to achieve elite status with an airline or hotel chain. If you redeem airline miles, in particular, those flights generally do not count toward elite status. This is not always the case, but with carriers including American Airlines, Delta and United, it is. Some hotel award bookings also count toward elite status, but this will depend on your program.\n5.  Saving for a dream trip: Finally, if you're saving your points or miles for a big trip sometime in the future, it can make sense to avoid redeeming them in the short run in the hopes of getting a better value from them down the line. This is especially the case if your dream trip is somewhere exotic like the Maldives, where flights and hotels can be extremely expensive but mileage and point redemptions are available.\nWhen it comes to travel, rewards points and miles can be a lifesaver. Redeeming them for flights, hotel stays and other travel expenses can save you a lot of money and make your trip that much more enjoyable. Before you go cashing in all your points, though, make sure you are getting a good value from them, redeeming them for expenses you might not otherwise be able to cover, and that you are not preventing yourself from taking an even more expensive trip in the future. END