London ranks as the top international destination booked with travel points this summer, according to Chase Travel. Paris, long associated with bucket list travel, fell to fourth place behind Vancouver and Tokyo. I sat down with Naomi Zeichner, head of editorial for card and connected commerce content at JPMorganChase, to better understand the summer 2026 rankings and the rise in using points for luxury travel.
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“Points have become a core part of how people fund meaningful international trips,” Zeichner explains. “The destinations at the top of our summer points list aren’t compromises. These are experiences, and gateways to even more destinations, that people have been intentionally saving toward.”
London becomes the top points destination
Several factors appear to be helping London outperform Paris in summer points bookings, including broader flight access, greater routing flexibility and a growing number of luxury hotel redemption options. London offers extensive nonstop service from the United States, multiple major airports and enough flight frequency to create more opportunities for redeemable seats during the busy summer season.
The British capital also functions easily as either a standalone vacation or the starting point for a larger European itinerary. Travelers can spend several days in London before continuing onward to destinations including Scotland, Greece, Italy and Spain.
Multiple airports add another layer of flexibility for award travelers. If one route becomes expensive or difficult to book, another airport may still provide workable options. Combined with extensive rail and public transit connections after arrival, London can feel easier to navigate than many other major European capitals.
“London’s hotel scene is having a moment,” Zeichner said, pointing to newer luxury properties including Six Senses London, The Newman in Fitzrovia, Cambridge House on Piccadilly, The Emory and The Peninsula London as standout redemption options through programs like Chase’s Points Boost and The Edit.
That premium hotel inventory helps reshape how travelers think about points redemptions. Rather than treating points as a simple discount, many travelers use them to unlock experiences that might otherwise feel financially out of reach.
Paris remains a points favorite, even as London pulls ahead
Paris may have slipped behind London in this summer’s rankings, but the French capital continues to hold enormous appeal for travelers, with or without points. The City of Light remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Its museums, neighborhoods and dining scene draw travelers looking for a classic European vacation, while luxury hotel stays remain a major part of its appeal. Zeichner recommends Hotel Balzac and Chateau des Fleurs in the city’s 8th arrondissement as standout redemption options for Chase cardmembers.
Dublin sees growing demand among points travelers
Dublin also emerges as one of the stronger-performing European destinations in Chase Travel’s summer booking data. There is a growing American interest in Ireland’s food, pub and heritage tourism scenes.
Zeichner attributes Dublin’s growth to both the city’s cultural appeal and its accessibility for U.S. travelers. Like London, Dublin offers relatively approachable transatlantic flight options and serves as a convenient gateway to regional travel throughout Ireland.
“Dublin is home to some of planet Earth’s most life-affirming pubs,” Zeichner adds. “The conviviality, the toasties, the way a stranger at the bar will tell you their life story before you’ve finished your first pint.”
She also notes rising interest among travelers seeking destinations connected to their personal heritage. Dublin’s walkable streets, historic character and easy access to the Irish countryside help fuel demand.
Lesser-known destinations gain momentum
Major European capitals continue to dominate bookings with points. Chase Travel’s data also illuminates an escalating demand for destinations that offer culture and atmosphere without the same level of crowds.
“The draw of a Euro summer vacation, with long days, incredible meals and boat rides, is not going away,” Zeichner said. “But we see that destinations like Budapest and Bologna, that are heavy on culture and the good life but lighter on crowds, are generating real excitement.”
Zeichner also points to rising interest in quieter coastal destinations, including Montenegro and Estonia. Honeymooners increasingly seek outdoor experiences and estate stays, like countryside-focused trips to the Scottish Highlands.
Travel points change how Americans plan vacations
The data suggests Americans are not giving up on ambitious international travel despite higher prices. Instead, travelers adapt by booking earlier, redeeming points more strategically and prioritizing destinations that offer both flexibility and experience.
Points no longer simply help offset travel costs. Redemption opportunities shape where travelers go, how they plan and which trips finally feel within reach.
Jessy Hamel is a syndicated travel writer and the creator of Tartan & Teacups, a travel site that inspires women to stop waiting and start traveling. She covers destinations across the United Kingdom and Europe, with a focus on Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Portugal.