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Summer’s right around the corner, and the prospect of travel is looking much more optimistic than it did a year ago. With the European Union finally agreeing to open borders to vaccinated travelers, you may be able to visit some of your favorite countries sooner than you expected.
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We’ve taken Airbnb’s top 10 wish-listed family-friendly places to stay (with the vast majority of properties in Europe) to make your wanderlust a reality in 2021. Now may be the perfect time to apply for that travel rewards card you’ve been thinking about.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has been a TPG Awards winner for years, heralded as the best premium travel rewards card.
Don’t let the $550 annual fee scare you. You’ll get a $300 annual travel credit that immediately applies to any travel charges on your statement — from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services and toll fees. Otherwise, Chase is allowing gas station and grocery store purchases to count toward this annual credit through the end of 2021.
Regardless, this effectively drops your annual fee to $250, which is much more manageable. Also, consider the other phenomenal benefits, such as Priority Pass Select membership (for access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, 3x points on dining and travel, and so much more.
You’ll also get 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Based on TPG’s valuations, you’re looking at $1,200 in value for travel.
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How to use your Chase Sapphire Reserve for Airbnb stays
Airbnb codes as a travel purchase on your Chase Sapphire Reserve — so you’re looking at an annual $300 credit for Airbnb or whatever you decide to spend it on. After you spend the $300 annual travel credit, you’ll earn 3x points on travel and dining. Since we value Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, this means you’re getting a fantastic 6% return on all travel.
Related: Best credit cards for booking Airbnb stays
Once you achieve the minimum spending for the sign-up bonus, you could redeem your points for a gift card on Airbnb. Each Ultimate Rewards point is worth 1 cent when redeemed for gift cards, so 60,000 points translate to a $600 Airbnb gift card. This is an option worth considering — but you could get more value from your points by transferring to Chase’s 10 airline and three hotel loyalty programs.
Related: Renting a home this summer? Here’s your guide to redeeming credit card points for Airbnb
While the Chase Sapphire Reserve lets users redeem their points at a rate of 1.5 cents on the Ultimate Rewards portal to book travel, note that Airbnb is not an option. Rather, you can book flights, hotels, tours, rental cars and more.
This means for any of these top 10 wish-listed properties, you can effectively get a $300 discount with your annual travel credit or a $600 gift card for Airbnb. Let’s take a look at these properties.
The Old Stone House in Tuscany, Italy
The Old Stone House is perfect for a large family vacation, fitting up to 10 guests. You’ll have your own private pool, terrace and garden filled with olive, cypress and wild cherry trees.
Italy has just opened up to tourists this month, so you’ll be able to explore the nearby destinations of Pisa, Cinque Terre and the wine country of Tuscany.
Related: Italy is reopening: 11 things I learned as a tourist there this week
There’s a three-night minimum to book this property. But at $177 a night, the full sign-up bonus can easily cover three nights here.
Jasmin Cottage in Faro, Portugal
This cozy cottage boasts a large pool and deck for maximum summer fun. It fits up to three guests for a couples getaway or a small family retreat.
Portugal is working on rebuilding its tourism, including helping travelers to avoid quarantine before entering the country.
At a modest $96 per night, the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s travel credit and sign-up bonus can help you snag nine nights here.
Related: 7 reasons why your first post-pandemic vacation should be in Portugal
Mountainside cottage in Connemara, Ireland
Discover Earth’s true beauty by staying at this tucked-away cottage located 50 miles from Galway City. It’s also the perfect size for a family of four.
Gallery: Summer Travel You Don’t Have To Splurge On: Cities You Can Stay in for Less Than $140/Night (GOBankingRates)
Ireland is still mandating a 14-day quarantine for American travelers, but we are waiting for guidance on reopening for vaccinated tourists.
This property costs $120 per night, so enjoy a week’s vacation here thanks to your Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Related: 8 places to visit in Ireland besides Dublin
Country cottage in Launceston, England
This property is all about the extra touches, including a wood-fired hot tub, a sauna and an outdoor shower. There’s ample space for two in this rustic cottage.
The U.S.-U.K. travel corridor is currently in the works, so you’ll soon be able to visit England without a mandatory quarantine.
For $209 a night, you can easily book four nights at this relaxing stay.
Related: UK airlines push for travel corridor with US as vaccine rollout raises hopes for summer travel
Frenchman Cottage in Narragansett, Rhode Island
One of the few properties in the U.S. that made the list, the Frenchman Cottage is located close to Narragansett Beach. There’s even a private yard with a full-size fire pit for those cold evenings.
If you’re not yet ready to travel internationally this summer, this may be a great getaway for you since the cottage fits up to five guests.
You’re looking at five nights here at a rate of $153 per night.
Secluded villa in Illes Balears, Spain
You’ll never want to leave this stone house offering remote relaxation. It fits only two guests but offers an impressive pool overlooking the countryside of Spain.
Spain is planning to reopen to Americans in June, so you may be able to visit as soon as next month.
At just $135 per night, you can book six nights here for (practically) free.
Related: The cheapest ways to book a trip to Spain with points and miles
Mill House in Setúbal, Portugal
This summer home is an amazing retreat for a large group since it can accommodate six guests. You’ll find an infinity pool, garden and a grill area. If you enjoy the outdoors, you’re also near tons of beaches and hikes.
Again, Portugal has not announced officially when it’s reopening, but they’re working on a way for travelers to bypass quarantine regulations.
This is an absolute bargain for just $105 per night, giving you the chance to stay here for up to eight nights.
Countryside apartment in Catalonia, Spain
Located on the ground floor of an old countryside farmhouse, you can fit up to two guests and access the pool’s shared amenities and the expansive garden.
Keep an eye out for Spain opening up borders as soon as June to book this stay.
At $104 per night, the Chase Sapphire Reserve covers eight nights at the farm.
Cozy cottage in Aberaeron, Wales
You can fit up to four people in this cottage surrounded by lush meadows. You can also access the Long Barn, a common area for guests to play foosball or relax by the fireplace.
No matter the season, this would be a terrific option once the U.K. border opens.
Spend up to eight nights here as it will only cost $105 per night.
Related: Will Americans be able to vacation in the UK this summer?
Hillside village home in Andalucía, Spain
The hills are alive with this gorgeous countryside home. Best for two guests, the home is just as beautifully decorated inside, offering you comfort and style.
Again, this is another excellent option if Spain’s on your travel radar this summer.
This is the most affordable Airbnb on this list. At $65 per night, you can spend up to 13 nights here.
Bottom line
With your Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can jump-start your travels as soon as this summer. From the $300 travel credit to the 60,000 bonus points, there are endless opportunities to use your Reserve for any of the Airbnb stays above.
Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve available sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Featured photo courtesy of Airbnb.
SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.
And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free.
These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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