Originally Posted by
theplayer
It's not even that....No business travel, but we acquire points every year with sign up bonus and take a 2 week vacation in the winter. We've gone to Europe last 4 years. When should we use the points if not for our vacation? I don't look at it like ..the room is only $175-200 in the off season so it's not a good deal, but same room in peak season is $500, so great deal. We are staying for free at a time when we are able to travel.
This is a reasonable use of points. Your concern isn't "Can I maximize my points?", but is, as you noted, simply a way to not pay cash for your vacation. Everyone's strategy is different and all are valid.