Some of us are into points and miles for the luxury of it all: the business-class flights with tablecloth service and the opulent hotel upgrades to stunning suites so high up your eyes might start to water. I fall into a secondary set of enthusiasts: People on a mission to see what the world has to offer, with award travel acting as the guide.

Growing up in Florida, a state chock-full of natural splendor, I learned early on that our planet was bountiful and, for the most part, free to explore if you stick to what Mother Nature gave us. As an adult, this mindset translates to affordable memory-making travel with Earth’s landscape as the main attraction, as well as an opportunity to take advantage of points and miles along the way. My favorite way to do this is with bonus points and miles promotions.

Hyatt’s recent bonus points promotion

Instead of having a destination in mind, I like to let promotions do the initial planning for me.

World of Hyatt recently had an offer to earn 3,000 bonus points for every three nights stayed at an eligible hotel. If you really wanted to commit to the bit, you could have done this several times to earn up to 21,000 bonus points — enough to get you a couple of free nights at a lower-tier Hyatt property.

At the beginning of the promotional window, my partner and I visited Southern California, earning two eligible nights from our stay at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. Though the property is generally known as a place to stay when visiting Disneyland, we were in town to see a post-punk show one night and a podcast taping the next and found it to be a good location to use as home base. Even though I don’t currently hold any World of Hyatt status and only spent $367 total, we got lucky with a spacious suite upgrade overlooking the atrium lobby.

Back home, I realized I only needed one more night to receive bonus points.

My first thought was to consider Hyatt properties around New York City for a quick staycation. The Livingston had opened recently in my own borough of Brooklyn, and Mr & Mrs Smith’s Rockaway Hotel + Spa on the coast and just a short train ride away looked like a quaint, little retreat.

But then I thought about traveling within the state to see nature.

Of course, Niagara Falls came to mind. I’d never been, and I always felt like I needed to see it with my own eyes.

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Lucky for me, I quickly discovered a newly renovated Hyatt hotel on the Canadian side of the falls had just opened, transitioning from an out-of-fashion Embassy Suites into an airy and welcoming Hyatt Regency. I immediately made plans, as the end date for the bonus points promo was fast approaching.

Getting to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls

From New York City, getting to Niagara Falls is fairly simple — even without a car. While you can drive — which takes about 6 1/2 hours but may cause some headaches when trying to park due to the high parking fees anywhere and everywhere — or take an Amtrak train, I flew via Delta Air Lines in premium economy from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). The flight is so short you barely have time to read a full book chapter.

Once you land, you can take a 30- to 40-minute Uber ride directly to the American side of the falls and walk across the Rainbow Bridge, getting smacked right in the face with Niagara Falls’ majesty the moment you see it, to reach the Canadian side. Simply show your passport and state your reason for your visit when you cross to gain entry and start exploring.

The scenic mile to the hotel, situated right next to the biggest and most jaw-dropping portion of the falls, is walkable. However, I need to warn you that there is a very large hill on the way. I learned this the hard way, so if trekking with a rolling suitcase isn’t your vibe, you can call another Uber or hop on the easy-to-use public bus.

Checking into the Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview

Not everyone likes a conference hotel, but I personally find them consistent in quality and budget-friendly — particularly my Hyatt Regency stays.

This property, standing 42 stories tall and visible for miles, felt decidedly like it belonged in Niagara Falls. Just like its surrounding buildings, it had a certain Las Vegas-esque spectacle to it, dampened only by the dreary offseason.

With a Starbucks in the lobby, two chain restaurants, a big indoor pool, a workout room and a gaming zone that felt a little bit like it belonged in the backrooms, the hotel has everything you need to keep entertained during your stay — and whatever else you may find yourself needing is only a short walk away.

As for my room, I initially booked one with a view. However, I paid an extra $70 a night to upgrade to a suite on a high floor with a better view of Horseshoe Falls and a Jacuzzi tub just for fun. I’m so glad I did because it was the most memorable view I’ve ever woken up next to.

The queen-size bed was incredibly comfortable, and the Jacuzzi tub made for a perfectly cozy night in with a bottle of wine I purchased from a local vineyard.

Though I only needed one qualifying night for my bonus points, I chose to stay two nights so I could properly visit the falls and see more of its surrounding area. All in, my two-night stay cost 632.16 Canadian dollars (about $453).

Thanks to the property’s renovations, some of which seemed to still be in the works while I was present, there was a bit of a new paint and carpet smell. At the same time, it felt special to be there for its first couple of weeks back in business, like a little secret only I knew about.

Bottom line

Niagara Falls is a true natural wonder, and getting to see it in person is something I’ll never forget.

At the end of this bonus points challenge from my three eligible nights, I added 7,300 points (4,300 standard points plus the 3,000-point bonus) to my Hyatt account. But perhaps the best part of it all was that I gained a ton of memories I’ll never forget.

If you’re also a newbie to points and miles, bonus challenges are a great way to expedite and maximize your points and miles as you travel.