As the days get shorter and colder, Miami makes a tempting escape, with warm weather, beach time, rooftop cocktails, and plenty to fit into a quick getaway. Our ideal 48 hours starts at the pool and moves on to a sushi happy hour, a beach day, the murals at Wynwood Walls, and a dressed-up night at Kiki on the River. We also share points-friendly hotel options, including a look at the former W South Beach, which is reopening as a Waldorf Astoria in 2027.

Just because you can put that poolside bar tab on points doesn’t mean you should. Hilton is starting to let elite members use points for room service and other charges at checkout, and American Airlines is rolling out its own miles-and-cash bookings. Both are convenient, but you’ll usually get more for your points by saving them for a regular award night or flight.

And for all the NYC Marathon runners, Delta is handing out free treats near baggage claim at JFK and LaGuardia on Oct. 29 and 30, then offering early boarding and a shout-out at the gate on Nov. 1 and 2.

Ever stared at the same flight for days, wondering if you should book now or wait for a better price? You don’t have to time it perfectly. Since most major airlines no longer charge change fees, a price drop after you book can mean getting the difference back as an airline credit. The catch is you usually have to notice the drop and ask for it yourself.

Junova does that part for you. Book directly with United, Delta, American, Southwest, or Alaska, forward your confirmation, and Junova watches the price until departure. If the fare drops, it handles getting the savings back, and your flight, seat, and confirmation number stay the same. It can even save more than once on the same flight. So go ahead and book on a Sunday night. If the price dips on Tuesday, Junova can still get you the difference.

There’s no upfront cost, and if the price never drops, you don’t pay anything. When Junova does save you money, it charges 20% of the savings. For example, if a $500 flight drops to $350, you’d get a $150 airline credit and pay Junova a $30 fee. Fully refundable fares get a refund instead. Basic Economy fares and award tickets aren’t eligible.

If you want to try it, Departure Digest listeners get $25 in Junova credits with code DD.

Hang wrinkled clothes in the bathroom and run a hot shower. It works as a makeshift steamer.

Have a travel or points question? Submit it here and it may be featured in a future episode.

The clocks fall back this weekend, and it’s going to be dark before 5. I need a beach. More specifically, I need Miami.

Happy Hump Day, and welcome back to Departure Digest. Today, we’re chatting about my ideal Miami weekend, two easy ways to waste your points, and Delta perks for marathon runners.

First stop, Miami.

I know it has a certain image. Bottle service, bachelorette parties, and a friend of a friend who’s a promoter. But it’s also a two-and-a-half-hour flight from New York, and it’s still around 80 degrees in November. So judge me all you want.

For starters, it’s super points-friendly. I’m a big fan of the Andaz Miami Beach, which you can book with World of Hyatt points, and Marriott and Hilton both have plenty of hotels in the area. I’m also excited about the former W South Beach, which is reopening as a Waldorf Astoria next year.

Here’s the plan. Friday, you check in and head straight to the pool.

Around 5, hit happy hour at Paperfish Sushi. They have plenty of drinks like lychee martinis and bites like spicy tuna crispy rice for under $10. Then make your way over to the Faena Hotel to see its famous gold woolly mammoth sculpture. It might be the most Miami thing there is.

For dinner, I like Casa Tua if I’m splurging, or Coyo Taco if I’m feeling something more low-key. And if you go to Coyo, don’t miss the speakeasy in the back. Then end the night at Sugar, my favorite rooftop bar in Brickell.

Saturday, get some beach time in before picking up a sandwich from La Sandwicherie. If you’re traveling with a group, this is also a good day to charter a yacht and spend a few hours out on the water. Or finally reply to that DM from the guy with a boat in every photo.

After a hotel refresh, head to Wynwood Walls for the murals. Then get drinks, and for dinner, there’s great Asian barbecue and sushi in the area. If anyone still has energy, head to Kiki on the River. Dress up for that one, and pack heels you can actually stand in. And if you’re going all out, there’s LIV or E11EVEN. That’s where the bottle service comes in.

Sunday, ask the hotel about late checkout so you can squeeze in one last beach or pool session before heading out. Grab a Cuban coffee on your way to brunch at Motek, then spend some time shopping at Bal Harbour Shops or Brickell City Centre, depending on where you’re staying.

The whole weekend is on our Instagram, with a packing list for each day.

Now let’s talk about redeeming your points, because I have a quick PSA. Just because you can pay with points doesn’t mean you should.

For example, if you’re a Hilton elite, the Hilton app now lets you use points to cover things like your bar tab or room service when you check out. It’s only at a limited number of hotels for now, with a much wider rollout planned through early next year.

Hilton hasn’t said what your points are worth this way, which usually isn’t a good sign.

It sounds convenient, but let’s look at the math. Say you use 20,000 points to cover a $50 tab. That’s a quarter of a cent per point, or about half what Hilton points can often get you on an award night.

The same goes for points and cash redemptions, where you cover part of a booking with points and pay the rest in cash. A bunch of airlines and hotels offer them, and American Airlines just started rolling out its own version too. They’re easy, but your points usually go much further on a regular award booking.

So before you book, compare how much cash you’re saving with how many points you’re spending. If you’re only saving a little, I’d pay cash and keep the points for a bigger trip. That said, if you’ve got a small balance with no plans for it, knocking a few bucks off a booking can beat letting it sit.

On a completely different note, if you’re flying out of New York this weekend, you might be boarding behind someone wearing a medal.

The New York City Marathon is this Sunday, and Delta is giving runners a little extra love at JFK and LaGuardia. On Thursday and Friday, starting at noon, there’ll be free treats near baggage claim, plus stations where friends and family can make signs.

Then on Sunday and Monday, runners flying Delta out of either airport get to board early, in what Delta’s calling Marathoners’ Zone 1, as well as a shout-out at the gate.

After running 26.2 miles, getting to sit down a little sooner will feel amazing. I’d keep that medal on for the whole flight. But who am I kidding, you’re probably sleeping in it.

And with that, I’m off to look at flights to Miami. Good luck to all the runners. Hasta luego!