The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Thursday, June 8, 2023

All articles tagged Traveling (161)

7 Ways a Credit Card Can Help You Save on a Cruise

7 Ways a Credit Card Can Help You Save on a Cruise

Cruise bookings are experiencing increased demand after a tough three-year struggle to stay afloat due to pandemic restrictions and consumer fears. In fact, a recent AAA survey found that 52% of US adults say they are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation than they were before the pandemic. If you’ve been thinking about setting sail on your next getaway, researching different cruise lines and destinations are essential steps toward finding the best... read more »

5 Best Travel Credit Cards With Lounge Access (June 2023)

5 Best Travel Credit Cards With Lounge Access (June 2023)

Spending time at the airport can be hectic and a little stressful. Airport lounges provide somewhere to rest and access special amenities that enhance the overall travel experience. Several travel credit cards include airport lounge access with comfortable seating, various food options, and an overall more secluded environment at the airport. If you tend to have more flight layovers or are simply looking for these additional travel perks, consider the best travel credit cards with... read more »

11 Best Credit Cards With No Blackout Dates (June 2023)

11 Best Credit Cards With No Blackout Dates (June 2023)

Blackout dates are specific dates when you can’t use your travel rewards for flights or hotel stays. These dates tend to take place around busy holidays and peak travel seasons. Blackout dates are unacceptable to travelers who rightly expect to redeem their credit card rewards for a trip. This review covers credit cards with rewards that never expire nor restrict travel reward redemptions based on the calendar. But as we explain below, airlines have ways to limit the availability... read more »

3 Best Bank of America Credit Cards for Travel (June 2023)

3 Best Bank of America Credit Cards for Travel (June 2023)

It’s fair to say many of Bank of America’s 67 million customers have upcoming travel plans. They are the natural audience for the bank’s travel credit cards. This article explores whether you should get a Bank of America travel card even if you bank elsewhere.  To that end, we review the credit cards Bank of America designed for travelers and compare them to several leading competitors. All these cards require good to excellent credit but are a tier below the most... read more »

7 Best 0% APR Travel & Air Miles Credit Cards (June 2023)

7 Best 0% APR Travel & Air Miles Credit Cards (June 2023)

Is a 0% APR credit card a sensible way to charge purchases or an invitation to wild abandon? Why choose? Instead, consider the best 0% APR travel and air miles credit cards as a step toward a better lifestyle (or at least make it a little less expensive). Navigate This Article: Travel Cards Miles Cards FAQs Best Travel Cards With 0% APRs These travel cards offer new cardmembers a 0% intro APR on purchases or balance... read more »

How to Get Free Flights With Credit Cards (June 2023)

How to Get Free Flights With Credit Cards (June 2023)

Traveling can be one of the most exciting experiences, but depending on where you want to go, the costs will easily add up. One of the most expensive travel expenses is airfare.  Certain rewards credit cards can help you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for eligible travel expenses, including airfare. With the right card and strategy, you may even be able to book flights for free using your rewards. If you’re wondering how to get free flights with credit cards, you... read more »

Cajun Cuisine Tops the Menus as Lafayette, Louisiana, is Recognized as a Top Foodie Travel Destination

Cajun Cuisine Tops the Menus as Lafayette, Louisiana, is Recognized as a Top Foodie Travel Destination

In a Nutshell: Many travel spots describe themselves as cultural melting pots. But in Louisiana, the city of Lafayette is more like the flame underneath — it's a crossroads for cultures that all manage to project their unique identities. Among many things, that makes Lafayette a foodie paradise. Cajun staples abound, but folks from all over call Lafayette home, and the restaurant scene embraces cooking from across the globe. For revering food culture enough to let it stand on its... read more »

<strong>Lake City, South Carolina, Offers Rewards Travelers Exciting Cultural Events and an Emerging Downtown</strong>

Lake City, South Carolina, Offers Rewards Travelers Exciting Cultural Events and an Emerging Downtown

In a Nutshell: In the early 2000s, billionaire investor Darla Moore moved back to her hometown of Lake City, South Carolina, with revitalization goals in mind. Over the subsequent 20 years, she has restored the city’s downtown, developed a nine-day art festival that draws thousands of tourists each year, and turned her family’s farmland into a 1,000-acre botanical garden. Visitors to Lake City can use their card rewards to stay in a historic hotel and peruse the remodeled buildings... read more »

The Smithsonian of the South: Raleigh Offers Food, Fun, and Culture to Delight Travel Rewards Cardholders

The Smithsonian of the South: Raleigh Offers Food, Fun, and Culture to Delight Travel Rewards Cardholders

In a Nutshell: When looking for a travel destination that is loaded with entertainment, history and attractive pricing, Raleigh, North Carolina is hard to beat. The city boasts family-friendly activities and an eclectic nightlife. Raleigh is renowned for its beer gardens, craft breweries and music festivals. From Spring till late September, Raleigh is teeming with outdoor music and events. Whether visitors are exploring the city by car or bike, the city’s natural beauty is... read more »

Secret Dalmatia Provides Cardholders With Access to Luxury Private Tours of Croatia and Beyond

Secret Dalmatia Provides Cardholders With Access to Luxury Private Tours of Croatia and Beyond

In a Nutshell: Secret Dalmatia is a travel company that provides luxury experiences specialized in destination trips to Croatia and its bordering regions. Its mission is to offer guests a journey that expresses an authentic view of the country’s traditional roots and natural beauty while enjoying the best in quality. All tours are tailored to guest preferences, and activity choices range from adventurous or relaxing to quality family time or special company trips. Some popular... read more »

Mabel’s Labels Offers Consumers an Easy, Effective Way To Organize Important Items When Traveling

Mabel’s Labels Offers Consumers an Easy, Effective Way To Organize Important Items When Traveling

In a Nutshell: For nearly 20 years, Mabel’s Labels has been the gold standard for personalized label designs. It was founded by four moms who were frustrated with having to handwrite names on everything their children needed. Starting as a basement-run operation, the company quickly grew into a household name. Mabel’s Labels now offers a wide range of products, making life on-the-go a lot easier for consumers. When it comes to dealing with children, most parents would probably... read more »

5 Travel Credit Cards For Bad Credit (June 2023)

5 Travel Credit Cards For Bad Credit (June 2023)

Americans travel a lot, whether for business or pleasure. If you have good credit, booking a car rental or a hotel isn't a problem — just whip out your credit card and you're ready to go. But if you've experienced financial challenges, you may have trouble qualifying for a travel credit card. Fear not! This article reviews five travel credit cards for bad credit and a few for fair credit — a FICO Score above 580. These cards give you ample options for convenient and rewarding... read more »

The American Society of Travel Advisors: Save and Access Perks by Working with a Certified Travel Professional

The American Society of Travel Advisors: Save and Access Perks by Working with a Certified Travel Professional

In a Nutshell: When the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) was founded in 1931, the steamship was the main mode of travel. Travel has changed, but ASTA’s standards and resources continue to serve as a mark of expertise in the travel advisory industry. Planning a travel experience can be frustrating as the industry’s digital transformation puts more control in the hands of individual consumers. ASTA advisors cut through the travel clutter to facilitate fulfilling experiences... read more »

Alexandria: A Historic Virginia City with Contemporary Appeal Earns Recognition as a Top US Travel Destination

Alexandria: A Historic Virginia City with Contemporary Appeal Earns Recognition as a Top US Travel Destination

In a Nutshell: As the only city in northern Virginia connected to Washington, D.C., and Maryland by water, Alexandria offers a distinctive waterfront experience. And as George Washington's adopted hometown, it's steeped in American history. But Alexandria also has an ever-expanding selection of attractions, restaurants, boutiques, and brewpubs that give its historic Old Town a decidedly contemporary appeal. Alexandria offers something for everyone, and it’s close to transportation... read more »

Best Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee 

Best Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee 

Cost-savvy trip planning begins by choosing the best travel credit card with no annual fee. Yes, you could spend $95 and get a very good travel card or $600 for a great one. But we've found you nine terrific travel cards that won't cost you a dime in annual fees. That's savings you can apply to your next trip, perhaps staying an extra day or moving up to a business-class seat.  These cards don't pack the same perks as their more expensive cousins. A $0 annual fee only goes so... read more »

Colibra Brings Buy Now, Pay Later to Booking Flights and Hotels with Its &#8216;Pay if OK&#8217; Policy 

Colibra Brings Buy Now, Pay Later to Booking Flights and Hotels with Its ‘Pay if OK’ Policy 

In a Nutshell: Only one-third of three-hour flight delays are eligible for compensation under current laws and regulations. Colibra doesn’t think that’s right. Every flyer  who uses the Colibra app to book their flights will be compensated if their flight experiences at least a one-hour delay. Travelers can book their flight on the app with no up-front cost, and they are only charged for the flight after the plane lands at its destination. If the flight is delayed, flyers will... read more »

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge Allows Card Rewards Travelers to Experience Luxurious Natural Adventure

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge Allows Card Rewards Travelers to Experience Luxurious Natural Adventure

In a Nutshell: Set among old-growth forests in a pristine Canadian Pacific environment, the all-inclusive Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers guests a respite for travelers in the Pacific Northwest. Guests stay in luxurious canvas tents constructed in the style of early 20th-century prospectors. A full suite of amenities offers ample opportunities to enjoy the spectacular Clayoquot Sound environment. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is an ideal destination for travel card rewards enthusiasts... read more »

8 Best Travel Credit Cards for Students (June 2023)

8 Best Travel Credit Cards for Students (June 2023)

Undergraduates on the move ought to learn about the best travel credit cards for students. These cards offer rewards that save money when flying off to college, back home for the holidays, around the US for spring break, and to foreign lands for summer vacations and semesters abroad.  Student credit cards are helpful even if your travel involves nothing more than a local commute to school. For example, you can cash in your rewards to help pay for everyday expenses on or off... read more »

9 Best Airline Credit Cards (June 2023)

9 Best Airline Credit Cards (June 2023)

How can there be so many best airline credit cards? It reminds me of Oprah  — "You get a card, and you get a card… ."  This embarrassment of riches is due, in part, to America's love of travel, especially post-COVID. The credit card companies tap into our wanderlust by issuing terrific products that make travel easier, more comfortable, and cheaper. Airline credit cards are the kings of the travel segment. They may reward you with free flights, free insurance, free... read more »

Impulse Curates Impactful Tours and Experiences to Help Card Rewards Travelers Discover Colombia

Impulse Curates Impactful Tours and Experiences to Help Card Rewards Travelers Discover Colombia

In a Nutshell: Although Colombia has been mired in internal conflicts for decades, the tourism industry is beginning to blossom there. The effort to help the country turn a new page has been led, in part, by Impulse Travel. The travel company promotes tourism that not only helps Colombians but also gives travelers a unique experience. One of Impulse’s most popular trips is a raw and real visit through the rougher neighborhoods of Bogota guided by reformed gang members. To give back... read more »

Adams &#038; Butler Offers Luxury Travelers Access to Private Places and Experiences

Adams & Butler Offers Luxury Travelers Access to Private Places and Experiences

In a Nutshell: Adams & Butler is a luxury travel planner that’s part of the prestigious Virtuoso group of travel brands. The firm specializes in excursions to Ireland and the UK, but offers connections to destinations all over the globe. Adams & Butler has curated custom trips for thousands of elite clients, including well-known politicians and entertainers. The company can help travelers rent out a castle, schedule lunch with a lord, and provide access to experiences they... read more »

8 Credit Cards With Lounge Access (June 2023)

8 Credit Cards With Lounge Access (June 2023)

I used one of my credit cards with lounge access on a recent family vacation to Disney World. Our party included a 5- and 1-year-old. I thought the adults on the trip would enjoy the lounges the most, but it was the two children that went gaga. Their parents still shudder at the destruction.  Lounge access is a terrific perk for travelers. Credit card issuers understand its appeal and limit the benefit to their top, usually most expensive, credit cards. As we shall see, the... read more »

12 Ways Credit Cards Help Save on Vacations (June 2023)

12 Ways Credit Cards Help Save on Vacations (June 2023)

Summer and vacations go hand in hand, but record-high inflation is causing travel costs and gas prices to skyrocket, making it more difficult for families to afford a trip.  Practicing a few basic budgeting hacks, such as reducing monthly bills, limiting discretionary purchases, and cutting back on take-out, can help you boost savings in time for your summer vacation. But don’t overlook the many benefits your credit card offers to help you get away for less.  In fact,... read more »

5 Ways to Use Credit Card Rewards to Buy Airline Tickets (June 2023)

5 Ways to Use Credit Card Rewards to Buy Airline Tickets (June 2023)

No matter your destination, the price of airline tickets can be steeper than you may expect now. April 2022 data collected by the travel app Hopper found that domestic airfare is up 40% from the beginning of the year. But you can turn to your credit card’s rewards program to ease the financial pain.  You can use your rewards to pay for airfare as long as you have enough rewards accumulated. And if you don’t currently have enough rewards for the full fare, some issuers will let... read more »

7 Best Vacation Credit Cards (June 2023)

7 Best Vacation Credit Cards (June 2023)

Owning one of the best vacation credit cards took some financial sting from my recent family visit to Disneyworld. I made all the arrangements through the card's travel office, earning many extra reward points. In addition, the card gave our caravan of four adults and two children free access to our local airport's lounge. I'm looking forward to the travel rebate check on the next card anniversary.  Vacation cards are wondrous inventions, but they are by no means all created... read more »