Financially preparing for travel

Excited for your next vacation but not sure where to start? Here you’ll find tips and insights for how to boost your savings for travel, maximize points and miles, simplify the booking process and more.

How to get your travel finances in order

Saving for travel

How to budget and save for a weekend getaway

Want to take a weekend getaway this summer? Here’s how you can manage your money to make that trip a reality.

Travel

Average cost of flying in the U.S.

Here’s how much you can expect to spend on domestic air travel, plus a few tips for trimming your costs.

Savings

7 best travel budget apps for your next vacation

Seven travel apps that will help you plan travel, track your budget, coordinate with a group and split expenses.

Credit cards

Are travel cards worth it?

Travel credit cards offer valuable benefits and can help offset travel costs, even with an annual fee. Here s how to decide if they re right for you.

Exclusive travel insights from Bankrate

“There are plenty of ways to have fun this summer without busting your budget. For example, there’s still time to accumulate a summer vacation fund by setting money aside from every paycheck.”

– Ted Rossman

More than 1 in 3 American travelers plan to go into debt for their summer vacations this year

According to a new Bankrate survey, about half of Americans are planning a summer vacation in 2024. Of those travelers, 36 percent are willing to go into debt to pay for it. Domestic summer travel is the most popular option, but some people will travel internationally or take a staycation.

Learn more

Summer travel spotlight

Travel roundup

Your guide to Priority Pass

Priority Pass lounge access can make your travel experience more enjoyable.

6 min read Sep 30, 2024
How to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit

The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s $300 annual travel credit can be used in many ways.

6 min read Sep 27, 2024
A guide to earning and redeeming frequent flyer miles

Here’s what you need to know about earning and redeeming frequent flyer miles/points.

8 min read Sep 20, 2024
A guide to airline companion passes

Airline companion passes vary, but they can all save you money.

6 min read Sep 06, 2024
Best ways to use 100,000 points

Find out some awesome ways to use 100k points, plus where to find them.

5 min read Sep 30, 2024
Under-the-radar credit card perks you should know

Find out the lesser-known credit card perks that could benefit you.

8 min read Sep 05, 2024
Will your credit card work abroad?

Your credit card might not work in a foreign country. Here are some tips when traveling.

3 min read Aug 28, 2024
What is travel hacking and how do I start?

Learn how you can start traveling at a significantly lower cost while maximizing on a rewards strategy.

8 min read Aug 27, 2024
Should you use vacation loans to cover travel expenses?

Travel costs are going up, but more people want to go on trips. Are vacation loans the way to pay for travels?

7 min read Aug 19, 2024
When should you buy airline points or miles? 4 times it might make sense

Most of the time, you’ll be better off earning points/miles than buying them.

6 min read Aug 15, 2024