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.
Exclusive travel insights from Bankrate

“Many [travelers] are cutting corners such as spending fewer days away from home, selecting cheaper accommodations and driving instead of flying. They don't want to skip the trip entirely, but they're willing to make adjustments that lower the cost.”
More than 4 in 5 holiday travelers are changing plans this season because of inflation
How to get your travel finances in order
Travel roundup
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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 -
Guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners
Citi ThankYou Rewards members can transfer points to one of Citi’s many partners.
6 min read Aug 15, 2024 -
8 best travel budget apps for your next vacation
Find the best travel budget app to help you keep summer travel spending in check.
7 min read Jul 03, 2024 -
Is Clear worth the cost?
Clear can help you save time at the airport, but you’ll want to make sure you can get all the benefits before you apply.
6 min read Jun 21, 2024 -
The average cost of a vacation: Transportation, food, entertainment and more
Many Americans are ready for a vacation. Here’s how much you’ll spend to get away.
6 min read May 22, 2024 -
Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Find out the best travel credit cards for airport lounge access.
6 min read Apr 02, 2024 -
How to get a mortgage for a vacation home
It can be fun, but can you afford it?
6 min read Mar 27, 2024 -
Using credit card points for long weekend trips
Use your credit card points for a weekend getaway — spots like the Florida Keys, Sedona or New York City. Save money by using your points for flights, hotels and rental cars.
6 min read Nov 01, 2023 -
Sign up for a new credit card now to get free holiday travel
Signing up for a new credit card can provide you with enough rewards points or miles for a free trip this holiday season.
2 min read Oct 12, 2023 -
Why I brought 6 credit cards with me on a week-long trip to NYC
Here’s a look at the six credit cards I brought with me on a week-long trip to New York.
5 min read Jul 10, 2023
Best travel cards
Rewards programs
- American Airlines AAdvantage rewards program guide
- Frequent flyer guide to Delta SkyMiles
- United MileagePlus guide
- Guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards
- Guide to JetBlue TrueBlue
- A complete guide to Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan
- Guide to Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- Guide to Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit
- Guide to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Frequent flyer guide to the Frontier Miles program
- Guide to Marriott Bonvoy
- Guide to the Hilton Honors rewards program
- Guide to Wyndham Rewards
- A complete guide to World of Hyatt
- IHG One Rewards guide
- Guide to Choice Privileges
- Best Western Rewards guide