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.

Featured travel partner

Top 6 reasons you should start saving for your next vacation now

Saving for your next big trip now can pay off in the long run. Here’s how.

In partnership with

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

“Travel demand is even higher this year, and with the travel industry struggling to keep up, high prices aren’t likely to be the only problem.”

– Ted Rossman

77% of holiday travelers are changing their plans due to inflation, including driving over flying, taking fewer trips and choosing less-expensive destinations

A new Bankrate survey reveals that, despite strong demand, inflation and high prices will impact the way consumers plan their holiday travels.

Read the survey

Holiday travel spotlight

Travel roundup

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 Nov 28, 2023
How to earn elite airline status with credit cards

Learn how you can use your credit card to earn elite status with each of the major U.S. carriers.

8 min read Nov 20, 2023
How to get a mortgage for a vacation home

It can be fun, but can you afford it?

6 min read Nov 14, 2023
Guide to IHG rewards points value

The IHG Rewards Club is worth considering if you’re traveling with any of IHG’s brands. But what are the points actually worth?

4 min read Nov 06, 2023
Best ways to use 100,000 points

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

5 min read Nov 06, 2023
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
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 Oct 27, 2023
7 of the best ways to use points and miles for travel

Your rewards points and miles will go further if used strategically.

8 min read Oct 26, 2023
What is TSA PreCheck? Everything you need to know

TSA PreCheck is a program that lets you breeze through airport security lines

5 min read Oct 13, 2023
Guide to American Express transfer partners

Learn which Amex airline and hotel partners offer the best value.

4 min read Oct 12, 2023