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.”

– Ted Rossman

More than 4 in 5 holiday travelers are changing plans this season because of inflation

According to a new Bankrate survey, 83% of American holiday travelers are changing their plans to save money this travel season. From choosing different destinations to staying less time, inflation is leading many travelers to make adjustments. Among the travelers, 22% plan to take on credit card debt for their travels.

Learn more

How to get your travel finances in order

a person inserting a credit card into a hand held card reader

8 min read

Travelers are vulnerable: Here’s how to keep your money safe while traveling

man looking at credit card and digital tablet

8 min read

8 best travel budget apps for your next vacation

Woman in front of abstract background with a plane and palm tree

6 min read

Average cost of flying in the U.S.

women wearing hijab hands over her credit card to pay at a restaurant

9 min read

Are travel credit cards worth it?

Bankrate's expert advice

Advice

The pros and cons of travel credit cards

Travel tips

What’s the cheapest day to book flights?

experience

How I saved thousands of dollars on a trip to Australia with credit card points and miles

Travel roundup

What’s the value of your American Airlines miles?

The value of your American Airlines miles depends on how you’re redeeming them.

4 min read Feb 01, 2024
How much are Delta SkyMiles worth?

Learn how to get the best value out of your Delta SkyMiles.

7 min read Jan 17, 2024
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
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
Guide to Virgin Red

Learn about the Virgin Red program, how to earn and redeem points and how to link your account with your Flying Club account to pool points.

5 min read Jul 06, 2023
How to leverage Amex’s The Hotel Collection for your next trip

Learn more about one writer’s recent solo trip to Lisbon, Portugal, using The Hotel Collection from American Express.

3 min read Jun 28, 2023
How your credit card can help you tackle summer ’23 travel issues

The summer of ‘23 looks to be a record one, which means more travel upsets are likely

4 min read Jun 26, 2023
Travel scams that can hurt your credit and finances

Here are the most common travel scams to spot and avoid today.

5 min read Jun 22, 2023

Best travel cards

Rewards programs

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information