The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for travelers looking for simplicity and flexibility. Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. Plus, you can redeem your miles on any airline, hotel, or rental car with no blackout dates.
Melanie Tucci • February 20, 2024
10 Best Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards are a great way to make your travel experiences more rewarding by earning points, miles, or cash back on your purchases. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a hotel enthusiast, or looking for flexible travel rewards, there's a card out there that's perfect for your travel needs. Here's a rundown of the 10 best travel credit cards, each with unique benefits that cater to different types of travelers.
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
A favorite among travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a great mix of rewards and benefits. Earn 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide, plus 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
For Southwest loyalists, this card offers significant value with benefits like 7,500 anniversary points, a $75 Southwest travel credit each year, and four upgraded boardings per year (when available). Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases and 1X on all other purchases.
While not a traditional travel card, the Capital One Savor Card deserves a spot on this list for those who love to explore through dining and entertainment. With unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, and 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), this card adds a rewarding twist to travel and everyday spending
The Citi Premier® Card is a solid choice for travelers who want diverse earning categories. Earn 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, and 1X on all other purchases. Points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs, increasing their potential value.
Ideal for foodies and travelers alike, the American Express® Gold Card offers 4X points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Hotel enthusiasts will appreciate the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card, which offers 6X points at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2X points on all other purchases. Cardholders also receive one free night award every year after their account anniversary.
For Delta frequent flyers, this card offers 2X miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Enjoy priority boarding and a first checked bag free on Delta flights.
United flyers can benefit from the United℠ Explorer Card, which offers 2X miles on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays. Enjoy perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club℠ passes each year.
For those who prefer no annual fee, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, and points can be used to book travel with no blackout dates, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, or baggage fees.
If hiking in the Italian Alps is calling your name, there’s no better adventure than the Alta Via 1 (AV1)—a 75-mile hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites that delivers world-class views, rustic charm, and one hell of a personal accomplishment. I hiked the Alta Via 1 Dolomites trail in July 2024 and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know: the itinerary, how to book rifugios, when to go, and how to prep like a pro. And if all the planning feels overwhelming—don’t worry. I’ve created the Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide , a downloadable planning tool that takes all the guesswork out of your AV1 adventure (more on that below). What Is the Alta Via 1? The Alta Via 1 (often called Alta Via One or AV1) is a legendary long-distance hike in the Dolomites, stretching from Lago di Braies to Belluno. Most hikers complete it in 6 to 11 days, depending on fitness and pace. 🥾 Total Distance: ~120 km / 75 miles ⛰️ Elevation Gain: Over 23,000 feet 🛏️ Lodging: Stay in family-run rifugios with meals, beds, and wine 🍝 Bonus: Delicious homemade pasta, mountain saunas, and even a microbrewery
The Alta Via 1 is the ultimate Dolomites hiking adventure —a 9-day journey through Italy’s most stunning mountain landscapes. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the exact itinerary I followed , including distances, elevation changes, and key highlights to help you plan your trek with confidence. Day 1: Lago di Braies to Rifugio Fodara Vedla Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles Elevation Gain: 880 m / 2,890 ft Elevation Loss: 220 m / 720 ft Your journey kicks off at the postcard-perfect Lago di Braies , one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites. After taking in the view, you’ll begin climbing into alpine pastures and forests. The day ends at Rifugio Fodara Vedla , a peaceful mountain hut with sweeping views and cozy alpine charm—a perfect start to your AV1 adventure.