14 Travel Rewards Programs That Could Pay You More Than a Salary
If you’re the type of person who gets excited about traveling the world, travel rewards programs are an excellent way to gain points for your travels. These programs can be a boon for savvy travelers offering everything from free flights to complimentary hotel stays and a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
What if we told you that some travel rewards programs could potentially pay more than you’d earn in a 9 to 5 job? The trick is finding the right programs that meet your travel goals and lifestyle. Let’s take a look at some of the best travel programs to make your wanderlust pay off.
Capital One Venture Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards card gives users flexibility to redeem miles for any travel related purchase, from flights to hotels and car rentals. The standout feature is that miles can be transferred to more than 15 travel partners. This is a no brainer for those who want a no fuss approach to earning travel rewards — unlimited 2X miles on every purchase with no blackout dates.
World of Hyatt
Many love Hyatt’s rewards program because of its high-point earnings and low-point redemptions. For travelers looking for something a little more refined, this is ideal, with the ability to use points at luxury hotels resorts, spas, and restaurants. They also have partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels around the World so you could redeem points for stays at luxury boutique hotels.
United MileagePlus
If you’re flying for business or leisure, United Airlines’ MileagePlus program has plenty of ways to rack up miles. United’s partner network includes more than 35 airlines, so your miles can be used for flights to more places. Elite members also get priority boarding, access to United Clubs and complimentary upgrades.
British Airways Executive Club
The British Airways Executive Club is a good deal for international travelers. You can earn “Avios” which can be used for flights, seat upgrades, and even car rentals. The biggest advantage is that you can use less Avios on short-haul flights, particularly in Europe, which makes it great for people who are constantly travelling between cities.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Mileage Plan is generous for the amount that is earned, with a notable exception coming in the form of earning on partner airlines’ international flights. It’s a useful option for domestic and international travelers because you can redeem miles on Alaska and its many global partners. Not only that, elite members also get free checked bags, priority boarding and upgrades.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus
The simplicity of the Barclaycard Arrival Plus program is well known: earn double miles on every purchase and redeem those miles for any travel-related expense. For travelers who don’t want to be bound to a single airline or hotel chain, it’s perfect. You can also redeem additional miles for travel purchases so that every dollar goes a little further.
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Airlines travel rewards program is refreshingly simple and straightforward. Their ‘earn as you fly’ system means you earn points based on how much you spend rather than the distance flown. As seen on their website, Perks for Rapid Rewards members include no blackout dates on rewards flights and no change fees. For budget travelers looking for great value for their rewards, it’s an excellent choice.
JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue’s TrueBlue program is family friendly. You can also pool points with family, allowing you to get more points for future trips. According to JetBlue, their operated flights have no blackout dates, and your points never expire. True blue members get in-flight perks like free Wi-Fi and entertainment, making air travel a little more comfortable.
IHG Rewards Club
The IHG Rewards Club program includes a lot of properties, from low-priced hotels to uber posh resorts. Free nights, room upgrades and even gift cards are all possible points redemptions. The bonus points earned by elite members include priority check in, and late check out; thus, it is a great variant for both regular travelers as well as for casual vacationers.
American Airlines AAdvantage
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program has been one of the most popular travel rewards programs for a long time. Through numerous airline and hotel chains, you can easily accumulate miles. Its generous redemption options — flights, seat upgrades and vacation packages — make it stand out. Elite status tiers in particular serve frequent flyers well, as they give you access to lounges and early boarding, and maybe bonus miles on each flight.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
If you’re looking for a versatile program that allows you to transfer points to several airlines and hotel partners, Chase Ultimate Rewards is a good choice. Not only do you earn points on everyday purchases, but you can get more value when redeeming those points for travel through Chase’s portal. That means you can pool Chase credit card points and that adds up to bigger savings.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy has a robust rewards system. You’ll have a lot of opportunities to earn and use points in properties in almost every corner of the globe. Marriott Bonvoy members are entitled to perks such as upgrades, late checkout, and special access to events. It’s ideal for those who are looking for a bit of luxury without spending a lot of money.
Delta SkyMiles
Loyal flyers love Delta’s SkyMiles program. One of its biggest advantages is that your miles don’t expire, so you can accumulate them over time without any pressure to use them. Perks such as free upgrades, priority boarding and free checked baggage come with elite membership for the elite members. These perks can soon add up in significant savings for frequent travelers.
Hilton Honors
Another awesome program is Hilton Honors if you’re a hotel lover. There’s no shortage of properties in which to earn and redeem points with over 6,000 worldwide. They also have flexible payment option, combining points and cash to book the rooms. Bonus for high tier members include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and access to executive lounges.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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