Maximizing Luxury Travel Perks with Travel Rewards Cards
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When searching for a new credit card, many individuals prioritize rewards. Travel credit cards, in particular, can provide significant benefits, allowing you to accrue airline miles for flights, points for hotel accommodations worldwide, and versatile travel points for various uses.
For numerous consumers, the travel rewards earned can facilitate their adventures around the globe. These points and miles enable them to extend their travels or venture to more distant locations that may not be feasible without the rewards accrued from their routine spending.
In this context, travelers often view their reward points as an enhancement to their travel budget, which is perfectly valid. However, beyond just making travel affordable, travel rewards cards can elevate the entire experience, making it more luxurious, comfortable, and enjoyable. Here are a few ways to maximize the benefits.
Elevate to business class
Most of us who earnestly plan for vacations find business class tickets to be beyond our financial reach, especially for international journeys. Thankfully, airline and travel reward cards make accumulating substantial sign-up bonuses and ongoing rewards achievable, bringing business class seats within reach.
While the cost of business class tickets can differ among airlines, it’s common to find international business class tickets to numerous European destinations for only around 55,000 American AAdvantage miles one-way. Air France/Flying Blue frequently has comparable pricing, along with special Promo Awards featuring unique international offers.
Reserve hotels that are typically out of budget
Using hotel points can allow access to standard accommodations globally. However, it’s important not to overlook the chance to indulge in luxury hotels that would otherwise be unaffordable.
Picture yourself enjoying a lavish resort stay in places like the Maldives, Bora Bora, or the Seychelles, funded entirely through points. This isn’t just a dream, as hotel loyalty programs paired with co-branded credit cards from Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy make it a reality.
I can vouch for this experience. However, bear in mind that you might encounter higher expenses associated with dining and activities. During a stay at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, which typically costs over $900 per night, the cost of drinks at the bar was around $39 USD. My husband and I hesitated to leave after being seated and faced with the menu, so we settled for the most affordable drink—a glass of rosé. This experience taught us to seek more reasonably priced drinks elsewhere during our stay. (Refer to: 5 Amazing Travel Destinations You Thought Were Unaffordable)
Splurge on excursion activities
Another effective rewards tactic is to use earned points for luxury experiences, tours, and outings. This is a strategy I often employ with the flexible travel credits I acquire.
No matter your travel destination, certain points can be redeemed for engaging activities like snorkeling adventures, cultural tours, culinary experiences, and beyond. In fact, for my upcoming trip to Italy, I utilized points for a cooking lesson in Florence, a vineyard tour with a gourmet dinner in Tuscany, and personal airport transportation in Milan. I even redeemed some rewards for a golf cart tour of ancient Rome, which was ideal given we’re accompanying my older parents, who may struggle with the extensive walking required to see key sites.
Keep in mind that travel rewards can cover essential expenses like flights and accommodations, as well as those delightful extras you might typically shy away from.
Streamline your airport security experience
Many leading travel rewards credit cards also provide a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. TSA Precheck enables quicker access through security checkpoints without having to remove shoes, belts, or laptops, while Global Entry simplifies your re-entry process into the U.S., avoiding long wait lines.
Both of these benefits have been time-savers for me, particularly Global Entry. Where others may face up to a 30-minute (or longer) wait upon arriving back in the U.S., I rarely find myself in line for over five minutes.
Relax in airport lounges
Once you’ve bypassed the lines with Global Entry or TSA Precheck, you can retreat to the comfort of an airport lounge.
Many premier travel credit cards offer access to airport lounges as a benefit for cardholders. Some even allow entry to thousands of lounges worldwide. Each lounge typically provides a variety of snacks and beverages, while the more upscale options boast extensive buffets and complimentary drinks, depending on the airport.
In any case, enjoying the lounge atmosphere is certainly preferable to sitting in a crowded, noisy gate area while waiting for your flight. As many elite travel credit cards provide lounge access as a complimentary perk, you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity.
