21 Ways Credit Cards can Save You Money on Your Summer Vacation

by: Debbie Dragon

Thanks to the intense competition among credit card companies, the rewards programs and extra perks for cardholders just keep getting better. You can often use rewards programs to take free trips – or at the very least, extremely discounted vacations. Here are 21 ways credit cards can save you money on your next trip:

1. Airline Miles. If you're going somewhere, you need a way to get there! Many credit cards, including the WorldPerks Visa Cards , offer rewards in the form of airline miles. Every time you buy something with the card, you earn points or miles towards flight tickets. You may earn one mile per dollar spent, or on a handful of cards, up to five miles per dollar spent. Look for cards with a new account bonus- many cards give you enough points after your first purchase (of any dollar amount) to earn a free flight, or a sign-up offer of additional points just for becoming a cardholder.

2. Hotel Nights. The next necessity when you travel is having a place to sleep! There are several credit cards that offer enough rewards points for 2 to 4 nights of free hotel stays for making your first purchase (of any dollar amount) on your new credit card, including Citi Hilton Hhonors Card .

3. Cash Back . The other thing you need when you travel is cash. Cards that offer cash back can act like a savings account that you aren't physically contributing to. If you know you're going to take a trip in a few months, or a year, let all of your cash back rewards build up until you're ready to go and then 'cash' them in. Some cash back rewards program provide the reward in the form of gift cards, such as the Discover More Card, which are also handy for travelers.

4. Go Cruising. A variety of travel rewards credit cards have started offering discounts and reward point redemption towards the cost of going on a cruise, including Blue Sky from American Express. If you've always wanted to go on a cruise, or are a regular cruiser – here's an opportunity to save money the next time you set sail. This benefit is usually part of a basic travel or airline miles card, and is an alternative way to redeem your rewards.

5. Full Vacation Packages. Travel rewards credit cards, like Miles from Discover Card often allow you to redeem your points or miles to obtain a full vacation package. The requirements of the offer and the destinations will vary based on the credit card you use; but for a free trip, most people won't be overly picky about where they get to go!

6. Car Rental. The majority of rewards credit cards offer either free car rental opportunities or discounts on renting a vehicle when you use your credit card. WorldPerks Visa Signature Card offers 3 free days of car rental.

7. Car Rental Insurance. Many people don't realize that when you rent a car using a credit card, like the Citi Platinum Select often you can decline the insurance offered by the car rental company because your credit card offers a collision damage waiver and/or loss damage coverage automatically. (Just make sure you know what's covered before you decline the rental company insurance!)

8. Airport Lounge Access. Your credit card rewards program may entitle you to some VIP service at the airport, including rewards offered through the MERRILL+ card. Roll out the red carpet! Airports have private lounges set aside for frequent travelers and people who travel on business (or who have a lot of money and pay extra for the lounge access). Some lounges offer complimentary beverages and snacks, internet access, and televisions to help pass the time during a layover or plane delay.

9. Travel Accident Insurance . Many travelers purchase travel accident insurance whenever they're going on vacation or traveling for business. What you may not realize is that there are hundreds of credit cards that offer travel accident insurance coverage, including the majority of Chase issued cards, whenever you use the card to make your travel arrangements. There are both domestic travel accident insurance options and worldwide travel accident insurance.

10. Walt Disney World. What family doesn't want to take a trip to see Mickey at Walt Disney World? There are a number of credit cards offering specific rewards programs that help you save money on a Walt Disney World vacation, including the Disney Rewards Visa Card - from Disney hotel stays, to the airfare that gets you there, to theme park tickets and Disney themed merchandise.

11. Wireless Phone Discounts. When traveling, you pretty much always have a reason to call home. Several credit cards include wireless phone discounts, including the AT&T Universal Savings Platinum Card, which offers 30 free phone minutes each month as well as 2 free directory assistance calls per month.

12. Dining Rewards . You've got to eat, whether at home or on the road. Thousands of credit cards provide dining rewards, including the majority of the Bank of America issued credit cards, in the form of gift cards to specific restaurants or discounts on your dining bill.

13. Emergency Roadside Assistance. Just about every Capital One credit card offers this feature, among other credit cards. This credit card benefit is great whether you're at home or traveling. If you breakdown and your credit card offers emergency roadside assistance, you can make a simple phone call and get help.

14. Emergency Cash Disbursment. Some credit card's include a benefit to assist you if you find yourself without cash in an emergency, including the WorldPerks Visa Platinum card. Call the number for customer service, explain your situation, and money will be made available to you.

15. Membership in Travel Clubs. A number of credit cards offer the additional benefit of complimentary membership into a travel club, such as the WorldPerks Visa Signature Card and the Hideaway Aficionado Club membership. The specific benefits of each travel club will vary, but can include things like VIP services at resorts, hotels and villas, upgraded rooms on cruises, and more.

16. Theft Protection. When you use credit cards offering theft protection coverage (no liability for unauthorized purchases and fraudulent use) you can avoid the hassle of getting and using travelers checks. Almost all credit cards provide some level of theft protection these days, including American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card, and the majority of Bank of America issued credit cards.

17. Free Companion Ticket. Watch for special travel bonus offers, such as the “free companion ticket” currently offered from Citi PremierPass Elite- you basically get two flights for the price of one with these offers, perfect if you're traveling with a partner.

18. Concierge Service. As individuals lives get busier, credit cards are attempting to service the busy lifestyle by offering a benefit of a concierge service. Some cards, including the MERRILL+ card, offer 24/7 concierge service to cardholders and can help you find a destination, make travel arrangements or send gifts.

19. Gas discounts. If your idea of a good vacation or trip involves hitting the open road, a gas rebate or discount reward program is a good way to save money on the high costs of fueling up. Gas cards, including the BP Visa Rewards Card, offer 5% rebates on all gas purchases.

20.Regional Discounts. Whether you live or travel frequently to Chicago, LA, or New York, there are three credit cards that offer discounts in each of these cities to cardholders of the IN:LA, IN:Chicago, and IN:New York cards offered through American Express.

21. Sports Travel Discounts. Cards like the NFL Extra Points Platinum Plus card, give cardholders the opportunity to save on sports event tickets, gain VIP access to events, and save on sports themed merchandise at participating retailers.

Rewards, discounts, and benefits of specific credit cards mentioned were accurate as of 3/28/08; and can change at any time at the discretion of the credit card issuers.

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