Best travel hacks and best travel credit cards

Written By Xillirate

Your guide to travel hacks and best travel credit cards 

Travel hacks aren’t just cute tricks—they're the difference between a chaotic trip and a smooth adventure. If you know how to make the most of it; these are the hacks frequent travelers swear by, and once you use them, you’ll never go back.   Whether you're a seasoned jetsetter or planning your first big family getaway, two things matter most.
  • The right travel credit cards that unlock transferable travel points, airport lounges, and luxury perks
  • The smart travel hacks that save you time, money, and stress

(and why they’re worth it)

The right travel credit card is often the most powerful travel hack of all. Just to mention a few advantages; it can unlock:  
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport lounge access
  • Statement credits
  • Travel protections
  • Priority boarding
  • Rental car insurance

Here are the top travel cards in 2026 and what makes them exceptional.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®.  Why It’s One of the Best:
  • High point value when redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal
  • Strong travel protection coverage
  • Points transfer to 14+ airline and hotel partners.  Offers bonus points on dining (including delivery services) and travel (including ferries, parking, and tolls), not just standard flights/hotels
  • Reasonable annual fee of  $95 
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Essential for international travel, saving you 3% on purchases abroad

Best For: Beginner travelers, international travelers, anyone wanting maximum flexibility.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®.  Why Frequent Travelers Love It:
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership provides access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, plus access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, allowing for more comfortable travel 
  • Excellent points value on travel & dining
  • Top-tier travel insurance protections.  The card provides primary auto rental insurance (up to $75,000 for theft and collision) 

Best For: Frequent flyers and luxury travelers.
3. American Express Platinum®. Why It’s a Luxury Favorite:
  • Unmatched airport lounge network (Centurion + Delta + Priority Pass).  The card provides access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes over 1,550 lounges in more than 140 countries.  The Centurion® Lounge: Exclusive, high-end lounges with gourmet food and curated cocktails.  Delta Sky Club: Access when flying with Delta.  Priority Pass™ Select: Access to a global network of lounges. 
  • Hundreds in annual statement credits (Uber, hotels, airline fees, TSA Precheck).  Up to $600 back in statement credits semi-annually (up to $300 twice a year) on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings.
  • High earning rates on flights & hotels

Best For: Travelers seeking premium perks and comfort.
4. Capital One Venture X®.  Why It's a Rising Star:
  • Simple points system (2x on everything). It's a premium card that simplifies rewards with a flat 2x earning rate, making it great for those who want luxury travel benefits without overly complex category tracking.  
  • Lounge access + Capital One Lounges
  • Annual travel credit
  • Authorized user perks at no extra charge

Best For: Families, business travelers, and minimalists.
5. Citi Premier® Card.  Why It’s Great for Everyday Spending:
  • Huge earning categories (gas, dining, travel, supermarkets).  Everyday Spenders: Earns 3x points on groceries, gas, restaurants, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels (booked directly), making it great for racking up points on non-travel spending too.
  • Transfer partners for maximizing flights
  • Low annual fee
  • Considerations:
No Lounge Access: Doesn't offer luxury travel perks like airport lounge access.
Point Redemption: Best value comes from travel redemption or hotel credit, not just statement credits.
Welcome Bonus Restrictions: Check eligibility if you've had other Citi Thank You cards recently. 
    Best For: Travelers who value earning points year-round.
6. Bank of America Travel Rewards®.  Why Budget Travelers Love It:  The Bank of America Travel Rewards card suits budget travelers because it has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and offers a straightforward flat 1.5x points on all purchases, making it simple and cost-effective for everyday spending that turns into travel credits, plus potential bonuses.
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Flat-rate earning on all purchases

Best For: Casual travelers and beginners.
To sum it up; Which Travel Card Should You Choose? Choose based on your travel style:
  • Budget traveler → Bank of America Travel Rewards
  • Beginner → Chase Sapphire Preferred
  • Luxury traveler → Amex Platinum
  • Frequent flyer → Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Simplify everything → Venture X
  • Everyday spender → Citi Premier

Smart Booking & Planning Hacks

Smart Booking & Planning Hacks.  Book Flights on the “Window of Sweet Spots”.  Search Flights in Incognito Mode or clear your browser frequently to delete tracking cookies. 
Some booking sites track your searches and raise prices. Incognito browsing keeps your search history “invisible.”

Airfare doesn’t need to be unpredictable if you know when to buy.
  • Domestic flights: 1–3 months in advance International flights
  • International flights: 2–8 months in advance
  • Holiday travel: Book as early as possible

Use price-tracking tools like Google Flights,  or Hopper, so you get notified the moment the fare drops. Or search for cheap flight fares on xillirate.com  to view best air fare prices.

Fly on “Low-Demand Days”
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are usually the cheapest flying days. Avoid Fridays and Sundays whenever possible.

Split Your Tickets (Especially International)

Instead of buying a single round-trip ticket, try:
  • A cheap international flight to a major hub (e.g., London, Singapore, Doha)
  • A second ticket to your final destination
This can save hundreds, sometimes thousands.


Airport Hacks
Skip Airport Lines With These Apps:  
  • Mobile Passport (US only)
  • CLEAR
  • Global Entry
  • Digital boarding passes

    Always Sit Near the Gate Desk.  You’ll be first to hear:
  • Upgrade announcements
  • Seat changes
  • Delays
  • View flight compensation option
 

Accommodation Hacks

Book Longer Stays for Discounts.  Many hotels , apartments and hostels have great offers:
  • Weekly discounts (10–25%)
  • Monthly discounts (30–60%)

Perfect for slow travel or digital nomads.
Stay Near, Not In, the Tourist Area.   Choose accommodation:
 
Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a solo escape, or a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, xillirate.com is built to elevate every step of your travel journey. With user-friendly travel tools, and features, Xillirate affiliate marketing website helps you find the best deals on flights,   hotel stays,   airport transfers, and car rentals, ensuring seamless travel from start to finish. You can also explore top-rated tours, attractions, and tickets to live entertainment events, making it easier than ever to create a truly unforgettable itinerary. Designed for independent travelers who want convenience, value, and inspiration for all travel bookings in one place.