Whether looking for summertime adventures or a winter escape, hitting the beach is a great way to make incredible memories.
Because of their popularity and ease of booking flights, two destinations stand out among vacationers: Hawaii and the Bahamas. However, when comparing the Bahamas to Hawaii, there are many differences that you need to know.
The main differences between the Bahamas versus Hawaii are the need for a passport and distance. Hawaii is part of the United States, while the Bahamas is not. West Coast travelers often prefer Hawaii, while the Bahamas is easier to get to from the East Coast.
Let’s see what sets these two paradise locations apart.
How to get to Hawaii vs. the Bahamas
Most major domestic airlines offer flights to these popular destinations. However, one option may be much closer and easier, depending on where you live. You may also have to contend with airline routes and time zones that will affect flight options.
Flights to Hawaii
If you live on the West Coast, deciding between vacationing in the Bahamas versus Hawaii may be easy. Hawaii and the Bahamas are about the same distance from California, but the flight options to Hawaii may make it much more desirable.
With Southwest Airlines entering the market, many airlines lowered their cash prices to compete. Southwest offers flights starting at $124 each way from Los Angeles.
Once in Hawaii, you can easily hop between the islands with cheap flights on Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others. Southwest offers flights starting at just $39 each way.
Flights to the Bahamas
Flying to the Bahamas is harder for West Coast residents but much easier for those living on the East Coast. There are many flight deals and the cost is much less versus Hawaii.
Award flights to the Bahamas start at just 10,000 miles in Economy or 20,000 miles in First Class on American Airlines. This makes the Bahamas and other Caribbean destinations a popular winter escape.
The downside of the Bahamas is that you need a passport to get there. It is more difficult to arrange a last-minute vacation if you don’t have a passport because passport applications can take several months to process.
Where to stay for your Bahamas vs. Hawaii vacation
When weighing the Bahamas versus Hawaii, choosing between hotels might be difficult because there are many fantastic options. Depending on the length of your stay, the cost of your accommodations may be greater than the cost of the flight. However, you can save a lot of money on your vacation using hotel points. Let’s look at some popular choices.
Hotels in Hawaii
There are six major Hawaiian islands, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. Hotel options vary based on which island you choose. However, most major hotel brands are available on each of these islands.
In Honolulu, for example, you can book any of these hotels using points:
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach — from 15,000 World of Hyatt points (or use a Hyatt credit card annual free night certificate).
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort — from 70,000 Hilton Honors points.
The Laylow, Autograph Collection — from 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Holiday Inn Express Waikiki — from 34,000 points (or use an IHG credit card annual free night certificate).
Hotels in the Bahamas
There are fewer options for redeeming hotel points in the Bahamas versus Hawaii. The major tourist destination in the Bahamas is Nassau. This is also where you’ll find popular hotels where you can redeem points.
Atlantis — several buildings available, with rates starting at 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar — from 21,000 World of Hyatt points.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nassau — from 32,000 points (or use an IHG credit card annual free night certificate).
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini — from 60,000 points per night.
The best time to visit Hawaii vs. the Bahamas
Travel dates can help you decide between Hawaii versus the Bahamas. These islands are similar distances from the equator, so their weather and seasons are similar. However, there are some significant differences.
Hawaii weather and terrain
Although Hawaii offers primarily tropical weather, its terrain offers multiple climate options. Hawaii features numerous mountains formed by volcanoes, some almost 14,000 feet tall. Its lush landscape and natural canopies also provide an escape from the tropical heat.
On average, Hawaiian temperatures only vary about six degrees throughout the year. The range from a low in the mid-70s during the winter to a peak in the low-80s in September. However, the tallest mountain peaks experience significant weather events, including temperatures in the 90s, winter blizzards and thunderstorms.
Hawaii is rarely affected by hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean. It rains an average of 25 to 30 inches annually, with the heaviest rains occurring from October to April.
Weather in the Bahamas
Located in the Caribbean, the Bahamas has fairly consistent weather throughout the year. Its peak temperatures of the upper-80s occur from early June to early October. Winter temperatures drop to highs in the upper-70s. January is the coldest month of the year, with lows of 70 degrees and highs of 79.
It doesn’t rain that often in the Bahamas. October is its rainiest month, with an average of seven days of rain, while December is the driest, with just two days of rain.
The Bahamas faces extreme seasonality with its humidity. From June to October, the humidity can be described as “oppressive” or “miserable,” affecting how much you enjoy your vacation. However, spending time in the pool or ocean can minimize the impact.
The Bahamas vs. Hawaii honeymoon destination
Both destinations have natural beauty, gorgeous beaches and amazing hotels. It’s no wonder that many couples consider the Bahamas versus Hawaii for their honeymoon celebration. Whether you want to explore the island or relax on the beach, each destination is ideal for a honeymoon.
Because the climate is more reliable throughout the year, Hawaii may be a better honeymoon destination than the Bahamas. Many weddings occur over the summer, peak hurricane season in the Atlantic. You wouldn’t want the stress of a hurricane impacting your honeymoon.
Winter is a much better time to visit the Caribbean if that matches your wedding planning.
Hawaii vs. the Bahamas: Which is the better choice?
Choosing between the Bahamas versus Hawaii is a tough choice for many travelers. While both islands offer many appealing features, your decision is often based on where you live and if you have a passport.
Hawaii is a U.S. state which does not require a passport for travel, while you must have a passport to visit the Bahamas. Traveling to Hawaii is much easier from the West Coast, and many East Coast travelers can get to the Bahamas easily.
Hawaii offers more hotel redemption options and multiple climates among its numerous islands versus the Bahamas. The U.S. dollar is the primary currency, and amenities such as roads, restaurants and hospitals are up to U.S. standards.
The Bahamas has its currency, but prices are pegged to the U.S. dollar, so prices are the same in both currencies. While the Bahamas has many modern conveniences, you may not have the same choices for dining, attractions or medical needs during your visit.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
If you’ve been enjoying reciprocal perks between World of Hyatt and MGM Rewards, this news will hit hard. Unfortunately, the strategic relationship between these two programs is ending, effective Sept. 30, 2023.
As a World of Hyatt Globalist member who also has MGM Rewards Gold through the soon-to-end partnership, I’ve been enjoying waived resort fees on stays at MGM Rewards properties in Las Vegas when I book directly with MGM Rewards. And I’ve enjoyed earning World of Hyatt points and tier-qualifying nights on these stays. I even wrote about how I earned a Hyatt elite qualifying night for just $24 in 2022, thanks to an inexpensive weeknight rate at an MGM Rewards property in Las Vegas.
But now the days are numbered for World of Hyatt and MGM Rewards’ strategic relationship.
Here’s what you need to know.
Status matches
Through July 14, World of Hyatt members can still status match to MGM Rewards. In particular, entry-level World of Hyatt members can match to MGM Rewards’ base-level Sapphire status. And World of Hyatt elite members can match to MGM Rewards tiers as follows:
Discoverist: MGM Rewards Pearl
Explorist: MGM Rewards Gold
Globalist: MGM Rewards Gold
If you match your World of Hyatt status to MGM Rewards between Feb. 1 and July 14, 2023, you’ll keep your matched MGM Rewards tier status through Jan. 31, 2024. Likewise, if you match your MGM Rewards status to World of Hyatt between March 1 and July 14, 2023, you’ll keep your matched World of Hyatt tier status through Feb. 29, 2024.
I’ve enjoyed having MGM Gold status because I get to enjoy free self-parking (and waived valet parking charges at select MGM resorts), waived resort fees when booking hotel rooms directly with MGM, and access to a priority check-in line at the front desk of MGM resorts. These benefits have saved me at least an hour and hundreds of dollars over the last year and a half, so I’m sad I’ll lose these perks when my matched MGM Rewards status expires Jan. 31, 2024.
Related: 17 best hotels in Vegas with suites that are worth it
New and existing reservations
The end of the strategic relationship between World of Hyatt and MGM Rewards means the end of reciprocal earning and redeeming on stays.
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In particular, World of Hyatt members won’t be able to make new reservations at participating MGM Rewards destinations in Las Vegas through Hyatt channels on or after Sept. 30, 2023. Existing and new reservations made before Sept. 30, 2023, will be honored. You can redeem Hyatt points for stays at participating MGM Rewards destinations in Las Vegas until Sept. 30, 2023.
Hyatt members won’t be able to earn World of Hyatt points or tier-qualifying nights for stays at MGM Rewards destinations in Las Vegas with checkout after Sept. 30, 2023. Similarly, MGM Rewards members won’t earn MGM Rewards tier credits for stays at Hyatt hotels and resorts with checkout after Sept. 30, 2023.
MGM Rewards’ frequently asked questions page about the end of this strategic relationship states the following:
MGM Rewards Gold members who achieved their Tier Status through the tier match benefit between February 1, 2023, and July 14, 2023, will have their resort fees waived for direct bookings made through MGM Resorts through January 31, 2024.
So, you can still book stays at participating MGM properties directly with MGM Rewards to enjoy waived resort fees through Jan. 31, 2024, if you have MGM Rewards Gold status that you matched from World of Hyatt.
Related: The best hotel pools in Las Vegas
Bottom line
This is disappointing news for World of Hyatt elite members. But you can still match your status (in either direction) through July 14, 2023. And your matched status will continue to provide benefits into early 2024.
If you are looking to make a trip to Las Vegas to snag some inexpensive World of Hyatt elite-qualifying nights, book through MGM Rewards (to get waived resort fees if you have MGM Rewards Gold status or higher) and check out by Sept. 30, 2023. But you can still enjoy waived resort fees in Las Vegas on stays through Jan. 31, 2024, if you have MGM Rewards Gold status through a match from World of Hyatt and book directly with MGM Resorts.
Boise, Idaho, is not only known for its thriving city life and vibrant culture, but also for its exceptional parks that provide residents and visitors with opportunities to immerse themselves in nature. If you’re considering relocating and renting an apartment in Boise or buying a home, you’ll be delighted to discover the abundance of well-loved parks that are cherished by the local community. In this Redfin article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular parks in Boise, Idaho. Let’s get started.
1. Julia Davis Park
Situated in the heart of downtown Boise, Julia Davis Park is a beloved urban oasis that offers a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 89 acres, this park is home to the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Historical Museum, and the Boise Zoo. With its scenic walking paths, beautiful rose garden, and a serene lagoon, Julia Davis Park is a favorite destination for families, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
2. Kathryn Albertson Park
Nestled along the banks of the Boise River, Kathryn Albertson Park is a picturesque park known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes. This 41-acre park features a diverse range of flora and fauna, including vibrant wildflowers, graceful willow trees, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls on the park’s winding pathways, relax by the ponds, and take in the scenic views.
3. Camel’s Back Park
With its distinctive camel-shaped ridge, Camel’s Back Park offers a unique outdoor experience in Boise. This popular 11-acre park is located in the North End neighborhood and is a favorite among hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a network of trails that lead to the summit of Camel’s Back Hill, providing panoramic views of the city and the Boise Foothills. Additionally, visitors can enjoy tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas.
4. Ann Morrison Park
Spanning over 153 acres along the banks of the Boise River, Ann Morrison Park is a cherished destination for recreational activities and gatherings. The park offers many amenities, including soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a disc golf course, and a spacious picnic area. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s river access for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Ann Morrison Park hosts numerous community events throughout the year, such as the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic, Greenbelt walks, and more, making it a vibrant hub of activity and celebration.
5. Hulls Gulch Reserve
Hulls Gulch Reserve offers a pristine natural setting for anyone who loves the great outdoors. This 292-acre reserve has an extensive trail system that meanders through diverse ecosystems, including sagebrush slopes, riparian areas, and shaded forests. Hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners can explore the scenic trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, such as the popular “Shafer Butte” trailhead.
6. Barber Park
For those seeking outdoor adventures and riverfront fun, Barber Park is the perfect destination. Located on the Boise River, this park serves as a popular starting point for floating trips and offers rentals for tubes, rafts, and kayaks. The park also features picnic areas, barbecue grills, and a playground, making it an excellent spot for a family outing or a relaxing day by the water. Barber Park is a gateway to the natural beauty of the Boise River and provides a refreshing escape from the city.
7. Municipal Park
Found in the Warm Springs neighborhood, Municipal Park is a hidden gem that showcases Boise’s rich history and offers recreational opportunities for all ages. This 15-acre park is home to the historic Natatorium, a geothermal swimming complex that has been converted into a community gathering space. The park also features tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, and open green spaces for picnics and leisure activities.
8. Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
For nature lovers and birdwatchers, Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. This 44-acre nature reserve offers a network of walking trails that wind through wetlands, ponds, and forests, providing ample opportunities to observe native wildlife and bird species. Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve is not only a sanctuary for those who love nature but also an educational hub with informative signage and nature programs for all ages.
A final note on parks on Boise
Boise, Idaho, boasts an array of well-loved parks that cater to various interests and offer a chance to connect with nature. From urban parks with cultural attractions to serene riverfront escape, Boise’s parks provide a balance between city living and natural beauty. So, lace up your walking shoes, pack a picnic, and immerse yourself in the abundant natural wonders that await you in these remarkable parks in Boise, Idaho.
Open a BMO Harris Premier™ Account online and get a $500 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening. Expires 9/15. Conditions Apply.
The information related to the Chase World of Hyatt Business Credit Card has been collected by Money Crashers and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card offers hotel rewards and benefits to small-business owners who prefer to stay at Hyatt hotels and resorts. You can earn bonus rewards on many common business purchases, and receive benefits when staying at the growing list of properties that participate in the World of Hyatt program.
However, this card has a larger than average annual fee, so it’s ideally suited for those who frequently stay at Hyatt properties, rather than those who are just willing to collect rewards for occasional stays.
What Is the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card?
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a solid credit card for small-business owners who book Hyatt stays frequently and want to capitalize on that spend.
New applicants can take advantage of an attractive sign-up bonus offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Note that this offer is only available if you have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card within the last 24 months.
This card earns 9 points per $1 spent for Hyatt stays and experiences, including restaurants and spas. That’s the headline.
It also earns:
2 bonus points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships
2 bonus points per $1 spent in your top three eligible spend categories each quarter through December 31, 2023, then 2 bonus points per $1 spent in your top two eligible spend categories each quarter
1 bonus point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Eligible bonus spending categories include:
Dining
Airline tickets purchased directly with the airline
Car rental agencies
Local transit and commuting
Gas stations
Internet, cable, and phone services
Social media and search engine advertising
Shipping
The World of Hyatt Business Card can be extremely helpful if you’re looking to earn elite status within the Hyatt ecosystem. You get automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status for you and up to five employees just for owning the card. Plus, you earn five annual Qualifying Night credits for every $10,000 spent in a calendar year to use toward reaching top-tier elite status and Milestone Rewards faster.
This card is also especially beneficial to businesses with large spending requirements. When you spend $50,000 in a calendar year on your card, you get 10% of your redeemed points back for the rest of the year on up to 200,000 points redeemed.
This card also features an annual Hyatt statement credit worth up to $100. After spending $50 or more at any Hyatt property, you can get a $50 statement credit, up to two times each anniversary year (for a total of $100).
Other benefits include an auto rental collision damage waiver policy and trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Your business purchases are also covered by a purchase protection policy of up to $10,000 per claim and extended warranty coverage that adds a year to your manufacturer’s warranty.
There’s a $199 annual fee for this card but no foreign transaction fees.
What Sets the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card Apart?
This card has several features that distinguish it from other hotel credit cards for small businesses.
Up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits each year. After you spend $50 or more at any eligible Hyatt property, you can get a $50 statement credit. You can get this benefit up to two times each anniversary year, for a total of $100.
10% points back. If you spend $50,000 in a calendar year on your card, you get 10% of your redeemed points back for the rest of the year on up to 200,000 points redeemed. This is a good perk — potentially worth thousands in free travel — for high-spending business owners.
Earn up to 9x points on eligible purchases. This card earns 9 points per dollar spent for Hyatt stays and experiences, including restaurants and spas. Not many other cards earn at this rate. The card also earns 2 bonus points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships, a category not typically covered by business travel cards.
Receive Discoverist status. You get automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status for you and up to five employees just for owning the card. Plus, you earn five annual Qualifying Night credits for every $10,000 spent in a calendar year to use toward reaching top-tier elite status and Milestone Rewards faster. Discoverist status can get you benefits like preferred room upgrades and late checkouts.
Key Features of the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card has a strong sign-up bonus, a generous rewards program, and additional benefits for Hyatt loyalists.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning Rewards
This card earns 9x points on Hyatt stays and experiences, including restaurants and spas. This is broken down into 4 bonus points per dollar spent on the card plus 5 base points per dollar you can earn as a World of Hyatt member (points you’d earn with or without the card).
This card also earns 2x points on fitness club and gym memberships, 2x points in your top three eligible quarterly spending categories (top two from January 1, 2024), and 1x point on all other eligible purchases. Eligible bonus categories include:
Dining
Airline tickets purchased directly with the airline
Car rental agencies
Local transit and commuting
Gas stations
Internet, cable, and phone services
Social media and search engine advertising
Shipping
Redeeming Rewards
You can redeem World of Hyatt Points at eligible World of Hyatt hotels. Hyatt points are generally worth more than points from other hotel programs because you can redeem them for free nights starting at 5,000 points per night. Realistically, expect to pay 8,000 to 15,000 points per night for a mid-range property in a mid-sized city, which is an excellent return on spending.
Important Fees
This card charges a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transaction and a cash advance fee of $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction. There is a $40 late payment fee and a $40 returned payment fee.
This card has an annual fee of $199 that’s not waived for the first year. There is no foreign transaction fee.
Credit Required
This card requires good or better credit to qualify. If your FICO score is much below 700, or your personal credit history is limited, then you’ll likely have trouble being approved. However, this is pretty standard for a premium business travel credit card.
Pros & Cons
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card from Chase is a very rewarding card for small business owners, but it does have a few drawbacks.
Generous sign-up bonus
Accelerates progress toward elite status
Up to $100 in annual on-property credits
Discoverist status for up to five employees
High annual fee
No annual free night certificates
Pros
The strengths of this card are its rewards program and potentially valuable benefits.
Generous new account bonus. This card has an excellent sign-up bonus. Though the total point value isn’t as high as some competing cards, Hyatt points are worth much more, so this bonus could be worth five or more free nights.
Great way to earn elite status. This card offers five night-stay credits towards elite status for every $10,000 spent. This contrasts positively with the World of Hyatt consumer card, which offers two night-stay credits for every $5,000 spent (or four per $10,000 spent). In theory, you could earn Hyatt’s extremely valuable top-tier Globalist status from spending alone, but in practice this card offers an easy way to top off your night-stay credits if you won’t earn the status you want solely through actual hotel stays.
On-property credits. You can receive a $50 credit for spending on properties twice each cardmember year, effectively cutting the net cost of the card ($199) in half.
Discoverist status for you five employees. You’ll always have a better stay at a hotel when you have elite status, even if it’s the basic tier. This is the only hotel card that offers elite status not only to the cardholder, but also to authorized users. That means a better experience for your employees on the road.
Cons
The weaknesses of this card are its high annual fee, as well as the lack of some key features offered by the consumer card.
$199 annual fee. This is more than most cards in its class, but it’s potentially more than 50% offset by the two $50 hotel fee credits.
No annual free night certificates. The World of Hyatt consumer card offers a free Category 1-4 certificate each year, and another when you use your card to spend $15,000. Strangely, the business version doesn’t offer any free night stay certificates.
How the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card Stacks Up
This card’s closest competitor is probably the Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card from American Express. Here’s how the two cards compare.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card
Annual Fee
$199
$125
Sign-Up Bonus
Very good
Good
Rewards Rate
Up to 9x points
Up to 6x
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Credit Needed
Good or better
Good or better
The World of Hyatt Business card has a better return on spending than the Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card, and its sign-up bonus is more generous because Hyatt points are worth more than Marriott points (usually). However, it has a higher annual fee, so the Marriott card could be a better fit for users who can’t reliably offset that expense.
Final Word
Fans of the World of Hyatt program are always looking for ways to earn more points and reach the highest levels of elite status. If this sounds like you, and you’re a small business owner, then the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card needs a spot in your business spending arsenal. With lots of opportunities to earn bonus points plus valuable on-property benefits, it could be your key to great hotel stays and lots of free nights.
The Verdict
Our rating
Chase World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a very strong card for small business owners who want to earn Hyatt points and receive valuable benefits at Hyatt. Its strengths are the 60,000 point new account bonus, bonus points for common business purchases, and the ability to earn night-stay credits towards elite status. If you are a small-business owner who frequently stays at Hyatt properties, you should definitely consider this card.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Jason Steele is one of the nation’s leading experts in credit cards and travel rewards since 2008. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, which is The Conference for Credit Card Media. Jason lives in Denver, Colorado where he enjoys bicycling, snowboarding and piloting small airplanes.
Open a BMO Harris Premier™ Account online and get a $500 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening. Expires 9/15. Conditions Apply.
The content related to the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has been collected by Money Crashers and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
If your business activities regularly take you on the road, it makes sense to use a credit card that offers the most possible rewards towards a free night’s stay.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card does just that — earning as much as 26 points per $1 spent at IHG hotels across 18 brands, including Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn. It also packs valuable non-rewards benefits that help you make the most of your hotel stays.
Intrigued? See what you can expect from the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card, and where it falls short.
What Is the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card?
Chase’s IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card from Chase is a hotel credit card for small-business owners who frequently stay at IHG hotels and resorts.
The fun begins with an excellent sign-up bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
Moving forward, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card earns a whopping 26 points per $1 spent on IHG hotels and resorts. This is broken down as follows:
10x points on eligible card spending
10x points for being an IHG One Rewards Member
6x points from your status as a Platinum Elite member — a key benefit of this card
The card also offers 5x points on eligible spending in several broad spending categories:
Travel
Dining, including eligible takeout and delivery
Gas stations
Social media advertising
Search engine advertising
Office supply stores
On all other purchases, you earn 3 points per $1 spent. You can redeem your points at eligible IHG hotels and resorts.
This card is quite helpful if you value elite status and free night stays. The card comes with automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier Business Cardmember. Platinum Elite benefits include promotional discounts on reward nights, guaranteed room availability with adequate advance booking, complimentary room upgrades where available, and early check-in where available.
There’s a $99 annual fee for this card but no foreign transaction fees.
What Sets the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Apart?
This card has several features that set it apart from other hotel business credit cards.
Up to 26x points on eligible purchases. The IHG One Rewards Premier Business card earns a whopping 26 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at IHG hotels and resorts. This is one of the highest rewards rates of any hotel credit card.
Excellent sign-up bonus. This card has one of the best sign-up bonuses in its category, even accounting for IHG One points’ lower redemption values.
Fourth night free on award redemptions. When you redeem your IHG One points for three consecutive award nights and book an extra night, you get that fourth night free. This can be used an unlimited number of times, which makes this benefit very valuable if you frequently stay four nights or longer at IHG properties.
IHG One Rewards Platinum Status. The card comes with complimentary Platinum Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program. Notable benefits include priority check-in, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), late check-out (also subject to availability), and 60% bonus points on eligible hotel and resort bookings.
Key Features of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has a high sign-up bonus, a very generous rewards program, and some clutch additional benefits for frequent business travelers.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earning Rewards
This card earns a whopping 26x points on eligible spending at IHG hotels and resorts. That’s 10x points earned from the card itself, 10x earned as an IHG One Rewards member, and 6x points earned as a Platinum Elite statusholder.
The card also earns 5x points on travel, gas stations, social media and search engine advertising, office supply stores, and dining (including takeout and eligible delivery). On all other eligible purchases, it earns 3x points.
Redeeming Rewards
You can redeem your points at eligible IHG hotels and resorts, including Regent, Intercontinental, Kimpton, Even, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Six Senses, Vignette, Hotel Indigo, Voco, Hualuxe, Crowne Plaza, Iberostar, Avid, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations and Candlewood Suites.
Anniversary Free Night & Fourth Night Free
Each account anniversary year, you earn one anniversary free night, with a current point redemption cap of 40,000 points. You can also use existing points from your IHG One Rewards account to redeem your anniversary night at hotels above the 40,000 point redemption level.
Separately but relatedly, you get the fourth night free when you redeem your points for three consecutive award nights and stay an additional night at the same property.
Spending Benefits
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is quite beneficial for businesses with higher spending requirements. There are three spending thresholds worth noting:
If you spend $20,000 in a calendar year, you earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points.
If you spend $40,000 in a calendar year, you qualify for Diamond Elite Status, which includes free breakfast, through December 31st of the following year.
If you spend $60,000 in a calendar year, you earn an additional free night with a current point redemption cap of 40,000 points.
Important Fees
This card charges a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, a cash advance fee of $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction. There is a $40 late payment fee and a $40 return payment fee.
This $99 annual fee is not waived for the first year. There is no foreign transaction fee.
Additional Benefits
This card’s additional benefits include:
20% off when you purchase IHG One points with your card
Purchase protection on eligible items up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
Up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each calendar year
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit up to $100 every four years
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, with reimbursement up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable passenger fares on trips canceled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations
Credit Required
This card requires good or better credit to qualify. If your FICO score is much below 700, or your personal credit history is limited, then you’ll likely have trouble being approved. However, this is pretty standard for a premium business travel credit card.
Pros & Cons
As with any rewards card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has plenty of advantages and a few drawbacks.
Pros
This card is the complete package. It has a generous rewards program and plenty of benefits for stays at IHG hotels and resorts.
Earn 26x points on IHG hotel stays. Because this card comes with complimentary Platinum Elite status, it really pays to use it at IHG properties. It offers an extremely high rate of return that’s not matched by other hotel credit cards.
Receive a free night stay certificate each year. This card offers you a free night stay certificate each year on stays up to 40,000 points. In almost all instances, this certificate is worth much more than the card’s annual fee of $99.
Get instant Platinum Elite Status. Many hotel credit cards offer basic loyalty status with only a chance to earn higher levels after reaching a certain spending threshold. In contrast, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card comes with Platinum Elite status as long as your account remains open and in good standing. That’s just below IHG’s top-tier Diamond Elite status.
Cons
The drawbacks of this card are really just things that you might find in other cards that this one lacks. It’s up to you to decide whether they’re deal-breakers.
No promotional financing offer. Some travel cards have 0% APR financing on new purchases, balance transfers, or both. This one doesn’t. This won’t be an issue for everyone, but it’s worth noting if you have high-interest business credit card debt already.
Cap on the value of the anniversary free night award. This card offers you a free night certificate each year, but caps its value at 40,000 points. That’s about enough for a mid-tier hotel in a mid-sized city, but excludes their most expensive properties. Thankfully, you can still apply this certificate to properties that require more points, and just redeem additional points to pay the difference.
IHG points aren’t worth as much as some other points. Just like visiting a country with a less valuable currency, it’s easy to misjudge the value of IHG points. These points are worth about a half a cent each, which is far below the value of World of Hyatt points or most airline miles. It’s not a big problem, but you shouldn’t get too excited to earn a lot of these points.
How the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Stacks Up
This card’s closest competitor is probably the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card from American Express. Here’s how the two cards compare.
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business Card
Annual Fee
$99
$125
Sign-Up Bonus
Excellent
Very good
Rewards Rate
Up to 26x points
Up to 6x points
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Credit Needed
Good or better
Good or better
Final Word
As with many hotel rewards cards, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a great choice for small business owners who plan to stay at IHG properties. More so than most cards, this card treats you to a barrage of bonus points and plenty of nonrewards perks when you stay at IHG properties. And when you consider the free night certificate that you receive each year on your account anniversary, it’s clear this card’s benefits easily exceed its nominal cost.
The Verdict
Our rating
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has a generous rewards program and boasts complimentary Platinum Elite status, which includes room upgrades, award night discounts and early check-ins. It’s a must for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG properties, and the $99 annual fee is more than fair in light of what you get.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Jason Steele is one of the nation’s leading experts in credit cards and travel rewards since 2008. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, which is The Conference for Credit Card Media. Jason lives in Denver, Colorado where he enjoys bicycling, snowboarding and piloting small airplanes.
“Where are you from?” It’s a common question when you meet someone new while traveling. And it’s an easy question for most people. But for me, it’s complicated if I want to give more details than “the United States.”
After all, my husband and I gave up our Austin, Texas, apartment in June 2017, sold or donated most of our belongings and then set out as digital nomads on July 2, 2017. So, excluding some extended time living with family early in the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve traveled full time while working remotely for the last six years.
In 2020, I wrote about my first three years as a digital nomad. But in this story, I’ll look back at the past six years. In doing so, I’ll discuss how I became a digital nomad, some of my travel statistics and how travel has changed for me during the past six years.
How I became a digital nomad
On a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu in Peru in 2013, I first heard of a gap year or sabbatical year. I hadn’t gotten into points and miles yet, but my husband and I loved the idea of taking a year off to travel after I finished graduate school. Well, fast forward four years to 2017, when it was time to leave on our “gap year.” By this time, we were already working as writers in the award travel space.
So, we hit the road as digital nomads instead of taking a gap year. And we quickly fell in love with the freedom and flexibility of the lifestyle. I appreciate experiencing different cultures, landscapes, experiences and cuisines daily. And I’ve found that frequently visiting new destinations inspires me.
I also enjoy using the topics I write about — points, miles, credit cards and elite status — on a daily basis. We make award redemptions most weeks (and often multiple times a week), and we’re constantly traveling. So, I know many of the airline, hotel and credit card programs I write about from personal experience. And I’m personally invested when these programs change or devalue their rewards.
Points and miles certainly fuel some of our travel. But we also book paid flights and nights when it makes sense. After all, we only have a finite amount of points and miles, and we’ve found that paid partner-operated premium-cabin flights are often the best way to earn airline elite status.
Related: 6 ways award travel and elite status pair well with my digital nomad life
1,121,959 miles on 575 flights
Over the last six years, I’ve taken 575 flights on 62 airlines to 180 airports in 58 countries. I’ve taken so many flights in the last six years that my flight map is difficult to read.
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I flew 1,121,959 direct flight miles in the last six years, with an average flight distance of 1,951 miles (about the distance from Atlanta to Los Angeles). My longest flight was 9,532 miles, from New York to Singapore. And my shortest flight was just 11 miles from Tahiti to Moorea in French Polynesia.
But my most memorable flight was on Sri Lanka’s Cinnamon Air from Polgolla Reservoir Aerodrome (KDZ) to Koggala Airport (KCT) on a Cessna 208 amphibious caravan.
I frequently fly American Airlines and often use Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) when visiting family. So, it’s not surprising that my three most frequent routes by flight segments are between American Airlines’ hubs and Atlanta. Here’s a look at my top 10 most frequent flight segments over the last six years:
New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to/from ATL: 15 flights
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to/from ATL: 11 flights
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to/from ATL: 10 flights
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to/from Kualanamu International Airport (KNO): 10 flights while I earned Malaysia Airlines Enrich Gold status in 2019
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to/from ATL: Nine flights
Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to/from LAX: Eight flights
DFW to/from LGA: Six flights
London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) to/from LAX: Six flights
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to/from Da Nang International Airport (DAD): Six flights booked during Cathay Pacific’s New Year’s deal in 2019
DFW to/from LAS: Five flights
And my loyalty to American Airlines AAdvantage and its Oneworld partners shows when you look at the airlines I flew most by flight segments:
American Airlines: 224 flights, including reviews of American’s A321T business class, 787-9 business class, 777-200 business class with B/E Aerospace Super Diamond seats, 787-8 Main Cabin Extra, 757-200 Main Cabin Extra and 757-200 business class
United Airlines: 31 flights, including reviews of United’s 787-8 economy class and 757-200 economy class
Southwest Airlines: 29 flights, including a review of Southwest’s 737-800 from Oakland, California, to Newark
Malaysia Airlines: 26 flights
Qatar Airways: 23 flights, including reviews of Qatar Qsuite on a 777-300ER and Qatar Qsuite on an A350-1000
Delta Air Lines: 22 flights, including when I was one of the first American tourists to fly to Italy on a COVID-19-tested flight
British Airways: 20 flights, including a review of British Airways’ A380 economy class
Cathay Pacific: 17 flights
Japan Airlines: 14 flights, including a review of Japan Airlines’ 777-300ER premium economy
Qantas: 12 flights
However, if you look at the airlines on which I flew the most mileage, the ranking is a bit different due to some mileage runs:
American Airlines: 404,296 miles
Cathay Pacific: 104,481 miles
Qatar Airways: 89,630 miles
British Airways: 53,357 miles
Delta Air Lines: 49,603 miles
United Airlines: 42,237 miles
Singapore Airlines: 36,176 miles, including a review of Singapore Airlines’ A350-900ULR premium economy
Japan Airlines: 33,756 miles
Air Canada: 30,792 miles
All Nippon Airways: 28,938 miles
I track all my flights in OpenFlights. So, although it’s relatively easy for me to gather statistics on my flights, I don’t have a simple way to determine the amount I paid in points and cash for my 575 flights during the last six years.
Related: The best credit cards for booking flights
1,103 nights in hotels
I’ve spent over half of the last six years living out of hotel rooms. In particular, I’ve spent 894 nights at 75 major hotel brands within the last six years. And I’ve spent 209 nights at other brands and independent hotels.
Here’s the breakdown of my stays by loyalty program and brand over the last six years, including notes about my favorite programs.
390 nights at 15 IHG brands
Holiday Inn Express: 120 nights
Holiday Inn: 66 nights
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts: 51 nights, including five nights at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort in Australia, four nights at the InterContinental Phuket Resort in Thailand, four nights at the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort in Vietnam, three nights at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam, three nights at the InterContinental New York Times Square in New York and two nights at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in Fiji
Candlewood Suites: 28 nights
Hotel Indigo: 26 nights, including five nights at the Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University in Texas and four nights at the Hotel Indigo Birmingham Five Points South – UAB in Alabama
Staybridge Suites: 22 nights
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts: 19 nights, including three nights at the Crowne Plaza Beijing Wangfujing in China and three nights at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York
Holiday Inn Resort: 19 nights, including 10 nights at the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives in the Maldives
Voco: 11 nights, including six nights at Voco Gold Coast in Australia
Regent: Nine nights
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants: Eight nights
Six Senses: Six nights, including four nights at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and two nights at Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand
Atwell Suites: Two nights at Atwell Suites Miami Brickell in Florida
Avid: Two nights at Avid hotel Oklahoma City — Quail Springs in Oklahoma
Even: One night
Over the last six years, I’ve stayed 161 paid nights at IHG properties for an average of $152 per night. The least I paid was $48 per night at the Holiday Inn Express Berlin — Alexanderplatz in Germany. And the most I paid was $1,564 per night during a review of the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort in the Maldives.
Meanwhile, we redeemed IHG points for 209 nights over the last six years, including 36 fourth-night-free rewards. On average, we redeemed 15,591 IHG points per night. We also redeemed 20 anniversary nights over the last six years, including at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa in French Polynesia and the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
You might wonder how we earned so many IHG points and anniversary nights. We maximize IHG promotions to earn points on stays. And we often buy points during IHG points sales with a 100% bonus when we can do so for 0.5 cents per point. As for the anniversary night certificates, we both have multiple IHG credit cards, so we’ve each earned two anniversary nights for most of the last six years.
We frequently stay at IHG One Rewards hotels and resorts due to the high value we often get when redeeming IHG points. But, with the launch of the new IHG One Rewards program last year, we are also getting good value from the annual lounge membership you can select through IHG’s Milestone Rewards program after staying 40 nights in a year.
Related: 9 budget strategies for getting the most out of your points and miles
209 nights at other brands and independent hotels
These days, we usually stay at major hotel brands to earn and use elite status perks and benefit from the consistency provided by these brands. But we often stayed at independent hotels when we first hit the road as digital nomads in 2017. And even now, we sometimes find ourselves in a destination without major hotel brands or where staying at a property outside our brand loyalties makes the most sense.
For example, we couldn’t pass up staying in a twin cell at YHA Fremantle Prison in Australia and a robot hotel in Japan. Likewise, staying within Addo Elephant and Kruger national parks in South Africa let us maximize our time seeing wildlife in these parks.
We often book these stays through online travel agencies since we don’t have to worry about missing out on elite status benefits and earnings while staying at properties outside our primary brands. For example, we’ll sometimes book through credit card portals to use credits, like the $50 hotel credit each account anniversary year on the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. And we’ll occasionally book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to snag extra perks and use the prepaid hotel credit we get each calendar year as a perk of The Platinum Card® from American Express. We’ll also sometimes use Rocketmiles to earn American Airlines miles and Loyalty Points on our stays.
On average, I paid $83 per night on these stays. But, my least expensive night was $18 per night for a private room with a shared bathroom at Stella Di Notte in Belgrade, Serbia. And my most expensive night was $235 per night at the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas in Liberia during PeaceJam.
203 nights at 21 Marriott brands
Over the last six years, I’ve stayed 140 paid nights at Marriott properties for an average of $121 per night. The least I paid was $44 per night at the Four Points by Sheraton Bogota in Colombia. And the most I paid was $350 per night during a review of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
Meanwhile, we redeemed Marriott points for 49 nights over the last six years, including six fifth-night-free benefits. On average, we redeemed 16,167 points per night on Marriott award stays. We also redeemed 14 free night awards we earned through Marriott credit cards and promotions over the last six years.
Related: Here’s why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card
115 nights at 6 Choice brands
Ascend Hotel Collection: 54 nights, including 28 nights at Emotions All Inclusive Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, nine nights at Gowanus Inn & Yard in New York (no longer bookable through Choice Hotels) and three nights at Bluegreen Vacations Fountains in Florida
Comfort: 37 nights, including 19 nights in Japan
Quality Inn: 13 nights
Cambria Hotels: Four nights
Rodeway Inn: Four nights
Clarion: Three nights
Over the last six years, I’ve stayed 34 paid nights at Choice Privileges properties for an average of $93 per night. The least I paid was $54 per night at the Comfort Hotel Airport CDG in France. And the most I paid was $239 per night at Cambria Hotel New York — Times Square in New York.
Meanwhile, we redeemed Choice points for 81 nights over the last six years. On average, we redeemed 9,531 Choice points per night. I’ve found I can get excellent value when redeeming Choice points for unique redemptions and for stays in Japan, Europe and destinations that typically feature high paid hotel rates. So, as with IHG, we often buy Choice points during sales or through Daily Getaways promotions.
87 nights at 11 Hyatt brands and partners
I didn’t stay much with World of Hyatt until the program offered reduced qualification requirements and double elite night credits in early 2021. I earned Globalist status in 2021 for far fewer nights than is usually required, but I’ve prioritized maintaining it due to the on-site perks it provides.
I’ve stayed 53 paid nights at Hyatt properties for an average of $139 per night over the last six years. The least I paid was $24 per night at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. And the most I paid was $353 per night at Hyatt House New York/Chelsea in New York.
Meanwhile, I redeemed Hyatt points for 27 free nights over the last six years. I’ve found some excellent Category 1 Hyatt hotels that provide wonderful value on award stays. So, it isn’t surprising that I’ve redeemed 5,563 points per night on average and just 3,500 points per night for nine nights. Additionally, I redeemed seven free night certificates that I earned through Hyatt credit cards, Hyatt Milestone Rewards and the Hyatt Brand Explorer promotion over the last six years.
40 nights at 10 Wyndham brands
Days Inn: 10 nights
Ramada: Nine nights
Ramada Encore: Five nights
Microtel: Five nights
Club Wyndham: Three nights
Super 8: Three nights
Viva Wyndham: Two nights at Viva Wyndham Azteca — All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico
Baymont: One night
Howard Johnson: One night
Travelodge: One night
Over the last six years, I’ve stayed 29 paid nights at Wyndham properties for an average of $103 per night. The least I paid was $48 per night at the Days Inn Guam-Tamuning in Guam. And the most I paid was $200 per night during a review of the Viva Wyndham Azteca — All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico.
Meanwhile, we redeemed Wyndham points for 11 nights over the last six years. On average, we redeemed 9,068 points per night on Wyndham award stays. And we love getting a 10% redemption discount when we redeem Wyndham points as a benefit of our Wyndham Rewards credit card, as this brings an award night that would typically cost 7,500 points down to just 6,750 points.
32 nights at 6 Hilton brands
Over the last six years, I’ve stayed 18 paid nights at Hilton properties for an average of $130 per night. The least I’ve paid was $58 per night at the Hilton Jaipur in India. And the most I paid was $168 per night at the Hilton Niseko Village in Japan.
Meanwhile, we redeemed Hilton points for eight nights over the last six years, including one fifth-night-free benefit. On average, we redeemed 46,250 points per night on Hilton award stays. We also redeemed six Hilton free night certificates that we earned through Hilton credit cards over the last six years for excellent value at the Conrad New York Midtown, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.
The average amount we redeemed per night with Hilton Honors is significantly higher than with other hotel loyalty programs. This, combined with my struggle to get more than TPG’s valuation (0.6 cents per point) when redeeming Hilton points, is why I don’t frequently stay at Hilton brands despite having Hilton Diamond status through a Hilton credit card.
19 nights at 4 Accor brands
Ibis: 12 nights
Mercure: Four nights
Grand Mercure: Two nights
Ibis Budget: One night
Over the last six years, I’ve stayed 19 nights at Accor properties for an average of $56 per night. The least I paid was $36 per night at the Ibis Muenchen City Nord in Germany. And the most I paid was $84 per night at the Ibis Madrid Alcobendas in Spain.
8 nights at 2 Best Western brands
Best Western: Six nights
Best Western Plus: Two nights
Over the last six years, I’ve stayed eight nights at Best Western properties for an average of $78 per night. The least I paid was $57 per night at the Best Western Amsterdam Airport Hotel in the Netherlands. And the most I paid was $147 per night at the Best Western Plus Mountain View Auburn Inn in Washington.
452 nights camping
When I became a digital nomad in 2017, I didn’t think there was any chance I’d camp 452 nights in the next six years. And even three years ago, I’d only spent three nights tent camping for a concert at The Gorge in Washington state and three nights in a rental RV doing a relocation from Las Vegas to Denver.
But, as it became apparent the coronavirus pandemic would affect international travel for more than just a few months, my husband and I tried out a six-night RV relocation rental in July 2020. Then in August 2020, we decided to buy the same RV model we’d relocated.
When we bought our Class C RV, we expected we’d sell it as soon as international travel to most destinations became relatively simple again. But, we discovered we enjoy working remotely from our RV while in the U.S. We’ve now spent 440 nights camping in our RV since buying it — 97 nights in 2020, 234 nights in 2021, 80 nights in 2022 and 29 nights so far in 2023.
Nineteen nights in our RV have been free at locations (like select Walmarts, select Cracker Barrels and businesses that participate in Harvest Hosts) that allow RVers to stay overnight upon asking permission. We’ve also spent 37 nights sleeping in the driveways of friends and family while visiting them.
But we usually find paid RV campsites with power and water. We’ve paid for campsites on 393 nights as follows:
171 nights at city and county campgrounds ($32 per night on average)
133 nights at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds ($27 per night on average)
66 nights at state park campgrounds ($34 per night on average)
37 nights at private campgrounds ($52 per night on average)
Four nights at national park campgrounds ($48 per night on average)
On average, we’ve paid $33 per night for our RV campsites. The highest we paid was $104 per night at Orlando / Kissimmee KOA Holiday in Florida. And the least we paid was $17 per night at Shady Grove Campground in Cumming, Georgia, during a half-off promotion.
Related: The cheapest place to stay at Disney World is a tent — so I tried it
443 nights with family and friends
One aspect my husband and I appreciate about being digital nomads is seeing our family more than when we lived in one place. Here’s a breakdown of our nights with friends and family over the last six years:
July 2 to the end of 2017: 32 nights
2018: 90 nights
2019: 83 nights
2020: 167 nights
2021: 29 nights
2022: 27 nights
So far in 2023: 15 nights
We spent significant time with each of our parents in March through August of 2020 as much of the world locked down. However, the nights since August 2020 are lower than pre-pandemic since we now stay in our RV (either in the driveway or a nearby campground) while visiting most friends and family members.
Related: 43 real-world family travel tips that actually work
104 nights in transit
Over the past six years, I’ve spent 101 nights in flight or sleeping in airports. I typically avoid overnight flights, but sometimes overnight flights are unavoidable (and they’re enjoyable if I book a lie-flat seat or luck into a row to myself in economy).
If I have an overnight layover at an airport, I’ll book a hotel if the layover is long enough and I can find a modestly priced hotel on-site or with a free shuttle. But sometimes the layover is too short, or it just doesn’t make sense to get a hotel. In these cases, I’ll usually sleep in a lounge — ideally one with a sleeping area or at least lounge chairs — or in a Minute Suites (or a similar type of space) that participates in Priority Pass.
I’ve also spent three nights on trains, including two on the Amtrak Empire Builder from Portland, Oregon, to Chicago and one on a Trans-Mongolian train from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to Hohhot, China. I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences, so it’s surprising that I haven’t taken any other overnight trains in the last six years. However, low-cost flights on many routes served by overnight trains often make flying a more convenient and less expensive alternative.
Related: 11 of the most scenic train rides on Earth
90 nights in vacation rentals
Vacation rentals are the accommodation of choice for many digital nomads, especially those who stay in each location for at least a month and appreciate having their own kitchen. And I spent 39 nights in vacation rentals in 2017 after becoming nomadic July 2.
However, one particularly bad Airbnb experience in 2018 and an increasing interest in hotel elite status caused me to switch most of my nights to hotels instead of vacation rentals. I stayed in vacation rentals for 17 nights in 2018 and 20 nights in 2019. I only stayed in one vacation rental each in 2020 (for three nights), 2021 (for two nights) and 2022 (for two nights). And so far, I’ve only stayed in one vacation rental (for seven nights) in 2023.
On average, I paid $53 per night for vacation rentals across my six years as a digital nomad. My least expensive vacation rental was $17 per night for a private studio apartment in Da Nang, Vietnam, that I booked through Airbnb. And my most expensive vacation rental was $129 per night for a waterfront apartment in Auckland, New Zealand, through Hotels.com.
I’ll still stay in vacation rentals when they’re my best option. But I generally prefer to stay at hotels for consistency and to earn and use my elite status perks.
Related: When a vacation rental makes more sense than a hotel
259 cities in 52 countries and territories
Finally, let’s talk about destinations. Over the last six years, I’ve visited 259 cities in 52 countries and territories. Here’s a look at the number of nights I stayed in each:
1,253 nights: United States of America (including 318 nights in hotels or vacation rentals)
88 nights: Germany
69 nights: Japan
56 nights: Australia
54 nights: South Africa (including 32 nights in or near South African national parks)
36 nights: Dominican Republic
27 nights: Maldives, Thailand
24 nights: Spain
22 nights: Hong Kong, Malaysia
21 nights: New Zealand, Serbia, Vietnam
20 nights: Canada, Colombia, Italy
19 nights: India
18 nights: Netherlands, United Arab Emirates
16 nights: Singapore
14 nights: Bahamas, French Polynesia, Indonesia
13 nights: Fiji, South Korea
11 nights: Brazil, Mongolia
10 nights: China
Nine nights: Bulgaria, England, France, Pakistan
Eight nights: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Latvia, Liberia, Mexico, Sri Lanka
Seven nights: Greece, Guam
Six nights: Turkey
Five nights: Belgium, Marshall Islands
Four nights: Sweden
Three nights: Argentina, Chile
Two nights: Panama
One night: Ethiopia, Finland, Ireland, Northern Mariana Islands, Taiwan
As you can see, I would have spent the most time in the U.S. even if the coronavirus pandemic hadn’t kept me in the country for much of 2020 and 2021. And interestingly, even my most visited country outside the U.S. (Germany) accounted for just 88 nights across the last six years.
I also visited 14 other countries and territories before becoming a digital nomad. So, although I’m not striving to visit every country in the world, I’ve visited 66 different countries and territories so far. My husband and I are trying to visit a few new-to-us countries each year while also returning to some of our favorite destinations like Germany, Japan, South Africa, Australia and Hong Kong.
Related: The 18 best places to travel in 2023
Bottom line
I feel incredibly thankful for the last six years I’ve spent as a digital nomad. I’ve grown significantly as a person and content creator while traveling full-time.
And I’ve had some amazing experiences, including swimming with manta rays in French Polynesia and the Maldives, watching a sea turtle dig a nest and lay her eggs on a Florida beach, staying at some awesome resorts (Six Senses Laamu, Six Senses Yao Noi and Alila Fort Bishangarh immediately come to mind), and overnighting in second-class hard bunks on a Trans-Mongolian train.
But it’s not these epic experiences that keep me on the road. After all, I could enjoy many of these experiences on vacation. Instead, the daily things like being surrounded by languages I don’t know, enjoying delicious local foods and exploring new cities and neighborhoods on foot keep me attached to the digital nomad lifestyle.
As you’ve probably noticed, many people are traveling this summer. If that includes you, there are ways to save a bunch of money (and maybe a little sanity) while traveling this summer.
How can you navigate this high-demand travel environment while controlling costs and minimizing headaches?
Here are our top tips for travel this summer and how to overcome problems you might run into along the way.
Fly without breaking the bank
You’re not wrong if you think flights are more expensive.
Fares for summer travel have risen, sometimes dramatically, compared to both 2022 and 2019, according to data provided by the Airlines Reporting Corporation, a travel intelligence firm and ticket processor. The company says average fares were 9%-37% higher for the top 10 summer destinations, which include Yellowstone National Park and Hawaii. Flights are exorbitant to Europe this summer, too.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to reduce the cost of your flights.
Let the prices and availability decide your destination
If you want deals, this summer may be the one to let special offers inspire your next trip. Keep an eye on our flight deals, and book something that sounds interesting — either because of a good price or solid points and miles availability. The flexibility to go wherever the price is reasonable can lead to big savings.
Consider alternative airports
With prices on the rise, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports.
For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports. The New York City area has three. It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another before taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey, like flying into Philadelphia and catching a train up to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.
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Expand your search for awards when your first attempt strikes out if you want to avoid the highest prices this summer.
Use positioning flights
Positioning flights are not realistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport.
Can you get to your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago, for example? Would adding another flight to a different airport ultimately save you money or miles?
Just make sure you leave enough time between flights to avoid any unnecessary travel headaches.
Book a backup plan
If you can’t get the flight you really want, book an alternative trip with that same airline. Then, get on the standby list for the flight you really want.
Plan your itinerary so you’re at the airport in time to get on that other flight. You can also monitor other flights and take advantage of same-day change policies.
Use up your points and miles
Summertime is a great time to use up points and miles you were hoarding. One of our big pieces of advice at TPG is to earn and burn those airline and credit card points and miles. You’ll maximize the redemption value if you can use them when cash prices are high, especially if you can find a mileage deal.
Fly on a holiday
Have you noticed that flights the day before Thanksgiving are extremely expensive, but flights on Thanksgiving morning are often cheaper? That’s because everyone wants to get to their final destination before the holiday.
This phenomenon plays out during some summer holidays, too, so look to fly the morning of the holiday to see if that lowers the price. Flying on July 4 is cheaper, generally, than flying on July 3 or July 6.
Get a hotel at the right price — and place
The good thing about hotels is that there are usually a lot of options. The bad thing about hotels is that there are usually a lot of options.
Having multiple properties to choose from can sometimes make the process of picking one feel overwhelming. However, if you have a stash of points, you can use those to narrow the field.
Here are our tips for locking in the right hotel for your trip.
Instead of burning cash, consider using your points
Just like with flights, points redemptions can make a lot of sense when hotel rates are high. Do you have Chase or American Express points you can transfer to a hotel program? Or are you sitting on a bunch of Marriott Bonvoy points? Several of us at TPG like to transfer our bank points, like Chase Ultimate Rewards points, to World of Hyatt for otherwise-expensive hotels (like the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome).
Book early and use a flexible cancellation policy
Booking a refundable hotel that seems right while you finalize everything else may be the way to go, even if you’re not 100% certain you’ll stay at that hotel. Avoid “pay now” rates in favor of a room that you can change or cancel without fees. Many award bookings allow you to cancel up to a couple of days before check-in, but always double-check the terms.
Use your elite status
Some hotel programs set aside rooms for elite members or will bump non-elite guests in favor of those with status if all the rooms are booked. Taking this a step further, travelers with top-tier Globalist status in the World of Hyatt program have a concierge who can help reserve properties. Take advantage of these perks if space is limited.
Additionally, your elite status may be the key to money-saving perks such as waived resort or parking fees, free breakfast and complimentary lounge access.
Discover similar locations
If you don’t need to be in a specific location, this may be the time to change things up a bit.
For example, if you’re seeking time on the beach, consider the panhandle of Florida or even the coast of Alabama instead of Miami and other popular parts of South Florida. Think of places that seem similar but may have better pricing if you’re running into sky-high rates.
Book directly
Instead of booking a room through a portal or online travel agency, reserve one directly with the hotel. By booking directly, you’ll likely have access to more flexible terms, as hotel cancellation policies are typically more forgiving. Additionally, if something goes wrong, you’ll have an easier time changing your itinerary since you’ll be dealing with the hotel directly instead of a third party.
Consider alternative accommodations
If you can’t find hotels that work for you, consider vacation rental platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb, as well as hotel-branded vacation rentals like Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes and Accor-affiliated Onefinestay.
You can also go camping, glamping, stay in a “tiny home,” or rent a recreational vehicle for a few nights. There are even ways to use points to book vacation home rentals.
Score an affordable rental car
While not quite the same level of “car rental apocalypse” we saw in 2021, there are still some shortages of rental cars. There are already summertime sellouts happening in select leisure destinations. Hertz, as an example, is limiting one-way car rentals in Europe this summer due to supply constraints.
Even when vehicles are not sold out, demand (and prices) are still quite high, in part because car rental companies haven’t been able to completely replenish their fleets.
Planning ahead and leveraging your elite status can be the difference between getting a rental car and not getting one at all, according to Jonathan Weinberg, founder of AutoSlash.
Book first, plan later
Prices rise, and availability shrinks as you get closer to your travel dates. Take advantage of flexible car rental rules that usually provide a “pay later” option and book now, even if your plans aren’t finalized. Since car rental prices are up compared to pre-pandemic numbers, according to Weinberg, car rental prices may make or break some summer travel plans.
Use coupons or discount codes to save
If you’re a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn’t even know about.
Don’t despair if none of those reduced rates applies to you. AutoSlash can track prices and look for eligible coupon codes, too.
Leverage elite status
Having elite status with a car rental company can be the difference between getting a car and not — even if you have a reservation. That’s because cars are sometimes set aside exclusively for elite members.
Additionally, car rental program members can often skip the line at the counter and go straight to the lot, which can be what it takes to get one of the last vehicles. Luckily, you may already have a credit card that offers car rental elite status, which you could use to status match with other car rental loyalty programs.
Look beyond traditional companies and locations
Most people search for rentals at the airport with the standard companies. If you’re not finding good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte, Turo and Silvercar.
Consider a longer rental
If you have trouble finding an available or affordable rental car, try adjusting the rental period. Here’s an example of how adding one day to trigger a monthlong rental cut the price by about $3,000:
Just know you should plan to keep the car for the full rental period, as returning the car early has an inherent risk of the car rental company charging a fee or adjusting pricing back to the daily rate. However, this avenue can unveil better prices and expanded inventory.
Visit national parks for less and without the crowds
The busiest national park in 2021 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) saw 14.1 million visitors, according to statistics from the National Park Service. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve in Alaska saw just 145 visitors in 2021.
While the major parks are undoubtedly busy, there are still parklands that are less frequented than others, though you’ll still want to plan ahead.
Here’s everything to keep in mind for a national park adventure this summer.
Book in advance
Many parks require advance reservations for campsites and lodging inside the park’s boundaries.
How far in advance you can book varies, but these limited reservations fill up quickly at the more popular parks. Find out when reservations open for the date you want, and plan to book as soon as possible.
Stay outside the park
You might be dreaming of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly, especially if you’re unable to pay for it with points.
However, just beyond the park, there’s probably a hotel where you can pay with points. For example, the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott points to spend.
Make reservations
Some parks limit how many people can visit on any given day. Others place limits on how many people can go on a particular hiking trail. Some locations even require you to enter a lottery to get a chance to visit.
Apply for these permits and lotteries as early as possible for a better chance of securing access.
Avoid ‘free days’
It may sound counterintuitive, but “free days” at national parks may not be the best time to visit, as they tend to be particularly busy.
Instead of visiting on a weekend, holiday or day with free admission, aim for an early morning in the middle of the week for more elbow room on hiking trails and at can’t-miss natural wonders.
Visit alternative parks
Given the sheer number of national parks, national monuments, state parks and protected areas in the U.S., there’s likely a parkland near you that isn’t regularly packed with people. In fact, there may even be a park that offers similar geography to the one you’re considering but with a slightly more remote location and, consequently, thinner crowds.
For example, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle, sees 4 million fewer visitors per year than the Grand Canyon.
Plan for maximum enjoyment with minimum stress
You may have all types of activities in mind for this summer: theme parks, a road trip to visit grandparents or even an isolated beach getaway.
To cut down on travel headaches and bank account woes for the many trips you hope to take, consider these helpful tips.
Visit amusement parks on weekdays
While summer is a peak travel season since kids are out of school, many parents are still working Monday through Friday, meaning weekdays are generally less crowded. As a result, visiting a theme park in the middle of the week and arriving early in the morning typically leads to shorter lines for rides and shorter waits at in-park dining venues. It may even help you score cheaper tickets and lodging.
Ditch major theme parks
Growing up in Ohio, I had easy access to Kings Island and Cedar Point — two great theme parks that didn’t require flying to Florida or California.
Do as my parents did when I was a kid and look for regional parks that provide a lot of fun without the hefty price tag. Getting tickets will probably be easier, plus you may not need to add flights or hotels to the list of expenses.
Book Disney reservations early
You still need actual reservations (not just tickets) for Disneyland and Disney World.
To avoid any unexpected surprises, lock in your reservation as soon as possible to guarantee access to your preferred park, as they can sell out.
Reserve airport parking in advance
If flights and airports are packed, you can expect full parking lots, too.
Reserving airport parking ahead of time can be the difference between having a spot and not — or paying extra for the premium or far-away lot. If you aren’t having any luck finding a space at the airport, try snagging one at an off-airport parking location that offers shuttle service to the terminals.
Take a road trip
When you fly, you may have to buy four tickets for your family. When you drive, you don’t have to put gas in four cars.
The price of gas has come down lately, and a road trip may be calling your name this summer. An added bonus: Driving your own car means you won’t need a rental car at your final destination.
Look for coupons and codes
You don’t usually see Marriott or Delta Air Lines on Groupon, but activities are definitely more prolific.
Watch for coupons, group deals or sales for activities you’re planning to do during your trip. From roller coasters to roller derbies, the internet offers all kinds of deals, midweek sales and discount codes for activities that can lead to big savings. AAA, AARP and other advocacy memberships can help here, too.
Buy gift cards on sale
This tip can apply to many areas of life, but it’s especially true for theme parks and other activities.
Your local supermarket, big-box store or office supply store may sell gift cards at a discount. E-commerce sites also sell discounted gift cards.
When buying gift cards, use shopping portals whenever possible and pay with a card that will earn maximum points. Once you have your gift cards in hand (or your email inbox), use them to purchase Disney tickets, a hot air balloon ride or whatever activity you’re hoping to enjoy while on vacation.
Consider a cruise
While we’ve written about sold-out theme parks and hard-to-come-by flight deals, you should know that cruises are not quite as expensive as many other types of summer vacation. You’ll often save money when you account for the costs of flights and hotel rooms for multiple nights. With a cruise, you could simultaneously unlock serious savings and avoid crowds.
Hunt for deals
Cruise deals are not as plentiful as they were at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. However, you can still find amazing deals on cruises. If you are flexible, sometimes cruise companies offer substantial deals on last-minute cruises if they have excess inventory (unsold cabins).
It’s not uncommon to see deals on cruises pop up, like this one back in March, but you need to act fast when you see them. Virgin Voyages has been offering some incredible deals this year, including a cruise for just 40,000 Virgin Atlantic points.
Look for bundles and packages
You may find that you can also save by bundling items. Search for deals on drink packages or onboard spending credits, or consider “kids sail free” options — even if the first number you see (the price for an adult) doesn’t look like a bargain right away.
Bottom line
Summer is here, and just like last year, prices and demand are through the roof.
It is possible, however, to avoid hordes of tourists if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. You may even be able to visit a popular destination without spending a fortune, having a 16-hour layover or coughing up all of your airline miles to get there.
Regardless of where you plan to go, flexibility is the best thing you can bring to your travel plans. You should book now (if you haven’t already) so you can make the most of your summer without breaking the bank.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information and offers.
Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
Citi Premier® Card overview
The Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) is an under-the-radar gem with a phenomenal range of bonus categories. While the card isn’t as strong on the redemption side as similar offerings from Chase or Amex, the ability to earn 3 points per dollar on air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout) for just $95 a year is still a pretty great deal. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Citi Premier Card is one of the best earners on a wide variety of everyday spending. It accrues 3 points per dollar with airlines, hotels, gas stations, restaurants and supermarkets — an excellent slate of bonus categories for a card with a $95 annual fee.
Not only that, but the points you earn with the Citi Premier are among the most versatile rewards currencies and are worth 1.8 cents each by TPG valuations. That’s because Citi has improved the ThankYou Rewards program substantially over the years to compete with American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Here’s what else you should know about this card — and why you might want to apply now.
Related: The best Citi credit cards
Citi Premier welcome offer
The Citi Premier is currently offering 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. According to our valuations, that bonus is worth $1,080. However, we have seen a public offer for 75,000 points for the same spending requirement, so opt for that offer if you can access it.
Citi uses a rather interesting rule to determine bonus eligibility. You won’t be able to earn the bonus on the Citi Premier if you’ve opened or closed the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees), Citi ThankYou® Preferred*, Citi Premier or Citi Prestige® Card*in the last 24 months. Most issuers count that time solely based on when you opened a card or received a bonus, but with Citi, your clock also resets if you close a card, so it’s all in the timing.
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*The Citi ThankYou Preferred and Citi Prestige are no longer available for new applicants. The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
There’s a $95 annual fee on the Citi Premier.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Earning points on the Citi Premier
The Citi Premier’s earning structure is one aspect where the card shines. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on purchases in the following categories, with no caps or annual limits:
The card also earns 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
These earning rates are among the most impressive of any travel rewards card, especially considering the Citi Premier’s affordable annual fee.
To coincide with the launch of Citi Travel with Booking.com, Premier cardholders can earn 10 points per dollar on bookings for hotels, rental cars and eligible attractions when booking through the portal through June 30, 2024.
Related: The best credit cards with annual fees under $100
Redeeming points on the Citi Premier
The Citi Premier is also a top choice for travelers, thanks to its participation in the ThankYou Rewards program, which currently has 14 airline transfer partners and two hotel partners.
While you’ll notice that many of the frequent flyer programs are those of international airlines, there are still some high-value (and easily redeemable) awards to be booked through them.
For instance, you can leverage Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles for decent business-class award availability on those airlines and their SkyTeam partners, get some phenomenal deals on Star Alliance awards using Avianca LifeMiles and snag some great Oneworld tickets with Qatar Privilege Club.
You can also redeem your ThankYou Points for travel directly through the Citi portal at a rate of 1 cent each, but that’s well below TPG’s valuation of ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, a number derived largely from Citi’s extensive list of transfer partners.
Related: The ultimate guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards
Citi Premier benefits
Much of the Citi Premier’s value proposition comes from its ability to earn bonus points in many categories without charging a hefty annual fee. As such, you shouldn’t expect an overwhelming number of perks, but there are several benefits of this card that can help you recoup your annual fee:
$100 annual hotel credit: You’ll enjoy a $100 credit once per calendar year for single-stay hotel bookings of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) made through the Citi travel portal.
Extended warranty protection: This adds 24 months to a manufacturer’s warranty when you purchase a covered item using your card.
Damage and theft protection: This can reimburse you for repairing or replacing an eligible item damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase (up to $10,000 per incident and $50,000 per year).
World Elite Mastercard benefits: As a World Elite Mastercard, the Citi Premier confers several travel-related perks that consumers might not know about. These include a $5 monthly Lyft credit after taking three rides in a calendar month and access to the Mastercard luxury hotels and resorts portfolio for on-property perks like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades upon availability. Through the World Elite Mastercard program, you’ll also enjoy perks like cellphone protection and Global Emergency Services.
Citi Entertainment: This program gives cardholders special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events — from concerts and sporting events to unique dining experiences and movie screenings — before the general public can buy them.
No foreign transaction fees: Like any good travel card, the Citi Premier allows you to travel freely without incurring a fee on international spending.
Which cards compete with the Citi Premier?
As an affordable travel rewards card, the Citi Premier has a few direct competitors that might be a better fit for you:
If you prefer Chase cards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, with an annual fee of $95, competes directly with the Citi Premier. While Chase’s transfer partners (including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt) might be more beneficial for many travelers, there are also some overlaps, including Singapore KrisFlyer, Emirates Skywards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. For more information, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
If you want a flat earnings rate: Try the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). It, too, charges a $95 annual fee, but this card comes with a less lucrative (but much simpler) earning rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. Instead of an annual hotel credit, you’ll get up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application credit once every four years with the Venture. You’ll even get two annual lounge visits per year to Capital One’s lounges — or you can use those passes at over 100 Plaza Premium lounge locations. For more information, read our full review of the Venture Rewards card.
If you want added perks: One of the Citi Premier’s closest competitors over at American Express is the American Express® Gold Card, which earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants, 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. The Amex Gold Card also comes with up to $10 in monthly dining credits at select restaurants (up to $120 in annual statement credits) and up to $10 in monthly U.S. Uber Cash (up to $120 annually), offsetting the majority of the $250 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits. For more information, read our full review of the Amex Gold.
For additional options, check out our full list of the top travel rewards cards.
Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier: Which mid-tier travel card is better?
Bottom line
Despite a bevy of competitors, the Citi Premier’s long list of bonus categories and solid sign-up bonus make it one of the most lucrative points-earning cards in its price range. The wide range of ThankYou Rewards transfer partners makes this card compelling, especially for travelers who desire the flexibility to redeem points with various loyalty programs. It’s worth a look if you’re partial to Citi or looking for a versatile travel card to add to your wallet.
Official application link: Citi Premier Cardwith 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after $4,000 in spending in the first three months of account opening.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon, Eric Rosen and Christina Ly.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
HousingWire Annual is strategically placed in October to bring the greatest minds in housing together. At HW Annual, they will be mapping out their playbooks for the future. The event serves as a starting line for conquering next year. With less than 100 days left until these leaders meet in Austin, Texas at the Hyatt Lost Pines, sign up today to not only optimize your time at the event, but also to take advantage of some of the lowest rates available. Click the button below to register for the can’t-miss housing event of the season.
At this year’s HW Annual, attendees can catch Sandra Thompson, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Baron Silverstein, president at Newrez, Amory Wooden, chief marketing officer at Anywhere Brands, Frank Martell, President and CEO at loanDepot, Jay Promisco, chief production officer of Sierra Pacific Mortgage, Sarah Gonzalez, president and chief operating officer at Panorama Mortgage Group, Tyler Hodgson, executive vice president of growth at UMortgage and Cindy Keith, chief strategy officer at NFM Lending all on stage for three days of non-stop housing industry knowledge.
Future-proof your business with this year’s powerful HW Annual agenda. From listening to executives at the biggest companies in real estate and mortgage to dedicated panels on growing women in leadership and how to build competitive marketing strategies, you can find inspiration on stage in Austin, Texas.
Be sure to secure your room at the Hyatt Lost Pines by September 11 to stay at a discounted rate. Any rooms reserved after this date will pay full price for their accommodations. The Hyatt Lost Pines sits on hundreds of acres of beautiful Texas hill country. The resort includes several bars and restaurants, golf courses and pools. When you aren’t attending sessions, there are several opportunities to connect and relax on the property.
Plus, when the sessions are over for the day, the fun at HW Annual keeps going. Stay on property at the Hyatt Lost Pines to join us for cocktail receptions and networking events.
Add sessions like, “More Data, Less Vibes,” and “Strategy and Operation Tactics From the Top,” to your schedule. Catch inspirational leaders on stage, discussing the business tactics you need to win the current market.
HousingWire Annual
HW Annual is HousingWire’s capstone mortgage event, connecting leading professionals from the housing economy seeking to grow, innovate and win market share. This is where strategies are formed, deals are inked and lifelong relationships are solidified. Remember, HW+ members receive special perks like 50% off your admission to HW Annual, so go here to become a member. Haven’t received a discount code yet? Reach out to us at [email protected] Join us in Austin, Texas October 10-12 for community, content and commerce.
Believe it or not, you can go to Disneyland when it’s not crowded.
If you’ve been there, this may not seem possible — especially if you’ve visited only on the weekend or during summer. But there are ebbs and flows to crowds at Disney parks. Depending on how you like to travel, whom you’re traveling with and what your budget is, the best time to go to Disneyland will differ.
Let’s look at when’s best for you, no matter your travel situation.
For first-timers
As you may expect, Disneyland Park is the original; it opened in 1955. The park contains Sleeping Beauty Castle and fan favorites such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion.
Disney California Adventure Park, meanwhile, opened in 2001. Originally modeled after the various landscapes you’d find within California, the park has since seen significant retheming and now contains a land dedicated to the “Cars” movie, one focused on Marvel movies and a pier based on Pixar’s films.
If this is your first visit, you’ll want to do your best to experience everything. We recommend a minimum of two days: one for each park.
You’ll want to consider nonpeak periods when the resort is less crowded to maximize your time. Generally, Disney is extra busy and crowded during the following periods:
Spring break: typically late March and April.
Holiday weekends: Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Summer: mid-June to the end of August.
Halloween and weekends in October.
Thanksgiving week.
Winter break: second half of December through New Year’s Day.
Though you may find periods that are busy outside these windows, these are the big ones you’ll want to avoid. It will be difficult to deal with the crowds, and you’ll probably pay a premium for hotels and accommodations.
For families
If your children are school age, you may be limited as to when you can visit Disneyland. This means you may end up at the parks during peak periods.
Though it’s not possible to avoid crowds, there are still times that can be better than others.
This is thanks to some of the special events Disneyland puts on. These include Princess Nite and the Oogie Boogie Bash, both of which take place after the park closes (the park closes early to accommodate these parties).
The Oogie Boogie Bash is especially popular for kids because of the unlimited trick-or-treating. There are also character meet-and-greets, a special parade and the ability to ride all the standard rides.
For crowd-haters
Listen, we dislike crowds, too. There’s a reason entire websites are dedicated to figuring out when Disneyland will be crowded. If this is you, do yourself a favor and visit only during the offseason.
Though it isn’t often that you’ll find hardly anyone at the Disneyland Resort, there are some times when it will be as close to empty as possible.
This includes many weekdays throughout the year, especially during January, February and March.
It’s also relatively empty at the end of August before Labor Day weekend brings huge crowds. September as a whole is also empty, as is the two-week period after Thanksgiving before winter break starts.
For the frugal traveler
A visit to Disneyland can be pricey, especially if you need to travel in from out of town. Disneyland operates a dynamic pricing structure that’ll charge you from $104 to $179 for a one-day ticket.
To find the cheapest days, you’ll want to check out the price calendar. Typically, periods of least demand — those with the lowest ticket prices — also coincide with the lowest cash prices for flights and hotels.
You may also want to consider using points and miles to keep costs down. Several chain hotels are within walking distance of Disneyland, including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and IHG, which makes redeeming your points easy.
Disneyland is near six airports in Southern California, making it easier to find flights on all major airlines. With so many options, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a way to redeem your miles.
For adults
Disneyland isn’t just for children. Though many of its attractions are meant to appeal to little ones, Disneyland also has adult-oriented activities. Disney California Adventure is a great example, with refined eateries and plenty of different drinks to sample.
The park also offers a rotating selection of festivals throughout the year, featuring pop-up pavilions. These pavilions provide limited-time food and drink offerings and are popular with adult parties.
Disneyland also offers nighttime events that are great for adults, including Sweethearts’ Nite, Throwback Nite, Pride Nite and Star Wars Nite.
The best time to visit Disneyland, recapped
The best time to visit Disneyland will depend on whom you’re traveling with, your preferred travel style and your budget. After all, you’re not going to be looking for the same entertainment options with your adult friends as you would if you’re traveling with your children.
No matter when you decide to travel to Disneyland, you’ll be in good company. Just don’t forget to grab yourself a churro.
(Top photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: