When it comes to traveling, we like to have the best tools at our disposal. And one tool that has proven to be invaluable is our collection of travel credit cards.

These little powerhouses have unlocked a world of benefits and perks that make every trip just a bit more enjoyable. It can give you opportunities for exclusive lounges, upgrades, and even free flights.

Certain credit cards really are the ultimate travel companions. We've done our fair share of research and testing, and we feel like we have the right combination of travel cards at our disposal at this point.

From the Chase Sapphire Preferred with its generous rewards program to the Capital One Venture Rewards card that offers flexibility in redeeming miles, each card has its own unique strengths and features.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve

If you're looking for a travel credit card that'll have you feeling like a VIP, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve are the ones for you. As avid travelers, we can confidently say that this card has been an absolute game-changer for us.

Not only does it offer incredible rewards and benefits, but it also provides peace of mind with its extensive travel insurance coverage.

When it comes to comparing benefits, the Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on travel and dining while the Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on the same categories. Those points are able to be transferred to a whole host of transfer partners including AirFrance, British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Our favorites amongst those are Hyatt and Virgin Atlantic. We have paid for many hotels using transferred Hyatt points while transfers to Virgin Atlantic allowed us to travel international first class to Paris, France.

One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve is its comprehensive travel insurance coverage. We feel confident knowing that if anything unexpected happens during our trips, such as trip cancellations or delays, lost luggage, or even medical emergencies abroad, we are protected. This gives us peace of mind and allows us to fully immerse ourselves in our travels without worry.

The Sapphire cards have a host of other benefits including Global Entry or TSA Membership, airport lounge access through Priority Pass, and a $300 annual travel credit. These are cards where it is very easy to make back the annual fee ($95 for the Preferred, $550 for the Reserve) and more.

Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X card is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to explore the world without breaking the bank. With this credit card, you can earn miles on every purchase, making it easier than ever to accumulate points and redeem them for travel rewards.

One of the standout features of the Capital One Venture X card is its generous rewards program. You earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on any purchase and 5-10 miles for travel booked through Capital One Travel.

That means that your everyday expenses can quickly add up to significant travel rewards. And booking through Capital One Travel is a very good and convenient way to book travel which usually gives you the price you would pay if booking direct.

Another great perk of this credit card is its flexibility when it comes to redeeming your miles. Unlike some other travel credit cards that limit you to specific airlines or hotels, with the Capital One Venture X card, you have the freedom to book travel through any website or app and still use your miles as a statement credit towards those purchases.

This means that you can shop around for the best deals and still take advantage of your hard-earned rewards. In addition to these benefits, the Capital One Venture X card also offers other valuable features like no foreign transaction fees and complimentary concierge service.

These perks make traveling abroad even more convenient and stress-free.

It also offers annual statement credits of $300 per year for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, travel insurance, and primary rental car insurance. The annual fee is also right between the annual fees of the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards at $395 per year.

American Express Platinum

The American Express Platinum is one of the most expensive cards on our travel credit cards list but it is also the card we use most often. Flights are the best category to book for us as it offers 5 points per dollar on flights booked both directly through Amex Travel or directly through the airline.

From exclusive access to luxury airport lounges to a wide range of travel-related benefits, the American Express Platinum card truly stands out.

One of the standout features of the American Express Platinum card is its extensive lounge access program. With this card in hand, we've enjoyed complimentary access to some of the best airport lounges around the world.

Whether we're traveling domestically or internationally, we know that we can relax and unwind in style before our flights. The plush seating, delicious food and drink options, and impeccable service make each visit a true pleasure.

In addition to lounge access, there are numerous other benefits that make this card worth having. The card offers $200 in airline incidental fees, $200 in Uber credits that come out monthly, $200 in annual hotel credit booked through amex travel, Saks Fifth Avenue credits of $100 annually, TSA precheck credit, and a Clear Plus Credit. As you can see there are so many benefits that it is easy to get back your entire annual fee.

Moreover, as frequent travelers, it's reassuring to know that the American Express Platinum card provides excellent travel insurance coverage for unexpected events such as trip cancellations or delays. We've also taken advantage of their 24/7 concierge service whenever we needed assistance with restaurant reservations or tickets for shows.

The other travel benefit that the Platinum card offers that makes it even better than a lot of other travel cards is the hotel elite status it offers for both Marriott and Hilton and Delta Sky Club access when traveling on Delta. The only downside to this card is the high annual fee ($695) which is the highest on our list but we feel like we get plenty of value from the card overall.

Citi Premier Card

The Citi Premier card is a good option as it's not as pricey as some of the other options but it's a bit different. Think of this as a travel card under the Citi umbrella that's more straightforward with its rewards.

There are still some perks and you can use your Citi points in a lot of ways but this card is not as stacked with perks as some of the other options. There are still a lot of benefits that make this credit card worth it.

• Earn rewards: One of the best features of this card is its generous rewards program. We earn points on every purchase, including 3x points on travel, 2x points on dining and entertainment, and 1x point on all other purchases. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
• Travel perks: The Citi Premier Card offers a range of travel perks that enhance our journeys. We enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges through Priority Pass Select, which gives us a comfortable space to relax before our flights. Additionally, we receive a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, making security lines a breeze.
• Flexible redemption options: This card allows us to redeem our points in various ways. We can transfer them to partner airline loyalty programs or use them directly through the ThankYou Travel Center. This flexibility ensures that we can always find the best value when booking our trips.
• No foreign transaction fees: As avid travelers, we appreciate that this card has no foreign transaction fees. It saves us money whenever we use it abroad and allows us to focus on enjoying our adventures without worrying about additional charges.

With its rewarding program and attractive travel perks like lounge access and no foreign transaction fees, the Citi Premier Card has become an essential tool for us as frequent travelers. It has enhanced our journeys while helping us earn valuable rewards along the way.

Discover it Miles

The Discover it Miles credit card is a great option for anyone looking to earn miles on every purchase. With this card, we can accumulate miles with each swipe, making it easy to save up for our next travel adventure.

Additionally, the double miles promotion in the first year allows us to earn even more rewards at an accelerated rate. This is also the only card on our list where there's no annual fee, making this card a cost-effective choice for frequent travelers.

Earn Miles on Every Purchase

Contrary to popular belief, earning miles on every purchase isn't as difficult as it may seem. With the Discover it Miles credit card, we've found a simple and effective way to maximize our rewards.

This card allows us to earn unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases, which adds up quickly. Whether we're buying groceries, filling up our gas tank, or booking flights, we're constantly accumulating miles towards our next travel adventure.

The best part about earning these miles is how easy it is to redeem them. Unlike other travel credit cards that have restrictions or blackout dates, Discover it Miles allows us to redeem our miles for any travel expenses. From flights and hotels to rental cars and even cruises, there are no limitations on how we can use our hard-earned miles.

Double Miles in the First Year

Maximize your rewards and double your miles in the first year with the Discover it Miles credit card. With this travel credit card, you can earn valuable miles on every purchase, allowing frequent flyers to take full advantage of their spending.

But what sets the Discover it Miles apart is its unique feature of doubling those miles in the first year. This means that for every mile you earn, you'll receive an additional mile at the end of your first year as a cardholder.

To make the most out of this incredible offer, consider these tips:

• Plan ahead: Take advantage of this opportunity by strategically timing your purchases to maximize your rewards.
• Book flights during promotional periods to earn even more miles.
• Use the card for everyday expenses like groceries or gas to accumulate miles faster.

By maximizing credit card benefits for vacations, you can turn everyday spending into memorable trips.

No Annual Fee

Get ready to save big with the Discover it Miles credit card, because you won't have to worry about any annual fees. With zero foreign transaction fees, this card is perfect for jet setters who love to travel internationally without incurring extra charges.

Grab Your Wallet and Explore

These are some of our favorite cards and we own all of them but that doesn't mean you have to. Start by picking one card, maybe the no annual fee Discover it Miles card or the low annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred, and see if it is worth your while.

Or you could go big and go for our favorites, either the American Express Platinum or the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This way you can start traveling big, get big bonus points, and book some fancy travel accommodations including first-class flights or hotel suites with status for all kinds of upgrades and hotel goodies.