If you're the type of person who actually pays off his credit-card bill on time and in full, get a card that's affiliated with an airline or hotel you like. The first-purchase bonuses alone usually translate into a free domestic flight or a night's hotel stay. After you get your freebie, you can continue generating loyalty points by spending with the card but take a moment to evaluate whether the payoffs are worth the high APRs and annual fee.
Travel is full of pitfalls. One wrong step and your vacation could be ruined by a seedy hotel room, an overpriced restaurant, a wasted afternoon at a tourist-trap attraction or an overnight flight crammed in the middle seat. So, guarantee a smooth trip by planning thoroughly. Here's how to make all the right moves.