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C&J Reservations

I missed my scheduled bus. what are my options what happens if my travel plans change how do i change my reservation how will the reservation change affect me as a commuter can i add previously purchased tickets to my c&j account i want to take a different bus - is that possible if my flight arrives early and i try to change to an earlier bus will there be any restrictions should i buy my tickets in advance i'm having trouble accessing my c&j account. what should i do i already purchased my ticket - do i have a reservation do i have to use my ticket on the date and time i selected do i need an account are seats guaranteed on c&j how do i reserve my commuter tickets with c&j's reservation system, what bus should i take in order to make my flight.

Seabrook, NH

13 Batchelder Road Seabrook, NH 03874

Ride First Class from Seabrook, NH, to New York and Boston

C&J offers direct motorcoach service to Boston South Station, Logan International Airport, and New York City from the newly constructed C&J Transportation Center conveniently situated near Exit 1 on Interstate 95.

C&J's Seabrook terminal is a cutting-edge facility featuring a modern design and boasts an impressive capacity of over 800 parking spaces. In addition, travelers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and a host of other amenities. 

Boston Route

About the seabrook terminal.

C&J’s New Seabrook terminal is located off Route 95, just minutes from the Massachusetts border.  

Parking Information

This location offers over 800 pay-to-park spaces in a secure, well-lit, environment. Parking in Seabrook costs $4.00 a day.    

Learn more about parking here .

Terminal Hours and Contact

Open 24 hours  

Phone: 603.430.1100  

The C&J Experience

Our experienced and professional drivers are dedicated to ensuring a safe and smooth journey, so you can rest easy knowing you'll arrive relaxed and on time.

Guaranteed Seating

We offer guaranteed seating – meaning the time and date on your ticket reserves your spot on that bus. And if plans change, you’ll still be able to easily update your reservation.

Mobile Ticketing

Simply tap your mobile ticket on your phone and present it to the driver to be scanned. It’s that easy.

First Class Travel

Travel in ultimate luxury and comfort on our state-of-the-art buses, equipped with plush seating, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Our experienced and professional drivers will ensure a safe and smooth journey, leaving you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Seabrook Terminal Hours?

What are the parking rules at C&J?

How does parking in Seabrook work?

Do I need to print out my ticket?

How do I change my reservation?

Traveling with children on C&J buses

The Covenant Journey Difference

• Direct non-stop flight from USA to Tel Aviv – no lay-overs and no switching planes in other countries!
• Begin Day 2, upon morning arrival, providing 8 full days of touring
• Stay in 2 luxury hotels for entire journey – no hassle of frequently switching accommodations.
• Luxury tour bus with experienced Messianic Tour Guide
• Enjoy Israeli buffet meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner and entrance to all sites!

Tour Information

Unique locations, galilee and tiberius region.

• Capernaum – where Jesus performed most of his ministry
• Sea of Galilee boat cruise
• The Mount of Beatitudes
• Tabgha – the traditional site where Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fish
• Magdala – the hometown of Mary Magdalene and the site of a First Century meeting place or synagogue
• Baptism in the Jordan River (for those wanting to be baptized)

Northern Israel

• Golan Heights – where you can see the Syrian and Lebanese Borders
• Caesarea Philippi – where Peter declared Jesus to be Messiah
• Dan – one of the most northern cities of the twelve tribes that fell into paganism
• Mount Carmel – where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal
• Caesarea Maritima – a stunning archeological site on the Mediterranean Sea developed by Herod the Great, where the Apostle Peter learned the Gospel was going to the Gentiles and where the Apostle Paul appealed his case to Caesar
• Walk on Mount Megiddo, better known by the name, Armageddon
• Beit She’an – spectacular ancient ruins and one of the ten cities known as the Decapolis

The Judean Desert

• Masada – an important place in Jewish history on the coast of the Dead Sea where the Jewish people last stood before the final conquest of the Roman Empire
• Qumran – the important site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947
• Hike Ein Gedi – where David took refuge when he was pursued by King Saul
• Float in the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth

• Jerusalem is an adventure and is full of amazement!
• Pray at the Western Wall
• Visit the Mount of Olives
• Meditate in the Garden of Gethsemane
• City of David – where King David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and where you can walk through one of the ancient tunnels
• Visit the Upper Room and the House of Caiaphas, the high priest at the time of Jesus
• Pools of Bethesda – where Jesus healed the paralyzed man
• Pool of Siloam – where Jesus healed the man born blind,
• Antonia Fortress – also known as the Praetorium and Ecce Homo, where Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate
• The Via Dolorosa – where Jesus carried the cross to His Crucifixion
• The Garden Tomb
• In Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, you will also encounter Israel’s modern history and national life as you visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum, and receive briefings on geopolitical issues, national security, the Israel Defense Forces, business, and technology. Your group will include no more than 40-50 people on the bus. We encourage participants to interact with one another and the people and places of Israel.

View this profile on Instagram Covenant Journey Travel (@ covenantjourneytravel ) • Instagram photos and videos

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Donna busch.

“As I have traveled with other companies, I have made some mental comparisons. DJ Country Tours is well-organized, hotels were all average or above average and one ELEGANT. Rest breaks were well-spaced and food stops along the trip afforded enough choices.

I have found one large difference traveling with Janine compared to travel with other companies. Janine, not being only employed by DJ, she is the owner and she is the company. Janine has an investment in making a tour successful and enjoyable. She reacts on the spot when changes need to be made, when plans get changed, rest stops are closed, bridges washed out, and any other interruption that inevitably comes about on a trip. Response is timely when the ‘boss is on the bus’. When this happens with other companies it usually meant more time represented to get approval of a change, new direction from the office, etc.

Janine, you are top notch. Thank you for showing us the wonderful states of Vermont and New Hampshire. Thank you for showing your love of  people.”

Ken and Linda Pollock

“The very first day at the very furst stop, I missed a curb and literally face planted on the concrete! I thought I had broken my teeth or worse. Janine was right there showing concern and making me feel calm after being shaken up. I thought for sure I had done real damage to my face or knocked out a tooth but all I had was a few scrapes and a split lip. No broken nose, or teeth missing! Best of all, I didn’t break a nail!

Janine is so much fun to travel with. She is very knowledgeable & organized. She is easy to get to know & we loved hearing her stories. You can just tell she loves her job!

Jeff was a fantastic driver! Very experienced! Great personality and having Tink as a mascot was fun too!

Thank you so much Janine for making our vacation fantastic! We definitely would like to travel with you again someday! 5 stars all the way!”

Wendell Utech and Patricia Thompson

2023 Mackinac Island and Lighthouses

“Great trip! Thank you Janine & Anthony for your work diligence and positive attitudes!

Had a great time!”

Doc & Trish

Grinnell, Iowa

Mavis Garbes

2023 Dogwood Blossoms of Branson

“The Dogwood Blossom trip with Janine was my second trip with DJ Country Tours.  Both of the trips I enjoyed to the utmost. Janine is very organized, friendly, and keeps you entertained with activities. She packs the trips with attractions and things to do. I would highly recommend traveling with DJ Country Tours!”

Dunkerton, IA

Duane and Deb Alberts

“This was our first bus trip and first trip to Branson. Didn’t know what to expect. It was above and beyond all expectations. Our hostess Janine did a fantastic job and knew how to roll with the punches. We highly recommend DJ Country Tours. Was also fun meeting new friends.”

Parkersburg, Iowa

Laurie Simpson

“This was my first bus tour and I was pretty amazed on how organized Janine was and all being done with a smile. I would highly recommend DJ Country Tours for anyone interested in a fun tour! “

Cedar Rapids, IA

June Watkins

2023 Door County Summer Fun

“My second bus tour of several days with DJ Country Tours was to Door County, Wisconsin and it was filled with interesting tours. I doubt that I would have seen half of the places we visited if I had planned the trip yself. We also had a local guide with us much of the time who provided interesting information on the sights we were visiting or driving by. The restaurants and provided meals were a great introduction to local fare as well. I love that Janine’s tours are both educational and fun! as well as a good value for the price.”

Stephanie Garner

“I’ve been on several trips with Janine and have always had a great experience. She provides travel experiences that are well planned and reasonably priced. I truly enjoy the way she brings together a group of strangers who become a family and part ways as friends.”

Shirley Clark

2023 Southern Christmas Explosion

“DJ Country Tours by Janine did not disappoint! From the icy start in Waterloo to the foggy trip through the mountains, our tour director and bus driver had it all under control.

The itinerary was very well planned and offered something for everyone each day, yet provided for some free choices.

I wouldn’t hesitate to go on any trip when is planning it!”

Shirley Clark Clarksville, Iowa

Kristi Anderson

“Going on the Southern Christmas Explosion was my first trip with DJ Country Tours, and I had a blast. Everything that was described on the website was delivered with many extras included. Janine was great and took care of everyone! I would recommend DJ Country Tours and cant wait to go on my next one!”

Lisa and Laney Beadle

“ Janine and Jeff we’re so professional, organized and hard working. Our days and evenings were jam-packed. You clearly know when and where to be. You hit highlights of every stop. Janine treats everyone fairly & kindly. We felt very special the entire trip. It was nice meeting so many new people.”

Jeff McMeekin

“ Janine was a very good host and made things fun on the bus and off. She also knows a lot of people at the shows and that was nice. Everyone said that we had the best tour guide and that’s no lie. Although this was my first bus tour, I am going again and will use Janine at DJ Country Tours.”

Nova Scotia Delight Tour

2019 Review

“We enjoyed our tour immensely! Janine is a wonderful tour director and Tim is a wonderful bus driver. They really take care of you. We would be willing to go on any of her bus tours!”

Patty Brandt

“ If you’re looking for a fun time, a well-organized trip, fabulous entertainment with super talented singers and dancers, awesome tour director and bus driver, go on a bus trip to Branson with DJ Country Tours.”

“ Janine and her driver, Anthony went above and beyond to make sure we had everything needed. They were always available, professional, and friendly. The trip was very well planned on every detail. I felt very comfortable and safe the entire trip. Highly recommend DJ Country Tours!”

2023 Christmas in Branson

“ Traveling with Janine who owns DJ Country Tours, is like going on a new adventure with a good, trusted friend who has been there so many times and knows where to go; how to get there; what to say; what to avoid and points out all the best things – so you can RELAX and ENJOY!”

Ruth Yordy Marshalltown

2017 Tale of Two Carolina’s

2017 Review

“Everything was so organized. Janine treated everyone with such respect and concern. Billie is such a good driver. She too was always concerned about everyone. Not many drivers would hold an umbrella over each passenger so they wouldn’t get wet in the rain. We will see you end of October & in January.”

• Camp Lehachayos Chaim

Camp Lehachayos Chaim 2024

Our Background

We are people who are well-versed in the fun and rigors of traveling. Our travel agency came together to help other people plan and book their dream vacations. We have over 10 years of travel planning between us!

Our Services

Whether you're looking for a cruise, plane tickets, accommodations, or the whole package, we have you covered. Simply tell one of our specialists where you want to go, and we'll help you figure out the rest. We work directly with other companies to get the best deals.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

While working with us, we want you to be completely happy with the experience. If you have questions about us, our services, get in touch! We hope you continue to book with us for many years to come. 

Meet the Team

Chatz (yechiel zvi) ausfresser.

Yechiel Zvi known as Chatz has over 5 years of experience arranging and planning trips. Chatz has years of traveling as a personal passion and now uses his expertise to help our clients have a unforgettable vacation. Chatz is known for going the extra mile to make sure our clients are 100% satisfied . His favorite State is Arizona.

Yehuda Josephs

Yehuda has over 5 years of experience arranging and planning trips. From a young age Yehuda always had a passion for travel and has been to all the dream vacation spots. He now uses his expertise to ensure our clients have a seamless trip. Yehuda is known for getting things done and wont miss a single detail when it comes to your dream vacation. His favorite State is Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should i use a travel agent.

Even in the age of online booking, travel agents are a great source of information and discounts. A travel agent can make sure that your trip is tailored to you, assist you in case of unexpected problems, and help you anticipate potential issues in advance.

Will I pay more if I book through an agent?

Our fees are transparent. In many cases, you save more than you spend. We can work within your budget, and we always focus on making sure that you get a solid value in return for our fees. 

Do you book group travel?

Yes! Do you have an upcoming conference for your business or a student trip? We can handle the details and ensure that you have access to group seating, entrances, and discounts. 

C&J Travels

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Travel Intelligence Report

This new report leverages CJ’s travel sector data to explore the ups and downs of the travel industry within the affiliate channel, including trends in bookings, travel duration, top destinations, and more to understand where the industry has been and where it's headed.

Dig into the Data & Insights

Travel transformed, booking trends, consumption rates, top destinations, future bookings, key takeaways, booking value: reaching new heights.

In 2022, the value of bookings across all lines of business—air, car, hotel, and vacation packages—has increased, regardless of how far in advance they're booked, due to both the rising cost of travel and travelers booking longer stays. This year, travel booked greater than 3 months out had the highest average order value and travel duration, $980 USD and 3.9 days, respectively. Yet bookings within 6-12 weeks of the travel start date experienced a greater increase in booking value when compared to 2019, increasing 41%.

Getaway Cost

Booking values for trips within 7 days out remain the lowest compared to larger booking windows but have been increasing every year since 2020.

Platform of Choice

Booking values remain only slightly higher on desktop versus mobile, but bookings within 12 weeks are closing the gap.

In 2022, travel duration has been higher on mobile in every booking lead time except for trips booked within 7 days, in which desktop bookings hold the higher travel duration.

Shifting Seasonality

Pre-pandemic, travel booking seasonality followed a fairly predictable pattern that marketers could plan around. But the past two years have upended booking demand and it seems fair to say that travel bookings could take a year or more to achieve some level of predictability and seasonality. In 2022 across all platforms, 39% of bookings occur within 7 days of the trip's start date, 31% within 6 weeks of the trip start, and 17% of bookings at more than 12 weeks away. Bookings for trips taking place 6-12 weeks from the booking date account for only 14% of hotel bookings, suggesting that the bulk of trips planned will take place within the next 6 weeks. This trend has continued over time with trips over 6 weeks away making up a smaller segment of bookings.

Hotels booked within 7 days may also point to quick getaways for drivable or railway-accessible accommodations without the need for airfare.

Car rentals follow a similar pattern to hotel bookings in that most bookings occur within 7 days and 6 weeks, 74% for desktop and 86% for mobile in 2022.

Air follows a completely different story where the majority of air travel bookings are made at least 1 week out, but still within the next 6 weeks. In 2022, 38% and 47% were booked on desktop and mobile respectively within 1-6 weeks.

Vacation Packages

When parts of travel are booked together as a package, the booking windows drastically shift. In 2022, most trips were planned within 1-6 weeks (35% desktop, 43% mobile), followed by more than 12 weeks (33% desktop, 21% mobile), then within 6-12 weeks (24% desktop, 22% mobile). Packages booked within 7 days had the least number of bookings (9% desktop, 14% mobile), suggesting that air and hotel booked simultaneously require further planning and budgeting.

Fewer Reasons to Cancel

The pandemic required many travelers to cancel 2020 travel plans which caused the rate of completed bookings, aka the consumption rate, to fall 31 base points—nearly half of the trips booked in 2020 were eventually canceled. In a turnaround, the average consumption rate in 2021 rose to 66%, nearly in line with the pre-pandemic average in 2019. Logically, the further out trips are booked, the more likely a cancellation will occur, and booking data shows that consumption rates fall to 49% for travel that is booked greater than 12 weeks away. Data Tip: These consumption rate data sets can be useful for predicting commission forecasting.

Trips within 7 days had a surprisingly high consumption rate of 75%, suggesting that trips quickly booked may have been out of necessity or cabin fever, and high certainty that a trip would be taken.

Pack Your Bags

Network data shows a high consumption rate in 2021 as trips booked on desktop within 7 days from their stay checking in at a rate of 86%, and 84% within 1-6 weeks are completed.

Global Travel Rebounds

Until early 2022, international travelers had to navigate a complex web of country border closures, reopenings, and Covid-19 protocols. Yet as most countries have reopened and Covid testing restrictions have been relaxed, global tourism has returned—25% of 2022 bookings in the network are to destinations outside the traveler’s origin country. Booking volumes show that the US, UK, France, Germany, and Spain are the top five destinations this year, with some countries like Spain and Italy increasing in popularity over the past two years. For bookings to destinations outside travelers’ origin countries, booking windows within 6 weeks of travel proved to be the sweet spot with an average of 36% being booked in this time frame.

A majority of airfare is booked within 6 weeks, a trend that has been consistent every year since 2019.

Hotels also followed this trend, except for in 2020 when most of the international travel was booked greater than 12 weeks from purchase.

An overwhelming amount of car rentals take place within 7 days through 6 weeks. Only a small number of rentals take place 6 to 12+ months away.

Minor Turbulence Ahead

Travel booked in the spring of 2022 has surpassed volume from 2019, signaling a return to normal through a period of intense recovery for the industry. There's still turbulence, however: taking a look at combined travel LOBs in June 2022 booking volume did not meet 2019 levels of booking volume. Possibly due to the start of mass interruptions in air travel across the globe due to the interconnecting problems of staffing issues, flight cancellations, and the sheer volume of travelers completing their sought-after vengeance vacation.

Shifts in Stay

May and June 2022 hotel bookings are not meeting 2019 levels, as the vacation home rental is gaining popularity and cutting into hotel share.

Less Car Promotion

Car volume is also not meeting 2019, as some rental car companies closed their affiliate programs due to bankruptcy during the pandemic in 2020.

Tried & True

Over the last 18 months, the peaks still remain consistent with July and August being peak travel with the highest booking value, while January and February produce the lowest stay volume and value.

Thrive with Diverse Publishers

We heard over and over again that a diverse mix of publishers sustained many brands through the bleakest periods of the pandemic by offering a way to reach customers who dearly needed advice about safe destinations and travel protocols. Success in variations of publisher models continues to pave the way for more partnership opportunities and CJ’s Recruit Partners tool can help to discover specific publisher and advertiser KPIs such as customer location, top-performing categories, and audience reach.

To help travelers complete a booking, Buy Now Pay Later models are popular with bigger “revenge travel” budgets that can be paid off over time. And as an alternative to hotels, vacation rentals are the front-runner line of business for influencers, many of whom have added affiliate links to their travel-related content. 

We also know that global activation is top of mind for brands, and publisher recruitment has proven to be a key to gaining traction in new markets. New publishers can bring local-market insights that enable brands to adapt promotional messaging that resonates locally and uncovers new opportunities. Working with diverse publisher models provides a means to showcase a brand while travel still recovers and people have their wallets open to book. With the rich insights available in CJ’s Affiliate Customer Journey reporting, brands can identify publishers reaching travelers in the Discovery and Evaluation phases of trip planning when it’s crucial to be present, and ideally, find the incentive needed to book.

Booking behaviors are constantly and rapidly shifting which means that travel brands need to be nimble with their affiliate program strategy. Campaign launches now require flexibility on the part of both advertisers and publishers to assess and evaluate trends and adjust strategies to achieve greater success. Taking advantage of tools such as Situational Commissioning will help to maximize ROI on targeted SKUs by profitability.

For example, this past summer travel season , all countries, but especially Europe, saw compounding problems with airport logistics due to issues outside the control of travel. Such volatility and its impact on cancellations, last minute and otherwise , have reinforced consumers’ interest in flexible rates and travel options that have less risk and more upside.

Working with as many publisher models as possible will provide a greater opportunity to connect with and showcase your brand while travel still recovers. Capture share of wallet while people have their wallets open to book travel. Consider assessing which publishers are getting consumers in the Discovery and Evaluation phases of their travel planning by leveraging CJ’s Affiliate Customer Journey reporting—these consumers are shopping around, and it’s crucial that they see your brand’s offers, and ideally, your incentives to book travel.

Positively Mobile

Mobile devices are especially important to travelers who now engage with travel brands on their phones from the research phase, to booking, to check-in. As we’ve emphasized, it's critical to optimize that shopping path and be present at every consumer touchpoint . As travel booking apps become woven more technically throughout the actual trip experience with adjustable itineraries, digital key cards, and real-time alerts, travel loyalty programs have their chance to shine. New and returning loyalty members booking through apps become brand loyal to their reward currency with higher engagement points in the app and improved customer experience.

The past few years in the affiliate channel have come a long way from a substantial gap in solutions for mobile tracking, as well as a lack of transparency into true publisher impact, which cost the channel inventive mobile partnership opportunities. The integration of Button’s PostTap through CJ was a perfect pairing for the travel segment as affiliate travel shoppers are known to be loyal to their rewards points, both from a brand and publisher perspective and app bookings facilitate easier bookings. This smart combination of technology and platform enhances the customer journey and channel tracking now accurately reflects the impact of affiliate to foster smarter partnerships.

For more information on these and other affiliate insights, contact your CJ team or join our network today.

Travels & Tours

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About Sri Lanka

CJ Travels & Tours

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• Coach Holidays

Day Excursions

• Testimonials
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• Request Brochure
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• Coach Pick Up Points

Welcome to our 2024 Winter & Spring collection of day excursions.

A big thank you to our regular travellers for your continued support and loyalty, it is greatly appreciated. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to new travellers with us and look forward to seeing you all soon.

Travel by coach and travel green. Our coach like most modern coaches in the country is powered by a low emission, highly efficient Euro 6 engine. Per passenger kilometre, our coaches’ greenhouse gas emissions are lower than cars, trains, and planes (Dept for Transport’s Transport & environment statistics, Oct 2022). Plus, travelling by coach is one of the safest ways to travel, it is user friendly, efficient, and affordable (busandcoach.travel). Let us do the driving, no need to worry about which route to take, where to park and the cost of fuel. As you are not driving, if you want to you can enjoy a drink with your lunch! So, join us on one or more of our excursions, sit back, relax, travel with friends, make new ones and enjoy the scenery, all in the knowledge you are in safe hands, you are doing your bit for the environment and supporting a local company.

We don’t have countless pickup points. This way we are not stopping at every other bus stop, and you are not on the coach for ages going around just collecting or dropping off people. It does mean that for some we pick up close to your house, sadly for others it may mean that we go past your house, we appreciate it is frustrating, your understanding is appreciated. We don’t use feeder coaches, taxis, or interchanges on our excursions, so there is no hanging around for ages at a service area or layby waiting for the feeder coach or taxi to arrive. We don’t use fancy sales gimmicks to get bookings and get you to part with your money, just good old fashioned customer care. We don’t do constant cancellations . We may have to cancel the odd excursion, but we will try and operate excursions even if bookings are low that way you as our customer have the confidence to book with us. We don’t operate our excursions on a shoestring . This may mean we appear to be expensive, but we cover all our costs, you get value for money and hopefully have an enjoyable time with us. We also put a great deal of time and thought in the planning of the excursions to ensure that were we are going is suitable, what we planning to do is achievable and the day will run as smooth as possible. We don’t always get it right, but we do try.

For our 2024 winter and spring collection of excursions, we have tried to create a blend of excursions that suite all tastes which includes tried and tested favourites along with new destinations. 2024 is the 80th anniversary of D-Day, so we have included a visit to IWM Duxford for their special summer airshow commemorating this special anniversary. Responding to comments, for each excursion we have now given the time of the first pickup and the approximate time we expect to be back.

Many of our regular passengers have been travelling with us for years, have become friends and make new travellers with us feel welcome and part of the family. So if you have not travelled with us before give us a try. Travel with C & J Tours and travel with friends. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and having the pleasure of your company on one or more of our excursions.

If you are interested in any of our excursions and want to book or require more information, please contact us on: 01245 222477 Our office hours are: Monday – Friday 09.00-17.00

MINIMUM NUMBERS:   All our excursions require a minimum number of passengers in order to operate .

SNOWDROPS AT ANGLESEY ABBEY

LUNCH IN NEWMARKET

BOUNDARY MILL & DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Daffodils at chippenham & ely, bury st edmunds, 50’s & 60’s golden oldies, woodbridge & dunwich, melton mowbray.

STAMFORD & RUTLAND WATER CREAM TEA CRUISE

Leonardslee gardens.

BURY ST EDMUNDS & FULLERS MILL GARDEN

IWM DUXFORD D-DAY 80

Upcoming coach holidays.

Turkey & Tinsel in Paignton

Cotswolds Weekend

Cheltenham, Cirencester & Wye Valley

Ask Amy: Should we take a flight with our 1-year-old or miss a family function to avoid the travel headache?

• Published: Apr. 24, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

Amy Dickinson TNS

• Amy Dickinson

DEAR AMY: My sister will earn her Ph.D. out-of-state this summer.

My wife and I have a one-year-old and a three-year-old.

Bringing the whole family would be too much for the one-year-old to handle.

I’d like to bring our older child, who is close with the graduating aunt.

My wife doesn’t support the older child going with me because she wants to be there for that child’s first airplane flight.

She acknowledges that this is a selfish desire.

Should we go as a family, despite the headaches that will come from flying with a baby, or should I go solo?

– Harried Husband

DEAR HARRIED: I have to admit that as someone who has flown – a lot – with my daughter when she was a baby and a toddler, and subsequently with many other children of varying ages, I don’t see flying with a three-year-old as being the important and unmissable milestone your wife seems to perceive it to be.

(I still have flashbacks of running from one end of the Dallas airport to the other with my daughter, repeatedly dropping our carry-on luggage and assorted backpacks as we went.)

If the trip to your sister’s graduation is a direct flight of three hours or less, I would take the whole gang. If the trip requires a complicated connection, I would suggest you go solo.

(You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook .)

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Travel | Travel: How to spend 6 perfect days in the…

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Travel | travel: how to spend 6 perfect days in the scottish lowlands.

When one dreams of vacationing in Scotland, it’s the Highlands and not the Lowlands that comes to mind. Don’t take our word for it; even the national tourism board touts the Scottish Highlands as “the Scotland of your imagination and the perfect backdrop for your next adventure” on its website. And on National Geographic’s list of “Best of the World” destinations, only the Highlands gets love.

OK, so the Scottish Lowlands isn’t home to the monstrously legendary Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park, a historically rich clan culture or the setting of Mel Gibson’s bloody good film, “Braveheart.”

But while that and more causes Scotland’s southern side to bow to its northern neighbor in terms of tourism, the Scottish Lowlands is no plaid-clad red-headed stepchild in a nation that — fun fact — has the world’s highest percentage of redheads with about 13% of the populace. Speaking of numbers, nearly one out of every four overseas visitors to the northernmost country of the United Kingdom arrives from the U.S., according to VisitScotland ( visitscotland.com ).

So, with that in mind and knowing how much we Yankees love an underdog story, let’s ponder highlights of a perfect six days exploring the Lowlands through an American’s eye — taking roads less traveled while taking in rolling hills, gentle valleys, rugged coastline and quaint towns each more gorgeous than the next.

Breezing through Edinburgh Airport, you shuttle to the city’s newest major hotel. The 244 rooms of the W Edinburgh, the first in Scotland for the upscale brand, are spread across three buildings, and yours is in the 12-story tower that sticks out from the traditional architecture around it. Mixed as the opinions are over the building’s “walnut whip” roof, staying at a hotel topped with a giant chocolate swirl comes in handy when finding your way back after a day of sightseeing by foot. Nestled in the heart of the newly trendy St. James Quarter, the W ( marriott.com ) is within walking distance of every must-see in the city center. Refreshed from down time in your gadget-happy suite, you’re ready to see just how perfectly located your hotel is. (Rates for a standard room start at $371 a night.)

Hoofing it to Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, offers a lesson in 3,000 years of history at the site of ghastly battles dating back to the Iron Age. You could spend an entire day here, but an afternoon date with some bottles of booze have you leaving the castle for a quick visit to the nearby National Museum of Scotland and its countless artifacts.

A time check of 3:30 p.m. has you scurrying to the Scotch Whisky Experience ( scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk ) for a pre-purchased tour that explains how single-malt Scotch whisky is made, but, oddly, not in the setting of a working distillery. It’s a trade-off because what you do get being in a purpose-built facility is the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, a breathtaking visual for the core audience, and a store with a whopping 450 types of the signature stuff. Nearly as impressive is that the prices are actually fair, but you know when to say when with your purchase of potent potables. Plus, there’s more walking to do and those bottles are heavy.

Window shopping along famous Princes Street leads to a short hike up Calton Hill for stunning sunset views. Being a Harry Potter fan, you check off Victoria Street, J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley, and other sights around town believed to be connected to the global sensation.

Meandering in the direction of the W, you pop into one of many intriguing restaurants for dinner. It’s a quick one as the jet lag you’ve been fighting since seeing the “Welcome to Scotland” sign at baggage claim is finally winning.

Of course, you order the “Scottish Breakfast” at the W’s Sushisamba restaurant, which by night serves up a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors. Your cardiac-challenging platter comes with haggis, Lorne sausage, grilled back bacon, fried eggs and black pudding, which you know as blood pudding. You also are aware that haggis is banned in the States as the USDA frowns upon ingesting stomach fluids from slaughtered livestock. Despite sheep lungs being a key ingredient in haggis, you give it a nibble and realize that this Scottish staple isn’t half baaaad.

After check-out, you walk with your luggage to busy Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. A comfortable, hour-long ride on the Borders Railway terminates at Tweedbank, and you take the public bus to Abbotsford ( scottsabbotsford.com ), former home of 19th century novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. The estate is so extraordinary, you add “Ivanhoe” and “Rob Roy” to your reading list.

Relying on mostly taxis and hired drivers for the rest of the trip — the countless roundabouts, alone, make driving on the left side not worth the risk — you transfer to Schloss Roxburghe ( schlosshotel-roxburghe.com ) for two fairy-tale-like nights at this luxury countryside escape in the heart of scenic Scottish Borders. A tasty welcome with champagne and canapes is followed by a stroll around the historic property. On the sprawling resort surrounded by rolling hills and flowing rivers are 130 units (52 of them cottages), a championship golf course and other sporty activities, a Finnish-inspired spa, and nooks aplenty to enjoy libations made with the handmade gin created from botanicals sourced on the estate.

Wisely deciding to spend the day here, just as the Duke of Roxburghe often did in a past life of the picture-perfect property once owned by him, you book fishing, archery, croquet and clay shooting with the resort’s country sports manager. A few minutes later you pinch yourself in disbelief you’re staying where someone actually has the title of country sports manager.

A full day of activities and therapeutic R&R has you hungry for a night topped with “Scottish bistronomy” at the new, on-site Charlie’s. From the venison and pigeon to the scallops and ham hocks, the restaurant’s estate-to-plate approach pleases the senses.

A yummy buffet breakfast at Charlie’s coupled with an early checkout and on-time hired driver, found on VisitScotland’s website, make for a great start to what promises to be a long, but great day. Appropriately, the first stop is The Great Tapestry of Scotland ( greattapestryofscotland.com ) in the Borders town of Galashiels. On permanent display here since 2021 is the story of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture as told through 160 linen panels hand-stitched by over 1,000 nimble-fingered volunteers.

Leaving the 155 miles of driving to someone else today allows you to make a pitstop at the Moffat Distillery ( moffatdistillery.com ), where an American-born proprietor and her English husband are making a go making wood-fired whisky and gin. Tours and tastings — their blended-malt scotch is a winner — are conducted daily.

After traveling along what motor enthusiasts deem as the most drivable roads in the U.K., passing adorable villages and where ferries to Northern Ireland run back and forth day and night, you come up to the electronically gated entrance of your five-star home for the next two nights. One mile beyond — and one mile off Scotland’s western coast — is Glenapp Castle ( glenappcastle.com ) in the bonny Ayrshire countryside. Built in 1870, this prime example of Scots baronial, an architectural style of 19th-century Gothic Revival, has 17 luxury units (as low as $419 a night) and a 4,500-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse that sleeps eight and starts at $4,000 a night. The 36 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, lush woodland and stately structures have hosted dignitaries from Churchill to Eisenhower, and since you’re sleeping like a VIP and got a classy bagpiper welcome, you might as well eat like one, too; dining at Glenapp is an experience fit for royalty.

Leaving the castle for a day of sightseeing had better be worth it, and it is at the very start thanks to the adorable namesake animals at Kitchen Coos & Ewes ( www.kitchencoosandewes.com ). Getting up-close and personal with the iconic Highland coos and their sheepish pals is a treat, as are the traditional homemade breakfast and lunch that come with the more in-depth tours of this working farm. Next on the schedule is a much different tour up the coast in Alloway; Robert Burns Birthplace Museum pays tribute to Scotland’s favorite son, whose poetry and songs are beloved worldwide. That includes one sung every New Year’s Eve, at least in days of auld lang syne. Despite the museum’s name, Burns’ actual birthplace is a tiny room in a cottage located at another site a 10-minute walk away.

Dinner is in nearby Troon, specifically at The Rabbit restaurant inside the new, 89-room Marine Troon ( marineandlawn.com/marinetroon ), a destination hotel that prides itself as “representing the nexus between land and sea, sport and soil, and man and nature.” Burns might have done better, but one thing that can’t be improved is the Old Course of the adjacent Royal Troon Golf Club. Perhaps one day you’ll return to play 18 here, but for now you behold what you can of links that will host the 152nd Open Championship in July, the 10th time the hallowed course will have this honor.

You’ve had fun storming the castle for two exquisite days, and now it’s time to return to reality — but not through Edinburgh this time. On the way to Glasgow Airport, a more hectic, but closer option from the west, the art lover in you prompts a visit to The Burrell Collection ( burrellcollection.com ). This Glascow gem houses more than 9,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years of history, and if it weren’t for a plane to catch, you could see yourself spending more than the two hours already given.

But the Burrell Collection isn’t the only place you didn’t get your fill over these six amazing days in the Scottish Lowlands. With luck and a replenished travel budget, you hope to return, and soon. Or as the old Scottish saying goes, “haste ye back!”

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• Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards

Best No-Annual-Fee Cards For Travel Of April 2024

Fact Checked

Updated: Apr 24, 2024, 3:32pm

Using a travel rewards credit card has long been celebrated as an easy strategy to travel the world for less. Consumers can apply for rewards credit cards and earn points and miles on everyday spending, then redeem rewards for airfare, hotel stays, rental cars and more.

The annual fees travel cards often charge can be worth it if you use the benefits you receive, but not everyone wants to pay a fee to hold a card. Fortunately, many travel credit cards offer benefits for no annual fee.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

• 113 countries visited
• 5500 hotel nights spent
• 93,000,000 miles and points redeemed
• 29 loyalty programs covered

Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Chase Freedom Flex℠ * : Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Card With Rotating Categories
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best Flat-Rate No-Annual Fee Travel Card
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best No-Annual-Fee Flat-Rate Cash-Rewards Card for Travel
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Everyday Spending
• Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card * : Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Union Card for Travel
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best No-Annual-Fee Card To Earn Cash Back on Travel
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best No Annual Fee Amex Card for Travel
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard® : Best No-Annual-Fee Card To Earn Rewards on Rent
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card * : Best No-Annual-Fee Card for Dining
• Hilton Honors American Express Card : Best No-Annual-Fee Card for Hilton
• Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * : Best for Earning Membership Rewards Points
• United Gateway℠ Card : Best No-Annual-Fee Airline Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card * : Best No-Annual-Fee Hotel Card
• Best Credit Cards Of 2024
• Credit Cards With Travel Insurance
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Hotel Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card For Lounge Access
• Best Airline Credit Cards

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming Read More

Welcome Bonus

20,000 bonus points

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards of 2024

Best no-annual-fee travel card with rotating categories, chase freedom flex℠ *.

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased through Read More

$200 bonus + 5% on Gas and Grocery (excluding Target and Walmart)

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

This card has the brawn to handle just about all of your credit card spending needs without an over-inflated price tag. The card has an annual fee of $0, yet comes with a pumped-up earnings structure that covers a wide swath of expenses including travel, drugstores and dining plus rotating quarterly bonus categories in areas many households are likely to find appealing.

• No annual fee
• Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
• Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
• Generous rewards rate in several other categories
• Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
• Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on all other purchases

Best Flat-Rate No-Annual Fee Travel Card

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Up to 6.5X Reward Rate

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, after that 5% cash back Read More

Up to $300 cash back

A good overall spending card that allows you to hold a balance on new purchases with a low introductory APR, pay no annual fee, and still earn at least 1.5% cashback on all purchases

• Generous welcome offer for a no annual fee card
• Unlimited 1.5% minimum earn rate for cash-back rewards
• No minimum redemption amount
• Foreign transaction fee
• Ongoing balance transfer fee is high
• Requires a companion card to transfer points to travel partners
• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Best No-Annual-Fee Flat-Rate Cash-Rewards Card for Travel

Wells fargo active cash® card.

Unlimited 2% Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

$200 Cash Rewards

The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and charges no annual fee. This puts it in competition with the best flat-rate cash back cards on the market.

• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Cellphone protection benefit
• There’s a balance transfer fee
• There’s a foreign transaction fee
• No travel transfer partners
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.

Best for Everyday Spending

Earning 3 points per dollar spent on a wide range of spending—including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit and popular streaming services—for no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph is a powerhouse.

• No foreign transaction fee
• Introductory APR period
• Plentiful reward points categories
• Protections include cell phone insurance
• Balance transfer fee
• No introductory balance transfer APR

Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Union Card for Travel

Alliant cashback visa® signature credit card *.

Up to 2.5% Reward Rate

Those eligible for Tier 1 Rewards earn 2.5% cashback on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycle Read More

17.24% - 27.24% variable

Excellent (750 - 850)

If you regularly rack up your monthly balance, the 2.5% return on the Alliant card is hard to beat. The downsides are that excellent credit is recommended before you apply for the card and the lack of a welcome bonus.

• 2.5% cash back rate on up to $10,000 in monthly purchases for eligible accounts (then 1.5%)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Generous credit line
• No intro APR offer
• No welcome bonus
• Requires a companion checking account with balance, direct deposit and e-statement requirements
• Earn up to 2.5% cash back with no categories to track on up to $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle with qualifying accounts. All other purchases earn 1.5%
• You can choose to receive cash back from your Alliant credit card via a credit card statement credit (appearing within one billing cycle) or as a deposit into your Alliant checking or savings
• Up to $5,000 of Personal Identity Theft Protection for covered expenses to restore your identity

Best No-Annual-Fee Card To Earn Cash Back on Travel

Discover it® cash back.

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, Read More

Cashback Match™

17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Excellent/Good

For moderate spenders who are willing to activate the 5% rotating categories and track the quarterly spending cap, this no-annual-fee card can deliver tidy rewards outside of its ongoing 1% earning rate.

• 5% cash back on quarterly rotating spending categories throughout the year (activation required)
• Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
• No minimum cashback redemption
• 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
• Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
• Low 1% base reward rate on everything else
• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Best No Annual Fee Amex Card for Travel

Blue cash everyday® card from american express.

Up to 3% Reward Rate

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. on up to Read More

19.24%-29.99% Variable

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

For no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers excellent value in the right hands. Spending a lot at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations brings plump rewards, while the introductory APR rate on purchases helps keep your interest expenses down. Look elsewhere for foreign transactions.

• Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Above-average earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and online retail purchases in the U.S.
• Elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. are capped at $6,000 in annual spending per category
• Rewards earning outside of the bonus categories is just 1% cash back
• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
• Terms Apply.

Best No-Annual-Fee Card To Earn Rewards on Rent

Bilt world elite mastercard®.

Up to 3x Reward Rate

1x on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travel Read More

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Pay rent, earn rewards and use your earnings for travel. Sounds like a great way to maximize your rent money to us.

• Earn rewards on rent
• Primary car rental and cell phone insurance
• Points can be transferred to partners
• Requires five card transactions per statement period to earn rewards
• High regular APR range
• Rewards outside of rent spend are relatively low compared to other cards
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
• 1x points on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
• 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company)
• 3x points on dining
• Plus 1x points on other purchases
• Cell Phone Insurance
• Purchase security (theft and damage protection)
• Mastercard® World Elite Concierge
• Lyft Credits
• No foreign currency conversion fee
• Rewards & benefits terms

Best No-Annual-Fee Card for Dining

U.s. bank altitude® go visa signature® card *.

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4 points per dollar on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery and 2 points per dollar at grocery stores, grocery Read More

18.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Excellent Credit (750 - 850)

With no foreign transaction fee and industry-leading earnings on dining, the Altitude Go could get you up into the air quickly.

• No penalty APR
• Generous rewards for a no annual fee card
• Annual credit toward eligible streaming services
• No bonus reward tier for entertainment spending
• Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. That’s a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more
• 4 points per dollar spent on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
• 2 points per dollar spent on streaming services and a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases
• 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores, gas stations, and EV charging stations (excluding discount stores, supercenters and wholesale clubs effective September 9, 2024)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
• Points never expire

Best No-Annual-Fee Card for Hilton

Hilton honors american express card.

Up to 7X Reward Rate

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Read More

Earn 80,000 points

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

A good intro into the Hilton world without paying an annual fee, the Hilton Honors Card from American Express brings you a few nice perks. But if you’re a serious Hilton traveler, you’ll want to look at one of the higher end cobranded Hilton cards offered by American Express.

• High point earning rates
• Generous welcome bonus
• Automatic Silver status includes fifth night free on award stays
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• No blackout dates
• Low point redemption value
• Silver status comes with limited benefits
• Poor transfer rate to airline partners
• Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.

Best for Earning Membership Rewards Points

Amex everyday® credit card *.

Up to 2x Reward Rate

Earn 2X points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1X); Earn 2X points at American Express Read More

Earn 10,000 points

18.24% - 29.24% variable

If you are looking for a solid intro APR offer and frequently spend at US supermarkets, this is the card for you.

• Possible to earn 20% bonus on all points earned
• 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar)
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee
• Spending cap on bonus points at grocery stores
• Requires 20 purchases per month to earn 20% bonus
• Earn 10,000 membership rewards points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of card membership
• Earn 2 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases at US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year (then 1 point)
• Earn 2 points for every dollar when you use your card to book your trip through American Express Travel
• Earn 1 point for every eligible dollar you spend on everything else
• You can use membership rewards points towards eligible charges you make on your card, such as retail, dining, entertainment and more
• Use your card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% extra points on those purchases

Best No-Annual-Fee Airline Card

United gateway℠ card.

Up to 2x Rewards Rate

2X miles per $1 spent on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. 1 mile per Read More

• Earn 20,000 bonus miles

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

With its simple and respectable rewards rates, plus Visa Signature benefits, casual fliers who are loyal to United will find value in United’s only card with no annual fee.

• Earn 2 miles on purchases with United, at gas stations and on local transportation
• Enjoy expanded United award travel availability
• Earns only 1 mile per dollar spent on non-bonused purchases
• No free checked bag or enhanced boarding benefits
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card

Best No-Annual-Fee Hotel Card

Marriott bonvoy bold® credit card *.

3 points per dollar spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program, 2 points per dollar on other Read More

Earn 30,000 bonus points

21.49% - 28.49% variable

One of several Marriott credit cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card is the only one without an annual fee. It’s a smart entry-level card for travelers who want to earn points in the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program and enjoy Silver Elite status.

• The first Bonvoy Rewards card with no annual fee
• 15 Elite Night credits per year + Silver Elite status
• Rewards bonus categories are somewhat limited
• 5% fee for balance transfers
• Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on your first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 3X points per dollar spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
• Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy member
• 15 elite night credits annually, enough for Silver Elite status, terms apply

Here’s a Summary of the Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

More about the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

Navigating the world of credit cards means finding the combination of pros and cons that offer the best value for your needs. A card rewarding your unique spending habits and goals will outperform one that is seemingly best for the average consumer, so make sure to evaluate each card for your specific uses.

Be aware that cards with no annual fee often charge other types of fees. In addition to interest charges incurred when a balance is carried, cardholders may also face penalty charges, including over-limit fees and late payment fees, as well as fees for foreign transactions, cash advances and balance transfers.

If you’re looking for a cash-back credit card and want the option to redeem points for travel, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ * may be exactly what you need. This card lets you earn a strong base rate of rewards for each dollar you spend, and you can redeem points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ * may be marketed as a cash-back credit card, but you can redeem rewards for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Since you can also redeem your rewards for statement credits at a rate of 1 cent per point, you can cover travel purchases charged to your card as well.

This card paired with a premium Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can provide extra leverage as points are worth 1.25 to 1.5 cents each when redeemed through the Chase travel portal depending on which premium card you have. Carrying both the Flex card and a premium Chase card also gives you the opportunity for 1:1 transfers to Chase’s airline and hotel partners like United and Hyatt.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ * offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. Balance transfer fee of up to 5% (min. $5) of the amount of each transfer applies. This makes the card a solid option if you want to charge a big purchase and pay down your balance over time without worrying about interest for the duration of the 0% introductory APR period.

The card’s benefits also include purchase protection against damage and theft and extended warranties for eligible items.

Those looking to get into the Chase ecosystem with a no-annual-fee card might want to consider the flat-rate Chase Freedom Unlimited® .

Welcome bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, worth up to $300 cash back.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases, plus an additional 1.5% cash back on the first $20,000 in purchases the first year.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® may not be the best choice for those who like to travel abroad because it charges a foreign transaction fee. On the plus side, it offers an introductory APR: 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. An intro transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies.

If you’re looking for a card to boost your travel funds but prefer a cash rewards card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card may be the way to go.

Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers up to $600 per claim in cellphone protection (subject to a $25 deductible) when you pay a monthly cellphone bill with the card, terms apply.

It also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a fee of up to 5%, with a minimum of $5 applies.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is excellent for everyday spending with bonus categories that most people will have no problem using.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card also offers an introductory 0% APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening. A variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% applies for purchases after the intro period ends and for balance transfers. The card has a balance transfer fee of up to 5%, minimum $5. Cardholders can also benefit from cellphone protection, roadside dispatch and an auto rental collision damage waiver.

The Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card * offers the potential for a high rate of cashback, although this rate is limited to the first $10,000 in purchases each month. However, this will likely be sufficient for most people’s monthly spending.

Welcome bonus: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Rewards: Earn up to 2.5% cash back with no categories to track on up to $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle with qualifying accounts. All other purchases earn 1.5%.

Other benefits and drawbacks: You’ll have to join Alliant Credit Union to be eligible to apply for this card and to achieve the highest rate of cashback, you’ll have to have an average daily balance of at least $1,000 in your Alliant High-Rate Checking account for each preceding calendar month. The Alliant Cashback card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

The Discover it® Cash Back isn’t specifically marketed as a travel card, but cashback can be used for anything—including travel, so we’ve included it here. This card offers solid rewards as long as you can remember to activate the quarterly categories. It also offers a non-traditional but impressive welcome bonus for those who spend plentifully on the card.

Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year as a cardmember. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in spending when activated. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Discover it® Cash Back offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers. Then, a standard rate of 17.24% - 28.24% variable applies. A balance transfer fee of up to 5% of the amount transferred applies. It also offers online privacy protection tools and free social security number alerts.

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees ) is a solid option for those looking to earn cash back from American Express.

Welcome bonus: Earn $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. (on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers an introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and on balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening, followed by a variable APR of 19.24%-29.99%. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies. Cardholders can also benefit from access to Amex Offers, up to $84 in credit ($7 monthly) for a Disney Bundle subscription and a $180 Home Chef credit. Additional benefits include purchase protection ¹ and car rental loss and damage insurance ² .

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard®  ( rates & fees ) lays the claim as the first card that offers the ability to pay rent and earn points on those purchases. For those who pay rent, it’s a great way to earn a bunch of additional points each year.

Rewards: Earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 points per dollar on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Bilt points can be transferred at a 1:1 rate to various transfer partners, including American Airlines and Hyatt. The card also offers cellphone protection, various travel benefits and the ability to earn bonus points (and sometimes other benefits) once per month on Rent Day, though you must use the card five times each statement period to earn points ( rewards & benefits ).

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card * earns points that you can redeem for merchandise, gift cards, cash back or travel, all at a value of 1 cent per point. It offers reasonable earn rates for a no-annual-fee card.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 4 points per dollar on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, 2 points per dollar at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, streaming services and on EV charging stations (excluding discount stores, supercenters and wholesale clubs effective September 9, 2024) and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders can also benefit from a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles, followed by a regular variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%. A balance transfer fee of 3% applies ($5 minimum). The card also offers a $15 annual streaming bonus for services like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify and others.

The Hilton Honors American Express Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees ) offers the ability to earn Hilton Honors points for each dollar you spend and automatically qualify for elite perks.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership.

Rewards: Earn 7 Hilton Honors points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations and 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers robust earning categories that let you earn bonus points in many common areas of spending.

Cardholder benefits include automatic Silver status, but you can move up to Hilton Honors™ Gold status if you spend at least $20,000 on your credit card within a calendar year. If you expect to spend this much on your card each year, it may make sense to get a card that automatically provides a higher level of Hilton status and place the spending on a card that will net you more rewards overall.

Those looking for an Amex Card but with a preference to earn Membership Rewards instead of cash back should consider the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * .

Welcome bonus: Earn 10,000 points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1X), 2 points per dollar when using the card to book trips through American Express Travel and 1 point for every eligible dollar on everything else. Plus, use the card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% extra points on those purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: When you use your Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * 20 or more times per billing cycle, you’ll earn a 20% bonus on all points earned during that billing cycle. This card also offers access to Amex Offers, car rental loss and damage insurance and purchase protection.

United isn’t the only airline with a no-annual-fee card, but it’s the best no-annual-fee airline offering. The United Gateway℠ Card provides a few valuable benefits when a cardholder flies United.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Holders of the United Gateway℠ Card receive 25% off United in-flight purchases made on the card. It also offers an auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Those looking for more United benefits, including a free checked bag when flying with the airline, should consider the United℠ Explorer Card that has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Read more: United Airlines MileagePlus: The Ultimate Guide

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card * is a decent option for those wanting to earn Marriott points without paying an annual fee. If you’re really looking for a Marriott-specific card, you should also ask yourself: Which Marriott Card is right for me ?

Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program, 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains) and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Marriott Bonovy Bold offers complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver status and 15 Elite Night credits each year that may help you qualify for higher levels of elite status. The card also offers various travel and purchase coverage like baggage delay insurance and purchase protection, and it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Methodology

Forbes Advisor compared dozens of travel credit cards from all major issuers to find the best options with no annual fee. Factors we looked at include:

• Earning rates
• Welcome offers
• Introductory APR
• Consumer protections
• Automatic elite status
• Multiple redemption options

Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards

What Does No Annual Fee Mean?

No annual fee means the credit card company does not charge you to maintain the credit card. No annual fee does not mean you should expect no fees at all—you might still pay interest, over-limit fees, late payment fees or a foreign transaction fee. Carefully consult your cardholder agreement and the Schumer box therein.

Why Do Credit Cards Have Annual Fees?

When a credit card charges an annual fee, it means the issuer is charging the cardholder directly to maintain the account. Once a credit card is activated, this type of flat fee isn’t impacted by how the card is used or by any other factors within the cardholder’s control—it simply recurs for as long as the account stays open. Most commonly, an annual fee is billed on the anniversary month of the credit card account’s opening. The cost of these fees can vary dramatically.

Annual fees are, unsurprisingly, not popular, so why do credit card issuers commonly charge them? Traditionally, cards with higher annual fees offer significantly better perks. It’s still common for no-annual-fee cards to fall on the less-generous end of the benefits spectrum. Credit cards designed for individuals with low credit scores and poor application prospects may also charge a high annual fee and a higher APR to offset the theoretically heightened risk assumed by the issuer.

Credit card issuers expect to profit from each offering, and each card represents a calculated compromise between advantages popular among consumers and guarantees or benefits for the issuer. Your choice should focus on the combination of pros and cons providing you the best value.

How Do Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee Work?

No annual fee means the issuer does not charge consumers to carry the credit card. At least in theory, annual fees are levied by issuers to compensate for other aspects of a card considered especially favorable to the cardholder, such as rewards. Though it’s common for these fees to be waived for a year or altogether to attract customers, the most benefit-heavy cards often charge annual fees. Apart from this tradeoff, no-annual-fee credit cards function much like cards with annual fees.

Benefits of No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

Each card offers its own suite of benefits. These vary depending on the issuer, but most credit cards offer at least some of the following:

• Fraud protection (all consumer cards are required to offer a certain degree of protection)
• Introductory APRs
• Rewards earning (in the form of cashback from purchases or points and miles redeemable for airline tickets, hotel stays or other travel)
• Discounts on in-flight food and beverage purchases

No-annual-fee cards may offer fewer of these benefits compared to their counterparts that charge an annual fee.

Who Should Get a No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Card?

Many people can benefit from a no-annual-fee travel credit card. Whether you travel occasionally or all the time, these cards offer benefits targeted toward travelers without charging you anything to hold the card.

• If you’re an occasional traveler: Look for a travel credit card that offers the most benefits for the lowest fee—You can probably find a no-annual-fee card that will fit your needs.
• If you’re a frequent traveler: While you may be able to find a no-annual-fee travel card that works for you, there’s a good chance you would benefit more from one of the best travel cards , many of which do charge an annual fee.

How To Choose the Right Travel Credit Card With No Annual Fee

All the travel credit cards in our ranking allow consumers to earn travel rewards points or cash back without having to pay a fee each year. But there’s more to picking a travel credit card than just finding an option without a fee. The following tips can help shoppers find a card that suits their needs:

• Compare rewards programs: Make sure you’re earning rewards you can actually use. If you plan to pick up a hotel credit card or airline credit card specifically, you’ll want to explore the loyalty program to ensure you understand how it works and whether it makes sense for you. If you never fly, for example, there’s no sense in earning airline miles.
• Consider flexible travel options: Decide whether a  flexible travel credit card might work better. While some cards only let you redeem points within a specific loyalty program, others allow you to cash in points for any travel purchase you want or for additional redemption options like gift cards or merchandise.
• Look at 0% APR offers: Many cards on our list also offer an introductory 0% APR for a limited time. Some of these offers apply only to purchases, but a few apply to balance transfers, as well.
• Look for other cardholder perks: Finally, consider which cards offer the benefits you want most, whether those include no foreign transaction fees, elite status with a loyalty program or travel insurance benefits. Ideally, you’ll find a card with rewards you can use and cardholder perks that make sense for the way you travel.

Find the Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024

Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.

How To Apply for a No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Card

It is often easiest to compare and apply for credit cards through the card issuer’s website. Though you can often apply over the phone or by mail, these methods may take longer and be less convenient.

Applicants should know their credit scores and credit histories before shopping for cards. No-annual-fee travel credit cards may require good to excellent credit for an application to be successful. The better your score and credit history, the better your chances for approval.

Any applicant can take steps to increase creditworthiness and chances of approval for new cards. These steps include clearing up any outstanding debts carried elsewhere and decreasing your credit utilization ratio , representing how much of your overall available credit is used. Applicants should also become familiar with the card’s terms and conditions and check for any important details in the fine print before applying.

Is a Credit Card With No Annual Fee Worth It?

A credit card with no annual fee, as long as it offers you benefits and rewards that you can use, is worth it. The real question is this: Is there another card that’s better? There may be another no-annual-fee card that offers rewards more in line with your spending habits or benefits that are more valuable to you. There could be a credit card with an annual fee that offers even better rewards and benefits—enough to offset the annual fee—that makes even more sense. It’s worthwhile to take some time to compare the available options so you can find the card that’s best for you.

Bottom Line

Many excellent travel cards offer lucrative rewards and benefits without charging an annual fee. Though no annual fee does not mean the absence of fees altogether, paying an annual fee is only worthwhile if a cardholder can extract at least as much value from that card beyond what the best no-annual-fee card can offer. Carefully do your research before applying for any card, and recognize that just because a card doesn’t charge an annual fee doesn’t mean it won’t stick you with interest and other fees if you don’t manage the account responsibly.

To view rates and fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express please visit this page . To view rates and fees for Bilt World Elite Mastercard® please visit this page . To view rates and fees for Hilton Honors American Express Card please visit this page . ¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. ¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best credit card with no annual fee and cashback.

There is not one no-annual-fee cash-back card that tops all others, as everyone has a unique credit profile and set of needs. Our list is designed to give you a starting point for your search. If you are looking for a card with no annual fee and category bonuses, consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠ * . If you are looking for no annual fee and simple cash rewards, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.

What benefits are common for no-annual-fee cards?

Each card offers its own suite of benefits. These vary depending on the vendor, but most credit cards offer fraud protection (all consumer cards are required to offer a certain degree of protection), and many offer some sort of rewards or intro APR.

What is the best credit card for airline miles with no annual fee?

We consider the United Gateway℠ Card and the JetBlue Card * to be among the best no-annual-fee airline cards, but the card best for you depends on your spending habits, airline preference and more. Other airlines also offer no-annual-fee options, but all airline cards without an annual fee are light on the benefits compared to annual-fee card peers. If you regularly fly with a specific airline or if you occasionally fly but usually check a bag, consider an airline card with an annual fee. While you may pay an annual fee, the savings from a free checked bag and other benefits could save you money in the long run.

Which no-annual-fee travel cards offer the best welcome bonus?

Welcome bonuses vary not only by the card but by the day. Banks frequently publish new promotions, so welcome bonuses may change without much notice. A couple of cards consistently offering solid welcome bonuses are the Chase Freedom Flex℠ * and the United Gateway℠ Card .

What credit score do I need to get a no-annual-fee travel card?

Generally, rewards cards—including travel credit cards—typically require good to excellent credit even when the card doesn’t have an annual fee. A score in the good range of 670 to 739 may be sufficient for a basic rewards card, but for the strongest rewards, you can expect to need a score of 740 or higher to qualify.

What is the best travel rewards credit card with no annual fee?

The best travel rewards card for you may not be the best travel rewards card for the next consumer. While we believe the Chase Freedom Flex℠ * may be an excellent overall choice for many, we urge you to carefully research whether the card’s reward structure matches your spending habits and if this card’s set of travel benefits and protections will serve you better than another card.

When should I look for a no-annual-fee credit card?

Though many cards in the list of no-annual-fee credit cards above require a more robust credit history than most when initially looking for a credit card , no-annual-fee credit cards make great first credit cards. Many no-annual-fee cards also offer low or 0% introductory APRs on purchases or balance transfers when you need to make a large purchase or complete a balance transfer, but applying for any credit card should only be done when you’re ready for the responsibility associated with a credit card account.

Can you get a no-annual-fee travel card with bad credit?

It may be difficult to qualify for a no-annual-fee travel card with bad credit. You should first consider the best cards for bad credit and focus on improving your credit score to gain access to better credit card products in the future.

Is it hard to qualify for a no-annual-fee travel credit card?

It’s not necessarily hard to qualify for a no-annual-fee travel credit card, but your credit profile will be evaluated when you apply.

Next Up In Credit Cards

• Best Credit Cards 2024
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Credit Card
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Can I Add My Child To My Credit Card?
• How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Chase Freedom Flex℠, Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, JetBlue Card . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Jerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he and his wife enjoy introducing their kids to cultures and cities across the globe as often as they can.

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What fliers need to know about new refund rules for airlines

Starting in about six months, u.s. airlines will have to offer customers cash refunds before vouchers.

New federal rules for airlines will go into effect later this year, giving travelers a better picture of the full cost of flights before they book — and getting them an easier refund if things go awry.

After a process that lasted more than a year, the Biden administration announced the rules on passenger protections Wednesday.

“This is a big day for America’s flying public,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news conference at Reagan National Airport.

While the trade group Airlines for America said its members “abide by — and frequently exceed — DOT regulations regarding consumer protections,” consumer advocates praised the administration’s move.

“These rules are not only critical but also common sense,” said William McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, who spoke at Wednesday’s event.

Most new rules go into effect in the fall

At the event Wednesday, Buttigieg said that “the bulk of these protections” will go into effect in about six months. Others will start in a year.

That means refund rules that get customers automatic cash refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change flights won’t be in place during the busy summer travel season. But they should be set in time for the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season rush.

Buttigieg said that the department expects airlines to take some time to develop the processes to return cash to travelers, but added that he doesn’t want them to drag their feet.

“They don’t have to wait the number of months that it’ll technically take for this to go into effect,” Buttigieg said Wednesday. “They could and should be doing this right now.”

You should get refunds without having to ask

Instead of first offering a voucher or credit, airlines “must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops,” the Transportation Department says. The refunds need to be issued within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days when bought through other methods.

However a traveler originally paid is the way the refund needs to be issued, the rule says, whether that’s by credit card or airline miles . Other types of compensation are allowed only if a passenger chooses one of those alternatives.

“No more defaulting to vouchers or credits when consumers may not even realize that they were entitled to cash,” Buttigieg said.

You can still choose to be rebooked

If travelers’ flights have been canceled or significantly changed, they can still continue with their trip. Passengers are only eligible for a refund if they have declined to accept alternative transportation.

Airlines will have to pay for delayed bags and broken WiFi

There are many ways for a trip to go awry, and the new rules cover more than just a late or canceled flight.

If a checked bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight arriving at the gate, or within 15 to 30 hours of an international flight arriving, depending on how long that flight is, passengers will be entitled to a refund of their checked-bag fee. They will need to file a mishandled baggage report.

Refunds will also be given if passengers pay for a service such as WiFi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment and the airline fails to provide.

‘Significant’ changes will be the same for all airlines

Automatic cash refunds are due to passengers if their flight experiences a “significant change.” But what does that mean? Previously, the definition could vary from airline to airline.

The new rules provide some consistency. A change is considered significant if a departure or arrival is different by more than three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international trips.

Other changes considered significant: the departure or arrival is from a different airport; there are more connections; passengers are downgraded to a lower class; or service or flights are on planes that are less accessible for a person with a disability.

No more hidden fees for bags and seat selection

The rule on extra fees — what the Biden administration refers to as “surprise junk fees in air travel” — will require airlines and online travel booking sites to disclose up front the fees for a checked bag, carry-on bag, reservation change and reservation cancellation. Those fees must be clearly noted and not shown through a hyperlink, the rule says.

Consumers must also be informed that they don’t have to pay for a seat assignment to travel and that a seat will be provided without an additional price.

“Healthy competition requires that, as a consumer, you comparison shop, which means knowing the real price of a trip before and not after you buy,” Buttigieg said. “Airlines will now be required to show you these costs up front, so you have all the information you need to decide what travel option is best for you.”

Travelers can either search without providing their personal information to see standard fees or, after entering their information, see more tailored fees that might apply given their military status, frequent-flier membership or credit card use.

“The final rule puts an end to the bait-and-switch tactics some airlines use to disguise the true cost of discounted flights,” the Transportation Department said in a news release. “Prior to the rule, some airlines were offering deceptive discounts that consumers may have believed applied to the full fare that was being advertised but only applied to a small portion of the ticket price.”

You will still have to report complaints

Buttigieg said the main way for the department to find out about a violation of the rules is when people submit complaints through the site flightrights.gov . But he said he hopes that by making refunds automatic, there will be less need for complaints — and more flexibility for employees to perform audits or spot-checks of airline compliance.

Europe-style compensation is still not in the rules

Some travelers heading to or from Europe who experience delays under certain circumstances are entitled to compensation worth more than $600. That kind of system does not exist for domestic flights in the United States, but Buttigieg said it is on the agenda.

“On compensation, we continue to develop that — and to be clear, with this rule on the books, that does not stop or slow the progress that we’re driving in terms of a compensation rule,” he said.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

J.T. Poston leads RBC Heritage while traveling with newborn baby

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – J.T. Poston’s travel contingent is bigger than normal this week – louder, too.

The Postons took their newborn baby girl, Scottie, with them on the road for the first time. She’s already proving to be the good luck charm. Poston leads the RBC Heritage by two shots after his opening-round 8-under 63.

“It's been great. It's definitely an adjustment,” Poston said. “I think my wife and I were figuring it out. My mom is here. She's helping us out, too. So we've got plenty of help. We're just kind of figuring it out.”

Katherine “Scottie” Poston was born on March 20, three days after the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship (Scottie is a family name on both sides). Poston took the next three weeks off before heading to the Masters alone. This week’s RBC Heritage, roughly two hours from the Postons’ St. Simons home, provided the ideal opportunity for a family affair.

J.T. Poston's interview after Round 1 of RBC Heritage

“We've got a two-bedroom condo," Poston said. "My mom is staying with us. We've got (Scottie) in her little setup. Last night my wife was great, she got up in the middle of the night a couple times when she was ready to eat or being fussy and let me sleep, so maybe we'll keep doing that.”

They’d be wise to keep the same routine. Poston made nine birdies Thursday, including six on the front nine as he went out in 30. Poston made three more on the back, more than offsetting his lone bogey of the day at No. 12. Poston led the field in SG: Around the Green and finished second in Putting.

“I felt like it was one of those days where if I could give myself a look, and I felt pretty confident in being able to make those putts, whether it was a close one or a 20-, 25-footer,” Poston said. “It sort of freed up the tee to green a little bit I guess you could say.”

The tee-to-green game has been an issue for Poston in recent weeks. After carding three top 10s and two other top 20s in his first six events, Poston has yet to finish inside the top 25 since the PGA TOUR left the West Coast. Poston chalked up the recent struggles to the ebbs and flows of a season. “It's hard to hit it really good every week,” he said.

Perhaps the key is Scottie. Poston finished T30 at the Masters, his best result in two months, and now leads at Harbour Town Golf Links.

“Maybe that has something to do with it,” Poston said. “It's good to have them here and sort of takes away the pressure of – I'm not worrying about golf when I'm at home. I'm trying to change diapers and take care of her.”

These 5 Arizona hotels were just named among the world's best. Here's why they stand out

Five Arizona hotels were just named among the best in the world for 2024.

Travel + Leisure unveiled its 2024 T+L 500 list of the world's best hotels, compiled based on ratings from its readers, in its May issue. The list includes five Arizona hotels, including four that made T+L's 2023 best hotels in Arizona ranking .

Readers evaluate based on their levels of quality, luxury, service and amenities. Here's a look at which Arizona hotels made the Travel + Leisure 2024 best hotels list.

For more hotels recognized as being among the best of metro Phoenix, read about the honorees in  U.S. News & World Report's 2024 ranking ,  Forbes' 2024 Star Awards , and  Esquire's best new hotels in the world .

Five Arizona hotels selected by Travel + Leisure

Readers of Travel + Leisure, America's largest travel media brand, selected five Arizona hotels on its 2024 ranking of the world's best hotels:

• Castle Hot Springs, Morristown.
• The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley.
• Mountain Shadows Resort, Paradise Valley.
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley.
• Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson.

“We’re honored to be recognized on the highly coveted T+L 500 List,” said Andrew Chippindall, general manager of Mountain Shadows Resort. “It’s a true testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our treasured guests.”

How Travel + Leisure World's Best hotels 2024 were chosen

The T+L 500 list is derived from T+L's annual World's Best Awards, selected based on reader reviews and feedback. Readers were surveyed about their travel experiences around the world, including hotels, cities, islands, airlines, cruise ships and other experiences.

Readers rated hotels based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and overall value. They scored each category on a scale from "excellent" to "poor."

The hotels recognized this year are favorites among the publication's readers, who named Castle Hot Springs the best Arizona hotel of 2021 and 2022 and the Hermosa Inn the state's best of 2023. All except for Tanque Verde Ranch were included on last year's list of the 10 best hotels in Arizona.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at   [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:   @salerno_phx .

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