Archive for August 2011

How to Enjoy a Better Vacation With Travel Rewards

Travel rewards programs offered by credit card companies are getting better for the consumer.  Fierce competition among credit card companies is the driving force behind increased perks.

Before you travel, make sure you now about all the benefits of your card.  Check your card issuer’s website to find specific information and don’t be afraid to call customer service.  Tell them where you are going, when, and how long you plan on staying, ask them if there are any special benefits you don’t already know about associated with your travel rewards card.

A vacation should offer you a high level of convenience and comfort.  The card issuers are making some offers with travel rewards cards that could enhance this convenience and comfort.

Auto Rental Insurance

When you rent a car with your credit card, a collision damage waiver may automatically cover you.  Some travel credit cards will include collision coverage as well.  Be sure to know what is covered by your card before paying for coverage offered by the car rental agency.

VIP Access

Your card may entitle you to VIP service at the airport lounge.  Often times, there is a special access area provided to frequent travelers, your card might grant you admission.  The lounges often feature Internet hot spots and special entertainment.  Check and see if your travel rewards card entitles you to the VIP treatment.

Travel Insurance

Frequent travelers often purchase accident insurance for every trip they take.  Most travel bonus cards provide this insurance automatically when you purchase your flight tickets with your card.  This automatic insurance is available for both domestic and international travel.  Find out if your credit card company provides it.

Restaurant Discounts

A special feature of your card could be discounts or gift cards at specific restaurants at your destination.  Tell your issuing company where you are going and ask if this reward is available to you.

Travel Clubs

Your card may provide you with free travel club membership.  These clubs offer discounts, accommodations upgrades, and VIP status.

Regional Discounts

You may be entitled to special discounts if you’re going to a major city like Philadelphia or Los Angeles.  These are particular discounts at particular destinations within that city.

Before vacationing or traveling always check with your card issuer to see if these travel rewards are available to you.  Do it every time because some credit card companies add special incentives.

Written by Chintamani

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How to enhance the comfort level on your vacations by travel rewards

When you are on a vacation, you always think about highest level of comfort and convenience.  Many credit card companies offer a variety of benefits to boost your comfort.  These benefits may be included in your card, but you may not be aware of them.  Look out for the following –

Car rental insurance – When you rent a car by using your card, before taking the insurance offered by the car rental company you should know what is included on your card.  Most of the card companies provide a collision damage waiver automatically. Some companies provide loss damage cover in addition.  Check with the car rental company about what is covered before taking their insurance policy.
Access to airport lounges – You may be entitled to get some VIP treatment at the airport!  Many airports have lounges set aside specifically for frequent travelers holding specific cards. These lounges offer services like internet taxes, complementary beverages and televisions to pass time.  You should check this out with your card issuing company before you begin your travel.
Automatic travel accident insurance – It is the policy of most of the travelers to buy a travel accident insurance for every travel they make.  There are literally hundreds of cards which offer such travel accident insurance for free.  The only condition is you should buy your ticket by using that credit card.  This facility is available for both domestic travel as well as worldwide travel.  You need to confirm with your card issuer about automatic travel insurance cover.
Dining discounts – It is good to check with your card company about gift cards or discounts at specific restaurants in the area where you will be travelling. It will reduce your dining bills.
Free membership in travel clubs – Many cards offer complementary memberships of travel clubs.  The benefits include VIP services offered at various resorts and hotels, room upgrades on cruises etc.
Regional discounts – When you are travelling to a specific city like Chicago or New York, many card companies offer special time-bound discounts at various establishments in that specific city.
Discounts on sports travel – Some card companies offer cardholders an opportunity to save on tickets for specific sports events and discounts on sports merchandise at participating retailers.

If you are planning you vacation, check with your credit card company whether any of the above benefits are included on your card.

Written by Chintamani