Plan Your Next Vacation: Credit Card Rewards for Your Destination

by: Debbie Dragon

In today’s economic times, many people are forgoing their yearly vacation. Believe it or not, a credit card just may be the answer to the trip of your dreams. If you are looking to take a great family or romantic couples vacation and want some help fitting the bill, getting a specific destination rewards credit card may be for you. As long as you use your credit card responsibly, your destination could come at a fraction of its normal cost.

If Disney World is on your list of vacation destinations the Disney Visa Rewards Card could be just right for you. Currently, when you sign up you will earn your first $25.00 reward bonus, and the earnings go on from there. Typically for every dollar you spend you will earn one Disney Reward point. During certain promotional times you will also be able to earn bonus reward points for certain purchases.

As you build up your Disney reward points you can cash them in for your Disney vacation. You can use them to purchase theme park tickets, Disney hotel rooms, Disney dining, Disney shopping, Disney vacation packages and even a Disney Cruise.

By being a card member you will also be able to take advantage of special savings offers. During certain promotional periods you will be entitled to vacation package discounts, discounts on special Disney events and behind the scene tour price savings. You are also eligible for a free meet and greet with Disney characters on your visit to Disney’s Epcott theme park.

If Universal Studios is in your vacation destination for the future, the GE Money Bank American Express Card could help you go for less. This no annual fee card allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend. You then accumulate the points and use them to pay for your vacation.

Just like the Disney Visa Rewards Card, the Universal Studios Reward Card comes with some nice perks. Combined with an annual Universal Studios Pass you can use your card to get special boarding access to certain rides and other great discounts. Once you have accumulated enough rewards money you can cash it in to pay for different components of your Universal Vacation. You can use your rewards to pay for Universal park tickets, Universal merchandise and Universal Park and Resort vacation packages.

If a cruise is on your list for your next vacation destination, you will want to check out Bank of America’s Cruise Reward Credit Cards. They offer reward cards for several cruise companies including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Lines. All of the cards are available with no annual fee and come with a 7 month introductory APR.

Once you have the card you will earn points for each dollar spent. After you have accumulated 5,000 reward points you can begin to redeem your rewards. Rewards include, for all three cruise line cards, onboard ship credit, state room upgrades and even free cruises.

Some important things to note about all travel credit cards. Only charge each month what you can pay off. If you are paying interest on your bill, your points accumulated may cost more than they are worth. You will also want to check the terms carefully as you sign up for your travel destination credit card. Be sure to note the limit number of points you can earn each year and if and when points will expire. If you plan it correctly, you could be on your way to a reduced price or even a free vacation.