9 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation Using Credit Cards

Seems many great things come by the dozen – eggs, doughnuts, roses. What’s so great about a dozen?  There are 9 ways you can save money on your next vacation using credit cards that add up to more than a dozen in savings.  The credit card industry is extremely competitive, so the card issuers work hard to attract new consumers by offering rewards programs and cardholder perks, including:

1. Free Companion Tickets. There are several credit cards that will give you a free companion ticket for signing up, or after making purchases on your credit card. For people who travel in pairs, this is an outstanding travel perk that saves you the cost of a full flight!
2. Reduced Price Gas. Road trips used to be one of the most inexpensive vacations you could take, but with the ever-increasing price of gas this isn’t necessarily true anymore.  Credit cards offering cash back on gas purchases are the equivalent of saving 3-5% off the price of gas (depending on how much cash back you get from your card).
3. Roadside Assistance. Have you ever broke down and needed to call a repair service and/or towing company?  The costs can be astronomical and quickly ruin what’s supposed to be a good time.  Many credit cards offer emergency roadside assistance as an additional, no cost cardholder perk.
4. Dining Discounts. If you enjoy eating in restaurants, check credit cards for discounts on dining, or cash back from restaurant purchases.  Every little bit of savings can add up.
5. Car Rentals. Some credit cards offer free car rentals when you sign up for their card, while others always offer free car rental insurance when you book using the card.  Either way, these are substantial savings and well worth the effort of swiping your credit card!
6. Travel Discounts. Travel rewards credit cards offer specific travel rewards from full vacation packages to discounts and upgrades on your next cruise or flight. Research cards to find one that saves you on the type of vacation you are most likely to take.
7. Cash Back. Who doesn’t need more cash in their pocket, especially when on vacation?  Using cards that offer cash back means you save money on everything you buy since a portion of it is returned to you.
8. Hotels. Many credit cards offer free hotel nights just for getting their card.  Others will give you free hotel nights based on how much you spend on the card, or how often you stay in a specific chain of hotel.
9. Disney. The kid in all of us wants to take a trip to Disney Land or Disney World. The Disney Rewards Visa Card offers helps you save money on tickets to the theme park, airfare to get there and a place to stay as well.  Go Mickey!