In 2025, travel is back, but it is more expensive than ever. Flight prices are up, and hotels are charging premium rates.
Smart travelers in the US and UK aren’t paying full price. They are using “Travel Hacking” strategies to get free flights and protecting their trips with comprehensive insurance.
Whether you are planning a weekend in Paris or a month in Thailand, carrying the right plastic in your wallet can save you thousands. We have rounded up the best financial tools for travelers this year.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Best Overall Travel Card (US)
If you are in the US and only get one travel card, this should be it. It is widely considered the best “starter” card for travel hacking because the points are so flexible.
- The Bonus: Historically offers a massive sign-up bonus (often 60,000+ points) worth $750+ in travel.
- Transfer Partners: You can transfer your points 1:1 to airlines like United, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.
- Insurance: It comes with built-in “Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.” If your flight is cancelled due to weather, Chase reimburses you, not the airline.
Visit Site:https://creditcards.chase.com
2. American Express® Gold Card
Best for Foodies & Everyday Spend (US & UK)
The Amex Gold is unique because it earns you points on what you actually spend money on: Food. It is available in both the US and UK markets (with slightly different benefits).
- Earning Rates: Earns 4X points on dining and 4X points at supermarkets (US). In the UK, it offers generous points on travel and dining.
- Credits: Comes with monthly dining credits (Uber Eats/Deliveroo) that effectively lower the annual fee.
- Rose Gold: The metal card design is a status symbol that appeals to younger millennial/Gen Z travelers.
Visit Site:https://www.americanexpress.com
3. Capital One Venture X
Best “Premium” Value (US)
This card challenges the expensive Amex Platinum but costs much less. It pays for itself if you travel just once a year.
- Lounge Access: Gives you unlimited free access to “Capital One Lounges” and “Priority Pass” lounges worldwide.
- Annual Credit: You get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through their portal.
- Simplicity: Earns 2X miles on everything. No complex categories to remember.
Visit Site:https://www.capitalone.com
4. SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance)
Best for Digital Nomads & Long-Term Travel
Standard travel insurance usually requires you to have a return ticket. SafetyWing was built for the 2025 workforce: remote workers who don’t know when they are coming home.
- Subscription Model: You pay a low monthly fee (like Netflix), and you can cancel anytime.
- Home Country Visits: Unlike most policies, it covers you for brief visits back to your home country.
- Medical + Tech: Covers emergency medical and also lost checked luggage (essential for nomads carrying gear).
Visit Site:https://safetywing.com
5. World Nomads
Best for Adventure & Adrenaline
If your idea of a vacation involves skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping, standard insurance will NOT cover you. World Nomads is designed specifically for high-risk activities.
- 200+ Activities: They explicitly cover dangerous sports that other insurers exclude.
- Flexibility: You can buy a policy while you are already traveling. Most companies require you to buy it before you leave home.
- Gear Protection: high coverage limits for cameras, laptops, and sports equipment.
Visit Site:https://www.worldnomads.com
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Home Without Them
Travel in 2025 requires preparation.
- For Free Flights (US): Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
- For Dining Rewards (US/UK): The Amex Gold is unbeatable.
- For Long-Term Safety: SafetyWing is the digital nomad’s best friend.
- For Adventure: World Nomads has your back when things get wild.
Pro Tip: Always pay for your travel insurance with a travel credit card to earn points on the purchase!