The Summer's Best Travel Credit Cards and Where They Can Take You

It's not too late to plan the summer getaway of your dreams, but that's especially true if you have some credit card rewards to burn. Keep reading to learn more about the top travel credit cards for 2019 along with some ideas on how you can leverage your points or miles to plan a bucket list trip.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve makes it to the top of every best cards list due to its impressive bonus, earning structure, and flexible rewards program. Right now, this card is offering 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 within three months. You also get 3 points per $1 spent on travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on everything else you buy. A $450 annual fee applies, but you get a ton of travel perks.

Heading to Europe this summer? If you want to save money on flights and you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can transfer Chase points 1:1 to Air France/Flying Blue for cheap economy awards. But make sure to look for Flying Blue Promo Rewards to see if you can book your flights for even fewer miles.

Another Chase transfer partner - Southwest Rapid Rewards - lets you redeem points for flights in various destinations, including Caribbean spots like Aruba, Turks and Caicos, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. You can transfer Chase points 1:1 to this program and enjoy a week of sun and relaxation in no time.

If you're not big on utilizing transfer partners, keep in mind that Chase offers its own travel portal that partners with Expedia. You can redeem points in this portal for hotels all over the world, airfare with any carrier, rental homes and condos, activities and excursions, rental cars and more.

If you're turned off by the $450 annual fee the Chase Sapphire Reserve charges, don't forget about the Chase Sapphire Preferred. This card offers 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within three months with a $95 annual fee. You also earn only 2 points per $1 spent on travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on everything else - along with a lot fewer cardholder perks.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card gives you 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 within three months. You also earn an unlimited 2 miles for every dollar you spend with no categories to keep track of and no exclusions. A $95 annual fee applies after the first year.

While the Capital One Venture does have several airline partners you can transfer miles to, most people use their rewards as flexible travel credit. Miles earned with this card can be redeemed for any type of travel at a rate of one cent per point.

Currently, you can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you sign up for the Platinum Card from American Express and spend $5,000 within three months. You also 5x points on airfare booked direct and hotels booked through AmexTravel.com and get perks like $200 in Uber credits and a $200 annual airline credit. A $550 annual fee does apply.

Membership Rewards is another travel program that lets you transfer points to hotel or airline partners or use them to book travel direct. If you don't want to deal with loyalty program rules, consider using your points to book flights to any destination or hotels all over the world through AmexTravel.com.

American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to an array of popular airlines including the Delta SkyMiles program. You can transfer points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio, then use these miles to fly to over 325 destinations in 60 countries around the world.

Another card to consider is the Citi Premier Card. Like other flexible travel credit cards, this card lets you earn a huge signup bonus and regular points on your spending. You then have the option to transfer points to partners, redeem for travel, or cash in for gift cards, merchandise and more.

If you're not huge on transferring points to airlines, keep in mind that you can redeem points for travel directly through the Citi travel portal. This portal works like Expedia.com, letting you book any number of hotels, flights, cruises and more directly with your rewards. You can pay with cash, points, or a combination of the two.

When Marriott Rewards rebranded to Marriott Bonvoy, they announced a selection of new hotel credit cards. This includes the new Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card, which lets you earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on your card within three months. You also get a free night on your cardmember anniversary, automatic Silver Elite Status and other perks in exchange for your $95 annual fee.

Another popular hotel credit card for 2019 is the Hilton Aspire Credit Card from American Express. This card gives you a big signup bonus, automatic Hilton Diamond status, a $250 annual airline credit, a $250 resort credit each year and other perks in exchange for a $450 annual fee.

Craving a beach getaway? Consider cashing in your points for a stay at the Hilton Aruba Resort. This beachfront property boasts the best spot on Aruba's famous Palm Beach, and you can often find rooms for less than 60,000 points per night.

Southwest Airlines is often named the top frequent flyer program for families since they offer two free checked bags and a reasonable cancellation/rebooking policy. Currently, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is offering 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases within three months. That could be enough for a round-trip flight to the Caribbean or two round-trip flights within the U.S.

If your goal is earning miles you can redeem with American Airlines and their partners, definitely check out the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard. This card's current offer is for 50,000 miles when you spend $2,500 on your card within three months. You also get a first checked bag free, priority boarding and the opportunity to earn bonus miles on everything you buy.

Finally, check out the Wells Fargo Propel from American Express - a no-fee cash-back credit card that can help you cover miscellaneous travel expenses. If you sign up, you can earn an initial 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in three months. You also earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining, gas, rideshares, transit, flights, hotels, homestays, car rentals and streaming services, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else you buy.