The best credit cards for travelers

Annual fee: First year is free, then $59 per year.

Purchase APR: Variable rate from 12.99% to 22.99%.

Why we like it: You'll have a lower annual fee with this card, plus flexible rewards: two "No Hassle Miles" for every dollar you spend, which can be used towards travel tickets and hotel rooms.

You can also use your miles to book through discount sites like Kayak, and you won't be limited to certain airlines — you can fly through any carrier.

The sign-up bonus is appealing, too: 40,000 miles (equivalent to $400 in travel) if you spend $3,000 in the first three months.

Apply here.

Annual fee: None.

Purchase APR: Variable rate from 14.99% to 22.99%.

Why we like it: In addition to no annual fee, this card provides solid rewards: 1.5 points for every dollar spent.

You can use your points towards travel-related expenses — hotels, flights, and rental cars — or request statement credit with them. Of course, if you're a big spender and don't mind an annual fee, there are other options out there with better rewards.

Additionally, the sign up bonus will give you 10,000 points if you spend $500 in the first 90 days

Apply here.

Annual fee: First year is free, then $95 per year.

Purchase APR: Variable rate from 15.24% to 19.24%.

Why we like it: You can earn five Starpoints for every dollar you spend at a Starwood Preferred Guest hotel, and one Starpoint for every other dollar spent elsewhere. You can then use Starpoints to redeem free nights at over 1,100 hotels and resorts and free flights on over 150 airlines.

You will also receive a sign-up bonus of 30,000 Starpoints after you make $3,000 in purchases within the first three months.

Apply here.

Annual fee: First year is free, then $89 per year.

Purchase APR: Variable rate from 15.99% to 19.99%.

Why we like it: Earn two miles on every $1 that you spend, with no limit to how many miles you can earn. You can then redeem your miles for travel purchases, and you'll have the flexibility of booking with any airline, hotel, or cruise line.

Additionally, the sign-up bonus will earn you 40,000 miles when you spend $3,000 or more on purchases in your first 90 days as an account holder.

Apply here.

Annual fee: None.

Purchase APR: Variable rate from 10.99% to 22.99%.

Why we like it: You'll earn 1.5 unlimited miles on all purchases — and for your first year, Discover will double your miles earned, meaning you'll be earning three miles for every one dollar you spend. You can redeem your miles as statement credit or use them towards travel expenses (100 miles = $1).

An added bonus: Discover will credit you up to $30 for in-flight WiFi usage.

Apply here.