Clark Howard Travel Advice on Credit Cards and Rewards
Clark Howard travel advice highlights no-annual-fee cards and strong purchase protections. He recommends cards that waive foreign transaction fees and offer solid rewards on everyday spending. The best cards for travel rewards often include flexible transfer partners and strong sign-up bonuses, according to major consumer finance publications and issuer disclosures. For example, he has referenced cards that let you earn points on travel purchases without paying extra fees, which you can review on the issuer's official page for current terms and rates.
Howard emphasizes checking the latest fee schedules and benefits directly on the card issuer's site before applying. He advises comparing redemption values, transfer partners, and annual fee structures using the most recent public disclosures. He also stresses avoiding cards with high annual fees unless the benefits clearly outweigh the cost for your specific travel patterns. You can see current card terms and rates on the issuer's official page for the latest offers.
Booking Flights, Hotels, and Avoiding Travel Scams
Clark Howard travel advice focuses on booking directly with airlines and hotels when possible to reduce risk. He recommends using credit cards with strong fraud protection and travel insurance that covers cancellations and interruptions. He also warns about hidden fees, deceptive upsells, and fake booking sites that mimic legitimate providers. You can check current consumer alerts and scam reports on the FTC's official consumer information page.
Howard advises verifying hotel and airline policies directly on their official websites before booking. He suggests using price comparison tools that show total costs, including taxes and fees, and avoiding third-party sites with unclear cancellation rules. He also recommends checking recent consumer reviews and complaint databases to identify recurring issues with specific providers. You can find current consumer protection resources and complaint data on the CFPB's official consumer complaint page.
Clark Howard Travel Tips for Packing, Loyalty Programs, and Airline Fees
Howard's travel advice includes packing light to avoid checked bag fees and using loyalty programs that match your actual travel habits. He recommends checking airline fee schedules and loyalty program terms directly on the carrier's official site before booking. He also suggests signing up for fare alerts and price-drop notifications offered by major booking platforms and airlines.
He advises focusing on airlines and hotels with transparent fee structures and clear redemption policies. Howard also recommends reviewing the latest award chart and blackout dates on the airline's official loyalty program page. He stresses avoiding travel insurance with high deductibles or unclear coverage limits unless the policy terms are fully visible upfront. You can see current airline fee policies and loyalty program details on the airline's official page for the most up-to-date information.