Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

I set a resolution this year to travel, but some unexpected expenses derailed my plans.

I decided to open my first credit card, which gives me rewards I'll be able to use to travel.

I'm making sure that I'll be able to get the most out of my card and follow through on my travel aspirations.

Almost without fail, I make the same two resolutions at the start of every year. The first is to save a specific amount of money. The number changes, but the goal is almost always there. And the second is to travel more.

This past December, as I was reflecting on 2022 and what I hoped for 2023, I couldn't help but realize that I only ever consistently meet one of these targets: saving. It's practical, and so am I, and I find it admittedly too easy to forgo my own wants for things that I deem more important or pragmatic. So this year, I resolved to finally make traveling a priority — and I had a plan to make it happen.

See Insider's picks for the best credit cards »

My travel plans were derailed

In January, I set up a sinking fund and worked out a budget that would allow me to put aside a couple of hundred dollars from every paycheck that I planned to eventually use towards a summer trip. I set an alert for flights, researched low-cost destinations, and felt confident with my game plan, knowing even I couldn't talk myself out of booking an experience with the right organization.

But even the best planning can't account for real life. Within months, a series of unexpected financial obligations — including a move to a new apartment — started adding up, and I almost ditched my travel plans again.

A travel rewards credit card will help get me back on track

But I was determined, and giving in felt like letting myself down. Before throwing in the towel, I ran through a series of options. I could take on more work to earn some extra cash; I could live extremely frugally for a few months; I could invest less or put less money aside for long-term goals. Though I considered them all, none felt like the right move, until I started thinking about opening up a travel rewards credit card.

I've never had one, though I've toyed with the idea for a few years. I've never been necessarily against credit cards, but I also haven't felt the need to rush into any decision. However, I've proven to myself throughout the past few years that I can thoughtfully manage a budget, so I wasn't too concerned with the possibility of racking up debt, and felt confident that a rewards credit card might be the right step for me.

I knew I wanted to find an option that offered good travel perks, but also something that wouldn't require me to spend differently than I already do in order to get the benefits the card promised. I found a card I like that allows me to get extra points when I spent on dining and certain grocery and meal delivery services — two things I already had worked into my budget.

Source: Business Insider

Powered by NewsAPI.org