we out here travel

‘We Out Here’: Inside the New Black Travel Movement

Young, hip, urban millennials are using tools like Instagram to become one of the fastest growing travel markets.

Charlise Ferguson

Travel Noire

In the wee hours of Christmas morning, a flight deal was shared in an exclusive Facebook group for urban travelers. An unbelievable fare glitch priced round trip flights on Etihad Airways from select U.S. cities to Abu Dhabi as low as $187, nonstop, taxes and fees included. Whoa.

This is the kind of thing Nomadness Travel Tribe , a stealth crew of 9,000 predominately African American globetrotters, ages 25 to 40, lives for. At last count, the tight-knit travel clique has collectively visited all but a dozen countries on the map, hosting meet-ups in cities around the world, from New York to Dubai. They even have matching tattoos . And they booked hundreds of tickets within hours.

“We’re here,” says Evita Robinson, 30, the creator of Nomadness Travel Tribe. “We may be the only black people in India, but we in here. We may be the only black people in Tokyo getting all the looks, but we’re still in here.”

Thanks to a new crop of emerging online communities, international travel is becoming more real than ever for social media savvy African Americans, a demographic The New York Times noted last year is largely untapped by the trillion-dollar travel industry. Members of Nomadness Travel Tribe booked over 400 flights to the Middle East, Asia and Africa for leisure travel in 2015 over the past two months alone, and that doesn’t even include family, friends, and the folks on Black Twitter , tagging along with them.

A quick glance at the Instagram feed of Travel Noire, another emerging community for unconventional travelers of color, confirms black travelers are, indeed, out here. And the reason they’re flocking to niche communities is because of “representation,” says Zim Ugochukwu, 26, the creator of Travel Noire , a digital publishing platform with over 100 contributors. “When you see somebody who looks like you doing something you never thought you could do, then that thing becomes possible.”

These days, to be featured by Travel Noire on Instagram is like a badge of honor for many black millennial travelers. “People will spend their entire vacation trying to get on the Travel Noire Instagram,” says Zim, who is humbled by the community’s growth on the photo-sharing platform to nearly 60,000 followers in little over a year. (Full disclosure: I've been a member of Nomadness the last eight months and several of my photos have been featured on Travel Noire.)

Nomadness boasts similar bragging rights. A running joke inside the tribe is that the group is like that club with a hundred people waiting outside to get in. You don’t want to wait on line, but all of your friends are inside telling you how poppin’ it is. Except, Nomadness currently has 3,000 pending membership requests. And the wait is about 3 months long, as the tribe’s “high council” reviews prospective members.

Unlike Travel Noire, which caters to newbie, largely millennial, travelers who may have never ventured outside of the country, Nomadness members must have at least one passport stamp to join the tribe. “There are some people who even make my passport—which has 40 pages added to it—look like child’s play,” says Evita, a three-times expat and former backpacker. “We have members who have been to over 100 countries.” And they all travel affordably, busting the myth that travel is only for the elite.

“The tribe is really made of people who put travel as a priority in their entire lifestyle,” says Evita. People who barter with their employers for more PTO and telecommuting options instead of salary increases, so they can work remotely from the beaches of Jamaica. People who have, at one point or another, thought: “You know what? I don’t want to be a slave to a 9-to-5 schedule. I want to create my life so that I have more freedom to be able to travel the world, and work and live wherever I want,” she says.

For the Travel Noire set, it’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone, and realizing what’s possible. “Instead of going to Miami or Las Vegas, you take that same money, catch a flight deal, and you’re off in Johannesburg for the same price,” says Zim, who teaches newbies how to travel hack through Travel Noire’s fellowship program, which is currently accepting applications for the first class of 2015. “By the time they’re finished, they know exactly how to spot glitch fares—they know everything I know, pretty much,” she says. Travel Noire fellows earned about a half million travel miles in 2014.

“It blows my mind sometimes how fast we move,” says Evita. Her travel clique has been known to arrive at an airport, bags packed, passport-in-hand, within hours of spotting a deal. After a few tribe members missed out on a November fare glitch, pricing round trip flights from D.C. to Nairobi below $400, the tribe launched phone trees on WhatsApp to distribute deal alerts. There are currently seven trees with 100 members each, and one strict rule: no random chatter—no “thank you,” no “yasss”—just deals.

Within five minutes of the Christmas Etihad fare glitch, Diamond Tokuda, who runs two Nomadness trees, booked a flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi for $208. An hour later, he scored a second flight to Johannesburg for $380. “I honestly wasn’t thinking about specifics,” says Diamond, who is Japanese (Nomadness Travel Tribe welcomes all travelers who live an urban lifestyle). “I just booked the deal.” And so did the tribe. By the end of the day, the names of over 200 members, who booked flights, was neatly organized in a shared Facebook document, and sorted by departure dates, so the tribe could break off into smaller groups to coordinate travel plans and meet ups in Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Manila, and New Delhi (all fare glitch cities) through November 2015.

But it’s not all travel hacking and flight deals. These online communities are establishing familial bonds between strangers. “We’re going to Arkansas to visit the Japanese internment camp where my family was in World War II,” says Diamond, 30. “I’ve been looking for someone to go with forever, but tribe people were just like, ‘Let’s go.’” And that’s the beauty of finding your “people” in niche spaces. “You don’t have to wait for your friends,” says Evita. “You can roll with us.”

Essentially, what Evita and Zim have created with Nomadness Travel Tribe and Travel Noire, respectively, is not only shifting perceptions on black travel —it’s changing lives. “There are a ton of testimonials,” says Zim, who recalled an 18-year-old girl, who didn’t have a passport before following Travel Noire, but decided to take a year off before college to live in Ecuador because the community inspired her. “I’ve cried over a lot of them.”

And there’s more to come in 2015. Brands like Lo & Sons and Delsey are already tapping Travel Noire to connect with black travelers. “A lot of brands didn’t think that people of color traveled beyond the Caribbean islands, Miami, Atlanta and Las Vegas. As such, they didn’t spend money advertising,” says Zim. “This is almost a $50 billion market annually spent on travel in the U.S. alone. For people not to build that into their strategies is a huge missed opportunity.”

Evita, who recently announced a partnership between Nomadness Travel Tribe and the creator of the wildly popular YouTube series “Awkward Black Girl,” Issa Rae, hopes to capture the same attention, when she launches a one day, paid, #NMDN travel conference in fall 2015.

This all sounds ambitious, but it reflects the attitude of the travel community these two black millennial women represent, which is, as Evita puts it: “I’m going to make whatever moves it takes, no matter how scary, or how big, and shape my life the way I want it.”

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Boosting Mental Health Through Travel: We Out Here

Bolstering Mental Health Through the Restorative Power of Travel

Vacations are a form of self-care we need now more than ever....

It wasn’t until the pandemic hit, and looking after our physical and mental health became more important than ever, that I realized what a major role travel plays in wellbeing. First, there’s the excitement of having a trip on the horizon, and the way anticipation lifts our spirits. Then, of course, there’s the travel experience itself – the joy of living in the moment and immersing in new things. Finally, there’s the vacation after-glow – that sense of relaxation and restoration which lingers even after we return to our everyday routines. 

Since the virus arrived, it’s been hard for many of us to accept that the best thing for our physical health – isolating ourselves at home – is the same thing that will cause our mental health to deteriorate. As humans, we require community and conversation, fresh air and nature. And we need to find a way to meet those requirements as responsibly as possible, given that our actions have consequences, for ourselves and for others. 

My interviewees this week are Ronald Griswell and Linea Johnson , a couple from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, who recently launched their own travel company addressing this very issue. Like most of us, Ronald and Linea struggled with the events of this year: the social isolation, the financial uncertainty, the murder of George Floyd and the race reckoning which followed. By the time summer arrived, they were feeling burnt out and depleted. On a call with a handful of close friends, they hatched a plan to host a group trip – a mental health-focused, COVID-conscious break that would give their quarantine pod time to rest and restore. 

After studying the latest science and advice from the CDC and the WHO, they arranged an itinerary of surprise, outdoor activities, working closely with Black vendors (the population of their town is over 50% Black, and Ronald and Linea wanted to support those who have been deeply affected by the challenges and traumas of 2020). Each attendee quarantined themselves for two weeks prior, and took all possible precautions en route to the destination. The weekend – which included guided kayaking expeditions, meeting wild ponies on the beach, outdoor movies, and boat trips – was “joyous and healing,” inspiring Ronald and Linea to begin offering the same experience to strangers.

With their company We Out Here , the couple aims to create a bubble of safety around travelers by taking the stress out of pandemic trip planning. The result is a much-needed mental health boost.

Esme Benjamin: I’m sure some people thought you were crazy launching a travel business right now, but it feels very necessary. Do you think of travel as self-care? 

Linea Johnson: For sure. On our initial trip, just being around other people and being outside for the majority of the time created so much healing and joy. We left feeling so much better than when we arrived. Now we want to do that as frequently as possible while also doing it responsibly. 

Ronald Griswell: We can’t ignore the fact that there is a ton going on in the country. We can’t ignore the fact that COVID predominantly strikes marginalized communities. So, it’s like, how do we keep all of these things in mind while still offering something that people really do need? We wanted to provide something that suits those who are like, “I don’t want to think about this at all, I just want to show up somewhere and have everything planned out.” 

EB: It says on your site that all the activities are CDC and WHO compliant. How did you build the itinerary? 

RG: We took all our research into everything travel-related with regards to COVID, and we chose specific activities that are mainly outdoors, and have very little or zero contact with outside parties other than Linea and I. For example, if we were to do kayaking or rowing on the local river, we are working with one vendor, and she is standing a good distance from the group while still being able to give direction. You’re in an outdoor environment the whole time. No indoor confined spaces or handing or touching of anything. We just really wanted to make sure our activities follow the latest guidance being implemented, taught, and advertised. 

EB: It can be hard to plan these things on our own and stay on top of the latest advice from experts. What we really need is a guide – somebody to create a bubble of safety around us so we can relax. Is that what you guys aim to provide? 

RG: I love the way you put that – a bubble of safety. That’s absolutely right. When you think about it, what we are offering isn’t so different from the experience you get on a wellness retreat, only there are far less people. We are truly trying to focus on those activities where less is more. Fewer people but going deep with the conversation, going deep with the time spent with these individuals. This allows for a deeper journey inwards rather than outwards. 

EB: How much have your own struggles with mental health this year influenced the company and its offerings? 

LJ: The hospitality industry was majorly affected by the pandemic. Being made unemployed and having to stay inside all the time and not being motivated to do anything, and then you have everything that’s going on right now with current events and it’s easy to become bogged down. Our friends got on a call right before we decided to plan the trip and we all were suffering. And it was like, what can we do to heal and restore each other? 

RG: I like to avoid news, but it’s hard to escape these things when you get a constant reminder every time you get on social media. And not only that, you don’t necessarily want to escape it all because who am I to bury my head in the sand right now? I have to be the change, I have to support my community, I need to voice my opinions and concerns, and that eats away at the soul and your energy. We needed something to recharge us and bring life back into us when we were putting out so much. 

EB: On the website you share facts about how both the coronavirus and mental health issues disproportionately impact people of color. I think this moment has really taken the biggest toll on those who have stepped up as educators and taken action in a big way. How have you felt tackling these huge issues? 

RG: Personally, it was important to talk about mental health in the Black community. It’s such a heavily stigmatized thing, so unpacking that and talking about it in such a vulnerable way is something that a lot of people in the Black community aren’t necessarily used to. As a Black man, we’re told to man-up or get over it, so being able to talk with the two other Black guys we hosted about depression and anxiety in such a healthy, unbiased and non-judgemental way, was extremely freeing for us. 

EB: How have people responded to the idea of a mental health-focused pandemic travel offering? 

LJ: I would say the reaction was mixed. We received a lot of positive feedback thanking us for focusing on mental health and restoration, and then there were those who were like, “You guys are being irresponsible for traveling during a pandemic.” I think there’s a way to do both – to focus on your mental health and restoration and also do it responsibly. Right now, there’s no signs of the virus slowing or us getting a vaccine, so my belief is that we need to adjust to the times, and do it as responsibly as possible, and that’s what we’re hoping to do with We Out Here. 

RG: Not only that, but so many of the haters are people who are personally doing trips and meeting up with friends behind the scenes, but not talking about it or putting it on social media. I respect people who have been quarantining at home alone. I don’t think it’s good for your mental health, but I respect that choice. But to socialize behind the scenes is so disingenuous. Life is going to continue, and it’s all about how you pivot in these times of adversity. This is our new reality and people have to adapt and step into it fully, because there is no returning to pre-COVID life. 

EB: I couldn't agree more. As Linea was saying, this is life now. We have to find ways to make it bearable, and perhaps that means traveling as responsibly as possible. Plus, when we are grappling with financial insecurity, health insecurity, trauma, and a race reckoning – we have to find ways to take care of ourselves. Or else how will we continue to fight the good fight, maintain our sanity, and look after the people we love? 

RG: Absolutely. What you said is so key because that rest is part of the fight, whether the fight is for racial injustice or coping with COVID. So often as a society rest is the first thing we sacrifice, yet it’s one of the most important things. 

EB: While nothing is risk-free, for me it’s worth the relatively small risk of getting together with a quarantine bubble and experiencing some outdoor adventures. After your initial trip, did you feel completely rejuvenated? 

LJ: It brought us so much joy to see our friends as happy as they were. They were like, “We were just expecting to relax and hang out with each other,” but we had a whole itinerary planned. It was a joyous experience for us, for our friends, and it also connected us to the culture and history of our city. 

RG: For me, it was such an amazing recharge, and it was extremely empowering. It helped me to find more words and language to continue to talk about these issues and gave me the energy and joy that was gone for so long after all the depressing news headlines. And it was that blip of joy, if only for a couple of days, that’s continuing to push me now. It makes me wonder what state we would be in if we’d never done this trip. We came out with much better mental health than we went in with. 

EB: On We Out Here trips, do you encourage people to put their phones away and be more present? 

RG: Phones are how we engage and communicate and I want to meet people where they are, so if having your phone attached to you makes you feel good, I’m all for it. But I always like to bring up conversations about being mindful about it. Like when we’re eating let’s put our phones down, or when we’re out doing an experience let’s really think about the moment we’re in. We’re never going to have this moment again, so let’s all truly be present. 

EB: After that first trip you decided to begin hosting trips for strangers. Do you feel safe? Does it feel like a public service in some sense?

LJ: We feel safe to an extent, though with any travel comes a risk. We utilize the COVID-19 guidelines from Recreate Responsibl y – a coalition of nonprofits, outdoor businesses, and land managers who developed best practices to protect nature and each other – and that puts us much more at ease. It definitely is a public service, we want to bring as much wellness to others as we can, and We Out Here grants us the opportunity to do that.

Visit weouthere.co

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We Out Here

Award-winning "We Out Here" Festival, curated by the renowned Gilles Peterson, is a four-day celebration set against the picturesque backdrop of Wimborne St Giles in Dorset. It seamlessly blends world-class music with wellness, family activities, and cultural experiences . From jazz, soul, and hip-hop to techno and house, the festival showcases a diverse range of musical genres, paying homage to both legendary icons and emerging talents. Beyond music, We Out Here emphasizes a safe, inclusive environment , with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and a commitment to the 'Safer Spaces at Festivals' campaign. Join the worldwide family and immerse yourself in a festival that resonates with unity and passion.

Tags that this festival has been filed under.

Tickets to We Out Here can be purchased from their Tickets Page (i.e. Kaboodle) .

Options include :

• Weekend (Thursday - Monday 12pm)
• Child Ticket (0 - 14)
• Teen Ticket (15 - 17)

Weekend ticket includes: Camping, free showers, as well as family activities, wellness sessions and workshops, roller skate hire, talks and debates.

Day ticket includes everything except camping and free showers.

Extras include :

• Live-in Vehicle Campsite
• Pre-pitched Tents
• Transport (Coach or Transfers)
• Parking (Weekend)
• Parking (Boutique - only if you have booked boutique camping options.)
• Parking (Day)
• Phone Charging

Accommodation

We Out Here is a camping festival, please bring your own equipment. Glamping options are available. For more information, see We Out Here Accommodation Page .

It is possible to find accommodation outside the festival and re-enter. Please note that you will only be able to re-enter the festival between 10am and 9.30pm.

We Out Here takes place in the grounds of St Giles House , Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, BH21 5NA.

If you're driving , follow the festival signs when approaching Wimborne. Purchase parking tickets with your festival ticket, you have an option for General Car Park and Boutique Car Park . There is also Accessible Car Park , please email [email protected] to arrange this.

For coach and train travel options, visit We Out Here travel page .

Accessibility

We Out Here is committed to making their festival accessible for all. They work closely with Attitude is Everything (AIE) , a disability-led charity that improves deaf and disabled people’s access to live music.

For full Accessibility and ticketing information, please visit We Out Here Accessibility Page .

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We Out Here review: Gilles Peterson’s event is (almost) the UK’s best bijou music festival

Jazz and electronic festival’s new location brings with it some teething problems, but the magic of this event is simply unmatched, article bookmarked.

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It’s not every festival where saxophonists are treated like rock stars and UK garage DJs play Vengaboys songs during their sets. But We Out Here, a small festival with a focus on jazz and electronic music, is no ordinary event. At Gilles Peterson ’s festival, relocated to a country estate in Wimborne St Giles in Dorset in its fourth year, it feels like anything can happen. Yes, the new setting comes with a few teething problems, but nothing can overshadow the sense of unbridled euphoria and possibility it provides.

After a summer of questionable UK weather, the Dorset environment treats ticketholders well, which is fortunate, because nothing beats lounging in the sun to some soul-soothing jazz. Two of the night’s headliners are something of a letdown – Goldie struggles with sound levels, and Roisin Murphy drops out at the last minute – but it barely registers. As Mercury Prize-shortlisted jazz quintet Ezra Collective remind us, in the title of their soaring 2019 single, “you can’t steal my joy”. No, the coolest guys in jazz make up any disappointments by the bucketful, with an epic, fiery set where their bolshy bangers demonstrate the phenomenal musical prowess of all five members.

After all, We Out Here really isn’t about the headliners. This is a small festival, but one with variety. There’s magic in finding a secluded tent and discovering new niche acts from across the world, then leaving with a long list of concerts to attend. Highlights include the swaggering funk of Kyoto Jazz Massive, with their soaring vocals and lightning-paced drumming, the soulful tones of Yazmin Lacey and the sun-drenched reggae of sound system Channel One. The crowds never feel rammed, so there’s always space to dance, and, despite the lack of phone signal, it’s still possible to track down your mates. Kids run around freely, while revellers enjoy games of cricket, frisbee and Spikeball while the music blares.

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As expected when a festival relocates, there are kinks that need ironing out, mostly to do with understaffing. Travel from Salisbury station to the site is woefully disorganised and (not to go into too graphic detail), the toilets put Trainspotting to shame. Across the board, the sound levels feel too low, but particularly at late-night area The Grove. Poor speaker placement within the long and narrow space does the DJs a disservice. (When conversation is louder than the music, you know something’s gone wrong.)

These criticisms are only being aired because We Out Here has the potential to be the UK’s best small festival. There’s a sense of love and community among the crowds – no matter how crappy the toilets are (pardon the pun). Strangers are warm and friendly, whether cutting shapes together or gathering among bales of hay to cheer on England’s women’s team on Saturday. You leave with feet that are sore from dancing, and cheeks that ache from a weekend of laughter. “This is a special festival, because it’s not every day a festival feels like a family,” Ezra Collective tell the crowd as they close out the main stage on Sunday night. Watching them, you feel it too.

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Over 300 artists are slated to play across four days at the festival’s new location next month

• Words: Gemma Ross | Photo: Rob Jones
• 12 July 2023

We Out Here has finalised its 2023 line-up and revealed a handful of new stages set to debut next month in the festival’s new location in Dorset.

From August 10 - 14, We Out Here heads down to a new 400-acre countryside location of Wimborne St Giles in Dorset for its next edition after three years in Cambridgeshire.

Over 300 artists have been added to this year’s line-up, which this year includes Ezra Collective , Knucks , Róisín Murphy , Nia Archives , and Blackstar topping the bill.

Read this next: Kyiv's Brave! Factory Festival set to return next month

In a finalised version of the line-up, new names added include Illa J , Steam Down , Blue Lab Beats , P Money , and more, across the festival’s four days, fusing jazz, grime, soul, electronic, and beyond.

“Just one month to go until we're back together again for We Out Here, it's exciting to share the long list of great talent we have performing across the weekend,” says Gilles Peterson, founder of We Out Here.

“Bonafide legends and some of the most exciting emerging talent. Can't wait to see the whole community come together again and welcome everyone to our new home!”

We Out Here has also revealed a slew of new stages heading to its Dorset location this year, as well as the comeback of its roller rink which is set to become a dancefloor by night.

Read this next: Leeds' Adaption reveals first wave of names for 2023 edition

This year, We Out Here is partnering with Liverpool’s Melodic Distraction radio broadcasting live from the site all weekend, while Near Mint Record Store will be up and running selling vinyl from independent labels and stores.

Another new addition, the Blue Moon Cafe, will make space for ambient sounds in a new chill-out area. The new site, which also features a lake similar to its old location, will include a new sanctuary space with soothing selections.

Check out the full finalised line-up below, and grab tickets for We Out Here 2023 here .

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter

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‘I have never in my lifetime seen as much anger’: how Ireland’s migration system was overwhelmed

Pub landlord Brian Moore, 54, is busy with customers enjoying a late lunch before they head out into the sunshine.

Yet the past months have been marred by cancellations and a sharp drop in tourists at the Mariner, which overlooks the waterfront in Drogheda, Ireland’s largest town.

“I will have done 40 years in the business next year and I’ve never seen it this bad,” Moore says.

On the other side of the town centre, across the River Boyne, Drogheda’s largest hotel has since March housed families fleeing conflict, violence and insecurity.

Its 113 rooms account for most of the town’s accommodation capacity, leaving other visitors with few alternative options – a small boutique hotel, a hostel or some private lets.

“You’re going to see a lot of smaller businesses closing. Once you close down the main source of accommodation in any location, it has a huge impact,” Moore says.

The D Hotel’s new residents, meanwhile, speak of relief. “We have been waiting three years for a visa in Afghanistan,” says a man in his early 20s. He travelled to Ireland last month by plane with his 47-year-old mother and two younger brothers after being granted protection.

The number of people applying for asylum in Ireland has almost tripled in the past year compared with before Covid, and the Irish government claims that Britain’s plans to deport applicants to Rwanda are behind 80pc of the recent rise .

Under Rishi Sunak’s flagship policy, some asylum claims may soon be processed in the East African country, with successful claimants being granted refugee status there.

Drogheda’s 44,135 inhabitants have welcomed refugees for two decades, but the sudden loss of the last large hotel without any consultation has put this to the test.

“Everybody’s angry and frustrated but there are not many people speaking out,” Moore says.

The town’s struggles are yet another symptom of how the strain on Ireland’s asylum system has reached crisis point.

This year an average of 60 people have applied for protection every day.

To keep up with demand, the Government needs to find board for 420 arrivals every week in the face of a longstanding housing crisis.

The pressures are most visible an hour away, in Dublin, where parts of the scenic Grand Canal and other areas near the International Protection Office have been fenced off .

Some 1,780 migrants have been forced to sleep outside after accommodation ran out in December.

The result is a repeated cycle of mushrooming tent cities being cleared only to emerge somewhere else.

But outside the capital many towns such as Drogheda are facing their own emergency, as the government scrambles to find accommodation to keep women and children off the street.

It warned in March that this could soon become impossible.

‘Safety is why we are here’

In Drogheda, a Nigerian man stands outside the D Hotel, where he is sharing a room with his heavily pregnant wife, 15-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter.

He has come out to clear his mind and is trying to get an update from the authorities on their asylum application.

He is well aware of the political row between Ireland and the UK and that he and his family are hardly wanted by either government.

“The news can make you depressed, you know,” he says wearily, while asking what the latest is.

He says he has met many fellow migrants fearful of being sent to Rwanda, but insists he came directly from France to Ireland.

Nigerians account for one in three asylum applications so far this year, with many migrants speaking of relatives being killed, kidnappings for ransom and violence.

“Safety is the main thing. That is why we are here,” he says, before making another call.

The Irish government claims 80pc of people in his situation have entered the country from the UK.

However, its own figures show applications started rising rapidly before the Rwanda policy was announced in April 2022.

From January to March that year monthly arrivals more than doubled from 400 to 1,040.

The numbers have since soared further, with more than 2,000 people arriving last month.

Experts are also sceptical of the authorities’ claims.

“We feel 80pc is extremely high. The way the government has calculated that figure is problematic,” says Nick Henderson, chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council.

The Irish government has admitted its figures were based on the assumption that anyone not applying for asylum immediately in an airport or port had come from Britain.

Regardless, “there is no doubt that there has been an increase in the number of people seeking protection. That can in part be attributed to the UK policy”, Henderson says.

Rishi Sunak has said the rise in asylum applications in Ireland is testimony that his policy is “already having an impact”.

There are broader factors at play however, Henderson says. He points to pent-up demand from Covid, wars on the edge of Europe and many European countries hardening their approach to asylum seekers.

“This is an exceptional time,” he says.

Ireland has accepted more than 100,000 Ukrainians since Russia’s illegal invasion two years ago, far more relative to its population than countries such as Germany, France and Italy.

‘Kiss of death’

Back at the Mariner, across from the four-starred D Hotel, all of these factors have led to a significant drop in customers for Moore.

“We lost a charity event for cystic fibrosis. We also lost a 50th birthday party because people travelling down have nowhere to stay,” he says.

The missed revenue from each of these events is “in the thousands” of euros.

The government explored leaving some of the D Hotel’s capacity for tourism, but said it was impossible because of safeguarding concerns.

Moore is struggling with more than cancelled bookings as a result.

“People always booked room-only, so we had the breakfast customers come down here because it’s a little bit cheaper and maybe they preferred it. You also miss all the people who used to come in for lunch while they stayed at the hotel,” he says, adding that many Irish people used it as a base when visiting relatives.

The blow to the business has been intensified by high inflation over the past two years, forcing many locals to tighten their belts.

“People would rather drink at home than come out to the pub. I never thought I’d see that in Ireland,” Moore says.

The Irish government is paying around €25m (£21.5m) to house asylum seekers at the hotel for two years.

In the town, there are rumours of bartenders quitting their jobs for €60,000 salaries in roles catering for migrants.

But while the government initially said the D Hotel would house up to 500 people, it soon emerged the fire certification would only allow 240 residents.

It means the annual cost per person will be more than €50,000.

Other tourism accommodation shot up in price overnight after the hotel closed to the public, one person employed in the industry notes.

Even those advocating for better conditions for asylum seekers say it was a mistake.

“It’s the perfect bad example,” says Henderson.

The town’s Irish parliament member Fergus O’Dowd,  who is in ruling party Fine Gael, is angry too.

“If a county or a town loses its main hotel as a result of an arbitrary decision of a government minister without any notice or communication that is entirely unacceptable. I’m looking for transparency around that decision,” he says.

Moore is not alone in feeling the pain from the loss of tourists.

Many of them arrived at the hotel needing gear to explore the surrounding countryside. This provided outdoor shop Regatta in the Scotch Hall Shopping Centre next door with plenty of opportunities to sell rain jackets and practical shoes.

Footfall is notably down compared to last year, says one shopkeeper who prefers not to use her name.

“I don’t mind helping someone out. But at the same time where do we fit in?” she asks.

“We could lose our jobs. I am not saying that we will but we could. It’s a possibility that’s in the back of your mind,” she adds.

Many locals feel there has been a wider decline in Drogheda that compounds such fears.

“I’ve grown up in this town. Most of the family-owned businesses are all shutting down. In one week there were five [shop closures] in the paper,” she adds.

Such concerns are shared by Ricky Morgan, who runs the shop The Golf Bag across from the hotel.

“You really miss the tourists. You notice from last month. There would be people coming down for parties and family functions. They’d shop around the town and walk around. They’re all gone,” Morgan says.

Like many locals, he was shocked by the lack of consultation and how quickly the decision was made by the central government in Dublin.

“It has nothing to do with the poor devils coming in for asylum, God love them. But the government just came in and took [the D Hotel]. Imagine if you took out all of the hotel rooms in Dublin, it’s unimaginable. But because Drogheda is smaller, it is just a flick of a pen. Everything seems to be done without telling anybody. It’s just really sad that this has happened,” Morgan says.

Another person employed in the tourism industry who would not use their name puts it more bluntly.

“It has just been the kiss of death,” they say.

Housing crisis

Being an island on the periphery of Western Europe has long sheltered Ireland from the pressures of rising asylum claims felt in neighbouring countries.

When the war in Syria triggered an influx of nearly two million people into the European Union over just 15 months in 2015-2016, Dublin received only 3,370 asylum applications.

In fact, for a long time Ireland’s problem was people leaving rather than arriving.

In no other European country has more of the population emigrated for better prospects than Ireland in recent history.

While asylum seekers make up only a small fraction of overall immigration, the numbers have risen rapidly.

Applications were up 193pc in the 12 months to January, compared with the same period just before Covid.

It comes after soaring economic growth and dwindling unemployment helped fuel one of Europe’s most severe housing crises.

Rents have risen by 105pc since 2010 – more than four times the EU average.

Immigration control has soared as a source of concern, with 36pc of people citing it as a major issue in the most recent polling, according to Ipsos numbers published on Friday, up from only 7pc in 2022.

This has coincided with a hardening political stance on asylum seekers and refugees by the majority coalition consisting of centre-Right parties Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the more Left-leaning Green Party.

This week they announced that payments to Ukrainians living in state-provided accommodation such as hotels will be slashed from €232 to €38.80 a week from August.

The government will consider further benefit cuts in the coming weeks.

The Left-leaning main opposition party, Sinn Féin, appears to struggle to convince voters it could do better at handling the surge in asylum claims.  

Support has plunged by 11 points since September, according to Ipsos B&A polling, as public concern over immigration has grown.

Meanwhile, independent candidates – many of whom are campaigning for reduced immigration – are polling strongly at 17pc.

The hardening stance marks a sharp departure from policy in recent years.

In 2021, children’s minister Roderic O’Gorman announced that asylum seekers would get their own front-door accommodation after four months and be allowed to work after six months.  

Two years later the Department for Integration tried pleading with people to stay away.

It tweeted on 24 January 2023: “The Irish Government asks those who are considering seeking refuge in Ireland and who are currently in places of safety not to travel to Ireland at this time (...) This is due to a severe shortage of accommodation.”

Meanwhile, the spat with the UK continues.

It emerged this week that Britain has taken back 50 migrants who had attempted to cross the border with Northern Ireland on buses from Belfast to Dublin – despite Rishi Sunak insisting he is “not interested” in accepting anyone returning.  

Belfast’s High Court has meanwhile ruled that parts of the UK’s Illegal Migration Act that paved the way for the Rwanda scheme should be disapplied in Northern Ireland.  

Tent cities

One of the first people to notice the sharp rise in asylum seekers in Ireland was business owner Michael Finlay.

For 10 years he has run the Punnet Food Emporium cafe and greengrocer on Mount Street in an affluent part of Dublin near the Grand Canal.

His shop is around the corner from the International Protection Office (IPO), which is the first port of call for people seeking asylum.

The first tents emerged near his business around a year and a half ago. With time they multiplied.

“Every morning I had to move 10 to 12 tents before I could open the business,” Finlay says.

It was like “living in a movie”.

The street has been lined with big fences since the start of May, when the authorities moved 285 men who had been living there in tents for months.

“It looks lovely,” Finlay says dryly.

Does he feel reassured that his troubles are over?

“I don’t have much confidence,” he says. One only has to walk two minutes down the road, where tired-looking people are lingering outside the IPO, to understand why.

There are men and families with children. A woman with a buggy says she is from Syria.

“Do you know where I can get help?” asks a young Palestinian man. With little English, he hands over his phone with a message that reads “Hello, I [have been] refused housing. I was a cancer patient. I want to take the housing because I don’t have immunity and I got a cold. I have medical reports. Help please.”

He says he arrived in Ireland by ferry from Turkey.

But single men travelling without families have little hope of being provided with more than a tent and a sleeping bag, despite Ireland’s obligation to house them.

Earlier the same morning, the Gardai swooped in to clear 100 tents near the Grand Canal, which is now covered with fencing.

There was a bus taking the men in the tents to sites in Crooksling in southwest Dublin, and Dundrum. Those who missed it are unsure of where to go.

Hours later new tents emerge in East Wall and Ringsend.

In the Dáil, Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats pushes the Tánaiste Micheál Martin on how he will respond to new tents emerging.

“I hope you have a large supply of fences, Tánaiste,” she tells him.

The following day tents reappear further along the Grand Canal.

Numbers grew from 40 at the start of this week to 90 by Thursday, according to Irish media.

Conversations “cannot begin and end every time with accommodation”, Taoiseach Harris warned.

‘We beat Covid, but not the refugee crisis’

Despite the dire circumstances, the men waiting outside the IPO say they are grateful to be in Ireland.

Sleeping in a tent on concrete for two months is still better than the alternative, according to a Nigerian man. He preferred not to share his name.

“It is all about safety. In my country, you go to work and you don’t know if you’ll come back in the evening,” he says.

He decided to leave his home in the north of Nigeria after his brother was killed and the threats of violence became too much.

He travelled to the capital of Lagos and paid an agency that helped get him on a flight to Belfast. Upon arrival, his fixer took away his passport because he could not pay outstanding debts.

Like other Nigerian migrants, he speaks of the constant fear of kidnappings.

Amnesty International in January expressed concern over the Nigerian government’s failure to stem a rise in kidnappings for ransom.

“If my country becomes safe again, I will go. Ireland is good, but home is home,” he says, adding he just wants to get a job.  

Another Nigerian man says he travelled to London before coming to Dublin.

“I don’t know if I would [still be] alive [if sent to Rwanda]. I just left my country. They killed my father and my mother,” he says.

He says his parents were politicians and that he has a degree in political science from his home country.

The man says he was surprised to be given any support at all.

“I did not expect to [receive money]. I really appreciate Ireland,” he says.

“When everything is settled, I will contribute. I will get a job and work hard. I hope God will continue to bless this country.”  

Peter Walsh at the Migration Observatory in Oxford says a common misconception of migrants is that they are uneducated.

To leave an insecure country “you need the resources because it costs thousands upon thousands of euros”, he says.

“The people you see are those who have been able to get the funds and tend to be better educated and more middle class.”

Around the corner from the IPO, Clint Hamilton is breathing a sigh of relief that the tents outside his little Italian restaurant Mamma Mia are finally gone.

The government prevented local residents from putting up port-a-loos to stop people with no access to facilities defecating on the street, he says.

“We are here 15 years. It wasn’t the economic crash, it wasn’t Covid, it was the refugee crisis that was actually going to close us. We were due to close on 4 July if they didn’t resolve the issue,” Hamilton says.

He has taken €60,000-€70,000 from his construction company to keep the restaurant afloat since September.

“I’ll make it abundantly clear it is not their fault,” he says of the migrants. Yet speaking out has been difficult.

“There is a fine line between us being frustrated and being [accused of being] racist. You have to be incredibly careful,” he says.

Rise of the Right

The migrant crisis has led to rising tensions and far-Right protests, with protesters shouting “out, out, out” and “Ireland is full”.

Dublin was engulfed by violent riots in November after an immigrant was rumoured to be behind a knife attack on three children and an adult.

There have also been more than 20 incidents of arson involving buildings rumoured to be intended to house migrants.

The Irish Freedom Party has no seats in the Dáil and remains on the fringes. But many people fear that if locals feel ignored by the Government, such sentiment could grow more common.

“There will always be small elements of people [who are far-Right], but 99pc are just citizens and communities worried about the future and the fact that they’re struggling day to day, and now this is going to exacerbate the situation,” says Finlay.

“They don’t get any answers or engagements from politicians. If the government wants a far-Right element, they are doing a brilliant job.”

He is undecided about whether to vote in the EU elections in June, but if he does he will choose an independent candidate who “has the balls to face up to the reality of what’s going on”.

One only has to look up at the posters hanging from every lamp post ahead of the European elections to get a sense of the discontent brewing under the surface.

Near the Grand Canal one independent candidate promises “no more tent city”.

‘Payback time’

In Drogheda, a poster of a pale woman with freckles and intensely green eyes says “something has gone very wrong with Ireland.”

“I have never in my lifetime seen as much anger, especially in the rural area of Ireland, as what is going on right now,” says Pat Davy, a local who has lived there all his life.

Ireland’s history of emigration means people have generally been very accepting of foreigners, says Des Grant, who owns the local paper.

But now the public is growing resentful of what have come to be regarded as handouts.

“The average person in the town will say when we as Irish travelled all around the world when things were desperate here, there were no hotels and taxis from the airport for us,” Grant says.

This is why it is crucial that the government does more to communicate with residents and solve issues around accommodation, says Henderson from the Irish Refugee Council.

“Don’t take away that last hotel. Get your accommodation strategy better. At the root of all this is a huge housing crisis that this government hasn’t got a grip of,” he says.

O’Dowd says the solution is having a “fair and firm system” where fingerprints are taken on day one and applications processed within three months.

But rich Western countries have to get used to people knocking on their doors looking for a better life, he says.

“Colonial countries like Britain and other European countries exploited Africa and Asia for political reasons 100 to 200 years ago. This is payback time, unfortunately.”

The Government in March said it intended to stop using hotels to house migrants in areas where they are in short supply.

But people in Drogheda say they have no faith they will see the D Hotel back in use any time soon.

“I don’t believe a thing the government says,” says Brian Moore back at the Mariner.

He believes his business will see out the storm, but admits “it will be tough”.

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Avoid traffic: the absolute best times to travel during Memorial Day weekend 2024

Near-record crowds are expected to hit the road for the holiday weekend

Hitting the road for the unofficial start of summer? This year, AAA projects that the number of travelers leaving home for Memorial Day weekend 2024 will hit 44 million. That’s a four percent increase over last year, and second only to record numbers in 2005. Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy travel period. So listen up: here’s when to travel—and when not to travel—over Memorial Day weekend to avoid peak crowds.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

AAA has the data to help you avoid traffic, if you have some flexibility. Drivers heading out on Thursday, May 23rd, or Friday, May 24th, should be on the road before 11am or after 7pm Thursday and 8pm Friday. If you’re leaving on Saturday, May 25th, try to head out before 1pm or after 6pm. As for the return trip on Monday, May 27th, hold off until after 7pm to dodge the peak traffic.

The worst times to travel, according to AAA, is Thursday between noon and 6pm, and Friday between noon and 7pm. Expect peak congestion between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday, and from 3pm to 7pm on Sunday. On Memorial Day, prime traffic time will be between 3pm and 7pm.

If you’re traveling through major metropolitan areas, be prepared for traffic and try to avoid rush hour. “Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.

To find more specific peak travel times for metro areas like Los Angeles, Boston, Denver or Atlanta, see AAA’s report here .

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• Disney Vacations

We Got a First Look Inside Disney's Newest Theme Park Land — Here’s Everything to Know About Fantasy Springs

We rode every ride and ate everything at Fantasy Springs — the newest land at Tokyo DisneySea.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Frozen Kingdom

• Rapunzel’s Forest

Peter Pan’s Never Land

• Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel
• How to Access Fantasy Springs

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

In Disney's newest land, fantasy meets real life with adventures and eateries inspired by "Peter Pan," "Frozen," and "Tangled."

Aptly called Fantasy Springs, it's the newest themed land and the eighth “port of call” at nautically themed Tokyo DisneySea, a theme park regarded as one of the very best in the world thanks to its super-immersive, larger-than-life design and unique attractions.

As you walk through the land’s entrance between Arabian Coast and Lost River Delta, a cinematic score with musical themes pulled from Disney films builds as you approach the stunning carved rockwork featuring Peter Pan, Anna and Elsa, and Rapunzel — along with several of their companions — amid colorful blooms and waterfalls. The lush landscaping and intricate carvings continues throughout the springs with dozens of Disney characters hidden (and not-so-hidden) in coves and grottos spread from the entrance to the new Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

Fantasy Springs officially opens on June 6, but we got a first look at the land’s rides, restaurants, and gorgeous mini-lands themed to favorite Disney stories. So, after riding every new attraction (several times!), taste-testing all the new food items, and exploring the land before it opens to the public next month — here’s everything you need to know about Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, broken down by each mini-land.  

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Step into the world of Arendelle in Frozen Kingdom. The gorgeous land inspired by the hit Disney film series features a restaurant — the Royal Banquet of Arendelle — located inside Arendelle Castle, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey attraction, and, not to mention, some of the prettiest bathrooms I’ve ever seen at a Disney park. 

Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey 

A stunning retelling of the events of the original “Frozen” movie, this 6.5-minute boat ride showcases stellar audio-animatronic figures singing beloved songs from the film including “For the First Time in Forever” and “Let It Go.” Throughout the attraction, guests sail forward and backward through beautiful scenes — including a few that incorporate mind-blowing effects that make the journey all the more immersive. Of the four all-new Fantasy Springs rides, this was my favorite, thanks to the impressive show scenes (using primarily practical sets, rather than screens), fluid ride movement that drives the storytelling, and the inclusion of the most popular songs from the movie. These details also make the ride a unique experience compared to the existing “Frozen” attractions in other Disney parks. 

And like all the attractions in this new land, the audio is completely Japanese, but guests familiar with the stories will have no trouble following along, no matter what language they speak. 

Royal Banquet of Arendelle

Join a celebratory banquet and explore the halls of Arendelle at this new “Frozen”-themed counter-service restaurant. Here, guests can indulge in “Arendelle’s Royal Set,” with a warm savory pie, potatoes, salad, dessert, and a fluffy roll. Guests used to the American parks may be surprised to find that each dining location (throughout the Tokyo parks) only has a couple of menu options, so definitely check out the offerings ahead of time so you know where to find the dishes you want to try. 

 Oaken’s OK Foods 

This snack stand, inspired by the cheerful Oaken, serves Oaken’s Yoo-Hoo Bread. It’s a cardamom-flavored bread filled with Scandinavian-inspired meat with lingonberry jam for a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spiced. 

Related: More Disney news and vacation ideas

Rapunzel’s Forest 

This “Tangled”-themed land is instantly recognizable thanks to Rapunzel’s soaring tower. Rapunzel’s Forest is home to the Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival ride and The Snuggly Duckling quick-service restaurant. 

Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival 

Sail through iconic scenes from the fan-favorite movie during Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, a peaceful five-minute boat ride. Seeing Rapunzel sing from her tower high in the sky is a highlight of the beginning of the attraction, but the beautiful recreation of the lantern festival scene is undoubtedly the best part of the romantic ride. 

The Snuggly Duckling

The Pub Thugs’ favorite hangout, The Snuggly Duckling comes to life at this quick-service restaurant just steps from the ride. Find a cheeseburger, fried shrimp burger (my preferred option of the two burgers), milk tea, and a Dutch baby-adjacent dessert served in a plastic  mini frying pan (a reference to Rapunzel’s weapon of choice). 

Join Peter Pan and the Lost Kids in Never Land, a sizeable mini-land with plenty of space to play in the shadow of smoking mountains that look like they’re straight out of the animated film. This land has two rides plus a recreation of Captain Hook’s Jolly Roger ship and a quick-service restaurant. 

Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure

Board a boat and get sprinkled with pixie dust to take off on an adventure to save John from the pirates on this six-minute motion simulator dark ride. After a cute pre-show, guests will don their 3D glasses and take off on an adventure through Never Land and the skies of London. The ride uses a mix of practical sets and 3D motion simulators to give guests the feeling that they’re really flying alongside the Lost Kids. The motion is very smooth, and I loved the final sequence where you fly from London back to Never Land — it’s charming and even a little thrilling. 

Guests must be 102 cm or taller to ride, and guests who struggle with severe motion sickness on motion simulators may want to consider sitting this one out — but don’t worry, there’s another ride in this land for you. 

Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies

This adorable two-minute ride takes guests on an outdoor journey through the four seasons of Pixie Hollow. Darling scenes and fun details (like the scent of honey when you pass the bees) make this a great attraction for younger guests. 

Lookout Cookout

This counter-service restaurant serves up snack boxes filled with fried chicken tenders, seaweed fritters, shrimp chips, and more (I loved the butter chicken flavor), plus a kiwi-flavored Pixie Dust Soda. You can also find the roast beef popcorn wagon (specially flavored popcorns are a big deal at Tokyo Disney!) nearby. 

Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel 

Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel offers two distinct hotel concepts overlooking Fantasy Springs. Fantasy Chateau is a deluxe hotel with 419 guest rooms and easy access to the new land, and Grand Chateau is a luxury hotel — the highest-level hotel at the resort — with just 56 rooms and exclusive amenities. The pastel hotel has a whimsical art nouveau design with Disney princess-inspired touches throughout the rooms and common spaces. Downstairs, there’s also a park-facing shop, Fantasy Springs Gifts. 

How to Access Fantasy Springs 

To enter Fantasy Springs, guests will need to obtain either a free standby pass or a Disney Premier Access pass for an eligible attraction (for a fee). Currently, the only attraction that does not offer Premier Access is Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies. Guests staying at the new hotel and those who have purchased eligible vacation packages can also access the land with a 1-Day Passport . Find more information on the Tokyo Disney website.  

Related Articles

What happens at Disney World when a park closes? We stayed to find out.

There’s a special kind of magic at Walt Disney World at the end of a park day.

“As the number of guests dwindles down in each of these operations, there is a sense of quiet and focus on the guests who are there,” Jackie Swisher, Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios told USA TODAY. “There's also a little bit of a sense of awe from the guests being able to get a glimpse into what things might look like when there aren't any guests there.”

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the last guests on Slinky Dog Dash or in Oga’s Cantina may feel like they have Toy Story Land or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge all to themselves as they leave, but the parks are never truly empty. 

“We're a 24/7 operation here at Walt Disney World, and so we have cast members working all the time to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible,” Swisher said. 

USA TODAY got a peek behind the scenes at what it takes to close one of Disney’s most popular parks and what goes on after guests leave. Here's what happens.

Going with the flow

Tens of thousands of guests visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios on any given day, but they don’t all leave at once. Some rope droppers who line up before park opening may tucker out early. Others may park hop. Many stay to watch the park’s popular nighttime spectacular show, Fantasmic. Still others wait to be among the last to leave the park.

“Our guests have patterns that they fall into and there’s things that we prepare for all along the way,” Swisher said, comparing each day to a symphony. “More like a jazz band maybe, with a little bit of the ad hoc play that goes in there,” she added with a chuckle. 

When hiccups arise, the park’s duty manager conducts that symphony to pivot. The night of USA TODAY’s visit, Fantasmic was cut short by a technical issue. To make up for the missed experience, guests were given a little extra time in the park, enough to squeeze in one more ride.

Using a variety of communication s tools and staying in constant contact across teams, Swisher said. “We really are able to adjust as guests move around the park.”

On the way out

A number of guests chose to spend their extra time shopping. 

“Merchandise is actually very busy at the very end of the night, so we staff that operation accordingly.” Swisher said. 

Mickey’s of Hollywood was packed with guests perusing plushies, t-shirts and other themed souvenirs. The shop on Hollywood Boulevard is one of the last stops many guests make in the park, and it stays open late for that very reason.

“They may have been browsing all day looking for that one thing that's going to help them remember their experience and they may not want to carry it with them throughout the day,” Swisher said. “So when they leave, we want to make sure that those shopping opportunities that are on the way to the exit are available for our guests. That's kind of part of our design and part of the way we make sure our cast members are available.”

What happens if you are in line for a ride when Disney closes?

Even on typical nights, guests can enter an attraction queue until just before the park's closing time . If they’re already in line when the park closes, they may stay in line to ride the ride.

“We want to make sure that all those guests in queue get a chance to experience that attraction,” Swisher said. “We're not shuttling guests out, but we're allowing them to finish out that day and making sure that there's magic in every moment.”

The same is true for guests with late dining reservations.

“Sometimes the reason why someone in a restaurant might be out as the very last guest for the evening is because they were celebrating something really amazing, and you get a chance to get engaged in that moment with those guests,” Swisher said.

Can you stay overnight in Disney?

From the Campsites at Fort Wilderness to the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian, there's a wide range of Disney resorts and hotels for guests who want to stay in the Disney bubble.

They just can’t stay inside the parks.

“We have very highly trained cast members to do very specialized things at night, and we want to make sure that we keep our guests and our cast members safe,” Swisher said. “So there absolutely are processes to make sure that before any of those activities start, that guests are safely on their way home or back to their resort.”

Story continues below.

How does Disney make sure everyone leaves the park?

Disney has a process called clearing the park. “We do that in each of our operations, whether it's a restaurant or an attraction or show like Fantasmic,” Swisher said. 

The way it’s handled varies by venue, but at Slinky Dog Dash on the night of USA TODAY’s visit, cast members ensured no one else was in the queue behind the last guests at park closing. Then they made sure those guests exited the ride and headed toward the park exit when they were done.

There wasn’t actually anywhere else to go because cast members had already begun clearing the rest of the land. Starting from the back by Galaxy’s Edge, several cast members effectively blocked off access to areas that had been cleared. As section by section was swept, they moved forward toward the front of the park, ensuring guests didn’t turn back unnecessarily.

But no one was rushed out. When one of the last guests asked a cast member to take one last photo of their group in the nearly empty land, the cast member was happy to help. Additional cast members were stationed along the way to the exit to direct guests with lighted wands and to wave goodbye.

What time do the parks close at Disney?

Park hours vary widely by date and park. Times are posted way in advance on Disney World’s website, so guests can plan ahead. 

With the Halloween and holiday seasons coming up, travelers should keep an eye out for dates when parks may close earlier for after-hours events.

Are Disney after-hours events worth it? We did the math

Disney fans will flip for this: Peek inside Tokyo DisneySea’s new Fantasy Springs

 What happens at Disney World when the park closes?

“There's a lot of different activities that we do that are easier for us to do at night when there aren't guests there because of either the equipment or just the nature of what we're doing to be able to support our guests and make sure that everything is as ready and as magical as possible,” Swisher said. 

That includes deep cleaning, maintenance, painting, restocking merchandise, changing visual displays and more. Because some of those things can’t start until guests are gone, the last ones to leave get an extra treat.

“You do get a goodbye from a lot more people at the very end of the night, and it's really fun to be able to have those moments,” Swisher said. ”It really can fill you with a lot of pixie dust to be a part of that last goodbye.”

14 best travel credit cards of May 2024

The best travel credit cards offer an array of premium perks and benefits . For both occasional travelers and frequent flyers, adding a travel credit card to your wallet is a great way to earn rewards and save money on every trip you take. At The Points Guy, our team has done the legwork and curated a selection of the best travel credit cards for any globe-trotter, whether you prefer to backpack through mountains or settle into a luxury villa for some relaxation. From generous travel credits to premium lounge access, we’ve chosen the cards packed with the best benefits to elevate your next travel experience.

Check out our list below and discover which travel credit card from our partners makes the best addition to your wallet for all of your adventures.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium travel
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for earning miles
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for maximizing business purchases
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for business travel
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for unlimited point earning
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel credits
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for variety of bonus categories
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel rewards beginners
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines miles

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, credit pointers with brian kelly, how to maximize travel credit cards, helpful tools, how we rate cards, what is a travel credit card, how to choose the best travel credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of travel credit cards, frequently asked questions.

• Airport Lounge Access

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the  $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

• 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
• $395 annual fee
• $300 credit annually, only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
• Annual $50 Chase Travel Hotel Credit
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

• This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, worth $1,388 based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.
• You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
• Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
• Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
• Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening.
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
• Reasonable $95 annual fee.
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
• Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
• Yearly cap on bonus categories.
• No travel perks.
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (enrollment required)
• The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
• The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
• Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
• The annual airline fee credit and other monthly statement credits can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com ,  Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment is required for select benefits. Read our full review of the Amex Gold .

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening.
• Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories.
• Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
• Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
• Few travel perks and protections.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase! Coupled with the 20,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can use your rewards to book travel, transfer to Capital One’s loyalty partners and more. Read our full review of the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

• No annual fee.
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
• Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
• Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
• Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full  review on The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
• Up to $400 annual statement credit for U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
• Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
• Steep $695 annual fee.
• High spend needed for welcome offer.
• Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card offers healthy reward earning rates on top of uncapped point-earning meaning the sky's the limit — especially if you strategize and spend in popular categories.

• No foreign transaction fees
• Uncapped earning potential
• $50 annual statement credit
• Solid point earning rates in popular categories
• This card features an annual fee
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card .

• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners.
• 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
• Steep initial $550 annual fee.
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently.
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our  full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here .

• This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer on purchases. Plus, you'll enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Despite the lucrative earning structure, Wells Fargo doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full  review of the American Express Business Gold Card .

• You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year).
• Hefty $375 annual fee.
• There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great starter card thanks to its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees when you travel internationally. Earning and redeeming is effortless, with no confusing bonus categories to keep track of and the ability to redeem your points for all of your travel needs. Read our  full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards  card.

• 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
• No annual fee
• Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One.
• No travel and purchase protections.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass each year from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our  full review of the Alaska Airline credit card.

• Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.
• Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases.
• Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
• Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
• Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
• With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

At $395 per year (see rates and fees ), this premium card is cheaper than all of its competitors without sacrificing the breadth of valuable perks it includes. Cardholders will get unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide  and able to bring up to two guests for no additional charge.

For frequent travelers, the Capital One Venture X is a must-have and is well worth the $395 annual fee. If you travel frequently with your significant other, family or friends, you can even add some authorized users for no additional cost. This will grant them their own lounge access (and the ability to bring up to two guests for no fee), among many other benefits, making this a huge cost-saver for those who travel in groups.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than The Platinum Card® from American Express (see Amex Platinum rates and fees ), the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you geta number of them at no cost — also enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG’s valuations ) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile — like auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ), identical sign-up bonus and similar earning and redemption options.

You’ll earn a solid return on dining and travel (6% back and 4% back, respectively, based on TPG valuations ) on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you also have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card.

We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card   as an excellent option for those who are new to earning travel rewards because it lets you earn valuable, transferable points  with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it’s hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you’re new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit.

With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps. And with flexible redemption options and a manageable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep just one credit card in your wallet for all spending.

Those looking to earn flexible rewards should use the Capital One Venture card as it allows you to redeem miles for a fixed value or transfer the miles you earn to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners , including Avianca, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone’s wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards’ bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider jumping to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  (see  rates and fees ). The card’s up to $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel immediately covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases made on social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. TPG’s most recent valuations  peg the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, so you’ll get a fantastic return of 6% on purchases in these categories.

If you spend a lot on business travel or social media advertising, you’ll be able to earn significant points using the Ink Business Preferred card .

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

The Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel card that can provide amazing redemptions . Besides the welcome offer, it comes with more than $1,400 in credits each year and various lounge access options. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Anyone looking for luxury travel benefits will find that the ton of annual statement credits make the annual fee worth it. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access , automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott, and extra perks with Avis Preferred , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG’s valuations ). While a few other cards temporarily offer higher return rates on dining, this is the best option for long-term spending, making it one of the best dining cards and best rewards cards .

Those looking for a great return on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets will get a lot of value from this card.

“Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar. When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook , former credit cards editor

For those who dine out a lot and also want additional bonus categories and other valuable perks for a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see  rates and fees ) has the same redemption options as its sibling card (the Venture Rewards card) but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, a benefit not usually seen with a no-annual-fee card.

The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that (see rates and fees ).

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner (see rates and fees ). It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

There are certain ways to earn bonus points for spending on the Amex Business Platinum Card, but it’s the array of perks on the card that make it a great option. Beyond airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status, there are a number of statement credits that are specifically targeted to common business expenses.

If you travel for business frequently, this card could help you upgrade your experience in the air and on the ground while saving you money on select business-related services. And the current welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that’s even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell (enrollment required), I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express®  Business Gold Card , which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

The Autograph Journey offers cardholders the chance to earn elevated rates across travel categories including 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airline purchases and 3 points per dollar on restaurants and 'other travel' which includes timeshares, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and campgrounds. On top of this, cardholders also get the added benefit of earning a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on other purchases for a $95 annual fee.

If you travel frequently and are looking for a card to help you rack up points you can redeem for future travel, this card is a decent option. Additionally, those looking for a way to fill gaps in their points earning strategy will benefit from the flat 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases outside of the main travel categories.

Another great perk the Autograph Journey features is an annual $50 statement credit triggered by an airline purchase of at least $50. This is on top of elevated earning rates in the certain travel categories and a solid welcome offer for new applicants. There's also no foreign transaction fees on the Autograph Journey card making it a good first travel card as well as a decent supplemental card to add to your travel credit card roster.

If you're looking for a more general use credit card with no annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see  rates and fees ). It earns a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases making an excellent choice to help fill gaps in your reward earning strategy. The best part? Like the Autograph Journey card, the Active Cash Card doesn't put a cap on the amount of cash back you can earn.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit to offset a variety of expenses — such as airfare, hotels, rental cars, transit and more. You’re also getting an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit  once every four years along with Priority Pass Select membership. And Chase’s slate of transfer partners allows plenty of opportunity to get the maximum value from your points.

Those looking for elevated earning rates and extensive travel protections should have this card in their wallet. The 50% redemption bonus when you use your points to pay for travel through the Chase portal  is also a nice perk.

“I’ve had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it’s going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and various trip protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I’m able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you just can’t stomach the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  instead. It has similar perks, redemption options and travel protections — for a much lower $95 per year.

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great no-annual-fee card that offers quality earning categories and travel and shopping protection.

Travel card beginners who are looking to get into points earning should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which offers a welcome bonus, 3 points per dollar on a variety of everyday spending categories and cellphone protection.

If you’re just getting into the travel credit card world and are not sure travel cards are for you, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which will allow you to earn bonus points on travel spending without the commitment of an annual fee.

If you’re looking to earn transferable reward points but still maintain a similar earning structure, consider the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees ). The card earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases for no annual fee. Plus, Bilt points can be transferred to any of its multiple travel partners. 

The American Express Business Gold card comes packed with perks and benefits, but its most unique feature is the ability to shift your monthly bonus categories. Cardholders will automatically earn 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter), so if your business spending varies month to month, you won’t have to commit to a bonus category.

The American Express Business Gold card is an excellent choice for business owners who are looking for a premium business card with premium business perks like monthly office supply statement credits, travel and shopping protection and access to The Hotel Collection.

The American Express Business Gold is an excellent choice for small businesses that have changing bonus categories but still want more premium business perks and benefits.

If you still want to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees ), which earns 2 Membership Rewards points on all business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers  who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

“I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee (see  rates and fees ), consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

The Alaska Airlines Visa earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and transit (including local ride share purchases); and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. You get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, an annual Companion Fare on your account anniversary and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. The Seattle-based airline is mostly limited to North American routes, but international destinations through Oneworld partners make this card valuable for all travelers.

“With new benefits, this card is even more valuable to me — even with its higher annual fee. It provides a free first checked bag, discounts on inflight purchases and priority boarding. My favorite feature, however, is the annual Companion Fare. I get hundreds of dollars in annual value from this perk.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a better option.

Earn the welcome bonus

One of the best ways to maximize your travel credit cards is to earn the welcome bonus . Most travel credit cards will offer a welcome or sign-up bonus that allows cardmembers to earn points or miles that would otherwise require a very high spend. Welcome bonuses are a crucial part of a card’s value, so before you apply for your next travel card, be sure to plan for how you will meet the spending requirement. Ideally, you would align large purchases with your card opening so that you don’t need to spend frivolously to earn that lucrative welcome bonus .

Use a travel card that matches your travel style

There is a travel credit card for everyone, but not every travel card is the best fit for your wallet . Consider what type of traveler you are, whether you have any brand loyalty and what perks you are looking for from your next credit card. If you travel often and in luxury, consider premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve® . These cards are loaded with tons of luxury perks like lounge access and automatic elite status . 

Alternatively, if you’re a more thrifty traveler who likes to maximize your travel earnings, consider a mid-tier travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . These cards allow you to earn points on your travel, and while they don’t come with a long list of luxury perks, they’re much more cost-effective for a traveler on a budget .

And even beginners don’t have to veer away from travel cards, since many products out there offer an introduction to the travel rewards world without incurring an annual fee.

It’s important to consider where you’re looking to go when you book trips, as certain cards are especially useful for international travel . Plus, if you’re someone who frequents the skies (such as a digital nomad), there are certain credit cards best for long-term travelers .

Knowing what your travel style is like will help you determine what type of travel card you need.

Use loyalty programs to stack your rewards

You don’t have to limit your earnings to just travel credit cards . Many airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can be used in conjunction with your travel card to unlock added perks when doing business with a specific brand. In addition, many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points from your card to your eligible loyalty programs . This can open up nearly endless redemption options, including award chart sweet spots that can get you the most maximized redemptions for your points and miles.

• Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
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Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that are redeemable for travel expenses or are geared toward travel spending. The cards on this list are some of the best credit cards to book flights , hotels and more with their many perks and rewards . 

Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases that can help you book flights, hotels and more for little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status . If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.

Additionally, it’s often advantageous to travel with more than one credit card for a variety of reasons. Carrying a backup credit card when you travel can provide peace of mind in the case of bank or issuer problems or if you have a card flagged for fraud while you travel. (In this case, knowing if your card requires you to set up travel alerts for lengthy travel could be worthwhile).

Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles . You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.

Related: The complete history of credit cards, from antiquity to today

We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Travel vs cash back credit cards

A travel credit card is a card that is geared toward travel spending and a cash-back credit card is a card that earns cash back on purchases made with the card.

Generally, when we are talking about travel credit cards we refer to cards that earn points and miles like the Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors Aspire card. The Platinum Amex earns transferable points which can be used with any of Amex's travel partners while the Hilton Honors Aspire card only earns Hilton points which can be redeemed at Hilton properties. These cards do not earn cash back on any purchases.

Cash back cards generally offer cash back as a flat rate or feature bonus categories that earn an elevated cash back rate. Select cash-back cards can also be a great travel card such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express which offers 3% cash back on transit including rideshare, trains, buses, and more. Even though it is a cash-back card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers an elevated return on select transportation which potentially makes it a solid travel card option.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards work like other reward credit cards: They help you earn rewards, primarily points and miles, on your purchases. This section will primarily focus on transferable rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express, as they are what are typically considered travel credit cards.

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value

How to earn transferable points

Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles” (depending on the issuer). All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards. 

Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

How to redeem points and miles  

Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Before booking your flight, you should consider doing a  flight portal comparison to ensure you're getting the best redemption. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.

There are plenty of ways to ensure you don’t make mistakes with your travel rewards . For instance, be sure you do your research with your rewards to get a high-value redemption and make sure your accounts are in good standing so you don’t risk losing them.  

Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles

It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort. 

How to use travel credit card portals  

In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel. 

Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase , offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal. 

We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits. 

Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal , it can be a great way to earn extra points. 

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal

Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline. 

Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight. 

Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: Which is the best for booking flights?

Types of travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are cards that are geared towards travel spending. Luckily, there are many types of travel credit cards which means there is a good option for any traveler. Typically, when talking about travel credit cards, we are referring to transfer rewards credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. There are additional types of travel credit cards that are less popular but can still be a good option for the right traveler.

Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner . Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags , a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

For example, if you have a Marriott credit card , you’ll earn bonus points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program. This can really amplify the rewards you can earn when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.

The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.

Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card . Fixed-value credit cards are often the best travel credit cards for beginners. 

As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.

Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels. 

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.

Travel credit card benefits

Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.

One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access , a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments. Be sure to check the priority pass guest policy as many lounges allow you to bring a complimentary guest (or guests).

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States. 

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is up to $85 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application . 

• 1 Sign-up bonus Choosing a card with a healthy sign-up bonus will help jumpstart the possibility of unlocking elite status across different areas, including airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• 2 Annual fee Premium travel credit cards typically feature higher annual fees. Double-check that the card you choose suits your spending habits and travel needs before applying.
• 3 Bonus categories It also helps to check which bonus categories a card offers to ensure that they align with your spending, whether it’s at restaurants, at grocery stores or on streaming subscriptions.

What's your favorite travel credit card — and why?

• Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
• Travel credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
• Travel credit cards can provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Travel credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more.
• Credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
• The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
• Travel credit cards may be too complicated (or expensive) for those who aren’t frequent travelers.

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free , so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.

This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.

It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access,  rental car insurance  or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.

It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

Many of the luxury travel cards on this list offer hundreds of dollars in annual travel statement credits. However, not all annual travel statements are created equal. While some cards feature easy redemptions, other cards feature redemptions that come with more restrictions. 

Out of the various cards that offer annual travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has the easiest redemption process for travel credits . The Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit covers a broad selection of charges, including flights, hotels, campgrounds and more. Additionally, the travel does not have to be booked through Chase’s travel portal, and the statement credit will automatically post when you make an eligible purchase. 

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25 Things to Eat, See and Do This Summer — From Staying at Prince's Purple Rain House to Exploring an Ice Cave

From music festival hopping to trying the most delicious croissants in America, these travel spots don't need to wait for your bucket list

Eric Ogden; Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett

• Hike in a Flower Field

After the winter snow melts, the Rocky Mountain town of Crested Butte, Colo. , comes alive when miles of colorful wildflowers blanket its meadows. Visit during the July wildflower festival , when all the flowers are in full bloom.

2. Hang With the Penguins

Called the world’s largest penguin facility, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo is a massive 326,000-gallon, 25-ft.-deep aquatic habitat of ice, water and fresh snow. Visitors can walk through the underwater gallery with see-through tunnels and walls and observe the birds playing, swimming and exploring the world around them.

3. Stay Gold at The Outsiders House

Clutch Pockets Wambli/ZUMA Press Wire/Alamy; Nancy Moran/Sygma via Getty

Used as the Curtis brothers’ home in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film , the white bungalow in Tulsa, Okla. is now a museum with memorabilia and rare behind-the-scenes photos. The movie, based on S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, starred then-newcomers Rob Lowe , Matt Dillon , Ralph Macchio , Patrick Swayze and Tom Cruise .

4. Immerse Yourself in Art

Brad Horn/Courtesy of Crystal Bridges

Jewel’s self-curated exhibit “The Portal” at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., features a 200-piece drone show , a meditative art walk and private works by the singer — including a painting she created of her son.

5. Spend a Day in Space

The Astronaut Training Experience at Kennedy Space Center in Florida lets kids experience the sensation of microgravity and walking on Mars — all while tackling real-world challenges using NASA science.

6. Indulge at a Wine Spa

Enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s wine region in a new way. At the Salamander Middleburg resort, pampering treatments include a pinot noir body wrap, a vino facial and a grape-seed scrub and massage.

7. Dine at the Newest Hot Spot

One of the toughest reservations to snag in New York City, Coqodaq has made Korean fried chicken and champagne the ultimate pairing. Order the bucket of ultra-crispy, rice-flour-breaded pieces (which includes an array of sides and dipping sauces!) and juicy chicken nuggets generously dolloped with caviar.

8. Make New Friends at Garth’s Bar

Blue Rose Inc

“A lot of love has gone into this building,” Garth Brooks said about his Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk , which opened in Nashville in March. Named after his 1990 hit song, the four-story venue boasts a retractable stage repurposed from his 1997 Central Park concert, a rooftop “Oasis” with 10-ft.-tall palm trees and a menu with dishes by wife and fellow Grammy winner Trisha Yearwood . “You can’t have a Garth Brooks bar and not have Trisha food in it,” she said. Favorites include Brooks’ lettuce-less Cobb salad (“just extra of all the good stuff”), chicken tenders and a spicy chili that, she said, stays “true to its Nashville hot chicken roots.”

9. See PEOPLE Through the Years

Masato Onoda/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

The “PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years” exhibit at Fotografiska museum in New York City showcases archival covers (see Mia Farrow on PEOPLE’s very first issue in 1974), iconic portraits and an interactive area that lets visitors become cover stars themselves! May 9-June 3

10 → 13. Rock Out at a Music Festival

Theo Wargo/Getty; Humphrey Nemar - WPA Pool/Getty; Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty

10. Minnesota Yacht Club

Catch sets by Gwen Stefani , Alanis Morissette and Red Hot Chili Peppers at the inaugural event in St. Paul. July 19-20.

11. Oceans Calling

Mario Skraban/Redferns; Mike Coppola/WireImage; C Brandon/Redferns

Dave Matthews Band , Blink-182 and the Killers headline the weekend along the Ocean City, Md., boardwalk. Sept. 27-29

12. Fool in Love

A long list of legends — like Diana Ross , Lionel Richie , Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight — will take the stage in L.A. Aug. 31

13. Sea.Hear.Now

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band return to their Asbury Park roots on the New Jersey Shore. Sept. 14-15

14. Channel Your Inner Cowboy

Western Skies Photography; Lacey Arnold

Dude ranches are having a renaissance since the release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter . At Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie, Wyo., guests of all ages can ride horses, work with cattle, fly-fish in the river and drift off to sleep beside a campfire under a star-filled sky.

15. Visit the Newest Theme Park Land

Universal Orlando Resort; Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett

Splash around Shrek’s swamp, scream out loud on the Trolls Trollercoaster, and learn new moves with Kung Fu Panda ’s Po when DreamWorks Land opens on June 14 at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

16. Release a Lantern

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii

Walk down to the beach at sunset to watch as thousands of glowing rafts are set adrift at O‘ahu’s Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai’i festival to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. The lanterns are gathered up afterward and cleaned for use another year. May 27

17. Step Into a Picture Book

The Rabbit Hole

Children’s stories come to life at the Rabbit Hole , a new museum in Kansas City, Mo. Within the 40 life-size, book-themed exhibits — from Goodnight Moon to Caps for Sale to Robert the Rose Horse — kids play, touch, climb and, of course, read as much as they want.

18. Explore a Frozen World

Summer is the time to visit the Mendenhall Glacier — a 13-mile-long glacier located outside Juneau, Alaska — and the spectacular blue ice caves that have naturally formed inside.

19. Go Grazy in the Purple Rain House

In August Airbnb is allowing Prince fans to spend a night in the real Purple Rain house in Minneapolis. Guests can listen to unreleased music, browse memorabilia and sleep in the purple basement bedroom — a replica of the one from the 1983 film. Prince bought the home, now owned by his estate, in 2015.

20→23. Line Up For Croissants Gone Viral

20. crookie.

Thuy-Trung Pham

Mania for cookie-dough-stuffed croissants started in Paris earlier this year but has come stateside to Houston’s EaDough . They now offer flavors like birthday cake in addition to chocolate chip but, plan ahead, because they sell out almost every day.

21. Flat Croissant

@noonnamu

A spin on the trend that took off in South Korea earlier this year, the pressed croissants are buttery with a sugary, crunchy exterior. Alexander’s Patisserie in the San Francisco Bay Area offers classic plain and croissants dipped in flavors like mango and strawberry-chocolate.

23. Hot Chocolate Croissant

Lakon Paris Patisserie

At Lakon Paris Patisserie in Newton Highlands, Mass., their edible spiral croissant-cups are filled with sippable dark hot cocoa and topped with sweet whipped cream, mini marshmallows and chocolate pearls.

24. Croissant Cereal

Ashley Coiffard

Lines form early at Brooklyn’s L’Appartement 4F . Their bite-size croissants are painstakingly hand-rolled, coated in cinnamon-sugar syrup and meant to be eaten in a bowl with milk.

24. Do a UFO Road Trip

BRIDGET BENNETT/AFP via Getty; Mark Peterson/Corbis via Getty

The 487-mile loop from Las Vegas runs down Nevada’s Route 375, known as the Extraterrestrial Highway . Shop for souvenirs at the Alien Research Center (a gift shop with a two-story silver alien outside), eat saucer-shaped burgers at Little A’Le’Inn , and drive past Area 51 — the restricted military base that’s rumored to house UFO secrets.

25. Taste a Scene-Stealing Sundae

FX’s The Bear is a love letter to Chicago dining, even if Chef Carmy ( Jeremy Allen White ) is too busy putting out fires in his restaurant to explore the city. During season 2, Chef Sydney ( Ayo Edebiri ) stops by Margie’s Candies , a century-old candy and ice cream parlor, for its classic ice-cream sundae while getting the scoop on the local food scene. (In 1933 late owner George Poulos renamed the store after his wife, Margie Michaels.) Viewers left hungry for season 3 (premiering June 27) can scoot into a booth at the beloved spot or re-create a bit of the magic at home with this sundae recipe.

Related Articles

Please see below for our Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have anything left unanswered, please contact us on [email protected] .

Where and how can I purchase tickets?

Tickets are available from our ticketing partner Kaboodle here .

Do you have a payment plan?

Yes we do. Payment plan’s are available on both our Festival Tickets and our Boutique Accommodation options.

Secure your ticket from as little as £25, and pay the rest off in monthly chunks up until the festival.

Simply click Payment Plan at checkout.

What does my ticket include?

All Weekend Festival Tickets include:

– Entrance to the festival;  12pm Thursday 15th August – 12pm Monday 18th. – Access to public camping with free showers – An array of free of charge family activities. – Complimentary wellness sessions and workshops. – Roller skate hire at our rink – Talks and debates across music and social issues AND – A £1 donation towards one of our on site charities of your choosing.

Are there any age restrictions?

We Out Here is a family friendly festival and welcomes all ages. However, we do require that all children tickets (under 18 years) are purchased with an adult ticket (18+ years) – with a maximum of 4x children to 1x adult ticket, and request that all under 18s are accompanied by the adult their ticket was bought with at the main festival gates on arrival.

I can’t find my ticket?

Please email Kaboodle our ticket retailer on [email protected] and they will be able to help you locate your ticket.

If I have a day ticket, am I allowed to camp?

Day ticket holders will not be permitted to camp, or enter the campsite.

This area will be wristbanded separately for weekend festival ticket holders.

Are Local Resident tickets available?

There will be local residents tickets available. More information available here .

Which forms of ID are accepted on entry?

We will only be accepting current versions of any of the following:

• Photocard driving licence for UK and Northern Ireland (Full or provisional)
• Pass card with hologram
• Armed Forces/NHS Identification cards

Screen-shots or photocopies of any form of ID will NOT be accepted and we operate the challenge 25 policy so please turn up prepared.

Unfortunately we can’t issue refunds on purchased tickets. However, for name changes on your ticket please contact Kaboodle via email at [email protected]

This will incur a £10 transaction fee.

If you have purchased Kaboodle cancellation protection, it will protect you from cancellation resulting from accidents and unexpected illness.

Please see here for the full refund policy terms and conditions.

How do I organise a name change on my ticket?

The original ticket buyer will need to apply for a name change via email at [email protected] .

ACCOMMODATION

Does my ticket include camping.

All our Weekend Festival Tickets include access to our General Campsite. Here you can bring along your tent and pitch up wherever you like!

The campsite also offers designated Family & Accessible Campsite. The locations of these will be signposted and included in our site maps (launching soon).

Accessible Camping

Accessible camping will be next to accessible parking with an easy route into the festival for all accessible customers. A customer map will be sent out closer to the event.

The accessible campsite welcomes tents and live-ins. Group sizes are limited to 6 people. If you are a group larger than 6, you are welcome to use the facilities of the accessible campsite, but will need to camp in the general camping area. If you plan to bring your live-in, please email us so we can ensure we have plenty of space for your requirements. Please note that you will not be able to park your car within the campsite due to H&S regulations.

There will be a wheelchair charging point, wheelchair accessible toilet and wheelchair accessible shower available.

The accessible campsite is monitored by festival staff to ensure it remains a calm and quiet space where those with access requirements can feel at home and take a break from the festival as needed.

Please email us on   [email protected]   to discuss any specific camping needs.

Can I stay in the local area and commute in every day?

Yes, festival goers can leave the site at any time but you will only be allowed back in between 10:00 and 21:30 each day.

Can I set up a gazebo on the campsite?

Gazebos fall under prohibited items and will not be permitted at We Out Here. Please check the full list of prohibited items under our Terms and Conditions.

Will there be showers available for campers?

Yes, there will be showers available in the campsites for all festival goers. Remember your own towels and toiletries!

How do I get to We Out Here 2024?

We Out Here is held at Wimborne St Giles in Dorset, in the South-West of England.  

We are easily accessible by train (1 hour 20 from London) and we run regular Train Station Transfers from Salisbury station direct to site which can be booked below. We also run carbon-offset Coach Travel options via Tuned in Travel , from a variety of locations around the UK.

With combined transport emissions to the festival constituting 60%-80% of an event’s total carbon footprint, we ask you to please consider using public transport to make your way to us – wherever possible.

See our Travel Options and more info here .

Can I bring my bike?

There is a bike lock up point situated onsite, although security are stationed within the vicinity. Bikes are left at owners risk, please bring double locks for your bikes, just as you would elsewhere.

What time does the car park open?

The car park will be open 24 hours from 12:00 on Thursday 10th until close at 12:00 on Monday 14th August.

FESTIVAL INFO

Can i bring alcohol into the festival.

For Weekend Festival ticket-holders: 

Upon first entry to site, you can bring your own alcohol (for consumption on the campsite) up to the personal allowance of EITHER:

• 12 cans of beer/lager/cider
• 2 plastic bottles of wine per person. No spirits are allowed.

Once you have been wristbanded, you will not be able to bring in any additional alcohol.

All drinks have to be sealed on entry to the festival.

There is no set limit on soft drinks or food.

For Day tickets holders:

Day ticket-goers are not permitted to bring alcohol or soft drinks/food into the festival with them.

Exceptions are for those who require food for medical reasons.

Can I volunteer for We Out Here 2024?

Yes! We run our volunteering scheme via My Cause. My Cause UK offers you a chance to volunteer at the UK’s biggest festivals, whilst making an impact for a cause you care about.

Applications will be live in the new year.

Is it OK to bring my own soundsystem?

No, please think about your fellow campers and keep noise to a minimum. There will be plenty of music over the weekend!

What food & drink will be on-site?

We have an amazing collection of Food Traders with us this year: full details of these will be announced soon. With a focus on  celebrating great flavours of the world, there will be plenty of vegan and gluten free options.

Alongside our street food vendors we’ll have Brawnswood (the collaboration of Brawn & Brownswood Recordings) back serving delicious food all weekend long, and the Two Tribes Campfire

Will BBQs or campfires be allowed on site?

Unfortunately not. Any open fires or naked flames are prohibited at We Out Here for safety reasons. There will be no shortage of great hot food over the weekend from our on site stalls.

How can I apply to be a vendor?

To register interest for We Out Here 2024 please contact [email protected]. 

We will begin reviewing applications in the new year.

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Renew Your DACA as Early as Possible

On May 13, 2024, the  Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman )  sent out this stakeholder message:

If you need to renew your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) , the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) encourages you to file your DACA renewal request as early as possible.

• Filing your renewal request during this timeframe reduces the risk that your current DACA and employment authorization will expire before USCIS makes a decision on your renewal request. Filing earlier than 150 days before your current DACA expiration will not result in a faster decision.
• Filing online allows you to track your case, respond to requests for evidence electronically, and communicate with USCIS through your online account. It may also save you money.
• If you are submitting a paper form, make sure you use the most recent versions of Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals , Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and the Form I-765 Worksheet . A new edition of Form I-765 went into effect on April 1, 2024.
• Review all the forms to ensure that you have signed them.
• Confirm you are paying the appropriate fees. As of April 1, 2024, the Form I-765 filing fee increased to $520 if you file the paper form and $470 if you file online. The Form I-821D filing fee will remain $85. If filing a paper form, include separate checks or money orders for the Form I-765 and Form I-821D filing fees.
• Remember, USCIS will not adjudicate your DACA-based Form I-765 until after it makes a decision on your Form I-821D DACA renewal request.
• You may request an expedite of your DACA renewal request in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Please see USCIS’ Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances page.

Why this matters

DACA renewals and the associated EAD renewals represent a sizeable workload for USCIS. Filing within the recommended timeframe reduces the risk that your current period of DACA and employment authorization will expire before you receive a decision on your renewal request.

If you file more than one year after your current DACA expires, USCIS considers it an initial request and not a renewal. While USCIS is accepting initial DACA requests, recent court rulings prohibit USCIS from approving them at this time. Therefore, you may submit an initial request by mail, but all initial DACA requests are on hold and USCIS will not adjudicate them at this time.

More information

For more information on DACA, go to USCIS’ Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Frequently Asked Questions pages. For information about current court cases affecting DACA, go to the agency’s DACA Litigation Information page.

The CIS Ombudsman is committed to working with stakeholders and USCIS to address concerns related to DACA. We will share additional updates on this topic when available.

• Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• How to Apply
• Immigration
• Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CISOMB)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)