Most of the major credit card companies, like MasterCard or American Express, offer credit cards that will allow you to accumulate points that can be turned into airfare or hotel stays.

If you are really savvy, you can find a credit card that offers both hotel rewards and airfare. Wouldn't that be great? Getting free air travel and paying for your hotel stay. That will give you the chance to spend your money on more important things like trying the local restaurants.

Unlike a few years back, you can actually use the frequent flyer miles. Many people got frustrated with the programs because when they went to use the miles they earned to actually travel, they were turned down. There were many dates that were blacked out and if you wanted to travel near a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, you could forget about it. So check the company to find out how easy it is to redeem the miles before you actually get their card.

Most purchases you make on either card will go towards your rewards. But purchases such as gas are not usually included, so check carefully be for using your card to buy things that do not give you points.

A lot of cards offer extra incentives during the year. If you can take advantage to them, make sure you do. For example when you first get the card they may give you an extra 5,000 miles or points for your first purchase. Then they have offers of double points if you transfer balances from other cards. So read the advertising enclosed with your statements you never know what they might offer.

To earn lots of points more quickly charge everything that you would normally write a check for on to your card. Like paying your cable bill, or to get some larger amounts charge your car insurance bill. Just make sure you pay them off every month otherwise you defeat the purpose by having to pay a lot of interest.

So if you want to take advantage of the incentives of frequent flyer miles or hotel rewards read all the terms of your credit card. Not all of your purchases will qualify. But this is a great way for travelers to enjoy free airfare and hotel stays that gives you the freedom to spend your money on more fun things like souvenirs.