Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most valuable credit card rewards programs around. Chase offers several business and personal credit cards that allow you to earn these points, which can be redeemed directly for travel reservations using the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel center. But the best feature of this program is the ability to transfer points to miles seven different frequent flyer programs and four hotel programs.

Unlike many domestic airlines with hub-and-spoke systems in the U.S., Emirates is a long-haul carrier with routes to and from its Dubai headquarters. This central location in the Middle East makes it an ideal connecting point between North America and destinations in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. It’s not a bad choice to visit Europe either, if you’re originating on the West Coast.

In addition to saving up miles for a “free” trip, don’t forget to consider the taxes, fees and fuel surcharges you may have to pay. It’s impossible to avoid government taxes and fees, but the fuel surcharge is very dependent on the specifics of your ticket.

United Airlines Elite Status: How to Reach it and What’s in it for You

Soon after Delta announced the revenue component to its frequent flyer program, so did United. The new United Mileage Plus program requires you not only fly certain amount of miles, but also spend a predetermined amount of money to reach elite status.

You might be surprised to find that you can use Alaska Airlines miles to fly to South America. And Alaska’s flexible stopover policy makes its loyalty program, Mileage Plan, a great option for booking that itinerary.

Varanasi, also called Benares, is the holiest place for Hindu and Jain believers around the world. It’s considered the center of earth in Hindu mythology, and it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.

Located in northeast Brazil, Salvador was founded in 1549 and served as the country’s first capital. It’s the third largest city in Brazil, and one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Salvador’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s renowned for its beautiful cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and numerous churches.

Iceland is unique and fascinating, which is proof that you don’t have to travel far to see something new. It’s easy to get there, especially if you live on the East Coast. Flights between New York and Iceland are only five-and-a-half hours. That’s less time than you’d spend flying from New York to Los Angeles.

Alaska Airlines, the seventh-largest airline in the United States, operates out of its hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Of the traditional domestic airlines, it has been ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction for eight years running by J. D. Power and Associates.

Who Is the SKYPASS Visa Signature Card Good For?

Korean Air has several credit cards available to U.S. residents, all issued by U.S. Bank. Although the SKYPASS Visa Signature card has the highest annual fee of any of the offerings, it’s worth the extra cost if you’re serious about earning Korean Air miles. It has a higher sign-up bonus, better earning potential and more benefits.

If you fly to Asia with any frequency, and you care about service and quality, you’ll probably want to build a relationship with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flag carrier. It ranks among the most luxurious airlines in the world. In addition to receiving a five-star Skytrax rating, it has been recognized as the World’s Best Airline more times than any other carrier.

Air New Zealand is a global airline based in Auckland. It flies to four cities in the United States: Honolulu, Los Angeles, Houston and San Francisco.

Aeromexico is Mexico’s largest airline, with 14 non-stop routes between Mexico City and the United States. Its extensive network also makes it easy for U.S. travelers to fly to Central and South America with one connection in Mexico City.

Thanks to its recent acquisition by Etihad, Alitalia is poised to be a force to be reckoned with. The beleaguered Italian national carrier has been the subject of bailout after bailout, but Etihad has now put it on a path to clean up its act financially and improve the in-flight and general customer experience.

Airberlin once positioned itself as a budget airline, but it seems they have reconsidered. Now their transatlantic flights feature in-seat entertainment in economy and lie-flat seats in business. If you’re looking for comfortable flights and good award seat availability between North America and Europe, then consider joining airberlin’s loyality program, topbonus.

In many ways Cuba is a country frozen in time, which makes it a fascinating destination. Meticulously maintained vintage cars from the 1950s roam the streets, and colonial architecture still dominates Havana. Only an hour and a half away from the capital, and you’re in Veradero enjoying some of the best unspoiled beaches and pristine waters in the Caribbean.

For a domestic airline, Alaska Airlines is a bit of an odd duck. It’s the only regional airline that hasn’t disappeared in the past decade of consolidations, and it’s not part of any of the major alliances. However, it functions in many ways like a legacy carrier.

Though it is known for its high fuel surcharges, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is actually a very versatile program offering many ways to earn miles and access high quality flights.

Pinned to the bottom of the globe, Cape Town might at first seem to be far too distant a getaway to reach via miles and points. But I found the stunning natural beauty and friendly, multicultural vibe of the city and surrounding region to be an incredible bargain for my miles.

There has been a lot of talk lately about a shift in the industry to revenue-based frequent flyer programs, where travelers are awarded miles based on the cost of the ticket and not the number of miles flown.