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5 Ways I’ve Changed My Plans To Embrace Slower Travel in 2026

Christine Krzyszton's image
Christine Krzyszton
Updated: 
Edited by: McKay Moffitt
& Jestan Mendame
5 Ways I’ve Changed My Plans To Embrace Slower Travel in 2026
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As a frequent traveler, I’ve often tried to fit as many experiences as possible into each trip. As the saying goes, “so many places, so little time.” Because life is short and time is precious, the push to see it all has been real.

After years of creating bucket lists and striving to check off the next country, I’ve now reached the point of embracing slower travel. And honestly, it’s been a relief.

Slow travel can mean staying longer in a place, having a more mindful, connected experience, or being more environmentally sustainable. For me, it simply means doing less and enjoying it more. Whether you’re experiencing travel burnout or not, here are a few simple changes I’ve started making when planning trips.

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1. Staying Longer in Each Location

While there’s nothing wrong with visiting a couple of cities on each trip, I’ve reduced the amount of city-hopping in my itineraries. I now prefer to visit 1 or 2 cities and explore them more fully, often using 1 of them as a base.

Queenstown New Zealand Harbor View
Basing myself in Queenstown, New Zealand, allowed me to explore the city and the surrounding area more comfortably.

I once visited Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, and Munich, Germany, in a single week (including travel days). At the time, it felt productive. Now, it just feels rushed. These days, I prefer using a single city as my base, staying in 1 hotel whenever possible, and focusing on exploring the area around me.

One way I’m accomplishing this is by utilizing hotel loyalty points to take advantage of the 5th-night-free benefit with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. When I book 5 consecutive award nights with either program, I will receive 1 of those nights free. Plus, I receive qualifying elite night credits that count toward elite status.

AC Hotel Alicante Spain
Marriott Bonvoy has some sweet spots for booking 5th-night-free stays.

My favorite hotel program for using the 5th-night-free benefit is Marriott Bonvoy. I use my Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card for everyday purchases, including at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, as it earns 4x points on up to $15,000 in purchases each year, then 2x points.

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The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn 175,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 5/13/2026.
175,000 points
Up to $1,225
$250
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 175,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 5/13/2026.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Bonvoy® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Terms apply.
  • Earn up to 18.5X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 25% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Gold Elite status.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year, receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Booking the trip is easy. Avoiding delays is next to impossible. If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. A fixed monthly fee is shown upfront so you'll know exactly how much you’ll pay. Plus, you'll still earn rewards for the purchases you plan the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

When I reach this spending level, I also receive an award night certificate that I can use for a free hotel night.

2. Booking Longer Airport Connection Times

There’s nothing worse than missing a connecting flight when it could have been avoided by booking a longer connection time. Missing an international flight is even worse.

Mexico City Airport Flight Cancelations
You never know when you’ll experience delays or cancellations.

I now book much longer connection times, so I can eliminate any worry about missing my connecting flight and enjoy time in the airport lounge. Lounge access is very important to me, and I carry several cards that help me gain entry regardless of which airline I’m flying.

Delta One Lounge JFK Restaurant
When I fly in Delta One business class, I look forward to the Delta One Lounge at JFK.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to Centurion lounges, Priority Pass lounges upon enrollment, and select Lufthansa lounges, plus Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta on the same day.

BEST LOUNGE CARD
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Platinum Card® from American Express
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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card® from American Express
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.  
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
    • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
    • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
    • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
    • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
    • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
    • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
    • Access to Amex transfer partners
    • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

     

Cons
    • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
    • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

     

     

Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

 

 

For additional airport lounge access, I have my Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, which comes with access to Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations.

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$795
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

For access to the United Club, I depend on my United℠ Explorer Card and United℠ Business Card.

ELEVATED OFFER
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United℠ Explorer Card
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
United℠ Explorer Card
With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
Earn up to 80,000 United MileagePlus bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account, plus a $0 annual fee for the first year (70K + 10K more miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months).
Up to 80,000 miles
$960
$150
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 9x total miles per $1 on eligible United flights
  • 3x miles per $1 on all other eligible United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
Cons
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United® purchases.
  • 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United® flights.
  • 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
  • Over $500 in partner credits each year
  • NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

ELEVATED OFFER
United℠ Business CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
United℠ Business Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
United℠ Business Card
A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.
Earn up to 110,000 United MileagePlus bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account (100K + 10K more miles after adding an authorized user in the first 3 months).
Up to 110,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
$1,320
$150
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The United℠ Business Card is a compelling option for traveling business owners that are also frequent United flyers. Not only will this Chase business card help you earn more United miles, but it also offers great perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, a discount on inflight purchases, and much more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x miles per $1 on United flights
  • 2x miles per $1 on other United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on dining
Cons
  • Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
  • Other United cards are more rewarding for United purchases
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $150 Annual Fee.
  • NEW! 8x total miles on eligible United flights.
  • 2x miles on all other eligible United® purchases. 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
  • 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
  • Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
  • Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
  • NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Holding both of these cards gives me 4 United Club passes each year.

Bottom Line:

Taking advantage of a hotel loyalty program’s fourth or fifth-night-free offer allows me to stay longer and have a base for exploring the surrounding area. Booking longer connection times helps ensure I’ll make my international connecting flight and allows time to enjoy the airport lounge.

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3. Building in a Day With No Plans

Too many of my past trips have included non-stop movement — booking a tour each day, visiting a museum, traveling from 1 city to another — with basically no downtime.

Morning Coffee by The Sea
Sometimes it’s just nice to watch the sun rise casually.

The day with no predetermined plans may turn out to be the busiest day of the trip, but just knowing that anything (or nothing) can happen adds calmness to my itinerary. It might begin with a slow morning — coffee, breakfast, and a walk — and evolve from there.

Horse Drawn Carriage Mackinaw Island
Approaching the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island in Michigan.

Starting the day without a rigid plan creates space for spontaneity. The flight attendant could mention a market worth seeing, or the hotel front desk person could suggest a special event. Or you could even end up at a private party. If my agenda is open, my answer doesn’t have to include, “maybe next time.”

If the day is open, I can also reach out to ask for recommendations, which is unlikely if my schedule is full.

4. Embracing Slower Modes of Transportation

If I do travel from 1 city to another, I prefer to book a train, ferry, or boat.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Boat View
Staying on a boat overnight in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, was so relaxing, and the views were amazing.

If the slower mode of transportation has sleeping accommodations, that’s even better. For example, taking the ferry between Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway, was relaxing, offered incredible views, and cost less than a hotel room.

I’ve also embraced train travel, like riding the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Anchorage — an experience more memorable than the destination itself.

Alaska Railroad Gold Star Service
Relaxing and enjoying the scenery on the Alaska Railroad.

Using slower transportation allows me to enjoy my surroundings, meet other travelers, and walk around freely. For these bookings, I typically use my Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

NEW OFFER
Ink Business Preferred® Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 points
$2,000
$95
17.74% - 26.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
  • Cell phone protection
  • Purchase protection
Cons
    • No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
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Card Highlights
  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 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
  • Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
  • 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
  • Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 17.74% - 26.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

It’s one of the few cards that earn 3x points on general travel purchases (up to $150,000 in combined purchases with select business categories each account anniversary year, then 1x), such as transit, tours, entrance fees, and other travel purchases. It also comes with valuable travel insurance.

Bottom Line:

Incorporating a day with no predetermined plans allows for more leisure and spontaneity. Adding slower modes of transportation, such as trains and boats, lets me take in the view, have plenty of space to walk around, and plan with more flexibility.

5. Incorporating Wellness Into My Itinerary

Whether it’s a simple hike in nature, a foot massage, or a soak in a mineral bath, incorporating wellness into my trip has become a priority.

Budapest Thermal Baths
Budapest thermal baths are relaxing and good for the body and mind.

Wellness doesn’t have to mean booking a specialized retreat or spa. For me, it’s about adding simple self-care elements to my trip.

That might include:

  • Tai chi, yoga, sauna, steam room, or thermal pools
  • Hiking, walking, climbing steps up a mountain/hill, or getting out into nature
  • Wellness classes and walking tour
  • Manicure, pedicure, and facial services
  • Eight hours of sleep and healthy food choices
Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport Spa Pool
Adding an element of wellness to my itinerary can be as simple as using my hotel’s indoor pool.

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Whether it’s more exercise, healthier choices, or body care and repair, I’m committed to adding an element of wellness to my future travels.

Final Thoughts

Travel burnout is a real thing, and even small changes can make a big difference. I’m not aiming for perfection with every trip, but I’ve found that staying longer in a single place, building in downtime, and slowing the pace overall makes travel far more enjoyable.

Recognizing a problem is the first step in solving it, and I think I’m well on my way to experiencing slower travel and enjoying it more.

Featured Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton. All images credited to author unless otherwise stated.
Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card® from American Express

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Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
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  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

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