Travel Just Got Cheaper—Here’s How To Stretch Your Savings With The Right Credit Cards – Forbes Advisor

After months of stubborn prices, airfares and lodging rates finally dropped in June 2025.

This opens the door for travelers to book getaways at a discount and squeeze even more value out of their travel rewards credit cards.

Travel Costs on the Decline

Travel prices are finally coming down, making it a smart time to take advantage and book a trip. In June, the U.S. lodging away from home index dropped 2.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The airline fare index also dipped 0.1%, marking the third straight month of declines.

If you’ve been thinking about a summer trip, now’s the time to go for it. With cheaper flights and lodging deals popping up, a family vacation might not hit your wallet as hard. And if you use a solid travel rewards credit card, you can save even more while earning points toward your next getaway.

How To Maximize Travel Savings

Travel isn’t becoming free overnight, but your daily spending can still take you places in the near future. Travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn points on daily spending, which you can later redeem for flights, hotel stays and other travel perks.

For example, the American Express® Gold Card (Terms apply, rates & fees) earns elevated points on flights booked directly with airlines and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Plus, when you book two or more nights through The Hotel Collection, you’ll receive a $100 credit toward eligible purchases like dining or spa services. Eligible charges vary by property.

On top of its travel perks, the American Express® Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), 3 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on American Express Travel, 2 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. That means you can accumulate rewards just by doing your weekly grocery shopping—rewards you can later use toward flights, hotels and more.

Frequent travelers may want to consider credit cards that offer airport lounge access, which offer them a place to rest and enjoy some peace before takeoff. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® grants cardholders:

• Entry to Priority Pass lounges for you and up to two guests at locations worldwide.
• Entry to Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations, available in airports like Boston (BOS), New York (JFK and LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), San Diego (SAN) and Phoenix (PHX).
• Amenities that vary by location, such as:
  • Full meals and drinks.
  • Comfortable seats.
  • Quiet spaces for work and rest.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® affords a luxurious travel experience. Whether you’re resting before a business trip or getting a nap in before a long vacation, you and your guests can access comfortable, well-designed spaces worldwide.

Bottom Line

June brought some welcome relief for travelers—lodging rates plunged by roughly 2.9%, and airfares dipped slightly by 0.1%. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or looking ahead to fall travel, now’s a strong window to act.

You can make the most of these lower prices by pairing them with the right credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the American Express® Gold Card. These cards provide value through rewards on everyday spending, credits toward dining and travel and built-in trip protections and insurance¹.

_{To view rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card please visit this page.}

_{¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.}