Kirkjufellsfoss in Iceland

ICELAND

Iceland is a captivating land of otherworldly landscapes that will leave you in awe. Its dramatic scenery includes cascading waterfalls, towering glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and rugged volcanic terrain. The country is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a unique blend of fire and ice. The mesmerizing Northern Lights dance across the Icelandic skies during the winter months, providing a breathtaking celestial display.

Moreover, Iceland is known for its friendly and welcoming population, adding a warm and inviting touch to your travel experience. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Golden Circle, relaxing in the Blue Lagoon‘s geothermal waters, or venturing into the untouched wilderness of the Highlands, Iceland promises an adventure that’s both exhilarating and serene.

Beyond its natural wonders, Iceland boasts a rich cultural scene. Reykjavik, the capital city, is a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. You’ll find a thriving arts and music scene, along with modern architecture and a charming blend of traditional and contemporary Icelandic cuisine.

Iceland is not just a destination; it’s a place where you can connect with nature, immerse yourself in a unique culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Start your adventure!

While we haven’t yet had the chance to thoroughly explore the optimal routes or accommodations to Iceland, we’re happy to help!

With just a little more information we can help design a plan that will get your adventure started.

The Clever Tourists First Recommendation Goes To:

United Airlines

Why?

They provide excellent availability from most major U.S. cities to Iceland. Unlike other airlines, United Airlines does not add additional fuel charges, which can add up to a few hundred dollars. However, you may need to apply for more than one card to have sufficient points for your trip. Normally, award tickets are available for about 80,000 miles.

Where to start?

First, make United Airlines account. It is free to make on their website.

Next, now that you have an account, begin searching for tickets. Try different departure or arrival times since this can result in finding tickets for lower points. Depending on your circumstances, research flying in or out of different cities since this could also open up better options. 

Flying to Iceland could cost more points than your initial bonus, depending on the time of year you are traveling. If one card is not enough, we recommend applying for another card at least 30 days after receiving the first card. The easiest route would be getting the United Explorer Card followed by the United Gateway Card. This will allow you to have 70,000+ points while only needing to spend $4,000.

Cards: (click on the links to apply)

The Runner-Up Recommendation Goes To:

American Airlines

Why?

American Airlines provides excellent availability from most major U.S. cities to Iceland. Award tickets on American Airlines are usually available for about 60,000 miles which means that one credit card alone could be enough to get your flights. American Airlines does add on additional fuel charges, but even with this charge the simplicity of being able to travel from anywhere in the US to any city in Europe makes it our top choice. 

Where to start?

First, make an American Airlines account. It is free to make on their website.

Next, start searching for tickets. Remember to try different departure or arrival times to find tickets for lower points. We would highly recommend researching different cities to fly into since this could affect the amount of fuel surcharges they add to the price of your ticket.

Cards: (click on the links to apply)

The Most Flexible option goes to:

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why?

Chase is not tied to one specific airline but is in fact partners with 11 different airlines, several of which fly into Iceland. So why is this not our first option? Because even though it is the most flexible option, it is also the one that takes most amount of time and effort to organize. If you’re willing to invest the time, these cards offer the widest range of options to earn points for free travel.

Where to start?

We would begin with the first card on the list below, Chase Sapphire Preferred, since it provides you a good amount of points and the initial spend is possible for most. If you have a business, which can be anything as simple as selling things on eBay from time to time, you can apply for the Chase Ink Business Preferred card. The points of all of these cards can be combined into one of your Preferred cards. This will allow you the most flexibility.

There are two basic ways to use these points. The first is by using the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal to search for flights. It works in a similar way to searching for tickets on Expedia. How much are the points worth? As an example, 100,000 points are worth $1,250 when used to buy tickets through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.

The other way to use your Chase points is to move points from your Chase account to an airline where you may have found cheap rewards tickets. For example, in your research you find tickets on United. Once you are ready to purchase the tickets you can transfer points from your Chase Ultimate Rewards account to your United account. Important: once you transfer points into a partner program, you can’t transfer them back to Chase.

Cards: (click on the links to apply)

Summary

If you want to keep things as simple as possible then we suggest applying for the American Airlines or United Airlines cards.

On the other hand, if you enjoy researching and are a bargain hunter like we are, then jumping into Chase Ultimate Rewards is the way to go.

To give you an example of how powerful Chase Ultimate Rewards points are, you could take the tag team approach where both spouses apply for cards. Doing so would mean you can end up 620,000+ Chase Ultimate Rewards points. That is the same as adding $6,200 in cash into your bank account or having $7,750 if used through the Chase Travel Portal or even more value if transferred into an airline or hotel program.

Important Reminder: In order to transfer into an airline or hotel you must move your points into one of your Chase Preferred cards.

Things to remember

  • Once you’ve been approved for the credit cards, focus on meeting the spending requirements as soon as possible. To make your initial spending, you can refer to this list of items that can be conveniently paid for using your credit card.
  • Be sure to keep track of the date you apply, so that you make sure to not miss your deadline for your initial spend.
  • If you have a travel partner, be sure you both apply for the credit cards individually to ensure both of you benefit from the bonus offers.
  • At times credit cards may have a bonus offer if you add an authorized user. If they do, can you add your spouse? Before adding them be sure your spouse has applied for the card themselves and received their bonus. Only after that would I add them as an authorized user to your card.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

There are more than 150 hotels in France affiliated with Marriot, IHG, or Hyatt!

Why?

Chase is not tied to one specific hotel but is in fact partners with 3 different hotels Marriott, IHG and also Hyatt. This makes Chase Ultimate Rewards the most flexible and powerful option. That being said, it will take a bit of time and effort to research. If you’re willing to invest the time, these cards offer the widest range of options to earn free nights in France.

Where to start?

We would begin with the first card on the list below, Chase Sapphire Preferred, since it provides you a good amount of points and the initial spend is possible for most. If you have a business, which can be anything as simple as selling things on eBay from time to time, you can apply for the Chase Ink Business Preferred card. The points of all of these cards can be combined into one of your Preferred cards. This will allow you the most flexibility.

There are two basic ways to use these points. The first is by using the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal to search for hotels. It works in a similar way to searching for tickets on Expedia. How much are the points worth? As an example, 100,000 points are worth $1,250 when used to buy tickets through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.

The other way to use your Chase points is to move points from your Chase account to Marriott, IHG or Hyatt hotel where you may have found cheap nights. For example, in your research you find hotel nights in Paris at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile for 21,000 points a night. When you are ready to book transfer 21,000 points from your Chase Ultimate Rewards account to your Hyatt account. Important: once you transfer points into a partner program, you can’t transfer them back to Chase.

Cards: (click on the links to apply)

Marriott Hotels

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR JUST THIS COUNTRY

Why?

Marriott Bonvoy points are highly advantageous for travelers due to their versatility and extensive benefits. With 60 hotels in France alone, these points offer access to a diverse range of accommodation options, making it easier to find the perfect place to stay. 

The price per night may vary from 17,000 points a night all the way to 100,000+ points a night. In the case of France of the 60 hotels that Marriott has, half of them are under 40,000 points a night. This means one credit card alone can get you anywhere from 3 to 5 nights at a hotel. 

Marriott Bonvoy’s absence of blackout dates ensures flexibility in travel planning, while the consistent quality and service standards across their properties instill confidence in travelers. The program’s multiple earning sources, allow you to easily accumulate points.

Where to start?

To start collecting Marriott Bonvoy points, begin by signing up for a Marriott Bonvoy account on their website. One of the quickest ways to earn points is by getting a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, which often offers sign-up bonuses and point-earning opportunities for everyday spending.  

Moreover, Marriott Bonvoy allows you to transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards and airline loyalty programs like United Airlines, providing further opportunities to boost your point balance. 

To keep your points active and prevent them from expiring, ensure there’s some account activity at least once every 24 months, which can be as simple as earning or redeeming points on any of your credit cards. 

Cards: (click on the links to apply)

Hilton Hotels

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR JUST THIS COUNTRY

Why?

We found Hilton to be particularly advantageous due to its easy-to-accumulate points system and the ability to share and combine points from multiple individuals.

If you and your spouse apply for Hilton credit cards, you can maximize your earning potential by pooling your points into a single account. By utilizing this two-person strategy, you can consolidate all your points and have a significant balance at your disposal.

Another significant advantage of the Hilton program is the ability to pool points from up to 10 different people. This feature allows you to gather points not only from your spouse but also from family or friends that may be feeling generous. In fact, you can combine up to 2 million points per year, making it easier than ever to accumulate a substantial number of points.

Hilton credit cards also offer a convenient way to accumulate points for travel rewards. With various cards available, you can earn points through everyday purchases, hotel stays, and travel expenses. Redeem these points for complimentary stays, upgrades, and more within the Hilton Honors program.

Where to start?

The initial step involves creating a Hilton Honors account through their website. 

Cards: (click on the links to apply)

Summary

The Clever Tourists recommend Chase Ultimate Rewards as the most versatile choice thanks to its partnerships with 3 hotels, providing a wide range of possibilities. 

Marriott Hotels are the runner-up recommendation, with Marriott Bonvoy points providing diverse benefits like free nights, elite status perks, and the option to transfer points to airlines.

Hilton Hotels is also another top choice for its easy-to-accumulate points system and the option to pool points from multiple individuals, making it convenient for couples and groups.

Things to remember

  • Once you’ve been approved for the credit cards, focus on meeting the spending requirements as soon as possible. To make your initial spending, you can refer to this list of items that can be conveniently paid for using your credit card.
  • Be sure to keep track of the date you apply, so that you make sure to not miss your deadline for your initial spend.
  • If you have a travel partner, be sure you both apply for the credit cards individually to ensure both of you benefit from the bonus offers.

Let Your Adventure Begin!

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  1. Everyday Expenses & Large Purchases: Use your new credit card for your regular expenses like groceries, gas, bills, and online purchases. Don’t forget your vacations and home improvement projects.
  2. Pay Bills: Pay your monthly bills, such as utilities, insurance, rent, and cell phone bills.
  3. Dining Out: Use your credit card when dining out at restaurants or ordering takeout. If going out in a group, offer to pay the bill and have them pay you back.
  4. Pay for Family and Friends: Ask them if they have any upcoming big purchases you could pay for and have them reimburse you in cash or through other means.
  5. Auto-Pay Subscriptions: If you have any subscription services, such as streaming services or gym memberships, update your payment method to your new credit card.
  6. Prepay Expenses: Some bills, like insurance premiums, property taxes, or cell phone bills, and donations can often be paid in advance.
  7. Business Expenses: If you have a small business use your credit card for business-related expenses.
  8. Pay Taxes: Depending on your local tax laws, you may be able to pay your income taxes or property taxes with your credit card. Be aware of any associated fees or potential interest charges.
  9. Add an Authorized User:  Just ensure that the user is not someone that will also want to apply for the card for themselves.