The Best Travel Credit Card for 2025 so far....
I’ve always believed that travel is about so much more than just seeing new places. It’s about growth, exploration, and the small details that make each trip unforgettable. From hiking the waterfalls in Bali to soaking in quiet mornings at home, I find wellness and wonder wherever I go. And while I’ve learned a lot on the mat and on the road, one thing that’s been a constant in my journey is being mindful and responsible with money.
I was taught early on that credit cards should be tools, not a way to spend money you don’t have. That’s a lesson I’ve stuck with. For years, I stuck to the basics. For the last few years I’ve used a no-annual-fee Chase Freedom card for everything and paid it off every month. It worked—I got some points, took a few travels and still have the card.
The only time I paid an annual fee was when I had the Alaska Airlines card because the $99 companion fare was too good to pass up. But as my travel patterns shifted—fewer trips on Alaska, more flexibility needed—I realized that card didn’t fit me anymore.
For the longest time, I never made the leap to a premium travel card. Maybe I thought it wasn’t for me or maybe I was just too loyal to the no-fee model. But something changed recently. After researching, talking to some of my family who really get the benefits out of their cards, reading reviews, and doing the math, I decided to jump in and get the Capital One Venture X card. Let me tell you—I wish I’d done it ten years ago.
At first, the $395 annual fee made me pause. It’s a big number. But once I broke it down, it all made sense. Here’s what I found—and why I made the switch:
The welcome bonus alone is 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in three months. That’s enough for a round-trip international flight or a couple of smaller trips within the U.S.—all just for using the card on your everyday purchases. (Fact Check: Capital One Travel and Miles Info)
You get a $300 annual travel credit when you book through the Capital One Travel portal. That’s $300 back in your pocket every year to put toward your next adventure—whether it’s a hotel stay, a rental car, or a flight to a new city.
There’s an annual 10,000-mile bonus every anniversary. These miles are like a little thank you from the card every year, even if you don’t travel as much one year—just for being part of the program. (Fact Check: Capital One Venture X Info)
You earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, 5x miles on flights (when booked through their portal), and 2x miles on everything else. This means your trips stack up even faster, and even your day-to-day spending like groceries or your cell phone bill helps you earn more points to travel than most of the other cards that just give you 1 point per dollar. (Fact Check: Capital One Travel and Miles Info)
You also get a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. If you’ve ever waited in a long security line, you know how valuable this is—it saves time and stress every time you fly. And you couldn’t pay me to stand in the regular lines these days. (Fact Check: Capital One Venture X Info)
The lounge access is a game-changer. Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges around the world turn a stressful layover into a moment of calm and luxury. Think cozy seating, free snacks and drinks, and a quiet place to unwind while everyone else is fighting for a power outlet at the gate. This comes free with the card… and now instead of getting to the airport last minute, you will find me in the lounge getting relaxed for my flight!
When I switched, I knew I had to make it work for me. I plan to put all my regular expenses—cell phone bill, water, groceries, gas—on this card. That way, I’m earning points on money I’m already spending. I’m not going into debt. I’m just making my spending work for me.
One thing I didn’t know until recently is that there are even bigger benefits if you’re new to Capital One. If you sign up with a referral link and have never had a Capital One account, you can get an extra 25,000 miles, making it 100,000 miles in your first few months. If that’s something you’re interested in, I’m happy to share my referral link with you. No pressure—just sharing what’s worked for me.
I’ll admit, it took me a while to see the value in paying for a card like this. But it’s a perfect example of how taking time to research and learn can really change the game. Just like in yoga, where we learn to listen to our bodies, this is about listening to what’s really going to support your travel goals—and your bigger life goals, too.
Whether you’re a world traveler or someone who dreams of taking that next adventure, I hope this story helps you feel more confident about making your own money work for you. Let me know if you have questions—I’d love to chat about all things travel, wellness, and making every moment count.