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What travellers value in 2021

Safety and refunds trump low prices

The Expedia Group Traveler Value Index research was conducted by Wakefield Research among 8,000 nationally representative adults ages 18+ in eight markets: US, Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, between April 16 and May 7, 2021. Perhaps the biggest finding from this report is that the number one concern, or value, for travelers is  the ability to get a refund  if their plans change.

This was true not only for hotels but also when travelers sought to book for airlines, vacation rentals, car rentals and cruise travel. In other words, we seek reassurance that we can get a refund across the board in our travel experiences, should our plans change.

More so than seeking a cheaper rate! That’s a big finding, as “price” as traditionally been the #1 consideration for travelers for years.

Coming in as a close second is the whole enhanced cleaning preoccupation, which is a direct consequence of this pandemic and sanitary measures that have been put in place. Travelers now expect travel and hospitality brands to enforce vaccine passports, practice social distancing and ensure proper disinfection in all public spaces and common areas. Thus, whatever your property does to align with this preoccupation should be communicated on your website, social media and other digital outposts.

Considerations vary across different countries

What’s interesting about this study is that it spanned across eight different countries with quite different cultures. Yet the “ability to get a full refund” was the number one consideration in all but one, Mexico. Interestingly enough, Americans have “enhanced cleaning” as their biggest consideration, more so than atypical low pricing and the ability to get a full refund, which are tied in second place.

Consideration vary across generations, too

Beyond the top three considerations mentioned above, there were four other values evaluated in this research: having a contactless experience, environmentally friendly policies, flexible policies to change bookings and first-class benefits and upgrades. All these values contribute to how travelers shape their decision making, but another finding from this research was how these can vary between generations.

More specifically, and for example, it found that in Japan and the US, travelers under the age of 40 gave most value to enhanced cleaning while focusing less on low price and getting full refunds. Meanwhile, folks over 40 tend to see more value in low prices and don’t seem to care all that much fo contactless experiences or premium benefits such as upgrades.

4 takeaways for hotel and travel brands

So how do we make these insights actionable? Well, make sure you cover these four components , in case you are not doing so already:

1. Clearly communicate your cancellation policies

Since this is now the biggest consideration for a vast majority of travelers across different countries and generations, make sure to properly convey this message across your digital outposts. Is their a clear tab on your website referring to your policy? Have you done Instagram stories about this and are they highlighted on your brand account? Do you mention this regularly in your newsletters and official communications going out to both leisure and business markets?

2. Highlight how you clean and respect sanitary measures

Communicating about your cancellation and refund policies, along with cleanliness measures in place will go a long way in easing traveler anxieties, knowing how this pandemic remains in flux. Make sure to go beyond words and SHOW how your hotel, restaurant or venue applies these measures. Social media are perhaps the best tool for ongoing storytelling, showing your staff in action and demonstrating how things are happening on location through video, images and other formats.

3. Offer a range of prices and options

The study showed a clear desire for new experiences. In fact, 75% of travelers surveyed said they would choose a  destination they had never gone to  for their next trip and 22% were seeking  once-in-a-lifetime  experiences. Thus, how can you deliver towards this expectation? Have you tweaked some of your products and services, or perhaps added new components and experiences? Then make sure to communication on these new features, as consumers are seeking them out avidly.

4. Highlight commitments to social values

Last but not least, this research also unveils interesting findings with regards to traveler expectations when it comes to sustainability and inclusion. For example, did you know that:

• 59% of travelers are willing to spend more to make their trip more sustainable
• 65% are more likely to book with travel providers that identify their practices as inclusive

Thus what is your brand doing with regards to sustainability efforts? This is content that can very well be shared once again across digital outposts where your brand has a presence. Same for inclusion, where annual reports, official press releases and other official tools can tell a story, but often this is better conveyed through reels, posts and other images or videos in your online communication.

Original post here .

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Explore what matters most to travelers

The 2023 Traveler Value Index provides a deep dive into today's traveler behaviors and desires. Both industry professionals and travelers weighed in, exposing key gaps and opportunities to better meet travelers' needs.

Access the report

Insights straight from the source

Travelers and industry professionals provide a firsthand look at the factors shaping travel decisions today.

Traveler Value Index 2023 research methodology

Using our first-party data paired with a study conducted by Wakefield Research, we uncovered challenges, post-pandemic changes, and emerging trends within the travel industry. One clear takeaway is that travel remains a priority, and a focus on exceptional experiences will secure a bright future for the industry.

“Ultimately, we hope these insights are useful to you as you welcome and service travelers — because when the traveler wins, we win together.”

Ariane Gorin

President, Expedia for Business Expedia Group

Inside the research

Take a look at what we found when we asked industry professionals and travelers what they value most.

Permanent preferences

Traveler preferences changed, influenced by the pandemic and other factors. Find out what shifts here to stay.

Temporary trends

Not all pivots are permanent, because some are temporary responses to an extreme situation. Certain changes, like the drop in business, international travel, and heightened cleanliness standards, have already faded away.

Fluctuating factors

Even with the pandemic behind us, some patterns remain hard to predict. We're keeping a close eye on these continually evolving trends.

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“There is reason to be optimistic: Business and international trips are back, and the pandemic pause served as a reminder of how important travel is.”

"New 2023 Research: Exploring Gaps Between Traveler Expectations and Industry Perceptions.” Skift, 7 Dec. 2022

“An overwhelming number of travel businesses adapted to this change in consumer behaviour.”

“The Traveller Preferences That Will Shape 2023 and Beyond.” Travolution, Feb. 2023

“The travel industry is at an unprecedented stage of evolution. Despite lingering challenges from the pandemic and economic concerns, people continue to place travel as a high priority in their lives.”

“Exploring Gaps Between Traveler Expectations and Industry Perceptions.” WiT, 14 Feb. 2023

“Travelers are quickly becoming savvier as they place greater importance on travel to heal and reconnect with the world.”

“How Travel Pros Can Embrace New Traveler Expectations.” www.phocuswire.com, Feb. 2023

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Traveler Value Index 2023

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In our last Travel Recovery Trend Report, covering the second quarter of 2021, we highlighted several positive signs for the industry. As we moved into Q3, however, concerns around the Delta variant and renewed restrictions led many travelers to reevaluate. Still, the industry saw positive progress in many areas. This latest installment tracks this momentum using our first-party Expedia Group traveler data and custom research, presented at both a global and regional level. Travel marketers can use these latest insights to inspire travelers and continue their road to recovery.

The Traveler Value Index examines what people value in their travel experience compared to priorities and considerations shaping decisions across industry professionals.

Download the report to learn the current outlook of travelers and industry professionals, including:

• What travelers need and want out of travel and the booking process has evolved.
• International and business travel represent two of the next big opportunities for the travel industry in 2023.
• The desire for flexible options remains even though travel is more open now than it was the last two years.

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Traveler Value Index 2023

Our annual Traveler Value Index reveals how traveler preferences have shifted over time. For the first time, we asked both travelers and industry professionals to weigh in. The results show areas of alignment — and gaps — between traveler expectations and industry perceptions.

From the lasting influence of COVID-19 to the rise of inflation, hear from thousands of consumers and industry professionals around the world on the factors impacting today’s traveler preferences.

Find out what travelers value most

Download the main report for global trends and then dive deeper into insights tailored to your business with our industry highlight reports.

Select your preferred report and language on the confirmation page — available in 12 languages.

Access the report

Inside the research

Industry professionals

Geographic markets

Permanent preferences

The pandemic changed travel as we know it. Find out what traveler preferences are here to stay — even beyond the pandemic itself.

Temporary trends

Not all pivots are permanent — some are temporary responses to an extreme situation. Certain changes — like the drop in business and international travel and heightened cleanliness standards — will soon return to pre-pandemic norms.

Fluctuating factors

Like the pandemic, some patterns remain hard to predict, and 2022 brought its own set of new challenges and opportunities. What trends are we keeping an eye on?

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Access the traveler value index 2023 reports.

Complete the form to access the main report, as well as the industry highlight reports for the hotel, vacation rental, airline, car rental, cruise, tours and activities, and destination marketing industries.

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Price doesn’t matter: Here’s what drives travel decisions

Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly

New research from Expedia Group reveals shifting views on travel, including positive sentiment on vaccine passports, increased budgets, and an enduring demand for safety and financial security. The Traveller Value Index examines the views of 8,000 people in eight countries to understand their values and expectations as the pandemic becomes more controlled in many parts of the world.

“As vaccination rates rise and borders open across the globe, people are ready and eager to travel. However, the months of uncertainty are weighing on their travel decisions and shifting the conventional belief that price is the top driver of bookings,” said Ariane Gorin, president, Expedia for Business, Expedia Group. “These insights show people want to book with trusted travel providers that will deliver on their experiences, keep them safe, and protect their financial investments.”

Improved outlook for 2021 and beyond

Despite a period of uncertainty, the Traveller Value Index shows that people are making travel a financial priority. More than a third (34%) of travellers have larger travel budgets now compared to 2020. In fact, nearly one in five respondents globally (18%) expect travel to be the activity they spend most on in 2021, on par with major spending items such as home renovation (18%) and ahead of entertainment (12%), buying or taking care of a car (11%), or healthcare (11%). Additionally, more than third (36%) say they would trade a pay raise for more holiday days.

Travellers are thinking differently about the frequency and length of travel. Many (60%) are opting for domestic travel in the short-term, however they are planning to get away more often, nearly half (41%) wanting more frequent, shorter, trips. The outlook for international travel is also improving, with more than a quarter (27%) of travellers considering a trip to another country in the next year. In fact, nearly three-quarters (71%) of travellers are comfortable showing a vaccine passport to travel internationally.

The research also shows an increased desire for new and different experiences over nostalgic destinations, with three-quarters (75%) of travellers likely to select a travel destination they’ve never been to before. Additionally, more than half (52%) are likely to use a new mode of transportation, and nearly a quarter (22%) are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on their next trip.

Decisions reflect personal values

The Traveller Value Index reveals that travellers continue to make value-based decisions that reflect their own personal views when booking travel. Travellers want to support sustainable practices, with nearly three in five (59%) willing to pay higher fees to make their trip more sustainable.

Additionally, a majority (65%) are more likely to book with travel providers that have inclusive policies. This includes properties that are owned by women and/or people of colour, are welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community, and those that are supportive of people with disabilities.

Financial security and safety are top priorities

The Traveller Value Index ranks the factors shaping booking decisions across multiple travel experiences, including:

• The ability to get a full refund if their plans change;
• Atypical, low pricing cause by low demand during the pandemic;
• Contactless experiences like cardless hotel or vacation rental entry, online check-ins, or digital boarding passes;
• Environmentally friendly policies such as a reduced use of plastics or locally sourced food and products;
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures;
• Flexible policies to change bookings;
• First-class benefits and upgrade.

Financial security and safety rank as the highest priorities for travellers across all experiences , a shift from the conventional wisdom that price drives consumer behaviour. More than one in four travellers most value the ability to get a refund, particularly for airline (26%) and vacation rental (26%) experiences, followed by enhanced cleaning and disinfection. The results highlight a need for travel providers to clearly communicate cancellation policies and cleanliness measures to help ease any anxieties and build confidence.

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Expedia Traveller Value Index 2023 Reveals Inclusion and Sustainability as Permanent Requirements for Travellers

Expedia Group has partnered with Wakefield Research to conduct an in-depth study of consumers and travel industry professionals to get a snapshot of traveller preferences

Insights were paired with first-party data from across Expedia Group travel marketplace. What emerged is a snapshot of today’s travellers’ preferences: what has been changed by the pandemic, what were temporary reactions, and what is still evolving.

For the first time,  Expedia Group researchers asked both travellers and industry professionals to give their opinions on travel trends, highlighting common elements but also disagreements. The  “Traveller Value Index 2023”  is a great tool to help both consumers and the trade to better understand each other. And produce the right products by seizing opportunities.

Two major trends seem now to be permanent features in travellers quest: inclusion and sustainability. Expedia Group research over the last few years repeatedly shows that people are seeking out businesses that are welcoming and accessible.

Seventy percent of people said they are more likely to choose travel options that are more inclusive, even if that comes at a higher cost. Industry professionals acknowledged this preference, with 64% indicating that they believe their customers will choose travel options that are more inclusive, even if they are more expensive.

Nearly eight out of ten (78%) people said they have made a travel choice based on promotions or ads they feel represent them through messaging or visuals. However, only half (52%) of consumers see options that are inclusive of all types of travellers when booking a trip, demonstrating an opportunity for those in the travel industry to fill this gap.

Many travel businesses revealed that they have already taken action: three in five organisations (60%) said they had made changes in the last year to ensure their services are inclusive and accessible, and an additional 21% have plans to do so.

Sustainability

According to Expedia’s recent Sustainable Travel Study, 90% of consumers are looking for sustainable options when traveling. Data from reviews across Expedia traveller brand websites shows terms related to sustainability and eco-friendliness being mentioned twice as often in January 2022 as they were in January 2021. Half of the travellers surveyed said they are willing to pay more for transportation, activities, and lodging if the option was more sustainable, though many agree that it costs too much to be more sustainable when travelling.

Though some people may not want to compromise on cost, more say they are willing to sacrifice convenience and comfort if they know they are making decisions that are ultimately better for the planet. Two in three consumers said that they want more sustainability information from lodging and transportation providers to help them make informed decisions – signifying a clear opportunity for travel businesses.

Sustainability is already turning into a priority for the industry. In fact, it is tied with marketing as the highest area of investment for 2023, with one in five industry professionals saying sustainability will be their top investment priority next year.

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Who are the Chase transfer partners? Everything to know

Ultimate Rewards points are the currency of most Chase-branded credit cards. You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points for everyday spending and then redeem them for a wide range of rewards.

Despite increasing competition from American Express Membership Rewards points , Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Capital One miles , Chase Ultimate Rewards points have maintained their place as one of the most valuable and useful points currencies — especially with valuable products like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

Transferring Ultimate Rewards to travel partners is often the most valuable way to redeem your hard-earned points. With 14 different transfer partners, you have plenty of options, since you can keep your Chase points in your Ultimate Rewards account until you can transfer them.

Related: The best Chase credit cards

Here is everything to know about Chase Ultimate Rewards' transfer partners.

What are the Chase transfer partners?

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to 11 airline programs:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
• United Airlines MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Chase also partners with three hotel programs:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt

All transfer ratios are 1:1 (though there are occasional transfer bonuses ), and you must transfer points in 1,000-point increments.

How long do Ultimate Rewards transfers take?

Most transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to its partner programs are instantaneous , with two exceptions. In our testing, transfers to both Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Marriott Bonvoy can take up to two business days.

We've heard anecdotal stories of delays with other programs, but as long as the name on your Ultimate Rewards account matches that on your loyalty program account, these should process immediately.

Note that transfer bonuses can also be inconsistent. For example, when TPG's Nick Ewen recently transferred points to Aeroplan to take advantage of a 20% bonus, the base points arrived immediately, but it took three days for the bonus points to post.

How do I transfer Chase points to partners?

You can easily transfer Chase points online. First, log in to your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal. Under the Travel drop-down, select "Transfer to Travel Partners" to access the main transfer page.

You will then see the list of transfer partners. Any current transfer bonuses will also be shown (note that the screen shot below may show outdated offers). Select your desired transfer partner, link your external account if you have not already done so, select the number of Ultimate Rewards points you wish to transfer and then submit the transfer.

Remember, Ultimate Rewards transfers cannot be reversed, so it's best to wait until you have a specific use before transferring them.

What are the best Chase transfer partners?

Given the low award chart rates of the World of Hyatt program, many TPG staffers believe Hyatt is the best hotel transfer option for Ultimate Rewards points.

If you would prefer to transfer to one of the 11 different airline program partners, the best option may depend on which airlines fly to and from the destinations you wish to travel, who the program partners with and which airlines you like to travel with.

There are sweet spots to be found in most airline transfer options, especially those programs that have retained award charts .

Here are some of our favorite Ultimate Rewards sweet spots .

Top-tier Hyatt hotels

The World of Hyatt award chart has two appealing factors. First, its mere existence is notable, given most other hotel programs (including IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, the other Chase hotel partners) have shifted to dynamic pricing .

Beyond that, Hyatt award rates can be incredibly low compared to some competitors. You can book some of the fanciest Park Hyatt properties in the entire portfolio, including the Park Hyatt New York and Park Hyatt Sydney , for just 35,000 points per night during off-peak dates. TPG values Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each, so 35,000 points are worth $595.

That's a great deal for hotels that sell for close to $1,000 per night, even when demand is low.

There's also great value at the lower end of the Hyatt award chart. Category 1 hotels range from 3,500 to 6,500 points per night, depending on whether you travel on peak, standard or off-peak dates.

Iberia flights to Madrid

Round-trip, off-peak flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Spain's capital will only set you back 34,000 Avios in economy, 51,000 in premium economy or 68,000 in business when you transfer your Chase points to Iberia Plus. Considering that most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class award to Europe, you're essentially getting a 50% discount.

Related: 7 of the best airline award chart sweet spots

Flights to Hawaii with Alaska and American

By transferring your Ultimate Rewards to British Airways, you can book awards with Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines . As long as your nonstop flight distance is under 3,000 miles each way (and saver-level award space is available), you can leverage British Airways' distance-based award chart to fly from any West Coast gateway to Hawaii for only 32,000 Avios round-trip — after a December 2023 devaluation that saw prices increase by up to 32%.

ANA flights booked through Virgin Atlantic

For just 145,000 miles, you can fly round-trip in All Nippon Airways first class between the West Coast and Tokyo. Flights from other U.S. gateways only cost an extra 25,000 miles (170,000 miles round-trip). Business-class redemptions are an even better deal, costing just 90,000-95,000 miles round-trip, depending on your U.S. departure airport. If possible, you'll want to route through New York-JFK and fly ANA's new industry-leading "The Room" business class , which is only available on select routes.

However, availability can be difficult to come by.

Short-haul flights to Canada

Aeroplan stuck to an award chart for partner redemptions but added dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights. As a result, you can often find super-cheap short-haul tickets from the U.S. to Canada. For example, New York to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) can be booked for under 6,000 miles one-way on many dates.

However, you can also find very reasonable award rates on Star Alliance partners through Aeroplan — including Lufthansa, Swiss and EVA Airways.

Related: Your complete guide to Star Alliance benefits

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece in our monthly valuations, and we believe you will receive the best value by transferring the points to partners.

However, you'll get varying values for Chase points if you pursue other redemption opportunities. For example, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal for Sapphire Reserve cardholders or 1.25 cents for those with the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred . You'll also have access to Chase Pay Yourself Back as a cardholder of any of the above cards, and there are occasionally offers to use Chase points for Apple products or gift cards at an enhanced value.

Finally, Chase points are worth 1 cent apiece if used for simple cash back.

How do I earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

There are many ways to earn Chase points at 1-10 points per dollar spent, depending on the specific Chase credit card you carry.

The first three cards below earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points by themselves, while the remaining four are technically billed as cash-back credit cards .

However, if you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points. For this reason, having more than one Chase card can make sense to maximize your earning and redeeming potential.

Here are the cards that allow you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is a fantastic all-around travel credit card . It earns points at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and has many travel perks , including delayed baggage insurance, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance .

Annual fee: $95

Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: The Sapphire Reserve offers earning power paired with travel perks that can easily cover the annual fee. It earns points at the following rates:

• 10 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards
• 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rental purchases through the Chase Travel
• 5 points per dollar on airline travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on travel not booked through Chase
• 3 points per dollar on other dining purchases
• 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Other perks include an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit , a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 once every four years) and Priority Pass Select lounge access as well as the growing list of new Sapphire lounges . This is one of the few cards that allow you to use your Priority Pass membership for discounted meals in airport restaurants . Cardholders also get primary car rental coverage , trip interruption/cancellation insurance and other protections .

Annual fee: $550

Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is one of the best credit cards for small-business owners , earning 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. You earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, and points don't expire as long as your account is open.

Application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Cash-back Chase credit cards

Four Chase credit cards are technically billed as cash-back products. However, suppose you have one of the three cards noted above. In that case, you can combine your points in a single account, converting these cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

Even better? None of these cards charge an annual fee.

Here are the four cards that offer this functionality:

• Chase Freedom Flex : Earn $200 after you spend $500 in the first three months of account opening. Earn 5% back on select bonus categories, which rotate every quarter and apply on up to $1,500 in combined spending (activation required). Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited : Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), worth up to $300 cash back. Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.
• Ink Business Cash Credit Card : Earn up to $750: $350 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1%). Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1%).
• Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card : Earn $750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards on every purchase.

Note that Chase also issues the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card . However, the earnings on this card can't be combined with others in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.

Read more: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards

Bottom line

If you value the flexibility of choosing from 11 airline partners and three hotel partners, Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of our favorite credit card programs at TPG.

In the age of no-notice devaluations by some loyalty programs, it is smart to earn Ultimate Rewards via the range of credit card welcome bonuses, category bonuses and everyday spending, and then keep your Ultimate Rewards points until you are ready to transfer and book with an airline or hotel partner.

The Traveler Value Index

Join Expedia Group today

Signup is easy, free, and gives you exposure to over 675 million monthly site visits.

In our last Travel Recovery Trend Report, covering the second quarter of 2021, we highlighted several positive signs for the industry. As we moved into Q3, however, concerns around the Delta variant and renewed restrictions led many travelers to reevaluate. Still, the industry saw positive progress in many areas. This latest installment tracks this momentum using our first-party Expedia Group traveler data and custom research, presented at both a global and regional level. Travel marketers can use these latest insights to inspire travelers and continue their road to recovery.

What do travelers want? New research reveals answers

Date: October 8, 2020 Time: 10:00AM PDT, 1:00PM EDT Duration: 60 minutes

Over the last several months, Expedia Group surveyed a total of 34,000 global travelers, with the goal to help you learn how you can position your property to capture bookings as travel recovers.

Join us to be first to act on the findings, including:

• The surprising ways booking behaviors have changed.
• Which demographic will travel first and what it means.
• A 15-point action plan to attract travelers.

Understanding the Travel Shopper's Current Mindset

Expedia Group's latest research, compiled in collaboration with Wakefield, reveals the factors influencing travel booking decisions against the evolving backdrop of the pandemic. What are these shoppers looking for, and how does that vary by age and location? How positive are travelers towards the prospect of travel? Our research covers multiple travel industries: hotel, vacation rentals, air, car, and cruise. It shows promising signals in terms of travel trends, an optimistic outlook amongst travel shoppers, and important shifts in what travelers value the most. To find out how this new mindset will impact your business, download the full Traveler Value Index report now.

Why Expedia Group?

Millions of travelers visit Expedia Group sites every day to shop for their travel needs. We use multiple factors, including traveler search criteria and past booking behavior, to deliver optimal property search results that provide travelers with the most relevant properties and deals every time they search. Understanding the factors that influence your display can help you optimize your visibility and boost the bookings generated for your property.

Reach a global audience

Your property is marketed on over 200 travel booking sites such as Expedia, Hotels.com, Egencia and more; in more than 75 countries and 35 languages; which attract 75M monthly flight shoppers.

Attract diverse travelers to your door

Our dynamic portfolio of brands helps you generate bookings through a wide range of channels including corporate, mobile, packages (e.g. flight + hotel) and more.

Maximize your revenue potential

Our easy-to-use tools and world class sales and support teams help you optimize your strategy to fill your rooms and increase revenue.

Thank you for registering for our webinar – What travelers want in 2021.

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Find out where your travellers are coming from

Are you targeting the right market? Find out where your travellers are coming from, how long they're staying and who is spending the most.

Find out how you should be pricing your rooms

Your market report can help you plan your revenue management strategy. Compare your pricing to your competitive set and find out which weeks are your most popular.

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Learn more about booking behaviors.

Find out how your travellers are booking their trips, and whether packages and promotions can help boost your revenues.

Q1 2023 Traveler Insights Report

Check out our latest quarterly insights report to gain valuable insights on your journey to connect with travelers.

Traveler Value Index 2023

Hear from thousands of consumers and industry professionals around the world on the factors impacting today’s traveler preferences.

Inclusive Travel Insights Report

Learn how consumers feel about inclusion, diversity, and accessibility in travel, and how your brand can be more welcoming to all.

Manage your business with Expedia Group anytime, anywhere.

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What our partners are saying

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What Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Worth?

Vault’s viewpoint on chase ultimate rewards.

• Chase Ultimate Rewards worth starts at 0.8 cents per point in value, yet it can climb up to 1.62 cents per point or higher with the right redemption.
• Having a Chase travel credit card unlocks the potential for more lucrative travel redemptions, either through Chase Travel or transfers to airline and hotel partners.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards flexibility is a key benefit of this program since users can redeem their rewards for cash back, statement credits, merchandise, gift cards, travel and more.

Credit Cards That Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards

Before we dive into Chase Ultimate Rewards points value by redemption option, here’s an overview of credit cards that earn rewards in this program.

Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for Cash Back

All credit cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards get the standard redemption value of 1 cent per point when redeeming for statement credits or cash back. With this redemption rate, 10,000 points are worth $100, and 60,000 points are worth $600.

Note that you can redeem cash back as a statement credit to your account or have the money directly deposited into most U.S. checking or savings accounts , according to Chase.

Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for Travel

All Chase Ultimate Rewards cardholders can redeem their points for travel through Chase Travel at a minimum value of 1 cent per point. Better yet, the Chase portal lets users redeem their points for airfare with any airline, hotel stays around the world, car rentals, experiences, cruise excursions and more.

However, cardholders with select Chase travel credit cards qualify for better redemption rates. Eligible cards include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: 25% more value when you redeem travel through Chase Travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 50% more value when you redeem travel through Chase Travel
• Ink Business Preferred: 25% more value when you redeem travel through Chase Travel

With the elevated redemption options above, this means Chase points can be worth 1.25 to 1.5 cents each when redeeming for travel through Chase Travel with the right credit card.

Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for Point Transfers

Chase Ultimate Rewards points value can be highest when cardholders transfer their rewards to an airline or hotel partner for a premium travel redemption. In this scenario, credit card customers actually transfer their points out of their Chase accounts and into a frequent flyer or hotel loyalty account with a different travel brand.

All Chase transfer partners are available with a 1:1 transfer ratio, but not all Chase credit cards allow this option directly. In fact, you can only transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Ink Business Preferred.

Once you transfer your points away from Chase and into a partner account, the value of your rewards varies based on how you redeem them. However, many redemptions through transfer partners can be worth up to 1.62 cents per point or more.

According to Newsweek valuations, these cards’ average values when redeeming toward transfer partner travel are as follows:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: 1.38 cents per point
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 1.62 cents per point
• Ink Business Preferred: 1.38 cents per point

Take this example with the World of Hyatt program. When we searched for hotels in Miami, Florida, for dates in July of 2024, we found an option to book the Hyatt Regency Miami for 9,000 points or $196 points per night.

When you divide the nightly cash rate by 9,000 points, you can see that this redemption gets you more than 2.1 cents per point.

Important : While not all Chase credit cards let you transfer your rewards to airlines and hotels directly, Chase lets you pool points earned in almost all of their accounts for better redemption options. This means you have the chance to use cash back earned through Chase for point transfers, but only if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Ink Business Preferred to combine points with.

Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for Gift Cards

Redeeming Chase points for gift cards makes it easy to treat yourself or someone else, and you may even get more than one cent per point in value when you do. That’s because Chase frequently features gift card options for 10% off, meaning you can get a $100 gift card for 9,000 points when this promotion applies.

Outside of promotional offers, Chase points are worth 1 cent each for this redemption. Gift card options offered through Chase vary widely but include plenty of fan favorites can include:

• Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
• Virgin Experiences

Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for Amazon or PayPal Purchases

Chase also lets you pay with points at checkout with your PayPal account or on Amazon.com. This redemption option probably seems convenient—and it is—but you’ll want to be aware of the fine print before you go this route.

Points redeemed through Amazon or PayPal are only worth 0.8 cents each, which is less than you would get if you used your card for purchases and then redeemed for statement credits instead.

Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for Dining and Experiences

Chase Sapphire cardmembers can also use their points to book dining options and experiences. Values for these redemptions vary widely but normally work out to approximately 1 cent per point.

Experiences we have seen available to Chase Sapphire cardmembers include options like Peloton classes in New York, New York for 3,500 points or $35 per person, or New York Knicks tickets with hospitality club access and a post-game photo for 38,000 points per $38 per person.

You could even use Chase Ultimate Rewards for a Five Iron Golf Weekend Warrior 3-month pass if you want to fork over 100,000 points (versus $1,000 per person). These can change so check the experiences and dining options currently available at any given time.

Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for Pay Yourself Back

Chase also offers a program called Pay Yourself Back through its rewards program, which was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Pay Yourself Back originally came about as a way to help cardholders get more value for their rewards when travel was limited, this program still exists and offers an elevated redemption rate in certain categories.

For example, cardholders with the Chase Sapphire Reserve previously qualified for the following promotions through Pay Yourself Back:

• 50% more value for charitable contribution redemptions (through March 31, 2024)
• 25% more value for redemptions to cover gas station purchases (through March 31, 2024)
• 25% more value for redemptions to cover grocery store purchases (through March 31, 2024)
• 25% more value to cover annual card membership fees (through March 31, 2024)

Note, however, that Pay Yourself Back options are subject to change and vary by card type.

How To Get the Best Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Value

Because transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners can get you up to 1.62 cents per point in value or more, depending on the card you own, this is the most lucrative option for Chase points by far. However, transferring rewards to another program won’t make sense for everyone, and there are situations where booking travel through the Chase Travel portal yields more flexibility than transfer partners can.

At the end of the day, the best way to use your Chase points depends on the redemption you want to make and your current priorities. This may mean using points to plan a much-needed vacation in a far-flung locale, but it could also mean redeeming rewards for gift cards so you can splurge for something you want. When it comes to Chase Ultimate Rewards points, rewards are yours to use as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does chase let you combine points in one account.

Chase lets you combine all your points from various Chase cards into one account with its “combine points” feature. Not only can you combine cash back earned into travel card accounts, but you can also combine points with another Chase credit card customer as long as they are a member of your household or the owner of the company (in the case of business credit cards).

Do Chase Points Expire?

Chase points have no expiration date as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you close your account without using or transferring your points, you may forfeit your rewards.

Does It Make Sense To Book Travel Through Chase?

Booking travel through Chase Travel is an excellent way to use your points. After all, the Chase portal offers more flexibility with the option to with nearly any airline, hotel or car rental company you can book with elsewhere. If you have the relevant Chase travel credit card, you can also get 25% to 50% more value for your points when booking travel through the portal.

The post What Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Worth? first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

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This Seaside Hotel in India Is One of the Best in the World — With 2 Infinity Pools, an Ayurvedic Spa, and Gorgeous Views

This iconic beachside hotel is under new management, but return guests can still expect excellent service, great food, and a nourishing spa experience.

Prasad Ramamurthy is a former Condé Nast Traveller, India editor with over two decades of reporting experience. He enjoys telling stories about hospitality, food and drink, history, and culture. Having designed a craft-based clothing label, he's uniquely positioned to report on art, design, and the retail experience. 

• Food and Drink

Activities and Amenities

Accessibility and sustainability, how to get the most value out of your stay.

Courtesy of The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

The Leela is back on the map in Kerala.

This iconic beachside hotel is now managed by Canadian asset management company Brookfield, meaning returning guests can again expect the service standards they've come to expect of The Leela, along with excellent food and beverage and a nourishing spa experience.

Apart from the signature Leela mother-of-pearl accents seen throughout, recent additions to the property are the four Kovalam Palace suites. Housed within a palace built for a queen of Travancore, these four suites are outfitted opulently. You could check in and never leave — and who could blame you?

The rooms to book, however, are those in The Club wing, a 56-key section within The Leela Kovalam with its own restaurant, library, plunge pool, and gymnasium. Access to these venues is limited to Club residents, which gives it a sense of seclusion. You’ll be thankful for it, especially when there’s a big fat Indian wedding taking up the rest of the 188-room hotel. But best of all, every room has butler service and a stunning sea view. With a good cocktail in hand, one can quite easily slip into vacation mode while watching the sunset from the balcony of their Club suite.

If The Leela’s location, atop a cliff in the seaside resort town of Kovalam in Kerala, doesn’t do the trick, its lush gardens, two infinity pools, excellent local cuisine, spot-on cocktails, and nourishing ayurvedic massages definitely will. And, let’s not forget the service — attentive and heartfelt. The Leela Kovalam is, in fact, a great getaway for families. There’s a host of activities for children and young adults to keep them occupied and give parents the vacation they paid for.

If there’s a bone to pick, it’s the dated look and feel of the rooms and suites in the oldest section of this sprawling hotel. Designed by the legendary Indian architect, the late Charles Correa, its form is part of architectural lore.

However, the dark wood-heavy interiors and the dark-still bathrooms are out of sync with the embracing effect of the rooms at The Club. The hotel, mind you, began life as a state-run entity 50 years ago. Over the years, it’s changed hands — from the family-run entity that was The Leela group to the Kerala-based chain Raviz Hotels and Resorts, which is now managed by the Brookfields-led version of The Leela.

Its history aside, there are still several pluses to checking in — read on for Travel + Leisure's full review of The Leela Kovalam.

The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

• The Leela sits in a calm corner of the Kovalam seafront and is the only hotel on Grove Beach — with a stretch exclusive to its guests.
• The health-focused Aujasya menu at The Café, available only at breakfast, offers regional dishes such as pearl millet crepes from Andhra Pradesh and savory Bengal gram pancakes from Bihar.
• Kite flying, origami, treasure hunts, jewelry making, cooking, archery, snorkeling, scuba diving, beach volleyball, gardening — the activities on offer check virtually every age and interest box.

The most recent additions to the property are four opulent suites in the old palace built for a queen of Travancore, sitting right on top of the hill. Interestingly, each Kovalam Palace suite is named after a matriarch of the erstwhile ruling family. The rooms to book, though, are the airy, light-filled ones in The Club section of the hotel. They are contemporary in palette and come with spectacular sea views and butler service.

The largest chunk of the hotel’s inventory, the Premier Seaview Rooms, is in the oldest wing of the hotel. The aesthetic of these rooms is defined by dark wood interiors, which seem a bit dated, though some might consider them quaint, like those olden-day Kerala homes, and take a shine to them. The terraces attached to these rooms are great for breakfast and sundowner drinks. The manicured gardens surrounding the villas (on a separate parcel of land away from the rest of the hotel) offer abundant room for children to play.

(Irrespective of the category, my favorite part of The Leela is the in-room snack offering — Calicut halwa, plantain crips, sesame seed and jaggery balls, ginger-flavored candy, amongst other such treats.)

 Food and Drink

The Café at The Club and The Terrace, housed within the main property, serve an array of local, pan-Indian, and international fare. Greek salad, tom yum soup, lamb kebabs, Cajun spiced prawn tacos, grilled beef steak, Hyderabadi biryani, mutton mappas (a Kerala-style preparation in coconut milk), pepperoni pizza, wok-tossed Hakka noodles — you get the drift. For a more focused menu, head to The Tides, the beachside restaurant that skillfully plates up Asian-style seafood dishes alongside others.

Personally, I tend to order local fare — you know, when in Kerala and all that. Skip breakfast one day and order the Royal Travancore Thali or a traditional vegetarian sadya meal for lunch. Both consist of an array of dishes paired with rice indigenous to Kerala. While the former draws its roots from meals prepared in the royal kitchens of Travancore. The latter is served on festive occasions at homes across the state. For children, the menus feature evergreen hits: mac and cheese, loaded French fries, chicken nuggets, and fish fingers.

Never did anyone ever say two infinity pools are too much, especially when they both come with infinity sea views. There are also two state-of-the-art gymnasiums to help avoid post-vacation weight gain.

But the thing to write home about — or these days post about on social media — is the dizzying array of activities on offer. There are treasure hunts, face painting, arts and crafts, dance and swimming tutorials, and kite flying for kids. For young adults, there are archery, mocktail-making classes, mehendi design workshops, scuba diving, and snorkeling sessions, most of which are offered complimentary.

The one activity that even adults will enjoy is visiting the hotel’s two-acre vegetable and herb farm. Nearly 40 percent of the produce used in the kitchens comes from here. On a recent trip, I picked winged beans and moringa leaves, which the chefs then prepped into a satisfying lunch.

Another amenity I’ve truly come to appreciate is their neck-cradling pillows stuffed with spelt husks. It's just one of the many pillows on offer in the hotel’s pillow menu, including hypoallergenic bolsters, bacteria-resistant chimera pillows, and odor-resistant ‘smoker’ pillows.

The Ayurveda-focused spa is a big draw with repeat visitors, some of whom I’m told come for wellness programs that last upwards of three weeks. But even those staying for a few nights could benefit from the alternate healing therapies and massages on offer, such as abhyanga, a full body massage; netra sekam, aimed at improving eyesight; and pizhichil, which is said to improve blood circulation in the body. Those new to Ayurveda should know that this is a gender-specific system with separate areas for men and women.

All 188 rooms at the hotel have walk-in showers, but only two are up to ADA standards, with lowered light switches and roll-in facilities.

The closest attractions, such as the ancient Padmanabhaswamy temple, whose presiding deity is the Hindu god Vishnu, and the Chitralayam Palace Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the Travancore royals, are nine miles away in Thiruvananthapuram. If your time in Kerala is short, consider visiting the backwaters in Poovar, 10 miles from the hotel. You could also do a day-long cruise on picturesque Ashtamudi Lake on The Leela’s houseboat. Brackish water dolphins are often sighted where the lake empties into the Arabian Sea.

GHA Discovery members save up to 15 percent on bookings and additionally get up to seven percent back in Discovery Dollars on spends at the hotel.

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