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Barbecues are getting smarter, faster, and more portable. Here are six tested favorites. 

Char-Broil SmartChef GasĚý($600)

The Internet of Things now includes your barbecue. pairs with an app that lets you adjust the temperature via Wi-Fi. The Tru-Infrared system—a steel plate between the cooking surface and the heat source that distributes power evenly—got the grill hot in about eight minutes. Note: must be plugged in.

Big Green Egg MiniMaxĚý($599)

There’s a reason the charcoal-fired has a cult following: it can smoke, grill, roast, and bake. We love that it infuses whatever it’s cooking with a rich hit of smoke. Dialing in the vent system, which controls temperature, does take some effort. But once you master it, you’ll be hooked on the Egg.

UCO FlatpackĚý($50)

Folding up to just 1.5 inches thick, slips into even the most overstuffed packs. It deploys in a single motion (think camp chair) and cooks with charcoal or wood. The grilling surface fits a couple of steaks, and while they’ll take longer to cook than with gas, the end result has smoky goodness that only flames can provide.

Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion PropaneĚý($219)

When you want to spend more time playing cornhole and less time baby-sitting your burner, is the way to go. It’s powerful and even-heated enough to cook five generous burgers or a mess of brats with minimal tending. The lid has low clearance, so if you’re grilling anything huge, you’ll have to leave it up.

Primus KuchomaĚý($180)

Small but mighty, the nine-pound cranks out an impressive 8,500 BTUs when equipped with a propane canister. My test grill easily charred four turkey burgers in about ten minutes and still had plenty of fuel left for bacon the following morning. With its matte black finish and oak handle, the Kuchoma is also the best-looking cooker here.

PK Grills PKTX ($399)

Made of rustproof and virtually unbreakable cast aluminum, the will probably outlive you. While it’s not the most travel-friendly model we tested, the collapsible base means it’s as happy on uneven dirt as on your deck. It takes some fiddling to get the vents positioned just right, but once we did, the PKTX seared four big pork chops with ease.

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Ashley Lloyd Surfboards Gordon’s Egg ($950)

As one of the few top-level female shapers in the world, Ashley Lloyd Thompson designed to perform in anything from waist-high to overhead waves.

Nomadix Mud Cloth Towel ($40)

The superabsorbent, slip-resistant fabric comes from recycled plastic. doubles as a yoga mat and folds up to the size of a tablet.

Coola Mineral Sport SPF 50 Tinted Organic Sunscreen Stick ($26)

This is . Made from natural ingredients (like coconut and avocado oils), it won’t leave you streaky white.

Picture Grace 2.2 WetsuitĚý($160)

Crafted from recycled tires, limestone pellets, and polyester, is an amazingly soft and stretchy summerweight suit. It gets extra points for the flattering cut.

Goldenwest Goods Shibori Indigo Board BagĚý($170)

Handmade and dyed in California, protects your board where it’s most threatened: on the way to and from the beach.

Reef Escape Lux Print SandalsĚý($28)

These ain’t your average flip-flops. The provide cushioning and arch support, while the oval-shaped toe posts offer comfort without chafing.

Dakine Cyclone 27LĚý°Őote PackĚý($110)

This shoulder-carry has an exterior sealed compartment, should you need to separate soggy wetsuits from phone and wallet. And it converts to a pack if you prefer.

Patagonia Nanogrip NiretaĚý°Őop and Bottom ($70 and $75)

Pairing cheeky bottoms with a racerback top, this suit’s durable recycled nylon-spandex jersey stays in place and feels great in and out of the water.

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Wildwood Grill Master Collection Planks and Smoking ChipsĚý($25)

Different woods—like the hickory, cherry, maple, cedar, and alder in —bring out different flavors.

Field Company #10 Field Skillet ($135)

A cast-iron skillet is a great way to diversify your grilling game, from cheesy corn bakes to pizzas. is a preseasoned 11.5-inch pan that’ll last a lifetime and develop a nonstick patina the more you use it. Thanks to thinner construction, it’s smoother (so more delicate meals don’t break apart) and 25 percent lighter than comparable pieces.

Weber iGrill2 Smart ThermometerĚý($110)

The lets you monitor your meal with your phone while grabbing more beers and guac. You’ll get a ping when you’ve hit that perfect medium rare.

The UCO Flatpack Grill ($50)

Folding up to just 1.5 inches thick, this slips into even the most overstuffed packs. It deploys in a single motion (think camp chair) and cooks with charcoal or wood. The grilling surface fits a couple of steaks, and while they’ll take longer to cook than with gas, the end result has a smoky goodness that only flames can provide. —A.C. Shilton

Moore and Giles Capps Leather Work ApronĚý($375)

Grilling is a messy job if you’re doing it right. has two front pockets big enough to fit at least four utensils. Plus, the full-grain aniline leather looks better with use.

Growlerwerks uKeg 64 Pressurized GrowlerĚý($159)

Think of the uKeg as . Instead of a screw cap that lets all the carbonation escape, there’s a tap handle for pulling frothy pints. The pressurized unit keeps half a gallon (four pints) of beer cold for up to two weeks.

'Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto'Ěý($30)

Elevate your ’cue with lessons from a true master. , written by the founder of the titular Austin, Texas, BBQ joint, details recipes, smoker construction, and wood selection.

Grill Armor GlovesĚý($30)

Toss your clumsy old oven mitts. are made with a blend of extremely strong, fire-resistant fibers, so they won’t ignite or melt when exposed to an open flame—they’re rated to withstand temperatures up to 932 degrees.

Cuisinart 14-Piece Deluxe Grill SetĚý($40)

Barbecue chefs are only as good as their tools. includes a spatula (with a built-in bottle opener), tongs, basting brush, grill–cleaning brush, and eight corn holders. All 14 pieces are made with stainless steel, so you know they’ll last.

Treehouse Brewing Company Haze Double IPA ($4.30)

This Massachusetts brewery is a household name among beer geeks, and Haze is . Tropical and citrusy without too much bitterness, it pairs well with bold, savory flavors from the grill.

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A proper sun hat should protect your face, eyes, and neck without making you look like you’re an avid birder on a safari. We’ve gathered some of the best-looking and highest-rated beach hats on the internet into a single list to help keep you protected from the sun this summer. Happy beachgoing!

Dakine Indo Surf Hat ($35)

I’ve lost so many baseball caps to embarrassing wipeouts. fixes that problem with a poly fabric that floats and an optional chin strap that keeps the hat tight on your lid. There’s even a deployable neck cover if you want extra coverage.

Pistil Suzette ($42)

A wide brim obviously offers more coverage and is absolutely appropriate at the Kentucky Derby, but sometimes the occasion calls for a more stylish fedora. is a 100-percent straw hat that’s super low-key for when you want some sun protection without looking like a Southern debutante. We dig the soft interior headband that eliminates any straw scratchiness.

Patagonia Wavefarer Bucket Hat ($39)

has that classic ’60s surf-film aesthetic but adds some handy elements like a UPF 50+ rating and a foam brim that provides a bit of structure while helping the hat float if something goes awry. You can also roll it up and pack it away without doing any structural damage, making it a must-have for any beach bag.

O’Neill Sonoma ($20)

Get full coverage and a fun “where’s the party” vibe with . It’s made from 100-percent sea straw and has a soft inner brim and headband, as well as a drawcord that locks down in case of heavy winds.

Prana Dora Hat ($42)

gives you full coverage from the sun in a surprisingly chic package that folds up so you can pack it in a beach bag. The five-inch brim goes all the way around, is made from 100 percent straw, and has a UPF 50 rating.

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The tank top should be a staple of your summer wardrobe, whether you’re day drinking by the pool or knocking out an intense cardio session. We found five must-have tank tops that the internet absolutely loves, and they’re all under $50.

Vuori Strato Tank ($40)

Yoga, trail running, farmer’s market— is a technical tank built to move, thanks to its poly/spandex blend that creates a moisture-wicking, odor-fighting workout staple. But it’s so damn soft that you’ll want to wear it every day.

La Sportiva Dude ($30)

Coming from a brand like La Sportiva, which has technical chops to spare, you’d think this piece would be built for high-octane pursuits, but this is all about next-to-skin comfort. The Dude abides.

The North Face Flight Better Than Naked ($45)

Consider this your . The 100 percent poly knit incorporates TNF’s FlashDry tech to wick and dry fast and has an antimicrobial treatment to battle funk. When you’re training hard and want people to know you haven’t been skipping arm day, this is your choice.

Stoic Aloha ($18)

Island vibes. That’s what this brings to the party. You won’t want to run a marathon in it, but relaxing poolside is totally within its confines.

Under Armour Threadborne Swyft Singlet ($40)

is as close as you can get to going shirtless while still adhering to social norms, thanks to the mesh side and back panels and super-light poly construction. The fit is tight enough to feel like a performance shirt without getting weird.

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I call Albuquerque, New Mexico, home. This Southwestern city sits at 5,300 feet, meaning that while temps don’t get as hot as in, say, Phoenix, the sun beats down with extra intensity due to the higher elevation. I have to wear pants to work, but the minute I get home and during all my weekend adventures, I’m in shorts. Over the years as an şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editor and now as a contributor, I’ve tested many different pairs. What follows are six of my favorites.

Proof Nomad ($68)

If you want one pair of shorts for beer drinking, rock climbing, bike riding, taxi chasing, stargazing, campfire starting, hammock lounging, whatever…here you go. Thanks to the four-way-stretch material, these shorts have an incredible range of motion, so they’ll go anywhere and do almost anything. Bonus: The fabric is also stain-resistant.

Patagonia Stretch Wavefarer Walk ($69)

These go great with a T-shirt and flip-flops. But when the party gets rowdy and you end up in the pool, they work equally well as swim trunks. They’re not quite as stretchy as the Nomad, but they dry significantly faster. Plus, each pair of Wavefarer shorts is Fair Trade certified and Bluesign approved, which means the workers are paid fairly and the production is as environmentally friendly as possible.

Myles Apparel Momentum 2.0 ($58)

At first glance, you can’t tell whether these shorts are for trail running, swimming, lounging on your couch, or proving you’re not afraid to wear something that falls a couple inches above the knee. Turns out, they’re for all of the above. Because of the shorter cut and breathable material, these shorts are great for morning runs or workouts at the gym, but they also have just enough style for wearing to lunch. I live in them at home because they have a ton of built-in spandex, which makes them just as comfy as sweats or yoga pants.

Grayers Newport Garment-Dyed Canvas ($65)

All the shorts listed so far have some kind of technical chops. The shorts, by contrast, are just plain-old nicely tailored cotton shorts that don’t make you look like you get your shopping advice from şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř magazine. Built from a super-soft pin dot cotton, they go well with cold lemonade and a short-sleeve button-down shirt at the weekend barbecue. Bonus: A touch of spandex ensures just enough stretch to allow you to crush a game of kickball.

Faherty Brand All Day ($83)

If the Patagonia Wavefarer shorts go well with a T-shirt, these shorts go well with a polo. They’re made mostly from recycled plastic bottles but look like high-end cotton, so you can wear them with a pair of loafers. But don’t count them out when it comes to adventure. Thanks to the synthetic fabric, these shorts do just fine in the water and dry in minutes. I also dig the built-in drawstring, which eliminates the need for a belt.

Roark Revival Chiller Tourister ($60)

The  boardshorts are fast-drying and loud as hell, making them most at home in the water or on a surfboard. But match them with a pair of flip-flops and a tank top and you’ll fit right in wherever you go. If you’ve never heard of Roark Revival before, spend a minute browsing . The brand is rough around the edges and also a little mysterious, which only makes its gear more appealing.

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Catch the Wind

Playa Norte, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico

It’s hard to imagine that anywhere close to Cabo could feel like a secret, let alone a sanctuary. But if you head north instead of south on Highway 1 from Los Cabo International Airport, you’ll discover the wilder side of Baja. Unlike the rough waters of the Pacific coast, the East Cape borders the glassy, bathtub-warm Gulf of California, making it ideal for snorkeling, paddling, and wind sports. In winter the town of Los Barriles, with its wide, flat beaches, turns into a kiteboarding and windsurfing mecca, but in summer you’ll likely have the sand to yourself. Just outside town you’ll find the 30-acre, waterfront . With short- and long-term leases, it’s the kind of place that makes you consider quitting your job and living the simple life. —Jen Murphy

Tour Wild Shores

Hobuck Beach, Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Point your compass northwest and eventually you’ll hit Hobuck Beach, on the tip of Washington’s rugged Olympic Peninsula. Surrounded by mountains and rainforest, Hobuck’s isolated shore is protected from storms by a pair of rocky points and offers consistent surf for anglers and boarders nearly year-round. The water is cold—neoprene is a must—but between bald eagle sightings and rambles amid the evergreens that line this forgotten coastline, your frozen fingers will forgive you. Summer is your best bet for sunshine; winter is prime for empty lineups and solitude. For hiking, check out Cape Flattery or trek down to Shi Shi Beach. Both trailheads are located just minutes from , which offers camping (from $25) and cabins (from $115) all year. —Kade Krichko

Kick Back in Time

Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island, Florida

Everything about this barrier island is old-school, from the legend of its 18th-century namesake, Spanish pirate José Gaspar, to its Victorian lighthouse. The three-square-mile isle, located an hour’s drive from Sarasota and over a causeway, is as laid-back as Florida gets. No buildings rise higher than three stories, and no retail chains are allowed. In-stead the focus is on the beach and the languid turquoise waters beyond. Bird-watch at Gasparilla Island State Park, paddleboard the Gulf of Mexico, fish for trophy tarpon, or day-trip to nearby Cayo Costa for nine miles of pristine sand. , an elegant hotel straight out of a Tennessee Williams play, has a private beach on the Gulf side where guests swim, lounge, or take wind- or kitesurfing lessons (from $265). —Stephanie Pearson

Find Fresh Water

Twelvemile Beach, Pictured Rocks National, Lakeshore, Michigan

While the water is clean and cold—averaging just 59 degrees in the summer—this pebble-strewn sugar-sand beach lining Lake Superior’s southern shore looks like the azure Caribbean, due to the sun’s reflection off the surrounding 500-million-year-old sandstone. Arrive early in the day (9 A.M.) or early in the season (mid-June) to nab one of 36 rustic sites in the first-come, first-served , some of which are right on the water. From there, zip into a wetsuit, launch a sea kayak, and paddle stunning shoreline of cliffs and geologic formations like Chapel Rock, a 4,000-year-old freestanding sandstone column. Rent your boat at Grand Marais Outfitters, or get in on a guided tour with Munising-based Pictured Rocks Kayaking. —S.P.

Learn to Surf

Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica

A consistent swell and downward dog—that’s why most people come to this village on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Waves break all year off Playa Guiones, a surprisingly empty four-mile belt of jungle-rimmed beach, and range from beginner-friendly to double-overhead. The sandy bottom and excellent local instruction—try a day lesson with Coconut Harry’s or the weeklong Surf Simply camp—make it one of the world’s best places to learn. You’ll notice a plethora of gorgeous yogis walking around sipping kale juice, thanks to the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort and the Blue Spirit yoga retreat, both of which host accomplished visiting instructors. Grab dinner at La Luna, where everyone goes to watch the sunset over Playa Pelada. Stay at the centrally located (from $370). —Mary Turner

Land the Big One

Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, Louisiana

The Creole State is better known for bayous than beaches, but head south and you’ll find Grand Isle, where golf carts are the preferred transportation and mom-and-pop restaurants, like the Starfish Diner, serve seriously good seafood. Campers flock to 150-acre Grand Isle State Park and fall asleep to the sound of the surf. But the real draw here: the 280 species of fish found offshore. In summer, Captain Danny Wray of Calmwater Charters will guide you to speckled trout aboard a 22-foot catamaran, and in the fall he leads kayak trips into the marshes to stalk redfish. Come July, fishermen from around the globe descend for the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. It’s touted as the country’s oldest fishing tournament, so expect big catches, crab races, and a shrimp boil. —J.M.

Entertain the Kids

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Poipu has dreamy swaying palms, soft yellow sand, and curling surf breaks, but this three-quarer-mile expanse of three golden crescents on Kauai’s south side is perfect for another reason. Unlike the fierce Pacific swells that batter the island’s north shore, the water here is gentle enough to swim, snorkel, SUP, and catch waves year-round. There are public showers, a brand-new playground, and a protected natural keiki pool for the grommets. Experienced surfers paddle to the outer reef, while rookies take lessons at Poipu Beach Surf School on beginner waves like Lemon Drops. It’s worth soaking up Old Koloa Town’s classic aloha vibe or tackling the Kukui Trail, a five-mile out-and-back that drops 2,000 feet into Waimea Canyon, the iconic Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Splurge on a room at Koa Kea Hotel and Resort (from $429). Just steps from the shore, its spa offers seaside treatments like sunburn-rescue wraps. —S.P.  

Snag Your Own Private Island

Hotel ±ő˛ő±ô˛ą˛Ô»ĺ,ĚýLake Ouachita, Arkansas

With 40,000 acres of famously clear water, endless bays, and nearly 200 islands—all of which are open to camping—Arkansas’s Lake Ouachita has plenty of beaches. One of the best, Hotel, is really a mini archipelago comprised of three islands dotted by sandy coves. Pick up a free map of the man-made lake when you rent a SUP, kayak, fishing skiff, or ski-boat from the Lake Ouachita State Park marina, on the east side of the lake. After claiming your isle, fish for trophy bass, water-ski, scuba-dive in search of rare freshwater jellyfish, or paddle the 16-mile Ouachita Geo Float Trail, which traces the intricate sedimentary rocks along the shoreline. Meanwhile, from the Brady Mountain Recreational Area, you can run or ride the 40-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, designated Epic by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. —S.P.

Explore Reefs and Wrecks

Loggerhead Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

This collection of seven small islands, accessible only by boat, is one of the most remote national parks. Loggerhead Key, a 49-acre isle filled with coconut groves and a lighthouse surrounded by a ring of empty white-sand beach and some of the best snorkeling in the U.S., is the gem of the lot. Little Africa, a coral reef just off its western shore, is teeming with so many tropical fish, you’ll think you’re inside an aquarium. For something more adventurous, venture a mile south to the Windjammer wreck, a 19th-century ship submerged in just 20 feet of water. Rent kayaks and book a passage on the Yankee Freedom III in Key West. The ferry will drop you at Garden Key, home of imposing Fort Jefferson. From there it’s a three-mile paddle to Loggerhead with the lighthouse to guide your way. —Graham Averill

Escape the City

Beacon’s Beach, Encinitas, California

The steep and winding dirt path that leads down the 80-foot-high bluff from surf-centric Encinitas to Beacon’s Beach is a blessing and a curse. It can feel precarious if you’re hauling a surfboard or a toddler, but the short trek—and limited parking on Neptune Avenue—keeps the crowds away from this secluded city-run beach, named after a flashing clifftop beacon used during World War II. Most come for a swim or a sunrise surf, but there’s enough golden sand for barefoot walks at low tide, too. Don’t know how to surf? Veteran instructor Kahuna Bob will teach you. Need a rental board? Stop by Progression Surf, just blocks away on Highway 101, then grab an Americano and an egg and avocado breakfast sandwich from nearby Coffee Coffee. Finish the day with a pitcher of sangria at . —M.M.

Camp on the Sand

Portsmouth Island, Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina  

It’s easy to overlook Portsmouth Island. The 250-acre Outer Banks isle sits in the popular Cape Lookout National Seashore, but it has no permanent residents, no paved roads, no shops or Putt-Putt courses. In other words, it’s perfect. Catch the ferry from the town of Atlantic on the mainland and explore the miles of shore along its eastern coast with a 4×4. As part of Cape Lookout, the only region in the Outer Banks where you can camp on the beach, this might be the best excuse ever to use a rooftop tent. Explore the 18th-century ghost town of Portsmouth Village, and bring a shortboard for the beach break, a rake for hunting quahogs, and plenty of fishing gear for the drum and snapper lurking in the deep blue water. —G.A.

Island Hop

Cape Bay Beach, LaHave Islands, Nova Scotia

Canada might seem more suited to thick beards and chunky sweaters than board shorts and sunscreen, but this eastern province has pris-tine beaches in spades. Case in point: the LaHave Islands, a group of 20 small isles punctuated by white sand lining thick pine forests. A road bridges the more populated islands, but it’s worth paddling to the out-lying landmasses. The kayaking is mellow if you stick to the protected channels, but experienced paddlers should search for seals hunting in False LaHave Bay. Pitch a tent on Cape LaHave Island, which is pub-lic land, and head for Cape Bay Beach, with a half-mile’s worth of dunes and bodysurfing. offers a food-centric multi-day excursion, with boiled lobster, clams, and oysters on the beach every night. —G.A.

Act Like a Local

Cinnamon Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay in Virgin Islands National Park may be St. John’s most famous beach, but locals know to head one odometer click north. Cinnamon Bay has ample sandy real estate, sky blue water, shady nooks under sea grape trees, and the best bodysurfing and people-watching on the island—which, though still recovering from the 2017 hurricane season, is open for business. Hail an open-air taxi in Cruz Bay, St. John’s main settlement, then work up a sweat on the Cinnamon Bay Trail, a two-mile round-trip that starts near old plantation ruins. Cinnamon Bay Water Sports rents paddleboards, kayaks, and Hobie Cats, and offers sailing lessons, too. If you don’t want to deal with coming and going, book an eco-tent at , just off the beach (from $104). —Devon O’Neil

Surf Empty Sets

Cannon Beach, Yakutat, Alaska

Southeast Alaska’s Lost Coast, a remote tract jokingly called the Far North Shore, has long lured devoted surfers with the promise of crowd-free waves and a dramatic wilderness backdrop. After the 55-minute flight from Juneau to the community of Yakutat, head over to Icy Waves Surf Shop, where owner Jack Endicott can outfit you and direct you to the best breaks. Cannon Beach has consistently good surf in summer, and after storms the 14-mile stretch of sand is a beachcomber’s dream, with finds like Japanese fishing floats— spheres of blue glass once used to keep nets afloat. In winter, water temps drop below 40 degrees, but the swell rises to tow-in-worthy heights. After an icy session in a five- or six-millimeter wetsuit, warm up over buttered rum and fresh halibut at . —J.M.  

Discover Your Inner Artist

The Outer Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This 40-mile band of untouched Atlantic coastline, which curves gently from Chatham to Provincetown, offers something rare in the densely populated Northeast: solitude. Protected from development as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the region has long attracted and inspired luminaries including Henry David Thoreau, Jackson Pollock, and playwright Eugene O’Neill, who once called it “a grand place to be alone and undisturbed.” Biking and walking trails wind through the dunes, marshes, and ponds. Entrance fees, collected at the park’s visitor centers and six beaches, are required in summer for access. Afterward, stop by to book a guided trip of the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District, full of artist shacks from the 1920s, some of which are still in use today. —Ian Aldrich

Earn Your Sand

Wildcat Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California  

Alamere Falls, on the southern end of remote Wildcat Beach, sucks people in like a siren call. It’s an Insta-worthy sight, to be sure, with water tumbling 30 feet down sheer sandstone thick with moss before forming a small creek that meanders into the Pacific. But a visit to Wildcat Beach isn’t about social-media glory. It’s about the two and a half miles of remote shoreline caught between the cliffs and the Pacific and the mandatory 5.5-mile hike through Point Reyes National Seashore to get there. From the Palomarin Trailhead you’ll weave through eucalyptus groves, skirt inland ponds, and crest seaside crags before ever setting foot on sand. When you do, continue a mile south to see the waterfall, or head north for solitude among the sea stacks. The trek is best done as a two-day out-and-back, with a stay at , located in a meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Or go all-in and link several beaches together for a full hike of the 17-mile Coast Trail. —G.A. 

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At a recent happy hour, a friend boldly claimed that the Chase Sapphire Preferred card was the only travel credit card worth having. I argued that, living in the Northwest, Alaska Airline’s card was best. Another friend, an ardent Southwest Airlines disciple, began listing all the reasons that carrier’s credit card was second to none. This lively discussion clearly warranted a bit of research. Comparing cost, signing bonuses, and other perks, as well as the airlines themselves, here are the top picks.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

If you’re not loyal to a particular airline, . Use your points toward flights on any airline, with discounts if you book flights, cars, and hotels through the company’s travel portal.

Annual Cost: $0 for the first year, then $95

Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus 30,000 bonus points if you spend $30,000 in the first year.

Extra Perks

• 25 percent off airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises when you book through Chase’s rewards portal.
• One-to-one transfer of points to most leading frequent-travel programs.
• Double points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants worldwide.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• No blackout dates.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

Alaska Airlines is a stellar carrier—on-time flights, great service, decent food, free beer and wine—and it just merged with Virgin America, so there are now 1,200 flights a day to more than 115 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The card has , such as an annual companion fare and mileage bonuses that are easy to redeem.

Annual Cost: $75

Sign-Up Bonus: 30,000 bonus miles after you make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first three months, plus buy one ticket, get one free.

Extra Perks

• One companion fare every year that allows a friend to fly with you for only $99 plus tax.
• Free checked bag for you and up to six other passengers.
• Triple miles for every $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• No blackout dates.
• Rack up miles on travel partners including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Emirates, Quantas, and more.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card

Like Alaska’s plastic, for the frequent domestic traveler, and if you’ve ever been at the tail end of the Southwest boarding process/cattle call, you understand the benefit of an early check-in. And, of course, there’s the biggest perk of flying Southwest: no change fees, a huge bonus when most airlines charge more than $150.

Annual Cost: $99

Sign-Up Bonus: 40,000 points when you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Extra Perks

• Two points per dollar spent on Southwest flights.
• Two points per dollar on hotels and car rental partner purchases.
• 6,000-point anniversary bonus.
• Southwest Companion Pass: Earn 110,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points within a single calendar year and you get to designate one person who can fly with you free of charge.

Gold Delta SkyMiles American Express

is accepted at fewer places, but this card comes with some exclusive perks, including roadside assistance, car rental and travel accident insurance, and the Global Assist hotline, which provides 24/7 medical, legal, and financial services, plus select emergency coordination and assistance.

Annual Cost: $0 for the first year, then $95

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months, plus a $50 statement credit after making a Delta purchase in the first three months.

Extra Perks

• Earn two miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• Check your first bag free on Delta flights.
• Priority boarding.
• Discounted Delta Sky Club access.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Honorable Mention: United MileagePlus Explorer Card

Though with benefits comparable to the others on the list, United Airlines as a carrier brings the value down a notch, being ranked consistently lower than the other airlines featured here in customer satisfaction and quality. Consider this option if you live in or often travel through its hub cities of Houston, Denver, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Tokyo, London, Frankfurt, or Guam.

Annual Cost: $0 for the first year, then $95

Sign-Up Bonus: 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Extra Perks

• Two miles per dollar spent on tickets purchased from United.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Priority boarding.
• Two one-time United Club passes each year for your anniversary.
• Free first checked bag for yourself and a companion.

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