What are the best travel awards programs?

I have taken a travel job, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice about which hotel/air/car rewards programs have the best rewards and quickest earning? I have to use Hertz or Avis, but everything else is up do me, within reason.What are the best travel awards programs?Hotels



The two major players in this field are Marriott and Hilton. They are pretty equal in terms of accruing points and redeeming them. I personally like the Marriott program as I've been with them for many years. It's fairly easy to find a Marriott brand hotel anywhere around the world, and most companies that we do business with have corporate discounts with the Marriott, so it's easy to stay there all the time.



I do have many colleagues who are on the Hilton bandwagon though. One thing is for sure, no matter where you go around the world, you'll get consistent service and quality of rooms from both of these programs.



Airlines



You have 3 major alliances to choose from - One World, Star Alliance and SkyTeam. I've been loyal to the AAdvantage program because they have the right partnerships in the alliance that allows me to travel pretty much anywhere around the world.



I have heard great things about the Star Alliance, especially with the carriers from Asia Pacific (Singapore Airlines, Thai, etc.). They have the widest number of carriers in the program, but do lack coverage in Latin/South America.



So depending on where you'll be traveling the most, and where you would like to use your miles will determine what is the ideal airline for you.



Cars



I've been with Hertz for many years and I would strongly recommend that you stick with them. Avis is a close second, but Hertz just always seem to go out of the way to get the service that I am looking for.



Here are a couple of sites that you might want to check out to get up to speed in the new world of points addiction.

http://www.frequentflier.com/

http://www.flyertalk.com/



Good luck and safe travels.What are the best travel awards programs?The best airline frequent flyer programs are Continental and Delta. They fly nonstop to almost anywhere in the world. They also are partners with many other good airlines, so you can earn miles if you fly on their partners too. You can apply for a credit card through them and your first purchase gets you 15,000 bonus miles. Then, you can earn 1 to 3 miles for EVERY $1 dollar you spend with the card. So, you can earn a bunch of miles just with your every day shopping, not just flying.