Look at the calendar - summer has come! Everybody loves summer, the season of vacations and trips. For many families, summer means going to other states and countries. Some people prefer lying on the beach and getting a tan, while others enjoy visiting museums and galleries. However, not every budget can allow traveling. If you don't want to spend a fortune on your summer vacations, there is a way to save money. Just use your credit card to take free trips - or at least, extremely discounted vacations. Here are several ways how credit cards can reduce your travel expenses.

Airline Tickets. If you're going somewhere, you need a way to get there! Air miles credit cards offer you to earn points that can be redeemed for free airline tickets or other travel-related items and services. For example, you can book business class compartment for an economy-class fare. Moreover, there are credit cards that offer free companion tickets. They are a good choice if you're traveling with a partner.

Hotel Stays. The next point to consider is a hotel. Many travelers pay attention only to the cost of flights. Trying to find low cost airline tickets, they forget that they actually spend more money on hotel accommodation. Hotel rewards credit cards will let you reduce your expenses and stay in popular hotels for free! Making everyday purchases, you will be able to earn points redeemable for free hotel stays, complimentary drinks or meals, upgrade opportunities, discounts at Spa centers and restaurants. Some hotel rewards credit cards enable you to transfer your hotel points into an equivalent match in frequent flier miles, so you can get free airline tickets as well.

Cash Back. The other thing you need on vacation is cash. Cash back credit cards can act like a savings account. If you are going on vacation, accumulate cash back rewards and get the check before the trip. If you make a lot of purchases, you can add a significant amount to your budget. However, be careful: there can be caps to the amount of cash you can earn.

Gasoline Discounts. If your idea of a good vacation or trip involves hitting the open road, consider a gasoline reward program. It is a good way to save money on the high costs of fueling up. Gasoline credit cards offer up to 5% rebates on gas purchases plus other exciting premiums, for example money-saving discounts on car maintenance.

Travel Insurances. Why purchase travel insurances when you can get them for free? There are hundreds of credit cards that offer protection from most troubles while you are on vacation. For example, Gold MasterCard plastics provide baggage delay coverage, hotel/motel burglary coverage, travel assistance services, MasterRental insurance and Master RoadAssist service.

Park Theme Deals. What family doesn't want to take a trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Park? If you are in that boat, look for co-branded entertainment credit cards offering specific rewards programs. They will help you get free theme park tickets and annual passes, special vacation packages, exclusive 'money can't buy' experiences and merchandise.

Regional Discounts. There are entertainment rewards credit cards designed for the citizens or visitors of a specific city or region. Having such a plastic, you can redeem points for local events and get discounts from local merchants. If you frequently travel to Chicago, LA, or New York, pay attention to IN:LA, IN:Chicago and IN:NYC credit cards from American Express.