We’re proud to announce the winners of the 2017 SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice Awards. We spent six months and enlisted eight subject experts to select our Editors’ Choice winners, and then turned it over to you, our readers.
Thousands of SmarterTravel readers voted for their favorites in travel categories ranging from airlines and hotel chains to travel gadgets and up-and-coming destinations. Both the Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Picks winners are listed below.
Congratulations to the 2017 winners!
Category: Best U.S.-Based Airline
Two favorite airlines outperformed the competition in the best U.S.-based airline category.
- Editors’ Choice: Alaska Airlines
- Readers’ Pick: Southwest Airlines
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: The Best U.S. Airlines for 2017
Category: Best Frequent Flyer Program (U.S.-based)
As more frequent flyer programs are undermined by decreasing value, these two stood out to editors and readers as still delivering a good experience to loyalty members:
- Editors’ Choice: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- Readers’ Pick: Southwest Rapid Rewards
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: The Best Frequent Flyer Programs for 2017
Category: Best Paid Airline Amenity (U.S.-based)
There was no denying the top choice of both editors and readers in this year’s best paid airline amenity category:
- Editors’ Choice: JetBlue Even More Space
- Readers’ Pick: JetBlue Even More Space
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best Paid Airline Amenities 2017
Category: Best Free Airline Amenity
Few airline amenities are free these days, but a these two stand out:
- Editors’ Choice: Porter Airlines lounge access and in-flight amenities
- Readers’ Pick: Air New Zealand’s Economy Skycouch
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best Free Airline Amenities 2017
Category: Best Boutique Hotel Chain
Boutique hotels offer comfort and character. And this year, editors and readers agree on the standout chain:
- Editors’ Choice: Kimpton Hotels
- Readers’ Pick: Kimpton Hotels
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best Boutique Hotel Chains 2017
Category: Best Hotel Loyalty Program
Editors and readers agree on the best hotel rewards program in 2017:
- Editors’ Choice: Marriott Rewards
- Readers’ Pick: Marriott Rewards
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: The Best Hotel Loyalty Programs for 2017
Category: Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
This year, editors and readers agreed on the credit card that offers travelers the most bang for every buck:
- Editors’ Choice: Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa
- Readers’ Pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2017
Category: Best Rolling Carry-On
The right carry-on makes every trip better. Here are our top picks from editors and readers for 2017:
- Editors’ Choice: Eagle Creek Tarmac Carry-On
- Readers’ Pick: TravelPro Crew 20″ Expandable Business Plus Rollaboard
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best Carry-On Bags of 2017
Category: Best Overall Travel Product
Travel gear has to work twice as hard as everyday gear to earn a place by your side on vacation. This year, one product stood out to editors and readers alike:
- Editors’ Choice: Arden Cove Travel Bag
- Readers’ Pick: Arden Cove Travel Bag
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best Travel Products of 2017
Category: Best Oddball Product That Actually Works
File our oddball product winners under strange-but-effective:
- Editors’ Choice: The Allurette Washer
- Readers’ Pick: SCOTTeVEST Debbie Dress
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best Oddball Products That Actually Work, 2017 Edition
Category: Best Value Destination
Editors and readers agreed that one country stood out from the rest when it comes to delivering great travel value this year:
- Editors’ Choice: Portugal
- Readers’ Pick: Portugal
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best Value Destinations 2017
Category: Best Family Travel Destination
The competition was intense for the top family destination accolade, but one easy-to-access city reigned supreme:
- Editors’ Choice: Montreal, Quebec
- Readers’ Pick: Montreal, Quebec
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: 10 Best Family Destinations for 2017
Category: Best LGBTQI Destination
The winning LGBTI destinations this year are welcoming, fun, and have a proud history of gay culture:
- Editors’ Choice: Berlin
- Readers’ Pick: San Francisco
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: Best LGBTQI Destinations 2017
Category: Best Up-and-Coming Destination
Off the radar? Not for long. Here are the editors’ choice and readers’ picks winners for the next great vacation destinations:
- Editors’ Choice: Oman
- Readers’ Pick: South Africa
Discover more about all the finalists and methodology: 10 Up-and-Coming Destinations You Need to Visit in 2017
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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