Best in Travel: The 2017 SmarterTravel Editors' Choice and Readers' Picks Winners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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