We’re proud to announce the winners of this 2017 SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice Awards. We spent six months and enlisted eight theme specialists to pick our Editors’ Choice winners, turned it on to you.
Countless SmarterTravel readers voted from traveling categories which range from hotel chains and airlines to travel destinations and gadgets. 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 group.
- Editors’ Choice: Alaska Airlines
- Readers’ Pick: Southwest Airlines
Discover more about all of the finalists and methodology: The Finest U.S. Airlines for 2017
Category: Best Frequent Flyer Program (U.S.-based)
As frequent flyer programs are jeopardized by diminishing value, those two stood out to editors and readers as still providing a good experience to loyalty members:
- Editors’ Choice: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- Readers’ Pick: Southwest Rapid Rewards
Discover more about of the finalists and methodology: The Frequent Flyer Programs for 2017
Category: Greatest Paid Airline Amenity (U.S.-based)
There was no denying both readers and editors in this year’s best paid airline’s top choice amenity category:
- Editors’ Choice: JetBlue Even More Space
- Readers’ Pick: JetBlue Even More Space
Discover more about plan and all of the finalists: Best Paid Airline Amenities 2017
Category: Greatest Free Airline Amenity
Airline amenities are free Nowadays, however a those stand out:
- Editors’ Choice: Porter Airlines lounge accessibility and in-flight amenities
- Readers’ Pick: Air New Zealand’s Economy Skycouch
Discover more about the finalists and plan: Finest Free Airline Cabins 2017
Category: Best Boutique Hotel Chain
Boutique hotels provide relaxation and character. And this year, editors and readers agree about the standout series:
- Editors’ Choice: Kimpton Hotels
- Readers’ Pick: Kimpton Hotels
Discover more about all of of the finalists and methodology: Best Boutique Hotel Chains 2017
Category: Best Hotel Loyalty Program
Readers and editors agree on the best hotel rewards program in 2017:
- Editors’ Choice: Marriott Rewards
- Readers’ Pick: Marriott Rewards
Discover more about of the finalists and methodology: The Best Hotel Loyalty Programs for 2017
Category: Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
This year, editors and readers consented to the credit card That Provides travelers the most bang for every buck:
- Editors’ Choice: Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa
- Readers’ Pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa
Discover more about methodology and the finalists: The Very Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2017
Category: Best Rolling Carry-On
The carry-on that is ideal makes every trip better. Listed below are the top selections from readers and editors for 2017:
- Editors’ Choice: Eagle Creek Tarmac Carry-On
- Readers’ Pick: TravelPro Crew 20″ Expandable Business Plus Rollaboard
Discover more about methodology and the finalists: Greatest Bags of 2017
Category: Best Overall Travel Product
Travel gear must work as equipment to make a place. One product stood out to editors and readers alike, this year:
- Editors’ Choice: Arden Cove Travel Bag
- Readers’ Pick: Arden Cove Travel Bag
Discover more about of the finalists and methodology: Greatest Travel Products of 2017
Category: Best Oddball Product That Really Works
File our product winners under strange-but-effective:
- Editors’ Choice: The Allurette Washer
- Readers’ Pick: SCOTTeVEST Debbie Dress
Discover more about methodology and of the finalists: Greatest Oddball Products That Work, 2017 Edition
Category: Best Worth Tours
Editors and readers agreed that one nation stood out from the rest when it comes this year to delivering good travel worth:
- Editors’ Choice: Portugal
- Readers’ Pick: Portugal
Discover more about of the finalists and methodology: Greatest Value Destinations 2017
Category: Greatest Family Travel Destination
The rivalry was intense for its family destination accolade, but one city that is easy-to-access reigned supreme:
- Editors’ Choice: Montreal, Quebec
- Readers’ Pick: Montreal, Quebec
Discover more about all of the finalists and methodology: 10 Greatest Family Destinations for 2017
Category: Greatest LGBTQI Destination
The winning LGBTI destinations fun this season are welcoming, and have a proud history of culture:
- Editors’ Choice: Berlin
- Readers’ Pick: San Francisco
Discover more about methodology and all of the finalists: Greatest LGBTQI Destinations 2017
Category: Best Up-and-Coming Destination
Off the radar? Not for long term. Here are the editors’ option and viewers’ picks winners for the next vacation destinations:
- Editors’ Choice: Oman
- Readers’ Pick: South Africa
Discover more about all of the finalists and methodology: 10 Up-and-Coming Destinations You Want to Visit at 2017