I'm looking for some advice on picking rewards programs. I take lots of road trips within the USA and love to travel, was hoping to get some advice on the best hotel loyalty program I should sign up with so I can start reaping some of the benefits of staying at so many hotels. I don't want to just sign up with every program at every hotel I stay at(some have suggested this to me) because I'll just lose track.
I would like a chain that is diverse in locations as I take diverse trips. I frequently enjoy hiking and rural outdoors/rugged or cheap vacations but also enjoy the occasional city vacation or resort accommodations type trips. I'm also interested in a chain that has a lot of pet friendly locations.
I was thinking about going with 2 programs: one a little more upscale(Hilton) and a more budget conscious motel type chain(La Quinta?). I've heard La Quinta is pet friendly but don't know about Hilton. Do these chains have good rewards programs?
Also looking for any recommendations on the best airline to sign up with. I fly within the U.S. most often but would like to eventually redeem the points for international flights.
Thanks for any help.