Some of my favorite books are set along the New England coast in Boston brownstones and small Maine harbor towns, but I've never actually been there myself. Living in Florida, I didn't realize how doable this road trip is. Boston to Portsmouth is about an hour by car, with another hour to Portland, Maine. So my husband and I packed up our bags and headed out to the Northeast to explore lighthouses, historical sites, local bookstores and of course, lobster rolls.

But here's the thing about me: I am always thinking one trip ahead. Even when I'm planning one vacation, I'm always thinking of ways to save toward the next one. That's where the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card comes in. It turns every stop, snack, gas fill-up, meal and souvenir into Hilton Honors™ points for my next dream trip — all for a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

And right now, new Surpass cardmembers can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points, plus a Free Night Reward after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 13, 2027. Terms apply.

Here's how to plan a New England coastal road trip, with tips on how to use the Surpass Card to earn along the way.

Gas, snacks and quick lunch detours also add up: the Surpass card earns 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, to really make it worth your while on a road trip. The Surpass card includes complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® Status (enrollment in the National Car Rental Emerald Club through your American Express online account required to access Executive status, terms apply ), so you can skip the counter when you land.

When my flight arrived at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), I went straight to the Executive area in the parking garage to choose my preferred vehicle.

Surpass card editor tip : Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status gives you space-available room upgrades at select properties, daily food and beverage credits at select brands in the U.S. or complimentary continental breakfast at select brands outside of the U.S., an 80% bonus on base points earned during stays, and the fifth night free on standard room stays booked entirely with points.

Tucked between downtown and Boston's historic North End, I stayed at Canopy by Hilton Boston Downtown, within walking distance of Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and TD Garden.