Hi and welcome to FlyerTalk. As I'm sure you realize, your question is wide,wide open and there is really no one answer. None of us know where you are from (affects which airlines and alliance you use), where you travel to, how you like to travel, how much you spend each year,etc.

That said, here are some thoughts:

1. Don't get an airline card. You might collect miles in only one airline but when you want to travel, frequent flyer seats might only be available on a different airline.

2. Most of us have had the best success with the Starwood (SPG) American Express card. It's very easy to get hotel rooms from Starwood, their redemption levels remain reasonable compared to the industry and they have an award called Cash and Points which allows people without a great stash of points to get rooms for a small amount of points and a small amount of cash. In addition, points can be transferred to almost any airline but transfers to Continental and United are at an unfavorable rate (that's why it matters where you live!). And those transfers come with a 25% bonus.

3. Think of the airlines you fly and the hotels that make the most sense. Go to those threads on FT and looks at the threads on the top of the page. They are called "Stickies" are are full of basic information that can acquaint you with the ins and outs of the programs.

4. Just sign on every day and browse around. I'm 62 and have been doing this stuff well for 8-9 years. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I started 39 years ago!

Good luck!