I'm hoping that you can help me decide what is the best approach for me:

My criteria:
i dont have a lot of time to manage various programs and deals
infrequent flyer
some hotel stays that do not include air
i use my debit/credit cards alot
syracuse, ny airport, also fly out of jfk
i typically use sites like expedia, orbitz, ect to find the lowest fares/rooms, but im not entirely opposed to paying a little more to accumulate rewards faster

since im mainly a price shopper and travel with many brands is there a card/program that i should be looking at that will let me accumulate rewards across many companies.

i've read over and over that consilidation is the best way to go but its not clear how i should consolidate. i want to know what the best single option is for me to accumulate rewards.

i also really like the idea of double and triple dipping on rewards. can you offer some suggestions on things i might want to look into.

also- if amex is a solution you recommend please tell me so but also let me know of an alternative because i'm not sure that i'd be approved for an amex card.

thanks for all the help,