OK, I promise I wasn't trying to be a dick, I'm just baffled. It doesn't sound like you're really in a financial position to travel a whole lot anyway. Reading miles/points blogs, one could get the sense that jetting off to Abu Dhabi every other weekend in First Class is totally doable for most people. Traveling for "free" is actually a great deal of work in and of itself, and it never ends up being free. Food, incidentals, admissions, etc. add up very quickly.

My recommendation is to really focus on cash back and getting yourself in a better position financially and credit-wise. The fact that you're only getting $500 credit limits means that you're still viewed as somewhat of a credit risk to cc companies, or your income is relatively low (don't worry, mine is too - the life of an educator). I'd try to get a Chase Freedom or a Citi Double Cash next and focus exclusively on cash back.