National Parks 2026 Changes

We answer listener questions about travel insurance, Chase point transfers, lounge access, free checked bags, and more.

Host Sally French opens the episode with the week’s biggest travel headlines alongside Elizabeth Ayoola, host of NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, who fills in for Meghan Coyle during the news segment. They cover sweeping 2026 changes to U.S. national park pricing and fee-free days, Disneyland’s newly announced kids-ticket deals for next summer, Travel Tuesday sales that are still available, and the debut of Chase’s new Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas.

Then, Sally and Meghan tackle a fresh round of listener questions, including what happens when credit-card travel insurance doesn’t cover a canceled ski trip, whether transferring Chase points to Marriott is ever a good idea, and how to combine Chase Ultimate Rewards points within a household. They also explain how Alaska Airlines applies free checked bags on split reservations, when gifted Air Canada Status Passes unlock Maple Leaf Lounge access, and how authorized users can help families maximize travel perks.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card 

• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee 

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits 

• Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards 

• Chase Freedom Flex Review: Multiple Bonus Rewards Wrapped in One Card 

• Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution 

• Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year 

• Best United Airlines Credit Cards of December 2025

Resources discussed in this episode:

• How to Visit National Parks for Free in 2026 

• Disneyland in 2026: Ticket Deals, What’s New 

• 116 Travel Deals for Black Friday and Travel Tuesday in 2025 

• Chase Sapphire Lounge Las Vegas Review 

• 5 Things to Know About Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Access 

• 11 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance 

• What Is the Value of Marriott Bonvoy® Points? (Calculator) 

• The Best Chase Transfer Partners 

• How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Between Accounts (and Why It’s Smart) 

• How to Access Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges With Your Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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