Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Learn how you can make travel more meaningful without overspending or missing out on authentic experiences. How do you plan a vacation that feels “worth it” without overspending? What’s the smartest way to turn bank points into long-haul premium flights? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to design trips that maximize satisfaction and meaning without paying top dollar. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including United and JetBlue’s Blue Sky partnership, Delta adding Crunchyroll to seat-back entertainment alongside free Wi-Fi, and what Travis Kelce’s investment in Six Flags could mean for affordable parks. Then, Expedia’s “Powering Travel” podcast host Elisabeth Goodridge joins Meghan to talk about how to build memorable trips. She discusses using reviews and trusted communities to find authentic experiences, considering “destination dupes” to avoid overtourism, and budgeting with hidden fees in mind. Meghan and Sally wrap up the episode by answering a listener’s question about using Capital One points on Star Alliance airlines. 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.   In this episode, the Nerds discuss: authentic travel experiences, set-jetting, destination dupes, reciprocal elite benefits, TrueBlue Tiles, airline seat-back entertainment, hidden travel fees, resort fees explained, reviews for travel planning, local travel tips, Europe cruise no sea days, Mediterranean cruise ports, overtourism alternatives, World Travel and Tourism Council sustainability, Cotswolds travel, Hobart Tasmania travel, Sardinia Italy travel, Big Sky Montana skiing, Fort Walton Beach Emerald Coast, hidden fees in travel, budget-friendly trips, meaningful travel, Expedia Powering Travel podcast, Arthur Brooks happiness travel, Phil Keoghan travel tips, social media travel inspiration, pop culture travel trends, sustainable tourism, travel reviews and recommendations, finding local experiences, over-tourism solutions, building travel memories, mindful vacation planning, balancing cost and experience, travel value vs price, travel happiness science, small-town getaways, nearby travel adventures, and local weekend trips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to plan travel without derailing your long-term finances or your retirement goals. How can you plan travel without throwing off your long-term financial goals? How do you budget for a dream sabbatical without wrecking your savings? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to afford meaningful travel while keeping your financial future on track. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including United Airlines expanding Starlink Wi-Fi to its Boeing jets, American Airlines launching a new mid-tier credit card, JetBlue extending elite status and adding Family Tiles, Bilt’s new mortgage-points partnership with United Wholesale Mortgage, and Wyndham Rewards’ $95 annual subscription offering double-dip travel perks. Then, Meghan Coyle interviews James Bashall, a financial advisor at NerdWallet Wealth Partners, who shares financial insights from his experience having taken two extended sabbaticals. He explains how to integrate travel into your financial plan, with practical takeaways on aligning your spending with your values, setting short- and long-term travel budgets, and using flexibility to stay financially secure. They also discuss building an emergency fund for travel, balancing time vs. money when planning trips, and how intentional budgeting can make your dream trips possible without regret. If you want to learn more about working with a financial advisor, then visit NerdWallet Wealth Partners at https://nerdwalletwealthpartners.com/smart. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Citi AAdvantage Globe Review: Companion Certificate Can Offset $350 Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-globe  Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-executive  Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-credit-card   Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/atmos-rewards-summit  Resources discussed in this episode: JetBlue Adds Perks for Families, Cuts for Entry-Level Elites https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/jetblue-elite-2026-updates  NerdWallet Inc. Unpaid non-client promotion. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. Mr. Bashall serves as a financial adviser with NerdWallet Wealth Partners LLC, a SEC registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet, Inc. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, nor does it constitute an endorsement by any securities regulator. As affiliated entities, NerdWallet, Inc. has a financial incentive to promote the advisory services offered by NerdWallet Wealth Partners LLC. All investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. Investment past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The views expressed are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date of publication. The information and opinions expressed are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific legal, tax, investment advice or recommendations for any individual or entity. This platform is solely for informational purposes and the information discussed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Before making any investment decision seek advice from a qualified investment, legal or tax professional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn the optimal days to fly, when to book, and how to stretch your points for cheaper holiday travel. When is the prime time to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights this year? How can you stretch points to cover pricey holiday trips? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss holiday booking windows and money-saving strategies to help you land lower fares and avoid headaches. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Bilt Rewards adding Etihad Guest as a transfer partner, bigger welcome offers now available on select premium cards, and Hilton’s new Outset Collection of boutique, design-forward hotels, with bookings opening in November. Then, Meghan and Sally discuss holiday travel tactics, with tips and tricks on the cheapest days to fly, new “sweet spot” booking windows, and when to use points — especially for last-minute fares. They also discuss smart layovers vs. flying nonstop during peak season, backup plans and alternate airports, and which airlines were most on-time this year. They review when travel insurance is worth it, AI tools people say they’re using for trip planning, and utilizing the post-Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas “sandwich season” for quieter, cheaper travel. They also answer a listener's question about using points to book American Airlines flights and explain how you can get more value out of your miles this season. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Citi Strata Elite Review: Premium Perks Can Offset Its Premium Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-elite  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve  Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier  Resources discussed in this episode: Bilt Adds Etihad Guest as Latest Transfer Partner https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/bilt-etihad-guest  The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/top-rewards-credit-card-offers  The Busiest Travel Days Around Thanksgiving In 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/busiest-travel-days-thanksgiving  The Best Days to Travel Around Christmas In 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/flying-for-christmas-best-days  Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/calculator-should-you-book-a-flight-with-cash-or-miles   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.   In this episode, the Nerds discuss: Bilt Rewards transfer partners, Etihad Guest miles, boosted credit card offers, premium travel cards, Citi ThankYou Points, American Airlines miles transfer, Citi transfer partners, Hilton Outset Collection hotels, boutique hotel brands, holiday airfare trends, Thanksgiving airfare prices, Christmas airfare prices, Black Friday flight deals, Christmas Eve flights, Thanksgiving Wednesday travel, flexible holiday travel dates, holiday layovers vs nonstop, alternate airports travel savings, Amtrak as flight backup, on-time airline rankings, Southwest on-time performance, Spirit Airlines on-time performance, Delta flight reliability, travel insurance for weather delays, cruise travel insurance, nonrefundable trip protection, AI travel planning tools, and sandwich season travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the spooky world of Halloween travel as the hosts unveil the surge in festive getaways. Discover the thrill of haunted attractions like Universal's Horror Unleashed and Disney's Halloween parties, while weighing their costs and value. Get insider tips on scoring flights and accommodations, and how to enjoy Halloween on a budget. Plus, find out the hottest U.S. destinations for Halloween fun and practical advice on packing costumes and managing childcare. It's a hauntingly good guide to maximizing your thrills without breaking the bank!

Julian Kheel, founder of PointsPath and a tech innovator in travel, shares expert insights on maximizing travel rewards. He reveals how his browser extension simplifies the points versus cash dilemma in booking flights. Listeners learn about leveraging partner programs, spotting transfer bonuses, and the best times to redeem miles. Kheel warns against hoarding points and highlights the importance of balancing travel comfort with costs. He also debunks common myths, showcases trending destinations, and emphasizes smart decision-making for value-driven travel.

Henley Vazquez, cofounder of Fora, discusses how aspiring travelers can transform trip planning into a lucrative part-time gig. She delves into the commission structure, emphasizing benefits like flexible training and community support. Listeners learn about trending destinations such as luxury cruises and secondary cities, as well as helpful tools like the Price Drop feature for securing the best deals. Henley's insights highlight making travel advising accessible and engaging for those looking to monetize their passion.

The Platinum Card® from American Express announced that its annual fee just went up. Learn how to decide if the new credits, perks, and lounge access are worth it. Is the Amex Platinum worth its higher annual fee? How do you maximize new statement credits without lifestyle creep? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the Amex Platinum’s updated perks, including dining, hotel credits, and streaming, to help you understand whether its perks outweigh the new $895 annual fee. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a limited-time Chase Sapphire Preferred restaurant promotion, a Hilton points devaluation at luxury brands like Waldorf Astoria, and San Diego International’s Terminal 1 reopening with improvements to its parking, seating, and TSA checkpoints. Then, Meghan and Sally dig into the Amex Platinum overhaul, with tips on stacking quarterly dining credits, booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) for added perks, and valuing lounge visits against airport food costs. They also cover how to split hotel credits across the year, make the most of digital entertainment subscriptions, and avoid overspending just to “use the credits.” The conversation closes with comparisons to Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and the Amex Gold Card, plus guidance on whether to keep the Platinum based on city access, travel frequency, and realistic usage. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum  Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-honors-aspire  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x  American Express Gold Card Review: Dining Rewards Royalty https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-premier-rewards-gold  Resources discussed in this episode: How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations  5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/heres-how-you-can-transfer-your-points-from-any-major-credit-card-issuer  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.   In this episode, the Nerds discuss: Amex Platinum annual fee, Amex Platinum credits, Amex Platinum lounge access, Centurion Lounge access, Fine Hotels and Resorts credit, Amex Platinum hotel credit, Rezzy dining credit, digital entertainment credit Amex, Hilton points devaluation, Waldorf Astoria award points, Hyatt award chart, booking direct vs travel portal, hotel elite night credits, transfer partners comparison, maximizing quarterly credits, travel credit stacking, lounge food vs airport meals, lifestyle creep with statement credits, city vs non-city card value, dining reservation platforms comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X vs Amex Platinum, Amex Gold vs Platinum, budgeting for premium annual fees, how to decide if premium credit cards are worth it, balancing multiple premium cards, real-world math on credit card perks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how an entire family traveled to Europe on points, including business class flights, boutique stays, and mountain escapes. How do you book business-class flights to Europe for a family of four using points? How do you cover hotels and vacation rentals with rewards while meeting Europe’s room occupancy rules? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk with Erin Hurd, NerdWallet’s director of travel, about her family trip through the countries of Georgia and Turkey. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest and T-Mobile offering free Wi-Fi to Rapid Rewards members, a limited-time sign-up offer on a major hotel card with annual free night certificates, and boosted welcome offers across several Delta credit cards, along with updated Sky Club visit rules. Then, Erin explains how she booked four business-class seats to Europe using points while keeping taxes and fees in check. She explains how to unlock savings by comparing partner award charts and highlights a hidden perk on Air France/KLM’s Flying Blue program that offers discounted award tickets for kids. The conversation then turns to lodging, with Erin breaking down her strategy for mixing hotel points, free night certificates, and bank travel portals to secure family-sized rooms and unique stays. They explore how to stretch certificates with points, when to use portals to book boutique properties or cabins, and how Hyatt’s suite upgrade awards can add extra space for longer trips. The conversation also covers smart ways to search for award space for families, how to use a “player two” approach to double household credit card bonuses, and why even Europe’s stricter occupancy rules can be managed with the right planning. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/ihg-credit-card  Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/delta-reserve  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum  Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-gold-delta-skymiles  Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-delta-skymiles  Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Free Night Award, Elite Status https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/marriott-bonvoy-boundless  Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/world-of-hyatt Resources discussed in this episode: The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/top-rewards-credit-card-offers  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Joseph, a key member of NerdWallet's travel team, sheds light on the evolving value of points and miles for 2025. He discusses whether to opt for flight vouchers or airline miles, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making. Tune in for insights on maximizing loyalty programs, the benefits of recent airline partnerships, and tips for saving points on close-in bookings. Craig also offers a spicy take on airport lounges and explores the challenges posed by recent devaluations in travel rewards.

Learn how to get into airport lounges, stretch rewards for family travel, and score the best cruise deals from New York. How can you get into airport lounges if you don’t have elite status? What’s the cheapest way to book a cruise from New York? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into your questions about airport lounges, family travel, cruise deals, and Disney trips to help you plan your next adventure with confidence. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including drops in vacation rental occupancy, trending U.S. and international fall destinations, and which airlines and airports are offering the cheapest domestic and international flight deals. Then, Meghan and Sally tackle listener questions on cruise timing, airport lounge access, and Disney planning. They explain how to maximize savings by booking during wave season, how to identify pay-as-you-go lounges when you don’t have status, and whether Disney’s dining and photo packages are worth it for families. They also explore strategies for booking award travel for groups, when to consider travel agents for Disney, and how curated hotel collections stack up. Listener tips round out the show, from thrifting travel wardrobes abroad to smart packing strategies that keep costs low and suitcases light. 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 https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve  Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum  Resources discussed in this episode: Setting Sail in 2025? Here Are the Cheapest Months to Cruise https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/cheapest-month-cruise  4 Workarounds to Book Your Holiday Vacation Rental With Points https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/4-workarounds-to-book-your-fall-vacation-rental-with-points  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.   In this episode, the Nerds discuss: New York cruise deals, best time to book a cruise, wave season cruise booking, cheap cruises from New York, cruise insurance hurricane season, airport lounges San Diego, pay as you go airport lounges, priority pass lounge access, family vacation booking with miles, booking hotels with points Europe, Hyatt points transfer value, vacation rentals with points, Expedia fall travel outlook, trending fall destinations 2025, cheapest airlines for domestic flights, cheapest airports for international flights, Southwest cheap flights, Orlando cheap flights Caribbean, cheap Cancun vacation rentals, Disney dining plan, Disney World meal plan, Disney Memory Maker photo package, Disney stroller rental tips, Disney travel agent vs booking direct, booking Disney with points, Disney world with toddlers, Amex fine hotels and resorts program, Capital One Premier Collection hotels, thrift store travel tips, packing light for Europe, travel tips for families, booking cruises on Black Friday, Travel Tuesday cruise deals, and cruise line email alerts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices