Frequent Miler on the Air

Pauline Frommer, travel journalist and author of Frommer's guides, shares her insights into the world of travel. She discusses the unique integrity of her family's guidebooks, emphasizing their refusal to accept paid placements. Pauline reveals how AI is reshaping travel publishing and the challenges of updating the NYC guide amid rising Airbnb regulations. She also highlights hidden gems with free attractions, critiques sightseeing passes, and shares savvy tips for securing better vacation rental deals and last-minute hotel discounts.

In a lively livestream, the hosts crown the winner of the 100K Vacay challenge, complete with highs and lows from bold travel itineraries. Greg shares his luxury Malta trip, while Stephen recounts a multi-city beer crawl across Europe. Nick dives into budget-savvy tricks that included poker tournament tales and adventure hikes. Listeners are treated to insider flight and hotel hacks, plus the savvy use of the Too Good To Go app for finding tasty deals. Join the fun as they reveal scoring secrets and the ultimate travel tips!

This week, Stephen Pepper, a contestant in the 100K Vacay challenge, shares his travel experiences from London to Munich's Oktoberfest. Despite flight delays, Stephen's highlights include local interactions and brewing beer at the festival. He discusses the replicability of their adventures, while competitor Nick recounts his hike at Caminito del Rey and a missed connection in Madrid. The judges grade their trips on factors like 'Destination Wow' and 'Value,' with both travelers showcasing their unique adventures and clever point redemptions.

Stephen Pepper, a U.K. contestant in the 100K Vacay challenge, shares his strategy for crafting replicable, budget-friendly itineraries. He dives into the excitement of starting the competition, expressing concerns over budgeting for activities. The conversation explores Greg’s benchmark trip to Malta, highlighting local cuisine, historic tours, and unique swimming spots. Stephen also discusses the impact of early departures on their competition strategies, setting the stage for an intriguing, adventure-driven challenge.

This discussion dives into top travel gear that total strangers swear by! Highlights include ultralight Matador backpacks and the Cincha travel belt for secure packing. Cheap flip-flops and Japanese towels make for practical travel essentials. Listeners recommend $3 ponchos for rainy days and comfy Osprey backpacks with lifetime warranties. Discover tips on tracking luggage with AirTags, boosting hotel Wi-Fi with travel routers, and clever uses of UK plugs. Get ready to pack smarter for your next adventure!

In this discussion, the hosts explore exciting transfer bonuses from Citi and delve into the world of Japan Airlines miles. They highlight fantastic uses for these miles, including sweet spots for business class awards to the U.S., and attractive pricing options with limited surcharges. The conversation also covers unique perks like expanded availability and booking flexibility. Plus, there's guidance on earnings and navigating JAL's quirky website. Tune in for smart travel tips and amusing stories from listeners!

The hosts dive into the tedious world of coupon books and why American Express has managed to excel with compelling perks. However, they argue that Capital One may actually be the true winner by steering clear of complex coupon strategies. Instead, Capital One offers straightforward travel credits and benefits that consumers find more appealing. This conversation highlights the evolving landscape of rewards programs and consumer preferences in the credit card game.

Discover the secrets to a successful points and miles marriage while navigating the maze of credit cards. Dive into Hilton's staggering 250K point devaluation and learn about the refreshed $895 Platinum cards, which surprisingly offer great value. The hosts tackle exciting updates on Chase card offers, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards and Chase Ink promotions. Plus, don't miss insights into Amex's new features and predictions that reveal how they compete fiercely against Chase!

Discover the best credit cards for gas station purchases in a dynamic comparison. Learn about the Citi Custom Cash® Card, which offers impressive rewards, and how it stacks up against the Amex Business Gold Card. Delve into the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card’s changing value and whether it still holds its weight. Explore great alternatives like Sam's Club and Costco cards that cater to fuel spenders. Maximize your gas rewards by strategically rotating your cards to align with your spending habits!

Discover unique travel essentials like Japanese nail clippers and the practicality of UK power adapters. Hear inspiring stories of point redemptions for dream trips, including a family safari and luxurious stays. The hosts share their favorite backpacks, luggage, and tech gear, plus tips for minimizing packing chaos. Explore vital items for your travel wallet and get advice on comfortable footwear choices. Debate the best balance between using travel points or cash for bookings, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next adventure.