The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Thrifty Traveler
Welcome to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast – a travel podcast where we dig into the latest travel news and trends and discuss all the best ways to earn and redeem your points and miles! From the ins and outs of booking cheap flights, exploring the best ways to use your airline miles, or diving into other next-level money-saving travel tips, your hosts Gunnar Olson and Kyle Potter will bring you the best of Thrifty Traveler every week! Follow us today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts and learn to travel more for less this year.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 53min
Our Ho-ho-holiday Mailbag, ft. Voicemails, Travel Mistakes, Canada & More
Dive into a holiday celebration with lively listener voicemails and unforgettable travel stories! Hear about jaw-dropping booking brags, including luxury deals and unique destinations. The hosts tackle travel blunders, sharing their own mistakes and offering sage advice. Curious about Canada? Get the scoop on travel deals and discussions that sparked some playful banter. Plus, explore what travel goals and bucket list destinations await in 2026. Join the holiday cheer with laughter and learning!
30 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 50min
Who Wins Our First Class & Lavatory Awards? Plus More 2025 Superlatives
Gunnar and Kyle dive into 2025 travel superlatives, naming winners like 'Class Clown' for Hilton's devaluations and the 'Most Popular' for the Amex Platinum's comeback. They unveil incredible flight deals, including ultra-cheap fares to Japan and Europe. The duo also discusses the 'Best Dressed' award for American Airlines’ new livery and critiques Chase's high-fee Sapphire Reserve. Plus, they highlight the quirky branding of Ryanair and celebrate the best and worst award winners in their First Class & Lavatory Awards.
30 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 46min
2 Ugly New Points Trends & 7 Other Big News Stories
Get ready for a travel news roundup filled with excitement! Discover a rare Delta One award deal to Brisbane and two troubling trends affecting points and miles. December is shaping up to be a prime time for opening new credit cards, especially with double welcome bonuses. Watch out for the new TSA fee of $45 for those without a Real ID. Plus, check out the expansion of Delta One check-ins and the new Chase Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas. Lastly, get the scoop on the end of an affordable way to fly to Hawaii using points!
15 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 54min
Family Travel Tips with the Moms of Points Talk Squad
Join Alex Payne, co-founder of the Points Talk Squad, and Jess Field, a seasoned travel content creator, as they dive into family travel strategies. They talk about their journey from the Travel Mom Squad to the Points Talk Squad and discuss why female voices matter in travel content. Discover essential tips for surviving flight delays with kids, the benefits of transferable points, and their favorite family vacation spots like Hyatt Ziva Cancun and Japan. Get ready for practical advice that makes family travel a breeze!
15 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 56min
From Guatemala to China & Ranking All the Disney Parks with Kasey DellaPenna
Kasey DellaPenna, a backpacking digital nomad and travel influencer known for her adventures between Guatemala and Disney parks, shares her journey in this engaging discussion. She reveals her best travel hacks, like routing through Hawaii to find cheaper flights. Kasey recounts her most embarrassing travel blunder—a missed flight in Orlando—and offers tips for budget-friendly Disney visits. She also shares insights from her recent trip to China, ranking Disney parks worldwide and highlighting must-see destinations.
30 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Is Lounge Access … Underrated? (& How to Get In for Less)
Airport lounges offer more than luxury; they can save travelers money on food and provide a calm atmosphere. The hosts share the best ways to gain lounge access, including tips on using credit cards and elite status. They also review their favorite lounges worldwide and discuss recent airline compensation changes. Listeners can find value in leveraging AI chatbots for trip planning and stay updated on exciting credit card offers. Plus, there's a humorous glimpse into Gunnar's business retreat mishap!
63 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
What We Do When Travel Goes Wrong: How to Survive Delays & Cancellations
Gunnar and Kyle tackle the chaos of air travel disruptions caused by the recent government shutdown. They share essential travel strategies, from booking early to using flight tracking apps for timely updates. Discover the new perks of Bilt 2.0, and what Qatar Airways' latest fees mean for travelers. They emphasize the importance of booking directly with airlines and leveraging lounges for better service during meltdowns. Plus, enjoy highlights from their recent Palm Springs trip and listener stories that add a personal touch!
50 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 46min
Biz Class Bonanza, New Lounges & 6 Big News Stories
Discover the latest in travel news, including the exciting return of lie-flat business class deals for Australia and New Zealand. Explore Southwest's upcoming lounge in Hawaii and new openings in Salt Lake City. United Airlines is shaking things up with cheaper redemptions for partner flights, while Hilton is lowering rates on some properties. Plus, Gunnar introduces a fun 'Canada button' to manage his enthusiasm for all things Canadian. Tune in for tips on scoring premium economy flights and updates on vacation rental changes!
19 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
A Trip to Bora Bora, New Zealand & Australia — (Almost) All on Points!
This week, the hosts dive into an incredible journey covering Bora Bora, New Zealand, and Sydney, all booked on points. Experience a luxurious overwater villa and thrilling adventures like scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. They share budget-friendly travel tips, including awesome Delta SkyMiles deals and insights on navigating a government shutdown's impact on travel. Plus, discover hidden gems like a mezcal bar in Sydney, and hear about what went right (and what could improve) on this ambitious trip!
55 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 54min
Mistake Fares 101: How to Snag the Cheapest Flights on Earth
Dive into the world of mistake fares, where airlines accidentally offer outrageous discounts! Discover the best ways to find and book these elusive deals. The hosts share their all-time favorite mistake fares, from absurdly priced flights to secret tips for snagging them. Plus, learn about the strong holiday flight deals this season and the intriguing Japan Airlines Mileage Bank. Don't miss insights on Delta's credit card rule and how to maximize your travel rewards!
