
Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways
Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways is a podcast by NerdWallet Travel that helps listeners maximize their travel budgets. Hosted by travel experts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, the show covers topics like travel budgeting, using points and miles, and choosing between hotels and Airbnbs. Each episode breaks down the pros and cons of different travel strategies and tools, aiming to help listeners plan dream vacations without overspending.
Episodes

Bilt to Last? Grading Bilt Rewards Six Months On
Learn what six months of confusing changes to Bilt's rewards program have actually meant for cardholders' points.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss six months of living with Bilt's revamped rewards program to help you decide whether the housing-focused card still earns its keep. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including an expanded Bilt and BLADE helicopter-booki

Finding Cheap Flights, Mastering Layovers, and Knowing Your Card’s Benefits (Put to the Test!)
Learn how to handle a surprise layover and track down a cheap flight to a random destination.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to think fast when travel plans go sideways to help you handle curveballs with more confidence. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including new perks tied to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts' 35th anniversary, American Airlines' plan to chan

Ask the Nerds: Booking Traps, Transfer Optimization and Card Strategy
Learn how to stretch modest points balances into business-class flights, and safer spending abroad.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle answer travel questions from listeners to help you make smarter points, transfer and booking decisions. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Chase Sapphire Lounge's exit from the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks, Citi and American

The 7 Things Our Travel Pros Insist On Packing
Learn which packing essentials two travel experts swear by, plus how to time your Labor Day trip for fewer crowds.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the gear they just won’t travel without, to help you pack smarter on your next trip. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the Seats.aero Chrome extension, an update to the Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks partnershi

What to Ask Your Hotel Concierge: Free Upgrades, Insider Deals, and What Most Travelers Miss
Learn what hotel concierges can do for your next stay, from getting free upgrades to saving you money.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French explore what hotel concierges could do for your next stay. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the opening of the new Chase Sapphire Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, a new points-conversion and status-challenge partnership bet

Is an Alaska Cruise Actually Worth It? We Went to Find Out
*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. It has been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.
Is an Alaskan cruise really a trip for everyone — even people who swear they hate cruises?
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, recording live in-studio from Scottsdale, Arizona, share dueling trip reports from their own separate Alaska cruises. They cover when to go

Your Flight Got Canceled. Here's How to Beat Summer's Worst Travel Chaos
Your flight was canceled. Now what?
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle share their go-to strategies for beating summer flight delays and cancellations, from booking the first flight of the day to knowing which layovers to avoid. But first, Sally breaks down the latest travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland (filling in for Meghan), discussing American Airlines' new grab-and-go lounge concep

The ADHD Traveler's Guide to Airport Security, Budgeting and Staying on Schedule
Learn how ADHD shapes travel decisions, and the strategies that turn travel stress into a strength.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to make travel less stressful for ADHD brains, with tips to help you avoid lost passports, missed flights and packing mishaps. But first, Sally breaks down the latest travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland, discussing Wyndham Rewards' overhaul o

Best Credit Cards for Weddings: Turn Venue Bills Into Honeymoon Flights and Hotel Nights
Find out which credit cards could turn your wedding costs into a business class honeymoon.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the best credit cards for wedding expenses and how to use the points you earn to pay for your honeymoon. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including data projecting a record number of Independence Day travelers and which days to avoid (or tar

The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Countries: What $300 a Day in Madagascar Really Buys You
Learn what it really costs to honeymoon in one of the world's least-visited countries and how to get there on points.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French share what it actually costs to honeymoon in one of the world's least-visited countries. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits that went live June 15th, a full Wyndham Rewards

Unpacking the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s Biggest Update in Five Years: What You Need to Know
Learn how the Chase Sapphire Preferred's biggest refresh in years could change how you earn and redeem travel points.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down the latest travel headlines, including Delta's expanded free checked bag perk, a new ride-hailing credit on select Delta cards, a second Delta One Lounge coming to LAX, World of Hyatt's new 12-month advance booking window for cardho

Earn More Points on Purchases You Already Make: Online Shopping, Dining, Rideshares and More
Learn how to earn more points and miles on everyday shopping using portals, dining programs, and partner apps.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the sometimes-overlooked ways you could earn bonus points and miles on purchases you're already making. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including new summer airfare price drop data from Kayak's updated trends dashboard,

Summer Travel 2026: How to Time Your Trip, Pick Your Destination, and Actually Save Money
Learn how summer 2026 travel costs are rising and which booking strategies could help you save money this season.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss what's driving up summer travel costs in 2026 and how to plan smarter despite them. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including what American Express's new partnership with Fanatics could mean for sports fans and points

Introducing Your Next Dollar: Money Management for High Earners
Meet Your Next Dollar, a new podcast from NerdWallet Wealth Partners. This is the podcast for you if you are a high earner learning how to build wealth, navigate money trade-offs, and spend on what you actually value.
Follow Your Next Dollar on your favorite podcast app: https://play.megaphone.fm/a4ijxxsst1inho456fxbha
Interested in working with a financial advisor? Visit nerdwalletwealthpar

World of Hyatt Award Chart Changes 2026: What's New and Where to Get the Most Value
Learn how the new World of Hyatt award chart changes your points value and which hotels are still worth booking.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into the sweeping changes to the World of Hyatt award chart to help you decide whether Hyatt points are still worth earning and how to use them wisely. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a surge in airfares driven b

How to Travel Without Paying for a Hotel: Inside Home Swapping and Pet Sitting Apps
Learn how to travel for less by swapping homes or pet sitting with strangers around the world.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how house swapping and house sitting can cut your lodging costs to help you stretch your travel dollars further. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Rove's new Aeroplan transfer partnership, fresh perks rolling out on the JetBlue

Family Travel on Points, Solo Trip Ideas, and Booking Tools Compared: Your Travel Questions Answered
Learn how to maximize Chase points for family Hawaii trips, travel with infants, and pick the right rewards card.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French dig into a mailbag of listener questions covering points strategy, family travel, and the trade-offs of different hotel booking platforms. But first, Meghan is joined by Smart Money host Elizabeth Ayoola, filling in for Sally, to break down the la

The Best Travel Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100
Learn how travel credit cards with annual fees under $100 can earn you free flights, hotel nights, and perks.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss travel credit cards with annual fees under $100 to help you earn meaningful rewards without splurging on a premium card. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Hyatt's award chart changes taking effect May 20, Disney

How Airline Alliance Status Gets You Into the World's Best Airport Lounges for Free
Learn how earning status with one airline can unlock lounges and elite perks on more than a dozen other airlines worldwide.
First, host Meghan Coyle breaks down the week’s top travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally French), including a new Google Hotels feature that lets you track prices on a specific hotel (not just a city), Wells Fargo adding Wyndham Rewards as a tra

Family Travel on Points and Miles: Free Checked Bags, Companion Passes, and Miles Pooling
Learn how families can use points and miles to fly, earn companion passes, and book hotels without paying full price.
Before delving into the ins and outs of family travel, hosts Meghan Coyle and Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally French) break down the latest travel headlines, including an increase in checked bag fees across all four major U.S. airlines, American Airlines stripping elite status

Traveling with Pets: How to Put Your Paws on the Best Airlines and Hotels for Furry Family Members
Learn what it really takes to fly and stay somewhere with your pet, from carrier rules to hidden fees.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the best airlines and hotels for traveling with pets to help you avoid hidden fees and stressed-out animals. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including elevated welcome offers on Hilton co-branded cards expiring April 15, new sig

How to Spend Less on Big Sports Trips in 2026: FIFA World Cup 2026, PGA Championship and More
Learn how to save on flights, hotels, and tickets when you travel for major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, or the Olympics.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the ins and outs of planning travel for major sporting events. But first, Sally breaks down this week’s headlines with producer Tess Vigeland, including what TSA’s long-delayed pay could mean for air

Rental Cars in 2026: How to Skip the Counter, Cut Costs, and Avoid Insurance Mistakes
Learn how to skip rental car lines, lower costs, and avoid pricey insurance mistakes on your next trip.
When should you rent at the airport, and when should you skip a car entirely? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down how to rent a car in 2026 without overpaying, wasting time at the counter, or getting tripped up by confusing coverage. But first, they unpack the latest travel headlines

Before You Book a Ski Trip, Learn How to Save on Mountain Hotels, Ski Rentals and Lift Tickets
Learn how to cut the cost of a ski trip before lift tickets, rentals and parking wipe out your budget.
How do you keep a ski trip from blowing your whole vacation budget? When should you buy a season pass instead of a day ticket? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to save on ski and snowboarding trips to help you plan a cheaper mountain getaway. But first, they break down the latest

Travel Questions Mega-Episode: Top Tips from Our Top Listener Questions
Get listener-powered answers on lounges, Disney cards, cruises, and layovers.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle kick off the first listener questions episode of 2026 with quick travel headlines, including Wyndham Rewards Member Month, the Epic Pass going on sale for the 2026–27 season, and Rove Miles adding Japan Airlines as a transfer partner. They also swap recent travel wins, from Meghan’s D

Don’t Get “Noob Taxed”: The Travel Add-Ons That Drain Your Budget
Learn how to avoid common travel upsells that drain your budget, from cruise add-ons to sneaky foreign card charges.
In this video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down travel “noob traps” to help you spot pricey add-ons before you click “book.” But first, they cover the latest travel headlines, including Chase adding Wyndham as a new transfer partner, Skyscanner launching fligh

25 Airports in 6 Months: The Real Lessons From JetBlue’s 350,000-Point Challenge
JetBlue’s 25-for-25 sounded simple: fly to 25 airports. Hear what three finishers learned chasing 350,000 points.
Before delving into the JetBlue story, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest travel headlines, including big United MileagePlus changes that kick in April 2, 2026, Hyatt updates that could reshape what award nights cost, Alaska’s Atmos Rewards Global Getaways pro

Mediterranean Cruise Game Plan: Santorini, Mykonos, and the Greek Islands Without Transit Chaos
Learn how you can explore the Mediterranean without losing days to ferries, hotel check-ins, or pricey islands.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Mediterranean trip planning to help you link coastal cities and islands without wasting precious vacation time. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest adding Starlink Wi-Fi, JetBlue and United expanding the

2026 Elite Status Changes and Ways to Earn Status and Nights More Easily
Learn what 2026 status program changes mean for perks like upgrades, rebooking help, and lounges.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk through the latest elite status updates to help you decide when they’re worth chasing. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the U.K.’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) enforcement starting Feb. 25, 2026, a Hawaiian Airlines cr

Credit Card Hotel Programs vs Booking Direct: A Clearer Way to Compare Prices
Get a clearer way to compare hotel prices with and without credit card program perks.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss when it makes sense to book luxury hotels through credit card travel portals so you can decide if perks like breakfast, upgrades and $100 credits are actually worth the tradeoffs. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Disney Inspir

What Would You Do for a Million Miles? The Extreme Points Play from Ashley Gets Around
Learn how a points pro mapped a six-continent route to score 1 million Turkish Airlines miles.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk to Ashley Peterson, founder of Ashley Gets Around, about how she became a “points millionaire” while traveling across the globe. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including winter storm flight cancellations and airline waivers, new restric

Bilt Card 2.0 Explained: Can Rent (or a Mortgage) Earn Points—and Is It Worth the Math?
Find out if Bilt’s new credit cards are worth the hassle for earning points on rent or a mortgage.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive deep into the Bilt Card 2.0 Program to explain what’s changed and what to consider before signing up. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a World of Hyatt Credit Card welcome offer that can earn up to five free nights, what South

Fix Your Travel Credit Card Mix So Your Points Actually Add Up
Build a credit card lineup that earns more travel rewards without becoming a full-time spreadsheet manager.
In this special video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to build the perfect travel credit card “wallet” to help you earn more rewards, unlock perks, and avoid common points mistakes. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Bilt’s revamped ca

Samantha Brown on Places to Love, Route 66, and the Travel Habits That Save You Money
Travel TV icon Samantha Brown shares tips for finding hidden gems, saving money, and dodging airport stress.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle sit down with Samantha Brown, host of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, to talk about how she keeps travel feeling fun, affordable, and deeply local after decades on the road. But first, Sally and Meghan swap recent trip highlights, including a car-free w

2025 Travel Trends and 2026 Predictions: Where to Go Next and How to Pay for It
If 2025 was about premium everything and complicated travel perks, 2026 is shaping up to be more intentional: fewer trips, less algorithm-chasing, more ease — and spending where it actually improves your experience.
Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French ring in 2026 by looking back at the biggest travel and credit card trends of 2025 — from the “everything is fancy” luxury boom (even at Southwest)

Skip Google, Get the Suite: How Travel Advisors Deliver Luxury You Can’t Book Yourself
Learn what it’s like working with a travel advisor, including how much time and money they can really save you when planning your next trip.
Can travel advisors really save you money? Should you be booking travel yourself or outsourcing the job to a professional? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French discuss the unexpected perks, cost structures, and potential savings of working with a travel adviso

What “Amazing Race” Host Phil Keoghan Learned from a Life of Travel (“Powering Travel” Episode)
“Amazing Race” host Phil Keoghan shares what he’s learned from his life of travel in this special presentation of “Powering Travel” from Expedia Group.
In an inspired conversation about the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of travel, Phil joins host Elisabeth Goodridge to reflect on his earliest memories abroad and how exposure to diverse cultures shaped his worldview. He shares personal stor

Best and Worst Carriers for Standby and Same-Day Changes — and How to Capitalize (Video Episode)
Learn how same-day flight changes and standby can save you money when your travel plans suddenly change.
In this special video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive into last-minute travel rules, exploring when you can make a same-day flight switch, what “standby” really means, and how fees and policies differ from airline to airline. But first, they break down the week’s travel headl

Maximizing Miles, Sharing Points, Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Your Travel Questions Answered
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 d

$2,000 in Travel Card Annual Fees? Learn How to Audit Your Wallet to Make Sure They’re Worth It (Video Episode)
In this special video episode, see if $2,000 in credit card fees is worth it and learn how you can audit your own travel rewards wallet.
Should you really be paying nearly $2,000 a year in credit card annual fees, or is it time to downsize your wallet? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle sit down with NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast host Elizabeth Ayoola to dissect her stack of premium travel ca

AI Travel Pricing Is Here: How Airlines and Hotels Could Quietly Raise Your Rates
Learn how AI may raise your travel prices and what to watch for before you book your next trip.
Before the Nerds delve into the surprising ways AI can affect your travel booking, hosts Tess Vigeland (covering news this week for host Meghan Coyle) and Sally French kick things off by covering the latest travel headlines, including pre-Thanksgiving travel deals from Hyatt, Norwegian Cruise Line, a

Adventure by Committee: What Happens When You Let Others Pick Your Trip
Sally and her new husband unpack their unconventional honeymoon plan and share practical tips to plan your own getaway with purpose.
How do you plan a honeymoon that feels luxurious without blowing your budget? How can newlyweds use points and miles to pay for their trip? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle share how Sally’s own wedding guests chose her honeymoon destination — and the travel and

How to Tell If a Premium Travel Card Is Worth the Fee
Learn when pricey travel cards are worth it and how to pick the one that gives you the most value.
Are premium travel cards worth the high price tag? How do you decide which one(s) to keep in your wallet? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the real-world math of annual fees and rewards to help you understand when these cards pay for themselves. But first, show producer Tess Vigeland j

How to Make Every Trip More Meaningful — Without Spending More (w/ Expedia’s “Powering Travel” Host Elisabeth Goodridge)
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, the

Travel More, Stress Less: How to Build a Financial Plan That Funds Your Adventures
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 late

When to Book and Fly for Cheaper Holiday Trips in 2025
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, the

Enjoy the Halloween Travel Boom Without Getting Scared by Prices (Video Episode)
In this special video episode, watch Sally brave haunted attractions and reveal the surprising rise of Halloween vacations.
Is Halloween travel worth the money right now? Which fall travel deals are worth your time? Watch hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how Halloween became a peak travel moment and what it really costs — and see how Sally reacted to some of this year’s scariest attr

Stop Wasting Time (and Miles): Points vs. Cash Tools for Easier Booking
Confused by points vs. cash? Discover how to stretch your miles further and save on your next trip.
Should you use points or cash for your next flight? How do you find award availability that’s worth booking? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into points redemption and partner programs to help you understand when it makes the most sense to redeem miles, when to pay cash, and how to surface

Getting Paid to Plan Trips Doesn't Have to Be a Full-Time Job: How to Become a Travel Advisor in 2025
Fora cofounder Henley Vazquez reveals how travelers turn trip planning into income and which destinations are trending.
How much money can you make working part-time as a travel advisor? What are the startup costs to get into the industry? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explore how you can turn trip planning into income and what that means for travelers looking to build a flexible side hustl

Keep or Cut the Amex Platinum? What New Perks Mean for Frequent Travelers
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 st

How One Family Flew Business Class to Europe on Points — and Stayed in Style
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 t

Cash or Miles? The 2025 Points Valuations That Could Change How You Travel
Get fresh NerdWallet data on what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel.
Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter redemption choices. But first, they cover the week’s

Airport Lounge Access, Family Award Travel, and Cruise Savings: Your Questions Answered
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 ne

How to Pay for Study Abroad and Save Overseas (Plus: Alaska Airlines’ New Rewards Program and Premium Travel Card)
Budget smarter for study abroad and learn how to cover costs with scholarships, aid, and credit cards. Plus: get the inside scoop on Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card.
Can you save money by studying abroad? What scholarships and financial aid can actually cover international programs? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the costs and benefits of studying abroad. But first,

Pack Smarter, Spend Less: How to Travel Light Without Losing Comfort
Learn how to pack smarter and lighter with actionable tips to save money, avoid fees, and travel stress-free.
What travel gear can you stop packing to cut costs? How much money can you save by packing your luggage the right way? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss smart packing tips that could have a real impact on your travel spending. But first, Meghan covers the latest travel headlines

Lost Bag Bailout: How Travel Insurance and Credit Cards Can Save You Thousands
Handle lost luggage like a pro with tips for getting reimbursed and packing smarter to avoid future headaches.
What should you do when your luggage disappears on an international trip? Which credit cards and travel insurance policies actually help when this happens? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Meghan’s real-life saga of lost luggage on a trip to Italy, including how she tracked it

Your Travel Credit Card Questions Answered: What to Keep, What to Add, and When to Redeem
Optimize your travel rewards strategy with the latest card and perk updates, smart downgrade-and-reapply moves, and tips for combining and redeeming points for maximum value.
Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle answer listener questions to help you travel smarter. But first, they share a ton of recent credit card news, including Citi launching a premium travel card with American Airlines transfer

New Consumer Protections Could Save You Hundreds on Your Next Flight
Learn how new consumer protections can help you get refunds, rebook faster, and stress less when you fly.
What protections do you have if your flight is delayed, canceled, or your bag goes missing? How do you know if your airline will rebook you or leave you stranded? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive into a new report revealing which airlines get the most complaints and why more travelers

Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local
Plan smarter for your next trip to Italy with cost-saving tips and strategies to avoid common tourist traps.
When is the best time to visit Italy? How can you avoid overspending while still having an unforgettable experience? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French break down the logistics and hidden costs of traveling to Italy, from airfare and lodging to train travel and rental cars. But first, they

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day: What Savvy Travelers Do Differently to Make Every Dollar Count
Stretch your travel budget with smarter planning, real savings hacks, and $75-a-day global travel strategies.
Can you really see the world for just $75 a day? Can you cut travel costs without sacrificing comfort or experience? Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss planning a trip for less than $75 per day with Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines,

What AI Can’t Book: How Travel Advisors Deliver VIP Perks at No Extra Cost
Learn what it’s like working with a travel advisor, including how much time and money they can really save you when planning your next trip.
Can travel advisors really save you money? Should you be booking travel yourself or outsourcing the job to a professional? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French discuss the unexpected perks, cost structures, and potential savings of working with a travel adviso

Summer Travel Deals: Where Prices Are Dropping and How to Book Luxury for Less
Score travel deals, discover hotel savings, and learn how to maximize your budget without missing out this summer.
How can you travel this summer without overspending? Where should you book to get the most value from your hotel stay? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the state of summer travel and how shifting prices are impacting vacation budgets. But first, they break down the lates

Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You?
Learn about major changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve — and how to decide if another premium card is a better fit.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do travelers lose — and gain — with the new credit card benefits? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down this week’s sweeping changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and compare it with other prem

Making Group Travel Work: Planning Trips for Different Budgets, Ages, and Interests
How to plan a multi-generational trip without breaking the bank — or your relationships — and make it truly memorable.
How do you plan a budget-friendly vacation for multiple generations of family? And how do you keep everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — happy without overspending or over-planning? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explain how you can overcome the challenges of multi-ge

Is Epic Universe the Future of Theme Parks? Here’s How to Save When You Go
Learn what’s worth it (and what to skip) at Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe, with money-saving tips and sneak peeks of top rides.
Is Epic Universe worth the higher ticket price compared to Universal’s other parks? How can you save money on theme park food, drinks, and add-ons without sacrificing fun? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the newest and most expensive addition to Un

How to Plan an Itinerary That Saves Money, Avoids Crowds, and Unlocks Hidden Gems
Learn how to plan travel itineraries that save you money, skip tourist traps, and make the most of your points.
How can you plan a travel itinerary that saves money without missing out? What travel credit cards are worth it if you don’t want to pay an annual fee? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk about how to plan a smart, budget-conscious travel itinerary without sacrificing memorable exp

Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks
Get the most out of your next Disney trip with tips for saving on tickets, spending less time in lines, and finding legitimate discounts.
When is the cheapest time to go to Disney parks? How can you save money and avoid long lines once you're there? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk all things Disney, including when to go, how to find legit ticket discounts, and the best ways to save tim

The Benefits of Award Search Tools and When They’re Worth Paying For
Learn how to use award search tools, when it’s worth it to pay for one, and how to use alerts and filters to save time and get better redemptions.
What are the best tools to find award flight availability using points or miles? Is it worth paying for premium travel tools to simplify the booking process? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the newest features in airline loyalty programs an

Insider Strategies for First-Class Cruise Perks Without the Premium Price
Is a cruise actually cheaper than a land vacation? Learn how to sail smarter and save big on your next getaway.
Are cruises really a budget-friendly alternative to land vacations? What’s the best credit card to use for travel and Costco expenses? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss cruise travel, pricing strategies, and credit card hacks to help you understand how to get the most value ou

Where 100,000 Points Can Take You: First Class Seats, Five-Star Suites and VIP Upgrades
Explore your options for spending 100,000 credit card points, with tips on redemptions for luxury flights, hotels, and hidden travel perks.
What are the best ways to use 100,000 credit card points for travel? How do you transfer points to airlines or hotels to get the most value? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss top redemptions across Chase, AmEx, and Capital One to help you stretch

When and How to Transfer Credit Card Rewards Points To Get The Most Value
Learn when it’s worth transferring credit card points — and how to avoid costly mistakes that waste your rewards.
When should you transfer your credit card points to an airline or hotel loyalty program? What are your options if you no longer want to pay the annual fee on a travel card you’ve held for years? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to get the most value from your travel rew

Room Blocks, Rental Cars, and a Plus-One: Smarter Wedding Travel for Savvy Guests
Learn strategic ways to save on wedding travel — whether you're planning the big day or flying in to celebrate someone else's.
How can you avoid overspending on wedding travel without sacrificing comfort or memorable experiences? How do you continue earning meaningful travel rewards after you've maxed out your credit card welcome bonuses? Host Meghan Coyle kicks off the episode with Tess Vigeland

The New Rules of Travel Rewards: Spend More or Lose Out
Learn why flight delays are getting worse and what airline miles are really worth (hint: it’s not what you think).
Why are flight cancellations and delays happening more often? Are airline miles and credit card travel rewards actually worth it? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the latest trends in travel spending and how the airline industry evolved into what it is today. They begin wi

How to Plan Smarter and Save More on Summer Travel
Learn how to get the most out of your summer travel including when to book your flights and how to stack rewards.
When is the cheapest time to book flights for summer travel? How can you stack rewards points to level up your trips? Meghan Coyle and Sally French take a deep dive into the strategies you can use to optimize your travel budget this summer, including tips on when to book flights, way

Secrets to Finding Cheap Flights and Avoiding Fees, Straight from Scott’s Cheap Flights
Learn when to book flights, how to spot mistake fares, and ways to use lesser-known tips like booking stopovers and tapping into rideshare rewards.
When is the best time to book a cheap flight? Do budget airlines actually save you money after all the fees? Scott Keyes, founder of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), joins Smart Travel to talk about how to actually find cheap airfare — includin

How to Visit National Parks for Free, Avoid Crowds, and Save on Lodging
Learn how to visit national parks on a budget, including tips on free entry days and cheap lodging. Plus, the latest key travel rewards updates.
When can you visit national parks for free, and what are the best ways to cut costs on park trips? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down national park budget tips to help you plan an affordable adventure. But first, they kick off the episode wit

Best Travel Credit Cards, Southwest Policy Changes, and Disneyland Deals
Learn which travel credit cards might be best for you, plus news about major policy changes at Southwest.
Which travel credit card is the best travel credit card? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French try to answer that question by picking their favorites, fantasy sports draft style. But first, they discuss the latest travel news, including Southwest changing some of its beloved policies, how to ge

How to Get Elite Travel Perks Without Traveling Every Week or Overpaying
Learn when elite status is worth it, plus how to earn attractive airline and hotel perks even if you don’t constantly travel.
Is elite status ever worth chasing? Should you stick to one airline or just try to book the best deal? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down whether airline and hotel elite status is worth it, and how you can earn valuable perks without spending half your life on

How to Budget for Trips: When to Book and How to Avoid Hidden Fees
Learn how to budget for travel, save on flights, and maximize credit card rewards for your next trip.
How can you budget and save money for travel? How can you maximize credit card rewards and travel points to help lower trip costs? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss budgeting strategies and travel rewards to help you plan smarter for your trips. They begin by sharing new data that might

Flight Canceled? How to Get a Refund, Rebook, or Even Travel for Free
Learn what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled, how to get compensated, and tips to avoid travel disruptions.
What should you do if your flight is delayed or canceled? How can you get compensated for travel disruptions? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to handle unexpected flight changes and what you can do to maximize your chances of getting some form of compensation for v
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