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Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways: Daily Summaries Delivered
by NerdWallet Travel
Planning your next vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel. NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder. But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendations; they break down the latest travel details, exploring the pros and cons of specific strategies, practical tools, and tactics. Dive deep with the experts as they lay out all the options so you can finally plan that dream vacation. So put your seat in its full upright position, buckle up, and let’s help that travel budget take you places you’ve only dreamed about. Join hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, two of NerdWallet’s expert travel Nerds, as they lay out tips, tools, and strategies for your next travel getaway, including: Travel budgeting: What’s the best way to budget for a vacation?
Latest Episodes
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- 2 days ago52 min
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, T-Mobile Tuesday deals with travel perks for June, Hilton's new college-themed hotel brand called Undergraduate, and the opening of Alaska Airlines' renovated lounge at Portland International Airport. Then, Meghan and Sally dig into online shopping portals, explaining how tools like Rakuten, airline-specific portals (including American's AAdvantage eShopping, which earns loyalty points toward elite status), hotel booking platforms like Gondola, and the up-and-coming Rove Miles program could help you stack rewards on top of your credit card earnings. They also cover airline dining programs, brand partnerships with Uber, Lyft, and Starbucks, and the aggregator Cashback Monitor so you can see at a glance which portal offers the best rate for any retailer. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Choice Privileges Mastercard: Useful Bonus Categories, No Annual Fee Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: Piles of Points for a $95 Annual Fee Bilt Blue Card: Complex Housing Rewards, Modest Everyday Ones Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families Resources discussed in this episode: Best Credit Card Bonuses for New Cardholders of June 2026 Credit Card Transfer Partners At a Glance The Capital One Shopping Portal Is Changing How I Book Travel The Guide to Rove 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago38 min
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 collectors, a new Bilt deal allowing certain cardholders to earn miles on rent payments with Air France/KLM and Alaska Atmos, major updates at Disney World and Disneyland, and findings from Expedia's summer travel report on the return of last-minute booking. Then, Meghan and Sally dig into the full picture of summer travel in 2026, with tips and tricks on when airfares and hotel prices hit their seasonal floor, which domestic and international destinations are trending this summer, and how to decide whether spending points or paying cash makes more sense when prices are climbing fast. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-credit-card 5 Things to Know About the Air France-KLM Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/air-france-klm-credit-card Fanatics Rewards Card from American Express https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/amex-fanatics-to-partner-on-credit-card Resources discussed in this episode: How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026? https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations 2026 Summer Travel Report: 42% Would Rather Stay Home Than Book Budget Travel https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/studies/summer-travel-report The Best Days to Book a Flight and When to Fly https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-days-book-flight-fly 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
- 1 weeks ago2 min
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 nerdwalletwealthpartners.com NerdWallet Wealth Partners LLC (NWWP) is a SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training, nor does it constitute an endorsement by any securities regulator. The content presented by NWWP on its Your Next Dollar podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice to any person. The views, strategies, examples, and figures discussed are intended to be general in nature, subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and may not be suitable for every individual. Any hypothetical illustrations used are for educational purposes only and do not represent a guarantee or prediction of future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. NWWP's investment advisory services are only offered where NWWP and its representatives are registered. Before making any financial decision, seek advice from a qualified investment, tax, or legal professional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago53 min
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 by rising oil costs and the Spirit Airlines shutdown, the new JetBlue and United reciprocal loyalty program benefits, record Memorial Day travel projections, a new Marriott Bonvoy and Outside Magazine partnership, and a roundup of deals and new attractions at Disneyland and Disney World this summer. Then, Sally and Meghan go deep on the new World of Hyatt award chart that rolled out on May 20th, covering what changed with the new five-tier pricing structure, which hotel categories are seeing the biggest cost jumps, and why Hyatt points could still hold strong value compared to competing programs. They share their favorite Hyatt properties around the globe, and discuss strategies for earning points through hotel stays, the World of Hyatt credit cards, and transfer partners including Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt. Plus: Sally and Meghan answer a listener’s question about which card to consider for a large Marriott family stay over Thanksgiving. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: High-Value Points But No Free Night Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Review: Ho-Hum for a High Price Resources discussed in this episode: How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026? Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You? (Smart Travel episode about the 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago1h 9m
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 Premier Card, surprising findings from the 2026 J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study, IHG's new summer points promotion, and what slow bookings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mean for travelers. Then, joined by longtime Kindred host Bob Krinsky and Asheville-based Trusted Housesitters host Robert Barclay, they discuss what it's actually like to swap homes or invite a stranger to pet sit, with tips and tricks on choosing a platform that vets its members, building trust with potential sitters or swappers, and saving on the extras like pet care and rides to the airport. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: JetBlue Premier Review: $300 Credit, Lounge Access and More https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-premier JetBlue Plus Review: Bundle of Benefits, Reasonable Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-plus Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum Resources discussed in this episode: The Guide to Rove Miles https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/guide-to-rove-miles The Guide to Air Canada Aeroplan https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/air-canada Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: May 2026 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/credit-card-transfer-bonuses JetBlue Premier Adding Companion Pass, Enhancing Travel Credit https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/jetblue-premier-new-perks The Guide to IHG One Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/ihg-rewards-more-value-for-the-frugal-traveler Book These Hyatt Properties Now Before Award Costs Go Up on May 20 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/book-these-hyatt-properties-before-may-2026-devaluation Best Hotel Credit Cards for Free Nights https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-hotel-credit-cards-for-free-nights 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
- May 6, 202644 min
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 latest travel headlines, including the Spirit Airlines shutdown, a new Wells Fargo transfer partner, a big new sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, anniversary updates to the Amex Gold Card, and two new direct routes from the U.S. to Rome. Then, Meghan and Sally answer listener questions, with tips and tricks on saving Chase points for future family travel, navigating travel insurance claims on award flights, using points and price trackers to score a family Hawaii trip, picking the right next credit card when you live outside a big city, choosing your next solo female travel destination, and comparing Gondola and Roame for hotel bookings. 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 Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Chase Freedom Unlimited Card Review American Express Gold Card Review: Dining Rewards Royalty American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers Citi AAdvantage Platinum Credit Card Review Resources discussed in this episode: Spirit Airlines Has Shut Down: Here's What to Do Guide to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Chase Sapphire Reserve's Welcome Offer Reaches Highest Level Yet 11 Things to Do with 150K Chase Ultimate Rewards Points American Express Gold Card Unveils New and Updated Benefits Star Alliance: The Complete Guide Hyatt's New Award Chart Raises Points Prices for Most Nights Points Path Review: A Free Tool To Compare Costs Gondola Hotel Search Review: It's My Favorite Tool Roame Award Search Tool Review 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
- Apr 29, 202657 min
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's 2026 Halloween event dates, expiring welcome offers on the Disney Inspire and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards, new Chase Sapphire Reserve perks at The Edit collection hotels, and the Trump administration's potential bailout of Spirit Airlines. Then, they discuss why a sub-$100 annual fee card can punch well above its weight for the right traveler. They break down their picks across four categories: cards for travel spending, everyday spending, hotel co-brands, and airline co-brands. You'll get tips on free night certificates, statement credits, and transfer partners, plus when these cards genuinely compete with premium options. 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 Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution Chase Freedom Flex: Multiple Bonus Rewards in One Card Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card Review Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card: Premium Credits, With a Few Caveats Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Premier Perks Abound IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Citi AAdvantage Platinum Credit Card Review Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year JetBlue Plus Review: Bundle of Benefits, Reasonable Fee Disney Inspire Visa: A Whole New World of Generous Benefits Resources discussed in this episode: Hyatt's New Award Chart Raises Points Prices for Most Nights A First Look at MSC World America: A Family-Friendly Cruise The Guide to Wells Fargo Transfer Partners The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners 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
- Apr 23, 202645 min
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 transfer partner, Air New Zealand’s controversial new Skynest bunk bed cabin, Chase expanding its Plum Guide vacation rental program to Sapphire cardholders, Hilton’s new apartment-style properties, and Norse Atlantic canceling Los Angeles flights amid rising fuel costs. Then, Sally joins Meghan for a conversation with Gilbert Ott, Director of Loyalty at the OneWorld Airline Alliance. They explore how airline alliance membership can elevate every trip you take, with tips and insights on how OneWorld’s Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald elite status tiers work across all 15 member airlines, which world-class airport lounges you can access as a OneWorld elite member, and what Hawaiian Airlines’ new membership in the Alliance means for your miles and travel experience. 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 Preferred® Card Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey Resources discussed in this episode: Wells Fargo Transfer Partners: What to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/wells-fargo-transfer-partners Air New Zealand's Skynest Bunk Beds Are Coming This Fall https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/air-new-zealand-skynest-launch 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
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About Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways
Planning your next vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel. NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder. But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendations; they break down the latest travel details, exploring the pros and cons of specific strategies, practical tools, and tactics. Dive deep with the experts as they lay out all the options so you can finally plan that dream vacation. So put your seat in its full upright position, buckle up, and let’s help that travel budget take you places you’ve only dreamed about. Join hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, two of NerdWallet’s expert travel Nerds, as they lay out tips, tools, and strategies for your next travel getaway, including: Travel budgeting: What’s the best way to budget for a vacation?
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