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The Thrifty Traveler Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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!
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- 4 days ago56 min
Which Airline Miles Are Actually Worth Using in 2026?
So much changes so fast in the world of points and miles, it’s easy to lose track. So in this episode of the Thrifty Traveler Podcast, the guys go through (almost) every single airline loyalty program and decide: Are they trending up or are they down? But they need some help, so flight deal analyst Katie Rollins joins to break things down … and also shares a legendary travel mishap. The gang also sorts through some hotel points programs and helps a listener deal with their PreCheck-less travel companions. Download SAILY's app and use code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/thrifty ⛵Watch us on YouTube!Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - Introducing Katie Rollins (& her trip to Iceland)02:20 - Matt & Annika welcome us back from Albania!03:15 - Something Hot: Leading Hotels of the World06:15 - Something Cold: The Hyatt-Chase transfer “D-Day”09:20 - A word from our sponsor, Saily!10:15 - The best Thrifty Traveler Premium hotel & flight deals11:30 - Our rankings: Who’s up and who’s down in airline loyalty programs45:45 - The etiquette of ditching your non-PreCheck friends48:15 - Revisiting Katie’s brutal rental car mistake in Iceland53:30 - On the Spot: Luxury flights or hotels? Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 1 weeks ago42 min
How to Save on Your Holiday Flights (& When to Book)
Heading home for the holidays can be expensive, especially this year… but it doesn’t have to be. We’re in the heart of holiday flight booking season, so Gunnar and Kyle give all their best tips for saving on flights on those high-demand holiday season flights. The guys go through when to book your trips (spoiler alert: sooooon), where to target for the best deal, and when to turn to your points and miles to get home for the holidays. Plus, the guys gush about Japan Airlines again, welcome the return of cheap flights to Europe, and revisit Kyle’s Hilton vs. Hyatt take. Thanks to our sponsor, Monarch! Go to Monarch.com and use code “THRIFTY” to get your first year of Monarch Core half off at just $50!Watch us on YouTube!Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today.00:00 - Our points & miles Santa Claus00:40 - Advice for traveling over the holidays01:50 - Julius in Malta welcomes us back to the show02:50 - Something Hot: Hilton’s new card offers06:30 - Something Hotter: Cheap flights to Europe return!08:25 - Something Hottest: JAL miles keep getting better!13:50 - A word form our sponsor: Monarch! 15:00 - What’s the best time to book holiday flights?18:00 - And what the heck is going on with flight prices?23:45 - Tips for finding cheaper flights over the holidays31:50 - Holiday sweet spots: Traveling abroad & biz class36:40 - Listener Question: Our flight cancellation playbook41:15 - On the Spot: What’s the ideal Thanksgiving trip?Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 1 weeks ago49 min
Starter Kit Vol. 5, Tips for Traveling Better & Cheaper
You’ve earned the points, you’ve booked the trip … but how do you make your travels more enjoyable? On this (perhaps not final?) episode of Starter Kit, the guys walk through the little things you can do to improve your entire trip, from the planning process to booking lodging, rental cars, and trains to making your airport experience easier - and even how to beat jet lag and find activities to do abroad. And in the name of keeping things thrifty, they spill the beans on the best way to cover these extra expenses with points and miles.Watch us on YouTube!Starter Kit is sponsored by Thrifty Traveler Premium, the world’s best flight deal service. Get $20 off your first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts - use promo code “START” at thriftytraveler.com/premium. 00:00 - Has Kyle achieved travel nirvana?02:50 - Tools & apps to organize your travel plans07:50 - Make the airport easier: TSA, lounges & Flighty20:00 - Lodging tips: Finding the best hotels & vacation rentals26:05 - Saving on rental cars with Autoslash or Turo31:00 - How to find other forms of transportation32:45 - Tips for traveling better on the ground45:30 - Your final flight plan!47:00 - Kyle’s final advice to travelers: Get out there!Volume 5 Flight Plan: Organize your travel plans with TripIt, Google My Maps, and more, and understand your phone plan or eSimStreamline your airport experience with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Flighty, and other apps and servicesCast a wide net when looking for lodging: Don’t just search Airbnb and Google Hotels - go deeperStop overpaying for rental cars: Use tools like Autoslash or Turo for better ratesUse our tips to improve your travels on the ground (and earn Capital One miles to cover them!)Related Episodes & Links Mentioned: Ep. 31: Beating Rental Car Companies & Hotel Chains with Autoslash CEO Jonathan WeinbergBonus: Why Flighty is Our Favorite Travel AppTripIt — TripItGoogle — Google My Maps · Google Hotels · Google Maps / Street ViewSaily — Saily eSIMAiralo — Airalo eSIMThrifty Traveler Premium — Thrifty Traveler Premium Flight Deals (Use promo code START for $20 off your first year!)TSA — TSA PreCheck · TSA Digital ID / Touchless ID informationCLEAR — CLEAR+Global Entry / Mobile Passport Control — Global Entry / Trusted Traveler Programs · Mobile Passport Control informationFlighty — FlightyLoungeReview — LoungeReviewAmerican Express — Amex Global Lounge CollectionAirbnb — Airbnb · Airbnb Experiences ·Airbnb Reverse Image SearchVrbo —<a href="https://www.vrb
- 2 weeks ago49 min
Are You Making These Mistakes with Your Points & Miles?
Earning and redeeming points can be full of trip hazards … and Gunnar’s tripped on almost all of them. So this week, the guys outline the biggest award travel mistakes they’ve seen (and made) so that you can avoid making the same mistakes on your own travel journey. Plus, the guys break down some positive points news from Qatar Airways, walk through their analysis of where you can score “poor man’s business class,” an help a listener out planning a trip to Europe next year. Download SAILY's app and use code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/thrifty ⛵Watch us on YouTube!Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today.00:00 - R.I.P. the TSA line water bottle chug02:45 - Holly welcomes us back from the Dolomites!03:40 - The best flights to find “poor man’s business class”10:30 - Qatar backs off its restrictive booking rules15:50 - Thanks to our sponsor, Saily! 16:45 - The 10 most common award travel mistakes45:00 - The 1-year-out award travel checklist47:30 - On the Spot: How many of these mistakes has Gunnar made?Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 2 weeks ago35 min
Starter Kit Vol. 4, The Best Tools to Get Ahead in Travel
Award travel can feel overwhelming and complicated … but not with the right tools and organization. This week on our special Starter Kit series, Kyle and Gunnar walk through all the websites, apps, and tools they use to organize their credit cards, points, miles, and travels. From a credit card benefit tracker to ways to use your pesky monthly dining credit to the best services to maximize your points and miles, it’s all here.Watch us on YouTube!Starter Kit is sponsored by Thrifty Traveler Premium, the world’s best flight deal service. Get $20 off your first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts - use promo code “START” at thriftytraveler.com/premium. 00:00 - When did Kyle realize it’s time to get organized? 02:40 - Using our Credit Card Benefit Tracker06:35 - How to organize your credit cards12:00 - Understanding & maximizing your credit card perks17:00 - Tools you need to book award travel33:00 - Your Vol. 4 Flight Plan Volume 4 Flight Plan: Find tools to manage your credit cards, your benefits, and your passwordsBookmark resources that can help you maximize your card credits and benefitsSign up for free sites that take the guesswork out of booking award travel (like TripIt, Aerolopa, MaxMyPoint, and more)Consider signing up for our tools: The free Card Benefit Tracker or Thrifty Traveler Premium Related Episodes:Ep. 30 - Tools of the Trade: How We Earn, Organize & Redeem Points SmarterEp. 50 - Inside Thrifty Traveler with Founder Jared KamrowskiEp. 17 - Have Banks Lost the Plot With Premium Credit Cards?Ep. 46 - What’s in Our Wallets & Our Points PlannersProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 3 weeks ago56 min
No Gatekeeping: The 10 Best Redemptions in Points & Miles
Some deals are just unbelievably good in the world of points and miles … and a select few are too good to last forever. That’s why the guys are shining the light on some of the best deals in all of points and miles - the ones you should book ASAP before they disappear. Whether you’re spending 2,000 miles on a domestic flight, 60,000 miles to fly business class to Japan, or flying lie-flat to London for a fraction of the miles (and fees) that other airlines charge, we analyze the endangered species of points and miles redemptions. Plus, the guys unpack Alaska’s family-friendly update and wonder aloud: Should there be a smoking section inside Southwest’s upcoming lounges? Thank you to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign up at joinbilt.com/thrifty.Watch us on YouTube!Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today.00:00 - Travel hacks we won’t gatekeep … even questionable ones02:05 - Sherie welcomes us back to the show from Lauterbrunnen!02:45 - Alaska goes worst to first for its lap infant policy07:20 - Southwest announces lounges and a premium card12:10 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards!13:20 - Endangered: The 10 best deals that are too good to last46:20 - Extinct: The ones that got away50:35 - Jennifer asks: When should you buck the flights first rule?52:20 - Katie asks: What happens to your points bonus if you downgrade?54:50 - On the Spot: What deal would you un-gatekeep? Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 3 weeks ago44 min
Starter Kit, Vol 3: How to Transfer & Redeem Your Hard-Earned Points
It’s time to learn how to redeem those points and miles you’ve earned for travel … and while it might seem scary, this is the fun part! We walk through the basics of redeeming your points – including a step-by-step guide to transferring to partner airlines and hotels, which is (almost) always the best path. Plus, a primer on airline alliances, finding award availability, and some of our best ideas of how to redeem your points for maximum value for your next big trip. Watch us on YouTube!Starter Kit is sponsored by Thrifty Traveler Premium, the world’s best flight deal service. Get $20 off your first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts - use promo code “START” at thriftytraveler.com/premium. 00:00 - Do we still get nervous transferring points? 02:30 - What should you earn: Points or miles? 04:50 - Using credit card points: Travel portals & transfers09:00 - When it makes sense to transfer your points12:30 - A primer on finding that all-important award availability15:50 - Why knowing airline alliances & partnerships is key20:00 - How to transfer points: A step-by-step guide21:30 - Sign up for all your airline programs now!30:05 - Our favorite programs and redemptions to get started36:30 - How to NOT use your points and miles42:00 - Your Vol. 3 Flight Plan!Volume 3 Flight Plan: Set up all of your loyalty accounts as soon as possibleDo your homework: Check for availability and all possible options before booking, including the travel portal and other partner airlinesGet to know transfer partners, alliances, and partnershipsUse the Flight Plan from Ep. 1: Use the flights first rule and be flexibleEarn and burn: Use those points - they rarely go up in valueRelated Episodes:Ep. 5 - The 10 Commandments of Points & MilesEp. 66 - Airline Alliances EpisodeEp. 73 - The Current State of Award Availability in 2026The Master List of Credit Card Transfer PartnersProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Sep 3, 202657 min
Delta’s Weirdest Card Offer & Google’s Huge Points Play
Google Flights is making a big move into the points and miles game, United’s CEO’s egotistical comments, Delta’s weird (but arguably best-ever?) credit card offer, and a bevy of new Europe routes all headline a big news roundup to close out the summer. Tune in as Gunnar and Kyle dole out advice about transferring points to Hyatt, analyze the boom in flights to the slopes, look into some puzzling Chase Sapphire Lounge news, and review the Delta One Lounge in Seattle, KLM’s Premium Comfort seats, and Gunnar’s latest glamping adventure! Download SAILY's app and use code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/thrifty ⛵ Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - & the winner of our credit card draft is… 02:15 - What’s going on with Gunnar’s voice? 03:10 - Staley welcomes us back from South Africa! 04:20 - Google Flights gets into the points game 08:40 - United’s cardholder discounts: Solid, but no slam dunk 15:20 - Let’s Play: Translate! That! Airline CEO! (ft. United’s Scott Kirby) 22:55 - Delta’s weird (but awesome) credit card offer 27:00 - New route nerd out: Europe flying goes sky high 33:20 - A word from our sponsor, Saily! 34:25 - Will this be the end of pre-departure drinks? 36:40 - Chase drops its only lounge reservation system 38:00 - American’s new (& worse?) premium card 39:05 - Analyzing the flight boom to ski resorts 42:30 - Delta One Lounge Seattle review 44:00 - KLM: Premium Comfort vs. Biz Class 47:05 - Gunnar’s latest glamping adventure 48:45 - The most & least expensive airports for a beer 51:20 - A listener asks: Should you speculatively transfer from Chase to Hyatt? 55:35 - On the spot: The ideal number of travel beers? Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of person
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About The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
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!
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