Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

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? How can you save money planning travel? The Nerds compare the best travel budgeting tools. Travel Strategies: Should you use travel points or travel miles? Should you Airbnb or get a hotel? The Nerds have your how-to travel guide for your next trip. Family vacation planning: Thinking of a Disney trip or something more tropical? Should you fly or rent a car? The Nerds lay out your options so you can decide the best way to book your next family vacation. Travel Agents: Can travel agents save you money? Are there better alternatives? The Nerds dive into the actual cost of financial traveling and lay out your best options.  Seasonal timing: When’s the right time to book travel for next summer? How far out should you plan a holiday getaway? The Nerds got you covered from Spring to Winter with smart travel strategies. Fee and policy changes: How do the latest TSA rules affect you? The Nerds break down recent regulations and how it impacts your next travel budget.  Travel Planning Tools: Not sure about a new travel app? Does that website actually give you the best deals? The Nerds have reviewed all the major platforms and share their pros, cons, and insights. Destination-Specific Booking Strategies: Dreaming of Hawaiian or European getaways? The Nerds can help you and your travel budget when booking popular travel destinations.  If you’re planning on traveling within the next 12 months and ready to start researching and booking your next great adventure, then follow Smart Travel to upgrade your getaways.  You’ll love Smart Travel if you like podcasts like: Far From Home, Zero to Travel, Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, Amateur Traveler, Point Me To First Class, Takeoff A Points And Miles Podcast, Frequent Miler On The Air, Women Who Travel, and many other travel related podcasts.  NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http:// www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

  1. Family Travel on Points, Solo Trip Ideas, and Booking Tools Compared: Your Travel Questions Answered

    4D AGO

    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

    44 min
  2. The Best Travel Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100

    APR 29

    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

    58 min
  3. APR 23

    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

    46 min
  4. APR 15

    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 perks from basic economy bookings, Rove Miles adding new transfer partners, Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady arriving in Los Angeles for West Coast sailings, and Tess's long-awaited — and ultimately successful — effort to get a refund from Iberia Airlines after a delayed flight in Spain. Then, Sally joins Meghan for a discussion with Erin Hurd, points expert and NerdWallet's director of travel, about how families can travel on points without losing their minds. Erin shares tips and tricks on flying babies and toddlers affordably, using family miles pooling programs to combine points across household members, earning companion passes to stretch your travel budget further, and booking hotels strategically when you need connecting rooms or extra space. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review: Modest Perks, Big Bonus American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Bank of America Premium Rewards Review: Big Bonuses for B of A’s Best Customers Is the New Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee? Resources discussed in this episode: The Guide to Rove Miles Top Airline Credit Cards With Companion Tickets My Favorite Tools for Booking Cheap Travel 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

    46 min
  5. APR 8

    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 signup bonuses on the Atmos Rewards cards from Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines' new international business class launching from Seattle, upcoming American Express Centurion Lounge openings in Boston and Charlotte and an expansion at Dallas Fort Worth, Amex dropping Etihad as a transfer partner, Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholders now earning up to 5x points on Lyft rides, and new JetBlue TrueBlue redemption options for travel fees including pet travel. Then, joined by traveler Jana Kate, who has brought her dog Poquito on trips across Europe, they discuss the real costs and logistics of traveling with pets, with tips and tricks on choosing the right airline and hotel for your pet, navigating fees that can vary per night versus per stay, and what to know before you book with a furry companion in tow. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Hilton AmEx Surpass Review: Credits Can Offset the High Fee  Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Unique as They Are Valuable  Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More  Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review: Modest Perks, Big Bonus Southwest Premier Credit Card Review: The Middle Seat of Cards  Resources discussed in this episode: The Best Airlines for Flying With Pets in 2026 Best Hotels for Pets in 2026  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

    58 min
  6. APR 1

    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 airport security lines, Sally’s experience using Touchless ID at JFK, United’s new Dreamliner cabins and Relax Row seats, United’s MileagePlus earning changes, Bilt adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, and new Royal Caribbean cruise credit cards. Then, Sally and Meghan discuss how to travel for sporting events without going broke, with tips and tricks on when to stay farther from the venue, how to use public transit and alternate airports, when vacation packages can beat booking everything separately, how to think about ticket presales and premium card perks, and when it might be smarter to skip the stadium and enjoy the fan festivities instead. They also look ahead to the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, Formula 1 races, the NBA All-Star Game, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and future Super Bowls. Plus: they answer a listener’s question about cash-back cards versus points cards. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits 10 Things to Know About the AmEx Centurion Black Card Resources discussed in this episode: First Look: United’s Most Premium Plane With Polaris Studios United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates 28 Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 hr
  7. MAR 25

    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, including long TSA lines during the federal partial shutdown, fresh findings from NerdWallet’s 2026 summer travel survey, Hilton’s new Yotel partnership, Citi ending points sharing, and Chase’s new hotel price-match feature. Then, Sally and Meghan dig into rental car strategy, with tips and tricks on booking early and repricing later, comparing airport and city pickup spots, and deciding when Turo, Uber Rent, Zipcar, or public transit make more sense than a standard rental. They also cover which credit card perks matter most, how rental car elite status can help you skip lines or add drivers, when EV rentals can save money or create hassles, and why their editor Claire and colleague Craig come up in a conversation about portal pricing, rental car dread, and smarter booking choices. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits AmEx Business Platinum Card: High Fee Pays Off for Big-Spending Travelers AmEx Green Review: Triple Points on Dining and Travel, Plus Credits Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers 5 Things to Know About the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card Resources discussed in this episode: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: How It Works, Where It’s Offered How to Get Clear for Free Citi Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide My Favorite Tools for Booking Cheap Travel 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

    55 min
  8. MAR 18

    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 headlines, including Marriott’s more-flexible free night certificates, bigger Marriott welcome offers, rising fuel surcharges that could push airfare higher, and what the new Ikon Pass prices mean for next ski season. Then, fellow travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan and Sally to discuss ski trip costs, with tips and tricks on choosing between season passes and day tickets, lowering rental, lodging and parking costs, and using points, hotel stays and credit card perks to offset the price of a mountain vacation. They also discuss whether skiing in Europe can actually cost less than skiing in the U.S., what non-skiers can do on a snow trip from tubing to ice skating, and what to look for in a credit card if you’re flying with skis or a snowboard. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Free Night Award, Elite Status https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-boundless  Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Review: Luxurious Benefits, Price Tag to Match https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-brilliant  Capital One Savor Review: Foodie-Focused Rewards, for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-savor  Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium  Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture-x  Resources discussed in this episode: The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/top-rewards-credit-card-offers  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

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

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? How can you save money planning travel? The Nerds compare the best travel budgeting tools. Travel Strategies: Should you use travel points or travel miles? Should you Airbnb or get a hotel? The Nerds have your how-to travel guide for your next trip. Family vacation planning: Thinking of a Disney trip or something more tropical? Should you fly or rent a car? The Nerds lay out your options so you can decide the best way to book your next family vacation. Travel Agents: Can travel agents save you money? Are there better alternatives? The Nerds dive into the actual cost of financial traveling and lay out your best options.  Seasonal timing: When’s the right time to book travel for next summer? How far out should you plan a holiday getaway? The Nerds got you covered from Spring to Winter with smart travel strategies. Fee and policy changes: How do the latest TSA rules affect you? The Nerds break down recent regulations and how it impacts your next travel budget.  Travel Planning Tools: Not sure about a new travel app? Does that website actually give you the best deals? The Nerds have reviewed all the major platforms and share their pros, cons, and insights. Destination-Specific Booking Strategies: Dreaming of Hawaiian or European getaways? The Nerds can help you and your travel budget when booking popular travel destinations.  If you’re planning on traveling within the next 12 months and ready to start researching and booking your next great adventure, then follow Smart Travel to upgrade your getaways.  You’ll love Smart Travel if you like podcasts like: Far From Home, Zero to Travel, Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, Amateur Traveler, Point Me To First Class, Takeoff A Points And Miles Podcast, Frequent Miler On The Air, Women Who Travel, and many other travel related podcasts.  NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http:// www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

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