Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

Joe Saul-Sehy & Crystal Hammond

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UPDATED WEEKLY

Ready to dive into your next adventure? Begin your next travel adventure with us so you're inspired and prepared to do more, see more, and enjoy your trip. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond walk you through not only their stories, but also those of fellow adventurers. They talk to experts in travel, accommodations, booking flights, and more.

3 DAYS AGO

Maximize Your Travel Points: Expert Tips & Tricks

Ready to turn your everyday spending into first-class experiences? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond, Joe Saul-Sehy, and Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez dig into the art (and a little science) of mastering travel points. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or just starting to explore the rewards world, this episode will help you stack your points like a pro—and actually use them for those dream vacations. From strategic credit card pairing to maximizing transfer bonuses, the trio dives into how to make every dollar work double-time. You'll learn how to build flexible reward strategies, avoid common mistakes that waste miles, and understand when loyalty programs are worth the effort (and when they're not). Along the way, expect personal travel stories, a few point-hoarding confessions, and plenty of practical advice you can start using before your next trip. Of course, it wouldn't be a true Stacking Adventures episode without some road-trip banter, a gear reveal, and a reminder that travel hacking isn't just for the wealthy—it's for anyone who loves to explore without emptying their wallet. What You'll Learn ✈️ Smart Stacking: How to layer credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel portals for maximum rewards. 💳 Card Strategy 101: Picking the right mix of cards that match your travel goals and lifestyle. 🧭 Flexible Rewards: Why transferable points often beat fixed airline or hotel programs. ⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid: How to keep your points from expiring—or your rewards from losing value. 🏨 Pro Travel Tips: Making the most of upgrades, lounge access, and elite status (without the snobbery). Perfect for Adventurers Who… Want to travel more and spend less doing it. Love swapping travel stories and clever money moves. Are curious how to turn credit card perks into real-world adventures. Believe the best souvenirs are memories—preferably earned in business class.

1h 4m
30 OCT

Haunted Alexandria: A Ghost Tour That's Actually Worth Your Time (And Money)

Ever wondered if ghost tours are actually fun, or just touristy gimmicks that sound better on Instagram than in real life? Crystal Hammond just got back from a ghost tour through Alexandria, Virginia with U.S. Ghost Adventures, and she's got answers. Spoiler: this one's worth the price of admission—especially if you like your history served with a side of haunted pub crawl. From the allegedly haunted Gatsby Hotel to the centuries-old Carlisle House, Crystal walks you through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the kind of local stories that make you wonder if that cold breeze was just October air... or something else. And because this is Crystal, the evening includes stops at some of Alexandria's best bars—O'Connell's Irish Bar, Union Street Pub—where the spirits come in more than one variety. But this isn't just ghost stories and good beer (though there's plenty of both). Crystal breaks down what makes a walking tour worth your time and money, shares her secret weapon for capturing travel moments without lugging around a DSLR, and gives you the insider tips that turn a tourist activity into a genuine local experience. Whether you're planning a fall getaway, looking for unique date ideas, or just wondering if ghost tours are your thing, Crystal's got the honest review you need. What You'll Take With You: • The real deal on ghost tours: what makes them worth it (and what to watch out for) • Crystal's favorite haunted stops in Alexandria—and the stories that'll stick with you • How to turn a walking tour into a full evening experience (hint: strategic pub stops) • Her go-to travel camera for capturing moments without the bulk: the Insta360 Go • Why sometimes the best travel adventures are the ones that feel a little silly... until they don't This Episode Is For You If: • You've been curious about ghost tours but weren't sure if they're cheesy or actually cool • You love history but want it served with personality (and maybe a cocktail) • You're looking for fall travel ideas that aren't just "look at leaves" • You want honest travel reviews • You believe the best trips are the ones where you laugh, learn, and maybe get a little spooked Tell us YOUR favorite ghost story travel adventure: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory Check out our curated selection of travel gear: StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay Thank you to US Ghost Adventures for inviting Crystal to try out a tour. You'll find them at USGhostAdventures.com

50 min
21 OCT

How They Road-Tripped for 26 Days Without Going Broke

What if the trip you've been dreaming about doesn't have to wait until retirement—or cost a fortune? Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with road-trippers Miranda and Jason, who just wrapped a 26-day adventure from Idaho to Oregon. Hot springs. Star-filled skies. A night in a giant flowerpot Airbnb (yes, really). And the best part? They didn't come home broke. Miranda and Jason break down exactly how they made it work: credit card points, camping hacks, and the art of saying "yes" to spontaneity without blowing the budget. Because here's the thing—adventure doesn't require endless cash. It requires courage, creativity, and knowing where to splurge and where to save. This episode isn't just a highlight reel of epic stops (though Crater Lake and Boise's Pride Festival definitely make appearances). It's about what happens when you prioritize experiences over perfection, unplug from the noise, and rediscover why you wanted to explore in the first place. Whether you're planning your own cross-country trip or just daydreaming about one, you'll walk away with the roadmap—and the permission slip—to finally go. What You'll Take With You: The exact strategy Miranda and Jason used to fund 26 days on the road (points, perks, and smart camping) How to balance spontaneity with a budget that won't give you anxiety at the gas pump Hidden gems and unforgettable stops from Craters of the Moon to the Oregon coast Why unplugging (even for a few days) might be the best investment you make this year Proof that you don't need fancy hotels or a perfect plan to have the trip of a lifetime Before You Hit Play, Ask Yourself: What trip have you been putting off because you think you can't afford it—or don't have the time? What if the real problem isn't money or schedules... it's just giving yourself permission to go? Got a road trip story or a dream destination? Drop it in the comments—we want to hear where you're headed next. For our gear of the day pic head to StackingAdventures.com/GOTD Tell us your story! Head to StackingAdventures.com/MyStory with YOUR road trip adventure!

1h 16m
15 OCT

Money Geeks Share GREAT Travel Tips (LIVE From FinCon!)

Imagine if you went to a place where people knew how to save money AND also to have fun? How about if those same people LOVED dishing out advice? Crystal and Joe attended FinCon, a financial media creator's conference in Portland, Oregon, and Crystal shoved her microphone in the faces of some of the TOP money people at the event. Luckily, they all loved it AND shared some incredible gems. From reward stacking to where to stay in the hotel, and from visas to food, we cover everything so that you're ready for your next adventure. Find our Gear of the Day at stackingadventures.com/GOTD Join the show yourself by sharing a story! You'll have five minutes to tell it by going to stackingadventures.com/MyStory

56 min
8 OCT

Jon's Epic Family Adventure: Germany, England, France, Iceland, and Turkey in 26 Days

Ever dream of packing five countries and a lifetime of memories into less than a month? Buckle up, Adventurer — this episode of Stacking Adventures takes you along for a whirlwind 26-day journey across Europe and beyond. Hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with globetrotter Jon to unpack the highs, lows, and priceless lessons from his epic family sabbatical — a trip that covered Germany, England, France, Iceland, and Turkey in one unforgettable run. From castles and cathedrals to kebabs and cold plunges, we explore how John made the most of every stop — and how he paid for it all with smart use of credit card points and travel hacking. You'll hear how he balanced logistics, teenage moods, and must-see sites, plus the reality of making tough choices when time is short. Along the way, Crystal and Joe share their own favorite moments (and mishaps) that prove the best travel stories come from the unexpected. Whether you're planning a multi-country itinerary or just dreaming about one, this episode is packed with insights to help you make it happen. Because the world is too big — and too delicious — to see one country at a time. What You'll Learn Points and perks: How Jon leveraged rewards programs to cut costs on flights, hotels, and transportation. Must-see stops: Insider tips on what to do (and skip) in places like Bath, Mont Saint-Michel, and Iceland's Golden Circle. Teen-tested strategies: How to plan a trip that keeps the whole family engaged without overloading the itinerary. One-bag travel secrets: Why packing light might be the smartest decision you make before you even leave home. Quick-hit destinations: Creative ways to maximize short stays in countries like Turkey and Iceland. Questions to Explore If you had 26 days to see multiple countries, how would you prioritize your stops? What's the one travel splurge you'd never skip, even on a budget trip? Could you live out of a single bag for a month — or do you need that extra pair of shoes? Find our awesome Gear of the Day picks recommended by our guests AND hosts: StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay Join the fun and share YOUR story with us! StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

59 min
24 SEPT

We Tour Oregon (wine country, the coast, and Crater Lake National Park)

What happens when you mix rolling vineyards, crashing waves, and a lake so blue it looks Photoshopped? You get Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond's four-day adventure across Oregon. From sipping Pinot in the Willamette Valley to standing awestruck on the rim of Crater Lake, this whirlwind journey proves you don't need months off to pack in once-in-a-lifetime moments. Along the way, Joe and Crystal share the highs, lows, and a few surprises—like where to find coastal gems that aren't overrun with tourists, why Bend might be Oregon's best-kept secret, and which travel snacks pass Crystal's "road trip survival" test. Toss in some gear talk, essential tips, and the kind of stories that make you want to toss a bag in the car immediately, and you've got a virtual road trip worth every mile. Whether you're planning your own trek through Oregon or just craving some vicarious adventure from the comfort of your couch, this episode is your ticket to wine-soaked afternoons, windswept coastlines, and wide-eyed wonder. What You'll Discover on This Adventure Where to sip your way through Oregon's wine country (without breaking your budget). The best spots along the coast to trade crowds for peace and quiet. Why Crater Lake will ruin you for every other lake you've ever seen. Bend highlights that blend outdoor thrills with small-town charm. The gear that kept this trip running smoothly (and Crystal's surprising favorite travel snack). Find our gear of the day at StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay

50 min
16 SEPT

YOUR Adventure Tales from Greece, Paris, Disney, Chicago, and more!

Why settle for one vacation story when you can get a whole passport's worth in a single episode? Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by fellow wanderlusters from the Stacking Adventures community to swap tales that stretch from Main Street U.S.A. to the shores of Zakynthos. Think budget-friendly Disney hacks, Parisian magic, Chicago deep-dish memories, and the kind of Greek beach you only find when you take a wrong turn and just keep driving. In true Adventurer fashion, these stories aren't just about where we went—they're about what we learned along the way. Whether it's how to make the most of Disney Vacation Club points, why rope drop might be your best friend, or which off-the-beaten-path spots will earn a permanent place on your bucket list, this episode is packed with practical tips wrapped in wanderlust. You'll hear about unexpected gems, clever ways to stretch your travel budget, and the gear that makes every trip smoother. If your suitcase is already half-packed (mentally, at least), get ready for new ideas to add to your itinerary and a few "I need to try that!" moments. Consider this your boarding call for a whirlwind tour of travel tales you'll want to steal for your own adventures. What You'll Explore in This Episode: Hidden gems in Disney, Chicago, Paris, and Greece that deserve a spot on your map Disney park strategies—from rope drop at Epcot to navigating Hollywood Studios like a pro How to make the most of Disney Vacation Club points and other timeshare perks A little-known Greek beach that might just ruin you for all other shorelines Travel gear picks that earn their place in your carry-on every time Community stories packed with tips, laughs, and new travel inspiration Questions for the Adventurers' Clubhouse: What's the best hidden gem you've ever stumbled upon while traveling? If you had to pick only one—Disney, a European city, or a tropical island—which gets your suitcase? What's your go-to piece of travel gear you'd never leave home without? For our gear of the day head to StackingAdventures.com/GOTD AND to be on our NEXT Adventurer's Tales episode, record your up-to-five minute story here: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

56 min
8 SEPT

One Year of Stacking Adventures: The Highlights, the Laughs, and the Gear We Can't Travel Without

What happens when you spend a year crisscrossing the globe (and occasionally your own backyard) with a microphone, an eye for hidden gems, and a love of a good travel story? You get twelve months of unforgettable moments, unexpected lessons, and more "Gear of the Day" picks than we can count. In this milestone episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy celebrate our first birthday in style—revisiting epic destinations, listener favorites, and the travel themes that defined our debut year. From the romantic charm of Italy and the windswept coasts of Ireland to the magical streets of Disney World and the rugged trails of our national parks, we've shared the journey with you, our Adventurer community. We'll swap stories about our most memorable stops, laugh about the surprises (bedbugs and airport bookstore "borrowing" included), and spotlight the listener tales that made us want to pack our bags all over again. Along the way, we'll talk packing strategies that actually work, the value of travel reward programs that don't collect dust, and the adventures you can find just a few steps outside your own front door. Whether you've been with us since episode one or you're just discovering the Clubhouse, this anniversary episode is part travelogue, part gratitude letter, and part rallying cry for the adventures still to come. What You'll Hear in This Episode Our top five travel moments and the lessons that came with them The listener stories that stole the show Why Italy, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and Disney World keep calling us back The power of point reward programs (when you actually use them) How to find adventure in your own hometown Why the right travel gear makes all the difference Questions to Bring to the Clubhouse What's your own "top travel moment" from the past year? Have you ever had a trip saved (or ruined) by one piece of gear? Which place from our past year's adventures would you most like to visit next? Our Gear of the Day Catalog is at StackingAdventures.com/gotd Join the show with YOUR story at StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

45 min

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Stacking Deeds Trailer!

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28/02/2023

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1 min