Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

NerdWallet Travel
  • 4.4 (305)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Chris Hutchins' Top Points and Miles Tips, Straight From “All the Hacks”

    All the Hacks podcast host Chris Hutchins reveals his tricks for finding hidden discounts and getting real value out of points and miles — without the headache. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss practical strategies for earning and redeeming points and miles to help you book the trips you actually want. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the refreshed Chase Air Canada Aeroplan card and its higher annual fee, Hyatt ending its American Airlines partnership in favor of Delta, and the limited-time offers Chase rolled out for the Chase Sapphire Reserve's 10th anniversary. Then, joined by Chris Hutchins, host of the All the Hacks podcast, they discuss how to get real value out of points and miles without turning the hobby into a second job, with tips and tricks on how many rewards cards one person could reasonably carry, why booking an inconvenient award flight early could still land you the itinerary you wanted, and the hidden discounts that could make a cash booking cheaper than an award booking. Enter for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card — and help us improve our show — by taking our listener survey! Find the survey and official sweepstakes rules here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mEvFsa0x3ZlcHNrebvp3zYoA8UGfATY_MOOzZ_FyAzs/edit  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card: You're Permanently Elite  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits AmEx Business Platinum Card: High Fee Pays Off for Big-Spending Travelers Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Southwest Priority Card Review: So-So Perks for the Price 5 Things to Know About the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card Resources discussed in this episode: The Guide to Air Canada Aeroplan What Is the Value of Air Canada Aeroplan Points? Aeroplan Credit Card Boosts Annual Fee to $195, Adjusts Rewards and Perks Hyatt Is Ditching American Airlines For Delta Partnership American Airlines-Hyatt Reciprocal Rewards for Elite Members Chase Enhances DoorDash Perks for Multiple Credit Cards Chase Sapphire Cards: News and Offers  The Best Award Travel Search Tool for 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. *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Sep 9

    Is Bank of America Still Worth It for Travelers? New BofA Rewards Rules Explained

    Learn how Bank of America's revamped rewards program could quietly cut how much cardholders earn back. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Bank of America's overhauled BofA Rewards program to help you figure out whether it's still worth keeping money parked with the bank. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines' new airport lounges and premium credit card, JetBlue's new BlueFirst domestic first class, a waterpark expansion at Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, and several credit card transfer bonuses. Then, they discuss the new BofA Rewards tiers, with tips and tricks on how the earning-bonus structure changed, whether the new subscription and lifestyle perks make up for a lower rewards multiplier, and how to decide if it's worth keeping a large balance with Bank of America or moving it elsewhere. Enter for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card — and help us improve our show — by taking our listener survey! Find the survey and official sweepstakes rules here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mEvFsa0x3ZlcHNrebvp3zYoA8UGfATY_MOOzZ_FyAzs/edit  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Bank of America Travel Rewards Review: Easy Rewards for Easy Travel Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Review: Choose Your Own Bonus Category Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Review: Decent Rate, Intro APR Bank of America Premium Rewards Review: Big Bonuses for B of A's Best Customers Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution Resources discussed in this episode: See Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new Great Tides Waterpark on Instagram (via @SaveWithSally) 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.   *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Sep 2

    Best Credit Cards for Dining Rewards in 2026: How to Earn More at Restaurants

    Learn how to earn more restaurant rewards, and whether paying extra for a premium card's dining credit is worth it. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to make the most of credit card rewards on restaurant spending to help you eat out for less. But first, producer Tess Vigeland joins Meghan to break down the latest travel headlines, including limited-time welcome offers across Delta and American Express's SkyMiles credit card lineup, an access change at JetBlue's new BlueHouse lounge in Boston, and Google's new AI Mode that can price flights and hotels in points and miles. Then, they discuss dining rewards, with tips and tricks on choosing the best card for your regular restaurant spending, stacking airline and Bilt dining programs on top of card rewards, and unlocking harder-to-get restaurant reservations through cardholder perks. Enter for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card — and help us improve our show — by taking our listener survey! Find the survey and official sweepstakes rules here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mEvFsa0x3ZlcHNrebvp3zYoA8UGfATY_MOOzZ_FyAzs/edit  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get JetBlue Premier Review: $300 Credit, Lounge Access and More American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families 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 Citi Strata Elite Review: Premium Perks Can Offset Its Premium Fee Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee U.S. Bank Altitude Go: 4X Back on Dining, $0 Annual Fee Capital One Savor Review: Foodie-Focused Rewards for No Annual Fee American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary Resources discussed in this episode: First Look: Inside JetBlue’s BlueHouse Airport Lounge in Boston United's A321XLR Will Fly You to Smaller European Cities This Citi Card's Dining Perk Scored Me a Hard-to-Get Table in NYC Video of the new BlueHouse lounge (via Instagram, @SmartTravelPod) 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.   *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Aug 26

    How to Coupon Your Way Around the World, with Torok Coupon Hunter

    Coupon queen Kiersti Torok reveals how everyday savings on gas, groceries and gift cards can fund your next trip. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk to Kiersti Torok — known online as Torok Coupon Hunter — about turning everyday savings from groceries, gas and gift cards into a bigger travel budget. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Air France and KLM's Flying Blue splitting award tickets into three new pricing tiers, Bilt's new partnership with Equinox, Alaska Airlines' new nonstop routes from Seattle to Athens and Paris, American Airlines' plan to bring back seatback screens fleetwide, and fresh data from Expedia showing this fall's shoulder-season travel deals aren't as deep as usual. Then, Meghan and Sally jump into Kiersti's world of extreme couponing, covering which cash-back apps (like Rakuten, Ibotta and Fetch) are worth keeping on your phone, how to stack store promotions like Target Circle deals with discounted gift cards, and when buying gift cards for Disney, Southwest and other travel brands can help stretch a vacation budget. They also cover strategies for saving on gas and Kiersti's tips for hacking the Disney dining plan without a full binder of coupons. Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6  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 Costco Anywhere Visa Review: Bulked-Up Savings for Members Target Circle Credit Card Review: 5% Discount and No 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 Resources discussed in this episode: Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card Gondola Review: My Favorite Hotel Award Search Tool Special Gondola offer: Earn a $50 sign-up bonus in the form of Gondola Cash when you create a Gondola account and make your first hotel or car rental reservation. Sign up for a free account using this link, then make your first hotel or car reservation. (To qualify, the cost before taxes and fees must be greater than $150.) Once your reservation has been completed, $50 in Gondola Cash will be active in your account. Gondola Cash can then be applied to cover the total cost of any hotel available on Gondola. Offer expires Sept. 30, 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.   *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Aug 19

    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-booking partnership, big Disney theme park news out of the D23 Expo, new data on which premium credit cards score highest for customer satisfaction, and Amex's Resy dining credit expanding to more restaurants. Then, joined by fellow Nerd and credit cards writer Craig Joseph, Sally and Meghan discuss their real-world experience with Bilt Rewards 2.0, with tips and tricks on choosing between Bilt's two rewards options for housing payments, deciding whether putting your rent on a rewards card is worth the hassle, and stacking Bilt points with airline and hotel transfer partners. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee Is the Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee? American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Capital One Venture X Review Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee 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. *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Aug 12

    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 change complimentary upgrades on some transcontinental and Hawaii routes starting August 25, and new welcome bonuses on Marriott's Bonvoy Bevy and Brilliant credit cards. Then, Meghan and Sally share tips and tricks on thinking fast while traveling by facing off in a series of in-studio games. They cover how quickly you can track down a cheap flight to a random destination, what to do when a layover doesn't go as planned, and how well you actually know which perks come with which credit card. Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6  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 Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Review: Ho-Hum for a High Price Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Review: Luxurious Benefits, Price Tag to Match Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families U.S. Bank Altitude Go: 4X Back on Dining, No Annual Fee Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary Verizon Visa Card Review: Turn Everyday Spending into Cell Savings Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club Resources discussed in this episode: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, Brilliant Cards Enhance Bonus Offers [Limited Time] American Airlines Upgrades: What You Need to Know How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026? Points Path Review: A Free Tool to Compare Points vs. Cash The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Countries: What $300 a Day in Madagascar Really Buys You (Smart Travel Episode)  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.   *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Aug 5

    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 Airlines' refreshed Executive World Legend Mastercard, Amex Membership Rewards' new transfer partnership with Leading Hotels of the World's Leaders Club, and Citi and Mastercard's expanded Curated Table dining series for Strata Elite cardmembers. Then, Sally and Meghan open up the mailbag, with tips and tricks on turning a modest Delta points balance into a business-class trip to Italy, deciding whether a Wise account makes sense for a teen's summer abroad, weighing whether to transfer Wyndham points to airline partners, and sorting out how new United MileagePlus earning rules affect which card to use for a flight. Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club Citi Strata Elite Review: Premium Perks Can Offset Its Premium Fee Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee United Gateway Card Review: A No-Annual-Fee Ticket to Airline Miles United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers Resources discussed in this episode: Seats.aero Award Search Review: A Go-To for Expert Travelers The Best Award Travel Search Tool for 2026 Wise Money Transfer Review Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of August 2026 The Complete Guide to Wyndham Rewards How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026? United Cards Hike Bonuses Up to 110K Miles, Tweak Reward Rates 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

  8. Jul 29

    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 partnership starting August 5, Bilt's August Rent Day promotion offering an ALL Accor status match, how to score free DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies on August 4, and NerdWallet's TSA data on the best and worst days to fly over Labor Day weekend. Then, Meghan and Sally discuss their top travel items, including why a 2-in-1 backpack could replace your entire bag strategy, what features actually make a crossbody bag pickpocket-proof, how packing cubes and a spare tote solve the overcrowding problem, and why a deck of cards might be the most underrated thing you can pack. Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Is a Bilt Credit Card Worth It? Resources discussed in this episode: Seats.aero Award Search Review: A Go-To for Expert Travelers Points Path Review: A Free Tool to Compare Points vs. Cash The Best Days to Fly Around Labor Day Select travel essentials shared in this episode: Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags Reusable Grocery Bags USB Charging Cords Universal Travel Adapter Portable Charger Power Bank Copper Cow Coffee Vietnamese Pour Over Variety Pack Individual Drink Packets Ziploc bags Laundry Detergent Tablets Packing Cubes Owala Stainless Steel Water Bottle Melatonin Quest Nutrition Protein Bars BUILT Bar Puff Protein Bars Shop Protein Bars on Amazon Shop Instant Noodles on Amazon 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.   *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See All (86)

Trailer

4.4
out of 5
305 Ratings

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/

Information

You Might Also Like