Lazy Budget Travel Tips

Genni Franklin
  • 5.0 (11)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Genni Franklin from Traveling Franklins Blog as she shares simple, stress-free strategies to help you travel more for less.  With nearly a decade of experience in points and miles, Genni makes travel rewards easy to understand and use.  This podcast is for the everyday traveler—whether you're a beginner, a casual explorer, or just looking for simpler ways to maximize your points and your cash.  Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast delivers practical tips, relatable stories, and actionable advice to help you maximize your travel budget without the hassle.  Tune in for easy tips on saving money, using points effectively, and traveling smarter. 

  1. JAN 26

    Is Southwest Still Worth It? Companion Pass & Rapid Rewards Breakdown

    Southwest has long been a favorite airline for budget-minded travelers — but with recent changes to fares, seating, and baggage rules, many people are wondering: Is it still worth it? In this episode, Genni sits down with Max Craig, a long-time Southwest expert who’s held the Companion Pass for 18 years straight, to break down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how everyday travelers can still get outsized value from the Rapid Rewards program — without overcomplicating things. You’ll learn how the Companion Pass really works, who it’s best for (and who should skip it), and smart strategies for earning and keeping it year after year. In this episode, we cover: What the Southwest Companion Pass is — and why it’s still one of the best deals in domestic travelThe recent Southwest changes (basic fares, assigned seating, baggage rules) and what actually mattersWho Southwest works best for — and when it doesn’t make senseHow Companion Pass works on both cash and points bookingsSmart ways to earn the Companion Pass using credit card sign-up bonusesWhy starting in January is not “too late” — and may actually be betterThe difference between chasing elevated bonuses vs. going at your own paceYear-round strategies to maintain the Companion Pass without constant card churningTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:57 Max Craig's Journey into Points and Miles02:16 Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass04:23 Southwest's Domestic and International Reach06:45 Recent Changes to Southwest's Fare Types and Policies18:38 Strategies for Earning and Maximizing the Companion Pass21:13 Timing and Tips for Achieving the Companion Pass26:27 Temporary Promotions and Final Thoughts29:20 Maximizing the Two Card Method30:02 Maintaining the Companion Pass30:24 Spoiling Your P232:11 Churning Southwest Cards33:40 Common Mistakes and Misconceptions40:24 Real World Examples of Companion Pass Benefits43:40 Southwest's New Seating Policy46:58 Rapid Fire Questions49:55 Where to Find Max Craig51:05 Conclusion and FarewellWhere to Find Max Craig You can connect with Max primarily on Facebook: Facebook account: Max CraigFacebook groups: Optimize Southwest and Optimized Transferrable PointsWebsite: https://pointstothemax.com/ Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    52 min

  2. JAN 12

    How to Use Capital One Miles for Flights, Disney, and Real-Life Travel

    Are Capital One miles actually worth it—or are they just the “easy but low value” option people love to hate on? In this episode, Genni sits down with Jamie @jamie.travel.tips to do a full deep dive into the Capital One ecosystem, breaking down exactly how to earn Capital One miles, the easiest ways to redeem them, and why this program is far more powerful (and flexible) than many travelers realize. Jamie shares real-life examples of trips she’s booked using Capital One miles—including Hawaii, Disney (yes, even Aulani), theme park tickets, and everyday travel expenses—to show how these points work in real life, not just in theory. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by transfer partners, confused by “cents per point,” or just want a lazy, low-stress way to save money on travel, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: How Jamie got into points & miles (and why her hospitality background made it click fast)Why Capital One is one of the easiest programs for beginnersHow to earn Capital One miles (including Venture, Venture X, and Spark cards)Why 2x everywhere is a game-changer for Player 2s and busy familiesThe Capital One Travel Purchase Eraser (and why it’s very much NOT dead)Using Capital One miles for:Flights, hotels, rental cars, Uber/LyftDisney tickets & theme parks (including the workaround you need to know)Cruises (including onboard expenses)Aulani using rented DVC pointsTransfer partners worth knowing (even if you’re “lazy”):Virgin AtlanticBritish AirwaysAir Canada AeroplanTurkish Airlines (including Hawaii sweet spots)Choice Hotels (underrated luxury & international stays)Why the cents-per-point obsession is overratedHow to decide when to pay cash vs use pointsLounge access changes with Venture X (and why it still may be worth it)How points can remove money stress—especially on trips like DisneyKey takeaway: You don’t need perfect redemptions or insane strategies to win at points and miles. If your points help you travel more, stress less, and spend less cash—you’re doing it right. Connect with Jamie Instagram: @jamie.travel.tips (where she shares most of her tips)Website: jamietraveltips.comTikTok: @jamie.travel.tips Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    54 min

  3. 12/29/2025

    How to Build a Flexible Points Strategy That Actually Works

    In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Podcast, Genni Franklin sits down with Michelle Johnson—an everyday traveler who has built a powerful, flexible points strategy that allows her family to travel internationally without overspending. Michelle shares how she went from barely affording one family vacation every few years to taking multiple international trips using credit card points. Together, Genni and Michelle break down why relying on just one airline or hotel program can actually limit your travel, and how diversifying across banks gives you more options, better deals, and less frustration when booking. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re opening too many cards, not enough cards, or if flexible points really matter—this episode will help you think differently about your strategy. In This Episode, We Cover: How Michelle got started with points and miles as a family of fourWhy going “all in” on one bank or program can backfireWhat credit card velocity is, and how often Michelle applies for cardsWhy getting denied for a card isn’t the end of the worldHow to decide which card to open nextWhy flexible points are more powerful than airline-specific milesHow families can use points to travel to Europe for $2,000–$4,000 totalBest transfer partners for family travel (Hyatt, Flying Blue, Choice)When it makes sense to use Hyatt Place, Choice Hotels, or luxury staysWhy waiting for elevated offers usually isn’t the best strategyTrips & Redemptions Mentioned: Europe using Flying Blue (with kid discounts)Norway with premium economy flights and Choice HotelsAmsterdam and the Netherlands (Hyatt Regency vs Hyatt Place)Copenhagen using Hyatt points at a Mr & Mrs Smith propertyPark Hyatt New York City for a family of fourEpisode Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & why choosing the right card matters3:00 – Michelle’s background & how she got into points and miles6:00 – Biggest mistakes people make when picking a card10:00 – How to match a card to your spending habits15:00 – Welcome bonuses: what to look for (and what to ignore)20:00 – Annual fees: when they’re worth it (and when they’re not)25:00 – Redemption flexibility vs. airline/hotel loyalty30:00 – Long-term strategy vs. chasing shiny offers35:00 – Final tips for beginners38:00 – Where to start if you’re overwhelmedWhere to Find Michelle Instagram: @jetsetwithjohnsons Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    58 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Financial Literacy Meets Travel Rewards: How to Be Travel Rich

    Travel hacking isn’t just about earning points — it’s about learning how to use your money intentionally. In this episode, Genni Franklin is joined by Betsy, creator of Become Travel Rich, to explore why financial literacy and travel rewards go hand in hand — and how mastering one naturally improves the other. We break down how learning points and miles forces you to understand your spending, credit score, and money habits in a way most people never do.  We also dive deep into Atmos Rewards, the new loyalty program combining Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, including: What changed with the new Atmos programHow points vs. status points workMajor sweet spots for international travelWhy Atmos points can unlock incredible business-class redemptionsWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode Why points & miles are financial literacy in actionHow tracking spending naturally improves money habitsThe truth about credit cards and credit scoresHow to speak the “bank language” to get approvalsWhy loyalty programs can outperform flexible points (for the right traveler)What Atmos Rewards is and why it’s a big dealHow to earn elite status on award flightsAlaska Airlines’ best partner redemptions (Japan, Thailand, Europe & more)How to travel internationally in business class for fewer pointsWhy organization and account security matter more than everResources & Mentions Atmos Rewards (Alaska + Hawaiian Loyalty Program)Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan partnersStarlux, Condor, Japan AirlinesHyatt HotelsBilt RewardsRakuten1Password (for account security & organization)Connect With Betsy  Instagram: @becometravelrich Betsy shares real-life redemptions, loyalty program insights, and behind-the-scenes strategies for building a travel-rich life. Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    40 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    Authorized Users: The Most Misunderstood Strategy in Points & Miles

    Most people in the points and miles world love to warn you away from adding authorized users… but what if that advice is missing the full picture? In this episode, Genni sits down with Jackie Swayze (@maximizingmypto) to unpack why authorized users are one of the most misunderstood strategies in travel rewards — and how adding Player Two can actually help you earn faster, simplify your setup, and unlock redemptions you couldn’t book alone. Jackie also shares the story of her recent trip to Bhutan, including how she used points to fly her dad in Qatar business class, how Avios played into the strategy, and why one-way awards gave her the flexibility she needed. Whether you’re new to points or ready to level up your strategy, this episode will challenge a lot of the “groupthink” floating around online. What You’ll Learn When adding a Player Two as an Authorized User actually accelerates earningSituations where authorized users don’t make sense (fees, trust, 5/24 logistics)Point flow tactics across partners so two people can book from one accountAvios 101: why moving Avios between BA/Qatar/Iberia/Finnair is a superpowerHow one-way award tickets keep your plans flexibleBhutan travel basics: sustainable tourism fee, tour operators, timing, vibeTimestamps 00:00 Intro — Why AU strategies get hate (and why we’re pro in many cases)  02:00 Jackie’s origin story: Southwest → Companion Pass → flexible currencies  04:00 Authorized Users 101 (P1/P2, transfers, benefits, pitfalls, trust)  08:30 When AU doesn’t make sense (fees, 5/24 nuance, behavior risks) 11:30 Perks P2 can get: lounge access, TSA Pre/Global Entry credits, protections 14:45 Real-life use: consolidating points so two seats can be booked together 18:00 Bhutan overview: why go, how to book (local tour operator), daily fee 21:00 Flights: booking Dad in Qatar biz with Avios; reworking plans on points 26:00 Aeroplan + Thai biz, vouchers, and why one-way awards win 31:00 Avios explained: moving points across partner programs for the best price 35:00 Bhutan surprises: hydro power, crypto, cultural preservation 36:30 Takeaways: flexibility > perfection; be strategic about which cards get AUs 37:30 Rapid-fire + where to find Jackie Follow Jackie Jackie on Instagram: @maximizingmyptoBlog & YouTube: Maximizing My PTO Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    43 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Maximizing Holiday Shopping Portals with Mari from @marionthemap

    In this episode, I’m joined by Mari from Mari on the Map to talk about one of the easiest, most underrated ways to earn more points right now: shopping portals. With banks tightening welcome offers and approvals getting harder, portals let you earn thousands of extra points on purchases you’re already making — no new cards required. We cover: How Mari went from casual points user to running family trips on milesWhat shopping portals are (Rakuten, airline portals, bank offers)How to stack: portal → the right card → card-linked offersThe Rakuten x Bilt (referral links) partnership and when it makes senseCommon mistakes that break tracking (gift cards, coupon codes, ad blockers, apps)How portal earnings can turn into Hyatt nights, domestic flights, or even saver fares to EuropeTools that make it easier: SaveWise and CardPointers (my affiliate links)Quick action steps: Check SaveWise (or Cashback Monitor) before you buyInstall the Rakuten browser extensionUse a card that earns more than 1X on everyday spendTurn on and activate card-linked offersTry one stacked purchase this week and watch the points roll inFind Mari: Instagram: @marionthemapWebsite: https://marionthemap.com/Course: Mad Miles Masterclass Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    55 min

  7. 08/25/2025 · BONUS

    Season 1 Wrap Up: Travelmore Conference, UK Adventures & What’s Ahead

    Season 1 of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast is officially wrapped! In this short update, I’m sharing why I’m taking a quick break before launching Season 2, what’s on the horizon this fall, and how you can stay connected in the meantime. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why I’m pressing pause to recharge and prep for Season 2Our upcoming two-week Florida RV trip (our longest yet—and Sky’s first big adventure 🐾)Speaking at the Travelmore Conference in New Orleans this October 3-5thHeading to the UK with Brandon—his first overseas trip since 2016—flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class ✈️How you can help shape Season 2 by sharing your episode ideas and questions👉 Stay connected with me during the break: Instagram: @travelingfranklins Facebook Group: Lazy Budget Travel Tips Thank you for being part of this community—I’m so grateful for your support. Season 2 is coming soon, and I can’t wait to bring you more tips, stories, and strategies to help you travel more for less. And as always—keep it simple, keep it fun, and keep exploring! Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    5 min

  8. 08/18/2025

    Best Flights, Best Prices: Google Flights Tips with Taima

    If you’ve ever booked the cheapest flight… only to find yourself on a three-layover marathon wishing you’d spent a little more, this episode is going to change how you search forever. I’m joined by Taima Ramsey from Poor in a Private Plane, who’s made a career out of finding luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag.  Together, we’re breaking down how to find the best flights—not just the cheapest—so you can travel in comfort without blowing your budget. In this episode, we cover: Why “budget” doesn’t have to mean “cheap” (and how to get intentional about your travel choices)How to use Google Flights Explore to discover destinations you didn’t even know were possibleThe price tracking trick that saved Taima’s parents $400 in just 24 hoursThe “date grid” feature that can shave hundreds off your airfareHidden tools like the Points Path Chrome extension for points and miles fansWhy booking direct is usually smarter than third-party sitesTaima’s “Travel Roulette” method for spontaneous, affordable tripsMistakes to avoid when using points & miles so you get the best valueTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction00:56 Taima's Journey to Luxury Travel on a Budget02:43 Defining Budget Travel vs. Cheap Travel04:28 Strategies for Budget Travel08:57 Google Flights: A Powerful Tool for Travelers13:16 Exploring Google Flights Features24:19 Other Travel Search Engines and Tools33:29 Favorite Airlines and Travel Preferences34:22 Traveling to the Philippines: Flight Challenges34:35 Loyalty to Delta and Its Partners35:41 Avoiding Budget Airlines37:25 Budgeting for Better Travel Experiences38:37 Finding the Best Flight Deals40:30 Maximizing Points and Miles40:42 Planning a Trip to Mexico on a Budget42:22 Using Google Flights for Travel Planning47:01 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Points52:11 Rapid Fire Travel Questions56:54 Travel Roulette: Planning Spontaneous Trips58:52 Final Thoughts and Where to FollowLinks & Resources: Taima’s Blog: Poor in a Private PlaneTaima’s Facebook Group: Luxury Travel on a Budget Insider TipsPoints Path Chrome Extension: Download HereFollow Taima: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok – @poorinaprivateplane Support the show Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

    1h 2m
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Trailer

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About

Join Genni Franklin from Traveling Franklins Blog as she shares simple, stress-free strategies to help you travel more for less.  With nearly a decade of experience in points and miles, Genni makes travel rewards easy to understand and use.  This podcast is for the everyday traveler—whether you're a beginner, a casual explorer, or just looking for simpler ways to maximize your points and your cash.  Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast delivers practical tips, relatable stories, and actionable advice to help you maximize your travel budget without the hassle.  Tune in for easy tips on saving money, using points effectively, and traveling smarter. 

Information

  • Creator
    Genni Franklin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lazy Budget Travel Tips
  • Show Website
    Lazy Budget Travel Tips

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