Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways (NerdWallet Travel)

Learn which travel credit cards might be best for you, plus news about major policy changes at Southwest. Which travel credit card is the best travel credit card? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French try to answer that question by picking their favorites, fantasy sports draft style. But first, they discuss the latest travel news, including Southwest changing some of its beloved policies, how to get the best deals on cruises this year, and some Disneyland discounts you can cash in on this summer.  Then, Meghan and Sally get into their travel credit card fantasy draft, where they talk about benefits and drawbacks of each card, including annual fees, statement credits, lounge access, and point redemption options. Plus, they answer a listener’s question about where to travel for a quick “babymoon.” Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: The 8 Best Ways to Buy Disney Tickets 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of March 2025 Top Airline Credit Cards With Companion Tickets How to Pick the Best Credit Card for You: 4 Easy Steps In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: the best travel credit card, how to pick the best travel credit card, travel credit card perks, travel rewards credit cards, Southwest Rapid Rewards changes, credit card perks, Disneyland ticket discounts, best credit cards for travel points, credit cards with lounge access, Capital One Venture X review, Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve, Amex Platinum travel benefits, Southwest Companion Pass updates, how to maximize travel points, NerdWallet travel credit cards, best credit cards for frequent flyers, how to earn free flights with points, Disney vacation savings tips, best cruise deals wave season, travel credit cards with no annual fee, best airline credit cards for free checked bags, Hyatt vs Hilton rewards program, cash back vs travel rewards credit cards, best co-branded hotel credit cards.

Learn when elite status is worth it, plus how to earn attractive airline and hotel perks even if you don’t constantly travel. Is elite status ever worth chasing? Should you stick to one airline or just try to book the best deal? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down whether airline and hotel elite status is worth it, and how you can earn valuable perks without spending half your life on the road. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest flights on Expedia, Hyatt’s award category changes, and American Airlines’ new elite status earning period.   Then, they cover the different ways to qualify for elite status — including credit cards and spending tips — and when it makes sense to stay loyal versus booking the best price. They explain how travelers can earn perks like free checked bags and upgrades without excessive flying, the trade-offs of airline loyalty, and why spending strategically on a co-branded credit card can help. They also discuss hotel elite status, covering which hotel programs offer the best perks, how to get automatic status through credit cards, and when elite status may not be worth it. Resources discussed in this episode: World of Hyatt Announces Category Changes for 151 Properties The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now The Best Airline Elite Status for 2025 The Best Hotel Elite Status for 2025 The 5 Best Credit Cards with Hotel Status In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: airline elite status, hotel elite status, how to get airline elite status, is elite status worth it, best airline loyalty programs, how to get hotel elite status, best travel credit cards, airline loyalty programs, travel perks, hotel upgrades, how to get free hotel upgrades, best airline for frequent flyers, free checked bags, credit card travel perks, best hotel loyalty programs, airline status benefits, how to qualify for airline status, how to get airline upgrades, is hotel elite status worth it, hotel status through credit cards, airline status vs best price flights, best ways to earn loyalty points, how to get free flights, online travel agencies, and when to book direct vs OTA.

Learn when to book flights, how to spot mistake fares, and ways to use lesser-known tips like booking stopovers and tapping into rideshare rewards. When is the best time to book a cheap flight? Do budget airlines actually save you money after all the fees? Scott Keyes, founder of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), joins Smart Travel to talk about how to actually find cheap airfare — including how to time your bookings, when to use points instead of cash, and how to pounce on mistake fares before they disappear. He also busts some of the most persistent airfare myths (spoiler: incognito mode won’t save you money). But first, Sally and Meghan break down the latest travel headlines, including new perks and price hikes for United Airlines credit cards, changes to the Delta-Lyft partnership, and why JSX credits might actually be worth something. They also share the best deals they’ve ever gotten on airfare and how to use free stopover perks. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: United Credit Cards Unveil Major Changes: Higher Fees, More Perks Earn Delta Miles for Uber Rides: New Partnership Replaces Lyft How to Maximize the United Excursionist Perk In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: best time to book flights, airfare myths, flight deals, mistake fares, Goldilocks booking window, how to find cheap flights, budget airlines, Spirit Airlines fees, Frontier Airlines fees, JSX flights, United Airlines credit card, United card benefits, airline card perks, United Club card, Lyft Delta partnership ending, Delta Uber miles, Uber SkyMiles, 24-hour flight cancellation rule, booking flights with points, best points for travel, Air Canada Aeroplan dynamic pricing, Flying Blue Air France, travel stopovers, free stopovers, Icelandair stopover, Turkish Airlines hotel stopover, United excursionist perk, multi-city travel, hidden city ticketing, best rewards credit cards for flights, travel credit card updates 2025, how to avoid flight layovers, booking partner airlines, and reselling airline tickets. In a previous version of this episode, the name of the United Quest card was not mentioned. A line was added for clarity.

Learn strategic ways to save on wedding travel — whether you're planning the big day or flying in to celebrate someone else's. How can you avoid overspending on wedding travel without sacrificing comfort or memorable experiences? How do you continue earning meaningful travel rewards after you've maxed out your credit card welcome bonuses? Host Meghan Coyle kicks off the episode with Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally in the news segment) with a roundup of timely travel news, including the opening of the world’s largest cruise terminal in Miami, Delta Air Lines pulling back on its 2025 growth plans, and NerdWallet’s latest Travel Price Index showing a drop in airfare, hotel, and rental car prices. Then, Meghan is joined by co-host (and bride-to-be!) Sally French for a deep dive into the real cost of attending (and hosting) a wedding. They break down how to strategically book flights and hotels, whether it’s smarter to use points or room blocks, how to handle gift expectations, and how to build a sustainable travel rewards strategy that lasts long after the honeymoon. They offer practical tips to help you travel smart and spend wisely, whether you’re walking down the aisle or just attending the afterparty. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? 2025 Summer Travel Report In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save on wedding travel, cheapest days to fly, best day to book flights, wedding guest travel budget, hotel vs Airbnb wedding, when to book flights for a wedding, room block savings, using credit card points for weddings, Costco wedding cake, Delta Air Lines 2025 forecast, travel prices dropping, travel price index 2025, booking travel with points, long-term credit card rewards, best travel credit card 2025, how to avoid flight delays, affordable wedding planning, budgeting for destination weddings, travel tips for wedding season, NerdWallet travel study, Ultimate Rewards hotel transfer, platinum card no welcome offer, Amex pop-up warning, maximizing lounge access, sustainable travel rewards, using credit cards for wedding expenses, best time to book international flights, cheap airfare tips, skipping wedding gifts, travel budgeting for friends and family, booking wedding hotels with points, Airbnb group wedding travel, and how to save on wedding lodging.

Do you need a vacation from planning your vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel, debuting Wednesday, February 12. 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.

Learn how to budget for travel, save on flights, and maximize credit card rewards for your next trip. How can you budget and save money for travel? How can you maximize credit card rewards and travel points to help lower trip costs? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss budgeting strategies and travel rewards to help you plan smarter for your trips. They begin by sharing new data that might impact your budget for spring break travel, give some highlights of new airport lounges that opened in Las Vegas and Philadelphia, and discuss a change coming to the Uber app that could affect you if you’re traveling abroad. Then, they dig into some options for setting a travel budget, with tips on estimating costs using Google Flights, creating a dedicated travel savings fund, and planning ahead for rising airfare prices. Meghan and Sally also explore some of the ways you can leverage credit card perks and travel rewards to stretch your budget even further.  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: LAS Centurion Lounge Review Capital One Lounge Las Vegas: Hits the Jackpot with Food and Drinks What Credit Cards Can Get Me Into Chase Lounges, And Where Are They Located? Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards The Best Days to Book a Flight and When to Fly Best High-Yield Savings Accounts  The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel budget, how to save money for travel, best travel credit cards, travel points and miles, airline rewards, Google Flights price alerts, budgeting for flights, cheap flights, best time to book flights, credit card travel perks, Southwest Companion Pass, travel savings account, airfare inflation, high-yield savings for travel, vacation budget, flexible travel dates, how to maximize travel rewards, best hotel rewards programs, credit card sign-up bonuses, when to use travel points, credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, airline lounge access, how to get cheap last-minute flights, and unexpected travel expenses.

Learn how to visit national parks on a budget, including tips on free entry days and cheap lodging. Plus, the latest key travel rewards updates. When can you visit national parks for free, and what are the best ways to cut costs on park trips? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down national park budget tips to help you plan an affordable adventure. But first, they kick off the episode with the latest travel rewards updates, including Amex Membership Week deals, Hyatt’s upcoming award chart changes, and whether using Bilt points for Lyft rides is a smart move. They also break down Spirit Airlines’ emergence from bankruptcy and what it means for budget travelers. Then, they dive into national park savings strategies, covering free admission days, annual park passes, and the best budget-friendly lodging options, from camping to glamping to points-bookable hotels. They also discuss how to avoid peak-season crowds, what recent staffing cuts at national parks could mean for visitors, and which parks are at the top of their must-visit lists. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Best American Express Cards of March 2025 World of Hyatt Announces Category Changes for 151 Properties Bilt Rewards: How the Program Works Spirit Airlines Brings Back Change and Cancellation Fees on Some Fares How to Visit National Parks for Free in 2025 How Credit Card Issuers Define ‘Travel’ What’s the Value of Hilton Points? In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: national park free entry days, national parks fee-free days, when you can visit national parks for free, how to save money at national parks, national park annual pass, America the Beautiful pass, best budget national parks, best time to visit national parks, national park entrance fees, how to book national park lodging, cheapest way to visit national parks, best glamping near national parks, best credit cards for travel rewards, how to maximize travel points, and booking travel with credit card rewards.

From booking flights to getting through airport security, NerdWallet’s travel pros share five costly mistakes — and how to avoid them. Is TSA PreCheck or Global Entry worth the cost? How can you use travel credit card perks to save money on trips? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss five common travel mistakes and how to avoid them to help you travel smarter. They begin with tips for getting the most value out of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Then, they explain how you can make the most of travel credit card perks, use price alerts effectively, pack strategically, and plan layovers wisely. Along the way, they share insights on avoiding common travel pitfalls and maximizing both time and money while on the go. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Best credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/tsa-precheck-global-entry  Best credit cards for airport lounge access: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/airport-lounge-access  Read Sally’s review of the STL Wingtips Lounge at St. Louis Lambert International Airport: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/wingtips-lounge  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry, travel credit card perks, best ways to use travel rewards, airport security tips, how to skip the TSA line, travel mistakes to avoid, how to pack light, best price tracking tools for flights, travel savings tips, travel hacks, travel rewards programs, Google Flights, Hopper, maximizing credit card benefits, avoiding baggage fees, frequent flyer tips, what not to pack for flights, how to get lounge access, how to use airport lounges, and Southwest Transferable Flight Credits.

Learn why flight delays are getting worse and what airline miles are really worth (hint: it’s not what you think). Why are flight cancellations and delays happening more often? Are airline miles and credit card travel rewards actually worth it? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the latest trends in travel spending and how the airline industry evolved into what it is today. They begin with a discussion of the latest travel updates and news, including a slowdown in U.S. travel spending, a drop in international tourism to the U.S., rising outbound international travel, and new airline partnership announcements from Fiji Airways and Icelandair. Then, Meghan talks to Ganesh Sitaraman, author of Why Flying Is Miserable: And How to Fix It, about how deregulation reshaped flying and what that means for travelers today. He discusses the rise of fortress hubs and fewer route options, how loyalty programs shifted from rewarding frequent flyers to rewarding high spenders, and what consumers can do to get the most out of their points. The episode wraps up with a listener question about whether to upgrade to the Capital One Venture X card before a big international trip, offering insights into welcome bonuses, travel credits, and airport lounge perks. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: We analyzed the value of 16 different loyalty programs' points and miles to help you make smart money moves: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: why flights are delayed more often, airline delays 2025, travel trends 2025, domestic travel slowdown, Bank of America travel spending report, international travel 2025, Fiji Airways oneworld alliance, AAdvantage loyalty program, JetBlue Icelandair partnership, airline deregulation 1978, why flying is miserable, Ganesh Sitaraman airline loyalty programs explained, how airline points work, frequent flyer programs history, airline deregulation pros and cons, airline monopoly hubs, how airline credit cards make money, co-branded airline credit cards, spend-based loyalty programs, how much airline points are worth, credit card travel perks, best card for lounge access, travel credit card welcome bonuses, Priority Pass lounge access, using points for international flights, how to get the most out of travel credit cards, airline pricing explained, how deregulation changed flying, airline pricing before and after deregulation, federal regulation of airlines, and the Department of Transportation loyalty program investigation.

Learn when it’s worth transferring credit card points — and how to avoid costly mistakes that waste your rewards. When should you transfer your credit card points to an airline or hotel loyalty program? What are your options if you no longer want to pay the annual fee on a travel card you’ve held for years? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to get the most value from your travel rewards and what to do when a credit card no longer fits your needs. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including free Wi-Fi rolling out on American, Delta, and United flights, how to prepare for the fast-approaching Real ID deadline, a $40 status match deal between Southwest and Frontier, and how demand for international flights and premium seats is shaping airline strategies. Then, Meghan and Sally discuss point transfer strategies, with tips and tricks on comparing portal vs. partner redemptions, understanding transfer ratios and bonuses, and choosing the right partner based on your destination. Then, Meghan and Sally discuss how to keep your credit history intact when a card’s annual fee no longer feels worth it. They explore how to downgrade a card, when to ask for a retention offer, and what to expect when calling your issuer to explore product changes. This show references limited-time offers from the following programs: Chase Ultimate Rewards® (expires April 30, 2025) American Express Membership Rewards (expires April 30, 2025) Citi ThankYou® Points (expires May 17, 2025) For up-to-date offers, see NerdWallet’s list of current transfer bonuses: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/credit-card-transfer-bonuses  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our review: American Express Gold Card Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-premier-rewards-gold  Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode: The Real ID Alternatives Travelers Might Already Have: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/the-real-id-alternatives-travelers-might-already-have  How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations  Sign up for NerdWallet’s new free travel newsletter by April 30, 2025, and you’ll be entered to win a FREE 1:1 travel strategy coaching session: https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel-newsletter  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card point transfers, best travel transfer partners, airline point transfer bonuses, hotel point transfer bonuses, how to downgrade a credit card, keeping credit history, avoiding credit card annual fees, travel portal vs transfer partner, how much are credit card points worth, best points redemptions, credit card reward strategies, transfer bonus deadlines, NerdWallet point valuations, what is a transfer ratio, credit card sweet spots, how to book flights with points, hotel loyalty programs, how to book hotels with points, airline alliances and point transfers, free airline Wi-Fi trends, Real ID flight deadline, Points Path Chrome plugin, and award flight search tools.

Learn how to get the most out of your summer travel including when to book your flights and how to stack rewards.  When is the cheapest time to book flights for summer travel? How can you stack rewards points to level up your trips? Meghan Coyle and Sally French take a deep dive into the strategies you can use to optimize your travel budget this summer, including tips on when to book flights, ways to combine rewards perks for a better (and cheaper!) trip, and how to plan if your summer travels involve a trip to a theme park. But first, Meghan and Sally discuss a new way to get Lyft credits, Southwest’s rollout of dynamic pricing, and the partnership between Marriott and MGM. Then, they talk about some of the most popular summer travel destinations, when to expect the biggest crowds during your summer vacations, what’s coming up at theme parks such as Universal and Disney, and why using standby to fly might be a good option.   Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: 2025 Summer Travel Report Chase Sapphire Reserve Adds Monthly Lyft Credit, Slashes Points Earning Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse LAX Review Credit Cards With Elite Car Rental Perks Cheapest European Cities to Fly to in 2025 The Cheapest Time To Visit Walt Disney World The Busiest Days to Fly Around Memorial Day The Best Days to Fly Around the Fourth of July Universal Epic Universe: How to Plan Your Trip for the Opening In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: summer travel 2025, best time to book summer travel, summer vacation planning, cheap summer flights, travel tips 2025, travel hacks, Smart Travel podcast, budget travel, vacation planning tips, summer getaway ideas, travel credit cards, best travel rewards cards, credit card points, credit card rewards, how to use travel points, points and miles tips, credit card perks, Amex Platinum travel benefits, travel rewards, Hilton Aspire card, American Express Centurion Lounge access, airport lounge credit cards, stacking travel rewards, top summer destinations 2025, where to travel summer 2025, Italy travel 2025, Rome summer travel, Europe travel deals, Japan summer travel, San Juan, Puerto Rico travel, Maui travel tips, best islands to visit 2025, theme park vacations, Universal Epic Universe 2025, Disney World summer deals, Disneyland 70th anniversary, best time to book flights, when to book international travel, domestic vs international flights, cheapest days to fly, Expedia 2025 air travel hacks, price alerts for flights, summer travel booking tips, how to find travel deals, avoiding travel debt, how to save on travel, Universal Orlando new theme park, Epic Universe opening date, Harry Potter theme park, Super Nintendo World, Disney World dining plan 2025, Disney kids ticket deals, best theme parks summer 2025, family travel tips, budget-friendly family vacations, airline elite status perks, American Airlines standby policy, Delta Medallion status match, hotel status matching, MGM and Marriott rewards, travel loyalty programs, Southwest Rapid Rewards, best airline loyalty programs.

Learn what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled, how to get compensated, and tips to avoid travel disruptions. What should you do if your flight is delayed or canceled? How can you get compensated for travel disruptions? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to handle unexpected flight changes and what you can do to maximize your chances of getting some form of compensation for various travel interruptions. The episode kicks off with a discussion of airline policies, and Meghan and Sally break down when you're entitled to refunds, rebookings, and even hotel stays. Plus, they share tips on checking rebooking options in an airline's app, using credit card travel insurance, and how to find out which airlines offer the best compensation for delays and cancelations. Then, Meghan and Sally discuss proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of travel disruptions. They cover the benefits of booking direct flights, choosing layovers in mild-weather cities, and selecting airlines with multiple daily flights to your destination. They also highlight how loyalty programs, credit card perks, and smart scheduling can help travelers avoid headaches. Plus, Sally shares her recent experience with multiple canceled flights, detailing how she turned travel chaos into a free trip and some unexpected Starbucks rewards. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: 7 Best All-Inclusives You Can Book With Points 10 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation: What to Know How to Get Into AmEx Centurion Lounges: Credit Cards That Grant Access Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access of March 2025 In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: flight cancellation compensation, what to do if my flight is canceled, airline refund policy, airline delay compensation, best travel credit cards for flight delays, flight delay rights, travel insurance for flight cancellations, best airlines for rebooking, how to get airline vouchers for delays, how to rebook a canceled flight, last-minute flight cancellation refund, flight delay refund process, best time to book flights to avoid delays, should you buy travel insurance for flights, how to find cheap flights after a cancellation, best airport lounges for delayed flights, and airline hotel vouchers for cancellations.