Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways Podcast Por NerdWallet Travel arte de portada

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

De: NerdWallet Travel
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 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/ Ciencias Sociales Economía Escritos y Comentarios sobre Viajes
Episodios
  • Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks

    Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks
    May 21 2025
    Get the most out of your next Disney trip with tips for saving on tickets, spending less time in lines, and finding legitimate discounts. When is the cheapest time to go to Disney parks? How can you save money and avoid long lines once you're there? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk all things Disney, including when to go, how to find legit ticket discounts, and the best ways to save time and money once you're inside the parks. But first, producer Tess Vigeland joins Sally to break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Orlando theme park Epic Universe, Southwest’s upcoming baggage fee changes, Delta’s shift from cabin classes to “travel experiences,” and lower airfare prices in 2025. Then, Meghan and Sally talk about how to maximize your Disney trip, with strategies like where to buy discounted tickets, how to use multi-passes to skip the longest lines, and options to save on food. They also share when you might find fewer crowds and how to take advantage of those hours, what to eat (and skip), and how to enjoy Disney magic without even entering the parks, from scenic hotel views to free rides on the monorail and Skyliner. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Target Red Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/target-redcard Resources discussed in this episode: Universal Epic Universe: How to Plan Your Trip for the Opening https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/epic-universe Southwest Ditches Free Bags, Adds Basic Fares https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/southwest-announces-bag-fees-and-other-negative-changes Delta’s New Fares Hint at Bigger Changes Ahead https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/deltas-new-fares-hint-at-bigger-changes-ahead Travel Inflation Report: May 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-price-tracker The 8 Best Ways to Buy Disney Tickets https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-ways-to-buy-disney-tickets In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: cheapest time to visit Disney World, Disneyland ticket prices, Disney World discounts, how to skip lines at Disney, Lightning Lane vs Multi Pass, Disney Premier Pass cost, Disney dynamic pricing, Delta travel experience, Disney World September prices, Disney World summer discounts, Disney credit card perks, Target Disney gift card trick, Disney ticket resellers, Undercover Tourist tickets, Get Away Today Disney tickets, Disney dining plan, Disney dining deals, Disney rope drop strategy, Disney World hotel benefits, Disneyland mobile ordering, Disney World free activities, how to save at Disney, Disney character meals without ticket, Disney gift cards at Target, when to buy Disney tickets, Disney crowd calendar, Disneyland Lightning Lane explained, Disney World 3-day 3-park pass, Disney World kids ticket offer, and how to eat cheap at Disneyland.
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    29 m
  • The Benefits of Award Search Tools and When They’re Worth Paying For

    The Benefits of Award Search Tools and When They’re Worth Paying For
    May 14 2025
    Learn how to use award search tools, when it’s worth it to pay for one, and how to use alerts and filters to save time and get better redemptions. What are the best tools to find award flight availability using points or miles? Is it worth paying for premium travel tools to simplify the booking process? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the newest features in airline loyalty programs and award redemption platforms to help you save time—and points—on your next trip. Joined by NerdWallet travel writer Craig Joseph, they break down exactly how to use powerful, lesser-known tools that streamline complex points transfers and redemptions. But first, Meghan and Sally break down the latest travel news, including Disney's new Abu Dhabi park, Frontier's new companion pass, and Marriott’s expansion. Then, Craig joins Sally and Meghan to discuss award booking platforms, including Seats.aero, PointsYeah, Point.me, and Points Path. They explore how to compare award availability across programs, when paying for a tool might save you more in the long run, and why alert features are a must-have. If you’ve got points across multiple cards or loyalty programs, this episode could help you make sense of how and where to use them for real value. 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®: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: http://nerdwallet.com/article/travel/bilt-mastercard Resources discussed in this episode: Top Airline Credit Cards With Companion Tickets https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/airline-credit-cards-companion-tickets The Real ID Alternatives Travelers Might Already Have https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/the-real-id-alternatives-travelers-might-already-have My Favorite Tools for Booking Cheap Travel https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/my-favorite-tools-for-booking-cheap-travel 5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/heres-how-you-can-transfer-your-points-from-any-major-credit-card-issuer Lounge Review: Inside Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/air-canada-lounge-sfo In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: award flight search tools, points and miles travel, best award booking tools, how to use points for flights, travel credit card points, seats.aero review, PointsYeah guide, how to find airline award availability, Bilt rewards travel, how to compare flight redemptions, award seat alerts, best travel rewards tools, Points Path Chrome extension, how to use Bilt rewards, transfer credit card points, airline transfer partners, Real ID airport enforcement, how to find hotel award availability, Southwest vs Frontier companion pass, how to avoid phantom award availability, great circle mapper flights, AeroLopa seat maps, how to set award seat alerts, award wallet for tracking miles, how to use Google Flights for points, how to add kids as authorized users, and family airport lounge access tips.
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    34 m
  • Insider Strategies for First-Class Cruise Perks Without the Premium Price

    Insider Strategies for First-Class Cruise Perks Without the Premium Price
    May 7 2025
    Is a cruise actually cheaper than a land vacation? Learn how to sail smarter and save big on your next getaway. Are cruises really a budget-friendly alternative to land vacations? What’s the best credit card to use for travel and Costco expenses? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss cruise travel, pricing strategies, and credit card hacks to help you understand how to get the most value out of your next vacation. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines’ newly rebranded fare classes and upcoming assigned seating; United Club’s updated lounge access rules; transfer bonuses from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards; and a limited-time Hyatt-American Airlines promo for national parks glamping. Then, Meghan and Sally talk about cruise travel in 2025 and why it might be your smartest trip yet. They explore two brand-new ships — MSC World America and Norwegian Aqua — and break down how cruise vacations can be surprisingly cost-effective, especially when factoring in bundled perks like entertainment and dining. Sally shares additional knowledge from recent interviews, including veteran cruise reporter Matt Roseboom giving his best money-saving tips for cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line CMO Adam Malone offering insights on the unique value of cruise elite status. Plus: how to save with cruise-friendly credit cards, when to use general travel rewards versus co-branded cards, and how solo travelers can benefit from cruise line perks designed just for them. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority World of Hyatt credit card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/world-of-hyatt Chase Sapphire Reserve: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/costco-anywhere-visa Wells Fargo Active Cash: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/wells-fargo-active-cash Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/bankofamerica-cash-rewards Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/norwegian-cruise-line-card Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x Chase Freedom Flex card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-flex Resources discussed in this episode: Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: May 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/credit-card-transfer-bonuses Hyatt’s Under Canvas Offer: https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/offers/under-canvas-american-airlines.html?icamp=woh_undercanvasamericanairlinesoffer_Q22025_offerspage_en A First Look at MSC World America: A Family-Friendly Cruise https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/msc-world-america-review Norwegian Aqua Review: ‘Slidecoaster’ Steals the Show https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/ncl-aqua-review Icon of the Seas: Floating Bliss or a Horror at Sea? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/icon-of-the-seas-floating-bliss-or-a-horror-at-sea Which Is Cheaper: Disney World or a Disney Cruise? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/disney-cruise-cheaper-than-disney-world Cash Back Credit Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/h/category/cash-back-credit-cards In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save money on cruises, best cruise credit cards, travel credit cards for cruises, Norwegian Aqua review, MSC World America review, Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady, Disney cruise vs Disney World, cruise vacation budget tips, best solo cruise lines, and credit cards with travel insurance.
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    33 m
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