Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Skip Google, Get the Suite: How Travel Advisors Deliver Luxury You Can’t Book Yourself

Learn what it’s like working with a travel advisor, including how much time and money they can really save you when planning your next trip. Can travel advisors really save you money? Should you be booking travel yourself or outsourcing the job to a professional? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French discuss the unexpected perks, cost structures, and potential savings of working with a travel advisor, formerly known as a travel agent.  Jenn Lee, President and CMO of Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners, joins Sally to discuss what today’s travel advisors actually do — and why their role has evolved far beyond just booking flights. They explore when it makes sense to use a travel advisor, how they get paid, and how they can unlock deep discounts and luxury perks you likely can’t find online. From pre-paid cruise cabins and group hotel rates to emergency support during canceled flights, Jenn shares the behind-the-scenes benefits that could make hiring an advisor a smarter and more cost-effective way to plan your next trip. 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 Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred Chase Ink Preferred Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/small-business/chase-ink-preferred Chase Launches New Sapphire Reserve for Business Card With 200K Point Bonus Offer https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/new-sapphire-reserve-business  Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited  Resources discussed in this episode: Best Credit Cards of July 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/the-best-credit-cards  9 Best Business Credit Cards of July 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/small-business  The Best Prime Day Travel Deals 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-prime-day-travel-deals-2025  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel agent vs booking yourself, travel advisor savings, JetBlue Mosaic 1 status, best travel credit cards 2025, Chase Ultimate Rewards changes, travel insurance tips, Amazon Prime Day travel deals, travel agent free hotel perks, travel concierge services, travel advisor costs, travel agent commissions, best river cruises Europe, travel agent hotel upgrades, saving on cruises 2025, travel packages savings, booking international travel, avoiding travel planning mistakes, travel planning help, VIP travel perks, Airbnb travel perks, Airbnb late checkout tips, credit card travel benefits, booking luxury travel with advisor, travel mistakes relying on Instagram, when to use a travel agent, travel agent vs AI planning, and the benefits of travel advisors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What “Amazing Race” Host Phil Keoghan Learned from a Life of Travel (“Powering Travel” Episode)

“Amazing Race” host Phil Keoghan shares what he’s learned from his life of travel in this special presentation of “Powering Travel” from Expedia Group. In an inspired conversation about the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of travel, Phil joins host Elisabeth Goodridge to reflect on his earliest memories abroad and how exposure to diverse cultures shaped his worldview. He shares personal stories from the road, reflections on hosting more than 37 seasons of “The Amazing Race,” and how the show has encouraged millions to step outside their comfort zone. Phil also speaks to the magic that exists beyond group tours and why the moments when things go “wrong” often become the most meaningful memories.  Looking for 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

Best and Worst Carriers for Standby and Same-Day Changes — and How to Capitalize (Video Episode)

Learn how same-day flight changes and standby can save you money when your travel plans suddenly change. In this special video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive into last-minute travel rules, exploring when you can make a same-day flight switch, what “standby” really means, and how fees and policies differ from airline to airline. But first, they break down the week’s travel headlines, including Delta’s “Centennial Cheer” holiday kindness campaign, the upcoming closure of the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Hong Kong, new lounge openings in Las Vegas and beyond, and a wave of ultra-luxury hotel growth from Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt. They also share year-end reminders about expiring credit card travel credits, elite status deadlines, and why some travelers consider mileage or mattress runs before December 31. Then, Meghan and Sally unpack last-minute flight changes and standby strategy, with tips and tricks on using miles and card perks to salvage missed flights, knowing when same-day confirmed changes are a better bet than standby, and navigating very different policies at Southwest, American, United, Delta, Alaska, Spirit and Frontier. They walk through which airlines shine for free or low-cost same-day changes, which bury you in fees, and how elite status and fare class affect your place on the list. You’ll also learn practical tactics like getting on the standby list early, traveling carry-on only, reading waitlists in real time on apps, and deciding when to give up and stick with your original flight — plus a quick hot take on hotel TVs that turn on the second you open the door. 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 Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum  Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture-x  United Quest Card: Piles of Perks and Credits, $350 Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/united-quest  Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards of December 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/best/delta-airlines-cards  Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/atmos-rewards-summit  Resources discussed in this episode: I Missed My Flight. My United Quest Card Saved the Day. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/i-missed-my-flight-my-united-quest-card-saved-the-day  The Best Airline Elite Status for 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/which-airline-has-the-most-valuable-elite-status-program  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.   In this episode, the Nerds discuss: same day flight change, same-day confirmed flight change, airline standby rules, how airline standby works, standby list strategy, last-minute flight changes, missed flight what to do, Southwest same day change policy, American Airlines same day change, United standby list, Delta same day standby, Delta Basic Economy standby, Alaska Airlines same day change, Frontier standby fees, Spirit Airlines change fees, budget airlines change fees, mileage run vs elite status value, year end credit card benefits, expiring travel credits December 31, airline fee credits, hotel credits on travel cards, Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge access, Capital One Venture X lounge access, Alaska Atmos Summit card same day change benefit, using miles for last minute flights, and last minute award flight deals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maximizing Miles, Sharing Points, Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Your Travel Questions Answered

We answer listener questions about travel insurance, Chase point transfers, lounge access, free checked bags, and more. Host Sally French opens the episode with the week’s biggest travel headlines alongside Elizabeth Ayoola, host of NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, who fills in for Meghan Coyle during the news segment. They cover sweeping 2026 changes to U.S. national park pricing and fee-free days, Disneyland’s newly announced kids-ticket deals for next summer, Travel Tuesday sales that are still available, and the debut of Chase’s new Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas. Then, Sally and Meghan tackle a fresh round of listener questions, including what happens when credit-card travel insurance doesn’t cover a canceled ski trip, whether transferring Chase points to Marriott is ever a good idea, and how to combine Chase Ultimate Rewards points within a household. They also explain how Alaska Airlines applies free checked bags on split reservations, when gifted Air Canada Status Passes unlock Maple Leaf Lounge access, and how authorized users can help families maximize travel perks. 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 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  Chase Freedom Flex Review: Multiple Bonus Rewards Wrapped in One Card  Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution  Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year  Best United Airlines Credit Cards of December 2025 Resources discussed in this episode: How to Visit National Parks for Free in 2026  Disneyland in 2026: Ticket Deals, What’s New  116 Travel Deals for Black Friday and Travel Tuesday in 2025  Chase Sapphire Lounge Las Vegas Review  5 Things to Know About Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Access  11 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance  What Is the Value of Marriott Bonvoy® Points? (Calculator)  The Best Chase Transfer Partners  How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Between Accounts (and Why It’s Smart)  How to Access Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges With Your Chase Sapphire Reserve Card 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

$2,000 in Travel Card Annual Fees? Learn How to Audit Your Wallet to Make Sure They’re Worth It (Video Episode)

In this special video episode, see if $2,000 in credit card fees is worth it and learn how you can audit your own travel rewards wallet. Should you really be paying nearly $2,000 a year in credit card annual fees, or is it time to downsize your wallet? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle sit down with NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast host Elizabeth Ayoola to dissect her stack of premium travel cards and decide which ones earn their keep. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Black Friday bargains, why flight bookings may be down even as overall Thanksgiving trips rise, and what Emirates’ massive retrofit and Starlink Wi-Fi rollout could mean for your next long-haul flight.  Then, Sally and Meghan sit down in-studio for a full-on credit card consultation with Elizabeth, a travel-loving single mom in Houston who juggles multiple premium cards. Together, they walk through the benefits of several of her credit cards to see which perks actually justify the fees. They talk through how to value statement credits versus real spending, when downgrading makes more sense than canceling, how to think about lounge access in dollar terms, when co-branded airline cards are redundant, and how to avoid the “bougie coupon book” burnout that can come with managing too many credits. Plus, Elizabeth shares her hot takes on first class, loud seat neighbors, and why airplanes need a built-in “do not disturb” button. 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 Blue Cash Preferred Review: The Ultimate Family Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-blue-cash-preferred  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve  Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card Review: Worth the Fee for Airline Loyalists https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-platinum  Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-executive   AmEx Blue Cash Everyday Review: Solid Cash Back, $0 Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-blue-cash-everyday   5 Things to Know About the T.J. Maxx Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/tjx-rewards-platinum-mastercard  Resources discussed in this episode: 107 Travel Deals for Black Friday and Travel Tuesday in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/2025-travel-deals-black-friday-travel-tuesday  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.   In this episode, the Nerds discuss: credit card annual fees, travel credit cards, premium travel credit cards, airport lounge access, Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club access, Emirates premium economy, Starlink airplane Wi-Fi, Thanksgiving travel 2025, Thanksgiving flight bookings, driving vs flying Thanksgiving, vacation rental bookings Thanksgiving, Black Friday travel deals, Travel Tuesday travel deals, Emirates A350 premium economy, Emirates A380 first class, credit card travel credits, dining statement credits, StubHub credit, hotel portal credits, grocery rewards credit card, cash back on supermarkets, airport lounge math, justifying annual fees, downgrading credit cards, closing airline credit cards, airline co-branded cards, managing multiple credit cards, tracking expiring credits, no checked bag travel, carry-on only travel, and single parent travel budgeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices