Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Fix Your Travel Credit Card Mix So Your Points Actually Add Up

Build a credit card lineup that earns more travel rewards without becoming a full-time spreadsheet manager. In this special video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to build the perfect travel credit card “wallet” to help you earn more rewards, unlock perks, and avoid common points mistakes. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Bilt’s revamped card lineup and new “Bilt Cash,” American Airlines rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi, Alaska Airlines’ major fleet and route expansion plans, and Starlux’s new long-haul aircraft that could open up new routes (and new ways to book with points). Then, Sally and Meghan dig into what a “perfect wallet” actually looks like for different travelers, including when it makes sense to add a second card, how multiple cards can affect your credit score, and why a simple “great-on-everything” card can be the foundation for most people. They also explore when premium “coupon book” cards are worth the stress, how to avoid spreading your points too thin across too many programs, and how popular combos like the Chase trifecta can help you earn faster. Plus, they answer a listener question from Tu, a self-described international nomad, about what — if any — cards would be helpful to add to their wallet when traveling internationally.  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming  Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee  Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits  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  Chase Freedom Flex Review: Multiple Bonus Rewards Wrapped in One Card Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card Review: Worth the Fee for Airline Loyalists Capital One Savor Review: Foodie-Focused Rewards, for No Annual Fee Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable Resources discussed in this episode: Bilt Card 2.0 Coming in February with Points for Mortgages Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter, by January 30 for a chance to win a 1:1 travel rewards strategy coaching session (est. value $250). Learn more at https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel-newsletter-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samantha Brown on Places to Love, Route 66, and the Travel Habits That Save You Money

Travel TV icon Samantha Brown shares tips for finding hidden gems, saving money, and dodging airport stress. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle sit down with Samantha Brown, host of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, to talk about how she keeps travel feeling fun, affordable, and deeply local after decades on the road. But first, Sally and Meghan swap recent trip highlights, including a car-free weekend in Oceanside, California, and the growing trend of nighttime “glow” events at zoos and botanical gardens. Then, Samantha Brown shares what she looks for when she’s wandering side streets, how “travel like a local” changed after COVID, and where she actually splurges (and saves) on trips. She also gets real about points and miles for inflexible schedules, her approach to airline loyalty, the airport habits that help her manage travel anxiety, her favorite airport, a controversial boarding tip for families, and the Route 66 stops she thinks deserve way more love. 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: side street travel strategy, supporting local small businesses while traveling, Ted Drewes frozen custard concrete, badminton hall Zurich, Dolly Parton bar decor, Vienna intergenerational cafe Vollpension, retirees baking cafe Vienna, hotel night before early arrival, red-eye early check-in strategy, fourth night free hotel points, fifth night free hotel points, Hilton fifth night free, Marriott fifth night free, hotel no-show policy late arrival, call the hotel front desk late arrival, last-minute award seats, protected backup flight strategy, booking backup flights on different airlines, Lufthansa last-minute availability, Delta Sky Club LaGuardia, Tampa International Airport, Washington Dulles people movers, Dulles mobile lounge story, duty free perfume shopping, checked bags vs carry-on debate, what to pack in case luggage is lost, Abu Dhabi vs Dubai travel value, Disney park Abu Dhabi, Oman travel, overtourism fatigue, avoiding “look-at-me” destinations, and travel and human connection vs AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025 Travel Trends and 2026 Predictions: Where to Go Next and How to Pay for It

If 2025 was about premium everything and complicated travel perks, 2026 is shaping up to be more intentional: fewer trips, less algorithm-chasing, more ease — and spending where it actually improves your experience. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French ring in 2026 by looking back at the biggest travel and credit card trends of 2025 — from the “everything is fancy” luxury boom (even at Southwest) to the rise of premium card coupon-book benefits and hyper-granular dynamic pricing. Then, they share their 2026 predictions (skipping the algorithm, easy/slow travel, and fewer-but-bigger international trips) plus destination picks spanning South Korea, Eastern Europe, New Zealand, some World Cup host cities, Route 66, and comeback cities like San Francisco. 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 Card Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve  Citi Strata Elite Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-strata-elite  Resources discussed in this episode: 2025 Holiday Spending Report: https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/studies/holiday-spending-report  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: Smart Travel podcast, travel trends 2025, travel predictions 2026, luxury travel trends, premium airline cabins, lie-flat seats, Southwest Airlines changes, Southwest open seating ending, Southwest airline lounge, international airline partners, hotel luxury boom, boutique hotels, lifestyle hotels, all-inclusive resorts, luxury cruises, Ritz-Carlton cruise, Four Seasons yacht, ship within a ship cruise concept, MSC Yacht Club, Norwegian Cruise Line Haven, Princess Cruises, travel credit card trends, premium travel credit cards, coupon book credit cards, Amex Platinum benefits, Chase Sapphire Reserve credits, Citi Strata Elite, travel rewards points, airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck credit, travel insurance benefits, dynamic pricing travel, AI pricing travel, rising travel costs, inflation travel, NerdWallet travel survey, skipping the algorithm travel, TikTok travel trends, Instagram travel inspiration, overtourism destinations, slow travel, easy travel, fewer international trips, best places to travel 2026, South Korea travel, Seoul travel, K-pop travel tourism, Eastern Europe travel, Prague travel, Budapest travel, Krakow travel, Sofia Bulgaria travel, affordable Europe travel, New Zealand travel, Air New Zealand SkyNest, long-haul flights New Zealand, Mexico travel 2026, Guadalajara travel, Monterrey travel, World Cup host cities travel, Route 66 road trip, Route 66 centennial, Flagstaff dark sky city, Grand Canyon road trip, Las Vegas travel deals, Vegas resort fees, San Antonio travel, Pearl District San Antonio, Hotel Emma San Antonio, Michelin star dessert bar, Salt Lake City travel, Utah skiing travel, dirty soda Utah, San Francisco travel comeback, easy day tours travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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