
Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways
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/
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/
Episodes (31)

Cash or Miles? The 2025 Points Valuations That Could Change How You Travel
Get fresh NerdWallet data on what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel.
Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much...
Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much...

Airport Lounge Access, Family Award Travel, and Cruise Savings: Your Questions Answered
Learn how to get into airport lounges, stretch rewards for family travel, and score the best cruise deals from New York.
How can you get into airport lounges if you don’t have elite status? What’s...
How can you get into airport lounges if you don’t have elite status? What’s...

How to Pay for Study Abroad and Save Overseas (Plus: Alaska Airlines’ New Rewards Program and Premium Travel Card)
Budget smarter for study abroad and learn how to cover costs with scholarships, aid, and credit cards. Plus: get the inside scoop on Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card.
Can you save...
Can you save...

Pack Smarter, Spend Less: How to Travel Light Without Losing Comfort
Learn how to pack smarter and lighter with actionable tips to save money, avoid fees, and travel stress-free.
What travel gear can you stop packing to cut costs? How much money can you save by...
What travel gear can you stop packing to cut costs? How much money can you save by...

Lost Bag Bailout: How Travel Insurance and Credit Cards Can Save You Thousands
Handle lost luggage like a pro with tips for getting reimbursed and packing smarter to avoid future headaches.
What should you do when your luggage disappears on an international trip? Which credit...
What should you do when your luggage disappears on an international trip? Which credit...

Your Travel Credit Card Questions Answered: What to Keep, What to Add, and When to Redeem
Optimize your travel rewards strategy with the latest card and perk updates, smart downgrade-and-reapply moves, and tips for combining and redeeming points for maximum value.
Hosts Sally French and...
Hosts Sally French and...

New Consumer Protections Could Save You Hundreds on Your Next Flight
Learn how new consumer protections can help you get refunds, rebook faster, and stress less when you fly.
What protections do you have if your flight is delayed, canceled, or your bag goes missing?...
What protections do you have if your flight is delayed, canceled, or your bag goes missing?...

Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local
Plan smarter for your next trip to Italy with cost-saving tips and strategies to avoid common tourist traps.
When is the best time to visit Italy? How can you avoid overspending while still having an...
When is the best time to visit Italy? How can you avoid overspending while still having an...

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day: What Savvy Travelers Do Differently to Make Every Dollar Count
Stretch your travel budget with smarter planning, real savings hacks, and $75-a-day global travel strategies.
Can you really see the world for just $75 a day? Can you cut travel costs without...
Can you really see the world for just $75 a day? Can you cut travel costs without...

What AI Can’t Book: How Travel Advisors Deliver VIP Perks at No Extra Cost
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...
Can travel advisors really save you money? Should you be...

Summer Travel Deals: Where Prices Are Dropping and How to Book Luxury for Less
Score travel deals, discover hotel savings, and learn how to maximize your budget without missing out this summer.
How can you travel this summer without overspending? Where should you book to get...
How can you travel this summer without overspending? Where should you book to get...

Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You?
Learn about major changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve — and how to decide if another premium card is a better fit.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do...
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do...

Making Group Travel Work: Planning Trips for Different Budgets, Ages, and Interests
How to plan a multi-generational trip without breaking the bank — or your relationships — and make it truly memorable.
How do you plan a budget-friendly vacation for multiple generations of family?...
How do you plan a budget-friendly vacation for multiple generations of family?...

Is Epic Universe the Future of Theme Parks? Here’s How to Save When You Go
Learn what’s worth it (and what to skip) at Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe, with money-saving tips and sneak peeks of top rides.
Is Epic Universe worth the higher ticket price compared to...
Is Epic Universe worth the higher ticket price compared to...

How to Plan an Itinerary That Saves Money, Avoids Crowds, and Unlocks Hidden Gems
Learn how to plan travel itineraries that save you money, skip tourist traps, and make the most of your points.
How can you plan a travel itinerary that saves money without missing out? What travel...
How can you plan a travel itinerary that saves money without missing out? What travel...

Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks
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...
When is the cheapest time to go to Disney parks? How can...

The Benefits of Award Search Tools and When They’re Worth Paying For
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...
What are the best tools to find award flight...

Insider Strategies for First-Class Cruise Perks Without the Premium Price
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...
Are cruises really a budget-friendly alternative to land vacations? What’s the best...

Where 100,000 Points Can Take You: First Class Seats, Five-Star Suites and VIP Upgrades
Explore your options for spending 100,000 credit card points, with tips on redemptions for luxury flights, hotels, and hidden travel perks.
What are the best ways to use 100,000 credit card points...
What are the best ways to use 100,000 credit card points...

When and How to Transfer Credit Card Rewards Points To Get The Most Value
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...
When should you transfer your credit card points to an airline or hotel loyalty...

Room Blocks, Rental Cars, and a Plus-One: Smarter Wedding Travel for Savvy Guests
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...
How can you avoid overspending on wedding travel without sacrificing...

The New Rules of Travel Rewards: Spend More or Lose Out
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...
Why are flight cancellations and delays happening more often? Are airline miles and...

How to Plan Smarter and Save More on Summer Travel
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...
When is the cheapest time to book flights for summer travel? How can you stack...

Secrets to Finding Cheap Flights and Avoiding Fees, Straight from Scott’s Cheap Flights
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...
When is the best time to book a cheap flight? Do...

How to Visit National Parks for Free, Avoid Crowds, and Save on Lodging
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...
When can you visit national parks for free, and what...

Best Travel Credit Cards, Southwest Policy Changes, and Disneyland Deals
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...
Which travel credit card is the best travel credit card? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French...

How to Get Elite Travel Perks Without Traveling Every Week or Overpaying
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...
Is elite status ever worth chasing? Should you stick to one airline or...

How to Budget for Trips: When to Book and How to Avoid Hidden Fees
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...
How can you budget and save money for travel? How can you maximize credit card rewards and travel...

Flight Canceled? How to Get a Refund, Rebook, or Even Travel for Free
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...
What should you do if your flight is delayed or canceled? How can you get...

Avoid These 5 Costly Travel Mistakes to Save Time, Money, and Stress
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...
Is TSA PreCheck or Global Entry worth the cost? How can you use...

Welcome to Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways, from NerdWallet
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...
NerdWallet’s trusted...
About this Podcast
Language
en