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
  • Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local

    Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local
    Jul 16 2025
    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 unforgettable experience? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French break down the logistics and hidden costs of traveling to Italy, from airfare and lodging to train travel and rental cars. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the TSA’s new no-shoe-removal-required policy for all travelers, Bilt’s plans for new credit cards, a new American Express Centurion Lounge in Amsterdam, and luxury air carrier JSX launching its first loyalty program. Then, Meghan shares insights from her two-week trip to Italy, covering where she went, how much it cost, how she got around, and what she’d do differently next time. She shares practical tips on avoiding fines on trains, booking affordable lodging, choosing the best time to visit, and navigating tourist-heavy cities without overpaying. Then, Eleonora Colamarino, better known as YourItalianBestie on Instagram and TikTok, joins Meghan to discuss how to visit Italy like a local. She shares strategies for finding hidden gem restaurants, avoiding overpriced destinations like the Amalfi Coast, and planning a more relaxed itinerary that leads to richer, more authentic travel moments. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Bilt Credit Card Review: Charge Rent and Earn Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/bilt-credit-card Resources discussed in this episode: Bilt Plans 3-Card Portfolio, With Annual Fees From $0 to $495 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/bilt-plans-3-card-portfolio-with-annual-fees-from-0-to-495 Is JSX Hop-On Jet Service Worth the Cost? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-a-jsx-private-jet-worth-the-cost In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Italy travel tips, best time to visit Italy, how to plan a trip to Italy, travel to Italy 2025, Italy travel costs, train travel in Italy, Italy trip itinerary, how much are hotels in Italy, affordable places to stay in Italy, Airbnb vs hotel Italy, monastery stays Italy, where to go in Italy, Florence travel guide, Rome travel tips, Cinque Terre travel, Venice gondola cost, validate train ticket Italy, regional trains vs high-speed Italy, TSA shoe removal policy, Centurion Lounge Amsterdam, JSX Club loyalty program, budget airlines to Italy, how to save on flights to Italy, avoid tourist traps in Italy, how to travel Italy like a local, best neighborhoods in Rome, Trastevere travel tips, Testaccio Market Rome, Amalfi Coast alternative, Puglia travel guide, and Umbria travel tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 m
  • How to Travel the World on $75 a Day: What Savvy Travelers Do Differently to Make Every Dollar Count

    How to Travel the World on $75 a Day: What Savvy Travelers Do Differently to Make Every Dollar Count
    Jul 9 2025
    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 sacrificing comfort or experience? Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss planning a trip for less than $75 per day with Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Uber’s new rental car delivery service and expanded shared rides from airports, Royal Caribbean’s launch of a private beach club in Nassau, The Bahamas, and major Amazon Prime Day travel deals like cruise discounts and free kids' fares. Then, Matt joins Sally to discuss how financially savvy travelers can explore the world on a $75-a-day budget without roughing it. They cover how inflation has shaped modern budget travel, which global regions deliver the best value per dollar, and how to save big on food, lodging, and activities without sacrificing meaningful experiences. Matt also shares underrated travel tips, from asking locals where they eat to using Facebook groups to find budget-friendly accommodations and community. 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 Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve Resources discussed in this episode: 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: budget travel, how to travel cheap, best budget destinations, travel rewards credit cards, Amazon Prime Day travel deals, travel points, saving money on travel, Southeast Asia travel, budget Europe travel, affordable international trips, cruise deals 2025, Uber Rent with car delivery, airport Uber hacks, Royal Caribbean beach club, travel credit card perks, Airbnb rooms vs hostels, home exchange travel, tourism office tips, travel Facebook groups, digital nomad tips, affordable family travel, saving for travel, how to find cheap flights, best countries for budget travel, how to track travel expenses, remote work travel tips, hostel tips, Southeast Asia backpacking, five block rule travel tip, international travel cost breakdown, and affordable beach vacations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 m
  • What AI Can’t Book: How Travel Advisors Deliver VIP Perks at No Extra Cost

    What AI Can’t Book: How Travel Advisors Deliver VIP Perks at No Extra Cost
    Jul 2 2025
    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. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including record-setting Fourth of July travel projections, a JetBlue challenge offering up to $5,250 in bonus points, and why the new “Points Boost” travel redemption feature from Chase may be more hype than help. Then, 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
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    34 m
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