Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Learn what it really takes to fly and stay somewhere with your pet, from carrier rules to hidden fees. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the best airlines and hotels for traveling with pets to help you avoid hidden fees and stressed-out animals. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including elevated welcome offers on Hilton co-branded cards expiring April 15, new signup bonuses on the Atmos Rewards cards from Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines' new international business class launching from Seattle, upcoming American Express Centurion Lounge openings in Boston and Charlotte and an expansion at Dallas Fort Worth, Amex dropping Etihad as a transfer partner, Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholders now earning up to 5x points on Lyft rides, and new JetBlue TrueBlue redemption options for travel fees including pet travel. Then, joined by traveler Jana Kate, who has brought her dog Poquito on trips across Europe, they discuss the real costs and logistics of traveling with pets, with tips and tricks on choosing the right airline and hotel for your pet, navigating fees that can vary per night versus per stay, and what to know before you book with a furry companion in tow. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Hilton AmEx Surpass Review: Credits Can Offset the High Fee Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Unique as They Are Valuable Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review: Modest Perks, Big Bonus Southwest Premier Credit Card Review: The Middle Seat of Cards Resources discussed in this episode: The Best Airlines for Flying With Pets in 2026 Best Hotels for Pets in 2026 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

Learn how to save on flights, hotels, and tickets when you travel for major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, or the Olympics. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the ins and outs of planning travel for major sporting events. But first, Sally breaks down this week’s headlines with producer Tess Vigeland, including what TSA’s long-delayed pay could mean for airport security lines, Sally’s experience using Touchless ID at JFK, United’s new Dreamliner cabins and Relax Row seats, United’s MileagePlus earning changes, Bilt adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, and new Royal Caribbean cruise credit cards. Then, Sally and Meghan discuss how to travel for sporting events without going broke, with tips and tricks on when to stay farther from the venue, how to use public transit and alternate airports, when vacation packages can beat booking everything separately, how to think about ticket presales and premium card perks, and when it might be smarter to skip the stadium and enjoy the fan festivities instead. They also look ahead to the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, Formula 1 races, the NBA All-Star Game, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and future Super Bowls. Plus: they answer a listener’s question about cash-back cards versus points cards. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits 10 Things to Know About the AmEx Centurion Black Card Resources discussed in this episode: First Look: United’s Most Premium Plane With Polaris Studios United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates 28 Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 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

Learn how to skip rental car lines, lower costs, and avoid pricey insurance mistakes on your next trip. When should you rent at the airport, and when should you skip a car entirely? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down how to rent a car in 2026 without overpaying, wasting time at the counter, or getting tripped up by confusing coverage. But first, they unpack the latest travel headlines, including long TSA lines during the federal partial shutdown, fresh findings from NerdWallet’s 2026 summer travel survey, Hilton’s new Yotel partnership, Citi ending points sharing, and Chase’s new hotel price-match feature. Then, Sally and Meghan dig into rental car strategy, with tips and tricks on booking early and repricing later, comparing airport and city pickup spots, and deciding when Turo, Uber Rent, Zipcar, or public transit make more sense than a standard rental. They also cover which credit card perks matter most, how rental car elite status can help you skip lines or add drivers, when EV rentals can save money or create hassles, and why their editor Claire and colleague Craig come up in a conversation about portal pricing, rental car dread, and smarter booking choices. 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: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits AmEx Business Platinum Card: High Fee Pays Off for Big-Spending Travelers AmEx Green Review: Triple Points on Dining and Travel, Plus Credits Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers 5 Things to Know About the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card Resources discussed in this episode: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: How It Works, Where It’s Offered How to Get Clear for Free Citi Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide My Favorite Tools for Booking Cheap Travel 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

Learn how to cut the cost of a ski trip before lift tickets, rentals and parking wipe out your budget. How do you keep a ski trip from blowing your whole vacation budget? When should you buy a season pass instead of a day ticket? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to save on ski and snowboarding trips to help you plan a cheaper mountain getaway. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Marriott’s more-flexible free night certificates, bigger Marriott welcome offers, rising fuel surcharges that could push airfare higher, and what the new Ikon Pass prices mean for next ski season. Then, fellow travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan and Sally to discuss ski trip costs, with tips and tricks on choosing between season passes and day tickets, lowering rental, lodging and parking costs, and using points, hotel stays and credit card perks to offset the price of a mountain vacation. They also discuss whether skiing in Europe can actually cost less than skiing in the U.S., what non-skiers can do on a snow trip from tubing to ice skating, and what to look for in a credit card if you’re flying with skis or a snowboard. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Free Night Award, Elite Status https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-boundless Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Review: Luxurious Benefits, Price Tag to Match https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-brilliant Capital One Savor Review: Foodie-Focused Rewards, for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-savor Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture-x Resources discussed in this episode: The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/top-rewards-credit-card-offers 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

Get listener-powered answers on lounges, Disney cards, cruises, and layovers. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle kick off the first listener questions episode of 2026 with quick travel headlines, including Wyndham Rewards Member Month, the Epic Pass going on sale for the 2026–27 season, and Rove Miles adding Japan Airlines as a transfer partner. They also swap recent travel wins, from Meghan’s David Copperfield weekend in Las Vegas to Sally’s courtside Chase Sapphire Reserve experience at the Chase Center — complete with a Steph Curry jersey and a hello from former Warrior Festus Ezeli — plus a nod to past “pinch me” perks like dining with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Then they answer a wide range of travel questions from listeners. They dig into topics like whether Wyndham Diamond status can really land you a suite upgrade, how to pick the best Priority Pass lounge strategy at SFO, how to think through the cash back vs. points debate in a relationship, and how to decide if the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth it compared with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. They also cover what to do with a day layover in Singapore (and when it’s smarter to stay at the airport), which cruise lines fit solo travelers who want concierge vibes without formal nights, what to know about Royal Caribbean cabin outlets, whether the new Disney Inspire Visa Card makes sense for one big trip (and what counts toward its credits), and why premium economy might be the underrated sweet spot on long-haul flights. 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 Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost 5 Things to Know: Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card Disney Inspire Visa: A Whole New World of Generous Benefits Disney Premier Visa: Missing the Magic Disney Visa: Perks in the Park, but Not in Your Wallet Resources discussed in this episode: How to Get a Business Credit Card: Who Qualifies, What You Need to Apply Can You Get a Business Credit Card Without a Business? 5 Things to Know: Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card The Complete Guide to Wyndham Rewards Elite Status Priority Pass SFO: What You Need to Know Inside the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO Temporary SFO AmEx Centurion Lounge What Credit Cards Can Get Me Into Priority Pass Lounges? The Best Cruise Lines (includes the Norwegian Aqua) How to Make the Most of Chase Sapphire Reserve New Rove Card Promises Travel Rewards, No Credit History Needed 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

Learn how to avoid common travel upsells that drain your budget, from cruise add-ons to sneaky foreign card charges. In this video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down travel “noob traps” to help you spot pricey add-ons before you click “book.” But first, they cover the latest travel headlines, including Chase adding Wyndham as a new transfer partner, Skyscanner launching flight search inside ChatGPT, Kayak’s spring break airfare trends, and new airport lounge openings at LAX and Las Vegas. They also flag a NerdWallet story from Craig Joseph digging deeper into the Chase-to-Wyndham transfer news. Then, they dive into the most common “noob traps” that can quietly inflate your trip total, including cruise specialty dining, attraction photo packages, room service sticker shock, early check-in fees, and dynamic currency conversion abroad. They also discuss when travel insurance add-ons can be worth it (and when they can disappoint), why timeshare presentations and pricey hotel activities can backfire, what to know about cell phone roaming charges, and how “convenience” offers can cost more than you expect. 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/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum Resources discussed in this episode: Chase Points Now Transfer to Wyndham, but Better Options Exist https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/chase-ultimate-rewards-adds-wyndham-rewards 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

JetBlue’s 25-for-25 sounded simple: fly to 25 airports. Hear what three finishers learned chasing 350,000 points. Before delving into the JetBlue story, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest travel headlines, including big United MileagePlus changes that kick in April 2, 2026, Hyatt updates that could reshape what award nights cost, Alaska’s Atmos Rewards Global Getaways promotion, Spirit’s new Free Spirit® debit card, and major national parks changing some reservation requirements in summer 2026. Then, Meghan talks with three guests who completed JetBlue’s 25 for 25 challenge, including Kathleen Wilson, Ben Kim, and Alyssa Mala, travel blogger at Do You Have Fly-Fi and co-host of the Blue Did It 25 for 25 community celebration. They dig into the real-world logistics of chasing 25 airports in six months, what made certain routes and tiny airports unexpectedly memorable, and how a group chat turned strangers into friends — right up to a snowstorm-hit meetup at JFK’s TWA Hotel. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: United Explorer Review: Richer Rewards, Perks You’ll Actually Use United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers United Gateway Card Review: A No-Annual-Fee Ticket to Airline Miles World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Resources discussed in this episode: Best United Airlines Credit Cards of March 2026 United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates The Complete Guide to World of Hyatt: Points, Status & Strategy The Guide to Atmos Rewards 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

Learn how you can explore the Mediterranean without losing days to ferries, hotel check-ins, or pricey islands. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Mediterranean trip planning to help you link coastal cities and islands without wasting precious vacation time. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest adding Starlink Wi-Fi, JetBlue and United expanding the Blue Sky partnership for booking and redemptions, and spring break travel trends. Producer Tess Vigeland also joins to share lessons from a trip to Spain gone wrong, including how EU flight delay compensation works and what to update in Global Entry after you get a new passport. Next, Sally and Meghan dig into what makes traveling the Mediterranean tricky, from fragmented routes to language barriers and currencies, and talk through when a cruise can simplify island-hopping. Sally shares her port-heavy trip on Norwegian Cruise Line Viva with her husband, Hamilton, before she and Meghan spotlight can’t-miss stops like Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Kotor, Marseille and the French Riviera, Zadar, and Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. Plus: where to look for surprisingly affordable luxury stays in places like Istanbul, Crete, and Montenegro. 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: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum 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

Learn what 2026 status program changes mean for perks like upgrades, rebooking help, and lounges. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk through the latest elite status updates to help you decide when they’re worth chasing. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the U.K.’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) enforcement starting Feb. 25, 2026, a Hawaiian Airlines credit card giveaway offering chances to win 1 million points, Disney’s leadership change and new earnings highlights, and signs that luxury travel demand may be softening in 2026. Then, joined by fellow travel Nerd Benjamin Din, they discuss what’s changing for airline and hotel elite status in 2026, including how status is increasingly tied to spending and credit cards, when a status match challenge can be a shortcut, and how to choose a program based on your home airport and travel patterns. They also dig into updates across major programs including Southwest, American, United, and JetBlue, in addition to hotel shifts at Hilton, Hyatt, and Choice. Plus: what it really takes to earn United’s Million Miler milestone, including how lifetime status can change the way you book flights and hotels. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: 5 Things to Know About the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Credits Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter Best Airline Credit Cards of February 2026 Best Hotel Credit Cards of February 2026 Resources discussed in this episode: Airline Credit Cards That Offer Free Checked Bags Which Credit Card Is Best for International Award Travel? The 5 Best Credit Cards with Hotel Status 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

Get a clearer way to compare hotel prices with and without credit card program perks. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss when it makes sense to book luxury hotels through credit card travel portals so you can decide if perks like breakfast, upgrades and $100 credits are actually worth the tradeoffs. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Disney Inspire Visa from Chase, an American Express transfer-ratio change to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, new Centurion Lounge access limits starting July 8, and a new round of airline competition at Chicago O’Hare after comments from United CEO Scott Kirby. Then, joined by fellow travel Nerd Craig Joseph, they unpack a NerdWallet analysis comparing prices when booking directly vs. booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, Amex The Hotel Collection, and Chase’s The Edit. They discuss what to check before you click “book,” how to think about the real value of “free” breakfast and property credits, and how points, statement credits and loyalty numbers can change the math — especially when you’re dealing with prepaid rates and limited hotel options. 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/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum Chase Freedom Review: Legacy Card’s 5% Categories Endure https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-freedom Disney Visa: Perks in the Park but Not in Your Wallet https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-visa Disney Premier Visa: Missing the Magic https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-premier-visa Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/amazon-prime-rewards Target Circle Credit Card Review: 5% Discount and No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/target-redcard New Disney Inspire Credit Card: Valuable Credits Offset $149 Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/disney-inspire-credit-card-big-fee-bigger-credits Resources discussed in this episode: Chase Sapphire Reserve’s Hotel Credit Just Got an ‘Edit’ https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-the-edit-hotel-credit AmEx Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection: Worth the Price? https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/amex-fhr-thc-worth-it Are Chase’s The Edit Hotels Worth It? Here’s What the Data Says https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/chase-the-edit-hotels-worth-It 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

Learn how a points pro mapped a six-continent route to score 1 million Turkish Airlines miles. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk to Ashley Peterson, founder of Ashley Gets Around, about how she became a “points millionaire” while traveling across the globe. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including winter storm flight cancellations and airline waivers, new restrictions and options tied to Bilt Cash, Citi ThankYou Rewards dropping Aeromexico as a transfer partner, upcoming Capital One lounge access changes for authorized users, and Hilton’s new Apartment Collection. Then, Meghan talks to Ashley Peterson about Turkish Airlines’ six-continent promo that earned her 1 million miles. They discuss what it takes to plan a “wackadoodle” route, how starting outside the U.S. and switching airports can change the price, and what to watch for with business-class seat setups and redemption rules once the miles finally hit your account. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards Capital One Venture X Business: A Premium Business Travel Card Worth the Annual Fee Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming Bilt’s 3 New Cards Earn Rewards on Housing, But It’s Complicated Resources discussed in this episode: The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners 5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With Venture X Card to Drop Free Lounge Access for Guests, Authorized Users Smart Travel Episode about Bilt’s new cards 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

Find out if Bilt’s new credit cards are worth the hassle for earning points on rent or a mortgage. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive deep into the Bilt Card 2.0 Program to explain what’s changed and what to consider before signing up. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a World of Hyatt Credit Card welcome offer that can earn up to five free nights, what Southwest’s assigned seating rollout means for travelers, the cost (and extra time) of flying without a Real ID, and how you can enter to win a free 1:1 travel rewards strategy coaching session with NerdWallet credit card and travel rewards expert Erin Hurd. Then, Sally and Meghan dig into Bilt’s three new credit cards and a rewards system that now includes two currencies: Bilt Points and Bilt Cash. They walk through the big questions listeners have been asking, including when it makes sense to earn on rent, what’s really going on with mortgage rewards, and why the new math (plus shifting details) could change whether you jump in now or wait. Along the way, they weigh the annual-fee tradeoffs, compare Bilt’s new lineup to familiar fan favorites, and share what to watch for as the rollout keeps evolving. 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 Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards of February 2026 Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming Bilt’s 3 New Cards Earn Rewards on Housing, But It’s Complicated World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Resources discussed in this episode: 7 Best Hyatt Category 4 Hotels Dear Bilt Palladium: You’re Welcome to Move in, but You Won’t Pay the Rent Bilt Palladium vs. Capital One Venture X: An In-Depth Comparison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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