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Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

NerdWallet Travel · NerdWallet

82 episodesEN

Show overview

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways launched in 2025 and has put out 82 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode in the time since. That works out to roughly 55 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 32 min and 52 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Society & Culture show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 34 episodes already out so far this year. Published by NerdWallet.

Episodes
82
Running
2025–2026 · 1y
Median length
36 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

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/

Latest Episodes

View all 82 episodes

Bilt to Last? Grading Bilt Rewards Six Months On

Aug 19, 20261h 3m

Finding Cheap Flights, Mastering Layovers, and Knowing Your Card’s Benefits (Put to the Test!)

Aug 12, 202652 min

Ask the Nerds: Booking Traps, Transfer Optimization and Card Strategy

Aug 5, 202645 min

The 7 Things Our Travel Pros Insist On Packing

Jul 29, 202644 min

What to Ask Your Hotel Concierge: Free Upgrades, Insider Deals, and What Most Travelers Miss

Jul 22, 202648 min

Is an Alaska Cruise Actually Worth It? We Went to Find Out

Jul 15, 20261h 3m

Your Flight Got Canceled. Here's How to Beat Summer's Worst Travel Chaos

Jul 8, 202653 min

The ADHD Traveler's Guide to Airport Security, Budgeting and Staying on Schedule

Jul 1, 202658 min

Best Credit Cards for Weddings: Turn Venue Bills Into Honeymoon Flights and Hotel Nights

Jun 24, 202659 min

The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Countries: What $300 a Day in Madagascar Really Buys You

Jun 17, 202658 min

Unpacking the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s Biggest Update in Five Years: What You Need to Know

Jun 10, 202640 min

Earn More Points on Purchases You Already Make: Online Shopping, Dining, Rideshares and More

Jun 3, 202652 min

Summer Travel 2026: How to Time Your Trip, Pick Your Destination, and Actually Save Money

May 27, 202638 min

Introducing Your Next Dollar: Money Management for High Earners

May 26, 20262 min

World of Hyatt Award Chart Changes 2026: What's New and Where to Get the Most Value

May 20, 202653 min

How to Travel Without Paying for a Hotel: Inside Home Swapping and Pet Sitting Apps

May 13, 20261h 9m

Family Travel on Points, Solo Trip Ideas, and Booking Tools Compared: Your Travel Questions Answered

May 6, 202644 min

The Best Travel Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100

Apr 29, 202657 min

How Airline Alliance Status Gets You Into the World's Best Airport Lounges for Free

Apr 23, 202645 min

Family Travel on Points and Miles: Free Checked Bags, Companion Passes, and Miles Pooling

Apr 15, 202646 min