In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin interviews Jen Ruiz, a former attorney turned travel expert who's mastered the art of finding unbeatable flight deals and maximizing points and miles to make traveling more affordable. 

Jen shares her strategies for snagging flights as low as $16 to Ecuador and $38 to New Zealand and her insights into budget travel that doesn’t compromise on quality or experience.

Jen also talks about her bestselling books on affordable travel and gives a sneak peek of her upcoming sequel to her latest book, '12 Trips in 12 Months.'

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:58 Jen Ruiz's Journey to Full-Time Travel
02:23 The Importance of Traveling Now
04:49 Finding Cheap Flights: Budget Airlines
06:58 Using Points and Miles for Affordable Travel
07:57 Flight Alert Programs for Beginners
08:52 Getting Started with Travel Credit Cards
13:56 Maximizing Points and Miles
24:31 Favorite Loyalty Programs
27:01 Starwood and Marriott: A Tale of Two Hotel Chains
28:44 The Value of Loyalty Programs and Travel Credit Cards
30:17 Airline Preferences and Luxurious Travel Experiences
32:21 Travel Tips: Avoiding Common Mistakes
35:38 The Journey of Writing Travel Books
38:59 Upcoming Sequel and Personal Reflections
42:54 Rapid Fire Travel Questions
47:06 Final Travel Advice and Episode Conclusion 

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Jen Ruiz: Learn more about Jen’s adventures and tips by visiting her website and following her on social media.
• Jen's Books: Check out Jen’s bestselling books on budget travel for deeper insights and strategies. 

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