Lazy Budget Travel Tips

In this episode, Genni and her mom, Gloria, continue Part 2 of their magical European Christmas market adventure! 

From bratwurst and gingerbread in Berlin to twinkling lights in Paris, they share their favorite markets, cozy eats, money-saving hacks, and what they’d do differently next time.

🎄 Whether you're dreaming of a festive winter trip or just love hearing about holiday food and travel mishaps, this one’s for you.

✨ Highlights:

• Favorite markets & most festive cities (spoiler: Germany wins!)
• The Eierpunsch fail (egg punch ≠ eggnog 😬)
• Käsespätzle: Genni’s mac-and-cheese obsession comes to life
• How they saved big with the Bayern Ticket
• Pro tip: bring bubble wrap if you’re collecting mugs
• Budget-friendly hotel & flight hacks
• Paris markets: pretty, but not so magical

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
 01:02 – Berlin hotels & getting around
 05:32 – Berlin’s Christmas markets
 12:28 – Best (and worst) market foods
 23:23 – Night tour & frosted mugs
 30:39 – Flight to Munich
 32:07 – Munich Airport Christmas market
 33:21 – Exploring Munich’s Old Town markets
 35:36 – Day trip to Salzburg
 46:54 – Back to Munich for more festive fun
 53:59 – Flight to Paris
 57:59 – Comparing Paris to Germany’s markets
 01:00:29 – Final thoughts & travel tips

📍 Trip Overview

Berlin
Hotels: Moxy Berlin Airport, H10 Berlin Ku’damm
Markets: Breitscheidplatz, Potsdamer Platz, Alexanderplatz, Rotes Rathaus
Sites: Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Church
Must-try foods: Lebkuchen, Glühwein, Käsespätzle, bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen

Munich
Hotel: Hotel Mio by Amano (Sendlinger Tor)
Markets: Marienplatz, Rindermarkt, Wittelsbacherplatz (medieval), Residenz
Sites: Frauenkirche, Asam Church, Glockenspiel
Meal Highlight: Der Pschorr – pretzel, beer & beef stew

Salzburg (Day Trip)
Transport: Bayern Ticket (regional pass)
Stops: Café Fürst (Mozartkugel!), Mirabellplatz, Domplatz, Residenzplatz
Sites: Mozart’s Birthplace, St. Peter’s Church, Sound of Music garden

Paris
Hotel: Hotel Thérèse (near the Louvre)
Markets: Tuileries Garden, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame
Sites: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Galeries Lafayette
Activity: Big Bus Paris Christmas Illuminations Tour

✈️ Pro Tip:

Bring bubble wrap if you’re collecting Christmas market mugs — it saved their souvenirs on the way home!

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

In this 2 Part episode, host Genni Franklin is joined by her mom (and OG travel partner), Gloria, to recount the beginning of their magical multi-city European Christmas market adventure.

They share how they turned a bucket list dream into reality—on a budget—using points and miles to book flights to Germany, planning a strategic 13-hour layover in Amsterdam, and kicking off their holiday itinerary in Berlin. 

From how they chose their destinations to why AirTags might actually stress you out, this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes planning, and hilarious mother-daughter moments.

Whether you’re dreaming of glühwein and twinkling lights or just want a cozy travel story to escape the summer heat, you’ll get helpful tips for planning your own festive getaway—without breaking the bank.

And don't forget to listen to Part 2!

🎄 Topics covered:

• Using Chase Ultimate Rewards and Flying Blue to book Europe flights
• Pros and cons of long layovers (and how to handle them)
• What to expect from economy meals on KLM
• How to store luggage at Schiphol Airport
• Why Gloria loves collecting Christmas mugs and Genni’s ornament tradition
• How to survive Europe in December as a Floridian
• Hotel strategy: points vs. location convenience
• Planning vs. winging it: how they tag-teamed the logistics and the sightseeing

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome to the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Podcast
• 00:20 Introducing the Christmas Markets Adventure
• 00:50 Booking Affordable Flights and Tackling Layovers
• 01:30 The Inspiration Behind the Trip
• 04:10 Planning the Itinerary and Choosing Destinations
• 06:07 Researching and Preparing for the Trip
• 10:25 Exploring Berlin's Christmas Markets
• 11:42 Travel Logistics and Flight Experiences
• 23:02 Navigating Amsterdam Layover
• 26:53 Arrival in Amsterdam and Customs Experience
• 27:27 The Air Tag Debacle
• 31:22 Exploring Amsterdam During Layover
• 34:08 Navigating Amsterdam's Public Transport
• 36:03 Canal Cruise and Wandering Amsterdam
• 40:34 Final Hours in Amsterdam and Return to Airport
• 43:11 Arrival in Berlin and Hotel Stay
• 45:18 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

 🎧 Listen now and come back next week for Part 2, where they’ll cover the rest of the trip through Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and Paris—plus their favorite Christmas market of all and how they made the most of their short stays. 

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin sits down with Ionna from @travelpointsandviews to talk about one of the most underrated (and misunderstood) strategies in the points and miles world: 

Buying Points.

That’s right—paying money for points can actually make sense in the right situation.

From scoring a $3,100 luxury hotel stay in NYC for just $1,600 to planning a $10K Miraval trip using a clever buy-and-transfer combo, Ionna breaks down when and why buying points is a power move, not a rookie mistake.

You’ll learn:

• When buying points is a smart travel hack (and when it’s not)
• How Ionna turned Hyatt sales into serious savings
• The fine print you must read before buying
• Why it might be better to buy points instead of burning your flexible stash
• How to use tools like MaxMyPoint to track award availability
• The #1 mistake travelers make when buying points
• What to know about bonus point sales and annual limits
• Why buying points is perfect for lazy (yet savvy) travelers

If you’ve ever scrolled past a “buy points now!” email and thought “yeah, hard pass”—this episode might change your mind.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Why buying points might be your new secret weapon
• 02:00 – Meet Ionna: Lazy travel hacker, South Floridian, and points pro
• 04:30 – What buying points really means (and why it's not a scam)
• 07:00 – A $600+ DC hotel stay… for $412? Here’s how
• 10:30 – The $3K NYC trip hack: Hyatt + sale = luxury stay for less
• 14:00 – How to use MaxMyPoint to snag award availability
• 18:00 – When not to buy points
• 22:30 – Read the fine print: Buying points through points.com
• 25:00 – How Ionna stacked calendar years to double her point purchase limit
• 29:30 – Turning a $10K Miraval stay into a $2.6K redemption win
• 31:30 – Why buying points might help you stretch your travel budget further
• 35:00 – Hyatt vs. Marriott: What’s worth it and when
• 37:30 – Final tips: Buy with intention and do the math
• 40:00 – Rapid fire round: favorite redemptions, best travel hacks, and more!

Links + Mentions:

• @travelpointsandviews on Instagram
• Max My Point tool
• The Points Guy’s Points vs. Cash Calculator

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

Big Trip, Small Budget: How Kendyl Traveled Europe for 5 1/2 Weeks using Points & $100 a Day (for 2 people)

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin welcomes Kendyl Grender, a budget travel expert behind @kendyltravels. 

Kendyl shares her story about how she and her husband spent 5 1/2 weeks traveling through Europe on points and just $100 a day for food, activities, and transportation. 

From strategic credit card use to eating like a local, Kendyl shares exactly how she made it happen, without sacrificing comfort or missing out on epic experiences.

You’ll learn:

• How Kendyl saved and planned for a "mini-retirement"
• The points strategy that helped her book flights and hotels across six countries
• Why she mixes points with smart cash deals
• How she stuck to a $100/day budget without feeling deprived
• Tips for navigating public transportation, eating well, and traveling intentionally

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
• 01:15 Kendyl's Journey to Budget Travel
• 02:28 Planning the European Adventure
• 03:49 Executing the Budget Travel Plan
• 06:02 Maximizing Points and Miles
• 10:00 Detailed Itinerary and Accommodations
• 14:00 Budgeting and Strategic Planning
• 23:17 Alternative Destinations and DIY Experiences
• 27:55 Tracking and Prioritizing Expenses
• 30:56 Saving Money on Must-Do Experiences
• 33:24 Strategizing for Food Savings
• 42:13 Public Transportation Tips
• 50:01 Rapid Fire Questions
• 53:42 Group Trips and Final Thoughts

Connect with Kendyl: Learn more about Kendyl's adventures and tips by visiting her website and following her on social media.

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, Genni Franklin is joined by Teresa Kul, a national parks enthusiast who has visited 356 out of 433 park sites, including all 50 states. 

We’re diving into one of the most scenic (and surprisingly strategic!) travel topics: how to plan a national park trip without blowing your budget.

Whether you dream of hiking through Zion, exploring caves in Kentucky, or relaxing by alpine lakes in Montana, this episode is packed with tips for stretching your dollars, using travel rewards wisely, and even finding last-minute lodging like a pro.

In This Episode:

• How Teresa visited 356+ National Park sites (and counting!)
• The best seasons to visit popular parks to avoid crowds and save money
• Smart strategies for booking national park lodging, even if it’s last-minute
• Renting a car for less using AutoSlash
• Packing food like a pro to avoid overpriced meals in-park
• Why Best Western and Hyatt are two underrated hotel options for park stays
• How to use points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Delta SkyMiles) to make national park trips more affordable
• Tips for families, solo travelers, and anyone who wants gorgeous views without death-defying hikes
• Rapid fire favorites: dream parks, best hikes, go-to snacks, and more

Whether you're just getting into Points & Miles or already have a park pass packed with stamps, this one’s for you.

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 01:18 The Allure of National Parks
• 03:13 Favorite National Parks and Experiences
• 07:12 Planning Tips and Best Times to Visit
• 08:08 Accommodation Strategies
• 15:18 Underrated National Parks to Visit
• 20:24 Transportation and Car Rentals
• 21:56 Booking Rental Cars with AutoSlash
• 22:49 Saving Money on Hotel Bookings
• 23:38 Packing Food for National Park Trips
• 24:40 Hydration and Hiking Tips
• 27:04 Leveraging Points and Miles
• 29:25 Choosing the Right Credit Cards
• 37:46 Rapid Fire Questions
• 40:33 Where to Find More Information

Resources Mentioned:

• Teresa’s Blog: AnAcreInTheCity.com
• Teresa's 3 Secrets to Your Best National Parks Trip Freebie
• Teresa's YouTube Channel
• The Ultimate Girls Trip to Shenandoah Valley blog post
• Spending a Fun 2 Days in Shenandoah National Park Itinerary blog post

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

In this episode, Genni is joined by Kelsey Graves, a travel-loving mom, podcast host, and content creator who’s made unforgettable family trips possible, starting with just one travel rewards credit card.

Kelsey shares how opening the Chase Sapphire Preferred card turned into five free flights to NYC for her family, a luxe couples escape to Cabo, and a summer road trip to the Grand Canyon and Page, Arizona—all booked with points. She’s learned to earn smarter, redeem better, and enjoy bougie travel without the bougie budget.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re brand new to points and miles
• You’ve been sitting on one card and wondering what’s next
• You want to travel more without going into debt
• You’re craving real-life, beginner-friendly examples of how travel rewards actually work

✨ What You’ll Learn:

• How Kelsey used one card to unlock multiple redemptions
• Her first big redemption using Chase points through the portal (and whether she’d do it again)
• How she flew a family of 5 to NYC using points + the Southwest Companion Pass
• What cards she’s using now and how she organizes her strategy
• Tips for emailing hotels to request upgrades (and how it worked!)

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 Introduction to Lazy Budget Travel Tips
• 00:23 Meet Kelsey Graves: Travel Expert and Content Creator 
• 02:16 Kelsey's Journey into Points and Miles 
• 08:00 First Redemption Experience: Chase Sapphire Preferred 
• 15:59 Southwest Points and Companion Pass Success 
• 21:03 Strategizing Points for Future Travels 
• 23:58 Family Travel Plans and RV Adventures 
• 24:36 Maximizing Points for Summer Trips 
• 25:41 Exploring the Grand Canyon with Points 
• 27:25 Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell Stay 
• 28:29 Emailing for Upgrades and Benefits 
• 31:28 Final Redemption: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale 
• 33:57 Couple's Trip to Cabo: The Cape Thompson Hotel 
• 38:29 Tips for Newbies in Points and Miles 
• 41:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Dream Redemptions 
• 47:42 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow 

Follow Kelsey:
Instagram: @kelsey_graves
Podcast: Trip Tales – real people sharing real trip stories

Resources Mentioned:

• Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Applying for Business Credit Cards (even if you don't think you have a business) Blog Post

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin dives into luxury travel that doesn’t require months of PTO or millions of points. 

Joined by Jen Wennerberg from Dive Into Points, this episode is all about how short, all-inclusive trips—especially using Hyatt points—can offer big luxury without the big spend.

Jen is a mom of three, a passionate scuba diver, and a points and miles enthusiast who shows us that you can sneak away for quick three- to four-night getaways, dive into epic experiences, and come back refreshed, without draining your points or your wallet.

We cover how Jen got started with points, why she prioritizes Hyatt all-inclusives, how to plan short, luxurious escapes, and the value you can get per point (think 2–3 cents per point and $600-a-night resorts for free!). 

Plus, she shares tips on balancing parent life and travel, how to onboard a reluctant Player Two, and why room service might be the most underrated perk of all.

 Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Luxury Travel on a Budget
• 01:00 Jen's Journey into Scuba Diving and Travel
• 03:17 Getting Started with Points and Miles
• 05:47 Real-Life Strategies for Points and Miles
• 10:08 Exploring All-Inclusive Resorts with Points
• 17:22 Booking and Maximizing All-Inclusive Stays
• 27:01 Comparing Costs and Value of All-Inclusive Trips
• 28:39 Maximizing Chase Points for Travel
• 30:05 Getting Your Partner on Board with Points and Miles
• 36:05 Strategies for Maximizing Points and Miles
• 43:37 Rapid Fire Travel Questions
• 49:48 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Jen on Instagram: @diveintopoints
• Visit her blog: diveintopoints.com
• Check out CardPointers: https://travelingfranklins.com/cardpointers

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the travel credit card options out there? 

You’re not alone. 

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down how to confidently choose the right travel rewards credit card—for you. 

Not the one your coworker loves. 

Not the one influencers are pushing. 

The one that actually fits your lifestyle, travel goals, and budget.

We’re covering everything from the types of points you can earn to what to do after you get approved (or denied), so you’ll know exactly how to get started with points and miles the smart and sustainable way.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• The 3 types of travel rewards credit cards and who they’re best for
• How welcome bonuses work (and what to watch out for)
• Why annual fees aren’t always bad—and can sometimes save you more
• Application strategies for the best chance of approval
• What to do after you apply, whether you’re approved or not

Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to Travel Credit Cards
02:51 Types of Travel Reward Credit Cards
07:27 Understanding Welcome Bonuses
14:05 Evaluating Annual Fees
17:11 Application Strategies for Approval
22:32 What to Do After Approval or Denial
29:14 Conclusion and Final Tips

Episode Resources:

• What is a Welcome Bonus?
• What is the 5/24 Rule?
• How to Meet a Minimum Spend
• Why credit card annual fees are worth it
• Do’s and Don’ts of Using Your New Travel Rewards Credit Card

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

In this episode:
Ready to throw out the “traditional” travel playbook?

Heather from Homeschooling on Points joins Genni to share how she books magical trips—including a $5,200 Disney cruise for $0 and a one-bedroom DVC suite for $508—with creative strategies that most points and miles pros aren’t talking about.

And don't worry, this episode isn't only about saving on Disney.

You’ll learn:

•  What timeshare trading is (and how she scored one on eBay for $1)
•  How to book resort stays without paying full price
•  Why Heather ignores the “2 cents per point” rule
•  The strategy behind her nearly free Disney Cruise
•  When timeshare fees are totally worth it (and how to avoid getting burned)
•  How to blend cashback cards and points for max flexibility
•  Why “your trip, your rules” is the real secret to budget travel

Plus, Heather shares how she plans vacations around real life, not just aspirational.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Budget Travel and Timeshare Trading
• 01:12 Heather's Journey into Points and Miles
• 02:00 Discovering Timeshare Trading
• 03:59 How Timeshare Trading Works
• 09:28 Benefits and Savings of Timeshare Trading
• 16:31 Expanding Beyond Disney: Other Timeshare Adventures
• 18:54 Tips for Getting Started with Timeshare Trading
• 26:00 Debunking Travel Myths: Timeshares and Credit Card Points
• 26:49 Lazy Learning, Serious Saving: The Podcast's Mission
• 26:58 Mastering Credit Card Points and Timeshare Trading
• 27:45 Disney Cruise Strategy: $0 Out of Pocket
• 31:33 Beginner Tips for Travel Hacking Disney
• 34:23 Navigating Business Credit Cards for Travel Hacking
• 40:47 Rapid Fire Round: Timeshare Trades and Points Strategies
• 45:56 Favorite Redemptions and Portal Bookings
• 48:27 Disney Resorts and Final Thoughts
• 49:14 Wrapping Up: Follow and Connect

Links + Resources:

• Follow Heather on Instagram
• Get her Timeshare Trading Masterclass

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

Ever wish your partner would just get on board with points and miles? 

You’re not alone! 

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, I sit down with my husband, Brandon, to talk about his complete 180—from being totally against credit cards to actively strategizing when it’s time for us to open a new one. 

We’ll chat about:

• What the heck a Player Two (P2) is and why having one can double your points game
• The moment Brandon realized points and miles weren’t a scam
• How referral bonuses can stack up big time and make a huge difference
• Addressing fears about credit cards and debt the right way
• How we justify annual fees (hint: it’s all about the value)
• Some of our favorite trips we never would’ve taken without points 

If your partner thinks points and miles aren’t worth it, or if you’re trying to ease them into the game without overwhelming them, this episode is for you! 

Episode Breakdown 

• 00:00 - Intro & why this topic matters
• 00:59 - What’s a Player Two (P2) & why it’s a game-changer
• 04:46 - Brandon’s initial skepticism & first experiences
• 10:17 - The perks of having a P2 (hint: double the points!)
• 12:12 - Credit cards & debt: Breaking down the fear factor
• 14:07 - Our favorite points-funded trips
• 20:50 - Are annual fees really worth it?
• 26:03 - Confidence & discipline: Getting comfortable with credit cards
• 33:25 - Advice for P1s trying to get their P2 on board
• 39:29 - Wrap-up & final thoughts 

Got questions? Join the conversation in the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group or hit me up on Instagram @travelingfranklins! 

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.