We answer listener questions about travel insurance, Chase point transfers, lounge access, free checked bags, and more.

Host Sally French opens the episode with the week’s biggest travel headlines alongside Elizabeth Ayoola, host of NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, who fills in for Meghan Coyle during the news segment. They cover sweeping 2026 changes to U.S. national park pricing and fee-free days, Disneyland’s newly announced kids-ticket deals for next summer, Travel Tuesday sales that are still available, and the debut of Chase’s new Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas.

Then, Sally and Meghan tackle a fresh round of listener questions, including what happens when credit-card travel insurance doesn’t cover a canceled ski trip, whether transferring Chase points to Marriott is ever a good idea, and how to combine Chase Ultimate Rewards points within a household. They also explain how Alaska Airlines applies free checked bags on split reservations, when gifted Air Canada Status Passes unlock Maple Leaf Lounge access, and how authorized users can help families maximize travel perks.

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 Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee 

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits 

Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards 

Chase Freedom Flex Review: Multiple Bonus Rewards Wrapped in One Card 

Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution 

Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year 

Best United Airlines Credit Cards of December 2025

Resources discussed in this episode:

How to Visit National Parks for Free in 2026 

Disneyland in 2026: Ticket Deals, What’s New 

116 Travel Deals for Black Friday and Travel Tuesday in 2025 

Chase Sapphire Lounge Las Vegas Review 

5 Things to Know About Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Access 

11 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance 

What Is the Value of Marriott Bonvoy® Points? (Calculator) 

The Best Chase Transfer Partners 

How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Between Accounts (and Why It’s Smart) 

How to Access Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges With Your Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

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. 

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In this special video episode, see if $2,000 in credit card fees is worth it and learn how you can audit your own travel rewards wallet.

Should you really be paying nearly $2,000 a year in credit card annual fees, or is it time to downsize your wallet? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle sit down with NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast host Elizabeth Ayoola to dissect her stack of premium travel cards and decide which ones earn their keep. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Black Friday bargains, why flight bookings may be down even as overall Thanksgiving trips rise, and what Emirates’ massive retrofit and Starlink Wi-Fi rollout could mean for your next long-haul flight. 

Then, Sally and Meghan sit down in-studio for a full-on credit card consultation with Elizabeth, a travel-loving single mom in Houston who juggles multiple premium cards. Together, they walk through the benefits of several of her credit cards to see which perks actually justify the fees. They talk through how to value statement credits versus real spending, when downgrading makes more sense than canceling, how to think about lounge access in dollar terms, when co-branded airline cards are redundant, and how to avoid the “bougie coupon book” burnout that can come with managing too many credits. Plus, Elizabeth shares her hot takes on first class, loud seat neighbors, and why airplanes need a built-in “do not disturb” button.

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 Blue Cash Preferred Review: The Ultimate Family Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-blue-cash-preferred 

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve 

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card Review: Worth the Fee for Airline Loyalists https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-platinum 

Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-executive  

AmEx Blue Cash Everyday Review: Solid Cash Back, $0 Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-blue-cash-everyday  

5 Things to Know About the T.J. Maxx Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/tjx-rewards-platinum-mastercard 

Resources discussed in this episode:

107 Travel Deals for Black Friday and Travel Tuesday in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/2025-travel-deals-black-friday-travel-tuesday 

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: credit card annual fees, travel credit cards, premium travel credit cards, airport lounge access, Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club access, Emirates premium economy, Starlink airplane Wi-Fi, Thanksgiving travel 2025, Thanksgiving flight bookings, driving vs flying Thanksgiving, vacation rental bookings Thanksgiving, Black Friday travel deals, Travel Tuesday travel deals, Emirates A350 premium economy, Emirates A380 first class, credit card travel credits, dining statement credits, StubHub credit, hotel portal credits, grocery rewards credit card, cash back on supermarkets, airport lounge math, justifying annual fees, downgrading credit cards, closing airline credit cards, airline co-branded cards, managing multiple credit cards, tracking expiring credits, no checked bag travel, carry-on only travel, and single parent travel budgeting.

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Learn how AI may raise your travel prices and what to watch for before you book your next trip.

Before the Nerds delve into the surprising ways AI can affect your travel booking, hosts Tess Vigeland (covering news this week for host Meghan Coyle) and Sally French kick things off by covering the latest travel headlines, including pre-Thanksgiving travel deals from Hyatt, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Expedia. They also preview potentially record-setting Thanksgiving crowds, explain what the FAA’s terminated flight-reduction order means for your itinerary, unpack Apple’s new digital ID for TSA checkpoints at 250+ airports, and decode Hilton’s status shake-up.

Then, Meghan interviews Lindsay Owens, executive director of economic think tank and advocacy group Groundwork Collaborative, about AI-driven pricing in travel. They explore how dynamic versus personalized “surveillance” pricing could affect airfare and hotel rates, what your loyalty data might reveal, whether booking with points shields you from AI-based price changes, how rental car companies are using AI damage scans, and what policy shifts (and traveler tactics) could help you comparison shop without feeding the algorithm. They cover what questions to ask before you click “buy,” how to spot pricing games, and where consumer protections stand — plus a spicy hot take on whether public backlash could push airlines toward more transparent fares.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/world-of-hyatt 

Resources discussed in this episode:

50 Travel Deals for Black Friday and Travel Tuesday in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/2025-travel-deals-black-friday-travel-tuesday 

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: AI travel pricing, dynamic pricing airlines, personalized pricing, surveillance pricing, airline pricing algorithms, Delta AI pricing, loyalty program data privacy, travel price discrimination, points and miles dynamic pricing, rental car AI damage scan, Hertz damage photo scan, Hilton Diamond Reserve, Hilton Gold 25 nights, Hilton Diamond 50 nights, Hilton confirmable suite upgrade, Hilton late checkout 4 p.m., no resort fees on points Hilton, World of Hyatt sale, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Alila Mayakoba, Norwegian Cruise Line Free at Sea, NCL 50% off, Expedia flash deals, Black Friday travel deals, Travel Tuesday deals, Thanksgiving travel crowds 2025, FAA flight reduction order ended, on-time arrivals 75%, Apple digital ID, Apple Wallet TSA, TSA 250 airports, alternate airports strategy, train vs flight backup, Venice Marco Polo Airport, San Antonio Hotel Emma

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Sally and her new husband unpack their unconventional honeymoon plan and share practical tips to plan your own getaway with purpose.

How do you plan a honeymoon that feels luxurious without blowing your budget? How can newlyweds use points and miles to pay for their trip? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle share how Sally’s own wedding guests chose her honeymoon destination — and the travel and financial lessons that came from it. But first, Smart Travel producer Tess Vigeland joins Sally to recap this week’s biggest travel headlines, including flight delays caused by the government shutdown, where you can find Southwest’s first-ever airport lounge, United’s new debit rewards card, updates to rewards programs like Rove Miles and Choice Privileges, and United’s new partnership with Lyft.

Then, Sally and Meghan welcome Hamilton, Sally’s husband, to talk about what it’s really like to plan (and budget for) a honeymoon when you’re both avid travelers. They reveal how wedding guests voted on their destination, discuss how to use credit card sign-up bonuses to fund long-haul flights, and share takeaways on earning travel rewards as a couple, splurging smartly, and packing minimally. They cover topics from avoiding flight cancellations to making the most of hotel loyalty status, choosing between high-yield savings and mileage accounts, and how to enjoy a stress-free, meaningful honeymoon that doesn’t break the bank.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

United Launches Rewards-Earning Debit Card http://nerdwallet.com/travel/news/united-debit-card 

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: honeymoon budgeting, travel rewards, honeymoon destinations, Madagascar travel, planning a honeymoon, best honeymoon spots, travel credit cards, honeymoon points strategy, credit card signup bonus, travel miles, government shutdown flight delays, Southwest lounge Honolulu, United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card, Chase travel rewards, Capital One miles, high yield savings account vs miles, Choice Privileges Titanium, hotel loyalty programs, travel debit cards, travel credit card referrals, booking flights with points, Rove Miles and More, Lufthansa Miles and More, international honeymoon, couples travel tips, TSA delays, travel insurance, honeymoon planning timeline, luxury hotel perks, Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection, Capital One Premier Collection, elite status benefits, booking honeymoon flights, travel apps for flight alerts, honeymoon travel planning, and airport lounge benefits.

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Learn when pricey travel cards are worth it and how to pick the one that gives you the most value.

Are premium travel cards worth the high price tag? How do you decide which one(s) to keep in your wallet? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the real-world math of annual fees and rewards to help you understand when these cards pay for themselves. But first, show producer Tess Vigeland joins Meghan to cover the week’s travel headlines, including new airport lounges opening in Salt Lake City, the Southwest Rapid Rewards debit card launch, Wells Fargo adding JetBlue as a transfer partner, Wyndham Rewards ending its partnership with Vacasa, and United Airlines’ new route to Bangkok.

Then, Sally and Meghan dig into how to evaluate premium travel credit cards, from lounge access and retail credits to transfer partners and redemption value. They walk through top-tier general cards including the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and Citi Strata Elite, comparing benefits, costs, and travel protections. The hosts also cover premium airline and hotel cards, including those from Delta, United, American, Hilton, and Marriott, explaining who they’re for and when the perks truly add up. They explain how to calculate if you’re offsetting your annual fees, why lounge access matters for frequent flyers, and how to think about long-term value when juggling multiple cards.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Southwest’s New Debit Card Lets You Earn Points 

Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards of November 2025 

Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee 

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers 

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: Pay the Price, Enjoy the Perks 

Capital One Venture X Review: Big Value for Travelers 

Citi Strata Elite Review: Premium Perks Can Offset Its Premium Fee 

Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Unique as They Are Valuable 

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® Review: Admirals Club Access 

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Review: Lofty Fee, Luxury Perks 

United Quest Card: Piles of Perks and Credits, $350 Annual Fee 

United Club℠ Infinite Card Review: For Frequent United Flyers 

Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price 

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Review: Rich Perks, Costly Fee 

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards 

Chase Freedom Unlimited Card Review 

Chase Freedom Flex: Multiple Bonus Rewards in One Card

Resources discussed in this episode:

Inside the New Salt Lake City Delta Sky Club: Giant and Cozy 

What Credit Cards Can Get Me Into the Delta Sky Club? 

New AmEx Centurion Lounge SLC: Fireplaces and an Outdoor Terrace 

How to Get Into AmEx Centurion Lounges: Credit Cards That Grant Access 

The Guide to Capital One Lounges 

11 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance 

Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator 

Delta SkyMiles Value Calculator 

Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You? (June episode on 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. 

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Learn how you can make travel more meaningful without overspending or missing out on authentic experiences.

How do you plan a vacation that feels “worth it” without overspending? What’s the smartest way to turn bank points into long-haul premium flights? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to design trips that maximize satisfaction and meaning without paying top dollar. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including United and JetBlue’s Blue Sky partnership, Delta adding Crunchyroll to seat-back entertainment alongside free Wi-Fi, and what Travis Kelce’s investment in Six Flags could mean for affordable parks.

Then, Expedia’s “Powering Travel” podcast host Elisabeth Goodridge joins Meghan to talk about how to build memorable trips. She discusses using reviews and trusted communities to find authentic experiences, considering “destination dupes” to avoid overtourism, and budgeting with hidden fees in mind. Meghan and Sally wrap up the episode by answering a listener’s question about using Capital One points on Star Alliance airlines.

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: authentic travel experiences, set-jetting, destination dupes, reciprocal elite benefits, TrueBlue Tiles, airline seat-back entertainment, hidden travel fees, resort fees explained, reviews for travel planning, local travel tips, Europe cruise no sea days, Mediterranean cruise ports, overtourism alternatives, World Travel and Tourism Council sustainability, Cotswolds travel, Hobart Tasmania travel, Sardinia Italy travel, Big Sky Montana skiing, Fort Walton Beach Emerald Coast, hidden fees in travel, budget-friendly trips, meaningful travel, Expedia Powering Travel podcast, Arthur Brooks happiness travel, Phil Keoghan travel tips, social media travel inspiration, pop culture travel trends, sustainable tourism, travel reviews and recommendations, finding local experiences, over-tourism solutions, building travel memories, mindful vacation planning, balancing cost and experience, travel value vs price, travel happiness science, small-town getaways, nearby travel adventures, and local weekend trips.

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Learn how to plan travel without derailing your long-term finances or your retirement goals.

How can you plan travel without throwing off your long-term financial goals? How do you budget for a dream sabbatical without wrecking your savings? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to afford meaningful travel while keeping your financial future on track. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including United Airlines expanding Starlink Wi-Fi to its Boeing jets, American Airlines launching a new mid-tier credit card, JetBlue extending elite status and adding Family Tiles, Bilt’s new mortgage-points partnership with United Wholesale Mortgage, and Wyndham Rewards’ $95 annual subscription offering double-dip travel perks.

Then, Meghan Coyle interviews James Bashall, a financial advisor at NerdWallet Wealth Partners, who shares financial insights from his experience having taken two extended sabbaticals. He explains how to integrate travel into your financial plan, with practical takeaways on aligning your spending with your values, setting short- and long-term travel budgets, and using flexibility to stay financially secure. They also discuss building an emergency fund for travel, balancing time vs. money when planning trips, and how intentional budgeting can make your dream trips possible without regret.

If you want to learn more about working with a financial advisor, then visit NerdWallet Wealth Partners at https://nerdwalletwealthpartners.com/smart.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Citi AAdvantage Globe Review: Companion Certificate Can Offset $350 Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-globe 

Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-executive 

Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-credit-card 

 Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/atmos-rewards-summit 

Resources discussed in this episode:

JetBlue Adds Perks for Families, Cuts for Entry-Level Elites https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/jetblue-elite-2026-updates 

NerdWallet Inc. Unpaid non-client promotion. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. Mr. Bashall serves as a financial adviser with NerdWallet Wealth Partners LLC, a SEC registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet, Inc. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, nor does it constitute an endorsement by any securities regulator. As affiliated entities, NerdWallet, Inc. has a financial incentive to promote the advisory services offered by NerdWallet Wealth Partners LLC.

All investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. Investment past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The views expressed are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date of publication. The information and opinions expressed are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific legal, tax, investment advice or recommendations for any individual or entity. This platform is solely for informational purposes and the information discussed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Before making any investment decision seek advice from a qualified investment, legal or tax professional.

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Learn the optimal days to fly, when to book, and how to stretch your points for cheaper holiday travel.

When is the prime time to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights this year? How can you stretch points to cover pricey holiday trips? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss holiday booking windows and money-saving strategies to help you land lower fares and avoid headaches. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Bilt Rewards adding Etihad Guest as a transfer partner, bigger welcome offers now available on select premium cards, and Hilton’s new Outset Collection of boutique, design-forward hotels, with bookings opening in November.

Then, Meghan and Sally discuss holiday travel tactics, with tips and tricks on the cheapest days to fly, new “sweet spot” booking windows, and when to use points — especially for last-minute fares. They also discuss smart layovers vs. flying nonstop during peak season, backup plans and alternate airports, and which airlines were most on-time this year. They review when travel insurance is worth it, AI tools people say they’re using for trip planning, and utilizing the post-Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas “sandwich season” for quieter, cheaper travel. They also answer a listener's question about using points to book American Airlines flights and explain how you can get more value out of your miles this season.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Citi Strata Elite Review: Premium Perks Can Offset Its Premium Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-elite 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve 

Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Bilt Adds Etihad Guest as Latest Transfer Partner https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/bilt-etihad-guest 

The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/top-rewards-credit-card-offers 

The Busiest Travel Days Around Thanksgiving In 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/busiest-travel-days-thanksgiving 

The Best Days to Travel Around Christmas In 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/flying-for-christmas-best-days 

Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/calculator-should-you-book-a-flight-with-cash-or-miles  

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: Bilt Rewards transfer partners, Etihad Guest miles, boosted credit card offers, premium travel cards, Citi ThankYou Points, American Airlines miles transfer, Citi transfer partners, Hilton Outset Collection hotels, boutique hotel brands, holiday airfare trends, Thanksgiving airfare prices, Christmas airfare prices, Black Friday flight deals, Christmas Eve flights, Thanksgiving Wednesday travel, flexible holiday travel dates, holiday layovers vs nonstop, alternate airports travel savings, Amtrak as flight backup, on-time airline rankings, Southwest on-time performance, Spirit Airlines on-time performance, Delta flight reliability, travel insurance for weather delays, cruise travel insurance, nonrefundable trip protection, AI travel planning tools, and sandwich season travel.

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In this special video episode, watch Sally brave haunted attractions and reveal the surprising rise of Halloween vacations.

Is Halloween travel worth the money right now? Which fall travel deals are worth your time? Watch hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how Halloween became a peak travel moment and what it really costs — and see how Sally reacted to some of this year’s scariest attractions — so you can plan smarter and still get your thrills. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including limited-time Hilton card welcome offers, Hilton’s Q4 “1,500 bonus points per stay” promo, Spirit’s one-off bonus points offer for round trips and off-peak days, and British Airways’ new nonstop from St. Louis to London Heathrow.

Then, Meghan and Sally discuss the surge in Halloween travel anchored by theme-park events, including Universal’s new year-round Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Universal Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash. They share tips and tricks on timing trips for lower airfare/hotel costs and leveraging simple promos/points without overcomplicating it. They also discuss destination costs and alternatives, free or low-cost ways to join the Halloween fun, how to pack and plan multiple costumes, and real-world logistics like lining up childcare for Halloween travel. 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-honors-aspire 

Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-amex-review 

Hilton AmEx Surpass Review: Credits Can Offset the High Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-amex-ascend 

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: Halloween travel trends, spooky season getaways, haunted destinations, haunted houses, haunted mazes, horror travel, Vegas attractions, Area15 Las Vegas, Universal Studios, Universal theme parks, theme park tickets, theme park events, Disney World, Disneyland, Halloween events, fall vacation planning, shoulder season travel, cheap flights in October, off-peak airfare, hotel promotions, travel rewards points, travel credit cards, hotel loyalty programs, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, travel points value, British Airways routes, St. Louis airport, London Heathrow flights, Spirit Airlines flights, luxury hotels, Halloween destinations USA, Salem, Stanley Hotel, New Orleans Halloween, Winchester Mystery House, family Halloween travel, Halloween costumes travel tips, and quiet airports.

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Confused by points vs. cash? Discover how to stretch your miles further and save on your next trip.

Should you use points or cash for your next flight? How do you find award availability that’s worth booking? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into points redemption and partner programs to help you understand when it makes the most sense to redeem miles, when to pay cash, and how to surface real award seats without the spreadsheet headache. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Marriott credit card limited-time offers, the European Union’s new EES biometric border checks, and Spirit’s new two-checked-bag perk for its co-branded card.

Then, Julian Kheel, founder of Points Path, joins Sally to discuss making smarter redemptions inside Google Flights, using partner programs for better deals, and spotting transfer bonuses in time to save points. He offers tips and tricks on comparing points vs. cash in seconds, filtering for nonstop and sane itineraries, and deciding when to “earn and burn.” They also discuss dynamic award pricing vs. old award charts, last-minute award sweet spots, leveraging transfer partners, stacking portal and transfer promos, common pro-level traps (like how to balance points redemptions with the value of your time and comfort), and trends in premium travel cards and annual fees.

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/reviews/credit-cards/marriott-bonvoy-boundless 

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Review: Hotel Perks for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/marriott-bonvoy-bold 

Spirit Travel More Card Review: Some Useful Perks for Loyal Flyers https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/free-spirit-travel-more 

Bilt Credit Card Review: Charge Rent and Earn Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/bilt-credit-card 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Best Airline Credit Cards of October 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-airline-credit-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.  

In this episode, the Nerds discuss: award travel tools, transfer partners, miles inflation, earn and burn strategy, airline partner redemptions, Alaska miles sweet spots, Condor business class 45k, Bilt Rewards program, Bilt Rent Day bonus, Bilt Neighborhood Benefits, Capital One transfer bonus, Chase Ultimate Rewards partners, Citi ThankYou transfer, Avianca LifeMiles, Turkish Airlines award booking, Virgin Atlantic transfer bonus, premium travel credit cards, high annual fee credit cards, travel card perks, airline baggage fees, Google Flights filters, nonstop flight search, award availability search engines, stacking rewards programs, free travel browser extension, dynamic award charts, partner award tickets, OneWorld Alliance partners, Star Alliance booking, SkyTeam partner flights, tracking award prices, award search alerts, last minute points deals, midweek flight discounts, cheap Europe flights, Hawaii travel demand, and Caribbean travel trends.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices