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

Fora cofounder Henley Vazquez reveals how travelers turn trip planning into income and which destinations are trending.

How much money can you make working part-time as a travel advisor? What are the startup costs to get into the industry? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explore how you can turn trip planning into income and what that means for travelers looking to build a flexible side hustle. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including new Chase Sapphire Reserve hotel credits, Amex Platinum quarterly spending deadlines, new Capital One transfer partners, and Delta adding routes to Malta and Sardinia in 2026.

Then, Fora Travel co-founder Henley Vazquez joins Meghan to unpack how everyday travelers are building flexible side hustles as modern travel advisors. She explains the cost of entry, potential commissions, and how new tools like price monitoring and collaborative networks make this career more accessible. They walk through how to turn informal trip planning into real income, what trends like luxury cruising and secondary city getaways mean for travelers, and why shoulder season trips could stretch your budget further.

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/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum 

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/small-business/sapphire-reserve-business 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: September 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/credit-card-transfer-bonuses  

Why I’m Actually Excited About the New AmEx Platinum Changes https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/amex-platinum-update 

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: travel side hustle, how to become a travel advisor, travel advisor income, how to make money booking travel, Fora Travel, travel commissions explained, Capital One transfer partners, hotel loyalty programs, IHG hotels and resorts, luxury cruise trends, secondary city travel, affordable city trips, domestic travel trends, shoulder season travel, travel insurance tips, price drop hotel booking, travel agent training, part-time travel career, flexible side jobs, commission split travel agency, best time to book hotels, travel agency technology, and travel industry trends.

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The Platinum Card® from American Express announced that its annual fee just went up. Learn how to decide if the new credits, perks, and lounge access are worth it.

Is the Amex Platinum worth its higher annual fee? How do you maximize new statement credits without lifestyle creep? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the Amex Platinum’s updated perks, including dining, hotel credits, and streaming, to help you understand whether its perks outweigh the new $895 annual fee. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a limited-time Chase Sapphire Preferred restaurant promotion, a Hilton points devaluation at luxury brands like Waldorf Astoria, and San Diego International’s Terminal 1 reopening with improvements to its parking, seating, and TSA checkpoints.

Then, Meghan and Sally dig into the Amex Platinum overhaul, with tips on stacking quarterly dining credits, booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) for added perks, and valuing lounge visits against airport food costs. They also cover how to split hotel credits across the year, make the most of digital entertainment subscriptions, and avoid overspending just to “use the credits.” The conversation closes with comparisons to Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and the Amex Gold Card, plus guidance on whether to keep the Platinum based on city access, travel frequency, and realistic usage.

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/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum 

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred

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

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

Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x 

American Express Gold Card Review: Dining Rewards Royalty https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-premier-rewards-gold 

Resources discussed in this episode:

How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations 

5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/heres-how-you-can-transfer-your-points-from-any-major-credit-card-issuer 

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: Amex Platinum annual fee, Amex Platinum credits, Amex Platinum lounge access, Centurion Lounge access, Fine Hotels and Resorts credit, Amex Platinum hotel credit, Rezzy dining credit, digital entertainment credit Amex, Hilton points devaluation, Waldorf Astoria award points, Hyatt award chart, booking direct vs travel portal, hotel elite night credits, transfer partners comparison, maximizing quarterly credits, travel credit stacking, lounge food vs airport meals, lifestyle creep with statement credits, city vs non-city card value, dining reservation platforms comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X vs Amex Platinum, Amex Gold vs Platinum, budgeting for premium annual fees, how to decide if premium credit cards are worth it, balancing multiple premium cards, real-world math on credit card perks.

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Keep an eye out for our next episode on Thursday, September 18, when we talk about some exciting breaking travel news!

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.

Follow Sally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savewithsally/

Follow Meghan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mileswithmeghanco/

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

Learn how an entire family traveled to Europe on points, including business class flights, boutique stays, and mountain escapes.

How do you book business-class flights to Europe for a family of four using points? How do you cover hotels and vacation rentals with rewards while meeting Europe’s room occupancy rules? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk with Erin Hurd, NerdWallet’s director of travel, about her family trip through the countries of Georgia and Turkey. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest and T-Mobile offering free Wi-Fi to Rapid Rewards members, a limited-time sign-up offer on a major hotel card with annual free night certificates, and boosted welcome offers across several Delta credit cards, along with updated Sky Club visit rules.

Then, Erin explains how she booked four business-class seats to Europe using points while keeping taxes and fees in check. She explains how to unlock savings by comparing partner award charts and highlights a hidden perk on Air France/KLM’s Flying Blue program that offers discounted award tickets for kids. The conversation then turns to lodging, with Erin breaking down her strategy for mixing hotel points, free night certificates, and bank travel portals to secure family-sized rooms and unique stays. They explore how to stretch certificates with points, when to use portals to book boutique properties or cabins, and how Hyatt’s suite upgrade awards can add extra space for longer trips. The conversation also covers smart ways to search for award space for families, how to use a “player two” approach to double household credit card bonuses, and why even Europe’s stricter occupancy rules can be managed with the right planning.

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

IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/ihg-credit-card 

Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/delta-reserve 

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

Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-gold-delta-skymiles 

Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-delta-skymiles 

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Free Night Award, Elite Status https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/marriott-bonvoy-boundless 

Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x

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

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/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 fresh NerdWallet data on what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel.

Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter redemption choices. But first, they cover the week’s biggest travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines’ new partnership with EVA Air, Frontier’s companion certificate promotion and status match, and JetBlue opening up award bookings with Condor Airlines.

Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss NerdWallet’s latest airline, hotel, and credit card point valuations, with tips and tricks on comparing loyalty programs, maximizing transfer partners, and deciding when cash is more valuable than points. They also discuss the impact of devaluations, how close-in bookings can save you points, and why premium cabins can sometimes offer outsized redemption value. Plus: Craig’s hot take on airport lounges.

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

Is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard Worth Its Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-frontier-airlines-world-mastercard-worth-its-annual-fee

Citi Strata Credit Card Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata 

Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending ​​https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-double-cash 

Citi Custom Cash Card Review: Low-Maintenance 5% Cash Back https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-custom-cash 

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

Is the New Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-alaska-airlines-atmos-summit-card-worth-its-annual-fee 

Resources discussed in this episode:

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

How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations 

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: points and miles valuation, airline miles value, hotel points value, credit card points value, Southwest EVA Air partnership, Frontier Companion Certificate, JetBlue Condor award booking, Citi American Airlines transfer, Amex Membership Rewards value, Capital One points value, Bilt points value, Hyatt points value, Hilton points value, Marriott points value, Wyndham points value, IHG points value, Alaska miles value, JetBlue points value, American Airlines miles value, United miles value, Southwest points value, Virgin Atlantic miles value, ANA miles value, Avianca LifeMiles value, best way to use Amex points, best way to use Citi points, best way to use Capital One points, use cash or points for flights, last minute award flight value, premium cabin redemption value, economy flight points value, airline devaluation, hotel point devaluation, cash vs points travel booking, when to transfer credit card points, how to maximize travel rewards, and NerdWallet points and miles calculator.

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Learn how to get into airport lounges, stretch rewards for family travel, and score the best cruise deals from New York.

How can you get into airport lounges if you don’t have elite status? What’s the cheapest way to book a cruise from New York? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into your questions about airport lounges, family travel, cruise deals, and Disney trips to help you plan your next adventure with confidence. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including drops in vacation rental occupancy, trending U.S. and international fall destinations, and which airlines and airports are offering the cheapest domestic and international flight deals.

Then, Meghan and Sally tackle listener questions on cruise timing, airport lounge access, and Disney planning. They explain how to maximize savings by booking during wave season, how to identify pay-as-you-go lounges when you don’t have status, and whether Disney’s dining and photo packages are worth it for families. They also explore strategies for booking award travel for groups, when to consider travel agents for Disney, and how curated hotel collections stack up. Listener tips round out the show, from thrifting travel wardrobes abroad to smart packing strategies that keep costs low and suitcases light.

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/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve 

Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x 

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

Resources discussed in this episode:

Setting Sail in 2025? Here Are the Cheapest Months to Cruise https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/cheapest-month-cruise 

4 Workarounds to Book Your Holiday Vacation Rental With Points https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/4-workarounds-to-book-your-fall-vacation-rental-with-points 

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: New York cruise deals, best time to book a cruise, wave season cruise booking, cheap cruises from New York, cruise insurance hurricane season, airport lounges San Diego, pay as you go airport lounges, priority pass lounge access, family vacation booking with miles, booking hotels with points Europe, Hyatt points transfer value, vacation rentals with points, Expedia fall travel outlook, trending fall destinations 2025, cheapest airlines for domestic flights, cheapest airports for international flights, Southwest cheap flights, Orlando cheap flights Caribbean, cheap Cancun vacation rentals, Disney dining plan, Disney World meal plan, Disney Memory Maker photo package, Disney stroller rental tips, Disney travel agent vs booking direct, booking Disney with points, Disney world with toddlers, Amex fine hotels and resorts program, Capital One Premier Collection hotels, thrift store travel tips, packing light for Europe, travel tips for families, booking cruises on Black Friday, Travel Tuesday cruise deals, and cruise line email alerts.

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Budget smarter for study abroad and learn how to cover costs with scholarships, aid, and credit cards. Plus: get the inside scoop on Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card.

Can you save money by studying abroad? What scholarships and financial aid can actually cover international programs? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the costs and benefits of studying abroad. But first, they unpack the latest travel headlines, including Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card, and the launch of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ new Atmos Rewards program. They also share highlights from Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas cruise ship.

Then, NerdWallet writer Eliza Haverstock, who specializes in higher education and student loans, joins Meghan and Sally to explore study abroad planning, with tips and tricks on budgeting for overseas living, using scholarships and federal aid, and managing unexpected costs like visas and exchange rates. They also discuss student-friendly credit card options, strategies to build financial habits abroad, community college and short-term programs, and the long-term career and personal benefits of global experiences.

Take the Smart Travel Podcast Listener Survey 2025 and enter to win a prize! https://nerdwallet.com/travelsurvey 

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

Atmos Rewards Summit Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/atmos-rewards-summit-credit-card 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Delta Companion Certificate: What You Need to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/maximizing-the-delta-companion-fare 

Star of the Seas Review: Royal Caribbean’s Grandest Spectacle Yet https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/star-seas-royal-caribbean-review 

How to Pick Between Travel Credit Cards for Students for Study Abroad https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/how-to-pick-study-abroad-credit-card 

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/how-much-does-it-cost-to-study-abroad 

Can College Abroad Actually Save You Money? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/college-abroad-costs 

Is Studying Abroad Worth It? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/is-studying-abroad-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.  

In this episode, the Nerds discuss: study abroad programs, how to pay for study abroad, study abroad scholarships, Benjamin Gilman Scholarship, federal student loans for study abroad, Pell Grants for study abroad, budgeting for study abroad, study abroad financial aid, study abroad costs, student credit cards abroad, best credit card for studying abroad, avoiding foreign transaction fees, budgeting tips for study abroad, study abroad housing costs, cost of living abroad for students, international student discounts, budgeting for international travel, study abroad visa fees, study abroad health insurance, using credit cards internationally, exchange rates study abroad, travel budgeting for students, short term study abroad programs, community college study abroad, direct enrollment study abroad, third party study abroad programs, exchange student program costs, financial planning for study abroad, saving money before study abroad, international travel on a student budget, affordable ways to study abroad, study abroad safety tips, student travel hacks, building credit while abroad, student budgeting tools, travel emergency funds, and study abroad career benefits.

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

Learn how to pack smarter and lighter with actionable tips to save money, avoid fees, and travel stress-free.

What travel gear can you stop packing to cut costs? How much money can you save by packing your luggage the right way? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss smart packing tips that could have a real impact on your travel spending. But first, Meghan covers the latest travel headlines with NerdWallet’s Tess Vigeland, including Southwest's free Wi-Fi trial for Rapid Rewards members, Alaska Airlines’ new routes to Europe, and Hyatt’s limited-time status match offer with American Airlines.

Then, Sally and Meghan dive deep into smarter packing habits, with tips and tricks on minimizing baggage fees, staying flexible on the road, and cutting out unnecessary items without sacrificing comfort. They also discuss how to access essentials from your hotel, when to rent clothing instead of buying, and what to leave behind to make space for souvenirs. They share how carry-on-only travel can lead to unexpected benefits, how to include hotel perks in your packing list, and when to splurge or skip based on your itinerary. 

Take the Smart Travel Podcast Listener Survey 2025 and enter to win a prize! https://nerdwallet.com/travelsurvey 

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

Cathay World Elite Review 2025: Is It Worth It for Asia Miles Earners? https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/p/reviews/credit-cards/cathay-pacific-world-elite-mastercard 

Resources discussed in this episode:

5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/heres-how-you-can-transfer-your-points-from-any-major-credit-card-issuer 

Airline Credit Cards That Offer Free Checked Bags https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-credit-cards-free-checked-bags 

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.  

Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code SMARTTRAVEL at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/smarttravel

In this episode, the Nerds discuss: how to avoid airline baggage fees, how to pack light for travel, packing tips to save money, Alaska Airlines new international flights, carry-on packing tips, credit cards with free checked bags, elite hotel status match, laundry while traveling, what not to pack for vacation, how to pack a personal item only, travel freebies from hotels, hotel toiletries and freebies, hotel baby kits, how to use clothing rental for travel, what to leave behind when packing, carry-on vs checked bag costs, lightweight packing for Europe, reusable plastic bags for travel, using credit card rewards for flights, travel tips for frequent flyers, saving money on checked bags, packing minimalist travel, essentials vs just in case items, hotel perks for elite members, how to rent clothing for vacation, Rent the Runway for travel, and Nuuly clothing rental.

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