Here's what most music lovers get wrong about road trips: they hit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and call it done, missing dozens of museums where music history is still alive, personal, and unexpected.

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with Josephine Matyas and Craig Jones, co-authors of The Music Lovers' Guide to North America, who've spent decades visiting music museums across the continent—from world-famous institutions to tiny storefronts kept alive by passionate locals. They've got the insider stories about what makes each one special, which ones are worth the detour, and why some of the smallest museums pack the biggest emotional punch.

From Chicago's blues archives to Detroit's Motown Museum, from Alabama's surprising music riches to Seattle's MoPOP celebrating grunge, Josephine and Craig reveal the museums that bring music history off the walls and into your heart. You'll hear about Minneapolis and the legacy of Prince, the studio musicians who shaped your favorite hits but never got famous, and why Craig's museum visit somehow ended with a pickup basketball game with Bob Seger.

But here's the reality: many of these smaller museums are struggling. Visiting them isn't just about your experience—it's about keeping music history alive for the next generation. Whether you're planning a music pilgrimage or just want to add depth to your next road trip, this episode will completely reshape what you think belongs on your travel list.

Crystal also shares her Gear of the Day—the one thing every music museum explorer should pack.

What You'll Discover:

• The music museums everyone knows (Rock Hall, Country Music Hall of Fame) and the lesser-known ones that rival them

• Why Alabama is a surprise goldmine for music museums—and what makes them worth the trip

• Seattle's MoPOP and how it brings the grunge era to life in unexpected ways

• Minneapolis, Prince, and the music museums that honor his legacy

• What makes Motown Museum in Detroit such an essential pilgrimage for music fans

• Hidden museum gems in places like Floyd, Virginia and Indianola, Mississippi that most travelers miss

• The unsung heroes of music: studio musicians whose work you know by heart but whose names you've never learned

• How small-town music museums are fighting to survive—and why your visit matters more than you think

This Episode Is For You If:

• You've been to the big music museums but want to discover the ones that still feel like secrets

• You love music history but want immersive experiences, not just glass cases and plaques

• You're planning a road trip and want destinations that add story and soul to your journey

• You want to support the passionate people keeping music history alive in small towns across North America

• You believe the best museums are the ones where you feel something, not just see something

Ready to Plan Your Music Museum Road Trip?

Grab a copy of The Music Lovers' Guide to North America and start plotting your route - we'll have a link at our Gear of the Day page: StackingAdventures.com/GOTD. Then come back and tell us: what's the most memorable music museum you've ever visited? Drop it in the comments—we're building the ultimate music lover's travel list together.

Ready to turn your everyday spending into first-class experiences? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond, Joe Saul-Sehy, and Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez dig into the art (and a little science) of mastering travel points. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or just starting to explore the rewards world, this episode will help you stack your points like a pro—and actually use them for those dream vacations.

From strategic credit card pairing to maximizing transfer bonuses, the trio dives into how to make every dollar work double-time. You'll learn how to build flexible reward strategies, avoid common mistakes that waste miles, and understand when loyalty programs are worth the effort (and when they're not). Along the way, expect personal travel stories, a few point-hoarding confessions, and plenty of practical advice you can start using before your next trip.

Of course, it wouldn't be a true Stacking Adventures episode without some road-trip banter, a gear reveal, and a reminder that travel hacking isn't just for the wealthy—it's for anyone who loves to explore without emptying their wallet.

• ✈️ Smart Stacking: How to layer credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel portals for maximum rewards.

• 💳 Card Strategy 101: Picking the right mix of cards that match your travel goals and lifestyle.

• 🧭 Flexible Rewards: Why transferable points often beat fixed airline or hotel programs.

• ⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid: How to keep your points from expiring—or your rewards from losing value.

• 🏨 Pro Travel Tips: Making the most of upgrades, lounge access, and elite status (without the snobbery).

• Want to travel more and spend less doing it.

• Love swapping travel stories and clever money moves.

• Are curious how to turn credit card perks into real-world adventures.

• Believe the best souvenirs are memories—preferably earned in business class.

Ever wondered if ghost tours are actually fun, or just touristy gimmicks that sound better on Instagram than in real life?

Crystal Hammond just got back from a ghost tour through Alexandria, Virginia with U.S. Ghost Adventures, and she's got answers. Spoiler: this one's worth the price of admission—especially if you like your history served with a side of haunted pub crawl.

From the allegedly haunted Gatsby Hotel to the centuries-old Carlisle House, Crystal walks you through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the kind of local stories that make you wonder if that cold breeze was just October air... or something else. And because this is Crystal, the evening includes stops at some of Alexandria's best bars—O'Connell's Irish Bar, Union Street Pub—where the spirits come in more than one variety.

But this isn't just ghost stories and good beer (though there's plenty of both). Crystal breaks down what makes a walking tour worth your time and money, shares her secret weapon for capturing travel moments without lugging around a DSLR, and gives you the insider tips that turn a tourist activity into a genuine local experience.

Whether you're planning a fall getaway, looking for unique date ideas, or just wondering if ghost tours are your thing, Crystal's got the honest review you need.

What You'll Take With You:

• The real deal on ghost tours: what makes them worth it (and what to watch out for)

• Crystal's favorite haunted stops in Alexandria—and the stories that'll stick with you

• How to turn a walking tour into a full evening experience (hint: strategic pub stops)

• Her go-to travel camera for capturing moments without the bulk: the Insta360 Go

• Why sometimes the best travel adventures are the ones that feel a little silly... until they don't

This Episode Is For You If:

• You've been curious about ghost tours but weren't sure if they're cheesy or actually cool

• You love history but want it served with personality (and maybe a cocktail)

• You're looking for fall travel ideas that aren't just "look at leaves"

• You want honest travel reviews

• You believe the best trips are the ones where you laugh, learn, and maybe get a little spooked

Tell us YOUR favorite ghost story travel adventure: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

Check out our curated selection of travel gear: StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay

Thank you to US Ghost Adventures for inviting Crystal to try out a tour. You'll find them at USGhostAdventures.com

What if the trip you've been dreaming about doesn't have to wait until retirement—or cost a fortune?

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with road-trippers Miranda and Jason, who just wrapped a 26-day adventure from Idaho to Oregon. Hot springs. Star-filled skies. A night in a giant flowerpot Airbnb (yes, really). And the best part? They didn't come home broke.

Miranda and Jason break down exactly how they made it work: credit card points, camping hacks, and the art of saying "yes" to spontaneity without blowing the budget. Because here's the thing—adventure doesn't require endless cash. It requires courage, creativity, and knowing where to splurge and where to save.

This episode isn't just a highlight reel of epic stops (though Crater Lake and Boise's Pride Festival definitely make appearances). It's about what happens when you prioritize experiences over perfection, unplug from the noise, and rediscover why you wanted to explore in the first place. Whether you're planning your own cross-country trip or just daydreaming about one, you'll walk away with the roadmap—and the permission slip—to finally go.

What You'll Take With You:

• The exact strategy Miranda and Jason used to fund 26 days on the road (points, perks, and smart camping)
• How to balance spontaneity with a budget that won't give you anxiety at the gas pump
• Hidden gems and unforgettable stops from Craters of the Moon to the Oregon coast
• Why unplugging (even for a few days) might be the best investment you make this year
• Proof that you don't need fancy hotels or a perfect plan to have the trip of a lifetime

Before You Hit Play, Ask Yourself:

What trip have you been putting off because you think you can't afford it—or don't have the time? What if the real problem isn't money or schedules... it's just giving yourself permission to go?

Got a road trip story or a dream destination? Drop it in the comments—we want to hear where you're headed next.

For our gear of the day pic head to StackingAdventures.com/GOTD

Tell us your story! Head to StackingAdventures.com/MyStory with YOUR road trip adventure!

Imagine if you went to a place where people knew how to save money AND also to have fun? How about if those same people LOVED dishing out advice? Crystal and Joe attended FinCon, a financial media creator's conference in Portland, Oregon, and Crystal shoved her microphone in the faces of some of the TOP money people at the event. Luckily, they all loved it AND shared some incredible gems. From reward stacking to where to stay in the hotel, and from visas to food, we cover everything so that you're ready for your next adventure.

Find our Gear of the Day at stackingadventures.com/GOTD

Join the show yourself by sharing a story! You'll have five minutes to tell it by going to stackingadventures.com/MyStory

Ever dream of packing five countries and a lifetime of memories into less than a month? Buckle up, Adventurer — this episode of Stacking Adventures takes you along for a whirlwind 26-day journey across Europe and beyond. Hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with globetrotter Jon to unpack the highs, lows, and priceless lessons from his epic family sabbatical — a trip that covered Germany, England, France, Iceland, and Turkey in one unforgettable run.

From castles and cathedrals to kebabs and cold plunges, we explore how John made the most of every stop — and how he paid for it all with smart use of credit card points and travel hacking. You'll hear how he balanced logistics, teenage moods, and must-see sites, plus the reality of making tough choices when time is short. Along the way, Crystal and Joe share their own favorite moments (and mishaps) that prove the best travel stories come from the unexpected.

Whether you're planning a multi-country itinerary or just dreaming about one, this episode is packed with insights to help you make it happen. Because the world is too big — and too delicious — to see one country at a time.

• Points and perks: How Jon leveraged rewards programs to cut costs on flights, hotels, and transportation.

• Must-see stops: Insider tips on what to do (and skip) in places like Bath, Mont Saint-Michel, and Iceland's Golden Circle.

• Teen-tested strategies: How to plan a trip that keeps the whole family engaged without overloading the itinerary.

• One-bag travel secrets: Why packing light might be the smartest decision you make before you even leave home.

• Quick-hit destinations: Creative ways to maximize short stays in countries like Turkey and Iceland.

• If you had 26 days to see multiple countries, how would you prioritize your stops?

• What's the one travel splurge you'd never skip, even on a budget trip?

• Could you live out of a single bag for a month — or do you need that extra pair of shoes?

Find our awesome Gear of the Day picks recommended by our guests AND hosts: StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay

Join the fun and share YOUR story with us! StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

What happens when you mix rolling vineyards, crashing waves, and a lake so blue it looks Photoshopped? You get Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond's four-day adventure across Oregon. From sipping Pinot in the Willamette Valley to standing awestruck on the rim of Crater Lake, this whirlwind journey proves you don't need months off to pack in once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Along the way, Joe and Crystal share the highs, lows, and a few surprises—like where to find coastal gems that aren't overrun with tourists, why Bend might be Oregon's best-kept secret, and which travel snacks pass Crystal's "road trip survival" test. Toss in some gear talk, essential tips, and the kind of stories that make you want to toss a bag in the car immediately, and you've got a virtual road trip worth every mile.

Whether you're planning your own trek through Oregon or just craving some vicarious adventure from the comfort of your couch, this episode is your ticket to wine-soaked afternoons, windswept coastlines, and wide-eyed wonder.

• Where to sip your way through Oregon's wine country (without breaking your budget).

• The best spots along the coast to trade crowds for peace and quiet.

• Why Crater Lake will ruin you for every other lake you've ever seen.

• Bend highlights that blend outdoor thrills with small-town charm.

• The gear that kept this trip running smoothly (and Crystal's surprising favorite travel snack).

Find our gear of the day at StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay

Why settle for one vacation story when you can get a whole passport's worth in a single episode? Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by fellow wanderlusters from the Stacking Adventures community to swap tales that stretch from Main Street U.S.A. to the shores of Zakynthos. Think budget-friendly Disney hacks, Parisian magic, Chicago deep-dish memories, and the kind of Greek beach you only find when you take a wrong turn and just keep driving.

In true Adventurer fashion, these stories aren't just about where we went—they're about what we learned along the way. Whether it's how to make the most of Disney Vacation Club points, why rope drop might be your best friend, or which off-the-beaten-path spots will earn a permanent place on your bucket list, this episode is packed with practical tips wrapped in wanderlust. You'll hear about unexpected gems, clever ways to stretch your travel budget, and the gear that makes every trip smoother.

If your suitcase is already half-packed (mentally, at least), get ready for new ideas to add to your itinerary and a few "I need to try that!" moments. Consider this your boarding call for a whirlwind tour of travel tales you'll want to steal for your own adventures.

What You'll Explore in This Episode:

• Hidden gems in Disney, Chicago, Paris, and Greece that deserve a spot on your map

• Disney park strategies—from rope drop at Epcot to navigating Hollywood Studios like a pro

• How to make the most of Disney Vacation Club points and other timeshare perks

• A little-known Greek beach that might just ruin you for all other shorelines

• Travel gear picks that earn their place in your carry-on every time

• Community stories packed with tips, laughs, and new travel inspiration

Questions for the Adventurers' Clubhouse:

• What's the best hidden gem you've ever stumbled upon while traveling?

• If you had to pick only one—Disney, a European city, or a tropical island—which gets your suitcase?

• What's your go-to piece of travel gear you'd never leave home without?

For our gear of the day head to StackingAdventures.com/GOTD

AND to be on our NEXT Adventurer's Tales episode, record your up-to-five minute story here: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

What happens when you spend a year crisscrossing the globe (and occasionally your own backyard) with a microphone, an eye for hidden gems, and a love of a good travel story? You get twelve months of unforgettable moments, unexpected lessons, and more "Gear of the Day" picks than we can count. In this milestone episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy celebrate our first birthday in style—revisiting epic destinations, listener favorites, and the travel themes that defined our debut year.

From the romantic charm of Italy and the windswept coasts of Ireland to the magical streets of Disney World and the rugged trails of our national parks, we've shared the journey with you, our Adventurer community. We'll swap stories about our most memorable stops, laugh about the surprises (bedbugs and airport bookstore "borrowing" included), and spotlight the listener tales that made us want to pack our bags all over again.

Along the way, we'll talk packing strategies that actually work, the value of travel reward programs that don't collect dust, and the adventures you can find just a few steps outside your own front door. Whether you've been with us since episode one or you're just discovering the Clubhouse, this anniversary episode is part travelogue, part gratitude letter, and part rallying cry for the adventures still to come.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Our top five travel moments and the lessons that came with them

• The listener stories that stole the show

• Why Italy, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and Disney World keep calling us back

• The power of point reward programs (when you actually use them)

• How to find adventure in your own hometown

• Why the right travel gear makes all the difference

Questions to Bring to the Clubhouse

• What's your own "top travel moment" from the past year?

• Have you ever had a trip saved (or ruined) by one piece of gear?

• Which place from our past year's adventures would you most like to visit next?

Our Gear of the Day Catalog is at StackingAdventures.com/gotd

Join the show with YOUR story at StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

Paris might be the City of Light, but if you're not careful, it can also be the City of "Why did I pay this much for that?" In this episode, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy welcome travel expert Caroline O'Connell, author of Affordable Paris Hotels, to help you fall in love with Paris without falling into tourist traps—or questionable bedding situations (Crystal's unexpected bedbug encounter is proof).

From booking boutique hotels that make you feel like a Parisian in the know, to picking neighborhoods that mix romance with walkability, Caroline's tips will save you money, elevate your stay, and help you avoid the "too good to be true" listings. She shares the charm of Saint-Germain, why you should book directly with hotels, and how to time your trip to avoid crowds (and get better rates). And because romance is as much a part of Paris as croissants, we also explore jazz clubs, afternoon teas, and lazy cruises down the Seine.

Whether you're chasing a whirlwind weekend, a slow stroll through history, or the perfect spot for café people-watching, this episode delivers the insider knowledge Adventurers need to make their Paris trip unforgettable—and affordable.

• How to score budget-friendly stays without sacrificing charm or location

• The top neighborhoods for romance, convenience, and local flair

• Why booking directly (and early) with boutique hotels pays off

• Unique Paris experiences, from jazz clubs to river cruises, that won't drain your wallet

• Street-smart tips for avoiding scams and making the most of your time in the city

• What's your favorite "hidden gem" hotel or neighborhood in Paris?

• Would you rather spend your Paris budget on a luxury hotel room or unforgettable experiences?

• Have you ever booked a place that looked amazing online but turned out to be… less so?

Our gear of the day helps you adventure better using ONLY items curated by us and our guests: https://stackingadventures.com/gotd

Help us by telling YOUR Paris stories: https://stackingadventures.com/MyStory