Wanderlust at 35+

This episode with my friend Ben Komenkul from Ben's Big Deal is jam-packed with tips and secrets for traveling posh on a penny. You're going to want to download this episode or bookmark the episode website to come back to all the resources shared in this episode, especially at the end!! 

Listen in as we talk about how Ben got started in the points and miles strategies and started Ben's Big Deal along with all these incredible tips on:

• mistakes we made early on
• lessons learned from years of travel 
• resources & tips for hotel deals and upgrades
• traveler rights
• hotel and airline status
• redeeming credit card points for hotels - we're naming names!
• family travel and being travel savvy when you need multiple airline seats and hotel rooms
• how you can set your kids up for travel and credit success
• international air travel tips and points redemptions
• exploring Thai culture
• travel resources

Mentioned In This Episode:
Point.me (this is free with Bilt & American Express Platinum)
Roame.Travel
PointsYeah
Seat.aero
AwardTool
Awayz.com

Connect with Ben
Ben's Big Deal Website
Hotel Secrets Masterclass
Airline Points Academy
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok
Podcast
Youtube

Episode Website

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Imagine this: you're booking a flight, and as you select your seat, you’re given the option to choose based on the gender of your seatmate. Sound intriguing? Well, IndiGo, has made headlines by becoming the first airline to offer female passengers exactly that option.

I'd encourage you to pause and consider both sides of the coin on this one before drawing a conclusion on whether this is a 'good idea.' I drew a quick conclusion on this one myself but I have to say after doing a little research and more time to process this idea, I've changed my mind.   

In this episode, part of our Fearless Traveler series, I'm going to discuss the pros and cons of this program and hopefully shed a little perspective that may have you reconsidering your initial position.

I'd love to hear your take on this! Is this new program good, or bad, or require a little tweaking? Hit me up on the text button or send me a DM on Insta!


Mentioned In This Episode:
Join My Weekly Newsletter
FBI Article


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"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

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In part 3 of this Destination Discovery series episode, we're talking about the often under-rated and overlooked cities of Adelaide and Perth in Australia.

Today I share my unique experience in these cities and what kind of vibe you can expect once you arrive. With Australia being such a large country, you'll want to choose the locations that are most aligned with your travel goals.

Are either of these cities on your list? Listen in so I can help you decide if these are the right spots for you with insights on activities, weather, cost, food, and overall vibe.

Spoiler alert, I have a special place in my heart for Perth that will keep me coming back but there is also a compelling reason to consider Adelaide as well.


Mentioned In This Episode:
Episode 46: Wine, Wanderlust and Wild Secrets With a Tour Guide
Fringe Fest
Barrosa Valley Wine Tours
Swan Valley Winery Tour
Ferry to Rottnest Island
The Pinnacles
Episode: 37: My Favorite Experiences & Tours


Some of these links contain affiliate links. Thank you for using these links to support the show. 🫶


Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

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Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

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After spending 6 weeks in Ireland, I have to give props to the Irish (and the British) for how they have shifted my mindset on something that I've held to be true for the last several years when it comes to dating and meeting people organically.

As part of the Dating Diaries series, I'm giving an inside look at what these men have done differently that had me swooning and even more excited for my trip to the UK later this year.

Listen up lads because this is exactly what I've been looking for and take my word for it...it works! 😉


Mentioned In This Episode:
Naked Attraction Prime Video / Naked Attraction YouTube


Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

Episode Website

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Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

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In part 2 of 3 of this Destination Discovery series episode, we're talking about the cities of Sydney and Melbourne in Australia.

Today I share my unique experience in these cities and what kind of vibe you can expect once you arrive. With Australia being such a large country, you'll want to choose the locations that are most aligned with your travel goals.

Are either of these dynamic cities on your list? Listen in so I can help you decide if these are the right spots for you with insights on activities, weather, cost, food, and overall vibe.

Spoiler alert, while there may be fierce competition between which of these 2 is the 'best city', I love them both so you'll have to listen in and decide!


Mentioned In This Episode:
Sydney Opera House
Climb The Sydney Harbor Bridge
Blue Mountains Hike
(This was booked on Airbnb Experiences, download my Airbnb guide to learn how to get free points for this booking!)
Sydney Zoo
Great Ocean Rd
Hidden Bar Tour
Yarra Valley Wine Tour

Some of these links contain affiliate links. Thank you for using these links to support the show. 🫶


Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

Episode Website

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Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

And if you haven't done so already, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Oh no, your flight was canceled!! What should you do?

In today's episode, I'm going to break down your next steps, what information is pertinent for you to know, and your rights as a passenger. Take a moment to download this episode now so you have this to reference should you find yourself in this situation.

I also share a few things you can do to prepare in advance for a canceled flight. You never know when this could happen so let's ease the burden of stress by taking these few recommended actions.


Mentioned In This Episode:
US Consumer Flight Rights
American Express Platinum
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Capital One Venture X


Some of these links contain affiliate links. Thank you for using these links to support the show. 🫶


Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

Episode Website

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Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

And if you haven't done so already, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In part 1 of 3 of this Destination Discovery series episode, we're talking about the cities of Cairns and Brisbane in Australia.

Today I share my unique experience in these cities and what kind of vibe you can expect once you arrive. With Australia being such a large country, you'll want to choose the locations that are most aligned with your travel goals.

Are either of these tropical locations on your list? Listen in so I can help you decide if these are the right spots for you with insights on activities, weather, cost, food, and overall vibe.

Spoiler alert, I loved visiting both of these cities BUT I'd only go back to one of them. 👀


Mentioned In This Episode:
Great Barrier Reef Tour
Day Trip To Kuranda
Canyoning
Retros

Some of these links contain affiliate links. Thank you for using these links to support the show. 🫶


Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

Episode Website

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Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

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Is this an airport relationship dealbreaker? Pulled from the TikTok headlines, I'm dissecting this story about a couple who were split apart when one of them got an upgrade and all the perks that come with it.

As part of the Dating Diaries series, we're going to test the strength of relationships when one partner is wooed by the luxury of an upgrade, leaving their partner behind, and what this actually means about their relationship.   

I'd love to hear your take on this! Hit me up on the text button or send me a DM on Insta!


Mentioned In This Episode:
Episode 55


Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

Episode Website

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Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

And if you haven't done so already, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Whether you're a parent, an aunt, or a son, there may be people at home who feel hard to leave behind as you set off to travel the world. Today, in honor of my son's birthday, I'm sharing my experience in parenting from afar. Listen in on the practical steps that I took as a single mom to prepare for my long-term travel and the mindset shifts around the fears that come up around not being close by.

If you're a fellow empty-nester, be sure to connect with me on Insta so we can grow our community of travel lovers who just get that life is different at this stage.

Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

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Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

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Are you ready to upgrade your luggage? Before you start browsing online, have a listen for some great insider tips for choosing your perfect pieces.

After several years of travel and dozens of flights, bus rides, train rides, and Uber trips, it was time to pick out new luggage! I'm giving you the whole breakdown because for long-term travel we need to be strategic about what type of luggage will be most practical AND fit our travel style.

In this episode, I share all the details of how I chose my new luggage for my long-term travel plans, factoring in size, price, brand, material, and ease of use. I'm even sharing HOW to pay for your luggage to maximize your purchase.


Mentioned In This Episode:
London Fog Brentwood III
Under The Seat Bag
Capital One Venture X
American Express Gold
Citi Strata Premier
Compression Bags

All links containing affiliate links are no additional cost to you and support the funding of the podcast.

Connect with me on Instagram @theluxelifeabroad

Episode Website

Send us a text

Get an additional dose of weekly travel inspo in your inbox! Sign up for our weekly newsletter filled with the most current travel tips, updates and deals.


Rate, Review, & Follow

"I love Steph and can't wait to hear the next episode!" If that sounds like you, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and review my show. This helps more travel lovers to find the podcast and connect with our travel community on Instagram.

For Apple Podcast, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Share what you love most about the podcast.

And if you haven't done so already, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode!