Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

• How to Tell If a Premium Travel Card Is Worth the Fee

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

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• How to Make Every Trip More Meaningful — Without Spending More (w/ Expedia’s “Powering Travel” Host Elisabeth Goodridge)

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

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• Travel More, Stress Less: How to Build a Financial Plan That Funds Your Adventures

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

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• When to Book and Fly for Cheaper Holiday Trips in 2025

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

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• Enjoy the Halloween Travel Boom Without Getting Scared by Prices (Video Episode)

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

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