Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into the spooky world of Halloween travel as the hosts unveil the surge in festive getaways. Discover the thrill of haunted attractions like Universal's Horror Unleashed and Disney's Halloween parties, while weighing their costs and value. Get insider tips on scoring flights and accommodations, and how to enjoy Halloween on a budget. Plus, find out the hottest U.S. destinations for Halloween fun and practical advice on packing costumes and managing childcare. It's a hauntingly good guide to maximizing your thrills without breaking the bank!

Julian Kheel, founder of PointsPath and a tech innovator in travel, shares expert insights on maximizing travel rewards. He reveals how his browser extension simplifies the points versus cash dilemma in booking flights. Listeners learn about leveraging partner programs, spotting transfer bonuses, and the best times to redeem miles. Kheel warns against hoarding points and highlights the importance of balancing travel comfort with costs. He also debunks common myths, showcases trending destinations, and emphasizes smart decision-making for value-driven travel.

Henley Vazquez, cofounder of Fora, discusses how aspiring travelers can transform trip planning into a lucrative part-time gig. She delves into the commission structure, emphasizing benefits like flexible training and community support. Listeners learn about trending destinations such as luxury cruises and secondary cities, as well as helpful tools like the Price Drop feature for securing the best deals. Henley's insights highlight making travel advising accessible and engaging for those looking to monetize their passion.

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