Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

by NerdWallet Travel

#2 Places & Travel
— today #66 Society & Culture
▲5 today

Planning your next vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel. NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder. But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendations; they break down the latest travel details, exploring the pros and cons of specific strategies, practical tools, and tactics. Dive deep with the experts as they lay out all the options so you can finally plan that dream vacation. So put your seat in its full upright position, buckle up, and let’s help that travel budget take you places you’ve only dreamed about. Join hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, two of NerdWallet’s expert travel Nerds, as they lay out tips, tools, and strategies for your next travel getaway, including: Travel budgeting: What’s the best way to budget for a vacation? How can you save money planning travel? The Nerds compare the best travel budgeting tools. Travel Strategies: Should you use travel points or travel miles? Should you Airbnb or get a hotel? The Nerds have your how-to travel guide for your next trip. Family vacation planning: Thinking of a Disney trip or something more tropical? Should you fly or rent a car? The Nerds lay out your options so you can decide the best way to book your next family vacation. Travel Agents: Can travel agents save you money? Are there better alternatives? The Nerds dive into the actual cost of financial traveling and lay out your best options. Seasonal timing: When’s the right time to book travel for next summer? How far out should you plan a holiday getaway? The Nerds got you covered from Spring to Winter with smart travel strategies. Fee and policy changes: How do the latest TSA rules affect you? The Nerds break down recent regulations and how it impacts your next travel budget. Travel Planning Tools: Not sure about a new travel app? Does that website actually give you the best deals? The Nerds have reviewed all the major platforms and share their pros, cons, and insights. Destination-Specific Booking Strategies: Dreaming of Hawaiian or European getaways? The Nerds can help you and your travel budget when booking popular travel destinations. If you’re planning on traveling within the next 12 months and ready to start researching and booking your next great adventure, then follow Smart Travel to upgrade your getaways. You’ll love Smart Travel if you like podcasts like: Far From Home, Zero to Travel, Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, Amateur Traveler, Point Me To First Class, Takeoff A Points And Miles Podcast, Frequent Miler On The Air, Women Who Travel, and many other travel related podcasts. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http:// www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Chris Hutchins' Top Points and Miles Tips, Straight From “All the Hacks”

#20 trending · Places & Travel

All the Hacks podcast host Chris Hutchins reveals his tricks for finding hidden discounts and getting real value out of points and miles — without the headache. Hosts Sa

Sep 16
1 h 15 min

Is Bank of America Still Worth It for Travelers? New BofA Rewards Rules Explained

Learn how Bank of America's revamped rewards program could quietly cut how much cardholders earn back. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Bank of America's over

Sep 9
44 min

Best Credit Cards for Dining Rewards in 2026: How to Earn More at Restaurants

Learn how to earn more restaurant rewards, and whether paying extra for a premium card's dining credit is worth it. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to ma

Sep 2
55 min

How to Coupon Your Way Around the World, with Torok Coupon Hunter

Coupon queen Kiersti Torok reveals how everyday savings on gas, groceries and gift cards can fund your next trip. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk to Kiersti Tor

Aug 26
1 h 03 min

Bilt to Last? Grading Bilt Rewards Six Months On

Learn what six months of confusing changes to Bilt's rewards program have actually meant for cardholders' points. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss six months

Aug 19
1 h 03 min

Finding Cheap Flights, Mastering Layovers, and Knowing Your Card’s Benefits (Put to the Test!)

Learn how to handle a surprise layover and track down a cheap flight to a random destination. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to think fast when travel p

Aug 12
52 min

Ask the Nerds: Booking Traps, Transfer Optimization and Card Strategy

Learn how to stretch modest points balances into business-class flights, and safer spending abroad. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle answer travel questions from list

Aug 5
45 min

The 7 Things Our Travel Pros Insist On Packing

Learn which packing essentials two travel experts swear by, plus how to time your Labor Day trip for fewer crowds. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the gear t

Jul 29
44 min

What to Ask Your Hotel Concierge: Free Upgrades, Insider Deals, and What Most Travelers Miss

Learn what hotel concierges can do for your next stay, from getting free upgrades to saving you money. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French explore what hotel concierges

Jul 22
48 min

Is an Alaska Cruise Actually Worth It? We Went to Find Out

*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. It has been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Is an Alaskan cruise really a trip for ever

Jul 15
1 h 03 min

Your Flight Got Canceled. Here's How to Beat Summer's Worst Travel Chaos

Your flight was canceled. Now what? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle share their go-to strategies for beating summer flight delays and cancellations, from booking the

Jul 8
53 min

The ADHD Traveler's Guide to Airport Security, Budgeting and Staying on Schedule

Learn how ADHD shapes travel decisions, and the strategies that turn travel stress into a strength. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to make travel less s

Jul 1
58 min

Best Credit Cards for Weddings: Turn Venue Bills Into Honeymoon Flights and Hotel Nights

Find out which credit cards could turn your wedding costs into a business class honeymoon. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the best credit cards for wedding

Jun 24
59 min

The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Countries: What $300 a Day in Madagascar Really Buys You

Learn what it really costs to honeymoon in one of the world's least-visited countries and how to get there on points. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French share what it a

Jun 17
58 min

Unpacking the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s Biggest Update in Five Years: What You Need to Know

Learn how the Chase Sapphire Preferred's biggest refresh in years could change how you earn and redeem travel points. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down the

Jun 10
40 min

Earn More Points on Purchases You Already Make: Online Shopping, Dining, Rideshares and More

Learn how to earn more points and miles on everyday shopping using portals, dining programs, and partner apps. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the sometimes-

Jun 3
52 min

Summer Travel 2026: How to Time Your Trip, Pick Your Destination, and Actually Save Money

Learn how summer 2026 travel costs are rising and which booking strategies could help you save money this season. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss what's driv

May 27
38 min

Introducing Your Next Dollar: Money Management for High Earners

Meet Your Next Dollar, a new podcast from NerdWallet Wealth Partners. This is the podcast for you if you are a high earner learning how to build wealth, navigate money tr

May 26
2 min

World of Hyatt Award Chart Changes 2026: What's New and Where to Get the Most Value

Learn how the new World of Hyatt award chart changes your points value and which hotels are still worth booking. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into the sweepin

May 20
53 min

How to Travel Without Paying for a Hotel: Inside Home Swapping and Pet Sitting Apps

Learn how to travel for less by swapping homes or pet sitting with strangers around the world. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how house swapping and house s

May 13
1 h 09 min

Chart trend

Position in the Places & Travel chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#11#20JunJulAugSep

all-time peak

300

days in the top 3 since Feb 2025

Chart positions

Where Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 21, 2026).

#2 — Places & Travel US

#66 ▲ 5 Society & Culture US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

This podcast is really informative and does give some great tips and tricks for all things travel, most of which are incredibly useful and insightful. To echo what other reviewers said, the hosts need to slow down while talking. I've seen their social media posts and they talk slower on those, so it's probably the editing on the podcast.

Sunndawgg · Apr 2026

This show made me aware of a hotel elite status that came with a credit card that I’ve had for over a year. I had no idea that I was sitting on such a great perk! Thank you!!

Cute dots · Feb 2026

This is one of the podcasts I look most forward to each week. So helpful with endless insights to maximizing traveling savvy.

daniellpaul · Aug 2025

I always look forward to the infectious joy Meghan and Sally bring to each episode. Appreciate the genuine thoughts and opinions on travel/rewards/credit cards and willingness to throw shade where necessary 💅🏽. Keep up the great werq, queens!

take_tu · Jul 2025

The speed, pitch and editing of this podcast make it difficult to follow the conversation. In addition, the host doesn't seem to listen carefully to answers from guests, repeats questions, and occasionally sounda off topic. NerdWallet can do better

650Traveller · Dec 2025

Completely agree with the other reviewer. The idea is much better than the execution. This podcast severely needs new hosts. It’s too immature and the hosts constantly upspeak and humblebrag about the number of weddings attended. The one host has zero self awareness. I appreciate high energy hosts but these two aren’t it. Please provide useful information. Just make a travel version of TBOY.. ask those guys to host it

crazygameofpoker · Jun 2025

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.