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 they just won’t travel without, to help you pack smarter on your next trip. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the Seats.aero Chrome extension, an update to the Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks partnership starting August 5, Bilt's August Rent Day promotion offering an ALL Accor status match, how to score free DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies on August 4, and NerdWallet's TSA data on the best and worst days to fly over Labor Day weekend.

Then, Meghan and Sally discuss their top travel items, including why a 2-in-1 backpack could replace your entire bag strategy, what features actually make a crossbody bag pickpocket-proof, how packing cubes and a spare tote solve the overcrowding problem, and why a deck of cards might be the most underrated thing you can pack.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Is a Bilt Credit Card Worth It?

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Seats.aero Award Search Review: A Go-To for Expert Travelers

• Points Path Review: A Free Tool to Compare Points vs. Cash

• The Best Days to Fly Around Labor Day

Select travel essentials shared in this episode:

• Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L

• Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags

• Reusable Grocery Bags

• USB Charging Cords

• Universal Travel Adapter

• Portable Charger Power Bank

• Copper Cow Coffee Vietnamese Pour Over Variety Pack

• Individual Drink Packets

• Ziploc bags

• Laundry Detergent Tablets

• Packing Cubes

• Owala Stainless Steel Water Bottle

• Melatonin

• Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

• BUILT Bar Puff Protein Bars

• Shop Protein Bars on Amazon

• Shop Instant Noodles on Amazon

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.  

*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

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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 could do for your next stay. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the opening of the new Chase Sapphire Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, a new points-conversion and status-challenge partnership between World of Hyatt and Air Canada's Aeroplan program, and Marriott Bonvoy's expanded partnership with Japan Airlines that could fast-track travelers to Oneworld elite status.

Then, joined by Fredrick Jones, Director of Rooms & Guest Relations at NH Hotel Group, they explore what hotel concierges can realistically do for guests, with tips on whether upgrades without elite status are possible, how to request perks most travelers don't think to ask for, and why a four-star property with a strong concierge desk could rival a five-star experience. They also help listener Sharon figure out how to put 150,000 Chase points to work for a family trip to Hawaii.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee

• Best Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards of July 2026

Resources discussed in this episode:

• First Look at the New Dallas Chase Sapphire Lounge

• Hyatt-Air Canada Partnership Adds Redemptions, Status Challenges

• PointsYeah Award Search Review: A Great Tool for Points Collectors

• Points Path Review: A Free Tool to Compare Points vs. Cash

• Travel Inflation Report: July 2026

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.  

*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

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

*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 everyone — even people who swear they hate cruises?

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, recording live in-studio from Scottsdale, Arizona, share dueling trip reports from their own separate Alaska cruises. They cover when to go, how to choose between the big flashy ships and the smaller expedition lines, which ports are worth booking an excursion for — think dog sledding, glacier canoeing and salmon fishing — versus which ones you can skip, whether the balcony upgrade is worth the splurge, and how to avoid getting fleeced by the ship’s gift shop if seasickness strikes.

But first, Sally and Meghan dig into the latest travel news, including Delta's controversial new no-frills business class fare, a big refresh to the Chase Sapphire Reserve dining credit and OpenTable restaurant list, an update to Wells Fargo's travel portal that now includes direct Southwest Airlines booking, and a preview of Holland America's new Christmas markets-and-Baltic Sea sailings.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Best Alaska Cruises

• Princess Cruises: What to Know Before You Sail

• Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

• 7 Tips for Finding Deals on Your Next Cruise

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.

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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 first flight of the day to knowing which layovers to avoid. But first, Sally breaks down the latest travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland (filling in for Meghan), discussing American Airlines' new grab-and-go lounge concept coming to JFK, a preview of Royal Caribbean's massive new Legend of the Seas, and Marriott's decision to end its 34-year partnership with Pepsi in favor of Coca-Cola.

Then, Paul Bernardini, Head of Marketing at Flighty, joins to break down why June and July are historically the worst months to fly, which U.S. and European airlines rack up the most delays, and how the Flighty app tracks your inbound plane 25 hours before it lands — and sometimes lets you know what’s going on with your flight before your own pilot finds out.

They also answer a question from Emily, who wants to know the best business credit card for her partner's restaurant to complement their existing Alaska Airlines cards and boost points toward hotels.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Ink Business Unlimited Review

• Chase Ink Business Cash Card Review

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

Resources discussed in this episode:

• A Guide to JFK Lounges: What to Know

• Royal Caribbean: The Complete Guide

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Got Better — Except for This

• How to Get Flight Delay Compensation

• Flighty app

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.

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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 stressful for ADHD brains, with tips to help you avoid lost passports, missed flights and packing mishaps. But first, Sally breaks down the latest travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland, discussing Wyndham Rewards' overhaul of its award chart, Bilt's new transfer partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts' I Prefer program, and the debut of a new Delta One lounge at LAX.

Then, Dr. Andrew Kahn, Associate Director of Expertise and Behavioral Health Innovation at Understood.org, joins Sally and Meghan to discuss traveling with ADHD, with tips and tricks on managing time blindness at the airport, organizing your bag and routines to avoid sensory overload, and budgeting for trips without overspending.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 

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

• Is a Bilt Credit Card Worth It?

• Bilt Blue Card: Complex Housing Rewards, Modest Everyday Ones

• Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing

• Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Will Wyndham’s New Award Chart Benefit You? It’s Complicated

• The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners

• New Delta One Lounge at LAX: A Sushi Bar and Sky Deck

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. 

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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 expenses and how to use the points you earn to pay for your honeymoon. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including data projecting a record number of Independence Day travelers and which days to avoid (or target) for flying and driving, Sally's preview sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's new Legend of the Seas, the Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit disappearing on July 1st, and new data from AirDNA showing nightly average Airbnb prices are now surpassing hotel averages.

Then, they dig into the best credit cards for wedding spending, with tips on how to match a card to your venue type (hotel versus non-hotel), why many vendors won't let you pay by credit card and how to maximize the ones that will, and how to reverse-engineer your honeymoon destination to pick the right points currency. They also answer a question from Jessie, who will be getting married at a Marriott Autograph Hotel, about whether the math works to pay with a Marriott card despite the processing fee.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending

• Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions

• Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards

• Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary

• Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Review: Choose Your Own Bonus Category

• Costco Anywhere Visa Review: Bulked-Up Savings for Members

• Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Review: Ho-Hum for a High Price

• World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost

• Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

• American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Best Days to Fly Around July Fourth

• BofA Rewards: More Rewards With Every Purchase

• The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Offers Right Now

• 7 Stunning All-Inclusives to Book With Points

• PointsYeah Award Search Review: A Great Tool for Points Collectors

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.  

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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 actually costs to honeymoon in one of the world's least-visited countries. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits that went live June 15th, a full Wyndham Rewards card family refresh that added a brand-new premium card, why airfares are up more than 26% year-over-year amid broader travel price increases, and highlights from AAA's new Five Diamond Hotels list.

Then, they discuss Sally's Madagascar honeymoon from every angle, with tips on whether a group tour could be the right call for destinations with little tourist infrastructure, why countries with the lowest cost of living can be among the most expensive places to visit, and how to score business class seats on Ethiopian Airlines for 80,000 United miles to one of the farthest destinations from San Francisco on earth. They also feature an interview with Madagascar guide Zu Rakuthu Nirina and answer a listener’s question about using 176,000 United miles for flights from SFO to Singapore.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards
• 5 Things to Know About the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card
• Wyndham Credit Cards Get a Glow-Up and a New Premium Sibling
• Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Review: Solid Rewards and Perks for Loyalists
• Wyndham Rewards Earner Credit Card Review: Ideal for Frugal Travelers

Resources discussed in this episode:

• PointsYeah Award Search Review: A Great Tool for Points Collectors

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. 

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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 latest travel headlines, including Delta's expanded free checked bag perk, a new ride-hailing credit on select Delta cards, a second Delta One Lounge coming to LAX, World of Hyatt's new 12-month advance booking window for cardholders and elite members, and two changes hitting Atmos Rewards members.

Then, they dig into the Chase Sapphire Preferred's first major overhaul in five years. The annual fee is staying at $95 but the card is getting new benefits, updated earning categories, and some trade-offs worth knowing about. Meghan and Sally walk through every change, weigh the pros and cons, and compare the Preferred to other travel cards to help you figure out whether it still deserves a spot in your wallet.

*In this episode, we misstated how the new $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit applies to existing cardholders. Existing cardholders received an additional $50 credit on June 15, 2026 for their anniversary year.

Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost

• Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing

• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers

• Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee

• Bank of America Premium Rewards Review: Big Bonuses for B of A's Best Customers

• Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories

• Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable

• Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get

• Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee

• Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access

• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Review: Good for Travel and Gas

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Citi ThankYou Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide

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. 

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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-overlooked ways you could earn bonus points and miles on purchases you're already making. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including new summer airfare price drop data from Kayak's updated trends dashboard, T-Mobile Tuesday deals with travel perks for June, Hilton's new college-themed hotel brand called Undergraduate, and the opening of Alaska Airlines' renovated lounge at Portland International Airport.

Then, Meghan and Sally dig into online shopping portals, explaining how tools like Rakuten, airline-specific portals (including American's AAdvantage eShopping, which earns loyalty points toward elite status), hotel booking platforms like Gondola, and the up-and-coming Rove Miles program could help you stack rewards on top of your credit card earnings. They also cover airline dining programs, brand partnerships with Uber, Lyft, and Starbucks, and the aggregator Cashback Monitor so you can see at a glance which portal offers the best rate for any retailer.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Choice Privileges Mastercard: Useful Bonus Categories, No Annual Fee 

• Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: Piles of Points for a $95 Annual Fee 

• Bilt Blue Card: Complex Housing Rewards, Modest Everyday Ones

• Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing

• Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits 

• American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Inside the New Portland Alaska Lounge: A Treehouse in the Forest

• Best Credit Card Bonuses for New Cardholders of June 2026

• Credit Card Transfer Partners At a Glance

• The Capital One Shopping Portal Is Changing How I Book Travel

• The Guide to Rove 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.

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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 driving up summer travel costs in 2026 and how to plan smarter despite them. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including what American Express's new partnership with Fanatics could mean for sports fans and points collectors, a new Bilt deal allowing certain cardholders to earn miles on rent payments with Air France/KLM and Alaska Atmos, major updates at Disney World and Disneyland, and findings from Expedia's summer travel report on the return of last-minute booking.

Then, Meghan and Sally dig into the full picture of summer travel in 2026, with tips and tricks on when airfares and hotel prices hit their seasonal floor, which domestic and international destinations are trending this summer, and how to decide whether spending points or paying cash makes more sense when prices are climbing fast.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-credit-card 

• 5 Things to Know About the Air France-KLM Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/air-france-klm-credit-card 

• Fanatics Rewards Card from American Express https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/amex-fanatics-to-partner-on-credit-card 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026? https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations 

• 2026 Summer Travel Report: 42% Would Rather Stay Home Than Book Budget Travel https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/studies/summer-travel-report 

• The Best Days to Book a Flight and When to Fly https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-days-book-flight-fly 

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. 

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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 trade-offs, and spend on what you actually value.

Follow Your Next Dollar on your favorite podcast app: ⁠https://play.megaphone.fm/a4ijxxsst1inho456fxbha⁠

Interested in working with a financial advisor? Visit ⁠⁠nerdwalletwealthpartners.com⁠⁠

NerdWallet Wealth Partners LLC (NWWP) is a SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training, nor does it constitute an endorsement by any securities regulator. The content presented by NWWP on its Your Next Dollar podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice to any person. The views, strategies, examples, and figures discussed are intended to be general in nature, subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and may not be suitable for every individual. Any hypothetical illustrations used are for educational purposes only and do not represent a guarantee or prediction of future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. NWWP's investment advisory services are only offered where NWWP and its representatives are registered. Before making any financial decision, seek advice from a qualified investment, tax, or legal professional.

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