Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Learn how you can explore the Mediterranean without losing days to ferries, hotel check-ins, or pricey islands.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Mediterranean trip planning to help you link coastal cities and islands without wasting precious vacation time. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest adding Starlink Wi-Fi, JetBlue and United expanding the Blue Sky partnership for booking and redemptions, and spring break travel trends. Producer Tess Vigeland also joins to share lessons from a trip to Spain gone wrong, including how EU flight delay compensation works and what to update in Global Entry after you get a new passport. 

Next, Sally and Meghan dig into what makes traveling the Mediterranean tricky, from fragmented routes to language barriers and currencies, and talk through when a cruise can simplify island-hopping. Sally shares her port-heavy trip on Norwegian Cruise Line Viva with her husband, Hamilton, before she and Meghan spotlight can’t-miss stops like Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Kotor, Marseille and the French Riviera, Zadar, and Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. Plus: where to look for surprisingly affordable luxury stays in places like Istanbul, Crete, and Montenegro.

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/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum 

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 2026 status program changes mean for perks like upgrades, rebooking help, and lounges.

Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk through the latest elite status updates to help you decide when they’re worth chasing. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the U.K.’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) enforcement starting Feb. 25, 2026, a Hawaiian Airlines credit card giveaway offering chances to win 1 million points, Disney’s leadership change and new earnings highlights, and signs that luxury travel demand may be softening in 2026.

Then, joined by fellow travel Nerd Benjamin Din, they discuss what’s changing for airline and hotel elite status in 2026, including how status is increasingly tied to spending and credit cards, when a status match challenge can be a shortcut, and how to choose a program based on your home airport and travel patterns. They also dig into updates across major programs including Southwest, American, United, and JetBlue, in addition to hotel shifts at Hilton, Hyatt, and Choice. Plus: what it really takes to earn United’s Million Miler milestone, including how lifetime status can change the way you book flights and hotels.

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


5 Things to Know About the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard 


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


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


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


World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost 


United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers 


IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter 


Best Airline Credit Cards of February 2026


Best Hotel Credit Cards of February 2026 

Resources discussed in this episode:


Airline Credit Cards That Offer Free Checked Bags


Which Credit Card Is Best for International Award Travel?


The 5 Best Credit Cards with Hotel Status

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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Get a clearer way to compare hotel prices with and without credit card program perks.

Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss when it makes sense to book luxury hotels through credit card travel portals so you can decide if perks like breakfast, upgrades and $100 credits are actually worth the tradeoffs. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Disney Inspire Visa from Chase, an American Express transfer-ratio change to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, new Centurion Lounge access limits starting July 8, and a new round of airline competition at Chicago O’Hare after comments from United CEO Scott Kirby.

Then, joined by fellow travel Nerd Craig Joseph, they unpack a NerdWallet analysis comparing prices when booking directly vs. booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, Amex The Hotel Collection, and Chase’s The Edit. They discuss what to check before you click “book,” how to think about the real value of “free” breakfast and property credits, and how points, statement credits and loyalty numbers can change the math — especially when you’re dealing with prepaid rates and limited hotel options.

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 https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve 


American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum 


Chase Freedom Review: Legacy Card’s 5% Categories Endure https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-freedom 


Disney Visa: Perks in the Park but Not in Your Wallet https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-visa 


Disney Premier Visa: Missing the Magic https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-premier-visa 


Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/amazon-prime-rewards 


Target Circle Credit Card Review: 5% Discount and No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/target-redcard 


New Disney Inspire Credit Card: Valuable Credits Offset $149 Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/disney-inspire-credit-card-big-fee-bigger-credits 

Resources discussed in this episode:


Chase Sapphire Reserve’s Hotel Credit Just Got an ‘Edit’ https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-the-edit-hotel-credit 


AmEx Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection: Worth the Price? https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/amex-fhr-thc-worth-it 


Are Chase’s The Edit Hotels Worth It? Here’s What the Data Says https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/chase-the-edit-hotels-worth-It 

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 a points pro mapped a six-continent route to score 1 million Turkish Airlines miles.

Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk to Ashley Peterson, founder of Ashley Gets Around, about how she became a “points millionaire” while traveling across the globe. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including winter storm flight cancellations and airline waivers, new restrictions and options tied to Bilt Cash, Citi ThankYou Rewards dropping Aeromexico as a transfer partner, upcoming Capital One lounge access changes for authorized users, and Hilton’s new Apartment Collection.

Then, Meghan talks to Ashley Peterson about Turkish Airlines’ six-continent promo that earned her 1 million miles. They discuss what it takes to plan a “wackadoodle” route, how starting outside the U.S. and switching airports can change the price, and what to watch for with business-class seat setups and redemption rules once the miles finally hit your account.

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


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


Capital One Venture X Business: A Premium Business Travel Card Worth the Annual Fee


Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming


Bilt’s 3 New Cards Earn Rewards on Housing, But It’s Complicated

Resources discussed in this episode:


The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners


5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With


Venture X Card to Drop Free Lounge Access for Guests, Authorized Users


Smart Travel Episode about Bilt’s new cards

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 if Bilt’s new credit cards are worth the hassle for earning points on rent or a mortgage.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive deep into the Bilt Card 2.0 Program to explain what’s changed and what to consider before signing up. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a World of Hyatt Credit Card welcome offer that can earn up to five free nights, what Southwest’s assigned seating rollout means for travelers, the cost (and extra time) of flying without a Real ID, and how you can enter to win a free 1:1 travel rewards strategy coaching session with NerdWallet credit card and travel rewards expert Erin Hurd.

Then, Sally and Meghan dig into Bilt’s three new credit cards and a rewards system that now includes two currencies: Bilt Points and Bilt Cash. They walk through the big questions listeners have been asking, including when it makes sense to earn on rent, what’s really going on with mortgage rewards, and why the new math (plus shifting details) could change whether you jump in now or wait. Along the way, they weigh the annual-fee tradeoffs, compare Bilt’s new lineup to familiar fan favorites, and share what to watch for as the rollout keeps evolving.

Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter, by January 30 for a chance to win a 1:1 travel rewards strategy coaching session (est. value $250). Learn more at https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel-newsletter-2 

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


Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards of February 2026


Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming 


Bilt’s 3 New Cards Earn Rewards on Housing, But It’s Complicated 


World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost


Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards


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


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

Resources discussed in this episode:


7 Best Hyatt Category 4 Hotels


Dear Bilt Palladium: You’re Welcome to Move in, but You Won’t Pay the Rent


Bilt Palladium vs. Capital One Venture X: An In-Depth Comparison

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