Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

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 sweeping changes to the World of Hyatt award chart to help you decide whether Hyatt points are still worth earning and how to use them wisely. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a surge in airfares driven by rising oil costs and the Spirit Airlines shutdown, the new JetBlue and United reciprocal loyalty program benefits, record Memorial Day travel projections, a new Marriott Bonvoy and Outside Magazine partnership, and a roundup of deals and new attractions at Disneyland and Disney World this summer. Then, Sally and Meghan go deep on the new World of Hyatt award chart that rolled out on May 20th, covering what changed with the new five-tier pricing structure, which hotel categories are seeing the biggest cost jumps, and why Hyatt points could still hold strong value compared to competing programs. They share their favorite Hyatt properties around the globe, and discuss strategies for earning points through hotel stays, the World of Hyatt credit cards, and transfer partners including Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt. Plus: Sally and Meghan answer a listener’s question about which card to consider for a large Marriott family stay over Thanksgiving. 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] * World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: High-Value Points But No Free Night [https://www.nerdwallet.com/business/credit-cards/reviews/world-hyatt-business] * Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve] * Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Review: Ho-Hum for a High Price [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-bevy] 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] * Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve] * Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You? (Smart Travel episode about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card)  [https://play.megaphone.fm/6uyzoticsvqpr5z73zhj5g] Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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 sitting can cut your lodging costs to help you stretch your travel dollars further. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Rove's new Aeroplan transfer partnership, fresh perks rolling out on the JetBlue Premier Card, surprising findings from the 2026 J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study, IHG's new summer points promotion, and what slow bookings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mean for travelers. Then, joined by longtime Kindred host Bob Krinsky and Asheville-based Trusted Housesitters host Robert Barclay, they discuss what it's actually like to swap homes or invite a stranger to pet sit, with tips and tricks on choosing a platform that vets its members, building trust with potential sitters or swappers, and saving on the extras like pet care and rides to the airport. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: * JetBlue Premier Review: $300 Credit, Lounge Access and More https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-premier [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-premier]  * JetBlue Plus Review: Bundle of Benefits, Reasonable Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-plus [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-plus]  * Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve [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 [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum]  Resources discussed in this episode: * The Guide to Rove Miles https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/guide-to-rove-miles [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/guide-to-rove-miles]  * The Guide to Air Canada Aeroplan https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/air-canada [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/air-canada]  * Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: May 2026 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/credit-card-transfer-bonuses [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/credit-card-transfer-bonuses]  * JetBlue Premier Adding Companion Pass, Enhancing Travel Credit https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/jetblue-premier-new-perks [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/jetblue-premier-new-perks]  * The Guide to IHG One Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/ihg-rewards-more-value-for-the-frugal-traveler [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/ihg-rewards-more-value-for-the-frugal-traveler]  * Book These Hyatt Properties Now Before Award Costs Go Up on May 20 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/book-these-hyatt-properties-before-may-2026-devaluation [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/book-these-hyatt-properties-before-may-2026-devaluation]  * Best Hotel Credit Cards for Free Nights https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-hotel-credit-cards-for-free-nights [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-hotel-credit-cards-for-free-nights]  Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Family Travel on Points, Solo Trip Ideas, and Booking Tools Compared: Your Travel Questions Answered

Learn how to maximize Chase points for family Hawaii trips, travel with infants, and pick the right rewards card. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French dig into a mailbag of listener questions covering points strategy, family travel, and the trade-offs of different hotel booking platforms. But first, Meghan is joined by Smart Money host Elizabeth Ayoola, filling in for Sally, to break down the latest travel headlines, including the Spirit Airlines shutdown, a new Wells Fargo transfer partner, a big new sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, anniversary updates to the Amex Gold Card, and two new direct routes from the U.S. to Rome. Then, Meghan and Sally answer listener questions, with tips and tricks on saving Chase points for future family travel, navigating travel insurance claims on award flights, using points and price trackers to score a family Hawaii trip, picking the right next credit card when you live outside a big city, choosing your next solo female travel destination, and comparing Gondola and Roame for hotel bookings. 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] * Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards  [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred] * Chase Freedom Unlimited Card Review [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-freedom-unlimited] * American Express Gold Card Review: Dining Rewards Royalty [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-premier-rewards-gold] * American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum]  * World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/world-of-hyatt] * Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium] * Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey] * Citi AAdvantage Platinum Credit Card Review [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-platinum] Resources discussed in this episode: * Spirit Airlines Has Shut Down: Here's What to Do [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/spirit-demise-what-to-do] * Guide to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/a-points-collectors-guide-to-cathay-pacific] * Chase Sapphire Reserve's Welcome Offer Reaches Highest Level Yet [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-150k-offer-april-2026] * 11 Things to Do with 150K Chase Ultimate Rewards Points [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/things-to-do-with-150k-chase-ultimate-rewards-points] * American Express Gold Card Unveils New and Updated Benefits [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/american-express-gold-card-unveils-new-and-updated-benefits] * Star Alliance: The Complete Guide [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/your-guide-to-the-star-alliance] * Hyatt's New Award Chart Raises Points Prices for Most Nights [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/hyatt-award-chart-changes-2026] * Points Path Review: A Free Tool To Compare Costs [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/points-path-review] * Gondola Hotel Search Review: It's My Favorite Tool [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/gondola-review] * Roame Award Search Tool Review [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/roame-review] Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Best Travel Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100

Learn how travel credit cards with annual fees under $100 can earn you free flights, hotel nights, and perks. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss travel credit cards with annual fees under $100 to help you earn meaningful rewards without splurging on a premium card. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Hyatt's award chart changes taking effect May 20, Disney's 2026 Halloween event dates, expiring welcome offers on the Disney Inspire and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards, new Chase Sapphire Reserve perks at The Edit collection hotels, and the Trump administration's potential bailout of Spirit Airlines. Then, they discuss why a sub-$100 annual fee card can punch well above its weight for the right traveler. They break down their picks across four categories: cards for travel spending, everyday spending, hotel co-brands, and airline co-brands. You'll get tips on free night certificates, statement credits, and transfer partners, plus when these cards genuinely compete with premium 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 Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred] * Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve] * Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-freedom-unlimited] * Chase Freedom Flex: Multiple Bonus Rewards in One Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-freedom-flex] * Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card Review [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bank-of-america-premium-rewards] * Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey] * Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph] * PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card: Premium Credits, With a Few Caveats [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/penfed-pathfinder-rewards] * Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture] * Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture-x] * Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-obsidian] * Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Premier Perks Abound [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-boundless] * IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/ihg-credit-card] * World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/world-of-hyatt] * Citi AAdvantage Platinum Credit Card Review [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-aadvantage-platinum] * Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-credit-card] * JetBlue Plus Review: Bundle of Benefits, Reasonable Fee [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-plus] * Disney Inspire Visa: A Whole New World of Generous Benefits [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-inspire-visa] Resources discussed in this episode: * Hyatt's New Award Chart Raises Points Prices for Most Nights [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/hyatt-award-chart-changes-2026] * A First Look at MSC World America: A Family-Friendly Cruise [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/msc-world-america-review] * The Guide to Wells Fargo Transfer Partners [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/wells-fargo-transfer-partners] * The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/bilt-transfer-partners] Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

How Airline Alliance Status Gets You Into the World's Best Airport Lounges for Free

Learn how earning status with one airline can unlock lounges and elite perks on more than a dozen other airlines worldwide. First, host Meghan Coyle breaks down the week’s top travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally French), including a new Google Hotels feature that lets you track prices on a specific hotel (not just a city), Wells Fargo adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, Air New Zealand’s controversial new Skynest bunk bed cabin, Chase expanding its Plum Guide vacation rental program to Sapphire cardholders, Hilton’s new apartment-style properties, and Norse Atlantic canceling Los Angeles flights amid rising fuel costs. Then, Sally joins Meghan for a conversation with Gilbert Ott, Director of Loyalty at the OneWorld Airline Alliance. They explore how airline alliance membership can elevate every trip you take, with tips and insights on how OneWorld’s Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald elite status tiers work across all 15 member airlines, which world-class airport lounges you can access as a OneWorld elite member, and what Hawaiian Airlines’ new membership in the Alliance means for your miles and travel experience. 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® Card Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred]  * Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve]  * Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph]  * Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey]  Resources discussed in this episode: * Wells Fargo Transfer Partners: What to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/wells-fargo-transfer-partners [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/wells-fargo-transfer-partners]  * Air New Zealand's Skynest Bunk Beds Are Coming This Fall https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/air-new-zealand-skynest-launch [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/air-new-zealand-skynest-launch]  Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]