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

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 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 [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 [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve] * Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey] Resources discussed in this episode: * The Best Alaska Cruises [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-alaska-cruises] * Princess Cruises: What to Know Before You Sail [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/princess-cruise] * Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise? [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/do-you-need-passport-alaska-cruise] * 7 Tips for Finding Deals on Your Next Cruise [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/7-tips-for-getting-the-best-deal-on-your-next-cruise] 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]

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 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 [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 [https://www.nerdwallet.com/business/credit-cards/reviews/chase-ink-business-unlimited] * Chase Ink Business Cash Card Review [https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/small-business/chase-ink-cash] * 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] Resources discussed in this episode: * A Guide to JFK Lounges: What to Know [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/jfk-lounges-guide] * Royal Caribbean: The Complete Guide [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/royal-caribbean-the-complete-guide] * The Chase Sapphire Preferred Got Better — Except for This [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-june-2026-update-new-benefits] * How to Get Flight Delay Compensation [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/how-to-get-paid-for-airline-delays] * Flighty app [https://www.flightyapp.com/] 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 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 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 [http://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 [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 [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum] * Is a Bilt Credit Card Worth It? [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/bilt-mastercard] * Bilt Blue Card: Complex Housing Rewards, Modest Everyday Ones [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-blue-card] * Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-obsidian] * Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium] Resources discussed in this episode: * Will Wyndham’s New Award Chart Benefit You? It’s Complicated [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/wyndham-hotels-award-chart-changes] * The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/bilt-transfer-partners] * New Delta One Lounge at LAX: A Sushi Bar and Sky Deck [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/delta-one-lounge-lax] 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]

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 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 [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 [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-double-cash] * 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 Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium] * Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Review: Choose Your Own Bonus Category [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bankofamerica-cash-rewards] * Costco Anywhere Visa Review: Bulked-Up Savings for Members [https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/costco-anywhere-visa] * Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/amazon-prime-rewards] * Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Review: Ho-Hum for a High Price [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-bevy] * World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/world-of-hyatt] * Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/hilton-honors-aspire] * 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] * American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-premier-rewards-gold] Resources discussed in this episode: * The Best Days to Fly Around July Fourth [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/fourth-of-july-travel] * BofA Rewards: More Rewards With Every Purchase [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/bank-of-america-preferred-rewards-credit-card-extra-rewards] * The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Offers Right Now [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/top-rewards-credit-card-offers] * 7 Stunning All-Inclusives to Book With Points [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/6-great-all-inclusives-you-can-book-this-winter-with-points] * PointsYeah Award Search Review: A Great Tool for Points Collectors [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/points-yeah-award-search-review-easily-find-your-next-points-redemption] 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 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 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 [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 [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred] * * 5 Things to Know About the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/wyndham-rewards-earner-business] * Wyndham Credit Cards Get a Glow-Up and a New Premium Sibling [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/wyndham-credit-cards-refresh-plus-premium-card] * * Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Review: Solid Rewards and Perks for Loyalists [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wyndham-rewards-visa-annual-fee] * * Wyndham Rewards Earner Credit Card Review: Ideal for Frugal Travelers [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wyndham-rewards-visa] Resources discussed in this episode: * PointsYeah Award Search Review: A Great Tool for Points Collectors [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/points-yeah-award-search-review-easily-find-your-next-points-redemption] 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]