travel
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 Strategie
Delta Air Lines has followed United's lead by introducing "slimmed-down" versions of its business and first-class fares, dubbed 'basic' fares. These fares come with restrictions such as fees for changes or cancellations, potential exclusion from lounges, and fewer checked bags, leading to criticism from travel experts.
Chase has significantly updated its Sapphire Reserve "exclusive tables" collection on OpenTable, adding over 90 new restaurants. This expansion aims to help card members better utilize their $300 annual dining credit and exclusive reservation access.
The new Holland America Line ship, the Statendam, is slated to offer year-round European cruises, including Mediterranean and Baltic Sea itineraries, as well as Christmas market tours. This new strategy means the ship will remain in Europe from 2026 to 2028.
One of the podcast hosts recounted a difficult road trip experience driving an electric vehicle (EV) to Pullman, Washington. The lack of Tesla Superchargers in the area and higher speeds impacting battery consumption led to a prolonged charging time, prompting a decision to rent a non-EV for future trips to the region.
A podcast host shared a positive experience on Royal Caribbean's new megaship, 'The Legend of the Seas,' challenging their previous skepticism about cruises. The ship is part of the Icon class lineup and offers numerous included activities like water slides and shows, making it a compelling option for travelers.
American Airlines is introducing a new lounge concept called 'Provisions by Admiral's Club' at JFK Terminal 8. This grab-and-go lounge will feature a dedicated barista bar for made-to-order coffee drinks and a self-serve station for bottled beverages. The concept, tested in Charlotte, aims to offer a quicker lounge experience for travelers.
A travel host shared a 'hot take' that cruises are an affordable way to travel, even with the luxury experiences offered. She highlighted that the base price often includes food and accommodation, making week-long vacations comparable to other travel methods. The cost for a seven-night European sailing starts around $1,400-$1,800 per person.