Summary of "Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways" Episode – "Avoid These 5 Costly Travel Mistakes to Save Time, Money, and Stress"

Release Date: February 12, 2025

In the inaugural episode of Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways, NerdWallet Travel experts Sally French and Meghan Coyle delve into the top five travel mistakes that travelers often make, costing them time, money, and causing unnecessary stress. Drawing from their extensive experience and passion for travel, the hosts provide actionable insights and practical strategies to help listeners optimize their travel experiences.

1. Neglecting TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Timestamp: 07:31 – 10:03

One of the most significant mistakes travelers make is not enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Sally and Meghan emphasize the value these programs offer in streamlining the security and customs processes, ultimately saving valuable time during travel.

• TSA PreCheck: Offers access to expedited security lines where travelers can keep their shoes on, leave laptops and liquids in bags, and enjoy a quicker screening process.

• Global Entry: Extends the benefits of TSA PreCheck to international travelers, allowing them to bypass lengthy customs lines upon returning to the U.S.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [07:31]: "This is not having TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Prices vary based on how you apply, but it's typically around $80 for TSA PreCheck, around $120 for Global Entry, and both are valid for five years."

• Meghan Coyle [08:25]: "I've had Global Entry for a few years now, and I think it's saved me probably at least 24 hours of standing in line over the past couple of years. That's like an entire day of waiting in line."

Key Takeaways:

• The cost of these programs is minimal compared to the time saved.
• Many travel credit cards offer reimbursement for the application fees, enhancing their value.
• Sally debunks the myth that widespread enrollment slows down TSA PreCheck lines, asserting that the efficiency of the process compensates adequately.

2. Underutilizing Credit Card Benefits

Timestamp: 10:21 – 11:06

Sally and Meghan highlight that many travelers fail to take full advantage of the benefits offered by their travel credit cards. These benefits can range from annual statement credits to exclusive travel perks.

Discussion Points:

• Annual Benefits: Travelers often overlook perks such as statement credits for hotel bookings or travel portals, which can significantly offset annual fees.

• Enrollment Requirements: Some benefits require active enrollment or specific booking methods, which if neglected, render the benefits unused.

Notable Quotes:

• Meghan Coyle [10:22]: "Some of them have monthly benefits or annual benefits and it's just leaving money on the table if you don't use them."

• Sally French [11:06]: "I actually just have like a running list of all my credit card benefits and when they expire. So I just go down the list and make sure I use that."

Key Takeaways:

• Regularly review and track all card benefits to ensure they are utilized before expiration.
• Align credit card benefits with travel habits to maximize value.
• Utilize NerdWallet’s resources to find credit cards that best suit individual travel needs.

3. Failing to Use Price Alerts

Timestamp: 11:06 – 13:17

Another common oversight is not setting up price alerts for flights and accommodations. Sally and Meghan explain how easy it is to use these tools to monitor and secure the best deals.

Discussion Points:

• Setting Up Alerts: Platforms like Google Flights and Hopper offer simple mechanisms to receive notifications when prices drop.

• Flexibility with Bookings: Using alerts allows travelers to book when prices are favorable, avoiding overpayment.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [11:34]: "This is really the easiest way to make sure you're not overpaying."

• Meghan Coyle [12:55]: "If you book, otherwise they might end up increasing or they might end up selling out."

Key Takeaways:

• Price alerts provide confidence in booking decisions, ensuring travelers pay the lowest possible fares.
• For refundable or flexible fares, price alerts can offer additional savings by allowing rebooking if prices drop.
• Specific airline policies, like Southwest’s transferable flight credits, can further enhance the benefits of price alerts.

4. Overpacking

Timestamp: 13:17 – 14:08

Overpacking not only leads to excess baggage fees but also adds physical burdens during travel. Sally and Meghan discuss how packing light can enhance the travel experience and reduce costs.

Discussion Points:

• Common Overpacked Items: Shoes and "just in case" items like umbrellas often take up unnecessary space.

• Hidden Costs: Beyond airline fees, overpacking increases the difficulty of navigating accommodations, especially those without elevators.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [13:19]: "I sometimes see these people bring five pairs of shoes for a three-day trip."

• Meghan Coyle [13:44]: "The checked bag and overweight fees are exorbitant these days. It's not worth it to bring it just in case."

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize versatile clothing and essential items to minimize luggage.
• Purchase non-essential items like umbrellas at the destination to save space and weight.
• Streamlining packing reduces stress and enhances mobility, especially in destinations with challenging infrastructure.

5. Booking Tight Connections

Timestamp: 14:08 – 15:02

Sally and Meghan warn against booking flights with short layovers, which can lead to missed connections and disrupt entire travel plans.

Discussion Points:

• Risk of Delays: Short layover times increase the likelihood of missing connecting flights due to delays in the initial flight.

• International vs. Domestic: International connections often require additional time for customs and security, necessitating longer layover periods.

Notable Quotes:

• Meghan Coyle [14:29]: "Give yourself at least three hours for a connection [on international flights]. And I'd say if you're connecting somewhere domestically, maybe an hour and a half or two hours is good."

• Sally French [15:02]: "Relaxed connections reduce anxiety over a missed flight and provide time to enjoy airport lounges."

Key Takeaways:

• Allocate ample time between flights to accommodate potential delays and procedural requirements.
• Consider the size and efficiency of connecting airports when planning layovers.
• Utilizing amenities like airport lounges can make longer layovers more comfortable and productive.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, Sally French and Meghan Coyle effectively outline five critical travel mistakes that can lead to unnecessary expenses and stress. By addressing these common pitfalls, they empower travelers to make informed decisions, optimize their travel budgets, and enhance their overall travel experience.

Final Highlights:

• Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to save time at security and customs.
• Maximize credit card benefits to offset travel costs and gain additional perks.
• Set up price alerts to secure the best deals on flights and accommodations.
• Pack light to avoid baggage fees and increase travel flexibility.
• Allow sufficient layover time to reduce the risk of missed connections and enjoy airport amenities.

Sally and Meghan conclude by inviting listeners to engage with them through questions and feedback, fostering a community of savvy travelers eager to upgrade their getaways.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Meghan Coyle [18:32]: "Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If you fly internationally, use the benefits on your travel cards, set price alerts, pack light, and for the love of travel, leave enough time for your connections."

Listeners are encouraged to follow Smart Travel on their preferred podcast platforms for future episodes packed with more expert travel advice and strategies.