Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Episode: How to Make Every Trip More Meaningful — Without Spending More

Host: NerdWallet Travel (Megan Coyle & Sally French)
Guest: Elisabeth Goodridge (Expedia & “Powering Travel” Podcast)
Date: October 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode explores how travelers can make trips more meaningful and fulfilling—without increasing their budgets. Sally and Megan, experienced travel journalists from NerdWallet, welcome Elisabeth Goodridge, director of content at Expedia Group and host of the “Powering Travel” podcast. Together, they distill expert advice, discuss travel trends, and share actionable strategies for maximizing travel value. Core themes include: prioritizing memorable experiences over expenses, the rise of “set-jetting,” authentic local encounters, and smart travel hacks for budget-minded explorers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. What Makes a Trip “Worth It”? ([00:16]–[08:21])

• Memories & Experiences Trump Cost
  Hosts agree that enjoyment and memories are lasting indicators of trip value, beyond just food or accommodation luxury.

  • Quote: “Post-trip, what’s most important is the experiences you gain and the memories you make.” — Sally French [00:17]

• Expedia’s Elisabeth Goodridge’s Insights
  Elisabeth shares research and guest takeaways from “Powering Travel,” emphasizing the science of happiness in travel.

  • Quote: “You can have enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning on any vacation, at any price point—if you’re mindful and do it right.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [09:25]

• Reevaluating High-Cost Travel
  Spending more doesn’t guarantee more meaning or fun, especially with kids:

  • Quote: “You can’t really expect a child to have a ton of fun if you spent a lot of money—just throw that idea out the window.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [11:07]

2. Practical Money-Saving Travel Strategies ([11:43]–[12:35])

• Shop Around For Deals
  Use multiple platforms (not just Expedia) to track flight/hotel prices and snatch bargains.

  • Quote: “A lot of people look at at least seven websites... It feels really good to get a bargain.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [11:47]

• Be Aware of Hidden Fees
  Know the true cost upfront—resort fees, rental car add-ons, etc.

3. The Rise of “Set-Jetting” and Social Media Influence ([13:02]–[16:20])

• What is “Set-Jetting”?
  Travelers are increasingly booking trips based on TV and movies (e.g., “White Lotus” in Thailand, “Downton Abbey” in the UK).

  • Quote: “More than 60%, 81% of folks on the younger side, are now basing their travel trips on movies and TV shows.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [13:24]
  • Tame Tapting Tong (“White Lotus”) offered insider tips on traveling in Thailand [14:10]

• Potential Pitfalls
  Set-jetting may clash with the desire for true local or authentic experiences—do research and rely on reviews.

  • Quote: “You show up at a hotel that’s got nothing interior-wise to represent that you’re in that country. Really do your research.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [14:52]

4. Tips for “Authentic” Local Experiences ([17:32]–[22:19])

• Cultivating Curiosity on the Road
  Inspired by Phil Kogan (“The Amazing Race” host): Engage with locals, ask for genuine recommendations.

  • Quote: “Don’t just have the bacon and eggs in the hotel room—talk to people, get out there, ask where they get coffee.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [17:39]
  • Memorable moment: Phil Kogan eating Domino’s pizza under the Sphinx, embracing the unexpected local norm [18:35]

• Finding Hidden Gems
  Use online forums and passionate communities (e.g., niche scuba diving bulletin boards) to discover less-touristed experiences.

  • “I go on Reddit, old-school bulletins for divers… that’s where you find the authentic places.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [20:05]

5. Why Local Experiences Leave a Mark ([21:35]–[23:26])

• Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
  The difference between pleasure (immediate gratification) and enjoyment (social, meaningful, lasting).

  • Quote: “Enjoyment is something you do with people, and it has meaning. So seek out enjoyment and get a little outside your comfort zone.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [21:45]

• Cost is Not the Key Factor
  Dense, meaningful memories can happen close to home, with low spending—e.g., a simple walk and ice cream in Maine.

  • Quote: “Aside from the ice cream, you couldn’t have a cheaper outing. But I’ll remember it, because—new place with people I love.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [22:30]

6. Destinations and Planning for Sustainability ([24:06]–[25:56])

• Expedia’s “Destinations of the Year”
  • Choices consider local sustainability, community balance, and meaningful travel. Highlights:
    • International: Cotswolds (UK), Hobart (Tasmania), Sardinia (Italy)
    • US: Big Sky (Montana), Fort Walton Beach (Florida) [24:41–25:26]
  • All are either accessible or exemplify “do more with less” ethos.

7. Making Travel More Comfortable—Even on a Budget ([25:56]–[27:25])

• Road-Trip and Airline Hacks
  • Bring homemade snacks/baked goods to save money and add comfort.
    • “There’s nothing better than showing up with a whole tin of brownies…” — Elisabeth Goodridge [26:20]
  • Use a foot hammock on long flights for comfort—even in economy.

8. Travel Hot Takes & Luggage Hacks ([27:25]–[28:56])

• Best Luggage Advice: Mix and Match

  • If traveling with a companion and checking bags, split your belongings between suitcases—so if one is lost, both travelers still have essentials.
    • Quote: “No matter what, they had each other’s clothes because they’d split up their things.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [27:40]

• Carry a Swimsuit on Every Trip

  • “Even if there’s no pool, no ocean, I’m still bringing it. You never know!” — Sally French [28:39]

9. Listener Q&A: Maximizing Points for Star Alliance Flights ([29:22]–[31:27])

• Capital One Points Tips
  • Avianca is a great Star Alliance transfer partner—can book Turkish Airlines with Avianca miles.
  • Air Canada Aeroplan: excellent for first/business class (e.g., Lufthansa first class for 90k points if available).
  • Singapore Airlines: Also a solid strategy, though slightly higher redemption rates.
  • JetBlue now partners with United, potentially enabling creative US redemptions (mind the suboptimal transfer ratios).

Notable Quotes & Time-stamps

• “You can have enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning on any vacation at any price point if you are mindful and you do it right.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [09:25]
• “A kid wants to have fun. He could be having fun in the ugliest hotel pool, but because it’s a pool, it doesn’t matter how much money.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [11:07]
• “Enjoyment is actually something you do with people, and it has meaning. Seek out enjoyment, and just get a little outside your comfort zone.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [21:45]
• “Aside from the ice cream, you couldn’t have a cheaper outing. But I’ll remember that... new place with people I love.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [22:30]
• “No matter what, they had each other’s clothes because they’d split up their things.” — Elisabeth Goodridge [27:40]
• “Even if there’s no pool, no ocean, I’m still bringing a swimsuit. You never know!” — Sally French [28:39]

Segment Timestamps

• 00:16 — What makes travel meaningful
• 03:23 — United / JetBlue news, travel partnerships
• 07:31 — Introducing Elisabeth Goodridge, guest
• 09:25 — Enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning in travel
• 13:24 — The “set-jetting” trend: travel influenced by pop culture
• 17:39 — How to find authentic, local experiences
• 20:05 — Using online communities for hidden gem recommendations
• 21:45 — The importance of enjoyment and stepping outside your comfort zone
• 22:30 — Example of a great, low-cost memory (Maine trip)
• 24:41 — “Destinations of the Year”: sustainability and meaning
• 25:56 — Making travel more comfortable and memorable en route
• 27:40 — Travel hot take: Split luggage when traveling with someone
• 29:22 — Listener Q&A: Using Capital One points and Star Alliance
• 31:39 — Social media plugs & wrap-up

Conclusion

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for travelers looking to create richer, more memorable journeys—without breaking the bank. The takeaways? Curiosity, mindfulness, and relationships matter more than what you spend. Do your research, seek authentic local moments, and use tech (and old-school tricks) to maximize your travel dollar. Remember to look beyond glossy “set-jetting” shots and build real connections—sometimes, the cheapest adventures are the most valuable.