Podcast Summary: Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Episode: How to Pay for Study Abroad and Save Overseas (Plus: Alaska Airlines’ New Rewards Program and Premium Travel Card)

Date: August 20, 2025
Hosts: Sally French and Meghan Coyle
Guest: Eliza Haverstock (NerdWallet higher education & student loans writer)

Episode Overview

This episode of Smart Travel from NerdWallet dives into savvy strategies for planning and budgeting for study abroad programs and saving money while traveling overseas. It also breaks down the new Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards program and premium credit card, discusses travel card perks, and explores key choices like using points or cash, managing expenses, and maximizing student discounts. Guest expert Eliza Haverstock shares in-depth financial strategies for study abroad, from scholarships to budgeting hacks.

Key Segments, Insights, and Quotes

1. Alaska Airlines’ New Credit Card & Atmos Rewards Program

(Segment: 02:10–08:12)

Main Points:

• New Card Launch: The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite carries a $395 annual fee but offers a substantial sign-up bonus:

  “100,000 bonus points if you spend $6,000 in the first 90 days.” – Sally (02:48)

• Perks:
  • Eight Alaska lounge passes per year; each pass admits one cardholder plus two guests age 21 or younger – inclusive for families.
  • Global Companion Award: Use up to 25,000 points for any partner flight, any class, worldwide (including business/first).

    “You could use this companion pass to possibly fly over an Atlantic or Pacific Ocean… it seems like you can really maximize it way better.” – Meghan (04:45)

  • Automatic $50 voucher for flight delays over 2 hours, payout is instant.

    “I like that it’s not formal travel insurance… it just automatically shows up in your account.” – Meghan (05:29)

  • No change fees for same-day changes, up to $120 PreCheck/Global Entry credit, hotel point transfers (Marriott/IHG), 10K “status point” boost.
• Rewards Program Revamp:
  • “Miles” now called “points”; flexible earning (distance, ticket price, or segments).
  • Status thresholds increasing next year, but no award chart devaluation—yet.

    “You can tailor it to what helps you earn the most.” – Sally (07:17)

  • Legacy $95 Alaska card and Hawaiian Airlines card remain.

Notable Moment:

“Alaska has a huge presence in SFO… I’m also thinking about ditching Southwest. So maybe Alaska is the way.” – Sally (08:01)

2. Royal Caribbean’s New Star of the Seas Ship

(Segment: 08:16–10:02)

Highlights:

• Sally’s cruise review: 7,500 guests, waterpark at sea, Olympic ice rink & diving shows, art installations, three-story family townhouse with slide.
• Sally did 30,000 steps/day on the ship and “still didn’t see it all.”

Notable Moment:

“Central Park area with live trees… There are trees on this ship… already planning my trip back!” – Sally (09:18)

3. Deep Dive: Study Abroad Planning & Budgeting

(Segment: 10:06–31:36)

a) Value and Options for Study Abroad

• First major independent travel for many (host history: Germany, New Zealand, Costa Rica, France).
• Guest Eliza shares her experience in Lyon, France:

  “I do [speak French]. I’m pretty good. Don’t test me on it right now.” – Eliza (10:59)

b) Types of Programs and How to Choose

(11:31–13:56)

• Exchange Programs: Pay your US school’s tuition, use financial aid, logistics handled.
• Third-party (private) Programs: More expensive, often include group trips, check for credit acceptance.
• Direct Enrollment: Most immersive, possibly cheapest, but more paperwork/risk.

  “If you want to be immersed… reach out to schools abroad and see if they’ll take you for a semester.” – Eliza (12:58)

c) Cost of Living Factors

• Big cities (Paris, London) = high food/housing costs but easier travel; small towns = cheaper, possibly higher travel costs.

  “It’s just like the US… NYC is more expensive than a college town.” – Eliza (14:04)

d) Financial Aid & Scholarships for Study Abroad

(16:10–18:51)

• Most federal aid/grants transfer, except work-study. Inquire with your aid office.

• Key Scholarship: Benjamin Gilman Scholarship (for Pell Grant recipients; up to $5,000, potentially more for specific languages/STEM).

  “If you receive federal loans or Pell grants… in most cases you can use that for your study abroad program.” – Eliza (16:27)

• Google search for country+“study abroad scholarship”; State Department has a strong database.

“A lot of students feel similarly—‘why would I apply?’—but… if no one’s applying, maybe your odds are better.” – Eliza (18:26)

e) Community College and Non-Traditional Access

(19:02–19:27)

• Many community colleges offer flexible, shorter programs and can use Gilman.

f) Hidden & Unforeseen Costs

(19:45–21:07)

• Visa fees, health insurance, exchange rates, emergency funds.

  “You might have to pay $100–200 for the appointment, travel to an embassy… exchange rates can impact cost.” – Eliza (19:58)

• Pad budget by 10% for emergencies, consider cell phone/internet plans.

g) Budgeting Tactics & Tools

(21:33–23:55)

• Most schools require you to create a budget worksheet before departure.
• Start saving early (summer job, subletting apartment/car, creative side hustles).
• Team up: Find deals, split meals, stay in hostels, use student discounts.
• Trains > ride-shares for affordability.

  “Leverage your friends to find ways to save money as well.” – Sally (22:17)

4. Travel Credit Cards for Students Abroad

(23:55–26:53)

Main Advice:

• Students should consider “beginner” cards with no annual fee and, crucially, no foreign transaction fees.

  "The best card for students… is any card with no annual fee that does not charge foreign transaction fees.” – Sally (26:42)

• Most students may need to be authorized users (on parent/family cards) to qualify.
• Credit cards offer fraud protection—safer than debit/cash.
• Always pay in local currency, never USD, for best exchange rate.

  “If you’re paying and it gives you the option… choose a local currency.” – Eliza (26:42)

5. Why Study Abroad is Worth It

(27:13–29:34)

Perspectives:

• Once-in-a-lifetime experience, fosters personal growth, language skills, and boosts job prospects.

  “Employers… appreciate study abroad experience in applicants, especially in this globalized world.” – Eliza (27:41)

• It’s easier (and more fun) to learn a language when immersed.

  “Duolingo at home doesn’t hit the same as actually ordering in the country.” – Sally (27:59)

• Find your own travel style early.

  “There were so many like soft lessons in studying abroad as well.” – Meghan (28:16)

6. Hot Takes (Hot Takeoff)

(29:34–31:00)

Guest Eliza’s Hot Take:

• If English is your first language, study in a country where it isn’t spoken.

  “…having to solve these big problems day-to-day… can be a really enriching experience.” – Eliza (29:49)

• And: “Take an overnight bus. It builds character.” – Eliza (30:44)

Hosts’ Laughs & Reflections:

• Don’t always tell your parents about your riskier travel plans!

Useful Timestamps

• Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards/Credit Card: 02:10–08:12
• Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas Review: 08:16–10:02
• Study Abroad Segment Begins: 10:06
• Program Types/Cost of Living: 11:31–14:54
• Financial Aid/Scholarships Advice: 16:10–18:51
• Budgeting/Unexpected Costs: 19:45–23:55
• Student Travel Credit Card Advice: 23:55–26:53
• Why Study Abroad is Worth It: 27:13–29:34
• Hot Takeoff Segment: 29:34–31:00

Memorable Quotes

• On the new Atmos Card Perk:

  “This is wild… an automatic instant $50 voucher if your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more for any reason. I’ve never seen anything like this on a card. It almost makes you wish your flight was delayed.” – Sally (05:05)

• On maximizing travel on a budget:

  “We found this pasta place where you could fill up your plate… we just stacked the plate as high as possible… this is our breakfast, lunch, dinner…” – Sally (22:17)

• On the essential value of study abroad:

  “You might not get the chance to live and study in a foreign country for months at a time again… there’s a lot of data from employers out there saying that they appreciate study abroad experience…” – Eliza (27:24)

• On travel credit card safety:

  “Credit cards are one of the safest ways to pay.” – Sally (25:05)

• On Eliza’s hot take:

  “If English is your first language, you should study abroad in a non-English speaking country… It’s really cool context just to have.” – Eliza (29:49)

Takeaways & Action Items

• Start planning early for study abroad, especially if applying for scholarships.
• Seek out school-sponsored programs for easiest tuition transfer and support.
• Research all financial aid options, including the Gilman Scholarship and those offered by your host country.
• Proactively budget for hidden costs: visas, health insurance, emergency funds.
• Choose a no-fee, no foreign transaction fee credit card—consider becoming an authorized user.
• Maximize savings with student discounts, public transit, shared housing, and cheap eats.
• Use the immersive opportunity to grow, build new skills, and test your independence.

Conclusion

Smart Travel delivers a comprehensive, high-energy guide for students, parents, and travelers interested in making the most of international study and saving money abroad. Packed with actionable tips, entertaining anecdotes, and candid hot takes, this episode is a must-listen—or must-read—for anyone dreaming of or planning a global adventure on a student budget.