To kick the new year off, were sharing our top tips and hacks to travel a little more luxury using points, miles, and credit card perks the smart way. We share tips about staying organized and tracking bonuses to flying premium cabins, scoring luxury hotels for nearly free, and maximizing perks like lounge access and hotel credits. If your2026 resolution is to travel more often and spend less, this is the episode for you!
Track flight deals on Thrifty Traveler Premium! One of our top hacks is combining points bonuses with point flight deals! Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
We’re breaking down what glamping really is and share unforgettable luxury camping experiences around the world that we’ve had, from bubble hotels in Mexico’s wine country to safari lodges in Uganda and hill country luxury tents in Texas. We’re inspiring you to go glamping with all the info on what to expect, who glamping is best for, and why it’s the perfect way to experience nature with comfort, style, and incredible views.
Find a great flight deal to your next glamping destination by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
In this weeks episode, we’re continuing on to Part-two of our adventures in the Canadian Rockies and going to one of the most epic national parks in the world - Banff National Park! We took an early summer trip to this jaw dropping gorgeous destination for several days of hiking, taking in the unreal sights of turquoise blue waters and exploring the great outdoors that only Canada has to offer. If you love lakes, mountains, wildlife, and those beautiful forest mountain vibes, then this is the trip for you! We also dip into nearby Yoho National Park to see the most gorgeous turquoise lake. You don’t want to miss this bonus park when you visit Banff.
In this episode we cover:
Make sure to listen to part 1 of this trip to extend your trip up into Jasper National Park, you won't want to miss the Icefields Parkway! And if you want to take this trip for yourself, download our 7-Day Banff Travel Guide & view our Hiking Must Haves to help take the planning off your shoulders. If you have more time in the area, check out these recommended experiences to get even more out of your trip.
Find a great flight deals to Banff, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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On this week's Just the Tip, we're sharing our practical tips to make the most of your time in the airport during a long layover.
Find a great flight deals by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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That’s a wrap on 2025 travel! We’re sharing all the trips we went on this year and giving you a little wanderlust inspiration along the way!
Together we took 33 trips to 17 countries, 10 U.S. states, and 3 national parks. We put out 76 new episodes about these travels and more so explore the deep dive trip episodes if any of these destinations pique your interest.
Find a great flight and hotel deals by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
Show NotesOn this week's episode we're sharing the best techniques and etiquette for taking picture for fellow travelers, and how you can help someone else take the best travel picture for you!
We've joked about this topic for ages, but now we're breaking down real ways to avoid the dreaded picture fail when you ask that kind stranger to help you out. Remember these travel photography tips for your next trip!
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
In part-one of this two-part episode we head up to Canada to take Jasper National Park by storm! In this episode we detail the first half of our week trip exploring Jasper and Kootenay National Parks. We share our adventures hiking, exploring the gorgeous lakes, seeing bears, dipping in the hot springs, trekking on a glacier, and stopping along the Icefields Parkway.
In this episode we cover:
Make sure to listen to part 2 of this episode where we head to Banff National Park and if you want to take this same exact trip, we have a 7 Day Banff National Park Travel Guide for you to download & Hiking Must Haves to help take the planning off your shoulders. If you have more time in the area, check out these recommended experiences to get even more out of your trip.
Find a great flight deal to Jasper National Park, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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On this week’s Just The Tip, we’re 5 sharing 5 insane luxury resorts we’ve stayed at across the globe that we highly recommend for a splurge vacation! We share what amenities and views mae these next-level, and share some tips to cover the cost with points vs. paying cash out of pocket so you can experience the finer life without breaking the bank!
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach – Phuket, Thailand
Elephant Plains Lodge – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
For the 6th year in a row we are bringing you the very best gifts for travelers! This year we're sharing the hottest presents for the luxury traveler, the organized one, the wellness globetrotter, the tech gear every traveler needs, and for the cautious traveler concerned with safety! We’re also sharing some travel inspiration that would make any vacationer happy!
Everything can be found in our ongoing Best Gifts for Travelers Amazon list.
Scarf that can double as a blanket, fashion, or cover up
Self-closing mini bags
Multi-charging cable
Thrifty Traveler Premium Membership - use our code TSP for $20 your first year subscription
A trip!
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
We’re taking you along with us to Camp Hideaway Retreat to experience luxury tent suites, a quintessential fall retreat in Texas Hill Country! You’ll be inspired to go glamping, experience retreat travel, and start planning a wine tasting getaway Fredericksburg, Texas with your friends and family.
If Camp Hideaway Retreat is booked, we also recommend Longneck Manor, and Stars Hot Tub Dome for a Fredericksburg stay!
Check out our Fredericksburg Viator Shop for experiences, tours, and transfers that we recommend.
Find a great flight deal to Austin (just a 90-minute drive to Fredericksburg) by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.
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In this week's epsiode, we're highlighting Buenos Aires, the metropolitan city, architecture-rich, foodie city in Argentina. We tour the city, immerse ourselves in its history, patroned its rooftop bars, and spent a day at a traditional Guacho Party at the Santa Susana Ranch.
Episode Highlights:
We stayed right near the Obelisk, at the Buenos Aires Marriott. This was a really great location because it was close to Florida St, the Obelisk, Teatro Colon, as well as variety of restaurants and coffee shops. There is so much to do and see in Buenos Aires, so be sure to check out all of the tours we think are worth doing in our Buenos Aires Viator Shop.
This Buenos Aires trip was a continuation of a Gate1 guided tour that started in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and then went to Iguazu Falls so go back and listen to those episodes too!
Find a great flight deal to Buenos Aires, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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We’re taking you to Iguazu Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders and largest waterfalls. It has 75 separate cataracts across a span of two and one-half miles, wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls and more dramatic than both. 80% of the falls are on the Argentinian side and 20% are on the Brazilian side.
Episode Highlights:
Visiting the Brazilian side of the falls including Devil's Throat
Visiting the Argentinian side of the falls via the Upper Circuit
Gran Adventura boat ride to the falls
Where to stay in Iguazu Falls: We loved our stay at Loi Suites, but if you love a luxury stay then consider staying at the Gran Melia.
Don't forget your bug spray!! This is a very tropical, lush, humid area and you will need it. We live and die by this Sawyer insect repellent!
This Iguazu Falls trip was a continuation of a Gate1 guided tour that started in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and then went to Buenos Aires, Argentina so go back and listen to those episodes too!
Find a great flight deal to Iguazu Falls, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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This week's Travel Tuesday takes you along our girls trip to the Napa Valley wine region! Britt and Kim meet Robin there for four winery and tasting experiences, three days, two nights, and one wholesome, silly, and cute weekend. We loved Napa, and you will too!
On this trip we went to 4 amazing wineries and had an amazing brunch:
Here are some resources to help plan your trip to Napa:
Find a great flight deal to Napa, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
On this week’s Just The Tip, we are sharing the ultimate winter travel packing list covering winter clothes, supplies, winter packing gear and beauty & wellness must-haves for the colder season. Everything can be found in the Winter Packing List on our Amazon Shop.
Waterproof Jacket (not just water resistant!)
Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2-Pack or One-Time Use Multi-Pack
Headlamp or small flashlight
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
In this episode we go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and share where we stayed, all the best things to do in Rio and share a few tips we learned that will make your visit to Rio a success, like using an airalo e-sim.
Highlights of this trip were taking in the views atop Sugarloaf Mountain, riding the cogwheel train to the top of Corcovado Mountain to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, and walking along the boardwalk of Copacabana beach. Check out all of the tours we think are worth doing in Rio in our Rio de Janeiro Viator Shop.
We stayed right on Copacabana beach at the Windsor Leme Hotel. The rooftop pool had fantastic views of the beach and the dining area had views of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Another great beach is Ipanema Beach and Atlantis Copacabana Hotel straddles both Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
This Rio de Janeiro trip is the start of a Gate1 guided tour that continued on to Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires, Argentina so listen to those episodes too!
Find a great flight deal to Rio, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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We’re revealing how Thrifty Traveler’s premium subscription helps you travel more for less in 2025. Discover how to find mistake fares, first-class upgrades, and luxury hotel deals using one powerful membership. From flight alerts to insider travel hacks, learn how this subscription turns dream trips into affordable adventures. We share how we've used the subscription to find great deals and how we booked them.
How Thrifty Traveler Premium really works
Custom flight deal alerts from your home airport
Mistake fares & business-class savings
Premium+ hotel deal alerts using travel points
Smart travel hacks & credit card tips
Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year of aThrifty Traveler premium subscription
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
Here’s what you’ll hear:
In this episode, we reveal how to spend 48 hours soaking in the best of Louisville, immerse you in Louisville’s alive and thriving history, local culture, and surrounding things to do and see. There is so much to do in this beautiful city, and the people are some of the most hospiable in the country! Throughout the episode we give you a day-by-day itinerary shows off Louisville’s character and charm and will leave you wanting to book a trip!
If you want to take this exact trip, download our two-day Louisville Itinerary!
Louisville Episode Highlights:
Staying at SuperStays Swepson Guest Loft
Salt Wellness Spa Visit in Crestwood
Eating Kentucky classics like the Hot Brown Sandwich
Visiting Atrium Brewery for their amazing beers and sours
Classic Louisville Museums
Wine tasting at Forest Edge Winery in Shepardsville
Our top recommended accommodation in Louisville:
Or check out these hotels in Louisville
Check out our Louisville Activities & Tours for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to.
Find a great flight deal to Louisville by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
In this week’s Just The Tip, we're sharing 4 splurge-worthy tasting dinners we've done on vacation and inspiring you to indulge in a special, culinary journey while on a trip. And we share a couple more tasting dinner we have our eye on!
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
Today we're taking you to South Western Colorado to spend three days exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park!
Download our Itinerary to follow our same route in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
It is one of Colorado’s four National Parks and is Colorado’s least visited national park. It is in western Colorado, not far from the Utah Border. The Canyon is a deep, steep-walled gorge carved through Precambrian rock by the Gunnison River.
There are two main sections of the park, the more remote North Rim and the more popular South Rim, both have views of the canyon's dramatic drops and the striated Painted Wall cliff. There is another section called East Portal, which is a steep road that descends to the river. The park was named for its cliffs that are often darkened by shadows, making the walls appear black. The canyon itself is so vertical that the Gunnison River drops an average of 43 feet per mile, and 240 feet per mile at its steepest point at Chasm View, making some of the steepest mountain descents in North America.
Episode Highlights:
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
This national park is best seen from May- September. During the winter the north rim shuts down completely and the south rim is only open to the visitor center.
If you are going to visit this park, you'll also want to visit Mesa Verde National Park. Listen to our episode for details before you go!
Find a great flight deal to Black Canyon, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription!
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In this week’s Just The Tip, we share how to score free accommodations around the world by pet sitting, or get free pet sitting for when you are out traveling! We’ll share details about the Trusted Housesitters platform, what to expect from being a host or pet sitter, real stories from Kim’s experiences, and tips for landing your first sit. Perfect for budget travelers, digital nomads, and anyone who loves pets and adventure.
Use our promo code 12TRUST to get 12% off your membership when you sign up at Trusted Housitters using our link!
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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!