Powering Travel host Elisabeth Goodridge joined NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast to discuss how you can make travel more meaningful without overspending or missing out on authentic experiences. Check out the highlights of the episode:

• How do you plan a vacation that feels “worth it” without overspending? What’s the smartest way to turn bank points into long-haul premium flights? Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to design trips that maximize satisfaction and meaning without paying top dollar. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the United and JetBlue’s Blue Sky partnership, Delta adding Crunchyroll to seat-back entertainment alongside free Wi-Fi, and what Travis Kelce’s investment in Six Flags could mean for affordable parks.

• Then, Expedia’s “Powering Travel” podcast host Elisabeth Goodridge joins Meghan to talk about how to build memorable trips. She discusses using reviews and trusted communities to find authentic experiences, considering “destination dupes” to avoid overtourism, and budgeting with hidden fees in mind. Meghan and Sally wrap up the episode by answering a listener’s question about using Capital One points on Star Alliance airlines.

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The meals we remember most aren’t just about flavor — they’re about where we are, who we’re with, and the sense of place on the plate.

In this episode, Chef Julian Hagood joins Elisabeth to explore how travel and food intertwine. Julian shares his journey from New York to Seattle, where he transformed an abandoned bodega into one of the city’s most beloved restaurants.

He reveals some of his favorite dishes inspired by the Pacific Northwest, rooted in seasonal and local ingredients. Julian also talks about why collaboration with local farmers, fishers, and fellow chefs is the secret sauce behind his menus. It’s the small details that contribute to top-notch hospitality.

If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing the world’s best meals or wondered what it takes to create a guest experience worth traveling for, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Travel rewards those who remain curious and immerse themselves in the local culture. For longtime host of “The Amazing Race” Phil Keoghan, missing those opportunities means missing the entire point of the journey.

In this episode, he joins Elisabeth for an inspired conversation about the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of travel. He reflects on his earliest memories abroad and how exposure to diverse cultures shaped his worldview. Phil credits curiosity as the greatest gift he received from his parents, one that continues to fuel his approach to life.

He shares personal stories from the road, along with reflections on hosting over 37 seasons of “The Amazing Race.” From inspiring viewers to explore the world to showing the best of humanity on screen, he talks about how the show has encouraged millions to step outside their comfort zone.

Finally, Phil speaks to the magic that exists beyond group tours and why the moments when things go “wrong” often become the most meaningful memories. It’s these unexpected stories that leave a lasting impression, shaping not only how we travel but how we live.