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.

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, NerdWallet's free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.

To listen to more Powerting Travel episodes, visit our website and browse all 5 seasons!

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.

Traveling with family can create memories that last a lifetime. But what’s the secret to making those moments truly extraordinary?

Actor and singer Jaime Camil joins host Elisabeth Goodridge to unpack what authentic travel experiences with family look and feel like.

Jaime reflects on how his father sparked his love for travel, teaching him to appreciate the difference between luxurious escapes and genuine, affordable adventures. Now a father himself, he shares how he finds that magic with his own children and what hotels can do to create unique experiences that go far beyond a pool or room service. The answer is simple: the best stays are the ones that immerse families in the local culture.

Ready to see what destinations await? Visit Jaime’s Travel Shop mentioned in this episode! Plus, check out more details of the interview on Expedia Group’s website.

Does a meaningful trip create happiness? Elisabeth sits down with Harvard professor and bestselling author, Arthur Brooks, to explore why travel is one of the most powerful tools we have for building joy.

Arthur shares what he considers the three "macronutrients" of happiness and how travel delivers them through a change in routine, memory-making, and shared experience. He describes how the best trips — from spontaneous adventures to quiet moments on the beach — involve a little excitement, a little fear, and a lot of meaning.



Tune in to learn the science behind how to make travel memories last and what the travel industry needs to understand about creating real emotional value.

Curious what it takes to make your vacation rental stand out? Discover the secrets of remarkable hosting from Alex Lluch, the proud owner of Villa Fabulosa, one of Vrbo’s Vacation Rentals of the Year. Joining guest host and Expedia Group’s Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships, Tim Rosolio, Alex shares the inspiring story of how he entered the vacation rental world and what it took to build one of the most unique and sought-after properties in Temecula, California.

From two pizza ovens and a teppanyaki grill to a full 18-hole miniature golf course, Villa Fabulosa is more than just a rental, it’s a destination. Alex dives into the inspiration behind the modern, Ibiza-style design and explains how he curates unforgettable stays by carefully vetting guests, offering hyper-detailed welcome videos, and maintaining top-notch service through rapid maintenance response and proactive upkeep. He also shares heartfelt reflections on what this journey has meant for his family, his business, and his future.

More than just a lush and vibrant place to visit, Thailand recently took center stage on the global screen in season three of “The White Lotus.” Elisabeth Goodridge sits down with show actor Tayme Thapthimthong to talk about what it was like filming for an international audience, how the show prioritized Thai culture and representation, and the surge in set-jetting. They dive into what makes Thailand so special, from the richness of everyday local life to its deep-rooted cultural heritage. The conversation then turns to travel, sharing must-see destinations, a sample itinerary, and the special places Tayme is connected to. Finally, Tayme and Elisabeth explore what makes a hotel truly memorable, emphasizing the importance of design that reflects and respects local culture. Whether you're in hospitality, a travel lover, or a “The White Lotus” fan, this episode takes you behind the camera and deep into the heart of a country as beautiful as its culture.

Back and better than ever, it's season five of Powering Travel! With so many new forces influencing how travelers find their next destination, the industry is evolving at lightning speed. This season, stay ahead of what inspires travelers and what turns a good trip into a great one. Join our new host, Elisabeth Goodridge, an award-winning travel editor and avid explorer, as she sits down with globe-trotting executives, culinary innovators, entertainers, and industry experts to unpack the business of travel in all its forms.

Hear the latest trends, big ideas, and unforgettable stories from the people shaping the future of travel. Find the full episodes of your favorite guests on our website and wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you're in the travel industry or just love to explore the world, Powering Travel will keep you informed, inspired, and ready for what’s coming next.