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Scott and Nena share why they love to travel by cruise ship. They talk about what makes cruising a great vacation, from its value to the ease of seeing new places. You'll also hear their tips for choosing the right cruise line, what to do when you get to port, and how you might even get a free trip.

A Note on Safety: Cruises are generally safe, but you should always be aware of your surroundings, both on and off the ship. Nena reminds you that crimes on ships can go underreported, so it is important to be careful.

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Meet Nena and Scott, the "Unusual Besties." They met almost a decade ago when Nena was 18 and Scott was 41. Despite their playful bickering and varied backgrounds, their friendship has thrived over the years.

They have visited over 40 US states together, staying in teepees, vintage trailers, and Conestoga wagons. Their shared interests include luxury and quirky travel, plus a love for discount shopping.

In this trailer episode, Nena and Scott introduce their podcast and preview what comes next. You will hear about credit cards, travel tips (Nena was a flight attendant and is now learning to be a pilot), shopping finds, and spirituality, including Nena’s insights on manifesting.

Listen as Nena and Scott share their stories. You can also send them requests for topics they should discuss. Subscribe to "Unusual Besties" and become a bestie!

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Scott and Nina discuss credit cards and how you can maximize your rewards. Scott shares his strategies for getting free travel, lounge access, and hotel upgrades. He advises you to look beyond your bank’s standard card and use different cards for different spending categories like groceries, gas, or dining to earn more – aim for at least 2% back on your everyday purchases. For groceries, Scott suggests a card like the Amex Blue Cash Preferred for 6% back. If you travel often, the Amex Platinum offers benefits like lounge access and travel credits that can offset its annual fee; the Venture X is a good lower-fee travel alternative.

Nina talks about using her Amex Platinum and getting free hotel nights with a Marriott Bonvoy card. Scott and Nina also cover timing your new card applications to hit sign-up bonuses, the value of status matching between loyalty programs, and using services like Amex concierge. Scott encourages you to choose cards strategically and offers to answer your questions.

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