Join Genni Franklin from Traveling Franklins Blog as she shares simple, stress-free strategies to help you travel more for less.
With nearly a decade of experience in points and miles, Genni makes travel rewards easy to understand and use.
This podcast is for the everyday traveler—whether you're a beginner, a casual explorer, or just looking for simpler ways to maximize your points and your cash.
Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast delivers practical tips, relatable stories, and actionable advice to help you maximize your travel budget without the hassle.
Tune in for easy tips on saving money, using points effectively, and traveling smarter.
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Season 1 Wrap Up: Travelmore Conference, UK Adventures & What’s Ahead
Season 1 · Episode 18
Monday, August 25, 2025 • Duration 04:41
Season 1 of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast is officially wrapped!
In this short update, I’m sharing why I’m taking a quick break before launching Season 2, what’s on the horizon this fall, and how you can stay connected in the meantime.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
Why I’m pressing pause to recharge and prep for Season 2
Our upcoming two-week Florida RV trip (our longest yet—and Sky’s first big adventure 🐾)
Thank you for being part of this community—I’m so grateful for your support. Season 2 is coming soon, and I can’t wait to bring you more tips, stories, and strategies to help you travel more for less.
And as always—keep it simple, keep it fun, and keep exploring!
Best Flights, Best Prices: Google Flights Tips with Taima
Season 1 · Episode 17
Monday, August 18, 2025 • Duration 01:02:07
If you’ve ever booked the cheapest flight… only to find yourself on a three-layover marathon wishing you’d spent a little more, this episode is going to change how you search forever.
I’m joined by Taima Ramsey from Poor in a Private Plane, who’s made a career out of finding luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag.
Together, we’re breaking down how to find the best flights—not just the cheapest—so you can travel in comfort without blowing your budget.
In this episode, we cover:
Why “budget” doesn’t have to mean “cheap” (and how to get intentional about your travel choices)
How to use Google Flights Explore to discover destinations you didn’t even know were possible
The price tracking trick that saved Taima’s parents $400 in just 24 hours
The “date grid” feature that can shave hundreds off your airfare
Hidden tools like the Points Path Chrome extension for points and miles fans
Why booking direct is usually smarter than third-party sites
Taima’s “Travel Roulette” method for spontaneous, affordable trips
Mistakes to avoid when using points & miles so you get the best value
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction
00:56 Taima's Journey to Luxury Travel on a Budget
02:43 Defining Budget Travel vs. Cheap Travel
04:28 Strategies for Budget Travel
08:57 Google Flights: A Powerful Tool for Travelers
13:16 Exploring Google Flights Features
24:19 Other Travel Search Engines and Tools
33:29 Favorite Airlines and Travel Preferences
34:22 Traveling to the Philippines: Flight Challenges
34:35 Loyalty to Delta and Its Partners
35:41 Avoiding Budget Airlines
37:25 Budgeting for Better Travel Experiences
38:37 Finding the Best Flight Deals
40:30 Maximizing Points and Miles
40:42 Planning a Trip to Mexico on a Budget
42:22 Using Google Flights for Travel Planning
From Zero to $30,000 in Savings: Iran's Journey with Travel Points and Miles
Season 1 · Episode 16
Monday, August 11, 2025 • Duration 47:30
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, I’m joined by Iran—someone who proves you don’t need to do everything perfectly to travel big with points and miles.
Iran started just like many of us: no clue about travel rewards, just a tempting Delta offer in her inbox.
Fast forward a year, and she’s booked a $7,400+ trip to Kauai for her family—flights, Hyatt stay, lounge access, and upgrades included—for under $50.
And now? She’s planning a $30,000 Europe adventure using points.
Iran shares:
How she got started with zero knowledge and one Delta card
Her strategy for booking Hyatt stays and Virgin Atlantic flights
Mistakes she made (including a Hyatt status mishap)
Why flexible points came later—and how that actually helped
Practical tips for beginners, including travel budgeting and credit card strategy
Iran’s story is down-to-earth and encouraging, especially if you’re just starting out or still figuring it all out.
European Christmas Markets in Berlin, Munich, Salzburg & Paris
Season 1 · Episode 15
Monday, August 4, 2025 • Duration 01:05:01
In this episode, Genni and her mom, Gloria, continue Part 2 of their magical European Christmas market adventure!
From bratwurst and gingerbread in Berlin to twinkling lights in Paris, they share their favorite markets, cozy eats, money-saving hacks, and what they’d do differently next time.
🎄 Whether you're dreaming of a festive winter trip or just love hearing about holiday food and travel mishaps, this one’s for you.
✨ Highlights:
Favorite markets & most festive cities (spoiler: Germany wins!)
The Eierpunsch fail (egg punch ≠ eggnog 😬)
Käsespätzle: Genni’s mac-and-cheese obsession comes to life
How they saved big with the Bayern Ticket
Pro tip: bring bubble wrap if you’re collecting mugs
Budget-friendly hotel & flight hacks
Paris markets: pretty, but not so magical
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro 01:02 – Berlin hotels & getting around 05:32 – Berlin’s Christmas markets 12:28 – Best (and worst) market foods 23:23 – Night tour & frosted mugs 30:39 – Flight to Munich 32:07 – Munich Airport Christmas market 33:21 – Exploring Munich’s Old Town markets 35:36 – Day trip to Salzburg 46:54 – Back to Munich for more festive fun 53:59 – Flight to Paris 57:59 – Comparing Paris to Germany’s markets 01:00:29 – Final thoughts & travel tips
📍 Trip Overview
Berlin Hotels: Moxy Berlin Airport, H10 Berlin Ku’damm Markets: Breitscheidplatz, Potsdamer Platz, Alexanderplatz, Rotes Rathaus Sites: Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Church Must-try foods: Lebkuchen, Glühwein, Käsespätzle, bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen
Munich Hotel Mio by Amano (Sendlinger Tor) Marienplatz, Rindermarkt, Wittelsbacherplatz (medieval), Residenz Frauenkirche, Asam Church, Glockenspiel Der Pschorr – pretzel, beer & beef stew
Christmas in July: Planning Our Dream Trip to Europe’s Christmas Markets
Season 1 · Episode 14
Monday, July 28, 2025 • Duration 48:04
In this 2 Part episode, host Genni Franklin is joined by her mom (and OG travel partner), Gloria, to recount the beginning of their magical multi-city European Christmas market adventure.
They share how they turned a bucket list dream into reality—on a budget—using points and miles to book flights to Germany, planning a strategic 13-hour layover in Amsterdam, and kicking off their holiday itinerary in Berlin.
From how they chose their destinations to why AirTags might actually stress you out, this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes planning, and hilarious mother-daughter moments.
Whether you’re dreaming of glühwein and twinkling lights or just want a cozy travel story to escape the summer heat, you’ll get helpful tips for planning your own festive getaway—without breaking the bank.
And don't forget to listen to Part 2!
🎄 Topics covered:
Using Chase Ultimate Rewards and Flying Blue to book Europe flights
Pros and cons of long layovers (and how to handle them)
What to expect from economy meals on KLM
How to store luggage at Schiphol Airport
Why Gloria loves collecting Christmas mugs and Genni’s ornament tradition
How to survive Europe in December as a Floridian
Hotel strategy: points vs. location convenience
Planning vs. winging it: how they tag-teamed the logistics and the sightseeing
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Podcast
00:20 Introducing the Christmas Markets Adventure
00:50 Booking Affordable Flights and Tackling Layovers
01:30 The Inspiration Behind the Trip
04:10 Planning the Itinerary and Choosing Destinations
06:07 Researching and Preparing for the Trip
10:25 Exploring Berlin's Christmas Markets
11:42 Travel Logistics and Flight Experiences
23:02 Navigating Amsterdam Layover
26:53 Arrival in Amsterdam and Customs Experience
The Smart Way to Buy Points and Score Luxury Stays on a Budget
Season 1 · Episode 13
Monday, July 21, 2025 • Duration 49:46
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin sits down with Ionna from @travelpointsandviews to talk about one of the most underrated (and misunderstood) strategies in the points and miles world:
Buying Points.
That’s right—paying money for points can actually make sense in the right situation.
From scoring a $3,100 luxury hotel stay in NYC for just $1,600 to planning a $10K Miraval trip using a clever buy-and-transfer combo, Ionna breaks down when and why buying points is a power move, not a rookie mistake.
You’ll learn:
When buying points is a smart travel hack (and when it’s not)
How Ionna turned Hyatt sales into serious savings
The fine print you must read before buying
Why it might be better to buy points instead of burning your flexible stash
How to use tools like MaxMyPoint to track award availability
The #1 mistake travelers make when buying points
What to know about bonus point sales and annual limits
Why buying points is perfect for lazy (yet savvy) travelers
If you’ve ever scrolled past a “buy points now!” email and thought “yeah, hard pass”—this episode might change your mind.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why buying points might be your new secret weapon
02:00 – Meet Ionna: Lazy travel hacker, South Floridian, and points pro
04:30 – What buying points really means (and why it's not a scam)
07:00 – A $600+ DC hotel stay… for $412? Here’s how
10:30 – The $3K NYC trip hack: Hyatt + sale = luxury stay for less
14:00 – How to use MaxMyPoint to snag award availability
18:00 – When not to buy points
22:30 – Read the fine print: Buying points through points.com
25:00 – How Ionna stacked calendar years to double her point purchase limit
29:30 – Turning a $10K Miraval stay into a $2.6K redemption win
Big Trip, Small Budget: 5 Weeks in Europe with Points and $100 a Day
Season 1 · Episode 12
Monday, July 14, 2025 • Duration 59:53
Big Trip, Small Budget: How Kendyl Traveled Europe for 5 1/2 Weeks using Points & $100 a Day (for 2 people)
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin welcomes Kendyl Grender, a budget travel expert behind @kendyltravels.
Kendyl shares her story about how she and her husband spent 5 1/2 weeks traveling through Europe on points and just $100 a day for food, activities, and transportation.
From strategic credit card use to eating like a local, Kendyl shares exactly how she made it happen, without sacrificing comfort or missing out on epic experiences.
You’ll learn:
How Kendyl saved and planned for a "mini-retirement"
The points strategy that helped her book flights and hotels across six countries
Why she mixes points with smart cash deals
How she stuck to a $100/day budget without feeling deprived
Tips for navigating public transportation, eating well, and traveling intentionally
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:15 Kendyl's Journey to Budget Travel
02:28 Planning the European Adventure
03:49 Executing the Budget Travel Plan
06:02 Maximizing Points and Miles
10:00 Detailed Itinerary and Accommodations
14:00 Budgeting and Strategic Planning
23:17 Alternative Destinations and DIY Experiences
27:55 Tracking and Prioritizing Expenses
30:56 Saving Money on Must-Do Experiences
33:24 Strategizing for Food Savings
42:13 Public Transportation Tips
50:01 Rapid Fire Questions
53:42 Group Trips and Final Thoughts
Connect with Kendyl: Learn more about Kendyl's adventures and tips by visiting her website and following her on social media.
Exploring National Parks on a Budget
Season 1 · Episode 11
Monday, June 30, 2025 • Duration 44:17
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, Genni Franklin is joined by Teresa Kul, a national parks enthusiast who has visited 356 out of 433 park sites, including all 50 states.
We’re diving into one of the most scenic (and surprisingly strategic!) travel topics: how to plan a national park trip without blowing your budget.
Whether you dream of hiking through Zion, exploring caves in Kentucky, or relaxing by alpine lakes in Montana, this episode is packed with tips for stretching your dollars, using travel rewards wisely, and even finding last-minute lodging like a pro.
In This Episode:
How Teresa visited 356+ National Park sites (and counting!)
The best seasons to visit popular parks to avoid crowds and save money
Smart strategies for booking national park lodging, even if it’s last-minute
Renting a car for less using AutoSlash
Packing food like a pro to avoid overpriced meals in-park
Why Best Western and Hyatt are two underrated hotel options for park stays
How to use points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Delta SkyMiles) to make national park trips more affordable
Tips for families, solo travelers, and anyone who wants gorgeous views without death-defying hikes
Rapid fire favorites: dream parks, best hikes, go-to snacks, and more
Whether you're just getting into Points & Miles or already have a park pass packed with stamps, this one’s for you.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:18 The Allure of National Parks
03:13 Favorite National Parks and Experiences
07:12 Planning Tips and Best Times to Visit
08:08 Accommodation Strategies
15:18 Underrated National Parks to Visit
20:24 Transportation and Car Rentals
21:56 Booking Rental Cars with AutoSlash
22:49 Saving Money on Hotel Bookings
23:38 Packing Food for National Park Trips
24:40 Hydration and Hiking Tips
27:04 Leveraging Points and Miles
29:25 Choosing the Right Credit Cards
One Card, Five Flights, and a Whole New Way to Travel
Season 1 · Episode 10
Monday, June 23, 2025 • Duration 49:55
In this episode, Genni is joined by Kelsey Graves, a travel-loving mom, podcast host, and content creator who’s made unforgettable family trips possible, starting with just one travel rewards credit card.
Kelsey shares how opening the Chase Sapphire Preferred card turned into five free flights to NYC for her family, a luxe couples escape to Cabo, and a summer road trip to the Grand Canyon and Page, Arizona—all booked with points. She’s learned to earn smarter, redeem better, and enjoy bougie travel without the bougie budget.
This episode is for you if:
You’re brand new to points and miles
You’ve been sitting on one card and wondering what’s next
You want to travel more without going into debt
You’re craving real-life, beginner-friendly examples of how travel rewards actually work
✨ What You’ll Learn:
How Kelsey used one card to unlock multiple redemptions
Her first big redemption using Chase points through the portal (and whether she’d do it again)
How she flew a family of 5 to NYC using points + the Southwest Companion Pass
What cards she’s using now and how she organizes her strategy
Tips for emailing hotels to request upgrades (and how it worked!)
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Lazy Budget Travel Tips
00:23 Meet Kelsey Graves: Travel Expert and Content Creator
02:16 Kelsey's Journey into Points and Miles
08:00 First Redemption Experience: Chase Sapphire Preferred
15:59 Southwest Points and Companion Pass Success
21:03 Strategizing Points for Future Travels
23:58 Family Travel Plans and RV Adventures
24:36 Maximizing Points for Summer Trips
25:41 Exploring the Grand Canyon with Points
27:25 Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell Stay
28:29 Emailing for Upgrades and Benefits
31:28 Final Redemption: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
33:57 Couple's Trip to Cabo: The Cape Thompson Hotel
Diving into Affordable Luxury: Short All-Inclusive Trips on Points
Season 1 · Episode 9
Monday, June 16, 2025 • Duration 54:02
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin dives into luxury travel that doesn’t require months of PTO or millions of points.
Joined by Jen Wennerberg from Dive Into Points, this episode is all about how short, all-inclusive trips—especially using Hyatt points—can offer big luxury without the big spend.
Jen is a mom of three, a passionate scuba diver, and a points and miles enthusiast who shows us that you can sneak away for quick three- to four-night getaways, dive into epic experiences, and come back refreshed, without draining your points or your wallet.
We cover how Jen got started with points, why she prioritizes Hyatt all-inclusives, how to plan short, luxurious escapes, and the value you can get per point (think 2–3 cents per point and $600-a-night resorts for free!).
Plus, she shares tips on balancing parent life and travel, how to onboard a reluctant Player Two, and why room service might be the most underrated perk of all.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Luxury Travel on a Budget
01:00 Jen's Journey into Scuba Diving and Travel
03:17 Getting Started with Points and Miles
05:47 Real-Life Strategies for Points and Miles
10:08 Exploring All-Inclusive Resorts with Points
17:22 Booking and Maximizing All-Inclusive Stays
27:01 Comparing Costs and Value of All-Inclusive Trips
28:39 Maximizing Chase Points for Travel
30:05 Getting Your Partner on Board with Points and Miles
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Salzburg (Day Trip) Transport: Bayern Ticket (regional pass) Stops: Café Fürst (Mozartkugel!), Mirabellplatz, Domplatz, Residenzplatz Sites: Mozart’s Birthplace, St. Peter’s Church, Sound of Music garden
Paris Hotel: Hotel Thérèse (near the Louvre) Markets: Tuileries Garden, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Sites: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Galeries Lafayette Activity: Big Bus Paris Christmas Illuminations Tour
✈️ Pro Tip:
Bring bubble wrap if you’re collecting Christmas market mugs — it saved their souvenirs on the way home!
40:34 Final Hours in Amsterdam and Return to Airport
43:11 Arrival in Berlin and Hotel Stay
45:18 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode
🎧 Listen now and come back next week for Part 2, where they’ll cover the rest of the trip through Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and Paris—plus their favorite Christmas market of all and how they made the most of their short stays.
