Lazy Budget Travel Tips – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin interviews Jen Ruiz, a former attorney turned travel expert who's mastered the art of finding unbeatable flight deals and maximizing points and miles to make traveling more affordable. 

Jen shares her strategies for snagging flights as low as $16 to Ecuador and $38 to New Zealand and her insights into budget travel that doesn’t compromise on quality or experience.

Jen also talks about her bestselling books on affordable travel and gives a sneak peek of her upcoming sequel to her latest book, '12 Trips in 12 Months.'

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:58 Jen Ruiz's Journey to Full-Time Travel
02:23 The Importance of Traveling Now
04:49 Finding Cheap Flights: Budget Airlines
06:58 Using Points and Miles for Affordable Travel
07:57 Flight Alert Programs for Beginners
08:52 Getting Started with Travel Credit Cards
13:56 Maximizing Points and Miles
24:31 Favorite Loyalty Programs
27:01 Starwood and Marriott: A Tale of Two Hotel Chains
28:44 The Value of Loyalty Programs and Travel Credit Cards
30:17 Airline Preferences and Luxurious Travel Experiences
32:21 Travel Tips: Avoiding Common Mistakes
35:38 The Journey of Writing Travel Books
38:59 Upcoming Sequel and Personal Reflections
42:54 Rapid Fire Travel Questions
47:06 Final Travel Advice and Episode Conclusion 

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Jen Ruiz: Learn more about Jen’s adventures and tips by visiting her website and following her on social media.
• Jen's Books: Check out Jen’s bestselling books on budget travel for deeper insights and strategies. 

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down the fundamentals of points, miles, and loyalty programs. 

She explains what points and miles are, how they function as a form of currency in loyalty programs, and the different types of points travelers can earn. 

The episode also covers the difference between flexible and non-flexible points, and how to best utilize travel rewards credit cards. 

Genni emphasizes the importance of understanding these basics to make the most out of budget travel strategies. 

Listeners will gain the foundational knowledge needed to confidently use points and miles to make their trips more affordable. 

 Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to Points and Miles

00:58 Understanding Points and Miles

03:10 Earning Points and Miles

07:09 Flexible vs Non-Flexible Points

08:13 Flexible Points: Examples and Benefits

12:11 Non-Flexible Points: Examples and Limitations

16:17 Key Takeaways and Conclusion 

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips! 

In this episode, Genni discusses the podcast’s mission to help listeners travel more affordably without compromising on comfort or quality. 

From her personal journey in the hospitality industry to becoming a budget travel expert, Genni shares how she uses loyalty rewards and credit card points, and other strategies to travel on a budget. 

Stay tuned for future episodes featuring practical budget travel strategies, real-life experiences, and guest interviews. 

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips
• 00:37 Who is This Podcast For?
• 01:11 What is Lazy Budget Travel?
• 02:15 Meet Your Host: Genni Franklin
• 03:17 Discovering Budget Travel Strategies
• 06:45  What to Expect from This Podcast
• 08:39 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

 Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips with Genni Franklin

In this trailer for the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin gives you the inside scoop on the show. 

If you're tired of overcomplicated strategies and just want straightforward, practical advice on budget-friendly travel, you’re in the right place!

Genni, a seasoned traveler and founder of the Traveling Franklins blog and Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook group, is here to help everyday travelers navigate the world of points and miles without all the stress. 

Whether you're looking to stretch your travel budget or make the most of your travel rewards, Genni's got you covered with simple tips, real-life stories, and easy-to-follow strategies.

Each episode will feature solo segments, fun guest chats, and listener stories, all aimed at helping you travel smarter without the overwhelm.

New episodes drop weekly, so make sure to subscribe and get ready to learn how to save money and travel more! 

Launch date coming soon!

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

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
• 31:30 – Why buying points might help you stretch your travel budget further
• 35:00 – Hyatt vs. Marriott: What’s worth it and when
• 37:30 – Final tips: Buy with intention and do the math
• 40:00 – Rapid fire round: favorite redemptions, best travel hacks, and more!

Links + Mentions:

• @travelpointsandviews on Instagram
• Max My Point tool
• The Points Guy’s Points vs. Cash Calculator

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

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.

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

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
• 37:46 Rapid Fire Questions
• 40:33 Where to Find More Information

Resources Mentioned:

• Teresa’s Blog: AnAcreInTheCity.com
• Teresa's 3 Secrets to Your Best National Parks Trip Freebie
• Teresa's YouTube Channel
• The Ultimate Girls Trip to Shenandoah Valley blog post
• Spending a Fun 2 Days in Shenandoah National Park Itinerary blog post

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

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 
• 38:29 Tips for Newbies in Points and Miles 
• 41:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Dream Redemptions 
• 47:42 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow 

Follow Kelsey:
Instagram: @kelsey_graves
Podcast: Trip Tales – real people sharing real trip stories

Resources Mentioned:

• Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Applying for Business Credit Cards (even if you don't think you have a business) Blog Post

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

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
• 36:05 Strategies for Maximizing Points and Miles
• 43:37 Rapid Fire Travel Questions
• 49:48 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Jen on Instagram: @diveintopoints
• Visit her blog: diveintopoints.com
• Check out CardPointers: https://travelingfranklins.com/cardpointers

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

Feeling overwhelmed by all the travel credit card options out there? 

You’re not alone. 

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down how to confidently choose the right travel rewards credit card—for you. 

Not the one your coworker loves. 

Not the one influencers are pushing. 

The one that actually fits your lifestyle, travel goals, and budget.

We’re covering everything from the types of points you can earn to what to do after you get approved (or denied), so you’ll know exactly how to get started with points and miles the smart and sustainable way.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• The 3 types of travel rewards credit cards and who they’re best for
• How welcome bonuses work (and what to watch out for)
• Why annual fees aren’t always bad—and can sometimes save you more
• Application strategies for the best chance of approval
• What to do after you apply, whether you’re approved or not

Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to Travel Credit Cards
02:51 Types of Travel Reward Credit Cards
07:27 Understanding Welcome Bonuses
14:05 Evaluating Annual Fees
17:11 Application Strategies for Approval
22:32 What to Do After Approval or Denial
29:14 Conclusion and Final Tips

Episode Resources:

• What is a Welcome Bonus?
• What is the 5/24 Rule?
• How to Meet a Minimum Spend
• Why credit card annual fees are worth it
• Do’s and Don’ts of Using Your New Travel Rewards Credit Card

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)