Wondering what card in your wallet to use for an upcoming purchase? Put away your spreadsheet or handy notes app because today, I’m going to introduce you to a tool that gets the job done. Introducing CardPointers, the app that helps you track credit card rewards and offers and tells you the best card in your portfolio to use for every purchase. No more missing out on precious points and miles!  For Black Friday, save 50% on CardPointers using this link (affiliate).  Join my newsletter for...

Confused about the difference between a trip and a vacation? Discover how your expectations can shape your adventures, and learn how to plan your next getaway—whether it's a whirlwind trip filled with exploration or a relaxing vacation focused on self-care. Tune in to my travel podcast to refine your travel style and make the most of your time off! Read the blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/trips-vs-vacations/   Resources Mentioned  We Are Financially Savvy Travelers (eBook): Improve...

None of us enjoy spending money unnecessarily. I’m sharing my biggest flying mistakes of all time and what I’d do differently. We’ll go beyond the usual like missing flights, forgetting to apply for visas, or missing out on opportunities to earn miles.   Resources Mentioned  Airhelp: flight compensation for delayed or canceled flights   SafetyWing: worldwide travel medical insurance coverage  Medjet: air medical evacuation insurance  Knack Bags: stylish and functional travel backpacks ...

Wondering what to do and where to eat to support local Black-owned businesses in Boston?  Boston is a vibrant hub for Black culture. Discover Boston’s Black history, from the courageous individuals who fought to abolish slavery to the thriving Black-owned businesses and visionaries shaping the city today.  Follow this Boston travel guide for the top things to do in Boston, focusing on Black history, heritage, food, and culture.  Read blog post:...

Travel newsletters are among the best ways to stay informed and inspired as travel consumers or business owners. Some travel newsletters fuel wanderlust, offering practical advice like travel hacks, destinations to visit, and how to save money. Others share industry news, trends, and insights. Here are my top picks for travel newsletters. Subscribe to a handful or all of them.    Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/travel-newsletters/   Want more cheap flights, points and miles, and...

Welcome to the Canadian province of Manitoba! Manitoba, the ancestral homeland of the Métis Nation and other Indigenous peoples of present-day Canada, is a treasure trove of rich Indigenous stories, heritage, and attractions.  Join me as we experience the beauty, history, and spirit of Indigenous traditions and artistic expression in Manitoba. From bannock-making to viewing the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art worldwide, we’ll start in Riding Mountain National Park and...

Welcome to the Canadian province of Saskatchewan! Explore Indigenous art, visit the home of Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig, savor a delicious meal foraged from the prairies at the Han Wi Moon Dinner, and step back in time to learn about the 19th-century Métis community that built and defended their home along the South Saskatchewan River.  You’re listening to Part I of a two-part series exploring Indigenous history, culture, and attractions across the Canadian provinces of...

I often see articles promising to share the most affordable travel destinations within the U.S. As I start reading, I shake my head — no, no, no. They’ve got it all wrong!  Here are my top picks for budget-friendly vacations in the U.S. that offer rich experiences and thrilling adventures without draining your wallet. What are your favorite budget-friendly travel destinations within the United States? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to DM me @thedanielledesir.  Read blog post:...

The travel hacking landscape is constantly evolving. Listening to travel hacking podcasts is one of my favorite ways to deepen my travel hacking knowledge.  Here’s a recommended list of my favorite travel hacking podcasts. These podcasts are packed with insider tips, expert interviews, and real-life experiences, which will help you become a travel hacking pro in no time!   What are your favorite travel hacking podcasts? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to DM me @thedanielledesir.  ...

Saying kids grow up fast is an understatement. It feels like yesterday we packed our car for our first road trip with Baby K to The Adirondacks, New York. Since then, we’ve road-tripped across the country, flown internationally, and have half a dozen local getaways under our belt.  I’m not going to lie, traveling with toddlers can be stressful, full of tantrums and big emotions, and endless running around, but it's so worth it. Here are the most important lessons I’ve learned about traveling...

Have you ever flown business or first class? Want to fly premium cabins more often without dishing out a lot of cash? Dave Grossman has spent over 15 years traveling the world in first class using points and miles, saving tens of thousands of dollars. He breaks down the differences between points, miles, and cashback, and explains why transferable points offer the ultimate flexibility.  Dave also shares insights on how to exponentially earn more rewards to afford business and first-class...

Traveling is often put on hold due to various reasons, such as financial constraints, health concerns, or waiting for the "perfect" time. Discover the importance of seizing travel opportunities now rather than later and how travel can be a life-changing personal investment and source of inspiration for your financial journey.   Read the blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/travel-now/   🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series 🎧 Binge my travel hacking episodes    Episode Sponsor - Thrifty...

Not everyone has the time or ability to take on extra work due to various life circumstances such as being a caretaker, facing health issues, or having a demanding schedule. However, this doesn't mean you can't save money for your dream vacation. Explore creative ways to fund your travels without relying on a side hustle. 🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series 🎧 Binge my travel hacking episodes    Episode Sponsor - Thrifty Traveler Join tens of thousands of travelers who love getting cheap...

Get motivated to create a vacation fund and stick to your travel goals! When I decided years ago to prioritize travel, one of the most empowering steps I took was establishing a dedicated vacation fund, a special bank account solely for my travel savings. Learn practical tips for managing a dedicated vacation fund. 🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series 🎧 Binge my travel hacking episodes    Episode Sponsor - Thrifty Traveler Join tens of thousands of travelers who love getting cheap flight...

In 2017, Jen Ruiz set out to take an epic challenge, go on 12 trips in 12 months before her 30th birthday while employed full-time as an attorney. She ended up taking twenty trips that year, almost doubling her original goal! Jen shares how you, too, can plan your own similar travel challenge.  How to take 12 trips in 12 months with a demanding job? Ways to save for frequent travel  How to commit to a travel challenge Ways travel can transform your life and career     Read the blog post:...

Nausheen Farishta went from hating solo travel to falling in love with it in her 30s. Nausheen is a testament to the transformative power of solo travel and the importance of building a strong relationship with oneself. Discover the power of solo travel and how it can help you build unstoppable self-confidence and find joy.  How solo travel can be more affordable than traveling with friends or family Best solo travel activities, such as cooking classes and food tours How to combat...

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned one, Amanda Bauner shares insider tips on how to save on cruise vacations without compromising on the experience. Learn about the cheapest times to go on a cruise, the benefits of DIY planning versus working with a travel agent, and what aspects are worth splurging on. Amanda is an expert in solo travel, cruise travel, and Disney vacations and cruises. She’s a wealth of knowledge and will help you get the most out of every cruise vacation!   ...

Have you ever wanted to explore Ghana and learn about its rich culture and history? Join Tiffany Heard as she shares her experiences and insights on traveling to Ghana in West Africa. Not only does Tiffany inspire others to take a trip to the Motherland through her immersive adult coloring book but she also organizes small group trips to Ghana, guiding curious travelers back home to Africa. In today’s episode, Tiffany Heard joins us to share what first-timers to Ghana need to know.  Best...

Lisa Jansen, a digital nomad living in New Zealand, shares her inspiring journey of van life. Discover how Lisa's decision to live life differently led her to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand in a camper van. From the pros and cons of van life to financial insights and must-visit destinations in New Zealand, this episode is packed with valuable information for aspiring adventurers. Tune in to learn more about Lisa's nomadic lifestyle and spark your own journey of exploration and...

I'm crowdfunding additional episodes of this series. Please support my work by contributing $5 to this campaign so I can continue this series. My goal is to raise $2,500 for production. Click here to buy me a coffee. Explore the remarkable life and legacy of Harriet Tubman as we visit Auburn, New York, her chosen home for the last 50+ years of her life. Learn about her lesser-known roles as an entrepreneur, landowner, and humanitarian and her advocacy for women's rights. Hear insights from...

"Family Money Adventure" is a money and travel podcast helping you make money moves that feel right for your family. Learn how to plan family vacations, save money on travel, budget well, and discover everyday adventures for your entire family.  Listen to Family Money Adventure on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Tell Kevin that Danielle from The Thought Card Podcast sent you!  Website: familymoneyadventure.com Follow on Instagram: @familymoneyadventure Follow...

Are you wondering how you can plan affordable vacations for your large family? Kevin Payne from Family Money Adventure is here to help you make money moves that feel right for your family and live adventurous lives. Not only does he share his best tips and advice for making travel a financial priority for big families, but he also suggests fun ways to involve your children in the travel planning process. Based near Cleveland, Kevin shouts out some of his favorite things to do in the Cleveland...

Columbia, South Carolina, offers visitors the unique opportunity to dive deep into American history and learn about the Reconstruction Era, a time of hope and turmoil following the Civil War. This short period from 1865 to 1877 was a challenging time of rebuilding the nation by integrating the southern states back into the Union after the Civil War.  Efforts are being made to bring greater attention to the Reconstruction Era, emphasizing its significance in shaping American history....

If you’ve ever wanted to trace the footsteps of your ancestors and travel to where your people lived, worked, and called home, today you’re in for a treat.  Lisette Austin joins us to share how she’s tracing her roots, uncovering hidden family stories, and embarking on transformative trips to places her ancestors once called home, like Ireland, Italy, Charleston, South Carolina, and more.   Get inspired by the power of DNA testing, the importance of preserving family history, and the...