Lazy Budget Travel Tips
Genni Franklin
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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Top 10 Lazy Budget Travel Tips Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Lazy Budget Travel Tips episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Lazy Budget Travel Tips for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Lazy Budget Travel Tips episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Getting Your Reluctant P2 On Board with Points and Miles
Lazy Budget Travel Tips
05/19/25 • 41 min
Ever wish your partner would just get on board with points and miles?
You’re not alone!
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, I sit down with my husband, Brandon, to talk about his complete 180—from being totally against credit cards to actively strategizing when it’s time for us to open a new one.
We’ll chat about:
- What the heck a Player Two (P2) is and why having one can double your points game
- The moment Brandon realized points and miles weren’t a scam
- How referral bonuses can stack up big time and make a huge difference
- Addressing fears about credit cards and debt the right way
- How we justify annual fees (hint: it’s all about the value)
- Some of our favorite trips we never would’ve taken without points
If your partner thinks points and miles aren’t worth it, or if you’re trying to ease them into the game without overwhelming them, this episode is for you!
Episode Breakdown
- 00:00 - Intro & why this topic matters
- 00:59 - What’s a Player Two (P2) & why it’s a game-changer
- 04:46 - Brandon’s initial skepticism & first experiences
- 10:17 - The perks of having a P2 (hint: double the points!)
- 12:12 - Credit cards & debt: Breaking down the fear factor
- 14:07 - Our favorite points-funded trips
- 20:50 - Are annual fees really worth it?
- 26:03 - Confidence & discipline: Getting comfortable with credit cards
- 33:25 - Advice for P1s trying to get their P2 on board
- 39:29 - Wrap-up & final thoughts
Got questions? Join the conversation in the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group or hit me up on Instagram @travelingfranklins!
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)
From Attorney to Travel Expert: Jen Ruiz on Maximizing Points for Affordable Travel
Lazy Budget Travel Tips
04/28/25 • 50 min
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.
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)
Getting Started: Points and Miles 101
Lazy Budget Travel Tips
04/28/25 • 19 min
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
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)
Making Disney Affordable with Chelsea from Pixie Point Gals
Lazy Budget Travel Tips
05/05/25 • 73 min
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin dives into the pressing question of whether a trip to Disney can be affordable amidst rising costs.
Joined by Chelsea Buck from Pixie Point Gals, who is well-versed in saving money on Disney vacations using points and miles, the episode sheds light on various strategies.
This includes renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points to stay at deluxe resorts for a fraction of the cost.
Chelsea shares her family's deep-rooted Disney obsession and the tricks they use to visit Disney World several times a year.
The discussion covers the differences between Disney World and Disneyland vacations, tips on using points and miles for flights and hotels, and the value of flexible points programs.
Additionally, they delve into the advantages of staying at Disney deluxe resorts, on-site dining, and leveraging perks like early morning entries and evening hours.
Tune in to learn how to make your dream Disney trip a reality without breaking the bank!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Affordable Disney Travel
00:55 Meet Chelsea Buck: Disney Fanatic and Points Expert
02:14 Disneyland vs. Disney World: A Tale of Two Parks
06:30 Flying to Disney: Points and Miles Strategies
13:53 Using Points for Disney Hotels
33:11 Disney Vacation Club: A Deep Dive
38:20 Exploring Disney Resort Stays
39:25 Maximizing DVC Points
40:12 Renting DVC Points: A Beginner's Guide
41:38 Alternative Ways to Rent DVC Points
43:24 Understanding DVC Point Costs
44:47 Saving Money on Disney Food
49:28 Using Points and Miles for DVC Rentals
50:45 Popular DVC Resorts
56:18 Money-Saving Tips for Disney Trips
01:03:07 Disney Chase Visa and Other Cards
01:05:09 Rapid Fire Disney Questions
01:10:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Episode Resources:
Traveling Franklins blog post: 10 Ways to Save Money on Disney Hotels
Connect with Chelsea and Disney Point Gals on Instagram and their website.
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)
Trailer
Lazy Budget Travel Tips
02/22/25 • 1 min
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!
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)
Introducing the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Podcast!
Lazy Budget Travel Tips
04/28/25 • 9 min
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
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)
Understanding Your Credit Score and How Travel Credit Cards Affect It
Lazy Budget Travel Tips
05/12/25 • 13 min
In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down how credit scores work, why they matter, and how travel rewards credit cards can impact them.
Genni explains the components of a credit score, such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and credit mix.
She emphasizes the importance of responsible credit card use and offers practical tips on monitoring and improving your credit score.
She also covers how you can check your credit score for free.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Credit Scores and Travel Rewards
01:26 Understanding Your Credit Score
03:56 Impact of Credit Inquiries
04:49 Key Components of Your Credit Score
05:46 Managing Credit Utilization
07:42 Length of Credit History and Credit Mix
08:55 Checking and Monitoring Your Credit Score
09:32 Managing Multiple Credit Cards
11:09 Conclusion and Final Tips
Check your Credit Score - for FREE
You only need the free plans, you don't need a paid plan!
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)
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FAQ
How many episodes does Lazy Budget Travel Tips have?
Lazy Budget Travel Tips currently has 7 episodes available.
What topics does Lazy Budget Travel Tips cover?
The podcast is about Places & Travel, Society & Culture, How To, Budget Travel, Podcasts and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Lazy Budget Travel Tips?
The episode title 'Trailer' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Lazy Budget Travel Tips?
The average episode length on Lazy Budget Travel Tips is 30 minutes.
How often are episodes of Lazy Budget Travel Tips released?
Episodes of Lazy Budget Travel Tips are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Lazy Budget Travel Tips?
The first episode of Lazy Budget Travel Tips was released on Feb 22, 2025.
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