Shows
Lazy Budget Travel TipsChristmas in July: Planning Our Dream Trip to Europe’s Christmas MarketsIn this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, 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 o...2025-07-2848 minLazy Budget Travel TipsThe Smart Way to Buy Points and Score Luxury Stays on a BudgetIn 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...2025-07-2149 minLazy Budget Travel TipsBig Trip, Small Budget: 5 Weeks in Europe with Points and $100 a DayBig 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 ou...2025-07-1459 minLazy Budget Travel TipsExploring National Parks on a BudgetIn 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...2025-06-3044 minLazy Budget Travel TipsOne Card, Five Flights, and a Whole New Way to TravelIn 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 yo...2025-06-2349 minLazy Budget Travel TipsDiving into Affordable Luxury: Short All-Inclusive Trips on PointsIn 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 com...2025-06-1654 minLazy Budget Travel TipsHow to Find the Perfect Travel Rewards Card for YouFeeling 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...2025-06-0932 minLazy Budget Travel Tips$1 Timeshare, $0 Cruise: How Timeshare Trading + Points Makes Travel AffordableIn this episode: Ready to throw out the “traditional” travel playbook?Heather from Homeschooling on Points joins Genni to share how she books magical trips—including a $5,200 Disney cruise for $0 and a one-bedroom DVC suite for $508—with creative strategies that most points and miles pros aren’t talking about.And don't worry, this episode isn't only about saving on Disney.You’ll learn: What timeshare trading is (and how she scored one on eBay for $1) How to book resort stays without paying full price Why Heather ignores the “2 cents pe...2025-06-0253 minLazy Budget Travel TipsGetting Your Reluctant P2 On Board with Points and MilesEver 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 gameThe moment Brandon realized 2025-05-1941 minLazy Budget Travel TipsUnderstanding Your Credit Score and How Travel Credit Cards Affect ItIn 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 Cre...2025-05-1213 minLazy Budget Travel TipsMaking Disney Affordable with Chelsea from Pixie Point GalsIn 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 the...2025-05-051h 13Lazy Budget Travel TipsIntroducing the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Podcast!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 Tips00:37 Who is This P...2025-04-2809 minLazy Budget Travel TipsGetting Started: Points and Miles 101In 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...2025-04-2819 minLazy Budget Travel TipsFrom Attorney to Travel Expert: Jen Ruiz on Maximizing Points for Affordable TravelIn 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 seq...2025-04-2850 min
Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and FriendshipEpisode 5: Simplifying Points and Miles with Genni FranklinIn today’s episode "Simplifying Points and Miles", we sit down with Genni Franklin, founder of Traveling Franklins and the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook group. Genni helps travelers save money and travel the world without breaking the bank. She’s here to share her expert tips on how to simplify points and miles, showing you how easy it can be to travel affordably while still enjoying comfort. Tune in to learn how you can maximize your everyday spending to earn travel rewards effortlessly, and discover simple, stress-free strategies for choosing the right credit cards and redeeming points to make...2025-03-0758 minLazy Budget Travel TipsTrailer Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips with Genni FranklinIn 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 st...2025-02-2201 min
Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & MilesSimplifying Points & Miles: A “Lazy” Approach to Travel Rewards with Genni of @travelingfranklins (Ep. 62)Ever wonder how you can simplify your travel rewards strategy and maximize points with minimal effort?
In this episode, DeAndre sits down with Genni Franklin to demystify the world of points and miles. Genni, who transitioned from the hospitality industry into travel rewards, reveals her “lazy” approach—earning points with minimal effort while still maximizing value. She explains the importance of building confidence through that all-important first redemption, clarifies the differences between flexible and non-flexible points, and shares tailored strategies for families.
Genni also highlights her top credit card recommendations and offers practical tips for streaml...2025-02-1948 min