River cruises look amazing in the brochures, but are they actually worth the money? Or do you end up trapped on a floating hotel with mediocre food and tours you could've Googled yourself?

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with Nathan and Kathrin, two experienced travelers who just finished a Viking River Cruise through France's Rhône Valley. They're here to give you the real story about what worked, what surprised them, and whether this style of travel lives up to the hype (spoiler alert: mostly yes, with some important caveats).

From the towering Papal Palace in Avignon to the Roman ruins of Arles and the quiet charm of Viviers at night, Nathan and Catherine walk you through the moments that made their journey unforgettable. You'll hear about the quality of local guides, the tiny towns with massive personalities, and a remarkable side trip through Lyon's hidden traboules (because France hides its secrets well). They also get honest about the cabin size (shoebox would be generous), the onboard experience versus their expectations, and how river cruising compares to ocean sailing.

Then the conversation takes an unexpected turn when they share their medical emergency story. When Nathan's mom needed urgent care in Lyon, they got a crash course in navigating foreign healthcare systems. The experience became less about panic and more about learning how systems work differently abroad, and why preparation matters more than perfection.

Whether you're considering your first river cruise, wondering if Viking lives up to its reputation, or just looking for inspiration for your next European adventure, this episode delivers honest insights you can actually use.

What You'll Take With You:

• The honest truth about river cruising and whether it's worth the premium price

• How Viking's excursions, guides, and onboard experience stack up against the marketing

• Insider tips for exploring Avignon, Arles, Viviers, and Lyon beyond the standard tour

• What to know about handling medical emergencies abroad before you need to know it

• The best food, wine, and cultural highlights along the Rhône that you shouldn't miss

• How to make a tiny cruise cabin actually work for you (gear hacks included)

• Why souvenirs matter more than you think when chosen thoughtfully

• How to blend adventure, history, wine, and wellness into one trip without it feeling rushed

This Episode Is For You If:

• You've been curious about river cruises but worried they're overhyped tourist traps

• You want honest feedback from real travelers, not just glossy travel blog content

• You're planning a European trip and wondering if this style of travel fits your personality

• You want to know what can go wrong abroad and how to handle it without losing your mind

• You believe the best travel stories come from the unexpected moments, not just the planned ones

Before You Hit Play, Think About This:

What's the most unexpected thing that's ever happened to you while traveling, and how did it change the trip for better or worse? Drop your story in the comments because Nathan and Catherine's Rhône medical emergency reminded us how common (and character building) those twists can be.

Nathan and Kathrin's awesome cookware company (Joe can verify!): DaTerraCucina.com

Their travel blog: TakingTheBigBreak.com

Share YOUR Story! StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

Check out our Gear of the Day: StackingAdventures.com/GOTD

Want to know how to travel smarter? Ask people who obsess over every dollar and still manage to see the world.

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy just got back from FinCon in Portland, where they collected travel wisdom from some of the sharpest money minds and most experienced travelers they know. These aren't Instagram travel influencers with brand deals—these are people who've figured out how to maximize every trip, extract value from corporate travel, and turn credit card points into actual adventures.

From Lacey Langford's wallet-friendly strategies to Steve Stewart's genius networking hack (that works way beyond conferences), this episode is packed with tactics you can actually use. You'll hear how to leverage corporate discounts for personal travel, pack like a minimalist without sacrificing essentials, squeeze every drop of value from credit card perks, and even use Instacart to skip the vacation grocery run.

Crystal and Joe also tackle the AI question: can ChatGPT actually plan your trip, or will it send you to a restaurant that closed three years ago? Plus, they share stories from YouTubers, TikTok creators, and fellow travel hackers who've cracked the code on exploring without going broke.

Whether you're planning your next weekend getaway or dreaming of something bigger, this episode turns money-nerd wisdom into your personal travel playbook.

And stick around for the Gear of the Day—a roadside essential every adventurer should keep close.

What You'll Take With You:

• Steve Stewart's networking strategy that makes conferences (and travel connections) actually pay off

• Lacey Langford's proven tactics for saving money without sacrificing comfort or fun

• How to turn business travel into personal adventures using corporate perks

• Michelle Lambright's credit card strategy: which perks matter and which are just marketing

• Em's frugal travel hacks that let you travel like you have money even when you're watching every dollar

• When AI travel planning helps—and when you need to verify everything it tells you

• The corporate discount secrets that work even if you're not traveling for work

This Episode Is For You If:

• You want to travel more but your budget keeps saying "maybe next year"

• You're tired of travel advice from people who clearly aren't paying for their own trips

• You've got credit card points but no idea how to actually use them effectively

• You want practical hacks, not just inspiration porn from someone's highlight reel

• You believe smart travel is about experiences per dollar, not just checking boxes on a bucket list

Ready to Level Up Your Next Trip?

What's your best travel hack that actually saves money? Drop it in the comments—we're always looking to add to our arsenal. And if you've got a disaster story about following bad travel advice (looking at you, AI recommendations), we want to hear that too.

Here's what most music lovers get wrong about road trips: they hit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and call it done, missing dozens of museums where music history is still alive, personal, and unexpected.

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with Josephine Matyas and Craig Jones, co-authors of The Music Lovers' Guide to North America, who've spent decades visiting music museums across the continent—from world-famous institutions to tiny storefronts kept alive by passionate locals. They've got the insider stories about what makes each one special, which ones are worth the detour, and why some of the smallest museums pack the biggest emotional punch.

From Chicago's blues archives to Detroit's Motown Museum, from Alabama's surprising music riches to Seattle's MoPOP celebrating grunge, Josephine and Craig reveal the museums that bring music history off the walls and into your heart. You'll hear about Minneapolis and the legacy of Prince, the studio musicians who shaped your favorite hits but never got famous, and why Craig's museum visit somehow ended with a pickup basketball game with Bob Seger.

But here's the reality: many of these smaller museums are struggling. Visiting them isn't just about your experience—it's about keeping music history alive for the next generation. Whether you're planning a music pilgrimage or just want to add depth to your next road trip, this episode will completely reshape what you think belongs on your travel list.

Crystal also shares her Gear of the Day—the one thing every music museum explorer should pack.

What You'll Discover:

• The music museums everyone knows (Rock Hall, Country Music Hall of Fame) and the lesser-known ones that rival them

• Why Alabama is a surprise goldmine for music museums—and what makes them worth the trip

• Seattle's MoPOP and how it brings the grunge era to life in unexpected ways

• Minneapolis, Prince, and the music museums that honor his legacy

• What makes Motown Museum in Detroit such an essential pilgrimage for music fans

• Hidden museum gems in places like Floyd, Virginia and Indianola, Mississippi that most travelers miss

• The unsung heroes of music: studio musicians whose work you know by heart but whose names you've never learned

• How small-town music museums are fighting to survive—and why your visit matters more than you think

This Episode Is For You If:

• You've been to the big music museums but want to discover the ones that still feel like secrets

• You love music history but want immersive experiences, not just glass cases and plaques

• You're planning a road trip and want destinations that add story and soul to your journey

• You want to support the passionate people keeping music history alive in small towns across North America

• You believe the best museums are the ones where you feel something, not just see something

Ready to Plan Your Music Museum Road Trip?

Grab a copy of The Music Lovers' Guide to North America and start plotting your route - we'll have a link at our Gear of the Day page: StackingAdventures.com/GOTD. Then come back and tell us: what's the most memorable music museum you've ever visited? Drop it in the comments—we're building the ultimate music lover's travel list together.

Ready to turn your everyday spending into first-class experiences? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond, Joe Saul-Sehy, and Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez dig into the art (and a little science) of mastering travel points. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or just starting to explore the rewards world, this episode will help you stack your points like a pro—and actually use them for those dream vacations.

From strategic credit card pairing to maximizing transfer bonuses, the trio dives into how to make every dollar work double-time. You'll learn how to build flexible reward strategies, avoid common mistakes that waste miles, and understand when loyalty programs are worth the effort (and when they're not). Along the way, expect personal travel stories, a few point-hoarding confessions, and plenty of practical advice you can start using before your next trip.

Of course, it wouldn't be a true Stacking Adventures episode without some road-trip banter, a gear reveal, and a reminder that travel hacking isn't just for the wealthy—it's for anyone who loves to explore without emptying their wallet.

• ✈️ Smart Stacking: How to layer credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel portals for maximum rewards.

• 💳 Card Strategy 101: Picking the right mix of cards that match your travel goals and lifestyle.

• 🧭 Flexible Rewards: Why transferable points often beat fixed airline or hotel programs.

• ⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid: How to keep your points from expiring—or your rewards from losing value.

• 🏨 Pro Travel Tips: Making the most of upgrades, lounge access, and elite status (without the snobbery).

• Want to travel more and spend less doing it.

• Love swapping travel stories and clever money moves.

• Are curious how to turn credit card perks into real-world adventures.

• Believe the best souvenirs are memories—preferably earned in business class.

Ever wondered if ghost tours are actually fun, or just touristy gimmicks that sound better on Instagram than in real life?

Crystal Hammond just got back from a ghost tour through Alexandria, Virginia with U.S. Ghost Adventures, and she's got answers. Spoiler: this one's worth the price of admission—especially if you like your history served with a side of haunted pub crawl.

From the allegedly haunted Gatsby Hotel to the centuries-old Carlisle House, Crystal walks you through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the kind of local stories that make you wonder if that cold breeze was just October air... or something else. And because this is Crystal, the evening includes stops at some of Alexandria's best bars—O'Connell's Irish Bar, Union Street Pub—where the spirits come in more than one variety.

But this isn't just ghost stories and good beer (though there's plenty of both). Crystal breaks down what makes a walking tour worth your time and money, shares her secret weapon for capturing travel moments without lugging around a DSLR, and gives you the insider tips that turn a tourist activity into a genuine local experience.

Whether you're planning a fall getaway, looking for unique date ideas, or just wondering if ghost tours are your thing, Crystal's got the honest review you need.

What You'll Take With You:

• The real deal on ghost tours: what makes them worth it (and what to watch out for)

• Crystal's favorite haunted stops in Alexandria—and the stories that'll stick with you

• How to turn a walking tour into a full evening experience (hint: strategic pub stops)

• Her go-to travel camera for capturing moments without the bulk: the Insta360 Go

• Why sometimes the best travel adventures are the ones that feel a little silly... until they don't

This Episode Is For You If:

• You've been curious about ghost tours but weren't sure if they're cheesy or actually cool

• You love history but want it served with personality (and maybe a cocktail)

• You're looking for fall travel ideas that aren't just "look at leaves"

• You want honest travel reviews

• You believe the best trips are the ones where you laugh, learn, and maybe get a little spooked

Tell us YOUR favorite ghost story travel adventure: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

Check out our curated selection of travel gear: StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay

Thank you to US Ghost Adventures for inviting Crystal to try out a tour. You'll find them at USGhostAdventures.com

What if the trip you've been dreaming about doesn't have to wait until retirement—or cost a fortune?

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with road-trippers Miranda and Jason, who just wrapped a 26-day adventure from Idaho to Oregon. Hot springs. Star-filled skies. A night in a giant flowerpot Airbnb (yes, really). And the best part? They didn't come home broke.

Miranda and Jason break down exactly how they made it work: credit card points, camping hacks, and the art of saying "yes" to spontaneity without blowing the budget. Because here's the thing—adventure doesn't require endless cash. It requires courage, creativity, and knowing where to splurge and where to save.

This episode isn't just a highlight reel of epic stops (though Crater Lake and Boise's Pride Festival definitely make appearances). It's about what happens when you prioritize experiences over perfection, unplug from the noise, and rediscover why you wanted to explore in the first place. Whether you're planning your own cross-country trip or just daydreaming about one, you'll walk away with the roadmap—and the permission slip—to finally go.

What You'll Take With You:

• The exact strategy Miranda and Jason used to fund 26 days on the road (points, perks, and smart camping)
• How to balance spontaneity with a budget that won't give you anxiety at the gas pump
• Hidden gems and unforgettable stops from Craters of the Moon to the Oregon coast
• Why unplugging (even for a few days) might be the best investment you make this year
• Proof that you don't need fancy hotels or a perfect plan to have the trip of a lifetime

Before You Hit Play, Ask Yourself:

What trip have you been putting off because you think you can't afford it—or don't have the time? What if the real problem isn't money or schedules... it's just giving yourself permission to go?

Got a road trip story or a dream destination? Drop it in the comments—we want to hear where you're headed next.

For our gear of the day pic head to StackingAdventures.com/GOTD

Tell us your story! Head to StackingAdventures.com/MyStory with YOUR road trip adventure!

Imagine if you went to a place where people knew how to save money AND also to have fun? How about if those same people LOVED dishing out advice? Crystal and Joe attended FinCon, a financial media creator's conference in Portland, Oregon, and Crystal shoved her microphone in the faces of some of the TOP money people at the event. Luckily, they all loved it AND shared some incredible gems. From reward stacking to where to stay in the hotel, and from visas to food, we cover everything so that you're ready for your next adventure.

Find our Gear of the Day at stackingadventures.com/GOTD

Join the show yourself by sharing a story! You'll have five minutes to tell it by going to stackingadventures.com/MyStory

Ever dream of packing five countries and a lifetime of memories into less than a month? Buckle up, Adventurer — this episode of Stacking Adventures takes you along for a whirlwind 26-day journey across Europe and beyond. Hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with globetrotter Jon to unpack the highs, lows, and priceless lessons from his epic family sabbatical — a trip that covered Germany, England, France, Iceland, and Turkey in one unforgettable run.

From castles and cathedrals to kebabs and cold plunges, we explore how John made the most of every stop — and how he paid for it all with smart use of credit card points and travel hacking. You'll hear how he balanced logistics, teenage moods, and must-see sites, plus the reality of making tough choices when time is short. Along the way, Crystal and Joe share their own favorite moments (and mishaps) that prove the best travel stories come from the unexpected.

Whether you're planning a multi-country itinerary or just dreaming about one, this episode is packed with insights to help you make it happen. Because the world is too big — and too delicious — to see one country at a time.

• Points and perks: How Jon leveraged rewards programs to cut costs on flights, hotels, and transportation.

• Must-see stops: Insider tips on what to do (and skip) in places like Bath, Mont Saint-Michel, and Iceland's Golden Circle.

• Teen-tested strategies: How to plan a trip that keeps the whole family engaged without overloading the itinerary.

• One-bag travel secrets: Why packing light might be the smartest decision you make before you even leave home.

• Quick-hit destinations: Creative ways to maximize short stays in countries like Turkey and Iceland.

• If you had 26 days to see multiple countries, how would you prioritize your stops?

• What's the one travel splurge you'd never skip, even on a budget trip?

• Could you live out of a single bag for a month — or do you need that extra pair of shoes?

Find our awesome Gear of the Day picks recommended by our guests AND hosts: StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay

Join the fun and share YOUR story with us! StackingAdventures.com/MyStory