Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

Thirty-two thousand people. Forty miles. Five boroughs. One bridge that will test everything you have left in your legs. Crystal and Joe did the NYC Five Borough Bike Ride together -- Joe with his family, Crystal flying solo from DC with her own bike strapped to the back of her car -- and came back with everything the official website doesn't tell you. From booking bikes six months out to finding a $419 hotel the week before, this episode covers the real planning, the real costs, and the moments that made it worth every penny...including some of the tourist attractions they visited and restaurants they sampled. What You'll Walk Away With Why you need to book your rental bike the moment registration opens -- and what happens if you wait too long The hotel pricing reality: what Joe paid booking five weeks out versus what Crystal paid booking one week before -- and the $115 Sunday night plot twist Why taxis in New York City are now consistently cheaper than Uber and Lyft -- and by how much The packet pickup experience: what to expect, what to buy, and the one vendor booth Crystal walked past and deeply regretted What 40 miles through New York actually looks like -- from Central Park's downhills to the DJ hauling a full sound system on his bike to the church choir cheering you on The pit stop party system that breaks the ride into manageable chunks -- and why Oreo cookies become a religious experience at mile 27 The honest Verrazzano Bridge report: what it looks like, what it does to your legs, and why everyone who finishes says the same word when they hear its name Two restaurant discoveries worth building a whole New York trip around -- including a Michelin inspector favorite that doesn't take reservations and almost gave their table away The gear that saved Crystal's ride -- and the booth she skipped that she wishes she hadn't Why this ride lets you see more of New York in one day than most people see in five visits Why This Episode Is Worth Your Time The NYC Five Borough Bike Ride happens once a year and sells out fast. If it's on your list -- or you've never considered it -- this is the most practical hour of planning you'll find anywhere. Crystal and Joe didn't have a perfect plan. They had a great trip anyway, and the difference between the two is exactly what this episode is about. Adventure Highlights Crystal drove from DC with her own bike. Joe flew in with family for a long weekend that included the Tenement Museum, the 9/11 Memorial, a Yankees game, The Edge observation deck, and two of the best meals New York City quietly keeps to itself. They ended up in the same wave on race day without planning it -- and the Verrazzano Bridge united them in suffering. Resources and Places Mentioned NYC Five Borough Bike Ride -- bikenewyork.org; registration opens annually, sells out quickly Unlimited Biking and BikeNYC -- rental options; book as early as possible, expect $150+ for 24 hours Hotel Indigo Financial District -- Crystal's last-minute find; $419 Saturday, $115 Sunday DoubleTree Battery Park -- Joe's hotel; booked five weeks out at ~$130/night average Lindens at the Boro Hotel -- Saturday night dinner; standout cocktails and burger Emilio's Ballato -- Sunday celebration dinner; no reservations, Michelin inspector favorite, arrive early John's Pizzeria on Bleecker Street -- Joe's recommendation for New York pizza at its best The Edge at Hudson Yards -- observation deck, $45/person, glass floor included Serendipity 3 -- Times Square dessert stop; $1,000 gold ice cream available with one month's notice Tom Schwab's chamois cream -- Crystal's ride-saving gear recommendation Too Good To Go app -- mentioned for finding discounted food options around the city Stacking Adventures Clubhouse -- join on Facebook for trip photos, videos, and community Share Your Adventure -- stackingadventures.com/mystory; win the Emerald backpack by guessing where Crystal is in Japan

Planning a trip to London and wondering what's actually worth your time versus what's just tourist theater? Karen Cordaway from the Everyday Bucket List podcast and her husband Rich are guest hosting this episode to share what they've learned from their own London adventures. This originally aired as an episode of their podcast, in fact, Everyday Bucket List! Karen and Rich have done the research, made the mistakes, and figured out what works. They can tell you what lives up to the hype, what you can skip entirely, and the hidden spots most visitors never discover because they're too busy following the same crowded itinerary everyone else has... From whether the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is worth the crowd crush to why Greenwich deserves way more time than most itineraries give it, they break down how to experience London without wasting days on disappointments. Rich shares a unique tip most guidebooks miss entirely. Walking under the Thames River via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. It's free, it's fascinating, and it's the kind of experience that makes a trip memorable beyond just checking boxes on a landmark list. Karen adds practical advice about timing, transportation, and how to balance the iconic must-sees with the neighborhoods and experiences that give you a feel for the actual city. Whether you're planning your first London adventure or returning to dig deeper, this episode gives you the kind of insider knowledge that transforms a good trip into a great one. Crystal and Joe set the stage with holiday updates and future episode teasers, then hand the mic over to Karen and Rich for a guest-hosted deep dive into one of the world's most visited cities. What You'll Take With You: Karen and Rich's honest take on London's biggest tourist attractions and which ones deliver Why Greenwich is the hidden gem most visitors skip but absolutely shouldn't The Greenwich Foot Tunnel experience and why walking under the Thames beats another museum Practical timing and transportation tips that save you hours of frustration How to balance iconic landmarks with authentic London neighborhoods and experiences What's worth the crowds and what's better left to the Instagram tourists The insider perspective that only comes from people who actually know the city This Episode Is For You If: You're planning a London trip and overwhelmed by conflicting advice online You want to experience London like someone who lives there, not just visit it You're tired of guidebook recommendations that waste your limited travel time You're wondering which famous London attractions actually live up to their reputation You believe the best travel advice comes from people who know a place deeply, not just visited once Before You Hit Play, Think About This: If you've been to London before, what's one thing you wish you'd known before your trip? And if you're planning to go, what's the one experience you're most excited (or most nervous) about? Drop your thoughts in the comments because Karen and Rich's perspective might completely change your itinerary.

Some people go to Barbados and never leave their resort. They come home with a tan and some poolside photos, having experienced about 10% of what the island actually offers. Crystal Hammond just wrapped her third trip to Barbados with the same group of friends, and she's here to tell you what you're missing if you think paradise begins and ends at the swim-up bar. Don't get her wrong—the resorts are fantastic, and there's real value in a good all-inclusive. But Barbados has layers most tourists never discover, from local rum shops to muddy ATV adventures to beaches where you're more likely to meet Bajans than other Americans. Joe Saul-Sehy brings the curiosity while Crystal unpacks how Barbados effortlessly blends relaxation with adventure. You'll hear about the moments that made each trip different, from sampling flying fish at local spots to hanging on during jeep safaris through terrain that definitely wasn't in the resort brochure. She shares how to balance tourist favorites with authentic Bajan experiences, which excursions are worth the money, and how to slip into local culture without abandoning your pool time entirely. This isn't just a resort recap. It's an island deep-dive from someone who's learned what works through trial, error, and three separate trips. Whether you're planning your first Caribbean escape or your fifteenth, Crystal's got the insider perspective that turns a good vacation into one you'll actually remember. Plus, the Gear of the Day helps Adventurers make their next tropical trip smoother, lighter, and maybe even a little more stylish. What You'll Take With You: • The honest truth about all-inclusive resorts in Barbados and when they're worth the premium • How to enjoy local culture and authentic experiences without giving up resort convenience • The best ways to explore the island through ATV tours, jeep safaris, and snorkeling with turtles • How to balance tourist favorites with experiences that feel genuinely Bajan • What to expect from island dining, including must-try flying fish dishes most visitors skip • Smart packing and planning tips specifically for Caribbean travel conditions • Ways to stretch your budget while still enjoying the full Barbados experience • Crystal's favorite local finds and surprising spots most guidebooks miss This Episode Is For You If: • You're considering Barbados but not sure if it's worth the hype (or the cost) • You want more from your Caribbean vacation than just beach and pool time • You're tired of tourist trap recommendations and want the real local spots • You're planning a trip with friends and want ideas beyond the resort property • You believe the best travel happens when you venture past the comfortable and familiar Before You Hit Play, Think About This: What's one place you've visited multiple times, and what finally made you feel like an "expert" there? Drop your answer in the comments because Crystal's three trips to Barbados got us wondering how many visits it takes before you earn your honorary local badge. Find our Gear of the Day here: StackingAdventures.com/GOTD Call in and share YOUR story! StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

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.

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. What You'll Learn ✈️ 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). Perfect for Adventurers Who… 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.

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!

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. What You'll Learn 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. Questions to Explore 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

Why settle for one vacation story when you can get a whole passport's worth in a single episode? Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by fellow wanderlusters from the Stacking Adventures community to swap tales that stretch from Main Street U.S.A. to the shores of Zakynthos. Think budget-friendly Disney hacks, Parisian magic, Chicago deep-dish memories, and the kind of Greek beach you only find when you take a wrong turn and just keep driving. In true Adventurer fashion, these stories aren't just about where we went—they're about what we learned along the way. Whether it's how to make the most of Disney Vacation Club points, why rope drop might be your best friend, or which off-the-beaten-path spots will earn a permanent place on your bucket list, this episode is packed with practical tips wrapped in wanderlust. You'll hear about unexpected gems, clever ways to stretch your travel budget, and the gear that makes every trip smoother. If your suitcase is already half-packed (mentally, at least), get ready for new ideas to add to your itinerary and a few "I need to try that!" moments. Consider this your boarding call for a whirlwind tour of travel tales you'll want to steal for your own adventures. What You'll Explore in This Episode: Hidden gems in Disney, Chicago, Paris, and Greece that deserve a spot on your map Disney park strategies—from rope drop at Epcot to navigating Hollywood Studios like a pro How to make the most of Disney Vacation Club points and other timeshare perks A little-known Greek beach that might just ruin you for all other shorelines Travel gear picks that earn their place in your carry-on every time Community stories packed with tips, laughs, and new travel inspiration Questions for the Adventurers' Clubhouse: What's the best hidden gem you've ever stumbled upon while traveling? If you had to pick only one—Disney, a European city, or a tropical island—which gets your suitcase? What's your go-to piece of travel gear you'd never leave home without? For our gear of the day head to StackingAdventures.com/GOTD AND to be on our NEXT Adventurer's Tales episode, record your up-to-five minute story here: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory