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The Thought Card: Smart Travel Tips and Travel Hacking For Financially Savvy Travelers

Danielle Desir Corbett
211 episodes   Last Updated: Jul 03, 25
What if you could explore the world, no matter your budget? Are you tired of putting off that dream vacation because of your finances? Wish you could explore new destinations more regularly without going broke? Well, you’re in the right place! Welcome, financially savvy travelers! If you’re passionate about traveling and want to get your finances in order, 'The Thought Card' has you covered with practical money-saving tips and travel hacks to help you create unforgettable travel experiences. From building a travel fund to finding cheap flights and other traveling hacking tips, enjoy luxury travel at a fraction of the cost. Join Danielle Desir Corbett every other week as she shares creative ways to achieve your travel dreams and obtain financial freedom. We cover topics like: - How to save for a trip - How to score cheap flights and save on hotels - Things to do at some of the top travel destinations worldwide - Tips for traveling for free (or nearly free) - The best travel rewards credit cards - How to pay off debt while exploring the globe, and much more! As a travel expert and author of six books, Danielle has traveled to 27+ countries, including favorites like Iceland, Bermuda, and China. She'll help you boost your travel savings and explore extensively without accumulating credit card debt. This award-winning, 4x grant-funded, and 1.5% globally ranked travel podcast is perfect for anyone looking to take more vacations with family and friends, develop healthy financial habits, and make informed financial decisions that pave the way for a lifetime of travel adventures. Follow 'The Thought Card' on your favorite podcast platform! To learn more, including reading our award-winning blog, visit: thoughtcard.com. Subscribe to our newsletter: thethoughtcard.substack.com Connect on Instagram: @thedanielledesir If you love road trip podcasts, check out 'Road Trip Ready Podcast' for road trip inspiration and planning tips, hosted by Danielle Desir Corbett and Christopher Rudder at roadtripreadypodcast.com.

Episodes

Ever come home from a trip with a bunch of random video clips… and no idea what to do with them? 😅 Today, I’m joined by Emmy Award-winning travel filmmaker Juliana Broste (also known as Jules), who is sharing her best tips for capturing better travel videos.  We’re diving into shot setup, storytelling, and must-have gear for filming on the go. From beginner-friendly accessories to tips for filming solo—and even how to actually use your footage later—this episode will help you level up your travel videos, whether you’re using your phone or a camera.   Essential Camera Gear For Travelers:  Grab some of the camera gear we talked about in this episode.  Head over to our Amazon Shop where I’ve rounded up all our favorite travel video tools and accessories: https://amzn.to/4enXyhv    Connect with Traveling Jules  Website: travelingjules.com  Instagram: @travelingjules YouTube: @travelingjules And as always, all of Jules’ favorite gear recommendations are linked for you in the episode description and the accompanying blog post.    Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:  Everything You Need to Know About Flying Drones For Travel - Episode 136 How To Become a Full-Time Travel Creator with Christopher Mitchell - Episode 52 Best Travel Podcasts For Wanderlust - Episode 121  
✈️ What if you could visit a second country on your next trip without paying extra?  Charlotte Gage joins us to share how stopovers can unlock free bonus destinations on your next vacation. Learn the difference between a layover and a stopover, how to book them, and which airlines offer the best deals — plus insider tips to make the most of your time on the ground. Charlotte Gage is what she calls a “professional traveler.” She helps make travel safer, more cost-effective, and more accessible. So far, she has been to over 50 countries and all 50 US states. She is a passionate public speaker and licensed drone pilot, and loves to make friends in unexpected places. 🛒 Shop my favorite travel gear and accessories on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dZscgY  🛒 Shop my favorite road trip essentials on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n1uNLy  Want more cheap flights, points and miles, and money-saving strategies? Below are all my best episodes neatly organized in Spotify playlists.     🎧 Binge my Cheap Flights Series   🎧 Binge my Travel Hacking episodes 🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series    Connect with Charlotte Gage   Instagram @charfromchicago TikTok: @charfromchicago   Other Episodes You’ll Love  How To Find Cheap Flights with Thrifty Traveler Premium - Episode 70  Best Travel Newsletters To Save You Time and Money - Episode 176 Clever Ways To Save Money on Airfare - Episode 155 Connect With Danielle Desir Corbett  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedaniellecorbett Follow on Threads: @thedaniellecorbett   Work With Me: Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Think travel is too expensive in today’s economy? Think again. I’m joined by Matthew Kepnes, a.k.a. Nomadic Matt, to explore whether budget travel is still possible in 2025 and beyond. We get into:  Money-saving tips that still work Travel hacks that no longer do Surprising destinations where your dollar stretches way farther than you’d expect Back in 2005, one trip to Thailand changed Matt’s life forever. He quit his job, set off to backpack the world for a year... and never stopped. Since then, he's spent the last two decades helping millions of travelers explore the world smarter, cheaper, and longer through his blog, books, and courses. 🎧 Tune in to hear what’s really possible when it comes to affordable travel today — and how you can make your travel dreams a reality, even on a budget. Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/travel-tips-matthew-kepnes/    Resources Mentioned:  How To Travel the World on $75 a Day - practical, detailed, exhaustively researched travel advice that will help you get on the road better, cheaper, and smarter.   Connect with Matthew Kepnes  Website: nomadicmatt.com   Instagram @nomadicmatt   Other Episodes You’ll Love  How To Find Cheap Flights with Thrifty Traveler Premium - Episode 70  Best Travel Newsletters To Save You Time and Money - Episode 176 Backpacking For Beginners with Will Hatton - Episode 138   Connect With Danielle Desir Corbett  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedaniellecorbett Follow on Threads: @thedaniellecorbett   Work With Me: Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Ever had that heart-sinking feeling when you realize your wallet, phone, or bag has gone missing? You're not alone. Over two million people a year become victims of theft while traveling. Rachel Bloom is the designer of stylish smart bags built to protect your valuables on the go. She shares common ways travelers get targeted by thieves and easy habits to keep your belongings safe.    We talk about: Rachel's personal pickpocketing story that sparked her business Easy habits to keep your stuff safe in crowded spaces What most travel bags get wrong—and how her anti-theft travel bags are different What to do if your hotel doesn't have a safe   Check out RachelBloom.com (affiliate link) to shop Rachel’s anti-theft bag collection. I’ll be bringing the Smart Crossbody with me to Disney World soon, and I can’t wait!   🎒 Shop the Collection Looking for a stylish way to keep your valuables safe while traveling? Explore Rachel Bloom’s smart anti-theft bag collection: The Smart Backpack - perfect for everyday use  The Smart Crossover - ideal for a cityscape and urban adventures The Smart Mini - the perfect park bag for Disney days and hands-free fun Browse the collection at RachelBloom.com (affiliate link) and find the perfect travel bag for your next trip!   ✈️ Travel Smarter & Spend Wiser ➡️ Start saving now with the Jumpstart Your Vacation Fund Challenge – a 5-day action plan to build your dream trip fund! ➡️ Get inspired with my book Affording Travel – practical strategies to make travel a financial priority. ➡️ Grab the Vacation Ready Financial Checklist – Your go-to guide to prep your finances for your next trip.   Connect With Danielle Corbett Join my newsletter: https://thethoughtcard.substack.com/  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedaniellecorbett   Work With Me Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 
Headed abroad and do not speak the local language fluently? Curious about learning languages for travel? Whether you're a planner who starts learning months in advance or someone who wings it with Google Translate, this episode is for you. Lindsay Dow of Lindsay Does Languages, a language educator who has studied over 15 languages, shares practical, low-pressure tips to help you build the confidence to learn a new language before your trip. Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/language-apps-for-travel/   Get Lindsay's FREE vocabulary list with around 200 essential words and phrases you'll find useful when learning a new language: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/get-your-free-essential-vocab-list/   We cover: How much of the language you really need to know before you go Essential phrases every traveler should learn Affordable resources and tools to help you get started Whether translation apps are helpful on the go   💸 Need help saving for your next trip? Book a Travel Savings Strategy Session with me!  In this personalized 1:1 session, we’ll create a savings plan tailored to your travel goals, timeline, and budget. Whether you're eyeing a big bucket list trip or want to take more getaways throughout the year, I’ll help you figure out exactly how to fund it.  👉Let’s chat: https://thoughtcard.com/strategy-session   Connect with Lindsay Dow  Website: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/  YouTube: Lindsay Does Languages  Want more cheap flights, points and miles, and money-saving strategies? Below are all my best episodes neatly organized in Spotify playlists. Thanks for listening!  🎧 Binge my Cheap Flights Series   🎧 Binge my Travel Hacking episodes 🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series  🎧 Binge my Disney World Series    Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy EP 182 | How To Achieve Your Travel Goals: https://thoughtcard.com/travel-goals/  How To Plan a Vacation of Your Dreams From Scratch   Connect With Danielle Desir Corbett  Join my newsletter: https://thethoughtcard.substack.com/  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedaniellecorbett   Work With Me Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Celebrate spring with breathtaking flowers, creative topiaries, and tasty treats at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Striking a perfect balance between nostalgia and fun new surprises, discover why attending this festival is one of the best times of year to visit Walt Disney World.  Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process with EPCOT Chef de Cuisine, Kevin Downing, and Disney Proprietors of Festivals, Rick DiCicco, and Tom Kovacs.   A special thank you to Walt Disney World for sponsoring this episode!  Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to relive the magic, Walt Disney World is the perfect destination for families, adventure seekers, and Disney fans of all ages.  With four theme parks, endless attractions, dining experiences, and accommodations for every budget, plan your magical getaway by visiting DisneyWorld.com today!    ➡️ Don’t head to Disney without this! The Disney With Toddlers Bundle includes must-have packing and grocery checklists every parent needs to stay organized, stress less, and soak up more magical moments with your little one.   Read the blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/flower-and-garden-festival/    Want more Disney World tips, cheap flights, points and miles, and money-saving strategies? Below are all my best episodes neatly organized in Spotify playlists. Enjoy! 🎧 Binge my Disney World Series  🎧 Binge my Cheap Flights Series   🎧 Binge my Travel Hacking episodes 🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series  Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy Tips For Planning a Multigenerational Disney World Family Vacation - Episode 191 Practical Ways Disney World Caters To Families With Little Ones - Episode 190 Behind the Scenes of Planning the 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival With EPCOT Chef de Cuisine Kevin Downing (newsletter) 20 Insider Tips For Saving Money On Your Walt Disney World Vacation (blog)   Connect With Danielle Desir Corbett  Join my newsletter: https://thethoughtcard.substack.com/  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedaniellecorbett   Work With Me: Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Planning a trip to Disney World that includes multiple generations can be rewarding and involves unique considerations (and challenges). Here are our best Disney tips to help you create a magical experience that everyone, from grandparents to grandkids, will cherish. This podcast episode is made possible with the support of Walt Disney World, the sponsor of this episode. Start planning your next Disney World vacation today by visiting DisneyWorld.com. ➡️ Don’t head to Disney without this! The Disney With Toddlers Bundle includes must-have packing and grocery checklists every parent needs to stay organized, stress less, and soak up more magical moments with your little one. ➡️ Shop all our recommended toddler essentials for a Disney trip on my Amazon storefront.  Read the blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/multigenerational-disney-world-trip/  Want more Disney World tips, cheap flights, points and miles, and money-saving strategies? Below are all my best episodes neatly organized in Spotify playlists. Happy listening!    🎧 Binge my Disney World Series  🎧 Binge my Cheap Flights Series   🎧 Binge my Travel Hacking episodes 🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series    Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy Practical Ways Disney World Caters To Families With Little Ones - Episode 191 Planning Budget-Friendly Vacations For Large Families - Episode 159  20 Insider Tips For Saving Money On Your Walt Disney World Vacation (blog)   Connect With Danielle Desir Corbett  Join my newsletter: https://thethoughtcard.substack.com/  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedaniellecorbett   Work With Me: Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Planning a Disney trip with a baby? You’re in the right place! We’re uncovering the baby-friendly side of Walt Disney World — from thoughtful amenities to must-know tips that make visiting with little ones easier than ever.  Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned Disney traveler, tune in to discover why bringing your baby to the parks can be a magical (and stress-free) experience for the whole family! This podcast episode is made possible with the support of Walt Disney World! Start planning your next Disney World vacation that fits your style and budget today. ➡️ Grab my Disney With Toddlers Bundle — must-have packing & groceries checklists every parent needs to make packing (and snacking) stress-free. Stay organized, avoid meltdowns, and never forget an essential on your next Disney World vacation. ➡️ Shop all our recommended toddler essentials for a Disney trip on my Amazon storefront.  Read the blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/disney-world-with-toddlers/  Want more Disney World tips, cheap flights, points and miles, and money-saving strategies? Below are all my best episodes neatly organized in Spotify playlists. Happy listening!    🎧 Binge my Disney World Series  🎧 Binge my Cheap Flights Series   🎧 Binge my Travel Hacking episodes 🎧 Binge my Vacation Fund Series    Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy 20 Insider Tips For Saving Money On Your Walt Disney World Vacation (blog) Lessons From Traveling With Toddlers (It’s Possible and Enjoyable) - Episode 171  Planning Budget-Friendly Vacations For Large Families - Episode 159    Connect With Danielle Desir Corbett:  Join my newsletter: https://thethoughtcard.substack.com/  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Instagram: @thedaniellecorbett   Work With Me: Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Without the right systems and mindset, managing your business finances as an entrepreneur or small business owner can be a nightmare.   It's time to live debt-free, have your taxes paid, and have a thriving business even with inconsistent income! Money Coach for Small Business Owners Gina Knox shares her insights on achieving financial security despite the unpredictability of variable income. Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/business-savings/  In this episode, Gina breaks down:  The biggest factors contributing to entrepreneurs getting into debt, including poor expense management Why we should prioritize saving over debt repayment Introduces her innovative "Cash Flow Waterfall" method, which helps business owners build savings while managing their expenses effectively. In her 12-month coaching program, Small Business Money School, Gina teaches entrepreneurs how to build their business savings using her proprietary “Cash Flow Waterfall” saving method, which she breaks down beautifully in this episode.  For more information about Gina's coaching program, Small Business Money School, visit thoughtcard.com/gina   Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy How To Plan For Maternity Leave When Self-Employed - Episode 124 How To Find Grants and Fund Your Business - Episode 107 Lucrative Side Hustles to Make More Money with Daniella Flores - Episode 72 How To Start a Purposeful and Profitable Side Hustle with Dielle Charon - Episode 43   Connect with Gina Knox Listen to Podcast: Small Business Big Money Follow on Instagram: @ginaknox    Connect With Danielle Corbett  Join my newsletter: https://thethoughtcard.substack.com/  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedanielledesir   Work With Me Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Travel can be a transformative experience that helps you learn about yourself and the world, pushing you out of your comfort zone and fostering personal growth.  One of the best times to have a transformational travel experience is during a gap year, in this case, between high school and college.  Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures shares her life-changing trip to South Africa at the age of 22, where she volunteered with survivors of domestic violence. This experience deepened her understanding of global challenges, fostered humility and courage.  Through her work with Tilting Futures, learn how stepping outside the classroom can be one of the most powerful ways to shape the future.  Whether you're a young person exploring your purpose, or looking to inspire the next generation, this conversation is packed with insights on the power of experiential learning, the importance of social impact, and the incredible opportunities that await when you embrace the unknown.  Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/travel-personal-development/  Learn more about Tilting Futures’ global gap year programs by visiting tiltingfutures.org.  Connect with Erin Lewellen on LinkedIn: @erinlewellen   Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy Going To College in Europe is More Affordable - Episode 81 How To Achieve Your Travel Goals Step-by-Step - Episode 182 Trips vs Vacations: What’s the Difference? - Episode 179    Connect With Danielle Desir Corbett  Join my newsletter: https://thethoughtcard.substack.com/  Website: www.thoughtcard.com  Follow on Instagram: @thedanielledesir   Work With Me: Email thethoughtcard@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.