Ever wish you could fly business class without paying business class prices?

In this episode of Design Her Travel, host Kim Anderson sits down with Betsey, an Alaska Airlines points and miles expert who’s cracked the code on how to travel in luxury without draining your bank account. From grocery store hacks to unexpected redemption perks, you’ll learn how to stretch every dollar into travel rewards—especially if you’re flying Alaska Airlines.

Whether you’re completely new to the travel hacking game or you’re ready to level up your strategy, this episode will teach you smart, repeatable, and surprisingly easy ways to earn and redeem Alaska Airlines miles for maximum value.

You’ll learn:

• Why Alaska Airlines is one of the hottest loyalty programs right now
• How to earn miles on groceries, gift cards, and even late luggage
• How to book premium travel without spending premium money

This episode is for you if you're ready to stop watching everyone else fly first class and start doing it yourself—without spending more than you already are. Seriously, if you can buy a coffee, you can earn miles. Press play and prepare to be blown away.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Betsey on Instagram @heralaskatravels
• ⚡ROUND Book: We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
• Looking for that carryon with a seat? Check it out here: MiaMilly

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: From Corporate Girlie to Full-Time Travel Creator w/ Janelle on a Jet #129

EPISODE DETAILS:

13:56 - Alaska and Hawaiian airlines recently merged

16:33 - If you are an Alaskan native

18:57 - Amex platinum cards are a great way to get 5 points

20:08 - There are lots of ways to stack points and miles

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Dreaming of taking your furry best friend on a European adventure? You’ll need this first.

In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson breaks down everything you need to know about the EU Pet Passport—the must-have document that makes traveling across Europe with your pet a breeze.

Inspired by world travelers like Tom Turcich (who walked the globe with his dog, Savannah – Episode #162) and Stephanie & Gillian of Our Freedom Years (who roam with their two pups – Episode #20), this episode tackles the big questions:

• What exactly is an EU Pet Passport, and who needs one?
• How do you get one—and why can’t you get it before arriving in the EU?
• What are the biggest mistakes pet owners make (and how can you avoid them)?

If you’re planning to explore Europe with your four-legged companion, this episode is your one-stop guide to stress-free pet travel. Grab your leash, your pup (or cat… or ferret?), and tune in!

CONNECT with Kim and Support the Show:

• Instagram @designhertravel
• Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter

Want travel tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast?
SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter here!
It's just the good stuff, I promise. No spam here.

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout

Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

One man, one dog, and a seven-year journey across 38 countries—this is their story.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Tom Turcich, the tenth person to ever walk around the world—and the first to do it with a dog. After the sudden loss of a close friend, Tom was compelled to make the most of life. The day before his 26th birthday, he set out on an adventure that spanned seven years, 38 countries, and 28,000 miles, redefining his understanding of travel, resilience, and human connection.

Along the way, Tom faced extreme weather, illness, and the loneliness of long stretches on the road. He also gained an unexpected travel companion—Savannah, a rescue dog who became his loyal partner in adventure. From the mental and physical challenges of walking the world to the powerful lessons he learned about patience, purpose, and embracing the unknown, Tom’s journey is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

Tune in to hear:
✔️ How grief and a love for adventure fueled Tom’s world walk
✔️ The logistics of walking across continents (with a dog!)
✔️ Life lessons from the road—why patience and presence are key to any dream

Whether you're dreaming of your own big adventure or looking for motivation to take the next step in life, Tom’s story will leave you inspired.

CONNECT with Kim and Support the Show:

• Instagram @designhertravel
• Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter

CONNECT WITH TOM:

• Website: The World Walk
• Pick Up Your Copy of Tom's Book

RESOURCES Mentioned in the Episode:

• Episode #154: Walking the World: One Woman’s 20,000-Mile, 7-Year Journey Across 4 Continents w/ Angela Maxwell
• Into the Wild by John Krakauer
• Karl Bushby
• Steve Newman

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes:

• Part One: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying w/ Thor Pedersen - Once Upon a Saga (Episode #59)
• Part Two: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying w/ Thor Pedersen - Once Upon a Saga (Episode #61)

EPISODE DETAILS:

5:25 You only have so much time in this one life

6:15 Dreams require commitment

8:26 You only get this one life

14:58 If you are living your dreams

25:36 The more you travel, the more you realize

36:21 We are all small humans

Want travel tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast?
SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter here!
It's just the good stuff, I promise. No spam here.

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout

Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.