Looking for the best travel rewards programs in 2025? We break down the brand-new U.S. News & World Report Travel Rewards Rankings (2025–2026) with Senior Travel Editor Elizabeth Von Tersch.
Discover which airline loyalty programs and hotel rewards programs actually give travelers the most value:

✈️ Best Airline Rewards 2025 – Alaska Airlines takes the top spot over United & American.
🏨 Best Hotel Rewards 2025 – Choice Privileges ranks #1, beating bigger brands with fast-earning perks.
💳 Smart credit card tips – how free checked bags, flexible points, and transfer bonuses can save you $$$.
🔑 Insider strategies – join loyalty programs (even if you don’t travel often), link rideshares, and transfer points for outsized rewards.
As travel costs rise, knowing how to maximize points and miles has never been more important. Get the latest insights to save money, score upgrades, and travel smarter in 2025.

Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor of Travel at US News & World Report, joins Host and Travel Expert, Colleen Kelly, to talk about the latest US News’ 2025-2026 Best Travel Rewards Programs, as well as tips for how to best maximize travel rewards programs.

For more information:
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Dreaming of your 2025 adventures? We're serving up a diverse platter of travel inspiration to fuel your wanderlust as holiday festivities wind down. This episode delivers the perfect mix of accessible weekend getaways and exotic international journeys to brighten even the darkest winter days.

We kick off with a fascinating look at how entertainment shapes travel choices. The "Glickid" phenomenon—where films like Gladiator 2 and Wicked are influencing destination decisions—has created unique travel opportunities. Film buffs can visit Malta where Gladiator 2 transformed historic locations into ancient Rome, while Wicked fans can book a magical themed suite at New York Hilton Midtown, complete with an Elphaba side inspired by Shiz University's enchanted forest and a Glinda side bursting with pink vibrancy.

Looking for a winter escape without the passport? Meet Stevens Point, Wisconsin—just 3.5 hours from Chicago and packed with cold-weather charm. This hidden gem in central Wisconsin offers 27 miles of winter hiking on the Green Circle Trail and a remarkable craft beverage scene. History enthusiasts will love the Stevens Point Brewery—the nation's third oldest continuously operating brewery—while sustainability-minded travelers can tour Central Waters Brewing Company with its impressive solar panel installation. From burger joints to upscale dining featuring original Pablo Picasso artwork, Stevens Point delivers cozy winter vibes with small-town warmth.

For international explorers, we journey to Morocco with United Airlines' convenient direct flights from Newark to Marrakesh. The stunning blue city of Chefchaouen—where entire buildings are painted vivid blue with white trim and terracotta rooftops—offers Instagram-perfect vistas and shopping opportunities. Meanwhile, Fez transports visitors to the Middle Ages with imperial castles and untouched cityscapes. In Marrakesh, vibrant souks burst with fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, and snake charmers, creating an immersive cultural experience for all your senses.

Our global journey concludes in Spain's verdant north, where travel expert Ralph Velasco reveals why Asturias might be Europe's best-kept secret. With the snow-capped Picos de Europa mountains, charming fishing villages, and phenomenal cuisine, this "Green Spain" offers a refreshing alternative to the country's scorching south.

Ready to transform your travel daydreams into reality? Connect with us on social media @RoundTripColleenKelly and start planning your perfect getaway today!

Ever dreamed of a destination that feels like stepping into another world without the hassle of long-haul travel? This week, Colleen and Megan uncover two gems that deliver exactly that - Southern Illinois and Prague, Czech Republic.

Southern Illinois emerges as the surprise star of our Midwest explorations, now incredibly accessible thanks to Contour Airlines' direct 45-minute flights from Chicago O'Hare to Veterans Airport. As Deb Barnett, Executive Director of Southern Illinois Now, explains, this flight connection transforms what was once a 5-6 hour journey into a quick hop that feels like having your own private jet. The region dazzles with unexpected diversity - from award-winning wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail to accommodation options that range from treehouse cabins near Garden of the Gods to luxury lakefront properties on Lake Egypt.

Crossing the Atlantic, travel writer Suzanne Kenzer guides us through Prague's fairy-tale landscape of medieval bridges, baroque architecture, and hidden cultural treasures. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site that escaped major damage during WWII, Prague remains delightfully accessible and navigable for weekend visitors. Suzanne reveals insider tips for maximizing your experience: secure the Prague Visitor Pass for unlimited public transportation and attraction access, explore beyond the tourist center to neighborhoods like Letna, and don't miss the chance to touch St. John of Nepomuk's statue on Charles Bridge - legend promises you'll return to this enchanting city.

Whether you're drawn to the surprising vineyards and lush landscapes of Southern Illinois or the historical richness and architectural splendor of Prague, both destinations offer authentic experiences without overwhelming crowds. As you plan your 2025 travels, consider these less-frequented but deeply rewarding destinations that combine beauty, accessibility, and a genuine sense of discovery.

Have you ever dreamed of sailing across crystal blue waters on a majestic tall ship while exploring charming coastal villages untouched by mass tourism? Join Colleen Kelly and her daughter Dunovan as they recount their extraordinary journey aboard a Star Clippers vessel through the Mediterranean, taking listeners on a vicarious adventure to Corsica, the French Riviera, and the picture-perfect harbor of Portofino, Italy.

Unlike conventional cruise experiences, Star Clippers offers something genuinely unique – an intimate sailing adventure with just 160 passengers and 70 crew members aboard a spectacular tall ship that can access smaller, more authentic ports. Donovan describes approaching the eight-story vessel for the first time as "awe-inspiring," setting the stage for a week of unforgettable experiences. From nightly sail-away parties complete with champagne and dramatic music to themed dinners and entertainment where even the captain joins in the festivities, this journey blends old-world sailing romance with modern comforts.

What makes this experience particularly special is the balanced itinerary that allows guests to wake up in a new destination each morning. The mother-daughter duo share delightful stories of exploring quaint Corsican towns where locals outnumber tourists, enjoying incredible pasta in Portofino, and spending leisurely days on beaches equipped with complimentary water sports equipment. Onboard, elegant cabins with surprising storage space, multiple swimming pools, and exceptional multi-course dining create a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler seeking an alternative to mainstream cruising or simply dreaming of your next European adventure, this episode offers valuable insights into a travel experience that combines authentic cultural immersion with the timeless romance of sailing. Ready to set your compass toward a different kind of Mediterranean exploration? This Star Clippers journey might just be your perfect next adventure.

Venturing into the far reaches of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland aboard Adventure Canada's Ocean Endeavor reveals a world few travelers ever experience. Through frost-kissed waters and remote communities, this expedition cruise unveils both the stunning natural wonders and the rich cultural tapestry of the North.

The journey takes you through breathtaking Arctic landscapes, from the bird-covered cliffs of East Digges Island to the artistic community of Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), known as the capital of Inuit art where nearly a quarter of residents are engaged in creative pursuits. Aboard the ship, you'll find yourself among curious, intelligent fellow travelers and expert researchers who enhance your understanding of this complex region.

What makes this expedition truly special is its unpredictability. The itinerary remains purposefully flexible, adapting to ice conditions, weather patterns, and wildlife sightings. One day you might find yourself sipping mulled wine on deck while watching walruses sunbathing on distant ice; the next could bring you face-to-face with a colony of 300,000 thick-billed murres swarming the sheer cliff faces where they nest.

The Research in Residence program stands as a highlight of the Adventure Canada experience. Scientists like seabird researcher Jesse Wilson conduct valuable conservation work while sharing their expertise with passengers. "To actually get to experience seeing those colonies that I've read about for so long," Jesse explains, "it cements why I'm doing this." This blend of adventure tourism and scientific discovery creates meaningful connections to a region facing significant environmental challenges.

Perhaps most impactful are the cultural exchanges in remote Inuit communities, where travelers learn phrases in Inuktitut and engage with local residents. One passenger described their most memorable moment: "In Kimmirut, these two little girls dressed in bright pink and bright purple came right up to me... We stuck around with each other all day, talked about our favorite things, and they gave me a private tour of their community."

Whether you're drawn to wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or simply experiencing "the land of the Arctic—expansive, beautiful, empty, amazing," Adventure Canada's Heart of the Arctic expedition delivers transformative moments that will reshape your understanding of our world's northern reaches. Join us on this journey of discovery where each day brings new wonders in a landscape few will ever witness firsthand.

What does it mean to truly experience the Arctic? Not just viewing it from a distance, but immersing yourself in its wild landscapes, connecting with its indigenous communities, and learning from experts who've dedicated their lives to understanding this extraordinary region? 

Megan recently returned from Adventure Canada's Heart of the Arctic expedition, a transformative 12-day journey through the Canadian Arctic and Greenland that flips the traditional cruise concept on its head. This family-run company, founded over 35 years ago, specializes in small ship expeditions that bring travelers to less-visited corners of the Arctic with a deep focus on cultural connections and environmental responsibility.

Unlike massive cruise ships carrying thousands, the Ocean Endeavor hosts just under 200 passengers, creating an intimate community where travelers quickly recognize faces and build friendships. Aboard the ship, comfort meets education with expert presentations, community gatherings, and unexpected moments of joy—from spotting wildlife on deck to joining morning yoga sessions. As Megan discovered, everything from the dining experience to evening events is designed to foster learning and connection.

What truly distinguishes Adventure Canada is their approach to community visits. Rather than treating Arctic communities as mere stops on an itinerary, they've built decades-long relationships with Inuit villages, particularly in places like Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), known as a hub for Inuit printmaking. Cultural ambassadors from these communities join expeditions, leading meaningful interactions that benefit visitors and locals alike. Through interviews with team members like Dan Freeze, whose father helped found the company, we learn how these expeditions strive to create "moments of awe" that forever change how travelers see the world.

Ready to explore the Arctic in a way that respects its communities and environments while creating unforgettable adventures? Join us next week for part two of our Adventure Canada coverage, as we dive deeper into this extraordinary expedition experience that might just change your perspective on travel forever.

Galveston Island was so fun, it took two episodes! Hear from Will Wright, Chief Creative Officer of the Galveston Historical Foundation, on this historic city. Megan and Colleen share more on their favorite parts of the trip. Plus, can travel really slow aging?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yee-Haw! On this two-parter episode of Round Trip, Colleen and Megan head south to Galveston Island, Texas. They talk to Executive Director of Visit Galveston, Tony Lyle, to hear the ins and outs of the islands. Plus, hear about their experience visiting the island while filming Family Travel! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

TONY LYLE: https://www.visitgalveston.com/

WATCH THE EPISODE: https://www.pbs.org/show/family-travel-colleen-kelly/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan talk with our neighbors to the north. Vladimir Jean-Gilles, Manager of Travel Media Relations for Ottawa Tourism, shares some of the highlights of the capital, from eats to sights. Darcy Ferron, VP of Strategic and External Affairs for the Canadian Museum of Nature, talks about the natural history of the city. Finally, Megan shares her experience taking a quick weekend trip there!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ottawa Tourism: https://ottawatourism.ca/en 

Canadian Museum of Nature: https://nature.ca/en/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The air is beginning to cool, everything is pumpkin spice, and the leaves are starting to fall. This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan tell you about the best places to go enjoy the outdoors before its too cold. ​​Rick Sense, the Economic Development and Tourism Specialist from Calumet County, WI, joins to talk about the outdoor adventures to be had this fall there. Autumn Timblin with Explore Marinette County in Wisconsin shares how to enjoy their parks and the best spots for leaf peeping. Plus, what travel gadgets are Colleen and Megan obsessed with? 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Rick Sense: https://wi-calumetcountytourism.civicplus.com/1/Home 

Autumn Timblin: https://www.exploremarinettecounty.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time to take advantage of the fall weather and get connected to Mother Nature. This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan dive into the world of agritourism. Malorie Paine from Plover Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sheila Everhart of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association share what AgVentures await travelers this fall, including working on a farm. Plus Jenny Rhoades from the Circleville Pumpkin Show in Ohio shares what to expect from what is called "The Greatest Free Show On Earth" this year. 

For More Information:

Malorie Paine: https://www.comeovertoplover.com/ 

Sheila Everhart:  https://wiagtourism.com/home 

Jenny Rhoades: https://www.pumpkinshow.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It may be 80° now, but fall is fast approaching. This week on Round Trip, Megan and Colleen get ready for what's coming. Lauren Sackett, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center CEO, talks about what there is to do in her neck of the woods this fall. Katarina Koch, Executive Director of the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, invites you to Bloomington, IN this October. Plus, John Leydon, Co-Founder of Chicago Fashion Week, shares what's unique about this inaugural event. 

For More Information:

Lauren Sackett: https://www.rhinelanderchamber.com/ 

Katarina Koch: https://www.lotusfest.org/ 

John Leydon: https://chicagofashionweek.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this very special episode, Colleen and Megan talk to entrepreneur, writer, producer, and friend Katie Orr Sharp! In 2008 Katie made a resolution to travel to at least one new country every year for the next 10 years, and it's grown into an ongoing adventure 16 years later. Hear all about her trips and what this all has taught her!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fort Lauderdale was so fun, it couldn't be fit into just one episode! Colleen and Megan continue with their adventures, plus hear from Jose Sierra, Sr. Coordinator of Tigertail Lake Recreational Center in Broward County. 

For More Information:

Jose Sierra: https://www.tigertaillake.com/ 

Can't get enough of Fort Lauderdale? Watch the Family Travel episode here: https://video.gotraveler.com/feature/family-travel-colleen-kelly-greater-fort-lauderdale 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan talk about their recent excursion to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for an upcoming episode of Family Travel! Learn about the ins and outs of the family-friendly area with a visit from Stacy Ritter, the President/CEO of Visit Lauderdale. Plus, hear all about Pompano Beach from Rita Wells, Tourism Manager of Pompano Beach. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week! 

For More Information:

Visit Lauderdale: https://www.visitlauderdale.com

Pompano Beach: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev your engines! This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan talk with their friend, travel writer Suzanne Kenzer, on her recent road trip around New England. From the historic city of Boston to Acadia National Park, there is something to do for everyone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hola! On this episode of Round Trip, Colleen and Megan discuss Colleen's recent trip to Nayarit, Mexico. From the stay to the sights and everything in between, add this destination to your bucket list! Plus, what's coming up at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this very special episode of Round Trip, Colleen and Megan chat with Juliana Broste (aka Traveling Jules) on her life as a Travel Host and Vlogger! 

For more information: 

https://www.travelingjules.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go-go gadget private jet! Or a VPN and GoPro. This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan round up their favorite travel gadgets. Chris Prado, Associate Director of Communications & Marketing at GoPro, shares whats new with the HERO12. Marijus Briedis, NordVPN Chief Technology Officer, talks about what a VPN is and the importance of having one. Plus a hack for falling asleep on planes! 

For More Information:

GoPro: https://gopro.com/ 

NordVPN: https://nordvpn.com/ 

Tech Savvy Travel 1: https://omnystudio.com/p/round-trip-with-colleen-kelly-1/clips/370ed55b-305a-491b-8d2e-af9a01586e81 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Art thou a fan of the Bard? This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan brush up on the classics and talk William Shakespeare. Tessa Haynes, Visitor Experience Manager for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, talks his history in Stratford-upon-Avon and how you can see it yourself. Edward Hall, Artistic Director of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, shares what's been happening at Chicago Shakes. Plus, what's a K-Pop Visa?

For More Information:

Tessa Haynes: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/ 

Edward Hall: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan talk about edible passports, and no they aren't passports made of chocolate. First up is Noreen Rueckert, Tourism Director at Green County Tourism, WI, on the cheese passport and local cheese history. Next is Jason Lesniewicz, Senior Director of Cultural Tourism at Choose Chicago, on the Brew Pass and encouraging you to try local breweries. Finally, Mackenzie Wolters, Communication Manager with Visit Kansas City, and the guide to exploring BBQ in KC. 

For more information:

Noreen Rueckert: https://www.greencounty.org/cheese/ 

Jason Lesniewicz: https://www.choosechicago.com/brewpass/ 

Mackenzie Wolters: https://www.visitkc.com/bbq 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week of Round Trip is all about girl power and women empowerment. Colleen and Megan talk with three different women in hospitality. First is Amanda Weibel, Communications Officer at the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, who talks her favorite women-owned places. Second is Ellie Chin, President & CEO of Visit Madison, on what it's like being a woman in tourism. The episode rounds out with Maria-Elena Price, Co-Owner of ExperiencePlus! 

For more information:

Amanda Weibel: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/ 

Ellie Chin: https://www.visitmadison.com/ 

Maria-Elena Price: https://www.experienceplus.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The best education doesn't always happen in the classroom! This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan learn about different ways to travel with family. Brian Anderson, Director of National Outings at Sierra Club, shares the different itineraries that the Sierra Club has to offer for multi-generational outings. Margaret Bensfield Sullivan, author, talks about taking a year off and traveling the globe with her family. To round out the episode, Patrick Tunno, author, professor, language enthusiast, and Italian voyager, tells about how to culturally enjoy a new city.

For more information: 

Brian Anderson and Sierra Club:

https://content.sierraclub.org/outings/ 

Margaret Bensfield Sullivan:

• Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPRTSK42 
• Website: https://www.margaretbensfieldsullivan.com/ 

Patrick Tunno:

• Website: patricktunnophd.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/@aguidetoitaly
• Book on Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B0C9S8W65D/ref=monarch_sidesheet

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel news is the best kind of news. This week on Round Trip, Colleen and Megan hear all about whats new in the world of travel with Doyinsola Oladipo, a journalist from Reuters. Plus, new gadgets to upgrade your travel experience. 

For More Information:

https://www.reuters.com/authors/doyinsola-oladipo/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to stay stateside this summer? On this episode of Round Trip, Colleen and Megan look at major US cities. Travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadem gives tips and tricks to navigate the Big Apple. Chris Moyer of Visit Detroit talks about whats new in Detroit. Megan shares her trip to Nashville. 

For more information:

Meena Thiruvengadem:

http://travelwithmeena.com/

Chris Moyer: 

https://visitdetroit.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.