Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

By Joe Saul-Sehy & Crystal Hammond

Ready to dive into your next adventure? Begin your next travel adventure with us so you're inspired and prepared to do more, see more, and enjoy your trip. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond walk you through not only their stories, but also those of fellow adventurers. They talk to experts in travel, accommodations, booking flights, and more.

100 most recent episodes displayed below

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Episodes

01:00:30

A 37-Year Hawaii Resident Tells You Everything the Brochures Won't

Most people plan Hawaii all wrong. They try to hit three islands in ten days, get stuck behind slow drivers on the Road to Hana, and never make it past Waikiki. This week Joe and Crystal sit down with Doug Norman, who has lived on Oahu since the 1980

49:30

Why That Airline Voucher Is Almost Never Worth Taking

The gate agent calls for volunteers. The number keeps climbing. It feels like free money. Crystal took it once in Denver and spent the night in a windowless hotel with a $12 meal voucher she couldn't use. This week Joe and Crystal break down what act

01:05:34

What a Rhine River Christmas Markets Cruise Is Really Like

River cruises look effortless in the brochure—twinkling lights, mulled wine, storybook towns. But what really makes the experience unforgettable isn't just the scenery… it's everything happening underneath. Traveling with family (including a first-ti

53:43

Travel Lessons from Barbados to Disney World

Prepaying for travel extras feels like smart planning. Until you lose money because your plans change and there are no refunds.

Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond trade travel updates and money lessons, starting with Crystal's quick February return t

54:54

One Book, Dozens of Pubs, and a Life-Changing Journey

What starts as a European trip in 1987 turns into a quirky quest across England after a chance bookstore discovery, and eventually becomes something far more meaningful than anyone expected.

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by award winn

48:29

Biking 1,000 Miles Down Highway 1 From Canada to Mexico

What would happen if you said yes to the adventure that's been quietly tugging at you for years?

Joe Saul-Sehy talks with author and long distance cyclist Cory Mortensen, who decided to stop dreaming about a big ride and actually pedal one. He biked

37:46

Our 2026 Travel Plans! (January Clubhouse Meeting)

Alright, Adventurers…let's hear it. Where are you going in 2026—and what's the trip you really want to take if time, money, and real life would kindly stop being so clingy? Whether you've got a big international swing planned or you're stacking mini-

43:05

Joe Visits Dollywood and New River Gorge NP

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that surprise you. In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy hit the road expecting a great trip—and come back with a whole new appreciation for West Virginia (and a certain f

56:32

Third Trip to Barbados: What Crystal Learned About Doing It Right

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

50:45

The Travel Hacks Money Experts Actually Use

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 mone

50:10

The Music Museums Worth Planning Your Road Trip Around

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

01:03:41

Maximize Your Travel Points: Expert Tips & Tricks

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 s

01:16:26

How They Road-Tripped for 26 Days Without Going Broke

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 sprin

56:00

Money Geeks Share GREAT Travel Tips (LIVE From FinCon!)

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

55:53

YOUR Adventure Tales from Greece, Paris, Disney, Chicago, and more!

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

54:17

Adventures Grounded in Pop Culture (a Top 5 episode!)

Ever daydreamed about stepping straight into the world of your favorite movie, book, or TV show? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy set off on a whirlwind journey through the destinations that captured their hea

53:48

Exploring the Colorado Trail with Darrow Kirkpatrick

Dreaming of your next big hiking challenge? In this episode, Crystal and Joe welcome Darrow Kirkpatrick — retired financial writer, seasoned adventurer, and author of Two Sticks, One Path. Darrow takes us along his trek across the Colorado Trail, sha

53:18

Exploring Italy Through Adventure and Mystery

What do you get when you mix Vatican politics, mafia secrets, fine art forgery, and a dash of gelato? Award-winning mystery author Michael Balter joins us to share the real-life adventures that inspired his novel The Vatican Deal—a fast-paced thrille

01:06:13

Greek Getaway: Athens, Santorini & Crete (with a VERY special guest!)

What happens when you mix millennia-old ruins, sun-drenched islands, and gourmet Greek cuisine? You get an unforgettable adventure—plus a podcast episode to match.

In this wanderlust-packed episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Cry

54:45

YOUR Favorite Roadside and Roadtrip Attractions

Ready to take the scenic route? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond fire up the engine of nostalgia and hit the metaphorical road to celebrate America's quirkiest, kitschiest, and most unforgettable roadsid

01:02:08

The Ultimate Chicago Experience: What to See and Do

Planning your first visit to Chicago? Don't just snap a selfie at The Bean and call it a day—let Stacking Adventures hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy be your insider guides to one of America's most vibrant, layered, and delicious cities.

In t

01:12:07

Kevin Adventures To Walt Disney World

Dreaming of the ultimate Disney World vacation—but not the sky-high price tag? This week on Stacking Adventures, we sit down with Kevin Payne from Family Money Adventure to help you create maximum magic without maxing out your wallet.



Kevin brings

56:20

Discovering America's Vintage Roadside Attractions

Ready to time-travel without the flux capacitor? In this nostalgia-packed episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hit the open road—metaphorically speaking—to explore some of America's most iconic roadside landmarks, u

56:24

YOUR Theme Park Adventure Tales

Think theme parks are just for kids? Think again. We heard people who are VERY MUCH adults sharing their stories today...as we asked YOU for your theme park tales. On this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond head t

51:59

Navigating Your First Cruise Experience

Think cruises are just buffets and bingo? Think again. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hoist the anchor on all your cruising questions with travel agent Donna Pelletier (we call her the cruise director!)—who's seen it all fro

01:01:07

Cris' Adventure in Belize

Ever dream of ditching your deadlines for a hammock in Belize? Cris did just that—and she's not looking back.

In this episode, we follow digital nomad and slow travel pro Cris, who's been globe-hopping since 2018 and swears by one golden rule: trave

01:00:44

Theme Park Thrills and Spills with Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider

Ever dreamt of riding the world's fastest roller coaster or discovering the next big Disney park before the crowds? This week on Stacking Adventures, Crystal and Joe Saul-Sehy trade hiking boots for roller coaster harnesses in a theme park episode pa

52:45

David's Adventures Around Mont Blanc: Hiking, Gear, and Trail Tales

What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime.

Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconi

47:26

Donna's Pre-Cruise Puerto Rico Pit Stop Adventure

Is it Caribbean or Caribbe-an? We kick off this episode of Stacking Adventures with the great pronunciation debate—then head straight into a destination you can explore without needing a passport: Puerto Rico.

Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond

30:51

Heather's Adventure Bartering Her Way Across the USA

Trading skills, transporting pigs, and building a life of freedom on the open road.

What if instead of budgeting your way around the world, you bartered your way through it?

In this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Ha

40:38

YOUR Thailand Adventures

We're BACK in Thailand with YOU, and the stories are (as expected) all over the map, and incredible. From backpacking to ending up in the ER, you've had some southeast Asian adventures. So...what happens when your perfect travel plans meet reality? I

46:06

Adventure Hacks and Travel Tales from TravelCon 2025

What happens when you take a bus to Travel Con, pack a Pilates bar, and chase the best local experiences? Crystal finds out.

Crystal Hammond returns from Travel Con with her backpack full of insider tips, unexpected laughs, and some seriously useful

23:58

The Science Behind Stacking Adventures

 

Is stacking just a fun pastime… or is there real science behind the obsession?

Today, we go deep—clinically deep—into the phenomenon of stacking with Dr. Nicole Meli from Moreland Hills University, the leading researcher on the psychology and his

45:35

Tom Walks the Camino de Santiago

Do you dream of embarking on a legendary pilgrimage filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable encounters, and just enough unexpected twists to keep things interesting? This episode, we lace up our boots and dive into the adventure of a lifet

54:44

Crystal's Tale of Adventure in Thailand!

Ever dreamed of jetting off to Thailand for a mix of adventure, culture, and surprisingly affordable luxury? Crystal takes center stage in this episode, sharing her 2019 journey across three stunning islands, giving us an inside look at Thailand's vi

35:04

YOUR National Park Adventures!

Strap on your hiking boots (or just grab a comfy chair) as Crystal, Joe, and a crew of adventure enthusiasts take you on a journey through the wild wonders of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Muir Woods. Expect epic tales, unexpected detours, and a few

01:02:10

Save Ridiculous Money on Travel

Today we talk to not one but TWO guests who BOTH know how to save TONS of money on travel. First, Chris Hutchens from All The Hacks podcast LOVES to find ways to travel the world for nothing (or next to nothing). Second, George Igoe has a top series

57:17

Joe's Visit To Olympic National Park

Remember when Libby Gifford raved about Olympic National Park being her all-time favorite? Well, we took that as a challenge and just wrapped up an epic two-day adventure through its jaw-dropping landscapes. Spoiler alert: Libby was absolutely right.

59:08

Our Top 5 Most Romantic Destinations (SA024)

Today Joe and Crystal embark on a journey to the world's most romantic destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of Indonesia to the charming gondolas of Venice, they reveal their top five picks for couples seeking unforgettable getaways. Along the w

52:01

An 8-Year-Old's Pigeon-Powered Italian Adventure (SA023)

Can a pigeon lead to an Italian adventure? Turns out, yes! 🐦 Join Crystal and Joe as they chat with Adventure Annette about a spontaneous, bird-inspired journey through Rome, Venice, and Pompeii—all thanks to her son's unexpected obsession with pigeo

01:10:19

Exploring National Parks with Libby Gifford (SA022)

Ever wonder which U.S. national parks are truly breathtaking—and which ones might not live up to the hype? Today, Joe and Crystal sit down with Libby Gifford, a seasoned park explorer and co-organizer of TravelCon, to swap stories about awe-inspiring

25:24

Our First Adventurer's Clubhouse Meeting! (SA021)

Big changes coming to the show (well, not really...more tweaks than anything)...and we're super excited to share them with you. Join our community online and let's have fun learning and laughing our way around the world. 

 

55:24

Sip, Savor, and Adventure: Wine Tours, Tips, and Tales (SA020)

Here's the revised version without timestamps:

Ready to swirl, sniff, and sip your way through some unforgettable wine-tasting adventures? Today's episode of Stacking Adventures is a toast to wine tours, featuring hilarious and heartfelt stories, pr

56:20

YOUR Ireland Adventures! (SA019)

Ready to dive into the charm of the Emerald Isle? In this episode, we're taking you on a journey through Ireland's rugged countryside, lively cities, and ancient landmarks. Whether you're chasing rainbows or trying to master driving on the other side

01:04:33

Your 2025 Travel Budget Planner (SA018)

Planning a dream vacation shouldn't feel like a nightmare for your wallet. In this episode, Crystal and Joe unpack practical strategies to make your 2025 travels more affordable, enjoyable, and stress-free.

Crystal is inspired as Joe shares his plan

28:58

Everyday Adventures: Starting Next Year On the Right Foot! (SA017)

What better way to kick off the new year than by planning your next great adventure? On this episode, we're sharing another podcast which will make your adventures brighter, the Everyday Bucket List Podcast. Karen Cordway and her husband (and co-host

37:15

You Share Your Most Spooktacular Ghost Tour Adventures (SA016)

Ever wonder where to find the most haunted hotspots in the country? Buckle up, because in this episode, Joe and Crystal share the spine-tingling ghost tours recommended by our Adventurers! From Savannah's famous hearse ghost tours to the mysterious h

52:12

From Luxury Tours to Local Markets: YOUR Peru Adventures (SA013)

This week on Stacking Adventures, Joe and Crystal take us on a journey through Peru with two unique travel stories and a treasure trove of tips for travelers of all styles.

First, Carrie and Eric share their unforgettable slow-travel experience, sta

50:08

Adventurer Ann Explores Ireland's Unbeaten Path (SA012)

Adventurer Ann joins us today to share her travels through Ireland. Her road trip avoided the major tourist spots so that they could see the "real" parts of the country. What did they experience? How about soaring cliffs, the Lousitania museum, AirBn

57:02

Our Favorite Ghost Tours, Parades, and Haunted Experiences (SA008)

Today we embark on a spine-tingling journey through America's most haunted ghost tours. Discover eerie hotspots like New Orleans, Williamsburg, and Charleston, where tales of haunted houses, mysterious tunnels, and historic lantern-lit streets come t

49:15

Your Travel and Packing Hacks (SA007)

On today's episode we asked YOU for advice on packing for travel, accumulating points, and generally making things easier and more fun. Boy, did you come through! We feature advice from MANY people from our adventure community on this episode.

Have

52:09

Scotland: You Weigh In With MORE Great Tips (SA006)

In week one of this podcast we featured Neighbor Doug from the Stacking Benjamins Show, sharing his story about traveling to Scotland. We asked YOU for stories or tips and you didn't disappoint us! Today we'll hear from Gwen, Amanda, and Stephanie ab

57:56

Adventures By Disney Magic in the Andes: Exploring Peru and Chile

Today Joe recounts his recent South American adventure, exploring iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Santiago, and Lima. Discover his experience with an Adventures By Disney guided tour. You'll hear about vibrant destinations like Cusco and Chile

54:04

Exploring Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji (SA004)

Today, we take you halfway around the world and delve into Crystal's exhilarating journey to Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto to the breathtaking heights of Mount Fuji, you'll be taken on a tour of Japan's top

44:33

Savvy Suitcases: Packing Smart for Your Next Adventure (SA003)

In this episode of the Stacking Adventures podcast, hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy discuss the challenges and strategies of packing for travel. They share personal anecdotes about overpacking and underusing items, the advantages of rolling c

51:59

Travel Hacking and Maximizing Reward Points with Lee Huffman (SA002)

Today Crystal and Joe explore the world of reward points and travel hacking with expert Lee Huffman. The discussion covers the benefits and drawbacks of various credit card reward programs, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the perks of having a South

0:28

What About Cash?

How much money should we bring along? 

0:27

Goodbye, Ruth!

It was a great year with Ruth...and the team considers their options.

34:24 Ep. 67

The Ultimate Stacking Deeds Recap

Join Joe, Crystal and Neighbor Doug on a nostalgic look back at key insights from past episodes, from real estate investing strategies to life-changing guest interviews. The team shares their favorite moments and lessons, discusses the importance of

01:00:38

From Full Time Employment to Full Time Real Estate

Catie Lawrence is laser-focused on financial independence, and real estate has rocketed her toward that goal. Today we hear about Catie's journey from a 9-5 job outside of the real estate world to her transformation into full time real estate pro and

01:09:29 Ep. 65

Your Guide to Real Estate Success: How Brooke Coughlin Tripled Her Income

Does the real estate journey seem like it'd be long and difficult? Today's guest is living proof that it might take some sweat equity…but it doesn't have to take forever! Brooke Coughlin went from being a middle school English teacher earning $50k to

01:10:01 Ep. 64

Outsourcing Your Way To Real Estate Success with Harley Green

Would you like to discover how to outsource your way to real estate riches? Crystal and Joe chat with Harley Green.  You'll learn about all of the tasks he outsources and how to achieve real estate success by outsourcing and utilizing virtual assista

51:18 Ep. 63

Real Estate Investing 101 - Economic Data You Can't Ignore

On today's show...Ever feel like you're flying blind in the crazy world of real estate investing? Wondering what economic factors might impact your next move? Well, fret no more! Whether you're looking to buy your first investment property or you're

01:02:16 Ep. 61

Hurry Up and Fail: Lessons on Turning Missteps into Success

How do you become successful? If you're any self-respecting entrepreneur, you learn to fail faster. It feels great to win, but on today's episode, author Dave Mason shares how some of the best and brightest forged HUGE careers or built massive real e

54:24 Ep. 58

Commercial Real Estate Do's and Don'ts with Neil Timmins

Commercial real estate is a different beast than what most of our Deeders are used to. You're dealing with bigger companies who are more likely to analyze the deal carefully and over a different timeframe than the mom-and-pop renting out your AirBnB.

01:02:32 Ep. 56

Crafting Offers That Win Homes in Hot Markets with Joelle Dowe (SD56)

How do you write an offer that's thorough and point-by-point, but that also is succinct enough that people want to accept what you're hoping to achieve? On today's show, Joelle Dowe is a top real estate pro in the red-hot Austin Texas market. She joi

01:09:35 Ep. 53

The Ultimate Tax Guide for Aspiring Real Estate Moguls

On today's show...Ever wondered how to navigate the maze of real estate investments while keeping Uncle Sam at bay? Get ready to learn the ins and outs of real estate tax optimization with Sean Mullaney, the genius behind the Fi Tax Guy brand.

In ou

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