Greek Getaway: Athens, Santorini & Crete (with a VERY special guest!)
Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
Release Date: 07/29/2025
Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
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...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
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 Josephine Matyas and Craig Jones, co-authors of The Music Lovers' Guide to North America, who've spent decades visiting music museums across the continent—from world-famous institutions to tiny storefronts kept alive by passionate locals. They've got the insider stories about what makes each one special, which ones are worth the detour, and...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
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...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
Ever wondered if ghost tours are actually fun, or just touristy gimmicks that sound better on Instagram than in real life? Crystal Hammond just got back from a ghost tour through Alexandria, Virginia with , and she's got answers. Spoiler: this one's worth the price of admission—especially if you like your history served with a side of haunted pub crawl. From the allegedly haunted Gatsby Hotel to the centuries-old Carlisle House, Crystal walks you through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the kind of local stories that make you wonder if that cold breeze was just October air......
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
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...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
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 shoved her microphone in the faces of some of the TOP money people at the event. Luckily, they all loved it AND shared some incredible gems. From reward stacking to where to stay in the hotel, and from visas to food, we cover everything so that you're ready for your next adventure. Find our Gear of the Day at stackingadventures.com/GOTD Join the...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
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...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
What happens when you mix rolling vineyards, crashing waves, and a lake so blue it looks Photoshopped? You get Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond’s four-day adventure across Oregon. From sipping Pinot in the Willamette Valley to standing awestruck on the rim of Crater Lake, this whirlwind journey proves you don’t need months off to pack in once-in-a-lifetime moments. Along the way, Joe and Crystal share the highs, lows, and a few surprises—like where to find coastal gems that aren’t overrun with tourists, why Bend might be Oregon’s best-kept secret, and which travel snacks pass...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
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...
info_outlineStacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
What happens when you spend a year crisscrossing the globe (and occasionally your own backyard) with a microphone, an eye for hidden gems, and a love of a good travel story? You get twelve months of unforgettable moments, unexpected lessons, and more “Gear of the Day” picks than we can count. In this milestone episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy celebrate our first birthday in style—revisiting epic destinations, listener favorites, and the travel themes that defined our debut year. From the romantic charm of Italy and the windswept coasts of...
info_outlineWhat 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 Crystal Hammond are joined by a very special guest: Joe’s wife, Cheryl Saul-Sehy, a seasoned traveler with a keen eye for luxury, efficiency, and surprise gems you won't find on most itineraries. Together, they unpack their latest trip to Greece, spanning the historic streets of Athens, the Instagram-ready cliffs of Santorini, and the charming hospitality of Crete and Naxos.
Here’s What You’ll Explore:
-
The Ancient Meets the Modern in Athens: From the Acropolis to upscale walking food tours, Joe, Crystal, and Cheryl break down why the cradle of Western civilization should still be on your bucket list (and your stomach’s).
-
Santorini’s Stunning... and Packed: Is the sunset as romantic as it looks in the brochures? Yes. But also: elbows. Lots of elbows. Get tips on dodging crowds and soaking in the caldera views like a pro.
-
Crete’s Hidden Depths: Explore more than beaches—like the poignant beauty of a preserved leper colony and the stunning Palace of Knossos. Plus, Cheryl’s unexpected emotional moment at a nearly forgotten site.
-
Naxos, the Culinary Underdog: Spoiler alert—this island may have stolen the show. Learn why renting a car here is a must, how to find secret beaches, and where to eat your weight in feta.
-
Logistical Gold: From scoring flights with credit card points to the perks (and limitations) of Disney-guided tours, this episode dishes out real traveler talk for making your next trip smoother—and more rewarding.
-
Gear of the Day: Cheryl reveals the MVP of the trip, a simple travel essential that made all the difference in staying organized and secure abroad. You’ll want to add this to your packing list, stat.
Why This Episode Belongs in Your Carry-On
This isn’t your average travel chat. It’s a blend of heartfelt storytelling, practical wisdom, and enough dreamy island imagery to get your suitcase halfway packed. Whether you're planning your first Greek adventure or reliving your last one, you’ll walk away with ideas, laughs, and a serious craving for baklava.
Have a favorite Greek island, hidden taverna, or ferry tip? Share it with the Stacking Adventures community—we’re always hungry for more (especially if it involves olives or octopus).