In this installment of our Travel Tuesday Interview series, I speak with Travis Sherry, the voice behind the leading travel podcast on iTunes. He and his wife, Heather, are seasoned travel hacking enthusiasts, sharing their insights and experiences in our discussion.
Travis Sherry has been traveling extensively since 2010, hosting a popular travel podcast. (Image courtesy of Travis Sherry)
Name: Travis Sherry
Age:35
Hometown: Philadelphia
Countries visited: Approximately 51.
Website: ExtraPackofPeanuts.com
1. What sparked your passion for travel?
My travel journey began at 18 with a road trip to Florida, marking my first adventure away from family. It was exhilarating—my friend and I drove from Philadelphia to help my sister settle into college. That trip remains one of my all-time favorites.
At 26, I lived in Switzerland for four months during an internship, immersing myself in a new lifestyle abroad. This experience truly broadened my horizons.
Then, at 27, after returning from Switzerland, Heather and I decided to move to Japan. This move transformed our approach to travel; it became central to our lives, rather than just a vacation activity.
Travis often records podcasts while traveling, even during layovers, such as in Amsterdam. (Image courtesy of Travis Sherry)
2. Describe an average workday for you.
I aim for a structured schedule. My day typically kicks off at 10 a.m., often following a morning gym session. Most of my productive hours are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. My tasks vary—some days focus on podcast recordings, while Tuesdays are reserved for community workshops.
Recently, I've been involved in broader planning and coordinating with my team. I structure my week with specific focuses: Mondays for calls, Tuesdays for podcasts, and midweek for creative projects—like videos and writing. Toward the end of the week, I handle administrative tasks like bookkeeping and emails, allowing me to maintain my creative flow.
This organization has boosted my enjoyment of work and left afternoons free for spontaneity.
3. What's a standout travel experience for you?
My most memorable trip was to Georgia, where I had heard rave reviews. I was anxious it wouldn't live up to the hype, but it surpassed my expectations. Traveling there, we accidentally boarded the wrong bus and ended up enjoying a feast at a local's home with the entire town joining us!
The natural beauty rivaled Switzerland but was far more rugged and affordable. We spent 12 days there in July 2016, surrounded by stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. Driving on one of the world's most dangerous roads to a remote village was unforgettable, with wild horses roaming freely—something I never imagined seeing.
Travis at Ballycarbery Castle in Ireland. They primarily use airline miles accrued through credit cards for flights. (Image courtesy of Travis Sherry)
4. What's a common misconception about travel hacking?
Two myths stand out. First, many believe frequent flyer miles are only for frequent travelers. In reality, you can accumulate miles through credit card sign-ups and shopping, making it accessible to all. You can earn enough for a free flight to Europe just by signing up for a credit card!
The second myth is that redeeming points is overly complicated. While it can seem daunting initially, with a bit of knowledge, it becomes much simpler. Often, I find people just need guidance on where to look.
Recommended credit cards? Chase Sapphire Reserve is ideal for regular travelers, while Chase Preferred suits those who travel less frequently.
5. What are three essentials you pack for every trip?
- Headphone splitters for watching movies together during flights.
- Mack's earplugs for peaceful travel.
- Eye mask for restful sleep.
- For men, Bluffworks. Their travel chinos and blazers are not only stylish but also wrinkle-resistant.
Travis can work from anywhere, including the beach in Croatia, as long as there's wifi. (Image courtesy of Travis Sherry)
6. How do you juggle work and travel?
Over the years, we've found batching our work and travel yields the best results. At home in Philadelphia, we focus on completing projects, while on the road, we manage lighter tasks. We strive for an 80% travel and 20% work balance while exploring.
We have a home in Philadelphia, and after years of being hesitant, we moved back there in August 2015. Now, we spend about half our time traveling and the other half at home.
7. Your podcast's name, Extra Pack of Peanuts, reflects your childhood fear of flying. How did you conquer this fear? Any advice?
As a child, I feared getting sick on planes, which occasionally happened. Over time, I learned to accept flying as a means to an end. I realized the opportunity to explore would outweigh a temporary discomfort.
While I still don't love flying, I tolerate it better than before.
Travis and Heather welcomed their first child, Whittaker, who recently experienced his first flight. They enjoyed family time during the holidays in Philly and recently visited a pumpkin patch. (Image courtesy of Travis Sherry)
8. How has parenthood influenced your travel style?[Whittaker is about to turn one!]
Surprisingly, our travel plans remain unchanged. We still pursue our desired trips, but we are now taking things slower. Instead of hopping between four cities in two weeks, we prefer to spend longer periods in each destination.
One major change is our nighttime activities; we can no longer stay out late. For instance, we found ourselves returning early from Budapest to put Whittaker to bed. There's definitely a need for babysitting services while traveling.
As I mature, I naturally adapt my travel habits. We're now booking accommodations in advance instead of more spontaneous arrangements.
9. Share two travel hacking tips.
Understanding how to utilize miles and points has been life-changing. Starting with a solid travel rewards card and grasping how to earn and use those points is crucial.
Additionally, I bring chocolates for flight attendants. It's a simple gesture that often results in upgraded seating or complimentary drinks. It's always nice to brighten their day!
We prioritize packing light, utilizing only carry-ons to reduce stress and avoid baggage fees.
Travis and Heather traveled extensively across Asia while living in Japan and are planning to escape the winter in Philly by heading to Mexico in January. (Image courtesy of Travis Sherry)
10. What's next on your travel agenda?
We're off to Mexico for two months in January and February, seeking to escape winter's chill. While we don't have plans for next year yet, I'd be perfectly happy to avoid January and February in Philly for good.
Our goal is to immerse ourselves in a location for two months—not just to visit, but to live and work there.
For more travel hacking tips from Travis Sherry, check out ExtraPackofPeanuts.com and listen to his podcast.
