About
The travel friend you wish you had
👋 Departure Digest is your five-minute morning travel check-in.
We share the airline updates, hotel news, and points strategies that actually matter.
Think of it like a voice memo from your savviest travel friend. The one who notices when a loyalty program changes overnight, knows when a transfer bonus is worth it, and tells you when a “deal” is really just marketing.
What we cover
We break down what’s worth booking and how to avoid the expensive mistakes airlines and hotels hope you make. Clear enough for beginners, sharp enough for pros, and honest enough that you’ll never wonder if a tip is sponsored.
Who we are
Departure Digest is a free, audio-first publication built by people who have spent years inside the travel and loyalty world. Our team has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles, tested every strategy we recommend, and shared insights in outlets like The New York Times, CNN, CNBC, and The Points Guy.
Meet the founders
Departure Digest is the brainchild of Benji Stawski and TK. Launched in 2026, it grew out of years of talking shop as coworkers at The Points Guy, plus a shared belief that points and miles should be easier to use.
Benji is a NYC-based travel and personal finance expert who has led editorial teams at CNBC and Daily Drop and has flown 500,000+ miles.
Benji is a NYC-based travel and personal finance expert who has led editorial teams at CNBC and Daily Drop and has flown 500,000+ miles.
A note on our process: Efficiency is in our DNA. Whether we’re optimizing a flight route or using AI for audio narration, we believe in moving fast without sacrificing quality. Every script is written by human experts, so you can trust that our strategies and recommendations are always tested and legit.
Our mission is simple. Make your trips smoother, your redemptions smarter, and your mornings a little more fun, even when you’re juggling a carry-on and a coffee.
Welcome aboard! 🫶
Ask Departure Digest
Have a travel or points question? Submit it here and it may be featured in a future episode.
Get in Touch
Questions, tips, or media inquiries? Email us!
General: [email protected]
Partnerships: [email protected]
Where to follow us
See the places we talk about. Follow us on social for reviews, behind-the-scenes looks, and the travel aesthetic your feed is missing.
What is Departure Digest?
Departure Digest is a 5-minute travel voice memo that filters out marketing fluff to give you the travel news that actually matters. We cover airline updates, hotel news, points strategies, and money-saving secrets designed to help you upgrade your travel lifestyle.
Where can I listen to Departure Digest?
You can stream Departure Digest on your favorite podcast app, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or directly here on our website. For the easiest routine, subscribe to our newsletter to get the audio delivered straight to your inbox.
Is Departure Digest free?
Yes, Departure Digest is 100% free. We are reader-supported, so the best way to say "thanks" is to grab some merch or use the links on our site when planning your next trip.
How do I get started with points and miles?
Head over to our Travel Intel section, where we strip away the technical jargon and tell you exactly which cards to prioritize. We focus on simple, high-value strategies that help you earn free flights without needing a spreadsheet to track them.
Who writes and records the updates?
Departure Digest is created by travel industry insiders who have earned and redeemed millions of miles. Our team includes alumni from places like The Points Guy, CNBC, and CNN. We are real travelers sharing honest assessments of what is worth booking and what to skip.
How is Departure Digest different from other travel blogs?
We value your time, so we pivoted from long-form articles to concise, "audio-first" updates that respect your busy schedule. We skip the clickbait and 2,000-word reviews to give you the answer in five minutes or less.
