About
Departure Digest is your five-minute, audio-first travel check-in. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we cut through the noise to bring you the airline updates, hotel news, and points strategies that actually matter.
What we cover
First class experience. Coach budget.
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 — all delivered before your coffee gets cold.
Who we are
A free, audio-first publication.
Built by industry veterans who've spent years inside the travel and loyalty world, earning and redeeming millions of points and miles, and sharing insights with outlets like The New York Times, CNN, and The Points Guy.
We're fueled by a team of travel experts who have — quite literally — been there, done that.
Our experts have been featured by
OUR TEAM
Meet the founders
Benji Stawski
Benji is an NYC-based travel and personal finance expert who has flown more than 500,000 miles and brings over a decade of experience shaping editorial content for some of the biggest names in digital media.
Eliza Schuman
Eliza is a Chicago-based foodie and hospitality expert who treats restaurant reservations, weekend getaways, and bucket-list experiences like a competitive sport, bringing a sharp eye for uncovering hidden gems.
Our process: Efficiency is in our DNA. Whether we're optimizing a flight booking or using AI to assist our audio narration, we move fast without sacrificing quality. Every script is written by human experts and every strategy is tested by real travelers.
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]
Press: [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 the marketing fluff and gets straight to the airline news, hotel updates, points strategies, and money-saving secrets that actually matter. New episodes drop three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Where can I listen to Departure Digest?
You can listen to Departure Digest on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or right here on our website. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox.
Is Departure Digest free?
Yes, Departure Digest is completely free. We're reader-supported, so the best way to say "thanks" is to check out our merch shop or use the links on our site when planning your next trip or opening up a new credit card.
How do I get started with points and miles?
Start with our free beginner's guide, where we strip away the technical jargon and tell you exactly which cards to prioritize and how to start earning award flights without needing a spreadsheet to track them. From there, the digest has guides on everything from how transferable points work to booking your first trip with points.
Who writes and records the updates?
Departure Digest is created by industry veterans who've spent years inside the travel and loyalty world, earning and redeeming millions of points and miles. Our team includes alumni from places like The Points Guy, CNBC, and CNN. We are real travelers sharing honest assessments of what’s 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.
