Mark Kahler is an American journalist and writer with more than two decades of professional experience. Jason and Mark will also explore some innovative ways to get free upgrades from airlines, hotels and rental car agencies.

Mark is an avid traveler who has visited all 48 contiguous U.S. states and 25 other countries around the world. He has traveled from the former Berlin Wall to the Great Wall of China to cover stories. In his experience, spending large sums of money does nothing to bring people closer to the places they visit. He helps readers save their money for enjoyable travel expenditures. He has been the Budget Travel Guide at About.com since 1999. Frequently interviewed for print, radio and television stories about budget travel, Mark has taped segments for the Fine Living Network and KING-TV’s “Up Front”; done live interviews with Fox News Sunday, Retirement Living TV’s “Daily Cafe” and Good Morning Memphis; and has been quoted in print publications such as Family Circle magazine, The Sacramento Bee and Indianapolis Star.

Mark earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a bachelors degree with honors from Samford University.

Mark says; “Many people let concerns about money keep them from seeing the world’s greatest places. Others assume only “big name” destinations (with prices to match) are worth seeing. Both of these mistakes can deprive you of life’s most satisfying travel experiences. If you love to travel as much as I do, please know there are ways to afford your dream trip or just a nice family vacation. Join us as we find ways to make your travel budget work overtime.”