Universal’s Epic Universe and a New Museum From the Victoria & Albert in London: Two Reviews

Frommers.com’s Editor in Chief Jason Cochran is on the road to review some of the newest and biggest new attractions in the world. In this episode he gives his review about what works and doesn’t work at Universal Studio’s new multi-billion dollar theme park. He also gives a rave to the just-opened Victoria and Albert…

What Road Warriors Pack to Improve Their Trips, Plus Dawn Sightseeing for the Win

Dawn Gilbertson, travel columnist from the Wall Street Journal was our first guest, discussing the odd things people who live on the road pack for comfort. Then Laura Kiniry, an author for Smithsonian Magazine, talked about why you’re missing out if you sleep in when visiting Hanoi, Honolulu, Sydney and several other major destinations.

Yellowstone National Park in 2025: The Science Behind What You See, How to Plan the Perfect Trip, and More. Plus: A Review of the new Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship

Elisabeth Kwak Hefferin, author of the just-released guidebook Frommer’s Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks was our first guest, followed by Frommers.com’s Editor in Chief Jason Cochran who just returned from a cruise on NCL’s newest ship.

CBD and Travel: What You Need to Know Before You Fly. Plus A Look At Air Travel Safety in 2025

Frommers.com columnist, and Economic Liberties Project fellow, William McGee was our first guest, discussing how DOGE’s cuts will affect the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Then Toby Streett, of CBDEEME.com, came on to chat about sleep and travel, specifically what you need to know if you need to fly with products that contain CBD or THC.

S1E577 – Maps: What They Show About Us and the World We Inhabit, Plus What Packable Items Are Necessary for Good Trips?

Episode Notes Andrew Middleton, cartographer, "Map Philosopher" and owner of Rhode Island’s Map Center, was our first guest. Then Shannon Simms discussed her recent New York Times article about what items need to be in your emergency travel stash.

S1E576 – Race Round the World on a Clipper Ship? Here’s How. Plus Historic Train, Plane and Ocean Liner Meals

Episode Notes Jacqueline Kavanagh, of Clipper Round the World, an 11-month race around the globe that takes paying amateurs as crew, was our first guest. She was followed by Nina Nazionale of the New York Historical museum, discussing their upcoming exhibit "Dining in Transit", which "showcases the innovative ways ocean liners, trains, and airplanes catered…

S1E575 – Warning! Hotel Fires, Dating Scams, and Rising Anti-Americanism Mean Travelers Need to Take More Precautions on the Road

Episode Notes Andrea Sachs of the Washington Post discussed a new scam targeting male vacationers in Brazil, plus what rising anger at Trump Administration’ policies and pronouncements may mean for travelers. Then, author Sophie Stuber talked about her recent New York Times article on what you need to know to survive a hotel fire.

S1E572 – Desert Island Survival Vacations, Plus Where to Move If You Decide to Leave the United States

Episode Notes Jen Rose Smith discussed her recent article for Afar magazine about a new type of adventure vacation, involving being dropped off alone on a desert island. Then Laura Begley Bloom, author of the Transformative Travel column on Forbes.com, talked about all the issues involved in immigrating away from the U.S.A. and where you…

S1E571 – Are New Hampshire’s Mountain Huts Endangered? Plus a Look at Sexual Intimacy Retreats

Episode Notes Miles Howard, former worker at the White Mountains Appalachian Mountain Community huts, discussed his recent Boston Globe piece on the challenges facing these backcountry delights. Then New York Times writer Caren Osten Gerszberg talked about vacations created by experts to help "rekindle the spark".

S1E570 – Nashville & Memphis: Best Strategies for a Visit. Plus a Look at TourRadar, a Marketplace for Finding Both Group, and Personalized, Tours

Episode Notes Ashley Akin Brantley, author of the just released "Frommer’s Nashville and Memphis" was our first guest. Then Travis Pitman, CEO of the tour marketplace site TourRadar, came on to discuss how to find the right tour for your interests.

S1E568 – Los Angeles: Can You Visit It Now or In the Near Future? Plus AI’s Effect on Attraction Pricing, Lounge Chair Horders and More

Episode Notes Jason Cochran, California resident and Editor in Chief of Frommers.com, was our first guest. Along with Los Angeles travel, he and Pauline discussed identity theft scams that involve travel, and good and bad new developments in New York City. Then Dawn Gilbertson of the Wall Street Journal joined Pauline to discuss how resorts…

S1E557 – Important Authors’ Homes: Why and How to Visit Them. Plus Are Airline Loyalty Programs Pyramid Schemes?

Episode Notes Tess Chakkalakal and Brock Clarke of the Dead Writers Podcast were our first guests, arguing (between themselves) about whether or not you should make pilgrimages to the homes of authors you like. This was followed by Frommers.com columnist Bill McGee, discussing why air miles are not as useful as they used to be…

S1E556 – Fewer Pat Downs, More Laughs at the Airport

Episode Notes David Pekoske, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, was our first guest, on to discuss the technical and diplomatic innovations that will be making airport security more effective, and less invasive for passengers. Then Vera Santamaria, show runner for Hulu’s new airport-set comedy "How to Die Alone," talked about how the show recreates…

S1E555 – New England’s “Unprecedented” Leaf Peeping Season This Year, Plus What’s Ahead for Ski Vacations in 2024/25

Episode Notes Jim Salge, Foliage Expert for Yankee Magazine, Came On to Discuss What He Can, and Can’t, Predict This Year. Then the Washington Post’s Andrea Sachs Talked About New Developments at Ski Resorts Across the United States.

S1E549 – Rome in 2024 & 2025: Challenges and Rewards. Plus the Texan City the United Nations Thinks Is Cooking Up Some of the Most Culturally Significant Food in the U.S.A.

Episode Notes What’s new in the Eternal City, how the Jubilee celebrations will impact travel, and more with Elizabeth Heath, author of the just released guidebook Frommer’s Rome Day by Day. Plus journalist Veronica Stoddart discussed the unique cuisine of a very unique city.

S1E544 – Maine Vacations: What’s New and Notable. Plus a Look at Dehumanizing Travel Tech

Episode Notes First up, Frommers.com columnist William McGee talked about the troubling removal of the human touch from many areas of travel. Then Brian Kevin, author of the just released Frommer’s Maine, talked about top art exhibitions, theaters, nature sights, and new hotels and bars in that great state.

S1E538 – New England’s Top Summer Travel Spots, Plus the Top Destinations for LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Episode Notes Mark Jason Williams, co-author of the new National Geographic book "Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ Travel Guide to More Than 120 Destinations Around the World" was our first guest. Then Kim Knox Beckius, of Yankee Magazine, talked about destinations in the Eastern United States that are particularly pleasing in summer, some well-known,…

S1E535 – Cruising and Camping: Two New Studies Reveal the Top Trends for These Popular Vacation Activities

Episode Notes Bob Levinstein of Cruise Compete analyzed his company’s analysis of what’s most popular in cruising. Then Kevin Long, CEO of camping app TheDyrt, discussed what camping’s still growing popularity means for folks trying to find a place to park an RV or pitch a tent.

S1E534 – Spectacular Undertouristed Destinations Around the World, Plus a New Memoir About the Interactions Between Travel and Faith

Episode Notes Andrew Nelson, author of National Geographics new book "Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations" was our first guest, followed by Angie Orth, author of "Flirting with Disaster: True Travel Tales of Fear, Failure and Faith"

S1E533 – Are Credit Card Points Going Away? Plus River Cruises in India and Green Vacation Rentals

Episode Notes The New York Times’ Elaine Glusac discussed what a recent settlement by Visa and Mastercard might mean for loyalty point collectors. She also talked about sustainable vacation rentals. Then Heidi Sarna discussed her recent Frommers.com article on doing river cruises on the Indian subcontinent.

S1E531 – “That’s So New York” Plus Strategies for Travel Complaints

Episode Notes Dan Saltzstein, editor for the New York Times, and author of the new book "That’s So New York: Short (and Very Short) Stories about the Greatest City on Earth" was our first guest. Then Frommers.com columnist William McGee broke down the best ways to effectively complain when things go wrong on flights, cruises,…

S1E529 – Luxury Travel: When It’s Just a Con, and When Its Pursuit Hurts Travelers and Local Communities

Episode Notes Amy Tara Koch was our first guest, and she discussed her recent article in the Telegraph on how travelers can distinguish between true luxury offerings, and standard travel products. Then Roger Marolt, Outside Magazine author, talked about the shockingly high fees now being attached to early morning skiing, and why that’s destroying ski…

S1E524 – Safari Trends in 2024, Plus How to Survive a Plane Crash

Episode Notes Our first guest is Bill McGee, Frommer’s columnist and fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project, talking about why we’re seeing more disturbing flight incidents recently, and what you can do to emerge unscathed should the plane you’re on have issues. Then Alan Feldstein, owner of Infinite Safari Adventures, talked about new types…

S1E521 – The Biggest Annoyance In Flying Today, Plus the Perks of Small Ship Cruising

Episode Notes Heidi Sarna, long-time Frommer’s cruise expert and founder of the website QuirkyCruise.com, came on to discuss what small ships offer that big ones don’t. Then the Washington Post’s Andrea Sachs came on to discuss an airplane issue that’s come to the fore in just the last six months.

S1E514 – Hawaii Travel in Fall of 2023: What’s Back, What Isn’t, and New Types of Adventures. Plus Why Hospitality is Important to a Civil Society

Episode Notes Jeanne Cooper, author of the just released "Frommer’s Hawaii 2024" was our first guest, followed by Alexandra Hudson, author of "The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves".

S1E512 – New England Leaf Peeping Vacations in 2023: What You Need to Know to See the Best Colors and Avoid the Crowds. Plus Timing for Purchasing Airfares and Tips for Renting EVs

Episode Notes Kim Knox Beckius of Yankee Magazine gave her predictions and tips for autumn road trips. Then Frommers.com‘s Jason Cochran came on to discuss the gotchas of electric vehicle rentals, which airlines have the worst fees, and how to get the lowest airfares.

S1E508 – Best Places to Visit in California, Plus New Ways to Save $$$ When You’re Traveling with Friends

Episode Notes Paulette Perhach discussed her recent New York Times piece on how to travel with folks who may have bigger travel budgets than you do. Then, Los Angeles Times’ Travel Reporter Christopher Reynolds talked about secret areas of Yosemite National Park, the blossoming Downtown LA arts and culinary scene, and more.

S1E507 – How to Travel to the 2024 Olympics, a Commemoration of the Korean War at the Library of Congress and Fake Guidebooks

Episode Notes It’s almost, but not quite too late to plan an Olympic vacation for next summer in France. Will Whiston, of On Location (the official tourism partner of the Olympics), gives advice. Then Monica Mohindra of the LOC’s Veterans Project discussed new exhibitions there in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War….

S1E505 – The Wonders of Paris’ Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Plus the How To’s of Getting Professional Vacation Photos

Episode Notes Carolyn Campbell, author of "City of Immortals: Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris" was our first guest (learn more, or download her app at http://cityofimmortals.com), followed by Nicole Smith, the CEO and Founder of Flytographer

S1E504 – Tattoo Tourism, Wild Swimming, and Weather Guarantees for Campers

Episode Notes Jordi Lippe-McGraw joined Pauline to talk about where, and how, to travel to get inked. Then the New York Times’ Elaine Glusac discussed new tours that allow travelers to swim, safely, for several kilometers in the ocean. Nick Cavanaugh, the CEO of Sensible Weather, was our last guest, discussing how the weather is…

S1E503 – The Downside to High Tech Hotels (w/ Amy Tara Koch), Plus The Best Camping Spots in the USA

Episode Notes Amy Tara Koch discussed her recent New York Times piece about when "smart tech" in hotels is downright stupid. Then Kevin Long, CEO of the app The Dyrt, discussed how to get spots at sold out campgrounds, and the best places in America to park an RV or pitch a tent.

S1E502 – Size-Inclusive Travel Companies, Online Review Fraud, and Idiots Harassing Wildlife in our National Parks

Episode Notes Author Carla Sosenko discussed her recent New York Times article on the issues confronting larger travelers, and the new companies that are catering to this clientele. Next we spoke with Kay Dean, founder of Fake Review Watch. Our final guest was Washington Post reporter Andrea Sachs, talking about some of the reasons behind…

S1E501 – Hawai’i’s Lei Culture and History, a Rewarding Way to Do Good on Vacation, and Traveling Sober

Episode Notes Meleana Estes, author of the new book “Lei Aloha: Celebrating the Vibrant Flowers and Lei of Hawai’i”, was our first guest. Then, Tara Eaton of Not Just Tourists discussed her non-profit’s work delivering medical supplies around the globe. Finally, writer Joni Sweet talked about “Sober Curious” vacations, and the many companies that are…

S1E500 – TV Star Samantha Brown’s Tips for Family Travel, Plus When Refundable Airfares Aren’t Refundable and the World’s First Commercial Electric Flight

Episode Notes Samantha Brown shared her top tips for traveling with kids. Then the New York Times’ Seth Kugel discussed his latest Tripped Up column, and Tonje Sund, of Norway and SAS, made an important green travel announcement.

S1E499 – Food as a Reflection of a Nation’s Culture? Plus a Look at the World’s Weirdest Room Service Orders

Episode Notes Anya Von Bremzen, author of “National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home”, was our first guest. Then Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Hotels.com, came on to discuss the findings in their new room service study.

S1E497 – New Perks for Traveling Pets, Estate Sales Instead of Souvenir Stores, and Coming Soon: Lie Flat Seating in Economy Class

Episode Notes Stephanie Rosenbloom discussed her recent New York Times article on the over-the-top amenities hotels are rolling out for dogs. Next, Sonia Weiser talked about her WaPo piece on how going to estate sales can enhance your next vacation. Then Leanne Fitzpatrick of Air New Zealand discussed their upcoming SkyNest program. Finally, Pauline talked…

S1E496 – Actor/Author Andrew McCarthy on Spain’s Camino de Santiago, Plus How to Actually Save $$$ on Cheapo Airlines

Episode Notes Actor/Author Andrew McCarthy (Pretty in Pink, Weekend at Bernie’s) discussed his new travel memoir “Walking with Sam: A Father, A Son, and 500 Miles Across Spain”. Then, Frommer’s writer Sean Cudahy talked about strategies for actually saving money when you fly Frontier, Spirit, EasyJet or one of the other budget airlines.

S1E494 – Do’s and Dont’s for Combining Biz and Leisure Travel, Village Stays in Europe, and a New Concept in Camping

Episode Notes Alexander Samuel discussed her recent Wall Street Journal article on “bleisure” travel. Then Susan Portnoy came on to talk about the Albergo Diffusi movement, which she wrote about for Smithsonian Magazine. Our last guest was Shannon Connolly of Roamstead.

S1E493 – New Ways to Get Free Stuff On Vacation, Assessing Cheap Airlines to Europe, and Traveling with Neurodiverse Children

Episode Notes Dawn Gilbertson of the Wall Street Journal discussed what it is like to fly French Bee, Norse Airways and Play, plus the Facebook groups that can help you find free items on the road. Then Dawn M. Barclay talked about her new book “Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the…

S1E492 – The Happiest Places on Earth, Plus Why We Should Avoid Bucket Lists for Travel

Episode Notes Eric Weiner, author of “The Geography of Bliss”, came on to discuss the new TV show (starring Rainn Wilson!) and tours that will be come out of that original book about a man trying to increase his own happiness by visiting the happiest places on earth. The Sebastian Modak came on to talk…

S1E491 – Why You Wouldn’t Actually Be Able to Land the Plane in an Emergency, Plus a Memoir of Croatian Journeys

Episode Notes Andrea Sachs of the Washington Post discussed her recent articles on aviation and using pharmacies abroad. Then Mary Novakovish talked about her new book “My Family and Other Enemies: Life and Travel’s in Croatia’s Hinterland”.

S1E490 – Florida Vacations for Families (Beyond the Theme Parks), Plus a Look At Kansas City BBQ

Episode Notes Beth Harpaz discussed her recent NY Times article on attractions that will make kids of all ages happy in the Sunshine State. Then Frommers.com author Dan Renzi talked abouth the history of Kansas City’s famous barbecue scene and which restaurants are best to visit today.

S1E489 – Is Flight Turbulence Worsening? Plus the Issue of Hotels as Venues for Human Trafficking

Episode Notes Sean Cudahy discussed the science behind turbulence in flight, and recent changes to the DOT’s Dashboard regarding family travel. Then Stephanie Pearson talked about her recent New York Times piece about what travelers should do if they encounter a victim of human trafficking in a hotel