The Bag Tag

🧳 Pokemon Presents: Priorities When Packing (01:30)Pokemon just released a new carry-on suitcase with a very important feature: a plushie compartment! That’s right, your plushies can now be safely tucked away while getting a front-row view of your travels from start-to-end.🗺️ How Long Do You Need to Spend in a Destination? (04:07)If you’re building your travel itinerary and debating whether you should add a separate location into the mix, how many days do you need to spend there to make it worthwhile? This is a travel debate that has a lot of factors to consider.🌍 How Country Counting Turned the World into a Scoreboard (09:34)Sports and travel go hand-in-hand, but have you ever thought of travel as a sport in and of itself? That might be the latest travel trend dubbed “country counting.” It’s exactly as it sounds, where travelers prioritize visiting the highest number of countries possible above all else. But we’re wondering: is it worth it?✈️ Japan Airlines Takes Accountability (51:50)When an employee makes a mistake, who takes the blame? While most of us might say the employee who made the mistake, of course, Japan Airlines is doubling down on their philosophy that culture, responsibility, and accountability starts all the way at the tip top… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚽ Hosting the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games (01:34)This week is the final week of the World Cup, so naturally we’re already looking ahead to the next! We chat which countries are looking to host the next World Cup, if they’re even allowed… Plus, which cities are hoping to win the bid for upcoming Olympic Games.⏰ How Much of a Trip Should You Have Planned? (06:53)Today’s seat pocket travel debate is how much of a trip you should have planned in advance. Are you a dedicated-each-minute kind of traveler? Or do you prefer to go with the flow?🚗 The Most Influential Main Streets in America (13:12)As part of our celebration of USA’s 250th, we’re diving into the history of Main Streets, their impact on the America we know today, and specific examples of “Main Streets” that you need to know about.🏆 What’s Going on With The World Cup? (27:06)The 2026 World Cup may be ending, but that doesn’t mean the news stories stop! Here’s everything you need to know about the World Cup drama. Maybe drama is too harsh of a word, you let us know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍺 The First Beer of the United States (01:34)To kick off today’s show, we’re discussing the very first beer in America created by the very first president: George Washington. But it won’t be around for long so PLEASE try it if you happen to be in New York anytime soon and let us know how it is! Plus, we chat about how cool the World Cup watch party auditoriums are in Jordan.🏞️ What’s Your Favorite National Park? (11:54)This seat pocket travel question is on theme as we debate which National Park is our favorite, if we have one… TBH we realized we haven’t been to very many National Parks so we need to change that soon!⛰️ How America Invented the National Park (19:29)In honor of the USA’s 250th birthday, we’re diving into the National Park system, how it came about, why it matters, and how national parks went international.🎁 BOGO in Taiwan (36:19)You’ve heard of airline loyalty rewards but what about country loyalty rewards? Or something like that. Taiwan is implementing a very interesting travel policy which will reward visitors for coming back! Find out all the juicy deets and start planning your next trip to take advantage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your city almost hosted the FIFA World Cup? We take a look at the American cities that made serious bids but ultimately missed out on becoming host cities for the 2026 tournament. From Washington, D.C. to Denver and the iconic Rose Bowl, we explore how close they came and how different the tournament could have looked.For the first time ever, the famous Times Square Ball won't just drop on New Year's Eve. This Independence Day, the ball will descend multiple times to celebrate midnight across every U.S. time zone. We discuss this unique new tradition and settle the debate: would you rather experience Times Square on New Year's Eve or the Fourth of July?Washington, D.C. may seem like the obvious choice for America's capital today, but history tells a very different story. We travel back to the nation's earliest days to uncover the cities that nearly became the permanent seat of government, including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, and several surprising contenders that could have changed the course of American history.Finally, we head to Frisco, Texas, where Universal is opening its first-ever theme park designed specifically for young children. We explore what makes Universal Kids Resort different, why Texas was chosen, and how this smaller, family-focused destination could reshape the future of theme park vacations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚽ FIFA World Cup in Seattle (01:29)Wyatt was lucky enough to be a +1 to a World Cup game here in Seattle and he’s excited to share that it was indeed all it was hyped up to be! Hear his experience and highlights from the Team USA vs Australia match, plus other World Cup stories.📺 Attend IRL or Watch Party? (17:29)Today’s seat pocket debate leans more sports than travel, as we discuss if we’d rather watch these big sporting events in person or on the big screen. But people do travel for thing like the World Cup, Olympics, and Superbowl so it makes sense.📺 America’s 250th Celebration: Hidden Landmarks (21:55)To kick off The United States of America’s 250th Anniversary this year, we’re diving into a whole series of American history and how it shaped the world of travel. Today’s discussion is all around hidden landmarks that quietly shaped our nation.☀️ Project Sunrise is a GO! (38:58)If you were wondering what in the world is going on with Project Sunrise, then we’ve got you covered! We cover everything from planes, launch date, seating configurations, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you board a plane without knowing where you're going?That's exactly the question thousands of travelers ask themselves every year when Wizz Air launches its wildly popular "Let's Get Lost" campaign. In this episode of The Bag Tag, Wyatt and Chantel explore the mystery travel phenomenon that has turned spontaneous adventure into one of the travel industry's most fascinating marketing campaigns.From its origins in Austria to its latest 2026 mystery getaway, we'll uncover how Wizz Air convinced travelers to surrender control of their itineraries, why surprise travel has become such a massive trend, and what destinations lucky winners have discovered along the way.We'll also discuss the psychology behind mystery vacations, why travelers are increasingly seeking experiences over perfect plans, and how you can position yourself to participate in the next "Let's Get Lost" adventure in 2027. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🗽 News in New York CityIn the world of sports and travel, New York City is often a hot topic. But what we’re seeing now is like nothing NYC has ever seen before! They’ve got the NBA champs the Knicks and FIFA World Cup 2026 Games and we’re chatting about all the latest happenings in the city that never sleeps.🏅 To Sport Watch or Not To Sport WatchFrom today’s seat pocket travel question, we discuss if we would dedicate our seat-back screen to a big, cultural sports moment or would we prefer to watch…literally anything else. The Taggies out there probably already know the answers!❄️ The Arctic Gold Rush: Tourism at the End of the WorldHave you ever heard of the Arctic Gold Rush? Tourism at the end of the world, both arctic and antarctic, is becoming increasingly popular as the destinations themselves are at risk of disappearing forever. This travel discussion unpacks everything you need to know and consider if you’ve ever dreamed of a polar vacation.🇦🇷 Argentina’s Golden PassportIt’s not quite the Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but it might be the closest thing in the world of travel! We dive deep into what exactly Argentina’s Golden Passport is, how it works, and what you need to do in order to be eligible. Could Golden Passports change travel and citizenship as we know it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, and while the world will remember the goals, upsets, and championship moments, another story is unfolding beyond the stadium walls. From fans spending thousands of dollars chasing visas that never materialize to athletes navigating cross-country flights and unexpected entry complications, we'll explore what happens when the world's largest sporting event collides with the realities of modern travel. We'll unpack the economic promises surrounding the tournament, the concerns from hotels and tourism officials, and the enormous logistical challenge of moving millions of people across three host countries and an entire continent.But amid the headlines and hurdles, something remarkable is happening. International visitors are discovering America in all its quirky glory. Swedish fans are falling in love with ranch dressing. German tourists are rating Waffle House 10 out of 10 after midnight meals. English supporters are becoming obsessed with 7-Eleven Big Gulps, while first-time visitors stand in awe inside Buc-ee's wondering how a gas station can possibly be this big. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do romance and travel seem so inseparable? Why do people propose on mountaintops, honeymoon on tropical islands, and dream of finding love in places like Paris and Santorini?In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between romance and travel through the lenses of psychology, culture, and human behavior. From the science behind self-expansion theory and shared experiences to the cultural stories that transformed destinations into symbols of love, we'll uncover why travel has become one of the most powerful backdrops for romance. (13:37)Then we shift gears to Nashville, where comedian Nate Bargatze is making headlines with plans for a $350 million, 100-acre theme park called Nateland. Inspired by his life, career, and the nostalgia of Tennessee's lost Opryland USA, the project could represent a major new trend in tourism: destinations built around personalities, storytelling, and immersive experiences rather than traditional movie franchises. (33:51)Along the way, we'll examine how both stories reveal the same truth about modern travel. Today's travelers aren't simply looking for places to visit. They're searching for experiences that create memories, foster connections, and become part of their personal stories.From destination proposals to destination theme parks, this episode explores how travel continues to shape the way we connect, celebrate, and discover who we are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You probably know about pet hotels. Maybe even luxury boarding for plants. But what if we told you there are hotels specifically designed for... sourdough?This week, we're traveling to Scandinavia to explore one of the world's most unusual hospitality concepts: sourdough hotels. In Sweden and Denmark, passionate bakers can check their beloved sourdough starters into specialized "hotels" while they head off on vacation, where staff feed, monitor, and care for the living cultures until their owners return.But this isn't just a quirky bread story. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of travel, food culture, and modern hospitality. We'll explore how Sweden's love of both vacation time and artisan baking gave rise to the concept, why some sourdough starters are treated like family heirlooms, and what these tiny bread hotels reveal about Scandinavian culture.From airport sourdough check-ins to yeast rehabilitation programs, this is one of those travel stories that's equal parts bizarre, brilliant, and uniquely human.Because sometimes the most interesting journeys begin with a jar of flour and water. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📰 A Family of FAs, Public Transit, and Route 66Our medley of travel news updates today brings you a debate of which airline you’d fly for vacation when every family member is a flight attendant for a different airline, all things in the world of public transportation including Boston’s commuter train and LA’s bus revamp, and a little update on Route 66’s 100th year celebration!🍍 Is Bikini Bottom a Walkable City?Today’s seat pocket travel discussion topic is whether or not we think the fictional setting for Spongebob, Bikini Bottom, is a walkable city or not. Let us know in the poll what you think!💫 Up, Up, and Away With Astro TourismThere’s a new type of tourism on the map and that is Astro Tourism! Today we discuss everything you need to know about the latest travel trend including what it is, the history and lore behind it, why it’s becoming so popular, and what this all means for the future of travel.🏎️ What In the World is Going on in Tokyo?There’s something exciting happening in Tokyo, Japan and it’s taking a scene out of the Fast and Furious franchise…if you catch my drift. See what I did there? Uber Drift is just one part of Uber’s “go anywhere” series but it has the potential to be a major deal in the world of travel! If you’ve ever dreamed of drifting through near-impossible turns in a classic Japanese racing car, then this is definitely the experience for you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when one of the world’s biggest snack brands becomes a travel destination?This week we’re diving into one of the strangest — and most fascinating — new trends in tourism: people traveling for brands. From PepsiCo’s immersive Lay’s Potato Restaurant in Shanghai to Michelin-chef-powered tortilla concepts in Madrid, we explore why a potato chip restaurant might actually represent the future of travel.We break down how experiential tourism, social media virality, immersive retail, and “the experience economy” are completely reshaping why people travel — and why brands are racing to become destinations instead of just products.Along the way we discuss:• The rise of branded travel experiences• Why younger travelers prioritize immersive moments over traditional sightseeing• Shanghai’s growing role as a global hub for experiential tourism• How TikTok and viral food culture influence destination trends• Why themed restaurants are becoming modern tourist attractions• And our predictions for the future of “brand tourism”Because this isn’t really about potato chips.It’s about a world where travel becomes less about where you go… and more about the experience you can say you were part of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As our Route 66 Centennial journey comes to an end, we’re wrapping things up with one final ride down the Mother Road. In this episode, we kick things off with some fun Route 66 trivia and a spirited debate over what the official airport-style bag tag code for Route 66 should actually be. Then, we sit down with legendary Route 66 historian, artist, and EZ66 Guide creator Jerry McClanahan to talk about the history, preservation, culture, and enduring magic of America’s most famous highway.Jerry shares incredible stories from the road, insights into the upcoming Route 66 Centennial celebration, and why the Mother Road continues to inspire travelers from around the world nearly 100 years later. We close out the episode reflecting on our biggest takeaways from this entire Route 66 series, the people we met along the way, and why Route 66 is far more than just a road...it’s a living piece of American history.From neon signs and roadside diners to forgotten towns and unforgettable characters, this is our final farewell to the Mother Road… at least for now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paris is changing… and not everyone is happy about it.In this episode, we dive into the story behind Tour Triangle — the massive new glass skyscraper rising over the Paris skyline and becoming one of the city’s most controversial projects in decades. Designed by world-famous architects Herzog & de Meuron, the 590-foot tower is the first major skyscraper built in central Paris since the Tour Montparnasse shocked the city in the 1970s.So why has one building sparked nearly 20 years of political battles, protests, lawsuits, and debate?We explore how Tour Triangle became a symbol of a much bigger question facing cities around the world: how do you modernize without losing your identity? Along the way, we break down the tower’s futuristic design, the fight over Paris’ skyline, the future of sustainable skyscrapers, and why this project could completely reshape tourism in the French capital.Plus, we discuss:• Why Paris has avoided skyscrapers for decades• The surprising history behind the city’s skyline rules• How the tower could transform travel and tourism in Paris• The rise of immersive observation decks and “Instagram architecture”• Whether Tour Triangle could become Paris’ next iconic landmark… or its biggest mistakeFrom overtourism to urban design, skyline wars to the future of global cities, this is the story of the skyscraper that could change Paris forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hit the road with us as we cruise down Arizona’s legendary stretch of U.S. Route 66 alongside Katie Barthlow from The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.In this episode, Katie shares how she found herself immersed in the world of Route 66 preservation and tourism, what makes Arizona’s section of the Mother Road so unique, and why towns like Seligman, Winslow, and Oatman continue to capture the imagination of travelers from around the world.We dive into Arizona’s massive plans for the Route 66 Centennial celebration, the story behind the state’s preservation efforts, and the lasting impact of Route 66 legend Angel Delgadillo. Katie also talks about free roaming burros in Oatman, the famous Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, staying at the iconic Wigwam Motel, and whether locals ever get tired of hearing Take It Easy.From roadside nostalgia to the future of America’s most famous highway, this episode is packed with stories, history, and plenty of Route 66 charm. Buckle up and join us for a ride through the heart of Arizona. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your rideshare app became your travel agent?This week, we’re diving into one of the biggest travel industry shakeups of 2026: Uber is officially entering the hotel business. After years of taking us to airports, delivering late-night food, and replacing taxis, Uber now wants to book your hotel, reserve your dinner, deliver forgotten travel essentials, and maybe someday manage your entire vacation.At Uber’s massive GO-GET 2026 event in New York City, the company unveiled “Hotels on Uber” — a major expansion powered by a partnership with Expedia Group that brings more than 700,000 hotel listings directly into the Uber app.So what does this actually mean for travelers?In this episode, we explore:Why Uber is suddenly obsessed with the travel industryHow booking hotels inside the Uber app actually worksThe growing power of Uber One and its travel discountsWhether travelers will trade loyalty points for convenience and savingsThe risks of third-party hotel bookingsUber’s new AI-powered “Travel Mode”And why Uber may be trying to become the operating system for movement itselfWe also unpack the bigger question behind all of this:Is Uber making travel dramatically simpler… or creating a future where one app controls your entire trip?Because this isn’t just about hotels anymore.It’s about attention, ecosystems, and the race to own the modern travel experience.Buckle up — your rideshare app just became a travel company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few highways in America carry the same mythology as the “Mother Road.” Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to California, U.S. Route 66 became more than pavement and painted lines…it became a symbol of freedom, reinvention, road trips, diners, neon signs, and the ever-present promise that adventure might be waiting just around the next curve. And while every state along Route 66 has its own personality, Oklahoma may be one of the most soulful stretches of them all. From vintage motels and weathered trading posts to lively downtown districts and roadside attractions that feel frozen in time, Oklahoma captures the spirit of Route 66 in a way that feels both nostalgic and alive.One city helping lead that preservation effort is Tulsa, a place where the history of Route 66 isn’t tucked away in a museum somewhere, but woven directly into the culture of the city itself. During our interview, we sat down with Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, 2026 Tulsan of the Year, and author of The Lost Restaurants of Tulsa. From the moment the conversation began, it was clear that Route 66 is much more than a highway… it’s a living storybook of communities, memories, and American identity. Rhys spoke passionately about Tulsa’s deep connection to the road, the importance of preserving historic landmarks, and how the people who live along Route 66 are just as important as the attractions themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is with great sadness that we are here to discuss the latest in travel news: the end of Spirit Airlines’ operations. Don’t get it twisted, Spirit was a pioneer in their own right–they didn’t just sell cheap tickets, they reinvented what “cheap” meant and disrupted the business model that had become standard in the aviation industry.Gone but never forgotten, we discuss what this means for the travel industry as a whole and how you, the Taggies & travelers, will be impacted by Spirit’s demise. But wait, is there actually a chance that Spirit isn’t gone for good…? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🤳 The Travel Discourse Trio (01:22)There’s a lot of fun travel tidbits that have been making their rounds online. Today we’re discussing the latest travel privacy innovation in My Cocoon, a heartwarming statue built in Kazakhstan, and JetBlue’s top-secret booking hack.👶 How Many Miles Should the Baby Get? (10:19)For this week’s seat pocket, we’re debating if a baby born mid-flight should be eligible for the full flight’s miles or just the miles they were there for. Seriously, this really happened.✈️ How Would a Government-Owned Spirit Airlines Work? (14:48)This episode is all about the hottest topic in travel news: the U.S. government’s interest in buying Spirit Airlines outright. Not a subsidization, not a bailout, a full-on ownership. How did we get here, what would this mean for the airline industry as a whole, and has this happened before? We unpack it all for you!🚌 Transportation Costs of The World Cup (40:43)If you’re planning to attend a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium, in addition to flights and lodging, you’ll need to factor in public transportation to your overall budget! New Jersey has made it clear that if FIFA won’t help cover the transportation costs their cities will be taking on, then they’re pushing that burden onto the fans. And that burden is pricey!🚢 Tiny Voyage: What in our everyday life brought us the same joy as travel this week (47:57) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🐱 Pilots Meowing + Fetty Wap References = Weird Air (01:25)It was a weird week in the air to say the least… Pilots were meowing, barking, and making Fetty Wap references to the ATCs. We run through all the latest news, if it qualifies as news, from the air in the past week.✈️ How Do You Count Flights? (12:58)Every trip is a flight but not every flight is a trip…or is it? We debate how you count the total number of flights you’ve been on and the difference between flights vs trips. According to Chantel, this is not a matter of opinion but a matter of facts. Do you agree?🛎️ The Death (and Rebirth) of the Hotel Lobby (21:50)What was once considered a path on the way to or from your room has since become a destination in and of itself. We dive into the history of the hotel lobby, how the boom of hotel chain expansion turned lobbies blah, and what they did to successfully reinstate themselves as a designated “third place” in today’s society.🛏️ We See Your SkyCouch and Raise You a SkyNest (43:49)Air New Zealand has done it again–they’re reinventing sleep in the sky! Long-time Taggies will remember when we covered their innovative SkyCouch, which has since been copied by United’s Relax Row, and now they’re bringing us bigger and better sleep options with their latest SkyNest. Set to debut later this year, SkyNest could completely change the way passengers rest while seated in economy.🚢 Tiny Voyage of the Week (53:46) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏅2028 Summer Olympics (01:21)It’s official, The Bag Tag will be the unofficial travel podcast of the LA 28 Summer Olympics. We were lucky enough to snag tickets in one of the early ticket drops and already counting down the days to the games. Plus we discuss the misdesign of airplane seat maps🧛Team Jacob or Team Edward (08:43)The debate that will never die, are you Team Edward or Team Jacob. The podcast is split as we discuss if this was all just a marketing stunt by the movie studios for Twilight 🌲Visiting Forks, Washington (13:21)While, yes, the main point of the trip is to relive Chantel’s High School days as an obsessed teen reading the Twilight book, we dive into all things Forks besides just Twilight. Although, most of it is Twilight as we’re headed off to visit🐠 Sydney’s New Fish Market (34:27)Sydney, Australia is opened the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere and it’s truly not getting close to enough of the attention that it deserves. Not only is it reshaping Black Waddle Bay’s fish scene, but the new water front walkway will give even more of a reason for locals and tourists to make it a must visit.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🫨 Seating Chart Icons, Baggage Fees, and Disney Animatronics…Oh my! (01:30)There’s a lot going on in the world of travel, so we had to start today’s episode with some of the lighter, but still important, things we’ve been seeing in the news lately.🌕 What Would the Moon’s Bag Tag Code Be? (11:00)For today’s seat pocket, we debate what we think the “spaceport” bag tag code (hypothetical, of course) on the moon should be!🚀 Airport Chaos (13:40) & Artemis II Space Tourism (23:10)We’re discussing the history behind the airport chaos, because even though this seems like a recent issue, it actually goes back decades! Then we take off with everything you need to know about Artemis II!🧔🏽‍♂️ What in the World is Going on With Beards? (34:00)Believe it or not, there’s a reason why most airplane pilots you have will be clean shaven. We dive into the reasons behind this and question if it’s really just because of safety…🚢 This Week’s Tiny Voyages (40:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

👣 King Charles III, the path not the person + 100th Episode!!! (01:23) There’s a new King Charles III in town but this one is a path, not a person! That’s right, there’s a newly opened walking path that takes you around the entire country of England. And, today is our 100th episode of The Bag Tag!🚴 Would You Ever Walk or Bike Across the Country? (09:09)Today’s seat pocket is inspired by, you guessed it, the King Charles III pathway. We debate if we would ever walk or bike across the entire United States, or maybe even drive.🗺️ Why Do Humans Feel the Urge to Explore? (15:28)Exploring isn’t just a hobby or an aspiration, there’s so much more to it than that! Exploring is in our blood, seriously. It’s genetic. And today we talk all about how humans evolved specifically to explore. Do you have the travel gene?😴 United’s New Way to Travel in Relaxation (30:16)There’s a new seat style, not the first of its kind but the first of its kind on a U.S. carrier! United Airlines is introducing their new Relax Row, which may change the way we travel for long-haul flights.🛳️ Bringing Back the Tiny Voyage (42:06)We close the show sharing our tiny voyages for the week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚗 TSA Wait Times, Rain Falls in Hawaii, and Buying vs Renting When TravelingWhy rent a car on vacation when you can…buy one? That’s right, there’s people out there who may have finally cracked the code when it comes to rental cars on vacation. Plus, we chat about what’s happening with TSA wait times and the awful storms hitting the Hawaiian Islands right now.🌺 What’s Your Favorite Flower?We’ve talked about our favorite destinations, favorite food and drinks from trips, now it’s time we finally tell you all which flowers are our favorite.🌷 How Flower Tourism Became a Global Travel PhenomenonPeople travel for all sorts of reasons: visiting friends & family, national monuments, The Seven Wonders, food, hiking, concerts, but today we’re talking about people traveling just for flowers! That’s right Flower Tourism is real and, some might even say, it’s blooming. If you plan it just right, that is. We unpack it all, where and when flower tourism started and why it matters so much to travelers across the world.☠️ Death Valley Isn’t Dead!Despite what the name leads you to believe, there is in fact life in Death Valley. And that life is doing something extraordinary that hasn’t happened in 10 years! Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 Heated Rivalry, Chicago River, and Headphone Enforcement (01:27)It’s St. Patrick’s Day and we didn’t skimp out on the travel news this week! There’s lots going on in the world, from new set-jetting opportunities for all you HR loons, the juicy deets on turning Chicago’s river green, and United’s latest rules on headphones.👙 What’s Your Favorite Spring Break Destination? (09:40)For this week’s seat pocket, we’re discussing our favorite spring break trip we’ve ever gone on…if we’ve gone on a spring break trip! Let us know what your favorite spring break spot has been, or if you have any exciting destinations coming up.✈️ How Did Spring Break Become a Travel Tradition? (18:02)Before Spring Break became an iconic travel tradition for college students and, let’s be real, everyone else, it started off as just…a break! Find out how this pre-summer respite evolved into one of the most desired travel weeks in modern times!🌧️ Weather Apps Might Get Sued (41:57)There’s drama with the weather apps and local attractions as they claim misleading icons and summaries for daily weather are encouraging people to reschedule their plans or cancel altogether, even if the weather is mostly nice! We get to the bottom of the latest tea on weather, or should we say “forecast”? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🕑 Jet Lag & What Happens at Airport Chili’s (01:26)Daylight Savings weekend went by a little too fast, because we lost an hour! Springing forward always gives us the same feeling as jet lag, at least for a little while. Plus, there’s an airport Chili’s that saw probably the most romantic gesture in its entire existence: a proposal! That’s right, there’s a happy couple out there whose lives are forever changed after visiting that Chili’s.⭐ Would You Rather Be a TV or Movie Star? (10:52)If we were famous actors, would we rather become a star from a TV show or a movie? While this seems like a pretty straightforward question, there was actually a lot to consider with this.🎥 Is Los Angeles Actually a Good Tourist City? (16:11)There’s a saying that “everyone loves LA until they visit,” but LA is the second-most visited city in the U.S... So are millions of people lying or is it being evaluated wrong? We’re debating if LA is actually a good city for tourists and why there may be some ill-informed prejudices against it.🏛️ Coming Soon: The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (36:10)He’s taken us to archaeological sites, artifact hunting across the globe, and even to outer space. Now, he’s taking us behind the curtain and into the storytelling itself. George Lucas, one of the greatest storytellers of our generation has a new museum of narrative art that isn’t just highlighting his work but how it’s created, and we have all the clues you need to go on this adventure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏴󠁡󠁦󠁷󠁡󠁲󠁿 Which Countries Change Their Flags When at War? (01:25)If you didn’t know, now you do! There are countries out there that change their flag to indicate when they’re at war. Do you know how many, or which ones?🌀 Cyclone vs Hurricane vs Typhoon (05:20)There are many natural disasters, but of these three heavy hitters, which one sounds the coolest? Destruction aside, of course. We debate whether a cyclone, hurricane, or typhoon sounds the coolest when you hear it or see it in an action movie.🤠 Galveston, Texas (08:45)As Wyatt heads to Galveston, TX, we’re doing a full rundown on everything you need to know about this under-the-radar city. From its history and how Houston stole its spotlight, to fun facts and things to do, we chat about it all!🦖 What In the World Is Going On With Pokemon? (30:37)Did you know that Pokemon fossils exist? For Pokemon enthusiasts and paleontologists alike, this upcoming attraction is a big deal! Find out all you need to know about this pop-up attraction and where its only North American location is going to be! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🥇 Which Athlete [Draft] Is Going Home With Gold? (01:35)We’re sad to say that the 2026 Winter Olympics are coming to a close. Before we begin mourning the post-Olympic era, we’re giving you an update on which team won this year’s Athlete Draft. Spoiler: the scores weren’t even close!🔥 Who Do We Think Will Win Survivor 50? (08:38)Survivor is the longest running reality TV series, and its 50th season is coming up! In honor of the premier this week, we’re taking a guess at who we think might walk away a winner at the end of the run.🇫🇯 Survivor’s Impact on Fiji’s Tourism Industry (25:36)10 years ago, Survivor went away with globetrotting for each installment and has committed to Fiji as its one and only filming location through (at least) the end of the decade. Similar to what we discuss in our Set-Jetting episode, this show has had some serious and positive impacts to the tourism industry of its destination. ✈️ Pimp My Air Force One (45:30)We’ve talked about airplane livery before, but no wrap is as iconic as Air Force One…at least until it gets a new look. That’s right–the classic baby blue stripe is set to go away in exchange for something a little more…well you’ll have to listen to find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🫖 Olympic Tea is Best Served Hot (01:34)It’s week 2 of the 2026 Winter Olympics and there’s no shortage of stories, and tea, to discuss! From first-to-continent medals, to cheating, scams, injuries, disqualifications, plushies, and pasta noodles, if you can name it, it probably happened at the Olympic games! Plus, we give you an update on our athlete draft point status and who’s currently in the lead.🏆 Would You Stay, Or Would You Go? (31:51)This week’s seat pocket discussion is on-theme as we debate, if we were athletes who had concluded competing at the Olympic games, would we stay and enjoy the festivities or head home?🤼 Milan vs Cortina (34:52)You’re already familiar with Milan vs Cortina in terms of their role in this year’s Olympics, but what about when the game flame isn’t around? We put the two cities head-to-head and look at them as destinations to travel, their vibes, their cost, and the best time to go.🇦🇹 NDA = Non-Disclosure [Austria] (53:52)Odds are you’ve heard of an NDA, maybe you’ve even signed one for your job. But have you ever signed one when entering a new country? That’s right, there’s a new NDA in town and it doesn’t stand for “non-disclosure agreement,” it’s “non-disclosure Austria.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olympic Parade & Ski-Mo (01:54)As if we need more motivation to travel, the Olympic parade really gets the travel bug moving…yes, from just the athletes walking into the Opening Ceromonies. Like we said, it doesn’t take us much. Ohhhh and, have you heard of Ski-Mo (aka Ski Mountaineering?!) it’s the newest olympic sport and it sounds electric! Favorite Winter Olympic Sport (11:32)We love the olympics and we love to make our life difficult which is why we are debating what our favorite winter olympic sport is. There’s actually quite a few sneaky choices. How Italy Won the Bid to Host the 2026 Olympic (14:35)By now we all know Italy is hosting the olympics, or at least we hope you Taggies sitting on the couch watching the games realize they’re taking place in Italy. The question is - how did Italy win the bid to host? It was a close battle between Sweden and Italy but there were a few key elements that tipped in Italy’s favorOlympic Mascots Milo & Tina (44:37)While we’re still not ready to say goodbye to Phryges, the mascot from the 2024 Olympics, we are ready to fully embrace the TWO new mascots - Milo & Tina. We give the full breakdown on the meaning of the mascots and why the ermine was chosen. Winter Olympic Athlete Draft (57:14)The athletes can’t be the only ones competing over the next two weeks so we decided to get in on the fun! After the success of our summer olympics draft, we’re running it back with winter. We each pick 4 athletes across the board to compete Italy’s New Outdoor Dining Rule (71:57)While all the attention is on the Olympics, Florence passed a new rule that will change the way you travel! If you have any plans to visit the city, your restaurant experience will look quite different as Florence has banned outdoor seating in 70 streets and greatly reduced in other parts of the city  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏠 We’re Baaaaaack (01:33)It’s only been a week for you, but it’s been a month for us! Does that make us time travelers? While we were away, the news didn’t stop. From Groundhog’s Day and Sundance Film Festival to the Superbowl and Olympics, we catch up on all things travel happening this week.💃 What’s Our Next South American Country? (21:50)Brazil was the first time either of us visited South America, marking our 6th of 7 total continents, and we’re not stopping there! In true Bag Tag fashion, we’re already planning our next trip back to this part of the world. The real question is: where will we go?🇧🇷 Unpacking Brazil (26:22)From Rio to Iguazu to Sao Luis to the Dunes, we truly made the most of our time in Brazil! And today we’re unpacking it all including trip food and drinks, beaches, Carnival, our favorite things, and souvos. ✈️ Runway Report: GIG (89:23)Huge missed opportunity to use the bag tag code RIO! We hit a lot of airports on this trip but only one that really mattered. Consider this our official runway report for the Rio de Janeiro International Airport, aka Galeão International Airport, and find out how many clouds we find it worth of.📰 What In the World Is Going On? (94:09)A better question might be: what isn’t going on? An acquisition, new policies, a reopened road, something with Vegas and good, old fashioned internet beef. We take time to run through a handful of juicy travel stories that occurred while we were gone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍅 Are Bloody Mary’s Better 30,000 Feet Up (01:33)A couple of weeks ago we were telling y’all that people have claimed it is a scientific fact that bloody mary’s are better when cruising off on an adventure. Chantel is a supporter of bloody marys and Wyatt is not so we figured we’d be great tasters of this theory. Well the results are in and we’re ready to discuss😵‍💫 Worst Travel Habits (06:48)Hannah Montana truly said it best “Nobody’s perfect” and unfortunately when it comes to travel, we all have bad travel habits. Yes, even us expert travelers have a thing or two we’d like to change orrrrrr maybe we don’t care but those we travel with do! ✈️ The Travel Effect (12:56)When we talk about travel, we usually talk about escape. A break. A reset. A getaway. But here’s the thing we don’t talk about enough: Travel is not neutral. Every plane ticket, hotel stay, museum visit, coffee order, and Instagram post sets off a chain reaction — one that reaches local economies, national politics, and the daily lives of people who live there year-round. Today, we’re unpacking The Travel Effect — how tourism quietly reshapes the world, whether we notice it or not.🏜️ Unpacking Texas (42:15)We kicked off 2026 in style at a wedding in Texas but we have been so busy we haven’t had a chance yet to unpack so what better time to do so than now! We discussed Austin and San Antonio to see how they compare and what surprised us most before giving our runway report on the Austin Airport! 🚠 Gondolas in Paris (58:07)Paris is known for so much - food, history, style, architecture, art - but not so much for it’s transportation. Well, in an effort to continue providing fast and affordable options to locals and visitors to get around the city of love, Paris is turning to the skys with Gondolas giving people a new perspective on the city!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Window in Airplane Bathroom (01:37)As if by some miracle, we spoke of an airplane bathroom with a window into existence! On our flight to Austin, Texas we were blessed with the airplane bathroom window and let us tell you it lived up to the hype and more! It was pure luxury. Every airplane needs one!Iguazu Falls or Parque Nacional dos Lencois Maranhenses (05:55)Our Brazil adventure is not silo’d to just Rio! We venture off to Iguazu Falls and Parque Nacional dos Lencois Maranhenses. The question is…which are we most excited for! That is our debate for this week’’s seat pockedIguazu Falls - Fun Facts (11:47)If you’ve never heard of Iguazú Falls before, that’s okay. You’re not alone. It doesn’t always get the same instant name recognition as Niagara or Victoria Falls—but once you understand it, Iguazú tends to ruin all other waterfalls for you.Parque Nacional dos Lencois Maranhenses - What to Know (23:50)Imagine a sea of brilliant white sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see — like a desert… but with something no desert has: freshwater lagoons that fill with rainwater between the dunes. History and Fun Facts about Brazil (34:07)Brazil didn’t just happen. It collided into existence.Long before Europeans showed up, Brazil was home to millions of Indigenous people, spread across hundreds of cultures and languages. Groups like the Tupi, Guaraní, and Yanomami lived off the land, navigated rivers like highways, and built societies deeply connected to nature. The Amazon wasn’t “discovered” — it was already known, mapped, and lived in.What in the World is Beto Carrero World? (45:17)Beto Carrero World—a 14-million-square-meter theme park that just surpassed multiple Disney parks in global rankings and is now teasing a roller coaster set to break six world records.Yeah. Six. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🤑 Get Bumped, Get Money (01:34)There’s a lot of side hustles out there, but one of the most unique has to be purposely booking oversold flights and getting money to get bumped. While this isn’t a new technique, it’s certainly not one that most people are willing to try. 🌃 Daytime vs Nighttime (07:47)Rio is known for its beautiful beaches, rainforests, and attractions but they also have a nightlife that is simply unmatched. While we’re very much of the mindset that we have to do it all when we’re on a trip, we discuss if we’d prefer daytime or nighttime activities if we could only choose one.🇧🇷 Getting Real About Rio (12:20)As we pack for our upcoming trip to Rio de Janeiro, we’re giving you everything you need to know! From history and fun facts, to a breakdown of the beach culture, top things to do, and their national food and drinks, we really get into it all.🚡 Trains, Planes, and Gondolas? (48:05)There’s a new transportation method on the rise (literally) and it’s not what you might think… Gondolas are a quick, reliable, and affordable way for major cities to create a new public transportation route that avoids traffic. We discuss which unexpected city is in the midst of their first gondola, and whether or not these will become all the craze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥Travel Sign (01:31)Earth, Wind, Fire, Water…yes, all very important elements to Avatar (the blue people and the anime show) but your sign may very well impact the way you prefer to travel! Isn’t all of that star sign and ish just a bunch of fantasy? No! It’s real and it’s fun especially when it comes to their impact on travel! ✨ New Years Resolutions (08:50)Cliche, classic, lame, exciting whatever you think about New Years Resolutions, on this adventure we embrace it! Because with all travel, you gotta go in with an open mind. Now you’re probably expecting us to say travel more or visit all 7 continents but we have jobs and things sadly cost money so we share a bit about our more lowkey resolutions but of course we had a travel twist📍 2026 Top Travel Destinations (15:10)Paris is out and Philadelphia is IN! You think that sounds crazy? Well we explain why it makes all the sense in the world. This year we have 5 destinations that will be all over the feeds and timelines. Some of these, you’ll nod your head and say “yup” and others, like Philly, will have you questioning everything you knew. 🧳 2026 Travel Predictions (26:39)We nailed the 2025 Travel Predictions (some may say we are experts) so we’re back with our 2026 travel predictions! Is this the year RVs make a comeback? Maybe everyone is heading off to Maine, or perhaps the sail is the vessel of the year. Well we both have picks we are almost guaranteed to be all the rage! 🌎 2026 Travel Headlines (33:20)If you thought 2025 was packed full of travel stories and news, well yeah it was, but 2026 is already shaping up to be one epic sequel! From new amusement parks, to changes at the National Parks to a country reshaping your desire to travel, the year ahead (that we know of) will be one fun adventure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🛏️ Hotel Booking TrickWhen it comes to finding the best place to stay, there’s a new technique that can give you the 5-star experience without the 5-star price tag!! It comes down to accepting a little less space. The idea is you book the worst room at the nicest hotel to enjoy everything it has to offer versus a suite or upgraded room at a cheaper hotel🧀 The Rule for Queso Queso comes in all shapes and sizes or perhaps not. There’s a hot debate going on whether queso should be simply cheese with no additives while others claim the cheese is a good foundation but the flavor lives with the additions. 🤖 Everything You Need to Know about AustinAustin truly is different than anywhere else in Texas, it has a full on bat display, 100 foot light posts, a nude beach and a ton of tech! Keep Austin Weird is a fitting phrase, one the city adopted thanks to local businesses. A place that start as just a pile of dust, took over as capitol and has become the spot for bachelorettes! We unpack everything you need to know about Austin! 🎨 Las Vegas Art MuseumLas Vegas has been struggling over the last year and continues to look for ways to reinvent itself! What was once just a desert full of casinos, has added in a F1 race, major US sports teams, immersive experience district, and now a formal fine art museum. Crazy to think a city full of unique and special experiences with all of their shows and Nevada, home to burning man, never had an art museum until now!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚽Windows in Airplane Bathrooms (01:45)Is it weird to have windows in an airplane bathroom? No, but think about it. If you’re 30,000 feet in the air, who even will be able to peak in and see what you’re doing? It may actually be nice to get some natural light in there. Although if you need to use the bathroom at the gate…🧳 The Best Travel Story of the Year (05:42)There’s a lot of bold travel takes, weird tips and hacks, and trends that sometimes just don’t really make sense. We discuss some of our favorites like Rednote, Bloody Mary’s, McAtlas, and Oliver & Phoenix🌎 Recapping the Biggest 2025 Travel Trends and Topics (21:42)It’s hard to unpack all of the travel happenings in the year - Spirit emerging from bankruptcy, Epic Universe, Tariff Travels, Flag Jacking, Southwest removing free checked bags….we can’t list em all!!! We’ll we could but that would ruin some of the fun with listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎅🏽 The Land of Christmas…Literally (01:33)We start the show chatting holiday movies! While we could really go on forever about holiday movies, we really just wanted to tell you about where they’re filmed. Because, turns out, they’re almost all filmed in the same location.📍 The North Pole’s Bag Tag Code (07:35)Today’s seat pocket is about a bag tag. Not just any bag tag, but the bag tag code we would pick for the North Pole, if the North Pole had an airport. Let us know which one’s your favorite in the poll!🎄 Europe’s Christmas Market Arms Race (11:18)This ain’t a scene, it’s a Christmas Market Arms Race! More specifically, the arms race to become the Capital of Christmas from Europe’s traditional Christmas markets. We dive into the history, the rise, and the tourism of it all.🛂 U.S. Border News For International Travelers (37:31)The United States’ Custom & Border Protections has an interesting update for international visitors. While this new policy is not yet approved, it may require out-of-country tourists to disclose additional information, including your social media history from the past 5 years. If you’d like to leave a comment on this pending policy, you have until February 9, 2025. Comments must reference OMB Control Number 1651-0111 and be sent to: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💸 Budget Airline Meets Budget…Restaurant? (01:35)It’s all fun and games until you get surprise charges tacked onto your final bill. The Ryan Air CEO got a taste of his own company’s medicine when he went out to a local restaurant for dinner, which ended up costing him more than expected. It was actually all fun and games, though! 🗺️ One Country From Each Continent T (07:38)If we could only visit one country from each continent for our final bucket list, which destinations would make the cut? There’s a lot of amazing countries out there, and many that we’ve never been to! But only 6 (not including Antarctica) can be chosen (each).🤝 What Are Airline Alliances? And, Why Do They Matter? (22:37)Even if you don’t know what they are, chances are that you’ve benefitted from an airline alliance! In this episode, we run through everything you need to know, including what they are, how they got started, and why they matter for travelers and airlines alike. 🎰 The Latest News on New York Casinos (53:14)New York is known for many things, but casinos is not one of them! That might change after 3 brand-new, downstate casino proposals were all approved. Coming soon (ish) to Queens and the Bronx, find out what these casinos entail and how they’re likely going to impact travel to the city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🛍️ Travel Tuesday (01:36)HAPPY TRAVEL TUESDAY TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE!!! Today wraps up the holiday season of deals - We discuss what our strategy is when it comes to finding our travel deals for the year and why it’s important to plan far out and give a safety net! Oh and how do you pronounce Marriott? We’ve all been pronouncing Marriott wrong our whole life🛋️ Are You a Fan of Airport Lounges? (07:34)Everyone has an opinion on Airport lounges. Sure you get “Free” food and a place away from the chaos…wait….do you get a place away from all the chaos when they’re so overcrowded and require waitlists? We debate if we’re in or out on Airport Lounges🛫 The History and Rise of Airport Lounges (12:19)At some point, there was the first airport lounge - you can thank the CEO of American Airlines for their arrival. We unpack why airport lounges came to be, when they took off, why they have taken over airports, and we look at what the future holds! 🌺 Southwest Opens First Airport Lounge (35:02)Speaking of the future of airport lounges, Southwest is set to be unveiling their first ever airport lounge for Southwest Loyalty members at the Honolulu Airport! This is one of many changes ahead for Southwest Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚗 2025 Thanksgiving Travel (01:38)We’re set to break the record for the busiest travel weekend of all time! Yes, we have set that 3 times a year since this pod has been around but we swear, we’re not lying!!! We dive into why Thanksgiving travel is so busy and why we keep reaching new heights! 🧐 Dress Code of the Golden Age of Travel (07:12)There’s a hot debate going around over what the dress code for air travel should be thanks to Sean Duffy’s “"The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You" efforts. Should you be allowed to wear pajamas when flying or should we bring back the classic, upscale look of a suit and tie? 🦃 International Thanksgiving Travel (18:16)Thanksgiving isn’t really celebrated outside of the US…well traditionally it’s not but some places are starting to offer dinners away from home as travelers look to celebrate the holiday out of the country! We take a deep dive into the stats and logic of why traveling international over the long holiday weekend makes a ton of sense🍗 Why Thanksgiving Travel is so Stressful (27:56)As avid fans of travel and Thanksgiving, even we must admit Thanksgiving Travel is a different form of stress but why is that? We unpack the elements that make the holiday week so hectic, and what sets Thanksgiving apart from other holiday travel. Don’t worry, we provide some tips and tricks to keep things a little less stressful when you’re on the move👵🏻 Boomer vs Gen Z Travel Habits (44:16)Oh, and we give you a little game to play at the Thanksgiving table so you don’t have to speak about politics with your family - Boomer vs Gen Z travel habits! 🏈 NFL x Super Sonic FlightHere’s a crossover you probably weren’t expecting - the NFL and Boom Super Sonic! Yes, the NFL has been keeping a close eye on the development of Overture. It’s no secret the NFL is looking for world domination as they expand across Europe, Australia, and South America but logistics continue to be a problem. Super Sonic jets may provide a major solution to the biggest issue the league faces.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What in the World is going on in Boston? They have finally gained star status! Yes, one of the oldest cities in the nation has finally received its first Michelin Star but how could that be? We unpack why it took Boston so long to get a Michelin Star Restaurant, what other cities and states have yet to get recognition and unpack how the star can boost tourism for the cities packed full of top notch cuisine!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📺 Travel Shows, Movies, Books & Pods (01:24)Unfortunately, a harsh reality all travelers come to realize is we can’t ALWAYS be on an adventure…tragic, I know. So when we’re stuck at home resting, relaxing, recouping for the next big trip, we can turn to entertainment to get our travel fix. Wyatt has just begun the journey of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown and discuss what other shows, movies, pods, and books to help you enjoy an adventure from the couch! 📷 How do you Document Travel? (13:18)It may seem obvious but really take a second to think - how do you document your vacations - is it through photos, videos, social media, journaling or podcasting? Are our photo albums too messy and unorganized to really appreciate the pictures we take or is there a better method? 📖 Heidi Brown - The Map I Draw (22:31)Heidi sits down to explore her transformative journey from legal textbooks to crafting a vulnerable, soul-stirring travel memoir rooted in her life-changing connection to Rome. Heidi opens up about how travel became one of her core well-being pillars, shares practical solo-travel wisdom, and reflects on the healing, growth, and unexpected friendships she found along the way—including through her love of U2. A truly inspiring conversation about finding yourself through movement, embracing curiosity, and letting the world shape you in the best possible ways.🖋️ Travel Journaling (56:19)Inspired by Heidi’s technique of beginning every morning while traveling with 3 pages of journaling, Wyatt and Chantel debate how they will begin their travel journaling journey - one shared journal or venture off on their own  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

❌ Delayed and Canceled with the Government Shutdown (01:27)Believe it or not, closed air space does in fact have an impact on our daily travel. With the first weekend of 4% airspace closed, what does that look like and what it is on the horizon with 6%, 8%, 10%, and potentially more look like as we get closer to the busiest travel weekend of the year! 🚂 The Best Train Movie (13:15)Are we debating about best movie to watch on the train or best movie about trains and how much train needs to be shown in the movie? We list off some of the most obvious train answers and debate what really is the best train movie. Lowkey any answer is right as long as you don’t say the polar express🚞 The Orient Express (21:48)The most famous train in history is one that many know by name but not by its story. Outside of the Agatha Christie novel and movies, what do you really know about the Orient Express? We unpack the history of the Orient Express, uncover why it became famous, what happened to it and take a look at the revival headed our way in 2027 🧂 Unpacking Utah (46:36)Chantel is back from her trip to Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah and she’s unpacking her experience. She gives us the run down on dirty sodas, the bland food, and how beautiful the valley truly is. Oh, and of course, we have a new Runway Report with SLC. ⛳ What is the GCC (59:24)The long-awaited GCC Unified Visa will be launched in 2026 - we take a look at what that means for travelers and what that means for the countries in the GCC - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Oh, and we talk Mr. Beast, unfortunately for his new amusement park, Beast Land, he wont get the benefits of the GCC visa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📚 Dr Seuss is Back and GEM has the artiFacts (01:40)That’s right THE Dr. Seuss is dropping a new book, Sing the 50 United States, which is different than Fifty Nifty which Wyatt sings…or attempts to sing to the taggies against Chantel’s desires. Plus, the Grand Egyptian Museum is finally open after 2 decades of work. 🥤 Dirty Soda - What is the Best Kind of Pop (07:43)Spoiler Alert - we’ve never tried dirty soda. Sadly we couldn’t debate the hot topic in Utah we swig it up with what our favorite kind of pop is and discuss if favorite and best are technically the same thing for pop?! 🧂 Salt Lake City - Everything You Need to Know (14:56)Utah or U-Nah, Wyatt challenges Chantel and the Taggies to a game to uncover some interesting tid bits about Salt Lake City before Chantel dives into the history, fun facts, and top things to do in Salt Lake City. We even Sprinkle in some treats about Ogden, Utah👾 Retro Escape - The Future yet Past for Las Vegas (52:30)Las Vegas is dying, at least that’s what all the experts keep telling everyone but it’s not going down without a fight! Retro Escape a new immersive theme park that will take travelers back in time through the decades of the 50s to the 90s to relive the glory days or experience time they never got to see!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍅 The Drink that Tastes the Best at 30,000 Feet (01:38)Not all drinks are equal when at cruising altitude. No, this isn’t a bold claim by yours truly, it is a scientific fact!!! Thanks to the low moisture, low pressure, and the loud noise of flying….yes, noise plays a factor in taste, tomato juice and bloody mary’s are the best tasting drinks. Personal opinion, some of us respectfully disagree📖 Travel to an Author’s Home or a Book Setting? (13:27)There’s so many elements to the world of literary travel but when it comes to building a trip and designing and itinerary, what is more important – visiting the place where the book was written or the setting/inspiration? 📚 Literary Travel - the Rise of Book Trips (19:01)Reading provides an escape and so does Traveling. It was only a matter of time before the two hobbies merged. Literary Travel brings you to places that helped create some of your favorite stories but how did travel stem from reading. The three driving forces - personalization, the imaginative immersion, and social media amplification 💎 Magnifica Air - Changing how we Travel (55:28)It’s not often we get a new airlines these days as many brands are fighting to stay afloat. It’s even more rare to have an airline change the industry but that’s what Magnifica Air is trying to do. It’s opening a new sector of air travel between commercial and private to give people a luxurious experience that is more accessible!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚌 Landlines - Airplanes for the Ground (01:31)Airplanes for the ground? Aren’t those just cars? Nooooo, that’s crazy! Landlines are buses. More specifically, Landlines are a service offered by American Airlines that opporates like an airplane where you go to the airport, fumble through TSA, stroll down your gate and BAM you board a bus that drives on the tarmac! No, we’re not crazy, just listen to the episode! 👻 Haunted Hotel - an amenity or a deterrent? (09:39)We’re heard the ghost stories of haunted destinations such as a spooky hotel, but when you’re booking a place to stay and see that it’s marked with paranormal activity….are you more eager to book a room or quickly closing the tab and searching for a new place? 🎃 Halloween Around the World (17:11)Candy and witches are staples to us in America, but Halloween around the world looks a bit different. So much so, some countries celebrate it in the summer! From carved turnips and decorated graves, to lantern festivals, we unpack what the spooky season looks like in all corners of the globe! ⛩️ Kyoto’s Expensive Tourist Tax (32:55)Every day there’s a new destination fighting back against overtourism. Kyoto is our primary subject today! After witnessing record numbers this summer, Kyoto is raising their tourist tax but up to 900% in some places. The new tax will be tacked on to all hotel stays in the city and is per person, per night! Yes, it can add up quickly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎒 Is travel attire going to get you banned? (01:29)Picking your plane outfit can really make or break your flight experience and we all love a good travel hack. But when travel attire and innovation mix, is it a recipe for disaster? We start off today’s episode discussing the latest unique travel clothing and why airlines might not like it.💸 Free Bags vs. Free Booze (09:30)The battle of the freebies is on! Or maybe it’s not. We debate which we’d rather have from airlines if we could only have one or the other: free checked bags or free booze. And yes, this is inspired by true events.🎃 The Halloween Capital of the World (14:19)The city that holds this elusive, spooky title might surprise you! What started from a tricky history and evolved into a celebration that’s definitely a treat, we’ve got a lot to cover for this quaint town in the midwest that has earned its right to declare itself the Halloween Capital of the World. 🌐 What in the World is Going on With the EU? (39:54)If you’re planning a trip to Europe, more specifically the European Union, your entry and exit might look a little different now. That’s right, Schengen has a new system for non-citizens coming into the area which is supposed to speed up the process but it might slow you down when it first rolls out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

✈️ Your Next Airplane Movie (01:31)It’s no surprise that movies with a travel thing just hit different when you’re at cruising altitude on the way to your next destination. On our last flight, Wyatt discovered a new movie that he thinks fits the criteria perfectly: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Don’t let the title fool you, it is indeed a perfect airplane movie.💸 How Much Is Convenience Worth to You? (07:55)Have you ever considered volunteering to push your flight in exchange for monetary compensation? Would you do it for just $25? Inspired by a real offer Wyatt received from Alaska Airlines, we discuss what our minimum dollar amount would be to give up our seat on a flight to take one that’s less…convenient. Spoiler: it’s more than $25.🌊 Lake Tahoe: Its Long History, Fun Facts, Things to do, & More! (13:29)We dive (pun intended) into all the things about Lake Tahoe in California, and Nevada, as Wyatt is heading there for a bachelor party. 🚢 What in the World is Going on With The Great Lakes? (39:24)Cruises! That’s right, American Cruise Lines is setting sail in 2026 with the first-ever domestic cruise route that will traverse several great lakes, all while never crossing the U.S. border. Are we in or out on a domestic cruise line? How much does this cost? Can you even fit a cruise ship on a lake? Fear not, we’ve got it covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🇨🇦 Have you heard of Flag Jacking? (01:33)It’s not what you think it is, or is it? Flag Jacking is one of the latest trends for travelers abroad where they rep not their home country, but somewhere else. We discuss why folks feel the need to do this and what we think about it.🍁 The Best Fall Flavor (08:37)A new season means new flavors and nothing says, “fall is here” like that first taste of pumpkin… Or apple! Or maple! Or pecan! The debate for best fall flavor is officially on. Will you agree or disagree with our picks?🍂 Fall Factual vs Fallacy, Where in the Fall is This?, and Everything Fall Travel (13:27)Before we dive into all things Fall Travel, we have a couple of games lined up to see if Chantel can correctly guess Fall Factual vs Fallacy (true or false) and Where in the Fall is This? (trivia). Play along and let us know if you have her beat! Then find out everything you need to know about fall travel, including a deep dive into Vermont’s Route 100.🚢 What in the World is Going on With Four Seasons Cruises? (41:24)From the fall season to the Four Seasons! If you’re a fan of travel or The White Lotus, then you’re familiar with Four Seasons and their luxurious hotel destinations around the world. Since they’ve conquered land, they’ve decided to try their hand at sea! That’s right, Four Seasons is debuting their own luxury yacht cruise experience and we’re giving you all the deets you need before it makes its inaugural sail Spring 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.