PODCAST · society
The Informed Traveler
by Randy Sharman
The Informed Traveler is a weekly travel podcast dedicated to bringing you the latest travel news trends and destination ideas. Each week we dive into the latest travel stories and how they effect you, the traveler. Plus we provide insight traveling to interesting destinations and and useful travel tips to help you along the way.
Episodes
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AI Travel Fails & Cruising French Polynesia
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever used AI to plan out a travel itinerary? Turns out some chatbots have given out some bad advice so on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to share some examples of AI assisted travel failures. Then, David Yeskel, the Cruise Guru will join us…
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Group Travel Made Easy & Victoria’s Arts Month
Send us Fan Mail On this week's show we'll discuss group travel and what you need to know to help things go smoothly if you're planning on getting a group to travel together. Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to offer up a few tips. Plus, I think any month is a good month to visit…
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Travel Pet Peeves & A Look Inside Lougheed House
Send us Fan Mail What do you find is the most annoying travel behavior? Air passengers taking off their shoes? Unruly children? People listening to their devices without headphones? There's a lot, in fact there's a new survey out from Saily.com that lists the top travel annoyances, so on this...
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Reposition Cruises & Airport Lounge Perks
Send us Fan Mail We've got a bit of a follow from last week's show. if you recall we were talking about the increase in Fall travel with Travel Expert Onanta Forbes and we mentioned reposition cruises so on this week's show we'll expand on that and discuss the pros and cons of doing a reposition...
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Fall Travel Takes Off & Inside YYC’s New Lounge
Send us Fan Mail With Summer coming to an end, Fall travel is showing increasing numbers so on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss the shift towards travelling during over the Fall season. Plus, Calgary International Airport opened a new airport lounge this past...
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Bid Your Way to an Upgrade & The Villa Premiere Puerto Vallarta
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever tried a bid upgrade? It's where passengers can offer to pay extra for a chance to move from their current class (like economy) to a higher class. Airlines and cruise lines use it all the time so on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to walk us...
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Pan Am 103 Fallout & Rafting in the Kootenays
Send us Fan Mail Have you seen the Netflix series The Bombing of Pan Am 103? It's about the tragedy of Lockerbie, Scotland that happened in Dec. of 1988. On this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss the tragedy and fallout that Pan Am 103 had on the travel industry as a...
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Cruising Northern Europe & Inside the Fairmont Tokyo
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes was on the last leg of her cruise around Northern Europe last week so we'll get the highlights on this week's show. Plus, travel writer and luxury hotel reviewer Debra Smith will join us to give her take on her stay at the Fairmont Tokyo. Support the show
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Cruising Northern Europe & Hotel Escape Rooms
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes continued her cruise around the British Isles and Northern Europe last week so we'll catch up with her to see what she's been up to. Plus, have you ever thought of doing or have done an Escape Room experience while on vacation? It's a growing trend…
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Cruising Ireland and A Taste Of Alberta
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is travelling again so we'll catch up with her cruising around Ireland where she managed to take in the solar eclipse that happened this week. Plus, last week I got the chance to visit the area of Diamond Valley, only about a 40 minute drive south of...
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Online Passport Renewals & Lessons From A Cruise Ship Life
Send us Fan Mail Renewing your passport has become a bit simpler as you can now renew it online, so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to go through the process. Then we'll talk with the author of a new book titled Sales to Success: How a Cruise Ship Salesman Turned Jewelry,...
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Overbooked, Now What? & A Visit to San Antonio
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever volunteered to give up your seat on an overbooked flight? It can be tempting sometimes depending on your circumstances. On this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss overbooking, not just with the airlines but with hotels and cruise lines. Why…
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Now is the Time to Plan Your Winter Getaway & Edinburgh's Historic Castle
Send us Fan Mail Even though winter seems a long way off, now is the time to start planning for that winter getaway, so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to offer some tips on what to plan for and some ideas on where to go. Plus we'll head to Edinburgh, Scotland and talk…
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Double Dip Your Travel Rewards & Discovering Perce Rock, Quebec
Send us Fan Mail We talk a lot about Travel Rewards on this show so this week Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss how to double dip to help you to earn those rewards faster. And then we'll head to Quebec and visit the Gaspe region and in particular Perce Rock, one of Canada's most...
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My River Cruise Was Cancelled, Now What? & Historic Franklin, Tennessee
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes was supposed to be leaving for a river cruise in Europe next week but the cruise was cancelled at the last minute, so now what? On this week's show we'll discuss what happens with a last minute river cruise cancellation. Then we'll head to Franklin,...
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America 250 & A Fiji Paradise
Send us Fan Mail Our friends in the US have been busy celebrating America 250 this year and the website Roamright.com has come out with a guide on planning a trip to the US around America 250 so on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss what you should know. Then…
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Alberta Adventures & Car Rental Insurance
Send us Fan Mail The Canada Strong Pass is back this summer and with Canada Day coming up I thought it might be a good idea to showcase what we have here in our own backyard so on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes joins me to share some of the sights and activities in and around…
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Avoiding Booking Scams & Alternative Destinations
Send us Fan Mail There's all kinds of travel scams waiting to take advantage of you, one of them that seems to be on the rise is fake booking sites. On this week's show, travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss what to look for and how to avoid them. Plus, the folks from Skyscanner…
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What's Happening in Cuba? Plus, Where Canadians Are Headed
Send us Fan Mail Cuba has been in the travel news a lot lately as a number of airlines, tour operators and hotels have ceased operations, so on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss what's going on in Cuba. Then we'll chat with the VP of DCI, Development Counsellors...
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Don't Get Tagged: Bag Tag Safety & A Campbell River Escape
Send us Fan Mail Have you heard about the issue of bag tag switching at Canadian airports? It doesn't happen often but you certainly don't want to be the one caught up in it. Travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss what it involves and what you can do to make sure you're not. Then…
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Summer Travel Concerns & MSC World America Review
Send us Fan Mail Summer travel is on the minds of many these days and with it many concerns and questions so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss what those concerns might be. And the Cruise Guru, David Yeskel who is often a guest on our show, will stop by to…
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Fort Lauderdale Takes Center Stage at IPW 2026
Send us Fan Mail This week's show is all about sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida where we attended IPW 2026 last week — one of the travel industry’s premier international marketplaces, hosted by Brand USA and the US Travel Association. One of the conversations we had was with Visit Lauderdale…
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Island Journeys: The Philippines & Grenada
Send us Fan Mail On this week's show we'll catch with Travel Expert Onanta Forbes as she winds up her stay in the Philippines. Plus we'll find out if she's encountered any travel disruptions with the jet fuel shortage that's effecting many places. Then later in the show we'll hear from the…
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Two Tropical Adventures: The Philippines & Costa Rica
Send us Fan Mail On this week's show we'll get some tips and insight on travelling to the Philippines. Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is there, so we'll join her live from the Philippines. Then we'll head to Costa Rica, a popular vacation spot for many people. Known for it's rainforests, sunny...
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Mobile, Alabama: Historic Charm, The Battle House & A City on the Rise
Send us Fan Mail I just got back from the Travel South USA Media Marketplace in Mobile, AB. So on this week's show we'll share a couple of conversations we had. One is with the Battle House Renaissance Hotel and Spa. That's where we stayed while in Mobile. It's beautiful hotel that dates back to...
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Georgia Gems
Send us Fan Mail We've taken our show on the road this week and we invite you to travel with us through the state of Georgia—a place where history, music, and Southern charm come together. Our journey took us from the timeless streets of Savannah, to the soulful sounds of Macon, and finally to…
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Six Stops in Florida: Quick Hits from the Sunshine State
Send us Fan Mail We're doing something a little different on our show this week, a number of different destinations from Florida plus the folks from Visit Florida were in Vancouver last week each promoting their specific area of Florida so I got the chance to chat with all of them (6 to be exact)...
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Into South America & Across the Western Front
Send us Fan Mail If traveling to South America is on your radar in the coming year you'll want to hear our chat with Adam Booth, Sales and Marketing Representative in the US and Canada for Explora, a company that’s been named the World’s Leading Expedition Company multiple years in a row....
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Splurge or Skip? Luxury Upgrades & Scenic Cruise Dining Revealed
Send us Fan Mail On our show this week we'll discuss Luxury Travel Upgrades, my co-host Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to share which ones are worth it and which ones you might want to skip. Plus, have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes serving all those meals when you take a...
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Cruising on the Sapphire Princess (Part 2) & Earning Bonus Travel Rewards
Send us Fan Mail On this week's show we'll catch up with my co-host, Travel Expert Onanta Forbes who is sailing on the Sapphire Princess along the Mediterranean. We'll see what she's been up to and where she's been. Plus, Patrick Sojka from Rewards Canada will stop by to talk about loyalty…
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Cruising on the Sapphire Princess & Vacations Can Be Murder
Send us Fan Mail My co-host, Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is sailing on the Sapphire Princess stopping at various spots along the Mediterranean, so we'll catch up with her on this week's show to get the highlights. And then we'll dive into the world of Dark Tourism and talk to the author of a new...
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Exploring Sicily & The Residence Inn by Marriott Bromont
Send us Fan Mail My co-host Travel Expert Onanta Forbes was finishing up her long stay in Sicily last week before moving on to her next adventure so we get the highlights. Then we'll head to Bromont, Quebec to learn about the new opening of the Residence Inn by Marriott Bromont. Which features…
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Exploring Mt. Etna, Sicily & Events in Valencia, Spain for 2026
Send us Fan Mail Travel expert Onanta Forbes was exploring Mount Etna in Sicily and sampling some of Sicily's tasty food last week, so on this week's show Onanta will join us to share her experience. Then we'll head over to Valencia in Spain to learn about some of the events coming up and see why...
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Tips For Tours In Sicily & The Solo Female Traveler Network
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes has been touring around Sicily this past week so we'll get the highlights and insights from her on this week's show. And if your mom, daughter, sister, aunt or even yourself (if you're a female) has been hesitant to travel because you don't have anyone...
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Sicily Long Stay Tips & Brugge Tours
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes switched long stay locations from the Canary Islands to Sicily this week so Onanta will join us from Ortigia, Sicily to give us her first impressions of Sicily. Then we'll keep with a European theme and head to Bruges, Belgium and talk with the founder...
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Unique Winter Experiences in Canada & Credit Card Travel Insurance
Send us Fan Mail From dogsledding to ice skating, there's still a lot of places to go and things to do this winter in Canada so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to share some unique winter experiences across Canada. And Patrick Sojka from Rewards Canada will be joining...
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Cruising To The Canary Islands & Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur, France
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes continued her winter stay in the Canary Islands last week which as she quickly found out is a popular stop for cruise ships so on this week's podcast we'll talk about cruising to the Canary Islands. Plus, a few weeks ago I was invited to a presentation...
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Activities In Canary Islands & River Retreat Kananaskis, AB
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes continues her winter stay in the Canary Islands, so on this week's podcast we'll get an update on the many activities you can do while staying in the Canary Islands. Then we'll head to Southern Alberta and chat with the co-owners of the River Retreat...
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A Long Stay In The Canary Islands & Personalized Ireland
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes has been in the Canary Islands the past couple of weeks so we'll get some insight from her on what it's like to do a long stay there, escape the winter and blend in with the locals. Then we'll chat with the founder and CEO of Tenon Tours, a company…
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Tourist's Bad Behaviors & Alaya Resort Ubud, Bali
Send us Fan Mail We've probably all witnessed it to some degree or at least seen it on social media; examples of bad behavior by tourists. Travelpulse Canada recently had a write up on it called Travel Fails: Lessons From 2025's Worst Behaved Travelers so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta...
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Cruising the African Coast (Part 2) & The Top Travel Rewards Cards
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes continued her cruise down the west coast of Africa last week so we'll get an update from her on this week's show. Plus, what is the best travel rewards credit card? We'll find out when Patrick Sojka from Rewards Canada joins us for our monthly visit as...
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Cruising The African Coast & Booking.com's Travel Trends for 2026
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes has been doing what she loves best for the past few week's and that is travelling. She began her journey in Barcelona so on this week's show we'll catch up with her to see what adventures she's been up too. Plus, we'll start the New Year chatting with...
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Best Places To Travel In 2026 & Exploring Puerto Rico
Send us Fan Mail So where will you travel to in 2026? If you're looking for some destination ideas, travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me on this week's show to review the 12 Best Places to Travel in 2026. That's at least according to Trafalgar Tours. Plus, you might want to consider visiting...
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Travel Year in Review & Tennessee Holiday Celebrations
Send us Fan Mail Only a few week's now until we turn the page from 2025 to 2026 so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to look back on the year and review some of the top travel stories of 2025. Then we'll head to the state of Tennessee to learn what kind of traditions and...
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Holiday Air Travel Reminders & Squamish Canyon, BC
Send us Fan Mail Tis the season for holiday air travel so on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes will pop by to offer some holiday air travel reminders. Then we'll head to the west coast of BC and talk with the GM of Squamish Canyon, an area that allows you to explore the rain forest...
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Returning To Jamaica & Biking In The Netherlands
Send us Fan Mail Travel expert Onanta Forbes is in Jamaica this week as she was invited to the Sandals-hosted BackToJamaica2025 event at Sandals Dunns River Resort. So on this week's podcast we'll check in with her and special guest CJ Smith from Sandals Resorts. Plus, if getting more exercise is...
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Top Cruise Lines for 2026 & Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro
Send us Fan Mail U.S. News & World Report, recently released its 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings. So on this week's show travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss some of the findings and to offer some cruise tips in general. Then we'll get some insight into hiking Mt Kilimanjaro, in...
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Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Send us Fan Mail This week's show is all about the area of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico as travel expert Onanta Forbes is in Puerto Vallarta, so we'll check in with her to see what she's been up to. Then we'll chat with Israel Urbina with Visit Nayarit as Westjet recently...
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Black Friday Travel Deals & Destination Morocco
Send us Fan Mail You might have heard a few Black Friday sale ads in the last few days and you can be assured that you'll hear more in the coming days and weeks. There no shortage of them when it comes to the travel industry either so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me…
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Disaster Travel, Revelstoke Mountain Resort & Rewards Canada
Send us Fan Mail In the wake of the devasting hurricane in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, when is it ok to head to those places who rely so much on tourism. In other words, how soon is too soon to visit after a disaster? Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me on this week's show to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Informed Traveler is a weekly travel podcast dedicated to bringing you the latest travel news trends and destination ideas. Each week we dive into the latest travel stories and how they effect you, the traveler. Plus we provide insight traveling to interesting destinations and and useful travel tips to help you along the way.
HOSTED BY
Randy Sharman
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Informed Traveler have?
The Informed Traveler currently has 197 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Informed Traveler about?
The Informed Traveler is a weekly travel podcast dedicated to bringing you the latest travel news trends and destination ideas. Each week we dive into the latest travel stories and how they effect you, the traveler. Plus we provide insight traveling to interesting destinations and and useful travel...
How often does The Informed Traveler release new episodes?
The Informed Traveler publishes regularly with 197 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Informed Traveler?
You can listen to The Informed Traveler on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Informed Traveler?
The Informed Traveler is created and hosted by Randy Sharman.
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