In this episode, we break down the mysterious codes, letters, and numbers printed on every airline boarding pass. Inspired by a deep dive in Condé Nast Traveler, we look at what each part of your pass actually tells the airline about you, your ticket, and your trip.

• Your six‑digit PNR code

The all‑caps alphanumeric identifier that unlocks your reservation, prints your boarding pass, and connects to your full passenger profile.

• Why the barcode matters

How the magnetic strip on the side of your pass tracks boarding counts and updates the crew in real time.

• Flight codes and airline identifiers

Why airlines use two‑letter codes like UA or AA, and why some carriers (like JetBlue’s B6) use numbers.

• The “floating letter” that reveals your fare class

A, F, B, Q, Y — what these letters mean for upgrades, seat priority, and whether you bought the cheapest ticket on the plane.

• Codeshare clues

How “OPERATED BY” tells you when your flight is actually run by a partner airline, even if you booked with a major carrier.

• The dreaded SSSS

Why four capital S’s mean you’ve been selected for secondary security screening, and the behaviors or travel patterns that can trigger it.

• Stopover codes

What S/O and SPTC mean, and why some airlines (like Turkish) still offer generous stopover perks, including free hotel stays.

• Why you shouldn’t toss your boarding pass

How does that little slip of paper contain personal identifiers, meal preferences, and travel data worth protecting?

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In this episode, we explore Málaga, a warm, walkable, art‑filled city on Spain’s Costa del Sol. GoNOMAD contributor Debbie Garrick shares her March adventure, a trip built on wandering without an agenda.

• Arriving in Málaga A friendly taxi driver, avocado farm stories, and the first glimpse of a city far more elegant than its Costa del Sol stereotype.

• Old Town at night: The massive cathedral glowing above the plazas, the Roman amphitheatre lit from below, and dinner beside a roaring outdoor fire with classic tapas.

• Walking the Mediterranean promenade from La Malagueta to the marina, watching locals jog, families stroll, and beach bars fill with life.

• Muelle Uno and the waterfront markets: Handmade sandals, jewelry, knitwear, and the easy rhythm of browsing and people‑watching along the quay.

• Málaga’s growing art scene: The colorful glass cube of the Centre Pompidou Málaga, the Picasso Museum’s family‑donated collection, and the street‑art‑rich Soho district.

• Climbing to Castillo de Gibralfaro: A steep but rewarding walk to sweeping views of the sea, mountains, and city rooftops, plus a shady terrace café under the olive trees.

• Exploring the Alcazaba Moorish courtyards, fountains, gardens, and the Roman amphitheatre below, where live performances sometimes appear like a secret.

• The city’s contrasts include modern boulevards, narrow alleys filled with pottery and leather goods, and the historic Malagueta bullring.

• Málaga after dark: Music spilling into the streets, multi‑generational crowds, and Debbie’s night at La Fábrica, followed by a quieter cocktail bar escape.

• Why Málaga belongs on your Spain itinerary: Warm, historic, artistic, and endlessly welcoming.

Find out more about translator Debbie Garrick at her Linked In page.

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In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Senior Writer Chin Liang takes us deep into the heart of Transylvania, a region forever linked to gothic legends, dark forests, and of course… vampires. But as Chin quickly shows us, the real Transylvania—and the real Brașov—is far more fascinating than any fictional horror story.

We begin with the scenic train ride from Bucharest, winding through the Carpathian Mountains before arriving in Brașov, a city of 250,000 people that still feels like a perfectly preserved medieval town. In the Old Town’s Council Square, Chin notices something unusual: the eyebrow dormer windows that look like hundreds of half‑closed eyes watching from the rooftops. Built by Saxons centuries ago, these “eyes” once ventilated attics—but today they give Brașov its unforgettable, slightly eerie charm.

Chin explores the Black Church, the city’s most famous landmark, named for the fire that blackened its walls in the 17th century. Inside stands one of the largest pipe organs in Southeastern Europe, with nearly 4,000 pipes still used for concerts.

No trip to Brașov is complete without a visit to Bran Castle, the so‑called “Dracula’s Castle.” Chin sets the record straight: the castle has nothing to do with vampires. Instead, it was a fortress, then a royal residence, and now a museum perched dramatically on a rocky cliff. Still, its silhouette was close enough to Bram Stoker’s imagination that the legend stuck.

Chin also recommends pairing your visit with Râșnov Fortress, a 13th‑century hilltop stronghold, and Peleș Palace, a spectacular neo‑Renaissance royal residence filled with secret doors, stained glass, medieval weapons, and ornate rooms that feel straight out of a fairytale.

Back in Brașov, Chin samples local dishes like hearty beef stew and creamy roasted eggplant spread. And for the best view in town, he rides the cable car up Mount Tâmpa, where the forests and ridges of Transylvania stretch out in every direction. It’s here, above the rooftops and the “watchful eyes,” that the city’s resilience and history truly come into focus.

Brașov is a place shaped by fire, rebuilt with pride, and wrapped in centuries of myth. And as Chin reminds us, sometimes the real stories are even better than the legends.

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Thanks for listening—and happy travels!

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We begin at the New York Stock Exchange, but instead of watching the crowds, Susmita leads us to the Federal Hall National Memorial, the “Birthplace of American Government,” where George Washington took the oath of office in 1789. The Doric columns, the bronze Washington statue, and the preserved balcony inside all bring the early republic vividly to life.

Just steps away stands Trinity Church Wall Street, a Gothic masterpiece and the oldest public building still in use in Manhattan. Inside, its stained glass windows glow above the grave of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers.

We continue to St. Paul’s Chapel, the Georgian-era sanctuary where Washington prayed after his inauguration, before wandering toward Stone Street, a cobblestone lane dating back to the Dutch colonial era — built by enslaved Africans and now lined with lively restaurants.

Susmita then guides us to Fraunces Tavern Museum, a Revolutionary War landmark where patriots gathered and history unfolded. Across the street, she discovers the preserved remains of 17th‑century New Amsterdam, including the 1667 foundations of the Lovelace Tavern, visible beneath glass panels in the sidewalk.

The journey concludes at the powerful and moving African Burial Ground National Monument, the largest colonial-era burial site for enslaved and free Africans in North America. Rediscovered in 1991, it now stands as a solemn memorial and educational center honoring more than 400 individuals whose labor helped build New York City.

This episode is a thoughtful walk through the origins of the city — a reminder that beneath the financial capital of the world lies a deep, complex, and essential American story.

Written by GoNOMAD contributor Susmita Sengupta.

Explore more than 260 episodes of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast and discover new places every week.

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In this episode, host Max Hartshorne takes listeners deep into Komodo National Park, exploring what it actually feels like to move through one of the world’s wildest island chains. This isn’t the postcard version—this is the lived version.

Drawing from on‑the‑ground insight in the uploaded script — “You start to realize Komodo National Park isn’t really a checklist kind of place. It’s something you feel your way through.” — the episode breaks down the rhythm, the slowness, the raw landscapes, and the moments in between that define the Komodo experience.

You’ll hear how the park has evolved, why access to Komodo Island is still open but more regulated, and what it’s like to wake up on the water day after day as the islands reveal themselves in layers.

• Komodo isn’t a checklist destination — it’s a place that unfolds slowly, shaped by tides, weather, and time.
• The dragons are iconic, but the surrounding landscape—dry hills, blue water, untouched islands—often leaves a deeper impression.
• Life on the water forces a different pace, where time stretches and the experience becomes more about presence than itinerary.
• Underwater is another world entirely, with mantas, coral, and visibility that stops you in your tracks.
• The in‑between moments matter most — sunsets on deck, quiet conversations, simple meals that taste better because of where you are.
• Komodo lingers long after you leave, not as a bucket‑list trophy but as a place that shifts your perspective.

This episode was created with the insight and experience of Derek Haight, an American entrepreneur based in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, whose writing captures the emotional truth of traveling through Komodo National Park. From the script: “There’s something about Komodo that doesn’t really end when the trip does… Whatever it is, it lingers.”

https://www.maikakomodotour.com

• Labuan Bajo — gateway to Komodo National Park
• Padar Island, Pink Beach, Rinca Island
• Manta encounters and world‑class snorkeling
• Life aboard traditional wooden boats
• Conservation efforts and regulated access to Komodo Island

Explore more travel stories and destination deep dives at: 👉 WWW.VOYASCAPE.COM

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MOSTAR, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA — A RESILIENT CITY OF HISTORY, DIVING FEATS & ADVENTURE

In this episode, we travel to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina — a city where beauty, bravery, and centuries of history meet on the stones of one of the world’s most iconic bridges.

Host Max Hartshorne takes listeners to the edge of the 79‑foot Stari Most, where divers have leapt into the emerald Neretva River for nearly 500 years, continuing a rite of passage that has become one of Europe’s most thrilling spectacles.

We explore the rebuilt 16th‑century Ottoman bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience after its destruction in 1993 and painstaking reconstruction stone by stone. Walking across it, you can feel the weight of history beneath your feet — the smooth limestone worn by centuries of footsteps, conflict, and renewal.

You’ll meet the Mostarski Icarí, the legendary divers who wait patiently for crowds to gather before taking their breathtaking plunge. Their tradition, named after the myth of Icarus, is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Balkans.

Beyond the bridge, we wander through Mostar’s artisan‑filled Old Town, where shopkeepers proudly share hand‑made treasures — from glass mosaics to repurposed bullet casings transformed into art. These pieces tell the story of a city that has endured hardship yet continues to create beauty.

The episode also explores the adventures waiting just outside the city:

• Kravica Waterfall, a lush oasis 45 minutes from Mostar
• Počitelj, a hilltop town of Ottoman architecture
• Blagaj Tekke, the cliff‑side dervish monastery perched above the turquoise spring of the Buna River

Mostar is more than a postcard‑perfect stop — it’s a destination filled with meaning, memory, and a spirit that refuses to fade. Around every corner, visitors find reminders of resilience, creativity, and the enduring pride of its people.

This episode was produced by Max Hartshorne. Special thanks to GoNOMAD writer Monique Evdokiou for her help with the script and her vivid reporting from Mostar.

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On today’s episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we’re unpacking a safety warning you’ve heard on every flight but may not have taken seriously: don’t reach for your phone if it slips between the airplane seats — call a flight attendant instead.

It sounds like a small thing, but as we explore in this episode, it’s a rule written in fire. Literally.

This story comes from reporting in Afar Magazine, and it reveals just how dangerous a crushed smartphone can be inside an aircraft cabin.

When a phone gets wedged in the seat’s mechanical components, it can be crushed if the seat moves. That’s when the lithium battery can overheat and enter thermal runaway, a chain reaction where the battery “rapidly heats up, releases flammable gases, and can ignite.”

We highlight several dramatic examples, including:

• A Southwest flight where a crushed phone ignited a seat at the gate, forcing all 108 passengers to evacuate via emergency slides.
• A Hawaiian Airlines flight declared an emergency after a trapped phone began emitting a burning smell near landing.
• An Alaska Airlines flight that returned to the airport after a phone and portable battery pack ignited in the cabin.

FAA records show 106 verified incidents between 2006 and early 2026 involving lithium batteries in phones overheating, smoking, or catching fire — with 21 incidents in 2025 alone.

Airline reps explain that crews are trained to access the tight, complex seat mechanisms safely. As American Airlines notes, “seats can vary between aircraft,” and flight attendants know how to retrieve a device before it becomes a hazard.

Delta adds that calling a crew member also prevents passengers from injuring themselves: “Those seats are tight. We’d rather get your phone out for you rather than have you potentially jam your finger.”

If a device becomes hot or begins emitting fumes, the crew can immediately activate fire‑safety protocols — another reason they want to know right away.

That quick line in the safety briefing isn’t just airline over‑caution. It’s a real, documented risk. If your phone slips into the seat, don’t reach for it — call a flight attendant. As the article concludes, “now you know, they weren’t kidding when they warned you about that.”

(Here are the standard links you like included at the bottom of every set of show notes.)

• GoNOMAD Travel https://www.gonomad.com

• GoNOMAD Podcast Page https://www.gonomad.com/category/podcasts

• Max’s Travel Writing on GoNOMAD https://www.gonomad.com/author/max-hartshorne (gonomad.com in Bing)

• Subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen

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We explore this vibrant region, known for its stunning landscapes, mountains, local vineyards, and a plethora of agri-tourism opportunities. Our journey takes us through charming towns like Dunham, Bromont, and Frelighsburg, where we stay at the welcoming Gite La Maison Bleu and dine at Espace Old Mill, enjoying meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

This episode includes many photos and short videos from this region of Quebec, edited by Teh Chin Liang, a GoNOMAD Contributor.

We also visit innovative cideries and partake in activities such as mountain biking and disc golf, all while soaking in the views of the Vermont mountains. Join us as we discover the unique flavors and stories that this nearby region has to offer.

https://youtu.be/o3TS6ncDJZc

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Most travelers arrive with a cinematic image in mind: bulls charging, runners sprinting, adrenaline everywhere. But the reality is more layered. The route changes character from section to section, and your experience depends entirely on where you stand and how early you prepare.

We break down the difference between street-level and balcony viewing, explain why timing and geography matter more than chaos, and explore how the rhythm of the morning builds long before the bulls are released. Losu explains how locals read the route, anticipate the movement, and choose their vantage points with precision. We also quote a friend of Max's who has been to the San Fermin festival 48 times, every year since 1976, he explains what he loves so much.

You’ll learn why the run lasts only a few minutes but requires hours of preparation, how the old town’s compact layout can confuse even seasoned travelers, and why clarity—not proximity—is the key to a memorable experience.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to San Fermín or just curious about what it’s really like to be there, this episode gives you the insider’s view of Pamplona’s most famous morning.

Find out more about how you can attend the Running of the Bulls from Losu Value at Basque Views, in Pamplona, Spain

Listen now on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, hosted by Max Hartshorne. Visit us at GoNOMAD.com and Voyascape.com for more travel stories, guides, and podcast episodes.

Follow, subscribe, and share to keep the adventure going.

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This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.

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In this episode, we travel to the vibrant island of Penang, Malaysia, where Lunar New Year isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a living, breathing celebration that spills into the streets of George Town. Senior Writer Chin Liang Teh takes us home to his island to experience Miao Hui, a community‑driven festival that preserves the traditions many big cities have long forgotten.

1. Why Penang’s Lunar New Year feels different from the commercialized celebrations found elsewhere
2. How George Town’s UNESCO‑listed streets transform into a cultural playground
3. The meaning and magic behind Miao Hui, held during the first week of the Lunar New Year

1. Dragon dances weaving through narrow lanes to the beat of thunderous drums
2. Lion dancers leaping between high platforms with acrobatic precision
3. The spectacular Chingay parade, where performers toss massive flags—sometimes catching them with their foreheads

1. Traditional glove puppet theater, where visitors try their hand at ancient storytelling
2. A quirky mini paddy field that lets festivalgoers plant a single rice seedling in real mud
3. Lanterns decorated with riddles, a centuries‑old tradition that turns the streets into a glowing puzzle trail

1. The surprisingly soothing knife massage, using the flat sides of blades to tap and press
2. Herbal face masks and threading, beauty rituals passed down through generations

1. Lei cha, a bright green Hakka tea‑and‑herb rice dish believed to cool the body
2. The crowd‑pleasing cannon popcorn, which explodes from a heated metal cannon with a booming blast

Miao Hui isn’t just a festival—it’s a reminder of how traditions survive when communities keep them alive. Locals, travelers, families, and curious wanderers all share the same streets, the same sounds, and the same joy. In Penang, Lunar New Year still feels like it always has: meaningful, communal, and full of heart.

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This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

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Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.

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