ThePointsGuy’s Gene Sloan joins Paul and Elizabeth to discuss the current and future state of the cruise industry. When will the large, ocean-going vessels sail again? What health and safety protocols will be in place? In the meantime, some small, regional cruising is starting in Europe – and is hoping to start in the United States - how are those efforts going? Gene helps us sort through the myriad factors involved in the rebooting of this important travel industry segment.

Noble House Hotels & Resort’s Scott Colee joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the health and safety protocols the company is instituting as its hotels reopen after COVID-19 lockdowns. Learn about this eclectic collection of boutique properties around the United States and what makes them special. Is it true that the Beatles once fished from one of these hotels?

Travel journalist and photographer Lee Foster joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal why California is such a special travel destination. Its culture, its history, and its incredible natural beauty have inspired generations of dreamers. Lee shares information about the state’s fascinating history and introduces us to some quirky, and resilient, characters.

GoNomad’s Max Hartshorne joins Paul and Elizabeth to share some of the website’s insightful articles. He takes us to Africa’s Victoria Falls, twice as big as Niagara; did you know that you and your sweetheart can stand in two countries – one of you in Zambia and one in Zimbabwe – and kiss across the border? Max also reveals the excitement of India’s Sangai Festival and  takes us to Newfoundland, where he shares his foraging adventure. He gathered edible plants along the seashore and ate moose with fresh berries. (It didn’t taste like chicken.)

Kirsten Schmidt joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal how Hamburg, Germany, along with most of the country, is beginning to open up after a long period of lockdown due to coronavirus precautions. Hotels and restaurants are beginning to open – all with social distancing and mask-wearing. It’s a sign of progress for this, Germany’s second-largest city, famous for its fish market, spectacular symphony hall, Hanseatic League history, and Germany’s most popular attraction: a museum of miniatures called Wonderland. Check out hamburg-travel.com.

TheTravelCamel’s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth for Part 2 of his report on the recent Arabian Travel Market Virtual. Sessions revealed the importance of social media in keeping customers engaged during COVID-19 travel restrictions. Through social media, you can remind people of why they like you and make them want to visit you again once travel returns in full force. Also, why some powerful “influencers” don’t like the term.

TheTravelCamel’s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth to extol the joys of learning about a destination through its food. You can even do that while sheltering in place – Shane reveals his secret: He talks with a local chef and either takes a cooking class or gets a recipe. Then he gathers the ingredients and makes the dish at home for his family. Tune in to savor some food fun.

GoNomad’s Max Hartshorne joins Paul and Elizabeth to discuss what we all need to know about travel’s gradual reopening. They also explore the wonders of Indonesia, including the little-known Ijen Crater, home of the blue flames. And they review some of the cultural dos and don’ts of visiting this endlessly fascinating country, where manners and respect are highly valued.

Travel journalist David Swanson joins Paul and Elizabeth to discuss his new book, 100 Things To Do in San Diego Before You Die. Swanson, born and raised in San Diego, brings a real insider’s perspective to the city, whether revealing deeper insights into famous favorites like the San Diego Zoo, or revealing little-known secrets about the region’s distinctive aeronautical history.

BrownPassport’s Samantha Isom joins Paul and Elizabeth to discuss some of the challenges people of color face when traveling. Travel builds bridges and breaks down barriers, but the travel and travel media industries need to do more to combat racism. Samantha has been at the forefront of this issue for more than a decade, and her website is a font of information on the subject. Join us for this insightful and thought-provoking discussion.