Dun dun, dun dun, dun dun... please imagine the Jaws theme song as we circle... closer... to... unpacking some travel bags that have sat, virtually untouched, for TWO YEARS. Yes, in this episode of Out Travel the System, we are literally taking you inside host Nisreene Atassi's baggage. Learn what this incredibly seasoned traveler makes sure to pack every time, and why 'Inception pouch' may be your new mantra as you get ready to think about traveling again. It may just be the prompt you need to refresh the items on your packing list. Don't forget Nissy's trick of pre-measuring shampoo, lotion, etc., to ensure you aren't lugging around bits of product that you won't need on your travels. We'll also engage in a flight of fancy to envision what it would be like to prep for a trip - something that may be the right choice for you this year. Here are some items for your travel bag that you may not have thought of before: -two in one hand lotion and hand sanitizer (yes, both in one product) -a spray and cloth to clean off your cell phone -two sets of headphones, one compatible with airplanes, and one for regular use

Here we are, once again, thinking about what travel means during a pandemic.

What's different about Season Three of Out Travel the System though, is that we feel as though we can expand beyond inspiring and informing, and — cautiously, optimistically — talk about dreaming and actually going when the time and circumstances are right for you.

Host Nisreene Atassi is joined here by Out Travel the System's associate producer Katie Doten. Together, they pull back the curtain on some of the travel topics and destinations we'll be exploring in Season Three - as well as some of the realizations they've come to, about the value of travel to them. Katie tells a story about a side hustle she's seriously considering, and shares a tip that you may never have thought of - she would be delighted if you bite her style!

ps if you want to know more about Katie's Alaskan camper van pick, please check it out here!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to know what Out Travel the System is all about? Here it is, in a snack-size trailer - what we want to do for you as listeners, and what we love most about talking about travel. Let us know what you're thinking at any time on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram — we're @ Expedia!

Here we are already so soon - the last episode of Out Travel the System for Season Two! Through all of the changing conditions, it's been a major goal to inform and inspire. With this episode about Bucket List Travel, we're hoping to do not only that, but also get you thinking about how to take concrete steps to make a bucket list trip a reality - when the time is right. Host Nisreene Atassi is joined by Sarah Austin Jenness, executive producer of The Moth storytelling collective, and Cory Lee, who blogs at Curb Free With Cory Lee. Listen in as they take you through some of their most hilarious and thought-provoking stories - and tell you where they're hoping to go to next. This feels like the perfect time to dream about bucket list travel, so please listen and dream along with us!

If you are one of the millions of travelers with a flight credit in your account, you may not be sure how to use it. In this special mini-episode of Out Travel the System, host Nisreene Atassi is joined by Michael Meschke, a Sr. Product Manager at Expedia. Together, they walk through the different types of flight credits and the various ways you can use them - when the time is right for you to travel again. At first glance, it can seem like a bewildering array of options. Luckily, we've found a shortcut that will only show you the options that work for the credit (or credits) that you have. Head here first for some useful background information, and then head here to access your customized experience.  This travel guide may also be helpful. Listen as we explain why - this one time - we're not trying to Out Travel the System!       aVSL7kWiygvFU9gP3UhE

Japan isn't just the Land of the Rising Sun - it's a place where you can explore the latest and greatest technology, traditions that date back centuries, and artisan craftsmanship taken to its very highest levels. In this episode of Out Travel the System, host Nisreene Atassi delves into the infinite possibilities of Japan with the help of Rie Homura, Japan Area Manager for Expedia, and Shayla Silva, a social media manager for Expedia.  Take in their tips for how to start researching the many, many, many things you can do in Japan, when the time is right for you to travel. That includes where to stay, what to see, and how to save yourself some money - like the JR Rail pass specifically designed for tourists. From cherry blossoms to hidden gem dining spots to when you can spot Godzilla, this episode of Out Travel the System takes a deep dive into your next dream vacation. Here are a few more useful tips, right from Nisreene's desk: -when using taxis, it can be helpful to have the exact address and phone number of your destination written down -it is not the usual custom to tip in restaurants -many places are strictly 'shoes off', so make sure you're wearing clean socks in good condition!

Just ahead of our full episode about Japan, we thought it might be handy to show you how we at Out Travel the System stay on top of changing travel conditions. This mini-episode takes you through navigating an extremely useful page: Expedia's COVID-19 travel guide. You know we love to inform and inspire, so please take a listen through in advance of Out Travel the System's next episode. These other links may also be handy as you dream of traveling to Japan: https://jp.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/

Winter is here and that means new opportunities to re-think what a 'staycation' can mean, in this episode of Out Travel the System. From setting up a little oasis of self-care at home, to strapping on some snowshoes and heading out into the frosty blue yonder, it's shaping up to be a great time to get in touch with some of the things you've always wanted to do... but haven't had time to do. Host Nisreene Atassi gets tips on planning a winter staycation and how locals are being courted by attractions from Nathan Lump, Expedia VP of Customer Marketing, and Olly Stringer, Director of Partnerships at Expedia. For more winter staycation inspiration, check out Things to Do From Home

It's that time of year again - where we settle down on the couch with a plate of snacks and a favorite beverage, and watch ALL.THE.HOLIDAY.MOVIES! On this episode of Out Travel the System, we're living vicariously through picture-perfect scenes and solvable plot problems, and doing some advance research for future destinations to fully get into the Christmas spirit.  Along for the (sleigh) ride with host Nisreene Atassi are Tracy Lanza, Senior VP of Integrated Marketing for Brand USA, and Ron Oliver, a long-time T.V. and movie director, screenwriter, and producer. You may have already watched this, this, or this from him. We talk about small town vs big city for splashy holiday celebrations, and ways to get that holiday movie look and feel in your life this year. Listen in to gather up some inspiration to mark the occasion. There are some specific hotels mentioned in the episode as well, and you can find out more about them here: -The Plaza in New York -The Drake in Chicago -The Fairmont in San Francisco -The Boulderado in Colorado

Chances are, you or someone you know has spent time in Mexico before. But if you were asked where the country's most beautiful beach was, where to get the best seafood tacos, or where you could soak in some beautiful architecture, would you know what to say? These are just a few of the ideas that permeate this episode of Out Travel the System. Nisreene Atassi learns about a whole host of options for things to do and places to go, thanks to help from Christian Villalva, Sr. Business Development  Manager for Expedia in Mexico, and Colby Holiday, a U.S. expat blogging about her life in Merida, Mexico. It's a big area well worth exploring, so listen in to figure out where's the right place for you to visit in Mexico, when the time is right.