New York Times writer Jonathan Zwickel discussed his recent article about tours that uncover the political and economic forces that are shaping life in Athens, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and other important cities. Then Hiroko Yoda discussed her illuminating book about Japanese traditions, religious practices and life "Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan.

Takeaways:

• Zwickel recounts his experience of wandering through an Athens neighborhood, revealing the urban decay and struggles faced by locals.
• We discuss the importance of ethical tourism, emphasizing the need for respectful engagement with local communities and their histories.
• The podcast highlights the emergence of social and political walking tours as a means to provide deeper insights into the realities of city life and its challenges.
• Additionally, we examine how these tours can serve as an antidote to overtourism by redistributing visitor traffic to underappreciated areas.
• In the second half Yoda discusses the interplay between different religious traditions in the temples of Japan; how she came to find Shinto teachings helpful while grieving the loss of her parents; and a the story behind a famous mound in Tokyo, that has a surprising history.

Links referenced in this episode:

• newyorktimes.com
• airbnb.com
• planetwonk.com

Laurie Gwen Shapiro, author of the new book "The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam and the Marriage That Made an American Icon" was today's guest. She discussed how Earhart shaped how we travel today, why she is still such a potent role model, and what happened to her on her final flight.

Takeaways:

• The contemporary travel industry owes much of its development to the pioneering efforts of early aviators, particularly Amelia Earhart, who significantly influenced public perception of air travel.
• Laurie Gwen Shapiro's book, 'The Aviator and the Amelia Earhart,' delves into the intricate relationship between Amelia Earhart and her husband, George Putnam, showcasing their collaborative efforts.
• Amelia Earhart's role as an ambassador for aviation was crucial in promoting air travel to women, thereby helping to establish the industry as a viable mode of transportation.
• The podcast highlights the complexities surrounding Amelia Earhart's legacy, suggesting that her ambitious nature and calculated risks played a significant role in her untimely demise.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore the nuances of Amelia Earhart's final flight by listening to tapes of those who know her, available on the Smithsonian website.

In our final installment of our series on the best destinations for 2026, Pauline Frommer, Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran, and Managing Editor Zac Thompson discussed Palawan in the Philippines, Portugal's Algarve region, Chicago, Adelaide in Australia and Vienna, Austria.

To see our Best Places to Go in 2026 photo-rich article, go to Frommers.com/BestPlaces2026.

Takeaways:

• In 2026, Chicago will be a prominent travel destination due to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, which is expected to significantly reshape the community.
• Vienna is poised to attract visitors with a plethora of cultural events, including the 250th anniversary of the Burgtheater and the reopening of the Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art.
• Palawan in the Philippines is becoming increasingly popular, particularly due to its stunning natural beauty and the upcoming film set to draw attention to the region.
• The Algarve region of Portugal will feature direct transatlantic flights in 2026, making its beautiful beaches and rich history more accessible to American tourists.
• Adelaide, Australia, is experiencing a renaissance with new direct flights, making it easier for travelers to explore its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty.
• The year 2026 promises to be exceptional for travel as various destinations celebrate significant anniversaries and cultural events that will enhance the visitor experience.

Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran, and Managing Editor Zac Thompson, joined Pauline Frommer to discuss the destinations that will be particularly vacation-worthy in 2026. Today's show covered Peru, Jasper (Alberta, Canada), Hot Springs (Arkansas), Viti Levu (Fiji), Costa Navarino (Greece), and the United States' 250th birthday celebration venues. To see the complete list go to Frommers.com/bestplaces2026.

Takeaways:

• In our discussion, we emphasized that Peru offers far more than just Machu Picchu, highlighting its diverse attractions.
• The recent political unrest in Peru has affected tourism, necessitating a focus on alternative destinations within the country.
• We introduced Costa Navarino in Greece as an emerging travel destination, providing a unique cultural experience without the usual tourist crowds.
• The Rocky Mountaineer Train's new Jasper to Banff route presents an opportunity to explore the stunning Canadian Rockies conveniently and luxuriously.
• Viti Levu in Fiji is becoming more accessible to North American travelers, enriching its cultural landscape with a mix of influences.
• The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary with nationwide events that promote historical education and civic engagement.

It's that time of year again! Frommer's writers from across the globe have nominated the places that they think will be especially appealing to visit in the coming year, for very specific reasons—important anniversaries, new features, affordability, you name it. From the dozens of suggestions, we narrowed the field down to 16. You can see the complete list at Frommers.com/bestplaces2026.

In this episode Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran, and Managing Editor Zac Thompson, joined Pauline Frommer to discuss Asheville (North Carolina), Patagonia Azul (Argentina), Kruger National Park (South Africa), Albuquerque, and Oulu (Finland).

Andrea Sachs, Travel Reporter for the Washington Post, discussed how to save money on inoculations and health advice for travel. Then Frommer's author Tamara Hinson discussed why so many travel prices are increasing, and how to save money anyway

Takeaways:

• Travelers must be aware of the significant costs associated with vaccinations required for some international trips, as they can be exorbitant.
• Consultation at travel clinics can lead to unexpected expenses, and it is advisable to research beforehand to avoid overspending.
• Primary care physicians can provide valuable recommendations for vaccinations, potentially reducing unnecessary expenses .
• It is prudent to investigate various travel clinics and compare prices, as not all facilities charge the same for vaccinations and consultations.
• AI is driving up the cost of hotels and airfares, but there are strategies for outwitting the machine
• Rental car companies moving to electric fleets is temporarily raising the cost of rental cars
• Airport expansion projects are making many costs at airports higher, primarily parking and food. So pack your own meals and get a friend to drop you off before your flight
• Many countries are adding additional fees to visit and at some top attractions. We looked at a few of the places where costs are increasing

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Washington Post
• Passport Health
• CDC
• HMO
• University of Maryland
• Cox Automotive
• Atomize

Frommer's Author David McElhinney joined Pauline Frommer to discuss the culinary specialties of different Japanese regions, walking vacation opportunities that mirror the Camino de Santiago experience, ways to experience Japan's sizzling pop culture, and some strategies for saving money on a Japanese vacation.

Takeaways:

• Transportation in country is one of the highest costs travelers face, but buying a Japan Rail Pass may save you money. A look at its pros and cons.
• Accommodations can also take a bite out of the budget, so we discussed what capsule hotels are like, plus the more conventional but still affordable options most travelers prefer.
• Japan's culinary offerings are diverse and budget-friendly. We took a look at convenience store meals, Tokyo's Ramen scene, and the foods eaten in a region of Japan that has the most centenarians.
• Visiting off-the-beaten path Japan will get you out into some stunning nature areas, and into communities that really need the tourist business.

The Frommer's Travel Podcast was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is hosted by Pauline Frommer, the Publisher of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommers.com, with new episodes issued weekly.

Seth Kugel, the Tripped Up columnist for the New York Times, shared a shocking tale of an Airbnb stay that went wrong. He also gave advice on how to keep yourself safe in a vacation rental. Then Jason Lucking of pAIback.app, discussed this new flight savings tool.

The Frommer's Travel Podcast was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is hosted by Pauline Frommer, the Publisher of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommers.com, with new episodes issued weekly.

Traveling to Cuba today requires a knowledge of the law, and some strategies for getting the most out of your trip. Podcaster Chris Christensen of the Amateur Traveler podcast just recently returned from this storied island nation, and discussed some of the elements of a trip there, including:

• Why United States citizens have to find non-hotel accommodations
• How issues with the power grid will impact travel
• Why farm visits are so intriguing in Cuba (especially for cigar fans)
• How the beach scene differs in Cuba from other destinations
• Some of the top sights and experiences in Havana and Trinidad

The Frommer's Travel Podcast was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is hosted by Pauline Frommer, the Publisher of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommers.com, with new episodes issued weekly.

Jeff Greenwald, author of the brilliant travel memoir "The Size of the World: Once Around Without Ever Leaving the Ground" was today's guest.

In the course of the conversation, he discussed:

-What the ideal travel companions are

-What it's like to travel by freighter

-The mysteries of the Dogon people of Mali

-A moving encounter with novelist Paul Bowles in Morocco

-The many meanings of pilgrimage

-The Lhasa Valley in Tibet

And much more.

The Frommer's Travel Show was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is a weekly podcast, hosted by Pauline Frommer, daughter of Frommer's guidebooks founder Arthur Frommer, and President of Frommer Media LLC.