Pauline Frommer discussed her newly released guidebook "Frommer's New York City 2026" and what the top culinary trends in the city are right now. She also talked about what it's like to visit NYC's newest observation deck, and how The Studio Museum, Sotheby's and The Jewish Museum have reinvented themselves. Then Kevin Long, CEO of TheDyrt.com, talked about how many new campers there were in 2025, what people can do when there's no room at the campsite, and how this form of vacation is evolving.

Takeaways:

1. The latest edition of Frommer's New York City guidebook was released this fall, highlighting recent changes and attractions in the city.
2. New York City has exciting new attractions and revamped iconic sites.
3. The introduction of a new observation deck in Times Square offers unique nighttime views.
4. A number of new high-end Caribbean restaurants and innovative wine bars are reshaping the city's culinary scene.
5. .Over half of campers had difficulty finding room at their first choice campgrounds in 2025

Companies, products and websites mentioned in this episode:

1. Frommer's New York City 2026
2. Frommers.com
3. Swarovski Crystal
4. One Times Square
5. The Jewish Museum
6. The Studio Museum of Harlem
7. Sotheby's
8. The Dyrt
9. Toyota Trucks
10. Ha's Snack Bar
11. Sunn's Wine Bar
12. Kabawa
13. Lei Wine Bar (this is the name of the restaurant Pauline couldn't remember)

Patrick Doyle, from Visit Montana, discussed the ghost towns, badlands, and Native American sights found in Big Sky Country's state parks. He also discussed why rodeos are such a fun lens into the state's culture and traditions, and when is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park.

Takeaways:

1. Montana is characterized by vast landscapes and a relatively low population density, which affects visitor experiences.
2. The state has numerous historical sites, including Fort Owen and St. Mary's Mission, which tell of the state's early days.
3. Bannock State Park, a well-preserved ghost town, offers a unique glimpse into Montana's past as the first territorial capital.
4. The Bitterroot Valley is rich in history and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking adventure.

Companies and destinations mentioned in this episode:

1. Yellowstone National Park
2. Montana
3. Billings
4. Bozeman
5. Missoula
6. Darby
7. Fort Owen
8. St. Mary's Mission
9. Makoshakea State Park
10. Medicine Rock State Park
11. Carter County Museum
12. Bannock State Park
13. Montana State University
14. Western Montana College
15. North American Indian Days
16. Crow Fair
17. Wild Horse Stampede

Zach Helfand, author of "Airport-Lounge Wars: When you’re waiting for a flight, what’s the difference between out there and in here?" in the New Yorker Magazine discussed his quirky quest to visit every lounge in the New York area.

Takeaways:

1. Zach Helfand's article discusses the evolution of airport lounges from exclusive clubs to more accessible spaces, and the impact of credit card partnerships.
2. Lounges have transformed the airport experience by providing amenities such as truly gourmet food, showers, sleep pods, private security screening and more.
3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines relied heavily on their credit card partnerships, which have proven to be more valuable than traditional ticket sales in sustaining their businesses.
4. The luxurious offerings of international lounges often greatly surpass those found in the United States.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. American Airlines
2. Admirals Club
3. Delta Airlines
4. United Airlines
5. American Express
6. Chase
7. Chase Explorer
8. United Explorer
9. Delta One
10. Priority Pass
11. Air France
12. Danny Meyer
13. Shake Shack
14. Gramercy Tavern
15. Alaine Ducasse

Pauline Frommer and Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran discussed Pauline's second trip to Vietnam, which was just completed.

Takeaways:

1. The host emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, particularly regarding visa applications, as a critical aspect of international travel.
2. The episode highlights the cultural richness of Vietnam, including indigenous tribes and their fascinating customs, which the host explored during the trip.
3. The discussion includes reflections on the modern tourism industry in Vietnam, noting both advancements and the potential for inauthentic tourist experiences.
4. The host's experience at a dark restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a metaphor for broader themes of accessibility and culinary expectations in travel.

Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, discussed strategies for getting the best airfares, at a time when travelers are facing a lot of headwinds.

Takeaways:

• In 2026, the impact of artificial intelligence on airfare pricing has significantly reduced the window of opportunity for booking low-cost flights.
• Travelers should embrace 'gateway flexibility' by considering multiple departure airports, and itineraries that include domestic hops before international ones, to access better fares for international destinations.
• The traditional concept of an 'off season' for travel has become obsolete, necessitating a shift in strategy for cost-effective travel planning.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Dollar Flight Club
• Norse Airways
• French Bee
• Delta Airlines
• United Airways
• American Airlines
• Ryanair

Avery Singer and Jolie Golub, founders of BachBoss an agency that creates customs tailored travel experiences for Hen and Stag parties, were our guests today. They discussed the most popular destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties, over-the-top celebrity celebrations, and the biggest problems groups encounter when planning these sorts of roaming fests.

Takeaways:

• The Travel and Adventure Show is set to take place in Seattle on January 10th and 11th, marking a significant event for travel enthusiasts.
• Attendees of the Travel and Adventure Show can get free tickets by using the code "FROMMERSVIP" when purchasing tickets online.
• The trend of destination bachelor and bachelorette parties has surged, with approximately 80% of couples opting for weekend getaways to celebrate before their weddings.
• BachBoss, a company specializing in planning bachelor and bachelorette parties, was founded by friends who discovered a market need through their own experiences.
• Popular destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties include Miami, Las Vegas, Cabo, and Tulum, combining luxury experiences with celebratory activities.
• The importance of early planning for destination events cannot be overstated, as venues and accommodations fill up quickly during peak travel seasons.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Bach Boss
• Frommer's Guides
• The Seattle Travel and Adventure Show

Reid Bramblett, author of our recent studies on how to find the best booking engines for airfares, and the best ones for lodgings, unpacked his research. He discussed which sites find the lowest rates most consistently, how to filter results smartly, VPN uses for travel bookings, and when doing multiple searches will be the only way to find the lowest prices.

Takeaways:

• The travel industry presents complex pricing structures that require careful examination to avoid overpaying.
• Reid Bramlett conducted an extensive study to identify the best booking engines for airfares and hotels.
• AI chatbots currently perform poorly in providing accurate travel pricing information.
• Momondo emerged as the top airfare search engine due to its superior price-finding capabilities and filters.
• Google Hotels consistently finds the lowest hotel prices, with Trivago coming in a very close second.
• Some engines surface the fees and taxes that can drastically increase the overall costs but others do not so engaging a VPN can help you more easily see what the end cost will be (and might find you lower prices overall).

Pauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Spain with Jason Cochran, Editor in Chief of Frommers.com

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discuss the cosmopolitan nature of Madrid, highlighting its expansive avenues, walkability, top restaurants and extraordinary museums.
• The culinary experiences in Madrid are diverse, ranging from molecular gastronomy to traditional tapas, showcasing the city's rich gastronomic culture.
• Our exploration of Madrid includes visits to renowned museums, where masterpieces from artists like Bosch and Goya captivate the imagination.
• The flamenco show at Corral de la Moreria stands out as a cultural highlight, demonstrating the city's historical significance in the flamenco tradition and its artistic vibrancy.
• A side trip to Toledo is the perfect add on to an adventure in Madrid, as it's a very different city, with extraordinary religious heritage, and only 30 minutes away by train

Companies and sights mentioned in this episode:

• Frommers.com
• Melt the band
• DSTAgE Restaurant
• Doppelganger Bar
• Coral de la Moreria
• Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
• El Prado
• Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Toledo

From her hotel room in Utrecht, Pauline Frommer talked with Frommers.com's Editor In Chief Jason Cochran about her adventures in that Dutch hotspot, and her just concluded visit to Germany's capital.

Links referenced in this episode:

• frommers.com
• spotify.com
• cafe-frida.com
• alchemistclub.com
• tivolivredenburg.nl
• ddrmuseum.de
• neue-museum.de

Companies and Attractions mentioned in this episode:

• Melt the Band
• Cafe Frida
• Alchemist Club
• Gamalde Gallery
• Neue Museum
• Tivoli Vredenburg
• DDR Museum
• Brandenburg Gate
• Reichstag
• Checkpoint Charlie

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