The Frommer's Travel Show

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

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