More Dominican Republic news including guesses by a former FBI agent that help us understand the term “former”.  How to handle a PR nightmare: Hard Rock Punta Cana takes pro-active steps to shut down the speculation around mini bars and alcohol on property.  The “story” around that lady on the Air Canada plane that flew from Quebec to Toronto: Mark Murphy digs in on the numerous gaps and conflicting statements that lead him to a conclusion you won’t want to miss.  BS resort fees and the BS explanations from hoteliers.  Why do hotels charge ‘resort fees’ and what’s really driving this deception to travelers.  How Booking Holdings hopes to stop those resort fees, or at least profit with the hotels.  RV Road trips and some fun spots that Mark’s currently hitting on an East Coast swing with his wife and two dogs.

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What's really going on in the Dominican Republic? Are these deaths that are being reported connected, or are we in a conspiracy theory of the media's making?  Mark Murphy shares his insights into how media approaches stories like these, what is actually known, and what isn't.  He also riffs on publications like Rolling Stone and People who have joined the main stream media with 'their take', of which they have none, on what is actually happening.  Hard Rock Punta Cana, Excellence Resort, Bahia Principe, Dreams Resort and others...different owners, different countries, different employees...yet some want to spread the conspiracy hype.  Mark shuts it down and provides the most in depth perspective and insights on what's going on with the deaths in the Dominican Republic.

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Multiple tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic have reporters from major networks on the ground reporting (actually guessing) on what might have happened.  Mark Murphy discusses the actual facts that are known today, blows up conspiracy theories that are being circulated, and gets to the truth of what's really going on...as far as we know right now.  

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Mark discusses challenges for travelers with the recent ban on cruises to Cuba and what is motivating the cruise ban to Cuba and other steps the Trump administration has taken recently.  Do travelers have any legal recourse when it comes to a cruise that cancels their Cuba itinerary?  Travel safety is covered, as well as legal issues, due to recent deaths in the Dominican Republic.  And finally, how about your next vacation as a trip to Sex Island?  

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Mark is joined by special guest, Dan Callahan, Director of Marketing for TravelPulse.com. Topics covered include Google Flights tips and tricks for cheap flights, a bizarre new attraction in Tennessee, how a Japanese airline passenger died in flight, and how you can take an affordable trip to a unique destination like Tenerife in the Canary Islands. 

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This week the travel podcast kicks off with a big forecast for flights this summer, averaging 2.8 million travelers per DAY starting June 1st.  Expedia's travel expert with some 'advice' that doesn't tell you too much-- Mark fills in the details.  No good deed goes unpunished when Carnival Paradise rescues a sailor at sea and social media trolls slam the cruise line. How politics screw up travel, at least this week, in New York City. Thanks Comrade DeBlasio and the rest of you morons on the city council.

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This week, Mark discusses the current homesharing market and where it's going, how to find a job in travel, how to snag a Memorial Day travel deal, and an exclusive interview with Walter Littlejohn of the luxury river cruise brand, Crystal Cruises.

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Today marks Travel Agent Appreciation Day and we invite Mike Julius with Carnival Cruise Line onto the podcast to share how they are recognizing travel agents.  But before we get into that, we breakdown some of the top things seized by TSA at airport checkpoints.  How about Moose Poop en route to your favorite politician?  Live eels found in carryon, and more.  The show concludes with a great way to get a cruise deal at 40-50% off. 

Don't forget to add your review for a chance to win some gear!

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This week's travel podcast covers travel safety tips in light of the Easter bombings, what's it like to stay in a potato, war tourism and whether you should sign up for a "hostage tour".  Delta's CEO says they want to make travel "magical", when all we want is more legroom. Some travel tips and ideas to stretch your travel dollar further.  

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I talk to an actual pilot who tells me that he'd jump into the 737 Max 8 cockpit and takeoff without any fear. Delta cuts back on seat reclines while Airbus introduces a new seat for couch potatoes. Tips on the Florida Keys and another round of social media losers who tell you to stay away from Mexico while SFO employees are afraid to walk around the airport during the early hours because of the growing homeless population that thinks SFO is a homeless shelter.

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