Where will you find the best flight deals in 2026? Where should you (and we!) travel this year? What else will shape the year of travel ahead - maybe another government shutdown? And who the heck are “Danny & Debbie Delta?” To ring in the New Year, the guys pull out their crystal balls to talk about all things travel in 2026. Plus, a special friend introduces the show and we make a big announcement about what’s ahead for the pod in 2026. Happy New Year, travelers!

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00:00 - Where are we traveling in 2026?

02:20 - A new tradition to kick off the show! Submit your videos to thriftytraveler.com/voicemail.

04:00 - Where to look for the best flight deals in 2026, and why you should keep an eye on the Asia & Delta SkyMiles flash sales

14:15 - What deals won’t survive 2026? 

18:33 - A word from our sponsor: Us & our Thrifty Traveler Premium service

20:19 - The trends that will shape 2026 travel: The Olympics & other big events, plus troubling signs for award travel 

28:00 - Watching out for low-cost carriers - and why “Danny & Debbie Delta in Detroit” should care.

35:00 - Airports in 2026: Another shutdown, TSA fees & more

40:35 - What about credit cards? Bilt 2.0 & the uncertain future of the Venture X

45:30 - Where to go in 2026? Thailand, Vietnam, Finland, Spain, and beyond

51:45 - Listener Question: When & how you should call the airline to book award tickets

57:40 - On the Spot: Big news ahead for the podcast?

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas

Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

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