The Folo by Travel Weekly

Carnival's culinary concepts: How consumer preferences shape cruise dining

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:31:07 +0000

In June, Carnival Cruise Line held an event in New Orleans called The Next Course, where it introduced new restaurants and menus on its upcoming ship, the Carnival Festivale, and showcased its partnership with superstar chef Emeril Lagasse, the line’s chief culinary officer. It also served as a chance to talk about the latest in foodie trends, and how those trends are showing up on Carnival’s ships.

In this episode we take that conversation even further with Carnival’s vice president of food and beverage Juan Fernandez and cruise editor Teri West. We talk about changes in dining hours, dining styles, drinks and more and how those changes dovetail or diverge with how consumers eat and drink on land. Plus: How Carnival developed its relationship with Lagasse and the new restaurants on the Festivale.

This conversation was recorded July 9 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com

Related links:

Carnival and Emeril Lagasse embrace the latest culinary trends https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-and-Emeril-embrace-the-latest-culinary-trends

Carnival introduces new culinary concepts for upcoming ships https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-and-Emeril-Lagasse-introduce-new-culinary-concepts

Reservations are open for the Carnival Festivale https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Reservations-open-for-Carnival-Festivale

How weight-loss meds are changing travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/weight-loss-meds-changing-travel

Focus on culinary travel: Savoring the experience https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Focus-on-culinary-travel-Savoring-the-experience

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Is the era of self-driving cars here for the car-rental business?

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:34:30 +0000

We’re driving right into this one: The world of driverless cars, and how they’re already being integrated into rental car companies -- and how they might some day be integrated into rental car fleets. Host Rebecca Tobin, editor at large Robert Silk and Vik Krishnan, a senior partner at McKinsey & Co., debate: Is the era of self-driving, or autonomous, vehicles closer than we think?

In this episode: How rental car companies are servicing self-driving cars, why someone might rent an autonomous vehicle, the hurdles to adoption, timelines and more.

This episode was recorded June 29 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com

Related links

Driverless vehicles: Rental car companies get in the race https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Car-Rental-News/Driving-force

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LGBTQ+ travel: Expeditions, resiliency and new hotels in the 'gayborhood'

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:12:12 +0000

Just outside of Pride month we’re bringing together two reports on the latest in LGBTQ+ travel. In this year's Focus on LGBTQ+Travel cover story, editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann spoke to four travel advisors who identified four key trends in this market: expeditions, traveling with family, resilience and going beyond gay-friendly destinations.

And on the hospitality side, there's been a rise in hotels that are specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ segment.

For this episode, we welcome Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of Tryst Hotels, who speaks with hotels editor Christina Jelski about Tryst -- and then engages in a larger discussion with Jamie about the trends identified in the Focus story.

This episode was recorded July 1 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com

Hoteliers are forging stronger bonds in LGBTQ+ communities and markets https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hoteliers-are-forging-stronger-bonds-LGBTQ-communities

Tryst Hotels https://trysthotels.com/

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U.S. travel during America's 250: New tours, indigenous perspectives

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:49:19 +0000

We recently published an episode about the exciting opportunities around travel in the U.S. – travel surrounding the 250th anniversary celebrations, traveling along route 66, Americana and more. We bring that episode back to you today, but as a bonus, we’re including a discussion with two of our reporters about more recent stories about U.S. travel trends.

In this segment, our tours editor Brinley Hineman has found new interest in historical U.S. tourism. And our editor at large Robert Silk has looked at ways that indigenous organizations and native tribes are approaching the 250th milestone and bringing their perspectives to visitors.

The new segment was recorded June 26, and then we’ll dive into the original episode, which was recorded April 29.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors

Related reports:

Tour companies keep America 250 celebrations going into 2027 https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Operators-keep-America-250-celebration-going-into-2027

Indigenous groups are telling their stories amid America 250 events https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Indigenous-groups-telling-their-story-amid-America-250

Special tours tap into Route 66 nostalgia https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Special-tours-Route-66-centennial

Travels with Darley: Travel information by state https://www.darley-newman.com/united-states

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How hotel brands are changing the face of luxury cruising

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:56:18 +0000

This new crop of ultra luxury cruise lines is fascinating, not just because many of them are associated with well known hotel brands, but because they’re appealing to a newer, younger demographic; one that might not have cruised -- or thought about cruising. What’s the appeal for them?

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin and cruise editor Teri West talk with Christina Schlegel, the owner of Bluetail Travel, and Paul Tumposky, the chief revenue officer of Fora Travel, a about the appeal of lines like Four Seasons Yachts, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection and Explora Journeys and the new pathways they’re opening up in cruising.

This episode was recorded May 29 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors

Stay on at the end of the luxury-cruise discussion for a sponsored interview with Brendan Vacations' North America sales manager Kevin Loftus and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing and brand partnerships for Northstar Travel Group.

Related links:

New luxury lines are connecting with a new generation of cruisers https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/New-luxury-lines-connecting-new-generation-of-cruisers

Orient Express’ first ship evokes the glamour of a bygone era https://www.travelweekly.com/Luxury-Travel/Orient-Express-Corinthian-preview Aman at Sea opens for charter and group bookings https://www.travelweekly.com/Luxury-Travel/Amangati-opens-for-charter-event-sales

On the Record: Four Seasons Yachts’ CEO Ben Trodd https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Ben-Trodd-Four-Seasons-Yachts

Ritz-Carlton luxury with ‘less is more’ touches on its first ship https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Ritz-Carlton-luxury-with-less-is-more-touches-on-Evrima

Bluetail Travel: https://www.bluetailtravel.com

Fora Travel: https://www.foratravel.com

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Why U.S. hotels are performing so well right now

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:58:44 +0000

You might be surprised to hear it given some of the economic and geopolitical news this year, but the big news from the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Forum was a presentation from Jan Freitag, the national director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group, and Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, that significantly revised upward their 2026 U.S. hotel forecasts from earlier this year.

For this conversation we’re turning to Freitag and Travel Weekly hospitality editor Christina Jelski to review the new forecast and what’s driving the rosy outlook. We talk about the current shape of the economy, interest in domestic travel, the enduring stability of the upper-end and luxury segment. And as the FIFA World Cup kicks off, we take yet another look at demand around the match cities and how some industry watchers may have been missing the story.

This episode was recorded June 12 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations/com/traveladvisors

Related links

Early numbers brighten the 2026 forecast for U.S. hotels https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Early-numbers-brighten-2026-forecast-US-hotels

Hotel data firms deliver good news at NYU event https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Industry-groups-unveil-revised-2026-US-hotel-forecast

Hotel group says World Cup demand is below expectations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-demand-is-below-expectations

Folo episode on the World Cup with U.S. Travel's Erik Hanson https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/US-travel-and-FIFA-World-Cup

The USA is on full display https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/USA-on-full-display-250th-anniversary

CoStar Group https://www.costargroup.com/

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Theme park updates: Disney's cool kids, new rides, cruising and more

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:19:49 +0000

Our theme parks reporter Jamie Biesiada was at Walt Disney World twice last month, and host Rebecca Tobin cruised on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish -- making it the perfect time to dig in on theme park changes, additions, Cool Kid Summer and our own personal recent experiences, from rides to resort restaurants, plus an update on Universal’s updates.

This podcast was recorded June 4 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors

Related reports:

Disney aims to simplify trip planning with tech updates https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disney-simplifying-the-guest-experience-for-planning-trips

Dispatch, Disney World: Park offerings for preschoolers https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Disney-World-park-offerings-for-preschoolers

Behind the magic: Maintaining Disney World's iconic landscapes https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-team-behind-Disney-World-maintenance-and-makeovers

Something for all ages on the Disney Wish (September 2022) https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Something-for-kids-of-all-ages-on-the-Disney-Wish

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How the Bahamas has upped the cruise itinerary game

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:12:17 +0000

Travel Weekly cruise editor Teri West has been reporting on various developments in the industry, and many of them seem to have one thing in common: They’re taking place in the Bahamas. The country has invested in cruise port development and is courting ultra-luxury lines; meanwhile, the private island experience continues to expand and lines like Royal Caribbean International are putting its biggest cruise ships on short-cruise itineraries to the Bahamas from South Florida.

This week West talks with Robert Sands, the director of cruise and maritime facilitation at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, about creative growth, priorities and some pretty big increases in visitor numbers. If you’re selling Caribbean cruises or are a fan of cruising, you'll want to listen in.

This episode recorded May 29, 2026, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Brandan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors

Mexico travel: How demand is faring after February's cartel upheaval

Mon, 25 May 2026 15:40:10 +0000

We’ve been keeping a close eye on travel demand to Mexico. Tourism was rocked earlier this year after cartel-related upheaval in the state of Jalisco, particularly in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalejara. The U.S. embassy in Mexico issued shelter-in-place alerts, which were briefly expanded across Mexico to places like Cancun, Tulum, Baja California and Oaxaca. Disturbances were soon quieted, but not before some travelers were spooked.

Three months later, host Rebecca Tobin talks with Jacki Marks, the global head of trade brands for Mexico powerhouse ALG Vacations, and Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski about tourism sentiment today. Is travel on the rebound, and where did travelers go instead of Mexico? Is economic uncertainty and fuel costs having an impact on destination decisions? And, if you want a unique or special Mexico resort, where might you consider going?

This episode was recorded Wednesday, May 20, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares. Stay on at the end of the Mexico discussion for a sponsored interview with Tourism Cares’ CEO Greg Takehara and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group.

Related links

Sellers and hoteliers say that Mexico travel is on the rebound https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Mexico-travel-demand-on-the-mend?ct=mexico

ALG Vacations expects a short-term decline in Mexico (March 8) https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/ALG-Vacations-expects-short-term-tourism-decline-Mexico?ct=mexico

Newsletter sign-up page for our Mexico eNewsletter https://www.travelweekly.com/Newsletters

ALG Vacations https://alg.www.vaxvacationaccess.com/ (Part of Hyatt Hotels Corp https://www.hyatt.com/loyalty/en-US)

Christina Jelski's The Last Resort podcast: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Last-Resort/season-2-episode-1-Impression-Isla-Mujeres-by-Secrets

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Why the stakes are high for U.S. travel during the World Cup

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:50:42 +0000

One big question for North America travel is: how strong travel demand will be for the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in just a few weeks. This year the matches are being played in cities throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and at the beginning of the year expectations among destination marketing organizations and hotels was very high -- and then it seemed to taper off a bit.

In this episode we’re talking with editor in chief Johanna Jainchill and Erik Hanson, the senior vice president and head of government relations at U.S.’ prime travel advocacy organization, the U.S. Travel Association, about some of the issues facing inbound U.S. travel. Among our subjects: The unique attributes of World Cup travel, the calls for travel boycotts, perception versus reality when it comes to U.S. travel and the importance of getting Brand USA back on its funding feet.

This episode was recorded May 11and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares https://www.tourismcares.org.

Related reports:

Cover story: The U.S. is playing on a global stage https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Playing-on-a-global-stage-World-Cup

Hotel trade group says World Cup demand is below expectations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-demand-is-below-expectations

U.S. Travel Association condemns travel advisory issued for World Cup https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/US-Travel-condemns-travel-advisory-issued-for-World-Cup

U.S. Travel Association: https://www.ustravel.org

Correction: An earlier version of these show notes misspelled the name of Erik Hanson.

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America turns 250: How to celebrate the U.S. via travel

Tue, 05 May 2026 02:44:06 +0000

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is being celebrated this year -- and many Americans are celebrating by traveling. There are lots of places and ways to mark the great American birthday, from guided tours to road trips, from amazing fireworks displays to stays in big cities and small towns.

In this episode, Darley Newman, the creator and host of the PBS series "Travels with Darley" and author of "Revolutionary Road Trip: Hidden Stories from America's Founding Journey," and Travel Weekly features editor Emma Weissmann talk with host Rebecca Tobin about ways to get into the stories of Revolutionary history. The conversation includes the ways people can tap the 250 spirit: Revolutionary War towns, Americana, Route 66, whether travel advisors are getting involved with domestic travel planning and how they can harness interest in America’s history for future business.

This episode was recorded April 29 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares https://www.tourismcares.org

Related reports:

Special tours tap into Route 66 nostalgia: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Special-tours-Route-66-centennial

Tour operators and destinations begin preparations now for America's 250th birthday https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Tour-operators-DMOs-highlight-America-250th-birthday

Americans favor domestic travel amid global uncertainty https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Experts-say-more-Americans-plan-to-travel-closer-to-home

Travels with Darley: https://www.darley-newman.com/

Travels with Darley: U.S. travel by state https://www.darley-newman.com/united-states

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AI is changing how people research travel online

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:39:50 +0000

This week we’re looking at how online travel search is evolving and how AI is changing the game. For a long time travel sites have been interested in mimicking how travel advisors qualify clients: How to present travel options and ideas to people who are at the very top of the booking funnel and don’t know when or where they want to go. But some sites are now able to facilitate a conversation about travel inspo -- thanks to generative AI.

In this episode, Saad Saeed, the CEO of Layla, a generative AI travel search interface, talks with editor at large Robert Silk and host Rebecca Tobin about how Layla works and what Saeed's team has uncovered about consumer habits and how people really research travel.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related links

AI tools are changing how travelers research vacation options https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Technology/AI-tools-changing-how-travelers-research-vacation-options

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Iran war dealt Egypt tourism a setback

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:25:45 +0000

Egypt’s travel industry is no stranger to ups and downs, but the country, which was expecting a banner year for tourism in 2026, was thrown a curveball during the start of the Iran war, when a social media post by an assistant secretary in the Department of State directed Americans in 14 countries – including Egypt – to depart immediately.

Visitors left, several tour and river cruise companies canceled departures. And then, there was no follow up, no change to the State Department consular sheet, no clear sign of danger – in fact, life in Cairo and other tourism hot spots in the country were decidedly normal.

So where does that leave tourism today? On this episode, host Rebecca Tobin speaks with tours editor Brinley Hineman and Malaka Hilton, an Egypt specialist and CEO of Admiral Travel International, on the fallout from the Iran war, today’s booking patterns, the psychology of travel to the Middle East and why now might be a great time to visit.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related reports:

State Department's mixed signals on Egypt prompt cancellations, client concern https://www.travelweekly.com/Middle-East-Africa-Travel/State-Department-mixed-signals-on-Egypt-prompt-cancellations

Viking reinstates Egypt river cruising after reassessment https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Viking-reinstates-Nile-cruises-after-reassessment

War in the Middle East affects some tour operations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/War-in-the-Middle-East-affects-tour-operations

Q&A with Egypt tourism minister Sharif Fathy (January 2026) https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Sherif-Fathy-Egypt-minister-tourism-antiquities

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Catching up on travel: Hotels, cruise and tour updates

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:21:48 +0000

We’re continuing with our catch up on major news events of the past two months, and in this episode host Rebecca Tobin talks with our editors: Christina Jelski, who covers hotels; Teri West, who covers ocean cruising; and Brinley Hineman, who covers tours and river cruises.

What is on the radars of our editors as we move into the spring season? Some of the themes you’ll hear: What’s the latest on domestic tourism this summer, and will the FIFA World Cup bring a hospitality boom? Is cruising still strong? Why is tourism to Egypt down, and are travelers returning to Mexico?

These interviews were recorded at the end of March and have been edited for length and clarity. Since news travels quickly, some of these conversations are in need of a brief update: in the cruise section, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has come to an agreement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management to update its board of directors. In Mexico, we’re seeing signs of a booking comeback.

And we’ll be talking more on the tourism situation in Egypt – join us next week for a full-scale discussion.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related reports

Hospitality links

World Cup room-block cancellations dim some hopes for an outsize tourism boost
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-room-cancellations-dim-hopes-for-outsize-boost

Americans favor domestic travel amid global uncertainty https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Experts-say-more-Americans-plan-to-travel-closer-to-home

Resilient Las Vegas is showing a full house https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Las-Vegas-full-house

Cruise links

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings overhauls board of directors https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/NCLH-overhauls-board-of-directors

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' new CEO touts his 'turnaround experience' https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/NCLH-new-CEO-touts-turnaround-experience

Norwegian Cruise Line president Marc Kazlauskas shares his vision https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Marc-Kazlauskas-Norwegian-Cruise-Line

Cruising's March Wave: Iran shakes some Med demand https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/wave-update-effect-of-iran-war-on-cruise-bookings

MSC's luxury private island will be called Sandy Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-luxury-private-island-Sandy-Cay

Tour links

State Department's mixed signals on Egypt prompt cancellations, client concern State Department's mixed signals on Egypt prompt cancellations, client concern

Mexico tourism, six weeks after the crisis https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Insights/How-safe-is-Mexico-travel-now

River cruise links

At the ASTA River Cruise Expo, some river cruise lines promote slow growth https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/In-Europe-some-river-cruise-lines-promote-slow-growth

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New Folo episode: Catching up on airlines, advisors and the war

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:50:56 +0000

Welcome back to the Folo by Travel Weekly. We are back – this is the first in all-new episodes on the latest travel trends and news, brought to you by our team of reporters and expert guests and hosted by director of editorial strategy Rebecca Tobin.

This week and next we’re talking to all our reporting team on the biggest stories in travel right now – what we’ve been watching during the last two months and what we’re looking at going forward.

We’re diving in right now on air with aviation reporter and editor at large Robby Silk, and the latest travel agency data with Jamie Biesiada, our editor of content innovation and retail. Of course the Iran war and its implications is prominent, but there are other topics, too -- TSA, advisor booking trends -- that you're going to want to catch up on.

These episodes were recorded over the past two weeks at the end of March and beginning of April. And have been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related reports

Safety concerns dampen demand for Europe travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Safety-concerns-dampen-demand-for-Europe-travel

Global unrest is now travel advisors' No. 1 concern https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Global-unrest-is-now-clients-No-1-concern

Travel advsior insight: Mixed volume and a shorter booking window are latest trends https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Travel-trends-Travel-Weekly-advisor-survey-March-2026

Our coverage of the Middle East war and travel https://www.travelweekly.com/middle-east-crisis

Could TSA turmoil increase push for private airport security? https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/Could-TSA-turmoil-increase-push-private-airport-security

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The shape of the U.S. economy -- our Winter Series finale

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In a so-called k-shaped economy, higher earners head up on an upward angle, but lower earners, on the lower leg of the “k” drop behind. This bifurcation is also playing out in some corners of the travel industry as ultrahigh-net worth travelers spend to snap up the top level suites, but travelers with less resources are slower to book entry-level rooms.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin talks with hotels editor Christina Jelski and Jon Makhmaltchi, the founder of J.Mak hospitality, about how hotel companies are physically configuring their properties to appeal to those at top of the k, the pitfalls of over-relying on one market segment and how hotels and advisors are working to attract entry-level and aspirational luxury travelers.

This episode was recorded Jan. 22 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Jan. 26 and has been edited for length and clarity.

New episodes return next week!

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related links

Luxury hotels and the K-shaped economy: A tale of two markets https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/K-shaped-economy-for-luxury-hotels

J.Mak Hospitality https://www.jmak.com/

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A Japan-based line wants to attract U.S. cruisers -- a Winter Series episode

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:03:40 +0000

Last summer, Folo host Rebecca Tobin got the opportunity to cruise Mitsui Ocean Cruises, a line that’s based in Japan and created for and curated for and sold to Japanese travelers – but is also now marketing to North Americans.

On this episode, Anthony Kaufman, a cruise veteran who is now Mitsui’s head of commercial strategies, talks about how to take a cruise experience devoted to one market and entice another, and how Mitsui is a different experience from a U.S. based cruise line with Asia-positioned ships.

This episode was recorded on Dec. 5, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Jan. 12 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Cruise lines increase Asia sailings to meet Japan's blossoming appeal https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Increase-Asia-sailings-with-Japan-high-demand

The sun rises on Japan tourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Asia-Travel/The-sun-rises-on-Japan-tourism

Mitsui Ocean Cruises https://www.mitsuioceancruises.us/

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The thinking behind airplane meals -- a Winter Series episode

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:58:27 +0000

On this episode we’re going to tuck in to a portion of the flying experience that you might be surprised to hear about: food.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin, aviation editor Robert Silk and Joe Leader, the CEO of the International Flight Services Association, talk about the growth of good eating in all cabins, tech developments that make food service more efficient and more interesting, and why food tastes different at cruising altitude. Plus: Pre-ordering and new complimentary meal service on transcontinental routes.

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Sept. 29 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links:

Airline food innovators have high aspirations: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Airline-food-innovators-have-high-aspirations

International Flight Services Association: https://ifsa.aero/

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How agentic AI could change travel. Is it a threat? -- a Winter Series episode

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:46:32 +0000

We're focusing on an emerging branch of artificial intelligence called agentic AI – that is, an AI tool that can, essentially, act like a booking agent, all the way up to making a reservation on the traveler’s behalf. It acts like an agent – but is it a threat to human travel advisors? And what does agentic AI mean for the OTA model, supplier customer service and travelers themselves?

On this episode, McKinsey and Co.’s Vik Krishnan and Travel Weekly aviation editor Robert Silk talk with host Rebecca Tobin about the latest developments in agentic AI and travel and where the technology could lead us.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Nov. 24 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Hotel and flight bookings are coming to Google's AI Mode https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Technology/Hotel-and-flight-bookings-coming-to-Google-AI-Mode

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How cruising's top suites got so opulent -- a Winter Series episode

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:19:37 +0000

This week we’re talking about a story that came to be after unveiling of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ upcoming Skyview Regent Suite. It's a veritable mansion-at-sea with a private gym, sauna, bar and dining room that seats 12. And what's more surprising than the price? The fact that it was booked within one minute on 10 of 13 itineraries. Or perhaps that's not a surprise. Advisors tell us that there are countdowns to sales launches and wait lists for the newest crop of ultra-palatial, ultra-big, ultra-luxurious cruise ship suites.

With luxury advisor Carlos Edery and cruise editor Teri West, we look at what these top suites look like and what amenities they come with. Who are the customers and what do they want in a vacation? Is there a challenge of keeping up with guest expectations? And, of course, what might come next.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Nov. 3 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links:

Focus on Cruise cover story: The megasuite is bigger than ever https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/The-cruise-megasuite-is-bigger-than-ever

Regent Seven Seas Prestige suite will reach for new levels of opulence https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Skyview-Regent-Suite-unveiled-for-Seven-Seas-Prestige

From the archives: A look at luxury accommodations at sea (August 2005) https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/A-look-at-luxury-accommodations

Luxury Cruise Connections https://luxurycruiseconnections.com/

CruiseWorld: https://www.cruiseworldshow.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The travel advisor's travel-planning source -- a Winter Series episode

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:41:24 +0000

This week we’re talking about destination management companies, or DMCs, which are companies embedded in specific locations that give travel planners an ultra-boost when it comes to planning a vacation there. Insider knowledge, special tours, recommendations, an expert shoulder to lean on – that’s what a DMC can provide. DMCs aren’t new, but a recent story by Jamie Biesiada talked about why they’re suddenly on everyone’s must-have list.

In this episode with Haisley Smith, the senior vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, we talk about why advisors and clients are hyping DMCs, the pitfalls and the critical need to vet your in-destination partner and what’s next for DMCs, tour operators and advisors.

We hope you enjoy this peek into travel planning – and advisors, let us know what you think of your top DMCs.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Nov. 17 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links:

Jamie Biesiada's cover story: DMCs help bring the wow factor https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/DMCs-help-bring-the-wow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 25 years that changed travel -- a Winter Series episode

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

We look back at the first quarter-century and the biggest events that had an outsized impact on the travel business, from mega-events that changed the world to milestone product launches and business decisions that portended major shifts to come. In this episode, our top editors unpack the list and some of the decisions behind it, as well as those reminisces about the old times and what’s happening in travel today.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Oct. 6 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links:

The 25 years that changed travel https://www.travelweekly.com/25-years

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What we learned in our travel advisor survey -- a Winter Series episode

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:23:31 +0000

We're taking an in-depth look at our annual Travel Industry Survey of travel agency business with then-editor in chief Arnie Weissmann and news editor Johanna Jainchill.

In this episode we delve into survey data: Advisors’ use of AI – how they use it and what they’re concerned about; which travel categories are growing; advisors’ use of social media; their relationships with preferred suppliers; where they work; and what they’re booking. And, of course, whether they’re optimistic or pessimistic about their business going forward.

This survey was produced in partnership with Phocuswright, a sister brand to Travel Weekly. It surveyed more than 1,500 advisors during August and early September and was published Nov. 23.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Dec. 1 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Since this episode was published, Johanna was promoted to editor in chief, and Arnie took the title of explorer at large for parent company Northstar Travel Group.

Related links:

The 2025 Travel Industry Survey https://www.travelweekly.com/industry-survey-2025

Previous Industry Surveys https://www.travelweekly.com/For-Travel-Agents/Travel-Industry-Survey

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where to travel in 2026 -- a Winter Series episode

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:16:24 +0000

It's tradition for travel publications and others to pull together inspirational lists for travel, and late last year Power List travel company Chase Travel published a list called "26 Trips to Take in 2026."

On this episode, Karen Magee, president of Valerie Wilson Travel, and Hillary Reinsberg, head of content for card and connected commerce at Chase, talk about inspiration for the list and how it was created, consumer travel trends and, of course, specific destinations on the list itself and where travelers might get inspiration for the year ahead.

Winter series:

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Dec. 8 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links

26 Trips to Take in 2026 https://trips.chase.com

Travel Weekly's Preview 2026 https://www.travelweekly.com/preview-2026

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The k-shape of luxury travel: Why top suites sell and others sit empty

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:21:49 +0000

This episode was recorded Jan. 22 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com/

Stay on at the end of this Folo episode wraps for an interview with Globus family of brands’ chief sales officer Camille Olivere, by Mary Pat Sullivan, Northstar Travel Group executive vice president of marketing and partnerships.

Related links

Luxury hotels and the K-shaped economy: A tale of two markets https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/K-shaped-economy-for-luxury-hotels

J.Mak Hospitality https://www.jmak.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why faith-based tourism is growing beyond Israel

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:36:33 +0000

Many tour companies that specialize in faith-based travel, or tourism with a religious element or focus, have historically focused on trips to the Holy Land. But with the ongoing conflict in Israel, companies have shifted and pivoted, growing their portfolios elsewhere.

After tours editor Brinley Hineman reported this story in December, we decided to re-engage here with David Welch, the vice president of business development at Educational Travel Services, to look at this very dedicated market. We talk about where faith-based tour groups are traveling these days – and also why people travel to explore their religion or faith.

This episode was recorded Jan. 9 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Q&A with Sherif Fathy, Egypt's tourism minister https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Sherif-Fathy-Egypt-minister-tourism-antiquities

Tour operators welcome flocks of Jubilee travelers in 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Tour-operators-set-to-welcome-flocks-of-Jubilee-travelers

From 2023: Tour operators suspend Israel departures and brace for hard times https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Tour-operators-suspend-Israel-departures

ETS https://www.etstours.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How a Japan-based line is working to attract U.S. cruisers

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:42:41 +0000

This episode was recorded on Dec. 5, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com/

Cruise lines increase Asia sailings to meet Japan's blossoming appeal https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Increase-Asia-sailings-with-Japan-high-demand

The sun rises on Japan tourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Asia-Travel/The-sun-rises-on-Japan-tourism

Mitsui Ocean Cruises https://www.mitsuioceancruises.us/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to expect in 2026: Hotels, tours, river and ocean cruising

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:43:35 +0000

Every year at this time of year we delve into our Preview issue: Every reporter on staff looks at his or her beat and, talks to their sources, reads at the tea leaves and tells our readers what to expect for the year ahead.

In this episode, we’ll look at what we think 2026 has in store for hotels, cruise, tours and river cruising. Host Rebecca Tobin's guests are senior editors Christina Jelski, who covers hospitality; Brinley Hineman, who covers tours and river cruising; and Teri West, who covers cruise.

Among our topics: The dominance of luxury travel in all segments, exciting new products to watch for land and sea and whether companies are bullish or bearish on 2026 bookings.

These episodes have been individually recorded over the second part of December and have been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links

Travel Weekly's 2026 Preview issue https://www.travelweekly.com/preview-2026

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to expect for travel in 2026, part 1: Advisors and airlines

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 18:07:05 +0000

Every year at this time of year we delve into our Preview issue: Every reporter on staff looks at their beat, talks to their sources, reads at the tea leaves and tells our readers what to expect for the year ahead.

And because we do love to talk, host Rebecca Tobin split this episode into two. Our first Preview episode will focus on a chat with retail editor Jamie Biesiada about travel advisors and retail – because the people selling travel see the trends across all industry sectors. And then we’ll look at what’s happening next year in aviation with airlines editor Robert Silk.

Next episode, we’ll look at what we think 2026 has in store for hotels, cruise, tours and river cruising.

These episodes have been individually recorded over the second part of December and have been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines https://www.afkl.biz

Related reports

Our annual Preview issue: https://www.travelweekly.com/prview-2026

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest travel stories of 2025

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:35:27 +0000

In this episode, news editor Johanna Jainchill talks about how we review and select the stories in our annual Year in Review report, which looks at the biggest and most impactful stories of the year.

And then she and host Rebecca Tobin talk about what made 2025 so unique, from "choppy" markets to how people booked travel, to Las Vegas' occupancy woes, to Southwest's business-model changes, to cruising’s destination island expansion -- and more.

This episode was recorded Dec. 11 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines https://www.aflk.biz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Route 66 tours and Christmas market cruises (are they alike?)

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:18:41 +0000

This week our subject is Route 66, that famous highway that's practically synonymous with the term "Americana." The road was opened in 1926, which means that of next year it’s been inspiring people in song, movie, decor and travel for 100 years. And tours editor Brinley Hineman discovered that tour companies and destinations will be celebrating the centennial with new programs and itineraries.

On this episode Hineman and host Rebecca Tobin talk with Steve Born of the Globus family of brands about the popularity of Route 66 tours – and why people choose a tour for a domestic drive holiday.

Stay on till the end for a quick chat about Christmas market river cruising in Europe and the similarities between a Europe river cruise and a drive vacation through America’s heartland.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines https://www.afkl.biz

Related links:

Route 66 centennial: Special tours tap into nostalgia https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Special-tours-Route-66-centennial

NTA lays out plan to increase advocay and member engagement https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/NTA-plan-increase-advocacy-and-member-engagement

A Q&A with Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Kristen-Reynolds-Choose-Chicago

'America the Beautiful' marketing campaign aims to rekindle inbound travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/Brand-USA-America-the-Beautiful-Campaign-Seeks-to-Attract-Overseas-Visitors

Cosmos tour: Highlights of Route 66 with Mother Road Festival and Albuquerque Balloon Festival https://www.cosmos.com/tour/highlights-of-route-66-with-mother-road-festival-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta/8580/?season=2026

Cosmos tour: Highlights of Route 66 https://www.cosmos.com/tour/highlights-of-route-66/8530/?season=2026

Viking's Christmas market cruises https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/specialty/christmas-markets/index.html

Related podcast:

Chase Travel's 26 Trips to Take in 2026https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/travel-inspiration-in-list-form-from-Chase-Travel

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to create travel inspiration (in list form) for 2026

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:51:04 +0000

It’s the holiday season, but it's also time for advisors and consumers alike to start thinking of travel plans for the year ahead. And to stoke interest in destinations from the Dolomites to Dominica, Power List agency Chase Travel for a second year is doing a list of inspirational travel destinations, called "26 Trips to Take in 2026."

On this episode host Rebecca Tobin talks with Karen Magee, president of Valerie Wilson Travel, and Hillary Reinsberg, head of content for card and connected commerce at Chase, about inspiration for the list and how it was created, consumer travel trends and, of course, specific destinations on the list itself and where you might get ideas for the year ahead.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines https://www.afkl.biz

Related links

Chase Travel's 26 Trips to Take in 2026 https://trips.chase.com

Route 66 centennial: Special tours tap into nostalgia https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Special-tours-Route-66-centennial

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An analysis of our survey of travel agency business

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:12:34 +0000

Our annual Travel Industry Survey of travel agency business is live, and we're taking an in-depth look at some of the results with editor in chief Arnie Weissmann and news editor Johanna Jainchill.

This survey was produced in partnership with Phocuswright, a sister brand to Travel Weekly. It surveyed more than 1,500 advisors during August and early September and was published Nov. 23.

This conversation took place Nov. 23 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines https://www.afkl.biz

Related links:

The 2025 Travel Industry Survey https://www.travelweekly.com/industry-survey-2025

Previous Industry Surveys https://www.travelweekly.com/For-Travel-Agents/Travel-Industry-Survey

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agentic AI versus human travel advisors

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:21:07 +0000

This episode was recorded Nov. 21 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com

Hotel and flight bookings are coming to Google's AI Mode https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Technology/Hotel-and-flight-bookings-coming-to-Google-AI-Mode

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DMCs: Your travel advisor's (not-so-secret) travel-planning partner

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:08:30 +0000

Your travel advisor’s expert in-destination source: Their DMC This week we’re talking about destination management companies, or DMCs, which are companies embedded in specific locations that give travel planners an ultra-boost when it comes to planning a vacation there. Insider knowledge, special tours, recommendations, an expert shoulder to lean on – that’s what a DMC can provide.

Here, senior editor for retail Jamie Biesiada and Haisley Smith, the senior vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, talk about why advisors and clients are celebrating their DMC connections; why a client might choose a guided tour over a DMC-curated trip; pitfalls and the critical need to vet an in-destination partner; and what’s next for DMCs and advisors.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com

Related links:

Jamie Biesiada's cover story: DMCs help bring the wow factor https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/DMCs-help-bring-the-wow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii update: Travel to Maui and the latest data on visitors

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:34:41 +0000

It’s time for an update on Hawaii travel. On this episode, our contributing editor for Hawaii, Christine Hitt, talks about overall stats, Maui updates, a falloff in travel from Canada and Japan -- plus our favorite island destinations and the changes at the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

This episode was recorded Oct. 16 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com

Related reports

Christine Hitt's Hawaii travel Insights: https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/Insights

Maui's message: The comeback is on, so come back https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/Maui-message-The-comeback-is-on-so-come-back

Inside the $6 million marketing campaign aimed at Maui's recovery https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/Insights/Maui-tourism-recovery-marketing-campaign-details

Cruise lines sue Hawaii over new tax https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-lines-sue-Hawaii-over-new-tax

Rebecca Tobin's home away from home in Hawaii https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/House-Without-a-Key-my-home-away-from-home-in-Waikiki

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest suites at sea are now even more extra

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:21:33 +0000

This week, as CruiseWorld kicks off in Fort Lauderdale, we go all-in on cruise, and with luxury advisor Carlos Edery and cruise editor Teri West, we look at what these top suites look like and what amenities they come with. Who are the customers and what do they want in a vacation? Is there a challenge of keeping up with guest expectations? And, of course, what might come next.

This episode was recorded Oct. 27 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com

Related links:

Focus on Cruise cover story: The megasuite is bigger than ever https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/The-cruise-megasuite-is-bigger-than-ever

Regent Seven Seas Prestige suite will reach for new levels of opulence https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Skyview-Regent-Suite-unveiled-for-Seven-Seas-Prestige

From the archives: A look at luxury accommodations at sea (August 2005) https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/A-look-at-luxury-accommodations

Luxury Cruise Connections https://luxurycruiseconnections.com/

CruiseWorld: https://www.cruiseworldshow.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

40 years with Mark Pestronk: A Q&A with a travel lawyer

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:22:19 +0000

Travel Weekly is proud to produce contributions from some very well-respected columnists -- people who really know the business. We have travel advisors and our own reporting staff, of course, but we also have a legal advisor, and many readers will know his name: Mark Pestronk.

Mark, a Washington-based travel lawyer, has been writing a Legal Briefs column, and before that, a column by a different name, for officially 40 years now, and he’s often quoted in our pages. So today we’re celebrating with an episode talking with him about travel, changes, the power of advisors and, of course, his time on Jeopardy.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express https://www.europeexpress.com

At the end of this episode, stay on for a special, bonus discussion about the latest from Europe Express between CEO Parik Laxminarayan, and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group, Travel Weekly's parent company.

Related links

Latest Legal Briefs column: After 40 years, this much is constant https://www.travelweekly.com/Mark-Pestronk/After-40-years-this-much-is-constant

From 2010: A quarter-century of legal advice from Mark Pestronk https://www.travelweekly.com/News-at-TW/A-quarter-century-of-pro-bono-advice-for-Travel-Weekly-readers

Mark Pestronk’s Legal Briefs column archive https://www.travelweekly.com/mark-pestronk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is adventure travel, anyway? Ask the ATTA

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:26:14 +0000

In this episode we’re headed to Chile, the home of this year's Adventure Travel Trade Association World Summit. Our adventurous editor in chief Arnie Weissmann attended the show as a guest speaker and participant on its adventure tours, and it seemed like a good opportunity for us to talk about Patagonia, penguins and pumas.

On this episode we tackle how the ATTA describes "adventure" travelers and what determines an adventure – also, why you should hire a guide; what to look for in the best outfitters; how overtourism may have contributed to the growth in adventure travel; and the thrills of adventuring on Chiloe Island.

This episode was recorded Oct. 17 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express https://www.europeexpress.com

Related links:

Travel Weekly’s adventure travel coverage https://www.travelweekly.com/adventure-travel

Arnie Weissmann’s From the Window Seat column “Is Tuscany an adventure destination” https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/Is-Tuscany-an-adventure-destination

The Adventure Travel Trade Association https://www.adventuretravel.biz/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact -- and responsibility -- of safari tourism

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:26:26 +0000

South Africa based contributor Dorine Reinstein has written often about conservation efforts and tackled overcrowding on safari tours. A video this summer that appeared to show safari trucks crowding and blocking the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti raised new questions for us about guest expectations; guide pressure points and the power balance between guests and guides; and how the travel trade can get involved.

Joining us on this episode is Louise De Waal, a director and campaign manager at Blood Lions, and Anton Letegan, the managing director of EcoTraining. It’s an important, thoughtful discussion, and I want to add that both Louise and Anton urged me to emphasize that we’re looking to educate and create a dialogue on sustainability on the savanna – not to point fingers.

This episode was recorded Sept. 23 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express https://www.europexpress.com

Related links

Dorine Reinstein's coverage for Travel Weekly: https://www.travelweekly.com/dorine-reinstein

Safaris that go beyond the Big Five are catching on https://www.travelweekly.com/Middle-East-Africa-Travel/Safaris-that-go-beyond-the-Big-Five-are-catching-on

The elephant in the room: Overturism in Africa https://www.travelweekly.com/Middle-East-Africa-Travel/Overtourism-in-Africa

EcoTraining https://www.ecotraining.co.za/

Blood Lions: https://bloodlions.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking back at 25 years that changed travel

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:12:52 +0000

Our latest cover story is titled the 25 years that changed travel. We’re looking back at the first quarter century and the biggest events that had an outsized impact on the business, from mega-events that changed the world to milestone product launches and those business decisions that portended major shifts to come.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin, editor in chief Arnie Weissmann and news editor Johanna Jainchill unpack the list and some of the decisions behind it, as well as those reminisces about the old times and what’s happening in travel today.

This episode was recorded Sept. 26 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express https://www.europexpress.com

Related links:

The 25 years that changed travel https://www.travelweekly.com/25-years

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How airplane meals are improving -- even in coach

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:20:00 +0000

On this episode we’re going to tuck in to a portion of the flying experience that you might be surprised to hear about: food. The aviation catering business is enormous, as our airlines editor Robert Silk determined when he walked the floor of a show devoted only to inflight eating and drinking.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin, Silk and Joe Leader, the CEO of the International Flight Services Association, talk about the growth of good eating in all cabins, tech developments that make food service more efficient and more interesting, and why food tastes different at cruising altitude. Plus: Pre-ordering and new complimentary meal service on transcontinental routes.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Related links:

Airline food innovators have high aspirations: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Airline-food-innovators-have-high-aspirations

International Flight Services Association: https://ifsa.aero/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Las Vegas' soft summer, and its new message to travelers

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:53:14 +0000

This week we're doubling down on Las Vegas – specifically to its hotel occupancy numbers, which were surprisingly weak this summer. Our hotels editor Christina Jelski has been talking with Las Vegas tourism authorities about two new campaigns designed to drive interest: a splashy marketing campaign touting “fabulous Las Vegas” as well as a more targeted effort to lure travelers with value-add promotions.

With Christina, Kyle Owusu, director of credit research and lead expert/analyst for casino and gaming coverage at Octus, and Matt Powell, CEO of the Moroch advertising agency in Dallas, we look at: Who are Vegas’ missing travelers? Plus, whether Vegas is a luxury destination and why it's important to stay balanced for travelers at different price points, competition outside of Las Vegas, those new marketing campaigns -- and more.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Related links:

Las Vegas hotels grapple with steep occupancy decline https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Las-Vegas-hotels-grapple-with-steep-occupancy-decline

Las Vegas' new ad campaigns coincides with tourism slump https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Las-Vegas-new-ad-campaign-long-term-play

'Fabulous' at every price point is the new message from Las Vegas https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Fabulous-ad-campaign-for-Las-Vegas

Caesars Entertainment's Q2 concerns soft summer for Las Vegas: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Caesars-Entertainment-reports-soft-summer-in-Las-Vegas-amid-declining-occupancy

Octus https://octus.com/

Moroch https://moroch.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Folo returns: Our staff talks about trending stories and what's next

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:23:39 +0000

The Folo by Travel Weekly is back with all-new episodes this fall. In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin talks to the Travel Weekly reporting team to get the lowdown on their top, favorite or most fun stories from the past two months, as well as what they’re focused on with coverage this fall.

Among the topics: short-term bookings, inbound visitors to the U.S., celebrity (and Celebrity) sailings, Las Vegas' occupancy numbers -- and a few surprises from our team.

Featuring commentary from news editor Johanna Jainchill, retail editor Jamie Biesiada, cruise editor Teri West, tours and river cruise editor Binley Hineman and aviation editor Robert Silk.

This episode was recorded in parts during the week of Sept. 8 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Related links:

Editor in chief Arnie Weissmann's column "The cost of an unwelcoming border" https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/The-cost-of-an-unwelcoming-border

Travel advisors

This summer's trend: Clients who book last minute https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Summer-2025-trend-last-minute-bookings

Epic Universe spurs double-digit growth for Comcast in Q2 https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Epic-Universe-fuels-growth-Universal-Orlando-with-successful-opening

The Trade Secrets podcast: Tech Summit https://www.travelweekly.com/podcasts/trade-secrets

Cruise

How Ritz-Carlton's celebrity-packed cruise benefits the luxury line https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/Ritz-Carlton-celebrity-sailing-luminara

Big Mexico projects could give Royal Caribbean an edge https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-big-edge-Western-Caribbean

A look at Celebration Key, Carnival's new private destination https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-Celebration-Key-review

Tours

How tour operators develop new tours https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Unearthing-new-tours

River cruise

Celebrity will bring familiar features to its river cruise product https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Celebrity-River-Cruises-familiar-brand-features

Hospitality

Las Vegas' new ad campaign coincide with tourism slump https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Las-Vegas-new-ad-campaign-long-term-play

Los Angeles hotel and airport workers score a victory with increased pay https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hotel-industry-fails-stop-30-dollar-minimum-wage-Los-Angeles

Aviation

Southwest to roll out free wifi fleetwide https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Southwest-rolling-out-free-WiFi-fleetwide

Chapter 11 redux: Spirit Airlines' quest for financial stability https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Analysis-Spirit-Airlines-second-bankruptcy-filing

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new travel brands entering Europe river cruising -- A Summer Series episode

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:56:24 +0000

This year, it's all about travel brands making their entry into Europe river cruising. We’ve been surprised this year by the number of established names moving in to the Rhine, Danube and beyond: Celebrity Cruises, Trafalgar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions among them.

This episode was edited for length and clarity. Since it was recorded on May 23, more information has been published about Celebrity's foray into river cruising -- and stay tuned for even more.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Summer series

This episode is the finale of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. New episodes return to the Folo Sept. 15!

Related reports

New: Celebrity River Cruises reveals room categories and first itineraries https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Celebrity-River-Cruises-room-categories-first-itineraries

New: Viking's advance bookings surge amid continued expansion https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Viking-sells-out-2025-capacity-expands-global-offerings

Lindblad, Trafalgar, Waldorf: More companies are attracted to river cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/river-cruise-attracts-more-travel-companies

River cruise lines are excited that Celebrity is wading into the business -- why? https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/River-lines-react-to-Celebrity-Cruises-entry

No slowing down for river cruising: 2026 looks better than 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/River-cruise-bookings-surging-for-2026?ct=river

Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Fine-dining-in-the-Vintage-Room-on-Riverside-Debussy?ct=river

Fitzgerald Travel https://fitzgeraldtravel.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Power List success story -- a Summer Series episode

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Travel Weekly’s annual Power List is a massive undertaking to identify and rank the biggest sellers of travel. And when we say big, we mean big: The minimum for inclusion this year was agencies that sold at least $125 million in travel in 2024. But among the 70 travel agencies that made the cut, which ones grew the most?

In this episode we look at Departure Lounge, which moved almost 10 places in the rankings, after joining just last year.

Host Rebecca Tobin and retail editor Jamie Biesiada talk with owner Keith Waldon about Departure Lounge’s founding as a travel agency/wine bar/coffee shop and how his experiences at Virtuoso shaped Departure Lounge. We also talk about how to find independent contractors and treat them right; why some advisors are making so much money; and the 2024 landscape and the 2025 prognosis.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Summer series

This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded July 7 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links

Departure Lounge https://www.departurelounge.com

The 2025 Power List https://www.travelweekly.com/power-list-2025

A 2017 column from Richard Turen that features Departure Lounge: "Rethinking the travel agency experience" https://www.travelweekly.com/Richard-Turen/Rethinking-travel-agency-experience

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new chapter of literary tourism -- a Summer Series episode

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The last two episodes have covered news topics like economic uncertainty and the troubles at Newark, so this week we’re going in a different direction: Literary tourism. That is, tours and travel based on a favorite book or character. Think Bath for Jane Austen or Prince Edward Island for L.M. Montgomery. London, Paris and New York .... any place a book club can dream up, there's probably a literary tour (or could be one).

In this episode we talk about why literary tourism is growing in popularity with tours editor Brinley Hineman and Active England’s head of commercial, Gaby Cecil.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Summer series:

This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links

True story: Literary tourism grows in popularity https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/A-new-chapter-in-literary-tourism

Active England Tours https://activeenglandtours.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Royal Caribbean and cruising's private islands -- A Summer Series episode

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:00:59 +0000

We’re returning to a subject that continues to evolve: Cruise lines’ private islands and destinations. Even after this episode was recorded, Carnival opened its long-awaited Celebration Key and Norwegian Cruise Line announced big plans for Great Stirrup Cay.

Royal Caribbean Group has often been at the forefront of these discussions, with its Perfect Day projects, a planned destination in the South Pacific and a hotel in Chile for Antarctica guests. In this episode, Jay Schneider, the chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean International, host Rebecca Tobin and cruise editor Teri West talk about the inspiration for Royal’s thrill-and-chill vibes, competition and the evolution of land-and-sea vacations in the Caribbean.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Summer series:

This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded May 29 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links

Perfect Day Mexico: Royal Caribbean previews its next frontier of fun https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-previews-Perfect-Day-Mexico

The Grand Lucayan overhaul is an $827M bet on cruise tourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Grand-Lucayan-Resort-overhaul-analysis

Royal Caribbean expects to open its South Pacific destination in early 2027 https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-renderings-for-Lelepa

Holland America Line reveals plans for an upgraded Half Moon Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-renderings-for-Lelepa

MSC Cruises will develop a private island adjacent to Ocean Cay www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-Cruises-developing-luxury-island-near-Ocean-Cay

Carnival Corp.'s private-destination plan: Update, build and promote https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-private-destination-plan

NCLH starts construction of a pier on Great Stirrup Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/NCLH-starts-construction-of-Great-Stirrup-Cay-pier

The evolution of cruising's private islands https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/evolution-of-cruising-private-islands

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking the language of luxury travel -- a Summer Series episode

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:53:23 +0000

Travel advisors are often encouraged to seek out the more stable, and more lucrative, luxury market. But one question you might not have asked yourself is: What if you can’t speak the language? There’s definitely a right way to communicate with luxury-market clientele, both obvious and subtle.

On this episode host Rebecca Tobin and senior editor Jamie Beisiada talk with travel experts from Embark Beyond: CEO Jack Ezon and advisor Laura Worth, who have identified this challenge – and created a series of training modules to help advisors follow the Billionaire’s Calendar; converse beyond travel in art, fashion and yachts; how to read luxury-brand tea leaves; and ways advisors can “fake it till they make it.”

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Summer series:

This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded March 7 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links:

Learning the language of luxury https://www.travelweekly.com/Luxury-Travel/Learning-the-language-of-luxury

The surge in the six-figure vacation https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/The-six-figure-vacation-surge

Embark Beyond on Travel Weekly's Power List https://www.travelweekly.com/Power-List-2024/Embark-Beyond

Laura Worth of of Art & Travel https://www.artandtravel.net/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overtourism and Europe's protests -- A Summer Series episode

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Despite what we’re hearing about close-to-home travel, Americans are still headed to Europe in large numbers and to tourism hot spots like Venice, Barcelona, Greece and Lisbon. Many of these places have also been the sites of protests over tourism – in Barcelona, for example, protesters were again using water guns to spray visitors in an attempt to make their concerns known.

Travel advisor Miriam Martinez of Revigorate, who works with and advises American clients, joins tours editor Brinley Hineman and host Rebecca Tobin to talk about whether travelers are concerned about overtourism protests and anti-tourism sentiment; how advisors and tour companies are packaging and selling lesser-visited destinations to travelers; and possible solutions to overcrowded cities.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com

Summer series:

This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded June 30 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links

In Europe, tour operators and advisors plan around overtourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Tour-operators-and-advisors-plan-around-overtourism

Protesters spray tourists with water guns in Spain https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Protestors-spray-tourists-with-water-guns-in-Spain

Cruise industry navigates a new wave of port taxes https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-industry-navigates-new-wave-port-taxes

Previous Folo episodes

Is the term 'overtourism' being overused? https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/overtourism-overused

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epic and Disney: Thrill rides, lines, robotic arms, cool kids -- A Summer Series episode

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:09:28 +0000

The opening of Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe park earlier this year has created new opportunities for theme-park lovers for the first time in nearly 25 years.

What's so special about the new Epic theme park? In this episode, retail editor Jamie Biesiada walks host Rebecca Tobin through innovations in ride technology, the queues and other Epic details - favorite or most surprising rides? -- and we talk about theme park performance in 2025 overall so far.

And we discuss a few new tidbits from Walt Disney World's Cool Kid summer promotion and disclose details of a new nighttime parade.

Summer series:

This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded May 30 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com/

Related links:

Jamie Biesiada's Cover Story: An Epic opening for Universal Orlando Resort https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Epic-Universe-opening-analysis-Universal-Orlando

Exploring the enchanting details at Epic Universe https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Enchanting-details-Epic-Universe

Waiting in line at Epic Universe: Which has the best queue https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Best-queue-experience-Epic-Universe

It's an Epic era for Universal Orlando, and Celestial Park sets the tone https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Epic-Universe-new-era-Universal-Orlando-Resort

Walt Disney World's summer promo leads to a magic resort stay https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-magic-of-a-resort-day-at-Disney-World

Dispatch, Orlando: Discovering Disney's 'Cool Kid Summer' https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Discovering-Disney-Cool-Kid-Summer

New Disney 'Starlight parade' opens at Magic Kingdom https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Disney-Starlight-nighttime-parade-debuts-at-Walt-Disney-World-Resort

A Disneyland park is coming to Abu Dhabi https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disneyland-park-coming-to-Abu-Dhabi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 2025 Power List success story: Departure Lounge's growth

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:30:24 +0000

In this episode we look at Departure Lounge, which moved almost 10 places in the rankings, after joining just last year.

This episode was recorded July 7 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com/

Related links:

Departure Lounge https://www.departurelounge.com

The 2025 Power List https://www.travelweekly.com/power-list-2025

A 2017 column from Richard Turen that features Departure Lounge: "Rethinking the travel agency experience" https://www.travelweekly.com/Richard-Turen/Rethinking-travel-agency-experience

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mid-summer travel check-in, and why some people are still in planning mode

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

It’s getting to be mid July, but as you’ll hear from this episode, the summer travel season – both booking and traveling – is far from over.

With our guest Melissa Krueger, the CEO of Classic Vacations, we’re going to talk about all things summer-travel and summer-trend related: A comeback in Maui, traveling to Italy, a surprise getaway in the U.S. and, of course, what this season's close-in booking window means for travelers and sellers. And: What is JOMO, and how can you apply it to your next vacation?

This episode was recorded July 10 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com/

Related links:

Classic Vacations https://www.classicvacations.com

Tour operators and advisors plan around overtourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Tour-operators-and-advisors-plan-around-overtourism

Inside the $6 million marketing campaign aimed at Maui's recovery https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/Insights/Maui-tourism-recovery-marketing-campaign-details

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to know about overtourism and Europe protests

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:29:17 +0000

It’s July, and despite what we’re hearing about close-to-home travel, Americans are still headed to Europe in large numbers and to tourism hot spots like Venice, Barcelona, Greece and Lisbon. Many of these places have also been the sites of protests over tourism – in Barcelona, for example, protesters were again using water guns to spray visitors in an attempt to make their concerns known.

This episode was recorded June 30 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com

Related links

In Europe, tour operators and advisors plan around overtourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Tour-operators-and-advisors-plan-around-overtourism

Protesters spray tourists with water guns in Spain https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Protestors-spray-tourists-with-water-guns-in-Spain

Cruise industry navigates a new wave of port taxes https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-industry-navigates-new-wave-port-taxes

Previous Folo episodes

Is the term 'overtourism' being overused? https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/overtourism-overused

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

L.A. fires, six months in: A Malibu hotel looks back, and forward

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:48:17 +0000

It’s been an eventful year for Los Angeles tourism, but as we’re nearing the six-month mark from the devastating fires that tore through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, we wanted to look back at the hotels that were impacted or evacuated during the disaster – specifically in this episode one of a small group of luxury properties in Malibu: The 47-room Malibu Beach Inn.

This area has been also challenged by the subsequent closure of the Pacific Coast Highway that links it to western Los Angeles, so on this episode we’re talking with managing director Geoffrey Day and Travel Weekly’s hotels editor Christina Jelski about business, the delicate business of keeping workers on the job and happy during demand peaks and valleys, housing first responders and what it takes to evacuate and then restore a luxury hotel.

This episode was recorded Thursday June 26 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links:

The Malibu Beach Inn https://www.malibubeachinn.com

From Los Angeles, a plea for visitors: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Los-Angeles-hotels-plea-for-visitors

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are international LGBTQ+ travelers rethinking the U.S.?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:15:38 +0000

This week we’re talking about our annual "Focus on LGBTQ+" travel cover story. This year, the headline was “A chill in the air for Pride,” and the report by news editor Johanna Jainchill looked at why some international LGBTQ travelers are rethinking visits to the U.S. – both for Pride events and in general.

With Canadian travel advisor Dean Nelson, of Departures by Dean, and Stacy Ritter, the president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, we talk about the size of the LGBTQ+ travel demographic and what U.S. destinations that are popular among the LGBTQ community – like Fort Lauderdale – are doing to continue to stay focused on this market segment. Where are international travelers going instead of the U.S.? And on the flip side, how should inbound LGBTQ+ travelers continue to support the local communities – is travel the answer?

This episode was recorded June 16 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links:

Focus on LGBTQ+ travel: A chill in the air for Pride https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Focus-on-LGBTQ-travel-2025

Visit Lauderdale https://www.visitlauderdale.com/

Trump's passport policy casts chill over LGBTQ travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/Trump-passport-policy-casts-chill-LGBTQ-travel

Departures by Dean https://www.departuresxdean.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new travel brands diving into Europe river cruising

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:35:56 +0000

Today is all about travel brands making an entry into Europe river cruising. We’ve been surprised this year by the number of established names moving in to the Rhine, Danube and beyond: Celebrity, Trafalgar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions among them.

With Lisa Fitzgerald, a river-cruise expert advisor and founder of Fitzgerald Travel, and river cruise editor Brinley Hineman, we’re exploring why each of these brands is approaching river, and how they’re doing it in different ways. We’ll also look at the popularity of emerging destinations around the world, and numbers from Viking, the biggest river cruise line. We also talk about Brinley’s trip on Riverside Luxury Cruises – this episode was recorded in mid-May, so that trip has already concluded, and we've included some of her reporting in the show notes.

This episode was edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands. https://www.globusandcosmos.com

At the end of this episode, stay on for a special, bonus discussion about the latest from the Globus Family of Brands between Camille Olivere, Globus' chief sales officer, and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group, Travel Weekly's parent company.

Related reports

Trafalgar's river cruise debut is seen as just a first step https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Trafalgar-river-cruise-debut-seen-as-just-a-first-step?ct=river

Lindblad, Trafalgar, Waldorf: More companies are attracted to river cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/river-cruise-attracts-more-travel-companies

River cruise lines are excited that Celebrity is wading into the business -- why? https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/River-lines-react-to-Celebrity-Cruises-entry

No slowing down for river cruising: 2026 looks better than 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/River-cruise-bookings-surging-for-2026?ct=river

Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Fine-dining-in-the-Vintage-Room-on-Riverside-Debussy?ct=river

Fitzgerald Travel https://fitzgeraldtravel.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Royal Caribbean and the latest on cruising’s exclusive destinations

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:39:06 +0000

We’re returning to a subject that we’ve talked about before on the Folo, but that just keeps continuing to grow and evolve, that’s cruise companies’ private islands and destinations. With us this week is Jay Schneider, the chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean International. And Royal Caribbean has been at the forefront of these discussions with its Perfect Day projects and now is moving forward with a destination in the South Pacific and a hotel in Chile for Antarctica guests on its Silversea brand.

In this episode, cruise editor Teri West and Schneider talk about the inspiration for Royal’s thrill-and-chill vibes, competition and the evolution of land-and-sea vacations in the Caribbean.

This was recorded May 29 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode was sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links

Perfect Day Mexico: Royal Caribbean previews its next frontier of fun https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-previews-Perfect-Day-Mexico

The Grand Lucayan overhaul is an $827M bet on cruise tourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Grand-Lucayan-Resort-overhaul-analysis

Royal Caribbean expects to open its South Pacific destination in early 2027 https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-renderings-for-Lelepa

Holland America Line reveals plans for an upgraded Half Moon Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-renderings-for-Lelepa

MSC Cruises will develop a private island adjacent to Ocean Cay www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-Cruises-developing-luxury-island-near-Ocean-Cay

Carnival Corp.'s private-destination plan: Update, build and promote https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-private-destination-plan

NCLH starts construction of a pier on Great Stirrup Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/NCLH-starts-construction-of-Great-Stirrup-Cay-pier

The evolution of cruising's private islands https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/evolution-of-cruising-private-islands

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thrill rides, lines, robotic arms, cool kids: The latest from Epic and Disney

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:09:39 +0000

The opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe park has created new opportunities for theme-park lovers for the first time in nearly 25 years. What’s so special about the new Epic theme park?

In this episode, retail editor Jamie Biesiada walks host Rebecca Tobin through innovations in ride technology, the queues and other Epic details – favorite or most surprising rides? -- and we talk about theme park performance in 2025 overall so far.

And we discuss a few new tidbits from Walt Disney World's Cool Kid summer promotion and disclose details of a new nighttime parade.

This episode was recorded May 30 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links:

Exploring the enchanting details at Epic Universe https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Enchanting-details-Epic-Universe

Waiting in line at Epic Universe: Which has the best queue https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Best-queue-experience-Epic-Universe

It's an Epic era for Universal Orlando, and Celestial Park sets the tone https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Epic-Universe-new-era-Universal-Orlando-Resort

Walt Disney World's summer promo leads to a magic resort stay https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-magic-of-a-resort-day-at-Disney-World

A Disneyland park is coming to Abu Dhabi https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disneyland-park-coming-to-Abu-Dhabi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where are Americans traveling this summer?

Mon, 26 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What is going on with summer travel? As Americans prepare to take to the roads and skies, we’ve heard a lot of mixed messages from travel companies about what this year might bring: Just a few weeks ago we spoke on the Folo podcast about “chop” and “noise” in projecting future booking patterns.

In this episode Hopper lead economist Hayley Berg returns to talk about her data: Whether Americans are traveling and, if so, where their summer plans might take them. We talk about the obvious destinations and the hidden gems -- plus one great summer-booking tip. With us is cruise editor Teri West, who looks into research from the Mastercard Economics Institute on its travel trend report.

This episode was recorded Thursday, May 22 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Volatility is making hotel forecasting difficult https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Volatility-making-hotel-forecasting-difficult

Travel advisors voice their concerns about job cuts and the economy https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Travel-agents-voice-concerns-federal-job-cuts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening the book on literary tourism

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:23:48 +0000

In this episode we talk about why literary tourism is growing in popularity with tours editor Brinley Hineman and Active England’s head of commercial, Gaby Cecil.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links

True story: Literary tourism grows in popularity https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/A-new-chapter-in-literary-tourism

Active England Tours https://activeenglandtours.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is going on with Newark Airport?

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:28:58 +0000

What the heck is going on at EWR? Undoubtably the biggest news in travel this past week has to be the mess at Newark Airport in New Jersey. What started as complaints of unusual delays on one day in April has unfolded into a huge story about air traffic control system breakdowns, controllers on leave and the DOT’s request for billions of dollars to be earmarked for upgrades and fixes.

With aviation editor Robert Silk and aviation expert and consultant Bob Mann, we break down what happened, why Newark is so hard to manage and what the solutions might be: Is the DOT proposal enough?

This episode was recorded Friday May 9 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related links:

FAA pledges fixes for Newark, but delays could continue https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/FAA-pledges-Newark-fixes-but-disruptions-could-continue

White House proposes overhaul of air traffic control system https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Trump-administration-proposes-overhaul-ATC-system

Outdated technology and stress-related absences contribute to chaos at Newark Airport https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Air-traffic-control-challenges-Newark-Airport

Air traffic controllers briefly lose radar access again at Newark https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Air-traffic-controllers-briefly-lose-radar-access-again-Newark-airport

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How travel fared in Q1: Results, volatility, 'noise' and what's next

Mon, 05 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

We’re still in first-quarter earnings season, but we’ve been watching travel company results closely, to give us some signs on which way the travel industry is heading. The conclusion? There’s not really one yet – as you’ll hear here, results and predictions are up, down and sideways.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin, news editor Johanna Jainchill and hospitality editor Christina Jelski look at both U.S. traveler sentiment and the inbound travel markets and what the numbers are telling us – and what we might expect to see next – and why is everyone talking about the “noise?”

This episode was recorded Friday May 2 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com

Related reports:

Amid economic volatility, the cruise industry shows resilience https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Amid-economic-volatility-cruise-industry-shows-resilience

Volatility is making hotel forecasting difficult https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Volatility-making-hotel-forecasting-difficult?ct=hotels

Hyatt's all-inclusive resorts shine amind leisure travel challenges https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hyatt-all-inclusive-resorts-shine-amid-leisure-travel-challenges?ct=hotels

United will reduce domestic flying this summer https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/United-earnings-Q1-2025

Low-cost vs legacy: Which type of airline will do better in a downturn? https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Can-low-cost-airlines-thrive-in-trying-times

Previous episodes:

Why many Canadians are avoiding travel to the U.S.

https://omny.fm/shows/the-folo-by-travel-weekly/why-many-canadians-are-avoiding-u-s-travel

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top issues in sustainable travel: Overtourism, pricing and policy

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:39:20 +0000

As you’ll hear in this discussion, it’s Earth Month, and we couldn’t not have an episode about sustainability efforts within travel. Here, host Rebecca Tobin speaks with Paula Vlammings, the chief impact officer of nonprofit Tourism Cares, and Travel Weekly hospitality editor Christina Jekski about some of the hot topics of 2025.

Topics we cover: Solutions to overtourism; why travelers don’t want to pay more for green travel initiatives; and whether recent shifts in U.S. policy will have an impact on sustainability efforts.

This episode was recorded April 24 and was edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links:

Sustainability-minded hotels are staying the course https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Sustainability-minded-hotels-staying-the-course

Arnie Weissmann’s From the Window Seat column: CLIA: “Regulate us. please!” https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/CLIA-Regulate-us-Please

From 2024: A focus on overtourism overlooks destinations’ problems: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Overtourism-focus-misses-destination-problems

From 2024: Overtourism solutions: putting residents first https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Tourism-related-issues-need-right-approach-experts-say

Tourism Cares: https://www.tourismcares.org/

Note: This episode is ahead of the news: A column by Christina Jelski on Trina White and the Parkside Hotel & Spa will be published later this week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why more people are picking alcohol-free travel

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:41:47 +0000

It's still a niche trend, but maybe not for long: Younger travelers are increasingly seeking out alcohol-free tours. The rise of tour options for sober and sober-curious travelers comes as more people are cutting back on booze -- or eliminating it altogether.

In this episode we’re examining the trend with Heather Leisman, the president of EF Ultimate Break, and tours editor Brinley Hineman. Among our topics today: What is sober curious travel, whether zero-proof and mocktail culture have contributed to the trend, what’s the vibe on a sober tour and how travel options can be expanded for those living the sober lifestyle.

This episode was recorded April 18 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links:

There's a growing thirst of sober travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Growing-thirst-for-sober-travel

Due to high interest, EF Ultimate Break adds more sober tours https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/EF-Ultimate-Break-adds-more-sober-tours

A 2022 home-based travel agent insight: Exploring, and enjoying, sober travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Exploring-and-enjoying-sober-travel

A 2022 cover story: Zero-proof cocktails are in demand at high-end hotels and cruise ships https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Hold-the-booze

EF Ultimate Break's Sober Adventures https://www.efultimatebreak.com/trip-collections/sober-adventures

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What our survey said about advisor reaction to government cuts

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

After the new Department of Government Efficiency began making cuts to the federal workforce, Travel Weekly began looking at the effect of those cuts on travel advisors, particularly those who are Washington-based and may have clients who are employed by the government.

And we decided to go further with a reader survey about the effects of government cutbcks on travel. Retail editor Jamie Biesiada and host Rebecca Tobin talk about the results of that survey today, which included overall concerns our survey respondents had about travel, and whether their clients are feeling anxious about traveling abroad.

This episode was recorded Friday April 4 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links:

Travel advisors voice their concerns about federal job cuts and the economy https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Travel-agents-voice-concerns-federal-job-cuts

After tariff turmoil, there’s concern that Trump’s policies will hurt travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/Tariff-turmoil-causes-worries-about-travel

Federal job cuts affect official and leisure travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Federal-government-layoffs-affect-travel

From Travel Weekly’s archives (2001): Camouflage passports https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Reality-Bytes-A-new-identity-in-a-crisis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seatrade, Wave and the state of cruising. Plus, our cruise editor signs off

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:56:12 +0000

With Seatrade Cruise Global opening this week, it’s the industry’s time to hear from the biggest voices in cruise, and we’re adding our voices here. Host Rebecca Tobin, cruise editor Andrea Zelinski and news editor Johanna Jainchill look at a wrapup to Wave season, whether tariff talk or stock market convulsions have impacted the business and what to expect from two big cruise ship debuts this week.

And we say farewell to Andrea: We talk about our favorite stories from her three years at Travel Weekly, and where she’s headed next – and her serendipitous “trail name” of Water Girl.

This episode was recorded April 4 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links

There’s tariff talk and stock market unease, but Carnival Corp. says its brands are thriving https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/tariff-threats-stock-volatility-Carnival-thriving

Latest on Cruising’s Wave: Analyst says 2025 is a ‘strong’ year https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/analyst-says-strong-wave-season-2025

Carnival Corp.’s private-destination update: Update, build and promote https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-private-destination-plan

Norwegian Aqua preview: Many pluses for the Prima-plus ship https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Many-pluses-on-the-upcoming-Norwegian-Aqua

Alaska’s cruise conundrum: How Juneau is managing the crowds https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Alaska-cruise-conundrum

Next-gen Internet at sea (from 2022) https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Nextgen-internet-at-sea

Andrea Zelinski’s Instagram: @adventuresofwatergirl

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why many Canadians are avoiding U.S. travel

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:02:09 +0000

In this episode we talk about a phenomenon that has surfaced after President Trump took office: A cooling of travel demand to the U.S. from Canada. And as we’re seeing now, the demand drop may be deeper than originally thought.

On this discussion, Natasha Lair-McKenty, the managing editor of TravelPulse Canada, and McKenzie McMillan, a travel advisor at Vancouver-based The Travel Group, about what some Canadian travelers are thinking and why, the importance of the Canadian market to the U.S. travel businesses, where they’re going instead of the U.S. and how advisors are coping with the change.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links:

Canadians stay away from U.S. travel amid political backlash https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Canadians-stay-away-from-US-amid-political-backlash

Canada-U.S. air bookings down over 70% through summer, OAG says https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Air-travel-from-Canada-drops-for-key-summer-season

Tariff talk seems to chill some travel from Canda to the U.S. https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Tariff-talk-effect-travel-Canada-to-USA

Arnie Weissmann's column "Welcome to Fortress America!" https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/Welcome-to-Fortress-America

Travel Pulse Canada https://www.travelpulse.ca/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwest, bag fees and more: The new shape of an airline disrupter

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:57:53 +0000

This week we’re talking again about Southwest Airlines, which shocked some of its loyal customers about two weeks ago by getting rid of its long-advertised “bags fly free” perk. But that’s just one in a series of changes Southwest is making that make it seem, well, less like Southwest and more like traditional legacy airlines: Adding extra-legroom seats, eliminating open seating and updating its loyalty strategy.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin, airlines editor Robert Silk and Hospitio founder Brad Beakley break down some of the changes and ask -- why? How will flyers benefit? What else does Southwest need to do to compete with the Big Three? And what will it take for Southwest to retain the “love?”

This episode was recorded March 21 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links:

Southwest CEO: No competitive advantage from free checked bags https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Southwest-scraps-free-checked-bags-analysis

Southwest quietly reduces reward points for lowest fareshttps://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Southwest-quietly-cuts-reward-points-for-lowest-fares

Frontier taunts Southwest with free-checked-bags promotion https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Frontier-taunts-Southwest-checked-bag-promotion

The Dallas Observer op/ed on Southwest: https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/dallas-southwest-airlines-gets-worse-with-end-of-free-bag-policy-21906895

Is Southwest's planned ascent too slow for key investor? https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Is-Southwest-planned-ascent-too-slow-for-Elliott

Brad Beakley's consultancy firm Hospitio https://www.hospitio.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitality check-in: A 'Trump bump' in Florida, and immigration-policy concerns

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:30:02 +0000

How has the Trump administration has been impacting hotels and travel? One might look at the visitation numbers in the Palm Beaches area of Florida, where President Trump's Mar a Lago estate is located, to see one impact of a “Trump bump” on visitation. Another aspect is the immigration crackdown -- and whether the administration's plans to deport illegal workers has had any impact within the hospitality business.

In this episode, Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski and Peter Ricci, the director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Florida Atlantic University, talk about both topics.

In our first section: How the Palm Beaches has surpassed Miami-Dade in key hotel metrics and why Trump's presence might be drawing visitors to the region. In the second half of the episode: Whether hotels should be concerned about the specter of mass deportations, and the continuing scarcity of hospitality workers.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links

Palm Beach's presidential presence gives the area's tourism a 'Trump bump' https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Palm-Beach-presidential-presence-gives-area-tourism-Trump-bump

Hospitality grapples with the specter of mass deportations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hospitality-grapples-with-specter-of-mass-deportations

Immigration policy concerns take center stage at the ALIS conference https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Immigration-policy-concerns-at-ALIS

Peter Ricci's bio https://www.fau.edu/experts/profile/?expert=peter.ricci

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How, and why, travel advisors should learn to speak the 'luxury' language

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:32:13 +0000

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links:

Learning the language of luxury https://www.travelweekly.com/Luxury-Travel/Learning-the-language-of-luxury

The surge in the six-figure vacation https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/The-six-figure-vacation-surge

Embark Beyond on Travel Weekly's Power List https://www.travelweekly.com/Power-List-2024/Embark-Beyond

Laura Worth of of Art & Travel https://www.artandtravel.net/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The influence of Black food (and travel) content creators

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:40:54 +0000

Nearly everybody gets travel inspiration from the social media accounts they follow, or from accounts that are shown on their feeds. Today we’re looking at the people who have charted a path down food and travel influencing – or, as they like to be known, content creators – but specifically by and for Black food and travel businesses and travelers. And we’re mingling this with a new study from MMGY that talks about the size and scope of the Black travel market, now up to a spend of $145 billion in 2023, mostly on transportation and food and beverage.

Talking travel and content creation today are the author of our cover story on the subject, Mariette Williams, and Richmond, Va.-based Dominic Brown, who created and manages the account and website Tall Travel Eats.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login

Related links

Black food influencers explore and inspire https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Following-Black-influencers

MMGY’s latest report on Black travel spending: https://mmgyintel.com/u-s-black-travel-market-is-now-a-145-billion-audience-according-to-new-research/

Dominic Brown https://talltraveleats.com/

Mariette Williams https://www.instagram.com/mariettewrites/

Instagram accounts for influencers in this episode

Dominic Brown aka @talltraveleats https://www.instagram.com/talltraveleats/

Sierra Redmond aka @Iamsierrared https://www.instagram.com/iamsierrared

Mitzie Lewis aka @Frencht0asty https://www.instagram.com/frencht0asty

Avyana Chapman aka @Goodeatsonlyyy https://www.instagram.com/goodeatsonlyyy/

Journeys With Kris aka @journeyswithkris https://www.instagram.com/journeyswithkris/

Martinique Lewis aka @marty_sandiego https://www.instagram.com/marty_sandiego/

Black Foodie https://www.instagram.com/blackfoodie.co/

Shakeema Smith, aka The Passport Abuser https://www.instagram.com/thepassportabuser/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shape of cruising's Wave season today

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:59:25 +0000

Last week, Cruise Planners CEO Michelle Fee and Norwegian Cruise Line sales exec John Chernesky joined cruise editor Andrea Zelinski and host Rebecca Tobin to talk about the new cruise-ship class of 2025. This week, they're talking about Wave season, the industry’s period of big sales and good deals, and general trends.

Is year’s Wave a wave or a tsunami? Other topics of note: Does Wave start in January, or has it moved backwards into the holiday season? And what’s the story with onboard spending?

This week, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will report its Q4 and full-year 2024 results, and that will provide additional color into how this year’s Wave is going. We’ll try to provide an update to that in our upcoming Folo episodes. This episode was recorded Feb. 5, nearly three weeks ahead of NCLH's earnings call. The episode has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises: https://www.riverside-cruises.com

Related links:

Andrea Zelinski's reporting on the 2025 Wave season: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Early-report-2025-Wave-season

Royal Caribbean Group's record start to Wave: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-Group-reports-record-start-to-Wave-season

Carnival Corp. sets company record for full-year revenue: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-Corp-earnings-Q4-2024

Our previous episode with Michelle Fee and John Chernesky on new ships in 2025: https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/the-importance-of-new-cruise-ships-of-2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big deal about the new cruise ships of 2025

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

We’re back with new episodes of the Folo, and we’re kicking it off with two back-to- back episodes about cruise. And why not -- it’s Wave season.

In this first episode we have three cruise industry experts talking about the new ships coming out in 2025: Cruise Planners CEO Michelle Fee; Norwegian Cruise Line senior vice president of North America sales John Chernesky; and Travel Weekly cruise editor Andrea Zelinski. From big ships to small, in the luxury and contemporary categories, what drives cruisers to these ships? Is big better? How have these new cruise ships evolved to cater to customer demand?

This is part 1 of a two-part series. Next week: Early signs of Wave season.

This episode was recorded Feb. 5 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises

https://www.riverside-cruises.com

Related links

Cruising’s new-ship class of 2025, parts 1 and 2

https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/new-ship-class-of-2025-part-1

https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/new-ship-class-of-2025-part-2

Many pluses on the upcoming Norwegian Aqua https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Many-pluses-on-the-upcoming-Norwegian-Aqua

Cruise Planners: https://www.cruiseplaners.com

Norwegian Cruise Line: https://www.ncl.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise of women-only tours: A Winter Series episode

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:26:35 +0000

One trend we've noticed taking shape recently is the rising popularity of women-only tours. From on-the-ground adventures in far flung destinations like Saudi Arabia and Morocco to a luxurious river cruise in France’s wine country, there are options galore for today’s so-called “queenagers.”

In this episode, reporter Tom Stieghorst shares his insights and his reporting, and Shirnett Fleet, the chief marketing officer of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, talks about what women-only tours offer, where the trend is headed and why it's moved from niche to mainstream.

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded Nov. 21 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises https://www.riverside-cruises.com

Related links

Women-only tours: A niche that is going mainstream https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/The-growth-of-women-only-tours

A women-only cruise leans into luxury https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/women-only-river-cruise-uniworld-luxury

Uniworld: https://www.uniworld.com

Background on the term 'queenager' https://eleanormills.substack.com/p/eleanors-letter-what-is-a-queenager

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets: 25 travel trends for 2025, Part 2

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:15:20 +0000

This week we’re featuring the second half of a special episode of Trade Secrets, a sister podcast to the Folo by Travel Weekly that is co-produced by Jamie Biesiada, a senior editor at Travel Weekly, and Emma Weissmann, the executive editor of TravelAge West.

In this episode, Jamie and Emma take a rapid-fire look at 25 trends for 2025, starting in the mid-teens and working their way up to Number 25. This second half is a little more travel industry- and advisor- focused. Let us know if you're seeing any of these trends come to the fore at your agency.

This episode has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises https://www.riverside-cruises.com

Related links:

Part 1 of Trade Secrets 25 trends for 2025: https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/trade-secrets-editors-predict-travel-trends-1

A host of problems https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/A-host-of-problems

New details emerge on Universal Horror Unleashed experience in Las Vegas https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/new-detail-Universal-Horror-Unleashed-Las-Vegas

Travel Weekly's 2024 Travel Industry Survey https://www.travelweekly.com/For-Travel-Agents/Travel-Industry-Survey

V-shaped plane is one step closer to reality https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/V-shaped-plane-is-one-step-closer-to-reality

The new autonomous wheelchairs at Miami Airport https://news.miami-airport.com/miami-dade-mayor-and-american-airlines-announce-new-autonomous-wheelchairs-at-mia/

Additional info:

The music used in the Trade Secrets podcast is Sock Hop, by Kevin MacLeod

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets: 25 travel trends for 2025

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:47:39 +0000

This week on the Folo by Travel Weekly we are featuring a special episode of Trade Secrets, a sister podcast to the Folo that is co-produced by Jamie Biesiada, a senior editor at Travel Weekly, and Emma Weissmann, the executive editor of TravelAge West. In this episode, Jamie and Emma take a rapid-fire look at 25 trends for 2025.

This episode is split into two parts: The first, which you're listening to here, focuses on consumer-related travel trends that Emma and Jamie think will be popular. The second half, which is a little more travel industry- and advisor- focused, will air next week.

This episode was edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode of the Folo by Travel Weekly is sponsored by Collette Vacations: https://www.gocollette.com/travel-advisors

Related links:

From Travel Weekly: Preview 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/preview-2025

From TravelAge West, The top 5 trends for 2025

From TravelAge West, This cruise expert reached $3 million in annual sales using TikTok

From Travel Weekly, Women-only tours: A niche that is going mainstream

From Travel Weekly, Summer of the destination ‘dupes’

Additional notes:

The music used in the Trade Secrets podcast is Sock Hop, by Kevin MacLeod

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airfares in 2025: Do higher average fares mean fewer deals?

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:07:59 +0000

We’re turning to every traveler’s favorite – or least favorite – topic this week, and that’s airfares. After aviation editor Robert Silk wrote an article on which way air prices are trending in 2025, we asked Scott Keyes, the founder of Going -- an app that combines software and human Flight Experts to uncover flight deals and mistake fares and send them to its 2 million-plus members -- to come onto the episode with Silk and host Rebecca Tobin.

Together, we unpack the numbers further and ask: Why are fares trending upward? What does that mean for airfare bargain-hunters? And when is the best time to book a flight (and should you wait for a last-second deal)?

This episode was recorded Jan. 17 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Collette Vacations: www.gocollette.com/travel-advisors

Related links:

Higher airfares are expected in the first half of 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Higher-airfares-expected-first-half-2025

Going https://www.going.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to expect in tours in 2025 -- and newsy destinations

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 17:11:36 +0000

In last week’s episode we delved into the trends and predictions for several aspects of the travel business: aviation, cruise, hotel and the outlook for travel advisors. This week, host Rebecca Tobin asks Tom Stieghorst, our interim cruise and river cruise editor, to share some of his findings for 2025. We draw on a new survey from the U.S. Tour Operators Association to look at what tour operators are most concerned about. And, of course, we look at top destinations for travelers this year.

In the last section of the episode, we have the final piece of the initial discussion: Where the rest of our travel team is headed this year. Each trip reveals a minitrend in destination or travel style, like the opening of a new theme park in Orlando, expedition travel to Antarctica, the popularity of Las Vegas and, for your Folo diehards out there, competitive sitting.

These episodes were recorded separately. The interview with Tom Stieghorst took place Jan. 3, and the discussion with the other editors was Dec. 13. Both were edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Collette Vacations https://www.gocollette.com/travel-advisors

Politics replaces the economy as a chief concern of tour operators https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Politics-chief-concern-USTOA-poll

Globus gears up for a big year in Italy https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Globus-gearing-up-for-busy-year-in-Italy?ct=tours

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our reporters predict 2025 trends -- part 1

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to our annual Preview episode, where we gaze into our crystal ball and draw on interviews with expert sources to talk about what we’ll be seeing in the next 12 months, travel-wise.

In this episode we examine the overall health of the business, changes in the luxury sector and what might happen on the aviation-regulatory-merger front, especially with the Trump administration set to enter.

Featuring: Host Rebecca Tobin and four of Travel Weekly’s senior editors: Jamie Biesiada, who covers retail; Andrea Zelinski, who covers cruise; Robert Silk, who covers aviation; and Christina Jelski, who covers hospitality.

This conversation was recorded Dec. 13, 2024, so a note of caution: At some points in this conversation we make reference to “this year” and “next year” which can be stand-in terms for 2024 and 2025, depending on the context.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Collette Vacations https://www.gocollette.com/travel-advisors

Related links:

Travel Weekly's 2025 Preview https://www.travelweekly.com/Preview-2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What the ski season will bring -- A winter series episode

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 13:45:44 +0000

It’s time for our semi-annual drop-in to the ski industry. Dan Sherman of Ski.com, ski blogger and podcaster Stuart Winchester and our in-house ski reporter Robert Silk talk about the major trends for skiers and riders, namely, Japan and Europe. There's big demand for ski vacations this year: Why?

We talk about the tricks to scoring cheaper-than-the-window ticket pricing, which at some resorts is now at or above $300. And the big question each December: Where is everybody headed this year?

This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded Nov. 12 and has been edited for insight and clarity.

Related links:

Alterra CEO addresses soaring daily prices at ski resorts https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Alterra-CEO-addresses-soaring-daily-prices

Big and small resorts: The Colorado Ski experience https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Focus-on-Ski-Mountain-Travel-2024

Deer Valley expansion is ahead of schedule https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Deer-Valley-expansion-ahead-of-schedule

Rebecca Tobin's report on Jackson Hole: Rising to new challenges at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Rising-to-new-challenges-at-Jackson-Hole

Stuart Winchester's Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast https://www.stormskiing.com/

Ski.com https://www.ski.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our annual survey of travel advisors: A winter series episode

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:38:18 +0000

Travel Industry Survey is our annual, premier research product that surveys travel advisors about their business. To dig deeper into the report’s data and talk about how it dovetails with everyday business trends, we’ve invited retail reporter Jamie Biesiada and news editor Johanna Jainchill to talk about what the survey said about booking trends, preferred products, education and support, technology uses, marketing strategies, outlook and concerns.

Travel Industry Survey is produced in partnership with Phocuswright, the travel research company under the Northstar Travel Group umbrella.

Related links

Travel Industry Survey 2024: https://www.travelweekly.com/Industry-Survey-2024

Travel Industry Survey 2023: https://www.travelweekly.com/industry-survey-2023

Phocuswright: https://www.phocuswright.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest travel stories of 2024

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

It’s time for our annual Year in Review discussion, where we look back at some of the biggest travel-related stories and trends of 2024. Joining us on this episode is news editor Johanna Jainchill, the architect of our Year in Review report, and retail editor Jamie Biesiada, to talk (among others) about travel “normalization,” the embrace of generative AI, a big year for cruise, companies that went under in 2024, American Airlines’ failed NDC strategy and the Taylor Swift effect on travel.

This episode was recorded Dec. 13 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related articles

The year in review, 2024 https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/2024-year-in-review

Growth has slowed, but it's still a great time for the travel industry https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/WTTC-Global-Summit-2024

Is this cruising's 'golden era'? https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Is-this-cruising-golden-era

Q&A with Hornblower CEO Mike Flaskey https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Mike-Flaskey-Hornblower-Group

The Taylor Swift effect on hotels https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Taylor-Swift-effect-on-hotels

Alienating travel agencies could cost American $1.5 billion https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/American-Airlines-earnings-Q2-2024

Arnie Weissmann's From the Window Seat column, July 2022: Travel's pandemic bankruptcy record https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/With-Crystal-revival-a-major-miracle

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The rise of women-only tours

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:27:40 +0000

This week’s travel trend is the growing popularity of women-only tours. From on-the-ground adventures in far flung destinations like Saudi Arabia and Morocco to a luxurious river cruise in France’s wine country, there are options galore for today’s so-called “queenagers.”

We’ve asked reporter Tom Stieghorst to share his insights and his reporting, and Shirnett Fleet, the chief marketing officer of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, to talk about what women-only tours offer, where the trend is headed and why it's moved from niche to mainstream.

This episode was recorded Nov. 21 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links

Women-only tours: A niche that is going mainstream https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/The-growth-of-women-only-tours

A women-only cruise leans into luxury https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/women-only-river-cruise-uniworld-luxury

Uniworld: https://www.uniworld.com

Background on the term 'queenager' https://eleanormills.substack.com/p/eleanors-letter-what-is-a-queenager

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The outlook on the ski season: Japan, ticket prices and more

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:05:49 +0000

It’s time for our semi-annual drop-in to the ski industry. It’s the unofficial start to the season, so it seemed like a perfect time to gather a few experts -- Dan Sherman of Ski.com, ski blogger and podcaster Stuart Winchester and our in-house ski reporter Robert Silk -- to talk about the major trends for skiers and riders, namely, Japan. And Europe. There's big demand for ski vacations this year: Why? We talk about the tricks to scoring cheaper-than-the-window ticket pricing, which at some resorts is now at or above $300.

And the big question each December: Where is everybody headed this year?

This episode was recorded Nov. 12 and has been edited for insight and clarity.

Related links:

Alterra CEO addresses soaring daily prices at ski resorts https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Alterra-CEO-addresses-soaring-daily-prices

Big and small resorts: The Colorado Ski experience https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Focus-on-Ski-Mountain-Travel-2024

Deer Valley expansion is ahead of schedule https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Deer-Valley-expansion-ahead-of-schedule

Rebecca Tobin's report on Jackson Hole: Rising to new challenges at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Rising-to-new-challenges-at-Jackson-Hole

Stuart Winchester's Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast https://www.stormskiing.com/

Ski.com https://www.ski.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Black Friday to Travel Tuesday: A season of travel deals

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:29:58 +0000

Black Friday has become a bona fide travel phenomenon, encompassing not only the day itself and the burgeoning Travel Tuesday, but stretching into an entire season.

To talk about trends in length of the sales, destinations on sale and other observations, we’ve invited Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, and Travel Weekly senior editor for hospitality Christina Jelski to talk about what they’ve seen this year.

This episode was recorded Thursday Nov. 22 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links:

Black Friday travel promotions extend well before and after Thanksgiving https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Black-Friday-travel-promotions-2024

Hopper https://www.hopper.com

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What our Travel Industry Survey says about travel agencies

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:45:32 +0000

The Travel Industry Survey is our annual, premier research product that surveys travel advisors about their business: Booking trends, preferred products, education and support, technology uses, marketing strategies, outlook and concerns.

This year, to dig deeper into the report’s data and talk about how it dovetails with everyday business trends, we’ve invited retail reporter Jamie Biesiada and news editor Johanna Jainchill – our chief editorial stewards of the Survey – to talk.

This episode was recorded Tuesday Nov. 12 and has been edited for length and clarity.

The Travel Industry Survey is produced in partnership with Phocuswright, the travel research company under the Northstar Travel Group umbrella.

Related links:

Travel Industry Survey: https://www.travelweekly.com/Industry-Survey-2024

Travel Industry Survey 2023: https://www.travelweekly.com/Industry-Survey-2023

Phocuswright: https://www.phocuswright.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How President Trump might change travel policy

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:02:37 +0000

It’s only been a few days since the election, but already we’re wondering: What will happen to travel policy under the Trump administration?

Naturally quite a bit can change from Biden to Trump -- and even from the first Trump administration -- and in this episode we talk with Johanna Jainchill, our news editor and travel-policy reporter, and View from the Wing’s Gary Leff about what kids of changes we might expect on several fronts: visa processing and travel bans, antitrust and airline combinations, the FAA, recent rules on refunds and disclosures, plus what might become of extensive requests for information from the departments of justice and transportation.

This episode was recorded Friday, Nov. 8 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links

From air mergers to visas: How Trump's win could impact travel policy https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/Travel-expects-policy-changes-as-Trump-wins-the-presidency

Travel groups congratulate Trump and lay out policy agendas https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/travel-groups-congratulate-trump-on-presidency

View from the Wing https://viewfromthewing.com/

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Why cruise companies are breaking records this year

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:03:47 +0000

In this episode, we’re talking about the positive momentum in the cruise industry with senior editor Andrea Zelinski. Now that the third quarter has closed, and our annual CruiseWorld conference is about to begin in Fort Lauderdale, we ask: What are travel advisors, analysts and the cruise lines themselves seeing in cruise – and what are some of the scenarios that would break the cruise lines' stride?

This episode was recorded Friday, Nov. 1 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Related links

Is this cruising's 'golden era'? https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Is-this-cruising-golden-era

The biggest cruise developments this year, according to travel advisors https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Focus-on-Cruise-What-advisors-are-buzzing-about

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings breaks another performance record https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Norwegian-Cruise-Line-Q3-2024-earnings-report

CEO says new cruisers are flocking to Royal Caribbean Group https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-Group-earnings-Q3-2024

Carnival Corp. continues record streak of revenue https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-Corp-continues-streak-record-revenue

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Middle East tensions slow -- but don't stop -- travel

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:09:32 +0000

The tensions in the Middle East have been front and center for more than a year, from Hamas’ attack on Israel and continuing with escalations between Israel and Iran. What does that mean for travel in the region?

Thanks to reporting by acting tours editor Tom Stieghorst, we’ve got a snapshot of travel demand – and in this episode he talks with news editor Johanna Jainchill and host Rebecca Tobin about how and where people are traveling to the region.

This conversation was recorded Oct. 18 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related links:

Middle East tension stays high, and travel stays slow https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Middle-East-tension-stays-high-travel-slow

Delta extends pause on Israel flights through the end of 2024 https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Delta-extends-Israel-flight-pause-end-2024

Travel executives visit Israel with the goal to 'inspire and educate' https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Travel-executives-visit-Israel-with-a-mission

From the Window Seat: Should independent travelers engage in thorny foreign politics? https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/The-meaning-of-meaning

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The status of Florida tourism after Helene and Milton

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:04:11 +0000

In this episode we’re looking at the impacts of hurricanes Milton and Helene on Florida’s tourism economy. Florida is such an important state for tourism that whenever a hurricane slams through it’s news. Here, host Rebecca Tobin, hotels editor Christina Jelski and Peter Ricci, the director of the Tourism and Hospitality Management program at Florida Atlantic University, talk about how the recent hurricanes might reshape the tourism landscape on Florida's Gulf Coast. We also discuss short-and long-term impacts to other travel destinations like Orlando and the right kind of marketing messaging that would encourage travelers to return after a storm.

What’s the status of tourism in the hard-hit areas of North Carolina? We’ve added links to the show notes about travel organizations' relief and fundraising efforts.

This episode was recorded Oct. 17 and has been edited for length and clarity. It’s important to note that this is a developing story, so any information in this episode about cities or regions might be change as the hurricane recovery process continues.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related links:

After Milton's wrath, experts see a reshaping of Florida's West Coast https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Reshaping-Florida-tourism-after-Milton-and-Helene

How does American Airlines prep for a hurricane? A visit to its operations center shows how https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/How-does-AA-prep-for-a-hurricane

Relief efforts:

Internova charity arm seeks to help travel professionals affected by Helene https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Internova-help-for-Helene-affected-advisors

Carnival president skydives over Tampa for hurricane relief https://www.carnival-news.com/2024/10/19/carnival-cruise-line-president-christine-duffy-skydives-over-tampa-for-hurricane-relief

Community Resources and travel information, via Explore Asheville https://always.exploreasheville.com/

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All-inclusive resorts in Europe are different -- here's how

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:51:02 +0000

Earlier in this season, we talked about the popularity and trends surrounding all-inclusive resorts. But some listeners – advisors and travelers alike – may not know there’s a growing all-inclusive market in Europe. And the resorts are different from the traditional inclusive properties in Punta Cana or Cancun.

On this episode, host Rebecca Tobin and hotels editor Christina Jelski brought together three advisors -- Abbey Meyer, cofounder of Sky High Travel Advisors, Heather Huber, an advisor with Vincent Vacations; and Lynnette Pena, independent travel advisor with CS Elements Travel -- with whom she traveled to Mallorca, Spain, to see two all-inclusive resorts under the Secrets and Zoetry brands. We discuss the differences between those resorts and the traditional product; plus the difference between the Secrets and Zoetry. Who might be the best client, and why?

This episode was recorded Monday, Oct. 7, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Stay on at the end of his episode for an interview with AmaWaterways' Michal Maguire, vice president of marketing, conducted by Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing and brand partnerships for Travel Weekly.

Related reports

Hyatt is counting on advisors to promote Europe all-inclusives to Americans https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hyatt-promotion-Europe-all-inclusives

After a demand boom for all-inclusives, signs point to a slowdown https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Slowdown-all-inclusive-demand

AMResorts showcases its stable of European all-inclusives (from 2022) https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/AMResorts-showcases-Europe-all-inclusives

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A festive episode: When and where to book holiday travel

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:37:29 +0000

We’re now in the run-up to the holidays, also known as the festive season. And it’s a busy time for travel advisors planning their clients’ last big trip of the year. But this year, things are a little different.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin and retail editor Jamie Biesiada talk with travel advisors affiliated with the Gifted Travel Network – Jamey Duffy of Duffy Destinations and Robin Hutson of Luxe Recess – as well as Gifted chief sales and marketing officer Vanessa McGovern, to talk about this year's pace of bookings, where people are going, what they want out of their vacations, and tips for travelers heading out of town during the holidays.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related links:

Home-based agent insight: Festive season gets going https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Festive-season-gets-going

Gifted Travel Network https://www.giftedtravelnetwork

Luxe Recess: https://www.luxerecess.com

Duffy Destinations: https://www.duffydestinations.com

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Why the DOT is probing airline loyalty programs

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:36:48 +0000

At the beginning of September the U.S. Department of Transportation began an investigation into airline loyalty programs of American, Delta, United and Southwest. The goal, it said, was to protect consumers from potential unfair, deceptive or anticompetitive practice. And as DOT secretary Pete Buttigieg said, airline rewards programs have become a “meaningful part of the U.S. economy and a major part of the airline business model.” How big? The trade group Airlines for America has estimated that there are nearly 30 million U.S. airline-industry credit card holders.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin, aviation editor Robert Silk and Nick Ewen, senior editorial director at The Points Guy, take a look at the DOT probe and a new bill that targets loyalty points. Plus we talk about the value of the programs to consumers, and how to best to use those points, top perks and more.

This episode was recorded Tuesday Sept. 24 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related links

The DOT probe into loyalty programs: Necessary move or overreach? https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/DOT-airline-rewards-probe-analysis

Sen. Dick Durbin takes aim at airline loyalty programs in new bill https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Durbin-bill-airline-loyalty-programs

The Points Guy https://thepointsguy.com/

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Cruising in Alaska: More passengers. More opportunity?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:42:58 +0000

Cruising in Alaska has ballooned in popularity since the pandemic. The lines have invested newer, bigger ships and stretched the season longer. But as growth occurs, concerns of overtourism rise, too. The capital, Juneau, is introducing passenger limits in order to curb crowding, and other ports are watching the move closely.

On this episode, host Rebecca Tobin talks with cruise editor Andrea Zelinski and Russell Dick, the CEO of Alaska native corporation Huna Totem, which has been working in cruise port development for 20 years, on the current situation in the Last Frontier. Huna Totem has a different perspective on cruise growth, and its port-development plan is one its on which its hoping to expand.

This episode was recorded Sept. 6 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways: https://www.amawaterways.com

Related links:

Huna Totem Corp. https://www.hunatotem.com/

Alaska's cruise conundrum https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Alaska-cruise-conundrum

On the Record: Carnival Corp.'s Robert Morgenstern on the future of Alaska cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Robert-Morgenstern-Carnival-Corp-Alaska-cruising

Royal Caribbean is partnering to bring free Internet access to downtown Juneau https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Alaska-cruise-conundrum

Tyler Hickman of Icy Strait Point on growth and managing Alaska cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Tyler-Hickman-Icy-Strait-Point

Cruise lines tap Alaska demand with record deployment https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-lines-tap-Alaska-demand-record-deployment

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrapping up Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0000

One of the more ambitious plans to come out of cruising’s pandemic pause was from Royal Caribbean International: a world cruise on the Serenade of the Seas. It was notable for being an extremely long cruise, at 274 days, and from a contemporary line – a brand not used to the nuances of a lengthy voyage. And not only did Royal Caribbean embark on what it called the Ultimate World Cruise, it took on social media influencers who chronicled the trip on a day-by-day – and even hour by hour – basis.

The cruise wrapped this month in Miami, with Royal Caribbean brass joining the Serenade for its last few days down the eastern seaboard. On this episode, host Rebecca Tobin talks with Royal’s senior vice president of sales, service and trade marketing Vicki Freed about the endeavor: Why it was conceived, how it blossomed into a nearly yearlong cruise, a big advisor sale and lessons learned for a (possible) future world cruise.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com

Related reports:

Royal Caribbean International: www.royalcaribbean.com

A TikTok sensation, Royal Caribbean's world cruise comes to an end https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Ultimate-World-Cruise-analysis

Cruise Insight: A new era of world cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/Holland-America-world-cruise-new-era

The Ultimate World Cruise is a social media bonanza https://www.travelweekly.com/Richard-Turen/This-might-be-the-worlds-biggest-cruise-story

Michael Bayley talks Icon and the world cruise at CruiseWorld https://www.travelweekly.com/CruiseWorld-Coverage/Bayley-talks-Royal-Caribbean-world-cruise-and-Ikon-of-the-Seas

Travel advisor books top suite on Royal's world cruise https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Travel-advisor-books-top-suite-Royal-Caribbean-world-cruise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes at Southwest, an activist investor and more

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:45:07 +0000

Southwest is having an unusual moment: An aviation industry stalwart that’s typically posted solid results, it has attracted the attention of activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which is calling for change, including the ouster of chairman Gary Kelly and CEO Bob Jordan.

In this episode, host Rebecca Tobin, aviation editor Robby Silk and guest Gary Leff, author of the View from the Wing blog, discuss Southwest’s headwinds, why Elliott is so keen to make changes and why Southwest is such an unusual company in the aviation space.

Update: On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Southwest made changes to its board: Six members will step down, and chairman Gary Kelly will leave next spring. The shakeup comes after a meeting between Southwest and Elliott, but Elliott did not immediately withdraw its proxy challenge. https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Gary-Kelly-out-as-Southwest-chairman

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com/agent-home

Related reports:

View from the Wing https://viewfromthewing.com/

Southwest meets with investor that wants a CEO change https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Southwest-to-meet-with-activist-investor-Elliott

Will changes coming to Southwest help or hurt the brand? https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/How-will-Southwest-changes-affect-brand

Southwest now displaying fares on Kayak leisure site https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Southwest-now-displaying-flights-on-Kayak-leisure-site

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a boom, is demand for all-inclusive vacations slowing?

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:10:25 +0000

There's been a rise in demand for all-inclusive resorts, which have gotten more numerous -- and upscale -- in recent years. But in a recent story, hotels editor Christina Jelski reported that at Hyatt, a major player in the market, growth in revenue per available room for its all-inclusive properties slowed in Q2. And we heard from executives from Hyatt to Sandals that demand is moderating or normalizing as the postpandemic travel boom begins to ebb.

What’s happening for all-inclusives, and what should advisors and travelers expect next? We talk about his vacation category with Jelski and Geoff Millar, co-owner of Ultimate All-Inclusive Vacations and Ultimate Hawaii Vacations.

This episode was recorded Aug. 26 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com/agent-home

Related reports:

After demand boom for all-inclusive vacations, signs point to a slowdown https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Slowdown-all-inclusive-demand

Travel's boom run of bookings may be tapering off this year https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Travel-boom-may-be-tapering-off-this-year

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is 'overtourism' being overused?

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:37:56 +0000

In this episode we talk about the evolution of the term “overtourism,” which has been used a lot this summer as the post-pandemic tourism boom has continued on. The flash point was protests in Barcelona, where protesters squirted outdoor diners with water guns and chanted “tourists go home.” But it’s not the only place where residents and travelers are feeling frustrated.

Our tours editor Nicole Edenedo, in writing about the Barcelona protests, wrote that travel experts "pointed out that a pitfall in discussing "overtourism" is how the term is often used as a blanket statement.” Today we’re teasing that sentiment out with Simon Hudson, a professor of tourism and hospitality at the University of South Carolina, and Tom Jenkins, the CEO of the European Tour Operators Association. and looking at the issues in a few big cities in Europe — Barcelona, Amsterdam, Venice to name a few.

This episode was recorded July 30 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Allianz Advantage https://www.allianzadvantage.com

A focus on overtourism overlooks destinations' problems

Overtourism solutions: putting residents first

Dispatch, Venice: How the city enforces a tourism tax on day-trippers

Cruise control: Overcrowding, pushback and how the industry is trying to help

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Folo by Travel Weekly

Carnival's culinary concepts: How consumer preferences shape cruise dining

Is the era of self-driving cars here for the car-rental business?

LGBTQ+ travel: Expeditions, resiliency and new hotels in the 'gayborhood'

U.S. travel during America's 250: New tours, indigenous perspectives

How hotel brands are changing the face of luxury cruising

Why U.S. hotels are performing so well right now

Theme park updates: Disney's cool kids, new rides, cruising and more

How the Bahamas has upped the cruise itinerary game

Mexico travel: How demand is faring after February's cartel upheaval

Why the stakes are high for U.S. travel during the World Cup

Top travel stories of the week: Spirit's demise, Amex GBT's sale

America turns 250: How to celebrate the U.S. via travel

AI is changing how people research travel online

How the Iran war dealt Egypt tourism a setback

Catching up on travel: Hotels, cruise and tour updates

New Folo episode: Catching up on airlines, advisors and the war

The shape of the U.S. economy -- our Winter Series finale

A Japan-based line wants to attract U.S. cruisers -- a Winter Series episode

The thinking behind airplane meals -- a Winter Series episode

How agentic AI could change travel. Is it a threat? -- a Winter Series episode

How cruising's top suites got so opulent -- a Winter Series episode

The travel advisor's travel-planning source -- a Winter Series episode

The 25 years that changed travel -- a Winter Series episode

What we learned in our travel advisor survey -- a Winter Series episode

Where to travel in 2026 -- a Winter Series episode

The k-shape of luxury travel: Why top suites sell and others sit empty

Why faith-based tourism is growing beyond Israel

How a Japan-based line is working to attract U.S. cruisers

What to expect in 2026: Hotels, tours, river and ocean cruising

What to expect for travel in 2026, part 1: Advisors and airlines

The biggest travel stories of 2025

Route 66 tours and Christmas market cruises (are they alike?)

How to create travel inspiration (in list form) for 2026

An analysis of our survey of travel agency business

Agentic AI versus human travel advisors

DMCs: Your travel advisor's (not-so-secret) travel-planning partner

Hawaii update: Travel to Maui and the latest data on visitors

The biggest suites at sea are now even more extra

40 years with Mark Pestronk: A Q&A with a travel lawyer

What is adventure travel, anyway? Ask the ATTA

The impact -- and responsibility -- of safari tourism

Looking back at 25 years that changed travel

How airplane meals are improving -- even in coach

Las Vegas' soft summer, and its new message to travelers

The Folo returns: Our staff talks about trending stories and what's next

The new travel brands entering Europe river cruising -- A Summer Series episode

A Power List success story -- a Summer Series episode

A new chapter of literary tourism -- a Summer Series episode

Royal Caribbean and cruising's private islands -- A Summer Series episode

Speaking the language of luxury travel -- a Summer Series episode

Overtourism and Europe's protests -- A Summer Series episode

Epic and Disney: Thrill rides, lines, robotic arms, cool kids -- A Summer Series episode

A 2025 Power List success story: Departure Lounge's growth

A mid-summer travel check-in, and why some people are still in planning mode

What to know about overtourism and Europe protests

L.A. fires, six months in: A Malibu hotel looks back, and forward

Are international LGBTQ+ travelers rethinking the U.S.?

The new travel brands diving into Europe river cruising

Royal Caribbean and the latest on cruising’s exclusive destinations

Thrill rides, lines, robotic arms, cool kids: The latest from Epic and Disney

Where are Americans traveling this summer?

Opening the book on literary tourism

What is going on with Newark Airport?

How travel fared in Q1: Results, volatility, 'noise' and what's next

Top issues in sustainable travel: Overtourism, pricing and policy

Why more people are picking alcohol-free travel

What our survey said about advisor reaction to government cuts

Seatrade, Wave and the state of cruising. Plus, our cruise editor signs off

Why many Canadians are avoiding U.S. travel

Southwest, bag fees and more: The new shape of an airline disrupter

Hospitality check-in: A 'Trump bump' in Florida, and immigration-policy concerns

How, and why, travel advisors should learn to speak the 'luxury' language

The influence of Black food (and travel) content creators

The shape of cruising's Wave season today

The big deal about the new cruise ships of 2025

The rise of women-only tours: A Winter Series episode

Trade Secrets: 25 travel trends for 2025, Part 2

Trade Secrets: 25 travel trends for 2025

Airfares in 2025: Do higher average fares mean fewer deals?