The Bag Tag

🎅🏽 The Land of Christmas…Literally (01:33)We start the show chatting holiday movies! While we could really go on forever about holiday movies, we really just wanted to tell you about where they’re filmed. Because, turns out, they’re almost all filmed in the same location.📍 The North Pole’s Bag Tag Code (07:35)Today’s seat pocket is about a bag tag. Not just any bag tag, but the bag tag code we would pick for the North Pole, if the North Pole had an airport. Let us know which one’s your favorite in the poll!🎄 Europe’s Christmas Market Arms Race (11:18)This ain’t a scene, it’s a Christmas Market Arms Race! More specifically, the arms race to become the Capital of Christmas from Europe’s traditional Christmas markets. We dive into the history, the rise, and the tourism of it all.🛂 U.S. Border News For International Travelers (37:31)The United States’ Custom & Border Protections has an interesting update for international visitors. While this new policy is not yet approved, it may require out-of-country tourists to disclose additional information, including your social media history from the past 5 years. If you’d like to leave a comment on this pending policy, you have until February 9, 2025. Comments must reference OMB Control Number 1651-0111 and be sent to: CBP_PRA@cbp.dhs.gov Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💸 Budget Airline Meets Budget…Restaurant? (01:35)It’s all fun and games until you get surprise charges tacked onto your final bill. The Ryan Air CEO got a taste of his own company’s medicine when he went out to a local restaurant for dinner, which ended up costing him more than expected. It was actually all fun and games, though! 🗺️ One Country From Each Continent T (07:38)If we could only visit one country from each continent for our final bucket list, which destinations would make the cut? There’s a lot of amazing countries out there, and many that we’ve never been to! But only 6 (not including Antarctica) can be chosen (each).🤝 What Are Airline Alliances? And, Why Do They Matter? (22:37)Even if you don’t know what they are, chances are that you’ve benefitted from an airline alliance! In this episode, we run through everything you need to know, including what they are, how they got started, and why they matter for travelers and airlines alike. 🎰 The Latest News on New York Casinos (53:14)New York is known for many things, but casinos is not one of them! That might change after 3 brand-new, downstate casino proposals were all approved. Coming soon (ish) to Queens and the Bronx, find out what these casinos entail and how they’re likely going to impact travel to the city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🛍️ Travel Tuesday (01:36)HAPPY TRAVEL TUESDAY TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE!!! Today wraps up the holiday season of deals - We discuss what our strategy is when it comes to finding our travel deals for the year and why it’s important to plan far out and give a safety net! Oh and how do you pronounce Marriott? We’ve all been pronouncing Marriott wrong our whole life🛋️ Are You a Fan of Airport Lounges? (07:34)Everyone has an opinion on Airport lounges. Sure you get “Free” food and a place away from the chaos…wait….do you get a place away from all the chaos when they’re so overcrowded and require waitlists? We debate if we’re in or out on Airport Lounges🛫 The History and Rise of Airport Lounges (12:19)At some point, there was the first airport lounge - you can thank the CEO of American Airlines for their arrival. We unpack why airport lounges came to be, when they took off, why they have taken over airports, and we look at what the future holds! 🌺 Southwest Opens First Airport Lounge (35:02)Speaking of the future of airport lounges, Southwest is set to be unveiling their first ever airport lounge for Southwest Loyalty members at the Honolulu Airport! This is one of many changes ahead for Southwest Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚗 2025 Thanksgiving Travel (01:38)We’re set to break the record for the busiest travel weekend of all time! Yes, we have set that 3 times a year since this pod has been around but we swear, we’re not lying!!! We dive into why Thanksgiving travel is so busy and why we keep reaching new heights! 🧐 Dress Code of the Golden Age of Travel (07:12)There’s a hot debate going around over what the dress code for air travel should be thanks to Sean Duffy’s “"The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You" efforts. Should you be allowed to wear pajamas when flying or should we bring back the classic, upscale look of a suit and tie? 🦃 International Thanksgiving Travel (18:16)Thanksgiving isn’t really celebrated outside of the US…well traditionally it’s not but some places are starting to offer dinners away from home as travelers look to celebrate the holiday out of the country! We take a deep dive into the stats and logic of why traveling international over the long holiday weekend makes a ton of sense🍗 Why Thanksgiving Travel is so Stressful (27:56)As avid fans of travel and Thanksgiving, even we must admit Thanksgiving Travel is a different form of stress but why is that? We unpack the elements that make the holiday week so hectic, and what sets Thanksgiving apart from other holiday travel. Don’t worry, we provide some tips and tricks to keep things a little less stressful when you’re on the move👵🏻 Boomer vs Gen Z Travel Habits (44:16)Oh, and we give you a little game to play at the Thanksgiving table so you don’t have to speak about politics with your family - Boomer vs Gen Z travel habits! 🏈 NFL x Super Sonic FlightHere’s a crossover you probably weren’t expecting - the NFL and Boom Super Sonic! Yes, the NFL has been keeping a close eye on the development of Overture. It’s no secret the NFL is looking for world domination as they expand across Europe, Australia, and South America but logistics continue to be a problem. Super Sonic jets may provide a major solution to the biggest issue the league faces.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What in the World is going on in Boston? They have finally gained star status! Yes, one of the oldest cities in the nation has finally received its first Michelin Star but how could that be? We unpack why it took Boston so long to get a Michelin Star Restaurant, what other cities and states have yet to get recognition and unpack how the star can boost tourism for the cities packed full of top notch cuisine!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📺 Travel Shows, Movies, Books & Pods (01:24)Unfortunately, a harsh reality all travelers come to realize is we can’t ALWAYS be on an adventure…tragic, I know. So when we’re stuck at home resting, relaxing, recouping for the next big trip, we can turn to entertainment to get our travel fix. Wyatt has just begun the journey of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown and discuss what other shows, movies, pods, and books to help you enjoy an adventure from the couch! 📷 How do you Document Travel? (13:18)It may seem obvious but really take a second to think - how do you document your vacations - is it through photos, videos, social media, journaling or podcasting? Are our photo albums too messy and unorganized to really appreciate the pictures we take or is there a better method? 📖 Heidi Brown - The Map I Draw (22:31)Heidi sits down to explore her transformative journey from legal textbooks to crafting a vulnerable, soul-stirring travel memoir rooted in her life-changing connection to Rome. Heidi opens up about how travel became one of her core well-being pillars, shares practical solo-travel wisdom, and reflects on the healing, growth, and unexpected friendships she found along the way—including through her love of U2. A truly inspiring conversation about finding yourself through movement, embracing curiosity, and letting the world shape you in the best possible ways.🖋️ Travel Journaling (56:19)Inspired by Heidi’s technique of beginning every morning while traveling with 3 pages of journaling, Wyatt and Chantel debate how they will begin their travel journaling journey - one shared journal or venture off on their own  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

❌ Delayed and Canceled with the Government Shutdown (01:27)Believe it or not, closed air space does in fact have an impact on our daily travel. With the first weekend of 4% airspace closed, what does that look like and what it is on the horizon with 6%, 8%, 10%, and potentially more look like as we get closer to the busiest travel weekend of the year! 🚂 The Best Train Movie (13:15)Are we debating about best movie to watch on the train or best movie about trains and how much train needs to be shown in the movie? We list off some of the most obvious train answers and debate what really is the best train movie. Lowkey any answer is right as long as you don’t say the polar express🚞 The Orient Express (21:48)The most famous train in history is one that many know by name but not by its story. Outside of the Agatha Christie novel and movies, what do you really know about the Orient Express? We unpack the history of the Orient Express, uncover why it became famous, what happened to it and take a look at the revival headed our way in 2027 🧂 Unpacking Utah (46:36)Chantel is back from her trip to Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah and she’s unpacking her experience. She gives us the run down on dirty sodas, the bland food, and how beautiful the valley truly is. Oh, and of course, we have a new Runway Report with SLC. ⛳ What is the GCC (59:24)The long-awaited GCC Unified Visa will be launched in 2026 - we take a look at what that means for travelers and what that means for the countries in the GCC - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Oh, and we talk Mr. Beast, unfortunately for his new amusement park, Beast Land, he wont get the benefits of the GCC visa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📚 Dr Seuss is Back and GEM has the artiFacts (01:40)That’s right THE Dr. Seuss is dropping a new book, Sing the 50 United States, which is different than Fifty Nifty which Wyatt sings…or attempts to sing to the taggies against Chantel’s desires. Plus, the Grand Egyptian Museum is finally open after 2 decades of work. 🥤 Dirty Soda - What is the Best Kind of Pop (07:43)Spoiler Alert - we’ve never tried dirty soda. Sadly we couldn’t debate the hot topic in Utah we swig it up with what our favorite kind of pop is and discuss if favorite and best are technically the same thing for pop?! 🧂 Salt Lake City - Everything You Need to Know (14:56)Utah or U-Nah, Wyatt challenges Chantel and the Taggies to a game to uncover some interesting tid bits about Salt Lake City before Chantel dives into the history, fun facts, and top things to do in Salt Lake City. We even Sprinkle in some treats about Ogden, Utah👾 Retro Escape - The Future yet Past for Las Vegas (52:30)Las Vegas is dying, at least that’s what all the experts keep telling everyone but it’s not going down without a fight! Retro Escape a new immersive theme park that will take travelers back in time through the decades of the 50s to the 90s to relive the glory days or experience time they never got to see!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍅 The Drink that Tastes the Best at 30,000 Feet (01:38)Not all drinks are equal when at cruising altitude. No, this isn’t a bold claim by yours truly, it is a scientific fact!!! Thanks to the low moisture, low pressure, and the loud noise of flying….yes, noise plays a factor in taste, tomato juice and bloody mary’s are the best tasting drinks. Personal opinion, some of us respectfully disagree📖 Travel to an Author’s Home or a Book Setting? (13:27)There’s so many elements to the world of literary travel but when it comes to building a trip and designing and itinerary, what is more important – visiting the place where the book was written or the setting/inspiration? 📚 Literary Travel - the Rise of Book Trips (19:01)Reading provides an escape and so does Traveling. It was only a matter of time before the two hobbies merged. Literary Travel brings you to places that helped create some of your favorite stories but how did travel stem from reading. The three driving forces - personalization, the imaginative immersion, and social media amplification 💎 Magnifica Air - Changing how we Travel (55:28)It’s not often we get a new airlines these days as many brands are fighting to stay afloat. It’s even more rare to have an airline change the industry but that’s what Magnifica Air is trying to do. It’s opening a new sector of air travel between commercial and private to give people a luxurious experience that is more accessible!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚌 Landlines - Airplanes for the Ground (01:31)Airplanes for the ground? Aren’t those just cars? Nooooo, that’s crazy! Landlines are buses. More specifically, Landlines are a service offered by American Airlines that opporates like an airplane where you go to the airport, fumble through TSA, stroll down your gate and BAM you board a bus that drives on the tarmac! No, we’re not crazy, just listen to the episode! 👻 Haunted Hotel - an amenity or a deterrent? (09:39)We’re heard the ghost stories of haunted destinations such as a spooky hotel, but when you’re booking a place to stay and see that it’s marked with paranormal activity….are you more eager to book a room or quickly closing the tab and searching for a new place? 🎃 Halloween Around the World (17:11)Candy and witches are staples to us in America, but Halloween around the world looks a bit different. So much so, some countries celebrate it in the summer! From carved turnips and decorated graves, to lantern festivals, we unpack what the spooky season looks like in all corners of the globe! ⛩️ Kyoto’s Expensive Tourist Tax (32:55)Every day there’s a new destination fighting back against overtourism. Kyoto is our primary subject today! After witnessing record numbers this summer, Kyoto is raising their tourist tax but up to 900% in some places. The new tax will be tacked on to all hotel stays in the city and is per person, per night! Yes, it can add up quickly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎒 Is travel attire going to get you banned? (01:29)Picking your plane outfit can really make or break your flight experience and we all love a good travel hack. But when travel attire and innovation mix, is it a recipe for disaster? We start off today’s episode discussing the latest unique travel clothing and why airlines might not like it.💸 Free Bags vs. Free Booze (09:30)The battle of the freebies is on! Or maybe it’s not. We debate which we’d rather have from airlines if we could only have one or the other: free checked bags or free booze. And yes, this is inspired by true events.🎃 The Halloween Capital of the World (14:19)The city that holds this elusive, spooky title might surprise you! What started from a tricky history and evolved into a celebration that’s definitely a treat, we’ve got a lot to cover for this quaint town in the midwest that has earned its right to declare itself the Halloween Capital of the World. 🌐 What in the World is Going on With the EU? (39:54)If you’re planning a trip to Europe, more specifically the European Union, your entry and exit might look a little different now. That’s right, Schengen has a new system for non-citizens coming into the area which is supposed to speed up the process but it might slow you down when it first rolls out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

✈️ Your Next Airplane Movie (01:31)It’s no surprise that movies with a travel thing just hit different when you’re at cruising altitude on the way to your next destination. On our last flight, Wyatt discovered a new movie that he thinks fits the criteria perfectly: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Don’t let the title fool you, it is indeed a perfect airplane movie.💸 How Much Is Convenience Worth to You? (07:55)Have you ever considered volunteering to push your flight in exchange for monetary compensation? Would you do it for just $25? Inspired by a real offer Wyatt received from Alaska Airlines, we discuss what our minimum dollar amount would be to give up our seat on a flight to take one that’s less…convenient. Spoiler: it’s more than $25.🌊 Lake Tahoe: Its Long History, Fun Facts, Things to do, & More! (13:29)We dive (pun intended) into all the things about Lake Tahoe in California, and Nevada, as Wyatt is heading there for a bachelor party. 🚢 What in the World is Going on With The Great Lakes? (39:24)Cruises! That’s right, American Cruise Lines is setting sail in 2026 with the first-ever domestic cruise route that will traverse several great lakes, all while never crossing the U.S. border. Are we in or out on a domestic cruise line? How much does this cost? Can you even fit a cruise ship on a lake? Fear not, we’ve got it covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🇨🇦 Have you heard of Flag Jacking? (01:33)It’s not what you think it is, or is it? Flag Jacking is one of the latest trends for travelers abroad where they rep not their home country, but somewhere else. We discuss why folks feel the need to do this and what we think about it.🍁 The Best Fall Flavor (08:37)A new season means new flavors and nothing says, “fall is here” like that first taste of pumpkin… Or apple! Or maple! Or pecan! The debate for best fall flavor is officially on. Will you agree or disagree with our picks?🍂 Fall Factual vs Fallacy, Where in the Fall is This?, and Everything Fall Travel (13:27)Before we dive into all things Fall Travel, we have a couple of games lined up to see if Chantel can correctly guess Fall Factual vs Fallacy (true or false) and Where in the Fall is This? (trivia). Play along and let us know if you have her beat! Then find out everything you need to know about fall travel, including a deep dive into Vermont’s Route 100.🚢 What in the World is Going on With Four Seasons Cruises? (41:24)From the fall season to the Four Seasons! If you’re a fan of travel or The White Lotus, then you’re familiar with Four Seasons and their luxurious hotel destinations around the world. Since they’ve conquered land, they’ve decided to try their hand at sea! That’s right, Four Seasons is debuting their own luxury yacht cruise experience and we’re giving you all the deets you need before it makes its inaugural sail Spring 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🐻 Big Week in Travel (01:31)No we’re not just talking about our return to the US but instead Fat Bear Week & World Tourism Day! Fat Bear week from Katmai National Park celebrates the big beasts and gives us something to smile about and National Tourism Day highlights the good and importance of Tourism with a new theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” and host country Malaysia 🏙️ What’s the best city in Japan? (11:59)okay, it’s not the official claim but of the 3 cities we visited, what is the official Bag Tag ranking of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? Chantel and Wyatt have different 1s but the same 3s!!!🇯🇵 Unpacking Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka (17:40)We take you on a step by step journey through all the fun activities we took on in the big 3 giving some insight into some of our favorite spots, things we learned, favorite food spots, and somethings we probably would have done differently. We also gush over the Shinkansen bullet train!  🛫 Runway Report - Haneda Airport (83:41)Tokyo’s international airport gets added to the list. Does the layout, efficiency, stores, shops, and vibes give it a chance to land high on the list? Spoiler- it’s not at the bottom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💺The Exit Row Hack is Not Real (01:35)Sure, booking the exit row sounds like the cheat code for infinite legroom. But after six hours of flying, you’re not stretching out like royalty—you’re the unofficial leaning post for every aisle-stretcher and bathroom wanderer. Congrats, you’ve basically booked a lobby.✈️ What to Do if Your Plane is Diverted (06:44)Your flight just pulled the ultimate plot twist and landed somewhere you didn’t ask for. Now what? We walk through how to handle surprise stopovers, from a few inconvenient hours to an unexpected bonus vacation day.⛩️ Kyoto – Everything You Need to Know (10:41)Temples, tea ceremonies, and enough history to fill a plane’s worth of guidebooks—we’ll hit you with the highlights, quirky facts, and can’t-miss experiences to make your Kyoto trip unforgettable.🍲 Osaka – Everything You Need to Know (27:48)Street food heaven, neon nights, and a vibe that’s totally its own. We’ll break down what makes Osaka a must-visit (and no, it’s not just the takoyaki… but also yes, the takoyaki).💰 What in the World is Going on with Airline Compensation? (46:03)The government just scrapped a rule that would’ve made airline reimbursement simple and traveler-friendly. So what does this actually mean for your wallet when the inevitable flight chaos strikes? We unpack the messy aftermath. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🤖 Don’t use ChatGPT to plan Travel (01:28)Okay, you can but like please, please, please sabrina carpenter style…use it as one of MANY different resources to help you plan or you may end up like this couple who got stranded and vacation ruined for putting all their trust in the ai!!! We breakdown what happened and how to prevent this! 👾 The Best Japanese Mascot (08:36)This one was tough. There are so many iconic mascots that have come out of Japan - Hello Kitty, Mario, Pikachu, Gudetama but only one can be the ruler of them all. We debate which mascot is the most iconic and we don’t agree on which it should be! 🇯🇵 The History, Fun Facts, and Top Things to do in Tokyo (14:08)We’re headed of to Tokyo, the top destination on both of our bucket lists for some time. We take a look at how this fishing village grew, was destroyed and bounced back to become the largest metro in the world! Then we drop some crazy fun facts about the city before discussing the top things to do in Tokyo and try to figure out what the heck we will do while we’re there 🎢 What in the World is PokePark (64:07)We have Disneyland, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Nintendo Land, but where in the world is a Pokemon Land. It has finally arrived…well almost. PokePark is headed to Tokyo in 2026 marking the first permanent Pokemon amusement park in the world. We unpack all the deets so you can get hyped and ready to go!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍂 Back to Fall (01:03)You’re never too old to get into the Back to School Spirit! While Labor Day Weekend no longer marks the end of summer break for us, we still used this time to regroup and get ready for a new season. Instead of going back to school, we’re looking forward to heading into fall and the start of football season (or maybe it’s just Wyatt who’s excited for football).🏠 What’s the best season to stay home and not travel? (09:27)While there’s really never a bad time to travel, if we had to pick one season to just stay home…what would it be? We discuss the best time of year to be in the house, and finally uncover what Chantel’s personal seasonal calendar is. Brace yourselves.✈️ Summer Travel Industry Performance (18:10)If you’ve ever traveled during the summer, you know the absolute chaos that ensues as everyone else is also trying to make it to their travel destinations. Except this year was a bit different. We unpack the 2025 Summer Travel Headlines and Trends that took over the industry 🗺️ Big Summer Unpack (36:33)The Bag Tag crew kept busy this summer as we enjoyed 7 different trips, and by summer we’re talking labor day to memorial day. That leaves us with a lot to unpack. We talk philly, LA, NY, atlantic city, Carmel by the Sea, San Juan Islands and the Boundary Waters! 🌎 Everything you need to know about Disney after D23 2025 (63:35)D23 brings tons of new updates in the world of Disney…and not just the movies. From the parks in the US to overseas, as well as Disney at Sea, we take a look at all the new attractions headed to the parks that were announced at D23 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🖥️ Save the Seatback Screens (01:35)Airlines keep trying to ditch seatback screens like they’re yesterday’s inflight peanuts—replacing them with the “privilege” of using our own devices. No thanks! We’re launching an official campaign to save the seatback screen, because how else are we supposed to binge trashy shows and doomscroll at 30,000 feet?🗿 Are You Drawn to UNESCO Sites? (03:58)Sure, the 7 Wonders hog the spotlight on everyone’s travel bucket list, but what about UNESCO sites? Do they spark that same “must-travel” itch? You may never check them all off, but do they make you want to book that next adventure? Let’s find out.🗺️ What Even Is UNESCO in Travel? (08:38)UNESCO’s been popping up in the headlines—but what does it actually do, and why should travelers care? We’re unpacking the meaning behind the label, spotlighting some underrated sites, and exploring why those blue plaques can turn a place into a must-visit.🌎 Why the US Ghosted UNESCO (Again) (33:43)The US just dipped out of UNESCO—for the third time. Yep, third. We break down the political drama, the reasons behind the exit, and what it means for the future of global heritage (and your travel plans). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📱Cellphone Lots (01:29)Why do people insist on playing “airport chicken” at arrivals, clogging up lanes like it’s rush hour on the runway? Newsflash: your passenger doesn’t land for 30 minutes. That’s what cellphone lots are for! They’re close, comfy, and perfect for a Netflix binge or a little stretch before the big reunion.🎲 Best Cabin Activity – Campfire Stories or Board Games (04:00)Sure, both hit different when you’re tucked away in the woods—but only one can claim cabin supremacy. Chantel swears nothing tops the spooky magic of a crackling campfire, while Wyatt rallies hard for the competitive chaos of board games. Which one belongs in the cabin hall of fame? We debate it out.🌲 Cabin Craze (12:36)Post-pandemic travel went wild for cabins, and honestly, who can blame anyone? From cozy escapes in the mountains to lakeside hideouts, the cabin takeover is real. We dive into the top 5 cabin destinations in the U.S.—plus the best season to hit each one.🛶 The Boundary Waters of Minnesota (24:20)Step off the grid and straight into a time machine. The Boundary Waters is a legendary wilderness with thousands of canoe trails, endless adventures, and a National Geographic stamp of approval. We share the must-knows before you paddle out into one of the most pristine spots in America.🇬🇷 Chonkus Maximus in Greece (42:04)Move over Acropolis—Greece’s most unexpected tourist icon was a cat. Yes, Chonkus Maximus became an overnight sensation, stealing hearts worldwide. We chart the rise, reign, and current whereabouts of this feline queen of tourism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💺 The “Best” Airline Seats for Couples – Let’s End This Madness (01:36) Internet influencers (a.k.a. people with ring lights and opinions) are swearing up and down that the best seating arrangement for couples is two aisle seats across from each other. Allegedly, you get more elbow room and an easy escape to the bathroom. In reality? It’s relationship sabotage disguised as travel advice. You’ll be forced into a weird across-the-aisle shouting match like you’re in competing Broadway productions. Want to share snacks? Prepare for awkward midair handoffs as flight attendants glare at you. Need to hold hands? You can’t—unless you both have Inspector Gadget arms. For couples who actually want to sit together and gasp talk without yelling over strangers, stick with your classic side-by-side window and middle—or if you’re lucky enough to find them, those cozy two-seaters at the back of some planes. Romance is not yelling “What?!” over the beverage cart. 🏝 Can You Guess How Many Islands There Are? (05:29) It’s the travel world’s version of “How many M&Ms are in the jar?”—except the jar is Earth, and the M&Ms are islands. At first, you’ll guess a modest few hundred. Then you’ll remember—oh right—there are islands in lakes, islands in rivers, islands that only pop up when the tide is low and someone’s Instagramming a picnic on them. Turns out there are hundreds of thousands. Yep, even more than the number of unread emails in your inbox. The actual total might blow your mind, and no, you don’t get a prize if you’re close. Unless you count bragging rights at trivia night, which we fully support. 🚤 The San Juan Islands – Friday Harbor Edition (09:23)Nestled off the coast of northern Washington, the San Juan Islands are a whole other kind of Pacific Northwest magic—think postcard-perfect harbors, orca-spotting boat rides, and that salty sea air that makes you want to write bad poetry. Friday Harbor is the star of the show, with quaint shops, fresh seafood, and a laid-back vibe that could convince even the busiest city-dweller to finally slow down. Fun fact: the islands were once at the center of the Pig War—yes, an actual historical dispute over a pig. Today, they’re better known for kayaking, whale watching, and sunset views so good you’ll briefly consider quitting your job to open an artisanal jam stand. 🚄 What’s the Deal with California’s High-Speed Rail? (31:10) California’s high-speed rail project has been in the works since roughly the dawn of time (okay, since 2008, but it feels like forever). The idea: a sleek, bullet-train-style route whisking passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco in under three hours—no middle seat required. The reality: budget overruns, construction delays, and more political drama than a reality TV reunion. Recently, the Trump administration pulled funding, throwing yet another wrench into the project’s already sluggish progress. Will it ever get built? Maybe. Will you be retired and collecting seashells by the time you ride it? Also maybe. For now, the dream lives on—at least in renderings and very ambitious timelines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.