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The government shutdown has hit 30 days — and now TSA no-call rates are hitting 50% in Houston and 30% in New Orleans. Mark breaks down who's to blame, what it means for your next flight, and what you can do about it. Plus: will rising oil prices spike your airfare? (Hint: it depends on who's hedged.) Then — AI won't kill travel agents, and here's why the internet didn't either. And finally, Mark fires back at TikTok commenters defending Las Vegas prices: three meals and one drink for two people = $400. The math doesn't lie.

Fresh off a weekend wedding in Pennsylvania, we're diving into one of our favorite topics: making travel work for your life and your budget. Whether you're hitting the road in an RV, checking into a classic resort, or setting sail on a river cruise, there's never been more creative ways to explore the world.We kick things off with a look at the rise of short, close-to-home getaways — a trend that's been building for decades and exploded during and after COVID. Think of them as reset buttons: quick escapes that shake off the stress of everyday life without draining your bank account.Speaking of road trips, we revisit the RV boom that took off during the pandemic and where things stand today. From personal experience navigating the Keys in a camper van to pulling up at the iconic Casa Marina in Key West, we share what RV and van travel actually looks like on the ground.Then we shift gears to one of the fastest-growing segments in travel right now — river cruising. Why are more travelers choosing rivers over oceans? We break down the appeal and map out the possibilities, from the waterways of Europe, Africa, and Asia to right here in the USA — including a stunning Pacific Northwest route that traces the historic journey of Lewis and Clark.

This week on TravelTube, Mark Murphy cuts through the noise on four hot topics: the viral Tampa Airportpajama ban (spoiler: it was fake), the real reason Las Vegas tourism is tanking(hint: it's $85 steaks and $25 mini-bar waters, not tariffs), what the U.S.-Iran conflict means for your travel plans, and the "genius"pizza hack that racked up 13 million views — and whether it actually deserves the hype. Straight talk, no spin, all travel.

Mark Murphy sits down with Peter Liciaga — former Broadway performer, martial arts master, cancer survivor, and founder of the Living Strong Community. Peter shares his remarkable journey from the streets of the Bronx to the stage, the dojo, and beyond, and why he believes you're never too broken, beat, old, or bruised to live strong. If you're a travel professional looking for a mindset edge — or just someone who needs a dose of real inspiration — this one's for you.🔗 Join the Living Strong Community: Livingstrongtribe.com

This week: Southwest seating drama, a family who missed their Carnival cruise, how politics is killing tourism, and — can you really lose your TSA PreCheck for protesting? Mark Murphy breaks it all down and makes the case (again) for using a travel agent.

A luxury travel agent shares her insights on undiscovered parts of Italy, along with some incredible 5 star Caribbean Resorts. Belize, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, and more!

Travel expert Mark Murphy (TravelTube.com) and Scott Lara (MilitaryFares.com, The Cruise Genius) discuss the evolving travel landscape and share expert insights for travel agents and consumers.Key Topics Covered:Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort Review: Scott shares his recent experience at the newly opened Family Selection property in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, highlighting the kids clubs, TRS adults-only amenities, and spectacular dining options like La Bohème and Chic CabaretSafety in the Caribbean: Both hosts address common misconceptions about travel safety in destinations like the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of common sense over media sensationalismTravel Agent Resources: Discussion on the value of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing among travel professionals in today's digital-first booking environmentAirline Industry Changes: Scott shares a frustrating JetBlue seating experience and valuable lessons about airline revenue managementScam Alert: Important warning about fake customer service accounts on Twitter/X targeting travelers seeking helpBucket List Destinations: Brief discussion of exotic locations including Bora Bora, Belize, and CubaPerfect for travel agents looking to stay informed and travelers seeking insider knowledge from industry experts.

Grab Your Ass With Both Hands…Oh wait, we’re going to talkabout airline seating…where will you weigh in on some of the changes?  A new airline is offering pet friendly traveloptions. Your biggest pet peeve when it comes to flying?  And Some can’t see the forest for thetrees…travel agent message example…

With a winter storm set to wreak travel havoc, what should a traveler do? How MN chaos is fueling a media circus that is damaging inbound travel to the USA, while the travel industry leaders stay mum. What is travel news?

Hilton in the line of fire, Chipotle, Venezuela/Central America, 2026 Travel Predictions, top Destinations, Travel reward programs, and a way to find your next impulse trip…on a budget.

Too many people jump on X and other platforms to immediately jump to a conclusion, before having a single fact. That just happened in MN with the ire being directed at the Hilton Hotels corporate office due to a franchisee's ridiculous approach to gov employees. How bad is flying these days? If you get stuck with another entitled passenger, demanding you give up your set, tell them to take a hike...off a wing, ideally. That and more news of the week on TravelTube.com!

The US is getting ready to institute new entry requirements for tourists, while the EU and the UK put similar ones in this year and before. Some are upset with proposed rules that can have CBP accessing years of social media posts, and more, but that's not something that will impact the vast majority of travelers.Mark Murphy breaks it all down in this week's episode

Wow, a short clip of last week's interview with an advisor went viral on TikTok, which showed just how many people think travel agents are dead. wiht over 130 comments and growing, I thought I'd address the reality and point out just how clueless so many are.I'd say it surprised me, but that would be a lie. You see, despite decades of travel associations tied to building up the travel agency channel and awareness for it, they've failed miserably. But to cut them some slack, I'd bet that 90% of those sharing the most clueless posts are the same people that still think the Covid vaccine works.

Is the luxury travel market slowing down? Nope. Where are the affluent going, and what's driving it? Listen to Becky, of My Bella Travels share her insights on this market segment and why it's still roaring.

Disney just launched their newest ship, the Disney Destiny, and it's even better than you may have thought. Kim Anwar, owner of Magic Family Getaways, sailed just a couple of days ago and shares her thoughts with Mark Murphy.

The shutdown continues, but it's not affecting everyone...yet. Travel mistakes that I've made, as well as one that cost a family thousands of dollars. Think twice before you pack some edibles or a vape on an overseas trip, as it might land you in jail. And finally, why are Canadians so obsessed with Trump when it comes to visiting the USA?

Imagine getting off your cruise ship on a deserted island, only to be left behind when the ship departs. An 80 year old woman died because of it. Plus, the airline seat recline debate and key travel tips from travel agents/advisors.

With the aging of the baby boomers, the largest segment of the population, comes the desire to travel. The problem? As people age, they have more issues when it comes to mobility and exploring the world.Mike Clapper is pushing the industry to be more inclusive and aware of the opportunity in understanding and preparing for the needs of these travelers.

A lot of 'experts' have declared the death of #travelagents, from the introduction of online travel agencies like Expedia to the advent of the internet. Will they finally be right?

Will the government shutdown affect your travel? Maybe, but issues aren't widespread. Why are Canadians so triggered by memes and jokes while Americans laugh about them when they are the target? MSM is starting to pick up on the price of travel in the USA and Reddit is doing the same. Is it really cheaper to go overseas versus staying in the USA when traveling? YES, it is...almost every single time. Secure your data and