Claim OwnershipThe Frommer's Travel Show
Subscribed: 311Played: 9,220
Subscribe
© Copyright 2025 FrommerMedia LLC. All rights reserved.
Description
Since the 1957 publication of Arthur Frommer's (1929-2024) seminal Europe on $5 a Day, the Frommer guidebooks have been America's most trusted travel source. This podcast, hosted by Arthur Frommer's daughter, and President of FrommerMedia LLC, Pauline Frommer, gives listeners the low down on what's happening in the world of travel today. Topics range from the most appealing destinations, to money-saving and enjoyment-enhancing trends, to books and TV shows that bring travel into your daily life, and more. Expect guest appearances by some of the biggest names in travel today, including Samantha Brown, Andrew McCarthy, Frances Mayes, Jason Cochran, travel journalists from the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other publications.
339 Episodes
Reverse
New York Times writer Jonathan Zwickel discussed his recent article about tours that uncover the political and economic forces that are shaping life in Athens, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and other important cities. Then Hiroko Yoda discussed her illuminating book about Japanese traditions, religious practices and life "Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan.Takeaways: Zwickel recounts his experience of wandering through an Athens neighborhood, revealing the urban decay and struggles faced by locals. We discuss the importance of ethical tourism, emphasizing the need for respectful engagement with local communities and their histories. The podcast highlights the emergence of social and political walking tours as a means to provide deeper insights into the realities of city life and its challenges. Additionally, we examine how these tours can serve as an antidote to overtourism by redistributing visitor traffic to underappreciated areas. In the second half Yoda discusses the interplay between different religious traditions in the temples of Japan; how she came to find Shinto teachings helpful while grieving the loss of her parents; and a the story behind a famous mound in Tokyo, that has a surprising history.Links referenced in this episode:newyorktimes.comairbnb.complanetwonk.com
Laurie Gwen Shapiro, author of the new book "The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam and the Marriage That Made an American Icon" was today's guest. She discussed how Earhart shaped how we travel today, why she is still such a potent role model, and what happened to her on her final flight.Takeaways: The contemporary travel industry owes much of its development to the pioneering efforts of early aviators, particularly Amelia Earhart, who significantly influenced public perception of air travel. Laurie Gwen Shapiro's book, 'The Aviator and the Amelia Earhart,' delves into the intricate relationship between Amelia Earhart and her husband, George Putnam, showcasing their collaborative efforts. Amelia Earhart's role as an ambassador for aviation was crucial in promoting air travel to women, thereby helping to establish the industry as a viable mode of transportation. The podcast highlights the complexities surrounding Amelia Earhart's legacy, suggesting that her ambitious nature and calculated risks played a significant role in her untimely demise. Listeners are encouraged to explore the nuances of Amelia Earhart's final flight by listening to tapes of those who know her, available on the Smithsonian website.
In our final installment of our series on the best destinations for 2026, Pauline Frommer, Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran, and Managing Editor Zac Thompson discussed Palawan in the Philippines, Portugal's Algarve region, Chicago, Adelaide in Australia and Vienna, Austria.To see our Best Places to Go in 2026 photo-rich article, go to Frommers.com/BestPlaces2026.Takeaways: In 2026, Chicago will be a prominent travel destination due to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, which is expected to significantly reshape the community. Vienna is poised to attract visitors with a plethora of cultural events, including the 250th anniversary of the Burgtheater and the reopening of the Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art. Palawan in the Philippines is becoming increasingly popular, particularly due to its stunning natural beauty and the upcoming film set to draw attention to the region. The Algarve region of Portugal will feature direct transatlantic flights in 2026, making its beautiful beaches and rich history more accessible to American tourists. Adelaide, Australia, is experiencing a renaissance with new direct flights, making it easier for travelers to explore its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty. The year 2026 promises to be exceptional for travel as various destinations celebrate significant anniversaries and cultural events that will enhance the visitor experience.
Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran, and Managing Editor Zac Thompson, joined Pauline Frommer to discuss the destinations that will be particularly vacation-worthy in 2026. Today's show covered Peru, Jasper (Alberta, Canada), Hot Springs (Arkansas), Viti Levu (Fiji), Costa Navarino (Greece), and the United States' 250th birthday celebration venues. To see the complete list go to Frommers.com/bestplaces2026. Takeaways: In our discussion, we emphasized that Peru offers far more than just Machu Picchu, highlighting its diverse attractions. The recent political unrest in Peru has affected tourism, necessitating a focus on alternative destinations within the country. We introduced Costa Navarino in Greece as an emerging travel destination, providing a unique cultural experience without the usual tourist crowds. The Rocky Mountaineer Train's new Jasper to Banff route presents an opportunity to explore the stunning Canadian Rockies conveniently and luxuriously. Viti Levu in Fiji is becoming more accessible to North American travelers, enriching its cultural landscape with a mix of influences. The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary with nationwide events that promote historical education and civic engagement.
It's that time of year again! Frommer's writers from across the globe have nominated the places that they think will be especially appealing to visit in the coming year, for very specific reasons—important anniversaries, new features, affordability, you name it. From the dozens of suggestions, we narrowed the field down to 16. You can see the complete list at Frommers.com/bestplaces2026.In this episode Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran, and Managing Editor Zac Thompson, joined Pauline Frommer to discuss Asheville (North Carolina), Patagonia Azul (Argentina), Kruger National Park (South Africa), Albuquerque, and Oulu (Finland).
Andrea Sachs, Travel Reporter for the Washington Post, discussed how to save money on inoculations and health advice for travel. Then Frommer's author Tamara Hinson discussed why so many travel prices are increasing, and how to save money anywayTakeaways: Travelers must be aware of the significant costs associated with vaccinations required for some international trips, as they can be exorbitant. Consultation at travel clinics can lead to unexpected expenses, and it is advisable to research beforehand to avoid overspending. Primary care physicians can provide valuable recommendations for vaccinations, potentially reducing unnecessary expenses . It is prudent to investigate various travel clinics and compare prices, as not all facilities charge the same for vaccinations and consultations. AI is driving up the cost of hotels and airfares, but there are strategies for outwitting the machineRental car companies moving to electric fleets is temporarily raising the cost of rental carsAirport expansion projects are making many costs at airports higher, primarily parking and food. So pack your own meals and get a friend to drop you off before your flightMany countries are adding additional fees to visit and at some top attractions. We looked at a few of the places where costs are increasingCompanies mentioned in this episode: Washington Post Passport Health CDC HMO University of Maryland Cox Automotive Atomize
Frommer's Author David McElhinney joined Pauline Frommer to discuss the culinary specialties of different Japanese regions, walking vacation opportunities that mirror the Camino de Santiago experience, ways to experience Japan's sizzling pop culture, and some strategies for saving money on a Japanese vacation.Takeaways:Transportation in country is one of the highest costs travelers face, but buying a Japan Rail Pass may save you money. A look at its pros and cons.Accommodations can also take a bite out of the budget, so we discussed what capsule hotels are like, plus the more conventional but still affordable options most travelers prefer. Japan's culinary offerings are diverse and budget-friendly. We took a look at convenience store meals, Tokyo's Ramen scene, and the foods eaten in a region of Japan that has the most centenarians. Visiting off-the-beaten path Japan will get you out into some stunning nature areas, and into communities that really need the tourist business.The Frommer's Travel Podcast was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is hosted by Pauline Frommer, the Publisher of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommers.com, with new episodes issued weekly.
Seth Kugel, the Tripped Up columnist for the New York Times, shared a shocking tale of an Airbnb stay that went wrong. He also gave advice on how to keep yourself safe in a vacation rental. Then Jason Lucking of pAIback.app, discussed this new flight savings tool.The Frommer's Travel Podcast was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is hosted by Pauline Frommer, the Publisher of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommers.com, with new episodes issued weekly.
Traveling to Cuba today requires a knowledge of the law, and some strategies for getting the most out of your trip. Podcaster Chris Christensen of the Amateur Traveler podcast just recently returned from this storied island nation, and discussed some of the elements of a trip there, including:Why United States citizens have to find non-hotel accommodationsHow issues with the power grid will impact travelWhy farm visits are so intriguing in Cuba (especially for cigar fans)How the beach scene differs in Cuba from other destinationsSome of the top sights and experiences in Havana and TrinidadThe Frommer's Travel Podcast was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is hosted by Pauline Frommer, the Publisher of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommers.com, with new episodes issued weekly.
Jeff Greenwald, author of the brilliant travel memoir "The Size of the World: Once Around Without Ever Leaving the Ground" was today's guest.In the course of the conversation, he discussed:-What the ideal travel companions are-What it's like to travel by freighter-The mysteries of the Dogon people of Mali-A moving encounter with novelist Paul Bowles in Morocco-The many meanings of pilgrimage-The Lhasa Valley in TibetAnd much more. The Frommer's Travel Show was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It is a weekly podcast, hosted by Pauline Frommer, daughter of Frommer's guidebooks founder Arthur Frommer, and President of Frommer Media LLC.
Barbara Balfour, author of "Frommer's Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick" was our first guest, talking about how to plan the best trip to the Canadian Maritimes. Among the topics she hit:The tragic Acadian history of the region, and how to experience Acadian culture todayWhy lesser-known New Brunswick many now be the best state in the Maritimes for a nature vacationHow to plan a road trip along the Cabot TrailHow you can enjoy Prince Edward Island even if you don't give a damn about "Anne of Green Gables"Then, Dawn Padmore, Vice President of Awards at the James Beard Association came in to give us a backstage look at this important culinary contest. She discussed:Who James Beard was, and how the awards beganHow restaurants get nominated for the honorWhat winning an award can mean for a restaurantThe Foundation's special dinners, in New York City and across the country, which introduce the public to award winning chefs.The Frommer's Travel Show was named one of the 13 best for travel by the New York Times. It's hosted by Pauline Frommer, daughter of founder Arthur Frommer and the publisher of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommer's.com.
The Frommer's Travel Show was named one of the 13 Best Podcasts for Travel by the New York Times. It's hosted by Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director for the Frommer's guidebooks, and President of FrommerMedia LLC, which publishes Frommers.com (12 million page views per month) and the Frommer's guides. This week's episode features James Hammond, host of the "Winging It Travel Podcast," discussing his adventures in the Middle Eastern nation of Jordan.In the he covered:Why Jordan is such an exciting and What the fallout is, miles-wise from the recent JetBlue/United partnershipWhich hotel chain gives the most valuable pointsAnd ways for people to get started on the "game" that is reward travel.If you enjoy the podcast, we hope you'll give us a good review and rating wherever you listen to it. Doing so helps us keep creating impartial, journalistic (ie no "pay for play") travel information, both here, on Frommers.com, and in our books. Too much travel information is simply disguised marketing, and we're trying to stem the tide.
The Frommer's Travel Show was named one of the 13 Best Podcasts for Travel by the New York Times. It's hosted by Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director for the Frommer's guidebooks, and President of FrommerMedia LLC, which publishes Frommers.com (12 million page views per month) and the Frommer's guides. This week's episode features Greg Davis-Keane, the President of Frequent Miler, a blog and podcast that teaches how to make the most of loyalty points. He came on to talk points and miles, but did it in a way that beginners will understand (we promise). In the course of conversation, he covered:Why "buying portals" are excellent tools for amassing points What the fallout is, miles-wise, from the recent JetBlue/United partnershipWhich hotel chain gives the most valuable pointsAnd ways for people to get started on the "game" that is reward travel.If you enjoy the podcast, we hope you'll give us a good review and rating wherever you listen to it. Doing so helps us keep creating impartial, journalistic (ie no "pay for play") travel information, here, on Frommers.com and in our guidebooks. Too much travel information is simply disguised marketing, and we're trying to stem the tide.
Emily Thompson, Executive Director of The Coalition to Protect America's National Parks was our first guest, followed by Claire Fahy, a reporter for the New York Times, who gave tips on how to protect yourself when ordering and using Lyft, Uber or another ride share app.
Jason Cochran, author of Frommer's London, discussed the newly opened parts of the Houses of Parliament that visitors can see, London's brand new Vagina Museum, a blockbuster show at the Victoria and Albert, tours of abandoned Underground stations and more. Then the New York Times Seth Kugel unpacked a major fail by Delta Airlines, with some useful lessons on what travelers need to know when things go wrong.
Rolando Pujol, author of the just released book "The Great American Retro Roadtrip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana" was our guest, and he discussed the history of the motel (turning 100 in 2025), roadside "Giants" you must see, Googie architecture, and more.
Jeff Bogle, author of the new book "Street Cats & Where to Find Them: The Most Feline-Friendly Cities and Attractions Around the World", was this episode's guest.
In this special episode, we’re bringing you a story from the acclaimed series Hidden Trails of Oregon, hosted by award-winning travel writer Aaron Millar.Join Aaron as he visits the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians. Through the voice of Indigenous leader Bobbie Conner, you’ll discover the powerful, often untold history of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples—whose ancestral lands stretch across Eastern Oregon.This immersive journey weaves together sound-rich storytelling, historical insight, and the living traditions of a community determined to ensure their culture endures. It’s a profound look at the Oregon Trail from a perspective too often left out of history books, and a reminder of the resilience summed up in the words: Cháwna mun na’ámta – We will never fade.Listen to the full Hidden Trails of Oregon series:On SpotifyOn Apple PodcastsPlan your own journey to Oregon:Travel Oregon
PBS host Mickela Mallozzi told us about her adventures in Indonesia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Southern Italy and elsewhere, and also discussed what the future holds for her Emmy Award winning show "Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi".
Andrea Sachs, travel reporter for the Washington Post, discussed the 5 boatable, walkable and wonderful trails added to the National Trails system this June. Then Shafik Meghji, author of the new book "Small Earthquakes: A Journey Through Lost British History in South America", talked about why Welsh is still spoken in Patagonia, what the heck the Falklands War was about, and other ways the UK has been entangled with the continent over the centuries.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States