Podcast
The Frommer's Travel Show
Hosted by Pauline Frommer · EN
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.
38episodes
Episodes
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Vietnam Revisited: Insights from a Second Trip
Jan 1100:43:09Tap to summarizePauline Frommer and Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran discussed Pauline's second trip to Vietnam, which was just completed. Takeaways:The host emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, particularly regarding visa applications, as a critical aspect of international travel.The episode highlights the cultural richness of Vietnam, including indigenous tribes and their fascinating customs, which the host explored during the trip.The discussion includes reflections on the modern tourism industry in Vietnam, noting both advancements and the potential for inauthentic tourist experiences.The host's experience at a dark restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a metaphor for broader themes of accessibility and culinary expectations in travel.Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel PodcastCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network
Transcribe →Airfare Trends for 2026
Jan 400:28:58Tap to summarizeJesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, discussed strategies for getting the best airfares, at a time when travelers are facing a lot of headwinds. Takeaways: In 2026, the impact of artificial intelligence on airfare pricing has significantly reduced the window of opportunity for booking low-cost flights. Travelers should embrace 'gateway flexibility' by considering multiple departure airports, and itineraries that include domestic hops before international ones, to access better fares for international destinations. The traditional concept of an 'off season' for travel has become obsolete, necessitating a shift in strategy for cost-effective travel planning. Companies mentioned in this episode: Dollar Flight Club Norse Airways French Bee Delta Airlines United Airways American Airlines Ryanair Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel PodcastCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network
Transcribe →Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties Hit the Road
Dec 2800:29:55Tap to summarizeAvery Singer and Jolie Golub, founders of BachBoss an agency that creates customs tailored travel experiences for Hen and Stag parties, were our guests today. They discussed the most popular destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties, over-the-top celebrity celebrations, and the biggest problems groups encounter when planning these sorts of roaming fests. Takeaways: The Travel and Adventure Show is set to take place in Seattle on January 10th and 11th, marking a significant event for travel enthusiasts. Attendees of the Travel and Adventure Show can get free tickets by using the code "FROMMERSVIP" when purchasing tickets online. The trend of destination bachelor and bachelorette parties has surged, with approximately 80% of couples opting for weekend getaways to celebrate before their weddings. BachBoss, a company specializing in planning bachelor and bachelorette parties, was founded by friends who discovered a market need through their own experiences. Popular destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties include Miami, Las Vegas, Cabo, and Tulum, combining luxury experiences with celebratory activities. The importance of early planning for destination events cannot be overstated, as venues and accommodations fill up quickly during peak travel seasons. Companies mentioned in this episode: Bach Boss Frommer's Guides The Seattle Travel and Adventure Show
Transcribe →The Best Booking Engines for Airfares and Lodgings? A Smart Study Has Answers
Dec 2100:27:28Tap to summarizeReid Bramblett, author of our recent studies on how to find the best booking engines for airfares, and the best ones for lodgings, unpacked his research. He discussed which sites find the lowest rates most consistently, how to filter results smartly, VPN uses for travel bookings, and when doing multiple searches will be the only way to find the lowest prices.Takeaways: The travel industry presents complex pricing structures that require careful examination to avoid overpaying. Reid Bramlett conducted an extensive study to identify the best booking engines for airfares and hotels. AI chatbots currently perform poorly in providing accurate travel pricing information. Momondo emerged as the top airfare search engine due to its superior price-finding capabilities and filters. Google Hotels consistently finds the lowest hotel prices, with Trivago coming in a very close second. Some engines surface the fees and taxes that can drastically increase the overall costs but others do not so engaging a VPN can help you more easily see what the end cost will be (and might find you lower prices overall).
Transcribe →On the Road: Madrid and Toledo
Dec 1400:28:33Tap to summarizePauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Spain with Jason Cochran, Editor in Chief of Frommers.comTakeaways: In this episode, we discuss the cosmopolitan nature of Madrid, highlighting its expansive avenues, walkability, top restaurants and extraordinary museums. The culinary experiences in Madrid are diverse, ranging from molecular gastronomy to traditional tapas, showcasing the city's rich gastronomic culture. Our exploration of Madrid includes visits to renowned museums, where masterpieces from artists like Bosch and Goya captivate the imagination. The flamenco show at Corral de la Moreria stands out as a cultural highlight, demonstrating the city's historical significance in the flamenco tradition and its artistic vibrancy. A side trip to Toledo is the perfect add on to an adventure in Madrid, as it's a very different city, with extraordinary religious heritage, and only 30 minutes away by trainCompanies and sights mentioned in this episode: Frommers.com Melt the band DSTAgE Restaurant Doppelganger Bar Coral de la Moreria Thyssen-Bornemisza National MuseumEl PradoPrimatial Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Toledo
Transcribe →On the Road: Berlin and Utrecht
Dec 700:36:58Tap to summarizeFrom her hotel room in Utrecht, Pauline Frommer talked with Frommers.com's Editor In Chief Jason Cochran about her adventures in that Dutch hotspot, and her just concluded visit to Germany's capital. Links referenced in this episode:frommers.comspotify.comcafe-frida.comalchemistclub.comtivolivredenburg.nlddrmuseum.deneue-museum.deCompanies and Attractions mentioned in this episode: Melt the Band Cafe Frida Alchemist Club Gamalde Gallery Neue Museum Tivoli Vredenburg DDR Museum Brandenburg Gate Reichstag Checkpoint Charlie
Transcribe →Tours for People Who Don't Want to Be "Tourists", Plus a Deep Dive Into the Spiritual Life of Japan
Nov 3000:39:58Tap to summarizeNew 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
Transcribe →Amelia Earhart: Founder of the Modern Travel Industry? Plus a Look at Why She Disappeared
Nov 2300:34:01Tap to summarizeLaurie 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.
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