TheTravelCamel‘s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth to discuss great road trips, the most popular form of travel in the age of coronavirus. Shane gives tips on how to safely take road trips and shares stories about some of the world’s greatest drives. He takes us on the Pamir Highway between Tajikistan and Kyrgyztan through the spectacular Wakhan Valley, and along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Mental fuel for when we can all take these road trips again in person.
The Pursuit of History’s Lee Wright joins Paul and Elizabeth to unveil a virtual road trip to 12 of the United States’ most fascinating historical sites. The live-stream event will take place on August 1, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m, Eastern Daylight Time. But don’t worry if you need to take a lunch break. All 12 of the hour-long episodes will be archived, so log on to AmericasSummerRoadtrip.org to get a virtual tour of each site, along with expert commentary. The program visits places across the country from New Jersey to California and includes lesser-known sites, such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, as well as famous favorites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina.
LuxeAdventureTraveler’s Jennifer Dombrowski joins Paul and Elizabeth to report on France’s return to something that looks a lot more like normal than many parts of the world, due in part to France’s serious lockdown earlier in the year. She takes us to the 13th-century fortified town of Libourne, where the farmers market has been holding forth three times a week for 600 years. Strawberry season has recently ended. Fresh apricots, anyone?
ThePointsGuy’s Gene Sloan joins Paul and Elizabeth to discuss the current and future state of the cruise industry. When will the large, ocean-going vessels sail again? What health and safety protocols will be in place? In the meantime, some small, regional cruising is starting in Europe – and is hoping to start in the United States - how are those efforts going? Gene helps us sort through the myriad factors involved in the rebooting of this important travel industry segment.
Noble House Hotels & Resort’s Scott Colee joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the health and safety protocols the company is instituting as its hotels reopen after COVID-19 lockdowns. Learn about this eclectic collection of boutique properties around the United States and what makes them special. Is it true that the Beatles once fished from one of these hotels?
Travel journalist and photographer Lee Foster joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal why California is such a special travel destination. Its culture, its history, and its incredible natural beauty have inspired generations of dreamers. Lee shares information about the state’s fascinating history and introduces us to some quirky, and resilient, characters.
GoNomad’s Max Hartshorne joins Paul and Elizabeth to share some of the website’s insightful articles. He takes us to Africa’s Victoria Falls, twice as big as Niagara; did you know that you and your sweetheart can stand in two countries – one of you in Zambia and one in Zimbabwe – and kiss across the border? Max also reveals the excitement of India’s Sangai Festival and takes us to Newfoundland, where he shares his foraging adventure. He gathered edible plants along the seashore and ate moose with fresh berries. (It didn’t taste like chicken.)
Kirsten Schmidt joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal how Hamburg, Germany, along with most of the country, is beginning to open up after a long period of lockdown due to coronavirus precautions. Hotels and restaurants are beginning to open – all with social distancing and mask-wearing. It’s a sign of progress for this, Germany’s second-largest city, famous for its fish market, spectacular symphony hall, Hanseatic League history, and Germany’s most popular attraction: a museum of miniatures called Wonderland. Check out hamburg-travel.com.
TheTravelCamel’s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth for Part 2 of his report on the recent Arabian Travel Market Virtual. Sessions revealed the importance of social media in keeping customers engaged during COVID-19 travel restrictions. Through social media, you can remind people of why they like you and make them want to visit you again once travel returns in full force. Also, why some powerful “influencers” don’t like the term.
TheTravelCamel’s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth to extol the joys of learning about a destination through its food. You can even do that while sheltering in place – Shane reveals his secret: He talks with a local chef and either takes a cooking class or gets a recipe. Then he gathers the ingredients and makes the dish at home for his family. Tune in to savor some food fun.
GoNomad’s Max Hartshorne joins Paul and Elizabeth to discuss what we all need to know about travel’s gradual reopening. They also explore the wonders of Indonesia, including the little-known Ijen Crater, home of the blue flames. And they review some of the cultural dos and don’ts of visiting this endlessly fascinating country, where manners and respect are highly valued.