Natalie Dietl of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and Victoria Larson, North American representative for the region, join Paul and Elizabeth to explore some of the area’s rich Christmas traditions. Christmas markets might be closed this year, but you can still experience concerts and other artistic events virtually. And you can make at home some of the traditional holiday cookies, like springerle and spitzbuben. Glühwein, anyone?
ThePointsGuy.com’s Gene Sloan joins Paul and Elizabeth to give the latest outlook for when cruising is expected to restart in 2021. Start dates keep getting pushed back – find out why. Plus, Gene reports on his own experience on a ship on which a passenger tested positive for COVID-19. What was it like to be in quarantine on a small vessel in a cabin with no balcony? Tune in to learn the latest prognosis for cruising’s return to health.
TheTravelCamel.com’s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth to report on highlights from World Travel Market Virtual, the huge business-to-business trade show that normally draws thousands to London each fall. This year, the event was held virtually. “Travelers need to feel confident and comfortable,” says Shane, noting that, finally, there may be some hope on the horizon. When it picks up again, though, travel might not look like what you think it will. Find out more by tuning in to this podcast.
Everything-Everywhere.com’s Gary Arndt joins Elizabeth for another eclectic discussion inspired by topics from Arndt’s Everything Everywhere Daily podcast. Why did Albert Einstein, arguably the most influential scientist of the 20th century, receive only one Nobel Prize when he assuredly deserved more? What are some of the secrets of Pablo Picasso’s success? And what’s the truth about one of the most widespread conspiracy theories of our time – the Illumanit? Is there – was there ever – such an organization? Learn the answers – and more – by tuning in to this fun and informative podcast.
Historical Sites that once might have given short shrift to the parts of their heritage that related to indigenous or enslaved people are expanding their narratives to tell more complete stories. Cordell Reaves, Historic Preservation Programs Analyst with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal what places are doing to broaden the discussion and how telling the stories of under-represented people enriches the travel experience for everyone.
Our Tech Guru, James DeRuvo, joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal his picks for the top holiday travel gifts for 2020. James, affectionately known here at OnTravel as “Tech Lord of the Known Universe,” has suggestions “for Him" and ”for Her,” and he has some Stocking Stuffers that will surely bring a smile to the face of anyone traveling with digital devices. The best news? Most are under $50, and our favorite – something that will organize all of our electronic cords and cables – costs a mere $9. Tune in for some last-minute gift ideas for the traveler on your list.
TheTravelCamel.com’s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the Top 5 things he always packs when he travels. Some of these can also make perfect presents for the traveler on your holiday gift list. Tune in for some inspiring ideas to keep in mind for when we can all freely travel again.
ModernHiker.com’s Casey Schreiner, author of Discovering Griffith Park: A Local’s Guide, joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the secrets of one of the world's most exciting city parks - and, spanning more than 4,300 acres, one of North America's largest. Griffith Park has the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Griffith Observatory, and the Autry Museum of the American West. But that’s just for starters. Hiking and horseback-riding trails wind through the park’s hills and valleys, taking you to scenic outlooks and lesser-known sites. And the park’s history is wild enough to create fodder for a TV mini-series. Tune in for an entertaining treat.
GoNomad.com’s Max Hartshorne has so many great ideas for the traveler on your holiday gift list, they can’t all fit into one show. So, Paul and Elizabeth invite him back to share more of GoNomad’s suggestions for holiday presents you might not have considered. And he goes beyond things and shares some great travel experiences that can be wonderful gifts. A fun show to get us all into the holiday spirit.
GoNomad.com’s Max Hartshorne joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal some of the website’s top choices for the traveler on your holiday gift list. Max eschews the ordinary and seeks out fun, useful travel-oriented presents you probably haven’t thought of. He also shares some of the things he, himself, would like Santa – or his girlfriend – to bring him. Tune in and get some great holiday gift ideas.
Everything-Everywhere.com’s Gary Arndt joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the remarkable story of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the Indian mathematician many say was the greatest mathematician of the 20th century. Robert Kanigel chronicled his life in the 1991 book The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan, and a film based on the book came out in 2015 starring Dev Patel as Ramanujan and Jeremy Irons as British mathematician G.H. Hardy, with whom Ramanujan collaborated in England. Gary also takes us to Valencia, Spain, where the Holy Grail is said to reside in the Valencia Cathedral. Is the story of the grail simply the result of Arthurian legend, or is there some basis for the idea that this simple agate cup was the vessel Christ Jesus drank from at the Last Supper? Tune in to learn more.
Architect and Author Alan Hess joins Paul and Elizabeth to take us all behind the gates of some Hollywood stars’ homes designed by some of the 20th century’s legendary architects. Any of the 20 books he's written would make good holiday gifts, but his Hollywood Modern: Houses of the Stars is a standout. It celebrates some of Southern California’s most iconic homes and the movie stars responsible for them.
One trend that’s emerged from the pandemic is a new appreciation for travel agents. When travel screeched to a halt, travel agents proved their mettle, rebooking clients, getting them refunds, and getting them home if they were stranded abroad. Agent at Home’s Theresa Norton joins Elizabeth to reveal the public’s newfound awareness of and appreciation for travel agents and to discuss their increasingly important role in a post-COVID world.
Orange County, California, is one of the world's top visitor destinations. And its attractions go far beyond Disneyland. Robin Rockey, author of 100 Things to do in Orange County Before You Die, joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the OC’s lesser-known treasures. And the good news? You can experience many of them virtually – until we can all travel again for real.
Everything-Everywhere’s Gary Arndt joins Paul and Elizabeth to report on the backstory and progress on La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s beautiful cathedral in Barcelona. And he takes us around the country to visit festivals, from running the bulls to drowning in tomatoes.
GoNomad.com’s Max Hartshorne joins Paul and Elizabeth to report on his visit to Wilmington, Delaware, the hometown of U.S. President Elect Joe Biden. Max shares some of the highlights he discovered in and around this warm and welcoming city. He takes us to the Hagley Museum and Library, the former home and gardens of the du Pont family; and to Longwood Gardens, a horticultural spectacular in nearby Kennett Square. Learn about ax-throwing, a helicopter museum, and more in this fun podcast about a city destined to become a visitor mecca for at least the next four years.
Travel journalist Terry Gardner joins Paul and Elizabeth to report on two recent trips she took – one by plane and one by train. Did the airline enforce its protocols? Was the train journey pleasant or stressful? What was the situation at the airports? Get this first-hand account of traveling during the pandemic and learn Terry’s tips for venturing out.
Everything-Everywhere.com’s Gary Arndt joins Paul and Elizabeth to tell the tale of Really Big Telescopes. From their humble origin in the hands of Galileo Galilei in 1610, they have changed our understanding of the universe. Where are today’s largest telescopes? Which ones can you visit? What about radio telescopes? Learn the answers to these and other questions, plus: the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston and other quirky stories Gary shares from his podcast Everything Everywhere Daily.
By instituting strict protocols, Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Bigfork, Montana, was able to have a successful, COVID-free season. The 61-year-old theater’s Brach Thomson joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal how they did it – practices that might be a good example for other entities. (Among other things, audience members had to wear masks and social distance.) Summer theaters hold a special place in the American psyche. Tune in to this lively discussion about a welcome success story.
Duncan Hogarth joins Paul and Elizabeth to introduce us to Brasada Ranch, a 2,000-acre resort near Bend, Oregon, that offers hiking, horseback riding, golf, and fishing amid rolling hills and pastures.
When you’re far away for the holidays, reminders of home become especially meaningful, says LuxeAdventureTraveler’s Jennifer Dombrowski, who joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal her gift suggestions for the expats on your holiday list. “Things that are nothing special normally can be really special for your expat,” she says. She recommends comfort foods you can’t easily or affordably get abroad, like chocolate chips, hot sauces, and canned pumpkin. Don’t send fresh produce or meats – only pre-packaged foods, she says, and be sure to abide by all the regulations. Jennifer also suggests some good gifts if you have a new puppy in the family – Jennifer and her husband, Tim’s new Samoyed, Coco, lists her favorites on her Instagram site: @cocotravelingsamoyed.
Sylke Neal-Finnegan joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the beauty, history, and culinary richness of Oregon’s Tualatin Valley. This scenic valley only about a 20-minute drive from Portland has long been at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, and the Beaverton Farmers Market is one of the largest in the state. You can hike the region’s hillsides and go zip-lining through its trees. And three innovative theater companies offer entertainment. One even provides an immersive experience that plunges you into the heart of the action.
TheTravelCamel’s Shane Dallas joins Paul and Elizabeth to unveil the Ultimate African Safari Guide. Shane, a safari veteran, gives his tips on what kind of safari to take – did you know you can take a walking safari or one on horseback? - how to choose a safari operator, and what to bring. And why is khaki such a popular color to wear? Join us as Shane shares the wonder and beauty of being on safari in Africa.
DiscoverKlamath’s Jim Chadderdon joins Paul and Elizabeth to reveal the diversity of Southern Oregon. Discover the 8,000-year-old history of the region’s Klamath tribes, culminating in the Modoc War of 1872/73. Travel the Rogue Valley Food Trail and stop at produce stands, wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants. And glory in live theater at Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival, offering plays virtually at www.osfashland.org until we can all travel freely again. For more info, check out www.SouthernOregon.org.
GoNomad’s Max Hartshorne joins Paul and Elizabeth to transport us all to the Middle Kingdom: China; and to the birthplace of golf: Scotland. Max takes us to China’s Hunan Province and its capital, Changsa, where Mao Tse Tung was born. Max also takes us climbing along amazing glass walkways high in the mountains and to the Hunan Museum, where lies the 2,000-year-old tomb and mummy of Xin Zhui, wife of a local governor during the Han dynasty. Next, we travel with Max to St. Andrews, Scotland, home of St. Andrews Links, where golf is said to have been played since the 15th century. GoNomad’s story reveals the St. Andrews beyond golf, including the town’s history, harbor, mild climate and great food. Join us for this fun adventure from East to West.