The Frommer's Travel Show

On the Road: Madrid and Toledo

Pauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Spain with Jason Cochran, Editor in Chief of Frommers.com Takeaways: * 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 train Companies and sights mentioned in this episode: * Frommers.com [https://Frommers.com] * Melt [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0G7KI9I5BApiXc5Sqpyil9?si=41xwcf_7SweZHwzZG-Xp3g]the band * DSTAgE Restaurant [https://dstageconcept.com/en/] * Doppelganger Bar [https://https://doppelgangerbar.com/] * Coral de la Moreria [https://www.corraldelamoreria.com/] * Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum [https://www.museothyssen.org/en] * El Prado [https://museopradotickets.com/en?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23233216939&gbraid=0AAAAAq39w9mseaG-02rWgwTv15VXkSYog&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0KrJBhCOARIsAGIy9wCRtsZzVm1QUBBbG4qz7-EUxYpjMtjtzmgvfl47VCWxOzcQu4Nu558aAozIEALw_wcB] * Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Toledo [https://www.catedralprimada.es/en]

On the Road: Berlin and Utrecht

From 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.com [https://fromers.com] * spotify.com [https://spotify.com] * cafe-frida.com [https://cafe-frida.com] * alchemistclub.com [https://alchemistclub.com] * tivolivredenburg.nl [https://tivolivredenburg.nl] * ddrmuseum.de [https://ddrmuseum.de] * neue-museum.de [https://neue-museum.de] Companies 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

Tours for People Who Don't Want to Be "Tourists", Plus a Deep Dive Into the Spiritual Life of Japan

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.com [https://newyorktimes.com] * airbnb.com [https://airbnb.com] * planetwonk.com [https://planetwonk.com]

Amelia Earhart: Founder of the Modern Travel Industry? Plus a Look at Why She Disappeared

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.

Best Places to Go in 2026, Part 3

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.