The Bag Tag Travel Podcast

The Skyscraper Changing Paris Forever

Paris is changing… and not everyone is happy about it. In this episode, we dive into the story behind Tour Triangle — the massive new glass skyscraper rising over the Paris skyline and becoming one of the city’s most controversial projects in decades. Designed by world-famous architects Herzog & de Meuron, the 590-foot tower is the first major skyscraper built in central Paris since the Tour Montparnasse shocked the city in the 1970s. So why has one building sparked nearly 20 years of political battles, protests, lawsuits, and debate? We explore how Tour Triangle became a symbol of a much bigger question facing cities around the world: how do you modernize without losing your identity? Along the way, we break down the tower’s futuristic design, the fight over Paris’ skyline, the future of sustainable skyscrapers, and why this project could completely reshape tourism in the French capital. Plus, we discuss: • Why Paris has avoided skyscrapers for decades • The surprising history behind the city’s skyline rules • How the tower could transform travel and tourism in Paris • The rise of immersive observation decks and “Instagram architecture” • Whether Tour Triangle could become Paris’ next iconic landmark… or its biggest mistake From overtourism to urban design, skyline wars to the future of global cities, this is the story of the skyscraper that could change Paris forever. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Arizona Route 66 Katie Barthlow Interview | Travel Story

Hit the road with us as we cruise down Arizona’s legendary stretch of U.S. Route 66 alongside Katie Barthlow from The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. In this episode, Katie shares how she found herself immersed in the world of Route 66 preservation and tourism, what makes Arizona’s section of the Mother Road so unique, and why towns like Seligman, Winslow, and Oatman continue to capture the imagination of travelers from around the world. We dive into Arizona’s massive plans for the Route 66 Centennial celebration, the story behind the state’s preservation efforts, and the lasting impact of Route 66 legend Angel Delgadillo. Katie also talks about free roaming burros in Oatman, the famous Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, staying at the iconic Wigwam Motel, and whether locals ever get tired of hearing Take It Easy. From roadside nostalgia to the future of America’s most famous highway, this episode is packed with stories, history, and plenty of Route 66 charm. Buckle up and join us for a ride through the heart of Arizona. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Uber Travel Mode: One App to Rule Your Vacation

What if your rideshare app became your travel agent? This week, we’re diving into one of the biggest travel industry shakeups of 2026: Uber is officially entering the hotel business. After years of taking us to airports, delivering late-night food, and replacing taxis, Uber now wants to book your hotel, reserve your dinner, deliver forgotten travel essentials, and maybe someday manage your entire vacation. At Uber’s massive GO-GET 2026 event in New York City, the company unveiled “Hotels on Uber” — a major expansion powered by a partnership with Expedia Group that brings more than 700,000 hotel listings directly into the Uber app. So what does this actually mean for travelers? In this episode, we explore: * Why Uber is suddenly obsessed with the travel industry * How booking hotels inside the Uber app actually works * The growing power of Uber One and its travel discounts * Whether travelers will trade loyalty points for convenience and savings * The risks of third-party hotel bookings * Uber’s new AI-powered “Travel Mode” * And why Uber may be trying to become the operating system for movement itself We also unpack the bigger question behind all of this: Is Uber making travel dramatically simpler… or creating a future where one app controls your entire trip? Because this isn’t just about hotels anymore. It’s about attention, ecosystems, and the race to own the modern travel experience. Buckle up — your rideshare app just became a travel company. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Interview Rhys Martin | Route 66 Centennial | Tulsa: Where the Road still Glows

Few highways in America carry the same mythology as the “Mother Road.” Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to California, U.S. Route 66 became more than pavement and painted lines…it became a symbol of freedom, reinvention, road trips, diners, neon signs, and the ever-present promise that adventure might be waiting just around the next curve. And while every state along Route 66 has its own personality, Oklahoma may be one of the most soulful stretches of them all. From vintage motels and weathered trading posts to lively downtown districts and roadside attractions that feel frozen in time, Oklahoma captures the spirit of Route 66 in a way that feels both nostalgic and alive. One city helping lead that preservation effort is Tulsa, a place where the history of Route 66 isn’t tucked away in a museum somewhere, but woven directly into the culture of the city itself. During our interview, we sat down with Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, 2026 Tulsan of the Year, and author of The Lost Restaurants of Tulsa. From the moment the conversation began, it was clear that Route 66 is much more than a highway… it’s a living storybook of communities, memories, and American identity. Rhys spoke passionately about Tulsa’s deep connection to the road, the importance of preserving historic landmarks, and how the people who live along Route 66 are just as important as the attractions themselves. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Death of Spirit Airlines | What in the World Travel News

It is with great sadness that we are here to discuss the latest in travel news: the end of Spirit Airlines’ operations. Don’t get it twisted, Spirit was a pioneer in their own right–they didn’t just sell cheap tickets, they reinvented what “cheap” meant and disrupted the business model that had become standard in the aviation industry. Gone but never forgotten, we discuss what this means for the travel industry as a whole and how you, the Taggies & travelers, will be impacted by Spirit’s demise. But wait, is there actually a chance that Spirit isn’t gone for good…? ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.