EZ66 Guide | Jerry McClanahan | Route 66 Centennial

The Future of Destination Restaurants - Lays Potato Chips

What happens when one of the world’s biggest snack brands becomes a travel destination? This week we’re diving into one of the strangest — and most fascinating — new trends in tourism: people traveling for brands. From PepsiCo’s immersive Lay’s Potato Restaurant in Shanghai to Michelin-chef-powered tortilla concepts in Madrid, we explore why a potato chip restaurant might actually represent the future of travel. We break down how experiential tourism, social media virality, immersive retail, and “the experience economy” are completely reshaping why people travel — and why brands are racing to become destinations instead of just products. Along the way we discuss: • The rise of branded travel experiences • Why younger travelers prioritize immersive moments over traditional sightseeing • Shanghai’s growing role as a global hub for experiential tourism • How TikTok and viral food culture influence destination trends • Why themed restaurants are becoming modern tourist attractions • And our predictions for the future of “brand tourism” Because this isn’t really about potato chips. It’s about a world where travel becomes less about where you go… and more about the experience you can say you were part of. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EZ66 Guide | Jerry McClanahan | Route 66 Centennial

As our Route 66 Centennial journey comes to an end, we’re wrapping things up with one final ride down the Mother Road. In this episode, we kick things off with some fun Route 66 trivia and a spirited debate over what the official airport-style bag tag code for Route 66 should actually be. Then, we sit down with legendary Route 66 historian, artist, and EZ66 Guide creator Jerry McClanahan to talk about the history, preservation, culture, and enduring magic of America’s most famous highway. Jerry shares incredible stories from the road, insights into the upcoming Route 66 Centennial celebration, and why the Mother Road continues to inspire travelers from around the world nearly 100 years later.  We close out the episode reflecting on our biggest takeaways from this entire Route 66 series, the people we met along the way, and why Route 66 is far more than just a road...it’s a living piece of American history. From neon signs and roadside diners to forgotten towns and unforgettable characters, this is our final farewell to the Mother Road… at least for now. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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.