GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

What You Need to Know About Phones Slipping Between Airplane Seats

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER REACH FOR YOUR PHONE ON AN AIRPLANE On today’s episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we’re unpacking a safety warning you’ve heard on every flight but may not have taken seriously: don’t reach for your phone if it slips between the airplane seats — call a flight attendant instead. It sounds like a small thing, but as we explore in this episode, it’s a rule written in fire. Literally. This story comes from reporting in Afar Magazine, and it reveals just how dangerous a crushed smartphone can be inside an aircraft cabin. 🔥 WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE • WHY A DROPPED PHONE CAN BECOME A FIRE HAZARD When a phone gets wedged in the seat’s mechanical components, it can be crushed if the seat moves. That’s when the lithium battery can overheat and enter thermal runaway, a chain reaction where the battery “rapidly heats up, releases flammable gases, and can ignite.” • REAL INCIDENTS THAT FORCED EMERGENCY LANDINGS AND EVACUATIONS We highlight several dramatic examples, including: * A Southwest flight where a crushed phone ignited a seat at the gate, forcing all 108 passengers to evacuate via emergency slides. * A Hawaiian Airlines flight that declared an emergency after a trapped phone began emitting a burning smell near landing. * An Alaska Airlines flight that returned to the airport after a phone and portable battery pack ignited in the cabin. • WHAT THE FAA DATA REVEALS FAA records show 106 verified incidents between 2006 and early 2026 involving lithium batteries in phones overheating, smoking, or catching fire — with 21 incidents in 2025 alone. • WHY FLIGHT ATTENDANTS INSIST YOU CALL THEM Airline reps explain that crews are trained to access the tight, complex seat mechanisms safely. As American Airlines notes, “seats can vary between aircraft,” and flight attendants know how to retrieve a device before it becomes a hazard. Delta adds that calling a crew member also prevents passengers from injuring themselves: “Those seats are tight. We’d rather get your phone out for you rather than have you potentially jam your finger.” • WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PHONE STARTS TO SMOKE If a device becomes hot or begins emitting fumes, the crew can immediately activate fire‑safety protocols — another reason they want to know right away. ✈️ THE BIG TAKEAWAY That quick line in the safety briefing isn’t just airline over‑caution. It’s a real, documented risk. If your phone slips into the seat, don’t reach for it — call a flight attendant. As the article concludes, “now you know, they weren’t kidding when they warned you about that.” 🔗 LINKS FROM TODAY’S EPISODE (Here are the standard links you like included at the bottom of every set of show notes.) • GoNOMAD Travel https://www.gonomad.com • GoNOMAD Podcast Page https://www.gonomad.com/category/podcasts • Max’s Travel Writing on GoNOMAD https://www.gonomad.com/author/max-hartshorne (gonomad.com in Bing) • Subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Smart Travel Podcast This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below: Smart Travel Podcast [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/smarttravelpodcast] Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/partnershipsgonomad]

Video Podcast: Quebec's Eastern Townships for Cider, Wine and Farm Tours

We explore this vibrant region, known for its stunning landscapes, mountains, local vineyards, and a plethora of agri-tourism opportunities. Our journey takes us through charming towns like Dunham, Bromont, and Frelighsburg, where we stay at the welcoming Gite La Maison Bleu and dine at Espace Old Mill, enjoying meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. This episode includes many photos and short videos from this region of Quebec, edited by Teh Chin Liang, a GoNOMAD Contributor. We also visit innovative cideries and partake in activities such as mountain biking and disc golf, all while soaking in the views of the Vermont mountains. Join us as we discover the unique flavors and stories that this nearby region has to offer. https://youtu.be/o3TS6ncDJZc Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Smart Travel Podcast This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below: Smart Travel Podcast [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/smarttravelpodcast] Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/partnershipsgonomad]

Pamplona's Running of the Bulls

THIS WEEK, HOST MAX HARTSHORNE TAKES YOU INSIDE ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST INTENSE AND ICONIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES: THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS IN PAMPLONA, SPAIN. WITH INSIGHT FROM PAMPLONA RESIDENT LOSU VALUES, WE EXPLORE WHAT IT REALLY TAKES TO WATCH THE EVENT—NOT JUST SURVIVE IT—AND HOW FIRST-TIME VISITORS CAN ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY’RE SEEING. Most travelers arrive with a cinematic image in mind: bulls charging, runners sprinting, adrenaline everywhere. But the reality is more layered. The route changes character from section to section, and your experience depends entirely on where you stand and how early you prepare. We break down the difference between street-level and balcony viewing, explain why timing and geography matter more than chaos, and explore how the rhythm of the morning builds long before the bulls are released. Losu explains how locals read the route, anticipate the movement, and choose their vantage points with precision. We also quote a friend of Max's who has been to the San Fermin festival 48 times, every year since 1976, he explains what he loves so much. You’ll learn why the run lasts only a few minutes but requires hours of preparation, how the old town’s compact layout can confuse even seasoned travelers, and why clarity—not proximity—is the key to a memorable experience. Whether you’re planning your first trip to San Fermín or just curious about what it’s really like to be there, this episode gives you the insider’s view of Pamplona’s most famous morning. Find out more about how you can attend the Running of the Bulls from Losu Value at Basque Views, [https://basqueviews.com/where-to-watch-the-running-of-the-bulls-in-pamplona] in Pamplona, Spain Listen now on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, hosted by Max Hartshorne. Visit us at GoNOMAD.com [https://www.GoNOMAD.com ]and Voyascape.com [https://www.Voyascape.com] for more travel stories, guides, and podcast episodes. Follow, subscribe, and share to keep the adventure going.

Penang Malaysia's Miao Hui New Years

SHOW NOTES — GONOMAD TRAVEL PODCAST PENANG, MALAYSIA'S MIAO HUI NEW YEARS In this episode, we travel to the vibrant island of Penang, Malaysia, where Lunar New Year isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a living, breathing celebration that spills into the streets of George Town. Senior Writer Chin Liang Teh takes us home to his island to experience Miao Hui, a community‑driven festival that preserves the traditions many big cities have long forgotten. 🎧 WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE 1. Why Penang’s Lunar New Year feels different from the commercialized celebrations found elsewhere 2. How George Town’s UNESCO‑listed streets transform into a cultural playground 3. The meaning and magic behind Miao Hui, held during the first week of the Lunar New Year 🐉 CULTURAL PERFORMANCES THAT STEAL THE SHOW 1. Dragon dances weaving through narrow lanes to the beat of thunderous drums 2. Lion dancers leaping between high platforms with acrobatic precision 3. The spectacular Chingay parade, where performers toss massive flags—sometimes catching them with their foreheads 🎭 HANDS‑ON HERITAGE EXPERIENCES 1. Traditional glove puppet theater, where visitors try their hand at ancient storytelling 2. A quirky mini paddy field that lets festivalgoers plant a single rice seedling in real mud 3. Lanterns decorated with riddles, a centuries‑old tradition that turns the streets into a glowing puzzle trail 🌿 WELLNESS THE OLD‑SCHOOL WAY 1. The surprisingly soothing knife massage, using the flat sides of blades to tap and press 2. Herbal face masks and threading, beauty rituals passed down through generations 🍚 FESTIVAL FOODS YOU WON’T FORGET 1. Lei cha, a bright green Hakka tea‑and‑herb rice dish believed to cool the body 2. The crowd‑pleasing cannon popcorn, which explodes from a heated metal cannon with a booming blast ❤️ WHY PENANG’S CELEBRATION MATTERS Miao Hui isn’t just a festival—it’s a reminder of how traditions survive when communities keep them alive. Locals, travelers, families, and curious wanderers all share the same streets, the same sounds, and the same joy. In Penang, Lunar New Year still feels like it always has: meaningful, communal, and full of heart. Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/partnershipsgonomad] Check out the Smart Travel Podcast This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below: Smart Travel Podcast [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/smarttravelpodcast]

Skiing at Jasna in Slovakia

SHOW NOTES — SKIING IN JASNÁ, SLOVAKIA Episode Title: Skiing in Jasná: A Winter Adventure in Slovakia’s Low Tatras Host: Max Hartshorne, GoNOMAD Travel Podcast In this episode, Max takes listeners along on a winter journey through Slovakia, a country full of surprises — from affordable skiing and cozy chalets to wooden UNESCO churches and medieval castle ruins. Traveling with a small group of nine, Max explores the Low Tatras, skis the slopes of Jasná, and discovers why Slovakia is one of Europe’s most underrated winter destinations. WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE 1. How to get to Slovakia via Vienna or Krakow, and why Bratislava makes a great first stop 2. The fun and camaraderie of small‑group travel 3. A scenic train ride across the country into the Liptov region 4. Staying in ski‑in, ski‑out chalets near Jasná 5. Three days of skiing Slovakia’s largest resort, with lift tickets around €61 6. Affordable on‑mountain dining, including Slovak classics like bryndzové halušky 7. A visit to the UNESCO‑listed Articular Wooden Church of Kežmarok, built entirely without nails 8. Exploring Spis Castle, historic towns, and local Slovak cuisine 9. A memorable electric train ride into the High Tatras for tubing, lake walks, and mountain views 10. Why Slovakia is a fantastic alternative to pricey U.S. and Western European ski destinations WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS This story highlights the joy of discovering places that don’t always make the top‑ten travel lists. Slovakia offers excellent snow, low prices, rich history, and warm hospitality — all wrapped into a trip that’s easy, social, and full of memorable moments. LINKS & MENTIONS 1. Ski Jasná – Slovakia’s largest ski resort in the Low Tatras 2. Bratislava – Slovakia’s charming capital 3. Kežmarok Articular Wooden Church – UNESCO World Heritage Site 4. Spis Castle – One of Central Europe’s largest castle ruins 5. Poprad – Gateway city to the High Tatras ABOUT THE GONOMAD TRAVEL PODCAST Short, 5–8 minute episodes featuring unusual destinations, great travel stories, and inspiration for your next adventure — hosted by Max Hartshorne, editor of GoNOMAD.com [https://www.GoNOMAD.com].. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Smart Travel Podcast This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below: Smart Travel Podcast [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/smarttravelpodcast] Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network [https://gonomad-travel-podcast.captivate.fm/partnershipsgonomad]