Out Travel The System

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When to Splurge and Go Big When it Comes to Travel Oct 04, 2021

Show notes

In all of the conversations we've had this season, a couple of threads keep resurfacing: how much we appreciate the ability to travel, and how to really maximize a trip. Well, we thought it was high time to devote an episode specifically to this!

Out Travel the System host Nisreene Atassi dives into the idea of splurging while traveling, and how that can mean different things to different people. She is joined by expert travel planner Sarah Groen , host of the Luxury Travel Insider podcast, as well as Tomiko Harvey , Vice President of the Black Travel Alliance , and writer at Passports and Grub.

They'll take you through how a splurge - whether it's adding on a private tour, upgrading your seat on a flight, or making sure your home away from home has everything you need - can make or break the way you remember your travels. Sarah shares how to plan out the 'arc' of a trip (hint, save the best hotels for last), and Tomiko talks about some of her favorite splurges.

So go ahead, book that second massage at your vacation hotel, line up that private tour, and borrow a page out of Sarah's book by really upgrading your rental vehicle - take this episode as the encouragement you need to say yes to your next travel splurge!

Only in Austin with Becca Tobin Sep 27, 2021

Show notes

It's time to wrap up the 'Only In' series we've been taking on this season of Out Travel the System, by heading to Hollywood South. Yes, it's Austin's turn in the spotlight, and you know we had to line up an extremely special guest for this - none other than Becca Tobin , of The Ladygang, among many endeavors.

She takes host Nisreene Atassi through why she left the bright lights of L.A. to make Austin home, and what makes it such an incredibly special place. Just off the top of her head: the thriving music and arts scene, a bridge where you can see a spectacular aerial display from bats, and did we mention breakfast tacos?

Don't miss her insights on when to visit and what to check out, especially if you're Only in Austin for 24 hours.

Here is a list of some of the things mentioned within the episode:

Entertainment
The Paramount
Stubbs BBQ

Nightlife
The Line Hotel
The Proper Hotel
Redheaded Stepchild
The Beez Kneez

Dining
Joe's Coffee (My Name is Joe)
Umi Sushi
Aba
Mattie's

BBQ (because this deserves its own category in Austin):
Stubbs BBQ
Salt Lick
Terry Blacks BBQ
Franklin's
Places to check out
Lady Bird Lake
Barton Springs Pool

How to mark PSL Season in Style with Steffy Degreff Sep 20, 2021

Show notes

Well it's official, Out Travel the System fam - Pumpkin Spice Latte Season (PSL Season) is underway. What better way to mark it than by mapping out your route to check out fall foliage, head out on a quick road trip, or indulge in your favorite fall activities and dishes?

Listen in as host Nisreene Atassi chats with 'Queen of Fall' Steffy Degreff of Steffys Pros and Cons, and writer and content producer Andrea Romano. They share their thoughts on why fall is the best season, and how to thoroughly 'PSL-ize' your life, if you're in the mood.

Put on your coziest chunky-knit sweater and wooly socks, and sit back to listen, PSL in hand - you'll never believe how many ways there are to celebrate PSL Season.

Here is some inspiration from the episode:
-Andrea's article on fall foliage destinations
-Steffy's Instagram and TikTok
-"Falloween" with reportedly the most haunted place in New York City

Cruising Your Way through Cruise Booking with Captain Kate McCue Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

To cruise or not to cruise - that is the question a lot of travelers are asking themselves these days. It's a big topic, and one Out Travel the System host Nisreene Atassi is grateful to tackle with the help of experts.

Captain Kate McCue shares her insights into life on board and in charge of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Edge through her incredibly popular TikTok account. (She had 2.6 million followers when we recorded this episode of Out Travel the System, and that number keeps climbing!)

John Mast has been on more than a hundred cruises, for both fun and work. As Expedia's Sr. Director of Global Cruise Marketing, he has his finger on the pulse of what's happening in the industry.

Listen in as they share their insights into how to pick the right cruise for you, how cruising has modernized, and some of the many places cruising can take you. They make the case that cruising may just be the vacation that can keep everyone in your traveling group happy.

Not sure where to start with cruising? Access more expert and free advice here.

The Truth About Traveling with Kids Under 5 Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

Parents with young kids, we get it, we really do - the world of travel with your little one may seem like it is full of so many potential pitfalls. Let us give you the tips you need to succeed when you listen to this episode of Out Travel the System. We're especially here for you, first time parents who may have never traveled with their kiddo before!

Host Nisreene Atassi digs into the highs and lows of traveling with kids under the age of 5 with Monet Hambrick , who blogs about her family adventures at The Traveling Child, and Christie Hudson , Sr. PR Manager for Expedia.

They share some of their favorite travel hacks when it comes to having kiddo in tow, including what gear to bring and what to leave at home, and how to pick the right accommodations for you (hotel vs vacation rental is always a hot debate.) Check out Christie's pick from her most recent trip.

Learn about some of the amazing experiences Monet has been able to share with her children - start with the spitting elephant, and stick around for the sense of homecoming they felt thousands of miles away from home.

You may just find travel with kids under 5 represents a wealth of opportunities you never considered before!

Here are links to gear traveling parents may find helpful:
Car Seat - the Cosco Scenera
Ultra-portable booster seat - the Mifold
A car seat alternative on flights - the CARES harness
Lightweight stroller alternative - the Snap N Go
A sleep aid - the Slumberpod

All You Need to Know About Visiting Australia Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

Get ready for a flight of fancy as Out Travel the System takes you Down Under. Yes that's right, host Nisreene Atassi is taking you to Australia on our latest deep dive into a destination.

Thanks to the help of Grace Rietbergen, Associate Market Manager - Canberra & Hobart at Expedia , and longtime travel journalist Celeste Mitchell , this episode will take you through the huge range of options to fully explore Australia.

Listen in as they debate the restaurant scenes in Sydney and Melbourne, detour through wine country and cocktail culture, and dive into the huge range of delicious experiences available in Oz - how about drinking sparkling wine and eating oysters while standing in the ocean?

They also explore the beauty of slow travel, the power of connection with Indigenous culture, and even why visitors should consider taking in a Aussie rules football match - it's like nothing you've ever seen before.

Put aside some of the animals you may have associated Australia with, and instead think about diving into experiences with whale sharks, humpback whales, kangaroos, and quokkas - see why Nissy is literally squealing with delight over the last on the list!

Holiday Travel Hacks - the Can't Miss Listen of 2021 Travel Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

It's not quite Christmas in July, but we at Out Travel the System definitely want to make sure you're as prepared as possible for your holiday travel plans this year.

Between anecdotal evidence at airports across the country and what we're seeing in Expedia's booking data, the holiday travel period this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest in quite some time.

Where can you still book, how can you skip some lines, and are there any ways to save some money while still getting the experience you want - we tackle all of these questions and more.

Join host Nisreene Atassi and Out Travel the System favorites Christie Hudson , Sr. PR Manager for Expedia , and Katherine Fan , Sr. Writer at NerdWallet for a wonderful conversation about holiday travel, and traditions new and old.

In addition to reminding you how to pack your patience - something you may have gotten out of the habit of doing in this extended period of limited travel - they'll dig into all of the reasons why holiday travel is absolutely worth exploring now.

Only in New York with Jill Zarin and the Bowery Boys Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

Out Travel the System is taking a big bite out of the Big Apple with this episode, showcasing what you can do Only in New York.

Join host Nisreene Atassi and her guests, original Real Housewife of New York Jill Zarin , and Greg Young and Tom Meyers , hosts of The Bowery Boys, a podcast all about New York's history.

Ever wondered about why they're called boroughs, or wanted to visit the restaurant where Bethenny Frankel said she was going to poke Zarin in the eyes? Or maybe you want to hear about two of Brooklyn's best BBQ joints, or vote with your wallet among three choices for New York's best pizza... then this is the episode for you!

From hidden gem restaurants to insider secrets about where to get the most out of your New York experience - including where to get the best shot for your Instagram and which islands to visit - you won't want to miss this. Listen in so you can design your next trip to do what you can do Only in New York.

Here are links to a couple of Bowery Boys episodes mentioned in this episode of Out Travel the System:
-an audio walking tour of the High Line
-the history of four cocktails

Disney 3.0 - The Ultimate Download on Disney Trip Planning with Color Me Courtney Aug 11, 2021

Show notes

When we talk about the magic of travel here on Out Travel the System, we often mean it figuratively... but this episode is literally about travel magic - yes that's right, it's time to get the inside scoop on planning your trip to Disney , the Magic Kingdom!

Host Nisreene Atassi is joined by Courtney Quinn of Color Me Courtney and the Instagram accounts Color Me Courtney and Color Me Magic. Listen in as we learn about Courtney's lifelong Disney fandom, and what she's looking forward to as Disney looks forward to marking some big anniversaries (the Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration alone sounds epic!)

This episode will help you wrap your mind about how you want to incorporate Disney into your travel experience, whether you're heading to Disney Land, Disneyworld, or going next-level Disney with a Disney Cruise. Grown-ups can always get into the fun by Disney Bounding - we'll let Courtney explain that with a video from her YouTube channel here.

Have your trip-planning notepad ready as Courtney reels off a wealth of huge Disney hacks, from why downloading the Disney app is key, to when to go and where to stay (she loves Animal Kingdom.) If you want to know how to make sure you get your chance to check out hugely popular attractions like the Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ride, or the Toy Story Slinky Dog Dash , you've got to listen. (Shout out for other coming attractions related to Big Hero 6 and Ratatouille.)

Get a sense of Rise of the Resistance while you're planning your next Disney adventure, by checking out our Season One episode, where we take you right inside it!
https://omny.fm/shows/expedia/live-from-star-wars-galaxy-s-edge

Don't Leave Labor Day Travels to the Last Minute Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

At Out Travel the System, we're here to serve as your trusted travel companion. That's why - if you have your heart set on a Labor Day travel getaway - we're advising you to get moving on your plans now. (We also have lots of inspiration for other future travel planning in our other episodes, so make sure you check them out!)

Demand is in the stratosphere after such an extended period without travel, so we want to help guide your research. Thanks to Expedia's deep foundation of data, host Nisreene Atassi guides you through tips and tricks for different destinations and getting the timing just right for Labor Day travel.

This episode dips into the demand for city destinations in the U.S., so make sure you check out our Only in Chicago episode here: https://link.chtbl.com/mwLK3v32

Our Only in Austin episode is coming soon!

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