The Frommer's Travel Show - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Monthly Journeys, a Year of Adventure: Insights and Money-Saving Strategies Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

Jen Ruiz, author of the book "12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic" discusses how she footed the bill for her landmark year on the road, and some of the exciting adventures she had.

Places discussed in this episode:

Meteora, Greece
Aruba
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Zion National Park, Utah
Toronto, Canada

Nevada Through the Eyes of Elite Climber Alex Honnold Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

If you saw the documentary "Free Solo," about Alex Honnold's awe-inspiring, rope-free ascent of the face of El Capitan in Yosemite, you know what brave, driven athlete he is. He shows another side of both himself, and his home state of Nevada, in his new T.V. series "Get A Little Out There with Alex Honnold" (on Outside TV). Today's episode covers both the adventures you can have in the state, and the oddball attractions you'll find there.

Companies, destinations, and documentaries mentioned in this episode:

Free Solo
Taipei 101
Outside TV
Get a Little Out There With Alex Honnold
Yosemite National Park
Las Vegas
Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue
United Airlines
Goldfield
The Car Forest
The Clown Motel
The Extraterrestrial Museum
The Mob Museum

Less Discovered Spain Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

Peter Barron, one of the authors of the just published guidebook "Frommer's Spain", discussed ways to enjoy the uncrowded side to Spain, by going to less popular (but still tremendously appealing) regions and cities, and visiting the country when others don't.

Takeaways:

The just published Frommer's Spain guidebook is a substantial resource for travelers, meticulously written and edited to ensure accuracy and depth.
This podcast emphasizes the importance of responsible tourism, particularly in over-touristed areas like Barcelona and Mallorca.
Listeners are encouraged to explore lesser-known regions of Spain, such as Extremadura, which offers rich history and beautiful sights without the crowds.
The discussion highlights unique cultural experiences, including a visit to Barcelona's Hospital de Sant Pau, showcasing architectural beauty and historical significance.

Companies, places and people mentioned in this episode:

Frommers
Prado Museum
Barcelona
Hospital de Saint Pau
Celler de Can Roca
Esperit do Roca
Vii
Casa Bigote
La Gitana
Jerez
San Lucar
Costa Brava
Girona
Ronda
Cuenca
Philippe Stark
Jesus Segura

Safaris, Belize (Via Hollywood), Bhutan, Mongolia, and More: Our Discussion of Frommer's Comfort in the Wild, Part 2 Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

Jane Wooldridge, author of "Frommer's Comfort in the Wild: 1000+ Idyllic Nature Destinations—No Roughing It Required", continued her discussion of different types of travel that allow vacationers to get deep into the wild. She talked about African safaris, as well as safaris on the tundra to see polar bears; a lodge in Belize owned by one of the most famous film directors on earth; and places where you can have unique nature experiences in Armenia, Mongolia, and Bhutan.

Takeaways:

What you see on safari will vary depending on the time of year you go.
Knowledgeable travel agents should be used when booking a complex trip like a safari.
Unique accommodations, such as bird's nest lodges, tundra buggies, and yurts are a wonderful way to get deeply into nature.
The episode encourages listeners to explore outdoor experiences without the necessity of roughing it, promoting comfort in nature.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Frommer's
Miami Herald
Society of American Travel Writers
Green Safari's Chisa Busanga Camp
Tundra Buggy Lodge
Blancaneaux Lodge
Shinta Mani Wild Lodge
Fogo Island Inn
Three Camel Lodge
Gangtey Lodge

Frommer's Comfort in the Wild is Out Now. A Talk with Its Author Jane Wooldridge Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

Jane Wooldridge, author of the recently released coffee table book "Frommer's Comfort in the Wild: 100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations—No Roughing It Required" is our guest today. She delves into how to pick the right expedition cruise, where the most beautiful treehouse hotels are, what it's like to stay in a geodesic dome, and how ranch vacations can put you in touch with American history.

(This is part 1 of a 2 part interview about the book.)

Takeaways:

The podcast introduces a new coffee table book titled 'Frommer's Comfort in the Wild', which features over one hundred idyllic nature destinations.
Jane Wooldridge, the book's author, emphasizes the importance of experiencing nature for health and well being
The podcast discusses the evolution of expedition cruises, highlighting their increased comfort and accessibility over recent years.
Listeners are encouraged to explore different types of travel experiences, such as treehouse hotels, geodesic dome stays, winery stays, and ranch vacations.
The episode concludes with a promise of a part two, as there are many more intriguing travel destinations to explore.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Frommer's
Miami Herald
Society of American Travel Writers
National Geographic Explorer
Lindblad Expeditions
Clear Sky Bryce Canyon
Seabourn Cruises
Lone Mountain Ranch

What's New in New York City, Plus a Look at the Top Trends in Camping Vacations Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

Pauline Frommer discussed her newly released guidebook "Frommer's New York City 2026" and what the top culinary trends in the city are right now. She also talked about what it's like to visit NYC's newest observation deck, and how The Studio Museum, Sotheby's and The Jewish Museum have reinvented themselves. Then Kevin Long, CEO of TheDyrt.com, talked about how many new campers there were in 2025, what people can do when there's no room at the campsite, and how this form of vacation is evolving.

Takeaways:

The latest edition of Frommer's New York City guidebook was released this fall, highlighting recent changes and attractions in the city.
New York City has exciting new attractions and revamped iconic sites.
The introduction of a new observation deck in Times Square offers unique nighttime views.
A number of new high-end Caribbean restaurants and innovative wine bars are reshaping the city's culinary scene.
.Over half of campers had difficulty finding room at their first choice campgrounds in 2025

Companies, products and websites mentioned in this episode:

Frommer's New York City 2026
Frommers.com
Swarovski Crystal
One Times Square
The Jewish Museum
The Studio Museum of Harlem
Sotheby's
The Dyrt
Toyota Trucks
Ha's Snack Bar
Sunn's Wine Bar
Kabawa
Lei Wine Bar (this is the name of the restaurant Pauline couldn't remember)

Montana's State Parks and Rodeo Culture, Plus a Look at When To Visit Yellowstone National Park Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Patrick Doyle, from Visit Montana, discussed the ghost towns, badlands, and Native American sights found in Big Sky Country's state parks. He also discussed why rodeos are such a fun lens into the state's culture and traditions, and when is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park.

Takeaways:

Montana is characterized by vast landscapes and a relatively low population density, which affects visitor experiences.
The state has numerous historical sites, including Fort Owen and St. Mary's Mission, which tell of the state's early days.
Bannock State Park, a well-preserved ghost town, offers a unique glimpse into Montana's past as the first territorial capital.
The Bitterroot Valley is rich in history and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking adventure.

Companies and destinations mentioned in this episode:

Yellowstone National Park
Montana
Billings
Bozeman
Missoula
Darby
Fort Owen
St. Mary's Mission
Makoshakea State Park
Medicine Rock State Park
Carter County Museum
Bannock State Park
Montana State University
Western Montana College
North American Indian Days
Crow Fair
Wild Horse Stampede

Secrets of Airport Lounges Jan 18, 2026

Show notes

Zach Helfand, author of "Airport-Lounge Wars: When you’re waiting for a flight, what’s the difference between out there and in here?" in the New Yorker Magazine discussed his quirky quest to visit every lounge in the New York area.

Takeaways:

Zach Helfand's article discusses the evolution of airport lounges from exclusive clubs to more accessible spaces, and the impact of credit card partnerships.
Lounges have transformed the airport experience by providing amenities such as truly gourmet food, showers, sleep pods, private security screening and more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines relied heavily on their credit card partnerships, which have proven to be more valuable than traditional ticket sales in sustaining their businesses.
The luxurious offerings of international lounges often greatly surpass those found in the United States.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

American Airlines
Admirals Club
Delta Airlines
United Airlines
American Express
Chase
Chase Explorer
United Explorer
Delta One
Priority Pass
Air France
Danny Meyer
Shake Shack
Gramercy Tavern
Alaine Ducasse

Vietnam Revisited: Insights from a Second Trip Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

Pauline Frommer and Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran discussed Pauline's second trip to Vietnam, which was just completed.

Takeaways:

The host emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, particularly regarding visa applications, as a critical aspect of international travel.
The episode highlights the cultural richness of Vietnam, including indigenous tribes and their fascinating customs, which the host explored during the trip.
The discussion includes reflections on the modern tourism industry in Vietnam, noting both advancements and the potential for inauthentic tourist experiences.
The host's experience at a dark restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a metaphor for broader themes of accessibility and culinary expectations in travel.

Airfare Trends for 2026 Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, discussed strategies for getting the best airfares, at a time when travelers are facing a lot of headwinds.

Takeaways:

In 2026, the impact of artificial intelligence on airfare pricing has significantly reduced the window of opportunity for booking low-cost flights.
Travelers should embrace 'gateway flexibility' by considering multiple departure airports, and itineraries that include domestic hops before international ones, to access better fares for international destinations.
The traditional concept of an 'off season' for travel has become obsolete, necessitating a shift in strategy for cost-effective travel planning.

Companies mentioned in this episode: