No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel

Today we explore the magical moments that make travel unforgettable. In this episode, we'll share our personal anecdotes of unexpected connections, serendipitous encounters, and the quirky surprises that await the adventurous traveler. From finding Carolina Reaper Cheetos in Scotland to meeting New York City's Mayor in Hong Kong, our stories highlight the world's interconnectedness. Beyond the ane...

Ever wondered about the 'behind-the-scenes' safeguard of your travel dreams? In this episode, we journey into the realm of travel insurance with special guest Richard Aquino from Allianz. Richard demystifies the complexities and showcases the indispensability of travel insurance, especially when it comes to guaranteeing peace of mind on your vacations. From a detailed discussion on health coverage...

Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey with Jacqueline Marks, Executive Vice President of Apple Leisure Group. Starting with a rapid-fire round revealing Jacki's travel preferences, we swiftly transition into the dynamic world of multi-brand vacations, charter air services, and the evolving landscape of all-inclusive holiday packages. Jacki also brings along insider travel tips to upgrade...

Today we talk with Hugo Aguilera, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Riu Hotels. We explore the unique history of Riu Hotels and how it has expanded from its humble beginnings in Majorca, Spain to offering unparalleled hospitality across nine countries. Discover the diverse sub-brands of the Riu family—whether it's Riu Plaza located in the heart of global cities, or all-inclusive Riu Palace H...

Today we tackle unconventional travel experiences and trends. We start with Mike's unforgettable story from Cancun, showcasing the profound impact that immersive cultural experiences can have. Then, we dive into a groundbreaking trend in the travel industry - "Life at Sea Cruises." This year-long journey offers the perfect blend of work and leisure for the modern, digital-age professional. Not shy...

Buckle up as we journey into a world where travel and hands-on scientific discovery intertwine! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Marisa Rodriguez, founder of Ancient Odysseys, a unique travel adventure bridging the gap between science enthusiasts and archaeologists worldwide. Marisa shares her journey from her first dinosaur dig in Wyoming to coordinating global digs and creating unforge...

We're back with Season 2 of No Tourist Allowed! This episode takes us on a deep dive into the expanding world of all-inclusive resorts. We recount our personal travel experiences in culturally rich destinations like Tulum, exploring the enticing predictability of these resorts where vacation pre-budgeting becomes an attractive reality.  As we bask in the luxury of these resorts, we also remind our...

What to expect at the airport this holiday season. Is “Air-maggedon” over? How are inflation - and maybe recession - affecting travel? How do airfares and hotel rates compare to prior years? We unwrap it all in our all-singing, all-dancing Holiday Extravaganza to rival the Macy’s Parade (not really). But we DO share really useful insider tips for how to navigate the crowds and travel better. Plus,...

For over 20 years, personal development and motivational speaker and author Marc Accetta has traveled to more than 30 countries on six different continents training over 1 Million salespeople. He holds the highest frequent flyer status there is, and the secrets to traveling better - which he shares with you. Eden Roc (now including Nobu Hotel) or Fontainebleau? The rivalry between these icons - tw...

What have been the biggest travel news headlines? The strangest? 40 year travel journalist, Graham McKemzie, shares the stories, people and places discovered along the way as leader of Travelmole (a top UK trade publication) and director at ResponsibleTravel.com. Plus Graham’s personal travel recommendations and insider tips, and the choices you can make as a thoughtful traveler. Jessica Deverson...

Kristin Karst, co-owner of the award winning AMA Waterways, romances us with castles and Christmas Markets, vineyards and exotic jungles, as she explains the explosive growth of River Cruising in Europe, Asia and Africa. What’s included. What’s onboard. What’s to see. And how this intimate and luxurious travel experience stacks up against ocean cruising and land tours. We tease out her predictions...

LIVE FROM BELFAST! From the historic, church-y Assembly Rooms, we get cheeky with Virgin Voyages Vice Pres of International Sales Shane Riley and National Training Manager Luke Day. It’s like Boy Band meets Tutorial as we talk with the experts about how the Virgin brand translates to these wildly popular new ships for adults-only. Listen in as these Millennial travel execs also give up their best...

How to find the real value of all those points and miles. Which are the best benefits, hacks, and tips? And how to get your status tier with one provider matched by competitors. As usual, we get the inside view from loyalty expert and CEO/co-founder of Status Match, Mark Ross-Smith. Plus, Jessica Deverson, our resident millennial adventure traveler - and deals guru - returns from a life-changing j...

Find out how Hug It Forward is building schools from bottles and trash in Guatemala - and how travelers can take part. Zach Balle, pres and co-founder, explains all about this important work for children in underdeveloped places. He also shares his personal travel strategies as a small footprint traveler. Plus, our hosts - some would call them experts on eating - talk about how meals and cuisine c...

We take a firsthand look at chartering a cruise ship for business events, from the decks of the Carnival Sunrise, somewhere off Jamaica and the Bahamas. And share big travel news about the relaxing of more vaccination and testing rules as cruising returns to normal, and the return of supersonic jets that will dramatically shorten flying times. Plus, tips and strategies for getting out of your trav...

Want to know why anyone should take a cruise? We go right to the horse's mouth in an intimate conversation with the preeminent Adolfo Perez, Senior VP of Global Sales & Trade Marketing at Carnival Cruise Line, the flagship brand of Carnival Corp., the world’s largest leisure travel company (Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard & more). Next new ships. Surprising "clean" technolog...

It's an episode of secrets revealed! We lift the hood on travel clubs. How do they work and are they worth it? Then James takes the hot seat and answers the rapid-fire questions we throw at guests. Hear him risk his industry relations by divulging personal favorites for destinations, hotels, cruise lines, ships, travel books/movies & more. Mike reports on his recent Bucket List 2-week Golf tri...

A billion reviews and opinions can't be wrong! We chat with the founder and longtime CEO of TripAdvisor (and Viator, Cruise Critic, and dozens more companies) on the history of travel search and ratings, what's right and wrong with online search today, and whether recessionary times will bust the current travel boom. Steve Kaufer offers his insights from the top of the travel industry - and his ra...

Are low cost airlines really saving you money? How to decode those too-good-to-be true fares from Spirit, Allegiant & Frontier. Special guest Travel Exec & TV Host, Denella Ri'chard, talks about her favorite destinations, outdoor adventures she never thought she would have, and crossing things off her “Living List” (not Bucket List). We enjoy a candid dialogue about diversity and inclusion...

Rene Jongmans, president of leading leisure company, Vacation Express, and a former Saint-Martinois, reveals the new resorts and best places to stay and eat in the Caribbean and Mexico. Mike and James dig for gold with Rene's favorite spots and hidden gems - while he preaches patience and preparation for the Summer travel season. Another new voice, travel marketing expert Jessica Deverson, brings...

Chris Dane - former airline and hotel exec with too many titles to mention - guides us through an analysis of airline fares, hotel rates and the return of business travel - then where it's all going in the next year. Along the way Chris let's slip some secrets from a most frequent traveler. Plus, we look at the data and revisit the famous coastal resorts of Spain which are seeing strong bookings a...

In this episode Mike and James tease secrets out of Donnie Dawson, Deputy Director of Tourism (Americas) for Jamaica, Spring 2022's most popular destination. What to eat, where to stay and how to find the real Jamaica. Plus, the city of Los Angeles defeats a pandemic pet peeve and forces the return of hotel housekeeping service. With July 4th around the corner, we look at a classic American boardw...

Thousand of flights delayed or canceled, fares have risen at a record pace, long lines snarl up airports!  Why? How long will this go on? In this episode, experts talk about how to avoid the frustration and still find the deals for Summer travel. Also, special guest Charles Sylvia joins us for the insider’s news on cruising and the launches of dozens of new cruise ships. Charles is the Vice Presid...

Two recognized travel industry executives as well as experts with a combined 69 years on the inside of travel and technology, give up their secrets to the thing everyone wants to do - travel better, pay less and see more of the world. Join us each week - along with recognized industry executives and travel celebrities - as we bring you intel on the hottest new resorts and cruise liners, the latest...