The Places Where We Go Podcast

Travel News Roundup: Airline Changes, Cruise Costs & Where to Go in 2027 What's changing for travelers as we head toward 2027? In episode 172, Art explores the latest travel news with major developments affecting your next vacation, including proposed improvements to U.S. passport applications, Europe's upcoming ETIAS travel authorization, airline refund rules, Airbnb's new checkout cleaning p...

Planning an international trip but concerned about travel warnings? Learn what the four U.S. State Department advisory levels mean, when to reconsider your vacation, how travel insurance works, and five steps to help you travel more confidently. ❤️ Support the Show If this episode helped you stay travel-smart, please leave us a review—it helps more travelers discover the show! The Places Where We...

Travel costs are rising, new attractions are opening, and some important changes are affecting how we plan our next adventures. Episode 170 brings us the September 2026 travel news roundup where Art covers the latest noteworthy travel developments, including higher airfares and gasoline prices, new TSA airport access, the opening of Los Angeles's Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Thailand's updated e...

How are rising fuel prices impacting the cost of travel in 2026? On episode 169 of The Places Where We Go Podcast, we take a look at current diesel prices and the impact on travel costs. With diesel prices reaching record highs, transportation expenses are becoming an increasingly important consideration for vacation budgets. In this episode,  we examine how high diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel pri...

Planning to fly for Christmas? The timing of both your booking and your travel dates can have a big impact on airfare. In this episode, Art shares practical guidance on when to book domestic and international Christmas flights, which holiday travel days tend to be the most expensive, and why flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day could potentially save you money. You’ll also hear tips for compar...

In this monthly travel news recap, we explore some of the most noteworthy travel developments from August 2026 on episode 167. Travel costs, airline rules and international travel procedures were all changing in August 2026. In this monthly travel-news recap, Art looks at rising fall prices and record August gas costs, Delta and JetBlue fare changes, Europe’s biometric Entry/Exit System, Edinburgh...

February 2027 may still be six months away, but some of the world's most interesting festivals, cultural celebrations and special events are already taking shape. In episode 166 of The Places Where We Go, we look ahead at top events that could be worth planning an entire trip around—from the Sapporo Snow Festival, Venice Carnival and Rio Carnival to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, film festivals in San...

Did you know that roughly 90% of U.S. adults don’t have TSA PreCheck? In episode 165 of The Places Where We Go, we share our recent TSA PreCheck enrollment experience and break down what the program offers, how to apply, who benefits most, and who may not need it. We also compare TSA PreCheck with Global Entry, explain whether either program helps outside the United States, and discuss an importan...

A flight connection does not have to mean hours spent waiting at the airport. In this episode of The Places Where We Go, Art explains how an ordinary layover can sometimes be transformed into a planned stopover—and a second destination within the same journey. He also shares how a connection in Toronto led Art and Julie to realize, just a little too late, that they could have added a couple of day...

Could fall 2026 be the best—and most affordable—time to visit Hawaiʻi? In this mini travel news episode, we examine new KAYAK data showing that fall airfare to Kailua-Kona, Honolulu, and Lihue may drop by as much as 19 percent compared with summer prices. We also look at potential shoulder-season savings on hotels and rental cars, other domestic and international destinations offering lower fall f...

In this monthly travel news recap, Julie and Art explore some of the most noteworthy travel developments from July 2026. Episode 162 topics include: United Airlines’ unusual new Economy Plus seating option The continued growth of premium air travel Live television aboard Starlink-equipped flights Persistent high airfares Flight-booking strategies Major U.S. airport improvements The possible return...

A campground may have great photographs and excellent reviews—but will your RV, tow vehicle or tent actually fit the individual campsite? In episode 161, Julie and Art introduce The Campground Comparison Tool, a refined AI prompt that compares campsite dimensions, hookups, shade, privacy, facilities, driving time, check-in and check-out policies, reservation timing and nearby activities. The promp...

In episode 160 of The Places Where We Go travel podcast, we break down the biggest travel news stories from the past month—and what they mean for your next trip. We recap the top travel news, including rising airfare, smarter airport strategies, new FAA technology, passport souvenir stamp warnings, traveler risk trends, AI-assisted trip planning, Grand Canyon heat safety, bedbug prevention tips, n...

In episode 159 of The Places Where We Go travel podcast, we share our favorite RV campground options in Santa Barbara County, California. Drawing from our experience traveling with our Airstream, we compare Lake Cachuma, Flying Flags RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, El Capitán State Beach, and Jalama Beach County Park. We discuss campground highlights, site-siz...

In episode 158 of The Places Where We Go travel podcast, we break down the biggest travel news stories from the past month—and what they mean for your next trip. Discussed on this episode: Rising airfare and fuel costs Changing travel habits Growing divide between budget and luxury travel What the closure of Spirit Airlines may signal about the future of air travel Major airline updates, including...

How long should your vacation really be? In episode 157 of The Places Where We Go, Art breaks down one of the most important—and often overlooked—travel planning decisions: choosing the right length for your trip. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer international adventure, the number of days you set aside can dramatically impact your overall experience. From travel time an...

In episode 156 of The Places Where We Go travel podcast, we break down the biggest travel news stories from the past month—and what they mean for your next trip. From the rapid rise of AI in travel planning to potential increases in summer airfare, new airline policies, and major changes coming to European border control, we cover the trends every traveler should know. Whether you're planning a ro...

Choosing where to go is one of the most exciting parts of travel—but it can also be the most overwhelming. In this episode, Art shares a simple, practical framework to help you confidently select the right destination for your next trip. Drawing from decades of travel experience, you’ll learn how to balance time, budget, logistics, and personal interests so you can plan a trip that truly fits your...

Episode 154 of The Places Where We Go Podcast rounds up the most important travel news stories from February 2026, helping travelers stay informed, prepared, and inspired. This month brought major updates affecting air travel, national parks, cruise lines, international destinations, and theme parks. From new TSA identity fees and airline policy shifts to national park access changes and Disney’s...

In episode 153, we review the cheapest places to fly internationally in 2026.  Read more on our blog post: The Cheapest International Places to Fly in 2026 The report referenced in this episode comes from Dollar Flight Club: https://dollarflightclub.com/articles/cheapest-places-to-fly-2026/ The Places Where We Go Resources PODCAST: Released every other week in your favorite podcast app WEBSITE &am...

Episode 152 of The Places Where We Go Podcast rounds up the most important travel news stories from January 2026, helping travelers stay informed, prepared, and inspired. In this episode, we cover essential updates and tips to make your next adventure seamless and stress-free. From understanding the new UK ETA requirements to navigating National Park fee schedules, we’ve got you covered with the l...

Episode 151 of The Places Where We Go Podcast, we explore the hottest travel destinations of the season, from thrilling adventure spots to serene getaways perfect for relaxation. We dive into the latest travel trends report from Kayak. Listen to discover hidden gems, gain inspiration for your next itinerary, and get expert travel tips to make your trips unforgettable. ❤️ Support the Show If this e...

Episode 150 of The Places Where We Go Podcast rounds up the most important travel news stories from December 2025, helping travelers stay informed, prepared, and inspired. We’re covering some of the biggest shifts shaping global travel right now, including rising travel costs, new government requirements, updated airline features, airport and security news, museum openings, national park updates,...

Ready to start planning your June 2026 travels? In episode 149 of The Places Where We Go, we explore some of the best destinations, festivals, and experiences around the world happening in June 2026. Whether you’re dreaming of live music, outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, or world-class sporting events, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you plan an unforgettable early-summer...

In episode 148 of The Places Where We Go, we explore the outdoors of Paris, France.  We'll take you to Luxembourg Gardens, Jardin des Tuileries, the Champs-Élysées, the River Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and outdoor open-air markets. The Places Where We Go Resources PODCAST: Released every other week in your favorite podcast app WEBSITE & BLOG  www.theplaceswherewego.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTE...