The Weekly Travel Alert

Thanksgiving air travel is expected to break records again this year, with TSA reporting some of the busiest travel days in U.S. history. If you're flying for the holidays, this video will help you navigate crowds, avoid delays, and travel smarter during one of the most congested weeks of the year. In this Thanksgiving travel guide, we’re sharing 10 essential tips every traveler should know—f...

Airport parking fees are skyrocketing across the country — some up 50% or more — and travelers everywhere are feeling the sting. I’ll never forget returning from a cruise to find my parking bill was $220 for one week… I about fell out of my chair! 😳 In this episode, we’re breaking down 10 proven ways to slash your airport parking costs — whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next...

Hello from Italy! This week I’m coming to you from VillaDestinoItaly.com  as I prepare for our upcoming Simplifying Travel 2025 company meeting. Every time I travel to Europe, I realize there’s always something I forget to pack. So in this episode, I’m sharing my annual list of 24 commonly forgotten travel items — the things travelers to Europe always wish they’d brought along. Whether you’re plan...

As winter settles in, travelers are split between two dreams — sun-soaked beaches and magical snowy escapes. Whether you’re craving palm trees and ocean breezes or Northern Lights and cozy mountain lodges, these destinations are defining where Americans are traveling this winter. From the Caribbean islands and Mexico’s Riviera Maya to Iceland’s frozen waterfalls and Italy’s timeless piazzas, this...

This week marks a major milestone — our 100th Weekly Travel Alert Podcast! Two years ago, CEO Paul Glenn and I launched this show to bring you the top travel headlines, airfare trends, and insider tips every week. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey! In this special episode, we cover the latest travel updates shaping your next trip: 🌎 Executive Travel’s Airfare Index ✈️ Domestic f...

Are airlines really making money flying passengers — or is there more happening behind the scenes? In this week’s episode, we break down the shocking truth: U.S. airlines would be losing money without their loyalty programs, credit card partnerships, and frequent flyer miles. 💳 The big reveal: A groundbreaking analysis shows that without loyalty revenue: ✈️ Delta’s 10.5% profit margin turns into...

We’ve all had that “oh no!” moment—checking out of a hotel only to realize we left something important behind. From chargers to jewelry, hotel staff find all sorts of forgotten belongings every day. In this video, we’re counting down the Top 10 most commonly forgotten items in hotel rooms—and sharing 5 smart tips to help you avoid leaving your essentials behind on your next trip. 🔑 What you’ll le...

Airlines worldwide earned $148 billion in ancillary revenue in 2024—breaking records with baggage fees, seat charges, and add-ons. Low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit now make more money from extras than tickets, while legacy airlines adopt “basic economy” strategies to compete. In this video, we break down: How low-cost carriers turned fees into gold Why United, Delta, and American are mim...

Stay ahead of the latest travel news and airfare trends with Executive Travel’s weekly update! This week’s highlights: 🌍 GSA Holds Federal Per Diems Flat for FY2026 The U.S. General Services Administration has frozen per diem rates for lodging ($110) and meals ($68) through September 30, 2026. Travel managers, government contractors, and corporate buyers should prepare for flat reimbursement leve...

Big changes are coming to Business Class travel in 2025 and beyond. Etihad Airways just launched a stripped-down version of Business Class—what we’re calling “Basic Business Class”—and it could soon reshape how American, United, and Delta sell premium tickets. In this week’s Weekly Travel Alert, we break down: ✈️ What “Basic Business Class” means for corporate travelers ✈️ How perks like lounge ac...

Steve just returned from a quick trip to Italy, and he’s bringing back insider travel tips you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re planning a vacation to Rome, Florence, Venice, or the Italian countryside, this week’s update gives you a fresh look at what it’s really like to travel to Italy in August—and why the coming months are the perfect time to go. 🇮🇹 From the truth about summer weather in Ita...

Airfare prices are on the slide — and we’re not talking a few bucks. Domestic and international fares are hitting their lowest levels in years, with some Europe flights dipping under $600 roundtrip and domestic fall/winter fares averaging just $167. Even business class to Europe is at prices we haven’t seen in ages. In this episode of our travel update, we break down the latest trends from the Exe...

The summer of 2025 has travel experts scratching their heads. After years of nonstop revenge travel and record-breaking demand, the industry is suddenly seeing a surprising slump—cheap airfares, empty hotel rooms, and serious travel deals. But is this just the quiet before the storm? In this episode, we dive into why now might be the smartest time to book your next trip—and why this fall could unl...

Join us this week aboard the luxury Seabourn Quest as  we cruise northbound from Vancouver, BC to Juneau, Alaska on a 7-day journey through one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. This isn’t just a vacation—it’s my eighth Alaska cruise, and I’ve got insider insights that every traveler should know. If you’re planning an Alaska cruise or dreaming of seeing the 49th state by sea, this vi...

This week, I’m coming to you from the stunning medieval village of Montone, Italy—and wow, what a week it’s been! Our Executive Travel team just wrapped up planning for our big company event, Simplifying Travel 2025, and let me tell you... hosting a business meeting in Italy isn’t just magical—it’s surprisingly affordable (30% cheaper than Charlotte, NC!). While I’m soaking up the sunshine and pre...

🛫 1. Maximize Your United Miles with Friends & Fam United Airlines now lets you pool MileagePlus miles with up to 5 family members or friends. Combine your miles and unlock more travel possibilities—faster. It’s free to set up and super simple! ✨ https://www.united.com/en/us/mileageplus/miles-pooling/ 🎒 2. The Biggest Mistake Travelers Make: Checking Luggage Lost bags, long lines, and overw...

Executive Travel’s latest Airfare Index reveals a golden opportunity for savvy travelers—domestic and international flight prices are dropping fast! Whether you're planning a family vacation, a European getaway, or a bucket-list trip in business class, now is the time to book and save BIG. 🔥 WHAT’S INSIDE THIS VIDEO: ➡️ The latest U.S. and European airfare trends ➡️ Why fall 2025 is the best...

Pickpocketing in Europe is no longer just a minor annoyance—it's becoming a serious travel threat, especially in major tourist hotspots like Florence, Rome, Paris, and Barcelona. In this video, I share a recent and very real story of how two of my cousins were targeted and robbed by professional pickpockets while traveling in Italy. ✨ What you'll learn in this video: How pickpocketing h...

Hello from the beautiful Italian countryside — I’m sharing 16 surprising things Americans often discover when visiting Europe for the first time. From pay-to-use toilets and tiny hotel rooms to warm beer and graffiti-covered landmarks, these cultural differences might catch you off guard if you’re used to traveling within the USA. ✨ Whether you’re planning your first European vacation, backpackin...

For years, Southwest Airlines was the quirky, lovable airline that broke the mold—free bags, no change fees, and open seating. But in 2025, everything is changing. In this week’s alert, we dive into the 5 major shifts transforming Southwest from fan-favorite to just another “me too” airline chasing Wall Street approval. 🧳 From ditching its iconic "bags fly free" policy to embracing Basi...

Ready to travel the world for less? In this week’s episode of the Weekly Travel Podcast by Executive Travel, we break down one of the biggest airfare drops we’ve seen in years! 😱 ✔️ Domestic airfares have plummeted 11% ✔️ International coach fares dropped a whopping 22% ✔️ Business class to Europe? Now starting around $3,300 RT! ✔️ Hotel occupancy is down = potential DEALS ahead! Whether you’re p...

In this episode, we’re ranking the Big 3 U.S. airlines—Delta, United, and American—to help you decide which one really delivers the best experience. From business class cabins and loyalty programs to aircraft choices and customer service, we’re breaking it all down. We’ll also explore some of the biggest trends shaping premium travel, including the $70 trillion wealth transfer, United’s bold new D...

Thinking about taking your first cruise vacation or ready to level up to a luxury cruise adventure? In this video, Steve shares the natural progression many travelers take as they fall in love with cruising the world by sea—starting with short, affordable getaways and evolving into once-in-a-lifetime international cruises. 🛳️ Whether you're planning a Caribbean cruise, dreaming of European ri...

Heads up, travelers! In this week’s travel alert, we’re diving into two BIG updates for anyone planning summer trips in 2025: ✅ REAL ID Deadline Hits May 7, 2025 – No more delays! Starting this week, you’ll need a REAL ID or passport to fly domestically in the U.S. Don’t get caught off guard—check your license for that little star in the top right corner and avoid last-minute airport headaches....

Are your hotel meeting costs spiraling out of control? You’re not alone. In this episode of our Simplifying Travel Podcast, we uncover why U.S. hotel rates are making companies rethink their entire meeting planning strategy — and why Italy is quickly becoming the smartest (and most affordable) alternative for corporate travel and events. 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How skyrocketi...