The Frommer's Travel Show

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Since the 1957 publication of Arthur Frommer's seminal Europe on $5 a Day, the Frommer guidebooks have been America's most trusted travel source. This podcast, hosted by Arthur's daughter, and business partner, Pauline Frommer, gives listeners the low down on what's happening in the world of travel today. Expect guest appearances by some of the biggest names in travel today, including Arthur Frommer, Jason Cochran, travel journalists from the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other publications.

Pauline Frommer


    • Jun 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 314 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Frommer's Travel Show

    Cemeteries Around the World That Are Well Worth Traveling to See

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 33:19


    Loren Rhoads, author of the superb book "222 Cemeteries to See Before You Die" was the guest on this episode, discussing dolmens in Ireland's Burren region, Jimi Hendrix' grave, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and much more.

    Northern Michigan In Depth, Just In Time for Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 46:24


    Today's show featured four experts on travel to the idyllic region of Northern Michigan: Trevor Tkach, CEO of Traverse City Tourism; Amanda Willken, the Visit Charlevoix Executive Director; Paul Beachnau of Gaylord All Outdoors Tourism Bureau; and Kevin Klein, CEO of the Cherry Capital Airport.

    Universal's Epic Universe and a New Museum From the Victoria & Albert in London: Two Reviews

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 34:23


    Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran is on the road to review some of the newest and biggest new attractions in the world. In this episode he gives his review about what works and doesn't work at Universal Studio's new multi-billion dollar theme park. He also gives a rave to the just-opened Victoria and Albert East Storehouse.

    What Road Warriors Pack to Improve Their Trips, Plus Dawn Sightseeing for the Win

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 34:33


    Dawn Gilbertson, travel columnist from the Wall Street Journal was our first guest, discussing the odd things people who live on the road pack for comfort. Then Laura Kiniry, an author for Smithsonian Magazine, talked about why you're missing out if you sleep in when visiting Hanoi, Honolulu, Sydney and several other major destinations.

    Overlanding: How Lessons From This Extreme Form of Adventure Travel Can Enhance Your Next Vacation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 32:44


    Scott Brady, author of the new book "Overlanding 101: A Field Guide to Vehicle Based Adventure Travel" discussed how to choose travel companions, how to estimate trip times for each type of road, how to drive in snow and mud, and much more.

    Best Running Vacations, Plus Haggling for Souvenirs Abroad

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 30:33


    Bart Yasso, author of "100 Runs of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Races and Trails" was our first guest, followed by Ruffin Prevost who wrote a how-to guide for the New York Times about bargaining at markets and bazaars while on vacation.

    Yellowstone National Park in 2025: The Science Behind What You See, How to Plan the Perfect Trip, and More. Plus: A Review of the new Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 35:03


    Elisabeth Kwak Hefferin, author of the just-released guidebook Frommer's Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks was our first guest, followed by Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran who just returned from a cruise on NCL's newest ship.

    True Crime Travel in New England

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 32:41


    Dawn Barclay, the author of the new book "Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover's Travel Guide to New England," was today's scintillating guest.

    Hitchhiking Through Europe and Morocco in the 1970's

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 30:56


    Mark Orwoll, the author of the droll travel memoir "Just One Little Hitch: Curious Companions, Debatable Choices, and Life-Changing Revelations on the Hitchhiker's Road Through Europe and Morocco", regaled Pauline with tales of bad habits picked up, friendships made, and knowledge gained.

    CBD and Travel: What You Need to Know Before You Fly. Plus A Look At Air Travel Safety in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 41:41


    Frommers.com columnist, and Economic Liberties Project fellow, William McGee was our first guest, discussing how DOGE's cuts will affect the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Then Toby Streett, of CBDEEME.com, came on to chat about sleep and travel, specifically what you need to know if you need to fly with products that contain CBD or THC.

    S1E578 - PBS' Fly Brother, Ernest White II, on the Faroe Islands, Jaipur, and Tofino

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025 30:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Fly Brother is in its third season. Ernest White II is its erudite host, and he discussed how he finds people to interview, cold water surfing, his favorite part of British Columbia, the geology of the Faroe Island, and more.

    S1E577 - Maps: What They Show About Us and the World We Inhabit, Plus What Packable Items Are Necessary for Good Trips?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 42:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Andrew Middleton, cartographer, "Map Philosopher" and owner of Rhode Island's Map Center, was our first guest. Then Shannon Simms discussed her recent New York Times article about what items need to be in your emergency travel stash.

    S1E576 - Race Round the World on a Clipper Ship? Here's How. Plus Historic Train, Plane and Ocean Liner Meals

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 35:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Jacqueline Kavanagh, of Clipper Round the World, an 11-month race around the globe that takes paying amateurs as crew, was our first guest. She was followed by Nina Nazionale of the New York Historical museum, discussing their upcoming exhibit "Dining in Transit", which "showcases the innovative ways ocean liners, trains, and airplanes catered to passengers' appetites and expectations during the first half of the 20th century".

    S1E575 - Warning! Hotel Fires, Dating Scams, and Rising Anti-Americanism Mean Travelers Need to Take More Precautions on the Road

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 27:22 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Andrea Sachs of the Washington Post discussed a new scam targeting male vacationers in Brazil, plus what rising anger at Trump Administration' policies and pronouncements may mean for travelers. Then, author Sophie Stuber talked about her recent New York Times article on what you need to know to survive a hotel fire.

    S1E574 - Los Angeles: Is It Open for Visitors Right Now? Plus a Chat with Kathy McCabe of the PBS TV Show "Dream of Europe"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 32:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Los Angeles: Is It Open for Visitors Right Now? Plus a Chat with Kathy McCabe of the PBS TV Show "Dream of Europe".

    S1E573 - A Crisis for the U.S. National Park System

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 25:54 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Kurt Repanshek of NationalParksTraveler.org talked with Pauline about what the widespread layoffs at the National Parks will mean for travelers in the coming weeks and months

    S1E572 - Desert Island Survival Vacations, Plus Where to Move If You Decide to Leave the United States

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 35:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Jen Rose Smith discussed her recent article for Afar magazine about a new type of adventure vacation, involving being dropped off alone on a desert island. Then Laura Begley Bloom, author of the Transformative Travel column on Forbes.com, talked about all the issues involved in immigrating away from the U.S.A. and where you should go.

    S1E571 - Are New Hampshire's Mountain Huts Endangered? Plus a Look at Sexual Intimacy Retreats

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 24:47 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Miles Howard, former worker at the White Mountains Appalachian Mountain Community huts, discussed his recent Boston Globe piece on the challenges facing these backcountry delights. Then New York Times writer Caren Osten Gerszberg talked about vacations created by experts to help "rekindle the spark".

    S1E570 - Nashville & Memphis: Best Strategies for a Visit. Plus a Look at TourRadar, a Marketplace for Finding Both Group, and Personalized, Tours

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 36:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Ashley Akin Brantley, author of the just released "Frommer's Nashville and Memphis" was our first guest. Then Travis Pitman, CEO of the tour marketplace site TourRadar, came on to discuss how to find the right tour for your interests.

    S1E569 - Samantha Brown on Rainy Season Costa Rica, East Germany, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 27:55 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes PBS' own Samantha Brown, host of "Places to Love", was our guest this week, in celebration of her 25 years as a TV travel show host.

    S1E568 - Los Angeles: Can You Visit It Now or In the Near Future? Plus AI's Effect on Attraction Pricing, Lounge Chair Horders and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 31:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Jason Cochran, California resident and Editor in Chief of Frommers.com, was our first guest. Along with Los Angeles travel, he and Pauline discussed identity theft scams that involve travel, and good and bad new developments in New York City. Then Dawn Gilbertson of the Wall Street Journal joined Pauline to discuss how resorts are handling poolside chair issues.

    S1E567 - Customs, Crafts and Traditions Worldwide, and the Heroes Who Are Keeping Them Alive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 32:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Eliot Stein, Author of "Custodians of Wonder" discussed his superb book, homing in on ancient music traditions in Mali, Incan grass bridge makers in Peru, and the world's rarest pasta in Sardinia.

    S1E566 - Canada's Provinces: Which to Visit and Which to Skip

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 30:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes David Brodie, Canada's most popular travel podcast host (Travel in Ten), gave no-nonsense advice about the highlights of each province and territory...and where they fall short

    S1E565 - Best Places to Go in 2025, Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 32:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Madagascar, Ghent, El Salvador, and the Marshall Islands were four of the final seven of the best places to go in 2025, as discussed by Frommer's staffers Jason Cochran, Pauline Frommer, and Zac Thompson.

    S1E564 - Best Places to Go in 2025, Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 28:55 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Our Editor's Round Table continues with a discuss of Greenland, Slovenia, Grand Cayman, Hobart, Nashville, Tuscon, and Brixen by the Frommers.com team: Jason Cochran, Zac Thompson and Pauline Frommer.

    S1E563 - Best Places to Go in 2025, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 30:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Jane Austen's England, Japan's Osaka, Bolivia, Universal Epic Universe, Cayuhoga National Park in Ohio, Barbuda and Crete were the topics for this episode, discussed by Frommer's staffers Jason Cochran, Zac Thompson and Pauline Frommer

    S1E562 - Wandering in American Deserts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 28:31 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Linda Watanabe McFerrin, one of the editors and authors of an illuminating book of essays called "Wandering in American Deserts: Discovery, Visions, Redemption" was our guest and discussed the Salton Sea, Death Valley and Grand Escalante.

    S1E561 - Remembering Arthur Frommer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 41:01 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Pauline Frommer discusses her father's remarkable life and legacy with Frommers.com Editor In Chief Jason Cochran

    S1E560 - Hidden Landmarks of New York

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 34:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Tommy Silk, the author of the popular Instagram account and now new book of that name ("Hidden Landmarks of New York: A Tour of the City's Most Overlooked Buildings") joined Pauline for a fascinating discussion of NYC's history, architecture and landmarking practices.

    S1E559 - Airline Cancellation Nightmare, Plus Traveling Like a Local While Doing Good

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 29:22 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Seth Kugel, author of the Tripped Up column for the New York Times, discussed the issues that can occur when you book a flight on a partner airline with loyalty points. Then Jonathan Coleman, CEO of Untours, talked about their unusual trips, and where your money goes when you book them.

    S1E558 - First Dog to Walk Around the World: We Speak to Her Owner About Their Amazing 7 Year Jouney

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 29:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Tom Turcich, author of the new book "The World Walk: 7 Years, 28,000 Miles, 6 Continents, A Grand Meditation, One Step at a Time" was our guest

    S1E557 - Important Authors' Homes: Why and How to Visit Them. Plus Are Airline Loyalty Programs Pyramid Schemes?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 39:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Tess Chakkalakal and Brock Clarke of the Dead Writers Podcast were our first guests, arguing (between themselves) about whether or not you should make pilgrimages to the homes of authors you like. This was followed by Frommers.com columnist Bill McGee, discussing why air miles are not as useful as they used to be and what the Department of Transportation is doing about that.

    S1E556 - Fewer Pat Downs, More Laughs at the Airport

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 30:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes David Pekoske, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, was our first guest, on to discuss the technical and diplomatic innovations that will be making airport security more effective, and less invasive for passengers. Then Vera Santamaria, show runner for Hulu's new airport-set comedy "How to Die Alone," talked about how the show recreates the inner workings of JFK.

    S1E555 - New England's "Unprecedented" Leaf Peeping Season This Year, Plus What's Ahead for Ski Vacations in 2024/25

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 30:59 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Gabe Salge, Foliage Expert for Yankee Magazine, Came On to Discuss What He Can, and Can't, Predict This Year. Then the Washington Post's Andrea Sachs Talked About New Developments at Ski Resorts Across the United States.

    S1E554 - London in 2025 Plus A Non-Safari Way to Tour Kenya

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 32:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Jason Cochran, author of the just released guidebook Frommer's London, discussed how to visit affordably, recent changes the city has seen, and London's sizzling theater scene. Then Alex Kamau, founder of Let's Drift, talked about how international travelers can do daylong experiences with Kenyans when in country.

    S1E553 - Bangkok to Barcelona on Foot

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 30:30 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Jenn Baljko and her parter Lluis discussed their multiyear journey and the documentary that came from it.

    S1E552 - How to Get a Free Cruise, Controversial Florida Plans and Bye Bye Passport Stamps

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 30:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochan talked about unwanted changes coming to Sunshine State vacations, then author Tamara Hinson discussed the way some cruisers are snagging free cabins.

    S1E551 - Relocation Deals on RV's and Rental Cars, Plus a Stellar Greek Opportunity

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 30:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Iconic travel writer Don George discussed the adventure he'll soon be leading to Greece, and the New York Times' Frugal Traveler columnist Elaine Glusac talked about how to get a 90% discount on vehicle rentals.

    S1E550 - Hellish Destinations....That Make for Great Vacations

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 34:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Erika Engelhaupt, author of "Go to Hell: A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations" was our guest today.

    S1E549 - Rome in 2024 & 2025: Challenges and Rewards. Plus the Texan City the United Nations Thinks Is Cooking Up Some of the Most Culturally Significant Food in the U.S.A.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 34:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes What's new in the Eternal City, how the Jubilee celebrations will impact travel, and more with Elizabeth Heath, author of the just released guidebook Frommer's Rome Day by Day. Plus journalist Veronica Stoddart discussed the unique cuisine of a very unique city.

    S1E548 - Floating Vacations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 32:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Lauren Sloss, author of the article "How to Charter a Boat" for the New York Times, was our first guest, followed by Frommers.com author Gwen Pratesi who talking about passport-free cruises, the latest ships from Princess Cruises and Silversea, and more.

    S1E547 - Following The Path of Homer's Odyssey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 28:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Laura Coffey, author of the new book "Enchanted Islands: A Mediterranean Odyssey--A Memoir of Travels Through Love, Grief and Mythology" was our guest

    S1E546 - Las Vegas in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 29:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Jason Cochran, Editor in Chief of Frommers.com, came on to talk about his recent adventures in Sin City.

    S1E545 - Life Changing Travel to Rome

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 37:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Alizah Holstein, author of "My Roman History: A Memoir", came on to talk about the deep pathos of the Colosseum, how to experience the many layers or Roma, the Roman approach to history and food, and much more.

    S1E544 - Maine Vacations: What's New and Notable. Plus a Look at Dehumanizing Travel Tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 42:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes First up, Frommers.com columnist William McGee talked about the troubling removal of the human touch from many areas of travel. Then Brian Kevin, author of the just released Frommer's Maine, talked about top art exhibitions, theaters, nature sights, and new hotels and bars in that great state.

    S1E543 - Ben Franklin: World Traveler with Eric Weiner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 30:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes The author of "Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder's Formula for a Long and Useful Life" discussed the myriad of ways journeying shaped Benjamin Franklin, and the philosophies and actions that were sparked by his wanderings

    S1E542 - Azores Adventures & How to Look at Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 42:30 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Pauline and Frommers.com Editor In Chief Jason Cochran discussed her recent visit to the Azorean Island of Sao Miguel. Then Courtney Tenz discussed her recent Vox article on how to get the most out of visiting a museum or gallery.

    S1E541 - Mass Tourism and the Journeyer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 36:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Paige McClanahan, author of "The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel" discussed how the travel industry is re-shaping our planet—for the good, and bad—and what the individual traveler should do to travel in a more meaningful way.

    S1E540 - Focus on France Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 37:03 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes This week's show concentrates on the French Riviera and Provence with Frommer's France author Tristan Rutherford, and the French Alps with his co-author Mary Novakovich

    S1E539 - Focus on France, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 35:03 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes With the French Olympics on the horizon, we invited Frommer's authors Anna Brooke and Lily Heise on to discuss the Loire Valley, Occitanie, Dordogne and the Lot, and what Paris is like in the run up to the game. We'll explore more regions of France next week.

    S1E538 - New England's Top Summer Travel Spots, Plus the Top Destinations for LGBTQIA+ Travelers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2024 40:00 Transcription Available


    Episode Notes Mark Jason Williams, co-author of the new National Geographic book "Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ Travel Guide to More Than 120 Destinations Around the World" was our first guest. Then Kim Knox Beckius, of Yankee Magazine, talked about destinations in the Eastern United States that are particularly pleasing in summer, some well-known, some less so.

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