The Frommer's Travel Show

Airfare Trends for 2026

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: Dollar Flight Club Norse Airways French Bee Delta Airlines United Airways American Airlines Ryanair

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties Hit the Road

Avery Singer and Jolie Golub, founders of BachBoss an agency that creates customs tailored travel experiences for Hen and Stag parties, were our guests today. They discussed the most popular destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties, over-the-top celebrity celebrations, and the biggest problems groups encounter when planning these sorts of roaming fests. Takeaways: The Travel and Adventure Show is set to take place in Seattle on January 10th and 11th, marking a significant event for travel enthusiasts. Attendees of the Travel and Adventure Show can get free tickets by using the code "FROMMERSVIP" when purchasing tickets online. The trend of destination bachelor and bachelorette parties has surged, with approximately 80% of couples opting for weekend getaways to celebrate before their weddings. BachBoss, a company specializing in planning bachelor and bachelorette parties, was founded by friends who discovered a market need through their own experiences. Popular destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties include Miami, Las Vegas, Cabo, and Tulum, combining luxury experiences with celebratory activities. The importance of early planning for destination events cannot be overstated, as venues and accommodations fill up quickly during peak travel seasons. Companies mentioned in this episode: Bach Boss Frommer's Guides The Seattle Travel and Adventure Show

The Best Booking Engines for Airfares and Lodgings? A Smart Study Has Answers

Reid Bramblett, author of our recent studies on how to find the best booking engines for airfares, and the best ones for lodgings, unpacked his research. He discussed which sites find the lowest rates most consistently, how to filter results smartly, VPN uses for travel bookings, and when doing multiple searches will be the only way to find the lowest prices.Takeaways: The travel industry presents complex pricing structures that require careful examination to avoid overpaying. Reid Bramlett conducted an extensive study to identify the best booking engines for airfares and hotels. AI chatbots currently perform poorly in providing accurate travel pricing information. Momondo emerged as the top airfare search engine due to its superior price-finding capabilities and filters. Google Hotels consistently finds the lowest hotel prices, with Trivago coming in a very close second. Some engines surface the fees and taxes that can drastically increase the overall costs but others do not so engaging a VPN can help you more easily see what the end cost will be (and might find you lower prices overall).

On the Road: Madrid and Toledo

Pauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Spain with Jason Cochran, Editor in Chief of Frommers.comTakeaways: In this episode, we discuss the cosmopolitan nature of Madrid, highlighting its expansive avenues, walkability, top restaurants and extraordinary museums. The culinary experiences in Madrid are diverse, ranging from molecular gastronomy to traditional tapas, showcasing the city's rich gastronomic culture. Our exploration of Madrid includes visits to renowned museums, where masterpieces from artists like Bosch and Goya captivate the imagination. The flamenco show at Corral de la Moreria stands out as a cultural highlight, demonstrating the city's historical significance in the flamenco tradition and its artistic vibrancy. A side trip to Toledo is the perfect add on to an adventure in Madrid, as it's a very different city, with extraordinary religious heritage, and only 30 minutes away by trainCompanies and sights mentioned in this episode: Frommers.com Melt the band DSTAgE Restaurant Doppelganger Bar Coral de la Moreria Thyssen-Bornemisza National MuseumEl PradoPrimatial Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Toledo

On the Road: Berlin and Utrecht

From her hotel room in Utrecht, Pauline Frommer talked with Frommers.com's Editor In Chief Jason Cochran about her adventures in that Dutch hotspot, and her just concluded visit to Germany's capital. Links referenced in this episode:frommers.comspotify.comcafe-frida.comalchemistclub.comtivolivredenburg.nlddrmuseum.deneue-museum.deCompanies and Attractions mentioned in this episode: Melt the Band Cafe Frida Alchemist Club Gamalde Gallery Neue Museum Tivoli Vredenburg DDR Museum Brandenburg Gate Reichstag Checkpoint Charlie