The Frommer's Travel 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

Tours for People Who Don't Want to Be "Tourists", Plus a Deep Dive Into the Spiritual Life of Japan

New York Times writer Jonathan Zwickel discussed his recent article about tours that uncover the political and economic forces that are shaping life in Athens, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and other important cities. Then Hiroko Yoda discussed her illuminating book about Japanese traditions, religious practices and life "Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan.Takeaways: Zwickel recounts his experience of wandering through an Athens neighborhood, revealing the urban decay and struggles faced by locals. We discuss the importance of ethical tourism, emphasizing the need for respectful engagement with local communities and their histories. The podcast highlights the emergence of social and political walking tours as a means to provide deeper insights into the realities of city life and its challenges. Additionally, we examine how these tours can serve as an antidote to overtourism by redistributing visitor traffic to underappreciated areas. In the second half Yoda discusses the interplay between different religious traditions in the temples of Japan; how she came to find Shinto teachings helpful while grieving the loss of her parents; and a the story behind a famous mound in Tokyo, that has a surprising history.Links referenced in this episode:newyorktimes.comairbnb.complanetwonk.com

Amelia Earhart: Founder of the Modern Travel Industry? Plus a Look at Why She Disappeared

Laurie Gwen Shapiro, author of the new book "The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam and the Marriage That Made an American Icon" was today's guest. She discussed how Earhart shaped how we travel today, why she is still such a potent role model, and what happened to her on her final flight.Takeaways: The contemporary travel industry owes much of its development to the pioneering efforts of early aviators, particularly Amelia Earhart, who significantly influenced public perception of air travel. Laurie Gwen Shapiro's book, 'The Aviator and the Amelia Earhart,' delves into the intricate relationship between Amelia Earhart and her husband, George Putnam, showcasing their collaborative efforts. Amelia Earhart's role as an ambassador for aviation was crucial in promoting air travel to women, thereby helping to establish the industry as a viable mode of transportation. The podcast highlights the complexities surrounding Amelia Earhart's legacy, suggesting that her ambitious nature and calculated risks played a significant role in her untimely demise. Listeners are encouraged to explore the nuances of Amelia Earhart's final flight by listening to tapes of those who know her, available on the Smithsonian website.