This Week in Travel News 1: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Real ID, Best in Travel 2023

This Week in Travel News episode 1 on The Millennial Travel Podcast with Matt Wilson: Happy Cyber Week Millennial Travel Podcast listeners! A big part of my job as CEO of Under30Experiences is reading the travel news and analyzing where the industry is going, so I'm here to bring you all the top stories. Updates from Under30Experiences:  -Over30Experiences launch! Group travel in your 30s and 40s! -Digital Nomad Trips! 2-4 week co-working adventures. Let's kick it off with Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals... - Afar Media had Your Ultimate Guide to Black Friday and Cyber Monday Travel Deals  - 🇮🇸 Iceland’s Play Airlines   - 🧳Away Luggage  - 🎒Osprey Backpacks  - 🎿Backcountry  - 🌋Cotopaxi  - 🧗🏼‍♂️REI   - 💚Under30Experiences  - The Points Guy did a roundup of the Best Black Friday Flight Deals  - 🍀@aerlingus  - 🍁@aircanada  - 🇵🇫@airtahitinui  - 🐻@alaskaair  - 🇺🇸@americanair  - 🇭🇰@cathaypacific  - 🇪🇸@iberia  - 🇮🇸@icelandair  - 💙@jetblue  - 🇶🇦@qatarairways - The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority is on sale for just 99 cents on Amazon! - The travel restrictions have been lifted across Latin America  - Peru  - Ecuador  - Guatemala   - They all had testing or vaccine requirements and that was hurting the travel industry big time.    - Lots of friends   - We're thrilled to get to be back at places like Cusco, Machu Picchu, Galapagos, Quito, Tikal - Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023 is out... - 🏆The winners across 5 categories are:  - 🍝Eat: Lima, Peru, Umbria, Italy, Fukuoka, Japan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Montevideo, Uruguay, & South Africa - 🥾Journey: Nova Scotia, Canada, Bhutan, Parques Nacionales Naturales, Colombia, Istanbul to Sofia Train, Western Australia, & Zambia.  - 🫂Connect: Accra, Ghana, Albania, Sydney, Australia, Guyana, Boise, USA, & Alaska, USA.  - 📚Learn: New Mexico, USA, El Salvador, Dresden, Germany, Marseille, France, Manchester, United Kingdom, & Southern Scotland.  - 🏖Unwind: Dominica, Halkidiki, Greece, Jamaica, Jordan, Malta, & Raja Ampat, Indonesia. -  Less than 6 months until Real ID Requirements start for air travel in the USA!

Dr. Anne Desrosiers is an entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist from Brooklyn, New York. Anne is someone who I'm lucky enough to call a friend. She is an OG Under30Experiences traveler who I got to know on our trip to Iceland.   Anne is Chief Experiences Officer at The Voluptuary Travel. She writes a fantastic blog and always keeps it real with her readers... the true Brooklyn way!   She is founder of The World is Your Oyster, TWIYO's (pronounced Twee-yo) mission is to inform and transform urban youth into cognizant and adept leaders of tomorrow through distinct cultural, service, and international travel experiences. An after-school and out-of-school time program serving Brooklyn's High School youth, TWIYO cultivates tomorrow's leaders, today.

Jeff Jenkins is an award-winning content creator and travel journalist, also Founder of Chubby Diaries and Co-founder of Black Travel Alliance, and has sat on The Points Guy Advisory Panel. He has created a community that encourages and motivates plus-size people to travel the world. Jeff is helping plus-size people and Black people feel represented in the travel industry. In this episode, we talk about his blog, Chubby Diaries, and his three pillars of inclusion including accessibility, comfort, and community. Jeff talks about how important it is to see people like himself traveling, in order to encourage other plus-size and Black people to feel welcome to explore the world. We discussed tips for plus-size folks when traveling, how to prepare for a trip, and how to feel comfortable in the outdoors! We even discussed what airlines will give plus-size folks a free extra seat, and some essentials like bringing your own seatbelt extenders, plus-size wet suits, and what outdoor brands have plus-size backpacks. Most importantly, Jeff talks to people “where they are right now,” as most of the content on the internet is focused on weight loss, rather than how bigger people should feel comfortable traveling now! Jeff has been featured in several notable publications such as Forbes, New York Times, Washington Post, Google, Travel Noire, Essence, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Texas Monthly, Outdoor Retailers, and The Point Guy. He helps people travel the world no matter their size through community, branded content, and motivational talks. You can expect 100% authenticity, transparency, and lots of fun. He has a skill of drawing out big dreams in people and every time you are around him you can expect to enjoy yourself! Jeff’s enthusiastic personality, charisma, and contagious big smile makes him one of a kind! In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with Jeff Jenkins:  Travel tips for plus-size people What destinations are doing a good job of being inclusive for plus-size travelers?  What are some challenges that black people face traveling? How can we be more sensitive?  Jeff’s role with the Black Travel Alliance Financial literacy when it comes to traveling and people can invest in themselves  The Millennial Travel Podcast Rapid Fire Questions I ask Jeff Jenkins:  Favorite restaurant in the entire world?  Favorite country in the world? One thing you couldn’t travel without? Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Spotify, or Youtube. You can find all the links and past show notes on millennialtravelpodcast.com Direct support for The Millennial Travel Podcast comes from The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life. Looking for more great content? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel.

Mike Schibel was born and raised in Pacific Palisades, California, and was exposed to stunning travel destinations from my crib!  When he was five, his Grandparents gushed about a recent trip to Egypt and after seeing those Pyramids, he knew I had to travel!   As a Junior at the University of Arizona, Mike was ready for something new.  He spent a semester abroad in London, exploring Europe, Scandinavia, and North Africa. Mike stepped way outside my comfort zone and tried new things.   All roads led back to LA and the Entertainment industry post-college. For a decade, he rose the ranks as an agent and talent manager.  Which of course led to the search for a deeper meaning in my life. In 2010 Schibel bought a one-way ticket to Australia.  Without a plan, he spent a year on the road, meeting interesting people, seeing incredible places, and having memorable inspiring conversations.  Mike’s passion for traveling, storytelling, and community building led me to launch, “Travel With Meaning” in 2017. He created “Travel Talk Live” to bring travelers together to recreate the feelings he experienced on the road, build an authentic community to inspire and encourage others to travel.   In the Spring of 2019, Mike launched the “Travel With Meaning” Podcast to continue to grow our community. [Insert Soundcloud embed link] In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with Mike Schibel:  How did Mike get started with travel?  Has Mike ever tried to make others happy in other to find his own fulfillment?  Tell us about his experience at Cafe Gratitude in San Francisco.  How does Mike try to work gratitude into his life?  How can we be more “pura vida” in our life and live a more grateful life?  How can we be as present at home as we when we are traveling?  How did Mike start the Travel with Meaning Podcast?   The Millennial Travel Podcast Rapid Fire Questions I ask Mike Schibel:  If Mike could go anywhere for a life-changing retreat where would it be? Peru!  If he could have one person on the Travel with Meaning podcast who would it be? Mike’s top place to have a meaningful conversation The country that has made the most impact on Mike  Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Spotify, or Youtube. You can find all the links and past show notes on millennialtravelpodcast.com Direct support for The Millennial Travel Podcast comes from The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life. Looking for more great content? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel.

Jill 8pK9nwhyuxDlKt6VsA47Johnson grew up in North Jersey and began camping with her parents before she could walk. After receiving her Master’s in Special Education she moved to California and explored all it has to offer: deserts, sequoias, mountains, beaches, valleys, and SUNSETS.  Jill has since backpacked Central America and the Pacific Northwest along with various other national parks. If you don’t find her in the forest she will likely be swimming in the ocean, stretched on a yoga mat, or snuggling with her own, or random strangers’ dogs. She is always ready for the next adventure and her glass is always overflowing with plenty to share! You can find her all season as a Trip Leader on Under30Experiences US National Parks Camping and Hiking Trips. In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with Jill Johnson:  Why does she love cows so much?!  How did she fall in love with the outdoors? What did her parents do with her growing up?  What does Jill pay attention to when she is spending time in nature? And what can people at home sense? What are some of Jill’s favorite books related to the outdoors and nature?  How to leave the distractions of modern life behind when people are in nature?  How can people learn to appreciate nature more?  How did Jill get into yoga and meditation?  How can people bring the practice of yoga into their life, even if they don’t have time to roll out their yoga mat? How unimportant we all are, but also how beautiful and grandiose we all are... When did Jill start traveling as a solo traveler? How Half Dome in Yosemite National Park changed Jill’s life? Where did Jill do her yoga teacher training in Thailand?  The island was Koh Phangan of Koh Pha-Ngan and the retreat center was Samma Karuna What are Jill’s travel plans for the summer?  Resources from Jill Johnson:  You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh  Wherever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben  Free Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s work at MIT, Matt has taken Matt’s episode with Joe K the Co-founder of Hurley and Billabong Follow Jill on Instagram @jilllovescows Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Spotify, or Youtube. You can find all the links and past show notes on millennialtravelpodcast.com Direct support for The Millennial Travel Podcast comes from The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life. Looking for more great content? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel. 8pK9nwhyuxDlKt6VsA478pK9nwhyuxDlKt6VsA47 8pK9nwhyuxDlKt6VsA47 8pK9nwhyuxDlKt6VsA47

Scott Keyes is a two time Millennial Travel Podcast guest and needs no introduction as the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights. Today, he comes back to chat about his new book Take More Vacations: How to Search Better, Book Cheaper, and Travel the World.    In case you don’t know Scott… Scott Keyes is the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, a travel platform with over two million members around the world. It’s been called “the travel world’s best-kept secret” by Thrillist and received praise in The New York Times and The Washington Post, among others. Prior to becoming a leading expert on cheap flights, Scott graduated from Stanford University and worked for years as a journalist, with bylines in The Washington Post , The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Nation, and elsewhere. When he's not on a plane, he lives in Portland, Oregon.   If you haven’t heard on our first podcast together, I highly recommend listening to Episode 15 of The Millennial Travel Podcast with Scott from Scott’s Cheap Flights.   For more on this topic check out our guide: Travel Hacking: Saving Money and Finding Cheap Flights.   In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with Scott Keyes:  Scott’s experience getting the COVID-19 vaccine and what the vaccine means for travel. When Scott’s book Take More Vacations: How to Search Better, Book Cheaper, and Travel the World is coming out. How does Scott follow travel news regarding flights?  What are vaccine passports and are vaccine passports needed for international travel?  Is your vaccination certificate allow you to travel internationally?  Do I need a yellow vaccination certificate from the WHO to travel internationally?  Will domestic travel within the United States require vaccination?  What are the entrance requirements for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations for Hawaii?  What airlines have empty middle seats? What are airline capacities like post-pandemic?  When is New York City opening?  Are there flights where everyone takes a COVID-19 test? How to stay on top of entrance requirements and testing requirements for travel?  Are there COVID-19 rapid tests at airports in the United States? How much are rapid tests for COVID-19?  Some hotels are providing free tests for guests to return to the United States. How Scott started Scott’s Cheap flights. How Scott encourages his readers to “take happier trips.”  Why it’s so important to have a trip to look forward to. Why it’s better to take a few trips per year rather than just one big trip… and how to find cheap flights! What were Scott’s 2020 travel plans that got cancelled and what do Scott’s 2021 travel plans look like?    The Millennial Travel Podcast Rapid Fire Questions I ask Scott Keyes:  Does using an incognito window save your money on flights?  What is the best day to book flights? Is Tuesday a good day to book flights?  How to find cheap business class flights?   Resources from Scott Keyes:  Signup for Scott’s Cheap Flights Newsletter Scott’s new book: Take More Vacations: How to Search Better, Book Cheaper, and Travel the World   Full show notes and resources at: http://under30experiences.com/blog/scott-keyes-scotts-cheap-flights

David McNeill is the founder of Expat Empire. He is focused on inspiring people to move abroad and showing them how to do it. In addition to producing books, podcasts, blog posts, meetup events, and more, Expat Empire offers personalized consulting services to give everyone the opportunity to achieve their international dreams. David started Expat Empire because he has a genuine passion for living abroad. He left the United States in 2014 and has since lived in Tokyo, Berlin, and Porto. In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with David McNeill: How he found his first job abroad What life is like in Portugal What life is like in Germany What like is like in Japan How he makes friends living abroad How David supports himself consulting with people to move abroad How getting laid off abroad led David to start an international business How David is pursuing his European Passport via Portugal. What David thinks about expatriating yourself and tax implications of living abroad as an American How David learns new languages The Millennial Travel Podcast Rapid Fire Questions I ask David McNeill: Where he recommends people move for a minimum of two years? (Berlin!) Where is the best digital nomad / freelancer hub besides Berlin? (Portugal, Bali, Thailand) Full shownotes: http://under30experiences.com/blog/how-to-move-abroad-with-david-mcneill-of-expat-empire

Matt Wilson is Co-founder and CEO of Under30Experiences, and the author of The Millennial Travel Guidebook. Today Matt shares his experience traveling the world for the last decade in MTP24: Solo Travel Guide to Asia. Read the full article: https://www.under30experiences.com/blog/solo-travel-destinations-in-asia Reach out to Matt on Instagram: @mattwilsontv

Matt Wilson is Co-founder and CEO of Under30Experiences, and the author of The Millennial Travel Guidebook. Today Matt shares his experience traveling the world for the last decade in MTP23: Solo Travel Guide to Europe. Read the full article: https://www.under30experiences.com/blog/solo-travel-destinations-in-south-america Reach out to Matt on Instagram: @mattwilsontv

Matt Wilson is Co-founder and CEO of Under30Experiences, and the author of The Millennial Travel Guidebook. Today Matt shares his experience traveling the world for the lsat decaide in MTP22: Solo Travel Destinations in South America. Read the full article: https://www.under30experiences.com/blog/solo-travel-destinations-in-south-america Reach out to Matt on Instagram: @mattwilsontv