No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel

No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel
  • 4.9 (13)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Two recognized travel industry executives with a combined 71 years on the inside of travel and technology, give up their secrets to the thing everyone wants to do - travel better, pay less and see more of the world. Join us each week - along with recognized industry executives and travel celebrities - as we bring you intel on the hottest new resorts and cruise liners, the latest travel apps and tech tools, and the hacks and maneuvers that help travelers beat the crowds and find those hidden vacation values.

  1. May 29

    Record Crowds, Crumbling Rooms: Travel's Boom Meets Its Breaking Point

    Ever checked into a Las Vegas hotel room only to find the smoke detector wrapped in a towel and hanging by a cord? In this episode of No Tourists Allowed, Mike and James break down the chaotic current state of the global travel ecosystem, from shocking hospitality disasters to record-breaking holiday crowds. You'll discover the hidden international forces driving up travel costs and learn how to navigate surging airfares so you can still plan a perfect getaway without emptying your wallet. We dive into the unexpected ripple effects of Spirit Airlines’ sudden collapse, exploring how the loss of an ultra-low-cost carrier is opening the door for legacy airlines to inflate flight prices. The conversation also unpacks the booming, controversial trend of aesthetic and medical tourism, revealing why travelers are flocking to South Korea and Turkey for budget-friendly procedures. Finally, we expose the predatory pricing tactics and logistical blunders surrounding the upcoming North American World Cup, but you'll have to listen to find out why these massive FIFA missteps might actually score you a massive last-minute discount. Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app and leave us a review to help other savvy travelers find the show!

    39 min

  2. Apr 23

    The $10 Bag Fee That Ruined Air Travel

    Learn expert travel tips to avoid rising airline baggage fees, navigate Venice's new overtourism tax, and uncover affordable Eastern Europe destinations. Episode Resources: Fox Business Report on United-American Merger TalkOfficial Announcement: United Airlines and Starlink PartnershipKayak Report on 2026 Travel Trends and Eastern EuropeLonely Planet Guide to North MacedoniaHave you noticed how trying to board a flight lately feels like a wrestling match over overhead bin space? In this episode of No Tourists Allowed, Mike and James tackle the absurd reality of rising airline bag fees and the boarding chaos they create. By tuning in, you'll discover insider strategies to beat these sneaky costs, upgrade your boarding experience, and save serious money on your next vacation. The guys break down the most impactful travel industry news, starting with the controversial rumor of a United and American Airlines merger and the much-anticipated shift toward free Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi. They also spark a debate over the new overtourism taxes hitting popular destinations like Venice, questioning if these tourist fees actually curb crowds or just squeeze travelers' wallets. Plus, Mike and James reveal why underrated destinations in Eastern Europe are the ultimate travel hack right now, but you'll have to listen to find out exactly which historic countries are seeing a massive 36% drop in airfare.  Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a five-star review so you never miss out on our expert travel advice!

    29 min

  3. Apr 15

    Why Are Airlines Allowing In-Flight Calls?

    Are phone calls ruining in-flight etiquette? Discover the best travel books for 2025 and new EU entry delays on the No Tourists Allowed travel podcast. Episode Resources: Rick Steves’ Hippie Trail MemoirOfficial EU Entry-Exit System (EES) InformationIATA Jet Fuel Price MonitorBritish Airways In-Flight Voice and Video Call NewsOfficial Website for Livraria Lello BookstoreImagine trying to sleep on an overnight flight while the person next to you is screaming into their phone on speaker—thanks to new airline Wi-Fi policies, this nightmare might soon become a reality. In this episode of No Tourists Allowed, Mike and James unpack the latest travel industry shifts to help you navigate your upcoming vacations with ease and confidence. Tune in to discover the best new travel literature to inspire your next getaway and learn how global economic changes are directly impacting your travel budget. The guys dive into a lively debate over British Airways' controversial decision to allow in-flight voice calls, exploring how rapidly evolving technology is clashing with traditional travel etiquette. They also break down the hidden reasons behind skyrocketing airfares, the truth about cruise line fuel surcharges, and what the European Union’s new biometric entry-exit system means for your summer holiday delays. Along the way, James shares his top travel book recommendations for 2025 to fuel your wanderlust, while Mike highlights the absurd inconsistencies of global airport security rules. You'll have to listen to find out how a simple pair of nail clippers somehow became a major threat at the TSA checkpoint.  Don't miss your chance to win a free all-inclusive vacation to Mexico by entering our massive giveaway at notouristsallowed.com. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!

    37 min

  4. Apr 7

    Wearing 25 Pounds of Luggage to Fly Free

    Learn how to beat baggage fees on low-cost airlines using the Flygaroo vest. Plus, explore the rise of bleisure travel and the demand for travel advisors. Episode Resources: Flygaroo Official WebsiteMMGY Report on Travel Advisor TrendsAre exorbitant carry-on fees ruining your budget travel plans? In this episode of No Tourists Allowed, hosts Mike Putman and James Ferrara reveal how to bypass low-cost airline fees and completely upgrade your travel strategy. Tune in to discover an ingenious new wearable hack that acts as a wearable suitcase, plus learn how to seamlessly merge corporate trips with leisure vacations to maximize your global experiences without breaking the bank.  The episode kicks off with Nicolas Gutierrez de Esteban, the young entrepreneur behind Flygaroo - a revolutionary travel vest capable of holding up to 25 pounds of clothing to outsmart strict baggage policies on low-cost carriers. Mike and James also explore the booming trend of "bleisure travel," explaining how extending corporate trips over a weekend can actually save companies money on airfare while providing employees with rich, morale-boosting cultural experiences. Finally, they break down eye-opening industry research showing a massive generational shift, as Millennials and Gen Z increasingly ditch DIY vacation planning to rely on professional travel advisors for unique, secure, and stress-free getaways.  Ready to travel smarter and save big on your next international adventure? Subscribe to No Tourists Allowed, leave us a review, and grab your own vest and support the Flygaroo campaign!

    26 min

  5. Mar 31

    How AI Just Changed Travel Planning Forever

    Discover if Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts are worth it, how agentic AI in travel empowers advisors, and essential global travel safety updates. Episode Resources: Official Website for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta CanaUpcoming Moon Palace Punta Cana ExpansionDetails on the InteleJoe Agentic AI ToolU.S. State Department Travel AdvisoriesEnter the GiveawayWhether you're dreaming of a sprawling Caribbean resort or wondering if artificial intelligence should plan your next vacation, the global travel landscape is shifting faster than ever. In this episode of *No Tourists Allowed*, Mike and James break down the reality of mega all-inclusive resorts, the explosive rise of agentic AI in travel booking, and how current geopolitical events are reshaping global flight routes. Tune in to discover how to stretch your vacation dollar, confidently navigate international safety advisories, and uncover hidden gem destinations away from the typical tourist traps.  The guys kick things off with a firsthand review of the enormous Hard Rock Resort in Punta Cana, sharing expert tips on balancing all-inclusive convenience with authentic local culture. The conversation then pivots to a massive industry debate: will the new wave of "agentic AI" finally replace human travel advisors, or is the ultimate travel planning strategy a hybrid of futuristic tech and human empathy? They also unpack how Middle Eastern conflicts and localized weather events in Jamaica are impacting the broader travel industry. You'll have to listen to hear their top recommendations for safe, off-the-beaten-path travel escapes—and learn exactly which popular Mexican tourist city you should cross off your itinerary this season. Don't forget to check enter our exclusive giveaway for a free three-night vacation to a luxury all-inclusive resort in Mexico! Hit subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and please leave us a review to help other wanderlust-driven travelers find the show.

    36 min

  6. Mar 12

    This Secret App Replaces Human Tour Guides

    Ditch the group! VoiceMap CEO Iain Manley reveals how self-guided audio tours let you explore at your own pace. Plus: travel news and a luxury getaway! Episode Resources VoiceMap Official WebsiteThe Royal Mile: A History of Death and Dirty Dealing TourSri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa RequirementsCondé Nast Traveler’s Guide to the World’s Largest AirportsTired of awkward group tours and generic guidebooks dictating your travel itinerary? In this episode of No Tourists Allowed, Mike and James sit down with VoiceMap CEO Iain Manley to explore how GPS-enabled audio tours are revolutionizing the way we experience new destinations. Tune in to discover how you can unlock immersive, locally guided stories straight from your smartphone, ensuring your next trip is incredibly authentic and entirely on your own schedule. Beyond the technology of self-guided walking tours, the conversation dives into the fascinating intersection of authentic human storytelling and AI in the travel industry. The guys also unpack the latest global travel news, from Sri Lanka’s enticing new digital nomad visas to the mind-boggling scale of the world's largest airports. Finally, James and Mike tackle the controversial debate over shrinking airline economy seats—are passengers getting bigger, or are airlines unfairly sacrificing basic human comfort for profit?  Check out the show notes for links to download the VoiceMap app, and be sure to subscribe and leave a review so you never miss an episode. Head over to notouristsallowed.com to sign up for our new newsletter and secure your entry to win a free, all-inclusive luxury vacation in Mexico!

    42 min

  7. Feb 17

    Smart Travel: Exploring Cologne & Vienna Plus The Best Walking Tour Apps

    Discover authentic European travel tips for Cologne and Vienna. We cover Kölsch beer, smart walking tour apps, and finding local eats without the tourist traps. Episode Resources Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) Official WebsiteVotivkirche Vienna Official WebsiteCasa Labra Madrid - Historic Tapas BarTheFork - Restaurant ReservationsBeli App - Restaurant Lists & SocialFITUR - International Tourism Trade FairFresh off a whirlwind four-city trip, Mike is back to share his recent adventures through Germany and Austria, proving you don't need a crowded tour bus to see the sights. In this episode, we explore the nuances of authentic European travel, moving past the typical guidebooks to find the real culture hidden in plain sight. From navigating the massive spires of Cologne to mastering the efficient train systems of Vienna, we break down how to explore these historic cities on your own terms. We dig into the specific tools and experiences that elevate a trip from standard to spectacular, including the unique rules of drinking Kölsch beer and the best ways to utilize public transport. You’ll learn about MapView, a game-changing app for self-guided digital walking tours that lets you ditch the umbrella-holding guides. We also debate how to find memorable dining experiences—and avoid rookie mistakes like eating Italian food in Bangkok—by utilizing apps like The Fork and Beli to uncover local gems. If you are an independent traveler who wants to maximize your time abroad without feeling like a typical tourist, this conversation is essential listening. We also recap the massive FITUR trade show in Madrid and drop the first set of clues for our upcoming all-inclusive Mexico vacation giveaway. Tune in to upgrade your travel tech stack and learn how to navigate Europe's best cities like a local.

    32 min

  8. Jan 29

    Smooth Travels: Biometric Tech and the Massive Wave of New Cruise Ships 2025

    Discover the latest in travel tech. From biometric airport IDs to the explosion of new cruise ships 2025, learn how to travel smoother and smarter this year. Travel is changing fast, from how you clear security to how you vacation on the high seas. This episode breaks down why keeping an eye on new cruise ships 2025 is essential for your next getaway as the industry prepares to launch fifty new vessels by the end of the decade. We look at the sheer scale of this growth and why these massive investments mean better value and more diverse options for every type of traveler. We also tackle the logistics of getting to your destination without the headache. We compare Mobile Passport vs Global Entry to see which one actually saves you more time and look at how biometric airport security technology is finally streamlining US terminals to match international standards. Beyond the tech, we explore niche travel trends like luxury river cruises Colombia and culturally themed soulful journeys that take you deep into local heritage. Whether you are a frequent flyer looking to master airport shortcuts or a cruiser hunting for the best value on the water, this episode provides a roadmap for the next few years of travel. If you want to stay ahead of the trends and maximize your personal bucket list, this conversation is for you.

    31 min
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Two recognized travel industry executives with a combined 71 years on the inside of travel and technology, give up their secrets to the thing everyone wants to do - travel better, pay less and see more of the world. Join us each week - along with recognized industry executives and travel celebrities - as we bring you intel on the hottest new resorts and cruise liners, the latest travel apps and tech tools, and the hacks and maneuvers that help travelers beat the crowds and find those hidden vacation values.

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