MT3 – This Week in Travel Reunion

This Week in Travel was a podcast that was in production from 2009 to 2020. In this reunion episode of This Week in Travel (dubbed “This Decade in Travel”), the original hosts, Gary Arndt, Chris Christensen, and Jen Leo, reconnect after a long hiatus. They share life updates and reminisce about their past travels and podcasting adventures.

Gary, now a full-time podcaster, talks about growing his popular daily podcast, Everything Everywhere Daily, which now gets over 1.5 million monthly downloads. He reflects on the shifts in travel blogging, noting that many blogs suffered significant traffic drops due to recent Google algorithm changes.

Chris Christensen discusses his transition back to full-time work in a fintech startup (and its subsequent sale to American Express) before eventually retiring and focusing solely on Amateur Traveler and his other projects. He shares insights about his role in the growing podcasting space, including a recent travel-related press trip for podcasters that stemmed from a pitch at the IMM (International Media Marketplace) conference.

Jen Leo updates listeners on her daughter’s growing interests in broadcasting and travel, recounting her recent domestic trips and involvement in the local school community. She shares her love for Vegas but notes that her daughter’s adventures are now the focus of her life.

The trio also discusses the evolution of travel since the pandemic, including how tourism is bouncing back. They touch on topics such as over-tourism, with examples like Venice requiring permits to manage visitor numbers and Santorini reducing the number of cruise ships allowed in port. They share their thoughts on the future of travel and the ongoing challenges within the industry.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on their personal growth and the shifts in the travel and podcasting worlds, celebrating the endurance of podcasting as a medium despite changing algorithms and trends. They wrap up by expressing their appreciation for their loyal listeners, acknowledging the deep connection they felt with their audience over the years.

In this reunion episode of This Week in Travel, the hosts shared the following “Picks of the Week”:

1. Gary Arndt:
   • Apple Ecosystem: Gary highlighted the seamless integration of Apple products, particularly how he uses his iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods during travel. He praised the convenience of the Apple ecosystem, including the use of USB-C charging for all devices and features like eSIM technology for international travel. He mentioned how the compact, efficient design allows him to stay productive on the road, making it his pick for tech-savvy travelers.
2. Chris Christensen:
   • Ray-Ban Meta Glasses: Chris’s pick was his new Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, which are smart glasses that come with built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers. These allow him to take photos and videos hands-free, stream directly to Facebook, and listen to podcasts. He also mentioned using the glasses’ augmented reality features to identify items like spices and translate signs while traveling.
   • Insta360 Camera: As a bonus pick, Chris mentioned the Insta360 camera, which captures 360-degree video and allows users to select specific angles during post-production. He found it useful for capturing immersive experiences like train rides in Mallorca.
3. Jen Leo:
   • UCPA Ski Resorts: Jen recommended UCPA (a French company offering affordable, all-inclusive ski resort packages). She shared her experience skiing in Flain, France, where for about £800–£1000, travelers can get dormitory-style accommodations, ski lessons, lift passes, and three meals a day. Jen praised it as a great, budget-friendly option for family skiing trips or those looking to learn skiing.

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