Shows
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsScent Tales From the #nerdbirds (#160)#nerdbirds Kai & Rachel, with input from Pilot Sarah, discuss how scents are one of the strongest memory recall triggers, and how scents impact our journeys, for better or for worse!2022-11-1926 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsIs it Worth Reading When You Travel? (#157)When #nerdbirds co-host Rachel overheard Brendan pondering what (paper-based) books to bring on an upcoming trip, she wondered if anyone else reads while traveling. Learn more about what the other #nerdbirds (don't) do, listen to a few stories of books that inspired tourists and fellow airline travelers, and find some short stories from our past review of Airplane Stories for your next trip.
Show notes and resources can be found at https://nerdbirds.co/episode157/2022-09-1529 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTravel Bites: When Should You Buy A Flight? (#128)Any rules for when to purchase travel have gone out the window since 2020. #nerdbirds Kai and Rachel try to answer the #1 question asked by their non-travel-obsessed friends, using stories of their own attempts to book international travel in recent weeks.2021-11-1309 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTravel Bites: 13...Actually, Three Ways to Travel Responsibly (#127)#nerdbirds Rachel & Kai riff on selected ways to travel responsibly from an article - and also reminding viewers Ameri-centric views don't apply everywhere, so do your research!2021-11-0607 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTravel Bites: What's the Future of Hotels? (#126)#nerdbirds Kai & Rachel chat about the future of hotels and how they've been affected by the pandemic, and what the path forward will be for hotels, such as work from hotel packages or the unbundling (or accelerated unbundling) of items previously included as part of hotel prices.2021-10-3008 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsIf It's Boeing...Am I Going?! Meet #nerdbird Mark (#124)It only took 18 months from our first episode for #nerdbird Mark to finally appear for his intro with our now-vintage lightning round questions! Unlike the founding #nerdbirds, Mark was not on the Virgin America final flight in 2018 and brings different perspectives on aviation, including his time at Boeing and decades-long loyalty to Delta (not to mention the decade of roadtrips with co-host Rachel). This is also our first live episode at an airport, so enjoy the background sound effects.2021-10-1610 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsBite-Size Travel Tales: Overgrowth & Overtourism (#123)#nerdbirds Rachel & Kai bring you another Travel Bites episode, opining on an opinion article about overgrowth and overtourism. While the opinion piece covers the Vancouver, BC metro area and especially the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver, BC and Whistler, BC - Rachel & Kai talk about other places they've experienced overtourism/overgrowth and the best ways to mitigate it on a personal level.2021-10-0906 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsBite-Size Travel Tales: Queer Travel of Tomorrow? (#122)#nerdbirds Rachel & Kai riff on where queer travel has come from and where it's going, and how it's helped other marginalized groups improve their own travel experiences, too.2021-10-0207 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsBite-Size Travel Tales: Quality vs. Quantity of Travel (#121)#nerdbirds co-hosts Rachel and Kai taking a bite-sized look this week at an article about how major European cities like Amsterdam, Prague & Barcelona are looking to restrain, curate, and generally enhance positive tourism (read: rowdy tourists, hen/stag parties, etc.)2021-09-2506 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsBite-Size Travel Tales: Luggage Wheels and Gender Stereotypes (#120)For Season 6, #nerdbirds co-hosts Rachel and Kai are playing with a new format -- a maximum 5-minute chat about one "thing." This week looks at an article about the origins of wheels on luggage and the surprising role gender had in its slow adoption. Read the in-depth article here: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jun/24/mystery-of-wheelie-suitcase-how-gender-stereotypes-held-back-history-of-invention2021-09-1805 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsLooking Back on 9/11 and The Future of Travel (#119)#nerdbirds Sebastian and Rachel say goodbye to Season 5 by pondering the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, from where they were on that day to what's happened with travel since -- including changed packing habits and navigating the new world of Security Theater. They also chat about the tribute musical "Come From Away" and Rachel's unplanned stop in Gander, Newfoundland, which then spurred stories of medical emergencies on planes -- all interjected with the typical #nerdbird humour, non sequiturs, and bad puns :)2021-09-1240 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTravels with Wine, Whiskey, and Whatever Floats Your Boat (#118)It's Labor Day weekend in the US -- picnics and BBQs galore -- and #nerdbirds Brendan and Rachel reminisce with travel stories of all things drinkable: whiskey tasting in Tennessee and Japan, Guinness in Ireland, unique wineries in Central and Northern California, a surreal submarine bus tour in LA, Italian drinking culture, and nonalcoholic cocktails in the airport lounge.2021-09-0440 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTravel Encounters of the Animal Kind (#117)#nerdbirds Rachel & Kai talk about travelling with animals, travelling to see animals, and the experiences we have with animals during our travels. Goats in Mongolian buses, dog guides in Ireland and long-haul parrots in New Zealand!2021-08-2836 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination New England: Vermont's Fall Colors, Maple Syrup, and Ice Cream (#116)#nerdbirds David and Rachel talk about life in New England in the fall -- from where to see different types of fall colors to other activities in Vermont, with a sprinkling of New Hampshire, upstate New York, and Maine. David shares stories from growing up in southern Vermont, and Rachel shares a trip to find fall colors that includes a train from New York and driving from Vermont to Maine.2021-08-2234 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsClub 400: What Happens When #nerdbirds Stop Flying? (#115)425. 452. 457. 470. 498. 500. For a group that loves flying, the thought of going that many days nowhere near a plane seems unthinkable. Find out what #nerdbirds Tom, Brendan, and Rachel did and how they felt while literally being grounded during the first part of COVID-19.2021-08-1441 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsWest Coast I-5/101 Roadtripping: Northern California (#113)Join #nerdbirds Rachel & Kai as they talk about hidden gems in Northern California as the final part of a series guide on a road trip from Seattle down to the SF Bay Area. Rocky rough coasts, volcanic byways or lush redwood forests? It's all in your reach in Northern California!2021-07-3145 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTriathlons and Tea: Sports Travel Stories Around the World (#112)With the start of the Olympics, #nerdbirds Brendan, David, and Rachel reminisce about traveling for sporting events around the world. From triathlons in Japan where participants break mid-event to BBQ to stopping for elevenses on the hiking trail in England, they ponder the idea of the American need to cross the finish line first vs. other cultures that focus more on the journey. They also share thoughts on virtual fitness journeys and tips for packing sports equipment.2021-07-2451 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Series: First Time in New York City (#111)#nerdbirds Charlie and Rachel talk about their first memories of New York City in the late 90s/early 2000s -- interspersed with a 2019 trip report with David and Sebastian to visit the TWA Hotel preview at the new World Trade Center. They also share advice for first-time travelers to the city that truly never sleeps, including things to do if the city feels overwhelming.2021-07-1743 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsPacific NW Roadtripping: Seattle South to Oregon (#110)Join #nerdbirds Kai & Rachel as they chat about roadtripping down I-5 from Seattle and through the state of Oregon - Mt. St. Helens, the other Vancouver, Portland, Eugene, Junction City, Grants Pass, Medford -- along with stops along the Oregon Coast.2021-07-1046 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTwilight, Amazon Pickup Points & Ferries, Oh My! (#106)#nerdbirds Kai & Rachel continue their discussions about the great state of Washington, going a bit further afield from the Seattle metro area to the north and west. Into the northern Puget Sound islands, Bellingham, the exclave of Point Roberts and the majestic Olympic Peninsula. Hear about what's it's really like to live in the tiny town of Forks, thrust into the popular spotlight thanks to the Twilight series (which the author had never been to before writing the books!). And how geography gives you wild swings in just how much rainfall there is in pretty short distances...2021-06-1250 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Series: Seattle (#105)#nerdbirds Rachel & Kai chat about the Emerald City and all there is to do around it. Listen in for the best ice cream shops, bookstores in Seattle, as well as the best gardens, beaches, and museums in the Seattle metro region.2021-06-0536 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsAdventures at the Airport Information Desk (#104)What happens when #nerdbirds Sebastian and Rachel shadow an airport information desk? All kinds of amusing moments, which leads them to thinking about non-frequent travelers and how to best navigate confusing airport environments.2021-05-2944 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTravel Tunes: How Music Impacts our Journey (#102)#nerdbirds Brendan & Kai muse on how music has set the stage for travel and how it heightens, supports & cements the experiences we have when we travel. Hear how Kai fell in love with his all-time favorite music artist on a flight, and how Brendan has playlists to match phases of flight.2021-05-1731 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsPost-Vaccination Travel Tales (#101)#nerdbirds Brendan and Rachel chat about dipping their toes into the travel world post-vaccination, from a Delta First Class flight to an encounter with influencers in Big Sur.2021-05-0133 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsKeeping it 100 with a #nerdbirds Jeopardy Showdown! (#100)Our 100th episode coincides with the 3rd anniversary of the final flight of Virgin America -- where our podcast crew met! #nerdbirds Brendan, Charlie, David, Sebastian, and Pilot Sarah play a custom Jeopardy-like game with travel trivia created by Kai and Rachel. Explore the geographical origins of cheesecake and other popular foods, find out just how much cheese and BBQ Brendan and Sebastian can pack into a carryon suitcase, and learn that in the end, it's all just about the Kit-Kats.
Head over to nerdbirds.co/episode100 [https://nerdbirds.co/episode100] to view the game board and test your own...2021-04-2431 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsJet Lag, Healthy Travel, and The Joys of Pudin Hara (#99)What do jet lag, travel health insurance, and Pudin Hara have in common? Find out as Rachel quizzes fellow #nerdbirds Charlie and David on their travel safety know-how.2021-04-2144 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTraveling with a Purpose: The Future of Travel, Part 3 (#98)In this final episode of Travel from a Futurist Perspective, #nerdbirds Kai and Rachel are challenged to think about past travel patterns, current innovations in the travel world, and things they could do to make a difference. They discuss innovation in areas from airplanes to cruise ships, share advice for preparing the everyday traveler for the near future of travel, and ponder the purpose of this podcast.2021-04-1731 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsThe Futurist's Guide to Travel, Part 2 (#97)In Part 2, #nerdbirds Rachel & Kai look at selected pain points in the travel journey using futurist tools and flip them on their head, starting the thought process about how they might look in the future - but not before talking about the current state of travel a little more first!2021-04-0840 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsThe Futurist's Guide to Travel, Part 1 (#96)It's been 364 days since we aired Episode 1! How has the travel industry changed, and what do these changes bode for the future? In Part 1, #nerdbirds Rachel and Kai look at travel thru the lens of a futurist, citing stories and examples from four patterns of change: growth, collapse, constraint, and transform.2021-03-3128 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsHow to Grow From Stressful Travel Moments (#95)In Tibet, travel is about being "uncertain about everything" to grow your mindset. #nerdbirds Kai and Rachel ponder this statement through stories of their own uncomfortable travel moments, and consider how personal growth happens using the Japanese concepts of kensho (incremental growth over time) and satori (mindblowing, life-changing, aha! moments).2021-03-2442 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsCalifornia Like a Local: Tips, Sights & Stereotypes (#94)What are the best places to see, experience and eat in California? Join born & raised California #nerdbirds Kai & Charlie, along with long-term California resident #nerdbird Rachel as they talk about the Golden State, its natural beauty, and food -- and bust some stereotypes along the way!2021-03-1446 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsWhat if Business Travel Never Comes Back? (#92)Why do people travel for business, and what does the future of business travel look post-pandemic? Will people go back to the same old thing, or will it take a different tack? #nerdbirds Rachel and Kai chat about everything from quality over quantity, how long it's been since they've been on a plane, and how sustainability, digital nomadism, and the widespread adoption of remote work could change how the travel industry looks at business travel going forward.2021-03-0635 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsNavigating the Culture of Japan: A Video Podcast (#91)Watch this episode at nerdbirds.co/episode91 [//nerdbirds.co/episode91] -- #nerdbirds Brendan and Rachel continue from their First Time in Japan episode [https://nerdbirds.co/episode52/] to share tales and advice on navigating a country with social norms that are the complete opposite of the USA.2021-02-2741 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsAmericans and Their Quirky Habits: Culture Zaps in Reverse (#90)Ice in drinks. Winning is the only thing. Perfectly straight teeth. #nerdbirds Rachel and Kai boomerang from last week's Culture Zaps to look at Americans and their charming, quirky, and maddening habits.2021-02-2147 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsCulture Zaps: Ubuntu, Floor Zero, & Goats On Buses (#89)#nerdbirds Rachel & Kai riff on culture shocks & culture zaps - that experience we all have when we run into something that is different from how we're used to. They talk about experiences near and far, and how these cultural differences help us see the world differently.2021-02-1340 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDishing on Airline Dishware: A Video Podcast (#88)This episode is best viewed on our website! Go to https://nerdbirds.co/episode88
Although barely registering a thought among most travelers, many airlines spend a great deal of detail into the very vessels in which food, drink, and other comforts are provided onboard. #nerdbirds David, Kai, and Rachel debut the first video podcast with a show-and-tell of individual collections and experiences, highlighting many unique designs & logos from around the world.2021-02-0738 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsShould Your Bucket List Care About Sustainability? (#87)Talk about sustainability is all the rage, but will pent-up travel demand push sustainability to the wayside when the pandemic ends? #nerdbirds Kai & Rachel chat about the issue facing sustainability right now – who really cares? They also chat about a surprising find that connects our motivations for travel to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - safety, relationships, prestige, or even self-actualization - and whether it's possible for people to travel to their own beat given the pressures of social media.2021-01-3141 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Recap: Nordic Cultures of Denmark, Finland, Norway, & Sweden (#86)In the last of three introductory parts, #nerdbirds Rachel & Kai revisit, discuss, and introduce the Destination Series episode surrounding Nordic culture, a follow-up to an episode recommending things to do and places to see across the Nordic countries. In the flashback, #nerdbirds Jeremy, Rachel & Kai all discuss Nordic culture, their values and norms, and how to understand and respect a culture to really get the most out of travel.2021-01-2331 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDesign Recap: Can Anyone Make Airports Fun? (#85)In the second of a third-part recap of upcoming podcast themes, #nerdbirds Kai and Rachel revisit one of the first Design Series episodes that looked at what makes an airport an enjoyable experiences. This episode featured David, Jeremy, and Rachel exploring design features at Everett Paine Field (Washington), Zurich (Switzerland), Singapore, and Portland (Oregon) -- and considered how the hotel/hospitality experience could factor into airport design.2021-01-2031 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsSustainability Recap: Travel and the Triple Bottom Line (#84)We're finishing this flashback series with a look at our three themes going forward: Sustainable & Regenerative Travel, Design, and Destinations from a Traveler Perspective. In this May 2020 episode, we start to explore the idea of sustainability: Before the pandemic, the global airline industry was facing a race to the bottom for employee wages and customer experience. #nerdbirds Rachel, Jeremy, and Kai discuss the triple bottom line - people, planet, and profit - and consider this new metric in the post-COVID-19 travel industry.2021-01-1639 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFlashback: Conversations with a Pilot (#83)Pilot Sarah joins the #nerdbirds crew starting with this July 2020 episode. She has been a flight instructor and startup, corporate, cargo, and commercial pilot. Through lightning rounds and submitted questions, learn about Sarah's favorite airports, where to sit on the plane when she's not flying one, and her offer to help Harrison Ford brush up on his flight skills :)2021-01-1327 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFlashback: Dashes, Delays, & Downtime at the Airport (#82)In this July 2020 flashback, #nerdbirds Charlie, Jeremy, and Rachel and listener Allen share tips on navigating cancelled, delayed, and missed flights through a variety of stories from around the world.2021-01-1039 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFlashback: Vacation Mode: Integrator or Separator? (#81)In this flashback episode from June 2020, #nerdbirds Rachel, Jeremy & Brendan discuss two ways people vacation, either working in some work while on vacation or drawing a line in the sand and completely disconnecting. They talk about how COVID-19 blurred the lines between work and play, and what vacations might be like post-pandemic.2021-01-0627 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFlashback: Airline Celebrations (#80)#nerdbirds Rachel & Kai reminisce on airline celebrations as they introduce the flashback to episode 8 which recorded all the way back in April 2020 with #nerdbirds Rachel, Jeremy & Eric. Airline celebrations take many forms, including route inaugurals, captain's final flights or, as in the case of Virgin America flight VX1948, the final flight for an airline before they cease to exist. Listen in as they talk about all of them and more - sometimes a party in the sky happens when you least expect it!2021-01-0637 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFlashback: How Do Airports Work? (#79)With so many episodes and new viewers, we're bringing back classic moments during the holiday break. How Airports Work (#10) featured #nerdbirds sharing their experiences and surprises from working and volunteering at airports. Co-hosts Kai and Rachel introduce the episode with an update of airport life since the episode first aired.2020-12-3040 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirds20/20 Travel Vision (#78)For the final Weekend Edition of 2020, #nerdbird Rachel chats with others about the year in review.
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Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nerdbirds/support2020-12-2601 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsWhat's Happened Since "Hotels, Hostels, or Homestays?" (#77)It was supposed to be simple this holiday season: preview and rerun classic episodes, starting with an April 2020 debate of hotels, hostels, and homestays (Airbnb, Couchsurfing). But then #nerdbirds Kai and Rachel started to wonder what's happened in these industries since the pandemic started, and poof! A new episode emerges instead, with news updates and even some travel coping tips for introverts.
The original episode that inspired this episode is here [https://anchor.fm/nerdbirds/episodes/Hotels--Hostels--or-Homestays--The-Great-Debate-ed3iu7], or scroll back to Season 1, April 21 wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to check out the episode links at nerdbirds.co...2020-12-2320 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirds'Tis the Season for Mileage Run...Stories (#76)In years past, late December would find frequent travelers making those final desperate flights and hotel stays to keep elite status. Whether flying to Boston for lunch or Atlanta for dinner, dragging a spouse from New York to New Zealand, or walking less than a mile for a hotel staycation, #nerdbirds Charlie and Rachel share their adventures, observations, and thoughts on airline, hotel, and car status programs.2020-12-1933 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsElectric Planes, Britain's Duty-Freexit & Ho-Ho-Home for the Holidays (#75)In the final episode of season three, #nerdbirds Jeremy and Kai discuss United's ambitious commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050, a game-changing solar-powered automobile coming out in 2021, and the troubling end of duty-free shopping in the UK. In part two, they provide even more virtual travel opportunities, just in time for the holidays.2020-12-1628 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsGlobal Connectedness: How do Goods Flow While People Stay Home? (#73)In this week's travel news roundup, #nerdbirds Jeremy and Kai discuss special send-off celebrations for the beloved Boeing 747, the end of the "emotional support animal" loophole, and British uncertainty about post-Brexit travel to and within the European Union. In part two, they dive into the DHL/NYU Stern "Global Connectedness Index" and talk about how a decline in travel doesn't necessarily mean the decline of globalization.2020-12-0926 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Series: Palm Springs & The Coachella Valley (#72)The Palm Springs region has become an even hotter destination in recent years, with mid-century modern vibes, music festivals, and the one-of-a-kind Joshua Tree National Park. #nerdbirds David and Rachel share stories of arriving in the Coachella Valley by road and air -- including encounters with dinosaurs, wildflowers, and windmills -- along with quirky places discovered on their various trips. Be sure to check out their photos and links on nerdbirds.co/episode72 [https://nerdbirds.co/episode72]2020-12-0527 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsThe Art of the Stopover & "Half Tourism" (#71)In this slower news week, #nerdbirds Kai and Jeremy discuss Delta's Thanksgiving performance meltdown, train connections to Walt Disney World in Florida, and Emirates' enticing "Dubai Connect" program which will pay for your stopover in the City of Gold. Afterwards, they take a dive into the realities of work-from-anywhere and "half-tourism," but does it live up to the hype?2020-12-0227 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDesign Series: Fashion in Flight Through the Years (#70)From military styles to porange dresses and everything in between, #nerdbirds Brendan and Rachel review the amazing Fashion in Flight catalog [https://issuu.com/sfomuseum/docs/fashion_in_flight_sfo_museum/4], which was an exhibit at the San Francisco airport in 2016. Follow along with the digital edition as they discuss the evolution of a flight attendant's uniform from the 1930s to the 2010s, including the military-inspired origins to the bold, colorful Space Age, the tension between safety and high-end fashion, and their favorite (and not-so-favorite) designs from each era.2020-11-2839 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsHow to Study Abroad in a Pandemic (#69)#nerdbirds Kai and Jeremy discuss the pending merger between Korean Air and Asiana, the return of the Boeing 737 MAX, and the futuristic hyperloop transportation concept. In part two, they take a deep dive into study abroad: past, (virtual) present, and (hybrid) future.2020-11-2527 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTravel From Your Couch vs. Long-term Workcations (#67)In this week's news roundup, #nerdbirds Kai and Jeremy dive into virtual tourism. From Christmas markets to the arts to destination-specific experiences, there's a virtual tourist attraction for everyone! Afterwards, they'll take a look at how travelers are taking longer trips than ever before, and how accommodations are trying to support long-term workcations.2020-11-1824 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFOMO vs. JOMO: Is There Joy in...Not Traveling? (#66)What is FOMO (fear of missing out) and JOMO (joy of missing out) like eight months after the pandemic grounded most of the planet? Rachel chats with #nerdbirds Charlie and Kai about hustle culture, going deeper with familiar places, and the European reality check on (past) American travel habits.2020-11-1537 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsWeddings in the Sky & Video Game Hotels (#65)In this week's travel news roundup, #nerdbirds Jeremy and Kai discuss travel-related election results, the chance to get married on a plane, and an unprecedented alliance between Cathay Pacific's pilot and flight attendant unions. Later, they dive into hospitality initiatives, including mid-week hotel closures in Las Vegas and brand-driven lifestyle hotels sprouting up all over the country.2020-11-1123 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFlying Somewhere? Uluru, Mauritius, Hawaii and More (#63)#nerdbirds Jeremy and Kai have your latest episode of the Weekly News Roundup, taking you around the world for the latest and greatest travel news! On the docket for Part 1 includes plans for a new South African airline called "Lift", Qantas' latest sightseeing package of an all-inclusive overnight holiday to "somewhere", and Slovakia tests half of their entire population for COVID-19...in one day. In Part Two, they look to warmer climes where Mauritius is welcoming the work-from-anywhere crowd with one-year renewable visas, and catch up on the latest with Hawaii's slow reopening to tourists.2020-11-0420 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Series: Washington DC, COVID Style (#62)With Election Day coming up in the US, #nerdbirds David and Rachel ponder what there is to do and see in Washington, DC and surrounding areas during the pandemic. With 15 years living in DC (David) and 20 trips to the region (Rachel), they share tips for neighborhoods and activities off the tourist path ("a Disneyland for government!").2020-11-0121 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsLong Tunnels, Longer Flights, and a Goodbye to Berlin's Tegel Airport (#61)In this episode of the Weekly Roundup, #nerdbirds Jeremy and Kai discuss the emotional goodbye to Berlin-Tegel Airport, the exciting new undersea connection between Denmark and Germany, and the return of the world's longest flight...with a twist. In part two, they dive into some intriguing initiatives, like travel-starved Singaporean flights to nowhere, mystery destination packages in New Zealand, and the chance to get your very own hotel subscription.2020-10-2830 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDesign Series: The Art of Airline Maps (#60)Airline maps?! What could be exciting about that? Plenty, when you join #nerdbirds Brendan and Rachel as they browse through the book Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/600815/airline-maps-by-mark-ovenden-and-maxwell-roberts/] and explore the evolution of flying through the world of graphic design. Topics include maps as a tool to inspire wanderlust, women in aviation's early days, and the darker sides of the Golden Age of Flying.2020-10-2535 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsAirline and Airport Vendors Pivot Brands, & Other Travel News (#59)In part one of this week's news roundup, #nerdbirds Jeremy and Kai discuss the Department of Defense study that found COVID is nearly intransmissible in flight, Southwest and United's intriguing expansion, and Iceland's new sustainability measures. In part two, they take a deeper dive into airline and airport vendors' efforts to pivot their brands, for both the short and long terms.2020-10-2130 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsRedefining Luxury: From Sustainable to Regenerative Travel, Part 2 (#58)In part two of reviewing the Regenerative Travel Summit, #nerdbirds Rachel and Kai ponder the future of luxury travel and accommodation, how hotels and tours can be more inclusive, and preview future related episodes: FOMO vs. JOMO, and the Slow Food movement.2020-10-1835 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFree Money to Travel & Health Passports (#57)In part one of this week's news roundup, #nerdbirds Kai and Jeremy talk about US cities that will pay you to visit, basic business class in Japan, and an initiative to reduce quarantine time between New York and London. In part two, they take a deep dive into different "health passport" concepts that industry experts say may be the key to revitalization of travel.2020-10-1428 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsAddicted to Travel? Moving Beyond Sustainability to Regenerative Travel, Part 1 (#56)The COVID-19 pandemic has given us all time to think about how and why we travel. After tuning in to the recent Regenerative Travel Summit, #nerdbirds Rachel and Kai share highlights while pondering how regenerative travel moves beyond sustainability, the economic reality of those who work in travel and tourism, regenerative transportation, and what individuals can do when traveling in a post-pandemic world. (Hint: there's a lot of talk of quality, not quantity. Influencers beware!)2020-10-1132 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsWho Let the COVID-Sniffing Dogs Out? And Other News (#53)In this week's news roundup, #nerdbirds Kai and Jeremy talk about COVID-sniffing dogs, pricey airport testing, the future of party cities, and an Italian inquiry into shady airline business practices. Plus, they'll dive deeper into airline and travel agency sustainability - a topic on everyone's minds as we navigate the changing COVID-19 landscape.2020-09-3028 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Series: First Time in Japan (#52)First-time visitors to Japan usually encounter a radically different experience than Western culture. #nerdbirds Brendan and Rachel share a dizzying array of stories from food of all price ranges to onsen hot baths, from Fukuoka to Tokyo and Kyoto. They also share useful phrases, transportation tips, and cultural insights.2020-09-2743 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsIndulgent Flights to Nowhere & Traveler Lifecycle: Reflection (#51)In this week's travel news, #nerdbirds Jeremy & Kai discuss Airbus' new zero-emission ZEROe hydrogen-powered aircraft, Thailand's plan to welcome visitors for up to nine months, Qantas' seven-hour flight to nowhere that sold out in 10 minutes, and how the cruise industry hopes to combat COVID-19. They close out the Traveler Lifecycle series by discussing the oft-overlooked Reflection stage -- when a trip is over, but can still be quite impactful.2020-09-2327 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsLooking Back with Travel Disasters, Looking Forward After COVID (50th Episode Special)For our 50th episode, the #nerdbirds return to reflect on travels past and future, from Brendan's Hollywood-as-a-local recommendations and Eric's JetBlue travel disasters to David's dream of going to the Faroe Islands and Sebastian's New York City food tips (with a sampling of Charlie's Travel Disasters). Rachel and Jeremy also share the origins of the #nerdbirds name, reflect on months of podcasting, and discuss the new format for Season Three which includes Kai as a co-host.2020-09-2040 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsUnited Says Sayonara to Tokyo Crews; Mexico Travel Opens; Italy's Tourism Catastrophe (#49)In this episode of the Weekly Roundup, #nerdbirds Jeremy and Kai discuss the closure of United's Tokyo-Narita base, JetBlue's exciting expansion, and the troubles facing Italy.2020-09-1625 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Series: Desert Southwest Road Trips (#48)A listener asks about roadtripping in the Southwestern USA, and #nerdbirds Rachel, Jeremy, and Kai deliver with plenty of itinerary ideas originating from Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Salt Lake City. Check out our Google Map on nerdbirds.co [https://nerdbirds.co/episode48] with all routes and suggestions of places to visit.2020-09-1329 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsAre you Ready for Health Tattoos; Demystifying Carbon Offsets; Regenerative Travel Preview (#47)In the Weekly Roundup of travel news, #nerdbirds Kai and Rachel share insights on United's new COVID destination map for the US, health passports and tattoos, sustainable travel by making rocks, and international travel's effect on high-end restaurants. They end with a preview of sustainable vs. regenerative travel.2020-09-0924 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsGoodbye Airline Change Fees & Traveler Lifecycle: Going Home (#45)In the Weekly Roundup, the #nerdbirds discuss the bombshell news that United, American, Delta, and Alaska are removing cancellation and standby fees, and its impact on airlines. In the next segment of the Traveler Lifecycle, Rachel, Jeremy, and Kai share tips on making the journey home as smooth and stress-free as possible.2020-09-0226 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsEssential Apps for Travel Dreaming & Planning (#44)As the saying goes, "There's an app for that" -- and it's definitely the case for all aspects of travel! Join co-hosts Rachel and Jeremy as they share apps useful during the first stages of the Traveler Lifecycle: from wish list generation during the Dreaming stage, to food and weather resources in Planning, and the must-have apps to download before starting your journey. All apps mentioned can be found at nerdbirds.co/episode44 [https://nerdbirds.co/episode44]2020-08-3031 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTraveler Lifecycle: Dodging Crowds, Staying Safe, & Getting Around at Your Destination (#43)After our Weekly Roundup of travel news, we dive back into our Traveler Lifecycle series. You've survived dreaming, planning, travel, and arrival, and now it's finally time to enjoy your trip. In this episode, #nerdbirds Rachel, Jeremy, and Kai discuss getting around with local transit, how to see tourist attractions without the tourist crowds, and advice for staying safe and healthy.2020-08-2734 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFirst-Time Solo Travel Adventures (#42)Getting on a plane and heading somewhere new on your own is no easy feat. In this episode, listen in as #nerdbirds Charlie, David, and Jeremy share their first experiences traveling alone to places as near as Chicago or as far as Dubai and Japan. Afterwards, Rachel and Kai reflect on their own experiences and share advice for first-time solo travel.2020-08-2432 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsUnderstanding a Trillion-Dollar Travel Industry & The Weekly Roundup (#41)Building on past episodes about creating sustainable travel and how airports work, #nerdbirds Kai, Jeremy, and Rachel discuss the pandemic's effect on the aviation-industrial complex -- including digging deeper into issues confronting airports, airlines, and airplane manufacturers. In the Weekly Roundup, they discuss Americans' comfort (or lack thereof) with flying, the current rollercoaster of European travel, and a firsthand account of airport life in August.2020-08-2028 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDestination Series: New Zealand (#40)Rachel loves roadtrips; Jeremy loves public transit. So what do they do during separate trips to New Zealand? The complete opposite! Follow along as Rachel recounts three weeks traversing the North and South Islands by bus, and as Jeremy roadtrips from Queenstown to Christchurch. The episode ends with advice for anyone who dreams of traveling there. Look for episode content and links at nerdbirds.co/episode40 [https://nerdbirds.co/episode40]2020-08-1637 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsTraveler Lifecycle: Arriving at Your Destination (#39)In the next installment of our Traveler Lifecycle series, #nerdbirds Jeremy, Kai, and Rachel discuss issues around arriving at your final destination via air, and using ground transportation to get to your accommodation. For prior episodes in the series, check out: Dreaming & Planning [https://anchor.fm/nerdbirds/episodes/The-Traveler-Lifecycle-Dreaming--Planning-eg6ivd], Booking [https://anchor.fm/nerdbirds/episodes/The-Traveler-Lifecycle-Booking-egdj6b], Pre-Departure Checklist [https://anchor.fm/nerdbirds/episodes/The-Traveler-Lifecycle-Pre-Departure-Checklist-egncap], and Our Wildest Travel Dreams [https://anchor.fm/nerdbirds/episodes/Our-Wildest-Travel-Dreams-eevckj].2020-08-1331 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsNordic Culture & The Weekly Roundup (#38)After sharing ideas for a Scandinavian trip in the last episode, #nerdbirds Kai, Rachel, and Jeremy are pressed to share cultural values and norms within Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. The Weekly Roundup discusses Virgin Atlantic's bankruptcy, Southwest decreasing aircraft cleaning, and other COVID-related travel news.2020-08-0930 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsPathways to Being a Pilot; Revenge Travel; Should I Fly to the East Coast? (#36)The #nerdbirds answer a listener question about potential travel to the East Coast; Pilot Sarah talks to Rachel about the two paths to become a commercial pilot and cultural differences between major airlines; The Weekly Roundup features pilot negotiations, the end of British Airways Flight 1, and revenge travel.2020-08-0330 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsConversations with a Pilot, Part 1 (#35)After Jeremy's weekly aviation roundup, Pilot Sarah joins our podcast! She has been a flight instructor and startup, corporate, cargo, and commercial pilot. Listen in as Rachel springs the lightning round and questions from other #nerdbirds on Sarah in the this part of Conversations with a Pilot. Learn more about Sarah's favorite airports, where to sit on the plane when she's not flying one, and her offer to help Harrison Ford brush up on his flight skills :)
If you'd like to ask Sarah a question for an upcoming episode, leave a listener voicemail at anchor.fm/nerdbirds [//anchor.fm/nerdbirds] o...2020-07-3031 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsBest & Worst Airplane Food: Lightning Round with Sebastian & Tom (#32)No two words incite more opinions than...Airplane Food! Get to know #nerdbirds (and foodies) Sebastian and Tom during this lightning round episode. Co-hosts Rachel and Jeremy challenge them to come up with the worst and best dishes on airplanes and airport lounges, from 50 Shades of Beige, pre-digested pasta, and sea urchins to JetBlue Mint breakfasts, Air France La Première everything...and even a shoutout to United :)
Look for photos on nerdbirds.co/episode32 [https://nerdbirds.co/episode32]2020-07-2032 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsLightning Round: Passport Edition (#28)We've brought back the infamous lightning round from our first episodes! Listen in as #nerdbirds Jeremy, Charlie, Eric, and Rachel share stories of worst passport photos, interesting stamps, and unique cover designs.2020-07-0626 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsThe Traveler Lifecycle: Dreaming & Planning (#27)In the first episode of The Traveler Lifecycle series, #nerdbirds Jeremy and Rachel break down the first two steps: dreaming and planning. Listen as they describe their approach to these steps, pain points that travelers experience, and potential solutions to promote healthy, engaging travel. Plus, hear an update about travel during COVID-19 after Jeremy's flight home.2020-07-0235 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsListener Voicemails: Roadtrip Audio, Holiday Weekend Travel (#26)After 25 episodes, we thought it was time to start a new season -- and what other way to start than with responding to listener voicemails! Listen in as #nerdbirds Rachel and Jeremy discuss driving vs. flying to Southern California, and reflect on the making of this podcast while answering a question about suggested podcasts and audiobooks for an upcoming road trip.2020-06-2933 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsPandemic Travel Planning (#23)In the first ever Travel Tales from the #nerdbirds episode recorded in-person, listen to Rachel and Jeremy recount how they planned their unique trips to San Francisco during the coronavirus pandemic.2020-06-1832 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsFamily Travel Tips (#18)Though all of us #nerdbirds love our solo travel and vacations with friends, family travel is just as important. Join Jeremy, Rachel, and special guest Ida to discuss family travel tips to make the journey incredible for the little ones!2020-06-0129 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsSurviving a Staycation: Experiences & Tips (#15)As we embark upon our second month of quarantine, the staycation may be the only way to unwind. Listen to your hosts, Rachel and Jeremy, as they chat about their staycation experiences and tips, from spa days to cooking classes and art to digital detoxing. Just because you're stuck inside doesn't mean a staycation is out of reach! Linked resources can be found at nerdbirds.co [https://nerdbirds.co/episode15].2020-05-2129 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsSustainability Week: Individual Actions (#13)Join the #nerdbirds this week as they discuss sustainability in the travel industry. In this episode, Jeremy and Rachel talk about healthy travel habits — because travel should be sustainable for individuals, too!2020-05-1439 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsDesign Series: Designing the Airport Experience (#11)Welcome to Design Week, where our #nerdbirds are providing an overview of commercial aviation design and branding. In this episode, hear from #nerdbird David about design aspects that affect the traveler experience, from getting to the airport to navigation and arriving at a destination.2020-05-0732 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsHow do Airports Work? (#10)Airports come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there's even a saying, "When you've seen one airport, you've...seen one airport." Join #nerdbirds Jeremy, Rachel, and Kai as they discuss their perspectives on the airport experience, and the path commercial aviation might take in the near future. (Also, Happy One Month Anniversary to our podcast series!)2020-05-0235 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsStudent Travel Tips (#9)With #nerdbirds co-host Jeremy set to graduate from college, we thought it fitting to feature travel tips for students -- especially alternatives to stereotypical Spring Break-type trips. Links mentioned in the podcast include: Scott's Cheap Flights [https://scottscheapflights.com], secretflying on Twitter [https://twitter.com/secretflying], theflightdeal on Twitter [https://twitter.com/theflightdeal], GasBuddy [https://www.gasbuddy.com/App/], Free Walking Tours [https://freetours.com/], Meetup [https://meetup.com/], and Atlas Obscura [https://www.atlasobscura.com/].2020-04-3034 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsCelebrations: Airline Inaugurals & Farewells (#8)Join hosts Rachel and Jeremy as they celebrate the second anniversary of the final Virgin America flight, where the #nerdbirds met. Plus, hear from #nerdbird Eric about his eight celebration flights from destination inaugurals to brand new aircraft. Who said you can't have a party on a plane? Not us!2020-04-2539 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsHotels, Hostels, or Homestays? The Great Debate (#7)Join co-hosts Rachel and Jeremy with #nerdbirds David and Kai as they chat about their favorite places to stay. Listen to fun hostel stories from David, luxury hotel experiences from Jeremy and Kai, and couchsurfing with Rachel. Don't know which one you like the most? Listen to our discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each one.2020-04-2245 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsMeet the #nerdbirds, Part 3 (Kai) & Future Episode Preview (#5)In our final intro lightning round, we chat with airline veteran Kai and highlight our favorite topics over the next 20 (!) episodes — talk about being inspired by recent conversations!2020-04-1632 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsMeet the #nerdbirds, Part 2: Brendan & Eric (#4)Listen along as we learn about two more #nerdbirds and their favorite aviation stories. Take a walk down airplane memory lane with Los Angeles-based Brendan, and learn more about planespotting from Boston-based Eric in another exciting lightning round episode.2020-04-1349 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsMeet the #nerdbirds, Part 1: Charlie & David (#3)Hosts Jeremy and Rachel decide to introduce all the #nerdbirds through aircraft/airline/airport lightning rounds. In this episode, meet Charlie (based in Seattle) and David (originally from Vermont, now based in San Francisco). Learn about David and Jeremy's early avgeeky tendencies, ponder with Rachel what exactly should be the plural of Airbus, and get a taste of Charlie's airport karma for a future travel disasters episode.2020-04-0937 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsThis or That: Airline Edition (#2)After an incredibly fun first lightning round, the #nerdbirds went back for more...two more to be exact! Listen in as #nerdbirds Jeremy and Rachel debate Spirit vs. Frontier (and several other airlines), and discuss dream destinations and favorite food.2020-04-0636 min
Travel Tales from the #nerdbirdsThe Accidental Lightning Round: Favorite Airplanes & Airports (#1)What better way to get started with a travel podcast than talking about our favorite airplanes and airports? Meet some of our #nerdbirds and listen to their travel tales, all prompted by an Instagram story template :)2020-04-0233 min