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 Talk
• Official Announcement: United Airlines and Starlink Partnership
• Kayak Report on 2026 Travel Trends and Eastern Europe
• Lonely Planet Guide to North Macedonia

Have 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.

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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 Memoir
• Official EU Entry-Exit System (EES) Information
• IATA Jet Fuel Price Monitor
• British Airways In-Flight Voice and Video Call News
• Official Website for Livraria Lello Bookstore

Imagine 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.

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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 Website
• MMGY Report on Travel Advisor Trends

Are 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!