Vacation? In this economy?
Summary
Host John Flynn Hill explores why taking vacation is difficult amid high costs, travel chaos, and geopolitical tensions. He interviews Emily Stewart on the "K-shaped" travel economy and Susan Rue on the history of American road trips. Finally, Hannah Sampson offers tips for budget-friendly staycations to help listeners recharge without leaving home.
Topics discussed
Intro: The struggle of taking affordable vacations
Why travel is so expensive right now: Inflation and oil
Airlines and hotels rely on loyalty programs over price cuts
The K-shaped economy: Who can still afford to travel?
Travel anxiety: Will Americans be welcome abroad?
Overtourism and the 'Trump slump' in international travel
Ads: Fetch Pet Insurance and Talkiatry
The Golden Age of the American Road Trip
Segregation and the Green Book for Black travelers
How oil crises and changing families ended the road trip era
Ads: Bombas socks and I Am 8 supplements
Listener call: Creating a hotel vibe at home
Defining the staycation: Being a tourist in your own city
Tips for romanticizing home and unplugging from work
Outro and final ad for Fetch Pet Insurance
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