No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel
No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel

No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel

No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

Wearing 25 Pounds of Luggage to Fly Free
APR 7, 2026
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!
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25 MIN
How AI Just Changed Travel Planning Forever
MAR 31, 2026
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.
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36 MIN
This Secret App Replaces Human Tour Guides
MAR 12, 2026
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 ResourcesVoiceMap 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!
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42 MIN
Smart Travel: Exploring Cologne & Vienna Plus The Best Walking Tour Apps
FEB 17, 2026
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 ResourcesCologne 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.
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31 MIN