From springbok biltong and A380 landings to navigating the world solo as a woman, this episode packs in travel chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of smart advice.

We’re back with a packed episode featuring travel misadventures, smart gear upgrades, some very real talk about traveling as a woman, and a jaw-dropping fare from Vancouver to Aruba that’s making us rethink our summer plans.

• 🛫 Marty’s VIP behind-the-scenes tour of United Airlines’ Denver ramp (yes, there’s an A380 involved)

• ✈️ What really happens when your budget flight turns out way better than expected

• 🧍‍♀️ Tracy joins us to talk solo female travel, hostel hacks, and why Vietnam tops her list

• 🧳 The truth about backpacks, broken roller wheels, and what travel gear is actually worth your money

• 🔄 Why you might want to stop planning every second of your trip

Vancouver → Aruba | Summer 2026 | ~$500 USD roundtrip
☀️ Book a tropical escape from the Pacific Northwest to the Caribbean with this long-range fare.
✔️ 10-hour journey
✔️ Operated by United (with Air Canada likely to follow)
✔️ Perfect for beating the summer fog or Canadian winter in advance

📌 Tip: Watch for this to go live on both airlines as schedules expand!

Tracy’s been everywhere — from high school in Singapore to backpacking Southeast Asia to living in China. She joined us to talk:

• What it’s really like traveling solo as a woman

• How safety strategies change based on country, community, and culture

• Why having your own private room at a hostel can be worth every cent

• How not to get stuck zipping and unzipping your top-loading backpack 12 times a day

• Why you should leave room in your itinerary to get lost (literally)

“Travel doesn’t last forever—stop trying to micromanage it like it does.” – Tracy

Here’s what we learned (the hard way) about packing gear:

• 💼 Backpacks with full zippers > top-loaders

• 🛞 Cheap $15 suitcases may last one trip (but you better be going home)

• 🔒 A door lock or travel latch for solo travelers adds real peace of mind

• 🎒 You don’t need to prove anything. Wheels are your friend.

Want the links? Find everything in our Packing Picks roundup [Add affiliate or blog link]

Matt and Marty get into:

• Why AirTags are essential gear, even for diaper bags and strollers

• What happens when your six bags and toddler don’t fit in one car

• The hidden dangers of gate-checking your gear with expensive tech inside

• Marty’s photobomb in a Vietnamese airline commercial (you have to hear it to believe it)

Whether it’s a free checked bag promo on Frontier, a canceled flight, or a last-minute mac and cheese in Tennessee, every journey is different. As Tracy puts it, “Don’t panic when you get lost. That’s half the fun.”

• 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @landingslayovers

• 💌 Join the crew at brieflydistracted.com/landingsandlayovers

• 🌍 Share the pod, write a review, and help more travelers discover smarter ways to wander.

#SoloTravel #WomenWhoTravel #BudgetTravelTips #VietnamTravel #AirlineDeals #LandingsAndLayovers #TravelHacks #HostelSafety #PackingTips #NotiflyrFare

From missed connections in Rome to surprise upgrades and baby sleep battles at 30,000 feet, this episode is a wild ride. Plus, our guest shares travel hacks that could shave serious money off your next big trip.

After a short hiatus, we're back with an episode that’s part travel therapy, part fare-hunter's dream, and 100% relatable if you’ve ever had a flight—or an entire trip—go sideways.

Highlights include:

• Marty’s robotic wheelchair fiasco in Rome (and the business class seats that got away)

• Matthew’s “just one more fight with the gate agents” journey to Boston, Philly, and back with a toddler

• How one wrong gate, a missing stroller, and a helpful gate agent turned stress into success

• Marty’s random encounter with The Points Guy himself (yes, really!)

• A killer fare to Southeast Asia—starting at $700 round trip

• Our guest Matthew Tasker’s pro tips on slashing train costs in London, navigating Asia like a local, and why high-speed rail might be your new favorite way to travel

Thanks to our sponsor Notiflyr.com, we’re spotlighting a stunner:
LAX, NYC, BOS, SFO → Bangkok, Hanoi, KL, and more — $700–800 round trip on Korean Air.
✔️ Full service
✔️ Stop in Seoul
✔️ Free transit tour if you’ve got a long layover
✔️ Average savings: $300
If you're even thinking about Asia, jump on this one. [Add affiliate link]

Travel hacker. Videographer. 52 countries and counting.
Matthew joins us from the South of France to share:

• How to actually cut your Heathrow-to-London train cost in half

• Why he ditched the idea of checked bags forever (and how to trick budget airlines with a convertible backpack)

• Why Japan still wins as his top destination, and how to get there cheaper than you think

• The secret to finding better fares: don't just change your dates, change your departure city

• Apps that make his travels smoother (and his daughter’s plane spotting even more fun)
  → Bonus: Flighty, Flightradar24, and the plug adapter we didn’t know we needed.

✔️ Convertible Backpack – Roller + backpack hybrid
✔️ Pass-through USB charger – One outlet, multiple devices
✔️ Flighty (iOS) – Real-time flight tracking meets trip planning
✔️ Flightradar24 – Find that plane overhead before your toddler asks

→ Find all these in our Packing Picks gear list [Insert real link]

🛤️ Hack your Heathrow commute
Stop at Hatton Cross or Hayes & Harlington, tap out/in, and save a few pounds instantly.

🚆 Rail > Air (sometimes)
If the train is cheaper, faster, and less stressful—ride it. Especially in France, Japan, and South Korea.

🌐 Be flexible
Change not just your dates and destination, but your origin city to unlock cheaper fares.

✈️ Don’t underestimate Asia
With increased competition from airlines like Way and Chinese carriers, you can now fly from Europe to Asia for less than $300 one-way.

• Got a travel hack? Slide into our DMs @landingslayovers

• Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review—it helps more folks find us.

• Want more fare drops? Sign up at Notiflyr.com

#TravelHacks #BudgetTravel #WheelchairFail #AsiaFlights #LandingsAndLayovers #FlightyApp #HighSpeedRail #NotiflyrDeal #ParentingOnPlanes #PointsGuySighting

Welcome to the final episode of Landings and Layovers for 2024! In this exciting end-of-year episode, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz reflect on the year in travel. From thrilling deals and unforgettable adventures to major milestones and travel tips, this episode is packed with insights for every traveler.

• Fare of the Week: Los Angeles to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City for under $700 with Korean Air—a fantastic deal for transpacific travel!
• Marty’s Million-Mile Achievement: Marty breaks down his epic journey flying 15 airlines to earn a million miles, sharing insights on logistics, challenges, and the incredible return on investment.
• Essential Travel Tech: From noise-canceling headphones to inflatable child beds, discover the tech and gadgets that made travel easier for Matt and Marty this year.
• Looking Ahead to 2025: Marty and Matt discuss their plans for upcoming trips, the perks of travel passes, and strategies for maximizing airline and hotel loyalty programs.

• Budget-Friendly Travel: Learn how to leverage tools like AirTags, portable Wi-Fi devices, and adapters to simplify your trips.
• Frequent Flyer Tips: Marty shares how he maximized points and miles, turning a $3,500 investment into 20+ business-class tickets.
• Travel Planning for Families: Insights on traveling with toddlers and how premium seating options can make a difference.

Love the show? Don’t forget to:

• Follow us on Instagram: @LandingsAndLayovers
• Check us out on Twitter/X: @LandingNLayover
• Like us on Facebook: @LandingsAndLayovers
• Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.

Explore more travel tips and blog posts at Briefly Distracted Media.

#TravelTips #BudgetTravel #FrequentFlyer #MillionMiles #AirfareDeals #TravelTech #FamilyTravel #LandingsAndLayovers

Episode Summary: Join us for an extraordinary journey with Kenneth, a globetrotting guest undertaking the SAS Mileage Millionaire quest. Kenneth shares his ambitious plan to conquer 15 airlines, his insider tips for international travel, and his experiences flying through exotic locations like Dubai, Jeddah, and Jakarta. Marty and Kenneth dive into the highs and challenges of long-haul travel, from navigating time zones to making the most of layovers. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Highlights:

• Fare of the Week: American Airlines basic economy fares from Toronto to Europe starting at $269.
• Kenneth’s SAS Quest: A detailed look at Kenneth's adventure flying 15 airlines in 10 days for a million miles.
• Travel Tips for Families: Matt discusses managing long-haul flights with kids, including must-have items like the inflatable toddler travel bed.
• Airport Insights: Marty highlights the Prague Airport's play areas, making family travel more enjoyable.
• Tech for Travelers: The gear Kenneth relies on for long-haul flights, including noise-canceling headphones and downloaded music.

Key Takeaways:

1. How SAS's Mileage Millionaire program works and Kenneth's strategic approach.
2. Tips for flying with kids, managing jet lag, and handling airport logistics.
3. The importance of maintaining a flexible schedule during intense travel.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Notiflyr.com: Get the best airfare deals with promo code PODCAST for 20% off.
• Featured Product: Inflatable toddler travel bed – perfect for long-haul flights (affiliate link available in the blog).
• Explore Kenneth's Itinerary: Check out Kenneth’s journey on our blog, complete with detailed trip updates.

Call to Action: Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode! Listen now, subscribe to Landings and Layovers on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more travel tips, deals, and updates. For behind-the-scenes content and bonus features, visit our YouTube channel.

Tags: #TravelPodcast #SASMillionMiles #FamilyTravelTips #GlobalAdventures #TravelHacks #Aviation #LandingsAndLayovers #BudvgetTravel

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Harriet and Clarence, the dynamic duo behind Sweet Potato Corn. This globetrotting family shares their adventures of traveling with their young son, from exploring 45 U.S. states to visiting South Korea, Japan, Paris, and beyond. With a unique perspective on balancing work, family, and the joys of travel, Harriet and Clarence provide practical tips and heartfelt stories for anyone looking to embark on family adventures.

Highlights of this episode include:

• Harriet's insights on navigating frequent travel for work while raising a family.
• Clarence's tips for long-haul flights with kids, including bulkhead seating and must-have gear.
• The story behind Sweet Potato Corn and how their son inspired their travel content.
• Advice on making travel with young children smoother and more enjoyable.
• Their favorite airport play areas and tips for parents.

Plus, we dive into our Fare of the Week, brought to you by Notiflyr.com, showcasing unbeatable round-trip deals from Canada to Europe.

Episode Links:

• Discover Harriet and Clarence’s travel adventures: Sweet Potato Corn YouTube
• Shop our recommended travel products: Packing Picks

Don't Miss Out!

• Follow us on socials: Stay updated with travel tips, deals, and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us reach more travelers and keeps the content coming.

Tags:
#FamilyTravel #TravelTips #SweetPotatoCorn #TravelAdventures #FamilyAdventures

In this episode, Landings and Layovers host Matthew Fleischman is joined by seasoned travelers Marty Paz and special guest David Ocamb. Together, they share valuable travel insights, tips, and stories:

• Fare of the Week: Marty highlights a discounted business class fare from Europe to Asia on Finnair, featuring their innovative eco-friendly loveseat design.

• Million Mile Challenge: Marty discusses his participation in the Scandinavian Air Systems’ Million Miles promotion, sharing his progress and travel strategy for earning one million bonus points.

• Travel Demographics Study: David Ocamb, owner of the Ocamb Group, presents findings from his demographic study of frequent travelers, revealing insights into education, income, and travel habits within the Points and miles community.

• Personal Travel Stories: David recounts his family’s recent trip to Disney World and his travel essentials, including his fully optimized travel backpack for smooth journeys.

• Funny Travel Memories: David shares a heartwarming story from the Chicago Seminars, where he learned life-changing news.

Tune in for unique travel hacks, fascinating data on travel behavior, and stories from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your next big adventure, this episode is packed with tips and entertainment!

Tags: #LandingsAndLayovers #TravelHacks #MillionMileChallenge #FrequentFlyer #Podcast #TravelTips #DisneyWorld #Finnair #PointsAndMiles

In this exciting episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz dive into the vibrant travel landscape of Southeast Asia with special guest Scott Waldstein, an expat living in the Philippines. Scott shares his unique journey, from managing call center outsourcing to owning a pizza shop during the pandemic. Get inspired by his adventures and learn about his favorite destinations, including stunning locales in the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond.

Fare of the Week:
This week’s exclusive deal highlights a business-class roundtrip from Jakarta to major European cities for an unbeatable rate, courtesy of Notiflyr.com. Sign up with code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership and stay ahead of the best travel deals.

• Discovering Southeast Asia: Scott shares his favorite spots across the Philippines and Thailand, from the unspoiled beauty of El Nido to luxurious, budget-friendly villas in Koh Samui.
• Living as an Expat: Scott talks about the opportunities and challenges of living abroad, and why he took a leap of faith to move to the Philippines in 2020.
• Travel Hacks and Deals: Scott gives practical tips on finding affordable flights, including flexible airport choices and booking through Middle Eastern carriers.
• Survival Adventure: Hear about Scott’s annual “survival trip” in the Philippines, where participants live off the land on a secluded island.

Follow us on Socials:For more updates, travel deals, and behind-the-scenes content, connect with us on social media!

• Instagram: @landingsandlayovers

• Twitter (X): @LandingNLayover

• Facebook: Landings and Layovers Page

Read More on the Blog :If you enjoyed this blog post, explore more tips, destination highlights, and travel hacks in our latest blog updates.

Tune in for more unique insights on Southeast Asia, travel deals, and expat life!