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 Resources

• VoiceMap Official Website
• The Royal Mile: A History of Death and Dirty Dealing Tour
• Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
• Condé Nast Traveler’s Guide to the World’s Largest Airports

Tired 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!

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 Resources

• Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) Official Website
• Votivkirche Vienna Official Website
• Casa Labra Madrid - Historic Tapas Bar
• TheFork - Restaurant Reservations
• Beli App - Restaurant Lists & Social
• FITUR - International Tourism Trade Fair

Fresh 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.

Discover the latest in travel tech. From biometric airport IDs to the explosion of new cruise ships 2025, learn how to travel smoother and smarter this year.

Travel is changing fast, from how you clear security to how you vacation on the high seas. This episode breaks down why keeping an eye on new cruise ships 2025 is essential for your next getaway as the industry prepares to launch fifty new vessels by the end of the decade. We look at the sheer scale of this growth and why these massive investments mean better value and more diverse options for every type of traveler.

We also tackle the logistics of getting to your destination without the headache. We compare Mobile Passport vs Global Entry to see which one actually saves you more time and look at how biometric airport security technology is finally streamlining US terminals to match international standards. Beyond the tech, we explore niche travel trends like luxury river cruises Colombia and culturally themed soulful journeys that take you deep into local heritage.

Whether you are a frequent flyer looking to master airport shortcuts or a cruiser hunting for the best value on the water, this episode provides a roadmap for the next few years of travel. If you want to stay ahead of the trends and maximize your personal bucket list, this conversation is for you.