Out Travel The System is the insider’s guide to making the most out of every travel experience, from smart savings tips to when to splurge on some indulgences. Join host Nisreene Atassi as she gathers inspiration from seasoned travelers and gets exclusive travel insights, backed by the power of global travel leader Expedia’s deep foundation of data. Thinking about travel is something we do 24-7, whether it’s dreaming of the destinations we haven’t visited yet, or reminiscing about the great memories we’ve already created.
Subscribe now, and share your travel hopes and dreams with us – @ Expedia on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.
Travel Podcast Synopses
Season 3
04-19-2021
Summary: Here we are, once again, thinking about what travel means during a pandemic. What’s different about Season Three of Out Travel the System though, is that we feel as though we can expand beyond inspiring and informing, and — cautiously, optimistically — talk about dreaming and actually going when the time and circumstances are right for you.
Join host Nisreene Atassi as she’s joined by Out Travel the System‘s associate producer Katie Doten. Together, they pull back the curtain on some of the travel topics and destinations we’ll be exploring in Season Three – as well as some of the realizations they’ve come to about the value of travel to them. Katie tells a story about a side hustle she’s seriously considering, and shares a tip that you may never have thought of – she would be delighted if you bite her style!
05-03-2021
Summary: Dun dun, dun dun, dun dun… please imagine the Jaws theme song as we circle… closer… to… unpacking some travel bags that have sat, virtually untouched, for TWO YEARS.
Yes, in this episode of Out Travel the System, we are literally taking you inside host Nisreene Atassi‘s baggage. Learn what this incredibly seasoned traveler makes sure to pack every time, and why ‘Inception pouch’ may be your new mantra as you get ready to think about traveling again. It may just be the prompt you need to refresh the items on your packing list.
We’ll also engage in a flight of fancy to envision what it would be like to prep for a trip – something that may be the right choice for you this year.
Here are some items for your travel bag that you may not have thought of before:
-two in one hand lotion and hand sanitizer (yes, both in one product)
-a spray and cloth to clean off your cell phone
-two sets of headphones, one compatible with airplanes, and one for regular use
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Season 2
09-07-2020
Summary: Why re-start a podcast about travel now? That’s what we get into, in this mini-episode of Out Travel The System. We also look ahead to the new season and why travelers will want to subscribe now. Join host Nisreene Atassi for this ‘in-betweenisode’ in advance of the official first episode of Season Two of Out Travel the System.
09-14-2020
Summary: Out Travel the System is back for Season Two, bringing you the information that travelers both want and need right now.
In this first episode, we preview what’s to come in in the new season – including how to make the most of your travel budget – and the best way to plan for destinations like Hawaii and Japan. We’re also indulging in our love of food, whether it’s how to travel like a foodie, or how to bring your favorite dishes home from your travels.
We’re also taking the opportunity to answer some of your burning questions about previous travel plans that probably didn’t turn out the way you had initially hoped for. Host Nisreene Atassi puts Haytham Akremi, a customer experience manager at Expedia, in the proverbial ‘hot seat’ about refunds and credits. They also look ahead to what travelers can research as they take advantage of some of the amazing travel deals currently out there.
09-28-2020
Summary: In this episode of Out Travel the System, the big idea is to get you fully up to speed on all of the details around booking flights and accommodations right now – including what you need to know before you book – and why right now is the perfect time to be planning ahead. Host Nisreene Atassi is joined by Bill Furlong, Vice President of North American Business for Expedia, and Julie Kyse, Vice President of Global Air Partnerships for Expedia.
Listen in on their conversation as they discuss all of the measures being taken by airlines and accommodation providers to ensure travelers feel safe, and how to access some of the big travel bargains currently available.
10-12-2020
Summary: Shoulder season is one of those travel terms that you may have heard seasoned travelers bandy about – but when does shoulder season actually happen? The short answer is: it depends on where and when you’re traveling.
Join host Nisreene Atassi for this episode of Out Travel the System to learn some of the best-kept secrets for taking full advantage of shoulder season deals, including why going against the flow of traffic could be your best bet. She is joined in this episode by Christie Hudson, Senior PR Manager for Expedia, and Katherine Fan, Senior Travel Features Reporter for The Points Guy. Katherine takes us through some of the epic shoulder season deals she’s scored before, including this trip to New Zealand.
10-26-2020
Summary: Hawaii is a bucket list destination for many. Even if you’ve been there before, there is always something new to discover, and something refreshing for the soul in the aloha spirit.
This episode of Out Travel the System is all about helping you not only dream about heading to Hawaii, but giving you practical trip-planning advice that you can use to make your trip a reality now, or at some point in the future.
Join host Nisreene Atassi as she speaks with Damon Fairchild, Expedia Sr. Business Development Manager for Hawaii and South Pacific, and Valerie Akiona, a flight attendant, and life-long hula dancer. Valerie even gives a quick Hawaiian language lesson that you won’t want to miss!
11-09-2020
Summary:Road trip season doesn’t have to end when summer does – in fact, there are many reasons to get out onto the open road all year round. In this episode of Out Travel the System, host Nisreene Atassi gets the insider scoop on where and when to time your car rental to coordinate with your larger travel plans or score epic reverse road trip savings. She’s joined on the journey by Paul Tomasiello, Expedia’s Sr. Director of Global Car Supply, and Megan Lundquist, an extremely expert road tripper.
Listen in for tips on road safety, packing like a road trip superstar, and even their confessions about road trip indulgences – all that and more in this episode of Out Travel the System.
11-16-2020
Summary: Join host Nisreene Atassi as she and guest Nilou Motamed – who you may know from Top Chef and her time as Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine Magazine – discuss how they’re re-living key travel memories through the meals they’re making.
Their conversation touches on memorable meals through previous travels, and how food connects us all through the globe. They talk about bringing home bulging suitcases of tasty souvenirs and the particular charms of eating like a local in destinations around the world.
Make sure you listen for Nissy’s particular hack for bringing home a taste of your travels – Nilou might steal it, and you can too!
Listen in for tips on road safety, packing like a road trip superstar, and even their confessions about road trip indulgences – all that and more in this episode of Out Travel the System.
11-30-2020
Summary: Ever wished you had a crystal ball that could show you the future in travel? This episode of Out Travel the System is the next best thing, because it’s a deep dive into Expedia’s Travel Trends report. It’s based on a foundation of billions of data points about travelers, flights, accommodations, and various local attractions.
Join host Nisreene Atassi, Christie Hudson, Sr. PR Manager for Expedia, and Chuck Thackston, Managing Director of Data Science and Research for Airlines Reporting Corporation (aka ARC), as they take a look back on what 2020 looked like in the travel sphere, and project those trends into the next year.
As always, there are some signature tips and tricks about how to ensure you’re accessing big travel savings, so make sure you listen all the way through!
12-07-2020
Summary: Chances are, you or someone you know has spent time in Mexico before. But if you were asked where the country’s most beautiful beach was, where to get the best seafood tacos, or where you could soak in some beautiful architecture, would you know what to say?
These are just a few of the ideas that permeate this episode of Out Travel the System. Nisreene Atassi learns about a whole host of options for things to do and places to go, thanks to help from Christian Villalva, Sr. Business Development Manager for Expedia in Mexico, and Colby Holiday, a U.S. expat blogging about her life in Merida, Mexico.
It’s a big area well worth exploring, so listen in to figure out where’s the right place for you to visit in Mexico, when the time is right.
12-21-2020
Summary: It’s that time of year again – where we settle down on the couch with a plate of snacks and a favorite beverage, and watch ALL.THE.HOLIDAY.MOVIES!
On this episode of Out Travel the System, we’re living vicariously through picture-perfect scenes and solvable plot problems, and doing some advance research for future destinations to fully get into the Christmas spirit.
Along for the (sleigh) ride with host Nisreene Atassi are Tracy Lanza, Senior VP of Integrated Marketing for Brand USA, and Ron Oliver, a long-time T.V. and movie director, screenwriter, and producer. You may have already watched this, this, or this from him.
We talk about small town vs big city for splashy holiday celebrations, and ways to get that holiday movie look and feel in your life this year. Listen in to gather up some inspiration to mark the occasion.
There are some specific hotels mentioned in the episode as well, and you can find out more about them here:
-The Plaza in New York
-The Drake in Chicago
-The Fairmont in San Francisco
-The Boulderado in Colorado
01-04-2021
Summary: Winter is here and that means new opportunities to re-think what a ‘staycation’ can mean, in this episode of Out Travel the System.
From setting up a little oasis of self-care at home, to strapping on some snowshoes and heading out into the frosty blue yonder, it’s shaping up to be a great time to get in touch with some of the things you’ve always wanted to do… but haven’t had time to do.
Host Nisreene Atassi gets tips on planning a winter staycation and how locals are being courted by attractions from Nathan Lump, Expedia VP of Customer Marketing, and Olly Stringer, Director of Partnerships at Expedia.
For more winter staycation inspiration, check out Things to Do From Home.
01-18-2021
Summary: Japan isn’t just the Land of the Rising Sun – it’s a place where you can explore the latest and greatest technology, traditions that date back centuries, and artisan craftsmanship taken to its very highest levels.
In this episode of Out Travel the System, host Nisreene Atassi delves into the infinite possibilities of Japan with the help of Rie Homura, Japan Area Manager for Expedia, and Shayla Silva, a social media manager for Expedia.
Take in their tips for how to start researching the many, many, many things you can do in Japan, when the time is right for you to travel. That includes where to stay, what to see, and how to save yourself some money – like the JR Rail pass specifically designed for tourists.
From cherry blossoms to hidden gem dining spots to when you can spot Godzilla, this episode of Out Travel the System takes a deep dive into your next dream vacation.
Here are a few more useful tips, right from Nisreene’s desk:
-when using taxis, it can be helpful to have the exact address and phone number of your destination written down
-it is not the usual custom to tip in restaurants
-many places are strictly ‘shoes off’, so make sure you’re wearing clean socks in good condition!
01-18-2021
Summary: Here we are already so soon – the last episode of Out Travel the System for Season Two!
Through all of the changing conditions, it’s been a major goal to inform and inspire. With this episode about Bucket List Travel, we’re hoping to do not only that, but also get you thinking about how to take concrete steps to make a bucket list trip a reality – when the time is right.
Host Nisreene Atassi is joined by Sarah Austin Jenness, executive producer of The Moth storytelling collective, and Cory Lee, who blogs at Curb Free With Cory Lee. Listen in as they take you through some of their most hilarious and thought-provoking stories – and tell you where they’re hoping to go to next.
This feels like the perfect time to dream about bucket list travel, so please listen and dream along with us!
Season 1
09-09-2019
Summary: This short, introductory episode covers what listeners can expect from Expedia’s brand new travel podcast, Out Travel The System. Host Nisreene Atassi along with Expedia travel experts Christie Hudson and Adam Francis share a glimpse into the top travel topics we’ll be covering each episode. From specialized sports-themed trips (hello Super Bowl) to cosmic travel tips, this podcast has something for every traveler.
09-09-2019
Summary: One of the top questions travelers ask us on social media is “When is the best time to book my vacation?” In this episode of Out Travel The System, we’re sharing the cold, hard data and busting myths about the best time to book a trip. Chuck Thackston of the Airlines Reporting Corporation and Julie Kyse, VP of Global Air Platform at Expedia, join host Nisreene Atassi to answer this popular question and more.
09-09-2019
Summary: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is 14 acres of Star Wars-inspired Disney magic. Modeled as a “remote frontier outpost” on the planet of Batuu, the new land made its public debut at Disneyland in California in May of 2019, and soon after at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Kent and Canaan Reiersgaard of ‘No Vacation Required’ were there for the opening. These serious Star Wars fans and long-time contributors to Expedia’s ‘Viewfinder’ travel blog join host Nisreene Atassi to give you the lowdown on the Galaxy’s Edge.
09-23-2019
Summary: 32,000 miles. That’s how far Minh-Chau and Vu Chu, a.k.a. “The Traveling Chus” drove with their 4-year-old son, Harvey, on an epic 8-month road trip visiting 51 US National Parks. Along the way, they reconnected with one another and rediscovered their passion for nature. They join host Nisreene Atassi to share their stories and tips from the road.
10-07-2019
Summary: When’s the best time to fly around Thanksgiving? How do you get the whole family (plus presents) to Christmas dinner on time? Christie Hudson, head of PR for Expedia North America, shares holiday travel advice, while Para Raman, Expedia’s Director of Data Science, backs up his hot tips with some cool stats. Join them, along with guest host Jordi Lippe-McGraw, to unwrap some super-useful holiday booking travel hacks that will get you where you need to go, on time and on budget.
10-21-2019
Summary: Don’t let the stars interfere with your travel plans this Mercury Retrograde (Oct. 31- Nov. 20). In the first installment of this series on astrology and travel, guest host Christie Hudson sits down with The AstroTwins, Ophira and Tali Edut, to talk about how this cosmic cycle can make vacation plans and technology go haywire. Tune in for hilarious travel mishaps and tips for Retrograde-proofing your next trip.
10-23-2019
Summary: Whether you’re a baseball rookie or seasoned veteran, we’re covering all the bases in this bonus episode about traveling to the World Series and why it’s an unforgettable experience. Former MLB player and Houston Astros’ Analyst, Geoff Blum, describes all of the sights, sounds and smells of the Fall Classic and why it’s truly America’s favorite pastime. Have a great topic suggestion or travel story for us? Send us an email at podcast@expedia.com or find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @Expedia!
11-04-2019
Summary: The smell of a freshly-baked chocolate croissant, the sound of waves crashing against the sand, these memories alone are enough to take you back to your favorite vacation. Oscar Reveles from Buzzfeed shares his most memorable trip, inspired by his grandma, while Tammy Snow, Expedia’s Sr. Director of User Research, discusses how traveler research has shown us that memories aren’t just the result of vacation – they’re the reason we take trips in the first place.
11-11-2019
Summary: Knowing where you’re from is just as important as knowing where you’re going. Guest, Steve Balistreri traces his roots back to Siciliy in a moving personal story while we discuss the growing popularity of heritage trips with Michelle Ercanbrack, a Senior Family Historian at Ancestry.com.
11-18-2019
Summary: You can battle the Black Friday mobs in stores, or with the help of our guests, snag the best travel deals from the comfort of your computer. But booking a trip isn’t always as simple as buying the newest gaming console – you’re going to need a strategy. Hear from The Points Guy’s Katherine Fan and Expedia’s Dan Reed as they share expert tips for getting a smart deal on travel this Black Friday. An unexpected getaway may be right around the corner!
12-02-2019
Summary: Have you ever been tempted by an unbelievable flight deal, only to discover it’s gone by the time you get to check out? Do booking sites really increase their prices based on how long you spend on the site? We’re fact-checking and myth-busting with Expedia’s own Director of Revenue Optimization, Amy Cisneroz.
12-05-2019
Summary: Kent and Canaan Reiersgaard from ‘No Vacation Required’ are back for a special bonus episode with early access to the new Rise of the Resistance ride at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening today in Orlando. We got the full scoop on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland with Kent and Canaan back in episode three on this season of Out Travel the System.
12-16-2019
Summary: From New Orleans to the beaches of Hawaii, there’s an incredible experience waiting for every college football fan this bowl season. Get your game face on as we tackle everything from tailgating to bucket list bowl games with Connor O’Gara, Senior Columnist at Saturday Down South.
12-30-2019
Summary: Find out what the stars have in store for your 2020 travels in the second installment of our astrology series with The AstroTwins. From Caribbean vacays to hiking the Rockies, the twins are revealing the perfect trip for every sign.
01-13-2020
Summary: Between tourists FaceTiming on the streets and Instagram influencers posting perfect travel photos, it seems like we need to document our every move while on vacation. Guest host and filmmaker Courtney Scott interviews Tansy Kaschak, Sustainability Editor for @AHotelLife and Heather Lilleston, founder of @YogaforBadPeople, for tips on how to actually disconnect and recharge during your next vacation.
01-20-2020
Summary: Women are increasingly dominating the solo travel scene, so we called in two leading ladies who know a thing or two about setting out on their own. Paula Froelich, from “A Broad Abroad,” an award-winning adventure travel website and Nicole Wineland, from travel and tours company AdventureWomen dish practical tips and hilarious stories on this episode.
01-27-2020
Summary: From sustainable vacations to hopping a shuttle into space, we’re looking at some very different future travel possibilities. Ecotourism expert, Gregory Miller, shares tangible tips on how to be an environmentally-conscious traveler and Rose Eveleth, host of “Flash Forward,” describes what a journey to Mars might look like.
02-03-2020
Summary: Traveling with kids is bound to be stressful and complicated… or is it? Karen Akpan, @TheMomTrotter, and Bethany Braun-Silva, Editor at Parenting.com, are sharing tried and true travel hacks to make your family spring break a breeze — whether you’re headed to Hawaii, overseas, or just the next city over.
02-10-2020
Summary: Music festival season is upon us, but before you pack those Insta-worthy outfits and lock in your lineup, there are some things you should prepare for. Festival experts, Duncan Meuluma and Lauren Brand, creator of the Bombay Beach Biennale, join host and filmmaker, Courtney Scott to swap advice and stories from their favorite festivals around the world.
02-17-2020
Summary: Should you invite your Taurus bestie on that next vacay or would your Aries boyfriend be a better fit? The AstroTwins are back again and they’re consulting the stars to reveal your best travel companions and what to do when signs collide on group trips.
02-24-2020
Summary: March Madness is approaching and our team is sharing everything you should know to make your 2020 experience a slam dunk! Big Ten Network Analyst and 20-year hoops expert, Mike DeCourcy, joins our squad in this episode and reflects on his favorite memories.
02-24-2020
Summary: Coronavirus is causing serious impacts to the travel industry. We sit down with a customer service analyst at Expedia to take a look at how impacts may affect our customers.
03-16-2020
Summary: For some, a solo trip sounds like an adventure and for others, downright intimidating. Expert solo travelers and influencers, Gareth Leonard (@tourist2townie) and Mickela Mallozzi (@travelbarefeet) join guest host, Courtney Scott to share their tales from life on the road. These friends have all the tips and tricks you need to make your next (or first!) solo trip one you won’t forget. Send your travel tips and stories to podcast@expedia.com or find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @Expedia!
