The Bag Tag

🏕️ Harmonicas, Finch, and National Park (01:31)Wyatt finally gets his harmonica and, has his first assignment. Chantel introduces us to Finch, her traveling virtual bird (yes, we’re all emotionally invested now). We’ll save the Vegas unpacking for next week because today we’re blasting off into space tourism—from billionaire joyrides to balloon cruises. Oh—and did we mention it’s National Park Week? Let’s get wild(erness). ​​💺 Seat Pocket: Build-Your-Own Space Crew (12:12)Blue Origin just launched a stacked female passenger list, so naturally we’re asking: Who would you take to space?Chantel’s got a controversial lineup (yes, Sigourney Weaver is involved), Wyatt’s leaning heavily into Marvel, and let’s just say... tensions rise when it’s time to pick each other. It’s like fantasy football, but in zero gravity. 🛄Tag the Terminal: Round 5 Chantel (21:13)Chantel takes the first crack at this round of Tag the Terminal with a city full of stars, oil, and queen energy (👑👀). Will she widen the gap in this airport-guessing game or spiral into orbit? The clues are cryptic, the stakes are high, and the drama? Immaculate. 🌌 Space Tourism: Flights & Hotels (32:09)We’re going full throttle into the wild world of space tourism:Blue Origin: Fully autonomous rocket rides with parachute landings.Virgin Galactic: Branson’s glitzy 90-minute joyrides from New Mexico, complete with weightlessness and a $450K price tag.Space Perspective: Space... by balloon? With a bar? And a bathroom? It’s luxury “space glamping” at 100,000 feet.Space Hotels: Orbital Assembly and Vast are building floating resorts—some with gravity, some without. We’re talking maple interiors, inflatable duvets, and space basketball. It’s like a Marriott in the Milky Way. Is space the new weekend getaway? We unpack the tech, the price tags, the vibes—and yes, who’s already booking weddings in orbit. 🌍What in the World: Hawaii’s Name Change (66:51)The Big Island might finally get its name back—just “Hawai‘i,” no extra labels. We unpack the identity, the proposal, and why this small name change is a big deal for Native Hawaiians. Chantel gets personal (10 years living there!), Wyatt’s shocked, and we all learn something that makes us a little more grounded—before we float off again. 🎧 So buckle up—this episode’s got harmonicas, space hotels, and a possible showdown over Beyoncé's hometown. You don’t want to miss it.

✈️ Summer has Officially Taken Off (01:34)We are in full-on chaos mode. We just finished unpacking from a whirlwind trip to Vancouver and are already tossing swimsuits and sparkles into our suitcases for Las Vegas. It’s that time of year where everything is moving at lightning speed, and somehow our brains are already scheduling things for Christmas. But hey, it’s going to be a wild ride full of memories, late nights, and more than a few martinis—and we’re here for all of it.🎰 Seat Pocket Debate: Slots or card games? (11:11)Before we jet off, we’ve got to settle a classic Vegas debate: are you a slots person or a card games person? Wyatt really just wants the iconic push-the-button lady. We’re diving into what makes each experience so memorable and which one gives you the better story to bring home.🧳 Unpacking Vancouver (20:24)Our weekend in Vancouver was fast, fun, and filled in the best way. Friday night was filled with a birthday cake adventure that took us from Stock Room (where we forgot how to get in) to Isabella’s Night Club, where the cake made multiple appearances. There was a cranberry juice shooter situation involving Chantel, and yes, the cake somehow survived the nightSaturday was a more leisurely vibe as we wandered around the city with Henry, stopping by the famous steam clock and checking out the pier and ending with the chaos of a hockey game.Sunday, we took on Stanley Park and made it further than Second Beach before soaking up the sun at English Bay. We wrapped it all up with a stroll through Granville Island 🎲 Packing for Las Vegas (60:42)Next stop: Sin City. We’re leaning into a weekend of martinis, bikinis, and slot machinis. We’re planning a mix of pool lounging, light gambling, and maybe catching a show (sadly just missing Kygo by two weeks).As for Vegas trivia? We’ve got it covered. With history, fun facts, and things you didn’t know about Las Vegas like….the Strip isn’t technically in Las Vegas? Or that the city has over 150,000 hotel rooms, and a secret network of tunnels running beneath it? From the Sphere’s upcoming Wizard of Oz immersive experience to a John Wick attraction and Universal’s horror concept opening in 2025, Vegas continues to out-Vegas itself.🌍 What in the World (93:57)And finally, we’re heading to Toronto (not actually. Because the city’s newest must-see attraction isn’t a landmark or museum… it’s a tree. Meet Rodney, a modest little Eastern Redbud that was planted in a front yard on Massey Street after a bureaucratic battle involving a very determined guy namedHit play, pack your bags, and let’s take off—this episode is one part jet lag, two parts chaos, and a full pour of fun. 🎧🍸

🗺️ Playing Tour Guide in Seattle (01:33)This week, we attempt to tell you about our weekend playing tour guide in Seattle for our friends Austin & Nicole... but chaos (a.k.a. Henry & Freddie) keeps derailing the story. From discovering Restaurant Week to catching ferries to Bainbridge Island and sipping wine at Château St. Michelle, we packed in a lot—literally and figuratively.💺Seat Pocket Debate: 1 Big Trip or tons of Tiny Trips? (12:38)Is it better to take one big trip or multiple small ones? Chantel says less stress, more vibes. Wyatt says YOLO. Let us know what side you’re on!🇨🇦 Everything you need to know about traveling to Vancouver (17:47)Then we’re off to Vancouver, one of the most underrated cities in North America. We’ve got 5 fun facts (like why you can ski and swim on the same day 🌊🏔️) and 5 weird facts (yes, the Guinness beer family built a bridge). Plus, our plans for Chantel’s birthday trip: pet-friendly hotels, Henry’s first international border crossing 🐾, and what to expect with the new dog travel rules.🌎What in the world is going on with Tariffs? (50:54)From pricier plane parts to hotels shrinking your shampoo bottles, we break down how global tariffs might quietly change your travel game—and what you can do to stay ahead. Book smart. Pack your own conditioner. And please… check the duty-free prices before you splurgeIt's a jam-packed episode with a little bit of everything: travel tips, trip recaps, fun facts, and a sprinkle of travel industry tea. Let’s gooo!

✨ Travel March Madness Bracket & Middle Seat Booking Hack (01:36) Buckle up, adventure seekers! This week, we're taking you from the heights of Kilimanjaro to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, with a pit stop in Travel March Madness—our epic bracket showdown to crown the ultimate travel destination! 🏀🌍 Plus, Wyatt drops a brilliant travel hack to dodge the middle seat (even if you’re flying basic economy). If you’ve ever found yourself squished between two strangers, this tip might just change your flying game forever.🍹 Caffeine or alcohol—what’s the ultimate in-flight drink? (09:41) Wyatt and Chantel go head-to-head in this week’s Seat Pocket debate. Is it all about setting the right vibes, or is there an actual strategy behind your beverage of choice? Whether you’re team “espresso martini at takeoff” or “coffee till we land,” this discussion might make you rethink your drink order at 35,000 feet.🏝️ Tanzania Adventure (18:40) The final leg of our Tanzania adventure takes us from Moshi’s lush landscapes to Zanzibar’s sun-soaked beaches. Chantel explores Moshi while Wyatt conquers Kilimanjaro, and the two reunite for a well-earned beach escape. Think coffee farms, waterfalls, and hot springs—plus a deep dive into the must-try local dishes like Ugali, Mandazi, and the banana-based brew, Mbege. If Tanzania is on your bucket list (or you just love food), this segment is chef’s kiss perfection! 😘🍛🛫 Runway Report ZNZ & DAR (65:30) Zanzibar’s airport is a hot mess—literally. From questionable efficiency to zero air conditioning, we break down the chaos that is ZNZ. But not all is lost! Dar Es Salaam surprises us with the world’s best airport shower. Because sometimes, after long flights and sweaty terminals, a next-level shower experience is the luxury you never knew you needed. 🚿✨🚇 What in the World is going on with NYC MetroCard (85:40) Say goodbye to NYC’s iconic MetroCard—it’s officially being phased out. But don’t panic! We break down what’s replacing it (spoiler: OMNY is taking over) and why MetroCards are already becoming collectors' items. Have an old Broadway or sports team edition card? You might be sitting on a piece of transit history. 🎟️💰It’s a jam-packed episode with travel hacks, airport chaos, food obsessions, and a touch of nostalgia. Hit play and join the adventure! 🎧✈️

🏀 Travel Madness (01:49)March Madness isn't just about basketball—we’ve been running our own travel bracket, putting natural wonders, iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and hidden gems head-to-head. Plus, chaos struck London Heathrow as a power station fire caused 1,350 flight cancellations, and a Charlotte flight turned into a grueling 13-hour round trip. And if you thought Tom Brady was sticking to football, think again—he was spotted working as a gate agent in Atlanta. We break it all down. 💺Would You Rather the Airplane be too Hot or too Cold? (15:07)Temperature on a plane can make or break a flight—so would you rather it be too hot or too cold? Wyatt and Chantel debate the pros and cons of each, from freezing AC blasting overhead to feeling like you're stuck in a flying sauna. 🦁 Unpacking the Serengeti's Wild Wonders (19:58)From the Ngorongoro Crater to the vast plains of the Serengeti, we’re taking you on a safari filled with jaw-dropping moments. We talk about witnessing a baby elephant’s birth, a lion feast on a zebra, and the stunning stays at Mawe Mawe and Sound of Silence. Plus, nothing beats watching the sunrise over the Serengeti from a hot air balloon.🛬 Runway Report: Serengeti Airstrip (67:39)Seronera Airstrip (SEU) is unlike any airport we’ve covered before. With a simple walk-in courtyard layout, reusable boarding passes, and an efficiency that makes you rethink big airports, this airstrip delivers a surprisingly smooth experience. But there’s one quirky detail—you have to go back through security just to use the bathroom!☁️ Sky Score: Auric Air & Precision Air (78:35)Flying through Tanzania meant experiencing some truly unique airlines. Auric Air took us from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, stopping in Arusha, with some surprises along the way. Meanwhile, Precision Air pulled off a flight so fast it landed before its scheduled departure time. We rank both airlines and update our Sky Score leaderboard.🌍 What in the World is Going on with Frontier & Delta? (90:14)Frontier just made a shocking move—free seat selection, free carry-ons, and even free checked bags (with a promo code). Is this a game-changer or just a short-term gimmick? Meanwhile, Delta is looking toward the future with JetZero, teaming up to develop a futuristic, fuel-efficient aircraft that could change the way we fly. Imagine a plane shaped like a manta ray with four aisles and fewer window seats. We break down what this could mean for travelers and the industry.Buckle up—this episode is packed with everything you'll want to know about a safari in the Serengeti! ✈️

😵‍💫 The Hack to Beating Jet Lag (01:56)We’re back after a two-week break, and wow, do we have a lot to cover! From tackling brutal jet lag (and discovering an unexpected daylight savings trick) to Spirit’s surprising comeback and Southwest’s historic policy shift, this episode is packed with travel insights and stories.💺 How Long must a layover be to leave the airport? (09:11)In this week’s Seat Pocket, we debate one of the biggest layover questions: How long do you really need to explore a city instead of just waiting at the airport? Wyatt and Chantel share their recent mistake at Dar Es Salaam that sparked this discussion—plus, some tips on making the most of your layover time.🏔️ Wyatt’s Experience Hiking Kilimanjaro (15:58)The main event? Wyatt’s deep dive into his six-day Marangu trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Chantel leads the Q&A, covering everything from altitude sickness and packing regrets to life on the trail and whether Wyatt is now eyeing the Seven Summits. If you’ve ever considered this bucket-list adventure (or just want to hear about the struggle of hiking at 19,000 feet), this one’s for you.🇳🇱 24-Hour Trip in Amsterdam (54:48)Then, we take a detour to Amsterdam, where an unexpected 24-hour layover led to Heinekens, bitterballen, and a crash course in Dutch history (including a certain Freddie… who?). We also break down our Schiphol Airport experience—did it live up to the hype, or was it just crowded chaos?🛄 Runway Report Airport Review: AMS Schiphol (70:47)Bag Tag: AMS, we rate Schiphol’s layout, food, and efficiency, plus compare it to other airports we’ve visited recently. Spoiler: McDonald’s sausage McMuffins abroad are NOT created equal.✈️ Sky Score: Delta International & KLM (83:18)Where we review our first-ever Delta International flight and yet another KLM experience. The Delta A330’s 2-4-2 layout sparked some drama over seat assignments, and a bizarre route detour meant no flying over Greenland. Meanwhile, KLM delivered its usual rollercoaster experience—helpful airport staff on one hand, but an unfortunate seatmate situation and some seriously questionable in-flight meals on the other. Who came out on top? We break it all down.🌍 Southwest New Bag Policy & Spirit Airlines is Back from Bankruptcy (1:55:58)And finally, What in the World is going on with Southwest and Spirit? Southwest is making a shocking change—charging for checked bags for the first time in its history. Meanwhile, Spirit has officially emerged from bankruptcy and is plotting a bold rebrand as a premium airline (yes, really). Can they actually compete with Southwest? We break down what’s next for both airlines.