The Travel Show – April 11, 2026

The Travel Show1h 18mApril 13, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this week's episode of The Travel Show, host Larry Gelwix delivers a comprehensive travel update covering rising airline fees, space tourism, cruise promotions, and global travel tips. He highlights the recent $10–$50 increases in checked baggage fees across major U.S. carriers, criticizing airlines for prioritizing profit over customer experience. Gelwix shares his excitement about the Artemis II moon mission and discusses the growing accessibility of space tourism through companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, with prices ranging from $450,000 to $50 million. He dives into current cruise deals, spotlighting Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian’s promotions, including 'free at sea' packages that aren’t truly free but offer value. Gelwix also explores the rare private island of Nihihau in Hawaii, the cultural significance of the UK’s new ETA fee, and the joys of river cruising on the Seine and Eastern Europe. He shares personal travel hacks—like using elevators in reverse on embarkation/disembarkation days—and emphasizes the importance of passport backups and mobile passport control. The episode concludes with a nostalgic look at the Concorde’s potential return and a reminder to book upcoming tours with Morris Columbus Travel.

Key Takeaways
1

Check baggage fees have increased by $10–$50 across major U.S. airlines, with Delta, United, and Southwest now charging for bags.

2

Space tourism is becoming a reality with suborbital flights from Blue Origin ($450K) and Virgin Galactic ($1M), and orbital missions from SpaceX costing $50M.

3

Cruise lines like Princess and Norwegian offer 'up to 60% off' and 'free at sea' promotions, but these often include hidden costs for upgrades.

4

Nihihau, a privately owned Hawaiian island, is accessible only via helicopter tour ($685) or boat tour ($315), with strict cultural preservation rules.

5

The UK now requires an ETA fee of $28 for short-term visitors, and travelers must use the official gov.uk site to avoid scams.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Airline Fees and the New Travel Wallet Tax

Larry Gelwix opens the show with a critique of rising airline baggage fees, detailing increases from $10 to $50 across major carriers like Delta, United, and Southwest. He highlights the loss of Southwest’s free bag policy and questions the ethics of airlines profiting from passenger fees.

10:00
10 min

Space Tourism: From Sci-Fi to Reality

You can experience several minutes of weightlessness and witness Earth from space. It's going to cost you. With prices ranging from $450,000 per person for suborbital trips to over $50 million per person to orbit the Earth.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Cruise Promotions and the 'Free at Sea' Myth

They call it free at sea. It's not free, but is it worth it? You got to go in and you make that decision if you want the drink package, especially dining.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Nihihau: Hawaii’s Forbidden Island

It is a rural Hawaiian life. They do have an elementary school there, but the kids have to go over to Kauai for high school.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

UK’s New ETA Fee and Travel Scams

The host warns listeners about the UK’s new $28 electronic travel authorization fee and cautions against third-party websites that mimic official gov.uk sites to scam travelers.

High-Impact Quotes
The legendary Concorde is slated to make a comeback maybe next year. President Trump's legislation lifted the previous ban, Fly Concord Limited plans to return supersonic passenger flights.
Larry Gelwix48:07
Viral: 88.0
You can experience several minutes of weightlessness and witness Earth from space. It's going to cost you. With prices ranging from $450,000 per person for suborbital trips to over $50 million per person to orbit the Earth.
Larry Gelwix14:04
Viral: 85.0
The Concorde last flew in the 1970s and 80s. It just didn't make commercial sense, but the legendary Concorde is slated to make a comeback maybe next year.
Larry Gelwix47:55
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Larry Gelwix

Guest

Abby Bunnell
Topics Discussed
Airline Fees and Baggage Charges92%Space Tourism and Supersonic Travel90%Cruise Promotions and Travel Hacks88%Hidden Travel Costs and Scams85%Cultural and Private Travel Experiences83%Family and River Cruising80%Passport and Travel Safety78%International Travel Regulations75%
People & Brands

Larry Gelwix

person

120xPositive

Morris Columbus Travel

other

18xPositive

Delta Airlines

other

15xPositive

Princess Cruises

other

14xPositive

Nihihau

other

12xPositive

Royal Caribbean

other

10xPositive

Norwegian Cruise Line

other

9xPositive

United Airlines

other

8xNeutral

UK Electronic Travel Authorization

other

8xNegative

Southwest Airlines

other

7xNegative

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