Travel Is Back
Travel Is Back a look at some places I have been, and some I want to hit, from a regular person like you, as you plan your vacation. A regular trip for regular people.
New to Travel Is Back?
Here are some great episodes to start with.
Recent Episodes
Oct. 17, 2026
222. Lake Arrowhead, California - Rim of the World Highway
Take the mountain road to Lake Arrowhead with Johnny Mac on Travel Is Back. This episode follows Rim of the World Highway from the San Bernardino approach into the ridge communities, with time for designated viewpoints and the signed connection to Lake Arrowhead Village. Once you're parked, explore Rocket Fizz, And Then, and Mr. G's for Toys in Lake Arrowhead Village. There's time to consider lunch, a narrated ride aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen, and what visitors should know about access to t
Oct. 10, 2026
221. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Museum Day - Smithsonian Day: Wander Through America’s Treasures
Join Travel Is Back episode 221: "221. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Museum Day - Smithsonian Day: Wander Through America’s Treasures" as we roam the National Mall and unlock the best of Washington, DC’s world-class Smithsonian museums. Highlights include deep dives at the National Air and Space Museum, awe at the National Museum of Natural History, a walk through American innovation at the National Museum of American History, a photo stop at the Smithsonian Castle, and contemporary art at the Hir
Oct. 3, 2026
220. Washington, DC: The National Archives - Where America's Papers Whisper Into History
220. Washington, DC: The National Archives - Where America's Papers Whisper Into History invites listeners to step into the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom and stand before the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. We walk you through highlights like the Rotunda itself, the hands-on Public Vaults exhibit, the conservation lab viewing window, and tips for accessing the research room for deeper dives. Practical travel tips cover arriving early to avoid lines, security
Sept. 26, 2026
219. Washington, DC: Air and Space - Soaring Through DC's Air and Space
Join us on Travel Is Back episode 219, "Washington, DC: Air and Space - Soaring Through DC's Air and Space," a warm, insider guide to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and its sister Udvar-Hazy Center. Highlights include the Wright Brothers' Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, Space Shuttle Discovery, the Udvar-Hazy Center's hangar galleries, and the Albert Einstein Planetarium. We'll share practical travel tips—arrive early on weekdays to beat crowds, use the Metro (Smithsonian station
Sept. 20, 2026
218. White Mountains, New Hampshire - Peaks, Pines, and Wild River Echoes
Episode 218: White Mountains, New Hampshire — Peaks, Pines, and Wild River Echoes. Join us for a cozy, informative tour of the White Mountains, where towering peaks meet winding rivers and classic New England charm. Highlights include hiking Mount Washington for panoramic vistas, cruising the Kancamagus Highway for fall foliage, exploring Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch, and listening to the rush of the Wild River in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. We share practical travel tips: pack layers, check
Sept. 13, 2026
217. The Berkshires, Massachusetts - Orchards, concertos, and the hush of hills
Episode 217 of Travel Is Back explores the Berkshires, Massachusetts — orchards, concertos, and the hush of hills. Join us as we wander from Tanglewood's summer concerts to the industrial‑chic galleries of MASS MoCA and the storybook charm of the Norman Rockwell Museum. Highlights include a sunset hike up Mount Greylock for sweeping views, apple picking and cider donuts at local orchards, and an evening at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony. Along the way we share practical travel tips: best se