The Travel Industry Afterparty Episode 1: Are we finally ready to travel again? Yes? No? Maybe? Please? Originally recorded on June 6, 2021.

For the very first time ever, Tad and Brian get in front of a camera and microphone to talk travel. Todays topic: is it finally safe to travel and all the mixed signals that are being given off by the entire world. On the one hand vaccines are rolling out at a healthy rate here in America, but on the other Covid19 is surging in other parts of the world. All of the big travel companies are declaring it safe to travel while the CDC warns caution. We talk a lot about the disconnect between these two realities and how the average consumer can stay informed and plan their upcoming travels effectively.

We start out sharing some personal stories about our recent experiences as travelers. Brian took a recent trip to Utah and Arizona. Renting a car post-covid is a nightmarish experience. The primary driver behind this is because most of the big companies liquidated large portions of their fleet of vehicles. Combine that with the enhanced cleanliness standards making it take twice as long to turn around vehicles that have been returned and the end result is a massive vehicle shortage. Brian got to experience this firsthand as his reservation got canceled on him as he showed up to pick up his rental.

National Parks in America are bursting. No one is wearing masks where they are supposed to be. Everything is more expensive. Somehow it is all worth it. The majesty of Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon make all the hassle worth it.

Everyone's favorite Airline CEO is claiming that closing off the middle seat was a gimmick and did not make travelers safer. Coincidentally he is claiming this right as airlines are attempting to justify filling their planes to the brim once again now that vaccines are being rolled out. This is something we always knew was coming, but a new study by the CDC offers conflicting data. Tad and Brian go back and forth for a bit debating the merits of both sides.

Finally Tad & Brian start a good old fashion rambling rant on each others feelings regarding would they travel domestically, internationally, and overall where is their comfort zone.