Tag Archives: travel

Dr. Steve Jasper, The Jet Lag Guy

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Rick talks jet lag with expert, Dr. Steve Jasper this week.

Did you know that Olympic teams flying across multiple time zones can have their gold Olympic medal counts cut in half – or worse? And that the number of silver medals by Olympic medal teams actually increases when athletes travel long distances across multiple time zones – because athletes that were expected to win a gold medal come home with a silver one instead? Jet lag has a massive impact on the performance of athletes who travel. The difference between a gold and a silver medal is often measured in milliseconds, and jet lag is enough to have an effect.

Per Dr. Steve Jasper: “While I was researching my thesis in jet lag and executive performance, I decided to examine Olympic medal counts as a side project. After crunching the numbers for several decades’ worth of Olympic games, the results were crystal clear – jet lag has a definite and measurable impact on Olympic gold medal counts.”

There are three key things that can have a massive impact on transforming jet lag:

Know yourself – are you an owl or a fowl? Do you like to wake up at the crack of dawn, or at the crack of noon? There’s no guilt in honestly admitting you’re not a morning person – and that will affect how you manage your jet lag.

Flight direction – for most people, “east is a beast, west is best”. But for the real morning people among us, you might find it’s the other way around!

Sunlight – such a simple thing but getting outdoors for a few minutes in the middle of the day, or when you feel a bit drowsy, can reprogram the brain and wake you up.

Jasper is a recognized expert in the field of jet lag and executive performance, and is passionate about transforming the conversation around jet lag. His background was as a pharmacist, where he worked mainly in the hospital system before transferring to the pharmaceutical industry. He worked on several global clinical trials, and while working in a global HIV/AIDS trial he headed up a team with branches in San Francisco, Raleigh (North Carolina, USA), Cambridge (UK), São Paulo and Buenos Aires. He undertook lots of international travel in this role, and experienced firsthand the toll of jet lag.

After completing an executive MBA, Dr Jasper completed his PhD in international management, examining the impact of jet lag on business travelers, and he is regularly contacted by the media in all matters relating to jet lag, sleep, and performance.

As a result of his research, he is launching a suite of products to support business travelers in managing their jet lag. This includes a book, an app, workshops, and one on one coaching, as well as franchising products that alleviate jet lag. He is available for speaking engagements, and can work internationally either by video conferencing, or travel if required. Please feel free to contact us at drsteve@jetlagguy.com.au if you have any questions or require additional information.

See more at: https://jetlagguy.com.au/

Paige Watts, Atlanta Author and ‘What’s With Atlanta?’

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Rick talks with Atlanta author and author of the new book: What’s With Atlanta?

Paige Watts

Why is every street in Atlanta named “Peachtree”? What do Atlantans mean when they say “Inside the Perimeter” or “Outside the Perimeter”? Why can’t Atlanta handle a little snow? Why do locals hate it when you call it “Hotlanta”? These and many of your other burning questions about life in Atlanta make up What’s With Atlanta?, a guide to some of the most unique aspects of Georgia’s capital city.

Author Paige Watts dives deep into the history and culture of Atlanta, from its beginnings as a railroad hub to its status as “Hollywood of the South.” Atlanta is full of one-of-a-kind attractions, unique festivals and traditions, architectural marvels, and a mix of Southern comfort food and international cuisines that make it a city unlike any other.

Want to know how Atlanta became the home of the Braves or what part fried chicken played in the Civil Rights Movement? This book will satisfy your curiosity about all the little things that make Atlanta tick and all the big events that shaped the city’s history. Whether you’re a local or are just passing through, a tourist or a life-long resident, this entertaining guide will answer all these questions and more.

Seasoned travel writer and Atlanta local Paige Watts has spent a decade writing about all things travel. She chronicles her journeys on her blog, PaigeMindsTheGap.com, where she highlights the joys of visiting Southern destinations. In addition to her blog, Paige has written for a number of online and print publications, including the Culture Trip, Matador Network, Epicure & Culture, MSN, and Travel the South. She received a double Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Evansville in Creative Writing and Literature, with a minor in International Studies.

Here’s some talking points from the book:

Atlanta has over 70 streets with “Peachtree” in the name.

Atlanta was founded as the end of a train line, which is where it got its original name Terminus.

Atlanta is a haven of street art with over 200 murals.

Atlanta Pride started as a 100-person rally and has grown to a massive month-long celebration in October.

The Fox Theatre was originally built in the 1920s as the headquarters for Atlanta’s Shriners organization.

Atlanta is at the center of Georgia’s film industry, earning it the nickname “Hollywood of the South” – In 2016, there were more major films made in Georgia than in California.

Buford Highway has more than 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses, more than 100 of which are restaurants.

The Big Chicken, Marietta’s beloved landmark, is so distinct that pilots use the building as a reference point when landing.

The Braves are the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in the country.

Atlanta has the largest concentration of colleges and universities in the South.

Jennifer Tombaugh, President of Tauck

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An Exclusive with the President of Tauck this week on family travel.

Jennifer Tombaugh, President of Tauck and mother of four. Tauck is a 98-year-old leader in upscale guided travel offering more than 150 land journeys and cruises to 70+ countries and all seven continents. Included in Tauck’s portfolio are 20 Tauck Bridges family travel adventures in North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Jason Carlson, Founder and CEO of Wallabing

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Rick talks with Jason Carlson of Wallabing, about providing RV enthusiasts an open road to revenue, adventure, and peace of mind.

With life on the open road remaining as popular and alluring as ever, one innovative company, Wallabing, is seeking to transform this growing lifestyle trend by streamlining the recreational vehicle experience for owners and renters.

“Owners make more, renters pay less” is the simple but powerful concept at the core of the Plano, Texas-based company’s forward-thinking business model. Wallabing is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace and mobile app connecting RV owners, renters, travelers, and wandering adventurers alike.

Bringing owners and renters together in a platform providing value for each has fueled Wallabing’s rapid growth since launching in 2021. Through leveraging its unique team of 164 independent consultants able to assist owners and renters in 32 states, the company has increased its inventory by 682% in six months.

It’s a dilemma faced by many RV owners for years – how to get the most out of their RVs even though they only use their vehicles for a few weeks each year. A recent survey by Verified Market Research found the average RV owner uses their RV an average of 20 days each year leaving 345 days to rent to others. Despite the growing popularity of RVs and outdoor travel, industry experts cite there are more than 54 million idle RVs at any given time, worldwide.

Meanwhile, in recent years, the rental market for RVs has been on the rise. In 2020, the RV rental market size was valued at $546 million. It is projected to reach $810 million by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31% from 2021-2028, according to Verified Market Research.

Demand for RV ownership, which is already at 11.2 million U.S. households, is growing by 500,000 to 1 million annually. Market research predicts that 20.5 million households intend to purchase an RV in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Wallabing’s five-year plan is to have 150K RVs featured on its site and on the road. To further build out its marketplace and increase inventory, Wallabing has developed a responsive business model and lowered its service fee, while keeping modest customer acquisition costs.

Wallabing is planning to launch an upcoming crowdfunding campaign to expand awareness about their company’s platform and mobile app among RV owners, renters, and potential investors.

A great option to try an RV and a new experience.

Jason Carlson
Founder and CEO, Wallabing

I’ve been interested in outdoor recreation for as long as I can remember. My family spent at least one weekend a month camping when I was a young boy and we had an annual reunion at a national forest each August. Between hiking, fishing, boating, and anything else I could get up to out there, I was always taught to appreciate all the wonders our world held for us and was encouraged to explore.
 
After earning a degree in finance at Southern Methodist University, and working in asset management and consulting, I realized I wanted to get back to that spirit of adventure that was instilled in me by my parents. When I started my own family, I was eager to show them the wonders that an RV adventure could bring. They fell in love just as I did and that was the true foundation of Wallabing. From there it took a few years to marry my expertise and educational background with the desire I had to instill that same sense of curiosity and exploration in each client to create the product we have today. Every day since then has been a different and challenging adventure on its own.

Terry Dale, President and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) on Summer Travel

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Rick is joined by Terry Dale of the USTOA this week.

According to the Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023 report by The Vacationer, a whopping 85% of Americans plan to travel this summer and 42% of Americans are planning to travel more this summer compared to last. With a vast array of destinations and styles of vacations available, how can travelers save much-valued time and money in navigating the where, how, when and even why of planning a vacation? In this interview, Terry Dale, president & CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) will discuss the uptick in summer travel and current travel trends. He can also share the benefits of booking a guided tour as well as offer up some ‘off the beaten path’ destinations to plan your next adventure!

TERRY’S TRAVEL TRENDS INCLUDE:

OFF THE BEATEN PATH ITINERARIES – Unique destinations like Türkiye are growing in popularity. Türkiye welcomed 51.4 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the world’s most prominent travel destinations. Apart from its successful figures, Türkiye is also a pioneer country in sustainable tourism and started a nationwide sustainable tourism program in 2022. Tour operators like Collette bring guests off the beaten path to secret hideaways like Dalyan, a relaxing riverbank town connected to the Mediterranean Sea and filled with local charm.

CULTURE IS IN – Countries such as Malta offer thousands of years of intriguing history. Malta, a Mediterranean Archipelago with three sister islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state. Club Adventures’ Malta tour offers exceptional culinary experiences, and visits to local craft villages so that you’re fully immersed in the culture.

SIMPLE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL – Zagreb is a Croatian city of delightful contrasts – it is both young and old, cosmopolitan, and alternative, a mix of Austro-Hungarian and modern architecture, bursting with over 30 museums, 30 theaters, and many galleries and festivals. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel work with locally owned and operated accommodations in Zagreb, which helps support the local economy and provides authentic experiences for travelers. Itineraries often include visits to local artisans, like Radiceva and Tkalciceva Street, and Ilica, where travelers can learn about traditional crafts like embroidery, pottery and woodworking while also supporting small, local businesses.

For more information please visit: www.ustoa.com/tournow

Alex Alt, Oracle, Getting Back to Normal Travel?

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Rick is joined by Alex Alt of Oracle this week.

Oracle is helping Americans travel!

In May, 24% of respondents said they planned to travel immediately, and 31% in the next one to three months. The takeaway? 55% are ready to roam in time for Independence Day.

Stars, Stripes…and Shots: Over 3/4 (77%) of North American consumers said a COVID-19 vaccination is very or somewhat important in giving them the peace of mind to travel; almost 1/5 (18%) will not get on a plane until they are fully vaccinated.

Rentals Reduce Travel Anxiety: 54% of travelers said they plan to stay at a short-term rental property (such as an Airbnb) in the next twelve months, with 43% of that group citing the ability to stay socially distanced and minimize COVID-19 risk.

Can’t Touch This: Consumers want pandemic-era upgrades to stay the norm. 67% want hotels to maintain more frequent cleaning and disinfecting procedures; 55% want to see guest areas/public spaces continue to be arranged for social distancing; 11% plan to dine solely via room service to minimize contact.

Alex leads Oracle’s vertical software business that serves the hospitality, casino, and cruise industries. Dedicating most of his career to hospitality with experience as an operator and a technology provider, Alex joined Oracle in November 2019 to lead the technical, operational, and cultural transformation of the industry’s leading provider of property management, point of sale, distribution, analytics, and loyalty solutions. With more than 20 years in the travel and hospitality industries, Alex spearheaded global development and strategy for renowned luxury operator Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, led Sabre’s Hospitality Solutions business, and served industry clients as a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Alex earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BBA from the University of Texas.