Does a meaningful trip create happiness? Elisabeth sits down with Harvard professor and bestselling author, Arthur Brooks, to explore why travel is one of the most powerful tools we have for building joy.

Arthur shares what he considers the three "macronutrients" of happiness and how travel delivers them through a change in routine, memory-making, and shared experience. He describes how the best trips — from spontaneous adventures to quiet moments on the beach — involve a little excitement, a little fear, and a lot of meaning.



Tune in to learn the science behind how to make travel memories last and what the travel industry needs to understand about creating real emotional value.

Curious what it takes to make your vacation rental stand out? Discover the secrets of remarkable hosting from Alex Lluch, the proud owner of Villa Fabulosa, one of Vrbo’s Vacation Rentals of the Year. Joining guest host and Expedia Group’s Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships, Tim Rosolio, Alex shares the inspiring story of how he entered the vacation rental world and what it took to build one of the most unique and sought-after properties in Temecula, California.

From two pizza ovens and a teppanyaki grill to a full 18-hole miniature golf course, Villa Fabulosa is more than just a rental, it’s a destination. Alex dives into the inspiration behind the modern, Ibiza-style design and explains how he curates unforgettable stays by carefully vetting guests, offering hyper-detailed welcome videos, and maintaining top-notch service through rapid maintenance response and proactive upkeep. He also shares heartfelt reflections on what this journey has meant for his family, his business, and his future.

More than just a lush and vibrant place to visit, Thailand recently took center stage on the global screen in season three of “The White Lotus.” Elisabeth Goodridge sits down with show actor Tayme Thapthimthong to talk about what it was like filming for an international audience, how the show prioritized Thai culture and representation, and the surge in set-jetting. They dive into what makes Thailand so special, from the richness of everyday local life to its deep-rooted cultural heritage. The conversation then turns to travel, sharing must-see destinations, a sample itinerary, and the special places Tayme is connected to. Finally, Tayme and Elisabeth explore what makes a hotel truly memorable, emphasizing the importance of design that reflects and respects local culture. Whether you're in hospitality, a travel lover, or a “The White Lotus” fan, this episode takes you behind the camera and deep into the heart of a country as beautiful as its culture.

Back and better than ever, it's season five of Powering Travel! With so many new forces influencing how travelers find their next destination, the industry is evolving at lightning speed. This season, stay ahead of what inspires travelers and what turns a good trip into a great one. Join our new host, Elisabeth Goodridge, an award-winning travel editor and avid explorer, as she sits down with globe-trotting executives, culinary innovators, entertainers, and industry experts to unpack the business of travel in all its forms.

Hear the latest trends, big ideas, and unforgettable stories from the people shaping the future of travel. Find the full episodes of your favorite guests on our website and wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you're in the travel industry or just love to explore the world, Powering Travel will keep you informed, inspired, and ready for what’s coming next.

Ever wondered how to boost your Vrbo bookings? This week, Sam chats with Travis Gibbon, a savvy Vrbo host in the Hilton Head market, who shares insider tips on maximizing your listing’s potential ahead of peak booking season. Travis dives into flexible cancelation policies, adjusting minimum night stays, and setting competitive rates. He also explains how to use tools like Escapia for dynamic pricing to ensure you are booked and busy in the new year. Whether you're a seasoned Vrbo host or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice to elevate your hosting game!

Powering Travel is produced by Expedia Group in association with Quill.

Expedia’s annual Unpack™ outlook is here, using data-driven insights to uncover upcoming travel trends for 2025. Samantha Lopez is joined by Amanda Maltos, an industry leader and communications expert from Expedia Group, to dive into the data gathered from more than 25,000 travelers in this year's Unpack™ Report. Some key findings include travelers adding Detour Destinations to their trips, Set-Jetting and the continued influence of media on travelers, the pull of mother nature when planning trips and much more. And of course, what this all means for you and your business!

Powering Travel is produced by Expedia Group in association with Quill.

With entrepreneurship on the rise, vacation rental hosts and savvy travel advisors are seizing opportunities to grow and make a positive impact in the industry. In this episode, Vrbo host Michelle Ruber and travel advisor Rebecca Smiley, share their insights on growing their businesses with Expedia Group. Michelle talks about how Vrbo’s platform empowers hosts to provide personalized and trusted travel experiences. Rebecca details her journey into entrepreneurship, how she leverages social media, community connections, and Expedia Travel TAAP.

Powering Travel is produced by Expedia Group in association with Quill.

How can destinations reinvent themselves to attract travelers year-round? In this episode, Samantha Lopez is joined by two key figures in French tourism, Sophie Mandrillon from Atout France and Loic Chovelon from Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, to explore how their organizations are reshaping tourism in the off season. They discuss their partnership with Expedia Group, they focus on sustainable tourism initiatives and the strategies they use to combat seasonality, particularly in the beautiful Côte d'Azur region.

Powering Travel is produced by Expedia Group in association with Quill.