Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast

 On this year's Christmas Spectacular episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan hang up their socks and trade merry greetings. They discuss the official death of the Ugly Ornament Competition, the history of British Christmas crackers (no, they're not crackers), and their favorite Christmas tunes (including a Ryan original).. And for the Anglophiles out there, the boys sing the praises of one of the US's best importers of British goods, happily located right in Acton, MA.  Things we talked about in today's podcast: The Bee's Knees British Imports https://www.thebeeskneesbritishimports.com/  V&A Museum history of Christmas crackers https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-christmas-cracker?srsltid=AfmBOopqIG_oE9tXOOtQdsUnnRHXaOH8bPLkOiNC52C9XAlXv0hzY_Kf  "Have Yourself an Out of Office Christmas" https://www.mureka.ai/song-detail/WX3PuAjGnrbg8mx41mThs2?is_from_share=1  "Scrooge" from the Muppets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULaNvmjZWxg  

This week, The Boys unwrap their favorite book picks for the holiday season — from globe-trotting history to wild presidential tales to the secret life of gas stations in the American South. They also dig into new national park surcharges for foreign visitors.  The Books: "Lafayette in the Somewhat United States" by Sarah Vowell — https://www.amazon.com/Lafayette-Somewhat-United-States-Vowell/dp/0399573100 Amazon+1 "Bolívar: American Liberator" by Marie Arana — https://www.amazon.com/Bol%C3%ADvar-American-Liberator-Marie-Arana/dp/006073509X "The Magician" by Colm Tóibín — https://www.amazon.com/Magician-Novel-Colm-T%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn/dp/0307952879 "Wilderness Warrior: TR and the Crusade for America" by Douglas Brinkley — https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Warrior-Crusade-American-Brinkley/dp/0066210372 "Rightful Heritage: FDR and the Land for America" by Douglas Brinkley — https://www.amazon.com/Rightful-Heritage-America-Douglas-Brinkley/dp/0812980040 "Dead Presidents: An American Adventure into the Strange Deaths and Surprising Afterlives of Our Nation's Leaders" by Brady Carlson — https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Presidents-American-Surprising-Leaders/dp/1631493952

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan talks to Richard Stone, author of "Project Mayflower." Things we discussed on today's episode: "Project Mayflower" book https://bookshop.org/p/books/project-mayflower-building-and-sailing-a-seventeenth-century-replica-richard-a-stone/a3f94ee44f9babb4?ean=9781493084364&next=t&next=t&affiliate=books  Plimoth Patuxet Museums https://plimoth.org/  Plymouth Rock https://seeplymouth.com/listing/plymouth-rock/  Pilgrim Hall Museum https://www.pilgrimhall.org/  Sail250 https://www.sailboston.com/sail250/  Green-Wood Cemetery New Yorker article https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/06/09/green-wood-cemeterys-living-dead  

This week on the pod, the boys dive into their favorite museum heists, from Boston to Bogotá.

On this week's episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast." Kiernan talks to Richard Fain who served as CEO of Royal Caribbean for 33 years. Richard and his team oversaw—and essentially invented—the evolution of the cruise ship industry from a niche business to a global behemoth. His new book "Delivering the WOW" gives the behind the scenes story, with tons of great tidbits (how do you build an ice rink on a ship?) and business advice.   Things We Talk About on Today's Episode "Delivering the WOW" https://www.deliveringthewow.com/  Richard Fain https://www.deliveringthewow.com/about-richard  Adrian McKinty https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_McKinty Black Rabbit https://www.netflix.com/title/81630027  Crazy Horse Memorial https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/style/a-hike-to-crazy-horse-stirs-patriotism-and-doubt.html

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys discuss historic homes and parks related to Kiernan's favorite President, Theodore Roosevelt. Brace yourselves for high adventure—assassins, deadly predators, and poor eyesight. Things we discussed on today's episode: Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace https://www.nps.gov/thrb/index.htm  American Museum of Natural History https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/theodore-roosevelt-memorial/roosevelt-rotunda  Sagamore Hill https://www.nps.gov/sahi/index.htm  TR Gravesite https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/visit-the-roosevelt-gravesite-at-young-s-cemetery.htm Theodore Roosevelt National Park https://www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm  Upcoming Presidential Library  https://www.trlibrary.com  Theodore Roosevelt Island https://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm  Architectural Digest Detroit https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/detroit-is-booming-and-its-a-must-visit-for-design-lovers 

On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan travel the world over to share our favorite obscure museums. From Kuala Lumpur to Hartford, CT, we've got some surprises on this one. Things we talk about on this week's episode: Wadsworth Athenaeum https://www.thewadsworth.org/  Button Museum https://buttonmuseum.org/  Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Bogotá (MAC) https://museu.ms/museum/details/17154/museo-de-arte-contemporaneo-de-bogota  Islamic Arts Museum https://iamm.org.my/  Museum of Socialist Art https://www.artandobject.com/articles/museum-socialist-art-bulgarias-de-facto-museum-communist-history  Museum of Apiculture   https://mro.si/en/musem-of-apiculture  NYC School Architecture https://www.untappedcities.com/cbj-snyder-shools/?ref=daily-newsletter 

On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan loads up the family and heads to sunny Detroit. On our previous Detroit episode (Epi 153), we focused on the art and major tourist attractions, and this time around we hit up Detroit's surprisingly lovely nature (read: Belle Isle) and amazing local eats (read: Dearborn, MI.) Things we talk about on this week's episode: Saint Sebastian is a gay icon https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/lgbt-artwork-marks-saint-sebastian-feast-day  Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/basilica-san-sebastiano-outside-walls  Detroit 101 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/detroit-101/id1438098925?i=1000617683551 Detroit Riverfront https://www.detroitriverfront.org/  Cullen Family Carousel https://www.detroitriverfront.org/plan-your-visit/things-to-do/cullen-family-carousel-seasonal  Belle Isle https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/  Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse http://detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/livingstone-memorial-lighthouse  The Gothic Room https://www.detroithistorical.org/exhibitions/gothic-room  James Scott Memorial Fountain https://historicdetroit.org/buildings/james-scott-memorial-fountain  Halal Food Guru https://www.tiktok.com/@halalfoodguru   Altayeb https://www.yelp.com/biz/altayeb-of-dearborn-dearborn   Pupuseria https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Salvadoran&find_loc=Detroit%2C+MI  Leila https://www.leiladetroit.com/  Detroit style pizza https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-pizza-restaurants-detroit?srsltid=AfmBOooztxdpsnekr53gxRIgkbl654hgGtOqjTYgjNCaX1QnyzGizSbO   Boston's Detroit Pizza Co https://www.dpcboston.com/s/order#most-popular  Pie Sci https://piescipizza.com/  Ryan can't go to Singapore https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz60z98nzx7o 

On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us to Guatapé, Colombia, land of big rocks and little zócalos, with an interview with tour guide Oscar Lujan. Plus, Kiernan takes us back to London for a preview of The Darkest Hour: The Musical. Things we talk about on this week's episode: Oscar: https://www.instagram.com/medellinpeaks/ Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNbi4w4pQzI/?igsh=MWR0ZnczM2doczBxeg%3D%3D Kiernan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/british-history-royals-rebels-and-romantics/id1516524780   

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan chats with Daniel Stables, the author of the new book "Fiesta", which chronicles Daniel's journey around the world attending parties, shindigs, ceremonies, gatherings, jamborees, and other alluring functions! Things we talk about on this week's episode: "Fiesta" by Daniel Stables https://www.iconbooks.com/ib-title/fiesta/  Garcia Marquez laid to rest https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36355670  Benjamin Pollock's Toy Shop https://www.pollocks-coventgarden.co.uk/ 

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," a listener request! Kiernan offers tips, tricks, watch-outs, and must-dos when traveling with children. From gear to diversionary tactics, this is a must-listen for wanderlusty parents.  Things we talk about on this week's episode: Anker external batteries https://www.anker.com/collections/power-banks Puro headphones https://purosound.com/ "America, América" https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747326/america-america-by-greg-grandin/  "Fiesta" by Daniel Stables https://www.iconbooks.com/ib-title/fiesta/  Charlie's Place https://lnk.to/CharliesPlace-OutofOffice  

Ryan has been laid low with an exotic Mexican stomach bug, so this week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys are revisiting an old favorite: a friendly chat about how to pick souvenirs that will powerfully evoke memories without powerfully draining your bank account. This one is a tried and true classic from the archive. Wish Ryan a steady recover with a 5-star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925  

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys continue their discussion of must-see museums, churches, and curiosities in Rome. Plus, you'll learn why cappuccinos are called that—and how they relate to rooms decorated with bones! Things We Talked About on Today's Episode: National Museum of Rome https://www.rome-museum.com/national-roman-museum.php  Capitoline Museums  http://museicapitolini.org/en/node  Capuchin Crypt https://museoecriptacappuccini.it/en/the-crypt/  Cat Ruins https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/torre-argentina-roman-cat-sanctuary  Bocca della Verita https://www.rome.net/mouth-of-truth  Ostia Antica https://www.ostia-antica.org/  Trastevere https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trastevere  Where to Travel Now…While You Can https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b07NlIkKDc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5PAA3WIWtg New Giant Marble Head! https://x.com/gualtierieurope/status/1936334736198144396   

Kiernan takes us to the City of Lights—Paris!—for a magical trip from French Impressionists to the gargoyles of Notre Dame. Plus, how to read stained glass like comic books and take home some museum-quality taxidermy. And Ryan reflects on the passing of Edmund White.

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys share their insider knowledge on how to lock down fantastic trips and deals even if you're a little late to the party. Hidden National Parks, secret city hideaways, and booking schemes await! Things We Talked About on Today's Episode: Julie Klausner https://foreverdogpodcasts.com/podcasts/how-was-your-week/  Boop the Musical https://boopthemusical.com/  North Cascades https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm  Isle Royale https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm  Great Sand Dunes https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm  Mesa Verde https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm  Badlands https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm  Rapid City Sculptor episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/city-of-presidents-with-james-van-nuys/id1438098925?i=1000451011128  Canyonlands https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm  Bear Ears National Monument https://www.blm.gov/visit/bears-ears-national-monument  Great State Parks episode https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-43-state-parks-with-peter-kujawinski/  Great State Parks NYT article https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/travel/state-parks-visit-colorado-nc-florida.html   Google Flights "Explore" function https://www.google.com/travel/explore  Skyscanner "Explore Everywhere" function https://www.skyscanner.com/transport/flights-from/us/?adultsv2=1&cabinclass=economy&childrenv2=&ref=home&rtn=1&preferdirects=false&outboundaltsenabled=false&inboundaltsenabled=false&oym=2507&iym=2507  AirBNB Experiences announcement https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-2025-summer-release/  The Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Library_of_the_History_of_Human_Imagination 

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us to Romania—visiting Bucharest, Brașov, and Cluj-Napoca. Expect puppets, dictator mansions, and steampunk exhibits along the way. Things We Talked About In Today's Episode:  - Ceaușescu Mansion  https://timharford.com/2024/04/cautionary-tales-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-megalomaniac/ - Palace of the Parliament - "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum - Carturesti Verona  - The Puck Puppet Theater   https://teatrulpuck.ro/?lang=en @tomiksz13 the puppeteer  https://www.instagram.com/tomiksz13?

On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys treat the ancient aqueducts like a flume ride and splash right into Rome! Kiernan and Ryan talk Emperors, SPQR, why columns make the best decor, plus just a touch of new Pope speculation. Our episode on Vatican City: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-197-vatican-city/ Things We Talked About on Today's Episode: "The Fall of Rome" podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fall-of-rome-podcast/id1141563910 "SPQR" by Mary Beard https://a.co/d/71DS93Z  "Roman Holiday" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rL5QxXF0g8  Colosseum https://colosseo.it/en/area/the-colosseum/  Forum https://colosseo.it/en/area/the-roman-forum/  Palatine Hill https://colosseo.it/en/area/the-palatine/  Pantheon https://www.pantheonroma.com/home-eng/ Borghese Gallery https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/  Bath of Diocletian https://museonazionaleromano.beniculturali.it/en/baths-of-diocletian/  Trevi Fountain https://www.blacktomato.com/us/inspirations/the-history-of-romes-trevi-fountain/  Spanish Steps https://romesite.com/spanish-steps.html  Catacombs of Saint Sebastian https://www.catacombe.org/  Lego Trevi Fountain https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/trevi-fountain-21062 

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys celebrate the pod's 200th episode with travel icon Rick Steves! Kiernan chats with Rick about his latest book "On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer" and about how keeping a journal can make one into a keener observer of culture.  Rick's philosophy of travel is that if you haven't come back changed, you didn't do it right. This interview will leave you changed. Plus, a new artistic saint! Things we talked about in today's podcast: Rick Steves' Europe https://www.ricksteves.com/  Free scans of every page of Rick's journal https://www.ricksteves.com/about-rick/original-hippie-trail-journal  Saint Gaudi! https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/world/europe/antoni-gaudi-architect-saint.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare  Wanna help us celebrate 200? Leave a review (please)! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925  And a final note from Ryan and Kiernan: RIP POPE FRANCIS!

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us on three day trips from Santiago, Chile. First is Valparaíso, a coastal city known for its hills, historic funiculars, and street art. Then on to Valle de Colchagua, where wine tastings and a standout meal at Fuegos de Apalta make for a vino day. Finally, head to the Andes to soak in the mineral pools at Termas Valle de Colina. Plus, Kiernan talks about his old friend Corn Husker 55! Leave us a 5 Star Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925 Santiago Episode: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-194-santiago-chile/ The Hills: https://www.moon.com/travel/trip-ideas/the-hills-of-valparaiso-chile/ Restaurants: La Concepción & La Caperucita y el Lobo https://museobaburizza.cl/en/home/ Our wine tour provider: https://colchaguawinetours.com/

On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys head to Krakow, the intellectual heart of Poland. The city is home to beautiful churches, endless Pope John Paul II memorabilia, one of the oldest universities in the world (Copernicus attended), and moving remembrances of Jewish citizens killed in the Holocaust. Plus, a quick detour to the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine. Things We Talked About on Today's Episode: Schengen Area: https://dailypassport.com/what-is-the-schengen-area/ Remains of the Ghetto wall https://g.co/kgs/ammrVVz Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/oskar-schindlers-enamel-factory MOCAK https://en.mocak.pl/ https://www.instagram.com/prosciuttko_/?hl=en