This week’s Eye on Travel comes from the Hotel Republic in San Diego, California. We’ll have an update on the coronavirus and an unexpected silver lining for travelers — worldwide. Plus, we’ll have the latest on the Boeing 737 Max and why you won’t be flying on it until late summer… maybe. Then, Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief at Travel Weekly, with a report on his climb to the top of Kilimanjaro — and the reasons behind the climb. What’s one of the most visited attractions in America? The answer might surprise you. It’s the USS Midway, permanently berthed in San Diego. And Scott McGaugh shares the enduring history of the ship. With wildfires still ravaging Australia, Rick Schwartz from the San Diego Zoo reports on what the zoo has been doing on the ground for endangered animals from the fires. And we welcome back Tommy Gomes, 5th-Generation Commercial Fisherman. Before your next restaurant experience, Gomes gives us the real definition of sustainability as well as what to know about uninspected fish that finds its way to restaurants and grocery stores around the U.S. — and the real definition of “fresh fish”. There’s all that and more as Eye on Travel comes from the Hotel Republic in San Diego, California.

Click here to listen to the show streaming live from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.

Have a travel question? Then ask Peter. E-mail him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @petersgreenberg (include #AskPeter).

Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief at Travel Weekly, speaks about his recent Kilimanjaro climb and the reason behind it: Tourism Cares. He shares more on how long it took, the medically trained guides and other challenges that came with the climb. Then, shifting gears, Arnie and Peter discuss hotel brand monopolies and why an independent hotel might want to join a brand – is it all about the points? Arnie then talks about why brands are now catering to millennials (and even Gen Z). 

Augie Saucedo, Executive Chef at the Hotel Republic San Diego, joins the program to talk about its all-star fries that left Peter swooning – and the recipe behind them. He speaks about becoming a San Diego boy, the city’s cuisine and the hotel’s signature dish. He discloses dishes that tanked and ones that flew off the shelves. Then, he reveals his favorite dish to make. Nachos are involved. 

Scott McGaugh, USS Midway Public Speaker, Best-Selling Historian and Author of USS Midway: America’s Shield, speaks about the history of the Midway in San Diego and how it got here. Scott speaks about the Navy’s involvement as well as creating the museum and the museum’s accomplishments. It’s the most visited naval ship museum in the world. He also discusses the most surprising exhibits and the little-known military history that the iconic naval ship has. And did you know? There was an ice cream shop on the USS Midway.

Tommy Gomes, 5th-Generation Commercial Fisherman and Founder of Tommy the Fishmonger, returns to Eye on Travel and chats about everything from sustainability to “cheap fish”and uninspected fish that enters the United States. We’re talking no registration on boats, unregulated fisheries and more. He reveals why it’s problematic for American fishermen and shares the types of fish that are mislabeled most. Then, he’ll give the real definition of “fresh fish” and shares what’s coming into season in San Diego.

Rick Schwartz, San Diego Zoo Ambassador, rejoins the show for some monkey chat. He also reveals which animals are favorites for visitors and the ones that surprise them the most – like the giraffe’s oversized elk cousin with zebra socks on that lives in the African rainforest. Rick then speaks to the dire situation for animals in Australia and how the San Diego Zoo is involved with rescue and recovery. There are months and months of work that lie ahead, and Rick shares how everyone can get involved. Then, Rick pushes respect for animals, because the zoo isn’t a petting zoo. 

Elsa Sevilla, Emmy-Nominated Journalist, Filmmaker and Ambassador for the San Diego History Center, reveals the astonishing number of historical documents housed in the center. She talks about indigenous storytelling in the region and the importance of its legacy and art. Elsa also talks about the museum’s focus and the unknown stories to tell. Then, she talks about her biggest San Diego surprise when producing her television special, “Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla.” 

Dr. Ray Ashley, President & CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, speaks about all of the different moments in time that are represented at the museum as well as a replica of the famous vessel that brought Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo to explore California. Dr. Ashley says the ships are time machines. The museum also has submarines with a lot of history. And speaking of submarines, Dr. Ashley reveals how the museum got the Russian submarine. And find out the difference between the American and Russian kinds of submarines. 

Jessica Johnson, Author of Abandoned San Diego and Founder of HiddenSanDiego.net, stays off the beaten path and tells us all about the underworld of San Diego, plus some of her most recent discoveries. She also recently got busted by the cops while exploring an abandoned water park and tells the story of the Gold Rush that not many know, hidden in the San Diego mountains. She also speaks about her favorite places to eat, the histories that precede them, and the shadow people. And if you’re looking for an immersive experience tiki bar that’s inside of a poke bar, it exists in San Diego. 

Stephanie Nisan, Founder & President of The Animal Pad, talks about the beginnings of the organization, its strong community focus and its fun events. She also speaks about the volunteer base that keeps it afloat as well as the rescue and the adoption process across the border. Stephanie then discusses the organization’s frequent trips to Mexico, its sponsorship programs and the challenges faced along the way.

By Alessandra Taryn Bea for PeterGreenberg.com