Arnie Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly, discusses the latest news on the COVID-19 vaccine including how it’s being politicized and how some countries will require it to enter. Also, he talks about the pent-up demand for travel and he argues that it’s like a dormant volcano that will blow its top. Arnie and Peter then discuss the current challenges of travel, the new demand for more exotic locations and what part of the travel industry is breaking records with bookings that’s unlike anything we’ve seen in the past 30 years. Arnie then dives into changes in the cruise industry and how even shore excursions are changing to abide by the CDC guidelines.

Justin Erbacci, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, goes down memory lane with Peter about Los Angeles International Airport’s historic past and then looks to the future. He talks about adapting to the current times, improving terminals and processing areas in preparation for the Olympics towards the end of the decade. Justin further speaks about accommodating more traffic, a touchless experience and the famous Theme Building that sits in the middle of the airport (an iconic identifier for LAX). He then reveals some challenges the airport faces and how it’s aiming to solve these obstacles.

Hugo Martin, Travel Writer at the Los Angeles Times, chats about all things Disneyland. Disneyland has tied its opening date to the number of infections in Orange County, so until the numbers there improve, it seems that Mickey’s kingdom will remain closed. The theme parks are a huge part of the Disney revenue stream, but he says that it’s keeping afloat. Then, he shares more on how Los Angeles as a whole has changed and the potential travel patterns for 2021. Hugo argues it’ll all depend on the vaccine and that this is the key to a recovery. Hugo and Peter then share a changing tide in the industry. Instead of going on a vacation, people are looking to ride out the pandemic in rental houses or vacation condos outside of Los Angeles. It might even change the way we do work. 

Danny Jensen, Author of Secret Los Angeles: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, moved to Los Angeles about 10 years ago and has been exploring the city’s personalities ever since. He speaks about the iconic restaurants of yesteryear. Then, he gives a look into some unique and lesser-known museums, the hole-in-the-wall places to eat around the city that will ensure a true Los Angeles experience, and he’ll also reveal his favorite breakfast spot. You can purchase Secret Los Angeles: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure at SecretLosAngelesBook.com.

Farley Elliott, Senior Editor at EATER LA, speaks about the massive toll that COVID-19 has taken on the restaurant industry and gives us insight into how it has affected Los Angeles in particular. He argues it’s one big economic disaster. Los Angeles has a huge dining culture and without federal government aid, especially in the middle of this upcoming winter, things are looking dim. He expands on the different policies implemented across the different counties within the Los Angeles region and shares the big-named restaurants that have suffered through this time. Elliott shares what to expect when we come out on the other side and the Los Angeles ingenuity that will shine through.

Luca Moriconi, Chef de Cuisine, Culina and Vinoteca, Four Seasons, speaks about his time throughout Four Seasons properties around the world and how he ended up in Los Angeles. He says that as an Italian chef, he’s lucky to be in the City of Angels because he can source just about anything he needs, including ingredients from Italy. Then, he explains what “farm to table” culture means in Beverly Hills, and he reveals a few surprising menu items that both tanked and flew off the shelves. And how about wild boar in Beverly HIlls? Chef Luca explains how that ended up on the menu and his preferred method of cooking it.

Michael Newcombe, General Manager and Regional Vice President of Spa and Wellness, speaks about the iconic location and the perception of what keeps guests happy. He talks about how the hotel has replicated the things that make guests happy at home. He says there is more space dedicated to spa and wellness, and it’s important to cater to people with a wide range of necessities. Michael then speaks about how Four Seasons incorporates local flavors and culture at all of its spas around the world and shares the fads and treatments that come and go. Plus, hear about the hotel’s special offering with the best views of Los Angeles — helipad yoga.