This week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel comes from New York — and happy early St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll head out to sea — literally– with a marine satellite conversation with Celebrity Edge Captain Kate McCue, with an onboard update on cruising. Then, Catherine Powell, Global Head of Hosting at Airbnb, on the challenges it faced (and continues to face) during the pandemic. And how much money do airlines make on their frequent flyer programs — even during the pandemic? The numbers will astound you. Plus, we’ll look at a recent IRS court case that is now once again asking the question: are your frequent flyer miles taxable as income? Gary Leff, Founder of ViewfromtheWing.com, has the answers. And last, but not least, we’ll pay tribute to St. Patrick with special guests both here and in Ireland. There’s all this and more on this week’s Eye on Travel.

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

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Captain Kate McCue, American Cruise Ship Captain, helps Peter open the program by sharing the “herstory”-making, all-female bridge and officer team sailing on International Women’s Day last year, right before the pandemic. She has been breaking barriers in more ways than one. But what happened once the pandemic hit? She opens up about being stuck at sea, the importance of taking care of the crewmembers and all of the fulfilling life events that were still able to take place. Captain McCue expands on adaptability, the curve balls thrown at the cruise industry and the lessons learned this past year. Then, she talks about more “mock cruises,” the incredible repatriation efforts that will be involved and how she’s getting ready for the return of the cruise industry. To watch Peter’s previous, viral interview with Captain Kate, click here!

 

Catherine Powell, Global Head of Hosting at Airbnb, describes how the company pivoted when the travel and hospitality industry turned upside down this time last year. She expands on how it has worked with hosts with adapting and speaks about some of the insights and trends seen from the travelers that were comfortable enough to travel. Travelers want to connect in this time of loneliness and isolation, and she says that welcoming guests into a new home away from their home was crucial during this time. And what about the Airbnb hosts in big cities? She discusses the expanding Airbnb appeal with remote working becoming more popular and the lessons learned now that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. 

 

Gary Leff, Founder of ViewfromtheWing.com, joins us to give all of the latest information on the frequent flyer programs, all the financial incentives airlines have to operate them and why investors keep their money there. He uses American Airlines as an example. And are all miles worth the same? Leff argues that it depends on the airline and explains why miles aren’t interchangeable. Are airline mileage and hotel points taxable? Some people think so! Gary and Peter discuss this and much more. 

 

Audrey Morgan, Food Network Magazine, joins the program to speak about all things Irish Pubs – the coolest and most unique bars in the United States, all with great stories to tell. And this comes just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. Even though you might not be able to physically enjoy these unique places, they’re still open for takeout and now is a great time to start planning your next pub tour. Audrey talks about everything from inventive potato dishes, goats in bars, vegan Irish pub food and much more.

 

Francis Brennan, Irish Hotelier, Author and Television Personality, dives into the surprising history of Saint Patrick and how he ended up in Ireland. It’s a true plot twist! Francis talks about and how Saint Patrick has influenced the Irish Christian faith. He also addresses the difference between a shamrock and a clover and describes a traditional Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland back in the day. And do you want to hear a shocking truth? Bars were normally closed on Saint Patrick’s Day until the 1970s, and the holiday really became “all about the drink” in the United States, specifically in Boston where a lot of the celebrations then became mainstream and commercial. And while we may often think of leprechauns and fairies as being completely different mythical beings, in Ireland, they were once the same thing. He describes the mythology behind fairies, what people believed about them and the story of how they went to the United States and became leprechauns thereafter.

 

Dr. Tim Campbell, Director at the Saint Patrick Centre, gives us a glimpse into Downpatrick, the only place with a permanent Saint Patrick’s exhibition – not far from Saint Patrick’s burial place. But what is the true significance behind Saint Patrick’s Day? Campbell shares history and dispels misconceptions behind the patron saint, the shamrock and the celebration that surrounds the holiday. Saint Patrick isn’t just a day. It’s also a destination in Ireland named after a very progressive-thinking, historical figure whose crusades are still very much relevant today. And back to the present day, how are the Irish celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day this year?