In this episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, the ladies recap the incredible mistake fare that flew them to Europe for the Christmas markets in business class for just $857 round trip. What they expected to be a “good for the price” experience turned into one of their favorite business class flights of 2025—especially on the return journey with Discover Airlines.

After connecting through Frankfurt on Lufthansa and spending time in the Lufthansa lounge, they boarded Discover’s 2-2-2 configured business class cabin. While not ideal for solo travelers, the setup worked well for two friends flying together. The seats converted fully flat, the bedding was comfortable, and the overall space felt roomy enough for a relaxing transatlantic flight.

What truly stood out was the service. The crew was warm, attentive, and proactive—offering alternative meal options when the menu didn’t appeal, keeping drinks topped off, and adding festive holiday touches like gingerbread cookies, chocolates, and even memorable (and very chunky) ginger shots. The thoughtful service elevated the entire experience.

They also compare the flight to their outbound journey on Air Canada, discussing seat configurations, operational reliability, and how price ultimately plays a major role in choosing business class. The episode wraps with a broader conversation about the growing demand for premium travel and why even leisure or low-cost carriers can deliver impressive value when the deal is right.

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I f you missed part one head back to last week to catch up. This week, we pick up exactly where we left off — at the Andaz in Prague — and what starts as a simple case of misplaced AirPods turns into something much stranger.

After Ashley accidentally leaves her AirPods on the shuttle, they’re kindly returned to the property where she is staying in Prague… or so it seems. What should have been an easy reunion quickly spirals into a confusing saga involving a general manager, multiple front desk explanations that keep changing, AirPods that were somehow paired to someone else’s phone, and even an AirTag with its battery removed. At one point, Ashley is flat-out accused of lying. 👀

So what actually happened? And what did Ashley ultimately decide to do with the mysteriously “returned” headphones? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Thankfully, the rest of their Prague stay takes a much happier turn. In a dramatic twist, the Andaz ends up being their favorite hotel of the entire trip — even though Prague earns the title of least favorite Christmas market. They break down the festive food, the atmosphere, and the magical lighting of the Charles Bridge at night.

And to wrap it all up? Ashley experiences her very first beer spa. 🍺✨

From travel drama to cozy holiday vibes, this episode has it all.

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****This episode ended up being an hour and a half long, so we decided to split it into two parts. Stay tuned next week for the thrilling conclusion!****

Emily and Ashley share the story of their grand adventure trying to get from Salzburg to Prague- and the unexpected twists along the way. They debate whether to take a train or a bus before Ashley ultimately secures a special shuttle transfer just two days in advance. The only catch? A required stop in Český Krumlov.

They give a full review of the shuttle experience and explain why it turned out to be such a fantastic option. The conversation then turns to their six hours exploring Český Krumlov, where they quickly fall in love with the charming town despite the chilly weather.

From there, they continue on to Prague and check into the Andaz, where things start off on a very high note. Emily and Ashley share details of an incredible room upgrade to a stunning suite once owned by movie star Adina Mandlová, whose fascinating and heartbreaking life during the World War II era adds a layer of history to the stay.

But after the magic of the room upgrade, the rest of the experience takes a dramatic turn........and that’s where we’re leaving you on a cliffhanger. The rest of the story is coming next week.

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Join Ashley and Emily as they explore the magical city of Salzburg, Austria, during the holiday season. Emily shares why this city holds a special place in her heart, from early travel adventures to celebrating milestones in her business. The hosts wander charming streets, cozy cafes, and festive Christmas markets, discovering both the popular spots and hidden gems.

Experience their adventures sipping hot Lillay, wandering the picturesque Hellbrunn Market with its twinkling trees, baby animals, and cozy corners, and taking in breathtaking views from the fortress market. They also get up close to the thrilling Krampus Run, a unique local tradition, and navigate Salzburg’s buses, Ubers, and funicular like seasoned travelers.

With stories of unexpected discoveries, festive cheer, and the unmistakable magic of Christmas in Salzburg, this episode is full of inspiration for anyone dreaming of a European holiday getaway.

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In part two of their Vienna story, Ashley and Emily share the redemption arc after fleeing the Ritz-Carlton and checking into the Almanac Hotel Vienna. From the moment they arrive, the experience is a complete 180, with an effortless check-in, warm and thoughtful service, and a stylish, loft-like suite that finally delivers on comfort and design. They walk through what made the stay so special, including the spacious room layout, spa-like bathroom, Japanese toilet, deep soaking tub, cozy wellness area, and standout breakfast experience. Ashley recounts an unexpectedly perfect late-night work session in the hotel bar that turned into a masterclass in hospitality, while Emily reflects on why the Almanac felt worth the splurge after such a rough start to the trip. The episode wraps with practical advice on booking hotels in Vienna during Christmas market season, using Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, points versus cash stays, and why sometimes doing it “for the plot” makes the best travel story.

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****This episode was originally recorded as one long story, but it ended up being too wild not to split in two. Part one is the nightmare, and part two is the redemption.****

In this episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, they share the full, unfiltered story of what led them to sneak out of the Ritz-Carlton Vienna less than 24 hours after checking in. From exhausting travel delays and sky-high expectations to baffling service issues, tense front desk interactions, and a shockingly underwhelming suite, everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong. Ashley and Emily walk through the moments that escalated from minor frustrations to a full-blown hotel breakup, including an unforgettable checkout attempt that turned into a literal escape. This episode sets the stage for the redemption arc to come in part two, when they move to the Almanac Hotel and finally get the Vienna experience they were hoping for.

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In this episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, Ashley and Emily kick off their European Christmas market series in Vienna, a city that completely surprised them. What they both once felt lukewarm about quickly became their favorite stop of the trip thanks to Vienna’s elegant decorations, abundance of Christmas markets, and magical holiday atmosphere. They share how the city transforms during the season, why staying multiple nights is worth it, and how each market offers its own vibe, food, and experience. From palace-front markets and cozy alley stalls to mulled wine mugs, snow globe shopping, and carousel regrets, they break down what made Vienna so special and why it’s now a destination they want to return to every Christmas. They also cover practical tips like what to wear in the cold, cash versus card at the markets, getting around the city, and how to plan your days to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

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Today on the Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily podcast, the girls are comparing their experiences flying United Polaris Business Class.

Ashley shares a few smart ways to find lie-flat seats on domestic routes, including checking airplane configurations before you book. She also spills some insider tips for spotting the best-value business class options when you’re searching award flights.

Emily shares all about her time in the Polaris lounge — and why it’s absolutely worth making sure you’re in the real Polaris lounge, not just the regular United Club. She gives the full scoop on the food, service, and her in-flight experience, while Ashley pays homage to the famous cookie skillet that everyone still dreams about.

Together, they compare the bedding, seat setup, food, service, and overall comfort — and, of course, reveal whether they’d fly Polaris again. If you’ve ever wondered what makes this product stand out (and whether it’s really worth your points or cash), this episode is packed with firsthand insight, laughs, and honest reviews from both sides of the aisle.

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