On today’s episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we’re unpacking a safety warning you’ve heard on every flight but may not have taken seriously: don’t reach for your phone if it slips between the airplane seats — call a flight attendant instead.

It sounds like a small thing, but as we explore in this episode, it’s a rule written in fire. Literally.

This story comes from reporting in Afar Magazine, and it reveals just how dangerous a crushed smartphone can be inside an aircraft cabin.

When a phone gets wedged in the seat’s mechanical components, it can be crushed if the seat moves. That’s when the lithium battery can overheat and enter thermal runaway, a chain reaction where the battery “rapidly heats up, releases flammable gases, and can ignite.”

We highlight several dramatic examples, including:

• A Southwest flight where a crushed phone ignited a seat at the gate, forcing all 108 passengers to evacuate via emergency slides.
• A Hawaiian Airlines flight that declared an emergency after a trapped phone began emitting a burning smell near landing.
• An Alaska Airlines flight that returned to the airport after a phone and portable battery pack ignited in the cabin.

FAA records show 106 verified incidents between 2006 and early 2026 involving lithium batteries in phones overheating, smoking, or catching fire — with 21 incidents in 2025 alone.

Airline reps explain that crews are trained to access the tight, complex seat mechanisms safely. As American Airlines notes, “seats can vary between aircraft,” and flight attendants know how to retrieve a device before it becomes a hazard.

Delta adds that calling a crew member also prevents passengers from injuring themselves: “Those seats are tight. We’d rather get your phone out for you rather than have you potentially jam your finger.”

If a device becomes hot or begins emitting fumes, the crew can immediately activate fire‑safety protocols — another reason they want to know right away.

That quick line in the safety briefing isn’t just airline over‑caution. It’s a real, documented risk. If your phone slips into the seat, don’t reach for it — call a flight attendant. As the article concludes, “now you know, they weren’t kidding when they warned you about that.”

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We explore this vibrant region, known for its stunning landscapes, mountains, local vineyards, and a plethora of agri-tourism opportunities. Our journey takes us through charming towns like Dunham, Bromont, and Frelighsburg, where we stay at the welcoming Gite La Maison Bleu and dine at Espace Old Mill, enjoying meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

This episode includes many photos and short videos from this region of Quebec, edited by Teh Chin Liang, a GoNOMAD Contributor.

We also visit innovative cideries and partake in activities such as mountain biking and disc golf, all while soaking in the views of the Vermont mountains. Join us as we discover the unique flavors and stories that this nearby region has to offer.

https://youtu.be/o3TS6ncDJZc

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This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.

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This week, host Max Hartshorne takes you inside one of Europe’s most intense and iconic travel experiences: the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. With insight from Pamplona resident Losu Values, we explore what it really takes to watch the event—not just survive it—and how first-time visitors can actually understand what they’re seeing.

Most travelers arrive with a cinematic image in mind: bulls charging, runners sprinting, adrenaline everywhere. But the reality is more layered. The route changes character from section to section, and your experience depends entirely on where you stand and how early you prepare.

We break down the difference between street-level and balcony viewing, explain why timing and geography matter more than chaos, and explore how the rhythm of the morning builds long before the bulls are released. Losu explains how locals read the route, anticipate the movement, and choose their vantage points with precision. We also quote a friend of Max's who has been to the San Fermin festival 48 times, every year since 1976, he explains what he loves so much.

You’ll learn why the run lasts only a few minutes but requires hours of preparation, how the old town’s compact layout can confuse even seasoned travelers, and why clarity—not proximity—is the key to a memorable experience.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to San Fermín or just curious about what it’s really like to be there, this episode gives you the insider’s view of Pamplona’s most famous morning.

Listen now on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, hosted by Max Hartshorne. Visit us at GoNOMAD.com and Voyascape.com for more travel stories, guides, and podcast episodes.

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In this episode, we travel to the vibrant island of Penang, Malaysia, where Lunar New Year isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a living, breathing celebration that spills into the streets of George Town. Senior Writer Chin Liang Teh takes us home to his island to experience Miao Hui, a community‑driven festival that preserves the traditions many big cities have long forgotten.

1. Why Penang’s Lunar New Year feels different from the commercialized celebrations found elsewhere
2. How George Town’s UNESCO‑listed streets transform into a cultural playground
3. The meaning and magic behind Miao Hui, held during the first week of the Lunar New Year

1. Dragon dances weaving through narrow lanes to the beat of thunderous drums
2. Lion dancers leaping between high platforms with acrobatic precision
3. The spectacular Chingay parade, where performers toss massive flags—sometimes catching them with their foreheads

1. Traditional glove puppet theater, where visitors try their hand at ancient storytelling
2. A quirky mini paddy field that lets festivalgoers plant a single rice seedling in real mud
3. Lanterns decorated with riddles, a centuries‑old tradition that turns the streets into a glowing puzzle trail

1. The surprisingly soothing knife massage, using the flat sides of blades to tap and press
2. Herbal face masks and threading, beauty rituals passed down through generations

1. Lei cha, a bright green Hakka tea‑and‑herb rice dish believed to cool the body
2. The crowd‑pleasing cannon popcorn, which explodes from a heated metal cannon with a booming blast

Miao Hui isn’t just a festival—it’s a reminder of how traditions survive when communities keep them alive. Locals, travelers, families, and curious wanderers all share the same streets, the same sounds, and the same joy. In Penang, Lunar New Year still feels like it always has: meaningful, communal, and full of heart.

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Episode Title: Skiing in Jasná: A Winter Adventure in Slovakia’s Low Tatras

Host: Max Hartshorne, GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

In this episode, Max takes listeners along on a winter journey through Slovakia, a country full of surprises — from affordable skiing and cozy chalets to wooden UNESCO churches and medieval castle ruins. Traveling with a small group of nine, Max explores the Low Tatras, skis the slopes of Jasná, and discovers why Slovakia is one of Europe’s most underrated winter destinations.

1. How to get to Slovakia via Vienna or Krakow, and why Bratislava makes a great first stop
2. The fun and camaraderie of small‑group travel
3. A scenic train ride across the country into the Liptov region
4. Staying in ski‑in, ski‑out chalets near Jasná
5. Three days of skiing Slovakia’s largest resort, with lift tickets around €61
6. Affordable on‑mountain dining, including Slovak classics like bryndzové halušky
7. A visit to the UNESCO‑listed Articular Wooden Church of Kežmarok, built entirely without nails
8. Exploring Spis Castle, historic towns, and local Slovak cuisine
9. A memorable electric train ride into the High Tatras for tubing, lake walks, and mountain views
10. Why Slovakia is a fantastic alternative to pricey U.S. and Western European ski destinations

This story highlights the joy of discovering places that don’t always make the top‑ten travel lists. Slovakia offers excellent snow, low prices, rich history, and warm hospitality — all wrapped into a trip that’s easy, social, and full of memorable moments.

1. Ski Jasná – Slovakia’s largest ski resort in the Low Tatras
2. Bratislava – Slovakia’s charming capital
3. Kežmarok Articular Wooden Church – UNESCO World Heritage Site
4. Spis Castle – One of Central Europe’s largest castle ruins
5. Poprad – Gateway city to the High Tatras

Short, 5–8 minute episodes featuring unusual destinations, great travel stories, and inspiration for your next adventure — hosted by Max Hartshorne, editor of GoNOMAD.com..

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This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.

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In this episode, Senior Writer Chin Teh Liang takes us to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and fastest-changing metropolis. Once known as Saigon, the city still carries the echoes of its wartime past and its elegant French colonial heritage—yet today it’s a booming, modern powerhouse with a skyline that surprises first‑time visitors.

Chin arrives during the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, where long lines form outside the War Remnants Museum. Inside, he encounters some of the most powerful wartime photography in the world, along with reconstructions of prison “tiger cages” and even the original guillotine once used on prisoners.

Outside, the museum grounds display decommissioned helicopters, tanks, and fighter jets—sobering reminders of the country’s past.

Ho Chi Minh City’s nickname, “The Little Paris of the East,” becomes clear as Chin explores its architectural gems:

1. Museum of Fine Arts — originally a tycoon’s mansion, now a museum filled with contemporary art, ancient sculpture, and breathtaking interior details like spiral staircases, stained glass, and Art Nouveau balconies.
2. Saigon Opera House — modeled after Paris’s Petit Palais, still offering nightly performances and pre‑show tours.
3. Street shoe‑shiners — a living remnant of the French colonial era.

Along the Saigon River, glass towers rise above the water, including the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81. Chin takes a nighttime river cruise, gliding under the color‑lit Ba Son Bridge while a violinist plays on board.

And for the first time ever, the city now has a brand‑new metro system, with 14 stations already running and more on the way—transforming how both locals and visitors move around the city.

Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is as diverse as its architecture:

1. The Café Apartment — a nine‑story residential building where every unit is a café. Perfect for people‑watching along the river promenade.
2. The Albion at Hôtel des Arts Saigon — a fine‑dining tasting menu featuring goose mousse, Hokkaido scallop, Wagyu tenderloin, and desserts made with Vietnamese chocolate, all served with panoramic city views.

From war relics to world‑class dining, from colonial mansions to a futuristic metro, Chin reflects on how astonishing it is to see a place once defined by conflict now thriving as a vibrant, modern metropolis.

Episode Title: Humboldt County: Redwoods, Oysters, and Coastal Charm

Host: Max Hartshorne, based on a story by Jerry Olivas. drolivas@hotmail.com

Episode Summary: In this episode, Max takes us to the far northern reaches of California to explore Humboldt County—a region defined by towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and laid-back towns like Eureka and Arcata. From oyster farms on Humboldt Bay to Victorian architecture and vibrant farmers' markets, this is a place where nature and culture intertwine.

What You'll Hear About:

1. The magic of Eureka’s Old Town, with its colorful Victorian buildings and waterfront charm
2. Humboldt Bay’s oyster scene and why this region is a hidden gem for seafood lovers
3. Arcata’s community vibe, redwood forest hikes, and Saturday farmers market
4. Scenic drives through ancient redwood groves, including the Avenue of the Giants
5. Local events like the Friday Night Market in Eureka and the arts scene woven into the county’s culture
6. Understanding the area's homeless and drug problems, and how they affect travelers
7. Why Humboldt County is perfect for travelers seeking quiet beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town hospitality

Featured Highlights:

1. A sailboat ride across Humboldt Bay
2. Sampling oysters fresh from the farm
3. Walking beneath the world’s tallest trees
4. Discovering tide pools and coastal wildlife
5. Meeting local makers and artists at the market

Links & Resources:

1. Explore Humboldt County
2. Eureka Visitor Info
3. Arcata Farmers Market
4. Redwood National and State Parks

Subscribe & Follow: Listen to more episodes of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Max’s adventures at GoNOMAD.com and on Instagram @gonomadtravel.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.

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This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

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In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max heads to Central Oregon to explore one of the most surprising ski destinations in the United States: Mt. Bachelor. This massive, 9,065‑foot volcanic peak offers something rare in North America — true 360‑degree skiing from the summit. With more than 4,300 acres of terrain and plans for even more expansion, Mt. Bachelor is a mountain that keeps skiers coming back year after year.

But the story doesn’t end on the slopes. Just 25 minutes away sits Bend, Oregon, a high‑desert city packed with breweries, outdoor adventure, and a laid‑back culture that draws people from all over the world. Max checks into the Oxford Hotel downtown, samples local beers at Brother Jon’s and Ten Barrel, and meets one of Bend’s most famous residents — former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe — who shares why he loves skiing Bachelor and living in this fast‑growing mountain town.

You’ll also hear about dog‑sledding with Oregon Trail of Dreams, the unique restrictions that keep Mt. Bachelor wild and undeveloped, and why this mountain is beloved by families, intermediates, and powder‑hungry locals alike.

In this episode:

1. What makes Mt. Bachelor’s terrain and snow so unique
2. Why the summit is often closed — and why it’s worth waiting for
3. Bend’s booming craft beer scene
4. Meeting Drew Bledsoe at a local brewpub
5. Dog‑sledding through the Deschutes National Forest
6. How Bend has transformed from mill town to outdoor hub
7. The future expansion of Mt. Bachelor’s ski terrain

Links & Resources:

1. Visit Bend: https://www.visitbend.com
2. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort: https://www.mtbachelor.com
3. Oregon Trail of Dreams Dog Sledding
4. Oxford Hotel Bend
5. GoNOMAD story about Bend and Skiing Mt Bachelor
6. https://www.gonomad.com/3468-bend-mount-bachelor-oregon

About GoNOMAD Travel Podcast: Hosted by Max Hartshorne, the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you stories from around the world — unusual destinations, memorable characters, and the kind of travel experiences that stick with you long after you return home.