A Travel Podcast
Out of Office is a travel podcast hosted by us, Ryan Davis and Kiernan Schmitt. From early childhood, we were each infected with a serious case of wanderlust (among other things.)
We define travel broadly, from local day trips to high-flyin' overseas adventures. Every episode, we dig into one topic—ranging from the serious to the silly, the practical to the outlandish—and give advice on how to get out there and explore the world.
This week on the pod, the boys talk The Odyssey, and Ryan speaks with Laura Coffey about her Homeric travels chronicled in her book, Enchanted Islands: Travels Through Myth & Magic, Love & Loss. Things We Talked About: Enchanted Islands: Travels Through Myth & Magic, Love & Loss https://a.co/d/0e1iMY8Z MAP - The Odyssey: A Mythical Journey through The Real World https://a.co/d/0hOUJ8Cf Laura Coffey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_j_coffey/
This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan takes us through the history and artistry of Parkitecture—the architectural design of America's National Parks! Plus, Ryan researches the ideal number of days to go on vacation. Things We Talked About in This Episode: Colombia's Literary World Cup shirt https://sports.yahoo.com/article/magical-realism-colombia-unveil-world-155300778.html Insight Guides https://www.insightguides.com/ Parkitecture https://www.nps.gov/subjects/architecture/parkitecture.htm President Truman tickling those rustic ivories https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/photograph-records/63-1333 "Park and Recreation Structures" https://archive.org/details/parkrecreationst00good/page/n237/mode/2up Ideal Vacation Length https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-012-9345-3 Conor Knighton is a Patriot https://www.instagram.com/conorknighton/reel/DaYM4m6OtQQ/?hl=en
This week on the pod, the boys talk about their favorite subject: sports. The World Cup is captivating everyone, and the many visitors to the USA are soaking up all the Americana. Ryan chats with NPR's Ava Berger about what's captivating them. Things We Talked About in This Episode: https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-06-19/big-dogs-buc-ees-and-the-great-bbq-debate-world-cup-fans-discover-everyday-america https://www.npr.org/2026/06/13/nx-s1-5856514/the-joys-of-reporting-on-3-teenagers-chasing-glory-in-the-world-series-of-birding https://x.com/FreddyLA7 https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/19/sport/video/merlin-the-duck-is-mexicos-unofficial-mascot-digvid-vrtc
This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan chats with one of our all-time favorite guests—food writer and researcher Anissa Helou. She's just published "Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland" and spills the secrets of tabbouleh, falafel, skewered meat, hummus, labneh, and many other Lebanese specialities. Things We Talk About in This Episode: Anissa's last interview with us https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925 "Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland" https://bookshop.org/p/books/lebanon-cooking-the-foods-of-my-homeland-anissa-helou/77fff24da4bf58f4?ean=9780063334922&next=t Pope Leo at the Sagrada Familia https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/10/world/europe/pope-leo-sagrada-familia-barcelona-visit.html
This week we take a return trip to episode 122 of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast. Kiernan talks about Rocky Mountain National Park ahead of the busy summer season. From majestic peaks to glassy lakes, RMNP is one of America's premiere parks with hikes and sights accessible to all age ranges and abilities. Plus, Ryan talks about Peru prep. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm The Stanley Hotel https://www.stanleyhotel.com/ Grand Lake Lodge https://www.grandlakelodge.com/ Allenpark Lodge https://allensparklodgebnb.com/ Smokin' Dave's BBQ https://smokindavesbbq.com/ The Donut Haus http://www.donuthaus-estespark.com/ Falcon Guide https://www.amazon.com/Best-Hikes-Rocky-Mountain-National/dp/1493046780/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LNBPCIWSMUAE&keywords=rocky+mountain+easy+day+hike&qid=1654717385&s=books&sprefix=rocky+mountain+easy+day+hi%2Cstripbooks%2C74&sr=1-1 "The Motorcycle Diaries" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Motorcycle_Diaries_(film) The New Yorker's "Flight Attendants Fight Back" https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/05/30/flight-attendants-fighting-back
This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," 2 of the palest podcast hosts in the business spotlight 6 amazing beaches across the US, Mexico, South America, and Southeast Asia. Things We Talk About on Today's Episode: Ocean City, Maryland https://www.ococean.com/ Northern Shore MA Beaches – Crane Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, Plum Island, Coffins Beach https://www.visit-massachusetts.com/northofbostoncapeann/beaches/ Barú, Colombia https://colombia.travel/en/cartagena-de-indias/visit-beach-baru An Bang Beach, Vietnam https://www.vietnamairlines.com/us/en/plan-book/travel/travel-guide/an-bang-beach-hoi-an Puerto Vallarta, Mexico https://visitpuertovallarta.com/things-to-do/beaches Brighton, England https://www.visitbrighton.com/things-to-do/attractions/beachfront Pope Leo's Peru https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziN1QrXh5vs Harvard's ties to slavery https://www.harvardmagazine.com/university-news/harvard-enslaved-people-database-descendants
This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan covers the history and highlights of the Bronx Zoo. We also touch on Scientology, Mitt Romney, callings to the priesthood, and Colombia's biodiversity. Things We Talk About on Today's Episode: Little Red Lighthouse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Lighthouse Bronx Zoo https://bronxzoo.com/ William Temple Hornaday and the Bison https://siarchives.si.edu/history/featured-topics/stories/william-temple-hornaday-saving-american-bison The Atlantic's "Best Free Restaurant Bread in America" by Caity Weaver https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/05/best-free-restaurant-bread-america/686582/ Trump's photo added to US passports https://www.foxnews.com/politics/exclusive-state-department-introduces-new-us-passports-celebrating-america250
This week on Out Of Office, Ryan and Kiernan explore Spain's Costa del Sol, from Málaga's layered history of Roman and Moorish influence to Marbella's relaxed, sun-soaked Old Town. It's a quick dive into how this region became a global tourism hotspot, blending culture, beaches, and just the right amount of indulgence.
This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan takes us to one of Europe's greatest natural treasures: Plitvice Lake National Park in Croatia. Beautiful ice-blue lakes and gorgeous waterfalls are lined with easy-to-navigate boardwalks, and hiking trails traverse the whole park. Plus, Ryan isn't moving to Austria as early as we thought! Things We Talked About in Today's Episode: Rick Steves is on tour! https://www.ricksteves.com/about-rick/wheres-rick Rick Steves interview https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/rick-steves-is-back-for-episode-200/id1438098925?i=1000704427247 Plitvice Lakes National Park https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/ Plitvice Hikes https://www.afar.com/magazine/visiting-plitvice-lakes-national-park-in-croatia Titanic drone show https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/tv/video-3629983/Video-Drone-recreates-Titanics-historic-Belfast-departure.html Map of art and cultural destruction in Iran https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/25/we-are-trying-to-preserve-the-memory-of-our-people-archaeologists-create-map-tracking-damage-to-iran-heritage-sites
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan recommends national parks for you to visit this summer, based on your preferences. Looking for zero crowds? Yearning for high-adrenaline action? Searching for variety? KPS unleashes his NPS knowledge. Things we talked about in today's podcast: Kiernan on NPR https://www.wgbh.org/podcasts/the-culture-show/march-10-2026-shaina-taub-on-suffs-a-secret-boston-st-patricks-day-and-fabiola-mendez National Parks of the Pacific Northwest https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/national-parks-of-the-pacific-northwest/id1438098925?i=1000442664674 State Parks with Peter Kujawinski https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-parks-with-peter-kujawinski/id1438098925?i=1000445675724 Things from up children's noses https://apps.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/opinion/ideas/graphics/lost-found/ Burning PA Town https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/centralia-pennsylvania-rebirth
On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks about sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico during the 2026 Jalisco Operation. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-3608909/Tourist-stranded-Mexico-El-Mencho-operation.html
This week, as Kiernan is skiing in real life and Ryan is freshly back from Puerto Vallarta, Out of Office: A Travel Podcast takes a return trip. The boys talk about their holiday breaks and discuss why ski trips are well worth the expense and the steep learning curve. Plus, Ryan has a onesie. Here's what we cover in this episode: NYT on European Skiing https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/travel/europe-skiing-budget.html Beaver Creek https://www.beavercreek.com/ Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire https://www.cannonmt.com/tickets
This week on the pod, the boys talk about their favorite food experiences, from Peru to Dubai, with a little Eastern Shore of Maryland thrown in. Plus, learn which European cities are the most densely packed and perfect for traveling on foot. LAST STOP: Ryan: https://www.travelawaits.com/3021526/most-walkable-cities-in-europe-from-new-study/ Kiernan: https://www.datarescueproject.org/save-our-signs-the-peoples-archive/
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan chats with Stephen Hiltner, the New York Times editor in charge of this year's "52 Places to Go in 2026." Stephen walks us through this year's top picks and themes. Here's what we cover in this episode: "52 Places to Go in 2026" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2026.html "Top 10 Reader Favorites from our '52 Places to Go' List" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/travel/places-to-go-readers-picks.html
Ryan's guide to a perfect Madrid weekend, whether Salvador Dalí is your thing or not. Museums, parks, palaces, and the restaurants you should avoid, with plenty of great food instead. Eat Here: https://www.instagram.com/gotawine/ https://www.instagram.com/marcelle_madrid/
On this year's Christmas Spectacular episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan hang up their socks and trade merry greetings. They discuss the official death of the Ugly Ornament Competition, the history of British Christmas crackers (no, they're not crackers), and their favorite Christmas tunes (including a Ryan original).. And for the Anglophiles out there, the boys sing the praises of one of the US's best importers of British goods, happily located right in Acton, MA. Things we talked about in today's podcast: The Bee's Knees British Imports https://www.thebeeskneesbritishimports.com/ V&A Museum history of Christmas crackers https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-christmas-cracker?srsltid=AfmBOopqIG_oE9tXOOtQdsUnnRHXaOH8bPLkOiNC52C9XAlXv0hzY_Kf "Have Yourself an Out of Office Christmas" https://www.mureka.ai/song-detail/WX3PuAjGnrbg8mx41mThs2?is_from_share=1 "Scrooge" from the Muppets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULaNvmjZWxg
This week, The Boys unwrap their favorite book picks for the holiday season — from globe-trotting history to wild presidential tales to the secret life of gas stations in the American South. They also dig into new national park surcharges for foreign visitors. The Books: "Lafayette in the Somewhat United States" by Sarah Vowell — https://www.amazon.com/Lafayette-Somewhat-United-States-Vowell/dp/0399573100 Amazon+1 "Bolívar: American Liberator" by Marie Arana — https://www.amazon.com/Bol%C3%ADvar-American-Liberator-Marie-Arana/dp/006073509X "The Magician" by Colm Tóibín — https://www.amazon.com/Magician-Novel-Colm-T%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn/dp/0307952879 "Wilderness Warrior: TR and the Crusade for America" by Douglas Brinkley — https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Warrior-Crusade-American-Brinkley/dp/0066210372 "Rightful Heritage: FDR and the Land for America" by Douglas Brinkley — https://www.amazon.com/Rightful-Heritage-America-Douglas-Brinkley/dp/0812980040 "Dead Presidents: An American Adventure into the Strange Deaths and Surprising Afterlives of Our Nation's Leaders" by Brady Carlson — https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Presidents-American-Surprising-Leaders/dp/1631493952
On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan talks to Richard Stone, author of "Project Mayflower." Things we discussed on today's episode: "Project Mayflower" book https://bookshop.org/p/books/project-mayflower-building-and-sailing-a-seventeenth-century-replica-richard-a-stone/a3f94ee44f9babb4?ean=9781493084364&next=t&next=t&affiliate=books Plimoth Patuxet Museums https://plimoth.org/ Plymouth Rock https://seeplymouth.com/listing/plymouth-rock/ Pilgrim Hall Museum https://www.pilgrimhall.org/ Sail250 https://www.sailboston.com/sail250/ Green-Wood Cemetery New Yorker article https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/06/09/green-wood-cemeterys-living-dead
This week on the pod, the boys dive into their favorite museum heists, from Boston to Bogotá.
On this week's episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast." Kiernan talks to Richard Fain who served as CEO of Royal Caribbean for 33 years. Richard and his team oversaw—and essentially invented—the evolution of the cruise ship industry from a niche business to a global behemoth. His new book "Delivering the WOW" gives the behind the scenes story, with tons of great tidbits (how do you build an ice rink on a ship?) and business advice. Things We Talk About on Today's Episode "Delivering the WOW" https://www.deliveringthewow.com/ Richard Fain https://www.deliveringthewow.com/about-richard Adrian McKinty https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_McKinty Black Rabbit https://www.netflix.com/title/81630027 Crazy Horse Memorial https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/style/a-hike-to-crazy-horse-stirs-patriotism-and-doubt.html