TravelStories Episode 60: Memorial Day 2025: Trevor’s Family Trip to Madrid

Episode 60: Show Notes

This year, only one of us had a Memorial Day trip, at least on a plane, and this episode is all about that! This trip also marks Trevor’s family’s first international long-haul trip since January of this year. From their experience at the Centurion Lounge at Washington, DC’s Reagan-National airport, to managing flights with a toddler, Trevor shares the highlights. We start with Tom’s fishing trip to Chesapeake before diving into Trevor’s vacation, which began on a boat and continued with a JetBlue flight to Madrid via Boston. He talks about lounge experiences, including Capital One and Chase Sapphire, and offers tips for handling naps and meals in-flight. In Madrid, Trevor shares why this visit topped previous ones, from the Thompson hotel to great food. The family then flew to Valencia on Air Europa, explored major sites, stayed at Palacio Santa Clara, enjoyed paella, visited the zoo, and saw local protests. The trip ended with a stop in Frankfurt and a return to New York on a Spontaneous Escapes deal from Singapore Airlines. Tune in to learn what he enjoyed most, what he would do differently, and what he most recommends to listeners. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• [00:42] Tom’s fishing trip to Chesapeake and the beginning of Trevor’s Memorial Day vacation on a boat.
• [04:33] Trevor and his family’s experience of their first long-haul flight since January. 
• [09:15] Capital One Landing Lounges, the Jet Blue trip to Boston, and his experience at the Chase Sapphire Lounges.
• [16:30] The Jet Blue Trip to Madrid, timing his daughter’s naps, and meal logistics on Jet Blue. 
• [22:55] Why this experience of Madrid was even better than before and his experience of The Thompson.
• [24:37] Dining experiences in Madrid, parks, and other activities Trevor’s family enjoyed.
• [28:48] Highlights and lowlights of Valencia which Trevor travelled to on Air Europa. 
• [33:15] Three incredible architectural sites his family was able to see.
• [38:26] Staying at the art hotel, Palacio Santa Clara, eating paella in Valencia, and a visit to the zoo.
• [47:15] Coming across protests in Valencia and visiting the old market before flying to Frankfurt.
• [51:54] The Valencia Airport and flying Lufthansa to Frankfurt.
• [56:08] What Trevor is considering for his next trip to Madrid and what he loved about it.
• [58:25] Taking the Spontaneous Escapes Offer from Singapore and getting back to New York. 

Quotes:

“One of the great advantages of travel is to be able to see some of mankind’s amazing achievements in the arts, and architecture is definitely one of them.” — @TktweetsKim [38:17]

“Valencia is known for [its] paella, and it is truly incredible.” — @tmount [39:47]

“If you’re going to Spain, put Valencia on your list, and if you’ve got kids, put the Bioparc in Valencia on your list.” — @tmount [46:24]

“The city is just so incredibly walkable in Madrid.” — @tmount [56:37]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Hyatt Regency Madrid Biopic Valencia Puerto de Indias Palacio Santa Clara Queen Sofia Palace of Arts Musee de les Ci