Laurie Gwen Shapiro, author of the new book "The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam and the Marriage That Made an American Icon" was today's guest. She discussed how Earhart shaped how we travel today, why she is still such a potent role model, and what happened to her on her final flight.

Takeaways:

• The contemporary travel industry owes much of its development to the pioneering efforts of early aviators, particularly Amelia Earhart, who significantly influenced public perception of air travel.
• Lori Gwen Shapiro's book, 'The Aviator and the Amelia Earhart,' delves into the intricate relationship between Amelia Earhart and her husband, George Putnam, showcasing their collaborative efforts.
• Amelia Earhart's role as an ambassador for aviation was crucial in promoting air travel to women, thereby helping to establish the industry as a viable mode of transportation.
• The podcast highlights the complexities surrounding Amelia Earhart's legacy, suggesting that her ambitious nature and calculated risks played a significant role in her untimely demise.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore the nuances of Amelia Earhart's final flight by listening to tapes of those who know her, available on the Smithsonian website.

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

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:

Smart Travel Podcast