Join travel experts Ryan and Julie as they explore America's Last Frontier in this comprehensive guide to Alaska travel. Whether you're considering an Alaska cruise, land-based adventure, or combination trip, this episode covers everything you need to know to plan your dream Alaska vacation.

1. Land-Based Alaska Vacations
   • Starting points: Anchorage and Fairbanks
   • Transportation options: Alaska Railroad, rental cars, guided tours
   • Deeper immersion into wilderness and local culture
   • Access to interior Alaska destinations like Denali National Park
   • Custom itineraries for specific interests (fishing, photography, wildlife)
   • Best for: Active travelers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts
2. Alaska Cruises
   • Inside Passage routes from Seattle or Vancouver
   • Hassle-free travel with scenic coastal views
   • Popular ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Seward
   • Limited time in each destination
   • Best for: Cruise lovers, multi-generational travelers, comfort seekers
3. Alaska Cruise Tours (Land + Sea Combination)
   • Pre or post-cruise land extensions (3-7 days)
   • Most popular add-on: Denali National Park
   • Best of both experiences: coastal views and interior exploration
   • Convenient planning through cruise lines
   • Best for: Travelers wanting comprehensive Alaska experience

Best Time to Visit

• Late May through early September
• Optimal weather conditions
• Peak whale watching season
• Most ports and attractions open

Packing Essentials

• Layer for all weather types
• Waterproof clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Prepare for temperature variations in single day

Physical Considerations

• Assess mobility and activity levels
• Some excursions require physical fitness
• Age restrictions on certain activities
• Wide variety of adventure levels available

Booking Strategy

• Book early due to limited travel season
• Reserve excursions after booking main trip
• Consider cruise and tour package deals
• Plan around port schedules and timing

Connect with All Things Travel

• Website: WonderAndBeyondTravel.com
• Email the hosts for personalized travel planning
• Specializing in family travel, cruises, and destination expertise

Next Episode Preview

Join us next week as we explore the new travel trend of "retirement moons" - a growing vacation concept for retirees.

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In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie share crucial advice on what NOT to do on your next cruise vacation. From booking to disembarkation, they cover the common mistakes that can ruin your cruise experience. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this episode provides valuable tips to ensure smooth sailing on your next ocean adventure.

Pre-Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking flights on embarkation day: The hosts share a cautionary tale of a bride and groom who missed their entire cruise wedding
• Not having valid travel documents: Why passports are strongly recommended even when not strictly required
• Ignoring medical restrictions: Important rules for pregnant women (24-week cutoff) and infants (minimum 6 months)
• Failing to monitor price changes: How prices fluctuate and why checking for drops could save you money
• Skipping travel insurance: Real-world scenarios where insurance is crucial, especially for medical care in foreign ports
• Selecting cabins at random: Why location matters and how working with a travel advisor helps you make informed choices

During Your Cruise Mistakes

• Taking only ship-affiliated shore excursions: Why independent options might offer better experiences with smaller crowds
• Waiting until the last minute to book extras: Why shore excursions, dining packages, and transfers often sell out
• Overpacking your carry-on: The reality of lugging bags around until your stateroom is ready
• Forgetting to put your phone on airplane mode: How to avoid shocking international roaming charges
• Arriving late at port after excursions: The captain will wave goodbye as you're left behind
• Assuming everything is included: Understanding what costs extra on your specific cruise line
• Overindulging with drink packages: Finding the balance between enjoyment and overindulgence
• Not drinking enough water: Staying hydrated is essential for enjoying your vacation

Post-Cruise Mistakes

• Waiting to book your next cruise: Missing out on onboard booking discounts and incentives
• Booking flights too close to disembarkation: Why noon is the earliest recommended departure time

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

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In this special episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie announce the launch of their brand new travel agency, Wonder and Beyond Travel. After seven years of experience in the travel industry, the duo shares their excitement about this new venture and how they aim to provide personalized travel experiences that inspire curiosity and transformation through travel.

What You'll Learn

• The story behind the creation of Wonder and Beyond Travel
• The agency's core values and mission to inspire "wonder and beyond" in travel experiences
• How Ryan and Julie's expertise has evolved from Disney-focused vacations to a wide range of travel services
• The four core services offered by Wonder and Beyond Travel
• Additional resources available to both clients and non-clients

Core Services Highlighted

1. Custom Travel Itineraries: Personalized plans tailored to each client's unique vision, needs, and budget
2. Hands-Off Booking Management: Comprehensive handling of travel logistics, accommodations, tours, and reservations
3. Concierge-Level Support: Expert guidance throughout the entire travel process from planning to on-the-ground assistance
4. Destination Expertise: Insider knowledge on destinations ranging from Disney parks to European getaways

Travel Partners

Wonder and Beyond Travel continues to work with prestigious travel partners including:

• Disney Destinations
• Major cruise lines and river cruising companies
• All-inclusive resorts (Sandals, Beaches, Hyatt)
• Universal Destinations (including upcoming Epic Universe)
• Kensington Tours for European and international travel
• And many more!

Connect With Wonder and Beyond Travel

• Website: wonderandbeyondtravel.com
• Facebook & Instagram: @wonderandbeyondtravel
• The All Things Travel Podcast will continue with the same great content

About Your Hosts

• Ryan: A travel professor with expertise in adult trips, river cruising, safaris, and European travel
• Julie: A Disney-loving Maryland mom of three specializing in family travel, multi-generational trips, cruising, and all-inclusive resorts

Coming Soon

• YouTube channel with destination videos
• Enhanced blog content
• Digital guides and planners for travelers

The world is full of wonder and your next great adventure is waiting at Wonder and Beyond Travel.

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

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In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie continue their discussion of Ryan's recent river cruise experience with AmaWaterways on the Romantic Danube itinerary. After covering the pre-cruise stay and initial impressions in the previous episode, they dive deeper into the dining experience, daily excursions, and how the cruise line handles unexpected situations.

Dining Experience on AmaWaterways

• Breakfast: Combination of menu items (omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes) and buffet options including English breakfast and pastries
• Lunch: Menu-based with regionally-inspired options, including sandwiches, soups, and hot main dishes
• Dinner: Full menu service with regionally-based cuisine reflecting the sailing locations
• Chef's Table: Complimentary specialty dining experience in a separate venue with a chef preparing meals in front of guests
• Unlimited beer and wine included with lunch and dinner
• Late night snacks available in the lounge around 10 PM
• Flexible dining options for various preferences, with "always available" menu items like steak, chicken, and salmon

Itinerary and Port Highlights

• Technical issues required modifications to the schedule, with AmaWaterways providing bus transportation to destinations
• Wachau Valley: Though initially missed due to ship issues, the cruise was rerouted to allow passengers to sail through this beautiful Austrian valley
• Dürnstein, Austria: Known for apricots, offering tastings of various apricot products
• Melk Abbey: A gorgeous architectural complex with monks still in residence
• Vienna, Austria: Ryan toured the vibrant city on Palm Sunday
• Bratislava, Slovakia: Surprisingly Ryan's favorite stop, offering the perfect blend of small village charm and modern city amenities
  • Walking tour through the old town
  • Beer garden with Slovakian beer tastings
  • Local pastries and ice cream (including fig flavor)
  • Shopping opportunities at both traditional shops and modern malls
• Budapest, Hungary: Sailing into Budapest and seeing the Parliament building along the Danube
  • Tours of both Buda (old town, castle area) and Pest sides
  • Visit to the Jewish memorial shoes along the Danube
  • Easter market with food, music, decorations, and gifts

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional level of service throughout the cruise
• Variety of experiences available even with similar excursion types
• River cruising allows

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

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Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they discuss Ryan's recent river cruise experience on AmaWaterways' Romantic Danube itinerary. In this episode, Ryan shares the first part of his journey, including his pre-cruise adventures in Munich, Germany, and his initial experiences aboard the ship.

Episode Highlights:

• Ryan participated in AmaWaterways' "Seminar on the River" program, combining a typical river cruise experience with special training sessions for travel advisors
• The cruise sailed from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary on a 7-night journey
• Ryan discusses his pre-cruise stay in Munich, including hotel selection strategies and a food and beer walking tour
• Detailed insights about logistical considerations: currency exchange, phone service, language barriers, and jet lag management
• Transportation from Munich to the embarkation point in Vilshofen via train
• The welcoming experience on the ship, including a special Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the town of Vilshofen
• Port visits to Passau, Germany and Linz, Austria, with excursion options including Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic
• Discussion of AmaWaterways' included excursions and how they're organized into different activity levels (gentle, regular, and active)
• Ryan's experience traveling solo and how river cruising naturally facilitates making connections with other travelers

AmaWaterways River Cruise Insights:

• Excursions are included in the cruise fare (with one exception in Vienna)
• Options to book pre/post cruise extensions in destinations like Prague
• The logistics of booking air through the cruise line and transfer considerations
• How excursions are organized into small groups for a more intimate experience
• Why river cruising works well for solo travelers

Stay tuned for the next episode where Ryan will continue sharing his Danube River cruise experience, including shipboard life, dining, and more port adventures!

Whether you're considering a river cruise or just curious about European travel, this episode offers valuable insights about planning, logistics, and making the most of your adventure.

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

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In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie break down the complexities of Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) at Walt Disney World, offering expert advice for travelers planning their magical dining experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Advanced Dining Reservations can be made 60 days before your check-in date
• On-site resort guests can book dining for entire trip; off-site guests book one day at a time
• Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
• Some popular restaurants book up quickly and require strategic planning

When and How to Make Reservations

• Timing: 60 days before check-in date
• Time: Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
• Pro Tip: Log in to My Disney Experience app by 5:50 AM
• Recommended Strategy: Book most sought-after restaurants towards the end of your trip

Reservation Tips for Large Groups

• For parties larger than 6 people, split reservations into two groups
• Use separate My Disney Experience logins
• Try to book tables around the same time
• Restaurants are usually accommodating about seating groups together

Disney Dining Plan Options

Two primary dining plan tiers:

1. Quick Service Plan
   • One quick service meal credit per night
   • One snack credit per night
   • Refillable resort mug
2. Table Service Dining Plan
   • One table service credit
   • One quick service credit
   • One snack credit
   • Refillable resort mug

Dining Plan Highlights

• Credits are per night of stay, not per day
• Some character meals may require two credits
• Alcohol and specialty drinks included
• Gratuity not included
• Children under 3 eat free

Recommended Restaurants by Park

Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella's Royal Table (for princess fans)
• Liberty Tree Tavern (family-style comfort food)
• Skipper Canteen (unique theming)

Epcot

• Via Napoli (excellent wood-fired pizza)
• Space 220 (unique dining experience)

Hollywood Studios

• Roundup Rodeo Barbecue (Toy Story themed)
• Hollywood Brown Derby (signature dining)

Animal Kingdom

• Tusker House (character dining)
• Yak and Yeti (diverse menu options)

Pro Tips

• Link resort reservations and tickets to My Disney Experience
• Have a credit card ready to guarantee reserv

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

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• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
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In this exciting episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie explore three extraordinary around-the-world vacation options that promise unforgettable global adventures. They dive deep into unique travel experiences that allow travelers to explore multiple countries and continents in a single epic journey.

Featured World Travel Experiences

1. Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise

• Duration: 274 nights (broken into 4 segments of approximately 60 nights each)
• Highlights:
  • Visits 60+ countries
  • Explores 8 world wonders
  • Segments include:
    • Ultimate Americas (Dec 10 - Feb 11)
    • Ultimate Asia Pacific (Feb 11 - May 9)
    • Ultimate Africa and Southern Europe (May 9 - July 10)
    • Ultimate Europe and Beyond (July 10 - Sept 10)
• Unique Stops: Machu Picchu, Antarctica, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and more

2. Uniworld Rivers of the World Cruise

• Duration: 50-night river cruise
• Anniversary Special: Celebrating Uniworld's 50th year
• Route: Belgium to Jordan
• Unique Features:
  • 5 distinct cruise segments
  • Includes a mystery 7-night cruise
  • Combination of river cruising and flights
• Destinations: France, Egypt, Jordan, with stops in Paris, Normandy, Cairo, and more

3. Adventures by Disney Private Jet Adventure

• Duration: 24 days, 23 nights
• Highlights:
  • Visits all Disney Parks worldwide
  • VIP configured jet by Iceland Air
  • Parks include: Anaheim, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris, Orlando
• Additional Stops: India, Egypt (Taj Mahal, Pyramids)
• Accommodations: 5-star hotels, exclusive experiences

Key Takeaways

• World travel is becoming more accessible
• Multi-segment trips offer flexibility
• Unique experiences across continents
• Combines luxury travel with in-depth cultural exploration

Travel Tip

Consider breaking these epic journeys into segments if a full trip seems overwhelming. Many packages allow you to choose specific portions of the global adventure.

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

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• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie dive deep into the world of shoulder season travel, sharing expert insights on how to plan the perfect vacation during off-peak times.

What is Shoulder Season?

Shoulder season is the travel period just before or after peak tourist season. Typically, this includes:

• Europe: April-May and September-October
• Caribbean: April-June and October-November
• Australia/New Zealand: March-May and September-November

Advantages of Shoulder Season Travel

1. Cost Savings: Lower prices on flights, accommodations, and activities
2. Fewer Crowds: Less competition for attractions and restaurants
3. Mild Weather: Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities
4. Sustainability: Reduces strain on local infrastructure
5. Flexibility: More spontaneous travel opportunities

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

• School schedules can limit shoulder season travel
• Unpredictable weather conditions
• Potential closures of attractions and businesses
• Shorter daylight hours
• Not always guaranteed significant discounts

Top Shoulder Season Destinations

1. Europe
   • Spring (April-May): Blooming landscapes, tulip season
   • Fall (September-October): Harvest festivals, cooler temperatures
2. Japan
   • May-August: Lush greenery after cherry blossom season
   • November-December: Autumn foliage without peak crowds
3. American Southwest
   • March-April and October-November: Mild weather for national park exploration
4. Caribbean
   • April-June: Warm weather, avoid hurricane season
5. Iceland
   • March-May and Mid-September-November: Northern Lights viewing opportunities

Expert Travel Tips

• Research specific shoulder season timing for your destination
• Plan around local events and festivals
• Pack layers and prepare for transitional weather
• Check specific destination considerations (e.g., Easter and spring break)

Listener Takeaway

Shoulder season travel offers a unique opportunity to experience destinations with fewer crowds, potentially lower costs, and more authentic local experiences. By being flexible and strategic, travelers can enjoy memorable vacations during these off-peak periods.

About the Podcast

All Things Travel is a podcast hosted by Ryan and Julie, offering expert travel advic

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

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• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!