Planning your first cruise can feel overwhelming, but travel advisors Ryan and Julie break down the entire process in this comprehensive beginner's guide. In this first episode of their three-part Cruising 101 series, they cover the essential planning steps you need to take before booking your cruise vacation.

Starting with choosing your travel dates, Ryan and Julie discuss key factors including celebrations and milestones, work and school schedules, and special themed cruises like Halloween on the High Seas or Marvel Days at Sea. They share important timing considerations, from Wave Season promotions to age-specific requirements that could impact your vacation experience.

The hosts then dive into selecting the right ship and itinerary for your needs. For first-time cruisers, they recommend specific cruise lines: Virgin Voyages, Princess, Celebrity, or smaller Royal Caribbean ships for adults, and Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean for families. They explain why mid-size ships often work better than mega-ships for beginners, preventing that overwhelming feeling while still offering plenty of activities.

Itinerary selection varies by destination. For Caribbean cruises, they suggest 4-5 night sailings with stops at private islands like CocoCay or Castaway Cay. European and Mediterranean cruises require careful consideration of specific ports, pre- and post-cruise stays, and whether you prefer one-way or roundtrip sailings. Alaska cruises demand attention to port stops like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau, each offering unique excursions from glacier viewing to whale watching.

River cruising receives special attention, with recommendations for European rivers like the Rhine and Danube as ideal starting points, before expanding to destinations in the United States, Africa, or South America. The episode concludes with a preview of parts two and three, which will cover preparing for your cruise and the embarkation/onboard experience.

Whether you're completely new to cruising or looking to plan your next voyage, this episode provides practical, expert advice to help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

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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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Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie from Wonder and Beyond Travel as they break down the best of Walt Disney World for both families and adults. Whether you're planning a magical vacation with kids or an adults-only getaway, this episode covers everything you need to know to make the most of your Disney experience.

For Families:

• Best resorts: Art of Animation (value), Caribbean Beach (moderate), Polynesian and Beach Club (deluxe)
• Top parks: Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios lead the way for family fun
• Dining recommendations including quick service favorites like Connections Cafe at Epcot and Pecos Bill's at Magic Kingdom
• Character dining gems like Garden Grill, Tusker House, and the newly reopened 1900 Park Fare
• Must-do attractions from Dumbo to Toy Story Mania
• Hidden dining treasures including Topolino's Terrace and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

For Adults:

• Best resorts: Pop Century (value), Caribbean Beach and Gran Destino Tower (moderate), Riviera and Boardwalk (deluxe)
• Focus parks: Epcot and Hollywood Studios for the perfect adult Disney experience
• Dining highlights from Yorkshire County Fish Shop to Hollywood Brown Derby
• Hidden gems like Toledo tapas restaurant and the Wine Cellar at Epcot's Italy pavilion
• Top attractions including Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Tower of Terror
• Pro tip: Use the clock to your advantage by starting late and taking advantage of extended evening hours

The hosts also discuss the growing trend of "why-cations" - designing trips based on your purpose and desires - and share real client stories that showcase the personalized touches that make vacations truly memorable.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

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"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• 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!

Wondering when to book your dream vacation to get the best value? In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie break down the real cost differences between peak season and off-season travel—and the savings might surprise you.

Travel advisors Ryan and Julie, co-owners of Wonder and Beyond Travel, analyze three popular vacation types to show you exactly how much you can save by adjusting your travel dates. They compare actual pricing for peak versus shoulder season travel, helping you make informed decisions about when to book your next adventure.

What You'll Learn:

• The true definition of peak season, off-season, and shoulder season travel
• Advantages and disadvantages of traveling during different times of year
• Real price comparisons for three popular vacation styles
• How the academic calendar drives pricing at family destinations
• Why hurricane season affects Caribbean and Alaska cruise pricing
• Tips for maximizing savings on cruises, European tours, and all-inclusive resorts

Featured Destination Comparisons:

1. Alaska Cruise - Celebrity Cruises 7-night Inside Passage (savings up to $1,300+ per couple)
2. Ireland Adventure - 8-9 night guided tour including Dublin, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and more (savings up to $2,000 per couple)
3. All-Inclusive Resort - Sandals Royal Bahamian with club-level perks (savings strategies and hurricane season considerations)

Ryan and Julie discuss important trade-offs to consider, including weather conditions, crowd levels, resort refurbishments, and availability of attractions and restaurants during off-peak times. They also share how flexibility with travel dates—especially for all-inclusive vacations—can significantly impact your bottom line.

Whether you're planning a cruise, international adventure, or beach getaway, this episode gives you the tools to balance your budget with your vacation priorities and find the perfect time to travel for your family.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

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"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• 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!