Episode 8: Travel Scams: How to Avoid Vacation Scams, Fake Booking Sites & Travel Fraud

Planning a vacation? Before you book your next trip, listen to this episode of Beyond the Brochure. Travel scams are on the rise, and knowing what to watch for could save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of stress.

In this episode, we cover:

• The most common travel scams targeting today’s travelers
• Fake travel websites and fraudulent booking scams
• Vacation rental scams and social media travel deals
• Phishing emails and fake customer service numbers
• Simple travel safety tips to protect your money and personal information
• How working with a trusted travel advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes

Whether you’re planning a river cruise, all-inclusive resort, Disney vacation, European adventure, or bucket-list getaway, these practical tips will help you travel smarter and more confidently.

If you found this episode helpful, please follow Beyond the Brochure, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone planning their next vacation. We’d also love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let us know what travel topic you’d like us to cover next.

Thank you for being part of our Beyond the Brochure community. We appreciate every one of you, and we can’t wait to see you in the next episode!

Who is the perfect traveler for Beyond the Brochure? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the people we love helping and why no two vacations are ever the same.

From our very first honeymoon couples to retirees checking off lifelong bucket-list adventures, we’ve been honored to help travelers create unforgettable memories. We also dive into multigenerational family vacations, destination weddings, solo adventures, and so much more.

Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on a beach, exploring Europe’s rivers, visiting national parks, or gathering the whole family for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, this episode will help you discover what’s possible.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why every traveler deserves a personalized experience.
• Honeymoons and romantic getaways.
• Bucket-list vacations for retirees.
• Multigenerational family travel.
• Destination weddings and group celebrations.
• Why customized planning makes all the difference.

Passport Tip of the Day

Don’t wait. When an opportunity to travel presents itself, say yes. The memories you create are worth far more than the things you could buy.

When you’re ready to plan your next adventure, we hope you’ll trust us to help you create a lifetime of memories through travel.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you would:

• ⭐ Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
• ❤️ Leave a rating and review.
• 💬 Share this episode with a friend or family member who loves to travel.
• 📲 Comment and let us know what destination is on your bucket list!

Thank you for spending part of your day with us. Your support, shares, and reviews help more travelers discover Beyond the Brochure, and we truly appreciate every one of you.

Until next time… keep dreaming, keep exploring, and remember—the best stories begin when you go beyond the brochure.

Beyond the Brochure – Episode 6

Flights: When to Book, When to Upgrade & How to Save Money

Ever wondered if Tuesdays are really the best day to book flights? Or when it’s actually worth paying for an upgrade?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the myths and sharing practical strategies to help you book smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and travel with more confidence.

In This Episode:

✈️ When airlines typically release their flight schedules

✈️ The best timeframes for booking domestic and international flights

✈️ Why waiting for “the perfect deal” can sometimes cost you more

✈️ Common flight booking myths (including the famous Tuesday booking myth)

✈️ When paying for seat upgrades actually makes sense—and when it doesn’t

✈️ Tips for choosing flights with the best value, not just the lowest price

✈️ Why working with a travel advisor can save you time, stress, and sometimes money when flights become complicated

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a European adventure, a river cruise, Disney vacation, or an all-inclusive escape, understanding airfare can make a huge difference in your overall travel budget.

Travel Tip of the Week

Don’t focus only on the ticket price. Consider baggage fees, seat selection, layovers, airport changes, arrival times, and cancellation policies. The cheapest flight isn’t always the best value.

We’d Love Your Support!

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please:

⭐ Follow Beyond the Brochure so you never miss a new episode.

⭐ Leave a rating and review—it helps more travelers discover the podcast.

⭐ Share this episode with a friend or family member who loves to travel.

⭐ Have a travel question or podcast topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

Connect With Us

Planning your next vacation?

We specialize in:

● European vacations

● River cruises

● All-inclusive resorts

● Disney destinations

● Group travel

● Customized vacation planning

Book your complimentary planning session and explore all of our travel resources through our link:

https://poplme.co/hash/2hjI0e98/1/s

Follow us on social media for daily travel tips, destination inspiration, and behind-the-scenes travel adventures.

Until next time…

Travel smarter, travel confidently, and always look Beyond the Brochure.

Episode 5: Comparing River Cruise Companies – The Highs, the Lows & Finding the Right Fit

Thinking about a European river cruise but wondering which company is “the best”?

The truth is, there isn’t one perfect answer.

In this episode, I compare some of the most popular river cruise lines, sharing the strengths, differences, and a few of the trade-offs each offers. After recently sailing back-to-back itineraries on two different river cruise companies, I’m giving you my honest observations so you can decide which experience best matches your travel style.

We cover:

• What makes each river cruise line unique
• The pros and cons of different onboard experiences
• Why the “best” river cruise depends on your priorities
• Tips for choosing the right itinerary and cruise line for your next European adventure

Whether you’re planning your first river cruise or your fifth, this episode will help you make a more informed decision.

📖 Free Resource:

Ready to start planning? Download my free European river cruising resources and connect with me here: https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

I’d also love to hear from you!

If you’re enjoying Beyond the Brochure, please:

• Share this podcast with a friend who loves to travel—or loves planning travel.
• Leave a rating and review. It helps more travelers discover the show.
• Send me your questions! What would you like to know about river cruising? Your question may be featured in a future episode.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Beyond the Brochure!

Episode 4: Solo Travel

Thinking about traveling solo? In this episode of Beyond the Brochure, we explore the rise of solo travel and why more people—especially women—are choosing to see the world on their own. You’ll learn practical safety tips, how to build confidence as a solo traveler, and ways to make meaningful connections along the journey. Whether you’re planning your first solo getaway or your next independent adventure, this episode will help you travel smarter and more confidently.

We'd love to hear what you would like to hear next. If you have vacation needs we would be honored to assist with those! Simply click the link below to discover all of our services:

https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

Episode 3: How Much Should You Pack?

Overpacking can leave you stressed, while underpacking can leave you unprepared. In this episode of Beyond the Brochure, we share practical packing tips for European vacations, theme parks, all-inclusive resorts, and cruises, including what to bring, what to leave at home, and the essentials that can make or break your trip. Whether you’re a carry-on-only traveler or someone who packs for every possibility, this episode will help you pack smarter and travel easier.

Episode 2: Travel Insurance — Big Mistake or Must-Have?

Is travel insurance an unnecessary expense, or could skipping it be the most costly mistake of your trip? In this episode of Beyond the Brochure, we break down what travel insurance actually covers, common misconceptions, and real-world situations where it can save travelers thousands of dollars. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a dream vacation overseas, you’ll learn how to decide if travel insurance is worth it for your next adventure.

Episode 1: Why People Still Use Travel Agents

In this first episode of Beyond the Brochure, we explore why travel agents are more relevant than ever in today’s world of online booking sites and endless travel information. You’ll learn how travel advisors save time, reduce stress, provide expert guidance, and help travelers avoid costly mistakes.