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167 - Join hosts Rob and Kerri Stuart—award-winning travel agents, agency owners, former TV hosts, and best-selling authors—as they uncover the world of small ship cruising and why savvy travelers are choosing intimate vessels over massive ocean liners. Drawing from their extensive industry expertise and firsthand travel experiences, Rob and Kerri explore the growing trend of boutique cruise experiences that offer access to hidden harbors, remote destinations, and authentic cultural encounters that larger ships simply can't reach.

In this episode of Travel Inspired, discover what makes small ship cruising so special—from personalized service and carefully curated itineraries to Instagram-worthy destinations off the beaten path. Whether you're dreaming of navigating the Croatian coastline, exploring the Galapagos Islands, or discovering secluded Greek islands, small ship cruising offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury that's transforming how travelers experience the world's most beautiful waterways.

In this episode, you'll discover: ✓ The key differences between small ship cruising and traditional ocean cruises ✓ Exclusive destinations and ports only accessible to smaller vessels ✓ What to expect onboard: amenities, dining experiences, and passenger capacity ✓ Top small ship cruise destinations around the world ✓ Insider tips for choosing the right small ship cruise for your travel style ✓ Budget considerations and best value cruise lines ✓ Sustainable travel benefits of smaller vessels

Perfect for adventure seekers, luxury travelers, and anyone looking for unique travel experiences beyond typical tourist attractions. Whether you're planning your next international vacation or simply seeking travel inspiration for future adventures, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of exploring the world's coastlines, rivers, and remote island destinations.

Subscribe to Travel Inspired for weekly episodes packed with expert travel tips, destination guides, and insider advice from industry professionals to help you plan unforgettable journeys around the globe.

Keywords naturally incorporated: small ship cruising, travel agents, travel experts, travel inspiration, travel tips, international travel, unique travel experiences, travel destinations, adventure travel, luxury travel, cruise tips, Instagram-worthy destinations, travel ideas, sustainable travel, boutique cruises, travel planning, vacation ideas

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166 - Discover the hottest travel trends shaping 2026 and beyond! Join travel agents and best selling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart as they reveal where savvy travelers are heading, from European river cruises to the Galapagos Islands.

In this episode, they share their personal 2025 travel highlights—including Alaska land tours, Montana dude ranches near Yellowstone, Danube river cruises, and Disney sailings—plus our exciting 2026 itinerary featuring Amsterdam, Portugal's Douro River, and more.

What You'll Learn:

• Why small ship experiences (200 guests or less) are exploding in popularity
• How solo travel is becoming easier with reduced single supplements
• The rise of wellness cruises focused on longevity and health
• Why experiential travel trumps traditional sightseeing
• Multi-generational and group travel opportunities
• Single-focus trip planning (building entire vacations around one unique experience)
• River cruise insider tips for Europe and Southeast Asia

Featured Destinations: ✈️ European river cruises (Danube, Rhine, Douro River Portugal) ✈️ Alaska cruise tours combining land and sea ✈️ Yellowstone & Montana dude ranch experiences
✈️ Galapagos Islands expedition cruising ✈️ Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna, Marseille ✈️ Antarctica small ship adventures

Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, solo adventure, or group trip with friends, this episode delivers actionable travel inspiration and expert tips from professional travel agents who practice what they preach.

Ready to travel inspired? Subscribe for weekly travel ideas, destination guides, cruise reviews, and insider travel planning tips. Let's collect passport stamps, not things!

Alternative Title Options:

• 2026 Travel Trends: Small Ships, Solo Adventures & Experiential Travel
• Where to Travel in 2026: Expert Predictions & Hidden Gem Destinations
• Travel Trends 2026: From River Cruises to Wellness Retreats

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Discover why solo travel has become one of the hottest travel trends of 2024-2025, especially for European river cruises and Disney vacations. Travel agent hosts Rob and Kerri Stuart from Creating Magic Vacations reveal insider secrets about traveling alone without paying double occupancy fees.

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What You'll Learn About Solo Travel:

🚢 Riviera Travel's Revolutionary Solo Ship - The MS George Eliot becomes the world's first river cruise ship with ALL solo cabins in 2027. No roommates required, no single supplements—just your own cabin on every sailing.

🌍 European River Cruise Solo Deals - Book solo river cruises starting at $3,500 for 7 nights with included drink packages (yes, liquor too!). Learn why river cruising beats ocean cruising for solo travelers seeking intimate, stress-free experiences.

✈️ Solo Travel Tips & Trends - Why travelers are done waiting for others' schedules to align. From Disney World solo trips to European adventures, discover how to travel on YOUR timeline without compromise.

🎭 Adventures by Disney Solo Opportunity - Exclusive September 2026 Disneyland & Southern California trip with former Imagineer Hugh Darley, featuring solo traveler pricing and incredible Disney history storytelling.

Perfect for: Solo travelers, river cruise enthusiasts, Disney fans, international travel planners, European vacation dreamers, and anyone tired of waiting for travel companions.

Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or you're a seasoned independent traveler, this episode delivers actionable tips for traveling alone with confidence. Learn how solo travel on river cruises offers the perfect blend of independence and community—you explore on your terms while meeting fascinating fellow travelers.

Ready to travel solo? Visit CreatingMagicVacations.com to explore solo-friendly river cruises, Adventures by Disney trips, and personalized travel planning.

🎙️ Subscribe to Travel Inspired for weekly travel tips, destination guides, and insider secrets. Also catch our Disney-focused content on Disney Travel Secrets podcast and YouTube!

Travel is better with friends—even when you're traveling solo.

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164 - Discover why Yellowstone National Park has become the most sought-after vacation destination for travelers worldwide. In this episode, hosts and travel agents Rob and Kerri Stuart share their unforgettable Montana dude ranch adventure and reveal insider tips for planning the perfect Yellowstone vacation.

From choosing the best ranch accommodations to navigating America's oldest and largest national park, learn how to experience authentic Western hospitality at Parade Rest Ranch while exploring Yellowstone's stunning geothermal features, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.

What You'll Learn:

• Best airports and travel routes to reach Yellowstone National Park
• How to choose an all-inclusive dude ranch near Yellowstone
• Insider tips for avoiding crowds at Old Faithful and popular attractions
• Essential packing advice for Montana's changing weather conditions
• Horseback riding experiences above the tree line at sunset
• Why early morning park visits are worth the wake-up call
• Digital detox vacation ideas for families seeking authentic experiences
• Activities beyond summer: winter snowmobiling and sleigh rides

Whether you're inspired by the Yellowstone TV series or simply dreaming of your next national park adventure, this episode delivers practical travel planning advice from experienced travel agents who've done the research for you.

Perfect for travelers seeking unique vacation ideas, outdoor adventures, family getaways, girlfriend trips, romantic escapes, and authentic Western experiences in Montana and Wyoming.

Featured Destination: Parade Rest Ranch, West Yellowstone, Montana

Travel Style: All-inclusive ranch vacation, national park exploration, outdoor adventure, unplugged getaway

🎧 Subscribe to Travel Inspired Podcast for more destination guides, travel tips, and vacation planning inspiration.

📺 Watch on YouTube for visual highlights of our Yellowstone adventure.

✈️ Ready to plan your trip? Visit CreatingMagicVacations.com

Celebrating 6 years of inspiring travelers to explore the world | Your trusted source for travel planning tips, destination guides, and vacation inspiration

Keywords: Yellowstone vacation planning, Montana dude ranch, Yellowstone National Park travel guide, all-inclusive ranch vacation, West Yellowstone Montana, national park adventures, authentic Western experience, digital detox vacation, horseback riding Montana, Old Faithful tips, Yellowstone wildlife, summer vacation ideas, family ranch vacation, girlfriend getaway ideas, travel planning podcast

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163 -🎒 ULTIMATE PACKING CHECKLIST + TRAVEL HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Click here to start planning your Disney Vacation

Planning your vacation? This episode reveals Rob and Kerri's EXACT travel gear and packing secrets for stress-free trips! Whether you're heading to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disneyland Resort, these proven Disney travel tips will transform your vacation experience.

What You'll Learn:

✈️Travel Essentials: TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry for Disney vacations
🧳 Best Luggage: Exact carry-on bags (Briggs & Riley) used by Disney travel experts
🎒 Backpacks: Top-rated backpacks with Disney-specific features
📱 Tech Gear: Must-have electronics and iPhone accessories for Disney content creation
🧴 Toiletry Hacks: Travel-sized essentials and packing organization tips
🚝 Transportation Tips: Monorail etiquette and Disney World navigation secrets

Perfect For:

• First-time Disney World visitors
• Disneyland vacation planners
• Disney cruise passengers
• International Disney travelers
• Disney park veterans looking for new tips

BONUS: Links to exact gear mentioned + Disney travel discount codes in description!

Connect With Disney Travel Secrets:

🎬 YouTube: Watch gear demos and Disney park footage
📧 Disney Planning: Expert Disney vacation planning services available
🏰 Adventures by Disney: Join Rob & Kerri on upcoming Disneyland ABD trip

Keywords: Disney World tips, Disneyland planning, Disney vacation packing, Disney travel gear, Disney World hacks, Disney park essentials, Disney cruise packing, Disney travel secrets, Disney vacation planning, Disney World preparation

Episode #446 | Original Air Date: September 1, 2025

Disney Travel Secrets: Your insider guide to magical Disney vacations worldwide! Subscribe for weekly Disney tips, tricks, and travel secrets that will make your Disney dreams come true.

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162 - 🚢 ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S NEWEST MEGA SHIP - STAR OF THE SEAS - Join travel agents Rob & Kerri Stuart as they share insider insights from aboard the world's largest cruise ship, Star of the Seas! Fresh off their 3-night travel agent cruise, they reveal who this massive floating city is perfect for (and who should avoid it).

🎯 Perfect for:

• Thrill seekers wanting Crown's Edge rope course & Category 6 waterpark
• Families with small children (dedicated Surfside area on Deck 7)
• Multi-generational travelers seeking variety
• Adults craving chill vibes at Hideaway Neighborhood infinity pool
• Entertainment lovers (Broadway's Back to the Future, ice skating shows)

❌ Not ideal for:

• Spontaneous travelers (reservations required for top experiences)
• Budget-conscious cruisers avoiding extras
• Traditional cruise lovers wanting ocean views from main pools

🏨 ACCOMMODATION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ultimate Family Townhouse (3 stories, sleeps 8, private slide!)
• Infinite Balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Family suites with split bathrooms & pull-out couches

🎢 MUST-DO EXPERIENCES:

• Crown's Edge (Thrill walk around ship's logo)
• Largest waterpark at sea with 6 slides including "The Bolt"
• Swim & Tonic - world's largest swim-up bar at sea
• Hidden gem: Aquadome Market for specialty dining

📍 SAILING FROM: Port Canaveral, Florida ⚖️ SHIP STATS: 5,610 passengers, 7,514 max capacity, 250,800 gross tonnage

Whether you're planning your first mega-ship experience or comparing Royal Caribbean's Icon-class vessels, this honest review covers everything from stateroom tours to dining secrets. Get insider tips on booking strategies, hidden food spots, and why this ship truly shines on 7-night itineraries.

🎧 TRAVEL TIPS | CRUISE REVIEWS | ROYAL CARIBBEAN | FAMILY TRAVEL | LUXURY CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Hosts: Rob & Kerri Stuart, Creating Magic Vacations travel agents broadcasting from Orlando, Florida

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Experience the Ultimate Alaska Adventure: Cruise Tours

Join travel experts Rob & Kerri Stuart from Creating Magic Vacations as they reveal why Alaska cruise tours should be at the top of your bucket list! Fresh from experiencing a 5-night Alaska land tour, they share insider secrets about one of the world's most breathtaking travel destinations.

JOIN US for AN ALASKA CRUISE TOUR VIRTUAL CONSUMER NIGHT - September 10, 2025 8pm Eastern. REGISTER HERE

What You'll Discover:

✈️ Top 5 compelling reasons to choose an Alaska cruise tour over a standard cruise 🐻 Unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities - humpback whales, orcas, brown bears, moose, and more 🏔️ Breathtaking glacier experiences and fjord cruising through the Inside Passage
🚂 Glass-domed train rides through pristine wilderness to Denali National Park 🗺️ Expert travel agent recommendations for the best cruise lines and itineraries 💡 Insider tips for packing, planning, and maximizing your Alaska adventure

Featured Destinations:

• Denali National Park - North America's tallest mountain
• Seward & Talkeetna - Authentic Alaska experiences
• Fairbanks - Cultural immersion and wilderness adventures
• Inside Passage - Dramatic fjords and coastal scenery
• Glacier Bay - Up-close glacier encounters

Why This Episode Is Perfect For:

• First-time Alaska travelers seeking travel inspiration
• Bucket list adventurers planning unique travel experiences
• Cruise enthusiasts looking for extraordinary destinations
• Travel photographers hunting Instagram-worthy locations
• Anyone dreaming of wildlife photography opportunities

Professional Travel Insights:

Rob & Kerri share honest reviews of accommodations, dining, logistics, and why they specifically recommend Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises for Alaska cruise tours. Learn why doing the land portion BEFORE your cruise is crucial for the ultimate experience.

Plus: Discover the CMV Heroes Project supporting military families and Folds of Honor scholarships.

Keywords:

Alaska cruise tour, Alaska travel guide, Denali National Park, Inside Passage cruise, Alaska wildlife viewing, glacier cruising, unique travel experiences, bucket list destinations, travel inspiration, Alaska vacation planning, cruise tour reviews, Royal Caribbean Alaska, Celebrity Cruises Alaska

Ready to plan your dream Alaska adventure? This episode provides everything you need to know about creating an unforgettable Alaska cruise tour experience.

Hosted by professional travel agents Rob & Kerri Stuart from Creating Magic Vacations in Orlando, Florida. Subscribe for weekly travel inspiration and expert destination guides!

#AlaskaCruiseTour #TravelInspired #AlaskaTravel #CruiseTips #TravelPodcast #BucketListTravel #DenaliNationalPark #AlaskaWildlife #TravelPlanning #VacationIdeas

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160 - Discover the Ultimate Sports Travel Experience: Pickleball Vacations That Transform Your Getaway

Join hosts Rob & Kerri Stuart, your Orlando-based travel agents from Creating Magic Vacations, as they explore the hottest new trend in travel - pickleball vacations! In this episode of Travel Inspired, we dive deep into how the fastest-growing sport in history is revolutionizing Caribbean travel and cruise experiences.

What You'll Learn:

• Why pickleball is taking the travel industry by storm
• How cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Holland America are converting courts
• The best Caribbean resorts for pickleball enthusiasts
• Sandals Resorts' exclusive partnership with USA Pickleball - over 70 courts and counting!
• Group travel opportunities for pickleball clubs and tournaments
• Pro tips for planning your first pickleball vacation

Travel Destinations Featured:

• Caribbean all-inclusive resorts
• River cruise experiences in Europe
• Sandals Resorts across the Caribbean
• Virgin Voyages cruise experiences

Whether you're a seasoned "pickler" or curious about this unique travel experience, this episode reveals how to combine your love of sports with unforgettable vacation memories. From lighted courts for evening matches to USA Pickleball-certified coaches, discover why pickleball vacations are the perfect blend of active travel and luxury relaxation.

Perfect for travelers seeking:

• Active vacation ideas
• Group travel inspiration
• Caribbean resort recommendations
• Cruise ship activities
• Sports-focused travel experiences
• All-inclusive vacation planning
• Unique travel trends

Plus, get exclusive details about their upcoming Portugal river cruise in July 2026 aboard the brand-new AmaSintra!

Connect with Creating Magic Vacations for your next pickleball getaway or any travel inspiration.

Remember: Travel is Better With Friends - Never Stop Exploring!

If we can help you plan your next adventure, please reach out at Creating Magic Vacations .com

#PickleballVacation #CaribbeanTravel #TravelInspired #ActiveTravel #SportsVacation #CruiseTravel #SandalsResorts #AllInclusiveResorts #GroupTravel #TravelTips #VacationPlanning #TravelPodcast #Caribbean #PickleballTravel #TravelTrends #UniqueTravelExperiences #TravelAgents #Orlando #RiverCruise #LuxuryTravel