Country Most Americans Have Only Seen From a Swim-Up Bar

The majority of US travelers who visit Mexico never leave the resort — and Ryan includes himself in that confession. But Mexico is one of the world's great cultural destinations: 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a food culture so significant it holds its own UNESCO designation, over 150 museums in Mexico City alone, and thousands of years of layered civilization across the country. Today's episode is a practical introduction to three cities that rival European capitals for depth of culture, history, and food — and are significantly easier to reach.

Why Mexico Deserves a Closer Look

Two to two-and-a-half hours from most US cities, often with nonstop options. Economical compared to comparable European destinations. Operating on Central Time, so jet lag isn't a factor. And a cultural richness — art, architecture, indigenous traditions, and cuisine — that most visitors never encounter because they don't know to look for it. Ryan and Julie make the case before diving into the destinations themselves.

Mexico City: A European-Scale Capital That Surprises Every First-Timer

Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, Mexico City is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world — walkable, food-obsessed, and home to more museums than Paris. Highlights include the Zócalo, the National Palace with Diego Rivera's murals, and the Templo Mayor — the literal heart of the Aztec Empire, discovered beneath the city in 1978. A 45-minute ride outside the city brings you to the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. One practical note: the altitude is higher than Denver, so give yourself time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and take it easy on the tequila the first day or two. Uber works seamlessly throughout. And yes — there is a street taco stand in Mexico City that has earned a Michelin star.

Oaxaca: The Birthplace of Mole, Mezcal, and Mexico's Most Authentic Food Market

Smaller, slower-paced, and set in a temperate mountain valley at 5,000 feet, Oaxaca is celebrated globally for food and artisan culture. The most talked-about experience is the Mercado 20 de Noviembre — a famous smoke corridor where you choose your cut of meat and watch it grilled in front of you, one of the most hands-on food experiences in the country. Beyond the market, the Monte Albán ruins sit dramatically atop a flattened mountain with panoramic valley views and far smaller crowds than more famous Mayan sites. Day trips to surrounding villages offer handwoven rugs, black clay pottery, and painted wood carvings — each village known for a specific craft. Timing tip: the Día de los Muertos celebrations in late October and early November are extraordinary but draw crowds, so book early. Foodies should also look up the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil — the Oaxaca episode covers all of it.

San Miguel de Allende: Colonial Beauty, Hot Springs, and a Disney Connection

A perfectly preserved colonial city consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world, San Miguel de Allende is known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the iconic pink spires of its central church. A well-established expat community means strong English accessibility throughout. The main plaza — set against that famous church — is the kind of place where sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by counts as a full morning. Just outside the city, La Gruta is a natural thermal hot spring built into a cave, popular with locals and visitors alike and extremely affordable. A day trip to Guanajuato — with its dramatically stacked colorful houses built into hillsides and underground roadways — is worth adding, and Disney fans will recognize it as the visual inspiration behind the Pixar film Coco. Getting there requires a connection through León or Mexico City, so factor that into planning.

A Note on Safety

Ryan and Julie close with a practical reminder: Mexico's safety profile varies significantly by destination and neighborhood, just like any major international city. Work with someone who knows the country — the same advice they'd give for Budapest or Barcelona.

Where in the World? 🗺️

Ryan shares a last-minute booking for a couple celebrating their 40th anniversary with the honeymoon they never had — a Las Vegas long weekend built around an Earth, Wind & Fire show at the Sphere, a visit to the Neon Museum, and a stay at the Park MGM.

Next week: cruising in Hawaii. Start planning your Mexico trip at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

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From Vowing Never Again to Going Back in August
Last summer, Julie endured a Walt Disney World trip in July and declared she would never do summer Disney again. This August, she went back — this time with a plan, a one-bedroom villa at the Riviera Resort, and a whole lot of personal fans. This episode is her honest debrief: what worked, what she'd skip, what new attractions are worth the trip, and how to actually enjoy Disney World when Florida feels like the surface of the sun.

The Resort Switch That Changed Everything
The single biggest game-changer before the trip even started was switching from Saratoga Springs to Disney's Riviera Resort about a month out. Saratoga is sprawling, exterior-facing, and requires a lot of outdoor walking just to get from the room to the bus stop. Riviera is a tower — compact, walkable, with quick service that rivals table service in quality, two pools right outside the main building, a Skyliner stop just steps away, and the ability to stay in air conditioning almost all the way to park entry. Julie and her family stayed in a one-bedroom villa and spent the first few minutes just taking it all in.

The Gear That Helped
Five personal fans — one for every family member — with wristlet attachments so they could be worn in line and on rides. Three 24-packs of water ordered through Amazon Fresh before the trip, carefully rationed across the week. Insulated water bottles with shoulder straps for the parks. A triple stroller with UV-protective shades for the little ones. Two full changes of clothes per child per day. Cooling towels made the bag but never left it — Julie's honest take: great idea, didn't actually use them.

The Lightning Lane Upgrade Worth Talking About
For two of three park days — Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios — Julie upgraded to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which functions like Universal's Express Pass: walk up to any Lightning Lane entrance, any time, no scheduled return windows. It's not cheap, but with three kids under eight and a hard out-of-park deadline of 2 PM each day to beat the worst of the heat, the flexibility was worth every dollar. She didn't have to watch a ride's next available time slot be 4 PM and decide whether to chase it. She just went.

What Was New and Worth Seeing

Magic Kingdom: The updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin now has handheld blasters you can aim and move — a significant improvement. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back after a long closure, smoother than ever with a few new scenes, and Julie's three- and five-year-old both rode it without hesitation.

Hollywood Studios: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster featuring The Muppets has a genuinely fun pre-show and a new guitar prop, but Julie felt the ride itself had room for more — a lot of the coaster runs through darkness without much Muppet scenery. The real standout was the updated Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live show, now tightly focused on Mickey and Minnie with an actual storyline, interactive moments, and choreography that genuinely surprised her. For families with young kids, this is a must-do. Also on the radar: World of Animation, the upcoming indoor attraction in Animation Courtyard, which wasn't open yet but looks to be a complete little land for little kids when it arrives.

Animal Kingdom: The draw here was Bluey's Wild World at Rafiki's Planet Watch. You take the train back, walk into the one main building, and find an interactive show featuring Bluey and Bingo that lasts about 10 minutes, incorporates games from the series, and had Julie completely won over. Not a sit-and-watch experience — the characters are moving through the space and the kids are actively participating. Worth the trip out.

The Heat Strategy That Actually Worked
Early entry every day to get the most done before the sun peaked. Two to three outdoor attractions, then one indoor one — deliberately alternating to stay out of the heat. Out of the park by 2 to 3 PM. Back to the villa for air conditioning, snacks, and a rest until about 5. Then down to the pool, followed by quick service dinner from Primo Piatto or Bar Riva right at the resort. It never rained during park hours the whole trip — but Julie brought ponchos every day anyway. That's the right call.

Where in the World? 🗺️
Julie spotlights an anniversary couple heading out on a Princess cruise through Northern Europe — Southampton to Falmouth, Cork, Liverpool, Belfast, the Orkney Islands, Invergordon, Queensferry, and a stop in France before returning. A mix of iconic stops and genuinely off-the-beaten-path ports, complete with custom port guides from Julie for each one.

Next week: traveling to Mexico beyond the cruise and all-inclusive resort. Start planning your Disney trip at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

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More Than Most People Think
Universal Orlando Resort has a reputation built almost entirely on Harry Potter and a handful of classic rides. But with four theme parks, 11 hotels, and a full entertainment district, it's become a destination in its own right — one that Ryan has done as a multi-day vacation more than once, with plenty to fill every day. This episode is all about what gets overlooked: the Easter eggs, the hidden experiences, and the details that make a Universal visit genuinely memorable for first-timers and repeat guests alike.

Epic Universe: The New Park Everyone Underestimates
Most people hear "Epic Universe" and go straight to Super Nintendo World. Ryan and Julie want you to slow down. Dark Universe, the Ministry of Magic expansion of the Wizarding World, How to Train Your Dragon's Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park are each worth your time — and plenty of guests come back saying Super Mario wasn't even their favorite. A few things to watch for: the flux capacitors hidden inside the Stardust Racers vehicles (a nod to the original Back to the Future ride that closed in 2007), the windmill in Dark Universe that spontaneously bursts into flame at random intervals, and the glowing red well outside Das Steakhouse that signals the vampires have awoken after dark. Also tucked into Isle of Berk: look up in the queue for Hiccup's Wing Gliders and you'll spot a half-donkey, half-dragon perched in the rafters — a very cheeky Shrek crossover.

Islands of Adventure: Jurassic Park and a Hidden Dining Gem
Inside the Discovery Center at Jurassic Park, a paleontologist leads a live dinosaur hatching experience where your child could be chosen to name a baby raptor. It's completely free, included in your park admission, and easy to miss if no one tells you it's there. For dining, Confisco Grille at the park entrance is a solid sit-down option with global cuisine — especially worth knowing as Mythos prepares to close and sit-down choices get thinner.

Universal Studios Park: Dial This Number
In Diagon Alley, the red phone booth in front of King's Cross Station looks like a photo op — and it is — but pick up the receiver and dial 62442 (M-A-G-I-C) for a special message from the Ministry of Magic. Also back on the schedule: the Horror Makeup Show, closed as of May 2026 but reopening in winter 2026 with a revamp Ryan is genuinely looking forward to.

Resort-Wide Tips
Like Disney, most Universal quick-service locations will hand you a free cup of ice water if you ask. You can bring your own food and snacks into the parks, though locker requirements are worth checking in advance. Universal's on-site resorts are dramatically underrated — theming ranges from a 1950s motel with a bowling alley (Cabana Bay) to an Italian village to the Hard Rock Hotel, where you can actually rent a guitar delivered to your room. Most resorts offer walking paths or short boat rides to CityWalk and the parks.

CityWalk: Disney Springs With Later Hours and Dueling Pianos
CityWalk sits at the entrance to the parks and keeps going after they close around 6 or 7 PM. Highlights include a section of the actual Berlin Wall behind Hard Rock Cafe, Hollywood Drive-In Golf with haunted house and alien invasion themed courses, a karaoke bar with a full live band and backup singers, Pat O'Brien's with Cajun food and dueling pianos, and Cowfish — a sushi burger bar where Ryan and Julie once shared something called a Burgushi, which is exactly what it sounds like. For sweet treats: mobile-order Voodoo Doughnuts to skip the line, and find the over-the-top milkshakes at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Universal resort guests also get priority seating at CityWalk restaurants.

Where in the World? 🗺️
Ryan spotlights two couples heading out on a Viking Mediterranean cruise with a custom pre-cruise itinerary he built around it — several days in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens with Acropolis tickets and walking tours, a half-day in central Rome near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, an early-morning Vatican tour before the crowds arrive, then on to a cruise through Italy and France ending in Barcelona.

Next week: Julie recaps her family's August trip to Walt Disney World and how she survived the heat. Start planning your Universal adventure at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

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! 

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A road trip isn't what you do when flying doesn't work out — done right, it's its own kind of vacation. This week, Ryan and Julie break down who road trips are actually best for, and the planning habits that separate a great one from a stressful one.

Who Road Trips Are Best For
Families with young kids (within 5-6 hours), travelers with flight anxiety, pet owners, and anyone who wants to explore a region deeply rather than just hit the highlights.

Why It's Worth Considering
The financial argument (full control over lodging, food, and transportation costs), the flexibility argument (no change fees, no schedule but your own), and the experience argument — the unplanned stops and detours often become the stories people remember for years.

Planning It Right
Build the trip around the drive, not just the destination. Don't overplan every hour, book pet-friendly stops carefully (a "pet-friendly" listing isn't always current), and prep the car before you go — oil change, roadside assistance, and a stocked snack box included.

Tips for the Road
Drive the hard miles first thing in the morning, switch drivers every two hours, gas up before you think you need to, and make every stop purposeful — a meal, a landmark, a short hike — rather than just a leg-stretch.

Where in the World?
Two couples are headed to the Danube River this October with AmaWaterways, right in the middle of Oktoberfest — with a completely refreshed onboard experience Ryan can't wait to hear about.

Next week: things you didn't know were at Universal Orlando Resort. Thinking about your next road trip? Hit play for the planning tips that make all the difference — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you're ready to start.

Support the show

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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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Tokyo DisneySea is routinely voted the best theme park in the world — and it's not even the most iconic Disney park internationally. This week, Ryan and Julie continue their international Disney series with Tokyo and Paris, two parks that couldn't be more different from each other.

Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland was Disney's first international park, and it shows — hub-and-spoke layout, familiar lands, even upgraded versions of classics like Winnie the Pooh (the first trackless ride in any Disney park) and Beauty and the Beast. But the real draw is Tokyo DisneySea: a separate, water-themed park with lands found nowhere else on earth, including the flagship Journey to the Center of the Earth and a Tower of Terror with an entirely different storyline. Expect at least three park days, incredible food, and a serious crowd-planning strategy — skip weekends entirely.

Disneyland Paris
Built in 1992 on a notoriously tight budget, Disneyland Paris has since grown into two parks: Disneyland Paris (with a pink castle hiding a walk-through dragon's lair) and the newly opened Disney Adventure World, home to Avengers Campus, the World of Frozen, and Pixar-themed lands. It's also the most accessible international park from the US — and pairs easily with a London or Paris city stay.

Where in the World?
This week's spotlight: a family heading to Universal Orlando and Discovery Cove this September, timed around a son's sixth birthday so he can swim with dolphins the day after he turns six.

Next week: tips and tricks for your next road trip. Ready to add Tokyo or Paris to your Disney bucket list? Hit play to hear exactly how Ryan and Julie would plan it — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you're ready to start.

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"

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"I want to see Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Prague in 10 days" is one of the most common calls a travel advisor gets — and one of the fastest ways to turn a dream trip into an exhausting one. This week, Ryan and Julie break down which European countries actually pair well together, and why the right combination matters more than the longest list.

Why Pairing Matters
Not every combination works. Mismatched destinations mean long travel times, rushed days, and a trip that feels like checking boxes instead of experiencing a place. The fix: geographic proximity, at least 2–3 nights per stop, and countries that complement each other in pace and culture.

Four Pairings That Work

• France & UK — Paris and London, connected by a 2.5-hour train, pairing romance and art with history and energy.
• Netherlands & Belgium — Amsterdam and Brussels, a shorter, more underrated combo of canals and world-class art alongside chocolate, waffles, and medieval architecture.
• Spain & Portugal — Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon on the Iberian Peninsula, ideal for food and culture lovers with 10 days to spend.
• Italy & Switzerland — A scenic-rail pairing anchored by the Bernina Express through the Alps, ending in Milan's fashion and food scene.

How to Choose Yours
Trip length, travel style, and who's coming with you all shape the right pairing — Ryan and Julie walk through how to match each to your group.

Where in the World?
A group of friends is headed to Alaska next summer for an Inside Passage cruise — including Wonder and Beyond Travel's very first client ever, who booked the whole thing off a referral chain that's since grown to multiple staterooms.

Next week: Julie continues the Disney castles series with Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Trying to figure out your own Europe itinerary? Hit play to hear exactly which pairing fits your trip — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you're ready to start planning.

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! 

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Not every Disney castle looks like Cinderella's — and two of the most underrated Disney parks in the world are sitting in Hong Kong and Shanghai, with rides, lands, and a castle you won't find anywhere else. If your Disney bucket list stops at Orlando and Anaheim, this episode is about to expand it.

Hong Kong Disneyland
This smaller, single-park destination is home to Mystic Manor — a trackless dark ride tied to deep Disney lore that even longtime fans may not know. Add in World of Frozen, two Marvel attractions, and Duffy and Friends, alongside classics like Space Mountain and It's a Small World, and you've got a park worth two full days. Just plan ahead: most visitors need a visa, and language on rides is a mix of Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.

Shanghai Disneyland
Home to the tallest and largest Disney castle in the world — with attractions built right inside it. This newer park (opened 2016) brings state-of-the-art tech, the fan-favorite version of Pirates of the Caribbean, an entire Zootopia land you won't find anywhere else, and a Spider-Man-themed ninth land already in the works.

Seeing Both Parks the Right Way
Ryan and Julie break down a 12-day Adventures by Disney itinerary that hits both parks the smart way — bookending a trip through Hong Kong, Guilin, and Beijing (Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall, Forbidden City included) with Disney days on either end.

Where in the World?
This week's spotlight is on a multi-generational family fresh off the Disney Treasure's Eastern Caribbean itinerary — their first Disney cruise and first cruise ever. Highlights included The Baths in Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, and a stop at Castaway Cay.

Next week: the right way to pair European countries for a trip across the pond. Curious how Hong Kong or Shanghai could fit into your next Disney trip? Hit play to hear exactly how Ryan and Julie would plan it — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you're ready to start.

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"

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From the National Parks to the Rails
Picking up where last week left off, Ryan and his family leave Moab, Utah on the 4th of July — and board the Canyon Spirit for what he calls the crown jewel of the entire trip. If you've ever seen those glass-domed luxury trains in a magazine or travel commercial and wondered what it's actually like, this episode answers that question in detail.

What Is Canyon Spirit, and What's Included?
Canyon Spirit grew out of Rocky Mountaineer — the famous Canadian Rockies train experience — and operates its own route through the American Southwest between Salt Lake City and Denver. Guests can book two days, three days, or a full six-day back-and-forth journey, mixing and matching their itinerary as they go. Nearly everything is included: all meals on board, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day, hotel nights before and after each leg, baggage handling, and all transfers between train and hotel. Coffee comes from a Denver roastery, desserts from a local bakery, and wines and beers are sourced from Utah and Colorado — a regional focus that will feel familiar to river cruise fans.

What's It Like On Board?
Think first-class airline seats, panoramic wall windows, angled ceiling panels for sky views, and a dedicated host team for each car who handle everything from drinks to destination commentary. Ryan's group lucked into an overflow car with just 13 passengers, giving them the run of the space — but even at capacity, the cars are designed to be comfortable. Guests can step out to the open vestibule for fresh air and unobstructed views. A signature (standard) and premium level are available; the main premium upgrade is a lounge car, a bar, and a larger outdoor viewing area.

Day One: Moab to Glenwood Springs
Picked up by shuttle from the Hoodoo Hotel, Ryan's group boarded around 11 AM, settled in, toasted their hosts, and sat down to a plated lunch as the red rocks of Utah gradually gave way to the Rockies. Five hours later, they pulled into Glenwood Springs — a charming Colorado River town that happened to be buzzing with 4th of July festivities. Evening was relaxed: a walk around town and, naturally, ice cream.

Day Two: Glenwood Springs to Denver
Boarding again at 9 AM from a beautifully restored historic train station, day two was all Rockies and Colorado River. Fishermen, rafters, rushing rapids, the occasional Colorado salute from river floaters — and then Gore Canyon, which Ryan called jaw-droppingly beautiful. After lunch, one tunnel later, Denver appeared stretched across the plains below, and the train snaked its way down over the next hour. Their hotel — the Limelight — was literally next door to Union Station. Bags already there. Dinner out. Perfect end to the trip.

Who Is This Trip Right For?
Ryan's picks: nature lovers, multi-generational families, anyone with mobility considerations, and river cruise fans who want something similar on land. It's not for people who want to be active at every stop — this is a see-it-from-the-window, glass-in-hand kind of journey. His pro tips: build in time before the train to adjust to time zones and altitude, and save the train for last. Do the active stuff first, then finish with the most relaxing leg of the trip.

What Would He Add Next Time?
A few extra days in Colorado, or doing the full Salt Lake City leg to catch the scenery in fall foliage. And yes, the Canadian Rockies version — Rocky Mountaineer — is very much on the list.

Where in the World? 🗺️
Ryan spotlights a family of four heading to Peru on an Adventures by Disney itinerary — Machu Picchu, river rafting, llamas, alpacas, Andean music, and traditional weaving demonstrations across eight nights and three different regions of the country. A special shoutout: they're listeners who connected with Ryan on a previous ABD trip to Italy.

Next week: castles around the world, Disney style. Plan your own adventure at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

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! 

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A Trip Born from a Train Obsession (and Family History)
Ryan has had his eye on the Rocky Mountaineer since 2018, when he first heard about their Canadian Rockies routes at a travel conference. Add in a grandfather who was a train engineer between South Bend and Chicago, and a new Canyon Spirit line running from Salt Lake City to Denver — it was only a matter of time. About a year ago, Ryan brought the idea to his parents, and six months before departure, it was officially booked. The result: three trips in one — Las Vegas, the Mighty Five National Parks of Utah, and a two-day train journey from Moab to Denver, with the 4th of July spent riding the rails on the 250th birthday of the United States.

Las Vegas: More Than Just the Casinos
Ryan, his wife Jasmine, and his parents stayed at Park MGM — smoke-free, well-connected to the strip via tram, and conveniently the pickup point for their Hoover Dam tour and Mighty Five transfer. Day one was a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to orient the first-timers, covering the old strip, new strip, and Fremont Street. A word of caution from Ryan: know exactly what you're buying. Their "24-hour pass" ran from 10 AM to 5 PM and only circled one direction — worth knowing in advance. Day two was a VIP Hoover Dam tour, complete with a comedian-guide who grew up in the area, a descent into the dam's tunnels to see the power plant and turbines, and bridge views overlooking the dam. Lunch was included. Total time: about 8 AM to 2 PM — leaving the evening free for dinner and a little fun.

A Few Vegas Tips Worth Knowing
The airport is a 10-minute Uber from most strip hotels. Ubers and Lyfts are easy and reliable. And a heads-up for anyone who hasn't been in a while: Las Vegas has fully reinvented itself as an entertainment city — the 99-cent buffets are long gone, and the price tag reflects it. Budget accordingly.

The Mighty Five: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands
All five parks are in Utah, and Ryan's group covered them in three days through Moab Express — a highly recommended tour company operating out of 12-passenger vans with a guide who doubles as driver. Groups of eight, stops every hour and a half, snacks and water onboard, and a guide named Ben who could riff on geology, history, or nature depending on what you wanted. The pacing was relaxed — visitor centers, photo stops, souvenir shops, and a few short hikes on day three. Not a trip for serious hikers, but absolutely the right vehicle for first-time park visitors who want to see a lot without driving themselves. Meals were included, accommodations ranged from a well-kept Best Western Plus in Bryce to the Hoodoo Hilton (Curio Collection) in Moab, and the only out-of-pocket cost was alcohol. Each park managed to one-up the last — from the red-rock drama of Zion to the alien hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the staggering scale of Canyonlands, which Ryan says rivals the Grand Canyon.

Where in the World? 🗺️
Julie shares a back-to-back Royal Caribbean cruise surprise in the works for a repeat client family — a four-night Bahamas sailing on Wonder of the Seas added on to their already-booked seven-night Icon of the Seas cruise. The kids don't know yet.

Next week: Ryan boards the Canyon Spirit for two days from Moab to Denver. Visit wonderandbeyondtravel.com to start planning your own adventure.

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!
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Every Client Asks. Here's What We Actually Say.
Whether it's a first-time Disney family, a couple planning a honeymoon, or someone who's never considered a cruise, Ryan and Julie hear the same core questions over and over. This week, they decided to just answer them — all at once, on the podcast. No sales pitch, no runaround. Just the real answers they give clients every day, including the ones that are a little more complicated than they first appear. If you've ever wondered whether a travel advisor is actually worth it, this episode is a pretty good place to start.

Is It Really Cheaper to Book Online?
Ryan and Julie tackle the most common question they hear: can't I just do this myself for less? The honest answer is sometimes yes — but the real question is what you're giving up when you do. Mental load, time, and the risk of booking the wrong thing at the wrong price top the list. They share how a travel advisor's job isn't just to find a price, it's to make sure what you're booking is actually right for you — including knowing which beach is covered in seaweed in August.

Travel Insurance: What's Covered and Do You Actually Need It?
This one comes down to risk tolerance, not whether you plan to take the trip. Ryan and Julie break down typical coverage categories — cancellation, medical, evacuation, baggage, and delays — and explain that policies vary widely, which is exactly why they vet specific companies for clients. A vivid example: a client group that skipped insurance and got caught in a hurricane two days before departure. Plan for about 5% of your total trip cost as a starting benchmark.

Is That Destination Safe Right Now?
Social media and the news cycle make this question louder than ever — but louder doesn't always mean more accurate. Ryan and Julie explain how they respond: State Department advisories, on-the-ground partners, and some honest perspective. A Cancun safety incident that happened the distance of LA to Chicago from the resort zone is not the same as a threat to your resort. Context matters.

What's the Best Resort or Cruise for My Family?
Short answer: it depends, and that's exactly why this question deserves a real conversation. Ryan and Julie walk through how they match families to the right fit — and why a top-10 list from a travel magazine (often sponsored or years out of date) is not the same as advice from someone who's been there and booked it before.

How Far in Advance Should I Plan a Big Trip?
For milestone trips — honeymoons, multi-gen family travel, graduation trips — the answer is: reach out as soon as you know you want to go, even if it's two years out. Julie is already mapping an Italy graduation trip for next year that she's been quietly tracking for twelve months. For popular destinations like Turks and Caicos or Disney around the holidays, availability goes fast. Standard trips in the four-to-six month range are usually still workable.

Bonus Question: The One They Always Get at Disney Consultations
Julie's add: nearly every first Disney call turns immediately to dining reservations and Lightning Lanes — months before it's time to think about either. Her advice: book the room first, then let the timeline guide you.

Where in the World? 
Ryan shares the story of a mother-daughter graduation trip to Walt Disney World — an upgrade to Animal Kingdom Lodge that ended with a giraffe outside their window on arrival. No savannah-view room required.

Next week: Ryan recaps the Las Vegas and Mighty Five National Parks leg of his Canyon Spirit Southwest trip. Start planning your own adventure at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

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