Beyond the Brochure

Hi, I’m Katy, and welcome back to Beyond the Brochure!

When most people think about traveling to Italy, the first places that come to mind are often Rome, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast. And while those destinations absolutely have their place on an Italian itinerary, there is an entire country beyond the famous postcard locations.

In this episode, we're taking a journey through Northern, Central and Southern Italy, looking at some of the lesser-known places and those special destinations that can make an Italian vacation feel a little more personal, authentic and memorable.

And because one of the best ways to experience Italy is through its food, we're also talking about regional Italian cuisineand how what you eat can change dramatically as you move from one part of the country to another.

Northern Italy reflects influences from the Alps and neighboring Central European cultures, with foods such as risotto, polenta, mountain cheeses and regional specialties. Central Italy is known for its emphasis on quality local ingredients, handmade pasta, olive oil and traditional dishes. Southern Italy brings its own Mediterranean influences, fresh produce, seafood, cheeses and deeply rooted culinary traditions.

🇮🇹 Northern Italy — destinations worth looking beyond the major tourist cities for, along with the foods and culinary traditions that make the north unique.

🍝 Central Italy — the regions, towns and flavors that extend far beyond the typical Florence and Rome itinerary.

🌊 Southern Italy — beautiful destinations, Mediterranean flavors and the food traditions that make southern Italy so memorable.

🍷 Italian food and travel — why food is such an important part of understanding a destination and why eating locally can completely change your experience.

✨ Hidden gems in Italy — those “magic spots” that may not be the first places you see on a typical Italy bucket list but can create some of the most memorable travel experiences.

We also talk about the idea of traveling deeper rather than simply checking destinations off a list.

Because sometimes the most rewarding Italian experience isn't standing in front of another famous monument.

It might be sitting in a small piazza.

Finding a family-run restaurant.

Learning how something is made.

Exploring a village you've never heard of.

Or ordering something from a menu because you have absolutely no idea what it is—and discovering that it's one of the best things you've eaten on the entire trip.

Italy is a country where food, culture, history, landscape and daily life are incredibly connected, and that's one of the reasons it continues to be such a fascinating destination for travelers.

So whether you're planning your first trip to Italy, returning for the fifth time, or looking for ideas beyond the standard Italy itinerary, this episode is full of inspiration for looking at Italy a little differently.

And that's exactly what we're here to uncover.

If you enjoyed this episode of Beyond the Brochure, please subscribe, like, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Sharing the podcast is one of the best ways to help another traveler discover the show!

And if this episode has you thinking, “Okay… now I really want to go to Italy,” we'd love to help you turn that idea into an actual trip.

Ready to start planning?

👉. https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

And as always, we're here to take you beyond the glossy photos of the brochure.

Hi, I’m Katy, and welcome back to Beyond the Brochure!

We all love a good travel deal. But sometimes, in our effort to find the cheapest airfare, the least expensive hotel, or the lowest-cost way to get from one destination to another, we end up spending more than we saved.

In Episode 14, we're talking about the hidden cost of cheap travel and why the lowest price isn't always the best value.

That bargain airfare might save you $75 but what happens when you add baggage, seat selection, airport transfers, or a much less convenient airport? And what about the hours spent on long layovers, multiple connections, early departures, or getting from that inexpensive airport to the place you actually wanted to visit?

Today's airfare can be especially tricky because the initial fare may leave out things like baggage, seat selection and flexibility, making it important to compare the total cost of the trip, not just the advertised ticket price.

And there's another cost we don't always put a dollar amount on:

Because you didn't travel halfway around the world to spend your vacation sitting in airports, waiting for connections, or commuting hours every day just because you saved a little money on the original booking.

In this episode, we talk about:

✈️ Why the cheapest airfare isn't always the cheapest option

💰 The hidden costs that can turn a bargain fare into an expensive one

🧳 Baggage, seat-selection and other airline fees

🚕 Airport transfers and the cost of flying into a less-convenient airport

⏰ The value of your vacation time

🚆 When paying a little more for convenience can make sense

🏨 Why location matters when choosing a hotel

🌎 Looking at the total cost of your trip, rather than one booking at a time

💡 How to save money without sacrificing the parts of travel that matter most to you

We're not saying don't look for deals. We're saying look beyond the number that initially catches your eye.

Because sometimes the $200 flight isn't really a $200 flight.

And sometimes the $500 hotel isn't actually the more expensive hotel once you factor in transportation, time and everything else you're paying for to make the trip work.

The goal isn't necessarily to spend more.

It's to spend your travel dollars where they actually improve your experience.

So before you click “book” because something looks like the cheapest option, stop and ask:

What is this really going to cost me—in money, in time, and in convenience?

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like the episode, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. It helps other travelers discover the podcast and lets us know what you want to hear about next.

And when you're ready to stop dreaming about that next vacation and start planning it, we'd love to help.

👉 https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

Because travel isn't just about finding the lowest price.

It's about creating an experience that is worth your time, your money and your memories.

And as always, we're here to take you beyond the glossy photos of the brochure.

Hi, I’m Katy, and welcome back to Beyond the Brochure!

The holidays are approaching, and in this episode, we're talking about holiday travel, Christmas vacation planning, and a different way to think about holiday gift-giving: giving the gift of travel.

Instead of buying another thing that may eventually end up in a closet, what if you gave someone an experience, an adventure, or something to look forward to?

From planning a Christmas vacation or holiday getaway to creating a surprise trip, gifting part of a future vacation, or simply giving someone the opportunity to make memories with the people they love, travel can be one of the most meaningful gifts.

We also talk about the practical side of holiday travel planning—because traveling during the holidays can take a little more thought. From choosing your destination and timing to planning ahead for flights, accommodations and experiences, a little preparation can make the difference between holiday travel that feels exciting and holiday travel that feels stressful.

And perhaps the biggest question of all:

Do we really need more stuff—or would we rather have more stories to tell?

In this episode, we explore:

🎄 Holiday travel and Christmas vacation ideas

✈️ Planning a holiday getaway

🎁 Creative ways to give the gift of travel

🌎 Travel experiences instead of traditional gifts

❤️ Why experiences can create memories that last long after the holidays are over

🧳 Tips for making holiday travel planning less stressful

✨ Ideas for surprising someone with a future trip or travel experience

🥂 Why a vacation, getaway or adventure might be the gift they actually remember

The best part about giving travel is that the gift doesn't necessarily end when the trip does. The anticipation, the experience, and the memories can last for years.

So this holiday season, maybe it's time to think beyond the box under the tree.

Maybe the best gift isn't something you can wrap.

Maybe it's somewhere you can go.

If you enjoyed this episode, like it, share it, and recommend it to a friend who loves to travel—or who might be trying to figure out what to put under the Christmas tree this year!

And if you'd like to connect with us to start planning or book your next vacation, please use the link below to check out our business card and get in touch.

https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

And as always, we're here to take you beyond the glossy photos of the brochure.

Think your passport is all you need to travel internationally? Not necessarily! 🌎✈️

In Episode 12 of Beyond the Brochure, we’re talking about something every traveler needs to understand before they get to the airport or board that cruise ship: entry requirements.

We’ll look at why having a valid passport doesn't always mean you're ready to travel, including visas, electronic travel authorizations, entry and exit requirements, and changing travel rules for destinations such as the UK and Europe.

For example, U.S. travelers visiting the UK now need an ETA, while Europe is introducing new border and travel authorization systems that travelers need to understand before their trip.

• Why your passport may not be enough
• Visas vs. electronic travel authorizations
• UK travel requirements
• What's happening with European entry requirements
• Why you should check requirements before you travel
• A few things travelers often overlook when preparing for an international trip

Travel requirements can change, and the rules aren't always as simple as “I have a passport, so I'm good to go.”

Enjoyed this episode?

Please subscribe, follow, like, share, and leave us a review! It helps more travel enthusiasts find Beyond the Brochure.

And if you're planning a vacation and would like help putting the pieces together, we'd love to hear from you! Use the link below to connect with us for vacation planning and more.

https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

Until next time, don't just look at the brochure—go Beyond the Brochure! ✈️🌎

When you think of France, does your mind immediately go to Paris, the Eiffel Tower, cafés and croissants?

Of course, Paris deserves its place—but France is so much more than Paris!

In this episode of Beyond the Brochure, we're continuing our country-focus series, inspired by a listener who asked us to take a deeper look at individual countries and what makes them special.

We'll touch on some of the must-see highlights of Paris, but we'll also venture beyond the typical itinerary to explore some of France's lesser-known destinations, unique regions, charming towns, history, food, culture and landscapes.

At one point we ask: Are you surprised by just how much variation and how many unique regions France has to offer?

Because you could visit France again and again and still discover something completely new.

• Paris highlights you won't want to miss
• Lesser-known French destinations and regions
• The incredible variety throughout France
• Food, history and culture beyond Paris
• Inspiration for experiencing France in a different way

Sometimes the places that aren't on the front cover of the brochure become the places you remember most.

If France has always been on your travel list, this episode may have you looking beyond Paris—and discovering an entire country waiting to be explored.

About Your Host

I'm Katy, a luxury travel and cruise advisor passionate about helping people turn their dream vacations into unforgettable experiences.

Through Beyond the Brochure, I share travel inspiration, destination ideas and the experiences you may not discover from a typical travel brochure or “top 10” list.

Subscribe, follow, like and share Beyond the Brochure with another travel enthusiast who would enjoy the show.

And if you're ready to start planning your own vacation, check out the link below to connect with us. We'd love to help turn your travel ideas into a real adventure.

https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

Until next time, keep exploring and we'll see you somewhere Beyond the Brochure!

Planning your first trip to Europe is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many incredible places to see, things to do, trains to catch, foods to try, and decisions to make that it's easy to accidentally turn your dream vacation into a stressful one.

In this episode of Beyond the Brochure, we're talking about some of the most common mistakes first-time visitors to Europe make—and, more importantly, what you should do instead.

We'll talk about everything from trying to see too much in one trip to overlooking the importance of location, transportation, realistic timing, and leaving room to actually enjoy the places you're visiting.

Because Europe isn't about checking as many boxes as possible.

I'm Katy, a European Travel Specialist and travel advisor who believes your vacation should be about more than simply getting from one destination to another.

I've had the opportunity to live in Europe, travel throughout Europe, experience river cruising firsthand, and help clients plan everything from European adventures and luxury cruises to all-inclusive escapes.

Through Beyond the Brochure, my goal is to share the travel information, tips, experiences, and behind-the-scenes knowledge that you don't always get when you're simply looking at a beautiful travel brochure.

Because sometimes what you don't know before you go can make all the difference

If you're planning your first trip to Europe, don't feel like you have to figure everything out on your own.

A great itinerary isn't necessarily the one that visits the most places.

It's the one that gives you the opportunity to experience the places you came all that way to see.

If you enjoyed this episode of Beyond the Brochure, please:

⭐ Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss future episodes

❤️ Like and follow the show

📲 Share this episode with another travel enthusiast who might enjoy it

💬 And let us know what you thought!

And if you're ready to start planning your own European adventure, cruise, or dream vacation, check out the link below to reach out and connect with us.

https://popl.co/profile/unpluggedtravel

We'd love to help you get Beyond the Brochure and start planning a trip that's right for you.

Until next time—happy travels!

In this episode of Beyond the Brochure, we’re talking all things Disney! Whether you’re planning your first Disney vacation or you’ve been several times, there’s always something new to learn.

Disney travel can be magical—but there’s a LOT that goes into planning the right experience. From choosing the right resort and understanding the different Disney destinations to navigating parks, dining, transportation, and all those little details that can make a big difference, we’re going Beyond the Brochure to talk about what you really need to know.

We’ll share some of our favorite Disney tips, things travelers often overlook, and why having someone who understands the details can help you spend less time stressing about the planning and more time enjoying the magic.

Have a Disney question you’d like us to answer on a future episode?

Leave us a comment and let us know what you’d like to hear about!

Know someone who loves Disney—or is thinking about planning a Disney vacation?

Share this episode with them!

Want to connect with us or talk about your next adventure?

You can find us here: https://popl.co/card/ToiEPKh2/1/dash

And don’t forget to follow Beyond the Brochure so you never miss a new episode!

Because sometimes the best part of travel planning is knowing what’s not in the brochure. ✈️🌎✨

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.