Want better cruise excursions, without settling for the generic bus tour? In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite creative ways to plan unforgettable port days, from using Instagram as a search engine to leveraging AI tools and crowdsourcing tips from friends. If you want your cruise stops to feel personal, intentional, and anything but cookie-cutter, this one's for you.

If you're an empty nester, nearing retirement, or craving something deeper than another European highlights trip, this episode is for you. I sat down with Lisa Pagotto, founder of Crooked Compass, to talk about travel in retirement, or what I like to call the "what's next" phase of life, and how this season can be the perfect time to explore beyond the usual bucket list destinations.

Panama is one of Central America's most underrated destinations. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Mandy Williams to discuss the best time to visit, where to stay, how to get around, the top things to do in Panama City, and memorable day trips to add to your itinerary. Whether you're planning a couples getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Panama offers an incredible mix of lush landscapes, Caribbean beaches, and unforgettable wildlife experiences — all within one compact, easy-to-explore country.

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Russell True, second-generation dude rancher and owner of White Stallion Ranch, to talk about what a dude ranch actually is, who it's for, and why it's such a unique type of vacation. If you've ever been curious about dude ranch travel, here's what you should know.

New York City is one of those places that never gets old! On a recent girls trip with my daughters, sisters, and nieces, we decided to skip many of the classic first-time attractions and instead explore parts of the city we don't usually make time for. If you've already checked the big NYC highlights off your list and are craving fresh ideas, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of food tourism with chef, world traveler, and co‑founder of The Chef Tours, Karl Wilder. From Paris to Mexico City to Berlin, Karl shares why food tours led by chefs create a richer, more human way to experience a destination. Learn why no AI, guidebook, or Google search can replace firsthand discovery.

If you've ever found the perfect vacation rental… only to hit checkout and wonder how the total jumped by hundreds of dollars — this episode is for you! In this episode, Lisa sits down with hospitality expert Eric Goldreyer to talk all things savvy travel: how to avoid unnecessary fees, why booking direct is becoming the future of vacation rentals, and how travelers can stretch their travel budget without sacrificing experience.

Travel insurance is one of those things most of us know we should think about, but often skip at checkout. It feels confusing, expensive, and unlikely that you'll actually need it. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Jarvis, travel insurance and passenger rights expert, to break down what travel insurance really covers, the biggest misconceptions around it, and how it can actually save you money when things don't go as planned.

Every year, we love looking ahead at what's shaping the way we travel, and 2026 is already full of exciting inspiration! In this episode, Lisa sits down with travel planner Jen Barnes of Go Family Adventure to talk about the biggest travel trends she's seeing for 2026, plus nine destinations she believes deserve a spot on your travel radar.

How do you plan an anniversary trip that actually feels meaningful? In this episode, I'm sharing how my husband and I are celebrating 30 years of marriage through intentional travel. We'll walk through simple questions to help you choose the right destination, tips for planning without overbooking, and ideas for creating traditions and special moments that deepen connection. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or planning a couples getaway, this episode will help you design a trip you'll never forget.