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176 - Travel scams, social media influencers, AI trip planning, online booking sites and the $299 “be your own travel agent” trend could all ruin your next vacation. Rob and Kerri Stuart break down the five biggest threats and how a real travel advisor protects your trip.

Leave your Vacation Planning to the PROS - start here. 

What’s threatening your next vacation? In episode 176 of the Travel Inspired Podcast, Rob and Kerri Stuart, travel advisors since 2008, share five things that can ruin your trip before it even starts, and you’ve probably been tempted by at least one of them.

In this episode:

• Travel scams and fake travel certificates: The “your free cruise certificate is about to expire” calls and postcards, why they’re scams, and the red flags to watch for.
• Vacation planning from social media: Why a 30-second influencer video isn’t a vacation plan, what the perfect photos leave out, and why Facebook group advice can steer you wrong.
• Using AI to plan your trip: Where AI travel planning falls short, from outdated information and paid reviews to confident wrong answers, and who you call at 2 a.m. when your flight is canceled.
• The $299 “be your own travel agent” trend: Why buying the title doesn’t make someone a travel professional, and what it means for travelers.
• Online booking sites: Expedia, Hotels.com, Kayak, Priceline and Trivago look like five different sites, but they’re mostly owned by just two companies. Learn what you can give up by booking through an OTA, including loyalty points, perks and flexibility.
• The solution: How working with a real travel professional (and the right travel insurance) protects your time, money and vacation.

Ready to plan a trip the right way? Reach out to Rob, Kerri or one of the Creating Magic Vacations travel advisors.

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175 - Thinking about a Douro River cruise in Portugal? Rob & Kerri Stuart share their honest review of 7 nights round trip from Porto aboard AmaWaterways' AmaSintra. They cover what makes the Douro different from the Danube and Rhône, the one excursion you shouldn't skip, and their favorite things to do in Porto.

PLAN YOUR RIVER CRUISE HERE

In episode #175 of Travel Inspired, your travel agent hosts and best-selling authors take you up the Douro Valley. It's a river of terraced vineyards, small charming towns and port wine everywhere you turn, with no big cities or castles along the way. You'll hear why the river's locks became part of the onboard entertainment, including Carrapatelo, which lifts you about 115 feet. They also explain why ships don't sail at night, and why the top deck and pool were the busiest spots on board.

Plus, the excursion their AmaWaterways rep insisted they couldn't miss: Salamanca, Spain. It's known as "La Dorada" for its golden sandstone buildings and is home to Spain's oldest university, two connected cathedrals and one of Europe's most beautiful plazas. Rob & Kerri share a tip for timing your shopping and lunch there, since most stores close in the afternoon.

In this episode:

• What makes a Douro River cruise different from other European river cruises
• Cruising through the Douro's locks, including Carrapatelo
• Life on board the AmaSintra and skipping an excursion for a local meal
• The Salamanca day trip: why it's worth the bus ride
• Things to do in Porto: Bolhão Market, Dom Luís I Bridge, São Bento station tiles, the McDonald's Imperial, pastel de nata and more
• How to spot legitimate market vendors in Porto
• Why you should add a day or two in Porto after your cruise
• Small-ship group charters, and why travel is better with friends

Two countries in one cruise, a valley that photos can't capture, and a group of friends to share it with. Is Portugal on your must-visit list yet?

Plan your trip: Want help planning a Douro River cruise, a small-ship charter or your next adventure? Reach out to Rob & Kerri. They've been there and know what they'd do differently.

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Missed episode #174? Listen for our 3-night Lisbon pre-cruise adventure.

#DouroRiver #RiverCruise #Portugal #Porto #AmaWaterways #Salamanca #PortWine #TravelPodcast #EuropeTravel #TravelInspired

Tags/keywords (for the YouTube tags field and show notes):
Douro River cruise, AmaWaterways Douro, AmaSintra, Porto Portugal, Douro Valley, river cruise review, Salamanca Spain, port wine, things to do in Porto, Europe river cruise, Portugal travel, small ship cruise, group travel, travel agent podcast

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174- Is Portugal really worth all the hype? Rob & Kerri Stuart just spent 10 days finding out — and in this episode, they break down exactly how to do it right.

Let us help you plan your next adventure- start here

This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering their AmaWaterways river cruise through Portugal, starting with a 3-night pre-cruise stay in Lisbon before boarding the AmaSintra for the inaugural Godmother Cruise on the Douro River. Rob & Kerri walk through their Lisbon city tour, a day trip to the fairytale village of Sintra and the Pena Palace, the coastal town of Cascais, a stop in Salamanca, Spain, and the scenic drive to Porto through Tomar’s Convent of Christ.

In this episode:
∙Why Portugal has become one of Europe’s hottest destinations right now
∙Touring Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the best pastéis de nata
∙Day trip to Sintra: Pena Palace and the colorful hilltop castles
∙Cascais and the Portuguese coastline (it looks just like Monterey, CA)
∙A side excursion to Salamanca, Spain
∙Why you should always add pre-cruise and post-cruise time to a European river cruise
∙Behind the scenes of AmaWaterways’ first Godmother Cruise on the all-new AmaSintra
Shoutouts: Cruise Director Nicholas Cabrera and Lisbon tour guide Tiago

Rob & Kerri Stuart are travel agents, best-selling authors, and hosts of the Travel Inspired Podcast, broadcasting from the CMV Studio in Orlando, FL. They’re the founders of Creating Magic Vacations, a full-service travel agency specializing in cruises and European travel.

Planning a trip to Portugal or a Douro River cruise? Visit CreatingMagicVacations.com and click “Plan a Vacation” to get started.
Interested in the Douro Wine Cruise in July 2027 aboard the brand-new Ama Rudi? 

Go here to learn more

Don’t miss Part two where Rob & Kerri cover the Douro River cruise itself and their time in Porto.

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#Portugal #DouroRiver #AmaWaterways #Lisbon #Porto #Sintra #RiverCruise #TravelPodcast #EuropeTravel #CascaisPortugal #CreatingMagicVacations

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173 - Join hosts and travel agents Rob and Kerri as they explore how the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reshaping America's image on the world stage. With the tournament underway across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, this is the first World Cup hosted by three nations and the first to feature 48 teams — and millions of international travelers are streaming in to experience it firsthand. 

PLAN A VACATION - START HERE

In this episode, Rob and Kerri dig into what this once-in-a-generation moment means for America's global image, its travel industry, and the way the world sees U.S. destinations. From electric fan zones in Atlanta and Kansas City to the buzz building around host cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Seattle, they share firsthand travel insight on how a global sporting event can reshape a country's reputation — for better or worse — and what it means for the future of international tourism to the U.S.

Whether you're a soccer fan planning a bucket-list trip, a travel lover chasing your next unforgettable destination, or just curious how mega-events shape the way we experience a country, Rob and Kerri bring their expert take packed with insight, inspiration, and a few Instagram-worthy detours you'll want to add to your travel list.

🎧 Tune in for:

• How host cities are transforming into global travel destinations
• The soft power (and challenges) of hosting the World Cup
• Hidden-gem travel spots in host cities beyond the stadium
• What this moment means for U.S. tourism's global reputation

Perfect for: travel enthusiasts, soccer fans, digital nomads, and anyone dreaming up their next international adventure.

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172 - Thinking about a European river cruise but don't know where to start? With luxury and experiential travel bookings skyrocketing, more travelers than ever are choosing small-ship and river cruise vacations over traditional ocean cruises — but with so many river cruise lines out there, how do you pick the right one?

Let us help you plan your next River Cruise Adventure - click here

In this episode, best-selling cruise authors and travel advisors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down the 8 major river cruise lines they work with and reveal exactly which type of traveler each one is built for. From Viking's understated Scandinavian elegance to Uniworld's boutique-hotel luxury, from AmaWaterways' food-and-wine-forward energy to American Cruise Lines' passport-free journeys along the Mississippi — this episode is your shortcut to finding the river cruise ship that fits your travel style, budget, and dream itinerary.

You'll learn:

• Why Viking put European river cruising on the map and who it's really for
• The difference between value-forward lines like Avalon and ultra-luxury options like Uniworld
• Which cruise line is best for foodies, wine lovers, and active travelers (hint: AmaWaterways)
• Why Tauck is the top pick for multigenerational family trips with zero hassle
• How to experience an authentically European vibe with Amadeus or a British feel with Riviera
• The all-American, no-passport-required option for exploring the rivers of the USA

Whether you're a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler ready to upgrade, Rob & Kerri give you the real, on-the-ship insight that AI and Google searches simply can't — because they've toured, dined, and sailed on these ships themselves.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your perfect river cruise vacation.

Topics covered: river cruise lines, Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Tauck river cruises, Amadeus river cruises, Riviera River Cruises, American Cruise Lines, European river cruise, luxury travel, small ship cruising, best river cruise for first-timers, multigenerational family travel, travel advisor tips

📍 Watch on the Travel Inspired YouTube channel or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Ready to plan your river cruise? Connect with Rob & Kerri, your Travel Inspired hosts and certified travel advisors, to find the perfect line, ship, and itinerary for your next adventure.

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Ever dreamed of sailing through the heart of Europe, gliding past medieval towns, vineyards, and centuries-old castles? In this episode of Travel Inspired, veteran travel agents and bestselling cruise authors Rob & Kerri Stuart are fresh off their third cruise on the Danube River — and they're spilling everything.

BOOK YOUR CRUISE HERE

ROOM TOUR - AmaWaterways AmaMagna Cabin 201

Link to show as mentioned on the show - the story of "Baggy"

From Budapest's stunning riverfront to the charming streets of Passau, Germany, Rob and Kerri walk you through a 7-night Upper Danube itinerary aboard AmaWaterways' flagship ship, the AmaMagna — widely considered one of the finest river cruise vessels in the world. Whether you're a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler looking for your next European adventure, this episode is packed with the kind of honest, practical advice you'll only get from people who do this for a living.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why the Danube is one of the best starter itineraries for first-time river cruisers
• The difference between Upper and Lower Danube itineraries — and how to choose
• What makes the AmaMagna so unique (hint: it's twice the width of a standard river cruise ship)
• Their favorite stops: Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Linz, and Passau
• Tips for handling flight cancellations, low water levels, and other travel curveballs like pros
• How to navigate customs, tax refunds, and transfers in Europe
• Real stories from the road — Roman ruins, family-run wineries, Iron Curtain history, and one very rare watch

Rob and Kerri also share what it's really like when things don't go to plan — canceled flights, reroutes through Zurich, and a last-minute scramble for airport transfers — and how experience and preparation make all the difference.

This is expert travel advice from agents who've lived it, not influencers who were paid to say it.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your Danube River cruise adventure. 📺 Watch on YouTube for the full visual experience, including a walkthrough of the AmaMagna and Suite 201.

👉 Ready to book? Visit CreatingMagicVacations.com and click Plan a Vacation to work directly with Rob & Kerri.

Stop scrolling and start going.

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170 - Think river cruising in France means the Seine? Think again. In this episode of Travel Inspired, hosts and travel agents Rob & Kerri Stuart take you along on a seven-day journey down one of Europe's most overlooked — and most rewarding — waterways: the Rhône River in southern France.

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From the Van Gogh-painted streets of Arles to the Roman grandeur of Avignon, the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, and the snow-dusted vineyards of Tain-l'Hermitage, every port stop on this iconic south-to-north itinerary offers something unforgettable. And it all culminates in Lyon — the gastronomic capital of France and a city that deserves far more than a quick stopover.

Rob and Kerri share firsthand experiences from two separate Rhône River cruises (first with AmaWaterways in 2014, and most recently with luxury boutique line Uniworld), offering honest insight into what makes this itinerary so special — and who it's perfect for.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why the Rhône rivals Italy for Roman history and architecture
• The best port stops on a southern Rhône cruise — and what not to miss
• How to choose between Arles-to-Lyon vs. Lyon-to-Arles (and why direction matters)
• What a private wine tasting in the Rhône Valley is really like
• Why Lyon deserves extra days at the end of your cruise
• Who this cruise is ideal for — couples, empty nesters, foodies, and beyond

Whether you're a first-time river cruiser or looking to upgrade from the Rhine or Danube, this episode will inspire you to put the Rhône River at the top of your travel bucket list.

🎧 Subscribe to Travel Inspired for weekly episodes packed with destination guides, cruise tips, and insider travel advice from two of the industry's most experienced travel agents.

Keywords: Rhône River cruise, river cruising France, southern France travel, Arles France, Avignon travel, Lyon food guide, Pont du Gard, Uniworld river cruise, AmaWaterways, European river cruise, France travel tips, Roman history France, wine tasting Rhône Valley, best river cruises Europe, Travel Inspired podcast

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Ready to start planning your next adventure using points and miles? Click here CreatingMagicVacations.com and fill out the Plan a Vacation form. Rob & Kerri can help you map out your destination, points strategy, and everything in between.

What if your everyday spending on groceries, gas, and dining out could land you in a business class seat flying over the Atlantic — for a fraction of the price? In this episode of Travel Inspired, travel agents and bestselling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down exactly how they use airline miles, credit card points, and smart award travel strategies to fly business class to Europe — and how you can too.

From understanding your credit score (and why Credit Karma's number isn't the one that matters) to choosing the best travel credit cards, transferring points to airline partners, and finding award availability with seats.aero — this is the practical, no-fluff guide you've been looking for. Rob and Kerri share their personal journey: the credit score hurdles, the American Express business cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and how they've used these exact strategies for every flight they've taken in 2026.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

Why your FICO score matters more than your Credit Karma score — and how to check the right one

The difference between airline-specific miles (Delta, United) and flexible transferable points (Chase, Amex, Capital One)

The best travel credit cards for sign-up bonuses (SUBs) and everyday earning

How to use seats.aero to find business class award availability across 24+ loyalty programs at once

The #1 rule: never transfer your points until you're ready to book

A simple 3-step action plan to get started — even if you're brand new to points travel

Whether you're dreaming of your first international business class experience or looking to sharpen your award travel game, this episode delivers real-world insight from travelers who've done it — not just theorized about it. No fluff, no gatekeeping. Just the strategies that actually work.

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168 - Is airline travel getting worse — or does it just feel that way? In this episode of Travel Inspired, hosts and bestselling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart pull back the curtain on the top 5 ways airlines are failing travelers today — and give you the tools to survive (and even thrive) despite the chaos.

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR VACATION

From fares that change by thousands of points in 60 seconds, to routes that vanish without warning, to cancellations that have become almost routine — airline travel has never been more unpredictable. Rob & Kerri share real stories from their own travel trenches, including booking 15 flights across three European river cruise trips, and the hard lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why airfare pricing is designed to confuse you — and how to outsmart it
• The #1 rule for flying to a cruise (hint: never fly same-day)
• Why Rob & Kerri almost never book round-trip international flights
• How travel insurance can save your trip when airlines won't
• Why your credit score is the real foundation of smart travel

Plus, a sneak peek at their next episode: the best travel credit card hacks for flights, and when to use points vs. cash.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first international trip, this episode is packed with practical strategies to take control of your travel — no matter what the airlines throw at you.

✈️ New episodes every week. Subscribe, leave a review, and watch on the Travel Inspired YouTube Channel for the full experience.

Keywords naturally embedded: airline travel tips, flight cancellations, travel survival guide, best travel credit cards, flying to Europe, river cruise travel, travel insurance, airfare hacks, travel points and miles, international travel tips, Travel Inspired podcast, Rob and Kerri Stuart

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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