Travel Stories Unpacked

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

In this final episode of Travel Stories Unpacked, Ashley and Annie take one last ride through the stories, laughs, lessons, and bloopers that made this show so special. From silly moments behind the scenes to heartfelt reflections on what the podcast has meant to them, this farewell is packed with gratitude and good vibes.

Whether you’ve been with us since day one or just discovered the show, thank you for listening, watching, commenting, and sharing your stories. We’re not disappearing—we’re just unpacking travel stories in new ways.

📺 Stay connected with us by subscribing to the KHM Travel Group YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/khmtravelgroup

We’ll still be sharing updates, travel tips, and stories—just in a different format!

📬 You can still share your travel stories with KHM Travel by emailing us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

And remember: you’re not getting rid of us that easily. 

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode includes graphic descriptions of an injury that may be unsettling to some listeners. 

What starts as a dream adventure through Zion National Park — complete with e-bikes, epic hikes, sandboarding, and scenic views — quickly turns into a comedy of travel chaos involving lost gear, surprise injuries, and an unforgettable ER visit in Las Vegas. 😅

From action cams on canyon cliffs to bunk beds with slides, we’re sharing ALL the highs and lows of this whirlwind trip. Buckle up for one of our wildest episodes yet of Travel Stories Unpacked!

In this episode of Travel Stories Unpacked, we’re diving into:

1. Wild hikes and national park highlights 🌄
2. A travel injury so gnarly it shut down our night in Vegas 💉
3. Why travel insurance is NOT optional
4. And how working with a travel agent can turn a travel nightmare into a story worth telling 🎒

Whether you’re hiking canyons or chilling by the pool, working with a travel agent means personalized support, expert recommendations, and real peace of mind. And don’t skip the travel insurance — because sometimes the wildest part of your trip isn’t what you planned.

💌 Got a story of your own? Email us at [email protected] 

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

May is a special time to recognize the impact of travel professionals — it's National Travel Advisor Month and National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4–10)! In this heartfelt episode of Travel Stories Unpacked, we’re honoring the incredible independent travel agents who make dream vacations a reality through passion, purpose, and expertise.

Join hosts Annie and Ashley as they:

• Share personal misconceptions about travel agents before joining the industry
• Spotlight what it really means to be a modern travel advisor
• Read powerful, first-hand stories from KHM Travel Group agents across the country

💼 Featured travel agents in this episode include:

• Annamarie Gebar – Plaid Travel LLC
• Darla Butler – Destinations by Darla
• Linda Allen – The Abundant Life Traveler
• Mandy Duff – Magic by Mandy
• Rose Becerril – Andiamo Rose Travel
• Wendy L Payne – Travel with Wendy
• Zac Wilson – Daydream Vacations

These stories highlight the heart of the travel advisor profession — from building women's travel clubs to overcoming personal battles, creating inclusive travel experiences, and much more.

🙌 A huge THANK YOU to all of our agents for being part of the KHM Travel Group community and for the meaningful work you do every day.

👉 Are you looking to start your own travel business with KHM Travel Group? Visit our website to get started! https://bit.ly/TSU-get-started 

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

This week on Travel Stories Unpacked, Ashley and Annie are diving deep into the trend of travel de-influencing. From Coachella clout chasers and van life glam shots to airport theory disasters, they’re unpacking how social media has shaped (and warped) our travel dreams. Are influencers the problem—or are we just too easily influenced? 

Plus, are travel agents becoming the new influencers? Let's talk about the fine line between inspiration and misinformation. Join us as we talk candidly about authenticity, FOMO, and why some travel trends deserve to be left behind.

Share your travel stories and opinions with us! Email Ashley and Annie at [email protected] 

Source:
https://time.com/6989471/travel-influencers-climate-essay/

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

AI (artificial intelligence) seems to be here to stay, and it is changing the way people travel. Are these changes something to fear, or something to embrace? How does AI impact travel agents, and how can they use AI to their advantage? 

We are sharing tips and tricks that travel agents can use to bring AI into their workflow and provide a better experience for their clients. 

Share your travel stories and opinions with us! Email Ashley and Annie at [email protected] 

Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250106-the-seven-travel-trends-that-will-shape-2025  

https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/07/08/1094733/how-to-use-ai-to-plan-your-next-vacation/

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

Annie and Ashley went to Orlando for KHM Travel's Crystal Conference and got to spend the day at Universal Orlando Resort! Visiting both Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. We unpack our favorite experiences, and compare it to Walt Disney World Resort. 

We want to hear your theme park reviews! Are you team Universal or team Disney? 

Share your travel stories and opinions with us! Email Ashley and Annie at [email protected] 

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

Travelers have been buzzing about the new airline changes taking place in 2025. Top of the list the month? Southwest Airlines changing their free checked bag policy. 

Join Annie and Ashley as we unpack this change, and a surprising response from a competitor airline! Be sure to listen to the whole episode for a discount code and find what airline is offering this limited-time offer! 

Another major change to flying in 2025 is the need for a Real ID. Read more about this on KHM Travel's blog: https://khmtravel.com/travel-agent-resources/prepare-for-travel-id/ 

We want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 

Share your travel stories and opinions with us! Email Ashley and Annie at [email protected] 

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

Planning your next solo vacation as a female traveler? Or wondering where to go for your next girls trip? We are unpacking the best travel destinations for women in 2025! Some of our picks may surprise you! 

We want to hear from you! Let us know your favorite place to travel as a woman!

Share your travel stories and opinions with us! Email Ashley and Annie at [email protected]

Sources Mentioned: 

1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2025/01/22/female-solo-girls-trip-safe-international-destinations/77783245007/
2. https://www.globalrescue.com/common/blog/detail/solo-female-travel-best-countries-apps-resources/
3. https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/keeping-safe/visitors-safety-guide#:~:text=New%20Zealand's%20mobile%20phone%20providers,friends%20or%20family%20back%20home.
4. https://www.economicsandpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPI-2024-web.pdf
5. https://www.insightvacations.com/en-us/special-interest-tours/women-only-tours

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

What is new in the cruise industry for 2025? Join us as we unpack trending cruise destinations, new ships, cruise line policy changes, and why you should always work with a travel agent! 

Interested in becoming a cruise travel agent? Visit our website to learn more! https://khmtravel.com/become-a-cruise-travel-agent/

Share your travel stories and opinions with us! Email Ashley and Annie at [email protected]

Sources mentioned: 

1. https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/01/new-cruise-ships-the-class-of-2025/
2. https://www.thestreet.com/travel/carnival-cruise-line-changes-kids-rule-drops-drinks-loophole
3. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/10/07/changes-coming-to-royal-caribbean-next-year#:~:text=Cabin%20recategoriz[…]e%20&%20Balcony%20categories
4. https://www.celebritycruises.com/river
5. https://truegradefoods.com/whats-on-deck-for-the-cruise-industry-in-2025/#:~:text=The%20cruise%20industry%20in%202025%20is%20on%20track%20to%20redefine,personalized%20and%20eco%2Dconscious%20experience.
6. https://travelweekly.co.uk/destinations/cruise-trends-2025

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel

Share your travel stories and opinions with us!

Our favorite books, TV shows, comic books, and movies can transport us to an entirely different world. What if we were able to travel to these places in real life? 

We are unpacking some of our favorite fictional destinations that we wish we could visit! Places like Hogwarts from Harry Potter, The Shire and Rivendell in Middle-Earth from Lord of the Rings, and the mythic Land of Oz to name a few! 

Let us know what worlds you wish you could visit! 

Share your travel stories and opinions with us! Email Ashley and Annie at [email protected]

This podcast is brought to you by KHM Travel Group. 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TSU-KHMTravel