You’ll never meet a traveler who brags, “Every year I pack more for my trips, and wow, do I love it.” Carry on packers embrace the challenge of packing everything they need in a 22” or smaller bag (plus a personal carry on) whether it is for 7 days or 7 weeks of travel. Join us today with our guest Heidi Rodriguez, a traveler who embraces packing light for a variety of reasons. She has written for Travel Fashion Girl, a web site devoted to packing, packing lists, toiletries, clothing and accessories for travel. Her articles including one on almost liquidless air travel (yes, it is possible!), and another on how to make a tiny custom make up palette. Are you a traveler who brings everything and the kitchen sink when you go somewhere? Get ready to learn some great tips on how minimal packing can change your travels!
*How to get started – change your mindset!
*What are packing cubes and do they save space?
*What goes in the 3-1-1 bag for air travel?
*Tips especially for men
*Cruises and packing light
*Is there a downside to carry-on only travel?
What is your packing and travel style? Share your tips with any of the agents below!
aimee@outlandertravel.com
andy@outlandertravel.com
elizabeth@outlandertravel.com
lindsay@outlandertravel.com
robin@outlandertravel.com
sandy@outlandertravel.com
See the complete index of podcasts by topic!
Group travel can be tons of fun, and a fulfilling experience – but is it for you? There is a group trip for everyone – girls, gamers, dancers, runners, sports, beer lovers, destination weddings – you name it, there is probably a group for it. These trips can be a great way to travel with people who share a common interest.
Listen to Outlander Travel agents Elizabeth, Andy, Sandy, Aimee and Lindsay discuss their favorite group trips, and:
*What are the logistics in planning a group trip?
*Why have a travel agent plan the trip? (Hint: logistics
Listen and learn about all types of group travel opportunities! Have you gone on a group trip? What was your experience? Drop us an email and let us know.
The Disneyland park in Anaheim, California, opened in 1955, and this year the park is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary – 60 years young! This is the park that Walt Disney himself envisioned, where he brought to life his motto of “To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land.” Disneyland is where it all began, and in addition to being a wonderful theme park, it is also a huge piece of American history. You don’t need to be a Disney buff to truly enjoy Disneyland! Join Outlander Travel agents Elizabeth, Robin, Aimee and Sandy as they ponder:
*The size of the park
*How Disneyland compares to Walk Disney World
*How many days should a traveler devote to Disneyland?
*When is a ferris wheel freaky?
*What do the Outlander agents LOVE about Disneyland?
So what do you think? Have you visited Disneyland? Please leave us a comment below or email any of us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Alaska – the last frontier! Join Outlander agents Elizabeth, Robin, Sandy, and Andy in their Q&A of special guest Amy Newman. Amy moved to Alaska over a decade ago, and has lived in Juneau and Anchorage. She loves her adopted state, and has written various articles for an Anchorage newspaper and several magazines to promote Alaska for tourists. Tune in and learn – why does someone MOVE to Alaska? What is there for tourists to see, do and explore?
Have you visited Alaska? What did you think? Let us know, or maybe you have always wanted to visit – contact us and we can make it happen.
Carnival Cruises… the “Fun Ship” line! Carnival offers a great introduction into the world of cruising – it offers a large fleet, a variety of ports, awesome destinations and a price point sure to please everyone. Outlander Travel agents Andy and Sandy recently (and independently) sailed on 7-night cruises to the Western (on the Carnival Pride) and Eastern Caribbean (Carnival Splendor). Listen and learn their thoughts on the cruise line and discover…
*Are they REALLY fun ships?
*What is there for kids – what kind of theming?
*How old is fleet – what to expect?
*What does “Funship 2.0” mean to travelers?
*What type of speciality dining and libations are available?
*What is the quality of the shore excursions?
*Can I drive easily to get to a ship? (Hint: YES!)
Are you curious about Carnival Cruises, or have you cruised the line and have something to share? We’d love to hear your travel stories!
Celebrity Cruise Lines is part of the Royal Caribbean International family of companies, and its ads boast of fine food and luxury. But how does Celebrity really stack up against other cruise lines? Outlander Travel agents Aimee and Elizabeth recently took a 4-night Bahama cruise on the Celebrity Constellation. It was a great opportunity to learn about the cruise line and to experience this class of ship. Listen up as they answer questions:
*What type of cruiser is the best match for Celebrity?
*Which destinations are ideal or unique to the line?
*What are the demographics of an average cruiser?
*Why is Celebrity’s logo an “X?”
*What type of dining can I expect?
*What type of entertainment is typical of Celebrity?
Have you cruised Celebrity? How do you think it compares to other cruise lines, and how was your experience? Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.
RunDisney races are wildly popular! Combining the love of all things Disney with the fast-growing sport of running, RunDisney is sure to bringing out the competitor in you! Races are themed, of varying distances, at different locations, and offer participants special medals for participating in a race. Outlander travel agents Lindsay and Sandy recently ran the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and as veterans of these races, are here to share their insights.
Learn:
* The sequence and location of the races
* Why these races sell out almost immediately
* Do the races need to be done in any order?
* Who is Jeff Galloway and what is is training method?
* Tips on how to register
Are you a runner who is interested in these races, or have you already participated? Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.
Ship ahoy, fellow travelers! This week we’re cruising in family-friendly style! The Disney Dream had her maiden voyage in January 2011, and she is the third ship launched by DIsney, and the first in the new class of ships offered by the cruise line. Larger than the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, the Dream mostly offers 3-4 night itineraries to the Bahamas.
Join us to learn:
*What does the Dream offer kids?
*To which age groups will this cruise most appeal?
*Is there a casino on the ship?
*What are the kids clubs like?
*What kind of cool technology allows parents to keep in touch with kids?
*What we really think about Castaway Cay…
*What are the specialty dining venues like?
*What can I expect in the main dining room for dinner?
Have you cruised on the Dream? Or maybe on another Disney ship? What did you think? Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.
Hola from barely-south-of-the-border! This week we take you to sunny Cancún, a narrow sun-drenched island in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Outlander agents Elizabeth and Andy recently visited 10 resorts to get a taste of why this tropical resort city is such an amazing tourist destination. Cancún is no longer a spring break locale. With its white sand, crystal-blue water, easy access, and modern resorts, it is one of the most popular and to easy to get to international destination for Americans.
Tune in to this week’s podcast to learn:
*Which resorts are outstanding
*What type of resorts are available
*Is it better to choose an all-inclusive or a European plan resort
*Which adult-only resorts are the best
*Family all-inclusive resorts sure to be a hit with the kids
*What type of activities are there outside of the resorts
*What are the most popular day excursions
*Which resort has actual Mayan ruins
Have you traveled to Cancún? Do you have a favorite resort? Please leave us a comment below or email any of us!
Which tropical paradise is only 50 miles from the East Coast of the USA? The Bahamas, of course, and the island of Grand Bahama is an easy 30-minute flight from Florida. Today we’re talking about Freeport, Grand Bahama, an accessible warm-weather destination that is often overlooked by vacationers seeking the sun. We’re chatting with Outlander Travel agent Aimee Eckler about her recent tour of the island. What makes it a terrific vacation destination? Listen to find out:
*What types of accommodations exist in Freeport.
*Which resorts are recommended.
*Are there any all-inclusive resorts?
*Which resorts cater to families.
*Where are the best beaches?
*Which resorts have the most amazing pools.
*Learn about gambling and casinos on the island.
*What types of food should a vacationer expect?
Have you traveled to Freeport, or would like to travel to the island? Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.
