Episode 14: Epcot for Grownups

What can grownups with no trailing kids actually DO at Epcot? Lo and behold… quite a bit! In this week’s episode, Elizabeth, Andy, Lindsay, Sandy and Robin discuss this Walt Disney World theme park from the perspective of what it offers adult visitors. Each of Outlander’s agents discusses his/her favorite aspects of this dynamic theme park, including:

*Exploring the World Showcase for authentic libations and food.
*Expanding your food horizons with a veritable tour around the globe.
*Which margarita flavors in the Mexico pavilion are the most creative?
*Which rides/attractions are loved by adults?
*An overview of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
*Is Party for the Senses worth the time and money?

Do you have a favorite attraction at Epcot? Let us know!  Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.

 

 

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Episode 13: Foodie Vacations

Vacations and great food go together like…wine and chocolate…peanut butter and jelly… cheese and crackers… you get the point! Whether a theme cruise floats your boat, or learning to prepare regional cuisines tingles your taste buds, there is a world of foodie vacations ready for the taking. Now that you are hungry for more, tune in to this week’s episode that centers on the yummy delights of travel!

*Have you ever wanted to take a cooking class?
*Want to learn about wine or beer while sailing Europe’s gorgeous rivers?
*Explore foodie vacations both far and near,  sure to whet your palate.

Please leave us a comment below or email any of us with your foodie travel experiences. We’d love to hear from you!

Bon Appétit!

Episode 12: When Vacations Go Bad

Despite all your careful planning, what happens when your vacation doesn’t go as planned? It happens to all of us, even travel agents.  Listen to this week’s episode as we share our disaster stories, and tips on how to cope with travel-related snafus.

*What happens when your careful travel plans fall apart?
*Have unforeseen events required you to make changes on the fly?
*How did you deal with vacation emergencies?
*What have you learned that make you a more seasoned traveler?
*How do travel experts cope with emergencies?
*Learn about the incredible value of a travel agent when you need help.
*The importance of trip insurance, and always having your passport!

How has life throw a kink into your travel plans…and how did you handle it?  Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.  We’d love to hear your travel stories!

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Episode 11: Theme v. Amusement Parks

Age old questions: Coke or Pepsi?…Cats or dogs?  Amusement or theme parks? What is the difference between these two popular vacation attractions? Listen to our latest episode and we’ll fill you in on differences between these parks.  Topics include:

*Is there a difference between the two types of parks? How can you tell?
*How far does the theming have to go?
*Who sets the bar against which theme parks are judged?
*Which parks do it best?
*What are some of the lesser-known parks that we love?
*Opinions of our travel experts on their most-loved parks.

So what do you think?  Do you have a favorite theme or amusement park? What do you think are the differences between the types of parks?  Let us know!  Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Episode 10 – Alaska: A Primer

This week we’re conquering Alaska – the 49th State!    We’ve seen lots of interest in visiting this gorgeous and remote area of the country.   From glaciers to history, wildlife to National Parks, this state has a lot to offer.   Listen to our latest episode and we’ll fill you in on what there is to see and the best ways to see it.  Topics include:
  • When should you plan to visit Alaska?  What are the average temps year round?
  • Cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay
  • Visiting with the Iditarod Dog Sled tours
  • What is there to do in Anchorage?
  • History & Culture from the Gold Rush to Frontier Living
  • Why you should take the time for a Cruise Tour
  • Have you ever wanted to stand on a glacier?
  • Food & Craft Beer scene in Alaska
  • Moose Dropping Festival – what could be better?
  • Is there something for everyone?  What age groups are best?

 

So what do you think?  Have you ever visited Alaska or have you wanted to?  Let us know!  Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Episode 9: Why Use a Travel Agent?

This week we’re attempting to answer a question that has been asked of each of us since we’ve taken on our current job – “Why should I use a travel agent?” When online agencies first appeared on the scene, agents who had been in the business had to restructure their whole business plan. You see less of the traditional “brick and mortar” type stores, and more agents who have adapted to the internet age. No, we are not extinct! In fact, many people are turning back to agents to help with their travel planning. Listen to our latest episode and we’ll tell you some of the trends we’re seeing. Topics include:

  • Are the deals you find on the internet too good to be true? Read the fine print!
  • Best value vs. best price
  • How agents are paid
  • Your vacation is an investment!
  • How our networking with other agencies and suppliers benefits you
  • Make the most of scarce vacation time
  • Who do you call when things go wrong?
  • We’re referral based! We want you to call us again – and pass our number on to your friends and family!

So what do you think? Have you used an agent? Love to do the research yourself? Let us know! Please leave us a comment below or email any of us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Episode 8 – Sandals Resorts of Jamaica

The popularity of an All-Inclusive vacation is at a high right now.  With everything from destination weddings, honeymoons, and family trips where everything is taken care of before you travel, these are a great option for people who love to relax on the beach or try something new like snorkeling or stand up paddleboard, or even golf, scuba, or sailing.  Recently several members of the Outlander team had the opportunity to visit one of the most well-known all-inclusive resort brands – Sandals and Beaches!  In this weeks episode we discuss all of their different options in their flagship country of Jamaica. Topics include:

* What are the differences in the Sandals resorts?
* Where do you go for the best beach?
* How long does it take to get to the resorts from the Montego Bay airport?
* What are the Beaches resorts like for families?
* On a budget?  Try Grand Pineapple!
* Where can you see both the sunrise and sunset?
* What is included in your All Inclusive vacation?
* The Sandals Foundation
* Where can you take a Dragon Boat to a private island?
* Why Sandals is the perfect foodie vacation
* Who are you allowed/supposed to tip?
* Different nightly themed parties
*Should you upgrade to Club or Butler level?

Have you been to one of the Sandals Resorts in Jamaica?  What did you think of it?  Let us know!  Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

Episode 7: Europe

Traveling to Europe can definitely take you outside of your comfort zone.  Sure, it’s easy to navigate and see a lot of countries in a short period of time, but it can also be intimidating because of things like currency exchanges and language barriers.  How do you begin to plan?  This week we’re discussing all things Europe!  Topics include:
  • What’s hot now – which European countries are selling the most?
  • What is the best “starter country” for traveling to Europe?
  • Managing the Rail system
  • How affordable is Europe?
  • What you should be looking for when booking your air to Europe
  • Trying the local cuisine – Did Andy’s son like the Black Pudding?
  • Benefits of an escorted tour and what are some of our favorites?
  • Cruising Europe
  • What you need to know – from currency, credit cards, cell phones, electrical outlets, etc.
Have you traveled to Europe?  Have a tip we forgot?  Let us know!  Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Episode 6 – Walt Disney World Resorts

Welcome to Episode 6 of Fly Away… A weekly podcast from Outlander Travel about the thing we love most… Travel! Each week, we will talk about different adventures and vacation options out there, some local, some more exotic. Join us as we chat about our own travels and those of our clients! Hopefully, our talks will help you dream, plan, and get out there!
This week we’re discussing the different types of Disney World resorts.  There is a lot of information out there, but Disney World is a big place and the planning can be overwhelming.  Hopefully we can help you narrow down your choice of accommodations and help you pick which one is right for you.  Topics include:

 

What is your favorite Disney World resort?  Is there one on your bucket list?  Do you visit resorts when you’re not staying at them?  We’d love to hear from you!  Please leave us a comment below or email any of us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Episode 5 – Caribbean Quandry

Welcome to Episode 5 of Fly Away… A weekly podcast from Outlander Travel about the thing we love most… Travel! Each week, we will talk about different adventures and vacation options out there, some local, some more exotic. Join us as we chat about our own travels and those of our clients! Hopefully, our talks will help you dream, plan, and get out there!

This week we talk to Aimee about her love of the Caribbean and get her recommendations.  Topics include:

  • All-Inclusive or Cruise?
  • Where are the best places to scuba dive or snorkel?
  • Where are the best beaches?  Which ones should you avoid?
  • What if you want to explore archaeological sites?
  • Exotic local cuisine
  • Best options for families
  • When to go for the best prices

What do you think?  Have you been to the Caribbean or do you want to go?  What was the weirdest food you ever sampled?  We’d love it if you’d comment below!  You can also reach us via email.  Hope to hear from you soon!

elizabeth@outlandertravel.com
sandy@outlandertravel.com
aimee@outlandertravel.com
andy@outlandertravel.com