Beyond the Brochure

Italy Beyond Rome: Hidden Gems, Regional Food & Must-Try Dishes Hi, I’m Katy, and welcome back to Beyond the Brochure ! When most people think about traveling to Italy, the first places that come to mind are often Rome, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast . And while those destinations absolutely have their place on an Italian itinerary, there is an entire country beyond the famous postcard...

Is Travel actually getting more expensive OR are we booking it all wrong?! Hi, I’m Katy, and welcome back to Beyond the Brochure ! We all love a good travel deal. But sometimes, in our effort to find the cheapest airfare, the least expensive hotel, or the lowest-cost way to get from one destination to another, we end up spending more than we saved. In Episode 14, we're talking about the hidden cos...

The Gift of Travel: Holiday Travel Planning, Christmas Vacation Ideas & Experiences Worth Giving Hi, I’m Katy, and welcome back to Beyond the Brochure! The holidays are approaching, and in this episode, we're talking about holiday travel, Christmas vacation planning, and a different way to think about holiday gift-giving: giving the gift of travel. Instead of buying another thing that may even...

Beyond the Brochure — Episode 12 Is Your Passport Enough to Travel? Think Again! Think your passport is all you need to travel internationally? Not necessarily! 🌎✈️ In Episode 12 of Beyond the Brochure , we’re talking about something every traveler needs to understand before they get to the airport or board that cruise ship: entry requirements. We’ll look at why having a valid passport doesn't al...

Beyond the Brochure — Episode 11 🇫🇷 France: There’s So Much More Than Paris When you think of France, does your mind immediately go to Paris, the Eiffel Tower, cafés and croissants? Of course, Paris deserves its place—but France is so much more than Paris! In this episode of Beyond the Brochure , we're continuing our country-focus series, inspired by a listener who asked us to take a deeper look a...

First Time in Europe? The Mistakes You DON'T Want to Make Planning your first trip to Europe is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many incredible places to see, things to do, trains to catch, foods to try, and decisions to make that it's easy to accidentally turn your dream vacation into a stressful one. In this episode of Beyond the Brochure , we're talking about some of the...

In this episode of Beyond the Brochure , we’re talking all things Disney! Whether you’re planning your first Disney vacation or you’ve been several times, there’s always something new to learn. Disney travel can be magical—but there’s a LOT that goes into planning the right experience. From choosing the right resort and understanding the different Disney destinations to navigating parks, dining, t...

Episode 8: Travel Scams: How to Avoid Vacation Scams, Fake Booking Sites & Travel Fraud Planning a vacation? Before you book your next trip, listen to this episode of Beyond the Brochure . Travel scams are on the rise, and knowing what to watch for could save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of stress. In this episode, we cover: The most common travel scams targeting today’s travelers Fake t...

Who is the perfect traveler for Beyond the Brochure ? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the people we love helping and why no two vacations are ever the same. From our very first honeymoon couples to retirees checking off lifelong bucket-list adventures, we’ve been honored to help travelers create unforgettable memories. We also dive into multigenerational family vacations, destin...

Beyond the Brochure – Episode 6 Flights: When to Book, When to Upgrade & How to Save Money Ever wondered if Tuesdays are really the best day to book flights? Or when it’s actually worth paying for an upgrade? In this episode, we’re breaking down the myths and sharing practical strategies to help you book smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and travel with more confidence. In This Episode: ✈️ When...

Episode 5: Comparing River Cruise Companies – The Highs, the Lows & Finding the Right Fit Thinking about a European river cruise but wondering which company is “the best”? The truth is, there isn’t one perfect answer. In this episode, I compare some of the most popular river cruise lines, sharing the strengths, differences, and a few of the trade-offs each offers. After recently sailing back-t...

Episode 4: Solo Travel Thinking about traveling solo? In this episode of Beyond the Brochure , we explore the rise of solo travel and why more people—especially women—are choosing to see the world on their own. You’ll learn practical safety tips, how to build confidence as a solo traveler, and ways to make meaningful connections along the journey. Whether you’re planning your first solo getaway or...

Episode 1: Why People Still Use Travel Agents In this first episode of Beyond the Brochure , we explore why travel agents are more relevant than ever in today’s world of online booking sites and endless travel information. You’ll learn how travel advisors save time, reduce stress, provide expert guidance, and help travelers avoid costly mistakes.

Episode 2: Travel Insurance — Big Mistake or Must-Have? Is travel insurance an unnecessary expense, or could skipping it be the most costly mistake of your trip? In this episode of Beyond the Brochure , we break down what travel insurance actually covers, common misconceptions, and real-world situations where it can save travelers thousands of dollars. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or...

Episode 3: How Much Should You Pack? Overpacking can leave you stressed, while underpacking can leave you unprepared. In this episode of Beyond the Brochure , we share practical packing tips for European vacations, theme parks, all-inclusive resorts, and cruises, including what to bring, what to leave at home, and the essentials that can make or break your trip. Whether you’re a carry-on-only trav...

Travel is about so much more than the highlights in a brochure. Hosted by travel advisor Katy Jones, Beyond the Brochure takes you behind the scenes of river cruises, European adventures, destination experiences, and the travel planning process itself. You’ll discover insider tips, honest advice, hidden gems, and real stories that help travelers move beyond the marketing and make confident travel...