All Things Travel Podcast

Sharing a bathroom with your significant other for a week straight hits different by day four — which is exactly why bringing friends along can make a trip better, not more complicated. This week, Ryan and Julie break down why traveling with other couples or friends works so well, and how to plan one without it turning into a scheduling headache. Why It Works Built-in companionship and inside joke...

"Disney is so expensive" is one of the most common reactions travel advisors hear — but is it actually true once you compare it to the alternatives? This week, Ryan and Julie run the real numbers on a Disney trip versus a cruise and an all-inclusive resort, for the exact same family of four. What Actually Drives Disney Pricing Resort level is the biggest lever — value resorts run $150–25...

A Different Way to Think About Hawaii Hawaii is already on most people's bucket list — but the default plan of flying in, picking one island, and paying resort prices for a week leaves a lot on the table. Ryan and Julie make the case for cruising as a smarter alternative: multiple islands in one trip, no inter-island flights to juggle, and the cost of dining, drinks, and accommodations built...

 Country Most Americans Have Only Seen From a Swim-Up Bar The majority of US travelers who visit Mexico never leave the resort — and Ryan includes himself in that confession. But Mexico is one of the world's great cultural destinations: 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a food culture so significant it holds its own UNESCO designation, over 150 museums in Mexico City alone, and thousands of yea...

From Vowing Never Again to Going Back in August Last summer, Julie endured a Walt Disney World trip in July and declared she would never do summer Disney again. This August, she went back — this time with a plan, a one-bedroom villa at the Riviera Resort, and a whole lot of personal fans. This episode is her honest debrief: what worked, what she'd skip, what new attractions are worth the trip...

More Than Most People Think Universal Orlando Resort has a reputation built almost entirely on Harry Potter and a handful of classic rides. But with four theme parks, 11 hotels, and a full entertainment district, it's become a destination in its own right — one that Ryan has done as a multi-day vacation more than once, with plenty to fill every day. This episode is all about what gets overloo...

A road trip isn't what you do when flying doesn't work out — done right, it's its own kind of vacation. This week, Ryan and Julie break down who road trips are actually best for, and the planning habits that separate a great one from a stressful one. Who Road Trips Are Best For Families with young kids (within 5-6 hours), travelers with flight anxiety, pet owners, and anyone who wan...

Tokyo DisneySea is routinely voted the best theme park in the world — and it's not even the most iconic Disney park internationally. This week, Ryan and Julie continue their international Disney series with Tokyo and Paris, two parks that couldn't be more different from each other. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Tokyo Disneyland was Disney's first international park, and it shows...

"I want to see Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Prague in 10 days" is one of the most common calls a travel advisor gets — and one of the fastest ways to turn a dream trip into an exhausting one. This week, Ryan and Julie break down which European countries actually pair well together, and why the right combination matters more than the longest list. Why Pairing Matters Not every c...

Not every Disney castle looks like Cinderella's — and two of the most underrated Disney parks in the world are sitting in Hong Kong and Shanghai, with rides, lands, and a castle you won't find anywhere else. If your Disney bucket list stops at Orlando and Anaheim, this episode is about to expand it. Hong Kong Disneyland This smaller, single-park destination is home to Mystic Manor — a tr...

From the National Parks to the Rails Picking up where last week left off, Ryan and his family leave Moab, Utah on the 4th of July — and board the Canyon Spirit for what he calls the crown jewel of the entire trip. If you've ever seen those glass-domed luxury trains in a magazine or travel commercial and wondered what it's actually like, this episode answers that question in detail. What...

A Trip Born from a Train Obsession (and Family History) Ryan has had his eye on the Rocky Mountaineer since 2018, when he first heard about their Canadian Rockies routes at a travel conference. Add in a grandfather who was a train engineer between South Bend and Chicago, and a new Canyon Spirit line running from Salt Lake City to Denver — it was only a matter of time. About a year ago, Ryan brough...

Every Client Asks. Here's What We Actually Say. Whether it's a first-time Disney family, a couple planning a honeymoon, or someone who's never considered a cruise, Ryan and Julie hear the same core questions over and over. This week, they decided to just answer them — all at once, on the podcast. No sales pitch, no runaround. Just the real answers they give clients every day, includ...

What Does a Cruise Day Actually Look Like? Before diving into who cruising is for, Ryan and Julie walk through what a cruise experience actually looks like — from boarding day and the muster drill to the flexibility of breakfast options, onboard activities, port days, and evening entertainment. The big takeaway: you can be as busy or as relaxed as you want. Nobody is herding you anywhere. Who Is a...

Confessions of an Overpacker Ryan and Julie kick things off with a little self-roasting—yes, even travel advisors overpack. Julie admits to dragging a full suitcase, carry-on, AND a bag to a solo conference, and confesses she packs a swimsuit on trips with zero pools in sight. Ryan's guilty pleasure? A jacket for Florida "just in case." The Stuff You Pack But Never Touch The hosts r...

The Non-Negotiables for Every Theme Park Day Ryan and Julie kick off with the essentials that apply to everyone, regardless of age. Water (and a reusable bottle—skip the screw-top kind) is non-negotiable, along with easy-to-grab snacks that won't melt in the Florida heat. They also cover sun and weather protection: hats, sunglasses, cooling towels, sunscreen, and a poncho (disposable, in Juli...

Show Notes: River cruising has officially gone mainstream — and a recent US News & World Report ranking proves it. For the first time, they ranked river cruise lines based on expert and traveler ratings, industry awards, pricing, and itineraries. AmaWaterways took the top spot, followed by Uniworld Boutique and Viking River Cruises. Ryan and Julie dig into what makes river cruising so compelli...

In today's world, your smartphone can be your most powerful travel tool — if you have the right apps loaded up. Travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wander and Beyond Travel break down their go-to apps for every stage of your trip, from the planning phase all the way to clearing customs on your way home. Destination-Specific Apps Start with the app for wherever you're going. Disney's M...

All Things Travel – Tropical US Destinations: No Passport Required Ryan and Julie, co-owners of Wonder and Beyond Travel, share three stunning US destinations that deliver a true tropical experience — beaches, culture, and adventure — without the hassle of passports, visas, or customs. 🗺️ Ryan's Road Trip Opener Ryan kicks off the episode recapping a father-son road trip from Fort Wayne, Indi...

Not every Disney memory comes from the biggest ride or the longest Lightning Lane. Sometimes, the most magical moments happen in the places guests walk right past. This week on All Things Travel , Ryan and Julie are sharing their favorite underrated attractions, hidden gems, and overlooked experiences throughout Walt Disney World. From relaxing rides and interactive shows to hidden dining spots an...

Planning a vacation is exciting… but the fine print? Not so much. Unfortunately, those hidden details can be the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful travel disaster. In this episode of All Things Travel, Ryan and Julie break down the travel policies, rules, and booking details that travelers often overlook—and explain why understanding them can save you money, stress, and disappointme...

When most people think about cruising, they picture the Caribbean, Alaska, or the Mediterranean. But what if the journey itself became the destination? In this episode of All Things Travel , Ryan and Julie dive into the unique world of transatlantic cruising — those longer, slower-paced sailings that cross the Atlantic Ocean while offering the chance to truly settle into life at sea. They discuss...

For Harry Potter fans, Universal Orlando Resort isn’t just a theme park destination — it’s a chance to step directly into the Wizarding World. In this episode of All Things Travel , Ryan and Julie explore all three Harry Potter lands across Universal Orlando Resort, including Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and the newest addition at Epic Universe: the...

What if an all-inclusive vacation didn’t mean a crowded beach in Cancun? In this episode of All Things Travel , we’re rethinking what “all-inclusive” really looks like—and opening the door to experiences that go far beyond the expected. From a luxury dude ranch in Montana to a cozy, adults-focused retreat in Vermont… from skiing along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec to a once-in-a-lifetime beach-...

If you’ve ever dreamed about the ultimate American road trip, this might be it. In this episode of All Things Travel , Ryan and Julie break down an unforgettable journey through the Grand Circle —a scenic loop through the American Southwest that brings together some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. Think towering red rock canyons, winding scenic highways, and not one… but 10 nat...