Checked Bags and Big Tags

Are your favorite destinations being loved to death? Where in the world is it still blissfully peaceful? And what exactly is going on with passenger behavior up in the sky? Sean Mouttet of Gallivant Luxury Travel and Ilisa Oman of One World Family Travel get into all of it — no filter, no holding back. In this episode of Checked Bags & Big Tags: 🌍 OVER-TOURISM IS REAL — NOW WHAT? Barcelona. Santo...

What does "luxury" actually mean in 2026 — and is the old definition dead? Sean Mouttet of Gallivant Luxury Travel and Ilisa Oman of One World Family Travel get into it, and they don't hold back. In this episode of Checked Bags & Big Tags: LUXURY REDEFINED — Thread counts, marble lobbies, and white-glove service were the old standard. But today's high-end traveler is chasing something different: t...

In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Sean and Ilisa tackle one of the biggest travel headlines making waves right now: the recent Hantavirus concerns connected to expedition cruising. They break down what travelers actually need to know, why cruising remains an incredibly safe way to travel, and how simple health and safety precautions can help you stay well whether you're at sea, flying,...

Dreaming of Greece? 🇬🇷 This episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags is your inside look at an unforgettable way to experience it. Sean and Ilisa are joined by special guests Randy Epstein and Patty Builes of Celestyal Cruises to talk all about our exclusive Checked Bags and Big Tags Greece Cruise sailing May 29 – June 5, 2027 aboard the Celestyal Journey . We're diving into what truly sets Celestyal...

Travel is changing fast—and not always in ways travelers expect. In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , hosts Ilisa Oman and Sean Mouttet break down the new Entry/Exit System (EES) now in effect across the European Union , and what it means for non-EU travelers heading to Europe. From biometric screening to longer arrival times, this is a must-know update before your next international tri...

Travel is never static—and this week proves it. In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , hosts Ilisa Oman and Sean Mouttet break down the latest travel news impacting your next trip, including airline disruptions caused by global fuel shortages, exciting new cruise departures from Philadelphia, and how to confidently choose a qualified travel advisor who will protect your vacation investment...

Travel is booming again—but behind the scenes, there are still disruptions, policy changes, and unexpected challenges that travelers need to be prepared for. In this episode, hosts Ilisa Oman and Sean Mouttet break down what's happening in travel right now—and how you can protect your trip every step of the way. In this episode, we cover: -The latest TSA updates and what airport conditions look li...

Travel demand isn't slowing down—in fact, it's stronger than ever. In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , hosts Ilisa Oman and Sean Mouttet dive into why flights, cruises, and popular destinations are booking solid months in advance—even as travel prices continue to rise. What began as "revenge travel" after the pandemic has evolved into something bigger: lifestyle travel . Travelers are p...

As Checked Bags and Big Tags approaches its one-year anniversary, hosts Ilisa Oman and Sean Mouttet take a moment to reintroduce themselves, their businesses, and the mission behind the podcast: helping travelers navigate today's complex travel landscape with clarity and confidence. In this episode, they break down how the current conflict in the Middle East is affecting global travel — from airli...

Winter travel offers incredible experiences—but it also requires smarter planning than ever. In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , Ilisa and Sean explain why travel protection is essential for winter travel , especially as weather disruptions, airline schedule changes, and medical considerations become more common during colder months. They also break down what travelers should carefully...

Wave Season is officially here—and if you've ever thought about taking a cruise, this is the time to pay attention . In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , Sean and Ilisa break down what Wave Season really means, why it's the cruise industry's biggest sales period, and how to take advantage of the best promotions without getting overwhelmed by the fine print. Plus, we're making the case fo...

In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , Ilisa and Sean break down what's really driving the frustration travelers are feeling right now—and how to stay one step ahead. From overpriced hotel breakfasts and seat upgrades that don't deliver, to quiet airline rule changes and risky tight connections, they explain where travelers are losing money (often without realizing it). They also unpack ho...

Buckle up, travelers— we have things to say on this episode of  Checked Bags and Big Tags! Sean and Ilisa dive into the Administration's push for "civility" in the skies and breaks down why the real turbulence isn't unruly passengers—it's skyrocketing fares, endless fees, shrinking seats, and fading customer service. Then it's on to holiday travel sanity savers: smart planning tips, what to pack,...

In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , Ilisa and Sean bring listeners a vital update from Jamaica as the island rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa. With Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay slowly reopening and resorts preparing to welcome guests again, we'll explore what travelers can expect and how to help recovery efforts. Plus, we'll celebrate Anguilla's big win as the Caribbean...

In this powerful 25th episode of  Checked Bags and Big Tags , Sean and Ilisa take listeners to Jamaica in the aftermath of the recent hurricane that left much of the island reeling. We'll look at how resorts rose to the challenge to protect their guests, how travel advisors became lifelines for stranded travelers, and what this storm revealed about responsibility and respect in travel. We'll also...

From the concert halls of Vienna to the newest mega-ships making waves in Miami, this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags takes you from Europe's cultural heart to the cutting edge of cruising—and even up in the air. Ilisa shares stories from her recent trip to Vienna, where food, art, and music come together in unforgettable ways, before diving into exciting updates in the cruise world and some...

This week on Checked Bags and Big Tags , we're unpacking a world of travel change — from personal journeys to political shake-ups. First, we'll explore the growing popularity of solo travel and how Riviera River Cruises is launching a ship designed just for independent travelers. Then, we'll break down how the U.S. government shutdown could affect your travel plans, and what to expect from Europe'...

We're back!  After a couple weeks off,   Checked Bags and Big Tags is unpacking travel trends and hot topics shaping trips in 2026 and beyond. From the rise of slow travel (where the journey is just as important as the destination) to Barcelona's year-long celebration of Antoni Gaudí, we've got cultural moments you won't want to miss. We'll also break down the increasing costs of ETIAS and ETA fee...

Ever wondered what all those numbers, letters, and mysterious codes on your boarding pass actually mean? In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , we crack the code on your ticket, share the must-have travel gadgets that make jet-setting easier (and cooler), and spill the tea on the best times to book flights to snag those dream deals. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first ge...

  Think your bikini, sandals, or carefree beach vibe are harmless on holiday? Think again. Europe is cracking down with pricey new tourist rules—like $1,700 fines for wandering in swimwear and tickets for flip-flop driving that'll make you wish you packed sneakers. We'll break down the quirkiest penalties you could face abroad, reveal why the Greek island of Paros just snagged the #1 spot in the w...

In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , we're covering the travel news spectrum—from the eyebrow-raising new bond non-immigrant travelers may have to pay to enter the U.S., to why the neon glow of Las Vegas is dimming in the eyes of tourists. But it's not all gloom; we'll also explore the skyrocketing popularity of International Dark Sky destinations, where the stars—not the slot machines—s...

In this episode of  Checked Bags and Big Tags , we're unpacking the least glamorous—but totally necessary—stuff you really need to know before your next adventure. We're talking about Delta's eyebrow-raising new pricing strategy that has travelers scratching their heads (and wallets), the surprising decline in the power of the U.S. passport, and whether AI trip planning is your new travel BFF or a...

In this decidedly un-sexy but totally necessary episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags , Sean and Ilisa dig into the gritty side of travel—TSA, airlines, and the ever-evolving world of luggage. From the latest TSA security changes (hint: you'll like this) to airline baggage fee drama, they're unpacking the travel news that affects every flier. Plus, they share smart tips on how to dodge those annoyi...

Welcome to what we're calling The Fortune Cookie Episode — the one where Sean and Ilisa tossed the script, packed a carry-on full of random travel topics, and hit record. From newsworthy items to things people should NOT do while traveling, and up-and-coming destinations you probably haven't thought of, this episode is a delightful mishmash of travel tidbits, tangents, and surprises. Think of it l...

In this episode of  Checked Bags and Big Tags , we're diving into the world of luxury all-inclusives with a spotlight on Sandals and Beaches Resorts. We're joined by Savanna Riley, Business Development Manager for Sandals and Beaches, who shares why this iconic resort brand continues to set the standard in the Caribbean. From romantic getaways at Sandals to unforgettable family escapes at Beaches,...