Me and the Magic

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner explores the value of flexibility in travel planning, sharing personal experiences and expert tips on navigating unexpected changes. From work commitments and health issues to weather disruptions and global events, she outlines the potential risks that make travel flexibility increasingly important. Amanda breaks down the costs and benefits o...

In this warm and insightful episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes travel advisor Grace Korba to share her recent experiences and expert tips for visiting Disneyland Paris. Listeners hear about must-do attractions, dazzling shows, resort options, and practical advice for navigating the parks, whether solo or with a group. The episode also highlights recent and upcoming additions...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner explores the art of pre-trip rituals, both practical and personal, that help travelers get ready for adventures like her recent Disney cruise. She shares insights on everything from detailed itinerary planning and strategic packing to setting up home security, organizing travel documents, and prepping technology. Amanda also highlights sentim...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner shares her top Disney Cruise tips, drawing on her experience from eight previous sailings. She guides listeners through cruise planning, packing hacks, onboard dining, activities, stateroom organization, and shore excursion strategies. Listeners get practical advice for both first-timers and seasoned cruisers, including pro tips on booking, d...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes Grace Korba, travel advisor with MEI-Travel and show sponsor, to discuss Grace's firsthand experiences aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the Norwegian Luna. The conversation covers Luna's stunning design, innovative amenities, dining options, entertainment highlights, and unique features for solo travelers. Listeners also g...

Host Amanda Bauner welcomes Amanda Black, founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network. They dive into the power of community for women traveling solo, sharing inspiring stories of connection, safety, and empowerment. Amanda Black reveals how her own solo travel journey after personal loss led her to create a global support network for women. The episode also highlights the unique experiences offer...

In Episode 179 of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner dives into the reasons why women choose to travel solo. She shares personal experiences, explores survey data, and highlights the growing trend of learning-based and small group travel among women. Amanda discusses the empowerment, self-discovery, and freedom solo travel offers, debunks common misconceptions, and describes how solo journeys ca...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes Sarah Magnoni, founder of Cobblestones and Castles, for a deep dive into solo women's travel with a historical feminist twist. They discuss Sarah's unique small-group trips for women exploring Ireland, Scotland, England, and France, where history, literature, and women's empowerment intersect. The conversation touches on meaningful s...

In this heartfelt episode, host Amanda Bauner candidly shares her personal struggles amid political turmoil in the U.S. She discusses the impact of current events on her travel plans and explores why finding joy is especially important during challenging times. Amanda offers practical tips for cultivating joy in daily life and travel, emphasizing the value of community, resilience, and meaningful...

Amanda Bauner is joined by MEI-Travel's Grace Korba to unveil the details of the Me and the Magic 2027 group trip, a 7-night cruise from New York City to Bermuda aboard the Norwegian Luna. This promises to be a great cruise filled with fun and friends. Learn more about this exciting trip and booking details here .   Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community t...

Host Amanda Bauner reunites with guests to recap their festive weekend at Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. They share stories about travel to Eastern Tennessee, their different accommodations, favorite Dollywood rides, top-notch holiday shows, shopping finds, local activities, and, of course, the famous cinnamon bread. The group also reflects on building friendships throu...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes Disney expert Tim Foster to share and discuss their top 10 Walt Disney World attractions. Together, they explore what keeps them returning to favorites like Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, and more, including personal stories, repeatability, and the magic behind the details. Their conversation blends nostalgia, Dis...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner shares her ultimate road trip planning checklist, drawn from years of travel experience. She walks listeners through every stage of preparation for a road trip, including booking accommodations, vehicle maintenance, packing tips, and budgeting. This practical, detailed episode is perfect for anyone wanting to be "road trip ready." Download the Road Trip Ready Ch...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner explores famous filming locations around the world, from Hollywood and New York to London, Paris, and New Zealand. She shares her personal experiences visiting iconic sites and discusses how movies and TV shows like Stranger Things, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Ted Lasso have made these destinations special for fans.   Join the Me and...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner explores five common travel blind spots, especially for solo travelers. Amanda shares personal experiences and actionable strategies to transform these blind spots into opportunities for more ease, freedom, and joy. Amanda also shares an upcoming meet-up at Walt Disney World and upcoming group trips to Dollywood in November 2025 and a Seine r...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes Dollywood expert Katie Smith to dive into all things Dollywood and the surrounding eastern Tennessee area. They discuss the park's rich history, seasonal festivals like the Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas, must-do attractions, local food recommendations, money-saving tips, and nearby sights. Katie shares insider advice...

Essential Tips for Sailing to Alaska from Seattle: Must-Do Adventures, Navigating Ports, and Packing Tips Host Amanda Bauner is joined by Grace Korba, Angela Batista, and Tim Bigonia to share in-depth details about their recent group cruise to Alaska aboard the Celebrity Edge. They discuss the highlights of sailing out of Seattle and then traveling through Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria,...

In this special episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner leads a heartfelt, laughter-filled live recording aboard the Celebrity Edge on the group Alaska cruise in July 2025. Amanda and the group share highlights from their Alaska cruise, reflect on the magic of traveling with a group, and recount memorable excursions and moments at sea. The group discusses everything from scenic vistas and...

In this heartfelt episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes back Dawn Niebling to share her inspiring journey through breast cancer and how it shaped her most recent Walt Disney World trip with her family. Dawn offers practical tips for vacation planning and self-care during cancer treatment, highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced, and reflects on the healing power...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes life and leadership coach Angie Robinson to discuss the importance of cultivating a vacation mindset. Together, they explore how setting intentions before, during, and after a trip can make travel more meaningful and fulfilling. The conversation covers practical strategies for overcoming travel stress, embracing spontaneity, and ensu...

In this episode, learn essential tips and empowering advice for planning and enjoying a solo road trip. Covering everything from creating flexible itineraries and staying safe to budgeting, healthy habits, and embracing alone time, host Amanda Bauner provides practical examples and personal insights to help listeners gain confidence and make their solo journeys both memorable and transformative. J...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner kicks off a summer road trip series by sharing why summer is the perfect time to hit the road. She offers practical tips on budgeting, planning, and making the most of a summer road trip, including apps to use, ways to save money, and must-pack essentials. Amanda also highlights fun ideas like curating the perfect playlist, taking scenic deto...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner shares her detailed solo adventure aboard the Disney Dream cruise. She discusses her pre-cruise stay in Fort Lauderdale, her smooth embarkation process—including a last-minute concierge upgrade—and dives into shipboard experiences, from spa relaxation to dining at Palo. Amanda reviews exclusive concierge perks, onboard activities, Castaway Cay, while offering pr...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner dives into the pros and cons of booking a last-minute Disney cruise. With her upcoming trip on the Disney Dream, she shares insights on flexibility, potential cost savings, and the excitement of spontaneous travel. Amanda also discusses challenges such as limited stateroom availability and sold-out onboard activities. Amanda's personal experiences and tips provi...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores the joy of weekend getaways with friends. The episode highlights various destinations across North America, from the charming streets of Savannah to the stunning landscapes of Sedona and Banff. Amanda also shares creative activity ideas, such as spa weekends, volunteer trips, and themed movie nights. With an emphasis on connection and creating lasting m...