One Slice at a Time

In this episode of One Slice at a Time , Stephanie and Ryan play Would You Rather: Travel Edition — tackling the travel choices that actually shape your trip. Nonstop flights or cheaper connections?  Ship first or itinerary first?  Location over price?  Rides or energy at Disney? These aren’t hypothetical questions. They’re decisions real travel advisors help clients make every day. Expect honest...

It’s Ryan’s birthday, so this episode is all about his favorite things in travel. From cruises and Disney parks to African safaris, island getaways, and river cruising, Ryan shares the trips he loves, the experiences he recommends, and what actually makes a vacation worth planning. No debates. No arguing. Just real opinions from a travel advisor who’s done the trips and knows what works. If any of...

Disney World’s holiday parties are some of the most popular add-ons of the year — and also some of the most confusing. In this episode of One Slice at a Time , we walk through the three major Disney World holiday parties: • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party • Jollywood Nights We break down the vibe, entertainment, characters, ride overlays, snacks, and pri...

2026 travel is shaping up to look very different — and not just where people go, but how they experience it. In Part 2 of our 2026 Travel Trends series, Ryan and Stephanie break down what travelers are already asking for and what’s coming next, including: Why luxury expedition travel is exploding (think Antarctica, Galapagos, and African safaris — without giving up comfort) The rise of small ships...

Disney World or Disneyland — East Coast or West Coast? In this episode of One Slice at a Time , travel agents Ryan and Stephanie finally tackle the debate that never dies: Disney World vs Disneyland . We compare: Park size vs walkability Ride differences and exclusives Snacks vs sit-down dining Hotels, price ranges, and convenience Lightning Lane vs Premier Pass Halloween and Christmas events The...

Ryan returns from an Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition loaded with penguins, glaciers, wildlife, weather drama, and an unexpected act of kindness from a crew member. Stephanie digs into every detail — from Buenos Aires to the Falkland Islands to the Chilean fjords. This week, Stephanie and Ryan break down Ryan’s full expedition with Atlas Ocean Voyages — and the stories are unreal. You’ll hear about:...

Travel is changing again as we head into 2026, and the shift is clear from what our clients are booking right now. This episode looks at the five biggest trends shaping the new year — the trips people want, the trips people are planning years ahead, and the way travelers are thinking about time, money, and meaning. 1. Bigger Trips Are In Clients are planning the kind of trips they used to save for...

This week we break down Ireland with simple tips you can trust. From the Ring of Kerry route to the Cliffs, Galway, Cork, and Dublin, we talk through the stops that matter and the ones you can skip. You’ll hear stories, tips, and Meltvin’s usual nonsense.  If Ireland is on your list, start here. Show Notes: Why starting in Dublin and driving west works best The Ring of Kerry rule most folks don’t...

A real talk episode on dream trips, Disney favorites, and the places that didn’t deliver.  Stephanie and Ryan are sorting travel into three buckets:  • Once was enough  • Always on the calendar  • Not worth a repeat There’s real talk about Tahiti, Belize, Disney Cruise Line, Disney World, Punta Cana, and even a ski-trip confession. Plus, an eight-out-of-eight pizza spot in Dublin that you’ll want...

This episode is all about weekend travel that actually feels worth it. Stephanie and Ryan break down destinations that are simple, fun, and easy to pull off in 3–4 days: Montreal, Charleston, and San Diego. They also talk about how to do Disneyland or Disney World without a full week, the ease of weekend cruises (Disney Wish, Utopia of the Seas, Celebrity), and a couple's escape at Sandals Ro...

Meltvin’s back with a slice of holiday cheer! 🍕 Stephanie and Ryan share three unforgettable trips you can wrap up this Christmas — from twinkling European markets to Disney magic at sea to all-inclusive Caribbean bliss. Plus, Ryan serves up a Crusty Review of Giordano’s deep dish, and Stephanie drops ideas for surprise trip reveals (think scavenger hunts and Mickey ears).  🎅 Subscribe and join...

This week, we talk about four river cruises that offer strong local culture and a slower, more meaningful pace. We get into what makes each river unique, how the onboard experience feels, and what kinds of travelers tend to love each one. • Mekong — warm, colorful, daily life along the water  • Nile — living history meets careful planning  • Magdalena — music, flavor, and energy  • Columbia &...

In this frosty slice of One Slice at a Time , Stephanie and Ryan debate the best way to experience Iceland. From puffin spotting and glacial rivers to black sand beaches and hot springs, they break down both styles—cruise versus road trip—so you can pick your perfect Iceland adventure. 🍕 Crusty Review: Pizza in Reykjavik—spoiler, the sign said “the worst pizza you’ll ever have.” Mentioned This Ep...

  Bad travel advice is everywhere — and Stephanie and Ryan have heard it all. In this episode, they break down the most common myths that travelers keep repeating, from “just wing it” to “skip the tour guide.” Find out which tips to ignore, which to keep, and how to plan a trip that’s extra cheese, not extra stress. 🎙 Hosted by: Stephanie Pakosta & Ryan Joy  📰 Newsletter: ExtraCheese.fun  🍕...

Stephanie and Ryan dive into what it really means to travel like a Disney adult—without the clichés. From Adventures by Disney’s exclusive adult itineraries in Europe and Japan to VIP park tours, hidden gems, and upscale dining at Disney resorts, this episode is packed with ways to experience Disney at a higher level. 🍷 Adult-only itineraries  🎭 Behind-the-scenes tours  🍽️ Upscale dining and lou...

From vows to vacation — why a Sandals destination wedding might be the smartest (and most delicious) choice you’ll ever make. Weddings at home are expensive, stressful, and often over before you can even taste the cake. In this slice, Stephanie and Ryan share how Sandals and Beaches Resorts flip the script by combining your wedding, honeymoon, and a family vacation into one unforgettable Caribbean...

Howdy, Pizza Pals! 🍕 This week, Stephanie and Ryan sail north to explore Alaska’s one-of-a-kind cruise season. From bald eagles and humpback whales to glacier-view breakfasts and bucket-list excursions, this episode is packed with tips you won’t want to miss. You’ll hear about: Which cruise lines shine in Alaska (Princess, Celebrity, Disney, Royal Caribbean, small-ships too) The excursions that a...

This week, Stephanie and Ryan are serving up their hottest travel hacks to make your next trip smooth from start to finish. From TSA PreCheck to Ziploc bag outfit hacks, grocery delivery, private transfers, travel insurance, discounted gift cards, and more—you’ll get 10 tips that will save time, money, and stress. 🍕 Plus, Meltvin drops in with his usual slice of fun, and Ryan tackles airport pizz...

Episode Summary: This week, Stephanie and Ryan explore how cruises can become one of the most unique and impactful ways to raise funds for your favorite cause. From short sailings that make it easy for supporters to join, to real strategies for maximizing donations, this episode is full of ideas for nonprofits and community groups. You’ll also hear about Folds of Honor , a nonprofit providing scho...

Did you miss the window for planning spring break? Think again. 🍕 Stephanie and Ryan are dishing out last-minute trips that are not only possible—but surprisingly doable. From luxury catamarans in the Caribbean to Disneyland Paris, Spanish getaways, ranch retreats, and even Sandals escapes, we’ll show you how to upgrade that empty calendar week into a trip you’ll actually brag about. 👉 Family-fr...

It’s the Holidays-Disney Style! From Very Merrytime Cruises to Main Street snowfall and gingerbread resorts, Stephanie and Ryan share insider tips for making your Disney holiday magical. Meltvin drops in with some festive fun and a plug for your next trip, and Ryan serves up a Crusty Review you won’t want to miss. Share, like, subscribe, and review—we love hearing from you! bookings@oneslicepod.co...

This week on One Slice at a Time , Stephanie and Ryan share the perfect “before and after” to a South African safari: vibrant Cape Town and the ultra-relaxing Sala Beach House in Durban. You’ll hear about: VIP airport welcomes from Live Life African Safari Getaways Exploring Table Mountain and meeting “rock rabbits” Touring South African wine country and discovering Pinotage Visiting penguins at B...

In this episode of One Slice at a Time , Ryan shares what it’s really like to go on safari in South Africa—starting in foodie hotspot Cape Town, heading into Kruger National Park for wildlife adventures, and wrapping up with beachfront luxury in Durban. You’ll hear stories about up-close animal encounters, the wild dog hunt he’ll never forget, and a pizza review that might make you cry-laugh. Plus...

Is Disney Cruise concierge just a fancy upgrade—or a total game-changer? Stephanie shares her full concierge experience, from early booking perks to private sun decks, upgraded staterooms, and cappuccinos that arrive with your name on them. Ryan stays skeptical but intrigued, especially once he hears about the free popcorn and exclusive merch. We’ll break down the perks, pricing, and pro tips to h...

Stephanie interviews Ryan about his upcoming Antarctica group cruise aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator . From parka logistics to penguin sightings, we cover everything you need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime adventure—including how it’s more accessible than you think. You’ll also hear: What it’s really like crossing the Drake Passage Why this cruise is perfect for bucket list trav...