The Confident Traveler Podcast

Chuck is joined by two dinner companions who accompanied him to Walt Disney World to sample the Taste of the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot (2:08).  Then we give detailed reviews of The Boathouse restaurant at Disney Springs (24:55) and Olivia's Cafe at Disney's Old Key West resort (41:20).  Music provided by www.purple-planet.com

The whole team gathers to talk about current promotions (3:15) and the possibility of cruising (8:28) and travel to Europe (21:56) this summer, thanks to moves by the CDC and the European Union. Then we update a story about the battle in Florida over cruise ships visiting Key West (26:25). Finally, we get a detailed comparison from Heather, as she visited both Disney and Universal last month (35:2...

The team offers some great offers for group events being offered for cruises in 2022 (1:45). Then we analyze the Florida governor's press conference, Carnival Cruise Line's threat, and their possible effect on the CDC's timetable for a return to cruising (7:16). Finally, we look at the top 5 most-searched destinations for the summer of 2021 (19:16). Music provided by purple-planet.com

The team recaps our Virtual Cruise Night (1:46) and updates a two previous news stories (4:45). Then we get excited about cruising's return to the Caribbean (9:34) and try to decipher Senate testimony from the CDC (19:59). Then Kristin walks us through her adventures in Biscayne Nat'l Park (34:33). Music by www.purple-planet.com

The whole team gathers to talk about an amazing sailing experience (1:38), an interesting story about space tourism (4:45), and the possibility of some cruise lines using Cozumel as a homeport for Caribbean cruises (13:00).  Then we give you all the details about Chuck and Heather's experience at Universal Orlando Resort (23:14). Music provided by purple-planet.com

Where should you go on your next cruise?  In this episode, the the team unveils our Top 10 cruise itineraries that you should consider when making that decision.  Let us know if we've left out your favorite destination! Music provided by purple-planet.com

The team provides some silly Superbowl analysis (1:34), shares info about our upcoming Cruise Night (2:08), then discusses the prospects for Alaskan cruises this summer (10:43). Another cruise line has confirmed that it will require passengers to be vaccinated (20:10), and some countries have begun dropping quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers (29:21). The Kristin shares her most recen...

The team discusses the benefits of touring with a small group, and the importance of connecting with fellow travelers and the communities that you visit.  G Adventures tours are an example of responsible and sustainable tourism around the world.   Music provided by www.purple-planet.com

The team discusses an announcement for visitors to Hawaii who have received a Covid vaccination (2:25), changes to the rules for bring support animals on airplanes (9:48), and breaking news about Disney's Magical Express service (17:16).  The we share the things that we're most looking forward to when travel returns to normal (23:36). Music by www.purple-planet.com

The team looks forward to a couple group events (2:02) and gives an outlook for travel in 2021, including possible requirements for Covid vaccinations (10:03). Then we outline the new rules for Disney's re-implemention of park hopping at Walt Disney World (33:45) and wrap up the episode by having some fun at Chuck's expense! Music provided by www.purple-planet.com

The whole crew is back and spends some time catching up (1:28) before going over some great offers currently available (4:55) and following up on a news story about Sea Dream cruise line (9:15).  Then Kristin talks about a fun new adventure she's on (14:50) and tells us how Savannah, GA stole her heart (25:31) Music provided by www.purple-planet.com

Chuck is joined by two special guests to review their dining experiences at the Walt Disney World resort in November of 2020.  They start by talking about their visit to Epcot's Food and Wine Festival (1:49); then give detailed reviews of table-service restaurants Jaleo at Disney Springs (17:56), Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge (37:01), and The Wave at the Contemporary Resort (52:06).   Music provid...

In a rare solo show, Chuck talks about the CDC's decision to lift the No-Sail Order for cruises departing from US ports (1:40) and how the recent announcement of a viable Covid vaccine affects plans for cruise lines (13:46); the first Caribbean cruise to set sail since March (18:26); and results from 3 cruise-related referendums in Key West's recent election (24:08).  Finally, don't miss some grea...

The team gathers to talk about the week's news, including changes in Costa Rica's policy on Covid testing for US travelers (1:49), Covid testing now being offered at airports in the Northeastern US (8:59),  and good news from a Carnival Cruise ship off the coast of Florida (12:45).  The we discuss some of the advantages of cruising with a cruise line that offers smaller ships (17:10).  We finish u...

The whole gang is back together this week to talk about the Dominican Republic dropping its requirement for US visitors to have a negative COVID test before arrival in the country (1:50); some great news for US theme parks (17:50); and the Set Sail Safely bill that was introduced into the US Senate last week (27:00).  And then Chuck drops some inside info that gets the team excited (43:37).   Musi...

The crew tackles several news stories from the past week.  First, we try to come up with a plan to buy our own cruise ship (2:05).  Then we discuss the story of an African-American woman who was subjected to racial abuse during a flight, and Delta Air Lines' response to the incident (7:10).  We talk about a meeting between cruise line executives and Miami port commissioners (15:48).  And then we o...

The crew discusses some of the travel they've done recently within New England.  We talk about Covid testing, social distancing at the beach and more.  Heather talks about her hotel stays in Maine and New Hampshire (1:58) and Kristin shares about her stay at a vacation home in Vermont (20:02).  Then Chuck discusses his visit to the Walt Disney World Resort and how the parks are keeping guests safe...

Join us for a discussion about the current state of the travel industry, and some educated guesses about what lies ahead.  We talk about what cruising looks like now (2:05), what land destinations are available for US travelers (8:50), and what the future may look like for the cruise industry (29:43).  We wrap up with a surprise segment where the panel gives some advice to the host (36:08).     Th...

Join the whole team as we discuss the top items on our personal bucket lists.   Andrea talks about the island of Bali (1:59), Kristin shares her dream of visiting New Zealand (19:30), Chuck shares details about taking an African safari (32:58), and Heather opts for a spring visit to the Greek island of Santorini (45:45).

We're very pleased to have a special guest for this show. Disney writer Molly Elias joins the podcast to give us a first-hand report about what it was like to be at Disney Springs as it re-opened to guests.  We talk about dining, shopping, entertainment and more.

The team offers insights into some of their favorite vacations.  In Part 2 of the conversation, Kristin describes her adventures in Iceland and  Andrea shares her experiences on the island of St. Thomas.

The team offers insights into some of their favorite vacations.  In Part 1 of the conversation, Chuck talks about cruising the Mediterranean and Heather shares her experiences at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico.

The team discusses changes to Norwegian Cruise Line's cancellation policies, Bob Iger's resignation as Disney's CEO, and in honor of St. Patrick's day, we talk about travel to Ireland!

The team discusses the evacuation of US citizens from a quarantined cruise ship in Japan and plans for recovery after Australia's bush fires.  Then we get a first-hand report about river cruising with U by Uniworld.