The Travel Tidbits Podcast

Alaska is not a one-size-fits-all destination, and choosing the right cruise involves much more than finding a date and comparing prices. In this episode, Jamie is joined by fellow Pineapple Escapes Travel advisor and Alaska expert Samantha Harris. Fresh from their third annual Alaska training trip together, they share their firsthand experience sailing aboard Discovery Princess, their first Princ...

What exactly is Baha Mar? Is it one resort, three resorts, or an entire destination all on its own? In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie Weitl is joined by Pineapple Escapes Travel advisor Eva Pan to explore one of the Caribbean's most talked-about luxury resorts. Eva shares her firsthand experience staying at Baha Mar and breaks down the differences between Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, S...

Is the Walt Disney World Dining Plan worth it? If you've ever wondered whether it's a good value, how the dining credits work, or the best strategies for getting the most out of your meals, this episode is for you! Jamie Weitl, owner of Pineapple Escapes Travel, is joined by Disney vacation specialist April Spoerl to break down everything you need to know about the Walt Disney World Dining Plan. F...

What better way to celebrate graduating as high school Valedictorian than with an unforgettable adventure across South Korea and Japan? In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie Weitl is joined by her son, Bo, to share the story of his graduation trip aboard Celebrity Millennium. Together, they reflect on two incredible weeks exploring vibrant cities, rich history, amazing food, and unf...

After Hurricane Melissa impacted Jamaica in late 2025, many travelers wondered what recovery would look like for one of the Caribbean's most beloved destinations. In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie Weitl sits down with Emily Wise, Business Development Manager for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, to discuss how Jamaica has bounced back and why the island's future is brighter than ever...

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation and wondering if it really matters where you stay? The answer is yes… and in this episode, we’re breaking down why. Jamie is joined by Pineapple Escapes Travel advisor Katy Seiber, who is coming to us live from Walt Disney World, to talk all about the benefits of staying on Disney property. From the ease of transportation and that “Disney bubble” feeling, to e...

If you’ve ever thought Universal Orlando Resort was just for thrill rides or older kids, this episode might completely change your perspective. In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie is joined by Pineapple Escapes travel advisor Samantha Harris to break down everything you need to know about planning a Universal Orlando vacation—and why it’s becoming one of the most requested destina...

Thinking about a Disney Cruise? This might be the perfect time to book. In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie is joined by Pineapple Escapes Travel advisor Pankti Bhatia to break down an exciting Disney Cruise Line promotion offering 50% off cruise fare for the 3rd, 4th, and even 5th child on select sailings. But this episode goes beyond the deal. We’re diving into what truly makes...

In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie is joined by her husband, Mike, to recap their spring break sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. Traveling with three generations, including Jamie’s parents-in-law and their three teens, this episode dives into what it’s really like to cruise as a large, multi-age family. They share their overall impressions of the ship, what st...

What is it really like to explore Europe the way a travel advisor does? In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie is joined by Audra Monk to share a behind-the-scenes look at their recent two-week journey through the Netherlands and Germany. This was not just a vacation. It was a mix of education, exploration, and firsthand experience designed to better serve their clients. They start i...

Is TSA PreCheck really worth it? What’s the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck? Is CLEAR just an upsell? And how do airport lounges actually work? In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie Weitl is joined by Pineapple Escapes Travel advisor Pankti Bhatia to break down exactly how to make your airport experience smoother, faster, and even a little more luxurious. They cover...

Engagement season is in full swing, and with all those “yes” moments come big travel dreams. In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie is joined by Sue Kitsemble, Business Development Manager with Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALGV), to break down what it really takes to plan romance travel the right way. From engagement trips and bachelor or bachelorette getaways to destination weddin...

In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie Weitl is joined by Royal Caribbean Business Development Manager Maria Triantos to share firsthand insights from sailing onboard Wonder of the Seas and visiting the brand-new Royal Beach Club in Nassau. They break down what makes Oasis Class ships so impressive, why “sandals on the ground” experience matters for travel advisors, and how Royal Bea...

Jamie and her trio — Bo, Anna, and Clara — recap their holiday cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas out of San Juan, with stops in St. Croix, Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire. They share their favorite ports, best meals onboard, what surprised them most about cruising, and the full story of the unforgettable last night fiasco. 🍍Follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @pineappleescapestravel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on In...

In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, host Jamie Weitl, owner of Pineapple Escapes Travel, sits down with special guest and Pineapple Escapes agent Samantha Harris, fresh off her experience at the ALGV Diamond Elite Event in Punta Cana. Samantha represented the agency among top-performing advisors, attended exclusive ALGV meetings, previewed upcoming industry changes, toured brand-new res...

In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie is joined by travel advisors Alissa MacVey and Samantha Harris to recap their experience on the inaugural sailing of Celebrity Xcel. They break down first impressions, what’s included on board, and what makes The Retreat such a standout suite experience. You’ll hear their favorite moments from the sailing, from incredible dining to relaxing in t...

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel like a full-time job — from navigating Genie+ and Lightning Lanes to choosing resorts, dining, and park days. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, host Jamie Weitl, owner of Pineapple Escapes Travel, is joined by Disney specialists Casey and Katy, who recently returned from a Pineapple Escapes AEP (Age...

Think you know what an all-inclusive resort is? Think again! In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, host Jamie Weitl sits down with Emily Wise, Business Development Manager for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, to clear up some of the biggest misconceptions travelers have about these world-class Caribbean brands. From luxury inclusions like scuba diving, golf, and fine dining, to show-stopping...

In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, host Jamie Weitl chats with Mr. Deryk Meany, General Manager of the legendary Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica. Hear about his journey in hospitality, what makes Dunn’s River so iconic, and the unforgettable “wow moments” guests experience from the moment they arrive. From standout dining and hidden gems to weaving in Jamaican culture and excursions be...

There’s no place quite like New York City—especially when the holidays roll around. In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, host Jamie Weitl, owner of Pineapple Escapes Travel, is joined by Pineapple Escapes travel advisor Andrew Tarr, a true NYC expert. Together, they explore what makes the Big Apple magical year-round, from its diverse neighborhoods and world-class food scene to the elect...

Get ready to dream big! In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, host Jamie Weitl is joined by Pineapple Escapes travel expert Eva Pan to dive into the world of bucket list adventures. From trending destinations in 2025 to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Jamie and Eva share their insights on what makes a trip truly unforgettable. Eva opens up about her own favorite adventures and the dream t...

Join Jamie and her husband, Mike Weitl, as they recap their whirlwind trip to Aruba! In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie and Mike share their first impressions of Aruba, their insider look at the brand-new Secrets Baby Beach resort, and the highlights of exploring the island. From stunning beaches to Aruba’s laid-back vibe, you’ll hear both the traveler’s perspective and the trave...

In this episode, we dive into the excitement of Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas. From first impressions of the ship’s stunning design to highlights of the dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences, we’ll walk you through what makes this debut so special. Whether you’re curious about what sets Star of the Seas apart, planning your own sailing, or just dreaming of your next cruise,...

In this episode of the Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie is joined by fellow Pineapple Escapes agent Kathleen Chrystie for an inspiring conversation all about Viking Ocean Cruises. Whether you're new to cruising or looking for a more elevated experience, Viking offers a refined, culturally immersive, and adult-focused journey at sea—and Kathleen shares all the details from her recent sailing. Jamie an...

In this episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie Weitl sits down with Sue Kitsemble from ALG Vacations to talk about why ALGV and Pineapple Escapes Travel make the perfect partnership. From exclusive agent tools and robust training opportunities to unmatched resort offerings and group travel support, Sue shares how ALGV helps agencies like Pineapple Escapes grow and thrive. If you're a travel...