Travel Inspired – Details, episodes & analysis

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167 - Join hosts Rob and Kerri Stuart—award-winning travel agents, agency owners, former TV hosts, and best-selling authors—as they uncover the world of small ship cruising and why savvy travelers are choosing intimate vessels over massive ocean liners. Drawing from their extensive industry expertise and firsthand travel experiences, Rob and Kerri explore the growing trend of boutique cruise experiences that offer access to hidden harbors, remote destinations, and authentic cultural encounters that larger ships simply can't reach.

In this episode of Travel Inspired, discover what makes small ship cruising so special—from personalized service and carefully curated itineraries to Instagram-worthy destinations off the beaten path. Whether you're dreaming of navigating the Croatian coastline, exploring the Galapagos Islands, or discovering secluded Greek islands, small ship cruising offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury that's transforming how travelers experience the world's most beautiful waterways.

In this episode, you'll discover: ✓ The key differences between small ship cruising and traditional ocean cruises ✓ Exclusive destinations and ports only accessible to smaller vessels ✓ What to expect onboard: amenities, dining experiences, and passenger capacity ✓ Top small ship cruise destinations around the world ✓ Insider tips for choosing the right small ship cruise for your travel style ✓ Budget considerations and best value cruise lines ✓ Sustainable travel benefits of smaller vessels

Perfect for adventure seekers, luxury travelers, and anyone looking for unique travel experiences beyond typical tourist attractions. Whether you're planning your next international vacation or simply seeking travel inspiration for future adventures, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of exploring the world's coastlines, rivers, and remote island destinations.

Subscribe to Travel Inspired for weekly episodes packed with expert travel tips, destination guides, and insider advice from industry professionals to help you plan unforgettable journeys around the globe.

Keywords naturally incorporated: small ship cruising, travel agents, travel experts, travel inspiration, travel tips, international travel, unique travel experiences, travel destinations, adventure travel, luxury travel, cruise tips, Instagram-worthy destinations, travel ideas, sustainable travel, boutique cruises, travel planning, vacation ideas

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166 - Discover the hottest travel trends shaping 2026 and beyond! Join travel agents and best selling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart as they reveal where savvy travelers are heading, from European river cruises to the Galapagos Islands.

In this episode, they share their personal 2025 travel highlights—including Alaska land tours, Montana dude ranches near Yellowstone, Danube river cruises, and Disney sailings—plus our exciting 2026 itinerary featuring Amsterdam, Portugal's Douro River, and more.

What You'll Learn:

• Why small ship experiences (200 guests or less) are exploding in popularity
• How solo travel is becoming easier with reduced single supplements
• The rise of wellness cruises focused on longevity and health
• Why experiential travel trumps traditional sightseeing
• Multi-generational and group travel opportunities
• Single-focus trip planning (building entire vacations around one unique experience)
• River cruise insider tips for Europe and Southeast Asia

Featured Destinations: ✈️ European river cruises (Danube, Rhine, Douro River Portugal) ✈️ Alaska cruise tours combining land and sea ✈️ Yellowstone & Montana dude ranch experiences
✈️ Galapagos Islands expedition cruising ✈️ Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna, Marseille ✈️ Antarctica small ship adventures

Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, solo adventure, or group trip with friends, this episode delivers actionable travel inspiration and expert tips from professional travel agents who practice what they preach.

Ready to travel inspired? Subscribe for weekly travel ideas, destination guides, cruise reviews, and insider travel planning tips. Let's collect passport stamps, not things!

Alternative Title Options:

• 2026 Travel Trends: Small Ships, Solo Adventures & Experiential Travel
• Where to Travel in 2026: Expert Predictions & Hidden Gem Destinations
• Travel Trends 2026: From River Cruises to Wellness Retreats

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157 - Discover Europe's most breathtaking waterways in this definitive guide to river cruising! Join hosts Rob & Kerri Stuart as they reveal their expert insights on the top 5 European rivers for unforgettable cruise experiences: The Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, and Rhône. Currently sailing the Danube themselves, the Stuarts share firsthand experiences from Budapest to Vienna and beyond on luxury vessels like AmaWaterways' AmaLea.

Learn why river cruising offers the perfect blend of convenience (unpack just once!) and immersion in Europe's most iconic destinations. From castle-lined shores and vineyard vistas to medieval towns and lavender fields, discover why each river offers its own unique charm. Whether you're drawn to the romance of Paris on the Seine, the wine regions of Portugal's Douro Valley, or the imperial cities along the Danube, this episode is your complete gateway to planning the European river cruise of your dreams.

Perfect for first-time cruisers or experienced travelers looking to elevate their European adventure with this increasingly popular travel style. Subscribe now for more international travel inspiration, destination guides, and insider tips from veteran travelers!

If we can help you plan your next adventure, please reach out at Creating Magic Vacations .com

#RiverCruise #EuropeanTravel #LuxuryTravel #TravelInspiration #TravelTips #DanubeRiver #RhineRiver #EuropeanDestinations #TravelPodcast #InstagrammableTravel

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066 - On this show, Rob and Kerri share a fun getaway where there is no passport required: the U.S. Virgin islands.  (Although we recommend you always travel with a passport when going outside the US). You will learn about the three different islands, the types of activities you can enjoy and the places to stay.

Plus, do you want to learn a new language? Rob and Kerri share the free app they are using to learn Italian. Check out the app here.  You can find us there under @DisneyRob and @DisneyKerri

For COVID entry requirements to the US Virgin Islands CLICK HERE

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine

Let's get back to the vacation!

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This show is sponsored by Creating Magic Vacations. For your domestic or international trip, let us help you plan a done for you vacation. Reach out to Rob and Kerri here or the Creating Magic Vacations agent who shared this show with you.

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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065 - Ciao our travel friends. On this show, Rob and Kerri share a great 3-4 night getaway destination at one of their favorite spots to visit, Florence Italy. Also referred to as Firenze if you speak Italian. You will discover the types of experiences you can enjoy right in the heart of the very walkable city. This includes the famous Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's marble statue of David, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens and so much more. And of course, the great food unique to this area including the crazy sized Florentine Steak. Plus, they share a few tips and ideas on the type of hotel to consider. 

Ciao Ciao and Happy New Year. 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine

Let's get back to the vacation!

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This show is sponsored by Creating Magic Vacations. For your domestic or international trip, let us help you plan a done for you vacation. Reach out to Rob and Kerri here or the Creating Magic Vacations agent who shared this show with you.

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Send a text

064 - On this show Rob and Kerri share the travel trends they are seeing for 2021. You will learn about when they expect cruising to restart and things to know before you book your that trip. They discuss why all-inclusive resorts will continue to be popular and how some of the group trips will look different in 2021.

Plus, learn about an app that can save you money on your gas and help you earn a little extra cash.  The app is GET UPSIDE, please use our referral code A67ZE when registering.

 DOWNLOAD COVID 19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS - for Caribbean Islands

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine

Let's get back to the vacation!

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This show is sponsored by Creating Magic Vacations. For your domestic or international trip, let us help you plan a done for you vacation. Reach out to Rob and Kerri here or the Creating Magic Vacations agent who shared this show with you.

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Send a text

063 - Do you have a favorite travel souvenir from a past trip? What do you remember when you see it each time? Travel souvenirs are a great way to relive the memories from a great vacation. On this show, Rob and Kerri share some ideas on travel souvenirs for every budget. You will learn about a fun free souvenir for beach vacation. Some that are light and easy to bring back home. Or if you are into more high end souvenirs, learn some tips to make sure you are getting a good deal. Plus one of their favorite souvenirs to enjoy during the holiday season.

They also have a new free tool for you. If you plan to visit any of the Caribbean Islands or some of the popular locations in Mexico or Belize, download a free list of these locations that includes links to help you have the latest list of requirements to enter the country under their current COVID-19 regulations. DOWNLOAD HERE

What are some of your favorite souvenirs or do you have any souvenir traditions? Please head on over to our instagram or facebook and share them with us. 

Of course the best souvenirs are the memories you make on vacation so we hope you continue to travel. 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine

Remember, it's never too late to start exploring.

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This show is sponsored by Creating Magic Vacations. For your domestic or international trip, let us help you plan a done for you vacation. Reach out to Rob and Kerri here or the Creating Magic Vacations agent who shared this show with you.

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Send a text

062 - Would you like to save money on your next trip? On this show Rob and Kerri share their pro tips when it comes to luggage and packing. They will share the luggage they personally use that has saved them lots of money over the years because of its warranty. They have a new "personal size" backpack they have tested a couple times. And a packing cube that also has compression technology  to help you save space in your luggage. 

And the toiletry bag that has become a game changer. Plus, learn a little more about TSA Pre Check and why this may be perfect for you. 

SHOW LINKS:

• eBags Motherload Junior
• eBags Classic Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit 
• Gonex Extensible Storage Mesh Bags Organizers

And if ourselves or one of our Creating Magic Vacations Travel Agents can help you plan your trip or help you with an annual travel insurance policy, please reach out. Link below.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine

Remember, it's never too late to start exploring.

-----------------------------------
This show is sponsored by Creating Magic Vacations. For your domestic or international trip, let us help you plan a done for you vacation. Reach out to Rob and Kerri here or the Creating Magic Vacations agent who shared this show with you.

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Send a text

061 - On this show, Rob and Kerri introduce you to Club Med Cancun. This resort is located about 20 minutes from the Cancun airport in a very unique and also spread out spot. You will learn about who this resort is for, discover the types of activities you can enjoy, what makes this location in Cancun unique and most of all the number one reason Club Med may be perfect for your family. For activities we're talking water skiing, sailing, trapeze, archery and more. They have a great kids club, evening entertainment in addition to adults only areas to chill. If you have had to reschedule cruise vacations or are looking for an active family or adults all-inclusive resort, you will enjoy learning why this resort may be the perfect fit. 

Plus, do you travel multiple times throughout the year? Rob and Kerri also share the option to get an annual travel policy. This policy can actually save you money if you do more than one trip per year for you and your family.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as we will be sharing some photo and video highlights from Club Med Cancun all week. 

And if ourselves or one of our Creating Magic Vacations Travel Agents can help you plan your trip or help you with an annual travel insurance policy, please reach out. Link below.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine

Remember, it's never too late to start exploring.

-----------------------------------
This show is sponsored by Creating Magic Vacations. For your domestic or international trip, let us help you plan a done for you vacation. Reach out to Rob and Kerri here or the Creating Magic Vacations agent who shared this show with you.

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Send a text

060 - If you love history and you love travel, this is the episode for you.  Join Rob and Kerri on this episode as they share the Top 10 of the World's Most Historic Travel Vacation Spots. The destinations include the following (in no particular order):

• Yucatan Penisula, Mexico
• Athen, Greece
• Petra, Jordan
• Rome, Italy
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Great Wall of China - Beijing, China
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Budapest, Hungary
• Taj Mahal - Agra, India
• Cairo, Egypt

With so many options and great historical sites to travel to in the world, Rob and Kerri share one of their pro tips as it relates to get a travel guide or not.

If we can help you with your historical trip, please reach out via links below. 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine

Remember, it's never too late to start exploring.

-----------------------------------
This show is sponsored by Creating Magic Vacations. For your domestic or international trip, let us help you plan a done for you vacation. Reach out to Rob and Kerri here or the Creating Magic Vacations agent who shared this show with you.

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.