In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie continue their discussion of Ryan's recent river cruise experience with AmaWaterways on the Romantic Danube itinerary. After covering the pre-cruise stay and initial impressions in the previous episode, they dive deeper into the dining experience, daily excursions, and how the cruise line handles unexpected situations.

Dining Experience on AmaWaterways

• Breakfast: Combination of menu items (omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes) and buffet options including English breakfast and pastries
• Lunch: Menu-based with regionally-inspired options, including sandwiches, soups, and hot main dishes
• Dinner: Full menu service with regionally-based cuisine reflecting the sailing locations
• Chef's Table: Complimentary specialty dining experience in a separate venue with a chef preparing meals in front of guests
• Unlimited beer and wine included with lunch and dinner
• Late night snacks available in the lounge around 10 PM
• Flexible dining options for various preferences, with "always available" menu items like steak, chicken, and salmon

Itinerary and Port Highlights

• Technical issues required modifications to the schedule, with AmaWaterways providing bus transportation to destinations
• Wachau Valley: Though initially missed due to ship issues, the cruise was rerouted to allow passengers to sail through this beautiful Austrian valley
• Dürnstein, Austria: Known for apricots, offering tastings of various apricot products
• Melk Abbey: A gorgeous architectural complex with monks still in residence
• Vienna, Austria: Ryan toured the vibrant city on Palm Sunday
• Bratislava, Slovakia: Surprisingly Ryan's favorite stop, offering the perfect blend of small village charm and modern city amenities
  • Walking tour through the old town
  • Beer garden with Slovakian beer tastings
  • Local pastries and ice cream (including fig flavor)
  • Shopping opportunities at both traditional shops and modern malls
• Budapest, Hungary: Sailing into Budapest and seeing the Parliament building along the Danube
  • Tours of both Buda (old town, castle area) and Pest sides
  • Visit to the Jewish memorial shoes along the Danube
  • Easter market with food, music, decorations, and gifts

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional level of service throughout the cruise
• Variety of experiences available even with similar excursion types
• River cruising allows

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Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they discuss Ryan's recent river cruise experience on AmaWaterways' Romantic Danube itinerary. In this episode, Ryan shares the first part of his journey, including his pre-cruise adventures in Munich, Germany, and his initial experiences aboard the ship.

Episode Highlights:

• Ryan participated in AmaWaterways' "Seminar on the River" program, combining a typical river cruise experience with special training sessions for travel advisors
• The cruise sailed from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary on a 7-night journey
• Ryan discusses his pre-cruise stay in Munich, including hotel selection strategies and a food and beer walking tour
• Detailed insights about logistical considerations: currency exchange, phone service, language barriers, and jet lag management
• Transportation from Munich to the embarkation point in Vilshofen via train
• The welcoming experience on the ship, including a special Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the town of Vilshofen
• Port visits to Passau, Germany and Linz, Austria, with excursion options including Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic
• Discussion of AmaWaterways' included excursions and how they're organized into different activity levels (gentle, regular, and active)
• Ryan's experience traveling solo and how river cruising naturally facilitates making connections with other travelers

AmaWaterways River Cruise Insights:

• Excursions are included in the cruise fare (with one exception in Vienna)
• Options to book pre/post cruise extensions in destinations like Prague
• The logistics of booking air through the cruise line and transfer considerations
• How excursions are organized into small groups for a more intimate experience
• Why river cruising works well for solo travelers

Stay tuned for the next episode where Ryan will continue sharing his Danube River cruise experience, including shipboard life, dining, and more port adventures!

Whether you're considering a river cruise or just curious about European travel, this episode offers valuable insights about planning, logistics, and making the most of your adventure.

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In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie break down the complexities of Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) at Walt Disney World, offering expert advice for travelers planning their magical dining experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Advanced Dining Reservations can be made 60 days before your check-in date
• On-site resort guests can book dining for entire trip; off-site guests book one day at a time
• Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
• Some popular restaurants book up quickly and require strategic planning

When and How to Make Reservations

• Timing: 60 days before check-in date
• Time: Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
• Pro Tip: Log in to My Disney Experience app by 5:50 AM
• Recommended Strategy: Book most sought-after restaurants towards the end of your trip

Reservation Tips for Large Groups

• For parties larger than 6 people, split reservations into two groups
• Use separate My Disney Experience logins
• Try to book tables around the same time
• Restaurants are usually accommodating about seating groups together

Disney Dining Plan Options

Two primary dining plan tiers:

1. Quick Service Plan
   • One quick service meal credit per night
   • One snack credit per night
   • Refillable resort mug
2. Table Service Dining Plan
   • One table service credit
   • One quick service credit
   • One snack credit
   • Refillable resort mug

Dining Plan Highlights

• Credits are per night of stay, not per day
• Some character meals may require two credits
• Alcohol and specialty drinks included
• Gratuity not included
• Children under 3 eat free

Recommended Restaurants by Park

Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella's Royal Table (for princess fans)
• Liberty Tree Tavern (family-style comfort food)
• Skipper Canteen (unique theming)

Epcot

• Via Napoli (excellent wood-fired pizza)
• Space 220 (unique dining experience)

Hollywood Studios

• Roundup Rodeo Barbecue (Toy Story themed)
• Hollywood Brown Derby (signature dining)

Animal Kingdom

• Tusker House (character dining)
• Yak and Yeti (diverse menu options)

Pro Tips

• Link resort reservations and tickets to My Disney Experience
• Have a credit card ready to guarantee reserv

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In this exciting episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie explore three extraordinary around-the-world vacation options that promise unforgettable global adventures. They dive deep into unique travel experiences that allow travelers to explore multiple countries and continents in a single epic journey.

Featured World Travel Experiences

1. Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise

• Duration: 274 nights (broken into 4 segments of approximately 60 nights each)
• Highlights:
  • Visits 60+ countries
  • Explores 8 world wonders
  • Segments include:
    • Ultimate Americas (Dec 10 - Feb 11)
    • Ultimate Asia Pacific (Feb 11 - May 9)
    • Ultimate Africa and Southern Europe (May 9 - July 10)
    • Ultimate Europe and Beyond (July 10 - Sept 10)
• Unique Stops: Machu Picchu, Antarctica, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and more

2. Uniworld Rivers of the World Cruise

• Duration: 50-night river cruise
• Anniversary Special: Celebrating Uniworld's 50th year
• Route: Belgium to Jordan
• Unique Features:
  • 5 distinct cruise segments
  • Includes a mystery 7-night cruise
  • Combination of river cruising and flights
• Destinations: France, Egypt, Jordan, with stops in Paris, Normandy, Cairo, and more

3. Adventures by Disney Private Jet Adventure

• Duration: 24 days, 23 nights
• Highlights:
  • Visits all Disney Parks worldwide
  • VIP configured jet by Iceland Air
  • Parks include: Anaheim, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris, Orlando
• Additional Stops: India, Egypt (Taj Mahal, Pyramids)
• Accommodations: 5-star hotels, exclusive experiences

Key Takeaways

• World travel is becoming more accessible
• Multi-segment trips offer flexibility
• Unique experiences across continents
• Combines luxury travel with in-depth cultural exploration

Travel Tip

Consider breaking these epic journeys into segments if a full trip seems overwhelming. Many packages allow you to choose specific portions of the global adventure.

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

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In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie dive deep into the world of shoulder season travel, sharing expert insights on how to plan the perfect vacation during off-peak times.

What is Shoulder Season?

Shoulder season is the travel period just before or after peak tourist season. Typically, this includes:

• Europe: April-May and September-October
• Caribbean: April-June and October-November
• Australia/New Zealand: March-May and September-November

Advantages of Shoulder Season Travel

1. Cost Savings: Lower prices on flights, accommodations, and activities
2. Fewer Crowds: Less competition for attractions and restaurants
3. Mild Weather: Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities
4. Sustainability: Reduces strain on local infrastructure
5. Flexibility: More spontaneous travel opportunities

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

• School schedules can limit shoulder season travel
• Unpredictable weather conditions
• Potential closures of attractions and businesses
• Shorter daylight hours
• Not always guaranteed significant discounts

Top Shoulder Season Destinations

1. Europe
   • Spring (April-May): Blooming landscapes, tulip season
   • Fall (September-October): Harvest festivals, cooler temperatures
2. Japan
   • May-August: Lush greenery after cherry blossom season
   • November-December: Autumn foliage without peak crowds
3. American Southwest
   • March-April and October-November: Mild weather for national park exploration
4. Caribbean
   • April-June: Warm weather, avoid hurricane season
5. Iceland
   • March-May and Mid-September-November: Northern Lights viewing opportunities

Expert Travel Tips

• Research specific shoulder season timing for your destination
• Plan around local events and festivals
• Pack layers and prepare for transitional weather
• Check specific destination considerations (e.g., Easter and spring break)

Listener Takeaway

Shoulder season travel offers a unique opportunity to experience destinations with fewer crowds, potentially lower costs, and more authentic local experiences. By being flexible and strategic, travelers can enjoy memorable vacations during these off-peak periods.

About the Podcast

All Things Travel is a podcast hosted by Ryan and Julie, offering expert travel advic

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

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• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Planning your family's Walt Disney World vacation? Most families focus on the big attractions, dining, and shows, but there's so much more to discover! In this episode, Ryan and Julie dive into the secret attractions and interactive experiences at Disney parks that will keep your kids entertained and make your trip even more magical. From scavenger hunts to themed challenges, we’ve got you covered!

✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:

• A Pirate's Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas at Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure at EPCOT
• Wilderness Explorers Challenge at Animal Kingdom
• Spike’s Pollination Exploration & Food Crawls at EPCOT Festivals
• KidCot Fun Stops at World Showcase Pavilions
• Hidden Pascals near the Rapunzel Bathrooms
• Batuu Bounty Hunters Adventure at Galaxy’s Edge
• Finding Dory’s Friends at The Seas Pavilion
• Interactive Mirror in the Mexico Pavilion (Coco-themed)
• How the Play Disney Parks App enhances your Disney experience

🎧 Whether you're a Disney regular or planning your first trip, these hidden activities will bring extra magic to your vacation. Don’t miss out!

💌 Connect with Us:

Visit All Things Travel Podcast to reach out and share your Disney experiences or ask us any travel questions.

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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

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• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Planning a cruise vacation can feel like learning a new language with all the ship options, stateroom categories, and abbreviations. In this episode of All Things Travel, Ryan and Julie break down how to choose the right cruise ship and stateroom to match your vacation style and budget.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• 🚢 How to choose the perfect cruise ship based on your destination, departure port, and budget.
• 🛏️ How to pick the right stateroom — from luxurious suites to budget-friendly interior rooms.
• 🧒 Why your travel party's age and preferences matter when picking a cruise.
• 🧳 Tips for finding the best stateroom location for a smoother, quieter cruise experience.
• 🔍 The pros and cons of newer vs. seasoned ships.
• 🌊 Why balcony rooms are so popular and how French balconies differ.
• 💡 Tips on what to avoid when booking your stateroom to ensure the best experience.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this episode will help you make informed decisions to ensure a memorable cruise vacation.

Join the Conversation:
Have a question or want help planning your next cruise? Visit All Things Travel and click on Plan a Trip to start your journey with us.

Don’t Miss Our Friends Cruise:
Join us on July 25th for a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas! Visit our Facebook page for details and special pricing.

Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)!
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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Ever considered traveling solo? Whether you're craving adventure, self-discovery, or just want to experience a destination at your own pace, solo travel offers incredible benefits! In this episode, we’ll discuss:

✅ Why Solo Travel? The perks of freedom, flexibility & personal growth.
✅ Top Solo Travel Destinations – U.S. & international spots perfect for solo explorers.
✅ Solo Travel Tips – Safety, budgeting, and making the most of your journey.
✅ Navigating Accommodations & Tours – Finding the best solo-friendly experiences.

📍 Listener Spotlight: A special shoutout to Perth, Australia—home to the adorable Quokka and beautiful Rottnest Island! 🦘

💡 Thinking of planning your own solo adventure? We can help! Visit AllThingsTravelPodcast.com to start planning your dream trip.

🎧 Tune in now & embrace the adventure of solo travel!

#SoloTravel #TravelTips #AdventureAwaits #AllThingsTravel

Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)!
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Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!