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"I don't get the appeal of cruising... aren't you just trapped on a crowded boat with water slides?" If you've ever asked that question (or thought it quietly to yourself), you are definitely not alone! Our podcast hiatus is officially OVER, and Kristy is back in your feed to tackle a real listener question from Michelle in Michigan who asked: "What is it about cruising that you love so much?" In our season 5 kickoff episode, Kristy opens up about what turns total cruise skeptics into lifelong sailors. The "Unpack Once" Secret, The Math That Surprised Us, The Disconnect Effect, and more.  STREAM IT FIRST: Listen to the full episode right now on MickeyGuru.com! SUBSCRIBE: Dropping tomorrow morning on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Drop a comment below: Are you Team Cruise or a total cruise skeptic?  What's the #1 thing holding you back from booking a sailing? #CruiseLife #CruiseSkeptics #DisneyCruiseLine #RoyalCaribbean #TravelTips #VacationGoals Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

This week on Talk Travel to Me, What do you do when you are completely overbook and stressed? You take a little hiatus. With this episode Talk Travel to Me (Kristy) will be taking a couple weeks of much deserved time off. It's easy to forget your favorite podcasts are made by real humans that also have many many, and sometimes many, additional tasks, chores, and commitments. So after a great season 4 that has delivered 26 episodes we are bringing this season to a close and will kick off Season 5 with a bang on October 1st. Can't wait for you to hear what is in store. Sit back, sip a nice cup of tea, and enjoy September and we'll see you real soon. Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Why do so many people end up booking the wrong cruise and swearing off cruising forever? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette breaks down the two biggest mistakes travelers make: booking based on price/location alone and following well-meaning advice from friends with completely different vacation styles. Kristy shares her personal horror story of a rough Atlantic storm sailing out of Boston, explains why cruise line vibes (and even individual ship classes) drastically change your experience, and shares the exact diagnostic questions to ask yourself so you land on your perfect ship every single time. Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

What is the real catch behind all-inclusive resorts? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette breaks down the history, hidden tier levels, and fine print of all-inclusive vacations. From Sandals' Luxury, Club, and Butler Elite service tiers to Hyatt Inclusive Collection's Preferred Club "haves vs. have-nots" beach setups, Kristy reveals how brands gate amenities, pool chairs, room service, and top-shelf liquor. Plus, learn how to spot and shut down high-pressure timeshare pitches (a.k.a. "vacation clubs") in their tracks! Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Can AI actually plan your vacation for you, or do you still need a human travel advisor? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette tackles the viral trend of AI travel assistants, ChatGPT, and Claude head-on. She breaks down what AI tools actually do well (like packing list drafts and rough brainstorming) versus where they fail miserably—from recommending closed airport terminals to hallucinating express pass perks at theme parks. Kristy explains why real human expertise, industry relationships, emergency Extraction help, and true empathy remain irreplaceable when planning your dream trip. Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Which Walt Disney World holiday party is right for your family: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom or Disney's Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette sits down with Mickey Guru Travel Company travel advisors James Dolan and Sammie Fay to debate the festive food, rare character meet-and-greets, entertainment options, and overall holiday vibes of both events. Discover which party wins for young kids, which offers the best upscale date-night atmosphere, and which one you should choose if you can only pick one! Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

When is the best time to book your Universal Orlando vacation for holiday events like Grinchmas, Mardi Gras, and Halloween Horror Nights? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette sits down with Mickey Guru Travel Company travel advisor Lacie Flake to break down Universal’s event calendar, resort booking timelines, and dynamic pricing secrets. Discover why the sweet spot between Thanksgiving and mid-December offers optimal weather and low crowds, learn how to secure VIP RIP Tours for HHN, and find out why locking in your resort early is the key to saving hundreds on your next getaway. Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Is traveling solo with your kids total chaos or is there a way to actually make it enjoyable? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette sits down with Mickey Guru Travel Company travel advisor Breanne Sherwood to share expert insights, packing tips, and mindset shifts for navigating airports, theme parks, and cruises as a solo parent. Breanne has been traveling solo with her kids since they were born, and she shares how to manage the chaos, what to pack, how to teach your kids about budgeting, and why setting expectations is the absolute key to a successful family vacation.  Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Have you ever dreamed of pulling off the ultimate surprise vacation for your kids or spouse? It sounds picture-perfect in theory, but in reality, it can just as easily turn into a logistical nightmare or an airport meltdown! In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette sits down with Mickey Guru Travel Advisor Nicole Fresia to unpack the ultimate question: Is a surprise trip a good idea, or a disaster waiting to happen? Nicole and Kristy share hilarious personal stories—including a childhood "Texas decoy" trip that required a flight attendant intervention, and a Six Flags bait-and-switch that resulted in some unexpected childhood whining. They also dive into the heavy operational logistics of keeping a secret under your own roof. What We Unpack in This Episode: The Personality Test: How to determine if the person you are surprising actually wants to be surprised (planners vs. go-with-the-flow travelers).Logistical Landmines: The secret art of updating passports, securing corporate PTO, and managing packing without getting caught.The Decoy Dilemma: Why your "fake" destination needs to be carefully calibrated so your family doesn't end up disappointed when the real plan is revealed.Behind-the-Scenes Rescue: A real-world look at how a travel advisor saved a surprise anniversary trip for 25 people in Aruba when mass flight delays struck.Whether you're looking to surprise your spouse with a romantic cruise or want to plan a magical Disney reveal for your kids, this episode gives you the exact framework to execute it flawlessly. Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Is a Walt Disney World VIP tour worth the money? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette sits down with Mickey Guru Travel Company travel advisors Jen Bauer and Shalon Still to share first-hand insights from their recent group VIP tour. From hourly pricing tiers ($450–$950/hr), discretionary cash tips, and private backstage van operations to custom snack stops (like cream cheese filled pretzels), exclusive branded plaid merchandise availability, and a direct breakdown comparison against Disney's new self-guided Lightning Lane Premier Pass system, they unpack everything you need to mathematically evaluate if a private guide makes financial sense for your family vacation.  Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

What is the difference between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR? And are you paying for the wrong one? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette breaks down the distinct rules, specific pricing structures, and enrollment workflows for major expedited airport screening lines. She also provides a detailed breakdown of the brand-new, completely free TSA PreCheck Touchless ID system, and clarifies specialized land border crossings like Nexus and SENTRI so you can perfectly customize your airport speed strategies. Key Takeaways Global Entry is Almost Always the Smarter Purchase: For only a $35 to $45 cost premium over a five-year period, Global Entry delivers all standard domestic TSA PreCheck lane advantages plus major fast-track privileges through international customs lanes upon returning to the United States.CLEAR Does Not Bypass Physical Safety Scanners: CLEAR is operated by a private company rather than a government security screening branch. It strictly clears your identity confirmation checkpoint to let you skip the standard physical document control queue , but still routes you directly through the real luggage scanning lanes.TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is a Massive Free Asset: If you already hold active PreCheck or Global Entry status, you can completely sidestep CLEAR subscription fees by opting into the newly developed Touchless ID feature inside your existing airline app profile (currently supported across Delta, American, United, Southwest, and Alaska at selected major airports). Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

What's Really the Best Way to Pack: Carry-On, Checked, Duffel, or Suitcase? Should you travel with a carry-on or check a bag? Is a hard-sided suitcase better than a soft-sided one or a duffel bag? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette breaks down FAA baggage regulations, weight limits, and why summer weather in Florida completely changed her luggage philosophy. Plus, she shares a special behind-the-scenes update on her recent guest appearance on Emily Aborn's podcast, Small Business Casual. Key Takeaways: Carry-On is King for Layovers and Summer Florida Travel: Severe summer thunderstorms and ground lightning stops in Florida can leave checked luggage sitting out in the rain or trapped on the tarmac for hours. Opting for a carry-on prevents these delays and keeps your belongings dry.Hard-Sided Luggage Offers Crucial Weather Protection: Soft-sided luggage can absorb vast amounts of water during unexpected airport downpours, soaking everything inside. Switching to hard-sided suitcases ensures your clothes and souvenirs remain secure and protected from moisture.Maximize Packing Space Wisely: Utilize tight clothing rolls, compression packing cubes, or vacuum bags (best for carry-ons since they reduce volume but not weight) to maximize your allowance without risking expensive overweight fees.Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Are you trying to figure out if a Disney cruise is worth the premium price tag? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette from Mickey Guru Travel Company answers a major question: What is included with the cost of a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Kristy sets the stage by explaining where Disney sits in the market—it’s a premium experience way above a standard budget line (cue the infamous 2013 "poop cruise" story!), pricing closer to Royal Caribbean’s new Icon-class ships. She breaks down how Disney cuts out the typical cruise industry "nickel-and-diming" game by bundling almost everything you need into your upfront fare.  Kristy also shares details on a current Disney promotion offering up to 25% off select sailings and teases next week's episode about Walt Disney World VIP tour experiences.  Connect with us: Find everything on our website at mickeyguru.com/podcast. Drop us a text right through to the show if you have a travel stumper! Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

In this week's episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette is joined by Mickey Guru travel advisors Jess Pezzello and Sammie Fay to tackle the ultimate summer vacation question: how do you survive a theme park in the sweltering heat without a complete meltdown? The trio shares their battle-tested tips for conquering Walt Disney World in the dog days of summer, from wardrobe non-negotiables and essential chafing prevention to the best cooling snacks and hydration hacks. Whether you're a heat-lover or a self-proclaimed "whiny baby" when the temperatures rise, this episode is packed with practical advice on pacing your trip, knowing when to take a midday pool break, and why you should absolutely avoid heavy meals and ice cream until the sun goes down. Tune in to ensure your next summer getaway stays magical, safe, and completely meltdown-free. My Amazon Link to Mickey Guru’s Summer Theme Park Survival Kit https://amzn.to/4b0PbFQ Link to how you can send a voicemail to the show: https://talktraveltome.buzzsprout.com/2444341/fan_mail Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company

Can a theme park vacation actually be a romantic getaway? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, we are busting the myth that Disney is just for kids and uncovering the absolute best spots for couples to find romance at Walt Disney World. From luxury deluxe resorts to Michelin-starred dining and hidden date-night gems, we’re unpacking how to plan the perfect Disney couples' trip. 🎧 Inside This Episode: The Resort Real Estate: Why you should skip the Value Resorts if you want romance, the best Moderate options, and why Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the BoardWalk Inn Garden Suites are our top luxury picks for couples.Disney Fine Dining: A look inside the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s (holder of a coveted Michelin Star through 2026), plus the best rooftop views and date-night atmospheres at Topolino’s Terrace and Narcoossee’s.Low-Key Romance: Simple, budget-friendly ways to connect, from horse-drawn carriage rides to couples' massages at the Grand Floridian Spa, and finding quiet magic away from the crowds.Next Week's Sneak Peek: We are tackling a summer survival guide! Tune in to learn how to survive theme parks in the summer heat without having a complete meltdown (and yes, we're talking about the adults, too!). Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company