Show Notes:

River cruising has officially gone mainstream — and a recent US News & World Report ranking proves it. For the first time, they ranked river cruise lines based on expert and traveler ratings, industry awards, pricing, and itineraries. AmaWaterways took the top spot, followed by Uniworld Boutique and Viking River Cruises. Ryan and Julie dig into what makes river cruising so compelling, and then go beyond the basics to highlight four specialty cruise experiences that match your interests — not just your dates.

Christmas Market Cruises
If you've ever considered river cruising, this has probably crossed your mind. AmaWaterways' Taste of Christmas sailings take you along the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, stopping in Cologne, multiple German towns, and Strasbourg, France — famously described as the real-life town from Beauty and the Beast. Each stop features multiple Christmas markets, onboard holiday celebrations, and seasonal local events. Pack an extra bag.

Golf Cruises
AmaWaterways' golf itineraries let you play up to five championship courses in Europe with a dedicated guide, luxury Mercedes transfers, club care, and lunch with beer and wine included at each course. Along the Seine, courses include Paris Saint-Germain Golf Club — ranked 14th in Europe and host to the French Open nine times. You'll go home with a scorecard and some serious bragging rights.

Oktoberfest & Beer Cruises
This seven-night Danube sailing from Germany to Slovakia weaves Oktoberfest experiences into every port. Think underground tours of historic beer tunnels, monastic brewery visits, cellar tastings, and — yes — a hike up to a castle (optional, apparently). The beer comes to you in Passau, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.

Smithsonian Journeys
For the intellectually curious traveler, AmaWaterways partners with the Smithsonian Institution to offer sailings with two onboard Smithsonian experts for the entire cruise. Exclusive excursions include a behind-the-scenes tour of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, a visit to the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, and a guided tour of the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel. Same river, deeper experience.

Where in the World? Ryan is sending a couple on an incredible Canadian Rockies adventure — Rocky Mountaineer, Banff, Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield Skyway, and Glacier National Park in Montana. A trip built for a photography-obsessed traveler and his wife.

Next week: stay tuned for another episode of All Things Travel!

Wonder and Beyond Travel → wonderandbeyondtravel.com

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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 today's world, your smartphone can be your most powerful travel tool — if you have the right apps loaded up. Travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wander and Beyond Travel break down their go-to apps for every stage of your trip, from the planning phase all the way to clearing customs on your way home.

Destination-Specific Apps
Start with the app for wherever you're going. Disney's My Disney Experience app is a must-download the moment you book — use it to explore menus, check wait times, and link your reservation. Cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Princess, and others) each have their own apps, and all-inclusive resorts often have one too. Download them before you leave home and take time to explore them ahead of your trip.

Airline Apps
Download your airline's app, set up notifications, and always screenshot your boarding pass so you have it offline. And yes — printing a paper boarding pass is still a smart backup move.

FlightAware
Julie tracks every client's flights through FlightAware, which sends real-time alerts for delays, gate changes, and cancellations. She recommends clients download it too for peace of mind.

Rideshare & Transit Apps
In the US, grab both Uber and Lyft. Traveling internationally? Look into region-specific apps like FreeNow or Bolt, and don't forget local transit apps for subway or bus systems.

WhatsApp
Outside the US, WhatsApp is how the world communicates. Tour operators, resort concierges, and transfer companies often use it exclusively. Set it up before you go.

Cruise Legend
A newer favorite for cruisers who like to explore independently. See which ships are in port on your sailing day and find out what's within walking distance of the dock.

Mobile Passport Control
For US citizens re-entering the country, this app lets you submit passport and customs info digitally, helping your group move through the line faster.

Pro Tip from Ryan: Move all your travel apps to your phone's front screen before a trip so everything is easy to find on the go.

Where in the World? Julie's neighbors are currently on a nine-night Disney Dream cruise through Greece, Croatia, and Malta — their kids' first trip to Europe!

Next week: specialty river cruises.

Wander and Beyond Travel → wonderandbeyondtravel.com

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

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!

All Things Travel – Tropical US Destinations: No Passport Required

Ryan and Julie, co-owners of Wonder and Beyond Travel, share three stunning US destinations that deliver a true tropical experience — beaches, culture, and adventure — without the hassle of passports, visas, or customs.

🗺️ Ryan's Road Trip Opener Ryan kicks off the episode recapping a father-son road trip from Fort Wayne, Indiana, hitting the Ohio State Reformatory (filming location for The Shawshank Redemption), Grandpa's Cheese Barn, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, A Christmas Story house, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

🌴 Destination 1: Puerto Rico The closest thing to an international vacation without leaving the US.

• Must-dos: Old San Juan's colorful colonial streets and historic forts, El Yunque National Forest (the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system), Mosquito Bay bioluminescent kayaking, Flamenco Beach
• Where to stay: Dorado Beach (Ritz Carlton) for luxury, Caribe Hilton for families, Hotel El Convento for boutique
• Logistics: US dollars, no passport, cell phones work normally, affordable direct flights. Rental car recommended.

🌺 Destination 2: Hawaii A true bucket-list destination with something for every traveler.

• Maui: Road to Hana, whale watching, snorkeling at Molokini
• Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, North Shore surf culture
• Kauai: Na Pali Coast catamaran tour, helicopter rides, Waimea Canyon
• Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, night swimming with manta rays
• Where to stay: Four Seasons Wailea (luxury), Aulani Disney Resort (families), Koa Kia Resort Poipu (boutique)
• Logistics: No passport, long flight from the mainland, significant time zone change, rental car strongly recommended. Budget accordingly — Hawaii is not cheap.

🐢 Destination 3: US Virgin Islands Classic Caribbean scenery with easy US logistics.

• Islands: St. Thomas (most developed), St. John (nature-focused, ferry from St. Thomas), St. Croix (relaxed, Danish colonial history)
• Must-dos: Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay, snorkeling, sailing, island hopping by ferry
• Where to stay: Ritz Carlton St. Thomas (luxury), Westin St. John Resort (boutique/romantic), Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort (relaxed)
• Logistics: US dollars accepted, driving is on the LEFT, flights often connect through Miami, Atlanta, or Charlotte. Customs inspection possible returning to mainland.

✈️ Wonder and Beyond Travel Ready to plan your next getaway? Visit wonderandbeyondtravel.com

Next episode: Must-have travel apps for your next vacation.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

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!