Cheryl's Travel Blueprint cover art

Cheryl's Travel Blueprint

Cheryl's Travel Blueprint

By: Cheryl Johnson
Listen for free

Welcome to Cheryl's Travel Blueprint! I’m a former Spanish teacher turned travel advisor, passionate about curating unforgettable experiences. My expertise lies in European adventures (with a special love for Spain), cruising, and all-inclusive Caribbean getaways. I specialize in creating tailored trips for families, multi-generational groups, and teachers—whether they’re traveling solo, with colleagues, or leading student groups. In this podcast, we celebrate the joy of travel, uncover hidden gems, share practical tips and tricks, and embrace the spirit of adventure. Each episode features inspiring conversations with fascinating guests from all walks of life as they share their unique travel stories, lessons, and favorite destinations. Whether you're planning your next getaway or simply love to dream about the possibilities, this is your place to explore the world from wherever you are. Let’s embark on this journey together! 🌍✈️© 2026 Cheryl Johnson Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Why This is the Ultimate Cruise Upgrade You’ve Been Missing
    Jun 22 2026

    Repositioning Cruises: The Cruise Deal Most Travelers Don't Know About

    What if one of the best values in cruising isn't a Caribbean cruise, an Alaska sailing, or even a Mediterranean voyage?

    In this episode of Cheryl's Travel Blueprint, we're talking about repositioning cruises—those unique sailings that happen when cruise ships move from one region of the world to another. These itineraries often offer more days at sea, fewer ports, and surprisingly attractive pricing compared to traditional cruises.

    You'll learn what repositioning cruises are, who they're best suited for, the pros and cons to consider, and why they may be one of cruising's best-kept secrets.

    Whether you're a seasoned cruiser looking for something different or simply curious about how to stretch your travel budget further, this episode will help you decide if a repositioning cruise belongs on your travel wish list.

    In This Episode:

    ✅ What a repositioning cruise actually is

    ✅ Why cruise lines move ships seasonally

    ✅ The biggest advantages of repositioning cruises

    ✅ Potential drawbacks travelers should know before booking

    ✅ Why sea-day lovers often become repositioning cruise fans

    ✅ How to determine whether this style of cruising is right for you

    Planning Your Next Cruise?

    If you're considering a cruise and would like help finding the right itinerary for your travel style, schedule a complimentary planning conversation:

    📅 Schedule a cruise consultation:
    https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min

    Join My Upcoming Group Cruise

    Looking for a shorter getaway without committing to a long repositioning voyage?

    Join the Sail Away Society Winter Escape aboard Virgin Voyages.

    🌴 Miami

    🌴 Key West

    🌊 Day at Sea

    🏝️ Beach Club at Bimini

    🚢 Return to Miami

    View the full itinerary here:
    https://travefy.com/trip/itinerary/k5SSks4Ac-KNBJLOAISbZQXAwMDEECFtEDR25xWQn1H80GtOb9sB

    Subscribe for More Travel Inspiration

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more conversations about cruising, meaningful travel, hidden destinations, cultural exploration, and smarter ways to see the world.

    🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

    Connect with Cheryl

    Website: Nostalgic Travel Co.

    Instagram: Instagram

    Facebook Group: Travel Tips Community

    YouTube: Cheryl's Travel Blueprint YouTube Channel

    #CruiseTips #RepositioningCruise #CruiseVacation #CruiseTravel #TravelPodcast #VirginVoyages #CruisePlanning #SlowTravel #OceanCruising #TravelAdvisor #CherylsTravelBlueprint #NostalgicTravelCo #GroupCruise #TravelSmarter #CruiseDeals

    🎥 A Quick Update About the Podcast

    As Cheryl's Travel Blueprint continues to grow, I'm making an exciting change.

    Going forward, new episodes will be released exclusively in video format on YouTube. While this episode is available on your favorite podcast platform, future conversations, interviews, travel insights, and destination deep-dives will be published on YouTube only.

    Why the change? Travel is visual. Whether we're talking about cruise ships, hidden destinations, cultural experiences, or travel planning strategies, video allows me to share photos, maps, clips, and other resources that help bring these stories to life in a way audio simply can't.

    If you've been listening on an audio platform, now is the perfect time to subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don't miss future episodes.

    📺 Subscribe here:
    Cheryl's Travel Blueprint on YouTube

    Thank you for listening, watching, sharing, and being part of this travel community. I can't wait to continue exploring the world with you—just in a more visual way. 🌎✈️🚢

    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Forget Tourist Traps: 5 Hidden Gems to Visit Now
    Jun 15 2026

    The Best Places to Visit Might Not Be the Ones You've Heard Of

    What if the destination everyone is talking about isn't actually the best place for you?

    In this episode of Cheryl's Travel Blueprint, we're exploring one of my favorite travel strategies: second-city travel.

    After unexpectedly finding myself in the middle of a housing protest during a recent trip to Barcelona, I started thinking more deeply about the impact tourism has on the communities we visit—and why some of the most rewarding travel experiences happen just beyond the spotlight.

    While iconic destinations like Barcelona, Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam deserve their reputation, they're also facing growing challenges related to overtourism, housing shortages, and infrastructure strain. As travelers, we have an opportunity to experience destinations more thoughtfully while supporting communities that often receive fewer visitors.

    In this episode, we'll discuss:

    ✈️ What "second cities" are and why they matter

    🏛️ How overtourism is affecting some of the world's most beloved destinations

    🏡 What I witnessed firsthand in Barcelona during a housing demonstration

    💰 Why second cities often offer better value, fewer crowds, and more authentic experiences

    🌍 Some of my favorite second-city swaps across Europe

    ❤️ How traveling beyond the obvious can create deeper, more meaningful memories

    Whether you're planning your first trip abroad or you're a seasoned traveler looking for a fresh perspective, this episode may inspire you to look beyond the headline destinations and discover places that feel more personal, relaxed, and connected to local life.

    Featured Second-City Swaps

    • Barcelona → Valencia
    • Madrid → Salamanca
    • Venice → Bologna
    • Paris → Lyon
    • Amsterdam → Utrecht

    Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?

    If you're looking for help creating an itinerary that balances iconic highlights with hidden gems, I'd love to help.

    📅 Schedule your complimentary travel consultation:
    https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min

    Together, we can design a trip that reflects your travel style, interests, and goals—not just the places everyone else is visiting.

    Question for Listeners

    What's the best "second city" you've ever visited?

    Share your answer in the comments. Your recommendation might inspire someone else's next unforgettable adventure.

    Subscribe to Cheryl's Travel Blueprint

    If you enjoy conversations about intentional travel, cultural connection, hidden gems, and meaningful experiences, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

    New episodes explore:

    • Smart travel strategies
    • Destination inspiration
    • Cultural insights
    • Cruise and land travel ideas
    • Ways to travel deeper, not just farther

    Until next time...

    Travel intentionally.
    Stay curious.
    And don't be afraid to take the road less traveled.


    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Why People Who "Hate Cruises" Are Falling in Love with Virgin
    Jun 8 2026

    I Thought I Knew Cruising... Then I Tried Virgin Voyages

    What if everything you thought you knew about cruising was wrong?

    For years, many travelers associated cruises with crowded buffets, formal dining schedules, and activities that felt more predictable than exciting. Then I stepped aboard Virgin Voyages and discovered something completely different.

    In this episode, I'm revisiting one of my favorite conversations with Paige from Virgin Voyages. We discuss what makes Virgin different, from the adults-only atmosphere and elevated dining experiences to the iconic red hammocks, wellness offerings, and incredible itineraries around the world.

    Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or someone who has always said, "Cruises aren't for me," this conversation might just change your perspective.

    In This Episode

    ✔️ What makes Virgin Voyages different from traditional cruise lines

    ✔️ Why adults-only cruising creates a unique onboard atmosphere

    ✔️ What's actually included in your cruise fare

    ✔️ The dining experience everyone talks about

    ✔️ The famous red hammocks and Sea Terrace cabins

    ✔️ Solo traveler, couple, and group travel opportunities

    ✔️ Bimini Beach Club and Caribbean sailings

    ✔️ European itineraries from Barcelona and Athens

    ✔️ Exciting Alaska sailings and bucket-list adventures

    ✔️ Why so many travelers become repeat Virgin Voyages sailors

    Join the Virgin Voyages Webinar Notification List

    I'm planning an upcoming webinar where I'll share insider tips, favorite itineraries, onboard experiences, booking strategies, and answer your questions about Virgin Voyages.

    Want to be notified when registration opens?

    Join the notification list here:
    https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/PdYLv0n

    Ready to Explore Virgin Voyages?

    If you're ready to start planning your own Virgin Voyages adventure, I'd love to help.

    Book your Virgin Voyages cruise here, or at:
    https://tinyurl.com/bookvirgintoday

    Connect With Cheryl

    Cheryl Johnson
    Nostalgic Travel Co.

    Helping travelers create meaningful experiences through cruises, cultural exploration, and unforgettable journeys.

    Subscribe

    If you enjoy travel tips, cruise insights, destination inspiration, and conversations that help you travel more intentionally, be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

    Have you sailed with Virgin Voyages, or is it on your travel wish list? Let me know in the comments!

    #VirginVoyages #AdultsOnlyCruise #CruiseVacation #LuxuryTravel #CaribbeanCruise #AlaskaCruise #EuropeanCruise #CruiseTips #TravelAdvisor #NostalgicTravelCo #CherylsTravelBlueprint


    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet