Fly with Chris and Di

What happens when you take the magic of Disney and the magic of Christmas and combine them? You get Disney for the holidays. Our friend and Disney travel expert Krystin Turner is here today to talk about some of the cool things that are available from Disney during the holiday and Christmas season. She has stayed at all of the resorts and has extensive knowledge about Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney Cruises. We were lucky enough to have Krystin as our guest on season one of the podcast when we talked about creating a unique Disney experience. Going to a Disney park or on a Disney cruise is something our family has talked about for years. Krystin is a Disney travel expert from Dreams Unlimited Travel and she shares the ins and outs of the different venues, special holiday features at the resorts, entertainment, decorations, costumes, and treats. She also talks about snowing on main street during the parade, The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion, the best time to go, the best time to book, and more.  Show Notes: [01:48] Krystin Turner is a vacation planner from Dreams Unlimited Travel. She helps plan Disney vacations anywhere from cruise lines to Disney World and Disneyland. She can help with every aspect of the trip. [03:31] Christmas time is the best time to go to any Disney destination. Disney starts decorating for the holidays on the 1st of November. [03:57] The Christmas party at the Magic Kingdom is one of Krystin's favorite things to do. It's a limited ticket after hours event. There's a Christmas parade and treats are included. The characters are in costume and it even snows on Main Street. [05:20] All of the resorts are decorated and every park has a giant Christmas tree. There's even a real gingerbread house with edible shingles. [05:54] Krystin has stayed at all of the Walt Disney World Resorts. She stayed at Wilderness Lodge over the holidays, but most resorts have great holiday activities and themes.  [07:31] The Christmas party has different treats including cookies, hot chocolate, and specialty offerings. [09:26] At Disneyland the castle lights up and Disney California Adventures has decorations and the festival of holidays. They also have It's a Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. They change the lighting and decorations and even the scent. The mansion becomes The Nightmare Before Christmas themed mansion. [11:46] The Christmas parade is twice a day, and you don't need special tickets. [12:21] Special snacks change every year. [13:26] Disney cruises have something for everyone. Even though the trips are more expensive, a lot of things are included and you end up spending less while on board. [15:05] Disney cruises have high-level entertainment and first-run movies. [15:36] During the holidays, all the characters are dressed in Christmas attire. There's a tree lighting ceremony. The whole ship is decorated beautifully. There's a Santa Claus meet and greet and story time with Mrs. Claus and of course the gingerbread house. [17:55] A Disney cruise is definitely more expensive. A Disney cruise is a lot more relaxing than a Disneyland or Disney World experience.  [19:54] The week of Christmas is the most crowded and expensive time to go. If you're planning a trip, go the first week of December. [21:21] The earlier you book the better. Book the day the cruise is released. Book Disney World a 180 days in advance and Disneyland is a little more flexible. [22:21] The further out you plan, the more relaxing it is and the easier it is to get those dinner reservations that you want. [23:10] There are special things you can do like dessert parties or firework reservations. [25:04] You can get a hold of Krystin at Krystin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com.    Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Krystin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com Dreams Unlimited Travel A Unique Disney Trip Wilderness Lodge  Disney’s Grand Floridian Disney Springs Epcot   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We are joined by Jamie and Skylar from Explorcation on this episode of the podcast.  They have a fantastic blog and vlog on YouTube.  They share a ton of advice for staying healthy and well when you are traveling.    Jamie and Skylar are a couple who loves to travel, explore new places, and try new experiences. Many of their travels include adventures like hiking to secluded beaches, jumping off of waterfalls, paddling to beautiful destinations, and learning to rock climb.   They also travel to relax and include videos from cruising and spending time on beaches. They live in Florida and travel as often as they can while still working full time.  In this episode, Jamie and Skylar share their top tips for staying healthy and well while traveling and many planning and preparation tips and resources.  Make sure to stay tuned until the very end to hear their favorite three places they have visited.    Show Notes: [01:39] They both work full-time, but they love being active as much as possible. [01:52] They both grew up in the midwest and had limited opportunities to travel. They moved to Florida to travel more often and live a more active lifestyle.   [02:31] Explorcation started four years ago when they went on a cruise to the Virgin Islands.  They came back from that trip with so much video footage and decided to start the YouTube channel as a way to document their travels for themselves.   [03:53] They hope to inspire other people to visit new places, try new things, and live a healthier and more adventurous lifestyle.     [05:01] Some days it is a struggle to balance it all, but it really helps to have a second person to get input and help with the process.   [05:57] Learning to set time boundaries and sticking to them have really been key to working full-time and growing Explorcation.   [07:35] Their relationship has grown from working on the blog and vlog together.   [10:08] They were fortunate to have a big trip right before COVID hit.  They still have footage they are sharing and working on from that trip.   [11:11] They were also lucky not to have any trips interrupted by COVID because they didn’t have any additional trips planned for that time.   [13:19] They encourage their viewers to find healthy activities they enjoy, make them feel good, and add joy to their lives.   [13:31] First you have to make the decision to keep healthy habits while you are traveling.  That is the first challenge.   [14:43]  They found themselves not feeling well for several days after returning from trips after enjoying too many drinks, food, and sun.   [16:29] They still enjoy these amenities, but only in moderation.  [17:15] They realized that the best stress reliever for them was just to get out and do what they loved in nature and be adventurous.   [17:37] Returning with more energy and less stress was definitely a big motivator for them. Jamie had a second motivator and that was her health.    [19:01] For Jamie adopting a healthier lifestyle and being more active is what she needed to take back her life.  She started by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and taking vitamins.   [20:11] The one thing that has contributed to their health and happiness has been finding the activities that they both enjoy.   [21:35] When they moved to Florida they started to find active hobbies that they both enjoyed doing together like paddleboarding. [23:11] They both also enjoy rock climbing.  They got into rock climbing because they found a Groupon online.   [25:15] They started rock climbing indoors and climbed for over a year before they thought about outdoor rock climbing.  Their first outdoor rock climbing trip was to Asheville, North Carolina.  [27:09] Their rock climbing trips were only day trips.  Some destinations do offer multiple-day backpacking trips.   [28:17] They have also developed a love for hiking.  They really appreciate the hills and mountains.   [29:12] They love to hike to secluded beaches.  They find these beaches by doing research and watching other vlogs.   [32:01] They usually take backpacks.  They have one backpack with essentials and a cooler backpack for cool drinks.   [34:01]  It is important to do the research to find out what exactly can you do that is something that you are interested in.     [36:30] On cruises you can use the excursions that the cruise ship provides or find your own.   [37:03] You know that if you book your excursions through the cruise ship they are not going to leave you.  If you are doing excursions on your own research them ahead of time and make sure they are legit.  They suggest having a back-up plan just in case you are left behind.   [38:14] When they are planning and preparing for trips they watch a ton of travel vlogs, check Trip Advisor, read blogs, travel magazines, and many online resources.    [39:54] Their top tip staying healthy while traveling is to stay as active as possible.  They find activities that they both enjoy and plan their trips around those activities.   [41:56] When you are traveling to a destination where you have the option to prepare your own food they highly recommend visiting the local market and local produce stands.   [42:51] They recommend booking a hotel with a gym or a swimming pool to increase your options for physical activity.  You can book a cruise that has several activities aboard.   [44:05] For travel or active days it is important to pack healthy snacks and stay hydrated. You can bring an empty water bottle through airport security and fill it up once you get to the terminal.   [45:22] The last tip for when you actually reach your destination is to avoid foods that have a negative impact on your health.  If you put the effort in you can almost always find healthy produce.  If you have the opportunity to cook your own meals they highly recommend it.  Many cruise ships offer healthier options.   [47:41] Skylar’s top 3 places he has visited are Costa Rica, St. Lucia, and Joshua Tree Park.   [49:02] Jamie’s top 3 places she has visited are Costa Rica, St. Lucia, and Puerto Rico.     Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Explorcation Blog Explorcation on YouTube Explorcation on Twitter Explorcation on Instagram   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

It is finally time to get to know our other host better.  Today we are going to dig deeper and get to know more about Chris and his travel adventures. He waits until the very end of the episode to share his special story about his favorite childhood travel experience and adds some special guests in on the discussion.  We also discuss Chris’s top 3 places to go, where he would like to go, and great family adventures. We talk about restaurants, excursions, and more. We hope you enjoy this little peek into Chris’s travel history and his most memorable traveling adventures.  Show Notes: [03:02] Chris has a special story about his favorite childhood travel experience that he is going to share at the end of the episode. [04:23] Chris was first introduced to travel on road trips to Nashville.  He was typically the navigator.   [05:09] Chris grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, which is 210 miles from Nashville.  [06:18] Chris shares about being in a handbell choir at church as a child with his siblings and cousins.   [08:45] New York City at that young age was very memorable. The handbell choir traveled to New York City to perform  [10:08] Later in life Chris moved to New York and lived an hour and a half from New York City.   [11:26] Chris shares his top three destinations that he has visited in his whole life.   [12:19] He enjoyed learning about Roman history and Pompeii in Italy and visiting the colosseum.   [14:55] Their advice is to not fill up on the first course because in Italy there are many courses. [15:02] Chris shares about their experience in Scotland including St. Andrews and the countryside.   [17:11] His number three destination is Las Vegas because there is so much to do.   [19:15] Go cars are a great excursion.  They are little cars that provide GPS that talks to you about different historical sites and where to go. [20:20] Chris’s favorite family trip is the RV trip, but the kids’ favorite trip is to Los Angeles.   [20:59] His favorite destination with their extended family was the Dominican Republic.  They went with 20 people at two different times.  It was an all-inclusive resort and there was a lot to do.   [23:26] The all-inclusive resorts are perfect with kids, especially older kids.  The kids were able to make their own choices and do fun things with safety.   [25:01] Two places that Chris has not yet been to are Hawaii and Africa.   [26:34] The third place that Chris still wants to go to is Dubai because it seems so luxurious.   [28:49] Chris shares about their experience staying at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. [31:02] They were moved to a very luxurious room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel when the room they reserved wasn’t available.  [33:14] They upgraded to first class on a trip and they brought them cocktails and warm nuts.    [35:20] Chris’s favorite pancakes are Cracker Barrel's pancakes.   [36:02] His favorite steak house is Ruth’s Chris.  They really enjoyed their visit to Ruth’s Chris in Keystone at the Crossing in Indianapolis.  [37:03] If you ever fly through Minneapolis airport, in the main concourse check out pizza at Black Sheep.   [38:29] Chris’s favorite excursion was their open-air helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.  He would love to do it again on a nice day.  [40:15] Chris’s earliest childhood experience was their family trip to Orlando.  He calls his Aunt Deborah, and two cousins to share what they remember about their trip.  [42:35] Chris’s Aunt Deborah shares the facts of this favorite childhood experience to Orlando.   [44:16] They had their trip outlined with AAA and they stayed in Kissimmee.    [47:15]  Brian remembers them packing up in their yellow Cadillac (“The Canary”) and driving all night.   [48:15] Brandy remembers leaving at night time with 3 adults and five children packed in one Cadillac.  They all kept asking, “Are we there yet?” [50:51] Everyone got along on the trip and didn’t fight, but there was one instance of a spilled Coke on the floor.   [52:44] They used a paper map for directions, but they also had a CB radio.  [53:27] Brian remembers their first stop being to a little waterpark on the side of the road. [55:42] They went to Disneyland and Wet and Wild.   [57:11] The day after they arrived they went to Disney World.  They also went to Sea World.   [58:39] They enjoyed going to the pool every day.   [60:22] They remember staying at Disney all day and seeing fireworks and the parade at the end of the day.   [61:12] Aunt Deborah’s favorite memory from the Orlando trip was all of them packing into the car. They brought lots of activities and snacks for the car ride.  [63:48] This trip is so memorable for Brandy because it was their first time going to Disney and it was all of them went together.  [64:48] This trip is so memorable for Brian because it was a long trip and they were in hot and sunny Florida.      Links and Resources: Episode 40 - Africa Episode 39 - Italy Italy Quick Tips Episode 15 - Our Trip to London, Paris, and Scotland Surly Beer Episode 7 - Vegas Off the Strip Go Cars Episode 9 - First Time RVers Episode 19 - 4 Days in Los Angeles Cracker Barrel Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Black Sheep Pizza Kissimmee, Florida Walt Disney World   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Award-winning travel agent, Ashley Morris from Alpaca Your Bags, will be joining us to talk about AFRICA! Ashley joined us in Season 1 to tell us all the tips and tricks to planning an amazing destination wedding or vow renewal. Ashley is back and fresh off of a trip she recently took to East Africa. She is going to share all of the details of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. She shares how she was lucky enough to get to go on a safari and preparation including visas and vaccinations.  We are going to hear every thrilling thing that happened on this amazing trip. You will learn how to prepare for the trip, the wide variety of lodging available, things you could never imagine, and the different experiences you could have in both Nairobi, Kenya, Zanzibar, and Tanzania. She also talks about weight limits for flights and packing light and taking exactly what you need. You are going to be ready to pack your bags before this interview even ends! So, let’s fly!   Show Notes: [02:01] Ashley Morris is the owner of Alpaca Your Bags, a website all about travel. [02:48] Ashley just got back from a trip to Africa. She normally specializes in destination weddings, but she knows that people are also very interested in adventure travel. [03:53] She went on a 12-day safari.  [04:36] Wild Voyager offered trips to travel advisors and contacted Ashley.  [06:34] You need a visa as well as a passport to go to Kenya and Tanzania. [07:20] You have to have your documents in order and get travel vaccinations. [08:27] You do need a vaccination for yellow fever.  [11:28] There are special clinics dedicated to travel and travel preparation such as Passport Health.  [13:58] Ashley shares her preparation for the trip. Long sleeve shirts with built in SPF are very useful. Hats and fleece are great too. Get those pants that zip into shorts. You also want light colors that don't attract bugs. Go for greens, browns, and khakis.  [17:14] Ashley went to Kenya for the safari and Tanzania for the recovery. Masai Mara is a huge game reserve in Kenya. You will have a more diverse experience here than you would in the Serengeti. [19:29] Ashley saw the Big 5 which are cape buffalos, lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards. Plus all of the other animals you would expect like hippos and giraffes. [21:32] It was overwhelming to be a nature among these beautiful animals. [22:11] The big activity is called a game drive. This is where you drive around and see the animals. They are most active at sunrise and dusk. [25:22] One of the most amazing parts of the day was sitting around the campfire talking about what they'd seen. [26:03] Their camp was more rustic with tented rooms and bathrooms. They had a chef that made everything from scratch. She would also make one unique Kenyan item.  [29:05] They also went to a Masai Village and learned about the warriors. [31:19] Everything on a safari is driving. They drove probably three or four hours a day. [31:37] Some lodges and resorts have other activities. [32:11] Some lodges will specialize in things like photography. Your travel advisor can tailor your experience to what you want. [33:42] Understand your budget and what you're comfortable with. [35:02] You can actually go on a hot air balloon safari. After landing, they had a bush breakfast. It was extremely elegant with champagne. It's a lovely way to celebrate a morning. [37:33] They flew to Tanzania in a small plane. First they flew to Zanzibar. You can also see Freddie Mercury's first home because he was born in Zanzibar. There are also beautiful beaches and a lot of history. [40:13] This was a more luxurious experience. They also went to Prison Island and saw land tortoises. [44:12] Go to the elephant sanctuary in Nairobi. [46:19] Ashley loved Stone Town Zanzibar. [48:18] The food in Zanzibar was much more refined. There was a lot of Middle Eastern and Indian food. [49:33] Cost depends on factors but there is a range of $7,000 to $15,000 plus travel expenses. [51:27] Avoid peak times like during the animal great migration.  [53:14] Call Ashley for a consultation.    Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Alpaca Your Bags Schedule an Appointment with Ashley Alpaca Your Bags on Instagram Planning a Destination Wedding or Vow Renewal Wild Voyager Passport Health Masai Mara Prison Island Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Stone Town of Zanzibar The Elephant Sanctuary Giraffe Center The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Hey, fly listeners, thanks for joining us for this quick tip Thursday. If you haven't checked out episode 41, be sure to do so. In that episode, Tanya Shelburne of the Traveling Tanya blog took us through all of the ins and outs of planning a trip to Italy. If you're thinking of taking a tip to this amazing company you will want all of that info. Today, Tanya gives us some top tips for how to make the most out of your Italian vacation. Some of the things we talk about include when to go to Italy.  We also talk about food and drinks. Did you know that in Italy wine is cheaper than soda? We also talk about the best way to avoid the tourist crowds by exploring early in the morning or late in the evening. Tanya talks about the wonderful food like pizza and pasta and how you can find some really great grab-and-go food and eat surrounded by Italian ambiance. We also talk about spontaneity versus pre-booking and so many other ways to get the most out of your Italian vacation. Show Notes: [01:00] You need to think about when you want to go to Italy.  [01:08] Summertime is Tanya's least favorite time to go. The preferred time is what they call shoulder season. This is springtime in April and May or fall in September or October. [01:30] During these times you'll find lower prices and more temperate weather. The crowds are also lighter. [02:41] The best times for exploring are early in the morning or late at night. [03:06] Wine in Italy is cheaper than soda, so why not indulge? You'll also have to ask for water and ice isn't common.  [04:42] Pizza and pasta are king and grab-and-go spots are plentiful. [05:45] There are wonderful bread and pastries everywhere. The food also has less additives and preservatives, so it balances out the calories. [06:36] Think about what cities you are visiting and your highest priority attractions. These are the ones that you will want to pre-book. [07:29] Pre-booking can also save you money. It's also good they leave some free time for spontaneity and rest.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Traveling Tanya Traveling Tanya on Pinterest Traveling Tanya on Twitter Traveling Tanya on Instagram Traveling Tanya on Facebook   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Tanya Shelburne, author of the Traveling Tanya blog is here with us. Tanya is on a mission to inspire busy people like you to make travel a priority by sharing her vacation adventures and travel tips. Like us, she has two teenagers and loves to travel the world. Today, Tanya is going to take us to Italy. Tanya shares all kinds of insights about going to Italy. She even shares a great tool for trip planning and creating your own itinerary. This episode will have you dreaming about visiting Italy and will give you tools to begin planning now.  She also shares tips for packing and why it pays to pack light. We also discuss transportation and why it’s important to plan in advance. We discuss trains, planning airport to hotel transportation, and traveling through Venice in vaporettos. Talking to Tanya feels like taking a trip to Italy as she shares her favorite hotspots, tours, food, classes, and amazing places to visit. She talks about historic landmarks and where to find the best view in Florence. We discuss Venice, centrally located Florence, and Rome along with how to get the most out of your trip.  We are recording this in mid-march of 2020 and Italy is under a full lockdown. Everyone is on quarantine due to the impact of the coronavirus. This doesn't mean we can't plan for future travel and have something to look forward to in order to keep our spirits up.  Show Notes: [01:33] Tanya is a mom and wife who lives in the Midwest. She has a husband, a full-time job, and two teenage daughters. She also does a lot of volunteer work. [01:56] She loves to travel and that's why she started a travel blog. She makes time to travel whenever she can. [02:23] Tanya would like for people to make traveling a priority and not put those trips off. [03:31] We are recording this in mid-march of 2020 and Italy is under a full lockdown. Everyone is on quarantine due to the impact of the coronavirus. This doesn't mean we can't plan for future travel and have something to look forward to when our spirits are down. [04:33] Italy is Tanya's favorite place in the entire world. Tanya is passionate about traveling to Italy. [05:49] She loves travel planning almost as much as she loves the actual travel. [06:22] Tanya uses Tripmasters for all of her planning. [06:48] She loves creating her own itineraries. Tripmasters will combine everything and your per person cost. It's not as expensive as you think. [09:12] You could also get an organized tour, but Tanya likes to plan her own trip with some help from Tripmasters.  [10:04] Rome2rio can help you plan your transportation ahead of time. [13:37] Tanya is also a Rick Steves fan. He has a great app with walking tours that are fabulous.  [15:57] YouTube is also a great travel and Italy travel resource. There are also great travel blogs like Traveling Tanya.  [18:30] Pack what you know you will need. You can always buy stuff there.  [20:06] Check with your airline about baggage fees before packing. Decide if you want to check your bags or not.  [21:39] Tanya says it's possible to do a week in Italy with just a carry on and a backpack. The largest bag you can fit in the bin. [22:36] It's also possible to do laundry in Italy. Learning to pack light will make your experience better. [24:42] In Venice, you will travel by boat. Often in a ferry.  [28:32] Without vehicles, you can enjoy the beauty of Venice.  [29:40] Great things to see our Saint Mark's Square, the Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the old prison. There is also a wonderful old bookstore. There are also neighboring islands and amazing food and wine.  [35:23] When you visit Europe, you will definitely get your steps in. Pack comfortable shoes. [36:51] You can also go through guided tours with locals. [38:50] Florence is south of Venice. It's centrally located and a great home base for exploring many of the different cities in Italy. [40:40] Tanya's favorite spot in Florence is the Piazzale Michelangelo. The view is amazing. [46:54] Tanya and her daughters took a cooking class in Florence. [49:17] Teenagers need downtime and activities. Older traveling companions may need a slower pace. Pay attention and keep your plans flexible. [50:09] If you go to Italy, you will probably go to Rome. There's more hustle and bustle. Tanya and her family took a day trip there. You could spend a week there, but it's a good idea to see what you can. [52:11] They went to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. They also went to the Pantheon. [54:24] Pizza is available everywhere. Pasta and gelato were also daily things. [56:00] The best flavor that Tanya ever had was a raspberry gelato.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Traveling Tanya Traveling Tanya on Pinterest Traveling Tanya on Twitter Traveling Tanya on Instagram Traveling Tanya on Facebook Tripmasters Rome2rio Rick Steves Audio Europe™ Our Private Photography Tour in Venice Piazzale Michelangelo Florencetown   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Having the right mindset is a popular topic no matter what you’re trying to accomplish. When it comes to travel, the two main mindset issues people often have are lack of time and lack of money. Our guest today has developed strategies to make travel a priority. She talks about her techniques for intentional budgeting and saving for travel. We also talk about how to find the best flights and deals, the difference between a trip and a vacation, and why travel can be so rewarding. We are joined by Danielle Desir. Danielle is the author of  the book Affording Travel: Saving Strategies for Financially Savvy Travelers. She’s a personal finance writer, a blogger, and the host of The Thought Card Podcast. She has managed to pay off $63,000 in student loan debt, buy a house at 27, and travel to 27+ countries all while working a full-time job.  Danielle is a financially savvy traveler who is passionate about travel and money. Today she shares how we can also be financially savvy travelers, and how we can plan and save for travel and also pay off debt at the same time. She even throws in some quick tips for finding the passion and will to pay off those student loans. She is a pure delight and you’re going to love her as much as we did.  Show Notes: [02:01] Danielle started traveling at a young age. As a child, she spent every summer with her grandparents in Haiti.  [02:39] She grew up with a mother who was really conscious of saving money. She opened her first retirement account at 15 and started putting money away right away. [03:31] In college, she wanted to travel more, but money was an issue. That's when she made it a goal to find creative ways to make travel a priority in her life. [04:42] She's made travel a priority, and it shapes all of her decisions. [05:24] She started her blog in 2015 in order to document her trips. [06:03] She started her The Thought Card Podcast in 2018, because she wanted to create a more intimate connection with her audience. [08:04] Danielle recently launched her book, Affording Travel: Saving Strategies for Financially Savvy Travelers. [08:17] One of the first things when you want to start saving for travel is to think about your mindset and is there anything holding you back. People often complain that they don't have the time or they don't have the money. [08:38] In Danielle's book, she really tackles the money aspect and the first chapter is about adjusting your priorities. [09:16] She makes saving for travel a priority by treating travel expenses like a bill. Saving for your travel expenses will bring richness to your life. [10:30] Danielle created a separate bank account for her travel fund. Seeing your travel savings grow is a quick win. [12:31] Danielle uses a virtual envelope system by having multiple bank accounts. [16:05] She discusses how her student loan interest was accruing every day as the clock ticked on.  [17:03] Emotion is a good indicator of passion.  [18:05] Danielle wanted to have the financial freedom of not having student loan debt. So she stayed at her mom's house and made sure to pay extra principal every day and month until the debt was paid off.  [20:09] Be creative and look at things as challenges as opposed to obstacles. [21:07] Her reward was a yearly trip. [22:50] She saved and found great deals when she had to spend. [23:57] At the beginning, she would choose destinations according to deals. She's more intentional now. [24:52] A trip is about the external experience. A vacation is more relaxing. Based on your travel style choose the destination. [26:43] Define what you want to experience and find good deals based off of that. [29:01] Automation can help your saving systems operate in the background. [30:12] Danielle gives us great resources for cheap flights like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal.  [32:24] She also likes the deals from Travelzoo. [33:24] She's been to more than 27 countries. [34:00] You can get her book on Amazon to find the best deals and money saving travel tips. [35:02] Her top three favorite places include China, Bermuda, and Iceland.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest The Thought Card The Thought Card Podcast Danielle Desir on Twitter Danielle Desir on Instagram The Thought Card on Facebook Affording Travel: Saving Strategies for Financially Savvy Travelers Secret Flying The Flight Deal Scott’s Cheap Flights Thrifty Traveler Travelzoo   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

National parks are a great way to explore natural beauty close to home and in other countries. Today, we chat with Michelle Stelly who fell in love with hiking, backpacking, and camping. She runs the The Wandering Queen blog, where she talks about her adventures and shares tips and tricks for beginner and experienced hikers and campers. Michelle’s enthusiasm and love of nature is contagious as she talks about how she began, where she’s been, and her favorite places to go. Michelle and her husband are in Washington where they have access to great national parks. They’ve also traveled to Patagonia in South America, Iceland, Switzerland, Australia, and all over the US. Her favorite park is her first one visited which is Zion National Park in Utah. Michelle gives tips for exploring hiking and national parks. She talks about travel tips, activities, choosing accommodations, and why you should make a reservation. We also get a first hand look into top essentials and extras you should bring, what to wear, how to save on park fees, and Michelle even shares what she likes to eat on her trips.  Show Notes: [01:54] Michelle runs The Wandering Queen which is an outdoor hiking travel blog. [02:17] She was born in Panama, but grew up in Houston Texas. [03:05] She is also an engineer. She didn't start hiking and camping until after she graduated from college. [03:21] Michelle began indoor rock climbing. She was afraid of heights. She was invited to go outdoor rock climbing, which eventually led to hiking and camping.  [04:30] She then became obsessed with exploring the outdoors. [04:59] Michelle, her husband, and her two dogs started their outdoor adventures. [05:52] Their first national park was Zion National Park.  [07:27] Michelle began exploring cities and then discovered that national parks were it for her. [08:09] Her first backpack trip was in Canada. Then they went to Patagonia and Iceland. [09:30] After moving to Washington, finding great places to hike became so much easier. [10:19] She hikes, camps, and backpacks almost every single week. [11:05] She goes winter backpacking in the snow and is able to hike in the rain. [11:31] Patagonia is in South America. [13:33] It's a good idea to check the weather before you go hiking. It's better to hike in warmer climates in the fall, winter, or spring. [14:25] Find the nearest airport, and you'll have to rent a car.  [15:50] There's so much to do at national parks. You can hike, kayak, backpack, rock climbing, and just about any other outdoor activity you are interested in. [16:17] Choose your activity before booking your accommodation. [17:30] When choosing accommodations you may be able to find a hotel, but you can also camp or backpack. [19:29] Some camping and backpacking areas are first come first serve, but for many of them you have to make reservations at recreation.gov. Michelle would recommend getting a reservation. [22:46] Camping is usually around $10 to $20 a night. You can also get an America the Beautiful Pass for around $80 to handle yearly park entrance fees.  [23:40] Be sure to pack the ten essentials which include navigation equipment, sun protection, first aid kit, a firestarter or matches, hiking tools, extra food, extra water or water filter, emergency shelter, headlamp, and extra clothes. [26:59] You might need a daypack, trekking poles, camera, bear deterrent, a personal locator beacon, and bug protection. [30:00] Michelle has seen moose, elk, and bears. She also shares a warning about the attacking squirrels. [31:59] Don't wear cotton. You want wicking material. Have a rain jacket or a poncho and dress in layers. You can also bring a sweater just in case. Leggings can be more comfortable and you could also wear hiking pants. Wear hiking shoes or hiking boots. Also bring wool socks, a hat, and sunglasses. [37:19] A typical weekend hike could be from 4 to 11 miles depending on the weather. Michelle has a 19 mile goal. [38:43] Michelle brings things like fruit, jerky, nuts, protein bars and sometimes sandwiches. When she camps, she likes burgers and s'mores. [40:34] Michelle's top three national parks include Zion National Park, Mount Rainier, and Canyonlands National Park. [45:03] You can start hiking at any age. Be sure and check out Michelle's hiking course.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest The Wandering Queen Michelle on Twitter The Wandering Queen on Pinterest The Wandering Queen on Instagram The Wandering Queen on Facebook The Wandering Queens Facebook Group Sign up for the FREE 9 day hiking course! Recreation.gov Find Your Next Adventure Zion National Park National Parks in Washington Patagonia National Park Big Bend National Park Texas America the Beautiful Pass Naked and Afraid Canyonlands National Park For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Hey Fly listeners, we are thrilled to have you with us today. We are your hosts Chris and Di, and if you are anything like us, you are ready to get out of the house and go somewhere, anywhere, as long as you can get the heck out of dodge and see something besides your four walls.  Have you been planning your post quarantine destination? We have, and for this episode, we have lined up some travel industry experts and see where they are planning to take their first post quarantine trip. So buckle up, grab a pen and some paper for notes and let’s fly! Nikki from She Saves She Travels blog is thinking either Destin, Florida, or Glacier National Park because she has small children and doesn’t feel comfortable flying just yet. Tanya from the Traveling Tanya blog loves taking her family to the beach, so they are going to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Michelle The Wandering Queen is thinking about Grand Teton’s National Park.  Cienna, the CEO of Your Life Travel Club, is craving Pizza from Italy and is just waiting for the country to open up. Ashley from Alpaca Your Bags Travel feels comfortable taking an 11-night Celebrity Cruises to the S. Caribbean. Di wants to head to a quiet beach while Chris is thinking Vegas Baby!  But no matter where you go, be safe, have fun and drop us a line, tell us where you are going and why it’s such a magical place for you. In This Episode: [00:51] Fly listeners, we are happy to have you with us! [01:48] Di welcomes Nikki to the show. [02:12] Nikki from She Saves She Travels blog is sharing her post-quarantine trip options, either Destin, Florida, or Glacier National Park in Montana. [03:34] They are planning a mid-summer vacation, which one they choose is open. [04:11] Tanya Shelburne is next up; she is the author of the Traveling Tanya blog. [04:35] Tanya shares that after quarantine, they will head to Gulf Shores, Alabama. [05:29] Check out her website for her tips on picking the right beach house or condo for you and your family. [07:45] Chris and Di share that their refrigerator in the garage has a sticker of every place they have ever traveled. [08:43] Michelle, the Wandering Queen, speaks about the Grand Tetons National Park being the first place she is taking her family once they have lifted the quarantine. [09:18] Michelle shares her tips and things she is excited to do. [11:12] Cienna Richards is the CEO of Your Life Travel Club, shares that Italy is calling her name. [12:05] Cienna has tips for anyone who hasn’t been to Italy before. [13:21] Di and Chris talk about where they have eaten pizza in Italy. [14:49] The last guest is Ashley from Alpaca Your Bags Travel. [15:23] Ashley, where will you be going post-quarantine? [15:48] Her first destination is a work trip to St. Lucia, and after that, she will go on an 11 night Celebrity Cruises. [17:05] How do you feel about getting on a cruise ship? Can you do it? [17:45] Chris and Di share their #1 pick for their post-quarantine trip is Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina for total relaxation. [19:50] Di’s shares one of her favorite things in Ocean Isle Beach. [21:44] For those of you who are beach people, share a moment of bliss with me. [22:32] Chris says that the beach doesn’t work for him. He wants to go to Vegas, Baby!! [22:56] He shares that the day that they were supposed to fly out for a week in Vegas, the quarantine hit. [25:05] We just gave you nine locations to add to your travel list. [25:22] Let us know your post-quarantine destination of choice on social media @flywithchrisanddi or drop us an email if you are a fly insider. To become a Fly insider, go to www.flywithchrisanddi.com and sign up! Be sure to connect with our guests today; they would love to connect with you.   Links and Resources   Fly with Chris and Di @flywithchrisanddi Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest  @flywithchrisdi Twitter   Bloggers Nikki Rue @shesavesshetravels Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest   Tanya Shelburne @travelingtanyashelburne Facebook | Pinterest @tanyashelburne Twitter   Michelle Steely @wanderingqueen Facebook | Twitter @thewanderingqueen Instagram | Pinterest   Travel Agents Cienna Richards @yourlifetravel Facebook | Instagram   Ashley Morris @alpacayourbags Facebook   @alpacabagstravel Instagram | Instagram

Our friend Nikki Rue from She Saves She Travels is back. Regular listeners may remember her tips on How to Book the Cheapest Flight Possible from episode 23. Nikki runs a travel and finance blog that specializes in helping people work with the income they have to go on the trips they want. Her blog is a wealth of tips and resources to save money, budget, and find the best travel deals. We loved all of her tips for finding cheap flights, and today we take it a step further by talking about how to plan and set up a budget to make travel a reality. Nikki talks about the first things you need to decide on and how flexibility and traveling during off seasons can save money and stress. We also talk about smart ways to find that money to set aside and why it’s always better to save in advance as opposed to going into credit card debt for that vacation. We also talk about some of the hidden costs that not everyone thinks about and why it’s super important to have a cushion just in case. This Episode is sponsored by Beatrice Bradley. Their line of travel accessories make packing easier and cleaner. Go to www.BeatriceBradley.com today and enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping.   Show Notes: [03:11] Nikki Rue runs the travel and finance blog She Saves She Travels. She's a certified financial coach specializing in helping people manage their money, so that they can travel the world and live their best life. [04:20] One of the first steps when creating a vacation budget is to know how much the trip will cost. You need to know where you're going and when you are going. [04:53] Searching Google and Pinterest are great places to start. You can also include the search term "budget" in your search. [05:12] Fees and expenses that people often overlook include baggage fees, travel insurance, and boarding their pets. Nikki always adds an extra 10% to her budget just in case. [06:43] Your biggest expenses will be transportation and accommodations. Being flexible with your dates can save you a lot of money. [08:05] There are deals and dramatic discounts available right now. If you do book, make sure that you have flexibility and can actually afford it. [09:10] You can find great deals on activities on Groupon. Some city visitor centers also offer discounts and can send you coupon books beforehand. Tripadvisor is also great for restaurants and activities. [10:42] Adapt the right mindset and decide where you want to splurge or save.  [11:47] Once you know your initial budget, break it down according to how many months before your trip. Then you have a monthly savings goal. Make travel a priority for your finances. [12:36] You could also open up a separate bank account just for travel. Some banks will allow you to name the account a nickname like Hawaii. [14:34] Use travel cards wisely but avoid a vacation hangover. It's no fun paying for your vacation after the fact. [15:33] Cancel subscriptions that you aren't using and put them in your vacation fund. You can also create extra money coming or selling things you don't use. [16:57] You can save a lot by cutting down on dining out or buying coffee drinks. [17:59] It's about prioritizing your finances and being intentional with your spending to make your income work for your goals.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Beatrice Bradley enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping She Saves She Travels She Saves She Travels on Instagram She Saves She Travels on Facebook She Saves She Travels on Pinterest How to Book the Cheapest Flight Possible Groupon Tripadvisor Save 50% on Your First Coaching Session With Nikki   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.  

We love to travel and love to talk about travel. Our plans have been put on hold for a while, but that doesn’t mean that we still can’t dream, plan, and prepare for our future trips. We had a Vegas trip scheduled for last month that we had to cancel. We are going to talk about ways that you can have fun with travel while still staying safe at home. Now is the perfect time to do some dreaming, research new locations and experiences, and plan your next trip. Dreaming and planning can be almost as fun as the trip itself. Now is the time to research some of your favorite destinations and potential destinations. Travel books, movies, and maps can all be used to help discover where you want to go and what you want to do. We also talk about fun things you can do at home that are like a vacation. We discuss how to incorporate activities, food, and themes into your planning. There are great deals out there just make sure you understand cancellation policies. We also discuss why it’s okay to pick that date now. This Episode is sponsored by Beatrice Bradley. Their line of travel accessories make packing easier and cleaner. Go to www.BeatriceBradley.com today and enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping. Show Notes: [03:06] Dreaming about travel. Travel books and movies are great ways to plan, think, and dream about travel. [04:12] Chris loved maps when he was growing up. When his family took trips, he was the navigator. Looking at the maps inspired him to dream about the different locations and places that he could someday go. [05:04] We are more planners and doers than dreamers, but this is a great time for dreaming about future trips. You can also make a list while you're dreaming about your future trips. [05:57] It's really fun to have something to look forward to. Your kids can get involved in your dream travel list. [06:17] Diane's travel bucket list includes Bora Bora and Antarctica from last week's episode and Australia. [06:54] Chris wants to go to Africa, Alaska, and Hawaii. [07:25] When travel is taken away from you, you appreciate it even more. [07:38] Fun things you can be doing right now thinking outside the box. Make tents inside. Kids can read, do homework, or just get away for a while. Tents in the backyard are fun too. [10:35] Outside projector movies are another creative thing to do.  [11:28] Take a trip to your guest room. Pack an overnight bag. Try out your fun travel gear. [12:34] Theme days are another fun idea. You can learn about different locations or have themes like zoo day.  [14:02] 1 in 10 people are supported by a travel type industry. Ways to support them include purchasing tickets for future dates. You can also renew your season pass. Keep these businesses thriving.  [16:28] You can get great discounts with extended times when you purchase tours now. [16:53] Now's the time to research your new travel gear and help support the industry. [18:08] Focusing on your future vacation is a great way to get your mind off of some of the things that are going on now. [19:44] Picking a date is a great way to get started to think about what you want to do. [20:18] We were supposed to be in Vegas the second week of March. We had airfare, a hotel, a car, and activities planned. People were very accommodating with letting us cancel.  [21:58] Make sure that flexible cancellation is an option. [22:49] Airbnb also did a really great job of giving us all of our money back. Always make sure you understand cancellation policies and what the company will allow you to do. [24:00] We're going to call our first trip the Post-Pandemic World Tour. What are you going to call yours? #NameYourTrip   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Beatrice Bradley enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping London Pass New York City Tours Hop On Hop Off Nashville Tours Airbnb   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.  

We are talking about small ship cruises today. These are very different from your typical cruise. The smaller ships can go to more exotic ports and explore places where the larger ships can’t go. It’s also a much more intimate trip with the crew and other passengers. Our guests today are Deb and Dave from The PlanetD which was named by Forbes as a Top 10 Travel Influencer in the World!  Deb and Dave are award winning travel bloggers and have been featured on CNN, the BBC, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Vogue, the Today Show, and more! Their travel videos are amazing! After listening to them talk about exploring the Amazon and camping under the stars in Antarctica, it’s hard not to want to go on one of these adventures. We know that you are going to love them as much as we do! They are so fun and we can’t wait to dive into our time with them. So, let’s fly! This Episode is sponsored by Beatrice Bradley. Their line of travel accessories make packing easier and cleaner. Go to www.BeatriceBradley.com today and enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping.   Show Notes:   [03:20] Deb and Dave started their travel blog in 2008. They kicked things off with a cycling trip from Cairo to Cape Town. They wanted to do something epic to put their names on the map. [04:02] They started out by branding themselves as an adventure couple, but soon realized they might not be able to keep it up. [04:33] As their travel style changed, they realized that adventure was for everyone. It's different for everyone and doesn't have to be epic. [05:23] Small ship cruising has become a whole new adventure for Deb and Dave. They've gone to Antarctica and Greenland. They've also gone down the Amazon River and down the Panama Canal with a group of 40 people. [06:01] Taking a small cruise ship is a very up and personal experience. [07:37] You can sign up for different activities and that makes the group even more intimate. [08:43] There are also different levels of activities. At dinner you get to share your experiences of the day. [09:22] There are also options for dining for two. [10:59] In Panama and Costa Rica, they had a lot of beach time. There were also kayaks and paddleboards out to use. The ships have hot tubs on them. [11:43] Short cruises can range from 7 to 20 days. [12:33] Antarctica was Dave's favorite cruise.  [14:03] On small ship cruises, you're able to explore different places and go down smaller tributaries. This works great for exploring the Amazon or Greenland. [16:17] You need to bring warmer clothes and pack in layers for Antarctica. The cruise will usually furnish parkas and boots. [17:03] On a small cruise, you also get to hang out with the captain. [18:20] Most of the rooms are either suites or at least facing out, so you can see the ocean. [19:51] There are fascinating lectures, films, games, and a happy hour.  [22:30] Deb and Dave have never had a bad small cruise ship experience even though they've gone on several different ships. [23:04] There's a chef on board creating five course meals with wine pairings. There's only a breakfast buffet. They have table service for lunch and dinner. [25:09] Prices usually start around $3,600 a person and can go up to a lot more. Everything is included, so it kind of evens out.  [27:55] It's really a unique luxury experience.  [30:32] Deb's favorite experience was kayaking in Antarctica. It was an incredible experience with penguins, seals, whales, and icebergs. [31:18] Dave liked camping in Antarctica and sleeping under the stars and a full moon.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Beatrice Bradley enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping The PlanetD The PlanetD on YouTube The PlanetD on Instagram The PlanetD on Facebook The PlanetD on Twitter Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist How to Pack for an Antarctica Cruise Quark Expeditions UnCruise Adventures International Expeditions For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment

Would you like to spend time in nature without all of the work and inconvenience of traditional camping? If so, Glamping might be the vacation or getaway option you’ve been looking for. Ruben Martinez is the co-founder of GlampingHub, a platform that brings together people looking for unique accommodations with hosts who are creating these spaces. It’s like Airbnb, but for unique glamping experiences to explore nature in a comfortable setting.   Ruben shares information about his platform and the glamping world. The GlampingHub platform began in 2013 and boasts over 30,000 accomodations now. According to Ruben, people are surprised to find out that there are unique glamping experiences in their local areas. It’s also a great business for hosts who want to create and host unique spaces and experiences that can generate high margins. The platform features really fun options like treehouses, Airstream glamping, safari tents, tiny houses, and more. These unique luxury accommodations make nature accessible while still being able to enjoy the comforts of home.  This Episode is sponsored by Beatrice Bradley. Their line of travel accessories make packing easier and cleaner. Go to www.BeatriceBradley.com today and enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping. Show Notes: [01:41] For Ruben glamping includes direct access to mother nature, a certain level of comfort, and a uniqueness to the structure and surrounding area. [02:29] Some options include staying in an Airstream, container house, or a tree house. The idea is to help city dwellers escape to nature while remaining comfortable. [03:36] GlampingHub is like an Airbnb for the outdoors. It's a booking website that allows you to search through thousands of options in your area.  [04:39] They wanted to bring all of the information together so that people could easily find unique outdoor experiences. [06:38] Ruben loves camping, but his young daughters need a little more comfort than comes with traditional camping. Glamping also lets people who are new to camping enjoy the outdoors without buying a lot of expensive equipment. [09:24] Many people who love the outdoors want to create an experience that they've had and hosting is the perfect way.  It also makes good business sense to open up these semi permanent structures. [10:43] A lot of them are more in tune with the environment as they help people get in touch with mother nature. [11:07] The average cost can be a bit more than a hotel stay, because you are getting a unique experience with nature. The margins are good for the hosts. [12:06] Every business is trying to take a bigger piece of the millennial pie. Glamping naturally fits with their priorities. Millennials enjoy experience based traveling. [14:35] GlampingHub has over 30,000 properties worldwide. There are fantastic options in places like Australia and South America. [16:04] People are starting to realize that investing in the glamping space makes sense. The economy has really grown. [20:53] Being able to get outside is really important to people's physical and mental state right now. [21:39] Glamping is the opposite of a cruise, so it may be a good way to distance yourself right now. This type of travel at this time could make sense for some people. [23:23] This type of industry could be more resilient and bounce back faster during these times. [24:20] There are a lot of reviews on GlampingHub that will help you figure out what type of accommodation is right for you.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest GlampingHub GlampingHub on Twitter GlampingHub on Pinterest GlampingHub on Instagram GlampingHub on Facebook   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We talk with a young CEO who runs a company that empowers women to travel the world with other women in a way that feels safe and removes stress and uncertainty. This is a perfect solution for women who haven't found the right travel partners and are reluctant to tackle solo international travel. It’s a pleasure to talk with this young entrepreneur about her journey, her business, and her love of travel and empowering others.  Cienna Richards is the CEO of Your Life Travel Club where Cienna and her team create amazing all inclusive group travel experiences at exciting locations around the world. If you're a woman who would like to travel with other women but can never get a group together or don't have a core group of friends who want to travel, this service is perfect for you, because Cienna is going to tell us all about why you should be traveling the world with other women. Let's fly. This Episode is sponsored by Beatrice Bradley. Their line of travel accessories make packing easier and cleaner. Go to www.BeatriceBradley.com today and enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping. Show Notes: [03:12] Cienna Richards is the CEO of Your Life Travel Club. It's a business that holds international travel retreats for women. She started it about a year ago when she was 22 years old. [03:52] Her personal mission is to empower women to travel more and be safe while doing so. [04:28] Make sure you choose the right people or person to travel with.  [05:59] Get to know the world. It's amazing to travel and learn about different cultures and food. You'll see the world in a different light. The locals can give you a deep dive into their world.  [07:43] Cienna shares a story about not feeling well in Madrid and being helped by this beautiful woman who took her to the hospital and pharmacy.  [11:15] Budgeting is essential for travel. It's easy to overspend. Plan things out before you start out. Running out of money isn't fun. Also plan a hotel that is close to the airport.  [15:28] Women travelling together develop strong bonds.  [17:30] Women are able to stick together and form a beautiful bond and are able to protect each other. The travel club helps women to find women to travel with and get to know and form bonds with other women. [19:59] The stress is taken out of the trip because everything is planned including food, airfare, hotel room, and activities.  [21:25] Cienna started college when she was 16. She was considering becoming an international business lawyer. She graduated at 20 years old. She changed her major to advertising. She worked at a TV station.  [23:38] She started traveling and fell in love with traveling. She then went back to school to get a degree in a medical profession.  [26:04] No matter what she changed her major to, her goals revolved around travel. It was a windy path to get her to where she is today.  [27:58] She is passionate about seeing women and other people succeed. It's hard to find what you are supposed to do for the rest of your life. Her goal for her company is to empower women and build a community to uplift each other. [30:00] Your Life Travel Club is going to have an Ultimate Girls Trip to Madrid Spain. It's on July 11th of 2021. The trip is all inclusive including airfare and there's a cooking class, flamenco show, and a professional photo shoot. There are four spots out of 10 left. Fly with Chris and Di listeners will get their $99 deposit waived. [32:50] Chris asks Cienna what her favorite spots are. She includes Zurich Switzerland, Madrid Spain, and Italy in general.   Links and Resources: Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest Beatrice Bradley enter code FLY30 for 30% off site-wide and FREE shipping Your Life Travel Club Your Life Travel Club on Facebook Your Life Travel Club on Instagram Cienna Richards on LinkedIn For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We are so excited to be back and kicking off Season 2 of Fly with Chris and Di. We appreciate you joining us. For those of you who are new, we are here to share tips on how to love your trips. In this Season 2 opener, we are going to share what we’ve been up to in the off-season. Hint: It has to do with Football and local Nashville culture. We are also going to give a little preview of what you can expect in this upcoming season. We all love vacation, but sometimes we’re so busy with work and life that vacation time creeps up on us, and we have to scramble to find the best place to visit. If this sounds like you, we can help. We are going to answer the dreaded question of "where should we go for vacation?" We are going to do all of the research and leg work, so you can focus on the fun stuff. We are going to interview experts and find the best ways to save money, best places to visit, where to stay, and learn with you about exotic travel destinations.  Show Notes:   [01:13] We've been gone for awhile. We ended our season and then went into work mode. [01:40] We've been busy, working and traveling for work and some family travel. [02:00] This was a great NFL season for Titans fans. This was a busy football season. We saw the Georgia Bulldogs in Tennessee. [03:15] We also saw the Chiefs in their last loss to the Titans and ate at Biscuit Love.  [03:51] If you follow us on social media you probably saw a lot of pictures posted. We even got to see Patrick Mahomes.  [04:19] We spent some time in Georgia over Thanksgiving. [04:30] We have an upcoming jam packed season. We are going to focus on the dreaded question of, "where should we go for vacation?" [04:43] If you're anything like us, you love to travel but don't always have time to do the research. [05:24] One of the things that we did was take our daughter to see Hamilton. It was amazing. The whole show is delightful. The first song gave us goosebumps. [06:27] We moved to Nashville a year and a half ago. We have really been exploring the city. We saw Hamilton and went to the symphony. We also did the Hop-on Hop-off Bus. Now Chris knows all of the historical facts about the city. [06:58] We also did a three part series on things we are learning about Nashville.  [07:16] In Season 1, we talked about things that we know and that we've done. In Season 2, we'll be learning with you about locations all over the world such as Africa, Europe, and Fiji. [08:08] We're going to have an expert on glamorous camping and we'll learn all about glamping. [08:23] We'll explore how to save money and even find some low cost vacations. We are going to have something for everybody. [08:56] We'll be here every Monday with an exciting new episode.  [09:20] We truly appreciate our listeners and would love to connect and interact on any of the social media platforms. Tell us what you want to know and we'll try to fit it in.    Links and Resources: Biscuit Love Hamilton Nashville Symphony Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Bus Where to Stay in Nashville The Top Things to Do in Nashville Where to Eat in Nashville Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook Fly with Chris and Di on Twitter Fly with Chris and Di on Instagram Fly with Chris and Di on Pinterest   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We are on location today, and we are recording outside while we are waiting for our room to be cleaned. We aren't going to tell you the location on this episode, but Chris does drop a couple of hints. We are both on the keto diet or at least eating in a way that puts our bodies into ketosis. We are basically becoming fat burning entities. Although, Chris's version is a bit modified. Keto and healthy eating are popular, but it still takes some effort, forethought, and planning to eat keto or focus on eating healthy while traveling. This show focuses on eating foods that are high in good fat, with moderate proteins, and low carbs. There are different types and versions of the keto diet, but this show should help get the wheels turning on how to stay on your eating plan while exploring the world.  Show Notes:   [05:56] Our number one focus is having a plan. You want to think about accommodations, transportation, and what you need to bring with you.  [07:27] When on a road trip take a cooler. Pack things that may be hard to find and, of course, anything you need while on the road.  [08:50] If your traveling by plane, you can leverage the Shipt app. This is a 2-3 hour delivery service owned by target. You can have water or whatever delivered at your hotel.  [10:13] If you are staying at an Airbnb, you can always run to the grocery store.  [10:47] You can also shop beforehand using grocery pick up services. [11:11] Amazon is another amazing option. Put the apps on your phone before hand.  [11:44] Keto friendly foods that travel well are mustard, salad dressing, spices, cooked meats, boiled eggs, avocado, pork rinds, and heavy cream. You can also throw in cheeses, chia seeds, and berries.  [14:16] It's also helpful to have keto coffee and protein shakes with MCT oil.  [15:57] There's a Whole Foods next to our  hotel, and the breakfast we got there was so good that we went back for lunch. [16:30] Think about things to snack on for air travel. We like jerky, coconut chips, nut butters, pork rinds, tuna packets with keto mayo, stevia, nuts, and bulletproof coffee. Put coffee in your carry on, so the drug dogs don't think you are trying to cover up a scent.  [17:49] Get perishables when you are at an Airbnb. They are very friendly for special dietary restrictions.  [18:41] You have to be a little more creative when staying at a hotel. The free breakfast can be loaded with temptations. It's a carb buffet. [20:06] We like Vega and Best Fat Fuel shakes. Magnesium and potassium are important for women.  [23:35] We also like Zevia soda. Root beer is our favorite. [26:34] Grilled and sauteed meats are easy go-tos. Make the best choices, you don't have to be perfect. Cheeses and avocado are great choices. Vegetables and leafy greens are perfect. Chris loves asparagus.  [28:40] Watch the condiments. Look out for sugar and carbs. Oil and vinegar or adding avocado are great for salads.  [30:55] Bacon or sausage and eggs are great for breakfast. You can have grilled chicken with no bun. [31:47] Lunch options include a bacon cheeseburger with no bun. Grilled chicken, nuggets, and salad are a great option. You can get an unwich at Jimmy John's.  [32:57] You don't have to be perfect, but it helps to be aware. Especially, if you travel a lot. [33:41] There are tons of dinner options like grilled fish and vegetables. Lobster and butter is also keto approved.  [34:51] Drinking on keto will slow down the ability to breakdown fat, but champagne or dry wines only have about two net carbs. [36:12] Unfortunately, beer isn't keto approved.  [37:06] Most liquors are no carbs. Just leave off the sweet mixers. [39:01] Fish options include flounder, herring, salmon, sardines, sole, tuna, trout, cod, and halibut. [39:17] You can also try Cornish game hen, duck, goose, pheasant, quail, or ostrich to mix things up. Di's favorites are shellfish like  clams, crab meat, mussels, oysters, shrimp, squid, and lobster. [40:01] You can have whatever meat you want as long as it's not fried. Try things like bacon, beef, ham, lamb, pork, and veal. [41:09] Cheeses are also one of Di's favorites. Think about trying things like parmesan, goat cheese, blue cheese, cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, cream cheese, Swiss, and feta. [42:10] You can also use a carb manager app to make things easier. Having a fitness app can make sure you are moving. The Apple watch also has a cool fitness tracker. Chris likes My Fitness Pal.    Links and Resources: Airbnb Get $40 off your first home booking of $75 or more and $15 off towards an experience of $50 or more Waldorf Astoria and the Conrad Hotel and Resorts Get a $100 daily credit when you stay 2 or more nights and book at least 3 days in advance Carb Manager App Keto Diet Tracker My Fitness Pal Apple Watch Activity Tracker Amazon Prime Just $5.99 a month Amazon Fresh Unlimited grocery delivery Shipt Save $50 Vega Protein Shakes Fat Fuel  Formula Dispensers for Travel   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We are wrapping up our Nashville series with where to eat in Nashville. We already talked about Where to Stay in Nashville and The Top Things to Do in Nashville. Now it’s time to talk about some of the amazing food options when in Nashville. If you haven’t eaten yet, this episode will make you hungry. We’ve been focusing on eating better and getting fit. Diane is on the keto diet and Chris is doing a keto/paleo version. To be honest, preparing for this show was a bit of a challenge to our diets.    There are so many great things to do and see in Nashville and the food is no exception. We kick things off with some great spots in Downtown Nashville. We tell you about the super cool Acme Feed & Seed along with what we each like to order. We also tell you where to get amazing oysters and unbelievable milkshakes before moving on to our favorite spots in The Gulch. After that we tell you about Midtown hotspots, some classy West End options, our favorite spot in 12 South, Hillsboro Village, and Chris’s favorite pizza place in East Nashville.    Warning: graphic food descriptions, please eat before listening to this episode.    Show Notes:   [04:15] Downtown Nashville is the hustling and bustling area where all of the honkytonks are located.  [04:32] Acme Feed & Seed is a cool historic building with a honkytonk on the first floor with great food and drinks. There is also a great bar and food on the second floor which also has sushi. The third floor is an event center called The Hatchery. There is also a rooftop bar with great views of Broadway, the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium, and Riverfront Park. [07:42] Get Ike & Mike Nachos on the second floor.  [08:25] Chris would eat an acme burger with bear creek beef & cheddar cheese and hand-cut fries. Di would have he farm-raised catfish with hush puppies, hand cut fries, and slaw. [09:32] For dessert, try a southern hand pie with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce. [10:05] The Southern Steak & Oyster. They serve breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. At brunch you can get pictures of mimosas. They also have great oysters. [11:54] Eat like Chris with the fried chicken, greens, and mac and cheese or a double-cut smoked pork chop. Di likes the shrimp and grits or seared sea scallops. [14:11] There is a special dessert place called Legendairy. It's a crazy over the top milkshake bar. They make things like Death by Chocolate which is Dutch chocolate and rocky road ice cream, chocolate icing rim, chocolate chips, whipped cream, chocolate fudge drizzle, chocolate sprinkles, and a fudge brownie on top. [17:06] Now we are moving into The Gulch. The Whiskey Kitchen has great cocktails with awesome names. They have an extensive whiskey menu and late night dinners. [18:34] Chris would eat dry wings (sweet & smoky bbq, togarashi, or ranch-spiced) to start and three little pigs brick oven pizza (sausage, pit ham, Gifford’s bacon, mozzarella, provolone). [19:33] Di would have the rocket salad (arugula, slicked strawberry, blue cheese crumble, toasted pecan, lemon herb vinaigrette) to start and low country pulled pork sandwich with chipotle mac & cheese. [20:27] Biscuit Love is world famous. They have three locations. They serve breakfast, lunch, and brunch. They started as a food truck and make everything from scratch. Try an east nasty chicken sandwich. [21:33] Chris would have the princess which is buttermilk biscuit, Nashville style spicy boneless hot chicken thigh, pickles, mustard, and honey. [22:15] Di would have Bonuts which are fried biscuit dough, tossed in sugar, topped with lemon mascarpone, served over blueberry compote or Hummingbird Family Reserve a drop biscuit filled with pineapples and banana jam, topped with cream cheese frosting and pecans. [23:28] Jackalope Brewing Co. The founders met while studying in Scotland. They have brews with cool names. Chris would have a Fennario IPA and Di would have Thunder Ann Pale Ale.  [26:09] Midtown. The Patterson House is a speakeasy in a secret location. Governor Malcolm R. Patterson vetoed prohibition, but his veto was overridden by the state legislature. They have unique cocktails and delicious food.  [29:48] Get some Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B's.  [31:22] Chris would get the Damn Hot with southern greens. Di would get the Southern with no heat with either peach cobbler or banana pudding.  [31:45] Warning: Shut the Cluck Up!! is HOT! [34:31] We love pizza, but only recommend places we go. DeSano has communal seating and traditional style pizza, calzones, cannolis, and you can even get slices.  [36:03] The West End. The Americano is like a tapas bar. It's fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. [37:12] Saltine is a great seafood place, and they have oysters. Chris's favorite go-to dessert is chocolate cake.  [38:34] 12 South has some cool places to eat. Bartaco is our go-to spot. They have street tacos. We always order the chips and salsas.  [40:06] Chris orders the chicken and shrimp. Di loves the crispy rock shrimp, glazed pork belly, Baja fish, and when in season the crispy oyster tacos. [42:36] The Christie Cookie Co. is across the street. They have amazing cookies and brownies that are awesome. Take some home! [44:09] The Frothy Monkey serves breakfast through dinner, and they have great coffee and food options.  [45:41] Hillsboro Village: Check out the Pancake Pantry. Get there before 9:00 am. There is a long line, but the pancakes are worth it.  [47:31] Kay Bob's has Persian and Southern influenced healthy food. [48:26] When you make it to East Nashville hit up Five Points Pizza. This is Chris's favorite, and even though you can get just a slice, he suggests the whole pie.  [50:25] The Pharmacy has 100% Tennessee raised burgers. They have great burgers, brats, and shakes. They make their own condiments and have a unique beer selection. [51:44] Time to wrap up and go eat.    Links and Resources: Waldorf Astoria and the Conrad Hotel and Resorts Get a $100 daily credit when you stay 2 or more nights and book at least 3 days in advance Lyft  get up to $5 off with your first ride Where to Stay in Nashville The Top Things to Do in Nashville Downtown Nashville: Acme Feed & Seed The Southern Steak & Oyster Legendairy 3rd Ave N Legendairy Milkshake Bar on Facebook The Gulch: Whiskey Kitchen Biscuit Love Jackalope Brewing Co Midtown: Patterson House Hattie B’s DeSano’s Pizza West End: Americano Saltine 12 South: Bartaco The Christie Cookie Co. Frothy Monkey Hillsboro Village: Pancake Pantry Kay Bob’s East Nashville: Five Points Pizza The Pharmacy   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We’ve already talked about Where to Stay in Nashville, but what are you going to do while you are there? You probably know Nashville is famous for country music and nightlife, but there is more to Nashville than that. Downtown Nashville is often called Nashvegas because of all of the amazing bars, restaurants, and venues. We suggest fun ideas whether you are into shopping, sports, or dancing.  We break down some of the more famous night spots and honky tonks in the area. It’s even possible to have a sighting of a favorite artist or two while you are out. Some of these places are even owned by stars like Luke Bryan, John Rich, Kid Rock and more. We also talk about local attractions other than bars and some really fun family ideas that are two hours or less away. If you are planning a Nashville trip, we have tons of fun ideas and suggestions for you to explore. Show Notes: [04:48] Nashvegas or downtown. Nashville hosted the 2019 NFL draft and showcased everything that Nashville has to offer.   [05:18] Lower Broadway or 2nd and Broadway is known for the Honky Tonks.  [05:46] Honky Tonks usually have country music and some type of line dancing. It's typically people dressed in western gear but they don't have to be.  [07:21] There are a lot of blocks in this four block area.  [07:36] Some iconic bars include Tootsies, The Stage, Legends, and Roberts. These are the Honky Tonks right behind the Ryman which was originally the Grand Ole Opry. After shows, people like Johnny Cash would head out and have a drink at these places. [08:35] There's all kinds of great local talent, plus you never know who you'll see there. [09:11] There are also bars created by big stars like Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Kid Rock. There's the Redneck Riviera bar which isn't far away from Mount Richmore where Jon Rich lives.  [10:54] There are also some great places to dance in Lower Broadway like Acme Feed & Seed, Bourbon Street Blues, and Skulls Rainbow Room. [11:15]  Wildhorse Saloon line dance has line dance lessons. They also have other dancing and great fun times. [12:03] Nashville is a great place to see your team. Nissan Stadium where the Titans play their home games is right downtown. [13:12] The Country Music Hall of Fame is also in this area. As well as, the Nashville Convention Center and Johnny Cash Museum. [14:15] There's a lot of great shops. You can get boots, souvenirs, and music. Local boutiques include Nash collection and southernaire Market. [14:49] We like to drive around and look for the Elvis Statue. [15:57] Get around in style in a Nashville Pedal Pub. We recommend the motorized ones. [18:06] You can also get pulled around by a tractor that pulls a flatbed. It's like a hay ride, but there are seats and a bartender. [20:06] There are all kinds of rolling parties like buses without tops. They also have golf cart taxis that help you bar hop safely.  [22:59] There are also many great tours in and around Nashville. The Ryman hosts concerts and events, and you can get a tour.  [23:43] The Centennial Park Parthenon is another great sight.  [24:29] The current Grand Ole Opry is near the Opryland Hotel and the Opry Mills Mall. [25:54] You could also have a dinner cruise on the General Jackson Showboat. [26:39] If you don't mind going a little further away, you could go on the Jack Daniel's Distillery tour. [27:58] Arrington Vineyards has their own wine. It's a beautiful place. Kicks Brooks is one of the owners.  [29:16] We also have Old Hickory Lake. You can rent boats and find your own private sand bar to hang out on. [31:37] Mammoth Cave National Park has bike trails and Cave tours. [32:21] Land Between the Lakes is the largest stretch of untouched forest on the East Coast. [33:31] If you go two hours south to Huntsville Alabama, there is a fantastic Space and Rocket Center. [34:33] Eat at Rosie's Cantina when you are in Huntsville. [35:59] Rock Island State Park is actually on our list of places to go. It looks gorgeous. [37:15] If you head towards Memphis, you will find the Pinson Mounds. These are Native American burial and ceremonial mounds. There's also an archaeological park there.   Links and Resources: StitchFix Get $25 off your first fix Lyft  get up to $5 off with your first ride Where to Stay in Nashville Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Robert’s Western World The Stage on Broadway Legends Corner Bar Ryman FGL House Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar Luke’s 32 Bridge Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk & Steakhouse Redneck Riviera Bar Mount Richmore Love Circle Bourbon Street Blues Acme Feed & Seed Skull’s Rainbow Room Wildhorse Saloon Nissan Stadium Bridgestone Arena Country Music Hall of Fame  Nashville Convention Center Johnny Cash Museum NASH Collection Southernaire Market Centennial Park Parthenon Grand Ole Opry Opryland Hotel Opry Mills Mall General Jackson Showboat Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour Group Trip on the Bourbon Trail Arrington Vineyards Old Hickory Lake Mammoth Cave National Park Land Between the Lakes U.S. Space & Rocket Center Rosie’s Cantina Rock Island State Park Pinson Mounds For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

With music, sports, nightlife, and great places to eat, Nashville has it all. It’s also our hometown, and we are excited to talk about it today. There is so much to do and see in Nashville, and we’ll be talking about this in upcoming episodes, but today is all about where to stay when visiting Nashville. From modern upscale hotels with rooftop bars to unique boutique hotels, there are so many choices when deciding where to stay in Nashville. We share our planning expertise to help you find a place to stay that suits your interests and what you want to do during your visit. Nashville is made up of different neighborhoods that all have their own unique vibe. We kick off with some of the nice places to stay downtown that are located close to stadiums and bars. Then we move on to hotels that are in The Gulch, Midtown, and Printers Alley. If you want something a little quieter, we also talk about some lovely residential areas that have Airbnb options. Nashville has something for everyone, and we want to help you find the perfect place for you to stay.  Show Notes: [03:47] Chris lived in Nashville for a couple of years after he finished school. We recently moved back.  [04:11] In the last 7-10 years, Nashville has really grown. Especially, the downtown area called SoBro or South of Broadway. [04:33] Downtown is the most popular area. This is where the stadiums and the bars and clubs are located. This is where you can experience Nashville. [05:36] The Westin Nashville is close to everything and a wonderful place to stay with two restaurants and a rooftop bar.  [06:28] The Noelle is a boutique hotel. It's a creative gathering place with a rooftop bar called the Rare Bird. It looks like an old train station and a really great unique feel.  [07:41] Hilton is one of our main go-tos with three restaurants and two bars. You can also get suites. This is great if you love Hiltons or are a rewards member.  [09:01] When you have a special occasion or want to go all out, the Bobby Hotel is an upscale experience on the cusp of the Nashville music scene. It even has a rooftop lounge with a swimming pool and it's right in Printer's Alley.  [11:30] Other great downtown locations include The Omni, the J.W. Marriott, the Renaissance, the Sheraton, the Hilton, and the Hilton Garden Inn. [11:48] The Fairlane Hotel is a metro modern hub. It's a quirky mid-century modern design from the 1960s and 1970s. If you were around at those times it will hearken your childhood memories. [12:55] A boutique hotel specifically designed for groups is the Bode. They have from one to four bedroom units with chef kitchens and balconies. This would be a wonderful and unique place for a group to stay.  [13:35] Nashville has country music and honky tonks, so you can just get down and have a good time. There are also very trendy upscale places to stay. NashVegas can compete with places across the world.  [14:26] The Gulch is an upscale trendy area. It has more of a local feel, it's about two miles off of the strip. There are cool hotels and restaurants.  [15:50] We're going to start with the Thompson Nashville. All of the rooms have floor to ceiling windows that overlooks the Gulch and downtown. The decor is mid-century modern with hardwood floors and there are three restaurants there. [16:24] The 404 Boutique is a tiny hotel. They only have four king suite rooms with custom vintage furniture. They also have loft spaces and photography by local artists. They also have the award-winning 404 Kitchen restaurant.  [18:23] Midtown is about 5 miles away from downtown. Hattie B's Hot chicken is in Midtown. This is a great area for young professionals. Each area has a different vibe. You'll find more locals here. [19:49] Embassy Suites and Home 2 Suites are good choices. There's also The Kimpton Aertson with 180 guest rooms. They also have 12 suites and 12 different room types. There is private dining and an award winning brasserie. Di wants to spend the day at their spa and get a four handed spa.  [21:56] West End is one of Chris's favorite areas. It's a little further from the city. This is where Vanderbilt is at. It's also a little more affordable. [23:14] You can walk to Midtown from West End, but you'll need a car for the other areas.  [23:40] You can stay at the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt or the Loews Vanderbilt or the Hayes Street Hotel. The Hayes Street is a boutique hotel with a minimalist vibe and the Hayes Street Bar.  [23:53] The Hutton Hotel is a four star, four diamond hotel that caters to musicians. It's upscale and casual, and it has creative spaces for musical professionals. It also has penthouses and is super pet friendly. You could also run into one of your favorite musicians here.  [24:51] The Hutton is also very pet friendly with special water bowls and treats. They also have a complete vinyl library and in room record players. They also have a house car that will take you anywhere in a 3-mile radius, and it happens to be a Tesla. The fitness center has a Peloton bike and TRX. [26:10] All of the music studios are between West End and Midtown. [26:57] 12 South is a residential neighborhood. There are a lot of bars, restaurants and shops here. It's walkable and has Bartaco. There's a cool vibe with a lot of locals. [28:31] Belmont University is also a large school in Nashville. It's a small quaint beautiful area. You can great Airbnbs in these neighborhoods.  [30:10] Hillsborough is an urban neighborhood with younger adults and college students. There are over 25 bars and restaurants.  [30:55] East Nashville is well-known because of the musicians and artists that live here. It's like its own city with over 100 restaurants and shops. You can't walk to other neighborhoods if you are staying here.  [32:48] When you are planning your trip, think about all of these things when determining the right place to stay.  Links and Resources: Airbnb Get $40 off your first home booking of $75 or more and $15 off towards an experience of $50 or more Waldorf Astoria and the Conrad Hotel and Resorts Get a $100 daily credit when you stay 2 or more nights and book at least 3 days in advance The Westin Nashville Noelle, Nashville Rare Bird Nashville Hilton Downtown Nashville Bobby Hotel Omni Nashville J.W. Marriott Renaissance Nashville Sheraton Grand Nashville Hilton Nashville Downtown Hilton Garden Inn Fairlane Hotel Bode Nashville Thompson Nashville 404 Boutique 404 Kitchen Hattie B's Hot Chicken Embassy Suites Nashville at Vanderbilt University Hotel Home 2 Suites Nashville The Kimpton Aertson Nashville Henley Modern American Brasserie Kimpton Spa Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt Loews Nashville Hayes Street Hotel Hayes Street Bar Hutton Hotel Writers Studios Mane & Rye Dinerant Bartaco

This summer we took a trip back to Walt Disney World. It had been about 10 years since our last trip to Disney. We loved our last trip. Our son was about 9 and our daughter was four years old. Everything was exciting to the kids. They loved the trip, and we did as well. We weren’t so sure how this new trip would go because our daughter is now 14, and we were also bringing her 14 year old cousin. We weren't sure if it would be the same with two 14 year old girls. We’ve learned that the one thing you can count on with teenage girls is that you can't count on anything. Since we weren’t sure if they would still love Disney and all it has to offer, we took extra steps with our planning to make sure that we had an amazing trip that everybody loved. Today, we are going to share that planning and our trip with you. You can use these tips for traveling anywhere with teenagers.  Show Notes: [03:44] Tip number one is to plan. Disney helps you with the Disney app. It helps you plan each day, it has your hotel information, meal reservations, fast passes, and more. [04:42] Download the app and look at each park you want to go to and which days you will be there. You get access to one fast pass per park a day.  [05:53] You only get three fast passes per day. Make sure to set up your fast passes as soon as they are available. Teens will want to choose the rides they want.  [07:19] Dianne had to ride the Tower or Terror.  [07:49] You get an hour block of time for your fast pass. You can't book your next one until after that time slot is over. This is why you need to plan your day and the rides. [08:44] After you have your day and fast passes planned, it's time to think about food options. If you're spending the day in Epcot, get a meal in Epcot for that evening. Travel between parks can be time consuming.  [09:37] Having a plan where you are going to eat helps avoid "teenage slump".  [10:16] Once everything is in the app, the teens can approve.  [11:01] Bring a comfort item for your teens. Our teens wanted a blanket. It's cold on the plane. It's nice to be able to relax with a blanket.  [12:51] Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. We walked 17,000 steps everyday.  [15:10] Tip number four is to let your teens pick out a souvenir. Disney is great at merchandising. Going shopping is also a great break from the heat. The teens were invested in shopping when they knew they had a budget.  [17:52] Number five is about keeping your teens hydrated and well fed. Encourage them to eat, even if it's on a different schedule than you.  [19:25] Pro Tip: Where ever there are soda machines, you can get ice water. It's much colder than the bottles and free. The girls loved it. You don't have to carry anything in the park. [21:04] We used Shipt to purchase two cases of water for the hotel.  [24:27] It get hots at Disney in the summer. Teenagers will start to get moody. Stay cool by taking shopping breaks in cool shops. Eat meals and slow down in cool inside environments. An ice cream break after lunch is good too. Shade breaks are also helpful. Cooling towels can be bought in advance. They have them at Disney too, but they are almost $17. [28:53] Battery operated misting fans also helped so much. Bring hats for shade and to avoid sunburn. Also bring sunglasses. String bags are also part of the pre-Disney pack. We only bought food and souvenirs.  [32:06] Let the teens use their cellphones at Disney. Having them use the app helped with everyone knowing the schedule and fast passes. The phones were also great for photos with characters. We did ask them to stay off of social media. We also used the phones for games in line.  [35:45] Tip number eight is to let the teenagers sleep. We had later dinner reservations and the girls were happier.  [38:08] Tip number nine is also giving them enough down time. Parents need down time too. [39:01] Tip number ten is to give the kids some freedom. They liked riding the rides alone and exploring a bit on their own. [40:16] Pro Tip: There are lines for single riders only. This line allowed us to walk right on. You can also get more rides in.  [41:42] Allow the teens to make some choices with the fast passes.    Links and Resources: Airbnb Get $40 off your first home booking of $75 or more and $15 off towards an experience of $50 or more Lyft  get up to $5 off with your first ride Disney App Park Hopper Tower or Terror Shipt Postmates Cooling Towels Misting Fans Disney Hats String Bags   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Taking advantage of frequent flyer programs is a great way to save on flights and upgrade to a more comfortable flight. You can also use some points for other things like merchandise or even drinks. It can get confusing trying to make sense of all of the options. This is why we are sharing our experience on how to maximize those benefits and get the most out of your miles program.   We talk about how to become a frequent flyer member. If you're already a member, don't worry, we have stuff for you too. We talk about some of the benefits of being a frequent flyer. We also talk about how to sign up for frequent flyer programs, and we also talk about how to get the most out of your miles. We also wrap up the show with a comparison of three different airlines and the benefits that they provide. We’ve done the research, so you can just enjoy the benefits.    Show Notes   [02:45] Being part of a frequent flyer plan really makes you feel special. It also makes purchase of tickets and check in really easy. The airline will have all of your information including precheck to make the security experience much easier. [04:08] Your information is also already stored, so you don't have to waste time retyping your information every time you purchase a new ticket.  [04:35] Another great benefit is earning free flights. You can use your points for flights or extras like upgrades, baggage fees, and drinks. [07:16] You can also trade your points for experiences or merchandise or even Amazon gift cards. [08:08] It's easy to sign up for frequent flyer miles. Go to the airline website and click on the join now button. Once you enter your information, you'll get a frequent flyer number. We keep our information on a spreadsheet. Take a picture and keep the info on your phone. [11:02] Make sure your frequent flyer number is connected to your ticket when you purchase the ticket from other online sites.  [13:36] Airlines want to build brand loyalty, and they want you to be members. Staying loyal to one brand will help you maximize your miles.  [16:10] Saving your miles for the most expensive tickets will save you more money. It's always great to upgrade to even comfort plus. Be flexible with your flight time to maximize points. Sometimes miles to upgrade aren't the best use. Save the miles for purchasing tickets. [18:16] American Airlines AAdvantage they provide miles with 34 partners. You can use the miles for a lot of different things. There are four elite status levels including gold, platinum, executive platinum, and platinum pro. These miles do expire after 18 months.  [20:00] With Delta SkyMiles, you earn 5 SkyMiles for every dollar. There are also partner airlines. You can also earn on purchases with credit cards. Miles can be used for travel, upgrades, and merchandise. Medallion status gives you unlimited upgrades. Miles never expire. [22:54] Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program. This is based on the amount of money you spend. They're also no blackout dates, and the points never expire. You can also get companion tickets which are two tickets for the price of one. [24:48] Benefits often change over time, but these are updated as of today.   Links and Resources: Airbnb Get $40 off your first home booking of $75 or more and $15 off towards an experience of $50 or more Waldorf Astoria and the Conrad Hotel and Resorts Get a $100 daily credit when you stay 2 or more nights and book at least 3 days in advance American Airlines AAdvantage Delta SkyMiles Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Booking a trip or vacation can be frustrating for people who don’t know where or when to look, but it’s possible to save and still have awesome trips when you know where and how to look for the best deals. This is why we invited budget travel expert Nikki Rue on the show today.    Nikki runs She Saves She Travels where she shares budget travel tips, inspiration from her trips, and more with her readers. Nikie gives us great tips on the best time to book a flight, why it’s so important to be flexible with dates and airports, and she shares some little heard of subscription services that can save travelers big bucks to local and exotic locations.    Show Notes   [02:36] Nikki Rue runs the travel blog She Saves She Travels. She has been traveling for years. It's her goal to break the myth that you have to be rich to travel. [03:14] She teaches people how to budget and prioritize their trips through her site. She also gives awesome travel tips and shares inspiration about the trips that she has been on.  [03:34] Nikki is flexible with her travel dates. Traveling in the off season or on Wednesdays and Tuesdays is less expensive.  [05:22] You may be able to find cheaper flights at a different airport. You can also fly into neighboring towns. Major airports are a little less expensive.  [08:03] Try going into incognito mode in your browser to find a cheaper flight.  [10:09] You can sometimes get better deals by booking separate flights, because you could use different airlines for each flight.  [11:33] Be creative and look at different options.  [12:30] Let the flight prices come to you. You can do this through discount subscription services like Next Vacay.  [14:48] Nikki shares her favorite subscription services like FareDrop, Scott's Cheap Flights, and Secret Flying. People don't realize the value of these services.  [16:48] Kayak is also awesome for looking at flight prices. Flights are usually the best price from 60 to 90 days out.  [18:22] The time of day also matters. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are good times to look for flights.  [19:39] The three favorite places that Nikki has been to are Hawaii and the island of Kauai, Turks and Caicos, and any beaches or anywhere she can relax.    Links and Resources: Waldorf Astoria and the Conrad Hotel and Resorts Get a $100 daily credit when you stay 2 or more nights and book at least 3 days in advance Get a Free Month of Audible and A Free Book She Saves She Travels Budget Travel Tips Including How to Book Flights She Saves She Travels on Instagram She Saves She Travels on Facebook She Saves She Travels on Pinterest Next Vacay Secret Flying Scott’s Cheap Flights FareDrop Kayak   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

One of our favorite trips was the birthday trip that I planned for Chris last year. Chris likes planning. He plans most of our trips, and he is not a fan of surprises. So, I couldn’t completely surprise him with the trip, but he was surprised by the great planning and what a wonderful time he had. Chris is a fan of bourbon, so I thought it would be a great idea to take him and some friends on a bourbon tour. It’s good I wasn’t trying to create a complete surprise, because I needed some input from Chris to design the perfect birthday bourbon tour. First I needed to know if he was even interested in a bourbon tour. Then I needed to know which distilleries he would like to visit and who he wanted to go on the trip with us. Once I had this information the preparation could begin. In this episode, we share how I laid out and planned the trip, and all of the fun things we did. Show Notes [04:22] The first thing that Di did when planning this trip was ask Chris key questions. You will get a really great experience if you hire one of the companies that offer tours. [05:11] Chris looked at the guest list, and they were all bourbon fans. Chris is a fan of Blanton's bourbon, so they had to go to Buffalo Trace Distillery.  [06:05] Some people on the guest list were fans of Woodford Reserve and Four Roses Bourbon, so these distilleries were also added to the tour. [06:32] Chris chose the locations from a list where he had to choose the east or the south route. [07:04] The tour is a full day tour that includes admission to most of the distilleries. [07:18] While planning, we needed to know which route we were going to take and how many people were going to be on the tour. [08:01] We were planning more than the day of touring. We had to plan how to get there and how to get home, because we had 13 people in our group. [08:29] We needed to create an itinerary for a group that told people where to be and when to be there. [09:12] We also rented a van, so we could all drive down together.  [10:22] This was a 3-day weekend and the tour was planned for Saturday. We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Louisville. [11:48] We arrived Friday afternoon, so we went to Churchill Downs horse track and had a couple of mint juleps. Di picked a winner that everyone bet on except Chris.  [13:48] When we went back to the hotel, it was happy hour. They had free food and the waitresses bring you drinks. It was like a huge party.  [15:53] Then we had dinner at a pizza place called Birracibo. The windows made it feel like we were sitting outside. [16:56] That left the rest of the night for us to have fun on Fourth Street Live. This is where they have live concerts on the street, and there are bars and restaurants. [17:51] The first place we went was the Sports and Social Club. They had cornhole, bowling, and beer pong. It was like a college bar for grownups.  [20:07] Then we went to PBR the pro bull riding bar. It's a country bar where you dance.  [21:10] We were right around the corner from the hotel. We had a big day in the morning, so we walked back.  [21:28] We used Mint Julep Tours for our excursion. We also brought a cooler.  [23:37] Our driver Dan picked us up early in the morning. We had a really nice private bus.  [25:09] We saw famous horse farms on our way to Woodford Reserve. The grounds and buildings were beautiful and a bus took us to the distillery.  [28:35] The storage warehouse with the stacked barrels was really interesting. Then we went into a tasting room. You get a row of bourbon and chocolate bourbon balls that pair with the whiskey.  [32:56] We went to a restaurant called Addies. We had drinks and really good food.  [33:49] Then Dan took us to Four Roses. At Four Roses, we had a quick tasting and then headed to Buffalo Trace.  [37:55] We had another tour, and then it was time for the tasting. If you want a tour where you drink this is the one.  [40:25] We got back to the hotel around 5:30 which was just in time to get ready for Chris's birthday dinner at Brendon’s Catch 23. [41:35] It's good to make reservations beforehand when you have a large group. We had a great table, birthday cake, and a wonderful time. [42:13] Di was thorough with the planning, but she also left some time for flexibility in the schedule. After dinner, we had time to go to the casino.  [43:29] The next morning, we had a nice ride back and got to chat with our friends.  Links and Resources: Become a Fly Insider Mint Julep Experiences Fourth Street Live! Embassy Suites hotel 501 S. Fourth Street, Louisville, KY  Lyft  get up to $5 off with your first ride Waldorf Astoria and the Conrad Hotel and Resorts Get a $100 daily credit when you stay 2 or more nights and book at least 3 days in advance Blanton’s Bourbon Buffalo Trace Distillery Woodford Reserve Four Roses Bourbon Churchill Downs The Sports and Social Club PBR Louisville Brendon’s Catch 23 For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Worrying about whether your home is safe can really take the fun out of vacation. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to secure your home and create peace of mind so that you can enjoy your trip. Today, we have expert realtor Amy Corey here to share 10 tips that will help secure your home while you are on vacation.   Amy is the realtor that we used to buy a home, sell a home, and to help get us connected with an agent in Tennessee. Amy works by referral only, so she is freed up to focus on the buying and selling of client homes instead of worrying about marketing her business. We think Amy is wonderful and are super excited to have her here today. We also share a funny story about our house buying experience with Amy.    Show Notes   [05:20] Amy calls herself a real-estate brat because her mom was in real estate for 36 years. Amy is now celebrating 15 years this month as a residential realtor. [06:10] Any works exclusively by referral in Indiana and all over the country.  She has a top notch group of professional agents that are represented in every state. [06:35] She has helped many clients move out of Indiana. She has also had the honor of helping the many agents that she networks with. [07:38] Working by referral gives her the opportunity to put her head down and focus on what's needed whether it's selling or buying. She always hopes to exceed her clients expectations. [10:46] One of the first and foremost things you can do to protect your home is to get a home security system. They have become much more inexpensive recently. They also add to the resale value when you sell your home. [11:46] It's nice to have a monitored system with a local presence.  [13:17] Amy works with an agent at ADT who helps educate clients and find discounts for them.  [14:23] Hold your mail, packages, and newspaper delivery when you are gone. Have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on things and look for packages.  [16:40] Keep your lawn mowed and watered. A brown lawn lets people know that you are gone.  [21:54] When it comes to social media, don't post about your trip until you are back home.  [23:18] Have a safe at home in case something happens. Put important documents and sentimental items in your safe.  [25:59] Lock your garage door. There is a manual lock to the side.  [30:20] Lights are so important for security. Get motion sensor lights for the outside, especially in dark areas. Also have timers for your inside lights and vary the areas and times.  [33:36] There's a lot of advantages to spending a little to stay safe.  [34:16] Have the stickers or signs that say that you have a security system.  [35:52] Quick rundown: Utilize a home security system. Hold the mail. Have a plan for packages and flyers. Don't skip on home maintenance. Be careful on social media. Utilize a safe. Disconnect your garage door and lock it. Install a sensor on outdoor lights. Install timers on indoor lights. Advertise security.   Links and Resources: Become a Fly Insider Airbnb Get $40 off your first home booking of $75 or more and $15 off towards an experience of $50 or more StitchFix Get $25 off your first fix Amy W. Corey The Corey Connection Amy Corey on Facebook @AmyWCorey on Twitter Arlo - Wireless Home Security Camera System Ring Door View Cam Philips Hue Dusk-to-Dawn Outdoor Motion Sensor for Smart Home   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Do you have any questions you would like to ask a pilot?  We have some burning questions that we would like to ask a pilot, so we are super excited to have our guest today Brian Harris. Brian is Chris's cousin. He has been a pilot for a long time. Brian is going to answer all of our questions, and we also have a question from a listener.  We have also taken some trips with Brian, and at the end of the episode Brian and Chris share a trip they took when they were young. If you would like your question answered during our show check out our Facebook page to see what is coming up and join in on the interviewing fun.   Show Notes [02:45] Brian has wanted to be a pilot since the 6th grade. He started with an aviation explorer program with the scouts. He fell in love with aviation and majored in aeronautical technology at Tennessee State University. [03:18] He then went to two flight schools and then instructed for a year and a half before landing his dream job as a pilot in 2002.  [03:31] His ultimate dream of becoming a FedEx pilot was realized in October of 2016. [03:56] Brian's first flight was when he worked with a flight instructor at the YMCA who knew he wanted to be a pilot and offered to take him on flight.  [04:29] They flew around, and he was hooked for sure.  [05:03] After getting his degree he went to an aviation academy. He did three weeks of ground school and then the flight training where he soloed after three or four flights.  [05:31] Then he went to All Transport Professionals or ATP in Atlanta. He got the rest of his ratings at ATP, and then he instructed for about a year and a half.  [05:45] Once he was hired by an airline, he went through training on the airplane he was going to be on. They also have yearly training, which used to be every six months.  [06:03] They fly in a simulator and make sure that they are still proficient. Any FAA problem areas will be implemented into the training program. They also work on takeoffs, landings, and emergencies. [07:01] Flight simulators are cool and amazingly hard.  [07:39] What happens if someone has a medical emergency? The flight attendant first notifies the pilot. They will radio the company and air traffic control. When there's an emergency the flight is expedited. The plane can also communicate with a medical facility and talk to a doctor, if needed. [09:49] What do you eat on a long flight? He used to bring his own lunch or eat 30 little bags of peanuts. At FedEx, he gets to order his meals. On long flights, there is a third pilot, so they can rotate breaks.  [14:20] Why do we need to put our phones on airplane mode? It's just to avoid interference with navigational aids.  [16:20] What are the restroom rules? The crew asks passengers to remain seated, so they can taxi into takeoff.  [18:08] Now there is a passenger bill of rights.  [19:03] Why do we have to put our seats back up? It's about safety. It's hard to get by with the seats back. There can be emergencies on takeoffs and landings.  [21:41] Chris and Brian had a Cadillac Caravan going to Nashville to Opryland. They also drove a Cadillac with three adults and 5 kids from Memphis, Tennessee to Orlando, Florida. They spent a week there and had a great time. Godfather's Pizza was the best pizza that Brian had ever had. [22:48] They didn't have any technology, they just played games in the car for 16 hours. They did have a CB radio. Links and Resources: Become a Fly Insider Waldorf Astoria and the Conrad Hotel and Resorts Get a $100 daily credit when you stay 2 or more nights and book at least 3 days in advance Lyft  get up to $5 off with your first ride   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We’ve been sharing travel tips and some of our great travel experiences with you. Today, we are doing something a bit different. We are sharing the actual four-day itinerary of our Southern California trip. In this trip, we had a great time and managed to see a lot in a very short amount of time. We spent some time in LA, a day in San Diego, and even made it South of the Border in Tijuana.  People often ask how we do so much in such a short amount of time. It really comes down to planning. We wanted to get the most out of our trip, so we were very mindful of the time we had. If you want to make a similar trip, we share what we did each and every day, If you don’t want to plan, you can just follow our itinerary to get the most out of your trip.  Show Notes [02:25] We took this trip from Indianapolis. We knew we would gain a little time, because we were going from Eastern Time to Pacific Time, so we left early.  [03:25] If your flight is longer than three hours, upgrade if you can. [03:58] We had our nephew LJ with us. We were a party of five.  [04:44] We had been to New York, Chicago, Florida, and we were trying to find somewhere in the US to go. We decided to go to California. [06:04] We arrived at LAX. We rented a Jeep Liberty. It was a little cozy in the back for the kids. You may want to make sure, you are able to get a larger car if you have multiple people.  [08:42] We knew San Diego was only a couple of hours away, so we decided to go there too. [09:25] We stayed at the Hampton Inn SeaWorld location. We had two double beds and a sleeper sofa. [10:02] We took the Pacific Coast Highway out of LA to San Diego, and made a stop at Manhattan Beach.  [11:43] We had lunch at In-N-Out Burger. We drove up in to the hills and took some amazing pictures. We left that day open to explore and not have to rush. [14:02] You have to give yourself flexibility when you have a plan.  [14:48] We got to San Diego in the afternoon and checked in at the desk. The clerk suggested we go to Tijuana. She gave Chris directions to a restaurant in Puerto Nuevo that had butter fried lobster. [16:56] We head over the border and lost cell phone service. We were in Mexico with no GPS or map. We sat outside overlooking the Pacific. A mariachi played and charged a fee.  [19:52] The fried lobster wasn't the best. The sun was setting as we left. There is a line to get back into the US.  [21:28] There's bumper to bumper traffic, but the line has people selling things and banging on your car windows. It was a great life lesson for the kids.  [24:29] We got back late, went to sleep, and our itinerary really starts now.  [24:39] We ate breakfast at the hotel and went to Sea World. They had roller coasters, and we saw the whales. There are touch tanks and shows.  [26:45] Sea World has an all-day dining deal that is a great deal. It was $29.99 for adults and $18.99 for the children.  [27:49] We spent a day at SeaWorld, then we headed over to the Hyatt Place in Anaheim. We had a main bedroom and then another room with a bunk bed and a pull-out couch.  [29:44] We used the Go City Los Angeles card. The Go Card can be a big money-saver. [31:19] We asked the kids what they wanted to do. We went over the list of things to do and bought the Go Card at home.  [33:06] It took us two hours to get to Hollywood. We went to the walk of fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, and a Hollywood movie star tour on a bus.  [37:14] That night they were filming the ESPYS at the Staple Center. We ate at a restaurant with outdoor seating that was right along the path where the athletes were walking, and we got to see everyone. Then we went back to the hotel.  [41:25] The next day was our Universal Studios Tour. It was a lot of fun. We were also able to fit in the Warner Brothers tour. We even went on the set of Friends.  [44:35] We also went into a sound effects room were they took a movie without sound and then layered in each sound until there was a cacophony of sounds. Each portion of sound is recorded separately.  [45:52] We then spent the afternoon in Venice Beach and rented bikes. We were able to layer this in before heading to the airport. We even saw a man levitating.  [48:35] Our flight wasn't until 10:00 pm, so we went to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.  [50:40] Quick recap: Pacific Coast, In-N-Out Burger, Tijuana, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, Hollywood Movie Star Tour, Dolby Theatre Tour, ESPYS outside the Staples Center, Venice Beach, and Roscoe's.  Links and Resources: Become a Fly Insider Hampton Inn StitchFix Get $25 off your first fix In-N-Out Burger Airbnb Get $40 off your first home booking of $75 or more and $15 off towards an experience of $50 or more SeaWorld Hyatt Place in Anaheim Go Los Angeles Card Hollywood Walk of Fame TCL Chinese Theatre Dolby Theatre Hollywood Celebrity & Star Homes Tour The ESPYS Universal Studios Warner Bros. Studio Tour Venice Beach Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We are talking about relaxing in Cabo San Lucas. Summer travel can be crowded with so many people taking vacations. Our Cabo trip was amazing. We went in February, and were able to beat the crowds and enjoy relaxing in Cabo. If you live somewhere that has a cold winter climate, Cabo can be the perfect escape. We are going to walk you through our relaxation trip to Cabo San Lucas and give you advice and pro tips along the way. We’ll tell you about upgrades to get. How to make the most of your airport and transportation to the hotel. We share our entire journey, and our tips for unwinding and relaxing by the pool, meeting people, enjoying great food, and fun games. Show Notes [03:20] This was Chris's first relaxation trip. [03:52] Getting to Cabo requires a long flight.  [04:05] Our first tip is to upgrade to comfort plus or first class if it's reasonable. Any flight over three hours starts to get uncomfortable in economy.  [05:05] Tropical airports like the one in Cabo are fun. As soon as you come out of the plane, there is a bar. We had a drink while waiting for our transfer. [05:56] It's a good idea to have a transfer plan. Get clear on who you are riding with.  [06:33] The ride from the airport to Dreams, where we stayed, was only a 30 minute ride. You are on the coast the entire time, and it is a nice ride. [07:24] We stayed at an all-inclusive resort called Dreams. It was quiet and calm and relaxing.  [08:18] They'll immediately ask if you want to upgrade to the preferred club room. [08:35] We got a one bedroom suite with an ocean view. There was a gift basket with food and wine. There was a family room with a couch and dining area. [09:30] There are also special club areas with snacks and premium liquor. There was also an adult pool and beach area.  [10:38] Our room also overlooked the adult pool. It was quiet and there were scenic sunsets.  [12:18] The pools have a couple of swim up bars. There were also areas just for the club members. [13:16] If you go to this property, you don't have to go to the sales pitch to buy in to further vacations.  [15:06] A couple of our friends were also there at the same time. We planned a deep-sea fishing trip on a chartered boat. [17:27] It was early and windy and the water wasn't calm. When the boat stopped moving and started rocking Di got motion sickness. [19:48] After a couple of hours, the captain decided to take Di back to shore.  [21:40] We also went whale watching. It was a cute little boat and a great deal. We saw a lot of whales. We were right beside them. We also explored the Sea of Cortez and saw seals.  [24:32] We went to Cabo Wabo after whale watching. Then we hung out at the resort for the next few days. [26:01] We played cards, scrabble, monopoly, and we met a lot of people. The club area was very relaxing.  [26:44] We hung out at the pool and relaxed.  [27:31] There was a spa with a gym, hot tub, cold pool, and sauna. There were also services like massages.  [28:40] We did not swim in the Sea of Cortez. Most of the areas aren't swimmable beaches. It's too deep and there are undercurrents. We did see whales, and there is horse riding on the beach.  [29:38] The food was fabulous. The had specialty restaurants, and you didn't need a reservation.  [31:21] We ate at the poolside restaurant almost everyday. You can also eat in your room. Di's favorite was the seafood restaurant complete with flaming dessert. Links and Resources: Get a Free Month of Audible and A Free Book Become a Fly Insider Dreams Los Cabos Cabo Wabo Cantina For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We share a lot of tips and tricks for planning your own vacation, but when it comes to group trips or something as important as a destination wedding, there are a lot of advantages to turning to the help of a professional. This is why we are excited to have Ashley Morris on the show today. Ashley is the founder and owner of Alpaca Your Bags Travel which specializes in group trips and destination weddings. Ashley shares important tips that only a travel professional can provide. An experienced professional can make recommendations, get discounts to rooms and amenities, and be the go between who handles the group financial part. We also grill Ashley on her favorite destinations, how she ended up with such a fun business name, and why she got involved in the travel industry. Ashley’s knowledge and passion really shine through in this fun interview. Show Notes [02:55] Ashley Morris is the owner and founder of Alpaca Your Bags Travel. The name may be funny but they take travel very seriously. [03:06] She's in her fifth year of business with Alpaca Your Bags. Prior to that, she worked in corporate marketing and advertising. [03:19] One of the things she brings to her new career is all of her past experience in advertising. She used to help people make marketing decisions, now she cuts through the clutter and helps people make travel decisions. [03:42] Ashley believes everyone’s style of travel is different, and there's something out there for everyone. [03:51] 75% of Ashley's business is group travel mostly for destination weddings. She also specializes in celebration groups whether it's a birthday, a family reunion, or a family holiday. [05:10] Ashley shares how she ended up with the name Alpaca Your Bags. [05:44] Ashley and her future husband wanted a destination wedding where they could focus on each other and quality time with friends and family. [06:22] The plan was to find an amazing tropical all-inclusive destination. They knew what they wanted, but not how to do it. [07:01] Her first attempt with a travel agent didn't go smoothly. Technology in the travel industry is a bit outdated.   [07:40] They planned their wedding and had 60 people go to the Dominican Republic for their event. [08:04] When they returned, Ashley was looking for a next career and went to travel agent school. [08:36] It's her goal to make everything as easy as possible for her clients. She has a streamlined process where everything is done using technology. [09:22] Clients often get overwhelmed going online and doing their own research. [10:01] For something as important as a destination wedding having a travel adviser is really helpful. Ashley takes the time to get to know her clients, so she can plan the perfect event. [11:28] There are nuances to group travel that make it very helpful to have a travel professional on your side. Group booking can be a challenge. [13:12] Benefits of booking a group travel trip include travel professionals have relationships with the top resorts and hotels. [14:30] When you work with an adviser, you can get free rooms, discounts, excursions, and more. Without the help of an expert, you are leaving money on the table. [16:09] Ashley is constantly on the pulse of what is happening. She also travels to the destinations. [17:01] It's not just about the resort, there are a lot of moving parts to a trip like transportation. [17:34] A true travel expert will have actually been to the destination. [18:10] Ashley asks questions to narrow down the destination. Do you want a legal or symbolic destination wedding? [20:05] You do the legal part in the US, before you leave, then when you get to your destination you have a symbolic wedding. [20:53] In a symbolic wedding, anyone can officiate that wedding. [21:42] Legal destination weddings in Jamaica are very simple. [22:15] Do you want an all-inclusive resort? These are concentrated in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. [24:18] What is the comfort level of your friends and family when traveling? [26:12] Is it important to do what you want or accommodate as many people as possible? [27:41] What do you want to do when you get there? [28:59] Ashley's top three destinations are Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. She also likes Ocho Rios in Jamaica. [36:18] Fifty percent of engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. The ideal amount of time to let your family and friends know that you are having a destination wedding is 11 to 12 months. [37:03] The ideal time to contact Ashley would be 12 to 13 months before your event. Links and Resources: Get a Free Month of Audible and A Free Book Become a Fly Insider Alpaca Your Bags Book a Free Consultation with Ashley Morris Call Ashley (212) 804-8956 15 Reasons to Go "all Inclusive" for Your Destination Wedding Alpaca Your Bags on Instagram Cabo San Lucas San Jose Del Cabo Ocho Rios in Jamaica   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

Over the past several weeks, you've had an opportunity to see behind the scenes and get to know us a little bit. Today, is a special episode where we go deeper behind the scenes and give you an opportunity to know a little bit more about Di and her travel adventures. Chris interviews Di about her early childhood travel experience. Some of her favorite vacation spots, and many surprises along the way. We also discuss some of Di’s top 3 places to go, where she would like to go, and great family adventures. We talk about restaurants, excursions, and more. We hope you enjoy this little peek into Di’s travel history and what she loves the most about it. Show Notes [03:08] We've been married for 11 years. [03:38] Di's Father worked for an airline, and she started traveling at a very young age. [04:27] Di grew up in Atlanta. One of her favorite travel memories was a station wagon trip to Disney World. Her family and some other family friends formed a caravan and headed to Disney World. [05:26] Somebody had strapped a camping potty on the roof. It flew off the top and someone had to pull over and pick it up on the side of the road. [07:27] Her family flew standby a lot. They had to dress up and wait for their name to be called. They also got to fly first class. [08:27] They had been waiting all day for a flight. Their name never got called, and they were invited to stay in the pilots lounge. They got to sleep on big leather recliners. [10:11] Di has been traveling since she was an infant. [10:58] Di loved horses as a child. At least twice she got to go to the Mayan Dude Ranch in Texas. [12:26] This was an all inclusive resort, where you got to ride trail horses all the time. They also had breakfast wagon trains where breakfast would be at the river. There was tubing and a pool. There were also activities geared for adults. [15:57] The cabins also had bunks that were like an old mine. It was a kid's wild west dream. [17:21] Di loves Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina. [18:52] Her number one vacation would be the Mediterranean Cruise. We went on the Royal Caribbean with Chris's sister and brother-in-law. France and Rome were beautiful. [21:05] Number two was the London, Paris, Scotland trip we just talked about. [22:24] Number three was Vegas. We never run out of things to do in Vegas. There are so many things happening and a lot of outside the box things to do there too. [24:36] Di's favorite family trip with the kids was our California trip. We went to Universal Studios, Sea World, the NBC backlot tour and the Friends set, and we ate at Roscoe's. We also liked In & Out Burger and an unexpected trip to Mexico. [26:54] We went into Tijuana and accidentally kept going South to get great seafood. We didn't have phone service or GPS. Crossing over the border was an experience. We were happy to get back into the US. [31:38] The kids loved LA. [31:54] Di wants to go to Bora Bora. Island, sun, clear water, a hut over the water, Bora Bora sounds awesome. [33:44] Australia is number two for places that Di wants to go. [35:06] Number three is Hawaii. [36:41] Di's top travel peeve is people who don't know how to board a plane. [37:25] Di's favorite restaurants that we've been to are Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse and Rosie's Cantina in Huntsville, AL. [39:36] The offroading Jeep Tour in the Dominican Republic with the kids was Di's favorite excursion. You ride an open bus, then ride through sand. Then you get to jump into a crystal clear underwater spring. Then we rode out to a beautiful beach. We were covered from head to toe in mud and had a blast. Links and Resources: Get a Free Month of Audible and A Free Book Become a Fly Insider Episode 12 A Unique Disney Trip Mayan Dude Ranch - Bandera Texas Mediterranean Cruise London Trip Vegas Roscoe’s House of Chicken N Waffles Hawaii Bora Bora Australia Episode 6 How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport (part 3) Del Frisco Vegas Rosie’s Cantina, Huntsville Jeep Tour in Punta Cana Ocean Isle Beach Episode 15 Our Trip to London, Paris, and Scotland Episode 7 Vegas Off the Strip Puerto Nuevo, Mexico Episode 9 First Time Rv-ers   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Become a Fly Insider and get the inside scoop, behind the scenes photos, and exclusive travel deals.

We took a fantastic trip back in October. We went to London, Paris, and Scotland. We did this trip in a pretty short amount of time, but we have a lot of inside tips and tricks and links that can help you get the most out of your London, Paris, and Scotland trip.   This all came about because Chris is a Titans fan and found out about the NFL experience in London where the Titans were playing the Chargers and the NFL Experience helps plan your trip. Chris had never been to London before, and he and Di decided to add on a few more days to go to Paris and Scotland too.   This is an in depth episode where we walk you through our amazing trip, and we share tips and things that will help you get the most out of a similar trip. We also include all kinds of links and resources that can help with your planning and with getting ideas on how to make your trip your own. We also throw in some great pro tips to avoid things like jet lag.   Show Notes   [02:03] Chris is a Titans fan. The Titans had a game in London against the Chargers. Chris thought it would be great to go to the game. Diane had been to London before, but Chris hadn't. [02:55] The NFL experience is all about seeing your team play. It's a great way to get tickets, but they also help coordinate the hotels and help plan things. It's a little more expensive, but we had a great time. The event was amazing. [04:12] We also added some extra days for Paris and Scotland. [04:22] The NFL experience was 5 days. You get a couple days before the game, then see the game and head home. [04:31] We got there a day ahead. We also didn't want to have jet lag. [05:03] We started exploring options. We even considered Ireland, but decided to check out Scotland. [05:34] Paris was also only a Chunnel ride away. [06:38] We flew into Heathrow overnight which was a genius idea with helping to combat jet lag. Pro tip: take an overnight trip and don't mess up your sleep patterns. [07:50] Arriving refreshed will allow you to hit the ground running. [08:13] From Indianapolis to Heathrow, we had a layover in Chicago and we have the Admiral Club. If you can, get a day pass for the Admiral Club if you have a layover. [09:46] We stayed in two different places in London. We arrived a day early and stayed at the Hilton on Park Lane for the first night. Then with the NFL Experience we stayed at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane. [10:20] The Park was right across the street from Buckingham Palace. We also used points at the Hilton and it was fabulous. As diamond members, we had our first afternoon tea. [11:30] tea is a wonderful experience with tea and pastries. We watched the double decker buses and it was great. [11:55] Then we began exploring the neighborhood. [12:07] Chris found a place on Yelp. He found Burger & Lobster. [14:24] We joined the NFL Experience at the Sheraton. We were all rested, and everyone else was tired. If your room isn't ready, you can leave your bags at the desk. [15:34] We kicked things off with a Double Decker bus tour. We saw a lot of the city and got to know people in the group. We also had happy hour with the group. They feed you and give you drinks. [16:27] You have options of things to do, but you don't have to do everything, so you can enjoy down time. [16:49] We ended up at the London Eye on the Thames. Our London Eye tour was a champagne tour. There was a big cart full of champagne. [19:44] The second day we saw the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. [22:09] We went to the Barrowboy & Banker Pub Fan Rally where we got to meet some of the players. [24:19] We also went on a dinner cruise on the Thames (The Dixie Harmony). There was music and drinks, and we went up and down the river and they opened up the Tower Bridge. [27:03] The next day was game day at Wembley Stadium. All of the teams were represented, because this is a huge event for Europe. [29:02] It was like a cross between a rugby match and an NFL game. People were dressed in crazy costumes and were like fanatics. [30:55] We took the Eurostar Chunnel to Paris We were only two or three hours away from Paris. Chris wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa. [33:00] The train was clean and comfortable and it really flies. [33:46] Pro tips: Give yourself time for Chunnel security and have the things you need. We left our belongings in London, which kept us moving quickly. [35:01] They took the Hop-on-Hop Off bus, it's an easy mode of transportation, plus you can sightsee. They hopped off at the Louvre and took the skip the line small group tour. We went straight to the front of the line. Another awesome perk was skipping the bathroom line. [40:59] Chris did research on. There are seven major pieces of art. He found great reviews on his short museum tour where they got to see the main pieces. It was fast, but not rushed. [43:22] We got back on the Hop-on-Hop off bus and saw Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. We got to see a lot of things while staying on the bus. [45:11] There were tons of cafes. We ate at Five Guys. [46:50] We got back on the train and went back to London. [47:16] We found a local train to Scotland. Chris wanted to see St. Andrews, go to a scotch distillery, he also wanted to drive on the left side of the road. [49:45] The train was the best option from London to Edinburgh. [50:54] We stayed at the Hilton in Edinburgh. The castle was amazing. We walked around town and went up to the castle. [52:54] We had tacos in Scotland. Chris almost bought a kilt. We discovered the Whisky Experience. [54:42] They talk you through the five regions of scotch which are Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay. You learn how scotch is made. We get to try the regional whiskeys. [57:44] We had pizza at a place that gives you a blanket. We went to a local pub. There was a Scottish jam session. [01:02:08] We had to rent a car to go to St. Andrews. The steering wheel was on the right side. There are also a lot of roundabouts. [01:05:58] St. Andrews is a public golf course. We took a tour of the grounds and heard about the history of how the course came about. [01:09:18] Scotland reminded Di of Ireland. Driving through the countryside was a great experience. It's beautiful and gorgeous during the day, but scary at night. [01:10:54] We stayed at a gorgeous boutique hotel called the Braemar Hotel - Craigendarroch Suites (Hilton).  It was a suite with an old castle type of feel. [01:11:52] There are little squirrel figurines all over the property, and they all wear different outfits. [01:12:59] We stopped at the Glenfiddich Distillery. There were woolly Scottish cows that are super cute. [01:15:39] The Scottish countryside is amazing. [01:17:41] We took an Uber to the Doubletree Hotel for and early morning airport run. Always give yourself plenty of time.   Links and Resources: Get a Free MOnth of Audible and A Free Book Travel Money Belt American Airlines Admirals Club Hilton on Park Lane Sheraton Grand Park Booking.com NFL Experience London Eye Barrowboy & Banker Pub Changing of the Guard Dixie Queen London (booking.com) Eurostar- Chunnel Louvre Museum Skip the Line Small Group Tour Hop-on-Hop-Off Paris Glenfiddich Distillery Tour The Chunnel Admiral Club Yelp Burger & Lobster Five Guys   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

We talk about traveling, because it’s something we do and love. Having new experiences and seeing new places is definitely worth the work, expense, and risk for us. Still, we take a few common sense precautions to make sure that our trips our safe for us, our family, and our possessions. We like to expect the best, but have a back up plan just in case. In this episode, we share tips and tricks to help keep you safe while traveling. We talk about precautions that can be done ahead of time during the research process. We talk about transportation, car services, having a backup for important documents, blending in with the locals, having a contact person at home, and more to make your trip safe and fun. Show Notes [01:55] Take a look at the neighborhoods that you will be visiting on your trip. Learn what areas are safe and what areas you should avoid. [02:14] Know if there is a nearby medical facility. Look up this information before you head out on your trip. [03:17] Use travel reviews to learn about whether the area is safe or not. [04:54] Think about how you're going to get from place to place. Public transit is great during the day, but it might not be as safe during the night time. [06:44] Think about whether you need vaccines before you go to specific destinations. Also make sure you have your prescriptions refilled. [07:46] Safety comes first when it comes to excursions. Pay attention to the providers reputation. If it doesn't look right, don't do it. [09:34] Thoroughly research your destination before you go to have a fun and exciting adventure that is also safe. [10:01] Don't bring valuables if you can avoid it. [11:48] You will have to have money, credit cards, passports, and licenses with you. It's important to keep these things on your person. [14:14] Don't leave valuables in a rental car. People can tell that you are a tourist. #Don'tFlashCash [16:44] Leaving stuff behind in your hotel room lowers the risk for theft. [18:21] PSA Be careful what you are drinking. It's fine in a safe secure place like a cruise, but be careful in a strange city. You need to be aware of danger and be able to get around safely. [20:30] Try to blend in. In Paris, people don't wear t-shirts and shorts. Europe is a little more formal than the US. It's fun to feel like one of the locals. [22:45] Have an air of confidence about you. Have a plan and know where you are going. [23:49] If you get lost go into a shop or restaurant and ask for directions. [24:59] Plan your flight, so that you will during daylight hours. Arrange to have a car pick you up at the airport. Don't walk around late at night. [26:38] Lyft allows you to reserve ahead of time. The app should tell you the drivers name, and they should know your name. The license plate, make, and model of the car are on the app. [28:49] It might be worth it to pay more and stay in the city or in a safer area. This is important when traveling abroad. [29:46] Trust your instincts when you are considering excursions. [30:57] Have a backup plan and prepare for the worst. Have backup documents. You can access documents on the cloud. If you lose your passport, you can go to an embassy and get help. Have backup cash in a secret spot. [34:56] Travel insurance is a reimbursement type insurance when you're traveling. The cost of travel insurance is usually 4% to 10% of the cost of the entire trip. It's also important to know what is and isn't included. [37:46] Have someone who you can check in with that knows where you are staying. Then let them know how things are going and where you are. They can also have the backup document information. Don't post on social media while you are out of town. Links and Resources: Get a Free Month of Audible and a Free Book Travel Money Belt For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

If you are a first time cruise passenger, there is actually a lot to know. In episode 10, we talked about Cruising 101 and how to prepare for your cruise. Today, we take things a step further and tell you everything you need to know to board your ship and have the perfect cruise. We talk about embarkation day. What to do when you first get on the ship. How to be prepared for the muster. How to communicate with your travel companions without breaking the bank. How to make sure you get booked for the shows and excursions you want. How not to get left at the port, and we even share a smart tip, so that you won’t end up getting off the ship in your pajamas.   Show Notes [01:57] Embarkation day. Time to get on the ship. [01:54] You may not have access to your cabin right away. Grab a map and get the lay of the land. [02:16] Learn what's on each level and where the pools and bars are. [02:33] It's your seven day home away from home. [02:53] You can grab lunch and look into booking services and reservations. Look into the shore excursions that you want to check out. It's important to book fast, because things can sell out. [03:42] Muster drills are like a fire drill for adults. You need to know how to get off of the ship if there is a problem. You are required to go to your muster point. Have your life jacket and plan on getting comfortable. Get there early and find a seat, if possible. [05:07] Most ships provide you with a daily newsletter. Some also have an app. [06:47] Highlight what you want to do. [07:14] There are excursions in a port of call. [07:34] Shore excursions are available on the cruise line website about six months in advance. [08:19] Di loves snorkeling. Chris loved going to Pompeii, walking through the ruins with a headset. It's like going back in time. [10:24] Hiking, shopping, and all kinds of adventures are available. [10:57] If you go on your own, the cruise line won't wait for you. [12:12] The ship is quiet when at shore. You can relax on the ship too. [12:49] Many cabins are equipped with phones. Most ships are cell phone friendly now. Check with your provider. Some ships have Wi-Fi. [14:19] Make sure you are in airplane mode when you step onto that ship. [14:55] Walkie talkies can also be an easy way to keep in contact. [15:18] The ship is a cashless system. [16:22] Have some cash for tipping or when you get off the ship. There is a currency desk, where you can get local cash. You can see your balance on the TV channel. [18:03] Flex or open seating options. Assigned seats with the same people. [19:00] Having the same waiter is one of Di's favorite parts of cruising. They treat you like royalty. [20:02] There is a buffet and a lot of fast dining options. [21:16] Celebrating special occasions. They have packages with decorations, cakes, etc. You can renew your vows or get married. [22:34] Tipping policies are different. You tip about $12 to $14 a day. You can get the automatic tips removed. These are for your steward and waiters. [24:58] After seven days you have to settle your itemized bill. Go through it and make sure it is correct. There is a long line on the last night. Take care of things beforehand. [26:32] It's going to take awhile to get the bags off of the ship. You need a carry on in your stateroom, so that you will have clothes for the morning. [28:12] Have a plan for transportation getting back home.   Links and Resources: Episode 10 Cruising 101 Get a Free Month of Audible and a Free Book WhatsApp   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

Disney has grown over the years. The amounts of theme parks, attractions, and events can get overwhelming. Mickey Mouse hasn’t gone anywhere, but he is now joined by characters and attractions from decades of Disney movies. If you haven’t been keeping up, it’s easy to get lost in all of the new and interesting things that Disney has to offer. This is why we have expert Disney Travel Guide Krystin Turner on the show today. Krystin loves Disney. Krystin and her husband even had their honeymoon there. On today’s show, Krystin shares some of her favorite insider tips. She even tells us about some new rides and attractions. Plus, she shares how to have a reserved spot for the fireworks show while enjoying some fun Disney desserts. Show Notes: [01:50] Kristin works for dreams unlimited which is a travel agency that specializes in all things Disney. [02:31] Kristin has four kids and has been a Disney expert since 2011. Although, she has been going to Disney all throughout her life. She even went there on her honeymoon. [03:03] Her kids even have Disney themed names. [04:45] Disney travel agents help book your Disney dream vacation at no cost to you. [05:23] By booking with an agent, you not only get their expertise, but they also look for discounts. [06:18] Star Wars Galaxy Edge is the biggest new thing coming to Disneyland. It's going to be 13 acres in both Florida and California.  It will have rides, restaurants, and interactive experiences. The California one is opening at the end of this month. [08:19] Insider scoop: eventually there will be a Star Wars hotel in Florida. [09:50] You have to have a reservation to get into Star Wars land. [10:33] Disney is getting a new gondola system. The Disney Skyliner. They are themed gondolas that connect the theme parks and resorts. [11:58] Epcot is adding a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster. There's also going to be a ratatouille ride in the France Pavilion. [12:31] Hollywood Studios is also getting a Mickey and Minnie Railway. [13:04] Disneyland is also creating a Marvel land. [13:58] You can pay a little bit at a time until your trip is paid off. [15:10] The Dining Plan is a great way to make a Disney Vacation all inclusive. [16:03] Disney has early morning or after hours events. This includes breakfast and access without the crowds. [17:23] Toy Story Land has been open for about a year now, and it has a Slinky Dog ride. [19:22] Christmas at Disney is decorated beautifully. Each deluxe resort has special food type things. They have music, lights, and parties that are separated events. [22:13] All of the theme parks have night time shows. There are dessert parties that give you a reserved spot, plus a dessert and drink buffet. [25:04] There are also magic kingdom fireworks pontoon boat cruises. There is a pirate cruise. There is a campground. The campground really decorates for Christmas. [26:23] There are also Christmas sleigh rides and haunted sleigh rides. [26:48] Kids can get makeovers from princesses to pirates. Links and Resources: Get a Free Month of Audible and a Free Book Dreams Unlimited WD Info Kristin Turner on Facebook @DisneyTripExp on Twitter Star Wars Celebration Kristin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

We want to share our travel experiences with the ones we love most. If you have a large family, you are traveling with a lot of people. This can bring unique challenges and unique opportunities. We are fortunate to have Sharon Rowley, a real life mom of six and a travel expert who runs the Mom of 6 blog, on our show today. Sharon offers all kinds of resources for planning, organizing, eating, and living with a large family. We especially love her travel tips, and she generously shares them with us. We talk about when to rent a house or a hotel, when to fly, how to plan for meals, tips for saving on food, tips for saving on activities, and the importance of staying flexible. Sharon offers great tips for making sure everyone enjoys the trip, and she offers a couple of hidden gems we didn’t know about.   Show Notes [03:03] Sharon lives in Westchester County New York, and she has six kids. Her kids are between the ages of 13 and 18. They have been traveling since her oldest child was literally an infant. [03:30] When they moved to New York, they often traveled back to visit their family.  They have also done overseas travel. [04:04] On her blog Mom of 6, Sharon writes about how to help other moms get more organized and create routines for their children. She helps with things like throwing fun birthday parties that don't cost a fortune. And everything else that comes into play when you are raising six kids. [04:36] They also talk a lot about family road trips. [04:52] She has a lot of great ideas dealing with teens and tweens. [05:24] Chris and Di have two kids, but they often bring their nephew with them and even an extra child adds to the dynamic. [05:50] Sharon's favorite thing is to stay at an Airbnb, Vrbo or similar arrangement. If they are traveling for more than four or five days, it's great to find a house to stay in. [06:31] When you're renting, you have kitchen access. Food expenses really go up when you have a large amount of people. [08:19] For a night or two they like Springhill Suites, Embassy Suites, and Residence Inns. [09:20] Sharon likes to use a website called SixSuitcaseTravel for hotel research. [10:02] Camping is always the most economical way to travel, but there are other logistics involved. [10:41] They love camping on the North rim of The Grand Canyon and Fort Wilderness Disney. [11:57] Flying for 8 people can get expensive. 8 passenger cars are also expensive. [12:58] If the trip is driveable, they do drive it, and they own a large van. There are so many opportunities to see the country. [14:06] Audiobooks are good for younger kids. Screen time is allowed during travel, but it’s limited at home. [15:40] Leaving at 1:00 am is also a great way to have kids sleep through a lot of the trip. [18:17] They tend to eat out for lunch as opposed to dinner. If they do go out to dinner, they try to make a reservation. [19:50] A crock pot is important. Food can be put in before they head out for the day. [20:40] When they arrive in town, Sharon likes to hit up the grocery stores and stock up on snacks. [21:51] Attractions can get pricey. Save your budget for the fun stuff. Do your research in advance and plan out your tickets in advance. Get a national park pass. Get Groupon deals. Find free museums. Plan to make it the most cost effective, but it's all about the attractions. Businesses also put coupons on their Facebook page. [24:27] Pick up brochures to travel like a local. [24:46] Planning ahead makes everyone happy. Make lists and make dreams come true. That's what it’s all about for Sharon. [26:31] One major pain point for many group travelers is making sure that everyone on the trip is happy. [29:10] Part of travel and part of life is sometimes cutting your losses and finding something different to do. [29:44] Sharon makes bullet points of things to do and maps it out. She also tries to get to places early. She creates a framework and also has backup plans. Having a plan for food makes things better.   Links and Resources: Mom of 6 sharon@momof6.com Mom of 6 on Facebook Sharon Rowley on Pinterest @sharonmomof6 on Twitter Audible Free Audiobook and Free 30-Day Membership Springhill Suites Embassy Suites Residence Inn SixSuitcaseTravel North Rim Grand Canyon Fort Wilderness Sharon Rowley YouTube How to Travel with a Large Family   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

We love cruising, but on his first cruise Chris was a little concerned. What was there going to be for him to do? Will he end up just locked in his room? What will the food be like? Will he be able to eat it? These are a lot of the concerns for first time cruise trips. If you are afraid of cruising because of food concerns or concerns about being stuck on a ship, don't worry we are going to answer those questions and more on today's episode Cruising 101. We are going to talk about all of the tips you need to know after you decide to book a cruise, so that you can cruise like a pro   Show Notes [02:54] After booking a cruise, you need to identify your flight. There are some combination packages available, but you can usually save booking separately. [03:42] Arrive a day before in case there's some type of delay. Arrive as early as possible. [04:52] Port cities can be fun. We spent the day before and after our cruise in Barcelona. [05:50] Also have a game plan if you encounter delays. Talk to the airline right away and let them know that you are a cruise passenger. You can also reach out to the cruise line. If you miss your cruise, you can meet up with them at the next port of call. [07:50] There are important documents to be stress free. These are your luggage tags at the ship, so your porters can take them to the proper room. Hold off until after your flight. Information in your documents will tell you what is happening to your bags and what you are responsible for. [09:41] Have a plan in place for getting to the pier. You can take a shuttle, ride share, or take your car and park at the pier. [10:39] You can also find a Super Shuttle or Uber or Lyft. You need to have a good plan to get to the port. [11:20] The porters will be taking your luggage. [12:04] Cruise lines will have a formal night. Ties, tuxedos, evening dresses. These are a great time for family photos. [13:16] You will also have informal opportunities. On cruises informal means a jacket and slacks for men and and a dress or pant suit for women. Resort casual is a step-down and it's most nights on a cruise. These are like khakis for men and no tie. The buffet is always casual, and you can wear shorts and a tank top anytime. [14:00] As a man you need to have pants in the dining room. It gets expensive to purchase pants on a cruise. [15:12] Cruise lines usually have policies about bringing alcohol. You can usually bring a bottle of champagne or a couple bottles of wine but they do have some limitations. [16:16] Making your cabin a sanctuary. Bring adapters and USB ports. Power strips are great as well. Keep your important documents and passport in your mini safe. [18:38] Have a carry on with essentials. All of your documentation, and medication. Bathing suit and change of clothes. Stuff for the kids and clothes for dinner. This packing strategy is key, because it will be hours before you receive your luggage, and it could even get lost.   Links and Resources: Get a Free Month of Audible and a Free Book Cruise Packing List   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

Our friend Keith Dix the owner of Touchdown RV is here with us today to talk about some of the obstacles that first time RVers face and how to overcome those obstacles. Chris and I have been RVing for several years now, but it wasn’t always that way. From driving the big vehicle to hooking up the lines, there are a lot of unanswered questions that first timers have. We want to help answer these questions and more, so you can enjoy all of the benefits of RVing without any of the added stress. Show Notes [02:15] Keith is an IT guy by trade, but his interests in RVs has taken off into a full time gig. [02:37] Keith got started with an old 1980 RV that they didn't use much. Then he realized that renting RVs around holidays is difficult. Then he got the idea to buy his own and start a business around that. [04:36] Class A RVs look like buses. Class C looks like vans. Travel trailers need to be pulled by a truck. [05:33] Touchdown RV has models ranging from 22 feet all the way up to 35 feet. [05:49] Most RVs have 7 or 8 seat belts. [06:47] Most RV accidents happen in gas stations, keep in mind the size of the vehicles. Use your mirrors and cameras. [07:57] To choose the best RV, budget and plan for the amount of money you have and the amount of people who will be with you. [09:31] Rental costs for a week could be about $1500 to $2000. [11:46] There are so many RV campgrounds, and you can map out your route with Google. Think of fun destinations like Yellowstone or Indiana Dunes. [14:18] Branches of Niagara is a great campground. [16:09] RV spots have picnic tables and campfire areas. [17:10] Get a campground with full hookup. This means that you have electricity, water, and sewer. Turning the generator on gives you electricity. The RV also has an on-board holding tank. It's a self contained little world. [18:53] Walmart and Cracker Barrel let you park overnight if needed. [19:39] Get the best hoses, the best connectors, and gloves. [23:02] Renting an RV can help you overcome the fear of RVing. [23:50] The shower is a real shower. [25:11] RVs can be great for extended family trips, weddings in non-traditional places, movie talent, tailgate parties and more. [29:44] Disney has campgrounds that accept RVs. Links and Resources: Free Audible Book Touchdown RV Get a 5% Discount by Mentioning Fly with Chris and Di Touchdown RV on Facebook Touchdown RV on Instagram Indiana Dunes Branches of Niagara For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

Traveling can take a toll on your fitness if you don’t make an effort to make smart choices and keep fitness top of mind. This is why we have Cha Rae Smith and Michelle Stoltz from Fitness Sisters on the show today to talk about staying on track with health and fitness goals while traveling. Cha Rae began Fitness Sisters to keep herself motivated when fitness started falling by the wayside with her busy schedule. Michelle is a founding member and admin. Fitness Sisters began as a Facebook Community that offered support for women and their fitness goals. They have grown beyond that, and Fitness Sisters is now a one stop shop for support, accountability, and motivation. They even have an app coming out soon. Show Notes [02:54] Cha Rae started the Fitness Sisters Facebook group in order to help her become more fit. The group grew organically and grew to about 5000 members in a year. The purpose is to offer support and encouragement with fitness goals. [04:04] Cha Rae is a busy mother of three with a full-time job, and she also goes to school. [04:12] It felt like she didn't have any time in the day for fitness or proper nutrition. She was going backwards with her fitness goals. [04:47] She wanted to show her children that there is always time in the day to make progress towards your goals. [05:15] Fitness Sisters is a place for everyone to connect, support, and relate to each other. [06:05] There is the private Facebook group which is women only. Men can like and support the main page. [07:35] Michelle is an admin leader for Fitness Sisters. [09:03] Prepping for meals when on vacation. Find a place to stay with a kitchen. [09:26] Start the day with a healthy breakfast made at wherever you are staying. [10:40] You can have a bonding moment at the table planning the day. [12:07] Find items that are healthy and still taste good. Watch those carbs. [14:53] Keep in mind that the reason you do what you do is to be healthy. Have fun in moderation. [16:25] Have one workout day while on vacation. Get a national gym membership. You can also make fitness tasks like using the stairwell (make the elevator off limits) and walk while sightseeing. [19:45] Fitness Sisters has an app coming out soon! Links and Resources: Free Audible 30-Day Membership and Audiobook Fitness Sisters Fitness Sisters Facebook Community Fitness Sisters HSG Facebook Page @FITNESSSISTERS3 on Twitter Fitness Sisters on Instagram For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

Fun adrenaline filled adventures that you can enjoy off the Vegas Strip is our topic today. We hesitated before vacationing in Vegas. We thought it would just be about gambling. Once we gave it a shot, we discovered that there are so many fun things to do in Vegas from shows to sporting events to unforgettable off the Strip adventures. We have been to Vegas four times in the last three years, and in this episode we share three fun adventure that we loved. In fact, one of them is Chris’s all time favorite. Las Vegas turned out to be amazingly clean, shiny, and beautiful, and if you value experiences the way we do, you will love the adventures we share with you today. Show Notes [05:01] There are so many things to do in Vegas on and off the strip. We find the majority of our Off the Strip Adventures on TripAdvisor. [05:15] Go to TripAdvisor > look at things to do > search outdoor activities > look for adrenaline and extreme activities. [05:49] Red Rock Canyon Adventure. We went by slingshot. [06:44] A slingshot is an amazing vehicles that is a cross between a three-wheeled motorcycle and a sports car. It's like driving a cool car, but everyone is looking. [07:54] We went in October and the weather was beautiful. The temperature drops away from the strip. [09:06] It got cold, and we had to stop at Target and bundle up. [10:01] This adventure was a combination of renting a slingshot and visiting Red Rock Canyon. [10:54] Red Rock Canyon is a 13-mile breathtaking scenic route. If you go here, bring you a camera because there are tons of neat things to take pictures of even the signage. [11:39] With your own vehicle, you are on your own schedule. So, if you want, you can pull over and hike or do whatever you want. [12:05] If you're a hiker, you may want to use different transportation than the slingshot, because it doesn't really have any storage. [12:37] Once your at Red Rock, you can horseback ride, fly in a hot air balloon, rock climb, or just nature watch. [13:43] Our next adventure is Bullets and Burgers. We purchased our package at CVS. [14:43] This was Chris's favorite excursion of all. We took an open door helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. [15:48] They pick you up at your hotel. It was fun even riding the bus. [17:01] When you first get there, you go on a ride on the world's longest monster truck. One of the people in the group was afraid of the monster truck. You spin around on the sand and go over cars and ramps. It was super fun. [18:20] Then we suited up for the helicopter ride in flight gear. There were six or seven people in the group. [19:13] Chris had the outside seat. It was his 40th birthday. There are no doors, but they harness you in. [20:26] You have headsets on and the pilot explains what you see. You go to the edge of the Grand Canyon. At the edge, suddenly you see hundreds of feet below you. Chris's heart dropped. [22:33] You can see where eagles build nests. It was an amazing adventure. This is Chris's number one adventure. Then afterwards you have lunch, and talk to the rest of the group. [24:15] The Las Vegas Rock Crawler is also fun and exciting. This is a Jeep ride where you meet in the parking lot. You get in a big tire lifted Jeep. The also sell these. [25:42] You head to Logandale and stop at a gas station and let air out of the tires, so the Jeep will rock crawl better. [26:04] You are in a Jeep caravan with about six Jeeps. [27:05] You crawl through rocks and sometimes, you are almost vertical. It looks scary, but they show you how to do it. [29:04] After the rocks, you get to race around in the dunes. It was super fun. [30:33] There are a ton of sporting events in Vegas. They have MMA, boxing, rugby, hockey, NASCAR, and the NFL Raiders will also soon be in Vegas. [31:12] There are opportunities to get off of the strip and experience sporting events. If your a gambler, you can even bet on the events. [32:36] We went to the Rugby Sevens match in Las Vegas. People wear costumes. It was fun, and we saw crazy wacky outfits. There is also a food court village that has food from around the world. [34:46] There are tons of things to do off the strip. These are our faves! Let us know what you like to do! Links and Resources: TripAdvisor How to Use TripAdvisor to Plan a Trip on a Budget Adrenaline Rush Slingshot Bullets and Burgers Las Vegas Rock Crawlers HSBC USA Sevens For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

Boarding the plane is one of those things we all do, but it can take longer than we want. This episode is about saving time boarding the plane to ultimately save your sanity. This is part 3 of our How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport series. In the previous episodes, we talked about security, getting to the airport at a good time, and carry on bags. Now it’s time to tackle boarding the plane. Some of the things we cover include assigned boarding on planes with assigned seats. Getting your carry on in the overhead. How to get travel bonuses, miles, and gift cards with slight delays. How to deal with Southwest airlines and their check-in policy with assigned boarding numbers. Plus, we share some personal tips and stories that makes talking about flying fun.   Show Notes [02:47] What specific locations are you interested in? [03:12] You should have a top 10 vacation list. [02:32] Be on time! [03:24] You will be called to boarding by zone. Wait until your zone is called. Sit down and relax. [05:47] If the flight is oversold, they look for volunteers to take a later flight. If this happens and you can, take them up on the offer. [06:56] You get travel dollars. Dianne got $900 in miles one time. Sometimes they add in Amazon gift cards. If you have  to spend the night, you get hotel and food vouchers. [09:34] Don't put your seat belt on until boarding is completed. [10:42] With a large bin, you can put your bag in with wheels facing out. Hold on to your jacket. Don't close the bin until it's full. [12:41] In first class, you get a pillow and a blanket. [13:33] Go to the restroom before boarding. [16:18] You need to know the exact number of seats between you and the exit. Just in case. [17:03] Put your phone in airplane mode. [17:57] Flights now provide free Wi-Fi and free TV. [18:36] Put your seat in the upright position when they tell you to. [19:55] Southwest Airlines doesn't have assigned seats. They assign you a number. You can check-in 24 hours before your flight. You get the number when you check-in. [21:31] They have three sections A 1-60, B 1-60, and C 1-60. You board based on the letter and number you get. They begin with A 1-30 and on down the line. Check-in as soon as possible to get a better seat option. [22:52] As a passenger, you have to find where you are in line. Once you get in, the fun begins as seatmates are chosen. The front and exit rows are taken first. Then windows and aisles.   Links and Resources: Episode 4 - How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport (part 1) Episode 5 - How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport (part 2) How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport Blog Post Episode 2 - Our Favorite Travel Apps   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

It’s time for part 2 of How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport. In part 1, we talked about how to be prepared for your flight. This episode is all about security. We talk about knowing which line you should be in, the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry on bag, and then we go into detail on the three types of lines that you can be in. We also talk about things you can do to help keep the line moving and not hold up everyone behind you. We also share why we love TSA Pre✓ ® and what you can do to get it. We also talk about the VIP for VIPs called CLEAR and many more travel tips. This episode will save you time and help you to avoid embarrassing mistakes while making it through security like you do it everyday.   Show Notes [02:22] Security is one of those things that you need to be prepared for. Even seasoned travelers sometimes forget the rules that need to be followed in the security line. [03:24] Plan ahead because the person in front of you may not be prepared. Check out the TSA website for current and updated security information. [04:02] 1. Know which line you are supposed to be in. You need to know if you need to be in the regular line or TSA Pre✓ ® . Check your boarding pass or the app to be sure. [04:51]  2. The 3-1-1 rule is 3.4 ounces or less of liquid per container. You can have one clear plastic quart sized bag with a zip top that contains all of your liquids. 1 bag per passenger. Medications and breast milk can be exceptions. [07:07] The above rules are for your carry on bag. You can put more liquids in a checked bag. [08:22] Now we are going to talk about the regular line, the TSA Pre✓ ® line, and the CLEAR line. [08:36] If you don't travel a lot or can't get security clearance, you will likely go through the regular line. [09:13] You may have to remove your shoes. Pay attention to what others around you are doing. Be prepared and wear something easy to take off and put on. Don't block the line while lacing your shoes. [10:40] You will also have to remove your laptop, bag of liquids, everything in your pockets, and your belt and jacket. Prepare before you get up to the front of the line. [11:46] Don't bring weapons and listen to TSA. [12:13] Put the things in the bin that go in the bin. Put your carry on onto the belt and push things forward. [13:05] Walk through the scanner. Put your feet on the mark, raise your arms, and listen to the instructions. [13:38] Once through, grab your items and move out of the way. [14:57] We love TSA Pre✓ ®. You can purchase it for $85 for five years. [16:14] To be qualified you need to go through a background check. Certain airports allow you to do this while you are there. You can also do it at outside locations. [17:22] Once you get your known traveler ID, you will use it every time you book a flight. [18:23] The TSA Pre✓ ® line is shorter, and you don't have to remove your shoes. You don't have to take out your laptop or liquids. You get VIP service. You go straight through. There is no body scanner. You still have to take your keys and phone out. Although, you could still be randomly selected to be scanned. [19:52] Make sure you know what you are doing in the line. Not all airports have it, and it’s not always open. [21:22] CLEAR is like VIP VIP. Atlanta and Minneapolis have this. A few airports have this. it's $15 a month or $99 a year with Delta SkyMiles, $79 for platinum and gold, and free for diamond members. [23:02] They use a retina scan and fingerprint. There is a person at the kiosk that help you move through quickly. They take care of security identification and allow you to walk straight up to the bins. [25:05] CLEAR helps because TSA Pre✓ ® lines are getting longer. It's about saving time for consumers. [26:36] Carry on bags are one of Dianne's pet peeves. Chris likes not having to wait for checked bags. [28:22] Know the size that your airline allows. [29:24] Avoid liquids or keep in mind the 3-1-1 rule. [30:17] Watch the weight of your bag too. [30:50] They ask people to check roller bags for a reason. If they are asking, go ahead and check it. Most of the time, you get it when you get off the plane and if it is checked, there is no charge.   [33:10] If the overhead bin is closed, that means that it's full. Put your personal item under the seat not in the bin. Keep your comfort items close to you. [36:24] Think about breakables. Sometimes it's more beneficial to ship them back. [37:17] Some airlines are guaranteeing shorter wait times for checked bags. [38:25] Tune in for part 3, next week, when we talk about boarding the plane.   Links and Resources: Episode 4 - How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport (part 1) How to Save Time (and Your Sanity) at the Airport Blog Post TSA Website Apply for TSA Pre✓ ® CLEAR   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

Airline travel can be a big part of a travel adventure. Unfortunately, it can be filled with headaches. In fact, many of these start before you even board the plane. That’s why we are doing this special 3-part series on saving time (along with your sanity) at the airport. We are going to cover things like how to be prepared, security tips that have you traveling like a pro, how to  properly travel with carry-on bags, and how to board the plane.   Show Notes [02:15] How to be prepared for airline travel. Dianne's dad worked for the airline, and they traveled standby. There were rules like they had to be dressed up and had to be there extra early. [03:22] Being on time can really help save your sanity. Keep in mind things you have to do before you board the plane such as checking in and waiting in lines. You also have to drop off your bags, grab a snack, and go through security. It also takes time to get to your gate. [04:56] Allow yourself enough time to make it to the airport. Give yourself at least an extra 20 or 30 minutes to make it to the airport and park. [05:26] Do your parking research in advance. You can drop the family off at the terminal and then park. They can check in the bags. [06:21] Have your documents ready and easy to get to. [07:54] Keep in mind that there are weight limits when you check your bags. Either check a second bag or put some stuff in your carry on. Weigh your bag ahead of time. Take a lightweight empty carry on in case you shop at your destination. [10:17] Different airlines have different weight limits so check that ahead of time. [10:29] Snacks can get expensive once you pass security. Bring an empty bottle to get water and bring snacks. [12:47] Think about comfort items you will want on your flight. Temperature on planes fluctuate. It's nice to have a blanket, sweater, and socks instead of flip flops on the plane. [14:36] Electronics can make your flight more entertaining and productive. Don't forget the charging cords and headphones. Books are great too! [15:24] Download our podcast, other podcasts, and movies to watch. An extra battery or external power bank can come in really handy. [17:56] Know what you have to check and what you can carry on. One personal item and one carry on is all that is allowed. [19:52] Taking the time to prepare is way better than the time it would cost if you miss your flight. [20:16] Next week, in part 2, we talk about security and carry on bags.   Links and Resources: How to Save Time and Your Sanity at the Airport Fly with Chris and Di Travel Gear   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

We took a recent trip to Vegas and used reviews to plan a large part of it. We used reviews for activities, restaurants and for the shows that we saw, yet we hear other travelers frequently say that it's hard to find reviews that they can trust. No one wants to make a choice based on a bad review and have a bad experience. It's our promise to you that by listening to Fly with Chris and Di, you will learn how to make the most out of your vacation and truly feel relaxed, organized, and proud of the time that you took away from work. In this episode, we give you all of the tips on how to find reviews that you can trust. We love reading reviews and this should be a fun episode.   Show Notes [02:10] Tip Number 1 - Look at the overall rating and pay attention to how many reviewers there actually are. [02:50] Aim for four to five stars and make sure there are plenty of reviewers. [02:59] People usually take the time to review if either they love something or hate something. Once a restaurant review gets below four and a half stars, it means more people disliked the restaurant than liked it. [03:24] A Vacation Rental By Owner VRBO review that Di loves. It's for a beach rental.  Every person that reviewed this property gave it 5 out of 5 stars. [03:50] Review sites let you know when reviews are verified or sponsored. This particular property only has 79 reviews which is a decent number for a VRBO rental review. This is about 79 weeks worth of reviews. [04:48] A good review mentions extra perks like beach gear. The owner being quick to respond is also a huge key for a great rental. Owners that go above and beyond and check in are big bonuses. [06:35] It's important to look at the top and bottom reviews to understand the concerns that people have. [07:16] Chris shares a bad review. The reviewer has eaten there multiple times and got sick every time. Why are they going back? [08:00] It's important to understand if the reviewer may have some type of personal issue with a particular place. Check how many reviews they have done and review ratings on Yelp. [09:24] Reviewers who consistently review places that they love can be great review resources. Reviewers who only have negative reviews could only review when they have a really bad experience, or they could review anytime anything irritates them. [09:59] We look for people who review often and go into some type of detail. [10:15] We look at and read reviews thoroughly. We try to understand the pain points that cause bad reviews. Sometimes people will give bad reviews when one little thing goes wrong. [11:22] Read a review in detail to understand the viewers perspective and see whether it's similar to yours and other people's. [13:24] Think about some of the best places you have been and their reviews and see what other people have said. [13:57] Also pay attention to the dates of the reviews. If you are going in July or the busy season, read reviews from the same time of year. Also, look out for old reviews, because things could have changed. [15:26] It's important to trust the reviews, but always verify them. Spend time reading reviews that is equivalent to the amount of money you plan on spending. [16:41] Look at the photographs. [18:27] Look at the apps we mentioned in episode 2 and go through those pictures. You can also use Google Maps to look at what the area looks like. [19:20] For vacation rentals, the area is really important to think about.   Key things you need to evaluate:   Look at the overall rating. Compare that rating to the number of reviews. Take a look at the top and the bottom reviews. Read the review thoroughly. Pay attention to the date. Put the amount of time in your reviews compared to the amount of money you will be spending. Look at the pictures and Google Maps. Always trust but verify.   Links and Resources: Our Favorite Free Travel Apps VRBO   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

This episode is about key apps to make your travel more enjoyable. We share the apps we use to plan our trips, the apps we use to get around while on vacation, and other apps that help us with impromptu decisions. We know that having a well planned vacation is a fun vacation, and we want to help you discover that too. We talk about the six apps or types of apps that help us plan trips in advance, so we don’t waste our valuable vacation time having to decide what to do and where to go. We also talk about the apps that help us get around once we are at our vacation destination. We also talk about some apps that we love to use to add local flavor.   Show Notes [02:30] TripAdvisor gives you access to lists with details of things to do, places to eat, and places to stay. [03:01] It's great for researching fun things to do at new locations. [04:03] We use Yelp all the time. It's great for finding restaurants. [05:31] When you put in pizza, it provides you with all of the nearby places with pictures and reviews. [07:45] Yelp is also great for finding fun things to do. You can also create bookmarks and have lists of great places to visit. [08:57] It also gives you a map of all of your bookmarked locations. [09:49] Chris is a Hilton Honors member, and he has found the Hilton app to be very user-friendly. You can use it to check in and get a digital key. You can also use it to check out. [10:52] Hilton will also give you the lowest possible price when searching. [11:24] Hotel chain memberships are free. Sign up and you earn points as you stay. Also be sure to download the app. [13:15] Airline apps. Southwest, Delta, and American. If you're a rewards member, all of the up-to-date information will be on the app. This is helpful if there are any changes. Make sure you're logged in while traveling. [15:29] You can also track your bags. Plus it gives you access to music and entertainment. [16:50] Airbnb and VRBO are apps to rent homes, condos, and apartments. They are vacation rentals or sometimes in people's homes. These are great for getting beach houses. [18:09] Sometimes people are shy about using these. The app gives you access to locations all over the world. We balance the cost and the location. Sharing these can get you a really nice place that is affordable. [19:12] These are great for beach, mountains, and the city. There are also great perks like communal space and a kitchen. [20:52] You can read reviews and also communicate with the owner with email or phone calls. [22:14] YouTube is great for travel. You can learn so much like the video version of what you find with the pictures in the apps. We used it in Paris for a tour of the Louvre. [23:51] All six of these apps are great for planning trips. Especially, when you don't know a lot about the destination. [24:19] Apps that help us get around with these once we are at a location. [24:25] Google Maps is great for planning and getting around. You can also select walk or mass transit choices.   [25:11] You can pinpoint locations and see how far they are from each other. [27:09] Waze is a GPS social media type map. It has GPS and live social input. You can also change the voice on Waze. [29:44] GasBuddy is a great way to find the best places to get gas with prices. Gas prices can fluctuate by 10 or 20 cents a gallon. It also shows you where the gas stations are. Don't let your gas get less than a quarter of a tank. [31:34] Lyft and Uber are phenomenal. You can save cash and it's easy. [33:16] We usually use Lyft in Vegas. Check the license plate and make sure you are getting in the right car. Lyft and Uber are everywhere and accessible. They also have scheduled pickups now. [37:48] Apps that we love to add some local flavor. We leave down time for resting and while we're here decisions. [38:47] Yelp, TripAdvisor and Top 10 Lists all help to find and provide local flair. Most cities will provide you with these lists in local papers. A Google search can help you find great top 10 lists in specific cities. [42:14] If we come across a place that looks interesting, we'll check on Yelp real quick and then possibly give it a try. [42:57] Another impromptu tip is to ask locals, the hotel concierge, or your driver.   Links and Resources: Our Favorite Free Travel Apps TripAdvisor How to Choose the Perfect Vacation Destination Yelp Hilton Honors App Southwest App Delta App American App Airbnb App VRBO App How to Find Travel Reviews You Can Trust YouTube App Google Maps Waze GasBuddy Lyft Uber   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.

Welcome to the first episode of Fly with Chris and Di. On this podcast, we will be sharing tips on how to help plan your vacation to make it as stress free and fun as possible. On this episode, we share tips on how to choose the perfect vacation destination. We talk about what you need to ask yourself and those you’re traveling with. What type of trip do you want? What type of trip would each companion want? Are you traveling with friends or family or both? We talk about budgeting. How to have something that interests everyone on the trip. We touch on what to think about when choosing modes of transportation. We talk about how and why to narrow down your choices and how to find the best information.   Show Notes [02:47] What specific locations are you interested in? [03:12] You should have a top 10 vacation list. [03:23] Chris likes to travel to cities, and Dianne likes beach travel. [03:54] Think about the specific type of vacation you want and whether you can combine some of these together. [04:32] We hit a home run when we can combine fun excursions and the beach together. [04:58] Think about what will be fun and exciting for you as a family. [05:06] It's also important to think about each of the people that will be traveling with you. [06:04] Vacations with other couples look different than vacations with children. [06:53] You have to look at your budget and determine how much you want to spend. [07:36] If you choose an all-inclusive trip, find one with a lot of activities. [08:14] A plan for budgeting on a vacation is critical. [09:09] You can also download a copy of I Need a Plan on our website. [09:29] Do we want to jet ski or deep sea fish? Think about the activities everyone wants. [13:18] Be realistic with people's abilities with activities. National Parks are great places to get in outside time. [14:24] Are there any modes of transportation that you are unwilling to use? [17:09] Once you've answered all of these questions, narrow your choices down to about three to five locations. [17:19] Get online after you've narrowed your choices down to avoid becoming completely overwhelmed. [18:12] Once you've narrowed down your choices go to TripAdvisor or download the app. [18:57] Do your research two or three months in advance of the travel date. This allows you more time to work on research and maximize your time on vacation. Planning food is a good idea. This also maximizes your budget. You can purchase excursions in advance. [20:33] You don't want to spend a day on your vacation planning. We also leave time for spontaneity. [22:55] Make a decision tree based on mode of transportation, budget, and things to do. [24:03] Go through each location and identify price and availability of modes of transportation. [24:38] Google Maps can help research transportation and distance. [26:01] Does the location meet your budget today, or is it a location you may need to go back to at a later time? Keep your notes. [27:27] As you narrow down your choices, think about the things to do there. [29:25] Is there enough stuff to do there that's in line with you and your traveling companions? [30:23] Use these decision points to narrow down the right location for your trip.   Links and Resources: Dave Ramsey I Need a Plan TripAdvisor Google Maps   For pictures, tips and more, be sure to check out our Fly with Chris and Di Facebook page and signup to download a copy of The Best City for You. Please take a moment and subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. It will only get better from here. Don’t miss out on future episodes where we continue to share tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation.