Vacation Mavens Travel Podcast

Traveling with kids, parents, and grandparents can be one of the most rewarding experiences—but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim are joined by travel expert Kirsten Maxwell, founder of Kids Are a Trip and Groups Are a Trip. With over 40 countries under her belt, Kirsten shares her best advice for planning stress-free multi-generational vacations, from cruises and resor...

In this episode of Vacation Mavens, we are joined by adventure traveler and blogger Sherry Ott of OttsWorld. We dive into what it takes to plan a successful cycling vacation — everything from choosing destinations and tour types, to picking the right gear, training beforehand, and recovering well. Whether you're a biking newbie or looking to level up your next bike‐based trip, this one’s packed with insights and practical advice.

S...

We recently covered Tamara's Galapagos cruise and also some tips for visiting Ecuador, but this week we are digging into where to stay in Ecuador. Tamara gives a recap of her trip including some mini hotel reviews for Hacienda La Danesa, Mashpi Lodge, and Hacienda Zuleta.

Episode Highlights

• Tamara spent 17 nights in Ecuador including 5 nights in the Galapagos, 1 night at Hacienda La Danesa, 2 nights in Cuenca, 1 night...

For this episode, we are joined by Nicky Omohundro of Little Family Adventure and the Untethered and Wanderwise podcast to talk about some of our favorite fall getaways.

With over 15 years creating digital content and as a USA Today 10Best family travel expert, Nicky Omohundro operates a nationally syndicated travel website, Little Family Adventure, and award-winning podcast, Untethered & Wanderwise. As a licensed travel advisor an...

Today we are talking about what happens when you turn left on the airplane and fly business class! Now that Kim and Tamara have flown business class on many airlines including Delta One, Aer Lingus, TAP Airlines, Emirates, Finnair, Condor, Avianca, and others. Whether you are booking on points or paying cash, there are some things that you need to know first.

Episodes Highlights

• Research what aircraft is flying the ro...

We recently talked about Tamara's trip to the Galapagos but today we are talking more about the logistics about traveling to Ecuador and some travel tips. Tamara spent 17 nights in Ecuador, including 5 nights in the Galapagos and found it a warm and welcoming country with beautiful and diverse landscapes. Amazing Ecuador helped Tamara organize her trip.

Episode Highlights

• Most flights from the U.S. come into Quito or ...

Kim and her daughter Mia just got back from a mother-daughter trip to Switzerland. They celebrated her high school graduation with a grad trip and since Mia loves mountains and she was already going to be in France with a school trip, Switzerland was her top choice!

They visited Geneva, Zermatt and the Jungfrau Region because they really wanted to focus on the mountains. Altogether they spent eight nights in Switzerland and they mo...

Tamara is just back from a 5-night Galapagos Islands cruise on board the Galaxy Yacht. She was hosted on this trip by Galaxy Expeditions but all opinions are her own.

Galaxy Expeditions operates a number of yachts in the Galapagos and also can arrange for land travel in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The Galaxy Yacht has eight cabins for a maximum of 16 passengers.

Episode Highlights

• You need to fly to the Galapagos from...

On this episode we are sharing some of our top tips for finding good guided day tours or special experiences when you are traveling. We will walk through how to find them, how to book, and tips for taking city tours.

Episode Highlights

• On your arrival day, don't schedule a guided tour since your plane may not be on time and you may be tired from traveling. If anything, look at doing something impromptu like a hop on h...

What should you look for when choosing a hotel, and what are some pitfalls you can try to avoid? Get ready for summer travel with this week's episode full of tips and laughs.

Episode Highlights

• Pay attention to the bathroom layouts when viewing photos and reviews as a new hotel trend has been for more open bathroom layouts or glass doors/walls which may not be great for families or friend groups
• Hotels are getting bet...

Tamara is just back from a multi-generational trip to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. If you have ever wondered what it is like to stay at one of the popular Baha Mar Resorts, now is your chance to get the scoop and see if it is really the vacation of your dreams or not.

Episode Highlights:

• This was a multi-generational trip with 14 people ages 17-83. There were a lot of considerations when choosing a destination including ...

Get ready for your summer vacation and future travel with these expert packing tips! From carry-on to checked bags, here are some things to keep in mind when packing for your next trip.

Episode Highlights:

• Use a packing list! It helps you not forget critical items. Start creating your packing list early in your Notes app
• Kim has an outfit planner that you can sign up for on Stuffed Suitcase
• Pay attention to your itine...

It is summer road trip season so it is time to recap some of our best road trip tips from preparing, planning, packing, and more. Plus, we share some of our favorite road trips.

Episode Highlights

• Before you head out on a road trip, make sure your car has been serviced recently and check the tires to make sure the pressure is correct. You may also want to top off your fluids and use the bug windshield washer fluid.
• Br...

Tamara recently took a travel agent FAM trip to Turks and Caicos and spent two nights at The Palms and two nights at The Shore Club. She also visited many other properties and today she shares her insights into each to help you decide where to stay in Turks and Caicos.

Episode Highlights

• Turks and Caicos is known for its beautiful beaches and not for all-inclusives or as a party island
• Most of the hotels have great ac...

Kim recently took a quick trip to her happy place, Disneyland, to attend a special media preview of its 70th anniversary celebration. This yearlong celebration features new entertainment from fireworks to parades, special celebratory food items, decorations throughout the park, and fun interactive activations.

There are also promotional package deals available through Kim's partner Getaway Today. Learn more here and use code 'Stuff...

If you like culinary or wine travel, you need to put the Chilean Winelands on your travel bucket list. Tamara just came back from a two-week trip to Chile including the Atacama Desert and the Winelands.

Episode Highlights:

• The wine regions are south and west of Santiago
• It is easy to drive through these regions but it is still recommended to get a driver for days when you are doing wine tasting
• Two hours south of Sant...

If Hawai'i is on your bucket list, you need to listen to this episode with Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung. Marcie is a family travel blogger and mom of two who's been to Hawaii more than 40 times, staying everywhere from luxury resorts to budget-friendly condos. She helps parents plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations with kids by sharing expert tips, honest reviews, and stress-free itineraries. You can learn more on her website h...

Kim just wrapped up round two of college tours and her daughter Mia has committed to UCLA's School of Engineering! We thought we would share some of our college search experience to help others that are just getting to this phase of parenting.

Episode Highlights

• It is important to visit various college campuses before you begin the college application process to help your student understand the style and size of campu...

Tamara and her husband recently took a couple's trip to Chile and this week on the podcast she shares her impressions, experiences, and tips for Santiago and Atacama Desert. In a future episode, she will talk about her week in Chile's Winelands.

Episode Highlights

• Tamara flew Avianca Airlines on a flight deal from Boston to Bogota and Bogota to Santiago. Avianca Airlines business class is more like premium economy and...