Where We Roam Podcast

The Big Toe Episode: Insurance Talk, 4 New Mega-Ships & Black Friday Traps

This week we’re embracing the chaos with what we lovingly call The Big Toe Episode — where the topics aren’t sexy, but they matter more than ever. We’re breaking down the travel insurance questions everyone is suddenly asking, the recent flight disruptions, and the reality behind those shiny Black Friday offers.
PLUS: four brand-new cruise ships launching in the same month (yes, four!), what that explosion in capacity means for pricing, and whether now is the moment to lock in a deal or hold tight.
It’s a fireside chat full of smart insights, quick takeaways, and the usual laughs — perfect for anyone cruising, flying, or planning 2025 / 2026 travel.

Travel News: Last-Minute Deals, Cruise Shake-Ups & Santorini’s New Beach Club

This week, it’s just John and Dayna holding down the fort while Shawn’s away — and there’s plenty to cover!
They start with heartfelt updates on Hurricane Melissa’s impact across Jamaica and the Bahamas, sharing what travelers need to know as airports reopen and relief efforts ramp up. Then, it’s over to the Greek Isles, where Royal Caribbean just announced its new Royal Beach Club in Santorini — a sustainable seaside retreat blending local culture with that signature Royal vibe.
From there, the duo dives into Norwegian Cruise Line’s big change to its drink packages at Great Stirrup Cay (spoiler: your island cocktails aren’t free anymore) — and why it might not be as bad as it sounds.
Finally, John and Dayna explore a surprising shift in the travel landscape: Q4 2025 is packed with last-minute deals. With excess inventory across cruises, Disney vacations, and even Universal Orlando, flexibility might just be the secret to saving big this holiday season.
Whether you’re dreaming of the Mediterranean, monitoring storm recovery, or hunting for a spontaneous getaway, this “news-lite” episode delivers a quick pulse on what’s happening in the travel world.

Blood, Gore & Animatronic Nightmares — Inside Halloween Horror Nights 2025

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 delivers its scariest lineup yet — Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and more! Dayna, Addison, John, and Shawn break down every house, rank the scares, and reveal what it’s really like to bring a teen to this over-the-top event. If you’re planning your own trip, don’t miss their insider tips, scare zone favorites, and Express Pass strategy to make the most of your night.

What's in Your Park Bag? Team Minimalist vs. Team Pack Mule.

How heavy is too heavy when it comes to your Disney or Universal park bag?This week, John, Dayna, and Shawn go head-to-head in the ultimate packing debate: the over-prepared pack mule 🐴 vs. the minimalist traveler 🩳.
They reveal what’s worth carrying (spoiler: not your MagSafe charger in Florida), what’s a total waste of space, and the weirdest things people actually pack for a day in the parks. Expect laughs, eye-rolls, and maybe a few personal confessions about sunscreen, snacks, and “strategic chafing prevention.”
🎢 Whether you’re a park pro or a first-timer, this episode will help you pack smarter—and save your back (and sanity) in the Florida heat.

4 Months In: What Universal Got Right (and Totally Missed) at Epic Universe

Four months after its grand opening, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is already changing the theme-park game — and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, John, Dayna, and Shawn share honest reactions, hilarious moments, and insider travel tips from the newest and most immersive park in Orlando.
We kick things off with a “This or That” ride showdown — from Battle at the Ministry to Stardust Racers, Curse of the Werewolf, Hiccups Wing Gliders, and beyond — to find out which attraction truly reigns supreme. Then we dive into resort impressions (hello, Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand), express-pass updates, hidden details you might miss, and how Epic Universe compares to Disney’s parks.
You’ll hear firsthand ride reviews, meet-and-greet highlights (Toothless fans, this one’s for you 🐉), nighttime show recommendations, and even a few spicy takes about butterbeer and mac-and-cheese cones.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your next one, this episode is packed with real-world insights from top travel advisors who’ve been there, done that, and still can’t stop talking about it.

Early 2026 Travel Guide: Where to Go + Can’t-Miss Promotions

School is back in session and it’s time to dream big for 2026. In this week’s Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Shawn share the ultimate inspiration for planning February getaways, spring break escapes, and early summer adventures. From Disney Cruises that hit private islands to Mediterranean voyages, luxury river cruises, and family-friendly all-inclusives, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas for where to roam next year. Plus, we’ve got the inside scoop on can’t-miss promotions — including amazing savings at Hotel Xcaret that make 2026 the perfect time to start planning. Don’t wait too long… these ideas and deals won’t last!

Sleeper Train to Scotland: Family Tales from the Caledonian Sleeper

In this week’s episode of Where We Roam, John is joined by Shawn and a very special guest—his son Jack—for a lively family recap of their London and Scotland adventure. From the Tower of London to Ted Lasso’s Richmond, and from black cabs to black pudding, they cover the highlights (and a few surprises) of traveling with kids in the UK.
The spotlight, though, is on their overnight ride aboard the Caledonian Sleeper—a bucket list train journey from London to Edinburgh. Hear their honest take on cramped cabins, splitting train cars, Wi-Fi on board, scenic Scottish arrivals, and whether the experience is truly worth it for families. Along the way, Jack gives his candid 12-year-old reviews (spoiler: he has strong feelings about bunk beds, pigeons, and the London Eye).
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to trade a hotel night for a rolling train cabin through the British countryside, this episode has you covered—plus a few laughs, some sibling misadventures, and maybe even a little haggis.

Star of the Seas is So Good, It ALMOST Made Us Forget About Icon

Bigger, bolder, and bursting with entertainment — Star of the Seas is here! 🚢✨John, Dayna, and fan-favorite Corinne Trigg break down Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship: from Back to the Future: The Musical and next-level ice shows to hidden bar gems and the best staterooms for families. They dish on what makes Star outshine Icon and Utopia, swap favorite cocktails, and even play a cruise-themed “This or That.” If you’re wondering if this ship is worth the hype, don’t miss this insider-packed episode!

Bad, Terrible, and Just Plain Wrong Travel Advice

From “skip Rome because it’s too touristy” to “just wing it at Disney” — today we’re tackling some of the worst travel advice floating around the internet (and even coming from well-meaning friends).
Join John, Dayna, and Shawn as we share the advice that makes us cringe, why it doesn’t actually work in real life, and what travelers should do instead. We dive into:✨ The myth of “10 minutes from Disney” Airbnbs✨ Why “guarantee cabins” on cruises aren’t always a deal✨ Over-planning (or under-planning) your dream vacation✨ The truth about upgrades, ticket hacks, and travel insurance✨ Taking kids to Disney “too young”
Whether you’re planning a Disney trip, a European adventure, or a big cruise, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your travel.

OUR Perfect 3-Day London Itinerary With Kids – Tried and Tested 🇬🇧

This week on ROAM, John, Dayna, and Shawn unpack John’s whirlwind three-day trip to London with his family before heading to Scotland. From scoring an incredible upgrade at the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel to seeing Hamilton live on the West End, John shares how they made the most of just 72 hours in the city.
Highlights include:
Surviving the red-eye and jumping straight into a hop-on, hop-off bus tour
Exploring Covent Garden’s hidden gems and foodie favorites like Dishoom
A fancy dinner at Sky Garden with panoramic city views
Touring the Tower of London with a Blue Badge guide
A relaxing detour to Richmond—yes, the town from Ted Lasso
Whether you’re planning a short stopover or just love hearing about family travel done right, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and insider stories.