Where We Roam Podcast

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.

Lightning Lane or Express Pass? The One We’d Buy Every Time!

We go head-to-head on Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Universal’s Express Pass to uncover which skip-the-line service truly delivers the best value.
From the complex, tech-heavy world of Lightning Lane to the no-planning-needed freedom of Express Pass, we break down how each system works, what they cost, and the pros and cons you need to know before your next trip. We’ll dive into real-world park experiences, insider strategies, and a bit of theme park history—from the nostalgic paper FastPass days to today’s premium upcharge systems.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Disney or Universal offers the better line-skipping deal, or how to get the most out of your park days without wasting time (or money), this is your must-listen episode.

Would We Go Back to Secrets Akumal? Our Unfiltered Review

In this episode of the Where We Roam podcast, hosts John and Dayna welcome back original co-host Megan to dive into their recent stay at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort in Mexico. As part of their travel agency’s Top 10 Agent Retreat, the trio breaks down every detail of this lush, tropical getaway—from first impressions and check-in to pools, rooms, food, drinks, beach access, activities, and the often-overlooked pros and cons.
They share:
Why Secrets Akumal surprised them with attentive service and thoughtful touches 🍹
Their favorite meals (spoiler: the mango martinis and fried ice cream are 🔥)
Honest feedback on room design, cocktails, poolside vibe, and navigating the maze-like layout 🗺️
Whether they’d recommend it for couples, friend groups, or active travelers 👫👯‍♀️
What sets this resort apart from other all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya
If you're considering a stay at a Secrets resort—or just curious about how it stacks up to popular spots like Atelier or Sandals—this is the deep dive you need before booking your next beach escape.
📍 Location: Secrets Akumal, Riviera Maya, Mexico🌴 Resort Type: Adults-Only, All-Inclusive🎯 Perfect for: Couples, Girlfriend Getaways, Relaxation Seekers

🌴 Perfect Day Mexico Revealed + Star of the Seas Preview with Royal Caribbean Insider Corinne Trigg

In this episode of Where We Roam, hosts John and Dayna are joined by Royal Caribbean insider Corinne Trigg to break down the exciting details about Perfect Day Mexico, the highly anticipated new private destination opening in Costa Maya in 2027. From record-breaking water slides at Jaguar Tower to the massive adults-only pool at El Hideaway and the all-new Fiesta Plaza, we cover everything you can expect from this next-level private island experience.
We also dive into the Royal Beach Club opening in Nassau this December, compare it to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and discuss how these new developments will transform Western Caribbean itineraries out of Galveston, Texas. Plus, Corinne gives us an inside look at what’s coming aboard Star of the Seas, the newest Icon Class ship set to wow cruisers in 2025.
Whether you're a Royal Caribbean fan, a cruise planner, or just love dreaming about your next getaway, this episode is packed with must-know updates and insider tips.
Key topics covered:
Perfect Day Mexico details (opening date, attractions, exclusive access for Royal Caribbean guests)
Royal Beach Club Nassau opening and pricing
What to expect on the new Star of the Seas
How Royal Caribbean is reshaping the cruise experience out of Galveston
Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean private island, Jaguar Tower, El Hidoe adults-only pool, Royal Beach Club Nassau, Star of the Seas, Icon Class ship, Galveston cruises, CocoCay comparison, Royal Caribbean news
#PerfectDayMexico #RoyalCaribbean #StarOfTheSeas #CocoCay #RoyalBeachClub #CruisePodcast #WhereWeRoam

Caviar, Fart 'n Dart Beans, & Bourbon Cocktails: Royal Caribbean’s Best Eats Revealed!

Get ready to drool! In this deliciously fun episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Shawn dive fork-first into Royal Caribbean’s top specialty dining, must-try included eats, and favorite bars—with all the insider tips only seasoned cruise pros can offer. From the Southern charm of Mason Jar to the ultra-exclusive Empire Supper Club and even the hilariously named “Fart 'n Dart Beans” at Royal Railway, this foodie-focused episode is packed with mouthwatering details and laugh-out-loud moments.
Plus, we spill the tea on the newly announced Royal Beach Club opening in Nassau, talk drink pairings (hello, bourbon lovers 🍹), and share smart dining strategies to make the most of your sailing—whether you're cruising with kids or going full luxury.
🎧 Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this is the ultimate guide to eating and drinking your way through Royal Caribbean in style. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

We Sailed Carnival’s Best Suite — But Is It Better Than Royal Caribbean’s Icon?

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Dayna break down her recent sailing aboard Carnival Celebration, one of Carnival’s newest Excel-class ships. From a stay in the ultra-luxe Presidential Excel Suite to visiting the stunning ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), Dayna shares firsthand insights on what sets this cruise apart.
They compare Carnival Celebration to Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis-class ships, diving into differences in entertainment, dining, suite perks, and family-friendly experiences. Curious about Carnival’s new dining venues, suite-only perks like Loft 19, or the vibe of an 8-night sailing vs. a short weekend cruise? This episode is packed with tips, laughs, and brutally honest comparisons that will help you decide if Carnival’s newest ships deserve a spot on your travel wish list.
👉 Perfect for cruisers debating between Carnival Celebration vs. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, or just curious about what modern Carnival cruising is all about.

🇫🇷 Paris with a Side of Cheese, Wine & a Flaming Tuba 🎺🔥🗼

In this episode of Where We Roam, we’re headed to the City of Light! Join John, Dayna, and Shawn as they recap Shawn’s unforgettable Paris vacation—an expertly planned 40th birthday getaway filled with artisanal street fare, private food tours through Montmartre, and late-night Eiffel Tower escapades (complete with a flaming tuba performance!). From the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe Hotel to Versailles and the Louvre, we cover it all—plus insider tips on navigating jet lag, booking the best private guides, and curating a Paris itinerary that blends culture, cuisine, and just the right amount of rest.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first Parisian adventure or looking to elevate your next trip, this episode offers real travel insights from advisors who book these experiences daily.
🎧 Listen now and discover:
Why Montmartre is our favorite Paris neighborhood
Where to find the best macarons (hint: it’s not Ladurée!)
How to plan a food-forward Paris itinerary
Which Paris tours are worth the splurge—and which you can skip
Why private transfers and hotel breakfasts make a world of difference