🧭 Episode Summary

Behind every seamless vacation is a travel advisor who’s navigated storms — both literal and metaphorical. In this episode, Cheryl and co-host Brittany Johnson sit down with Mark and Lisa Hale, seasoned travel professionals with over 35 years of experience, to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the travel industry.

From the myths about travel advisors and the perks of using one, to evolving travel trends, destination deals, and post-pandemic shifts — this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to turn dream vacations into real-life memories.

You’ll discover:

• ✈️ How travel advisors save you time, money, and headaches
• 🌍 The destinations trending for 2025 — from Europe to Asia
• 🧳 The rise of multi-generational and bucket-list travel
• 🏖️ Why it pays to book through a professional (and not just Google)
• 💡 Real advice for anyone considering a career in travel

Plus, enjoy a fun rapid-fire round on everything from favorite destinations to whether our guests prefer the aisle or window seat!

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

• Globus Tours: World of Wonder Sales Event — Save $1,000 per couple on select 2026 tours
• The Westin Maui Resort & Spa — Complimentary room upgrade + breakfast + resort credit
• Rick Steves Travel Series — Inspiring travel storytelling and planning inspiration

💬 Key Quote

🧠 Perfect For

• Curious travelers who want to understand what goes into a perfectly planned trip
• Aspiring or current travel advisors
• Anyone planning a cruise, group trip, or international adventure

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Listen now on: NostalgicTravelCo.com/podcasts

Or watch the full video on YouTube: Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint by Nostalgic Travel: https://youtu.be/qPNQNKni8rM

🏷️ Tags / SEO Keywords

travel advisor podcast, travel agent tips, how to become a travel agent, travel trends 2025, multi-generational travel, booking a cruise, corporate vs leisure travel, travel planning hacks, vacation deals, travel industry insights, Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Nostalgic Travel podcast

Episode Overview

Host Cheryl Johnson explores the transformative power of language learning with her children, Brittany and Alexander Johnson, sharing their experiences with Spanish immersion education and international travel.

Featured Guests

• Brittany Johnson
• Alexander Johnson

Key Themes

• Importance of early language education
• Cultural immersion experiences
• Benefits of bilingualism
• Personal growth through language learning
• International travel as an educational tool

Memorable Moments

• First language immersion trip to Mexico
• Breakthrough moment at Fantasia 2000 movie
• Summers spent in Spain
• Challenges and triumphs of learning Spanish

Language Learning Insights

• Starting language education early
• Overcoming fear of making mistakes
• Cultural understanding through language
• Developing empathy and global perspective

Travel Experiences Highlighted

• Mexico immersion trip
• Multiple summers in Spain
• Study abroad in Italy
• Cultural adaptation strategies

Practical Advice for Language Learners

• Embrace a childlike learning approach
• Don't fear making mistakes
• Immerse yourself in the language
• View language learning as a journey

Special Travel Offers Mentioned

• Virgin Voyages: 70% off second sailor
• Additional $600 in savings
• Booking link: tinyurl.com/bookvirgintoday
• United Vacations: $550 off European destinations

Rapid Fire Round Highlights

• First Spanish words
• Most embarrassing language mistakes
• Cultural misunderstandings
• Language learning challenges

Learning Objectives

• Understand the value of bilingual education
• Recognize benefits of early language learning
• Gain strategies for cultural immersion
• Appreciate language as a tool for global connection

Recommended Resources

• Spanish immersion programs
• Study abroad opportunities
• Language learning apps
• Cultural exchange programs

Connect with Nostalgic Travel Talks

• 🌐 Facebook: Nostalgic Travel Co. Facebook
• 📸 Instagram: @nostalgictravelco
• 💼 LinkedIn: Cheryl Johnson
• 🎥 YouTube: @NostalgicTravelCo

Next Episode Teaser

Join us next week for an insider's look at the travel industry with a professional travel agent - uncovering secrets, tips, and hidden travel hacks!

Hashtags

#LanguageLearning #CulturalImmersion #BilingualFamily #TravelEducation #GlobalCitizens #SpanishImmersion #FamilyTravel #LanguageAdventures

Timestamps (Approximate)

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:00 - Language Immersion Beginnings
• 15:00 - Mexico Travel Experience
• 30:00 - Spanish Summers in Spain
• 45:00 - Language Learning Challenges
• 60:00 - Rapid Fire Round
• 70:00 - Closing Thoughts and Travel Offers

Episode Overview

A deep dive into the life-changing experience of studying abroad in Rome, featuring a candid conversation between Cheryl Johnson and her son Alexander about cultural immersion, personal growth, and the magic of international education.

Guest

• Alexander Johnson (Former Study Abroad Student)

Key Themes

• Study abroad experiences
• Cultural immersion
• Italian culture and lifestyle
• Student travel insights
• Personal growth through international education

Memorable Moments

• Unexpected cultural discoveries
• Authentic Italian food experiences
• Navigating life in a foreign country
• Challenges and triumphs of international study

Highlighted Destinations

• Rome
• Milan
• Trastevere
• Blue Mosque (Turkey)
• Italian countryside

Key Insights

• Importance of stepping out of comfort zone
• Value of word-of-mouth local recommendations
• Cultural learning beyond classroom experiences
• Transformative power of international travel

Rapid Fire Highlights

• Favorite Italian food: Margherita pizza
• Must-know phrase: "Andiamo" (Let's go)
• Biggest travel mistake: Assuming work availability
• Recommended city: Milan and surrounding countryside

Travel Tips

• Ask locals for authentic restaurant recommendations
• Avoid tourist-trap restaurants
• Explore beyond major cities
• Embrace cultural differences
• Be open to unexpected experiences

Recommended Resources

• University study abroad offices
• Cultural immersion programs
• Language learning apps
• Local travel guides

Connect with Nostalgic Travel Co.

• 🌐 Facebook: Nostalgic Travel Co. Facebook
• 📸 Instagram: @nostalgictravelco
• 💼 LinkedIn: Cheryl Johnson
• 🎥 YouTube: @NostalgicTravelCo

Next Episode Teaser

Join us next week for an in-depth exploration of professional travel advising - insider secrets that will revolutionize how you plan your next adventure!

Hashtags

#StudyAbroad #ItalyTravel #CulturalImmersion #StudentTravel #InternationalEducation #TravelLearning #ItalianAdventure #GlobalCitizen

Learning Objectives

• Understand the value of study abroad experiences
• Gain insights into Italian culture and lifestyle
• Learn strategies for meaningful international travel
• Recognize personal growth opportunities through travel

Timestamps (Approximate)

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:00 - Preparation for Study Abroad
• 15:00 - Cultural Experiences
• 30:00 - Food and Local Discoveries
• 45:00 - Travel Tips and Insights
• 60:00 - Rapid Fire Round
• 70:00 - Closing Thoughts

Nostalgic Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in ocean cruises, educational group trips, and multigenerational travel experiences. Whether you're planning a relaxing escape, an immersive cultural tour, or a meaningful family adventure, we handle the details so you can focus on what really matters—making lifelong memories. 🌍✨
Ready to plan your next trip?
📅 Book a free consult: https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min
Facebook group: Nostalgic Travel with Cheryl | Custom Vacations and Educational...