In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Ilisa and Sean break down what's really driving the frustration travelers are feeling right now—and how to stay one step ahead. From overpriced hotel breakfasts and seat upgrades that don't deliver, to quiet airline rule changes and risky tight connections, they explain where travelers are losing money (often without realizing it).

They also unpack how recent geopolitical events impacted Caribbean travel during peak season, why thousands of travelers were caught off guard, and how working with a travel advisor—and the right travel insurance—can make all the difference when plans suddenly change.

The takeaway? Travel today isn't "set it and forget it." A little knowledge, flexibility, and planning buffer can protect both your trip and your wallet.

🎧 Tune in for practical advice, real-world examples, and smarter ways to travel in an unpredictable world.

Ilisa Oman

ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com

www.oneworldfamilytravel.com

Sean Mouttet

sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com

www.gallivantluxurytravel.com

FInd us on Facebook!

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Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.

Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH

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Buckle up, travelers— we have things to say on this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags!

Sean and Ilisa dive into the Administration's push for "civility" in the skies and breaks down why the real turbulence isn't unruly passengers—it's skyrocketing fares, endless fees, shrinking seats, and fading customer service. Then it's on to holiday travel sanity savers: smart planning tips, what to pack, and how to keep your cool when everyone else is melting down at the gate.

We wrap with a hopeful, boots-on-the-ground update from Jamaica, where the island continues to rebuild with strength, energy, and its signature warmth after Hurricane Melissa.

Whether you're gearing up for holiday chaos or dreaming of your next Caribbean getaway, this episode brings clarity and a dose of real talk. Hit play and let's travel smarter—together!

In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Ilisa and Sean bring listeners a vital update from Jamaica as the island rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa. With Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay slowly reopening and resorts preparing to welcome guests again, we'll explore what travelers can expect and how to help recovery efforts. Plus, we'll celebrate Anguilla's big win as the Caribbean's top island, take a look inside Cairo's long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, and unpack how the ongoing U.S. government shutdown could cause travel turbulence just in time for the holidays.

Must use on each episode

Ilisa Oman

ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com

www.oneworldfamilytravel.com

Sean Mouttet

sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com

www.gallivantluxurytravel.com

FInd us on Facebook!

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.

Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Free Music No Copyright (Safe)

In this powerful 25th episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Sean and Ilisa take listeners to Jamaica in the aftermath of the recent hurricane that left much of the island reeling. We'll look at how resorts rose to the challenge to protect their guests, how travel advisors became lifelines for stranded travelers, and what this storm revealed about responsibility and respect in travel. We'll also confront uncomfortable truths—like the travelers who knowingly flew into danger and the airlines accused of price gouging—and discuss how the travel community can do better. Finally, we'll share ways you can make a difference in Jamaica's recovery through organizations like the Sandals Foundation and World Central Kitchen.

Because travel isn't just about where you go—it's about how you show up.

*The episode is accurate as of October 30, 3035 - information about conditions in Jamaica is continuously changing.

Ilisa Oman

ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com

www.oneworldfamilytravel.com

Sean Mouttet

sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com

www.gallivantluxurytravel.com

FInd us on Facebook!

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.

Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Free Music No Copyright (Safe)

From the concert halls of Vienna to the newest mega-ships making waves in Miami, this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags takes you from Europe's cultural heart to the cutting edge of cruising—and even up in the air. Ilisa shares stories from her recent trip to Vienna, where food, art, and music come together in unforgettable ways, before diving into exciting updates in the cruise world and some eyebrow-raising airline changes that could impact your next flight.

Whether you're dreaming of schnitzel and Strauss or setting sail on the newest luxury liner, this episode delivers your passport to what's new, noteworthy, and newsworthy in travel.

Ilisa Oman

ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com

www.oneworldfamilytravel.com

Sean Mouttet

sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com

www.gallivantluxurytravel.com

FInd us on Facebook!

Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.

Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Free Music No Copyright (Safe)

This week on Checked Bags and Big Tags, we're unpacking a world of travel change — from personal journeys to political shake-ups. First, we'll explore the growing popularity of solo travel and how Riviera River Cruises is launching a ship designed just for independent travelers. Then, we'll break down how the U.S. government shutdown could affect your travel plans, and what to expect from Europe's brand-new Entry/Exit System that will fingerprint and photograph non-EU visitors starting this month. Finally, we'll look at one of the most surprising travel stories of the year: Kim Jong Un's new "world-class" beach resort in North Korea — a tourism push with a very limited guest list.

Ilisa Oman

ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com

www.oneworldfamilytravel.com

Sean Mouttet

sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com

www.gallivantluxurytravel.com

FInd us on Facebook!

Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.

Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Free Music No Copyright (Safe)

We're back! After a couple weeks off, Checked Bags and Big Tags is unpacking travel trends and hot topics shaping trips in 2026 and beyond. From the rise of slow travel (where the journey is just as important as the destination) to Barcelona's year-long celebration of Antoni Gaudí, we've got cultural moments you won't want to miss. We'll also break down the increasing costs of ETIAS and ETA fees for U.S. travelers heading abroad—and why that matters for your travel budget. Finally, we'll dive into why Florida, especially Disney, is seeing a surprising dip in tourism and what that means for families, fans, and the future of the Sunshine State's tourism industry.

Ilisa Oman

ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com

www.oneworldfamilytravel.com

Sean Mouttet

sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com

www.gallivantluxurytravel.com

FInd us on Facebook!

Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.

Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Free Music No Copyright (Safe)

Ever wondered what all those numbers, letters, and mysterious codes on your boarding pass actually mean? In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, we crack the code on your ticket, share the must-have travel gadgets that make jet-setting easier (and cooler), and spill the tea on the best times to book flights to snag those dream deals. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first getaway, this episode is your carry-on full of insider tips.

Ilisa Oman

ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com

www.oneworldfamilytravel.com

Sean Mouttet

sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com

www.gallivantluxurytravel.com

FInd us on Facebook!

Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.

Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Free Music No Copyright (Safe)