🧭 Show Notes

Luxury travel isn’t just about five-star hotels—it’s about expert planning, trusted partnerships, and thoughtful details that turn a trip into an unforgettable experience.

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl sits down with Francisco Rello, Business Development Manager at Classic Vacations, to pull back the curtain on what really elevates a vacation—from VIP hotel recognition to rising global travel trends and the power of working with a travel advisor.

With nearly a decade in the travel industry (and a background as a Disney Cast Member!), Francisco shares behind-the-scenes insights on curated travel experiences, advisor-supplier collaboration, and why travelers who value service, experiences, and peace of mind are turning back to expert planning.
✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What luxury travel really means today (and why it’s different for every traveler)
• How Classic Vacations partners exclusively with travel advisors to deliver seamless, VIP-level experiences
• Why small details—welcome amenities, celebration notes, personal recognition—make a big impact
• Top trending destinations travelers are loving right now
  (Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean—and even Africa safaris!)
• Underrated and second-city destinations to avoid overtourism
• Why experiences now matter more than “just the hotel”
• How sustainability is shaping the future of luxury travel
• When the best time to book a vacation really is (hint: it’s not just about price)
• Why booking online can’t compete with having a travel advisor in your corner

🌍 Destinations & Trends Discussed:

• Europe’s continued popularity (Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal)
• Multi-island Hawaii travel without a passport
• All-inclusive travel in Mexico & the Caribbean (plus the rise of niche groups like pickleball travel!)
• Africa as an emerging bucket-list destination
• Tahiti & Fiji as underrated dream escapes
• Hotels evolving into experience-driven destinations

🎧 Why This Episode Matters:

If you’ve ever wondered why some trips feel effortless while others feel overwhelming—or how luxury travel has evolved beyond price tags and star ratings—this conversation explains it all. It’s a must-listen for travelers who want meaningful experiences, expert guidance, and travel done right.

✈️ Ready to Elevate Your Next Trip?

If today’s episode inspired you to plan a more thoughtful, stress-free vacation, connect with Cheryl Johnson of Nostalgic Travel. From honeymoons and milestone celebrations to bucket-list journeys, Cheryl partners with trusted suppliers like Classic Vacations to create trips that feel personal, polished, and unforgettable.

👉 Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint
👉 Leave a review if this episode helped you travel smarter
👉 Share this episode with someone dreaming about their next getaway

🧭 Episode Description

Some trips change what you see—but some people change how you see the world.

In this heartfelt episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl is joined by three longtime friends and fellow educators—Ale, Loida, and Victor—for a powerful conversation about a student exchange program that transformed far more than itineraries.

Together, they reflect on building a people-first, homestay exchange between the U.S. and Spain—one rooted in trust, curiosity, and genuine connection rather than agencies or transactions. What began as a professional collaboration became a decade-long partnership that reshaped how they taught, traveled, and connected with students across cultures.

This episode is a love letter to the educators, host families, and students who proved that meaningful travel starts with relationships.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• How this U.S.–Spain exchange program first began
• Why free, curiosity-driven homestays made all the difference
• The “secret sauce” behind a program that lasted over 10 years
• Cultural surprises between American and Spanish students
• How exchange travel changed the way these educators teach
• Language learning, vulnerability, and fearless communication
• Why trust between educators is essential for successful exchanges
• How everyday moments—markets, meals, transit—became the most powerful lessons

🌍 Key Takeaways

• The most impactful exchange programs are relational, not transactional
• Host families who want to host create deeper cultural immersion
• Travel experiences outside the classroom reshape empathy and teaching
• Cultural differences are best understood through shared daily life
• Some of the most meaningful lessons happen far beyond textbooks

💬 Favorite Quote

🎧 Listen & Watch

▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube
https://youtu.be/5nu9RnvsvJY

🔔 Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint for more stories about culture, education, and travel that truly changes lives.

🤝 Join the Conversation

Would you host a student just for the experience—not the money?
Who is someone who changed the way you travel, teach, or see the world?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

One Trip. A Bigger World. | Launching Youth Exchange Collective

What happens when a student steps off a plane into a country they’ve only seen in textbooks—and realizes their world just got bigger?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl is joined by Alej, a former colleague and educator, and Sarah, a former student whose life was transformed by a high school exchange experience. Together, they reflect on the trips that shaped their lives and announce the launch of Youth Exchange Collective, a new initiative dedicated to making international exchange experiences accessible to all students.

This conversation goes beyond travel—it’s about confidence, cultural immersion, language learning, lifelong relationships, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to see the world before they leave high school.

🌍 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The moment a student realizes their world just got bigger
• Why home stays and immersion experiences go deeper than traditional student tours
• How exchange travel builds independence, confidence, and global awareness
• The long-term impact of student travel—years and even decades later
• Language learning through real-world experience (and plenty of humble pie)
• Why financial barriers prevent too many students from accessing these opportunities
• The mission, vision, and goals behind Youth Exchange Collective

🎓 What Is Youth Exchange Collective?

Youth Exchange Collective is a nonprofit initiative focused on accessibility, equity, and global citizenship. Its mission is to reduce financial barriers for students who want to participate in international exchange programs by providing:

• Student scholarships
• Teacher and school partnerships
• Fundraising opportunities
• Cultural preparation resources
• Mentorship from former exchange students

Alej and Sarah both serve on the board and share why this work is so close to their hearts.

✨ A Powerful Takeaway

Student exchange programs don’t just create memories—they create confident, curious, globally minded adults. The impact doesn’t end when the trip is over; it shapes how students see themselves, their abilities, and their place in the world for the rest of their lives.

🤝 How You Can Support the Mission

If this episode inspired you, here are a few ways to get involved:

• Donate or sponsor a student
• Share the Youth Exchange Collective mission with schools and families
• Volunteer or support future events
• Follow and engage on social media
• Subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on opportunities and impact

🌐 Website: youthexchangecollective.org

🔔 Stay Connected

If you believe travel is the best education, don’t forget to:

• Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint
• Share this episode with educators, parents, and community leaders
• Follow along as Youth Exchange Collective helps the next generation see the world

Because sometimes, one trip really can change everything.