🧭 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.

Episode Overview
What’s the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received? Chances are, it wasn’t something wrapped in a box. In this episode, Cheryl and Brittany dive into the gift of travel—not just as a vacation, but as a life-changing experience that shapes who we are.

From standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or climbing the pyramids of Teotihuacan, to multi-generational trips and student exchanges that transform classrooms into the real world, this conversation is all about why experiences matter more than things—and how travel creates memories that last a lifetime.

You’ll also hear how to “gift” travel in ways big and small, from local staycations and one-tank road trips to bucket-list adventures and multi-gen journeys that bring families closer together.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why experiences outlast material gifts (yes, there’s actual neuroplasticity involved!)
• How travel reshapes your brain, your worldview, and your sense of what’s possible
• The difference between simply “going on a trip” and truly experiencing a destination
• Core memories:
  • Brittany’s first trip to the Grand Canyon and that “wow, we’re really here” feeling
  • Cheryl’s early travels to Teotihuacan, Chichén Itzá, and Europe as a high school grad
  • Family trips to Disney, the beach, and a multi-gen summer getaway that three generations still talk about
• Why experiential learning matters for students (and how travel brought history to life)
• How homestays and cultural immersion changed everything for Cheryl’s student groups
• The shift from “stuff” to experience-based gifting—and why people are craving meaning over more things
• Practical ways to gift travel: staycations, road trips, train journeys, spa days, cooking classes, and more
• Multi-generational travel: how to create bonding experiences that kids and grandparents will never forget
• Real talk about travel compatibility: what happens when your travel styles clash
• Tips for planning meaningful travel gifts with the help of a travel advisor

Who This Episode Is For:

• Families who want to create core memories instead of clutter
• Grandparents, parents, and caregivers looking for meaningful gifts for kids or grandkids
• Friends who are “over” swapping candles and sweaters and want to gift shared adventures instead
• Teachers and educators curious about experiential learning and student travel
• Anyone who’s ever felt changed by a trip—and wants to bring that magic into their gift-giving

Resources & Ideas Mentioned:

• Homestay programs and cultural exchanges for students
• Multi-generational family trips and reunions
• Staycations in your own city or nearby destinations
• One-tank road trips for weekend getaways
• Train journeys and scenic rail routes
• Cooking classes, paint-and-sip nights, wine country getaways, spa days, and more

Ready to Gift Travel?
If this episode has you thinking about gifting an experience instead of another “thing,” I’d love to help you plan it. From staycations to European adventures, I work with families, couples, and groups to craft trips that are meaningful, memorable, and aligned with your budget.

👉 Learn more or start planning:https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min

Stay Connected

• 💻 Website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/
• 🎧 Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint on your favorite podcast app
• 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgicTravelCo
• 📩 Join my email list for travel tips & inspiration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Q1QBelP

If this episode inspired you, share it with someone you’d love to travel with.

Ever wondered what life looks like from the other side of the beverage cart? In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Dave, a seasoned flight attendant who’s seen it all — from mid-air marriage proposals to unexpected passenger surprises. Together, they pull back the curtain on what really happens at 30,000 feet.

Dave shares his candid insights about in-flight life, passenger etiquette, travel mishaps, and the changing airline industry. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first big trip, this episode will make you see air travel in a whole new light.

💬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What it’s really like to be a flight attendant — beyond the glamour and travel perks
• The most surprising (and funniest) passenger stories Dave has experienced
• Insider tips for making your flight smoother and more enjoyable
• The emotional side of working in the skies — from layovers to lifelong friendships
• Cheryl’s behind-the-scenes memories from her own flight attendant training days

🎧 Mid-Episode Moment

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint so you never miss an episode! We’ve got travel pros, cruise insiders, and destination experts joining us each episode.

⚡ Rapid Fire Round

Before wrapping up, Cheryl and Dave play a quick “Flight Mode” rapid-fire round — from window vs. aisle, worst in-flight snack, to dream destination layover.

🧭 Resources & Mentions:

• Tips for stress-free flying: https://nostalgictravelco.com/%e2%9c%88%ef%b8%8f-the-dos-and-donts-of-flight-travel-your-guide-to-being-a-sky-high-superstar/
• Virgin Voyages Cruise with Cheryl — March 2025: tinyurl.com/bookvirgintoday
• Join the Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint community for behind-the-scenes extras: https://www.skool.com/cheryls-travel-blueprint-6666

💌 Connect with Cheryl:

🌐 nostalgictravelco.com

📺 YouTube: Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music
📲 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryljohnsonnostalgictravel/

🧳 Episode Hashtags:

#FlightAttendantLife #TravelPodcast #AirlineStories #TravelBlueprint #BehindTheScenesTravel #InFlightEtiquette #AviationLife #NostalgicTravel

Episode summary
Picture this: champagne in hand, sea terrace hammock swaying, no buffets, no dress codes—just adults-only freedom and elevated fun. In this episode, Cheryl welcomes Paige, Sales Manager at Virgin Voyages, to unpack what makes the line a true disruptor: specialty dining included (no upcharges), fast Wi-Fi, cheeky entertainment, curated wellness, the iconic red hammocks, and destinations that range from Miami & San Juan to Europe—and soon, Alaska. We talk cabins and “Shake for Champagne,” sustainability touches (no single-use plastic bottles), Bimini Beach Club perks, solo-traveler meetups, and how Virgin delivers real value without the “nickel-and-diming.” If you’ve wondered whether cruising could feel modern, stylish, and genuinely adult—this is your boarding call.

Why listen

• Understand exactly what’s included (and what’s not) on Virgin Voyages
• Learn how the adults-only vibe changes the onboard experience
• Get itinerary inspo (Caribbean, Med, overnights in Ibiza, late nights in Rome, Panama Canal repositionings, and Alaska)
• Hear candid tips on dining, wellness classes, cabins, and can’t-miss experiences

Guest
Paige — Sales Manager at Virgin Voyages, supporting travel advisors (“First Mates”) across 11 states with training, marketing, and promos.

Chapter Markers / Timestamps

• 00:00 Cold open: Ditch the cruise clichés
• 01:05 Meet Paige & Virgin’s “come as you are” culture
• 04:10 What’s included: Wi-Fi, specialty dining, entertainment, fitness
• 09:00 Cabins & the iconic red sea-terrace hammocks
• 12:30 Adults-only vibe: friendly, open-minded, choose-your-own-adventure
• 16:40 Dining deep dive: Extra Virgin, The Wake, Pink Agave, Rojo (tapas)
• 22:15 Wellness & Redemption Spa; “Splash of Romance” add-on
• 26:00 Bimini Beach Club: private vibe, food included, bar tab works there
• 29:40 Itineraries: Caribbean, Med, NYC fall colors, Europe—Alaska coming
• 35:10 Sustainability: no plastic bottles/straws, recycled wristbands
• 38:20 Behind the scenes, track on top deck, sunrise yoga
• 41:15 Richard Branson sighting & Virgin’s loyal fanbase
• 45:30 Rapid Fire: terrace suites, Scarlet Night, must-try dishes & features
• 49:00 Wrap + teaser: next week—flight attendant behind-the-scenes

🧭 Episode Summary

What if the most authentic travel experiences aren’t found in postcard-perfect capitals—but in the overlooked cities where culture lives, breathes, and surprises you at every turn?

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl Johnson invites you to see the world differently through the lens of second-city travel—choosing destinations that don’t make every headline but hold every bit of heart.

From the medieval charm of Girona to the calm beauty of Zurich, Cheryl shares her personal stories, practical insights, and an exclusive travel deal that makes exploring beyond the big cities more rewarding than ever.

Learn why skipping tourist-packed capitals for quieter, culture-rich “second cities” can give you a more sustainable, affordable, and truly authentic travel experience.

🧳 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• 🌍 What “second-city travel” means and why it’s trending
• 🧭 How smaller destinations offer richer, more local connections
• ⚖️ The truth about overtourism and how it impacts local communities
• 💬 Real-life stories that reveal the magic of exploring beyond the obvious
• 💰 Why visiting second cities can stretch your budget without sacrificing experience
• 📸 Bonus tip: How to document your trip and capture unique, crowd-free moments

✨ Featured Destinations & Alternatives

• Girona, Spain — a peaceful medieval escape just an hour from Barcelona
• Verona or Treviso, Italy — romantic and canal-laced alternatives to Venice
• Zurich, Switzerland — a serene alternative to busier European capitals
• Seville & Valencia, Spain — vibrant, culture-rich alternatives to Barcelona
• Hamburg, Germany — an authentic alternative to Berlin
• Krakow, Poland — a historic gem compared to Warsaw
• Montreal, Canada — French charm with fewer crowds than Paris
• Tartu, Estonia — academic and artsy, a calm contrast to Tallinn
• Mumbai, India — a lively, multifaceted alternative to Delhi

💡 Travel Deal Mentioned

Riu Hotels & Resorts — Explore Europe and beyond with discounted rates across Spain, Portugal, Ireland, the U.K., and more.
✨ Travel Dates: Now through December 15, 2026
🗓️ Book by December 31, 2025
Perfect for travelers seeking authentic stays in second-city locations.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Second-city travel provides authentic cultural immersion without the stress of crowds.
• Exploring lesser-known destinations supports local economies and sustainable tourism.
• You’ll discover a sense of peace and connection often lost in major tourist hubs.
• It’s easier to find budget-friendly stays and genuine hospitality in smaller cities.
• The best travel memories often happen where nobody else is looking.

📸 Pro Tip

Hire a local photographer through platforms like Viator to capture your journey in a unique way—especially in scenic, lesser-known cities where every backdrop tells a story.

🔔 Call to Action

If this episode expanded your travel universe, showing you that the world’s most meaningful journeys happen off the beaten path, don’t forget to subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint so you never miss an episode.

Next up: “When the World Becomes the Classroom: How Student Travel Transforms Learning and Lives.”
Join Cheryl and her guests as they share powerful stories that prove travel is the most inspiring education of all.

🎧 Subscribe today and start building your own travel blueprint—one discovery at a time.

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