Episode Description

Dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation but not sure where to start? In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie wrap up their three-budget series by exploring the islands in three completely different ways—proving that paradise is accessible no matter your budget.

What You'll Discover

Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they break down three distinct Hawaiian vacation experiences for a family of four, each offering unique adventures across the islands:

Budget-Friendly Oahu Adventure (Around $155/person/day) Experience the best of Waikiki without breaking the bank. Stay at the Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki with free breakfast, explore iconic sites like Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, and discover why Oahu offers the biggest bang for your buck. Learn how to maximize free and low-cost activities while still capturing that authentic Hawaiian spirit.

Moderate Two-Island Experience (Around $300/person/day) Ready to see more? This 8-10 day journey combines the energy of Oahu with the relaxation of Maui. From Pearl Harbor passport tours and catamaran snorkel cruises to the legendary Road to Hana and Molokini Crater, discover how to experience Hawaii's must-do activities while staying at quality resorts like the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki and Sheraton Maui.

Luxury Multi-Island Escape (Under $700/person/day) Indulge in 10-12 days of pure Hawaiian luxury with stays at Four Seasons properties in Oahu, plus your choice of the Big Island or Maui. Enjoy private island tours, chartered catamarans, helicopter rides over dramatic sea cliffs, VIP luau experiences, and exclusive cultural programs. Learn why the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park is an absolute must-see.

Episode Highlights

• Why Oahu is perfect for budget-conscious travelers
• The best free and low-cost activities across the islands
• Smart strategies for keeping food costs manageable in Hawaii
• Private vs. group tour options: when to splurge
• Inter-island flight planning tips
• The ultimate Hawaii activity recommendation from experienced travel advisors

Whether you're planning your first Hawaiian getaway or returning for another taste of aloha, this episode delivers practical insights and real pricing to help you craft your perfect island adventure.

Bonus: Hear where Julie's heading next—a magical Disney Christmas trip with family and clients!

Ready to start planning your Hawaiian escape? The travel advisors at Wonder and Beyond Travel are here to help create your one-of-a-kind journey.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Ever thought Japan was out of reach for your family? Think again! In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie break down how to experience the magic of Japan across three different budget levels—and the prices might surprise you.

Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler or ready to splurge on luxury experiences, this episode shows you exactly how to make Japan happen for a family of four in summer 2026.

Budget Level ($120/person/day): Discover how to spend seven nights exploring Tokyo and Kyoto with simple but comfortable stays, iconic sites, and incredible cultural immersion. Walk through Tokyo's historic Asakusa district, experience the famous Shibuya pedestrian crossing, visit the mesmerizing Team Lab Planets digital art museum, and wander through Kyoto's stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Forest—all without breaking the bank.

Moderate Level ($240/person/day): Step it up with more comfortable hotels, guided city tours, and special experiences like Tokyo Disney Sea (rated the world's top theme park!), a traditional tea ceremony, and a day trip to Nara's famous Deer Park. This level balances group tours with curated experiences perfect for families.

Luxury Level ($350-450/person/day): Go all out with private tours, five-star accommodations including a traditional ryokan near Mount Fuji, insider access to sumo wrestler training, a private sushi-making workshop, geisha cultural walks, samurai sword lessons, and hot spring experiences. This is Japan at its finest with seamless transportation and unforgettable moments.

Ryan and Julie also share their mix-and-match philosophy—you don't have to stick to one budget level! Combine elements from each to create your perfect trip.

Bonus: Ryan shares an incredible client story about a life-changing two-week African safari, complete with hippos at dinner, a one-day-old baby elephant, and the elephant with the longest tusks on record!

Ready to start planning your Japanese adventure? This episode proves that with the right guidance, Japan is more accessible than you ever imagined.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Planning a trip with multiple generations of your family? Before you book, listen to this essential episode! Travel advisors Ryan and Julie share hard-won wisdom about the most common mistakes families make when planning multi-gen vacations—and how to avoid them.

From the planning phase through your actual trip, they cover everything: why you need to nail down dates BEFORE contacting your travel advisor, the importance of having a "team leader" for your group, and why trying to do everything together is a recipe for stress (spoiler: those Disney families of 20 walking in a line aren't having as much fun as you think).

Discover why cruises and all-inclusives work so well for multi-gen groups, how to handle different budgets within the same family, and the critical conversation about who's paying for what. Julie shares real stories from her own family trips and client experiences, while Ryan offers practical tips about room configurations, meeting points, and making sure everyone's expectations are aligned.

The hosts emphasize that while planning some group activities is important, the magic often happens in the unplanned moments—cousins running to each other in the Magic Kingdom, spontaneous trivia sessions on the cruise ship, or simply sharing a meal together. They also tackle the delicate balance of ensuring the person treating the family doesn't have their preferences overlooked.

Whether you're planning a cruise, Disney vacation, or all-inclusive getaway with grandparents, siblings, and kids in tow, this episode will help you create a memorable trip that brings your family closer together—without the drama.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!