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You’ve seen them floating gracefully across the sky—those dreamy hot air balloons that look like they belong in a storybook. A big puff of color, a little basket, and poof! You’re flying. Easy, right? Not so fast, Diva. Behind that peaceful ride is a whole world of serious science, sky-high strategy, and major skill.

This week, we’re pulling back the curtain with Damian from Get Loft Hot Air Balloons, and trust us—this is not your cousin’s DIY backyard balloon. “People think we build these in our garages and just go barnstorming for fun,” Damian laughs. But no ma’am. These balloons are real-deal aircraft, regulated by the FAA, professionally manufactured, and flown by trained, certified pilots who know their altitudes from their attitude.

From weather stalking a week before launch to choreographing the whole inflation-to-landing process like a Broadway show, ballooning is an art and a science. And steering? Let’s just say balloons don’t exactly come with a steering wheel. Instead, pilots ride the layers of wind at different altitudes, catching the currents like an airbending boss. (Ever heard of "boxing the field"? You will.)

Oh, and get this—Damian’s background? Skydiving. Yep, he made the leap from jumping out of planes to flying the thing people jump out of. Turns out, ballooning is a skydiver’s dream, but it also comes with some wild logistics. Like planning for sudden weight shifts when the jumpers go whoosh out of the basket. It's all about timing and precision.

And let’s not forget our favorite part: the post-flight champagne toast. It’s not just for the ‘Gram. This bubbly tradition started back in 18th-century France to keep angry farmers from stabbing balloons with pitchforks (true story). Nothing says “please don’t destroy my balloon” like a bottle of good wine.

So whether you're dreaming of your first balloon ride or just here for the fun facts, this episode will have you floating with fascination. These gentle giants are more than just eye candy—they're a full-on adventure in the sky.

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Think you know cruises? Think again. This week, the Divas are flipping the script on everything you thought cruising was – and trust us, it's not your grandma’s buffet boat. We’re joined by Tracy from Virgin Voyages, and she’s here to spill the tea on why this adults-only escape at sea is truly the ultimate “uncruise” experience.

No kids. No formal nights. No buffets. Just a floating boutique hotel bursting with personality, world-class dining, and bold, come-as-you-are vibes. Tracy takes us behind the scenes of Virgin’s refreshingly inclusive philosophy – from crew members rocking tattoos and piercings to "sailors" (that’s what they call guests!) dancing barefoot under the stars on Scarlet Night.

Let’s talk food. With six Michelin-level restaurants included in your fare – from Korean BBQ at Gun Bay to steak and seafood at The Wake – this is gourmet living without the upcharge. Oh, and did we mention gratuities, Wi-Fi, and basic drinks are all included too? Yep. No surprise bills here.

Virgin Voyages is attracting everyone from 30-somethings to 70+ adventure-seekers, all loving the intimate-yet-energetic feel of these stylish ships. With overnight stays in places like Ibiza and edgy entertainment that pushes creative limits (hello, Dual Reality!), this is cruising – redefined.

Plus, Tracy gives us a sneak peek at what’s next: Alaska in 2025, a fresh new app, and the arrival of Brilliant Lady. Whether you're a cruise skeptic or a travel junkie looking for something new, Virgin Voyages might just be your next obsession.

Ready to sea it differently? We’re Gold Level First Mates and would love to help you plan your own “uncruise” adventure.

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This week on Suitcase Divas, we’re unpacking more than just luggage—we’re unpacking life, healing, and the power of getting beautifully confused.

We’re joined by the fabulous Giovanna Silvestre, author of the soon-to-be-released Confused Girl and the fierce founder of Confused Girl in the City. What starts as a raw convo about hitting that dreaded quarter-life crisis turns into a powerful, soul-deep journey through shame, self-discovery, and the magic of not having it all figured out.

“I had placed so much value in what other people thought of me,” Giovanna shares—honestly and vulnerably. Her depression was rooted in chasing shiny titles and flashy careers that looked good on paper but left her soul running on empty. But through the darkness, she found a radical truth: confusion isn’t failure—it’s a beginning.

That truth sparked a transformation and a video blog that followed her as she tried something new every week to get closer to who she really is. (Talk about bravery in action!)

Giovanna also drops real talk on something so many of us wrestle with—shame. She breaks it down in a way that just hits different: guilt is “I did something bad,” but shame is “I am bad.” And guess what? That shame? It doesn’t belong to us. Her ritual of releasing shame—imagining it as a heavy backpack and tossing it into the ocean—is the kind of healing visual we’re carrying with us from now on.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of packing a bag and heading off solo? Giovanna’s been there. From nervous first steps to building a life abroad in Bali and Berlin, she shows us that transformation isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about brave little steps.

Things get tender when she opens up about her upcoming second book, Confused Girl: Love, Loss, and Cannolis—an emotional, heartwarming tribute to navigating grief and still finding joy (and dessert). Through it all, Giovanna reminds us that confusion is a compass, not a curse.

✨ Want to join the movement? Pre-order Confused Girl before it drops May 13th and enter to win a dreamy two-night oceanfront stay in Maui (yes, really!) plus a gift card to her store. All the deets are at confusedgirlinthecity.com and you can follow her journey over on Instagram @confusedgirlLA.

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