Checked Bags and Big Tags

Europe's border system is still a work in progress — nine countries just got another pass on full biometric enforcement, and ETIAS is delayed with no new launch date in sight. We break down what's actually happening at EES checkpoints right now, why ETIAS "applications" being sold online are a scam, and give you the latest on Italy's travel advisory. Then we get into it: the travel trends we're ready to see disappear in 2026 — overstuffed itineraries, building your whole trip off TikTok, algorithm-driven overtourism, and yes, letting AI plan your vacation without a second thought. (Spoiler: AI can give you a starting point. It can't tell you the restaurant is closed, or that you just scheduled two museums on opposite sides of the city.) Follow along for more real talk on travel planning, industry updates, and the occasional rant.   Ilisa Oman [email protected] www.oneworldfamilytravel.com   Sean Mouttet [email protected] www.gallivantluxurytravel.com   Find us on Facebook! Watch on Youtube 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 [email protected]. Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH Source: https://freetouse.com/music Free Music No Copyright (Safe)  

Europe's rivers are running low, the heat is running high, and this week's "Travelers Behaving Badly" story is one for the history books. On this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, we're covering: 🚢 River cruise disruptions — Why low water levels on the Danube and Rhine are forcing cruise lines to get creative with bus transfers, ship swaps, and modified itineraries, and how a good travel advisor keeps clients informed without causing panic 🌡️ Europe's heat waves — What record-breaking summer temperatures mean for flight delays and your daily touring plans, plus practical tips to keep your trip enjoyable (hint: mornings, evenings, and a lot less "death march" energy) ✈️ The State Department's Worldwide Caution — What this advisory actually says, who it applies to, and why it doesn't mean you should cancel your trip to Europe 🍴 Travelers Behaving Badly — This week's entry involves a Carnival cruise, a buffet, and a fork used for something forks were never meant to do. You'll want to hear this one. Whether you're planning a river cruise, a European getaway, or just love a good cautionary tale about manners, this episode has something for you.   lisa Oman [email protected] www.oneworldfamilytravel.com   Sean Mouttet [email protected] www.gallivantluxurytravel.com   Find us on Facebook! Watch on YouTube 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 [email protected]. Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH Source: https://freetouse.com/music Free Music No Copyright (Safe)  

Your "all-inclusive" fare might not include what you think. In this episode, we break down exactly what's covered — and what's not — across every tier of cruise line and resort. Plus: what should have been a  3-hour layover at Heathrow taught us about turning travel chaos into one of the best days of the trip, and a quick update on the ETIAS delay everyone traveling to Europe should know about.   Ilisa Oman [email protected] www.oneworldfamilytravel.com   Sean Mouttet [email protected] www.gallivantluxurytravel.com   Find us on Facebook Watch on Youtube   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 [email protected].   Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH Source: https://freetouse.com/music Free Music No Copyright (Safe)

Are your favorite destinations being loved to death? Where in the world is it still blissfully peaceful? And what exactly is going on with passenger behavior up in the sky? Sean Mouttet of Gallivant Luxury Travel and Ilisa Oman of One World Family Travel get into all of it — no filter, no holding back. In this episode of Checked Bags & Big Tags: 🌍 OVER-TOURISM IS REAL — NOW WHAT? Barcelona. Santorini. Kyoto. These iconic destinations are buckling under the weight of too many visitors — and locals are pushing back hard. We break down what's actually happening on the ground, the new tourist taxes and visitor caps being rolled out across Europe and beyond, and most importantly — what responsible luxury travelers can actually DO about it. Spoiler: the answer is better than you think.  🕊️ PEACEFUL PARADISES — THE WORLD'S MOST PEACEFUL DESTINATIONS FOR 2026 The Global Peace Index just released its 2026 rankings — and the top of the list is full of incredible travel inspiration. Iceland holds the #1 spot for the 19th year in a row. New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Portugal, and Japan all make the top 10. We dig into the list, talk about the hidden gems worth adding to your bucket list, and discuss how peace rankings factor into how we counsel our clients. ✈️ WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CABIN? Flight attendants are warning that passenger behavior has declined sharply — and the numbers back it up. We share what crews are dealing with daily, what airlines are doing about it, and why the first 90 seconds of boarding sets the tone for the entire flight. 🪑 THE HOT SEAT: DO YOU SWITCH SEATS WHEN SOMEONE ASKS? Someone taps you on the shoulder and asks you to give up the window seat you booked three months ago. What do you do? Sean and Ilisa go head to head on one of the most divisive debates in air travel — and we want YOUR take in the comments. --- 🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW Checked Bags & Big Tags is the no-filter, no-holds-barred travel podcast for people who take their trips seriously. Hosted by two of the travel industry's most passionate insiders, this show covers insider tips, destination deep dives, and the travel news that actually matters.   Sean Mouttet — Founder, Gallivant Luxury Travel [email protected] 🌐 www.gallivantluxurytravel.com   Ilisa Oman — Founder, One World Family Travel [email protected] 🌐 www.oneworldfamilytravel.com Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at [email protected]. Find us on Facebook! Watch on Youtube 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 [email protected].   Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH Source: https://freetouse.com/music Free Music No Copyright (Safe)    

What does "luxury" actually mean in 2026 — and is the old definition dead? Sean Mouttet of Gallivant Luxury Travel and Ilisa Oman of One World Family Travel get into it, and they don't hold back. In this episode of Checked Bags & Big Tags: LUXURY REDEFINED — Thread counts, marble lobbies, and white-glove service were the old standard. But today's high-end traveler is chasing something different: time, access, personalization, and the elimination of friction. Sean and Ilisa break down what luxury really looks like for modern travelers — and what it means for how you plan and sell travel. THAILAND TIGHTENS UP — Thailand has officially cut its visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days for travelers from 93 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, effective June 2026. The reason? Bad actors exploiting the program for illegal work, long-term squatting, and unlicensed rentals. We break down what changed, who it affects, and what your clients need to know before they book. THE AIRPORT STORY EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT — The US Department of Homeland Security has threatened to pull Customs and Border Protection officers from major international airports in sanctuary cities — including LAX, SFO, O'Hare, JFK, and more. The US Travel Association and every major airline have sounded the alarm. We tell you what this could mean for your clients and what to watch.  ABOUT THE SHOW Checked Bags & Big Tags is the no-filter, no-holds-barred travel podcast hosted by two of the travel industry's most passionate insiders. Whether you're a traveler, a travel professional, or just someone who loves to explore the world in style, this show is for you.  Ilisa Oman [email protected] www.oneworldfamilytravel.com   Sean Mouttet [email protected] www.gallivantluxurytravel.com   Find us on Facebook! Watch on Youtube 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 [email protected].   Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH Source: https://freetouse.com/music Free Music No Copyright (Safe)