This holiday season, make memories that last longer than anything you can wrap. Travel advisors Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez share inspiring ways to give the gift of travel. From giving experiences like family trips, cruises, and Broadway weekends to adding personal touches to trips already planned, your hosts offer some great ideas for the travel lover in your life. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or looking for travel-inspired gifts, this conversation will help you think beyond the box and give memories that last.Key TakeawaysTravel is the ultimate meaningful gift - From surprise family vacations to experiences like traveling to see your favorite sports team or weekend getaways, giving the gift of travel creates memories that last far beyond the holiday season.Gifting experiences add a personalization to already existing travel -Excursions, spa credits, or special dining reservations make existing trips feel even more thoughtful and customized for your loved ones.Practical travel gifts are always a win — AirTags, personalized luggage, travel gadgets, and gift cards from airlines or cruise lines are smart, useful presents that make every adventure smoother and more memorable.Connect with Hosts:This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/ Melissa’s travel company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/ Heidi’s travel company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/ Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel Key Episode Timestamps:[00:00] Welcome to Theme Parks and Passports[01:00] Why Travel Is the Best Holiday Gift for Families[02:40] How to Give a Trip as a Gift Without the Stress of Planning[04:00] Gifting Cruises: Disney, Royal Caribbean & Norwegian Ideas[05:12] Top Experience Gifts: Broadway Shows, Sports Trips & Family Getaways[07:49] Travel Add-Ons That Make Great Gifts: Excursions, Dining & Tours[09:37] Gift Ideas for the Family Trip Planner: Photo Sessions & Spa Days[11:19] Unique Travel Experiences to Gift: Ferrari Drives & F1 Track Tours[14:37] Creative Ways to Reveal a Trip: Ornaments, Travel Books & Invitations[17:31] Practical Travel Gifts: AirTags, Luggage, Water Bottles & Travel Tech[20:13] How to Gift Onboard Credit & Trip Contributions for Cruises[23:26] Would You Rather: Give Travel or Receive Travel as a Gift?[26:53] Final Thoughts and Episode ClosingMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s

Packing for a cruise can be somewhat of an art form. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports, hosts Heidi Mackey of House of Mackey Travel and Melissa Sanchez of Spellbound Vacations share their ultimate cruise packing guide, filled with insider tips from years of sailing Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. From formal nights and theme parties to cabin organization hacks, cruise ducks, and Fish Extenders, they cover everything you need to know to pack smart and stress-free. Whether you’re planning your first family cruise or you’re a seasoned sailor looking to simplify your suitcase, this episode is your go-to guide for packing with purpose and making the most of life at sea. 🚢✨Key TakeawaysPacking for a cruise is all about balance — from formal nights to theme parties, packing versatile outfits ensures you’re ready for every occasion. Think resort casual by day and “casual chic” by night, and don’t forget a sweater or wrap for those chilly, air-conditioned evenings.Smart organization transforms small cabins into comfortable spaces. Use magnetic hooks, over-the-door organizers, and packing cubes to keep things tidy. Unpack your luggage, slide empty suitcases under the bed, and bring small essentials like trash bags or wrinkle spray to stay neat and stress-free.Cruise culture is half the fun. From Disney’s Fish Extenders and Pirate Night to Royal Caribbean’s White Night and the cruise duck tradition, these little rituals create connection, surprise, and joy at sea—making every sailing more memorable for families and seasoned cruisers alike.Resources:Our List of Packing EssentialsDisney Cruise Line Packing ListRoyal Caribbean Packing ListNorwegian Cruise Line Ultimate Packing ListConnect with Hosts:This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/ Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/ Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/ Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel Key Episode Timestamps:[00:00:00] Welcome to Theme Parks and Passports[00:01:08] Introduction to the episode and the challenge of packing for a cruise[00:02:01] Cruise culture explained: door magnets, Fish Extenders, and the mystery of cruise ducks[00:02:33] Packing for specialty nights — from formalwear to casual chic[00:06:05] Themed nights explained: 90s night, Pirate Night, White Night, and Halloween on the High Seas[00:06:47] Disney Cruise Line’s approach to theming — full-day immersion and family fun[00:07:37] How Royal Caribbean and Norwegian add their own unique theme experiences[00:09:11] Tips for discovering your cruise’s theme nights before you sail[00:11:21] Clothing must-haves: cover-ups, wraps, and appropriate attire for dining[00:12:21] “What not to wear” at buffet and dining venues[00:12:20] Cabin organization tips for small spaces[00:13:50] Magnetic hooks, over-the-door organizers, and maximizing storage[00:17:00] Using trash bags for wet clothes and separating dirty laundry[00:19:00] Non-clothing essentials: refillable mugs, water bottles, and popcorn buckets[00:22:45] Bringing your own beverages onboard — rules, wine limits, and corkage fees[00:25:00] What’s allowed and what’s not: appliances, surge protectors, irons, and candles[00:28:25] Cruise culture extras: the story behind cruise ducks 🦆[00:30:20] Fish Extenders explained — Disney’s onboard gift exchange[00:32:00] “Pixie dusting” and how to join Fish Extender groups safely[00:33:42] Decorating your stateroom door and creative magnet ideas[00:37:32] Would You Rather: Formal Night or Theme Night?Music is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s

Dreaming of an unforgettable trip to Ireland filled with castles, cozy pubs, and rolling green hills? In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports, hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez sit down with Megan Allen, Business Development Manager for CIE Tours, to explore why this nearly 100-year-old company is the gold standard for guided travel through Ireland, the UK, and beyond. From all-inclusive itineraries and small-group experiences to private driver options and heritage tours that trace your family roots, Megan shares insider tips on how to make the most of your journey. Whether you’re planning a multi-generational family trip, a romantic getaway, or your first adventure abroad, this episode uncovers how CIE’s local guides, cultural experiences, and seamless logistics make travel easy—and truly unforgettable.Key Takeaways:CIE Tours offers true all-inclusive Ireland travel — with most meals, top attractions, and front-of-the-line access included, travelers never face surprise costs or hidden fees.Perfect for family and heritage travel — from multi-generational trips to customized ancestry tours, CIE helps families explore their Irish roots while connecting deeply with local culture and history.Beyond Ireland: Explore the UK, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, and Italy — with local guides, small-group options, and even soft hiking tours, CIE delivers authentic, sustainable experiences across Europe.Resources:CIE Tours: https://www.cietours.com Ancestry.com or FindMyPast.ie CIE on Instagram: @cietoursConnect with Hosts:This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/ Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/ Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/ Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel Key Episode Timestamps:[00:00:00] Welcome to Theme Parks & Passports[00:00:56] Introducing guest Megan Allen from CIE Tours[00:01:14] Megan explains what CIE Tours is and how it became Ireland’s leading guided tour company[00:02:58] What sets CIE Tours apart: nearly 100 years in business, all-inclusive pricing, and no surprise costs[00:04:37] Example of top attractions included—like front-of-the-line access to the Book of Kells at Trinity College[00:04:48] Overview of CIE’s most popular tours including Best of Ireland South and the Day Tripper based in Adair[00:07:24] Private driver and custom family options for multi-generational and heritage travel[00:08:02] Introduction of new “soft hiking” and small-group active tours in Ireland[00:09:28] Heritage and cultural experiences included in every tour—from Irish dance dinners to interactive museums[00:11:27] How to design a heritage trip by combining personal ancestry research with CIE’s custom team[00:12:07] Expanding beyond Ireland: tours through Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Iceland, and Italy[00:15:21] Importance of using local guides in every destination to create authentic travel experiences[00:16:27] Benefits of motor coach tours versus self-drive trips—comfort, learning, and stress-free travel[00:19:31] Balancing downtime and sightseeing: flexible scheduling for families and multi-gen travelers[00:24:26] Best times of year to visit Ireland and the UK—and why off-season travel is a hidden gem[00:28:00] Fandom and film tourism: Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Harry Potter filming sites in CIE itineraries[00:30:37] CIE’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly travel initiatives[00:31:39] “Would You Rather” travel edition—Irish coffee vs. afternoon tea in London[00:34:47] Closing remarks and how to connect with CIE Tours or your travel advisors to plan your next adventureMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s

What happens when you mix impala stew, black-tie awards, and sunrise game drives? You get our unforgettable South Africa adventure! In this episode, we recap our time at the Envoyage Worldwide 2025 conference in Sun City, where we experienced cultural evenings filled with food, music, and fireworks, and Melissa shares the honor of being nominated for Travel Entrepreneur of the Year. Heidi takes us inside her post-conference stay at a boutique tented safari camp, complete with wildlife at her doorstep and family-friendly safari options. From fresh local cuisine to Cape Town add-on ideas, we cover the highlights, surprises, and must-dos that made South Africa a bucket-list trip with an asterisk: we have to go back.Key Takeaways:- South Africa offers more than just safaris — from the lively Sun City resort (with its conference venues, waterpark, and cultural evenings) to boutique tented camps with game drives, there are diverse ways to experience the country.- Immersive cultural experiences make travel unforgettable — traditional boma braais, fresh local cuisine like impala stew and pap, and nightly entertainment gave a true taste of South African culture.Plan extra time to explore — between safaris, Cape Town excursions, and family-friendly customizations at private reserves, two weeks wasn’t enough. South Africa is a destination that calls for repeat visits.Resources:Sun City Resort: https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city Mabula / Kwafubesi Tented Camp: https://kwafubesi.com Capetown Tourism: https://www.capetown.travel Johannesburg Tourism: https://visit.joburgConnect with Hosts:This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/ Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/ Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/ Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel Key Episode Timestamps:[00:00:00] Welcome to Theme Parks & Passports[00:01:39] Introduction to the episode and recap focus on South Africa.[00:02:23] Heidi shares her first impressions of the En Voyage Worldwide 2025 conference and community.[00:02:59] Melissa describes Sun City Resort and the Palace of the Lost City.[00:04:08] Night one: traditional boma braai with dancing, music, and food.[00:06:30] Night two: the Envy Awards, formal event, and Melissa’s surprise nomination.[00:09:00] Night three: closing party at the Sun City waterpark with fireworks.[00:10:47] Heidi’s post-conference trip to a tented safari camp at Mabula.[00:12:27] Daily safari life: early mornings, game drives, and unique wildlife encounters.[00:14:23] Family-friendly safari options and customization for kids.[00:17:24] Reflections on South Africa’s diversity, Cape Town add-ons, and why they plan to return.Music is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s

Ever wondered what it’s like to spot rhinos at a gas station on the way to safari? Join Heidi and Melissa as they record live-ish from The Palace of the Lost City in Sun City South Africa. There at a conference with Envoyage, the duo share their unforgettable journey through South Africa, so far, from exploring Kruger National Park and witnessing the Big Five to a spa treatment in Johannesburg. Along the way, they swap long-haul flight survival tips, dive into local cuisine (yes, even mopane worms!), and reveal what it’s really like navigating baboons, jet lag, and bucket-list adventures.Key TakeawaysSafari Highlights: Firsthand stories of spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park and private game reserves.Travel Tips: Practical advice for long-haul flights, overcoming jet lag, and preparing for safaris in South Africa.Cultural Experiences: Insights into local cuisine, wine, and what to expect when staying at lodges or visiting Sun City.Resources:G Adventures – National Geographic JourneysKruger National Park official siteSun City Resort official site (Palace of the Lost City)CDC Travel Health page for South Africa (vaccinations, health & safety info)Connect with Hosts:This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/ Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/ Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/ Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel Key Episode Timestamps:[00:00:00] Welcome to Theme Parks and Passports[00:01:00] Introduction from Heidi and Melissa at the Palace of the Lost City, Sun City[00:01:37] Surviving the 15-hour direct flight to Johannesburg with travel tips for long-haul comfort[00:03:26] Exploring Johannesburg and the journey to Kruger National Park[00:04:20] Safari highlights at Kruger: elephants, giraffes, zebras, and Cape buffalo[00:04:53] Private game reserve adventures and spotting the Big Five[00:05:42] Plans for a hot air balloon safari at sunrise[00:06:21] First impressions of Johannesburg, hotels, and sampling local food and wine[00:07:15] Traditional South African cuisine: braai dinner, mopane worms, antelope stew, and Chenin Blanc[00:08:46] Travel surprises: water safety, jet lag, and unexpected landscapes[00:10:16] Encounters with wildlife near lodges and tips for baboon-proofing your stay[00:11:22] Where to follow Heidi and Melissa for trip updates and travel inspirationMusic is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s