The Carry-On Crew

Alaskan Adventure: Real Talk on Weather, Wildlife, & Wallets

In this episode of The Carry-On Crew, Meghan and Victoria head north - way north - with guide, blogger, and podcaster Jennie Fleming from Top Left Adventures. Jennie breaks down smart Alaska planning: set priorities, stick to her “two sleeps per week” rule, and choose cruise, land, or a combo (why cruise tours can actually cut hassle and cost). We get real about weather (pack a true rain jacket and embrace the day), crowd-busting moves (afternoon port time, balcony cabins, small-group or private tours), and splurge picks that deliver (flightseeing, fly-in bear viewing, and whale watching). Plus, the surprisingly great food scene! Finally, the unsexy but vital stuff: travel insurance (medevacs = $$$), road and wildlife safety, and gear that actually matters. Whether you’re chasing glaciers, the midnight sun, or just a stress-free first trip, this episode is your no-nonsense guide to Alaska magic.

Is It Covered? Real-Life Travel Insurance Tips

In this episode of The Carry-On Crew, Meghan and Victoria turn travel insurance into a game show with InsureMyTrip CEO, Suzanne Morrow. From lost luggage and delayed flights to hurricanes, broken bones, and even post-pub mishaps, Suzanne breaks down what’s covered – and what’s definitely not. We dig into real-life travel scenarios ripped from the headlines, like the scrapped DOT compensation rules and Alaska Airlines’ infamous computer outage, to find out when travel insurance really comes to the rescue. Plus, Suzanne shares insider tips on choosing the right policy, why “Cancel for Any Reason” can be a lifesaver, and how licensed agents can actually help you skip the fine-print headache. So, whether you’re planning a bucket-list adventure or a weekend getaway, this episode is your crash course in travel insurance – minus the snooze factor.

Turbulence Tales Pt. 2 - Their Travel Nightmares for Your Entertainment

Buckle up! In this second installment of Turbulence Tales, Meghan and Victoria dive into more unbelievable travel nightmares.  From two besties who accidentally booked San Jose, California instead of Costa Rica, to a ponytail-grabbing mom in Venice who hunted down her pickpockets, to a food-poisoned trekker in Nepal whose nightmare only worsened at a Bangladesh visa desk – these stories are equal parts chaotic and hilarious.  Meghan also shares her own jaw-dropping run-in with a one-legged Italian woman during a Rome pizza-and-gelato tour gone sideways.

Post-Port Play-by-Play: Mediterranean Cruise Debrief

Anchors up! In this episode of The Carry-On Crew, Meghan spills the best-and-worst of her family’s Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas - Athens to Rome with (planned) stops on Mykonos, Santorini, Ephesus, Sicily, Naples, and Rome. She shares the stress-saving playbook: fly in early, linger after, book ship-run excursions (easy refunds when wind cancels Mykonos), and pack smart - magnetic hooks, lanyards, over-door organizers. On board: skip the drink package, say yes to multiple courses and later dinner seating.  Highlights include sunset Santorini, a history-rich Pompeii tour, and a pizza-and-gelato golf-cart glide through Rome – plus a teaser for next episode, “Turbulence Tales” featuring a wild run-in with a one-legged Italian woman.

RV There Yet? Hitting the Road with RVshare

In this episode of The Carry-On Crew, Meghan and Victoria shift gears – literally – and dive into the world of RV travel with Fiorella from RVshare.  Fiorella shares how RVshare went from honeymoon road trip to nationwide peer-to-peer rental powerhouse. We unpack everything from luxury bus tours and van life to festival glamping and black tank survival tips (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds). Plus, insider tricks for one-way trips, RV delivery, and why cooking your own campfire breakfast is peak vacation magic. So, whether you're dreaming of leaf-peeping in New England, scheming a national park road trip, or simply want to try out the RV lifestyle without buying the whole rig, this episode is your all-access pass to travel freedom – wheels and all.