A destination can feel like a total reset without being complicated and that’s why we’re excited about the U.S. Virgin Islands right now. They just set a new tourism record, and we break down how to actually plan the trip: fly into St Thomas or St Croix, ferry over to St John, and pick the island vibe that matches your style. We talk beaches like Magens Bay and Trunk Bay, snorkeling that doesn’t have to be exhausting, and why St John’s national park footprint makes it one of the most special no-passport Caribbean vacations for U.S. travelers.

We also hit the travel news you’ll want on your radar. Celebrity Cruises is officially jumping into river cruising with 10 ships on order for 2027, which could reshape the premium river cruise market. United Airlines brings back a status match program for 2025, and we cover the simple but important fine print so you don’t miss the 90-day window. Plus, Los Angeles tourism leaders ask visitors not to cancel trips, reminding all of us how headlines can impact local jobs and local economies.

Then we go big: Australia. We spotlight a rare Los Angeles to Sydney airfare deal and map out what to do once you land, from the Sydney Explorer Pass and the Opera House to the Sydney Bridge Climb, harbor cruises, Bondi Beach, and a full-day Blue Mountains trip with Scenic World and kangaroo time. If you’re weighing a flight versus a cruise to Australia, this conversation will help you choose with confidence. Subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a review with the destination you want us to cover next.

This episode originally aired February 8, 2025.

Do you need new tires? Head to the experts at GrizzlyTires.com. Get name brand tires, get your brakes checked, wheel alignments, and oil changes. Grizzly Tire keeps you rolling. GrizzlyTires.com

Get $10 off your Disneyland vacation package when you use promo code VacationNerd10 at checkout on GetAwayToday.com

Get Away Today
Get Away Today sells discounted Disney and theme park vacation packages, tickets, hotels.

Support the show

Thank you for taking the time to listen to the show. There are literally thousands of podcasts from which you can choose, yet you listened to this show.

The entire purpose of this podcast is to help people plan and book their next vacation or give listeners ideas of where they might consider going on vacation next. Our goal is to help our listeners live their lives deliberately and intentionally. You only get one shot at life so you might as well make it count. Make memories with those that matter most to you.

TAKE ACTION: Quit talking about going on vacation, just do it. If you want more information about any of the destinations we discussed during the show, or have your own custom vacation in mind, I can help you. Please call, text, or email me.

Here's my contact information:

Patrick Wiscombe

Cell/Text: (801) 874-7717

Email: patrick.wiscombe@gmail.com

The Vacation Nerd (Audio Podcast): https://www.thevacationnerd.co/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVacationNerd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.wiscombe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.wiscombe

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pa...