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Glaciers. Mountains. Wildlife. Scenic cruising.An Alaska cruise can feel completely different from almost any other cruise vacation.But it can also get expensive quickly. In Episode 19 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter asks whether an Alaska cruise really delivers enough value to justify the cost.And then we take it one step further:Is the balcony upgrade worth it on an Alaska cruise?We’ll talk about excursions, weather, wildlife, scenic cruising, interior versus oceanview versus balcony cabins, cruise-tour extensions, and why Alaska may be one of the strongest arguments for upgrading to a balcony.But not if that balcony means giving up the experiences you came to Alaska to have.

Twenty episodes.Balconies. Drink packages. Suites. Business class. Airport lounges. Private tours. Overwater bungalows. Alaska cruises. Travel insurance. Travel advisors.Now there’s one final question:So...was it worth it? In Episode 21, Scott Showalter wraps up the “Is It Worth It?” series by stepping away from individual products and focusing on the bigger lesson:How do you decide what is actually worth paying for when you travel?We revisit the biggest themes from the series—value versus price, convenience, experience, opportunity cost, knowing how you travel, and spending more where it matters while saving where it doesn’t.Because the goal was never to tell travelers what to buy.The goal was to help them ask better questions before they spend their money.And for the final Worth-It Meter?We’re putting travel itself to the test.

Turquoise water. Private deck. Direct ocean access. Breakfast delivered over the water.It may be one of the most recognizable travel experiences on the planet.It may also produce one of the biggest cases of sticker shock. In Episode 18 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter tackles the ultimate Instagram-vs.-reality vacation upgrade:The overwater bungalow.We’ll talk about privacy, weather, ocean access, room location, honeymoons, anniversaries, beachfront alternatives, and one strategy that may give you the experience without paying the premium for the entire vacation:Split the stay.Because maybe the real answer isn’t whether you should book an overwater bungalow.Maybe it’s how many nights you actually need one.

After 19 episodes of talking about travel value, we finally ask the question Scott intentionally saved until near the end:Is using a travel advisor worth it? In Episode 20 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter looks beyond simply booking hotels and cruises.We’re talking about planning, destination knowledge, groups, complex itineraries, supplier relationships, time savings, advocacy, support, and what happens when the trip doesn’t go according to plan.Because anyone can click a booking button.The real value may be knowing:Which button should you click—and what happens afterward?This episode isn’t about saying everyone needs a travel advisor.It’s about understanding when professional planning becomes valuable.

Episode X: The Bubble Houses of Xanadu They were the "Homes of the Future" made of polyurethane foam. Scott looks back at the 1980s vision of computer-controlled living and why the futuristic Xanadu houses eventually popped.

Sometimes it’s one of the easiest ways to understand a new city.Other times...You’ve paid good money to sit in traffic wearing headphones. In Episode 17 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter puts the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus through the test.We’ll talk about first-day orientation, sightseeing convenience, stop locations, bus frequency, weather, families, mobility concerns, traffic, commentary, and why using the bus as your ONLY transportation may not always be the smartest move.For some destinations, it’s fantastic.For others...You may be able to walk faster.

🎙️ New episode: Love, Romance & Illegal Affection Love may be universal, but the rules around it are not. From train platform etiquette in France to public affection laws in Dubai, Scott explores how romance and travel intersect — and how to avoid awkward situations abroad.

Four people with a private guide can have a very different day than 50 people following somebody holding a numbered paddle. In Episode 16 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter looks at whether paying more for a private tour actually creates enough additional value to justify the cost.We’re talking about flexibility, local expertise, customized itineraries, time savings, multigenerational travel, cruise-port days, and the huge difference between simply seeing a destination and actually connecting with it.We’ll also look at when a small-group tour may be the better compromise.Because sometimes the upgrade isn’t about luxury.It’s about time, access, and experience.Then private tours go through the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.

Have you ever wondered what drives someone to leave the ordinary behind and dive headfirst into the world of travel planning? In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the origins of the podcast and the travel agency. From the spark of inspiration to the passion for helping others explore the world, this is a personal look at why I chose this path. We’ll talk about the magic of the first trip that changed everything, the absolute joy of matching people with their dream vacations, and what keeps that spark alive every single day. Whether you are a fellow travel lover or just curious about the engine behind the business, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of why exploring our world truly matters.

“Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It?” Unlimited drinks sound great—until you see the total price.In Episode 3 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter tackles one of cruising’s most debated purchases: the drink package.We’re looking beyond cocktails and breaking down specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, wine, mocktails, port days, package restrictions, gratuities, and the all-important question:How much do you actually need to drink to break even?This episode is about understanding your own habits, doing the math, and avoiding the trap of buying a package simply because everyone else says you should.For some cruisers, the convenience alone makes it worth every penny.For others, paying as you go is the smarter move. Let’s put it through the Worth-It Meter.

Today on Show Me Your Trips - We continue our series "Gridiron Getaways" and today we are taking a look at Olympic Stadium - Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪 . I hope you enjoy it and the journey. What to be a part of the journey? Contact me Email: https://yahoo.com To record you own episode and collaborate. ALL OF OUR LINKS For Travel Quotes: https://nailedittravel.net/ Follow Us X: https://www.twitter.com/@showmeyourtrips INSTA:https://www.instagram.com/showmeyourtrips LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-showalter This podcast is a proud member of The Unfiltered Studios Network. Please check out : https://www.unfpod.com/. For a list of our current members or for more information on how to join.

You already paid for the cruise—and food is included. So why would you pay even more money just to eat dinner?In Episode 4 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter takes on specialty dining and whether those steakhouses, Italian restaurants, sushi spots, chef’s tables, and dining packages are actually worth opening your wallet for.We’ll talk about the difference between included dining and specialty restaurants, when dining packages can save money, why reservations matter, and the biggest question of all: Are you paying for better food—or a better experience?Then specialty dining gets put through the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter for the final verdict.Because the price is easy to find. The value is what we’re here to figure out.

Today on Show Me Your Trips - We continue our series "Gridiron Getaways" and today we are taking a look at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and The Atlanta Falcons. I hope you enjoy it and the journey. What to be a part of the journey? Contact me Email: https://yahoo.com To record you own episode and collaborate. ALL OF OUR LINKS For Travel Quotes: https://nailedittravel.net/ Follow Us X: https://www.twitter.com/@showmeyourtrips

Episode U: The Lost Treasures of Unclaimed Baggage Ever wonder where your lost suitcase goes? Scott visits the 50,000-square-foot store in Alabama that sells everything from lost wedding rings to medieval armor found in airline luggage.

🎙️ Episode 4: Bookbound (The Literary Pilgrimage)Podcast Show Description In a world of digital burnout, 2026 is seeing a massive return to the analog. In Episode 4, Scott Showalter explores the "Bookbound" movement—where the next must-visit destination isn't found on a TikTok feed, but between the pages of a novel. From "Library Hotels" seeing a 70% surge in bookings to travelers seeking out the real-world landscapes of their favorite "Romantasy" novels, we are officially in the era of the Literary Pilgrimage. In this episode, we cover: - The "Shelf Discovery" Trend: Why the local bookstore is replacing the tourist trap as the #1 stop on an itinerary. - Romantasy Retreats: How fantasy genres are driving travelers to enchanted forests and medieval castles in Scotland and Germany. - Quiet Cabin Culture: The rise of reading retreats—solo trips designed specifically for uninterrupted "analog time." - Shelfies over Selfies: How travelers are documenting their journeys through the books they read along the way.

“Is a Balcony Cabin Worth It?” Is waking up to an ocean view worth paying more for your cruise cabin? In Episode 2 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter breaks down one of the biggest cruise-booking debates: balcony cabin versus interior or oceanview.This episode explores how much you’ll actually use the balcony, why itinerary and cabin location matter, which travelers get the most value from private outdoor space, and when that upgrade money might be better spent somewhere else.From morning coffee at sea to scenic sail-ins and quiet escapes from crowded decks, a balcony can completely change the cruise experience.But does that make it worth the extra cost? Let’s put it through the Worth-It Meter and find out.

🎙️ New episode: Travel Mistakes That Cost Money Avoid costly travel mistakes with this practical episode. Learn about fines in Italy and strict rules in Singapore, and discover simple ways to travel smarter and stress-free.