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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nobody gets excited about buying travel insurance.There's no ocean view. No cocktail. No room upgrade. And you're probably not posting a picture of your policy on Instagram.But when something goes wrong?It can suddenly become one of the most important purchases connected to your entire vacation. In Episode 15 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter asks whether travel insurance is really worth the additional cost.We’ll discuss trip cancellation, medical emergencies abroad, interruptions, delays, lost luggage, cruises, expensive prepaid vacations, and why travelers need to understand that travel insurance doesn't mean everything is automatically covered.The goal isn't to find a policy you hope to use.Quite the opposite.It's understanding how much financial risk you're willing to accept if the unexpected happens.This time, the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter isn't measuring luxury or convenience.It's measuring protection.

TSA PreCheck. Global Entry. CLEAR.At this point, getting through the airport is starting to sound like choosing a streaming service. In Episode 14 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter tackles CLEAR and one of the most misunderstood questions in airport travel:Is CLEAR the same thing as TSA PreCheck?Spoiler alert: No.We’ll discuss biometric identity verification, participating airports, how CLEAR can complement PreCheck, why frequent travelers may see much more value than occasional flyers, and whether paying for another airport convenience program actually makes sense.Because something can save travelers time and still not necessarily be worth paying for based on how YOU travel.CLEAR faces the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.

You've just spent nine hours flying home from Europe.You're tired. Your phone is dying. Your body has absolutely no idea what time it is.And then...Welcome to the immigration line. In Episode 13 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter explores Global Entry and whether international travelers should consider adding it to their travel toolkit.We’ll break down how Global Entry differs from TSA PreCheck, why international travel frequency matters, the application process, and the big benefit many travelers overlook: Global Entry also includes eligibility for TSA PreCheck benefits for approved members.If international travel is becoming a regular part of your life, this may be one of the easier items to put through the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.

Shoes off. Laptop out. Jacket off. Liquids out.Then you look over and see another group of travelers seemingly breezing through security...How do I get in THAT line? In Episode 12 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter takes on TSA PreCheck and whether paying for expedited airport screening is actually worthwhile.We’ll talk about what PreCheck does—and doesn't—provide, how frequently you need to fly for it to make sense, family considerations, and why its greatest benefit may not be the minutes it saves.It’s reducing the friction of the airport experience.But remember: TSA PreCheck is a convenience.It is not a teleportation device.Then we put PreCheck through the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.

Comfortable chairs. Food. Drinks. Wi-Fi. Charging outlets. Maybe even a shower.Airport lounges sound like the perfect escape from a crowded terminal. Until you discover that 147 other travelers apparently discovered the same “secret” lounge. In Episode 11 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter asks whether airport lounge accessreally delivers enough value to justify the cost.We’ll talk about day passes, premium credit cards, business-class access, long layovers, complimentary food and drinks, overcrowding, and why sometimes the biggest luxury isn't the buffet or cocktails.It's simply having somewhere comfortable to sit.And if your connection is only 45 minutes?Congratulations. You may have just paid $60 for a cookie.Airport lounges are going through the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.

Economy is cheaper. Business Class is incredible. But what about that cabin sitting right in the middle? In Episode 10 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter takes a closer look at Premium Economy and asks whether a wider seat, extra legroom, more recline, upgraded meals, and additional perks are actually worth paying more for.We’ll talk about the important difference between true Premium Economy and an extra-legroom economy seat, why overnight flights change the value equation, and whether upgrading only one direction might be the smartest strategy. Because maybe you don't need champagne and a lie-flat bed.Maybe you just want to arrive in Europe with functioning legs.Then Premium Economy faces the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.

Lie-flat seat. Airport lounge. Priority boarding. Better meals. More space.Business class sounds fantastic.Then you see the price...And suddenly you’re wondering whether you should upgrade your airplane seat or use that money to stay another week in Italy. In Episode 9 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter tackles one of travel’s ultimate splurges: business class airfare.We’ll look at long-haul versus short-haul flights, lie-flat seats, lounge access, arriving rested, the value of getting your first vacation day back, and whether premium economy might sometimes be the smarter compromise.Plus, we explore the question that really changes the conversation:Would you rather spend the money making the journey better—or making the vacation longer?Then business class takes its turn on the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.And yes...there is one major problem with flying business class.Eventually you have to fly economy again.

No kids.For some travelers, those two words immediately sound like a vacation. 😂But adults-only doesn't automatically mean quiet, romantic, or luxurious. Depending on the resort, it could mean couples massages and candlelight dinners...or a DJ, foam party, and somebody handing you a shot before breakfast. In Episode 8 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter looks at whether choosing an adults-only resort is really worth the potential premium.We’ll explore romantic resorts versus party resorts, honeymoons and anniversaries, friend-group getaways, food and nightlife, and why understanding a resort’s personality may be even more important than understanding its price.Because choosing an adults-only resort isn't just about finding a property without children.It's about finding the right adults.Then we put the experience through the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.

Unlimited food. Unlimited drinks. Beautiful pools. Beaches. Entertainment. Activities.You pay one price, show up, and everything is included...Right?Well...maybe. In Episode 7 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter takes a closer look at all-inclusive resorts and whether they really deliver the value travelers expect.We’ll talk about what “all-inclusive” actually means, why two resorts carrying the same label can offer completely different experiences, food and drink quality, hidden extras, and one of the biggest advantages of going all-inclusive: knowing most of your vacation cost before you ever leave home.But what if you’re planning to leave the resort every day? What if you want to experience local restaurants? And how much are you really saving if you aren't using everything you already paid for?Then we put the all-inclusive experience through the Scott Showalter Worth-It Meter.Because sometimes the best value isn't getting the cheapest vacation.It’s knowing exactly what kind of vacation you’re buying.

A bigger cabin. A bigger balcony. Priority boarding. Private lounges. Concierge service. Maybe even a butler.Sounds fantastic.Then you see the price. 😳 In Episode 5 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter asks whether upgrading to a cruise suite is really worth the extra money.Because the suite life isn't always just about getting a bigger room. Depending on the cruise line and ship, suites can unlock an entirely different level of service, convenience, exclusivity, and perks.We’ll look at when extra space really matters, why longer cruises and family travel can change the equation, which suite perks actually have value, and when you’re better off keeping the balcony cabin and spending the money somewhere else.And beware: there’s one major danger to booking a suite... Once you've experienced the suite life, going back may be difficult.

“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.

“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.

Introducing “Is It Worth It?” “The Price Is Easy to Find. The Value Is What We’re Here to Figure Out.” Welcome to the brand-new “Is It Worth It?” series from Show Me Your Trips. In this introductory episode, Scott Showalter explains the idea behind the series: travel is full of upgrades, extras, packages, perks, and experiences that all promise to make your vacation better—but are they actually worth the money? From cruise balconies and drink packages to business class, airport lounges, all-inclusive resorts, and more, this series will look beyond the price tag and focus on one thing: Value. Scott also introduces the recurring Worth-It Meter, rating each topic on value, experience, convenience, and one final question: Would I pay for it again? Because the price is easy to find. The value is what we’re here to figure out.

What happens when you trade the familiar for bustling medinas, endless desert dunes, camel treks, and a sunrise high above Morocco? In this episode of Show Me Your Trips, Scott Showalter takes you along on an unforgettable adventure through Morocco—a destination filled with incredible culture, history, food, landscapes, and experiences that feel completely different from everyday life. We’ll explore the energy and organized chaos of the city center and Medina, where winding streets, colorful souks, local vendors, architecture, food, and culture surround you at every turn.Then we're leaving the city behind and heading into the desert for a true bucket-list experience—a desert trek and overnight stay. From traveling across the dunes to experiencing the quiet of the desert after dark, we'll talk about what the experience is really like and whether it lives up to the pictures. And finally... we're going UP. Way up. We'll talk about taking a hot air balloon ride, seeing Morocco from an entirely different perspective, and why sometimes the experiences that push you outside your comfort zone become the ones you'll remember forever. If Morocco has ever been on your travel wish list—or you've wondered what it's really like beyond the Instagram photos—this episode is for you. Different culture. Stunning landscapes. Unforgettable memories. Morocco is one of those places that stays with you long after you've returned home.

A new ship, a Mediterranean itinerary, incredible food, entertainment, and plenty to explore—so does Legend of the Seas live up to the hype? In this episode of Show Me Your Trips, Scott Showalter takes you onboard for a full review of the cruise experience while sailing through the Mediterranean.We're talking about THE SHIP—the design, atmosphere, amenities, staterooms, public spaces, and those little details that can make or break a cruise.Then it's showtime. 🎭We'll talk about the entertainment and shows, what stood out, and whether they're worth building into your cruise schedule.And, of course...THE FOOD. 🍽️We're diving into the specialty dining experience, memorable meals, favorites, and whether spending the extra money is worth it.Plus, we'll look at the overall experience while sailing an incredible itinerary featuring: 🇪🇸 Barcelona 🇪🇸 Palma de Mallorca 🇮🇹 Florence/Pisa via La Spezia 🇮🇹 Rome via Civitavecchia 🇫🇷 Marseille 🚢 And some much-needed days at sea!So what's great? What surprised me? What would I do differently? And most importantly...Would I sail Legend of the Seas again? Come aboard and find out.

Sometimes the trip you planned becomes a completely different kind of “trip.” In this very personal episode of Show Me Your Trips, Scott Showalter shares what happens when a medical emergency occurs while you're traveling—and why being prepared for the unexpected can completely change the outcome. We’re talking about the realities of medical care aboard a cruise ship, what ship medical facilities can and cannot handle, and what happens when the situation becomes more serious than anyone expected. We’ll also dive into a subject travelers often overlook until they desperately need it: travel insurance. What does it mean when you're facing unexpected medical expenses, interrupted travel plans, or decisions that suddenly have nothing to do with the vacation you originally booked?And then comes the biggest question:What do you do... and what happens now?This episode is about navigating the unexpected, taking care of the person who matters most, and learning firsthand why preparation isn't about expecting something bad to happen—it's about knowing you're better equipped if it does.Sometimes the most important travel lessons are the ones you never planned on learning.

Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in the travel industry? In Episode 26 of the "I Wish I Would Have Known..." series, Scott Showalter pulls back the curtain on life as a travel advisor. From client expectations and supplier relationships to commission myths, burnout, problem-solving, and the joy of helping create unforgettable vacations, this episode gives listeners an honest look at what it's really like to turn a passion for travel into a career.It's not just about booking trips...It's about helping people create memories that last a lifetime.

Not every vacation goes according to plan—and that's often the best part. In Episode 25 of the "I Wish I Would Have Known..." series, Scott Showalter shares why missed flights, wrong turns, bad weather, canceled excursions, and unexpected detours often become the stories we tell for years to come.Travel has a funny way of reminding us that perfection isn't the goal. Sometimes the biggest disasters become the greatest adventures.Because while perfect vacations are enjoyable... imperfect vacations become unforgettable.

One of the greatest joys of travel is experiencing different cultures—but with that comes the responsibility of understanding and respecting local customs. In Episode 24 of the "I Wish I Would Have Known..." series, Scott Showalter discusses how dress codes, personal space, greetings, public behavior, and cultural expectations vary around the world. Learn how a little awareness can help you avoid accidental disrespect and create more meaningful experiences wherever you travel.Because the best travelers aren't just visitors—they're respectful guests.