Episode 25 -Storms, Stranded, and Standing Strong: Jamaica’s Recovery and What Travelers Can Learn
Release Date: 11/02/2025
Episode 26 -From Storms to Shutdowns: Jamaica’s Recovery, Anguilla’s Glory, and Global Travel Shifts
Checked Bags and Big Tags
In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Ilisa and Sean bring listeners a vital update from Jamaica as the island rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa. With Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay slowly reopening and resorts preparing to welcome guests again, we’ll explore what travelers can expect and how to help recovery efforts. Plus, we’ll celebrate Anguilla’s big win as the Caribbean’s top island, take a look inside Cairo’s long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, and unpack how the ongoing U.S. government shutdown could cause travel turbulence just in time for the holidays....
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Episode 25 -Storms, Stranded, and Standing Strong: Jamaica’s Recovery and What Travelers Can Learn
Checked Bags and Big Tags
In this powerful 25th episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Sean and Ilisa take listeners to Jamaica in the aftermath of the recent hurricane that left much of the island reeling. We’ll look at how resorts rose to the challenge to protect their guests, how travel advisors became lifelines for stranded travelers, and what this storm revealed about responsibility and respect in travel. We’ll also confront uncomfortable truths—like the travelers who knowingly flew into danger and the airlines accused of price gouging—and discuss how the travel community can do better. Finally,...
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Episode 24 - Waltzes, Waves, and Window Seats
Checked Bags and Big Tags
From the concert halls of Vienna to the newest mega-ships making waves in Miami, this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags takes you from Europe’s cultural heart to the cutting edge of cruising—and even up in the air. Ilisa shares stories from her recent trip to Vienna, where food, art, and music come together in unforgettable ways, before diving into exciting updates in the cruise world and some eyebrow-raising airline changes that could impact your next flight. Whether you’re dreaming of schnitzel and Strauss or setting sail on the newest luxury liner, this episode delivers your...
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Solo Travel, Shutdowns and Strange Destinations
Checked Bags and Big Tags
This week on Checked Bags and Big Tags, we’re unpacking a world of travel change — from personal journeys to political shake-ups. First, we’ll explore the growing popularity of solo travel and how Riviera River Cruises is launching a ship designed just for independent travelers. Then, we’ll break down how the U.S. government shutdown could affect your travel plans, and what to expect from Europe’s brand-new Entry/Exit System that will fingerprint and photograph non-EU visitors starting this month. Finally, we’ll look at one of the most surprising travel stories of the year: Kim...
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Episode 22 - Slow Lanes, Gaudi Gains and Mickey's Growing Pains
Checked Bags and Big Tags
We're back! After a couple weeks off, Checked Bags and Big Tags is unpacking travel trends and hot topics shaping trips in 2026 and beyond. From the rise of slow travel (where the journey is just as important as the destination) to Barcelona’s year-long celebration of Antoni Gaudí, we’ve got cultural moments you won’t want to miss. We’ll also break down the increasing costs of ETIAS and ETA fees for U.S. travelers heading abroad—and why that matters for your travel budget. Finally, we’ll dive into why Florida, especially Disney, is seeing a surprising dip in tourism...
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Episode 21 - Boarding Pass Secrets, Gadget Goals, and Flight-Booking Gold
Checked Bags and Big Tags
Ever wondered what all those numbers, letters, and mysterious codes on your boarding pass actually mean? In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, we crack the code on your ticket, share the must-have travel gadgets that make jet-setting easier (and cooler), and spill the tea on the best times to book flights to snag those dream deals. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first getaway, this episode is your carry-on full of insider tips. Ilisa Oman Sean Mouttet FInd us on ! Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send...
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Episode 20 - Flip-Flops, Fines, and Paradise Picks
Checked Bags and Big Tags
Think your bikini, sandals, or carefree beach vibe are harmless on holiday? Think again. Europe is cracking down with pricey new tourist rules—like $1,700 fines for wandering in swimwear and tickets for flip-flop driving that’ll make you wish you packed sneakers. We’ll break down the quirkiest penalties you could face abroad, reveal why the Greek island of Paros just snagged the #1 spot in the world, and share some must-know tips on the not-so-glamorous side of cruising: making sure you (and your luggage) actually get to the ship on time. Because the only thing worse than a fine...
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Episode 19 - Bonds, Bright Lights, and Pitch-Black Nights
Checked Bags and Big Tags
In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, we’re covering the travel news spectrum—from the eyebrow-raising new bond non-immigrant travelers may have to pay to enter the U.S., to why the neon glow of Las Vegas is dimming in the eyes of tourists. But it’s not all gloom; we’ll also explore the skyrocketing popularity of International Dark Sky destinations, where the stars—not the slot machines—steal the show. Ilisa Oman Sean Mouttet FInd us on ! Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at . Music...
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Episode 18 - Algorithms, Airfare, and Expired Passports: A Travel Buzzkill Bonanza
Checked Bags and Big Tags
In this episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, we're unpacking the least glamorous—but totally necessary—stuff you really need to know before your next adventure. We’re talking about Delta's eyebrow-raising new pricing strategy that has travelers scratching their heads (and wallets), the surprising decline in the power of the U.S. passport, and whether AI trip planning is your new travel BFF or a robotic disaster waiting to happen. It’s not sexy, but it’s smart—and it might just save your next trip from a logistical meltdown. Buckle up for the buzzkill… but in a good way....
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Episode 17 - Zippers, Scanners, and Fees, Oh My!
Checked Bags and Big Tags
In this decidedly un-sexy but totally necessary episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Sean and Ilisa dig into the gritty side of travel—TSA, airlines, and the ever-evolving world of luggage. From the latest TSA security changes (hint: you'll like this) to airline baggage fee drama, they're unpacking the travel news that affects every flier. Plus, they share smart tips on how to dodge those annoying extra charges and make your airport experience a little less chaotic. Buckle up—it’s not glamorous, but it is essential. lisa Oman Sean Mouttet FInd us on ! Do...
info_outlineIn this powerful 25th episode of Checked Bags and Big Tags, Sean and Ilisa take listeners to Jamaica in the aftermath of the recent hurricane that left much of the island reeling. We’ll look at how resorts rose to the challenge to protect their guests, how travel advisors became lifelines for stranded travelers, and what this storm revealed about responsibility and respect in travel. We’ll also confront uncomfortable truths—like the travelers who knowingly flew into danger and the airlines accused of price gouging—and discuss how the travel community can do better. Finally, we’ll share ways you can make a difference in Jamaica’s recovery through organizations like the Sandals Foundation and World Central Kitchen.
Because travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you show up.
*The episode is accurate as of October 30, 3035 - information about conditions in Jamaica is continuously changing.
Ilisa Oman
ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com
Sean Mouttet
sean.mouttet@gallivantluxurytravel.com
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Do you have any travel questions or topics you want us to cover? Send us an email at checkedbagsandbigtags@gmail.com.
Music track: Cuba by ASHUTOSH
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