Where We Roam Podcast

Japan is calling, and the Rice family is going BIG! This week on Where We Roam, Dayna is planning the ultimate family adventure to Japan, celebrating her daughter's 18th birthday and a year of major milestones with 10 nights exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. John, Jess, and Shawn join the planning party as Dayna shares her itinerary, from Tokyo DisneySea and Super Nintendo World to Pokémon shopping, immersive art experiences, ancient temples, samurai workshops, and ALL the ramen. And with Shawn living in Japan, we've got some firsthand advice on navigating the country's incredible train system, handling jet lag, understanding Japanese etiquette, and avoiding some common tourist mistakes. In this episode: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka: What makes each destination special? Tokyo DisneySea vs. Universal Studios Japan Pokémon, Nintendo, anime, and other must-do experiences Bullet trains, family-friendly accommodations, and traveling with kids Japanese food, from 7-Eleven egg sandwiches to wagyu and sushi Cultural etiquette: tipping, trains, dining, and dressing appropriately Planning a packed itinerary without exhausting the entire family Is 10 nights enough to experience Japan? And what would YOU add to Dayna's itinerary? Join us for plenty of travel advice, laughs, and a little questionable Japanese pronunciation as we plan an unforgettable adventure. Have you visited Japan? Tell us what Dayna absolutely cannot miss!

Airbnb hosts are CRASHING OUT, and the internet is watching! From outrageous cleaning fees and endless checkout chores to hosts charging guests for moving furniture, has the short-term rental industry completely forgotten about hospitality? This week on the Where We Roam Podcast, John, Dayna, Jess, and Shawn dive into the controversy surrounding Airbnb's guest policies and the viral host meltdowns taking over social media. Are guests really asking too much when they don't want to strip the beds, start the laundry, and pay a $300 cleaning fee? Or are hosts simply trying to protect their investments? We're talking about: The Airbnb policy changes sparking outrage among hosts Cleaning fees, checkout chores, and ridiculous house rules Why some hosts seem to treat paying guests like the enemy The real costs and risks of owning a vacation rental Why hotels and resorts still have some major advantages When an Airbnb or Vrbo actually makes more sense than a hotel And we're giving credit where it's due: there are plenty of incredible vacation rental hosts who get hospitality right! So whose side are you on? Are Airbnb hosts going too far, or have guests become too demanding? Share your craziest vacation rental experience in the comments! Subscribe to Where We Roam for more travel news, vacation tips, resort reviews, and unfiltered travel conversations.

Is Royal Caribbean's Suite Class really worth the upgrade? This week on Where We Roam, John joins Dayna and Jess to share his family's experience aboard Utopia of the Seas, including how a last-minute RoyalUp bid landed them in an incredible two-story Crown Loft Suite! From the exclusive Suite Neighborhood and Coastal Kitchen to priority boarding, reserved show seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and some truly exceptional service, we're breaking down everything included with Royal Caribbean's Sky Class experience. Did the perks justify the price? And did staying in a suite actually make one of the world's biggest cruise ships feel less crowded? We also share the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating (looking at you, elevators!) before comparing Royal Caribbean's Suite Class with Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven aboard Norwegian Luna. Which offers better dining, accommodations, service, and overall value? Plus, find out why John's wife, who isn't exactly cruising's biggest fan, described the experience as "better than expected." In this episode: How John scored a Crown Loft Suite through RoyalUp Everything included with Royal Caribbean's Sky Class Why Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Neighborhood changed the experience The incredible service and personal touches that stood out The biggest drawbacks of staying on decks 17 and 18 Royal Caribbean Suite Class vs. Norwegian's Haven Is upgrading to a suite worth the extra money? Whether you're considering your first cruise suite or wondering whether Royal Caribbean or Norwegian offers the better premium experience, we've got plenty of firsthand insights to share. Follow Where We Roam on TikTok for our Crown Loft Suite room tours, cruise reviews, and more travel content!

Shawn is BACK! After months away and a move halfway around the world, Shawn Janofski rejoins John, Dayna, and Jess; and naturally, we’re welcoming him back with a Disney resort showdown. The whole crew is together again, the opinions are flying, and we’re finding out whether Shawn can make it through the scoring without handing out any of his infamous bonus points. This week, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, and Riviera Resort go head-to-head across six categories: location and transportation, theming, rooms, food and beverage, pools and amenities, and bang for your buck. From walking to EPCOT and breakfast at Topolino’s to afternoons at Stormalong Bay, we’re debating what really makes a deluxe resort worth the splurge. Expect strong opinions on quick-service dining, a heated pool debate, and plenty of the banter we’ve missed with Shawn away. Which resort takes the win—and does your favorite survive the reunion? Listen for the final scores, then tell us whether we got it right!

Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Choosing sides gets personal when your favorite rides, resorts, and park perks are on the line. This week on Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Jess play Would You Rather: Orlando Theme Park Edition. From Dole Whip versus churros to Lightning Lane versus Universal Express, we’re making the tough calls, defending our favorites, and occasionally trying to pick an option that wasn’t offered. Would we choose Disney’s All-Star Resorts or Universal’s Cabana Bay? Tower of Terror or Revenge of the Mummy? And if one ride had to go forever, could we really give up Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Jurassic World VelociCoaster? We also debate Disney versus Universal VIP tours, annual passes, rope drop versus closing down the parks, Grand Floridian versus Portofino Bay, and Volcano Bay versus Aquatica. Expect a few unanimous decisions, some divided loyalties, and plenty of opinions. Play along, then find Where We Roam Pod on Facebook or TikTok and tell us where you agree and where we got it completely wrong. Let’s roam!

Big ships, private islands, and just a few days to get away. Which short cruise is actually worth booking? John, Dayna, and Jess compare the best weekend cruises for families, couples, and adults looking for a quick escape. From Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas to Disney Cruise Line and adults-only Virgin Voyages, we break down the food, entertainment, atmosphere, and value that make each experience different. In this episode: Royal Caribbean’s Utopia and Wonder, plus the appeal of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Disney Wish vs. Disney Dream for a short family cruise. Why Virgin Voyages is a favorite for an adults-only getaway. Celebrity Reflection’s quieter vibe and MSC Yacht Club’s suite experience. Short cruise options from Norwegian, Carnival, and Margaritaville at Sea. The tradeoffs of three- and four-night cruises, from limited itineraries to seasonal weather. Plus, we share 10 favorite cruise destinations, including Santorini, St. Lucia, Alaska, and a few places that left us wanting to return for an entire week. Planning your first cruise or squeezing in one more getaway? Find the sailing that fits your vacation style, then follow Where We Roam for more honest cruise reviews and travel advice.

Looking for spring break vacation ideas? John, Dayna, and Jess talk family cruises, Universal Orlando, Hawaii, Japan, and tropical resort escapes, plus why now is the time to get your trip booked. We share what our travel clients are booking for spring break, where availability is tightening, and why Universal is getting so much love. We also discuss Disney Cruise Line concierge and Royal Caribbean suites, Maui’s resort options, and taking the family on a bucket-list trip to Japan. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach chair, a cruise balcony, or something completely different, we’ve got inspiration to get your plans moving. Plus, a little Maui-versus-Miami confusion and Dayna’s case against being cold and wet.

Disney finally put real details behind its biggest theme-park projects at D23 2026, but did it announce enough? John is joined by Dayna and Jess to break down everything coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the international Disney parks. Villains Land officially has a name and two attractions, Piston Peak is looking much more ambitious than expected, Carousel of Progress is getting a major refresh, and Dreamfinder is returning to EPCOT…somehow. They also discuss the end of Disco Yeti, Indiana Jones and Encanto coming to Tropical Americas, the phased opening of Monstropolis, Disneyland’s Avengers expansion and Coco attraction, and the announcements coming to Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Is Disney Imagineering finally getting its mojo back? Will Villains Land open before we need scooters? And is Dreamfinder’s grand return really going to be nothing more than a meet-and-greet?

Is Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island worth the extra cost during a Nassau cruise stop? Dayna shares her firsthand review after visiting during a sailing on Wonder of the Seas, including transportation, pricing, what’s included, food and drink options, beaches, pools, cabanas and the overall atmosphere. This isn’t just a quiet family beach day, but it isn’t an adults-only party club either. With turquoise water, white sand, the DJ-fueled Party Cove, a swim-up bar, laid-back beach space, giant games and Bahamian-inspired food, Royal Caribbean has created a surprisingly appealing balance. It feels tropical, polished and grown-up while still giving families plenty to enjoy. We compare Royal Beach Club Paradise Island with Perfect Day at CocoCay and Hideaway Beach, explain who this Nassau beach club is best for and answer the big question: Would Dayna pay to visit again?

Hotel Xcaret México promises an elevated all-inclusive vacation with incredible dining, spectacular grounds and unlimited access to some of the Riviera Maya’s best parks. But is this luxury resort still worth its five-star price? John joins Dayna and Jess to share an honest review of his family’s return to Hotel Xcaret México. We cover the resort’s massive expansion, exceptional meals at Las Cuevas, Xin-Gao and Arriba Baja, plus the included experiences at Xplor, Xcaret and Xel-Há. John also explains the service failures, billing problems and frustrating guest recovery that left a bad first and last impression. You’ll also hear practical Hotel Xcaret tips, including which parks require reservations, when to make dining requests, why you may not want to charge park extras to your room and whether John would stay at Hotel Xcaret México again. Is Hotel Xcaret México still one of the best family all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, or would you be better off staying elsewhere and purchasing a day pass to Xplor?