Episode 153: Blimey! Pepsi Walks The Carnival Plank

You know that one travel ritual that makes airport security feel like a chore? Taking your shoes off. We talk about the big change rolling out across major US airports that finally lets many travelers keep their shoes on during TSA screening, why it’s happening now, and what to do if your airport hasn’t fully switched yet. Small convenience, huge quality-of-life upgrade.Then we jump into trip ideas with real momentum behind them. America’s 250th anniversary is already shaping new tour departures and special cruises, and we share a few standouts worth considering if you love history, summer celebrations, and itineraries that do the planning for you. From there, we head to Hawaii, spotlighting Oahu’s North Shore and why the Courtyard Oahu North Shore is such a rare find for travelers who want beaches, community, and a more local feel than Waikiki.We also take a listener question on Orlando and break down the best nearby beach options, plus a quick detour into theme-park fun. And if you’re here for deals and cruise news, we’ve got you: Delta Vacations savings with bonus SkyMiles, Carnival switching to Coca-Cola, Viking’s longer 2026 to 2027 voyages, Royal Caribbean growing its West Coast lineup, a strong family all-inclusive offer at Generations Riviera Maya, and the headline grabber: Avalon Waterways river cruises in Europe with free airfare on select 2026 dates, including Danube and Rhine favorites.If you found one idea for your next trip, subscribe, share the show with a travel buddy, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find us.This episode of The Vacation Nerd Podcast and Radio Show is presented by Rampage Rental & Repair!  Headed to St. George, Utah? Get out and RIDE! Rent or buy your Ebike at Rampage Rental & Repair—or get your own bike tuned up and trail-ready.Cruise Snow Canyon, ride the Virgin River Trail, or explore Kayenta.Reserve your ebike ride today! Call 435-767-2003 or book at RampageRentalRepair.com.Rampage Rental & Repair—gear up, get out, and RIDE! Support the showThank 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 WiscombeCell/Text:  (801) 874-7717Email:  [email protected] Vacation Nerd (Audio Podcast):  https://www.thevacationnerd.co/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheVacationNerdFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/patrick.wiscombeInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/patrick.wiscombeThreads:  https://www.threads.com/@pa...