Your Travel Bestie Kat

Former Disney Cast Member Secrets & Why Disney Trips Are Harder to Plan Than Ever | Jillian Shults

Ever wondered what it’s REALLY like being a Disney Cast Member?
This week on Your Travel Bestie Kat, I’m joined by former Disney Cast Member and travel advisor Jillian Shults to talk behind-the-scenes Disney magic, customer service lessons, and why planning Disney vacations has become more complicated than ever.
We chat about:✨ Working at Disney World in 2007✨ Behind-the-scenes stories from Figment, stunt shows & Disney magic✨ Why Disney planning feels overwhelming post-COVID✨ The BIGGEST misconceptions about travel advisors✨ Why using a Disney specialist can save your sanity
Jillian also shares how she creates magical touches for clients — from celebration surprises to helping families navigate Disney without the stress.
If you love Disney, travel tips, or hearing how passion turns into a business, this episode is for you.
#DisneyPodcast #TravelPodcast #DisneyTravel #DisneyWorld #TravelAdvisor #FormerCastMember #DisneyAdult #FamilyTravel #DisneyPlanning #TravelBestieKat

Magic, Leadership & Luxury Escapes with Melissa Blettner of Ancient Lore Village

What happens when luxury hospitality meets fantasy storytelling? 
 
In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I sit down with Melissa Blettner, CEO of Ancient Lore Village, to talk about creating immersive guest experiences, leading with heart, entrepreneurship, and why travelers are craving meaningful connection more than ever.
 
We dive into:
 
Building a one-of-a-kind destination experience
Luxury hospitality trends
Leadership lessons for women in business
The magic behind Ancient Lore Village
Travel inspiration and unforgettable guest moments
 
If you love travel, fairies, storytelling, business, and unique destinations, this episode is for you. ✈️🏰
 
#Podcast #TravelPodcast #Hospitality #LuxuryTravel #AncientLoreVillage #KnoxvilleTN #WomenInBusiness #TravelBestieKat #fairies 

Confidence, Closets & Carry-Ons with Arlene Stearns

This week on Your Travel Bestie Kat, I’m joined by Arlene Stearns, founder of Image Up System, to talk all things confidence, personal branding, travel style, and showing up like the powerful woman you already are.
 
We dive into:
 
Why image impacts opportunity
Style mistakes entrepreneurs make
Packing tips for business and leisure travel
Confidence transformations she’s witnessed
Fashion disasters, airport style & rapid-fire fun
 
This episode is part business coaching, part girlfriend chat, and full of empowering reminders that confidence starts before you ever say a word.
 
Grab your favorite drink, your passport, and maybe rethink that blazer hanging in your closet. ✈️
 
#personalBranding #FemaleEntrepreneur #TravelPodcast #BusinessPodcast #StyleAndConfidence #ImageConsultant #WomenSupportingWomen #TravelAndBusiness #BossWomen #ConfidenceCoach #EntrepreneurLife #TravelBestie #FashionAndBusiness #ProfessionalWomen #MindsetAndSuccess

Cruises, Bacon, Belize & Virgin Voyages | Part 2 with Robin Haffer

Part 2 gets FUN. 🚢🥓🌴
 
Robin Haffer is back on Your Travel Bestie Kat and this episode is packed with cruise stories, travel laughs, Belize adventures, Virgin Voyages talk, and somehow… bacon becomes part of the conversation too. 😂
 
From favorite cruise experiences to what makes Virgin Voyages different, Robin shares his thoughts on travel, food, relaxing at sea, and the destinations that keep calling him back. If you love cruises, tropical escapes, and chaotic travel conversations with friends, this episode is for you.
 
⚓ Expect laughs, travel banter, cruise obsession, and major vacation energy.
 
#YourTravelBestieKat #VirginVoyages #CruisePodcast #Belize #TravelPodcast #CruiseLife #Bacon #TravelStories #VacationVibes #PodcastEpisode

From Germany to Las Vegas at 15 — When America Finally Felt Like Home | Part 1

What’s it like moving from Germany 🇩🇪 to Las Vegas 🇺🇸 as a teenager and starting over in a completely different world?
 
In Part 1 of this episode of *Your Travel Bestie Kat*, Robin Haffer shares his journey as a 15-year-old immigrant adjusting to American culture, navigating culture shock, and discovering when the United States finally started to feel like home. From hilarious differences between Germany and America to heartfelt moments about identity, family, and belonging — this conversation is inspiring, honest, and relatable.
 
🎙️ Plus: travel stories, immigrant experiences, entrepreneur mindset, and a few laughs along the way.
 
#YourTravelBestieKat #Podcast #ImmigrantStory #GermanImmigrant #LasVegas #TravelPodcast #AmericanDream #CultureShock #EntrepreneurJourney #PodcastEpisode
 

Hot Mess Express: The Week Before You Travel countdown

The countdown is ON… and so is the chaos 😅✈️
 
In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, we’re diving into the emotional rollercoaster that is the 7 days before vacation. From the delusional “I have plenty of time” phase to the last-minute packing panic at 10pm… you know exactly what I’m talking about.
 
We’re covering:
 
The week-before-vacation spiral we all pretend we don’t have
What you actually need to do (so you’re not crying at the airport)
Packing smarter—not just throwing outfits and vibes into a suitcase
How to keep it together… or at least look like you are
 
If you’ve ever questioned your entire existence while packing or checked your passport 47 times in one night… this episode is for you.
 
Because bestie… it might be chaotic now—but vacation mode is coming 💅🌴
 
#HotMessExpress #TravelStruggles #PackingProblems #LastMinuteChaos #RelatableAF #MomLifeTravel #RealLifeMoments #ChaosButMakeItCute

They Packed WHAT?! Traveling with Teens & Tweens Without Losing Your Mind

Packing for a trip with teens and tweens?
Yeah… good luck with that 😂
 
In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, we’re talking about the fine line between giving your kids independence… and making sure they actually pack what they need (like underwear… because apparently that’s optional now??).
 
From the “independence illusion” to the silent suitcase check 👀, I’m sharing real-life tips to help you avoid vacation meltdowns, outfit disasters, and showing up to dinner with a child in pajama pants and Crocs.
 
Because let’s be honest…
They want freedom.
You want them to look presentable in photos.
 
We’re finding the balance—without losing our minds.
 
✨ If you’ve ever asked “Did you pack everything?” and instantly regretted trusting the answer… this episode is for you.
 
#TravelWithTeens #MomLifeUnfiltered #FamilyTravelTips #TravelBestieKat #PackingTips #MomHacks #TravelHumor #RealLifeParenting #VacationReady

From Pipes to Passports: Building a Business That Supports Your Life (with Abi Wilson)

What do plumbing and travel have in common? More than you think 👀✈️
 
In this episode of *Your Travel Bestie Kat*, I’m joined by Abi Wilson of Friendly Neighborhood Plumber to talk about what it really looks like to build a successful business from the ground up—without losing your life in the process.
 
We’re diving into the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship: the hustle, the systems, and the shift from working *in* your business to finally having the freedom to step away from it. Because whether you’re fixing pipes or planning dream vacations, the goal is the same—create a business that supports your lifestyle, not one that controls it.
 
If you’ve ever said “I can’t travel because of my business”…this episode might just change your mind 😉
✨ In this episode, we cover:
 
Building a business from the ground up
* Why systems matter more than hustle
* How to create freedom as an entrepreneur
* The mindset shift from busy to balanced
* Why travel should be part of your plan—not a reward at the end
 
✈️ Ready to plan your next getaway?
Call or text your travel bestie Kat 📲 803-743-6348
 

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From the Mississippi to the Nile…Who’s Coming to Iceland With Us?

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE DROP
 
What do the mighty Mississippi, the legendary Nile, and breathtaking Iceland have in common? 👀
…they’re all on our travel radar—and you’re invited.
 
I sat down with Jeff Marshall to talk all things river cruising with Viking River Cruises—and trust me, this episode is PACKED with bucket-list inspiration ✨
 
🚢 Picture this:
• Sailing the iconic Mississippi River—small towns, big history, and Southern charm
• Exploring ancient wonders along the Nile River—temples, culture, and stories that go back thousands of years
• And…who’s ready for ICELAND?! 🇮🇸 Glaciers, waterfalls, Northern Lights…this is your sign
 
💬 Real talk: river cruising is one of the most relaxing, immersive ways to travel—and we break down why it’s blowing up right now
 
🔥 BONUS: We’re thinking about putting a group trip together…so the real question is—
👉 Who’s coming with us to Iceland?!
 
🎧 Tune in now, then drop a comment or DM me “ICELAND” if you want details
 
#YourTravelBestieKat #VikingCruises #RiverCruiseLife #MississippiRiverCruise #NileCruise #IcelandTravel #GroupTravel #TravelPodcast #BucketListTrips