Our weekly show interviews real travel experts from around the United States and Canada. Check in with us from week to week for travel news, tips, destinations and reviews from some of the top flight travel agents in the country and travel influencers .
Virgin Voyages vs Sandals 🛳️🏝️ | Which Adults-Only Vacation Is Right for You?
Trying to decide between Virgin Voyages and Sandals? In this video, we break down the key differences between these adults-only vacations—from vibe and dining to who each experience is best suited for.
If you're considering an adults-only vacation, you might assume the choice is simple — but when it comes to Virgin Voyages vs Sandals, you're really choosing between two completely different travel experiences.
In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Susan Blume of Personal Escapes Travel to break down the most frequently asked questions about both options — helping you decide which one is right for your next getaway.
🧭 What You'll Learn in This Video
The biggest difference between Virgin Voyages and Sandals
Who each vacation is best suited for
The vibe and atmosphere of each experience
Dining comparisons (including The Galley, Test Kitchen & Butch’s Chophouse)
What a typical day looks like at Sandals vs on Virgin Voyages
Value and what's included (and what’s not)
Which is better for couples vs solo travelers
Real-world insights from someone who has experienced both
🧠 Key Takeaway
While both are adults-only vacations,
👉 Sandals is about romance, relaxation, and staying in one beautiful destination
👉 Virgin Voyages is about energy, variety, and exploring multiple destinations
31 Jul 2026
China River Cruise for $6,000?! Century Cruises Full Review
Can you really travel to China in luxury for just $6,000? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, we explore Century Cruises and the Yangtze River experience to find out if it lives up to the hype.
China is one of the most fascinating — and misunderstood — travel destinations in the world right now.
In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken Lawrence sits down with:
Steven Simao, VP of Sales for Century Cruises
Nanci Ott of Tinker Travel
Together, they break down what it’s really like to travel to China today — including safety, comfort, value, and what makes a Yangtze River cruise such a unique experience.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Is China safe for North American travelers?
What a Century Cruises experience is REALLY like
Why this 14-day China journey starts around $6,000
What’s included (and what’s not)
The biggest surprises travelers experience in China
Must-see highlights like the Terracotta Warriors
Who this trip is best suited for
🚢 From five-star hotels and immersive cultural experiences to surprisingly affordable pricing, this may be one of the best-kept secrets in travel right now.
27 Jul 2026
Scenic vs Emerald Cruises: What's the REAL Difference?
If you've been wondering about the difference between Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises, this interview is for you.
In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk – Ask a Real Travel Expert, I sit down with Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group North America, to discuss everything from luxury river cruising and ocean yachts to expedition cruising, Antarctica, and the exciting future of Scenic and Emerald.
You'll learn:
✔ The difference between Scenic and Emerald Cruises
✔ Which brand is best for your travel style
✔ What "truly all-inclusive" really means
✔ Why luxury yacht cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel
✔ Scenic Eclipse expedition yachts
✔ Emerald's boutique luxury yachts
✔ River cruising throughout Europe and Southeast Asia
✔ New destinations including India and the Seychelles
✔ Why small ship cruising offers a completely different experience
Whether you're considering your first luxury cruise or comparing Scenic with other premium cruise lines like Viking, AmaWaterways or Uniworld, this conversation will help you decide which experience is right for you.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,420,447
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 84 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
98
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
81
Contact RTE-Travel Talk
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
