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    The Spellbound Vacations Blog

    Spellbinding Travel

    Insider tips, destination guides, and behind-the-scenes stories from Melissa and the Spellbound Vacations team — helping you dream, plan, and travel with confidence.

    Aerial view of a white-sand beach with thatched umbrellas and turquoise water in Negril, Jamaica
    Destination InspirationNovember 2026·5 min read

    Jamaica – Envoyage Summit 2026 & Give Back Day

    A year after Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is ready for you. Melissa shares her Negril summit trip, a Give Back Day in Green Island, and recovery news from Episode 41.

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    French riverside village and church seen from a river cruise in the Bordeaux region
    CruisesOctober 2026·5 min read

    River Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise: I Sailed Both Back-to-Back — Here's My Honest Take

    From Wonder of the Seas to Viking Forseti in Bordeaux, Melissa compares two back-to-back sailings and shares how to find the best cruise for you.

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    Melissa facing the Eiffel Tower in Paris with her arms outstretched
    Destination InspirationOctober 2026·12 min read

    Our Top 5 Set-Jetting Destinations: Where Your Favorite Stories Come to Life

    From Scotland and Paris to London, New York City, and the theme parks, Melissa and Heidi share their favorite places to step into the stories you love on Episode 40.

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    Melissa outside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
    Disney & Theme ParksSeptember 2026·7 min read

    I Toured 10 Walt Disney World Resorts in 2 Days: Here's What I Learned

    From a surprise favorite at Port Orleans French Quarter to resort-hopping rules, Melissa shares what she learned touring 10 Disney resorts in 2 days.

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    Minnie and Mickey Mouse in captain outfits aboard a holiday-decorated Disney cruise ship
    CruisesSeptember 2026·6 min read

    Holiday Cruise Planning: 5 Tips (Plus a Bonus) for Celebrating at Sea

    Thinking about a Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's cruise? Melissa shares five tips for planning a holiday sailing, plus one bonus reminder.

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    Melissa and her family overlooking the caldera in Santorini, Greece
    Europe & InternationalAugust 2026·5 min read

    Why I Work With a Destination Management Company for Europe Trips

    France, Italy, Spain, Greece, England — Melissa shares why pairing her own Europe experience with a local DMC creates richer, better-supported trips.

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    The colorful entrance to Super Nintendo World at Universal's Epic Universe
    Disney & Theme ParksJuly 2026·5 min read

    Epic Universe's First Birthday: Everything Families Need to Know for 2026

    One year in, Universal's newest park has reshaped Orlando vacation planning. Melissa shares takeaways from her podcast chat with Amanda Spencer Hill and her top planning tips.

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    Melissa with her kids at the Goat Tavern in London
    Empty NestersJuly 2026·6 min read

    In My 50's and Traveling the World

    Turning 50 in London, chasing pizza across Italy, and a goal to visit every country — Melissa on why your next chapter is the perfect time to explore.

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    Melissa and her husband in front of the colorful BERMUDA sign in Hamilton
    CruisesJuly 2026·7 min read

    The Joy of Cruising Without Plans: Embracing Spontaneity on the Open Sea

    A recovering itinerary-lover learns to go with the flow on a 7-night Bermuda sailing aboard Celebrity Eclipse — and finds the best moments were the unplanned ones.

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    A toddler in red giving Winnie the Pooh a kiss at Walt Disney World
    Disney & Theme ParksJuly 2026·8 min read

    Your First Trip to Walt Disney World: A Guide From Someone Who's Been There More Times Than I Can Count

    25 years visiting Disney Destinations and 16 years of sending clients, Melissa shares exactly where first-timers get stuck — dates, resorts, Lightning Lane, dining — and what you can let go of.

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    Melissa with her two kids at a runDisney race
    Disney & Theme ParksJuly 2026·5 min read

    You Should Experience a runDisney Event, Even if You're Not a Runner!

    You don't need to be a runner to have a blast at runDisney. Melissa shares how a 5K with her son turned into a family tradition — matching outfits and all.

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    Melissa and her husband posing with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde at a Disney park
    Empty NestersJuly 2026·5 min read

    Empty Nester? Start Traveling!

    The kids are launched — now what? Melissa shares her own empty-nest story and why this chapter is an invitation to travel, not an ending.

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