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.

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.
Read postRiver 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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read post
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.
Read postReady to turn inspiration into an itinerary?
When a post sparks an idea, we're here to build the trip. Share a few details and we'll take it from there.
Start Your Trip Request