Italy 2026, Asian Hotels, and Disney Strategies

Audio By Carbonatix

This week’s Travel Tuesday is a whirlwind of wanderlust with Kevin McCullough and Linda Perillo at the helm. They kick things off with a hearty “Ciao!” and a deep dive into their upcoming Italy 2026 adventure—a ten-day escapade through Rome and the Amalfi Coast, complete with Michelin-star dining and tarantella dancing. Only 32 seats on the bus, so it’s basically the VIP lounge on wheels.

From pasta to precision, the duo shifts gears to the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, where Asia dominates the top spots. The Rosewood Hong Kong reigns supreme, offering waterfront views and floor-to-ceiling windows for less than a Manhattan Marriott. Linda and Kevin marvel at Asia’s obsession with hospitality perfection, contrasting it with America’s “instant gratification” culture. Spoiler: gum-free Singapore wins the cleanliness crown.

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Linda shares her mission to honor Ike, a 104-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, by flying him to Hawaii for December 7th. With Alaska Airlines stepping up, the hosts reflect on the resilience of the Greatest Generation and the urgency of preserving their stories before time runs out. It’s a poignant reminder that travel isn’t just about places—it’s about people and legacy.

Back to modern travel chaos: the U.S. Transportation Department lifts flight restrictions, just in time for Thanksgiving’s six-million-strong travel surge. Kevin and Linda applaud air traffic controllers for their dedication during the shutdown, while lamenting the ever-changing refund policies. Kevin even teases his own holiday hop to London for a Christmas concert at Royal Albert Hall—because why not sprinkle a little British cheer into the mix?

Finally, Linda dons her Disney guru hat to dissect Kylie Kelsey’s family travel tips. From stroller strategy to staying on property, Linda agrees with most advice—except the “special experience for each child” bit (too pricey, too complicated). They swap stories of Disney meltdowns, overpriced Dole Whips, and the magic of man-to-man coverage when wrangling kids. The verdict? Disney is expensive, exhausting, and absolutely worth it—if you plan like a pro.