Know Before You Go Travel Show
Society & Culture
About
Grab a drink and join us as we take you around the world’s best resorts and vacation spots! On the Know Before You Go Travel Show, we share insider travel tips, resort reviews, and destination guides to help you make the most of your next getaway. George Penyak and Janet Penyak are owners of Penyak Travel Company (and passionate travelers), we dive deep into everything from Caribbean all-inclusives and luxury resorts, to cruises, European escapes, domestic getaways (yes, even Vegas!), and so much more. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just love travel talk, we’ve got the tips, tricks, and stories that will inspire your next adventure. So pour a cocktail, glass of wine, or an ice-cold beer — and let’s get into vacation mode together!
Episodes
- BEST Sandals Swim-Out Suites Ranked: Which Resort Is Worth It?
In this episode, George and Janet Penyak compare swim-out suites at various Sandals Resorts. They discuss privacy, honeymoon suitability, luxury, food quality, and overall value to help travelers choose the best resort for their needs.
- Cancun’s BEST Adults-Only Resort Pools (From Budget to Ultra Luxury!)
George and Janet from Penyak Travel discuss the top adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya, focusing on their pool offerings. The episode covers various price points and pool types, including infinity pools and swim-u…
- Before You Book Aruba… Listen to This First
In this episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show, travel experts George and Janet Penyak offer advice for planning an Aruba vacation. They discuss where to stay, transportation, dining, budgeting, and popular attractions like Arikok N…
- We Didn’t Expect THIS… Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen Review
In this episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show, hosts George and Janet Penyak provide an honest review of the Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen. They discuss the resort's value, accommodations, food, pools, beach, service, and who the re…
- The Global Entry Hack Most Travelers Miss: Enrollment on Arrival
In this episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show, George and Janet Penyak explain Global Entry's Enrollment on Arrival. This method allows travelers to complete their interview upon landing from an international flight, avoiding the n…
- Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen: Is This the Best New Value in Riviera Maya?
The hosts of the Know Before You Go Travel Show preview the Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen, discussing the resort's concept, location, and potential value for travelers looking for an adults-only experience in the Riviera Maya.
- We Compared Sandals Curaçao & Secrets Aruba — Here’s What Surprised Us
This episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show compares Sandals Royal Curaçao and Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, detailing resort atmosphere, beaches, dining, rooms, and island differences. It aims to help listeners decide between the two i…
- Miss Your Outbound Flight? Here’s What REALLY Happens to Your Return
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show discusses the consequences of missing an outbound flight on your return journey. Contact information for Penyak Travel is provided for quotes and booking.
- The NEW Sandals Destination Wedding Packages Explained (2026 Update + Insider Tips)
This episode details the new Sandals Resorts destination wedding packages for 2026, covering inclusions, costs, room blocks, guest count strategies, and common planning mistakes. It offers insider tips and advice for planning a wedding in…
- Storms, Delays & Cancellations: How Smart Travelers Handle Weather Chaos
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show discusses strategies for managing weather-related travel disruptions, including delays, cancellations, and missed connections. It offers advice on how to stay informed and in control durin…
- The Best Sandals Resorts for Destination Weddings (Our Honest Top Picks)
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show reviews top Sandals Resorts for destination weddings, helping couples find the best fit based on wedding style, guest list, and desired vibe. It covers resort suitability, ceremony locatio…
- Atelier Playa Mujeres vs Secrets Playa Blanca: Which Adults-Only Resort Is REALLY Better
This episode compares Atelier Playa Mujeres and Secrets Playa Blanca, two adults-only resorts in Mexico. It examines their overall vibe, layout, food and beverage quality, service, beach, and amenities to help travelers decide which resort…
- The Best All-Inclusive Deal in Cancun Right Now? Our Full Review of Hyatt Vivid Grand Island
This episode reviews the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island in Cancun, highlighting its value, modern design, dining, and amenities. It assesses who the resort is best suited for, comparing its price and offerings to other all-inclusive options in t…
- Travel Tip Tuesday! What Are Basic Economy Airline Fares?
This episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show explains Basic Economy airline fares, detailing what they are, common restrictions, and why they can lead to unexpected costs and inconvenience for travelers.
- Sandals Butler Service Explained: Cost, Perks, and Who Should Actually Book It
This episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show explains Sandals Butler Service, detailing its inclusions, costs, and suitability for different travelers. It covers what butlers do, compares Butler, Club, and Luxury levels, and offers t…
- Why Sandals Dunn’s River Is Truly Special (Plus Jamaica’s Recovery Update)!
This episode reviews Sandals Dunn's River, highlighting its modern design, dining, rooms, and service. It also provides an update on Jamaica's post-hurricane recovery and current travel conditions in Ocho Rios.
- Avoid this Mistake When Planning Holiday Travel! Travel Tip Tuesday!
The Know Before You Go Travel Show episode 'Avoid this Mistake When Planning Holiday Travel! Travel Tip Tuesday!' offers advice on planning holiday travel. It also provides contact details for Penyak Travel Company, including a phone numbe…
- Secrets Playa Blanca FULL Review — Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!
This episode reviews the Secrets Playa Blanca resort, detailing the rooms, dining options, beach and pool areas, entertainment, and overall service. The hosts share their experience, including what they liked and disliked, to help listener…
- Travel Tip: Avoid These Money Mistakes Abroad: When To Use Local Currency
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show discusses when to use local currency versus US dollars while traveling internationally. It covers destinations where USD is preferred, situations requiring local currency (especially in Eu…
- Jamaica Rebuilds: Updated Resort Reopening Dates After Hurricane Melissa
This episode provides updates on Jamaican resort reopening dates after Hurricane Melissa, detailing property statuses, flight information, and travel insurance advice for affected travelers.
- Travel Tip Tuesday: How to Handle Hurricane Disruptions & Travel Insurance
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show discusses how travel insurance can protect vacations from hurricane disruptions. It covers understanding coverage, filing claims, and strategies for cancellations or rebooking, especially…
- Hurricane Melissa Update: Jamaica Resort Damage, Reopenings, and Travel Impact
This episode provides updates on Jamaica's resorts and travel conditions after Hurricane Melissa, covering damage, reopening timelines, airport status, and rebooking policies to help travelers make informed decisions.
- 3 Common Misconceptions about All-Inclusive Resorts! Travel Tip Tuesday!
In this episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show, hosts George and Janet address three common misconceptions about all-inclusive resorts. They provide insider insights to clarify aspects like dining, drinks, tipping, and activities, h…
- Inside Secrets Maribel Cancun — We Got a Sneak Peek Before It Opens!
George and Janet provide an exclusive hardhat tour of the upcoming Secrets Maribel Cancun resort, set to open November 1st, 2025. They share their first impressions of the adults-only luxury resort's rooms, restaurants, bars, and pools, of…
- Travel Tip Tuesday! Updated Travel Requirements to Europe!
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show provides an update on travel requirements for Europe. Contact information for Penyak Travel is provided for quotes and booking.
- Aruba’s Newest All-Inclusive: Secrets Baby Beach Honest Review
This episode reviews Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, the island
- Travel Tip Wednesday! 3 Must Know Tips Before Planning a Destination Wedding
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show provides three essential tips to consider when planning a destination wedding.
- Which Sandals Resort is Right for You? A Traveler’s Guide to Picking the Perfect Sandals
This episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show breaks down Sandals resorts to help travelers find the perfect fit. It covers recommendations for honeymoons, dining, adventure, beaches, and sunsets, offering insider tips for various tra…
- Travel Tip Thursday! Our Best Passport Tips You Need to Know!
The Know Before You Go Travel Show provides listeners with passport tips to help prepare for upcoming travel. The episode also includes information on how to contact Penyak Travel for vacation planning assistance.
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Review | Aruba’s #1 Romantic Escape?
This episode reviews Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba, detailing its romantic atmosphere, boutique service, dining, and amenities. It covers arrival, room types, food, beach and pool experiences, and an overall rating for this adults-on…
- Sugar Beach Resort Review – St. Lucia Luxury in Paradise
This episode reviews Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia, detailing accommodations, dining, beach activities, spa services, and excursions to help plan a vacation.
- Three Must-Do Things Before Your Next Trip! Travel Tip Thursday!
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show covers three essential actions to complete before embarking on your next trip. Contact information and booking links for Penyak Travel and Sandals are provided.
- Aruba Bound! What to Expect at Bucuti & The Brand New Secrets Baby Beach
This episode previews an upcoming stay at two Aruba resorts: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort and the new Secrets Baby Beach. The hosts discuss what they are most excited about and what travelers can expect from these different resort experience…
- Travel Tip Tuesday! TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry - Which One Should You Get
The Know Before You Go Travel Show discusses TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry, helping listeners decide which trusted traveler program is right for them.
- Beaches Turks & Caicos vs Beaches Negril – Which is Better for Your Family Vacation?
This episode compares Beaches Turks & Caicos and Beaches Negril, two popular Caribbean family resorts. It covers beach quality, room types, dining, kids' activities, waterparks, travel logistics, and value to help families choose the best…
- Podcasting LIVE from Sugar Beach Resort in St. Lucia!
The Know Before You Go Travel Show broadcasts live from Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia. The hosts discuss their journey to the island and share initial impressions of the resort's scenery, service, food, beach, and accommodatio…
- A Preview of the Amazing Sugar Beach St. Lucia, a luxury resort!
This episode previews the luxury Sugar Beach resort in St. Lucia. Contact information and booking links for Penyak Travel are included.
- We Cruised with Virgin Voyages — Here's How It Compares to Other Cruises
This episode reviews Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, an adults-only cruise. It covers the ship's modern design, dining, service, activities, and compares it to other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
- Top 5 Sandals Resorts for Beach Lovers – You’ll Want to Be Here!
This episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show highlights the Top 5 Sandals Resorts with the best beaches, including Sandals Grenada, Sandals Antigua, Sandals Royal Bahamian, Sandals Negril, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian. The hosts pro…
- Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Live On Ship Review—Balcony Suite to Barcelona & Beyond
The Know Before You Go Travel Show records live from the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, reviewing the adults-only cruise line during a sailing along the Spanish coast. The review is from the perspective of a balcony suite.
- Luxury for Less: Our Top 5 Budget-Friendly Sandals Resorts You’ll Love
This episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show reveals the Top 5 Budget-Friendly Sandals Resorts, offering insights into affordable all-inclusive options for honeymoons, anniversaries, or tropical getaways. Learn which resorts provide…
- Cruising Europe on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady! This will be an adventure!
This episode covers an upcoming European cruise on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. The hosts will discuss the itinerary, the ship itself, the booking process, and offer related tips for potential cruisers.
- Our Top Honeymoon Resorts for Low, Medium, and High Budgets! We cover them all!
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show discusses top all-inclusive honeymoon resorts suitable for low, medium, and high budgets. The resorts featured are also recommended for milestone anniversaries and special occasions.
- Luxury for Less: Best Budget-Friendly Getaways in 2025!
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show covers budget-friendly travel for 2025, discussing top destinations, deals on flights and hotels, and money-saving travel hacks.
- Our Top 5 Non-All Inclusive Resorts (And Why They’re So Worth It!)
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show highlights five top non-all-inclusive resorts, discussing their locations, general pricing, smart travel tips, and unique features like food, ambiance, activities, and service.
- Secrets vs. Sandals - Which Luxury All-Inclusive is Right for You?
This episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show compares Sandals and Secrets luxury all-inclusive resorts. A travel expert discusses key differences in dining, accommodations, inclusions, and nightlife, offering insights to help travele…
- Exploring and Reviewing the Luxurious Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres!
This episode reviews the new Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort near Cancun. The hosts share their firsthand experience, detailing the gourmet dining, ocean views, and personalized service, recommending i…
- Recording Live from Luxury: Atelier Playa Mujeres Update Episode
This episode features a live recording from the Atelier Playa Mujeres resort in Mexico. The hosts provide an update on the resort during their trip, noting changes while affirming its core characteristics remain consistent.
- Pack Like a Pro: Your Ultimate Guide to Travel Essentials in 2025
This episode provides an ultimate travel packing checklist, including what to bring and what to leave behind, along with tips for maximizing luggage space and avoiding overpacking. It also covers flight hacks for comfort, beating jet lag,…
- The Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide: Tips You Need to Know
This episode of the Know Before You Go Travel Show offers a 2025 travel guide with tips for smoother vacations. It covers airline travel hacks, destination planning, and travel insurance to help both seasoned and new travelers.