It’s Christmas (or Hanukkah!) in July in this festive episode of Theme Parks and Passports. Travel advisors and hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez unwrap the magic of holiday travel—months before the sleigh bells ring. From Christmas cruises and theme park trips to cozy weekend escapes and iconic events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, they explain why July is the ideal time to start planning your end-of-year adventures.
Whether you're organizing a multi-generational getaway, looking for stress-free alternatives to hosting at home, or simply craving hot cocoa by the fire, this episode is packed with practical tips, favorite destinations, and smart strategies for making your holiday travel truly special.
Key Takeaways
Start Planning Holiday Travel in July - July is the ideal time to book travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Popular cruises, theme park events, and festive accommodations often sell out by early fall—and prices only go up as the holidays get closer.
Holiday Experiences Make Lasting Memories - Whether it’s a theme park trip, a cruise, or a cozy weekend getaway, travel creates meaningful family time and core memories that often outshine traditional gift-giving—especially for kids and multi-generational families.
Planning and Strategy Is Key for a Stress-Free Holiday Trip - From managing crowds at theme parks to booking the right cruise itinerary or finding the perfect small-town celebration, thoughtful planning (and a travel advisor!) can make the difference between chaos and calm.
Resources:
🎄 Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Party Info: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/
🎢 Universal Holiday Events: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/holidays
💼 Travel Insurance Info: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html
Connect with Hosts:
This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/
Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/
Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/
Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/
Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel
Key Episode Timestamps:
[00:00:00] – Welcome to Theme Parks and Passports
[00:00:10] – Why experiences matter more than gifts: “My daughter remembers the experiences more than anything else.”
[00:01:26] – Why July is the perfect time to plan your holiday travel
[00:04:22] – Booking early: rising prices, vanishing availability, and why the time to book is now
[00:06:42] – Payment tip: Booking early lets you pay over time
[00:08:28] – Theme park travel tips for the holidays: crowds, one-park-per-day strategy, and building in downtime
[00:15:22] – Holiday cruising: stress-free, festive, and perfect for multigenerational trips
[00:18:06] – Heidi’s cautionary cruise tale: not all ships have holiday theming—check your itinerary!
[00:21:12] – Not every trip has to be big: magical weekend getaways and small-town celebrations
[00:28:26] – Why travel insurance is essential for holiday and winter trips
[00:30:50] – Strategy by family type: tips for little kids, teens, and empty nesters
[00:33:22] – Would You Rather: Start holiday celebrations before or after Thanksgiving?
[00:36:45] – Final thoughts: Holidays are about connection—and travel makes that possible
Music is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukelele Trip Version 60s