The Roam Report: Your Guide to Roaming Far and Traveling Smart

Dear Readers, We are excited to announce an important change here at the blog. After much thought and reflection, we’ve decided to update our name. Sean’s Monthly Journeys has served us well, but as our content and our goals have evolved, it no longer fully captures what we want to convey. So, we are proud to introduce The Roam Report . This marks a new chapter in our journey, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride. Why The Roam Report? The decision to rebrand wasn’t taken lightly. Over the years, our focus has shifted beyond simply sharing personal travel stories. We’ve become increasingly interested in the broader spirit of exploration—whether that’s a quick weekend getaway, an immersive cultural experience, or even the small, everyday adventures that make life so interesting. The Roam Report reflects that shift. It’s more than just a name; it’s a way for us to convey our desire to share travel insights, stories, and tips from around the world, all while embracing a spir...

Introduction I'll share my recent flight experiences with Southwest Airlines in this review. With a reputation for being the best low-cost carrier, I was excited to see why people "LUV" Southwest during my trip from Houston (Hobby) to Orlando.  Booking Experience( ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐) The booking process was easy, and Southwest's website was user-friendly. However, I felt overwhelmed by the constant prompts for upgrades. I appreciated how straightforward it was to view the different fare options and their prices. In my previous experiences, I’ve noticed that Southwest's prices tend to be higher than those of competitors like JetBlue and Breeze.  Scott Eisen/Bloomberg via Getty Images Check-in Process ( ⭐ ⭐ ⭐) The check-in process was very easy for a Rapid Rewards member; you just click “check-in,” and then you’re all set! I opted for online check-in and highly recommend it. I checked in as soon as it was available, but I still got boarding position B35 on a Boeing 737-700. Wh...

TMBLover, CC BY-SA 4.0 < https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 >, via Wikimedia Commons If you're planning a trip to Disney World, the Disney All-Star Music Resort might be on your radar, but is it worth the price? Here’s my ultimate review of this vibrant hotel, especially considering its value. Cozy Room Setup One of the highlights of my stay is the cozy room setup. The bed features six fluffy pillows, making it a comfortable spot to unwind after a long day at the parks. Plus, the table that turns into another bed for two is handy for families or groups traveling together. However, the room itself feels a bit basic, which makes the pricing steep for what you get, and on the outside, it resembles a motel setup. Entertainment Options The big Samsung TV in the room is great for relaxing at night, and having Amazon Alexa is a modern touch—just ask her to send towels or play music. While these amenities are nice, they don’t justify the higher cost compared to other hote...

If you're going to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Avatar Flight of Passage  is an absolute must! I recently experienced it, and let me tell you, it blew me away literally.  The Experience By Theme Park Tourist - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58941893 As soon as I stepped into Pandora, it was like I was walking into another world. The lush landscape and glowing plants are so alluring that I felt like I was right inside the movie! The standby queue is part of the magic, winding through these beautiful scenes from the movie that builds the anticipation perfectly.  Freddo, CC BY-SA 4.0 < https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 >, via Wikimedia Commons Once you're strapped into the bike-style seats, get ready for an adventure like no other. When the ride takes off, the sensation of flying on the back of a banshee(Ikran) is exhilarating. The 4D effects are just phenomenal-you can actually feel the rush of wind on your face,...

Vacations are planned to be fun and calming, but they don't always have to break the bank. With a little effort and some tips and tricks, you can enjoy a fantastic trip without stressing about money. Here are ten essential ways to save money on your next trip: Plan in Advance:  When you book your flights and hotels in advance, you can snag the best deals. Prices often rise as your travel date approaches, so start planning early! For domestic trips, it's usually good to start planning 2 to 3 months in advance, while for international trips, be sure to plan 3 to 6 months ahead, especially for popular destinations.   Travel Off-Peak: When you book travel off-peak, you will not only find cheaper airfare but also accommodation but also avoid crowds. I know if you travel with school-aged kids, it's impossible to travel on days that aren't holidays, but if it's possible, travel on regular days. Also, airlines like United or Delta usually raise their prices when there is a ...

Great Wolf Lodge Welcome to our review of the newly opened Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas! This water park resort is perfect for both kids and adults, combining fun and relaxation. Here's everything you need to know to make the most out of your next Great Wolf Lodge visit.  Water Attractions Water Park Fun Crooked Creek: Unwind and relax along this winding river, perfect for a tired afternoon.  Texas Twirler: This ride is available only at Great Wolf Lodge Webster/Houston. Experience thrilling twists and turns on this wild water slide, perfect for the whole family on it.    Otter Springs:  A fantastic area for little kids, featuring small slides and plenty of family fun.   Otter Cave Waterworks: This area is filled with water features and slides designed for younger children, making it a fun place for kids to splash each other.   Alberta Falls: This adventure is by far the most thrilling in the park. At the start, there is a big drop, and...

James St. John, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Last week, my family and I conquered one of the two most scenic and terrifying trails in Acadia National Park. This trail is a blend of the most breathtaking views and a climb that will test even the most experienced hikers. If your family isn't scared of heights and is seeking a thrilling challenge, then this trail should be number one on your list.  Beginning Off We had kids as little as six in our group, so our plan was to play on the beach, but when all of the kids didn't want to get their shoes dirty, we set off for the Beehive Trail. Parking around the Beehive is limited, but if you come in at around 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM, there will be people finished with the trail. When I saw the tall peak we were hiking to, I had thoughts of bailing, but I decided to keep on going.  The Terrifying Climb The ascent on the Beehive Loop Trail is not anywhere thrilling. It starts off as a ...