Know Before You Go Travel Show

Penyak Travel Company

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!

  1. 2d ago

    Royal Caribbean + Sandals?! The Deal That Could Change All-Inclusive Travel

    ✈️ For Travel Quotes: 👉 Request a Quote Here 📞 CLICK TO CALL: 1-800-674-3278 📧 Email: Janet@PenyakTravel.com 🏝 BOOK SANDALS HERE: Sandals Resorts Referral Link 🌐 Follow & Connect With Us: 🎥 YouTube: Penyak Travel Company 📘 Facebook: Penyak Travel 📸 Instagram: @PenyakTravel 🎙 Podcast IG: @KnowBeforeYouGoTravelShow 💼 LinkedIn: Penyak Travel Company 👤 Follow George: @GeorgePenyak 🏝 Sandals Booking Link: Sandals Resorts Royal Caribbean + Sandals?! What Does This Mean for Travelers? Big news in the Caribbean travel world: Royal Caribbean Group is acquiring a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts in a deal valued at approximately $3 billion. But what does that actually mean for YOU? George & Janet Penyak break down one of the biggest developments in the history of Sandals Resorts and discuss what this partnership could mean for the future of all-inclusive travel. Will Sandals change? Will we see more Sandals resorts? Could Sandals expand outside the Caribbean? Will Royal Caribbean and Sandals eventually connect their loyalty programs? Could we see cruise-and-resort vacation packages? And perhaps the biggest question of all… Will Sandals still feel like Sandals? As travel advisors who have experienced Sandals resorts firsthand, George & Janet take a look beyond the headlines and talk about what this massive partnership could mean for travelers. In this episode: 🏝️ What exactly did Royal Caribbean buy? 💰 Why is Royal Caribbean investing approximately $3 billion in Sandals? 🚢 Why does Royal Caribbean want a bigger presence in land-based vacations? 🌴 What does Sandals gain from Royal Caribbean? 🌎 Could we see Sandals expand into new countries and destinations? 💎 Could Sandals become even more luxurious? 🎁 Could Royal Caribbean and Sandals eventually connect their loyalty programs? 🚢🏝️ Could we see cruise + Sandals vacation packages? 💰 Will this partnership cause Sandals prices to increase? 🤔 Could Sandals become too corporate? ❤️ What makes Sandals special—and what absolutely should NOT change? 🔮 George & Janet make their predictions for the future of Sandals. And we have some fun with the biggest "what if?" questions: Could there someday be a Sandals cruise ship? Could Royal Caribbean create a Sandals private island? Where should the next Sandals resort open? This could be the beginning of a completely new era for Sandals Resorts—and we're breaking it all down. Have an opinion? We'd love to hear it! Would you be excited about Royal Caribbean and Sandals joining forces, or are you worried that Sandals could lose some of what makes it special? About Penyak Travel George & Janet Penyak are travel industry experts and the owners of Penyak Travel, specializing in Caribbean vacations, all-inclusive resorts, Sandals Resorts and luxury travel. If you're thinking about booking a Sandals vacation, cruise, or Caribbean getaway, let Penyak Travel help you find the right resort and the right vacation for you. Penyak Travel — Your Caribbean Travel Experts

  2. Sep 13

    Sandals Ochi vs. Secrets Cap Cana: Which Caribbean All-Inclusive Wins?

    ✈️ For Travel Quotes: 👉 Request a Quote Here 📞 CLICK TO CALL: 1-800-674-3278 📧 Email: Janet@PenyakTravel.com 🏝 BOOK SANDALS HERE: Sandals Resorts Referral Link 🌐 Follow & Connect With Us: 🎥 YouTube: Penyak Travel Company 📘 Facebook: Penyak Travel 📸 Instagram: @PenyakTravel 🎙 Podcast IG: @KnowBeforeYouGoTravelShow 💼 LinkedIn: Penyak Travel Company 👤 Follow George: @GeorgePenyak 🏝 Sandals Booking Link: Sandals Resorts SANDALS OCHI VS. SECRETS CAP CANA: TWO RESORTS, TWO VERY DIFFERENT VACATIONS Which all-inclusive Caribbean resort is right for you—Sandals Ochi in Jamaica or Secrets Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic?On this episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show, George and Janet Penyak of Penyak Travel put these two popular adults-only all-inclusive resorts head-to-head.But this isn't simply about asking, "Which resort is better?"Because Sandals Ochi and Secrets Cap Cana offer two VERY different vacation experiences.Sandals Ochi is big, energetic, social and packed with restaurants, bars, pools and things to do. Secrets Cap Cana offers a more upscale, polished and relaxed atmosphere in one of the Dominican Republic's most desirable resort areas.So which one is right for YOU?In this episode, we're breaking down: 🏝️ First Impressions — What does each resort feel like when you arrive? 📍 Size & Layout — Is bigger better, or is a more compact resort easier to enjoy? 🍽️ Food & Dining — Restaurants, variety, quality and the overall dining experience. 🍹 Bars & Nightlife — Which resort is better for couples who want fun, entertainment and nightlife? 🏖️ The Beach — Comparing the beach experience, water, atmosphere and overall setting. 🛏️ Rooms & Accommodations — Which resort delivers the better luxury experience? 💎 Service & Atmosphere — Jamaican hospitality vs. the more polished luxury-resort feel of Cap Cana. 💰 Value — What are you actually getting for your money? ❤️ Romance vs. Fun — Which resort is better for honeymoons, anniversaries and romantic getaways? 👫 Who Should Book Each Resort? — We break down exactly what type of traveler is likely to love Ochi and who may be happier at Secrets Cap Cana. And finally... 🔥 The Penyak Travel Verdict: If you gave us a couple who normally books Sandals, would we recommend Secrets Cap Cana? And if someone normally stays at Secrets, would we send them to Sandals Ochi?We'll answer that—and tell you which resort we'd choose for different types of Caribbean vacations.

  3. Aug 30

    Is Hermitage Bay Worth the Price? Our Honest Antigua Review

    Link to YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/ib5VCRkVato ✈️ For Travel Quotes: 👉 Request a Quote Here 📞 CLICK TO CALL: 1-800-674-3278 📧 Email: Janet@PenyakTravel.com 🏝 BOOK SANDALS HERE: Sandals Resorts Referral Link 🌐 Follow & Connect With Us: 🎥 YouTube: Penyak Travel Company 📘 Facebook: Penyak Travel 📸 Instagram: @PenyakTravel 🎙 Podcast IG: @KnowBeforeYouGoTravelShow 💼 LinkedIn: Penyak Travel Company 👤 Follow George: @GeorgePenyak 🏝 Sandals Booking Link: Sandals Resorts Hermitage Bay Antigua Review: Is This One of the Caribbean's Best Luxury Resorts?Welcome back to The Know Before You Go Travel Show with Janet & George of Penyak Travel!This week, we're taking you to one of the most beautiful and intimate luxury resorts we've experienced in the Caribbean — Hermitage Bay in Antigua.This isn't your typical giant all-inclusive resort. Hermitage Bay is an adults-only, boutique resort with just 30 accommodations, a stunning beachfront setting, private villa-style accommodations, exceptional service and a very different approach to the all-inclusive experience.We stayed at Hermitage Bay and we're giving you our honest take on what it's really like.In this episode, we talk about:🌴 The Resort What makes Hermitage Bay different from larger Caribbean all-inclusivesThe intimate 30-suite atmosphereThe location and secluded feelWho we think this resort is really designed for🏝️ The Beach One of the biggest highlights of the resortWhat the water is likeBeach setup and overall atmosphereWhether the beach feels crowded or truly private🏡 The Accommodations Our experience with the villaThe design and Caribbean feelOutdoor spacesPrivate pools and plunge poolsThe famous outdoor showersWhat we loved — and anything we think potential guests should know🍽️ Food & Drinks BreakfastLunchDinnerBeach diningCocktailsSushi and cocktail hourThe overall quality of the foodWhether Hermitage Bay delivers at the luxury level🍹 The All-Inclusive Experience What's includedDrinks and diningActivitiesWatersportsSpa and wellnessWhat makes this different from a traditional all-inclusive resort❤️ The Service This may be one of the biggest reasons people return to Hermitage Bay.We talk about the staff, the personalized service and the feeling of staying at a small Caribbean hotel rather than a massive resort.💰 Is Hermitage Bay Worth the Money? This is the big question.Hermitage Bay isn't necessarily the resort you choose because it's the cheapest option. You're paying for privacy, service, intimacy, location and a very specific luxury Caribbean experience.So...would we recommend spending the money?We give you our honest answer.🇦🇬 And finally... Would we return to Hermitage Bay?Would we recommend it for a honeymoon?Would we recommend it for a milestone anniversary?And perhaps most importantly...Who should NOT book Hermitage Bay?If you're considering a trip to Antigua, this is an episode you definitely want to hear before you book.

  4. Aug 1

    Sandals Ochi vs. Sandals Negril: Which Jamaica Resort Is Right for You?

    ✈️ For Travel Quotes: 👉 Request a Quote Here 📞 CLICK TO CALL: 1-800-674-3278 📧 Email: Janet@PenyakTravel.com 🏝 BOOK SANDALS HERE: Sandals Resorts Referral Link 🌐 Follow & Connect With Us: 🎥 YouTube: Penyak Travel Company 📘 Facebook: Penyak Travel 📸 Instagram: @PenyakTravel 🎙 Podcast IG: @KnowBeforeYouGoTravelShow 💼 LinkedIn: Penyak Travel Company 👤 Follow George: @GeorgePenyak 🏝 Sandals Booking Link: Sandals Resorts Sandals Ochi VLOG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI_u_ZioALQ Sandals Negril VLOG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KiHEdU-EHo If you're planning a Sandals vacation in Jamaica, this episode is for you! Janet & George from Penyak Travel compare Sandals Ochi and Sandals Negril—two incredible resorts that offer completely different vacation experiences. While both deliver the signature Sandals Luxury Included® experience, one is perfect for travelers looking for endless dining, nightlife, and value, while the other shines with one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches and unforgettable sunsets. In this episode, we compare: Which resort has the better beachDining options and restaurant varietyRoom categories and accommodationsPools and swim-up barsNightlife and entertainmentRomance and honeymoon appealExcursions and nearby attractionsResort size and overall atmosphereWhich resort offers the best valueWho each resort is best suited forWhether you're planning your first Sandals vacation or deciding between these two fan favorites, we'll help you determine which resort best matches your travel style.

  5. Jul 13

    Sandals Ochi Review 2026: The Most Underrated Sandals Resort in Jamaica?

    Link to our Sandals Ochi VLOG: https://youtu.be/WI_u_ZioALQ ✈️ For Travel Quotes: 👉 Request a Quote Here 📞 CLICK TO CALL: 1-800-674-3278 📧 Email: Janet@PenyakTravel.com 🏝 BOOK SANDALS HERE: Sandals Resorts Referral Link 🌐 Follow & Connect With Us: 🎥 YouTube: Penyak Travel Company 📘 Facebook: Penyak Travel 📸 Instagram: @PenyakTravel 🎙 Podcast IG: @KnowBeforeYouGoTravelShow 💼 LinkedIn: Penyak Travel Company 👤 Follow George: @GeorgePenyak 🏝 Sandals Booking Link: Sandals Resorts Welcome back to The Know Before You Go Travel Show!In this episode, we're sharing our firsthand review of Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We recently stayed at the resort, explored every corner of the property, sampled the restaurants, relaxed by the pools, and experienced the entertainment—and we're breaking down everything you need to know before booking.Sandals Ochi is one of the most unique resorts in the Sandals collection. It's also one of the best values, offering an incredible amount of amenities, dining, and entertainment at a price point that's often lower than many of the newer Sandals resorts.In this episode, we discuss:• Our first impressions of Sandals Ochi • The differences between the Beach Club and Hillside Village • Whether the resort's large size is a pro or a con • Our favorite restaurants and bars • The famous Rabbit Hole speakeasy • Best pools and beach areas • Entertainment and nightlife • Who we think will love this resort • Who may want to consider a different Sandals property • Our favorite hidden gems and insider tips • Whether we'd book Sandals Ochi againIf you're considering a Sandals vacation in Jamaica, this episode will help you decide if Sandals Ochi is the perfect fit for your travel style.Question of the Day: If you had the same vacation budget, would you rather stay more nights at Sandals Ochi or fewer nights at one of the newer Sandals resorts? Let us know your answer!Ready to plan your own Sandals vacation?📧 Contact Janet & George at Penyak Travel Company for expert advice and personalized planning.🌴 Visit PenyakTravel.com to start planning your next Caribbean getaway.Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone dreaming about Jamaica!Thanks for listening to The Know Before You Go Travel Show!

  6. Jun 28

    BIG Sandals Jamaica Update: Resort Renovations, Name Changes & What's New!

    ✈️ For Travel Quotes: 👉 Request a Quote Here 📞 CLICK TO CALL: 1-800-674-3278 📧 Email: Janet@PenyakTravel.com 🏝 BOOK SANDALS HERE: Sandals Resorts Referral Link 🌐 Follow & Connect With Us: 🎥 YouTube: Penyak Travel Company 📘 Facebook: Penyak Travel 📸 Instagram: @PenyakTravel 🎙 Podcast IG: @KnowBeforeYouGoTravelShow 💼 LinkedIn: Penyak Travel Company 👤 Follow George: @GeorgePenyak 🏝 Sandals Booking Link: Sandals Resorts In this episode of The Know Before You Go Travel Show, George and Janet share the biggest updates across Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, including resort name changes, renovation projects, hurricane recovery updates, exciting new restaurants, and what these changes mean for future guests. Whether you're considering your first Sandals vacation or you're a longtime Sandals fan, this episode will help you decide which resort may be the best fit for your next getaway. In This EpisodeResort name changes and branding updatesHurricane recovery and renovation progressNew restaurants and dining experiencesProperty enhancements throughout JamaicaWhich resorts are changing the mostBooking considerations for upcoming travelOur thoughts after following these developmentsWe'll also discuss how these updates may impact the guest experience and which resorts we're most excited to visit next. Planning Your Sandals Vacation? Janet and the team at Penyak Travel specialize in Sandals Resorts and Caribbean vacations. If you'd like expert guidance and personalized recommendations, we'd love to help you plan your trip. 🌴 Website: PenyakTravel.com Subscribe If you enjoy destination reviews, resort comparisons, travel tips, and insider advice, be sure to subscribe to The Know Before You Go Travel Show so you never miss an episode.

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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!

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