Inside Travel Talk

Mark Faldmo & Patrick Wiscombe
  • 4.9 (13)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Discover the world one conversation at a time with Inside Travel Talk, the best travel podcast for curious explorers. Each episode delivers expert travel tips, hidden gems, and insider advice on the best destinations. We deliver inspiring stories, proven travel strategies, and insider travel tips you can trust. Learn the smartest ways to save money while experiencing the best destinations. Plus, hear from travel pros who know the must-see spots around the globe. Whether you crave beaches, city adventures, or cultural escapes, this podcast sparks wanderlust instantly. Above all, we make travel planning fun, simple, and inspiring. Tune in weekly for the latest travel hacks and get motivated to book your next adventure today! Brought to you by Blue Planet Vacations.

  1. 4d ago

    Expedition Cruises to Japan and Europe, New Cruise Rules, and Fiji Travel Deals

    Send us Fan Mail Mark is calling in live from a “quiet booth” at LAX on his way to Fiji, so we keep it tight and packed with the travel news you can actually use. If you like a weekly travel briefing that helps you plan and book smarter, you’ll hear a fast rundown of what changed this week across cruising, airlines, and one genuinely strong cruise deal. We dig into Carnival Cruise Line’s tighter policy for minor guests, including new cabin distance rules for travelers ages 15 to 20 and even stricter requirements for kids under 15. If you’re booking a family cruise or coordinating a big group with teens and young adults, this is the kind of fine print that can create last-minute stress. We also explain why working with a travel advisor can save you hours when you’re trying to place multiple cabins across a ship while staying compliant with age rules. Then we shift to the skies. Southwest is pushing a “reclaim your time” message that backs what many of us need most: permission to unplug and actually rest on a flight. American Airlines adds a practical upgrade for points fans by allowing miles plus cash redemptions, making it easier to book even when you’re a little short on miles. On the destination front, Viking expands Egypt river cruising with the new Viking Sobek on the Nile, and we share the hot travel deal of the week: National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions offering up to $2,000 per person in airfare credits on select voyages, including standout itineraries in Coastal Japan and along the Celtic Coast toward Portugal. We wrap with a quick Fiji teaser, including current airfare pricing and why Mark’s on-the-ground hotel visits matter if you’re considering the islands. Subscribe for more weekly travel news, share this with a friend planning a trip, and leave a review so more travelers can find the show.

  2. Oct 17

    Halloween Travel Experiences, Dracula’s Transylvania and the Best Cruise Vacation Deals

    Send us Fan Mail A volcano that’s flinging rocks into parking lots, airport security that’s trying to finally move faster, and Halloween travel ideas that range from family-friendly to full-on gothic, this one is packed with practical trip planning fuel. We kick off with travel news you can actually use, including what’s happening right now with Kilauea and why Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closing certain trails and viewing areas. If the Big Island is on your list, we talk through what the closures mean and how to stay safe while still building a great itinerary. Next, we get into U.S. airport and airline updates that affect almost every flyer. TSA PreCheck is exploring faster lanes with e-gates, advanced imaging, and AI-supported screening, and we share why that matters even if you don’t have PreCheck. We also react to American Airlines ending involuntary bumping and what that could change for overbooked flights and volunteer compensation. Then we have some fun: our Halloween-inspired travel countdown includes a Jack the Ripper walking tour in London, haunted New Orleans ghost tours, Edinburgh’s underground vaults, and Disneyland at Halloween. The Hot Travel Deal of the Week goes international with Exotica’s nine-day Dracula and the Treasures of Transylvania tour in Romania, plus a broader 60% off promotion. After the break, it’s cruise news and cruise deals: MSC breaks ground on a luxury private island, Holland America expands, and Royal Caribbean goes bigger in Alaska. We also answer a listener question with a creative solution for Tahiti without a long flight, and we close with an essential travel tip on medications that can be restricted abroad. If you like smart travel news, cruise planning, and deals you can book, subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave us a review.

  3. Oct 10

    Hawaii Vacation Savings, Mexico Safety & the Top 10 Travel Destinations

    Send us Fan Mail Airlines keep getting creative with pricing, and “premium basic” fares might be the clearest example yet. We break down United’s move toward unbundled first class style tickets, what perks quietly disappear, and why it can change the real cost of a trip once you add seats, flexibility, and extras. We also dig into a genuinely useful update: American Airlines’ automated seat swapping feature that can rescue you from a middle seat without obsessively refreshing the app. Then we tackle a topic we hear constantly from travelers: Mexico safety misconceptions. We explain why scary headlines from one region should not define Cancun, Los Cabos, or Puerto Vallarta, and how to use travel.state.gov to check advisories the right way. We share practical Mexico travel tips we rely on, including using reputable airport transfers and vetted tour operators, plus how to spot common arrival-area scams that target tired vacationers. From there, we zoom out to what people are booking next with our top requested vacations for 2026, including Italy’s enduring pull, Alaska’s dominance as a domestic favorite, and continued demand for Greece, Japan, Portugal, and all-inclusive resorts. We also answer a big listener question about Hawaii travel costs with real-world ways to save without “doing Hawaii on the cheap” by choosing Oahu for value, traveling in shoulder season, picking smarter Waikiki hotels, and using kitchenettes to control food spending. If you want clearer travel advice, better deals, and fewer surprises, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s planning a trip, and leave us a review so more travelers can find the show.

  4. Oct 3

    Panama Canal Cruise Deals, HX Expeditions and Europe Vacation Savings

    Send us Fan Mail Royal Caribbean isn’t just thinking about ships anymore and that should get every cruise fan’s attention. We dig into the headline that Royal Caribbean Group is set to acquire a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts, and we talk through what it could mean for all-inclusive resort vacations, cruise-to-resort combos in the Caribbean, and even future loyalty perks. It’s a big swing toward “one brand for your whole vacation,” and we lay out the real pros, the possible downsides, and why destinations like Jamaica are at the center of it all. From there, we hit the travel news you can actually use. Alaska Airlines is rolling out a choose-your-own adventure approach to earning loyalty points, letting you pick distance, dollars, or segments depending on how you fly. We also flag a luggage tag barcode scam targeting checked bags and share an easy habit that protects your personal info. Add in budget airlines exploring premium seats, a Spirit Airlines bankruptcy update, and Venice considering higher entry fees to fight overtourism, and you’ve got a week of travel headlines that affect your wallet and your plans. Then we shift into trip planning and deals. We answer a listener question about whether it’s worth arriving to New Orleans a few days before a cruise and give a realistic list of what to do and what to avoid. You’ll also hear the hot travel deal of the week for Europe with stackable credits and savings, plus our Just Cruising segment featuring HX expedition cruising (Greenland, Antarctica, Alaska) and two attention-grabbing 16-day Panama Canal cruise deals, including a full transit option starting under $1,000. Subscribe, share this with your favorite travel planner, and leave a review with the next destination you want us to price out.

  5. Sep 26

    Holiday Travel Is Filling Fast—Plus Jamaica, Unique Alaska & European River Cruise Ideas

    Send us Fan Mail Holiday travel is getting crowded fast, and waiting is turning into the most expensive strategy. We’re seeing strong early demand for Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations, especially for Caribbean resorts, cruises, villas, and multigenerational trips, which means the best options are disappearing first and the leftover inventory costs more. We explain why April and May planning beats last-minute September scrambling, plus how to stay flexible if you’re still trying to grab a warm-weather getaway. We also dig into what’s changing behind the scenes. Jet fuel prices are squeezing airlines, and when carriers reduce capacity, fewer seats usually means higher fares and fewer convenient schedules. On the resort side, Hyatt is making a notable move by bringing a Grand Hyatt all-inclusive into Cancun, a big signal for travelers searching for premium all-inclusive experiences in Mexico. And for airline nerds, we react to the 2026 Skytrax rankings, where Singapore Airlines takes the top spot and no US-based airline lands in the top 20, while Delta earns recognition for best Wi-Fi. A listener question takes us to Jamaica: has the island recovered from last year’s hurricane? We share the update, then lay out a smart place to start with Royalton Resorts, including current savings and which properties fit families versus adults-only travelers. We round things out with major cruise headlines, an Alaska adventure option with Uncruise, a Viking river cruise sale with low deposits and potential free airfare, and a surprisingly useful airline “flat tire rule” tip if life happens and you miss your flight. If this helps, subscribe on your favorite podcast app, share it with your favorite travel planner, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. What trip are you trying to book next?

  6. Sep 19

    Tall Ship Sailing Cruises: Star Clippers, Windstar & Sea Cloud—Plus Morocco Travel Ideas

    Send us Fan Mail A hurricane hits Kauai and suddenly the question isn’t “Where do we want to go?” It’s “How fast can we pivot without losing money or burning a full day on hold?” We start with the week’s biggest travel news, including Kauai’s recovery timeline and why the smartest move is often to postpone, not cancel. We also talk about how travel advisors can use airline waiver codes to rebook quickly, which matters when weather events scramble flights, hotels, and ground plans all at once. From there, we zoom out to the travel trends shaping 2026 and beyond: cities across England considering an overnight tourism tax that could make hotel pricing vary by municipality, and Google stripping key flight and hotel search features from European results under the EU Digital Markets Act. We also flag a major loyalty shift as Hyatt ends its long-running crossover benefits with American AAdvantage and moves into a new partnership with Delta SkyMiles, which could change how you earn and redeem points on your next trip. Next, we answer a listener’s Morocco question with a clear, practical game plan: which destinations to prioritize (Marrakech, Fez, Erfoud, and Rabat), why escorted tours can be the best way to see Morocco efficiently, and what current Globus and Cosmos deals can look like. Then we hit our Just Cruising segment with eye-popping cruise industry growth numbers, Oceania’s first fully gluten-free cruise, Carnival Tropical’s new onboard features, Explora Journeys shifting sailings to South America, and a simpler approach to onboard drink and dining spend with Celestyal Pay. We wrap with true sailing ship cruise options (Star Clippers, Windstar, Sea Cloud) and a travel tip that can save your seat: check in right when the 24-hour window opens. If this helps, subscribe, share the episode with your favorite travel planner, and leave a review so more travelers can find us. What trip are you planning next, and what’s the one thing you want to get right this time?

  7. Sep 12

    Day of the Dead in Mexico Plus Holland America's Longer Alaska Cruise

    Send us Fan Mail Airports are getting weirder and more convenient at the same time, and we walk through the changes that can actually make your next travel day smoother. Delta and Aeromexico get a major legal reversal that keeps their partnership alive, which matters if you want easier connections beyond Mexico City. United is also testing a feature that feels like DoorDash for airports, letting you order food in the app and have it delivered to your gate. We also talk about TSA’s GateSide option at select airports for approved TSA PreCheck members, plus Southwest’s first lounges and what that signals about the airline’s shift toward a more full-service experience.  Then we jump into a listener-inspired Mexico trip idea that goes far beyond “just go to the beach.” Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a powerful celebration of remembrance, and we share the key dates, what you’ll see, and what not to miss, including pan de muerto. We compare the vibe in Oaxaca, Mexico City, Cancun’s Xcaret festival, and why Puerto Vallarta might be the best fit for most travelers who want culture and a classic Mexico beach vacation in one trip. You’ll also hear current Mexico travel deals and all-inclusive resort promotions from brands like Riu, Hyatt Ziva, and the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, with important book-by timing.  The Just Cruising segment brings the cruise deals too: Holland America’s Have It All early booking bonus, plus newly opened 2028 Alaska cruises with longer itineraries up to 18 days and more unusual ports. We wrap with a straight talk reminder on travel insurance vs credit card coverage, including emergency medical and medical evacuation. If you get value from practical travel tips and real booking strategy, subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave us a review.

  8. Sep 5

    Peru Travel Deals, a Spain-to-Morocco Cruise and New Europe Flights for 2027

    Send us Fan Mail A nonstop flight can be the difference between “someday” and “booked.” We kick things off with a rare seasonal win for travelers in the West: Delta’s nonstop Salt Lake City to Lima, Peru, running December through January, with round-trip fares starting around $771. Then we map out how to turn Peru into a full experience instead of a single checkbox, pairing Machu Picchu with the Amazon rainforest near Puerto Maldonado, time in Cusco, and a stay in the Sacred Valley so the trip feels balanced and unrushed. Next, we dig into travel news that affects how you plan and what you pay. Delta is rolling out live sports streaming on international flights through onboard Wi-Fi, and US carriers are shifting strategy in Europe by adding more nonstop routes to secondary cities and leisure destinations. We talk through what that could mean for your next Europe vacation, plus a standout Fiji Airways 75th anniversary sale that can price Fiji and even Sydney at surprisingly low levels on select dates, with the option to add a Fiji stopover to break up the long haul. Our Just Cruising segment is all about value and unusual ports. Mark shares a seven-night Celestyal cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon with stops like Gibraltar and Casablanca, Morocco, starting at $549 for an inside cabin. We also hit major cruise headlines, from Oceania’s new Sonata-class ship plans to new and returning homeports like Philadelphia and New York City, and we wrap with a money-saving reminder: carry-on rules in Europe are not universal, so check every airline on your itinerary before you pack. If you want more travel deals, smarter itineraries, and fewer surprises, subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us.

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4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Discover the world one conversation at a time with Inside Travel Talk, the best travel podcast for curious explorers. Each episode delivers expert travel tips, hidden gems, and insider advice on the best destinations. We deliver inspiring stories, proven travel strategies, and insider travel tips you can trust. Learn the smartest ways to save money while experiencing the best destinations. Plus, hear from travel pros who know the must-see spots around the globe. Whether you crave beaches, city adventures, or cultural escapes, this podcast sparks wanderlust instantly. Above all, we make travel planning fun, simple, and inspiring. Tune in weekly for the latest travel hacks and get motivated to book your next adventure today! Brought to you by Blue Planet Vacations.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Faldmo & Patrick Wiscombe
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inside Travel Talk
  • Show Website
    Inside Travel Talk

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