Inside Travel Talk

Mark Faldmo & Patrick Wiscombe
  • 4.9 (12)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Rome Travel Tips, New Europe Entry Requirements & Can’t-Miss Cruise Deals

    Send us a text Booking a Roman getaway in 2025 now comes with new rules—and real opportunities. We unpack the alphabet soup of Europe travel requirements so you know exactly what to apply for, when to apply, and how to breeze through the airport without surprise paperwork. Then we turn a classic Rome trip into a bigger story with five day trips that add history, scenery, and flavor: Tivoli’s gardens and Hadrian’s Villa, the quieter ruins of Ostia Antica, Orvieto’s dramatic cathedral and caves, Naples for pizza and Pompeii, and Tuscan calm in Cortona. If you’re short on time, we’ve got you. We compare five to six night itineraries from trusted tour operators that deliver real depth without draining your PTO, plus a few river options that fit busy calendars. Cruise lovers get a strong value check: Norwegian’s Free at Sea Plus returns with premium drinks, bottled water, Starbucks, unlimited streaming Wi‑Fi, prepaid service charges, and dining discounts that can easily offset the upgrade. On the rivers, AMA Waterways pairs a 14-night Grand Danube with Smithsonian Journeys hosts—think curated lectures, overnight time in Budapest, and cultural context from Germany to Romania. Dreaming bigger? We map the 115-night MSC world cruise, roundtrip Barcelona, featuring rare calls like Rapa Nui and the remote Pitcairn Islands, an overnight in Tahiti, the Panama and Suez Canals, and a sweep through Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean. To stack value on land, we highlight a Delta Vacations promotion offering up to $250 off and up to 10,000 bonus SkyMiles, with an extra agency bonus for Europe packages while space lasts. Ready to turn plans into tickets? Subscribe for weekly smart travel intel, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a quick review to help more explorers find the show. Your next great trip starts with one decision—where are you going first?

    27 min

  2. 12/27/2025

    Travel Smarter: Costa Rica Monkeys, Cruise Deals, and What Not to Do When Traveling

    Send us a text A selfie with your boarding pass could end in a canceled trip—but that’s exactly what happened to one traveler whose reservation was wiped after he posted his full boarding pass online. We dig into the most costly travel don’ts and share practical steps to protect your bookings, your miles, and your sanity before you ever reach the gate. From there, we jump to big destination news: Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris is transforming into Disney Adventure World, featuring a full World of Frozen land and a water-and-drone show built for golden-hour wow. We also track thoughtful progress in Maui as Lahaina Harbor moves into limited operations and explain how to plan Hawaii responsibly while taking advantage of current Delta Vacations perks for SkyMiles and Medallion members. If you’re gifting an experience, Costa Rica makes it easy to deliver on wildlife dreams. We map a flexible route through Arenal’s hanging bridges and Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches, explain how to spot howlers, capuchins, and squirrel monkeys, and break down the best months to visit. Then we set sail for cruise intel: Carnival’s new Ensenada destination upgrades a once-skippable port with a pool-forward playground, and MSC’s New Frontier class balances size with reach to unlock more global ports. For travelers craving fresh Caribbean stamps, we spotlight two Princess itineraries that go beyond the standard loop—a seven-night from San Juan hitting St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados, and a 12-night from Fort Lauderdale that adds Puerto Limón, Colón, Aruba, and Curaçao. With up to 40% off fares, free third and fourth guests, and reduced deposits, the timing is right to lock in value. Ready to travel smarter and see more? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your questions shape future episodes—text or call us with your travel puzzle and we’ll help you solve it.

    27 min

  3. 12/20/2025

    From Morocco to the Falklands: Travel Warnings, Tours, and Cruise Deals!

    Send us a text Planning a trip should feel exciting, not chaotic—so we’re starting where most journeys begin: how we treat each other. We unpack the DOT’s new civility campaign for air travel and share simple, real-world habits that calm cabins, shorten delays, and make flying more pleasant for everyone. Small acts like dressing respectfully, saying please and thank you, and offering a hand with overhead bins go a long way when the aisle gets tight. From there, we pivot to timely safety intel: a focused advisory for northern Japan due to increased bear encounters. The country remains a low-risk destination overall, and we explain how smart routing, local guidance, and cruise itineraries create an easy, cost-effective way to explore Japan’s ports and seasons. That dovetails with a surge in capacity—more ships, longer seasons—and fresh opportunities to lock in value if you move early. Speaking of value, we highlight a standout promotion: save up to $500 per couple on select Cosmos Tours. We walk through three itineraries that balance price and experience—10 days through Morocco’s iconic cities and desert edge, a seven-day glide across Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, and a classic Italy route that keeps costs down by staying off-island near Venice and using boats for access. Each option trades a bit of proximity for flexibility and smart pricing without stripping away the magic. Cruise fans get big news, too. MSC World Atlantic is open for reservations with rare launch fares that beat typical new-ship premiums, especially compared to other mega-class debuts. We discuss MSC's current promotions and offers. We also break down Norwegian’s renewed focus on families: reduced third and fourth guest pricing, headline attractions like go-karts, and the Aqua Coaster on newer ships that make the total cabin cost highly competitive. Finally, we answer a listener question about cruising to the Falkland Islands, pointing to an exceptional 14-day Buenos Aires loop that hits Montevideo, Port Stanley, Ushuaia, and Punta Arenas—prime balcony territory during the southern summer. If you want better trips and better deals, act early, hold space with a small deposit, and lean on advisors who can reprice when promos shift. Subscribe, share with a travel-loving friend, and leave a quick review to help more travelers find smarter ways to see the world.

    27 min

  4. 12/13/2025

    Alaska Adventures, Europe’s Best Christmas Cruises & Award-Winning Resorts

    Send us a text Port loyalties just shifted: Port Canaveral edged out Miami to become the world’s busiest cruise port, and the ripple effects matter for your next sailing. We unpack what drove the surge, how midweek call-ins from Northeastern itineraries tip the scales, and what that means for finding better pricing, ships, and sail dates without the usual hassle. Then we turn to a pair of headlines redefining value: Virgin Voyages rolls out a wide-ranging status match and a bold 30-day Alaska season pass for 2026, inviting die-hard glacier chasers to stack back-to-back voyages into one immersive month at sea. We also go deep on a smarter take than standard all-inclusive. Fresh from Cancun, we share why the “more inclusive” approach at El Dorado resorts delivers outsized value: roundtrip airport transfers, signature experiences like catamaran snorkeling and cenote adventures, eco ranch visits, and beach club access on famed Maroma Beach with a long, local-forward brunch included. From adults-only romance at Royale, Casitas, Seaside Suites, and Maroma to the family-friendly suite setup at Generations Riviera Maya, we map each property to the traveler who’ll love it most, and explain how these extras change the budget math. Introducing alaskacruiseguru.com a new website from Blue Planet Vacations. Explore Alaska Cruise Tours and Small Ship adventure and Luxury Alaska Cruises. Listener questions took us to Europe’s Christmas markets, where early bookings are crucial for 2026. We share our go-to picks: AMA Waterways’ iconic Danube route between Budapest and Nuremberg with Vienna by night and Salzburg’s charm, plus Avalon’s Romantic Rhine between Amsterdam and Basel, featuring Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, and beloved Heidelberg. We compare vibes—castles and villages on the Rhine, grand capitals on the Danube—and outline current airfare promos and stateroom savings, with a realistic note on why holiday sailings sell out fast. Ready to pick your path—glaciers, Christmas lights, or turquoise water? Tap play, get the strategy, and plan smarter. If you enjoy the show, follow, share with a travel-loving friend, and leave a quick review to help more travelers find us.

    29 min

  5. 12/06/2025

    Kauai, Maui or Big Island? Plus Vancouver Tips & Alaska Cruise Deals

    Send us a text Prices at Disney are about to move like airline fares, and we unpack what that truly means for families weighing magic against budgets. We lay out how dynamic pricing will shift day-to-day costs, why flexibility becomes a superpower, and the simple planning moves that protect your wallet without sacrificing the fun. Then we pivot to the airport checkpoint, where the TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification program introduces a new fee for travelers without Real ID—and what you should do now to avoid paying it. We open the map to Hawaii with a listener question that hits a timeless dilemma: which island fits your style. Kauai’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, Maui’s polished mix of beaches and Haleakala sunrises, and the Big Island’s lava-to-rainforest extremes each offer a distinct flavor. We share practical ways to choose, from pace and scenery to budget and crowds, and how to plan smart routes that match your base so you spend time exploring, not commuting. Before you sail to Alaska, Vancouver deserves a night or two. Bike the Stanley Park seawall, snack through Granville Island, brave the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and ride up to Grouse Mountain for views and trails. For easy embarkation, Pan Pacific and Fairmont Waterfront sit beside Canada Place, with Auberge’s boutique charm a short walk away. Ready to cruise? We spotlight a June-value Princess roundtrip with sharp balcony pricing and a 10-day Azamara northbound that trades big-ship bustle for rare ports, longer stays, and Hubbard Glacier time. We even line up a timed offer: save up to $650 on Hawaii and Mexico vacation packages for 2026 travel when paid in full, if booked by December 14. If this guide helped, follow the show, share it with a travel buddy, and leave a quick review to help more travelers find us.

    28 min

  6. 11/29/2025

    No-Passport Winter Getaways + Black Friday Vacations & Cruises You Don’t Want to Miss

    Send us a text Looking for real travel wins you can book today? We’re unpacking the best time-sensitive deals and smarter strategies to turn winter into your favorite season. From $199 cruise fares to an unlimited sailing pass for $799, we separate headline hype from genuine value and show you how to stack perks without sacrificing comfort. We kick off with a traveler’s pet peeve—the “window seat” with no window—and the simple fix that protects your flight experience every time. Then we pivot to high-impact guided trips: Globus discounts on bucket-list tours like Iceland’s Northern Lights loop, a tight-and-deep Turkish Escape, and Swiss rail journeys that stitch Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Lake Geneva together the way Switzerland should be seen. Love trains? The Rocky Mountaineer offers major savings in the Canadian Rockies, and the Denver–Moab route now grants a three-day journey for the price of two. No passport? No problem. We lay out warm-weather escapes that feel far from home: Key West’s beach resorts and sunset scene, St. Thomas with day trips to St. John, and San Juan’s perfect blend of forts, food, casinos, and coastline. Cruising heats up too: Margaritaville at Sea’s unlimited passes, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas moving to Galveston, and Princess shifting toward longer Europe itineraries, more Alaska, and doubled Japan. MSC expands in North America, returns to Alaska in 2027, and showcases Yacht Club—priority boarding, private dining, quiet lounges, and included drinks and Wi‑Fi—an intimate haven on a feature-packed megaship. We close with the numbers that matter: MSC Cyber Monday fares from $199, up to $1,000 in onboard credit, kids sail free on select dates, and June Alaska from around $849—often $150 to $250 less than competitors. Want flexibility? Holiday gift-of-travel certificates come with small discounts and zero guesswork. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a vacation, and leave a review to help others find the show. Ready to plan smarter and travel better? Tell us where you’re heading next.

    31 min

  7. 11/22/2025

    Black Friday Travel Playbook: Expert-Picked Travel and Cruise Deals

    Send us a text Black Friday isn’t about chaos and carts here; it’s about unlocking real travel value without guesswork. We unpack a wave of limited-time deals and focus on two opportunities that deliver outsized returns: a serene, upscale base in Playa Mujeres just north of Cancun, and MSC Cruises’ bold move to Galveston with headline-grabbing offers that make a seven-night escape more attainable than ever. First, we take you inside Playa Mujeres, a gated community with wide, swimmable beaches, fewer crowds, and easy access to Isla Mujeres from the adjacent marina. If Cancun’s hotel zone feels hectic, this area trades the bustle for space, calm, and service while staying close to top tours and dining. The SLS Playa Mujeres stands out with ultra-modern design, generous balconies, attentive dining (yes, off-menu street tacos), and peaceful pools. It’s a strong fit for couples, families, destination weddings, and anyone who wants the Riviera’s beauty without the sargassum headaches that often hit other shores. Then we set sail. MSC Seascape now calls Galveston home, and the team “texified” the experience with Dr Pepper, barbecue favorites, cornbread, and country line dancing—layered over MSC’s European craft: fresh pasta, house-made gelato, breads, and their cult-loved pizza. The reimagined Pier 16 terminal and attached parking make drive-to cruising simple for Texans and neighboring states. With itineraries to Roatán, Costa Maya, and Cozumel plus smart ship design that disperses crowds, the vibe stays energetic, not overwhelming. This week’s deals are the kind that disappear fast: MSC fares from $199 per person, kids sail free on select sailings, and onboard credit you can convert into spa time, specialty dining, shore excursions, or a little casino fun. Stack that with Delta Vacations’ up to $250 off plus up to 10,000 bonus SkyMiles, G Adventures’ up to 30% off small-group trips, Globus savings up to $1,000 per couple (and deep discounts on off-season Europe), and even $698 Fiji Airways roundtrip fares from select U.S. gateways. If you’re ready to travel better for less, now’s the moment. Subscribe for more smart travel breakdowns, share this with someone who needs a getaway, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Which deal are you booking first?

    31 min

  8. 11/15/2025

    Delta Vacations, Avalon Waterways & Cruise Lines Drop Massive Black Friday Deals

    Send us a text Want real travel savings without the fine-print traps? We’re unpacking the best Black Friday offers across airlines, tours, and cruises—and showing you where the true value lives. We start with Delta’s new Comfort Basic fares and draw a firm line between perks and pitfalls: more legroom and zone three boarding, but Basic-like restrictions with delayed seat assignments and no redeemable miles. Then we pair it with Delta Vacations, where package pricing counts toward MQDs, SkyMiles members score tiered bonus miles, and the current promo window stretches bookings into 2026. If you’re chasing elite status or planning a big family trip, this combo can move the needle fast. Cruise fans get a full slate of updates and promos. Norwegian Cruise Line names Jacksonville its newest Florida homeport, adding easy drive-to itineraries from 4- and 5-day Bahamas escapes to 11- and 12-day Caribbean routes. We react to Disney Adventure’s headline feature—the Groot Galaxy Spin—and why some travelers are wary of spin rides at sea. Margaritaville at Sea leans into music culture with a Zac Brown-designed concert venue on the new Beachcomber sailing from Miami, aimed squarely at casual, beach-forward travelers who want live acts built into their voyage. River cruise lovers will want to circle Avalon Waterways’ Black Friday deal: free prepaid gratuities and free airfare to Europe for 2026 departures when booked by December 10. It’s a rare, high-clarity offer that removes two major cost variables while delivering those signature Panorama Suites that face the water. We round up the big ocean cruise sales—Azamara, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, and Margaritaville at Sea—highlighting who benefits most: families stacking third and fourth guests free, couples eyeing adult-only options, and travelers timing status runs with package booking windows. Ready to save smarter and travel better? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a vacation, and leave a quick review to help more travelers find us. Then call 888-718-7717 or visit BluePlanetVacations.com to lock in your deal before the windows close.

    26 min
See All (121)

4.9
out of 5
12 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
    121
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inside Travel Talk
  • Show Website
    Inside Travel Talk

You Might Also Like