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. 6d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. Aug 29

    From Hawaii to Alaska: The Travel and Cruise Deals Worth Watching

    Send us Fan Mail A $404 round trip flight to Honolulu doesn’t show up often, so we jump on it fast and talk through how to turn that airfare into a full Hawaii vacation package without blowing your budget. We walk through five-night Waikiki options at different comfort levels, share why bundling air and hotel can beat booking separately, and flag the real-world catch that matters most: you’ll want flexibility, because the lowest fares come and go and seat counts can be tight. From there, we hit the travel news that changes what your next flight feels like. American Airlines is bringing seatback screens back to hundreds of narrow-body jets, the FAA is enforcing the rule that airline-provided pre-departure drinks must be collected before pushback, and premium cabin “suite doors” are running into certification delays that can even leave expensive seats temporarily unusable. Then we spotlight the US Virgin Islands as a warm-beach answer to the question we hear all the time: “Where can I go without a passport?” We break down St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, plus a 2027 promotion that can save up to $550 when you pay in full. A listener question takes us into travel insurance, including when to buy it, how pre-existing condition windows work, and newer benefits like airport lounge access during delays. We wrap with cruise headlines and deals, from Norwegian’s short Bahamas push to Alaska demand, plus eye-catching pricing on Princess, Celebrity, and MSC.  Subscribe for more travel deals and cruise news, share this with a friend planning a trip, and leave a review with your best “should I book it?” question.

  4. Aug 22

    Hawaii, China, Alaska & Caribbean Cruise Deals

    Send us Fan Mail Miami has a new reason to show up a few days early before your cruise, and it’s not another rooftop bar. We dig into Reefline, a brand-new underwater sculpture park where the first installation is literally an “underwater traffic jam” of cars that’s designed to evolve into coral reef habitat over time. If you’re building a Miami itinerary with snorkeling or scuba diving, this is one of the most memorable, conversation-starting stops you can add. From there, we move fast through the travel news you can actually use. Delta is expanding Japan service with a new Seattle to Tokyo Narita route, and we talk about what that says about Japan as a top trending destination for American travelers. We also share one of our favorite ways to travel deeper in any city: private custom tours. We explain how Tours By Locals can deliver a flexible, local-led day that can pivot on the fly, from classic highlights to “take us where tourists never go” experiences. Then we get practical with planning and deals. We answer a listener question about China, including why we recommend a structured program and how a Yangtze River cruise can fit into a Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai style itinerary. Another listener asks the big one: which Hawaii island is right for a first trip? We break down Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island based on the vacation you want, plus share a time-sensitive savings window worth considering. We wrap with cruise news, a Western Caribbean sailing built for Mayan ruins, and a simple packing rule for what never belongs in a checked bag. If this helps, subscribe, share with a friend who’s always “thinking about traveling,” and leave a review. Which trip are you planning next?

  5. Aug 15

    Viking $25 Deposits, 40% Off Cancun & Caribbean Cruise Prices to Watch

    Send us Fan Mail Prices, planes, and beach conditions can change your trip faster than any travel trend on TikTok, so we focus on the updates that actually affect what you book and when you book it. We dig into the Boeing 737 Max 7 getting cleared and why that matters for route planning, seat capacity, and service to smaller cities. We also talk about Hawaiian Airlines moving toward newer aircraft for inter-island flights, a practical shift that could improve reliability as older planes get harder to maintain. Then we hit two destination headlines travelers keep asking about: Maui’s continued recovery and the reality of sargassum in Mexico. We break down what sargassum seaweed is, why warm water makes it worse, and how Mexico is spending big money on offshore capture, barriers, and cleanup to protect Cancun and Riviera Maya beaches. After that, we help a listener who wants Italy but not the usual checklist, making the case for Sardinia as a unique Italy vacation with small villages, rugged mountains, Bronze Age history, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Cruise fans get a stacked second half: a rumored move by Explora Journeys into luxury river cruising, rising Caribbean cruise capacity that could spark better last-minute cruise deals, and Viking opening 2028-2029 ocean voyages with a rare $25 deposit promo plus reduced airfare on select sailings. We close with a straight talk travel tip on when basic economy is worth it for short flights. If this helps you plan smarter, subscribe, share the show with a travel buddy, and leave a review so more travelers can find these deals and booking strategies.

  6. Aug 8

    The Ultimate Guide to Princess Plus, Luxury Cruises & Hawaii Vacation Deals

    Send us Fan Mail You can feel travel shifting right now: airports are experimenting with new ways to run security, airlines are trying to sell you something you’ve wanted for years, and cruise and tour companies are stacking itineraries that turn “someday” trips into actual plans. We start with travel headlines that matter for real-world comfort, including more airports considering private contractors for TSA-style screening and United’s move to sell Economy Plus with a guaranteed empty middle seat. If crowded rows and elbow battles make flying miserable, this is one of the most practical upgrades we’ve seen in a long time.  Next, we dig into the onboard experience once you’re in the air. Starlink Wi-Fi continues spreading across fleets, and we explain why faster satellite internet is only part of the story when airlines also care about how the Wi-Fi portal looks and feels. From there, we jump to guided travel with Globus rolling out new tours beyond Europe, including Chile and Northern Patagonia, Peru and Ecuador with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley plus the Galapagos, and Southern Australia with Tasmania, along with a compelling early-booking incentive for future departures.  Then we get specific with inspiration you can use immediately: Hawaii, the Big Island, and the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary just minutes from Kona International Airport. After that, it’s time to cruise, with updates on MSC’s luxury push through Explora Journeys, Port Canaveral’s expansion for the next wave of mega ships, Regent Seven Seas Christmas market sailings, and Viking’s Oberammergau Passion Play trips. We close with a listener question we all get: is Princess Plus worth it, and when does Princess Premier make sense, followed by strong Princess cruise deals to Hawaii and the Caribbean.  Subscribe for more travel news, cruise tips, and vacation planning help, then share this with a friend who needs a trip and leave a review so more travelers can find us.

  7. Aug 1

    Alaska Small Ship Cruises, Cancun Secrets & Europe River Cruise Updates

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  8. Jul 25

    Ready to Disconnect? Caribbean Escapes, Viking Mediterranean Cruise Deal & Christmas Markets

    Send us Fan Mail A “window seat” that has no window sounds like a joke until you are stuck staring at a blank wall for three hours. We break down the real-life windowless seat lawsuit and why it could change how airlines describe seat selection, especially when you are paying extra for a preferred seat. Then we get practical: how we look up aircraft layouts, why some rows are narrower, and the simple seat-check habits that save you from travel frustration before you even get to the airport. From there, we tackle the baggage side of modern flying. United’s Twilight bag drop at Chicago O’Hare is a surprisingly useful upgrade for anyone on an early morning departure, letting you check bags the night before and skip the morning scramble. We also talk about why mishandled bags still happen even as overall rates improve, what tight connections do to your luggage, and why a tracker like an Apple AirTag can make problem solving faster when a suitcase goes missing. Next, we shift gears to the kind of vacation that feels like the opposite of an airport: low tech luxury. Think Caribbean all-inclusive resorts designed for a digital detox, with no TVs, no Wi-Fi, and a clear goal of helping you reconnect with who you are traveling with. If you want the water without the noise, we share why this trend is growing and how to book it at the right time of year. Finally, we head into cruise territory with fresh updates and deals: MSC’s new Pan Asian street food concept, AMA Waterways expanding its Christmas markets options in Germany, Celestyal’s move into Western Mediterranean itineraries, and a Viking Ocean promotion built to fill cabins with perks like airfare, beverages, and low deposits. Subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a review if these tips help you plan smarter trips.

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4.9
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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
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inside Travel Talk
  • Show Website
    Inside Travel Talk