September 6, 2025 • 27 mins
Ready to escape winter's chill without the typical Hawaii or Mexico getaway? Discover unbelievable value in unexpected destinations as we unveil travel opportunities that will transform your vacation planning.
The travel landscape is shifting dramatically this season. Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy again while continuing operations—a reminder that the ultra-budget airline model faces challenges as travelers increasingly seek better value rather than just rock-bottom prices. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines expands its global footprint through a strategic partnership with EVA Airways, connecting their extensive domestic network to Asian destinations through major West Coast hubs.
For winter escapists seeking something beyond typical beach vacations, we've uncovered extraordinary deals to Greece and Egypt. Imagine exploring Athens, Olympia, and optionally Santorini for just $1,049 per person on a seven-day guided tour. Even more remarkable, Egypt beckons with six-day adventures starting at $849, including visits to the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Alexandria. These off-season "Escape" tours offer remarkable value and fewer crowds.
Traditional favorites aren't being left behind, with Hawaii prices dropping significantly. Maui packages—including airfare and five nights' accommodation—have fallen to $919 per person, while Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive experiences start at $959. These represent substantial savings compared to just weeks ago.
Cruise enthusiasts will appreciate Holland America's enhanced 2026 solar eclipse voyages featuring onboard astronomy experts, while adventure seekers should consider UnCruise's intimate Sea of Cortez expeditions exploring "the Aquarium of the World." For families, MSC Cruises' extended Labor Day sale offers 40% off all sailings plus kids sail free, with balcony cabins from just $669.
Whatever your travel dreams, now's the time to plan your winter escape. Live deliberately and intentionally—because you never know what curveballs life might throw your way.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Patrick Wiscombe (00:00):
It is time to talk travel.
Welcome to the Inside TravelTalk podcast, a radio show
Coming up.
On today's show, mark and Iwill be talking about Spirit
Airlines filing for bankruptcyyet again.
As hot as it's been, coldweather will soon be here, so we
are going to be talking aboutwarm weather, destinations other
than Hawaii and Mexico, Greekand Egypt vacations starting at
(00:23):
$849.
Greek and Egypt vacationsstarting at $849.
Yes, you heard me right.
Solar eclipse cruises for 2026and a new river cruise provider
entering the market.
Let's start the show.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show, presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, contains travel deals,promotions and offers that may
be time sensitive.
(00:43):
All offers and information wereaccurate when the show aired.
Travel deals and offers changeconstantly and are capacity
controlled and subject to changewithout notice.
Show Voice (00:56):
Explore your world.
It's the Inside Travel Talkpodcast and radio show presented
by blueplanetvacations.
com.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atinsidetraveltalk.
com.
And now here are your hosts,Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo
(01:20):
.
Patrick Wiscombe (01:37):
Welcome to the Inside Travel Talk podcast, a
radio show.
Hello there, I am PatrickWiscombe, and if you are brand
new to this radio show andpodcast, our entire purpose is
to help you book and plan yournext vacation, or just give you
ideas of where you may want tovacation next, and we are
presented by BluePlanetVacations.
com.
(01:57):
And just a sincere thank youfor taking the time to stop and
listen.
And this week we are talkingabout Spirit Airlines filing for
bankruptcy yet again.
I think, mark, I think this isthe second time in 2025.
Have I got that right?
Mark Faldmo (02:12):
Well, it's the second time in the past calendar
year.
Patrick Wiscombe (02:18):
Cold weather is on the way, so we're going to
be talking about some otherdestinations other than Hawaii
and Mexico to go on vacation.
But we're also going to talkingabout some other destinations
other than Hawaii and Mexico togo on vacation.
But we're also going to talkabout Hawaii and Mexico $849 to
go to Egypt and just a smidgemore to go to Greece.
And we'll be talking aboutsolar eclipse cruises in 2026.
(02:39):
So that is just a handful ofstories that we'll be talking
about this week on the InsideTravel Talk podcast and radio
show, but first we have to getto the travel news headlines.
Mark, let's start with probablythe biggest story of the week,
which is Spirit Airlines filingfor bankruptcy for a second time
(03:01):
in the past calendar year.
What details do we have forlisteners and, I guess,
potential travelers?
Mark Faldmo (03:07):
For potential travelers.
Spirit vows to continueoperating as normal.
They're using this Chapter 11bankruptcy to restructure.
They did this November of 2024.
So 10 months ago they came outof it.
They first tried to merge withFrontier Airlines.
Then JetBlue agreed to buySpirit, which was prevented by
(03:31):
the Department of Justice.
So ever since they've come outthey've just struggled.
There isn't a lot of room forthe budget airlines.
People still fly them, butpeople are starting to value
more of a value than thatoverall cheap fare and that goes
in phases.
Probably in five or 10 yearsit'll probably swing back the
other way, but right now SpiritAirlines especially, and
(03:54):
Frontier, some of the otherbudget airlines are really
struggling.
But if you do have a ticket onSpirit, they still do continue
operating and they're justtrying to use this to position
themselves to be better in thefuture.
Patrick Wiscombe (04:08):
Southwest is in the news, but this time
they're making headlines for adifferent reason.
It looks like that they'veinked some kind of a partnership
with another airline.
Mark Faldmo (04:17):
They have.
They have inked an interlinepartnership with EVA Airways,
which is based in Taipei, Taiwan.
They will connect the Southwestnetwork to Asia.
A few weeks ago we talked aboutSouthwest partnership with
Iceland there, so now they havea partnership that will link
them to Europe and a partnershipthat will link them to Asia.
(04:40):
Eva Airways' main hubs in theUS are Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Seattle and Chicago.
Those airports are all very big.
Well, actually I take that backit's Chicago O'Hare, which is
not really big for Southwest.
They fly out of Midway mainly,but Los Angeles, San Francisco
and Seattle are very bigSouthwest markets.
Patrick Wiscombe (05:01):
I've never flown EVA Airlines.
Have you, I have.
Mark Faldmo (05:07):
I flew an EVA Airlines to Thailand.
I thought they were a greatairline.
I thought it was interestingSafety video was all Hello Kitty
landing at the terminal.
Like there were a couple ofgate areas that were all Hello
Kitty areas, so it was kind offun.
But EVA Airline I reallyenjoyed that for a long haul
carrier.
A lot of those Asian airlinesdo a really good job.
Patrick Wiscombe (05:29):
Are you a Big Bang Theory fan?
I am.
That reminds me of Hello HelloKitty.
Yeah, we want you to be part ofthe show each and every week.
So if you have travel relatedquestions, please text them
during the week or while we'reon the air.
801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
(05:50):
We did receive a text questionfrom Garrett and he says I want
help, mark, planning a wintervacation.
I want to go somewhere warm,but I don't want a typical beach
vacation like Hawaii and Mexico.
What are some options?
Mark Faldmo (06:07):
I'm going to answer this in a two-part question.
We're going to take part ofthis question in the cruise
segment when we talk aboutcruises, but what came to mind
right away was one of the Globusescape tours.
Now we've talked about these.
They're off-season tours.
We talked about Ireland and afew other tours.
Those aren't really warmweather destinations, but they
(06:28):
do have some of these escapetours which are in warm weather
destinations, and I think thesetwo options would be a very good
option if you're looking forsomething unique and different,
also to go in there, less crowds.
Oh yeah, the first one.
It's a seven day tour.
It's called Greek Escape, butstarts in Athens, two nights in
(06:48):
Athens and then it spends threenights going around to different
places, including Olympia, andthen back for a last night in
Athens.
So you do get a really goodoverview of Greece, and that
seven night tour starts at$1,049 per person, which is
amazing for seven nights.
(07:10):
Now you do have to add yourairfare onto that, but one thing
that I really liked about thisyou could add a two-night
additional stay on the island ofSantorini.
Which you would probablyrecommend I would do that.
These tours all run November toMarch, and if you can get to
Santorini when there are nocruise ships there, as we've
(07:30):
said a couple of times on theshow, that would be amazing.
That is one option.
You also could add on afour-night cruise to the end of
that seven-night tour, whichdoes go to Santorini.
It also goes into Turkey and afew other Greek isles.
There are some really goodoptions and Greece in January
(07:52):
would be probably a verydelightful place.
Now, that is not your typicalbeach destination, oh no, but
you could get that oceanexperience, especially if you
added on that Santorini.
Patrick Wiscombe (08:03):
You could get that ocean experience,
especially if you added on thatSantorini For $1,049 a person,
starting.
Of course you have to add theairfare, like Mark said.
I bet there are some peoplelistening right now going.
I'm sorry.
Mark Faldmo (08:17):
Greece for $1,049?
.
Yeah, sign me up.
Yeah, and you know again, thisis a full tour, so you have all
of your transportation to allthe different cities, you have a
guide with you and they have afew meals included.
So, with the touring andactivities that are included,
now they do have some additionalextra cost activities you can
(08:38):
do, but it is a great value ifyou want something different for
your winter vacation.
Patrick Wiscombe (08:40):
That's the Greek portion of Garrett's
question.
What about the Egypt optionstarting at $849?
Mark Faldmo (08:46):
a person.
This price just kind of flooredme $849 for a six-state tour.
It's a couple nights in Cairoand a couple of nights in
Alexandria.
This $849 includes the GreatPyramid, the Sphinx, includes
(09:07):
the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx.
After you spend your time inCairo, you head over to
Alexandria.
You do get to stop in the Wadial-Natur Wadi is desert in that
area of the world and you stopat a Coptic monastery.
A what monastery, Did you say?
Coptic?
So yeah, so they're CopticChristians which are in Egypt.
It is kind of like the domedbuildings you kind of think of
(09:30):
when you think of mosques, butthey have the Christian crosses
on top.
So it's a Christian monasteryout there.
And then in Alexandria, which isa wonderful port town, this is
kind of where you'd get yourwater and ocean in a wonderful
port town.
This is kind of where you'd getyour water and ocean in.
You'd go to the Bibliotheca,which back from the Indiana
Jones days.
They spent a lot of time inthere looking for things.
(09:52):
And then you head back to Cairoafter Alexandria and here you
drive through the El BahariaDesert, which is called the
Redland, because when you drivethere's a red hue to everything,
because the sand is red andeverything kind of reflects red,
and then, if you want againanother add-on, you can add a
(10:14):
three-night Nile River cruisethat goes up to Karnak and Luxor
, and then you're also in a swanarea, so you can get that Nile
River experience to be added onto the six-day tour.
My word.
So those are two different kindof warm weather destinations
(10:35):
that aren't Hawaii and Mexico.
Patrick Wiscombe (10:36):
So, in addition to the Greek vacation
and the vacation in Egypt, we'realso going to be talking about
Hawaii and Mexico.
This is going to be the hottravel deal of the week and we
are going to help our listenerssave up to $550 off per package
(10:58):
to Hawaii and Mexico.
But really, this is goodworldwide.
Mark Faldmo (11:01):
We introduced this special last week, but as I was
going through and updating theBlueplanetvacations.
com website, I noticed that fromwhen I did this the week prior,
everything has dropped between$25 and $150 per person.
Patrick Wiscombe (11:20):
Really.
Mark Faldmo (11:22):
So this save up to $550, as we talked about last
week is good for travel January1 to December 31st of 2026.
There also is a smallerdiscount for traveling this fall
, and I just kept with traveldates this fall because the
prices were so good.
Probably the biggest drop thatI found and this was for a
(11:45):
mid-November date was to theisland of Maui in Hawaii.
Oh, you don't see discounts toMaui very often you don't, and
you know, I think their tourismis still suffering from the
fires, from just that perceptionwhich unfortunately was never
really true.
You've been to Maui since thefires?
(12:05):
I have not.
We kind of celebrated I thinkit was about three weeks ago
when we saw Maui finallydropping below $1,000 per person
.
Now I found a Maui rate for$919 per person.
That's airfare and five nightshotel at the three and a half
star Royal Kahana.
Typically we kind of leaveeverything at four star and
(12:28):
above on this show, but I'veused the Royal Kahana quite a
bit and I actually my neighbor,which I sent their estate at the
Royal Kahana and they loved it.
It's a great family propertyand with prices this low $919
per person that is a very goodoption.
Patrick Wiscombe (12:46):
That is phenomenal, especially with the
airfare.
Mark Faldmo (12:49):
Yes, I love anywhere in Hawaii, but it's a
great place to visit $919,including the airfare.
Patrick Wiscombe (12:59):
That is just unbelievable.
Call Mark as soon as we get offthe air.
You'll probably get hisvoicemail right now.
Just leave a message.
He will return your call orsomeone in his office will.
888-718-7717.
888-718-7717 is how you get ahold of Blue Planet Vacations
(13:21):
and blueplanetvacations.
com Coming up in the nextsegment.
It is time.
It is time.
It is time for the infamousJust Cruising segment, the
segment of the show that hasmade us famous worldwide.
We will be talking aboutHolland America adding an
astronomy expert for their solareclipse cruises.
(13:42):
A great company getting intothe river cruise business We'll
tell you who that is and MSC isextending their Labor Day sale
30% off cruises plus a wholebunch of freebies.
We'll talk about that next whenthe Inside Travel Talk podcast
and radio show continues.
I am Patrick Wiscombe, he isMark Fogelman.
(14:02):
We'll be right back.
Show Voice (14:08):
Taking you to destinations around the world.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show is presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
Thanks for listening.
(14:29):
We'll be right back.
Inside Travel Talk is broughtto you by Travelex Insurance
(15:05):
Services, their travel insuranceplans.
We'll be right back.
Or blueplanetvacations.
com for more information,America's best travel advisors.
Hit us up right now801-649-3700.
801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
Here's Patrick and Mark.
Patrick Wiscombe (15:47):
Ahoy, mateys Ahoy.
You are listening to the InsideTravel Talk podcast and radio
show.
Alongside Mark Faldmo, my nameis Patrick Wiscombe Coming up in
this segment of the show, theinfamous Just Cruising segment.
It is only about cruises andit's only about the cruise news
(16:09):
of the week, and we've got someoffers for our listeners 30% off
MSC cruises.
That's good for all cruises,not just select destinations.
Have I got that right, mark?
Mark Faldmo (16:23):
You have almost, except it's 40% off.
Oh, okay, that's even better.
Patrick Wiscombe (16:29):
Yeah, we'll talk about that a little bit
later.
Let's jump into.
I was going to say that the uh,the cruise news headlines, but
I neglected to bring somethingup in the last segment, and
let's just start there.
We were talking about save upto $550 off Hawaii and Mexico.
I made a mistake.
We only talked about Hawaii.
(16:50):
I forgot to bring up Mexico.
What destinations are there?
And then we'll get to the crewstuff.
Yeah.
Mark Faldmo (16:54):
So just quickly, Puerto Vallarta, again, another
destination that's under athousand dollars for a five
night package.
For mid-November dates, stay atthe four-star Villa Del Palmer,
all inclusive.
So all your meals, drinksstarting at $959 per person.
So that's flights from SaltLake City, five nights, hotel,
(17:16):
round trip transportation, allyour meals and drinks, $959 per
person.
That is so good.
Patrick Wiscombe (17:21):
I can't believe that we're talking about
Hawaii and Mexico with airfarefor $919.
That was Hawaii, on Mauispecifically, and what'd you say
$959 for Mexico all inclusive.
Mark Faldmo (17:34):
Yeah, for Puerto Vallarta.
That's incredible.
There's some really good deals.
As I mentioned, almost all ofthe destinations and hotels I
looked at were $30 to $120 or soper person, less than they were
a week ago or two weeks ago.
Patrick Wiscombe (17:49):
What happens if the price drops?
Mark Faldmo (17:51):
Well, the company that we book this with has a
price guarantee, and so if youpurchase their travel insurance,
which is always recommended,they will rebook you to the
lower price.
Okay, otherwise you're lockedin.
Otherwise, you're locked in,whatever you've purchased.
Okay, all right, and that'smainly the airline, because the
(18:12):
airline is locked in, good point.
Patrick Wiscombe (18:15):
Now it's time for the cruise news headlines.
Let's get to Holland America,adding some astronomy experts to
their solar eclipse cruises in2026.
Mark Faldmo (18:25):
Every once in a while.
We've talked about these solareclipse cruises and in fact, I
think about two months ago wetalked about how cruise lines
were kind of unprepared for thedemand and they've started
adding.
In fact, holland America is onethat added two additional solar
eclipse cruises for 2027because there's been such a high
demand for these.
(18:46):
So in 2026, the eclipse isgoing to be on August 12th.
Holland America has threevoyages and I believe you can
still purchase these voyages,but they have added an astronomy
expert to all of these.
So the three voyages are an18-day voyage of the Vikings, a
13-day Mediterranean solareclipse and a 28-day legendary
(19:11):
solar eclipse with Greenland andScotland.
So those are the three solareclipse cruises that Holland
America is offering, and thisastronomy expert will be on
board to give lectures, q&asessions, live commentary during
the eclipse.
I think it'd be veryinteresting to be on board and
get that commentary from aprofessional.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:32):
Could you say that the cruise industry was in
the dark about Eclipse Cruises?
Mark Faldmo (19:37):
Yes, that's exactly what I would say.
These little unique things,these travel moments people are
looking for and I think theyjust didn't think these would be
as successful.
But everyone several cruiselines have them and have added
more sailings.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:53):
If you were listening to segment one of the
show, there was a text questionfrom Garrett wanting to go on a
winter vacation but did notnecessarily want to go to Hawaii
and Mexico.
There is a second portion tohis question that we didn't
answer in the first segment.
What other options did you havefor Garrett?
But it is cruise related.
Mark Faldmo (20:13):
This is a cruise.
It is to Mexico, but it's avery unique product.
It's on UnCruise we had a fewweeks ago we had Captain Dan on.
Patrick Wiscombe (20:22):
Oh, he was terrific.
Mark Faldmo (20:24):
Yeah, to talk about UnCruise, and they're a very
unique company and you know, aswe talked about last week with
expedition cruises, they wouldfit within this Expedition
Adventure type cruise.
They offer seven-night Sea ofCortez and 10-night Sea of
Cortez cruises that areround-trip La Paz.
(20:45):
Right now they're offering $500per person, or if you're a solo
traveler, so just an individual, they have 50% off single
supplements and then also anykids are $500 off as well.
So this is a very good offeringfrom Uncruise.
The ship's name that they're onis the Safari Voyager.
(21:06):
It's a 66 guest expedition shipwhich is designed for this type
of voyage.
The Sea of Cortez JacquesCousteau called the Aquarium of
the World.
Heather and I had theopportunity a few years ago to
cruise in the Sea of Cortez.
It was fabulous.
I mean the whales that you see,you're cruising amongst whales,
(21:27):
the ports are different and Ithink it was last week.
Again, we talked about themagic towns.
You'll really get to visit someof those magic towns that are
not visit as much and you willreally get into the culture of
the Baja, which is totallydifferent from the rest of
(21:47):
Mexico.
They mainly do Alaska, but inthe wintertime they need places
to send their ships.
So one place is the Sea ofCortez.
Also one thing that'sinteresting, the 10-night cruise
is called in Steinbeck's Wakeand it actually retraces John
Steinbeck's expedition acrossthe Sea of Cortez.
So you know, for those of youthat are interested in the
(22:11):
literary aspect of that, theykind of really bring that into
this voyage.
Both the 7 and 10 day sailbetween November and April.
But you know, specific toGarrett's question, he wanted to
go in January.
They do offer these cruises andso if you're interested in that
kind of small, with just 66guests on board and everything's
(22:33):
all inclusive, so your meals,beverages, excursions, local
activities, everything isincluded in a non-cruise.
Patrick Wiscombe (22:43):
Let's go over to the cruise deal of the week,
which is, I said, 30%, it'sactually 40% off all MSC cruises
.
This is their Labor Day sale.
It's been extended for usbecause of Laura, correct?
It has?
Yeah, okay, so let's get to thecruise deal of the week MSC
cruises.
Mark Faldmo (23:01):
So MSC cruises again, like you said, 40% off
and kids sale free.
Now, this 40% off only goesthrough Monday.
Patrick Wiscombe (23:10):
Oh, so we got to move on this one.
Mark Faldmo (23:12):
September 8th so you can call on Monday to get it
.
It may be extended or you couldgo on blueplanetvacations.
com search for a cruise and bookit as well.
So that is available right nowto book.
If you call today, I can alsoget one of my agents to help, if
you want.
As we've talked about severaltimes, just does a very good job
(23:33):
with their product.
They had a rough start tolaunching in the US but I think
over the last 18 months they'vedone a really good job on that.
Patrick Wiscombe (23:43):
Yeah, it seems like they've really hit their
stride in like the last one totwo years.
Something special has happened.
Yeah, let's talk about one oftheir sailings.
Which one do you have in mind?
The?
Mark Faldmo (23:56):
one that I have in mind is leaving from Galveston.
This is a January 11th date.
So, again, if you're looking toget out of the cold, I predict
it'll be under 30 degrees onJanuary 11th here in Salt Lake.
So, according to mymeteorological skills which I
can do just as good as the guyon TV probably Shots fired yes,
(24:22):
an inside cabin on January 11th$449 dollars per person, but for
just a little bit more.
And if you've never cruised inthe balcony, this balcony is
lower than most other cruiselines inside rates $669 dollars
per person for a balcony and isthat on the Seascape?
(24:43):
I think it's on the Seascape,MSC, seascape.
Patrick Wiscombe (24:46):
If you don't know what MSC Seascape is, first
of all, it's just the name ofthe ship, but just do a Google
search for MSC Seascape andyou'll see what a beautiful ship
it is.
Mark Faldmo (24:56):
A few weeks ago we talked about how they're really
launching that ship in Galvestonfor families.
You know they've added a lot offamily themed things on that,
so with kids, sell free, youcould probably, if you find the
right date, you could probablyget a family of four on this in
a balcony for less than $1,500for the whole family Plus your
(25:16):
airfare and other things that goalong with the cruise.
It's a very good cruiseexperience for a very good price
.
Patrick Wiscombe (25:22):
Yeah, and the food very good price.
Yeah, and the food's good too.
That's the other thing that alot of people don't mention is
that MSC is really up their foodgame too.
They have, yeah, take advantageof those offers.
Call Mark in his office, justget the conversation started.
No obligation, but you won't bedisappointed if you decide to
go.
888-718-7717.
(25:45):
888-718-7717.
And you can also get thecontact information and some of
the sailing information right onblueplanetvacations.
com.
You can listen to thisaward-nominated show again
tomorrow morning, Sunday, at 11am, right here on this very
(26:06):
radio station that you'relistening to right now.
But if you can't listen in realtime, you can stream, download
and subscribe to the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
We're on all the major podcastplatforms and if you just want
to stream the show, you can juststream it right on
InsideTravelTalk.
com.
It is now your turn to get outand explore the world while you
(26:32):
can, because you never know whatcurveballs life is going to
throw at you, and you know whatI'm talking about.
Live your life deliberately,live your life intentionally.
And a sincere thank you forlistening.
We don't have a show or abusiness without you.
Thank you, have a great week.
We'll talk to you next Saturdayand Sunday.
Show Voice (26:59):
That's it.
That's the end of the showYou've been listening to the
Inside Travel Talk podcast andradio show with Patrick Wiscombe
and Mark Faldmo, presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com.
Book your adventure right now.
Call 888-718-7717.
That's 888-718-7717.
(27:20):
Thanks for listening.
Have a great week.
It is time to talk travel.
Welcome to the Inside TravelTalk podcast, a radio show
Coming up.
On today's show, mark and Iwill be talking about Spirit
Airlines filing for bankruptcyyet again.
As hot as it's been, coldweather will soon be here, so we
are going to be talking aboutwarm weather, destinations other
than Hawaii and Mexico, Greekand Egypt vacations starting at
(00:23):
$849.
Greek and Egypt vacationsstarting at $849.
Yes, you heard me right.
Solar eclipse cruises for 2026and a new river cruise provider
entering the market.
Let's start the show.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show, presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, contains travel deals,promotions and offers that may
be time sensitive.
(00:43):
All offers and information wereaccurate when the show aired.
Travel deals and offers changeconstantly and are capacity
controlled and subject to changewithout notice.
Show Voice (00:56):
Explore your world.
It's the Inside Travel Talkpodcast and radio show presented
by blueplanetvacations.
com.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atinsidetraveltalk.
com.
And now here are your hosts,Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo
(01:20):
.
Patrick Wiscombe (01:37):
Welcome to the Inside Travel Talk podcast, a
radio show.
Hello there, I am PatrickWiscombe, and if you are brand
new to this radio show andpodcast, our entire purpose is
to help you book and plan yournext vacation, or just give you
ideas of where you may want tovacation next, and we are
presented by BluePlanetVacations.
com.
(01:57):
And just a sincere thank youfor taking the time to stop and
listen.
And this week we are talkingabout Spirit Airlines filing for
bankruptcy yet again.
I think, mark, I think this isthe second time in 2025.
Have I got that right?
Mark Faldmo (02:12):
Well, it's the second time in the past calendar
year.
Patrick Wiscombe (02:18):
Cold weather is on the way, so we're going to
be talking about some otherdestinations other than Hawaii
and Mexico to go on vacation.
But we're also going to talkingabout some other destinations
other than Hawaii and Mexico togo on vacation.
But we're also going to talkabout Hawaii and Mexico $849 to
go to Egypt and just a smidgemore to go to Greece.
And we'll be talking aboutsolar eclipse cruises in 2026.
(02:39):
So that is just a handful ofstories that we'll be talking
about this week on the InsideTravel Talk podcast and radio
show, but first we have to getto the travel news headlines.
Mark, let's start with probablythe biggest story of the week,
which is Spirit Airlines filingfor bankruptcy for a second time
(03:01):
in the past calendar year.
What details do we have forlisteners and, I guess,
potential travelers?
Mark Faldmo (03:07):
For potential travelers.
Spirit vows to continueoperating as normal.
They're using this Chapter 11bankruptcy to restructure.
They did this November of 2024.
So 10 months ago they came outof it.
They first tried to merge withFrontier Airlines.
Then JetBlue agreed to buySpirit, which was prevented by
(03:31):
the Department of Justice.
So ever since they've come outthey've just struggled.
There isn't a lot of room forthe budget airlines.
People still fly them, butpeople are starting to value
more of a value than thatoverall cheap fare and that goes
in phases.
Probably in five or 10 yearsit'll probably swing back the
other way, but right now SpiritAirlines especially, and
(03:54):
Frontier, some of the otherbudget airlines are really
struggling.
But if you do have a ticket onSpirit, they still do continue
operating and they're justtrying to use this to position
themselves to be better in thefuture.
Patrick Wiscombe (04:08):
Southwest is in the news, but this time
they're making headlines for adifferent reason.
It looks like that they'veinked some kind of a partnership
with another airline.
Mark Faldmo (04:17):
They have.
They have inked an interlinepartnership with EVA Airways,
which is based in Taipei, Taiwan.
They will connect the Southwestnetwork to Asia.
A few weeks ago we talked aboutSouthwest partnership with
Iceland there, so now they havea partnership that will link
them to Europe and a partnershipthat will link them to Asia.
(04:40):
Eva Airways' main hubs in theUS are Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Seattle and Chicago.
Those airports are all very big.
Well, actually I take that backit's Chicago O'Hare, which is
not really big for Southwest.
They fly out of Midway mainly,but Los Angeles, San Francisco
and Seattle are very bigSouthwest markets.
Patrick Wiscombe (05:01):
I've never flown EVA Airlines.
Have you, I have.
Mark Faldmo (05:07):
I flew an EVA Airlines to Thailand.
I thought they were a greatairline.
I thought it was interestingSafety video was all Hello Kitty
landing at the terminal.
Like there were a couple ofgate areas that were all Hello
Kitty areas, so it was kind offun.
But EVA Airline I reallyenjoyed that for a long haul
carrier.
A lot of those Asian airlinesdo a really good job.
Patrick Wiscombe (05:29):
Are you a Big Bang Theory fan?
I am.
That reminds me of Hello HelloKitty.
Yeah, we want you to be part ofthe show each and every week.
So if you have travel relatedquestions, please text them
during the week or while we'reon the air.
801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
(05:50):
We did receive a text questionfrom Garrett and he says I want
help, mark, planning a wintervacation.
I want to go somewhere warm,but I don't want a typical beach
vacation like Hawaii and Mexico.
What are some options?
Mark Faldmo (06:07):
I'm going to answer this in a two-part question.
We're going to take part ofthis question in the cruise
segment when we talk aboutcruises, but what came to mind
right away was one of the Globusescape tours.
Now we've talked about these.
They're off-season tours.
We talked about Ireland and afew other tours.
Those aren't really warmweather destinations, but they
(06:28):
do have some of these escapetours which are in warm weather
destinations, and I think thesetwo options would be a very good
option if you're looking forsomething unique and different,
also to go in there, less crowds.
Oh yeah, the first one.
It's a seven day tour.
It's called Greek Escape, butstarts in Athens, two nights in
(06:48):
Athens and then it spends threenights going around to different
places, including Olympia, andthen back for a last night in
Athens.
So you do get a really goodoverview of Greece, and that
seven night tour starts at$1,049 per person, which is
amazing for seven nights.
(07:10):
Now you do have to add yourairfare onto that, but one thing
that I really liked about thisyou could add a two-night
additional stay on the island ofSantorini.
Which you would probablyrecommend I would do that.
These tours all run November toMarch, and if you can get to
Santorini when there are nocruise ships there, as we've
(07:30):
said a couple of times on theshow, that would be amazing.
That is one option.
You also could add on afour-night cruise to the end of
that seven-night tour, whichdoes go to Santorini.
It also goes into Turkey and afew other Greek isles.
There are some really goodoptions and Greece in January
(07:52):
would be probably a verydelightful place.
Now, that is not your typicalbeach destination, oh no, but
you could get that oceanexperience, especially if you
added on that Santorini.
Patrick Wiscombe (08:03):
You could get that ocean experience,
especially if you added on thatSantorini For $1,049 a person,
starting.
Of course you have to add theairfare, like Mark said.
I bet there are some peoplelistening right now going.
I'm sorry.
Mark Faldmo (08:17):
Greece for $1,049?
.
Yeah, sign me up.
Yeah, and you know again, thisis a full tour, so you have all
of your transportation to allthe different cities, you have a
guide with you and they have afew meals included.
So, with the touring andactivities that are included,
now they do have some additionalextra cost activities you can
(08:38):
do, but it is a great value ifyou want something different for
your winter vacation.
Patrick Wiscombe (08:40):
That's the Greek portion of Garrett's
question.
What about the Egypt optionstarting at $849?
Mark Faldmo (08:46):
a person.
This price just kind of flooredme $849 for a six-state tour.
It's a couple nights in Cairoand a couple of nights in
Alexandria.
This $849 includes the GreatPyramid, the Sphinx, includes
(09:07):
the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx.
After you spend your time inCairo, you head over to
Alexandria.
You do get to stop in the Wadial-Natur Wadi is desert in that
area of the world and you stopat a Coptic monastery.
A what monastery, Did you say?
Coptic?
So yeah, so they're CopticChristians which are in Egypt.
It is kind of like the domedbuildings you kind of think of
(09:30):
when you think of mosques, butthey have the Christian crosses
on top.
So it's a Christian monasteryout there.
And then in Alexandria, which isa wonderful port town, this is
kind of where you'd get yourwater and ocean in a wonderful
port town.
This is kind of where you'd getyour water and ocean in.
You'd go to the Bibliotheca,which back from the Indiana
Jones days.
They spent a lot of time inthere looking for things.
(09:52):
And then you head back to Cairoafter Alexandria and here you
drive through the El BahariaDesert, which is called the
Redland, because when you drivethere's a red hue to everything,
because the sand is red andeverything kind of reflects red,
and then, if you want againanother add-on, you can add a
(10:14):
three-night Nile River cruisethat goes up to Karnak and Luxor
, and then you're also in a swanarea, so you can get that Nile
River experience to be added onto the six-day tour.
My word.
So those are two different kindof warm weather destinations
(10:35):
that aren't Hawaii and Mexico.
Patrick Wiscombe (10:36):
So, in addition to the Greek vacation
and the vacation in Egypt, we'realso going to be talking about
Hawaii and Mexico.
This is going to be the hottravel deal of the week and we
are going to help our listenerssave up to $550 off per package
(10:58):
to Hawaii and Mexico.
But really, this is goodworldwide.
Mark Faldmo (11:01):
We introduced this special last week, but as I was
going through and updating theBlueplanetvacations.
com website, I noticed that fromwhen I did this the week prior,
everything has dropped between$25 and $150 per person.
Patrick Wiscombe (11:20):
Really.
Mark Faldmo (11:22):
So this save up to $550, as we talked about last
week is good for travel January1 to December 31st of 2026.
There also is a smallerdiscount for traveling this fall
, and I just kept with traveldates this fall because the
prices were so good.
Probably the biggest drop thatI found and this was for a
(11:45):
mid-November date was to theisland of Maui in Hawaii.
Oh, you don't see discounts toMaui very often you don't, and
you know, I think their tourismis still suffering from the
fires, from just that perceptionwhich unfortunately was never
really true.
You've been to Maui since thefires?
(12:05):
I have not.
We kind of celebrated I thinkit was about three weeks ago
when we saw Maui finallydropping below $1,000 per person
.
Now I found a Maui rate for$919 per person.
That's airfare and five nightshotel at the three and a half
star Royal Kahana.
Typically we kind of leaveeverything at four star and
(12:28):
above on this show, but I'veused the Royal Kahana quite a
bit and I actually my neighbor,which I sent their estate at the
Royal Kahana and they loved it.
It's a great family propertyand with prices this low $919
per person that is a very goodoption.
Patrick Wiscombe (12:46):
That is phenomenal, especially with the
airfare.
Mark Faldmo (12:49):
Yes, I love anywhere in Hawaii, but it's a
great place to visit $919,including the airfare.
Patrick Wiscombe (12:59):
That is just unbelievable.
Call Mark as soon as we get offthe air.
You'll probably get hisvoicemail right now.
Just leave a message.
He will return your call orsomeone in his office will.
888-718-7717.
888-718-7717 is how you get ahold of Blue Planet Vacations
(13:21):
and blueplanetvacations.
com Coming up in the nextsegment.
It is time.
It is time.
It is time for the infamousJust Cruising segment, the
segment of the show that hasmade us famous worldwide.
We will be talking aboutHolland America adding an
astronomy expert for their solareclipse cruises.
(13:42):
A great company getting intothe river cruise business We'll
tell you who that is and MSC isextending their Labor Day sale
30% off cruises plus a wholebunch of freebies.
We'll talk about that next whenthe Inside Travel Talk podcast
and radio show continues.
I am Patrick Wiscombe, he isMark Fogelman.
(14:02):
We'll be right back.
Show Voice (14:08):
Taking you to destinations around the world.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show is presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
Thanks for listening.
(14:29):
We'll be right back.
Inside Travel Talk is broughtto you by Travelex Insurance
(15:05):
Services, their travel insuranceplans.
We'll be right back.
Or blueplanetvacations.
com for more information,America's best travel advisors.
Hit us up right now801-649-3700.
801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
Here's Patrick and Mark.
Patrick Wiscombe (15:47):
Ahoy, mateys Ahoy.
You are listening to the InsideTravel Talk podcast and radio
show.
Alongside Mark Faldmo, my nameis Patrick Wiscombe Coming up in
this segment of the show, theinfamous Just Cruising segment.
It is only about cruises andit's only about the cruise news
(16:09):
of the week, and we've got someoffers for our listeners 30% off
MSC cruises.
That's good for all cruises,not just select destinations.
Have I got that right, mark?
Mark Faldmo (16:23):
You have almost, except it's 40% off.
Oh, okay, that's even better.
Patrick Wiscombe (16:29):
Yeah, we'll talk about that a little bit
later.
Let's jump into.
I was going to say that the uh,the cruise news headlines, but
I neglected to bring somethingup in the last segment, and
let's just start there.
We were talking about save upto $550 off Hawaii and Mexico.
I made a mistake.
We only talked about Hawaii.
(16:50):
I forgot to bring up Mexico.
What destinations are there?
And then we'll get to the crewstuff.
Yeah.
Mark Faldmo (16:54):
So just quickly, Puerto Vallarta, again, another
destination that's under athousand dollars for a five
night package.
For mid-November dates, stay atthe four-star Villa Del Palmer,
all inclusive.
So all your meals, drinksstarting at $959 per person.
So that's flights from SaltLake City, five nights, hotel,
(17:16):
round trip transportation, allyour meals and drinks, $959 per
person.
That is so good.
Patrick Wiscombe (17:21):
I can't believe that we're talking about
Hawaii and Mexico with airfarefor $919.
That was Hawaii, on Mauispecifically, and what'd you say
$959 for Mexico all inclusive.
Mark Faldmo (17:34):
Yeah, for Puerto Vallarta.
That's incredible.
There's some really good deals.
As I mentioned, almost all ofthe destinations and hotels I
looked at were $30 to $120 or soper person, less than they were
a week ago or two weeks ago.
Patrick Wiscombe (17:49):
What happens if the price drops?
Mark Faldmo (17:51):
Well, the company that we book this with has a
price guarantee, and so if youpurchase their travel insurance,
which is always recommended,they will rebook you to the
lower price.
Okay, otherwise you're lockedin.
Otherwise, you're locked in,whatever you've purchased.
Okay, all right, and that'smainly the airline, because the
(18:12):
airline is locked in, good point.
Patrick Wiscombe (18:15):
Now it's time for the cruise news headlines.
Let's get to Holland America,adding some astronomy experts to
their solar eclipse cruises in2026.
Mark Faldmo (18:25):
Every once in a while.
We've talked about these solareclipse cruises and in fact, I
think about two months ago wetalked about how cruise lines
were kind of unprepared for thedemand and they've started
adding.
In fact, holland America is onethat added two additional solar
eclipse cruises for 2027because there's been such a high
demand for these.
(18:46):
So in 2026, the eclipse isgoing to be on August 12th.
Holland America has threevoyages and I believe you can
still purchase these voyages,but they have added an astronomy
expert to all of these.
So the three voyages are an18-day voyage of the Vikings, a
13-day Mediterranean solareclipse and a 28-day legendary
(19:11):
solar eclipse with Greenland andScotland.
So those are the three solareclipse cruises that Holland
America is offering, and thisastronomy expert will be on
board to give lectures, q&asessions, live commentary during
the eclipse.
I think it'd be veryinteresting to be on board and
get that commentary from aprofessional.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:32):
Could you say that the cruise industry was in
the dark about Eclipse Cruises?
Mark Faldmo (19:37):
Yes, that's exactly what I would say.
These little unique things,these travel moments people are
looking for and I think theyjust didn't think these would be
as successful.
But everyone several cruiselines have them and have added
more sailings.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:53):
If you were listening to segment one of the
show, there was a text questionfrom Garrett wanting to go on a
winter vacation but did notnecessarily want to go to Hawaii
and Mexico.
There is a second portion tohis question that we didn't
answer in the first segment.
What other options did you havefor Garrett?
But it is cruise related.
Mark Faldmo (20:13):
This is a cruise.
It is to Mexico, but it's avery unique product.
It's on UnCruise we had a fewweeks ago we had Captain Dan on.
Patrick Wiscombe (20:22):
Oh, he was terrific.
Mark Faldmo (20:24):
Yeah, to talk about UnCruise, and they're a very
unique company and you know, aswe talked about last week with
expedition cruises, they wouldfit within this Expedition
Adventure type cruise.
They offer seven-night Sea ofCortez and 10-night Sea of
Cortez cruises that areround-trip La Paz.
(20:45):
Right now they're offering $500per person, or if you're a solo
traveler, so just an individual, they have 50% off single
supplements and then also anykids are $500 off as well.
So this is a very good offeringfrom Uncruise.
The ship's name that they're onis the Safari Voyager.
(21:06):
It's a 66 guest expedition shipwhich is designed for this type
of voyage.
The Sea of Cortez JacquesCousteau called the Aquarium of
the World.
Heather and I had theopportunity a few years ago to
cruise in the Sea of Cortez.
It was fabulous.
I mean the whales that you see,you're cruising amongst whales,
(21:27):
the ports are different and Ithink it was last week.
Again, we talked about themagic towns.
You'll really get to visit someof those magic towns that are
not visit as much and you willreally get into the culture of
the Baja, which is totallydifferent from the rest of
(21:47):
Mexico.
They mainly do Alaska, but inthe wintertime they need places
to send their ships.
So one place is the Sea ofCortez.
Also one thing that'sinteresting, the 10-night cruise
is called in Steinbeck's Wakeand it actually retraces John
Steinbeck's expedition acrossthe Sea of Cortez.
So you know, for those of youthat are interested in the
(22:11):
literary aspect of that, theykind of really bring that into
this voyage.
Both the 7 and 10 day sailbetween November and April.
But you know, specific toGarrett's question, he wanted to
go in January.
They do offer these cruises andso if you're interested in that
kind of small, with just 66guests on board and everything's
(22:33):
all inclusive, so your meals,beverages, excursions, local
activities, everything isincluded in a non-cruise.
Patrick Wiscombe (22:43):
Let's go over to the cruise deal of the week,
which is, I said, 30%, it'sactually 40% off all MSC cruises
.
This is their Labor Day sale.
It's been extended for usbecause of Laura, correct?
It has?
Yeah, okay, so let's get to thecruise deal of the week MSC
cruises.
Mark Faldmo (23:01):
So MSC cruises again, like you said, 40% off
and kids sale free.
Now, this 40% off only goesthrough Monday.
Patrick Wiscombe (23:10):
Oh, so we got to move on this one.
Mark Faldmo (23:12):
September 8th so you can call on Monday to get it
.
It may be extended or you couldgo on blueplanetvacations.
com search for a cruise and bookit as well.
So that is available right nowto book.
If you call today, I can alsoget one of my agents to help, if
you want.
As we've talked about severaltimes, just does a very good job
(23:33):
with their product.
They had a rough start tolaunching in the US but I think
over the last 18 months they'vedone a really good job on that.
Patrick Wiscombe (23:43):
Yeah, it seems like they've really hit their
stride in like the last one totwo years.
Something special has happened.
Yeah, let's talk about one oftheir sailings.
Which one do you have in mind?
The?
Mark Faldmo (23:56):
one that I have in mind is leaving from Galveston.
This is a January 11th date.
So, again, if you're looking toget out of the cold, I predict
it'll be under 30 degrees onJanuary 11th here in Salt Lake.
So, according to mymeteorological skills which I
can do just as good as the guyon TV probably Shots fired yes,
(24:22):
an inside cabin on January 11th$449 dollars per person, but for
just a little bit more.
And if you've never cruised inthe balcony, this balcony is
lower than most other cruiselines inside rates $669 dollars
per person for a balcony and isthat on the Seascape?
(24:43):
I think it's on the Seascape,MSC, seascape.
Patrick Wiscombe (24:46):
If you don't know what MSC Seascape is, first
of all, it's just the name ofthe ship, but just do a Google
search for MSC Seascape andyou'll see what a beautiful ship
it is.
Mark Faldmo (24:56):
A few weeks ago we talked about how they're really
launching that ship in Galvestonfor families.
You know they've added a lot offamily themed things on that,
so with kids, sell free, youcould probably, if you find the
right date, you could probablyget a family of four on this in
a balcony for less than $1,500for the whole family Plus your
(25:16):
airfare and other things that goalong with the cruise.
It's a very good cruiseexperience for a very good price
.
Patrick Wiscombe (25:22):
Yeah, and the food very good price.
Yeah, and the food's good too.
That's the other thing that alot of people don't mention is
that MSC is really up their foodgame too.
They have, yeah, take advantageof those offers.
Call Mark in his office, justget the conversation started.
No obligation, but you won't bedisappointed if you decide to
go.
888-718-7717.
(25:45):
888-718-7717.
And you can also get thecontact information and some of
the sailing information right onblueplanetvacations.
com.
You can listen to thisaward-nominated show again
tomorrow morning, Sunday, at 11am, right here on this very
(26:06):
radio station that you'relistening to right now.
But if you can't listen in realtime, you can stream, download
and subscribe to the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
We're on all the major podcastplatforms and if you just want
to stream the show, you can juststream it right on
InsideTravelTalk.
com.
It is now your turn to get outand explore the world while you
(26:32):
can, because you never know whatcurveballs life is going to
throw at you, and you know whatI'm talking about.
Live your life deliberately,live your life intentionally.
And a sincere thank you forlistening.
We don't have a show or abusiness without you.
Thank you, have a great week.
We'll talk to you next Saturdayand Sunday.
Show Voice (26:59):
That's it.
That's the end of the showYou've been listening to the
Inside Travel Talk podcast andradio show with Patrick Wiscombe
and Mark Faldmo, presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com.
Book your adventure right now.
Call 888-718-7717.
That's 888-718-7717.
(27:20):
Thanks for listening.
Have a great week.
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