Planning a trip today is more complicated than ever, and small mistakes can cost travelers money, time, and even their vacation experience. In this episode of Inside Travel Talk, travel advisor Mark Faldmo explains major cruise and airline industry changes, reveals four travel scams targeting tourists right now, shares expert all-inclusive resort booking strategies, and recommends Alaska cruise shore excursions actually worth your time. If you want smarter travel planning, better vacations, and fewer costly surprises, this episode delivers practical advice you can immediately use.

On this week’s episode

• 

  White Pass and Yukon Railway Alaska Cruise Shore Excursion

  Cruise lines expanding itineraries — including new Africa port visits
• Airlines introducing “basic” business and first-class airfare fares
• Four real travel scams currently targeting tourists and cruise passengers
• How to choose the right all-inclusive resort (and avoid disappointment)
• Seven mistakes travelers make at all-inclusive resorts
• Travel advisor booking advantages most travelers overlook
• Alaska cruise shore excursion recommendations by port
• Whale watching, railroads, glaciers, floatplanes, and wildlife tours in Alaska

Travel News & Travel Protection Advice

Cruise itineraries are expanding worldwide

Cruise lines continue expanding destinations beyond the Caribbean and Alaska. A major cruise line will soon visit Africa for the first time. This matters because Africa traditionally required expensive and complicated land travel planning. Now travelers can sample the continent through a cruise itinerary. For many people, a cruise becomes the gateway trip that inspires a future safari.

Why this matters to travelers

Cruising lowers the barrier to bucket-list destinations. Instead of a full two-week land trip, travelers can experience multiple regions in one vacation. Travel advisors often recommend this approach for first-time international travelers because it reduces risk and complexity. It also allows clients to “preview” destinations before committing to deeper travel.

Airlines are changing premium airfare

Airlines are introducing “basic business class” and “basic first class.” These tickets appear cheaper but remove benefits. Travelers may lose seat selection, upgrades, change flexibility, and mileage earning.

The hidden danger of cheaper premium tickets

This change mirrors basic economy fares. Travelers think they found a deal but actually purchased restrictions. Comparing airfare online will become more confusing. A travel advisor now plays a bigger role than ever. Advisors understand fare classes and explain what travelers truly receive.

Are cheaper business-class tickets a good deal?

Not always. Some discounted business-class fares remove flexibility and perks. The lowest price may actually provide less value than a standard ticket.

Four travel scams travelers need to know

Mark and Patrick discuss scams currently affecting tourists worldwide.

Key scams include:

• Taxi fare manipulation
• Fake attraction tickets
• Pickpocket distraction tactics
• Phone theft and staged interactions

How travelers can protect themselves

Most scams rely on distraction and confusion. Travelers should always:

• Agree on taxi pricing before entering
• Never buy tickets from unofficial sellers
• Keep money separated
• Avoid handing unlocked phones to strangers

Key Takeaways

• Always confirm taxi fares in advance
• Separate daily spending money from main wallet
• Do not accept “free gifts” from street vendors
• Never unlock your phone for strangers
• Buy attraction tickets only from official providers

All-Inclusive Resorts & Alaska Shore Excursions

Choosing the right all-inclusive resort

Not all all-inclusive resorts are equal. Some cater to families. Others are adults-only. Some focus on beaches while others prioritize pools, dining, or activities.

Why travelers should use a travel advisor

Choosing by price alone leads to disappointment. A resort may be affordable but wrong for the traveler’s goals. Advisors match resort personality to traveler personality. That dramatically improves satisfaction.

Seven mistakes’ travelers make at all-inclusive resorts

Common mistakes include:

• Not researching the property
• Ignoring concierge or VIP room upgrades
• Skipping dinner reservations
• Not tipping
• Missing sister-property benefits
• Overlooking included water sports

Should you tip at an all-inclusive resort?

Yes. Tipping is not required, but small tips usually improve service and recognition from staff.

Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions (Listener Question)

Alaska is one of the few cruises where shore excursions are the highlight. Each port offers completely different experiences.

Juneau

Best excursion: whale watching combined with Mendenhall Glacier. Travelers also enjoy Glacier Gardens and the Mount Roberts Tram.

Skagway

Top excursion: White Pass & Yukon Railroad. It combines scenery, history, and wildlife viewing.

Ketchikan

Highlights include totem pole parks, Creek Street, and Misty Fjords floatplane tours.

Sitka

Recommended stops include Sitka National Historical Park, Fortress of the Bear, and the Alaska Raptor Center.

Victoria, British Columbia

Popular options include Butchart Gardens and harbor exploration.

Why Alaska excursions matter

Unlike Caribbean cruises, Alaska experiences happen off the ship. Wildlife, glaciers, and culture define the vacation. Choosing the right excursions dramatically impacts trip satisfaction.

Alaska Cruise Shore Excursion Summary

Alaska cruises deliver the greatest value when travelers prioritize shore excursions. Glacier viewing, wildlife encounters, and local history create the lasting memories. The ship provides transportation and comfort, but Alaska happens on land and water outside the vessel.

Alaska Cruise Shore Excursion FAQ Section

What is the best Alaska shore excursion?

Whale watching in Juneau and the White Pass Railway in Skagway are two of the highest-rated experiences.

Should I book excursions through the cruise line?

Cruise-line tours provide schedule protection. Independent tours sometimes offer lower prices and smaller groups.

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it?

Yes, when matched to traveler preferences. The wrong property causes most negative experiences.

Is a travel advisor still useful today?

More than ever. Travel complexity has increased with fare rules, resort differences, and scams.

Episode Conclusion

This episode highlights a growing reality: travel is no longer simple. Cruise itineraries are expanding, airline pricing is becoming more complicated, and scams increasingly target tourists. However, smart planning transforms travel from stressful to enjoyable. By understanding fare types, selecting the right resorts, protecting yourself from scams, and choosing meaningful shore excursions, travelers dramatically improve their vacation experience. The difference between a good trip and a great trip is preparation. Inside Travel Talk continues to help travelers navigate modern travel with clarity, expertise, and confidence.

About the Hosts

Inside Travel Talk is hosted by travel advisor Mark Faldmo of Blue Planet Vacations. With decades of experience and extensive cruise travel, he helps travelers choose the right destinations, cruise lines, and vacation styles. The show focuses on practical travel planning advice and real-world traveler questions.

.