Mexico’s Day of the Dead is far more than colorful Catrinas and elaborate decorations. Día de Muertos is a celebration of remembrance, family and the enduring connection between the living and those who have died. This week, Inside Travel Talk explores where travelers can experience the tradition—from Oaxaca and Mexico City to Xcaret and Puerto Vallarta—and why Mark Faldmo considers Puerto Vallarta an especially appealing choice for travelers who want cultural immersion and a beach vacation in one trip. The episode also covers new airline and airport developments, Holland America’s ambitious 2028 Alaska cruises, Margaritaville at Sea’s Beachcomber and an important discussion about travel insurance.

On This Week’s Episode

Day of the Dead Celebration in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

• Where to experience Day of the Dead in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Mexico City and Xcaret
• Why Día de Muertos should not simply be considered “Mexico’s Halloween”
• Mark Faldmo’s firsthand Day of the Dead experiences in Mexico and his Puerto Vallarta hotel recommendations
• Travel Deal of the Week: Mexico resort promotions from RIU, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Inclusive Collection and other brands
• The Delta-Aeromexico joint venture survives a legal challenge
• United Airlines tests food and travel-essential delivery to departure gates at Newark
• Gateside by TSA PreCheck brings non-ticketed visitors beyond security at 13 airports, including Salt Lake City
• Southwest announces its first airport lounges
• Club Med’s continued expansion of all-inclusive travel
• Just Cruising: Holland America’s Have It All Early Booking Bonus
• Holland America’s new 2028 Alaska itineraries of up to 18 days
• Princess Cruises shifts future calls away from Princess Cays
• Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, Zac Brown’s Same Boat music venue and a fleet gathering in Nassau
• Mark’s travel-insurance advice and five questions to ask before relying on credit-card coverage

Expert Summary

The biggest destination takeaway this week is that Day of the Dead in Mexico is a cultural experience worth planning a trip around, not simply something travelers happen to encounter while vacationing there. Mark recommends Puerto Vallarta for many leisure travelers because it combines Día de Muertos festivities with a traditional resort-and-beach vacation, while Oaxaca offers deeper cultural immersion. On the cruise side, Holland America’s newly opened 2028 Alaska season stands out for longer 11-, 14-, 16- and 18-day itineraries that venture beyond the usual Southeast Alaska ports. Travelers should also examine travel-insurance benefits carefully rather than assuming a credit card provides comprehensive protection.

Quick Answers

When is Day of the Dead in Mexico?

The central observances take place November 1 and November 2, although traditions and schedules vary by community and festivities can begin days earlier. Mexico’s tourism information identifies November 1 with remembrance of children who have died and November 2 with adults.

Where is the best place in Mexico for travelers to experience Day of the Dead?

It depends on the experience you want. Mark recommends Puerto Vallarta for the average leisure traveler because it combines cultural festivities with a beach vacation. Oaxaca offers a more immersive traditional experience, while Mexico City is known for large-scale public celebrations.

Is Day of the Dead the Mexican version of Halloween?

No. Día de Muertos centers on remembrance of people who have died, expressed through traditions that can include family gatherings, altars, food, flowers and cemetery observances. Its meaning and customs also vary considerably across Mexico.

What makes Holland America’s 2028 Alaska cruises different?

Holland America’s 2028 season includes voyages from seven to 18 days, with longer itineraries visiting places such as Kodiak, Valdez, Anchorage and Bella Bella and offering scenic cruising in less-common waterways, including Nootka Sound on select voyages.

Does credit-card travel insurance replace a standalone travel-insurance policy?

Not necessarily. Mark recommends examining the actual coverage rather than relying on the phrase “travel insurance,” particularly for emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, coverage limits, deductibles and requirements to purchase the trip with that specific card.

The Conversation

This episode connects two very different ways of traveling more deeply. In Mexico, it means going beyond the resort gates to understand an important cultural tradition. In Alaska, it means considering whether a longer cruise with less-visited ports might provide a richer experience than the standard seven-day itinerary. Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo keep returning to the same idea: the right vacation is not necessarily about finding the shortest trip or lowest fare. It is about choosing the experience that fits what you actually want from your time away.

Day of the Dead in Mexico, Airport Changes and New Resort Options

Día de Muertos Is a Celebration of Remembrance

The first thing travelers should understand about Day of the Dead in Mexico is what it is—and what it is not.

It is tempting for U.S. visitors to compare Día de Muertos with Halloween because of the dates and some of its visual imagery. That comparison misses its cultural meaning. Mexico’s government describes Día de Muertos as a celebration of memory in which deceased family members are symbolically welcomed back through offerings and remembrance. November 1 is commonly associated with children who have died and November 2 with deceased adults, although specific customs differ among communities.

That variation is important. Travelers should approach Día de Muertos as a living cultural tradition rather than an attraction staged for visitors.

Mark has experienced Day of the Dead in Mexico twice, and he considers it worthy of a travel bucket list, particularly for people interested in cultural immersion. He highlighted the decorations, processions and celebrations, but one of his favorite details is much simpler: pan de muerto, the traditional sweet bread associated with the season.

Oaxaca for Deeper Cultural Immersion

For travelers primarily motivated by culture, Mark points toward Oaxaca.

Día de Muertos traditions in Oaxaca extend beyond one central public event. Communities have their own observances, and cemetery traditions, altars, flowers, food, music and processions can all be part of the experience. Mexico’s cultural authorities document significant variation even among communities within Oaxaca, reinforcing why visitors should not expect one standardized celebration.

That depth makes Oaxaca particularly compelling for travelers willing to make the cultural experience the centerpiece of their trip.

Respect matters. Cemeteries and community observances may be deeply personal family spaces, not simply photo opportunities. Travelers participating in local experiences should follow community guidance, ask before photographing people and remember that they are guests at a tradition centered on remembrance.

Mexico City for a Large-Scale Celebration

Mexico City offers another interpretation: a much larger, more theatrical urban celebration.

For travelers who want a major city vacation alongside Día de Muertos events, Mexico City can combine museums, dining, historic neighborhoods and public festivities into one itinerary. It is a very different experience from visiting smaller communities around Oaxaca, which is exactly why deciding what kind of Día de Muertos experience you want should come before choosing the destination.

Xcaret Brings Día de Muertos Traditions to the Riviera Maya

Travelers already considering Cancun or the Riviera Maya can also experience seasonal programming at Xcaret’s Festival of Life and Death Traditions.

The festival runs from October 30 through November 2 and incorporates altars, offerings, food, workshops, handicrafts, exhibitions, theater, dance and concerts. It is a particularly accessible option for families and resort travelers who want to incorporate Día de Muertos programming into a broader Riviera Maya vacation.

It is still different from participating in community traditions in Oaxaca, so travelers should choose based on the type of experience they want rather than treating the destinations as interchangeable.

Why Mark Recommends Puerto Vallarta for Many Travelers

For the average vacationer asking Mark where to go, his answer is Puerto Vallarta.

His reasoning is practical: Puerto Vallarta lets travelers combine a recognizable Mexican beach vacation with Día de Muertos celebrations rather than requiring them to choose one or the other. Downtown and the Malecón become part of the experience, with Catrina displays, flowers, music, performances and seasonal festivities.

Mark also recommends staying close enough to downtown to experience the celebration on foot. He specifically highlighted Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel for adults and Buenaventura Grand Hotel as a family-friendly all-inclusive option. Based on his experience, their location gives travelers easier access to the Malecón while preserving the beachfront-resort side of the vacation.

Mark also singled out Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta from his firsthand travels, praising its beach and restaurant setting. That is a personal recommendation based on his own stays rather than a claim that it is objectively the best choice for every traveler.

Delta and Aeromexico Can Keep Their Joint Venture

A federal appeals court has vacated the U.S. Department of Transportation order that would have terminated approval and antitrust immunity for the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture.

The Eleventh Circuit concluded that DOT’s decision was arbitrary and capricious, including because the agency departed from its usual comprehensive market analysis. Aeromexico subsequently said the partnership and its antitrust immunity remain in effect.

For travelers, the practical issue is connectivity. The partnership allows Delta and Aeromexico to coordinate service between the United States and Mexico, potentially making connecting itineraries beyond Mexico City easier to construct.

United Tests Food Waiting at Your Gate

United is testing an interesting solution to the tight-connection lunch problem.

On eligible flights at up to nine designated gates in Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal C, travelers can order sandwiches, salads, drinks and certain travel essentials through the United app. The items are then waiting on a designated pickup shelf near the gate.

Mark likes the concept precisely because connecting passengers may not have enough time to search the terminal for a meal. If the test works and expands, it is a small amenity that could solve a very common travel frustration.

Salt Lake City Included in Gateside by TSA PreCheck

A new program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck allows approved PreCheck members to pass through security without a boarding pass at participating airports.

Users apply in advance and, if approved, can enter the secure side of the terminal to meet arriving travelers, accompany someone toward their departure gate or use airport amenities. Salt Lake City International Airport is among the 13 airports included in the initial program.

That Salt Lake City inclusion is especially relevant to Inside Travel Talk’s Utah audience.

Mark admitted another use appeals to him: simply spending time at the airport. He has always enjoyed the energy of airports and misses being able to meet people at the gate. The new program brings back part of that pre-9/11 airport experience, although in a controlled, pre-approved form.

Southwest Is Finally Getting Airport Lounges

Beginning in late 2027 Southwest plans to launch its first airport lounges at Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Honolulu and Nashville.

Southwest says the lounges will feature locally inspired dining and other amenities developed in partnership with Chase. A new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card is also expected to provide lounge access. At least seven additional lounges are planned over the following years.

Mark particularly likes the Honolulu location because late departures from Hawaii can leave travelers with a substantial gap between hotel checkout and their flight home.

The lounges also illustrate Southwest’s continuing transformation. Assigned seating, changes to baggage policies and now premium airport spaces are pushing the airline’s experience beyond the model longtime Southwest customers knew.

Club Med Continues Expanding the All-Inclusive Idea

The hosts also discussed Club Med’s continued development in Asia and its broader role in taking the all-inclusive concept beyond Mexico and the Caribbean.

That global footprint is worth remembering. Club Med operates mountain and international resort experiences in addition to tropical beach properties, making all-inclusive travel relevant to travelers who might never otherwise consider that vacation style.

Travel Deal of the Week: Mexico Resorts for a Day of the Dead Vacation

At the time of this episode, Mark highlighted several Mexico resort promotions that could be paired with airfare to create a complete vacation package.

The featured offers included savings of up to 70% at RIU Hotels & Resorts, up to 25% at Hyatt Ziva all-inclusive resorts, and up to $600 in instant savings with Hyatt Inclusive Collection, which includes brands such as Secrets and Dreams. He also mentioned additional offers from Sheraton Buganvilias and Hilton all-inclusive properties. The offers discussed were bookable through September 30, 2026, according to the episode.

For this particular trip, the more important question is not simply which promotion has the largest percentage attached to it. Location matters enormously during Día de Muertos.

A Puerto Vallarta property near downtown can make it easier to move between resort time and festivities along the Malecón. A more distant resort may deliver a different beach experience but require taxis or longer transfers each time travelers want to participate in downtown activities.

That makes this a good example of value extending beyond the advertised discount. Resort location, all-inclusive benefits, airfare, transfers, room category and proximity to the experiences you actually traveled to see should all factor into the comparison.

Promotions and availability are capacity controlled and can change after publication.

Just Cruising: Holland America Goes Deeper Into Alaska

Cruise travelers get a particularly interesting choice this week: book Alaska the familiar way, or spend substantially longer exploring it.

Patrick’s reaction to the new itineraries was straightforward. After experiencing a seven-night roundtrip Seattle cruise himself, he felt the trip ended too quickly. Mark agreed that seven days is still worthwhile when that is all the time a traveler has—but Holland America’s longer 2028 itineraries create some intriguing alternatives.

Holland America’s 2028 Alaska Cruises Stretch to 18 Days

Holland America Line’s 2028 Alaska program ranges from seven to 18 days and includes several unusual itineraries.

The 11-day California to Alaska voyage travels from San Diego to Vancouver and includes Glacier Bay along with Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Klawock and Prince Rupert.

The 14-Day Great Alaska Explorer, roundtrip from Seattle, pushes farther into Alaska with Anchorage, Kodiak and Valdez while also featuring Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier and scenic cruising through Nootka Sound.

For Mark, Kodiak and Valdez are particularly intriguing because he has not yet visited them.

The 18-Day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer sails roundtrip from Vancouver and combines Alaska with British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Stops include Bella Bella, Homer, Kodiak, Anchorage and Valdez, along with Glacier Bay and scenic cruising through Nootka Sound.

A new 16-day version aboard Oosterdam includes Prince Rupert, Kodiak, Anchorage and Valdez, Hubbard Glacier and scenic passages including Johnstone Strait, Grenville Channel and Princess Royal Channel.

For travelers who have already completed a standard Inside Passage itinerary—or who simply want Alaska to be the main event rather than a one-week introduction—these longer sailings deserve serious consideration.

Princess Cruises Shifts Away From Princess Cays

Princess Cruises is moving many future Caribbean calls away from Princess Cays and toward other Carnival Corporation destinations.

Recent schedule changes have shifted many calls to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, with Celebration Key appearing on other itineraries. Princess has not publicly detailed a long-term reason for the change, so speculation about the future of Princess Cays should remain exactly that: speculation.

For booked cruisers, the practical advice is simple: check your itinerary rather than assuming the private-destination stop shown when you first researched the cruise remains unchanged.

Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber Adds Zac Brown’s Same Boat

Margaritaville at Sea is growing from the older Paradise experience Patrick and Mark sailed together into a more ambitious product.

The new Beachcomber is scheduled to begin sailing from PortMiami in January 2027 on four- to eight-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries. One of its signature spaces will be Same Boat by Zac Brown, an artist-designed live-music venue developed with Zac Brown.

Patrick and Mark’s firsthand verdict on Paradise was mixed: they thought the ship itself needed improvement, but both remembered the food positively. That makes Beachcomber interesting because it provides a chance to see how far the young cruise brand can evolve its onboard product.

There is also a major fleet event planned for January 28, 2027, when Paradise, Islander and Beachcomber are scheduled to meet in Nassau. Zac Brown Band will perform an exclusive concert for guests sailing aboard the three ships.

Margaritaville at Sea also markets an Ultimate Paradise Pass for frequent cruisers. The current official 2026 terms differ from some details stated during the conversation: the cruise line currently advertises its Silver pass from $849, with unlimited eligible sailings through December 31, 2026 and bookings made from 30 days to 24 hours before sailing. Travelers interested in the pass should therefore check current terms rather than relying on older pricing or conditions.

Cruise Deal of the Week: Holland America Have It All Early Booking Bonus

The featured cruise value this week is Holland America’s Have It All Early Booking Bonus, which builds on the line’s standard Have It All package.

Eligible early bookings receive an upgrade to the Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi, prepaid Crew Appreciation, specialty dining and shore-excursion credits of up to $300 per guest depending on cruise length. Holland America also includes a Best Price Guarantee under specified terms.

The value here is in the combined inclusions rather than a headline cruise fare. Drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining and shore excursions are all vacation expenses that can otherwise add significantly to the total trip budget.

The transcript did not provide a specific ship, cabin category or cruise fare for this Cruise Deal of the Week, so those details should not be inferred.

Travelers considering Alaska in particular can compare available Holland America sailings and determine whether the enhanced package makes sense against cruise-only fares. Promotions, eligibility and benefits can change by sailing and booking date.

Mark’s Travel Tip: Five Questions to Ask About Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not the glamorous part of vacation planning, but Mark considers it important—particularly when travelers assume their credit card already provides everything they need.

His advice is to read the actual policy and ask five questions:

1. Does it cover emergency medical expenses? Travel assistance that helps locate a doctor is not necessarily the same as insurance that pays eligible medical expenses.
2. Must the trip be purchased with that credit card? Coverage can depend on how eligible travel expenses were paid.
3. Is the coverage primary or secondary, and is there a deductible? Those distinctions can materially affect how a claim works.
4. Does it include emergency medical evacuation? This can become a major expense during an overseas emergency.
5. What are the actual dollar limits? “Covered” is not enough information. Travelers should know how much protection applies to cancellation, interruption, medical treatment, evacuation and other benefits.

Mark’s preference is a standalone travel-protection policy designed around the risks of the particular trip. Blue Planet Vacations currently provides access to Travelex Insurance Services for travelers who want to review available policies and coverage details.

Key Takeaways

• Day of the Dead is a remembrance tradition, not simply Mexico’s equivalent of Halloween.
• Puerto Vallarta is Mark’s pick for travelers who want to combine Día de Muertos festivities with a beach-resort vacation, while Oaxaca can provide deeper cultural immersion.
• For Day of the Dead trips, resort location may be as important as the promotional discount.
• Holland America’s longer 2028 Alaska cruises offer substantially more destination depth than a conventional seven-day itinerary.
• Beachcomber represents a major next step for Margaritaville at Sea, particularly with its Zac Brown collaboration and longer Caribbean itineraries.
• Credit-card travel benefits should be verified carefully before assuming they replace standalone travel protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Puerto Vallarta good for Day of the Dead?

Yes. Puerto Vallarta can be particularly appealing to leisure travelers because they can combine Día de Muertos festivities with a conventional beach vacation. Mark recommends it for precisely that combination.

Should I choose Oaxaca or Puerto Vallarta for Día de Muertos?

Choose Oaxaca for deeper cultural immersion and Puerto Vallarta for a combination of culture and resort vacation. Neither is inherently better; they serve different trip styles.

How many days should I spend in Mexico for Day of the Dead?

Plan enough time to be in your destination before November 1 and remain through November 2 if the celebration is your primary reason for traveling. Events often begin earlier, but schedules vary by destination and year, so verify local programming before finalizing flights.

What is pan de muerto?

Pan de muerto is a traditional bread associated with Mexico’s Día de Muertos season. It is one of Mark’s favorite parts of traveling in Mexico during the celebration.

Is a 14-day Alaska cruise better than seven days?

A 14-day cruise can provide considerably more destination depth, but it requires more vacation time and a larger trip budget. Holland America’s 14-day 2028 itinerary reaches Anchorage, Kodiak and Valdez and includes multiple scenic-cruising experiences that are not possible on many standard seven-day itineraries.

What does Holland America’s Have It All Early Booking Bonus include?

The package includes shore-excursion credit, specialty dining and enhanced benefits such as the Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi and prepaid Crew Appreciation on eligible bookings. Exact benefits and eligibility should be confirmed for the selected sailing.

Is travel insurance worth considering for Mexico or an Alaska cruise?

Yes, especially when the financial exposure from cancellation, medical treatment or evacuation would be difficult to absorb personally. Travelers should compare policies based on actual benefits and exclusions rather than assuming every form of “travel insurance” provides equivalent protection.

Turn Día de Muertos Into the Right Mexico Vacation

A Day of the Dead trip has more moving parts than simply choosing a resort. The right destination, hotel location, travel dates and cultural experiences can dramatically change the vacation.

For Puerto Vallarta, for example, a professional travel advisor can compare beachfront resorts near the Malecón with properties farther along the coast, package airfare with accommodations, evaluate current promotions and help determine whether an all-inclusive or room-only stay better fits how much time you expect to spend exploring town.

Blue Planet Vacations can help compare and price a Mexico vacation built around Día de Muertos, or help evaluate Holland America’s longer Alaska itineraries and available cruise promotions. Blue Planet Vacations can be reached at 888-718-7717.

Experience Mexico Beyond the Beach

A beach can be part of a great Mexico vacation without being the entire reason for going.

Day of the Dead in Mexico offers travelers an opportunity to understand traditions, food, art and remembrance in a much more meaningful context. Oaxaca can put culture at the center of the journey; Mexico City offers the scale of a major capital; Xcaret makes traditions accessible from the Riviera Maya; and Puerto Vallarta creates the combination Mark particularly likes—culture by day or evening, with a beachfront vacation waiting nearby.

Then there is Alaska, where this week’s lesson is equally simple: sometimes more time in the destination really does change the trip.

Why Trust Inside Travel Talk?

Inside Travel Talk combines current travel news with firsthand experience and professional travel insight. Patrick Wiscombe brings the perspective of an experienced radio and podcast host and traveler, while Mark Faldmo is a professional travel advisor and owner of Blue Planet Vacations. This episode draws especially on Mark’s firsthand Day of the Dead experiences in Mexico, his stays at Mexican resorts and both hosts’ cruise experiences, while keeping personal preferences distinct from verified travel information.