In this episode, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo navigate through their recent travel experiences, thrilling travel news, and exclusive travel offers. We’ll cover Mark’s mesmerizing Rocky Mountaineer experience from Denver to Moab, explore breathtaking German castles, and unveil the unbeatable MSC Cruises’ Labor Day sale including their cruise deal of the week.
On This Week’s Episode
- Mark’s Rocky Mountaineer Experience
- Travel News of the Week
- Germany: The Best Castles to Visit
- Travel Deal of the Week – Globus European Tours
- Cruise Deal of the Week – MSC Cruises Labor Day Special
Welcome to another captivating episode of the Inside Travel Talk podcast and radio show presented by Blue Planet Vacations. This week, Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo thrill listeners with vibrant travel stories and exclusive travel deals.
Dive into Mark’s exhilarating journey on the Rocky Mountaineer, where scenic vistas and fascinating historical anecdotes create an unparalleled travel experience. Discover the majestic beauty of German castles, as Mark shares his top picks for must-visit sites in Bavaria and beyond. Stay updated with the latest travel news, including Southwest Airlines’ potential policy changes and Delta’s expansion of free Wi-Fi on international flights.
Plus, don’t miss out on the tantalizing travel deals, such as the savings on Globus European Tours and the unbeatable Labor Day special from MSC Cruises, featuring some of the best rates and destinations available. Prepare to journey across the Rocky Mountains, majestic German castles, and the world’s most gorgeous cruise destinations, all while discovering fantastic offers that could make your dream vacations a reality.
Mark’s Rocky Mountaineer Experience
Mark’s adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab proved to be a unique and engaging journey through some of the most scenic landscapes.
Mesmerizing Scenery:
From the grandeur of the Rockies to the stunning red rocks of Utah, this train ride showcases a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes. – Scenic highlights include the winding rivers, steep canyons, and towering cliffs that envelop the tracks. – The Glenwood Canyon, with its vertical rock faces and lush foliage, offers one of the most impressive views.
Riveting History:
The route is filled with rich historical narratives, offering insights into the region’s mining history and the lingering Wild West spirit. – Glenwood Springs is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and the final resting place of the legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday. – The ghost town of Cisco, immortalized in a Johnny Cash song, adds to the nostalgic vibe of the journey.
Charming Stops:
The overnight stop in Glenwood Springs allows passengers to explore this picturesque mountain town, complete with charming architecture and inviting hot springs. – Activities in Glenwood Springs include visiting the Yampah Vapor Caves, exploring the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, and enjoying local dining.
Elite Service:
Traveling in Gold Leaf Class, Mark enjoyed spacious seats, gourmet dining, and impeccable service, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious journey. – The upper-level glass dome coach provided panoramic views, enhancing the visual experience of the trip.
This extraordinary train journey blends stunning natural beauty with intriguing history, providing an unforgettable travel experience.
Travel News of the Week
Stay updated with the latest in the travel world as Patrick and Mark bring you essential news:
Southwest Airlines Policy Changes:
Southwest is contemplating changes to its complimentary baggage policy, potentially introducing fees in exchange for lower fares. – This move follows recent policy shifts, including the transition from open seating to assigned seating. – The changes are driven by pressure from activist investors seeking to make Southwest more like other major airlines, but there is concern about preserving the airline’s unique and customer-friendly reputation.
Delta’s Free International Wi-Fi:
Delta Airlines is expanding its free Wi-Fi service to international flights, initially targeting European destinations. – The rollout will extend to South America and Hawaii by the end of 2024, and eventually to Africa and Trans-Pacific routes by early 2025. – To enjoy this service, passengers will need to log into their SkyMiles account, providing seamless connectivity throughout their journey.
Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines Merger:
The merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has received clearance from the Department of Justice, clearing a significant hurdle. – This merger promises enhanced connectivity to the Hawaiian Islands, opening up more direct flights from various destinations and potentially improving the overall travel experience. – Salt Lake City has already benefited from a direct flight to Honolulu, highlighting the positive impact of the merger.
Globus’ Small Group Discovery Tours:
Globus is now offering Small Group Discovery Tours, allowing travelers to explore destinations with a more intimate group size of 15 to 18 guests. – These tours provide access to unique experiences and locations that larger groups might miss, enhancing the overall travel experience. – Available destinations include Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
Germany: The Best Castles to Visit
Germany is home to some of the world’s most stunning castles, and Mark enthusiastically shares insights on visiting these historic landmarks.
Neuschwanstein Castle:
About: Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous and picturesque castles in the world, often referred to as the “fairy-tale castle.” It was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. – Location: Near the town of Füssen in Bavaria, this castle perches majestically on a rugged hill against a backdrop of the Alps. – Experience: Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride or hike up to the castle, where guided tours reveal King Ludwig II’s opulent tastes and grand vision. – Highlights: The castle features stunning interiors like the Throne Room and Singers’ Hall, along with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Hohenzollern Castle:
About: This ancestral seat of the House of Hohenzollern sits atop Mount Hohenzollern, offering striking views and a glimpse into the Prussian royal family’s history. – Location: Near the town of Hechingen in Baden-Württemberg. – Experience: Guided tours, treasure rooms showcasing the family’s jewels, and serene walking paths around the castle. – Highlights: The castle’s vaults, crown jewels, and the grand Knight’s Hall.
Heidelberg Castle:
About: A mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Heidelberg Castle overlooks the picturesque town and the Neckar River, offering a romantic and historical allure. – Location: The hilltop of Königstuhl in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg. – Experience: The castle complex includes guided tours, the Pharmacy Museum, and the stunning Great Barrel – one of the world’s largest wine barrels. – Highlights: The castle ruins, panoramic views from the hill, and the annual Heidelberg Castle Festival.
Rhine River Castles:
About: The Rhine Valley is dotted with numerous castles and fortresses, each with its own unique history and architecture. – Experience: A river cruise along the Rhine offers glimpses of iconic castles such as Marksburg, Rheinfels, and Pfalzgrafenstein. – Highlights: Castles perched on cliffs, vine-clad hills, and charming medieval towns along the riverbanks.
Marienplatz in Munich:
About: The central square in Munich, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic buildings. – Experience: Visit the Glockenspiel, explore the bustling markets, and enjoy traditional Bavarian food and drink. – Highlights: The New Town Hall, the historic Glockenspiel, and events like Oktoberfest.
Visiting these castles offers a journey through time, unveiling the grandeur and history of Germany’s royal past.
Travel Deal of the Week – Globus European Tours
Blue Planet Vacations brings you an irresistible offer: save up to $1,000 on select European tours with Globus.
Included Destinations:
Germany: Explore Berlin, Munich, and the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria. – Switzerland: Visit the Swiss Alps, Lucerne, and charming mountain villages. – Italy: Discover Rome, Venice, Florence, and the countryside of Tuscany. – France: Enjoy the cultural richness of Paris, Provence, and Normandy. – UK and Ireland: Revel in the historical charm of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin.
Tour Features:
Comprehensive Itineraries: Carefully curated tours that include city tours, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. – Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides providing in-depth insights and stories about each destination. – Unique Experiences: Exclusive access to sites, local experiences, and culinary delights. – Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in high-quality hotels selected for their comfort and location.
Booking Deadline:
Save $1,000: Book by September 9th to take advantage of these significant savings on your next European adventure. – Flexible Group Sizes: Choose between standard group tours or more intimate Small Group Discovery Tours for a personalized experience.
Embark on a journey through Europe with Globus and experience the best each destination has to offer.
Cruise Deal of the Week – MSC Cruises Labor Day Special
MSC Cruises’ Labor Day sale is an unmissable opportunity for cruise lovers, offering phenomenal deals starting at just $229 per person.
Discounted Rates:
Starting at $229: Enjoy luxurious cruises with rates beginning as low as $229 per person. – Kids Sail Free: Take advantage of this family-friendly offer on select sailings, making it an ideal choice for a family vacation.
Diverse Destinations:
Caribbean and Bahamas: Relax on pristine beaches, explore vibrant ports, and experience MSC’s exclusive private island, Ocean Key. – Mediterranean: Cruise to iconic destinations like Spain, Italy, Greece, and more, exploring rich cultural and historical sites. – Northern Europe: Discover the charm of Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, and stunning fjords. – Far East: Explore exotic locations in Asia, from Japan and South Korea to the beaches of Thailand and Malaysia.
Spotlight Destination – Ocean Key:
Private Island Paradise: MSC’s Ocean Key offers a unique island experience with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a multitude of activities. – Thrilling Activities: Enjoy jet skiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and more on this serene Bahamian island. – Evening Entertainment: Experience stargazing, bonfire s’mores, and LED light shows from the Ocean Key lighthouse. – Relaxation: Rent a cabana, enjoy beachside dining, and find shaded areas for a relaxing day.
Booking and Offers:
- Extended Booking Window: Though the sale is pegged to Labor Day, the special rates and offers extend a bit further, allowing more flexibility in your planning.
- Personalized Assistance: Contact Blue Planet Vacations to book and tailor your MSC cruise experience.
This limited-time offer from MSC Cruises is perfect for both seasoned cruisers and first-timers, combining affordability with luxurious travel.
This episode is packed with incredible travel opportunities and heart-stirring stories from around the globe. Whether it’s traversing the Rocky Mountains, exploring grand German castles, or setting sail on a luxurious MSC cruise, Blue Planet Vacations stands ready to turn your travel dreams into reality. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offers and make sure to seize the amazing deals available.
For personalized travel planning and booking, reach out to Mark Faldmo and the team at Blue Planet Vacations. Get started on your next adventure today!
DISCLAIMER: The Inside Travel Talk podcast and radio show contains travel deals, promotions and offers that may be time sensitive. All offers and information were accurate when the show aired. Travel deals and offers change constantly and are capacity controlled and subject to change without notice. Offers are subject to other supplier terms and conditions i.e. cruise lines, tour operators etc. For details visit appropriate supplier website.