This week on the Inside Travel Talk podcast, Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo take listeners on an unforgettable journey high above Arizona’s desert landscapes. Broadcasting live from atop Tower Butte in Page, Arizona, Mark shares the thrill of a helicopter ride and the beauty of the Canyon Country Tour. The hosts also reveal unbeatable travel savings, including up to $1,000 off Globus tours worldwide and an exclusive 30% off MSC cruises with kids sailing free. Plus, they dive into the latest travel news, including top-ranked airports, cruise ship updates, and exciting new itineraries. Whether you dream of national parks, European escapes, or Caribbean adventures, this episode is filled with travel inspiration and deals you won’t want to miss.

Helicopter Landing on Tower Butte – Globus Canyon Country Tour

On This Week’s Episode

• Mark’s helicopter ride to Tower Butte in Page, Arizona
• The breathtaking Canyon Country Tour with Globus
• Savings of up to $1,000 on Globus tours worldwide
• Ranking the best airports in the world
• Spirit Airlines financial uncertainty and traveler cautions
• Growing popularity of U.S.-based guided tours
• Travel deal of the week: Canyon Country Tour with Globus
• Cruise headlines: Princess Cruises’ 2027 Alaska season
• Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas inaugural sailings
• MSC Seascape family entertainment from Galveston
• Cruise deal of the week: 30% off all MSC cruises, kids sail free

Segment 1: Canyon Country Adventures and Globus Tour Savings

Mark’s Helicopter Ride to Tower Butte

Mark broadcasted live from Tower Butte, reached by helicopter. The towering rock formation offers 360-degree desert views of Page, Lake Powell, and Monument Valley. Few travelers get to see this remote wonder from above, and Mark’s ride showed how a guided tour can unlock unique experiences you’d never arrange on your own.

Best Airports in the World

The team discussed AirHelp’s global airport rankings. Cape Town, Doha, Riyadh, and Panama City lead the list, with Salt Lake City Airport as the only U.S. entry in the top 10. High marks went to on-time performance, staff service, and cleanliness. For travelers comparing large hubs like Atlanta or JFK, Salt Lake’s efficiency and design stand out.

Spirit Airlines Financial Concerns

Spirit Airlines released a cautionary financial update, raising traveler concerns. While flights remain scheduled, the airline has faced operational challenges. The takeaway: if you’re booking with Spirit, stay alert and prepare for potential changes.

Rise in U.S.-Based Guided Tours

Travelers are embracing domestic tours more than ever. Companies like Globus report a 20% year-over-year rise, with a 50% spike in the past quarter. Closer-to-home adventures are booming, especially when guided by experts who bring stories, history, and hidden gems to life.

Focus Topic: Canyon Country Tour with Globus

The highlight of this segment is Mark’s first-hand experience on the Canyon Country Tour by Globus. This journey connects Phoenix to Las Vegas, with stops in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Page, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. What sets it apart is the added value of expert guides. Travelers gain insights into geology, ecosystems, and local stories while enjoying seamless access to top destinations.

Mark described the thrill of soaring above Tower Butte, two nights at the Grand Canyon, and future stops in Bryce Canyon and Zion. The Globus Canyon Country Tour showcases iconic landscapes while making travel stress-free and educational.

And the best part? Right now, travelers can save up to $1,000 on Globus tours worldwide. That includes U.S. national park tours, fall foliage trips, Alaska adventures, and European escapes. The Canyon Country Tour isn’t just scenic; it’s also the Travel Deal of the Week—a chance to experience the Southwest at its finest, with unmatched value.

Segment 2: Cruise Headlines and Exclusive MSC Savings

Princess Cruises 2027 Alaska Season

Princess announced eight ships sailing Alaska in 2027, offering 187 departures and 17 itineraries from ports like Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Every Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary includes access to Glacier Bay, one of the most iconic sights in Alaska. Early booking is key, and Princess remains a leader for Alaskan cruising.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

The Star of the Seas, a sister ship to the Icon of the Seas, sets sail August 31. This massive ship offers Western Caribbean itineraries with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan. Prices are surprisingly affordable, starting under $1,500 for an inside cabin. With entertainment, waterparks, and endless dining options, it’s a floating city designed for both families and adventurers.

MSC Seascape and Family-Friendly Cruises

The MSC Seascape now sails from Galveston, offering new family-focused entertainment. Highlights include Formula One simulators, record-breaking family quizzes, and immersive kids’ programs. With easy access from Houston, Galveston is quickly becoming a major U.S. cruise hub.

Focus Topic: Cruise Deal of the Week – MSC Cruises

This week’s Cruise Deal of the Week is a game-changer: 30% off all MSC cruises worldwide, plus kids sail free. Families only pay port taxes for kids, making it one of the best family-friendly cruise offers available today.

Itineraries include Caribbean favorites like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, as well as sailings in Europe and Alaska. Balcony cabins on seven-night cruises start at just over $700 per person. MSC’s privately held ownership allows them to offer lower prices while focusing on guest experience.

MSC has rapidly improved in recent years, expanding into major U.S. markets and debuting new ships like World America. Today, they rival Royal Caribbean and Carnival for entertainment, design, and affordability. This 30% off promotion makes it the perfect time to test MSC’s award-winning family cruise experiences.

Conclusion: Travel Deals, Inspiration, and Adventure

This episode of Inside Travel Talk highlighted the power of travel to inspire, connect, and create unforgettable memories. From soaring above Tower Butte on a helicopter ride to exploring the Southwest with Globus guides, the Canyon Country Tour proves that guided travel offers insights you simply can’t find on your own. The savings—up to $1,000 off Globus tours worldwide—make it even more irresistible.

The cruise world also brought major headlines. Princess unveiled its ambitious Alaska season, Royal Caribbean launched the Star of the Seas, and MSC continues to expand in the U.S. The unbeatable **MSC cruise deal—30% off and kids sail free—**positions it as one of the best options for families in 2025 and beyond.

Whether your dream trip is a canyon hike, an Alaskan glacier, or a Caribbean beach, now is the time to book. Travel is about more than destinations; it’s about experiences, stories, and living intentionally. This week’s episode reminded us to explore boldly and seize opportunities, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

So, where will you go next? Whether it’s the Canyon Country Tour with Globus or a family voyage with MSC cruises, the world is waiting.