Mark Faldmo - Owner Blue Plant Vacations
Owner - Blue Planet Vacations
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Global Getaways: Borealis Bliss, Spooky Sailings, and Mexico Deals

Listen On:

September 14, 2024

In the most recent episode of Inside Travel Talk, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo take listeners on a virtual tour around the world. This engaging episode is loaded with tantalizing travel insights including a detailed plan for a cruise to the magical Marquesas Islands, best times to visit Mexico, the alluring Borealis Base Camp in Fairbanks, Alaska for Aurora Borealis viewing, and the latest travel deals. This episode is a must-listen for travel enthusiasts planning to book their next adventure. Prominent deals include the enchanting elopement to Puerto Vallarta for Dia de los Muertos and exclusive cruise offers featuring a journey across the Hawaiian Islands. Join Patrick and Mark as they reveal these fantastic adventures and much more!

On This Weeks Episode:

  • Travel News of the Week
  • Aurora Borealis Base Camp in Fairbanks
  • Destination Spotlight: Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands
  • Hot Travel Deal of the Week: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  • Cruise Deal of the Week: Hawaii
  • Mark’s Travel Tips and Airline Safety
  • The Best Family-Friendly Halloween Cruise Experiences

Welcome to another captivating episode of the Inside Travel Talk podcast, facilitated by Blue Planet Vacations. Whether you’re tuning in on a relaxing Saturday morning or catching up on Sunday, co-hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo have a full agenda packed with travel treasures. This week’s episode is special as it marks a one-year anniversary with an incredible journey of 52 episodes brimming with travel content. Tune in as we explore the Marquesas Islands on a unique freighter cruise, delightful Mexican getaways, and must-know travel news such as SAS joining SkyTeam and early Aurora Borealis sightings.

Travel News of the Week

Patrick and Mark dive into this week’s travel news, highlighting the integration of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) into the SkyTeam network. SAS primarily operates from Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. This news translates into streamlined travel options for Delta Flyers, opening up Scandinavian destinations even more conveniently. The discussion also touches on how this will make traveling to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows, the Aurora Borealis, more accessible. Imagine being snug in a cozy lodge in Fairbanks, Alaska, peering out at the dancing Northern Lights from your own private igloo-shaped cabin fashioned from shipping containers!

Aurora Borealis Base Camp in Fairbanks

If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, then the Borealis Base Camp in Fairbanks, Alaska is the place to be. At this cozy lodge, you can bask in magnificent views of the Northern Lights right from the comfort of your room. The experience gets even better with igloo-like cabins featuring large picture windows, turning your room into a front-row seat to the natural light show. Aside from the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, the camp offers various traditional Alaskan activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and a delightful walk with reindeer!

Destination Spotlight: Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands

Aranui 5 Marquesas IslandsFor those who yearn for an adventure off the beaten path, the spotlight is on a fascinating cruise from Tahiti to the Marquesas Islands aboard the Aranui 5. Unlike typical cruise ships, the Aranui 5 is part cargo freighter, part passenger vessel. This unique combination allows for an intimate, immersive cultural experience. From Papeete in Tahiti, the journey includes stops at the well-known Tuamotu Islands and the remote Marquesas Islands, offering an unrivaled deep dive into Polynesian life. With activities ranging from cultural presentations to adventurous horseback riding, this two-week cruise promises a life-enriching experience.

Highlights of the Aranui 5 Experience:

  • Departure from Papeete, Tahiti
  • Stops at Tuamotu Islands like Rangiora and Fakarava
  • Immersive cultural experiences at Marquesas Islands
  • Unique accommodations with scenic views
  • Local crew interaction and complimentary ukulele lessons

Hot Travel Deal of the Week: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The travel deal of the week takes us to the beautiful shores of Puerto Vallarta during the vibrant Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Known for its cultural festivities, Puerto Vallarta makes for an ideal vacation spot between October 31st and November 2nd. This package includes round-trip airfare from Salt Lake City, five nights of all-inclusive stay at select four and five-star hotels, and facilitated airport transportation.

Package Details:

  • Five-night stay at Riu Jalisco: Starting at $1,129 per person
  • Four-star Buena Ventura Grand Hotel: Starting at $1,369 per person
  • Five-star Villa Premier Boutique Hotel: Starting at $2,069 per person

The deal includes a special promotion giving travelers up to $200 off per package if booked by September 19th. This is a superb chance to soak in the local culture, fabulous beachfront views, and the bustling energy of Puerto Vallarta.

Cruise Deal of the Week: Hawaii

Sailing enthusiasts are in for a treat as Patrick and Mark unveil a fantastic Hawaiian cruise deal. There are two prime options—an all-Hawaiian island cruise and a more extensive 16-day voyage that embarks from California and includes a stop in Ensenada, Mexico. The primary highlight is the seven-day Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America cruise starting December 14th.”

Details of the Hawaiian Cruise:

  • Seven-day tour starting at $1,027 per person
  • Balcony cabins starting at $1,760 per person
  • Stops at Maui, Big Island (Hilo and Kona), and Kauai
  • Flights to Honolulu include

The 16-day option is available on Princess Cruises, departing from Los Angeles on December 3rd. This longer journey covers the same Hawaiian Islands and adds Ensenada, Mexico as an international stop. Inside cabins for the December voyage start at $1,409 per person and balcony cabins at $1,879 per person.

Mark’s Travel Tips and Airline Safety

In a segment filled with travel wisdom, Mark emphasizes the importance of adhering to airline safety rules. Whether it’s fastening your seatbelt, keeping your seat upright, or stowing your luggage correctly, these rules are designed for your safety. He underscores Captain Sully’s Hudson River landing, noting that most passengers ignored the safety cards. It’s crucial to pay attention to these briefings for your wellbeing.

The Best Family-Friendly Halloween Cruise Experiences

Not to be outdone, the final segment explores top-rated cruise lines that offer exceptional Halloween experiences. Disney Cruise Line leads the pack with its Halloween on the High Seas, featuring character costumes and special activities for kids. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also make the list, offering onboard Halloween celebrations complete with themed desserts and trick-or-treat sessions.

Conclusion

To sum up, whether you’re enchanted by the idea of a Polynesian cruise, intrigued by Mexican culture, or looking to explore the Hawaiian Islands, this episode of Inside Travel Talk has something for every adventurer. With exclusive deals, insightful tips, and fascinating destination spotlights, planning your next dream vacation has never been easier or more exciting. Call Blue Planet Vacations at 888-718-7717 to book your next escapade today. Happy travels!

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.