Mark Faldmo - Owner Blue Plant Vacations
Owner - Blue Planet Vacations
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Navigating Europe and Caribbean Adventures: Insider Tips for Travel Planning

Listen On:

May 10, 2025

Dive into the latest episode of the Inside Travel Talk podcast, where travel experts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo unpack exciting news and insights for your next getaway. This episode covers a wide array of topics including family-friendly cruise cabins accommodating five guests, Princess Cruises’ new sailing route from San Juan, smart ways to visit Europe with Globus and Cosmos tours. Whether planning a Caribbean cruise, exploring Europe, or taking advantage of unbeatable travel deals, this episode has something for every traveler looking to get inspired and informed.

Rialto Bridge Venice Italy

Rialto Bridge Venice Italy

On this week’s episode:

  • Family-friendly cruise cabins that fit five passengers
  • Princess Cruises launching sailings from San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Exploring Europe with Globus and Cosmos tours
  • Travel tips for surviving a European vacation in 2025
  • Hot travel deal of the week featuring Cancun and Globus/Cosmos tours
  • Insightful cruise updates including Southern Caribbean cruises and cruise deals
  • Tips on cruising with passports and avoiding hotel scams
  • Fare bundle changes at Southwest Airlines
  • Advice for families planning cruises with five members

Family-Friendly Cruise Cabins:

Accommodating a family of five on a cruise can be tricky. This episode sheds light on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Carnival, and Disney that offer specific cabins designed for five guests. These cabins help families avoid booking multiple connected rooms, simplifying travel and enhancing the cruising experience. This topic emphasizes the growing industry focus on making cruising accessible for larger families.

Princess Cruises Sailing from San Juan:

Princess Cruises’ announcement of new sailings from San Juan, Puerto Rico, this fall 2025 is a breath of fresh air for Caribbean enthusiasts. San Juan is highlighted not only as a charming, walkable destination but also as a strategic port for Southern Caribbean cruises visiting diverse islands such as St. Thomas, Antigua, and Barbados. This segment explains why sailing from San Juan opens unique itineraries that many travelers have yet to discover.

Visiting Europe with Globus and Cosmos:

Globus and Cosmos, two distinguished Europe tour operators, provide flexible ‘hub and spoke’ tours that allow travelers to stay in one city while exploring surrounding attractions. Globus Europe tours caters more to luxury travelers with centrally located hotels and more included meals, while Cosmos offers budget-conscious options with similar tour itineraries. These tours streamline travel logistics, with professional guides and prearranged activities, making them ideal for first-time or seasoned visitors planning a European journey.

Tips for Surviving Your 2025 European Vacation:

This episode offers smart advice for tackling Europe’s busy summer season, including the necessity of electronic travel authorizations for the UK, the importance of checking passport expiration dates, and being vigilant against pickpockets amid crowds. It emphasizes the importance of flexibility, extra emergency funds, and respectful travel habits to ensure a stress-free, enjoyable trip.

Hot Travel Deal of the Week – Cancun & Europe Tours:

Take advantage of exceptional travel savings with up to $500 off Globus tours and $300 off Cosmos tours. Featured trips include the “London Country” tour with side excursions like Stonehenge, and two Italian tours in Tuscany and Puglia, showcasing hidden gems beyond typical tourist routes. Additionally, travelers should heed the beach safety warnings in Cancun due to dangerous ocean conditions, ensuring their vacation remains safe and enjoyable.

Just Cruising Segment – Southern Caribbean Cruises Deals:

The podcast reveals exciting cruise news including Holland America’s extended European season focusing on Northern Lights experiences, and Norwegian Cruise Line retiring some ships. Highlighted are two Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries offered by Princess Cruises departing from San Juan, featuring excellent pricing, multiple port days, and stunning island destinations with diverse cultural influences. The cruise deal emphasizes significant savings with $400 instant discounts, free room upgrades, and $99 deposits.

Why Cruise with a Passport?

The show advises cruising with a passport despite some itineraries allowing travel with just birth certificates. Advantages include faster disembarkation through facial ID lines at ports, preparation for unexpected emergencies abroad, and compliance with increasing international passport requirements—helping travelers avoid delays and complications.

Avoiding Hotel Scams:

Listeners are cautioned against fake hotel listings and Airbnb scams. Booking through reputable travel agents or official hotel websites dramatically reduces risk, safeguarding travelers’ money and peace of mind.

Southwest Airlines Fare Bundle Changes:

Southwest is adopting fare bundles with varying perks like assigned seating and checked baggage. From basic seats with added fees for baggage to “Choice Extra” offering extra legroom and pre-boarding, these fare options mark a shift aligning Southwest with broader airline industry practices.

Cruises for Families of Five:

The hosts address a listener’s query about cruise options for a family of five. They highlight cruise lines accommodating these families with specially designed cabins and suites, making family cruising more accessible and enjoyable without the hassle of booking multiple rooms.

In Conclusion:

This episode of the travel podcast Inside Travel Talk is packed with invaluable insights and enticing travel offers tailored for diverse traveler interests. From family cruising solutions and vibrant Southern Caribbean adventures with Princess Cruises to the smart, budget-friendly European explorations via Globus and Cosmos, listeners gain a holistic travel guide. Mark and Patrick’s professional yet fun dialogue inspires confidence, encouraging everyone to seize current travel deals and navigate the ever-changing travel landscape smartly. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-drenched cruise in the Caribbean or a cultural immersion in Europe, this podcast delivers actionable advice and exciting opportunities.

For those eager to explore, the travel deal of the week featuring Globus Tours’ savings on captivating itineraries and Princess Cruises’ Southern Caribbean sailings offer fantastic choices to kickstart your travel plans. Don’t miss out on these time-sensitive deals and the expert guidance offered in this episode to create memorable and seamless vacations. Ready to pack your bags? Contact Blue Planet Vacations to unlock these travel adventures and indulge in the extraordinary.

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.