In this episode of Inside Travel Talk, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo dive into top cruise deals this week, spotlighting a groundbreaking Viking river and ocean combo cruises, and unpacking how the FAA is pushing tighter airline emergency-evacuation rules. We also explore the wave of travelers returning to professional travel advisors, record airline ticket sales by agencies, and the travel deal of the week: a Costa Rica volcano-and-beach package. Join us for travel inspiration, must-watch deals, and expert insights to spark your next adventure.

On This Week’s Episode

• The growth in consumer demand for travel advisors
• U.S. travel agency ticket sales hitting records
• FAA urging airlines to strengthen emergency evacuation protocols
• Delta required to split from Aero Mexico (open skies issue)
• Halloween theme park ideas beyond Disney
• Travel Deal of the Week: Costa Rica volcano & beach package
• Cruise Deals Segment (Just Cruising)
  • Viking’s innovative river + ocean cruise combos
  • American Cruise Lines adding Great Lakes & new river itineraries
  • Top five (really ~15) cruise deals this week

Segment 1: Travel Trends, News, and Travel Deal of the Week

Demand for Travel Advisors Is Rising

This week’s show opens on a compelling study: nearly two-thirds of surveyed travelers say they plan to use a travel advisor in the next two years—up sharply from 49%. The growth is mainly driven by millennials engaging in more complex, multigenerational trips that require logistical expertise.

The hosts emphasize that as travel becomes more fragmented (multi-city, niche, cross-continent), travelers increasingly want the guidance and stress relief that a professional brings.

Record Airline Ticket Sales for U.S. Travel Agencies

Another eye-opening statistic: U.S. travel agencies sold $8.3 billion in airline tickets in August—a 2 % year-over-year increase. In July, the figure was $8.1 billion, up 7 % from the previous year. Meanwhile, online travel sites declined 3 % and direct airline bookings fell 2 %. This signals strong momentum toward using travel advisors for airfare too.

The hosts clarify that travel advisors typically don’t earn much margin on airline tickets—but this shift signals broader trust in agent-booked travel.

FAA Tightens Evacuation Safety Messaging

The FAA is warning airlines to strengthen safety briefings, especially emphasizing: “Do not bring your carry-on during an evacuation.” Two recent emergency evacuations saw travelers ignoring that rule, causing delays and added risk.

Airlines are being urged to repeat evacuation protocol clearly. In emergencies, seconds count. Carry-ons can be deadly obstacles.

Delta / Aero Mexico Partnership Under Scrutiny

The Department of Transportation has ordered Delta to dissolve its partnership with Aero Mexico by January 1. Though code shares may remain, DOT argues Mexico’s government violated an open skies agreement by capping access to Mexico City and funneling traffic to a new airport.

With Delta owning 20 % of Aero Mexico, unraveling the venture may become legally and financially complex.

Halloween Theme Park Ideas Beyond Disney

A listener question spurred this fun detour. While Disney’s Halloween events are gold standard, the show lists several alternatives:

• Legoland’s Brick or Treat Monster Party (California, Florida, New York)
• SeaWorld / Hallo Scream in multiple locations
• Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, especially for teens/adults

If you want a spookier or more unique Halloween getaway, these are worthy picks.

Travel Deal of the Week: Costa Rica Volcano + Beach Package

The travel deal spotlight this week is a volcano + beach combo itinerary in Costa Rica. The core package:

• 8 days: 1 night in San José + 3 nights in Arenal Volcano + 3 nights in Manuel Antonio
• Includes lodging, internal transportation, breakfasts, guided tours
• Features: Tabacón hot springs dinner, national park tour with wildlife spotting
• Pricing: from $1,599 per person (standard), or $1,899 (deluxe)
• Customization: shorter 6-day options, multi-region builds, or full custom design

The hosts recommend splitting time between inland rainforest/volcano and Pacific coastal beaches. This is a compelling, balanced package—especially at that value.

Segment 2: Cruise Deals & Just Cruising

Viking river and ocean combo cruises

In the Just Cruising portion, Viking is getting major spotlight. They now offer hybrid cruises—start with a river cruise, then transition to an ocean cruise. Only Viking currently offers this. Key itineraries:

• Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords: 15 days, 12 tours, 6 countries (Basel → Amsterdam → Norway fjords)
• Grand Europe & Viking Fjords: 22 days combining Rhine, Danube, & Norwegian fjords
• Iberian Odyssey: 17 days combining ocean cruising and river cruising in Spain/Portugal

Promotions include reduced airfare and $25 per person deposit (for bookings before October 31). This type of combo cruise appeals to travelers who want both river intimacy and ocean variety.

American Cruise Lines: All-American & River Expansions

American Cruise Lines is expanding U.S.-centric itineraries:

• Great Lakes: 9-day Lake Michigan / Green Bay cruise on U.S. ports
• New river itineraries: 11-day Great Smoky Mountain (Tennessee to Alabama), 9-day Arkansas River, 8-day Gulf Coast (New Orleans to Gulfport)
• Special offer: free airfare + up to $1,500 off select cruises
• 7-day cruises start ~ $3,700 including all meals, Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities

This push toward domestic cruising gives travel advisors and consumers more accessible options.

Top Cruise Deals of the Week

Beyond those two, the hosts highlight about 15 cruise deals updated weekly on BluePlanetVacations.com. Among them:

• A 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise via Norwegian, sailing from San Diego
• An Eastern + Southern Caribbean cruise starting ~$1,199 per person
• Deals posted often start as low as $459 per person

Mark scours dozens of sources to ensure listeners get the best current cruise offers. Many are time sensitive and capacity controlled.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

This episode of Inside Travel Talk is a masterclass in combining timely travel deals, industry insights, and practical advice for real travelers.

We begin by reinforcing why travel advisors are more relevant than ever—as complexity rises, human expertise stands out. The record sales via agencies prove that trust is shifting away from algorithmic bookings.

The travel deal of the week jumps off the page: a robust Costa Rica itinerary that weaves volcanoes, rainforest, and Pacific beaches, with guided activities built in. That one offer alone can inspire many to book—and to lean on a travel advisor to navigate it.

In the cruise deals segment, the show delivers a dual punch: a novel combo river + ocean cruise from Viking, and expanded domestic river and Great Lakes offerings from American Cruise Lines. These are not generic cruise deals—they are niche, bold, and positioned to make listeners act.

Finally, the hosts curate the top cruise deals of the week, allowing listeners to snapshot the best offers available right now.

If you want that next vacation to be smart, inspired, and well-booked, this episode is your toolkit. Don’t just consume—start planning. Use the travel deal of the week. Explore the combo river/ocean cruise. Reach out to a trusted advisor. Then go see the world—deliberately and intentionally.