On this episode of the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo deliver timely travel advice, destination inspiration, and standout vacation deals. This week’s show blends practical “what not to do when traveling” tips with uplifting travel news, including the gradual reopening of Lahaina Harbor, Costa Rica monkeys, and powerful cruise deals featuring seven- and twelve-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. The episode also highlights a compelling Travel Deal of the Week to Costa Rica and a value-packed Cruise Deal of the Week designed for travelers seeking unique ports and richer cultural experiences.

On this week’s episode

• 

  Costa Rica Monkey

  What not to do when traveling, including social media mistakes that can ruin a trip
• Disneyland Paris Resort’s reimagined Disney Adventure World and groundbreaking entertainment
• Lahaina Harbor reopening updates and what it means for Hawaii travel
• Delta Vacations Hawaii promotion and SkyMiles benefits
• Monkeys and wildlife encounters in Costa Rica
• Best time to visit Costa Rica and how to plan a multi-region itinerary
• Travel Deal of the Week: Costa Rica volcano and beach vacations
• Cruise news from Baja California and Ensenada
• MSC Cruises’ new Frontier-class ships and global deployment strategy
• Cruise Deal of the Week: Seven- and twelve-night Southern Caribbean cruises on Princess Cruises

Segment 1: Travel Smarter, Destination News, and Costa Rica Wildlife

What not to do when traveling: A lesson worth remembering

Every seasoned traveler loves sharing trip highlights online. However, this episode opens with a cautionary tale that proves why discretion matters. A traveler posted a photo of his first-class boarding pass online. Unfortunately, that single post exposed enough personal information for someone to access and cancel his reservation before landing.

This story reinforces a critical travel rule. Never post boarding passes, cruise confirmations, or reservation details on social media. While sharing excitement is tempting, protecting your trip should always come first. This advice applies to flights, cruises, hotels, and tours. In short, privacy equals peace of mind while traveling.

Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris Resort

Disney fans have reason to celebrate. Disneyland Paris Resort is officially rebranding Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. According to Mark, nearly 90 percent of the park has been transformed since opening over two decades ago.

The expansion includes a seven-and-a-half-acre Frozen-themed land. Guests will experience a full-scale recreation of Arendelle, complete with a towering North Mountain. Even more impressive, the park will debut the world’s first combined water and drone show. This immersive entertainment blends fountains, projections, and synchronized drones for a next-generation Disney experience.

For travelers planning a Europe vacation, Disneyland Paris now offers a compelling reason to add Paris to the itinerary.

Lahaina Harbor reopens: Encouraging news for Maui

Good news continues with updates from Maui. Portions of Lahaina Harbor have begun reopening. While operations remain limited, several tour companies have returned to the harbor. This marks an important step forward for the community and for Hawaii tourism.

Although infrastructure challenges remain, including limited utilities, the reopening signals progress. For travelers considering a Hawaii vacation, this development offers renewed optimism while reminding visitors to travel responsibly and respectfully.

Delta Vacations Hawaii promotion

Timing matters in travel planning, and this episode delivers a timely Hawaii deal. Delta Vacations is offering SkyMiles members savings of up to $200 per reservation, with Medallion members saving up to $250. Travelers can also earn up to 10,000 bonus SkyMiles and Medallion Qualifying Dollars on every booking.

This promotion benefits travelers looking to maximize airline loyalty perks while enjoying Hawaii. For those aiming to reach elite status, one well-planned vacation can make a meaningful difference.

Costa Rica and the magic of Monkeys

Why Costa Rica is perfect for wildlife lovers

A listener question sets the stage for one of the episode’s most engaging segments. Sarah wanted to gift her daughter a Christmas trip centered around seeing monkeys in the wild. The answer was immediate and confident. Costa Rica is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world.

Costa Rica packs rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and wildlife into a compact, traveler-friendly country. It is also one of the easiest Central American destinations for first-time visitors. Infrastructure is strong, guides are knowledgeable, and biodiversity is unmatched.

Meet Costa Rica’s famous monkeys

Costa Rica is home to four primary monkey species. Howler monkeys are the most widespread. Their calls often echo through the rainforest at sunrise. White-faced capuchin monkeys are the most recognizable. They are intelligent, social, and famously mischievous. Spider monkeys are seen less often but impress with their agility. Squirrel monkeys, although harder to spot, travel in large groups and create unforgettable moments when crossing wildlife bridges or cables.

Beyond monkeys, travelers often spot sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, and crocodiles. Each sighting adds to the magic of the experience.

How to plan the perfect Costa Rica itinerary

Mark recommends dividing time between multiple regions. Start in Arenal Volcano, where rainforest adventures include hanging bridges, aerial trams, and zip-lining. These experiences immerse travelers in different layers of the rainforest canopy.

Next, continue to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast. This area combines pristine beaches with wildlife-rich national parks. Guided hikes through Manuel Antonio National Park reveal monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. However, travelers should always keep belongings secure. Capuchin monkeys here are notorious for stealing unattended items.

Best time to visit Costa Rica

The dry season runs from December through April. This period offers the most consistent weather. The green season, from May through November, brings more rain but lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Late April and May offer a sweet spot, balancing greenery with lighter rainfall.

Travelers who enjoy vibrant landscapes often prefer the green season, especially along the Pacific Coast’s tropical dry forests.

Travel Deal of the Week: Costa Rica Volcano and Beach Vacations

This week’s Travel Deal of the Week focuses on Costa Rica. Travelers can save up to $200 per person, or $400 per room, on select packages.

Options include seven-night volcano and beach itineraries, as well as shorter stays focused solely on volcano regions or coastal escapes. Packages are available with standard or deluxe accommodations. Custom itineraries are also available, allowing travelers to tailor activities, pacing, and regions.

This deal positions Costa Rica as an ideal destination for families, couples, and adventure seekers. With wildlife, scenery, and value combined, it stands out as one of the most compelling travel offers of the season.

Segment 2: Cruise News and Southern Caribbean Value

Baja California and Ensenada cruise upgrades

Cruise news continues with an exciting development in Ensenada, Mexico. Carnival Corporation announced a $26 million destination project designed to enhance the port experience. This new attraction resembles a private pool and activity club, featuring swimming areas, zip lines, and tasting venues for chocolate and tequila.

The project can accommodate up to 9,000 visitors per day. Importantly, it will be available to multiple cruise lines. This investment elevates Ensenada from a simple port stop to a destination experience.

MSC Cruises and the new Frontier-class ships

MSC Cruises also made headlines by ordering four new Frontier-class ships. These vessels will measure approximately 180,000 gross tons, making them smaller than MSC’s World-class ships but more versatile globally.

The design allows access to more ports worldwide. MSC’s global deployment strategy benefits travelers seeking unique itineraries in Europe, South America, and beyond. The first ship is expected to debut in 2030, with additional ships following through 2034.

Cruise Deal of the Week: Southern Caribbean Cruises on Princess Cruises

Why the Southern Caribbean stands out

The Cruise Deal of the Week answers a listener’s request for unique Caribbean ports. Southern Caribbean itineraries offer cultural diversity, scenic beauty, and fewer crowds compared to traditional Eastern or Western routes.

Princess Cruises currently offers up to 40 percent off fares, third and fourth guests free in the same cabin, and reduced deposits. These promotions create exceptional value for longer, immersive itineraries.

Seven-night classic Southern Caribbean itinerary

This seven-night cruise departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ports include St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados. Each island reflects different European influences, creating a culturally rich journey.

Pricing starts at $599 per person for inside cabins, with balcony cabins starting at $1,099. These rates make a culturally diverse Caribbean experience remarkably accessible.

Twelve-night deep Southern Caribbean itinerary

For travelers seeking even more depth, the twelve-night option delivers. Departing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, this itinerary includes Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Aruba, and Curaçao.

Prices start at $1,149 per person, keeping the daily cost under $100. Balcony cabins begin at $1,999. This cruise offers rare ports like Puerto Limón and Colón, appealing to travelers who have already explored traditional Caribbean routes.

Conclusion: Travel deliberately and seize the moment

This episode of the Inside Travel Talk Podcast reinforces one powerful idea. Thoughtful planning transforms trips into lifelong memories. From avoiding costly travel mistakes to discovering Costa Rica’s wildlife wonders, the show delivers practical advice and genuine inspiration.

The reopening of Lahaina Harbor offers hope for Hawaii’s future. Costa Rica reminds travelers why nature-based travel remains so rewarding. Meanwhile, Southern Caribbean cruises prove that exceptional value still exists for those willing to explore beyond the usual itineraries.

Most importantly, the Travel Deal of the Week and Cruise Deal of the Week showcase how working with experienced travel advisors unlocks savings, insights, and peace of mind. Inside Travel Talk continues to stand as a trusted voice in the travel advisor space. It informs, inspires, and empowers travelers to explore the world with confidence.