Safari Voyager small ship cruising the Sea of Cortez

Planning your next vacation just got easier with this week’s episode of Inside Travel Talk. Hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo dive into the biggest travel headlines, including Spirit Airlines’ latest bankruptcy, new Southwest partnerships with EVA Airways, and unique winter vacation ideas beyond Hawaii and Mexico. You’ll also hear about incredible deals like Greek vacations starting at $1,049, Egypt tours starting at $849, and the hot travel deal of the week—up to $550 off packages to Hawaii and All-Inclusive Mexico for warm winter vacation deals. Plus, in the fan-favorite Just Cruising segment, the hosts cover solar eclipse cruises for 2026, MSC’s 40% off cruise sale, and a boutique adventure cruise in the Sea of Cortez. Whether you dream of Europe, the Nile, or sailing under the stars, this episode is packed with inspiration and insider tips.

On This Week’s Episode

• Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy again
• Southwest partners with EVA Airways for Asia routes
• Warm-weather winter vacation ideas beyond Hawaii and Mexico
• Greek Escape tour starting at $1,049
• Egypt vacation packages starting at $849
• Travel Deal of the Week: Save up to $550 off Hawaii and Mexico packages
• Solar eclipse cruises for 2026 with Holland America
• A boutique adventure with UnCruise in the Sea of Cortez
• Cruise Deal of the Week: 40% off MSC Cruises + kids sail free

Segment One: Travel News & Warm Winter Getaways

Spirit Airlines Files for Bankruptcy

Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy again, only ten months after emerging from its last restructuring. The airline vows to continue operations without disruption. While they once tried merging with Frontier and nearly sold to JetBlue, competition and changing traveler preferences have hurt ultra-low-cost carriers. For now, Spirit tickets remain valid, and the company hopes restructuring will create stability for the future.

Travelers should keep in mind that while budget carriers offer cheap fares, many are shifting their loyalty toward airlines that deliver more value. This trend may continue until the market swings back to ultra-discount flying.

Southwest Expands to Asia with EVA Airways

Southwest Airlines made headlines by signing an interline partnership with EVA Airways, a premium airline based in Taiwan. This agreement opens up connections from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle to Asia, giving Southwest customers access to new long-haul destinations. Combined with their recent partnership in Iceland, Southwest is strategically linking travelers to Europe and Asia through trusted carriers.

For those who haven’t flown EVA Airways, expect a comfortable and polished experience. Known for its playful Hello Kitty branding in select terminals, EVA is praised for long-haul service and attention to detail.

Warm Destinations Beyond Hawaii & Mexico

Listener Garrett texted the show asking for warm winter vacation ideas that are not Hawaii or Mexico. Mark highlighted Globus Escape tours, which focus on off-season travel with fewer crowds and better pricing. These tours offer incredible value and unique experiences in destinations often overlooked for winter escapes.

The Greek Escape: Seven Nights from $1,049

This seven-night tour starts in Athens with two nights exploring the historic capital before traveling through Olympia and other highlights. Travelers then return for a final night in Athens. Prices begin at $1,049 per person, excluding airfare.

Optional add-ons make this package even more appealing:

• A two-night stay on the enchanting island of Santorini
• A four-night Greek Isles cruise including Santorini and Turkey

Visiting Greece in winter provides a more intimate experience. Imagine strolling Santorini without cruise ship crowds while enjoying crisp, sunny days. With included transportation, guided tours, and select meals, this package is an unbeatable value for cultural travelers.

Egypt Vacations Starting at $849

Perhaps the most exciting deal is a six-day Egypt vacation starting at $849 per person. Travelers spend time in Cairo, visiting the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, before heading to Alexandria. Along the way, the itinerary includes a stop at a Coptic Christian monastery in the desert, adding cultural depth to the journey.

Highlights of the Egypt vacation include:

• Cairo: Explore pyramids, bustling markets, and ancient history
• Alexandria: A vibrant port city with Mediterranean charm
• El Baharia Desert: Known as the “Redland” for its dramatic red sands
• Optional Nile River Cruise: A three-night journey to Karnak, Luxor, and Aswan

This trip combines history, adventure, and affordability. For travelers seeking an unforgettable warm-weather escape, Egypt delivers ancient wonders at a price point rarely seen.

Travel Deal of the Week: Hawaii & Mexico Packages

This week’s travel deal is a standout: save up to $550 per package on vacations to Hawaii and Mexico. Prices have recently dropped between $25 and $150 per person compared to last week.

• Hawaii Deal: Maui packages starting at just $919 per person with airfare and five nights at Royal Kahana.
• Mexico Deal: Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive starting at $959 per person, including flights, hotel, meals, drinks, and transfers.

These packages are available for travel through 2026, with discounts extending even into late 2025 and early 2026. With airfare included, these offers are some of the best values on the market right now.

Segment Two: Just Cruising

Solar Eclipse Cruises with Holland America

The 2026 solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, is already shaping up to be one of the hottest cruise events of the decade. Holland America has three voyages specifically timed to witness the eclipse, including:

• An 18-day “Voyage of the Vikings”
• A 13-day Mediterranean sailing
• A 28-day itinerary including Greenland and Scotland

Each cruise features an astronomy expert on board to provide lectures, live commentary, and Q&A sessions. These unique sailings combine natural wonder with educational enrichment, creating once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

Boutique Cruising with UnCruise in the Sea of Cortez

For travelers like Garrett who crave something beyond the ordinary, UnCruise Adventures offers expedition-style voyages in the Sea of Cortez, often called the “Aquarium of the World.”

• Seven-night and ten-night itineraries available
• Sail on the Safari Voyager, a 66-passenger expedition vessel
• All-inclusive with meals, excursions, and activities included
• Discounts: $500 off per person, reduced single supplements, and child discounts

The ten-night itinerary, In Steinbeck’s Wake, even retraces the route of author John Steinbeck’s historic Sea of Cortez expedition. These intimate voyages immerse travelers in marine life, culture, and authentic Baja experiences far from typical tourist paths.

Cruise Deal of the Week: 40% Off MSC Cruises

This week’s Cruise Deal of the Week comes from MSC Cruises, offering:

• 40% off all sailings
• Kids sail free on select itineraries

Highlighted sailing: January 11th, 2026, from Galveston aboard the MSC Seascape.

• Inside cabins from $449 per person
• Balconies from just $669 per person

MSC has made huge strides in the U.S. market, offering stylish ships, family-friendly amenities, and improved dining. With this sale, families can book a balcony stateroom for under $1,500 for four travelers.

Conclusion

This week’s Inside Travel Talk was filled with opportunities to dream, plan, and book your next adventure. From Spirit Airlines’ ongoing struggles to Southwest’s new Asia routes, the airline industry continues to evolve. For winter travelers, Greece and Egypt offer unbeatable value, while Hawaii and Mexico remain perennial favorites with even better discounts. On the cruise side, Holland America’s solar eclipse voyages, UnCruise’s intimate expeditions, and MSC’s blockbuster sale prove there has never been a better time to set sail.

Whether you crave history in Egypt, sunsets in Santorini, whale watching in the Sea of Cortez or Warm winter vacation deals, Blue Planet Vacations is here to help you turn plans into reality. Travel isn’t just about escaping—it’s about experiencing the world deliberately, intentionally, and with expert guidance.

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