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Send us Fan Mail Mark is calling in live from a “quiet booth” at LAX on his way to Fiji, so we keep it tight and packed with the travel news you can actually use. If you like a weekly travel briefing that helps you plan and book smarter, you’ll hear a fast rundown of what changed this week across cruising, airlines, and one genuinely strong cruise deal. We dig into Carnival Cruise Line’s tighter policy for minor guests, including new cabin distance rules for travelers ages 15 to 20 and even stricter requirements for kids under 15. If you’re booking a family cruise or coordinating a big group with teens and young adults, this is the kind of fine print that can create last-minute stress. We also explain why working with a travel advisor can save you hours when you’re trying to place multiple cabins across a ship while staying compliant with age rules. Then we shift to the skies. Southwest is pushing a “reclaim your time” message that backs what many of us need most: permission to unplug and actually rest on a flight. American Airlines adds a practical upgrade for points fans by allowing miles plus cash redemptions, making it easier to book even when you’re a little short on miles. On the destination front, Viking expands Egypt river cruising with the new Viking Sobek on the Nile, and we share the hot travel deal of the week: National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions offering up to $2,000 per person in airfare credits on select voyages, including standout itineraries in Coastal Japan and along the Celtic Coast toward Portugal. We wrap with a quick Fiji teaser, including current airfare pricing and why Mark’s on-the-ground hotel visits matter if you’re considering the islands. Subscribe for more weekly travel news, share this with a friend planning a trip, and leave a review so more travelers can find the show.

Send us Fan Mail A volcano that’s flinging rocks into parking lots, airport security that’s trying to finally move faster, and Halloween travel ideas that range from family-friendly to full-on gothic, this one is packed with practical trip planning fuel. We kick off with travel news you can actually use, including what’s happening right now with Kilauea and why Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closing certain trails and viewing areas. If the Big Island is on your list, we talk through what the closures mean and how to stay safe while still building a great itinerary. Next, we get into U.S. airport and airline updates that affect almost every flyer. TSA PreCheck is exploring faster lanes with e-gates, advanced imaging, and AI-supported screening, and we share why that matters even if you don’t have PreCheck. We also react to American Airlines ending involuntary bumping and what that could change for overbooked flights and volunteer compensation. Then we have some fun: our Halloween-inspired travel countdown includes a Jack the Ripper walking tour in London, haunted New Orleans ghost tours, Edinburgh’s underground vaults, and Disneyland at Halloween. The Hot Travel Deal of the Week goes international with Exotica’s nine-day Dracula and the Treasures of Transylvania tour in Romania, plus a broader 60% off promotion. After the break, it’s cruise news and cruise deals: MSC breaks ground on a luxury private island, Holland America expands, and Royal Caribbean goes bigger in Alaska. We also answer a listener question with a creative solution for Tahiti without a long flight, and we close with an essential travel tip on medications that can be restricted abroad. If you like smart travel news, cruise planning, and deals you can book, subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave us a review.

Send us Fan Mail Airlines keep getting creative with pricing, and “premium basic” fares might be the clearest example yet. We break down United’s move toward unbundled first class style tickets, what perks quietly disappear, and why it can change the real cost of a trip once you add seats, flexibility, and extras. We also dig into a genuinely useful update: American Airlines’ automated seat swapping feature that can rescue you from a middle seat without obsessively refreshing the app. Then we tackle a topic we hear constantly from travelers: Mexico safety misconceptions. We explain why scary headlines from one region should not define Cancun, Los Cabos, or Puerto Vallarta, and how to use travel.state.gov to check advisories the right way. We share practical Mexico travel tips we rely on, including using reputable airport transfers and vetted tour operators, plus how to spot common arrival-area scams that target tired vacationers. From there, we zoom out to what people are booking next with our top requested vacations for 2026, including Italy’s enduring pull, Alaska’s dominance as a domestic favorite, and continued demand for Greece, Japan, Portugal, and all-inclusive resorts. We also answer a big listener question about Hawaii travel costs with real-world ways to save without “doing Hawaii on the cheap” by choosing Oahu for value, traveling in shoulder season, picking smarter Waikiki hotels, and using kitchenettes to control food spending. If you want clearer travel advice, better deals, and fewer surprises, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s planning a trip, and leave us a review so more travelers can find the show.

Send us Fan Mail Royal Caribbean isn’t just thinking about ships anymore and that should get every cruise fan’s attention. We dig into the headline that Royal Caribbean Group is set to acquire a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts, and we talk through what it could mean for all-inclusive resort vacations, cruise-to-resort combos in the Caribbean, and even future loyalty perks. It’s a big swing toward “one brand for your whole vacation,” and we lay out the real pros, the possible downsides, and why destinations like Jamaica are at the center of it all. From there, we hit the travel news you can actually use. Alaska Airlines is rolling out a choose-your-own adventure approach to earning loyalty points, letting you pick distance, dollars, or segments depending on how you fly. We also flag a luggage tag barcode scam targeting checked bags and share an easy habit that protects your personal info. Add in budget airlines exploring premium seats, a Spirit Airlines bankruptcy update, and Venice considering higher entry fees to fight overtourism, and you’ve got a week of travel headlines that affect your wallet and your plans. Then we shift into trip planning and deals. We answer a listener question about whether it’s worth arriving to New Orleans a few days before a cruise and give a realistic list of what to do and what to avoid. You’ll also hear the hot travel deal of the week for Europe with stackable credits and savings, plus our Just Cruising segment featuring HX expedition cruising (Greenland, Antarctica, Alaska) and two attention-grabbing 16-day Panama Canal cruise deals, including a full transit option starting under $1,000. Subscribe, share this with your favorite travel planner, and leave a review with the next destination you want us to price out.

Send us Fan Mail Holiday travel is getting crowded fast, and waiting is turning into the most expensive strategy. We’re seeing strong early demand for Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations, especially for Caribbean resorts, cruises, villas, and multigenerational trips, which means the best options are disappearing first and the leftover inventory costs more. We explain why April and May planning beats last-minute September scrambling, plus how to stay flexible if you’re still trying to grab a warm-weather getaway. We also dig into what’s changing behind the scenes. Jet fuel prices are squeezing airlines, and when carriers reduce capacity, fewer seats usually means higher fares and fewer convenient schedules. On the resort side, Hyatt is making a notable move by bringing a Grand Hyatt all-inclusive into Cancun, a big signal for travelers searching for premium all-inclusive experiences in Mexico. And for airline nerds, we react to the 2026 Skytrax rankings, where Singapore Airlines takes the top spot and no US-based airline lands in the top 20, while Delta earns recognition for best Wi-Fi. A listener question takes us to Jamaica: has the island recovered from last year’s hurricane? We share the update, then lay out a smart place to start with Royalton Resorts, including current savings and which properties fit families versus adults-only travelers. We round things out with major cruise headlines, an Alaska adventure option with Uncruise, a Viking river cruise sale with low deposits and potential free airfare, and a surprisingly useful airline “flat tire rule” tip if life happens and you miss your flight. If this helps, subscribe on your favorite podcast app, share it with your favorite travel planner, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. What trip are you trying to book next?

Send us Fan Mail A hurricane hits Kauai and suddenly the question isn’t “Where do we want to go?” It’s “How fast can we pivot without losing money or burning a full day on hold?” We start with the week’s biggest travel news, including Kauai’s recovery timeline and why the smartest move is often to postpone, not cancel. We also talk about how travel advisors can use airline waiver codes to rebook quickly, which matters when weather events scramble flights, hotels, and ground plans all at once. From there, we zoom out to the travel trends shaping 2026 and beyond: cities across England considering an overnight tourism tax that could make hotel pricing vary by municipality, and Google stripping key flight and hotel search features from European results under the EU Digital Markets Act. We also flag a major loyalty shift as Hyatt ends its long-running crossover benefits with American AAdvantage and moves into a new partnership with Delta SkyMiles, which could change how you earn and redeem points on your next trip. Next, we answer a listener’s Morocco question with a clear, practical game plan: which destinations to prioritize (Marrakech, Fez, Erfoud, and Rabat), why escorted tours can be the best way to see Morocco efficiently, and what current Globus and Cosmos deals can look like. Then we hit our Just Cruising segment with eye-popping cruise industry growth numbers, Oceania’s first fully gluten-free cruise, Carnival Tropical’s new onboard features, Explora Journeys shifting sailings to South America, and a simpler approach to onboard drink and dining spend with Celestyal Pay. We wrap with true sailing ship cruise options (Star Clippers, Windstar, Sea Cloud) and a travel tip that can save your seat: check in right when the 24-hour window opens. If this helps, subscribe, share the episode with your favorite travel planner, and leave a review so more travelers can find us. What trip are you planning next, and what’s the one thing you want to get right this time?

Send us Fan Mail Airports are getting weirder and more convenient at the same time, and we walk through the changes that can actually make your next travel day smoother. Delta and Aeromexico get a major legal reversal that keeps their partnership alive, which matters if you want easier connections beyond Mexico City. United is also testing a feature that feels like DoorDash for airports, letting you order food in the app and have it delivered to your gate. We also talk about TSA’s GateSide option at select airports for approved TSA PreCheck members, plus Southwest’s first lounges and what that signals about the airline’s shift toward a more full-service experience.  Then we jump into a listener-inspired Mexico trip idea that goes far beyond “just go to the beach.” Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a powerful celebration of remembrance, and we share the key dates, what you’ll see, and what not to miss, including pan de muerto. We compare the vibe in Oaxaca, Mexico City, Cancun’s Xcaret festival, and why Puerto Vallarta might be the best fit for most travelers who want culture and a classic Mexico beach vacation in one trip. You’ll also hear current Mexico travel deals and all-inclusive resort promotions from brands like Riu, Hyatt Ziva, and the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, with important book-by timing.  The Just Cruising segment brings the cruise deals too: Holland America’s Have It All early booking bonus, plus newly opened 2028 Alaska cruises with longer itineraries up to 18 days and more unusual ports. We wrap with a straight talk reminder on travel insurance vs credit card coverage, including emergency medical and medical evacuation. If you get value from practical travel tips and real booking strategy, subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave us a review.

Send us Fan Mail A nonstop flight can be the difference between “someday” and “booked.” We kick things off with a rare seasonal win for travelers in the West: Delta’s nonstop Salt Lake City to Lima, Peru, running December through January, with round-trip fares starting around $771. Then we map out how to turn Peru into a full experience instead of a single checkbox, pairing Machu Picchu with the Amazon rainforest near Puerto Maldonado, time in Cusco, and a stay in the Sacred Valley so the trip feels balanced and unrushed. Next, we dig into travel news that affects how you plan and what you pay. Delta is rolling out live sports streaming on international flights through onboard Wi-Fi, and US carriers are shifting strategy in Europe by adding more nonstop routes to secondary cities and leisure destinations. We talk through what that could mean for your next Europe vacation, plus a standout Fiji Airways 75th anniversary sale that can price Fiji and even Sydney at surprisingly low levels on select dates, with the option to add a Fiji stopover to break up the long haul. Our Just Cruising segment is all about value and unusual ports. Mark shares a seven-night Celestyal cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon with stops like Gibraltar and Casablanca, Morocco, starting at $549 for an inside cabin. We also hit major cruise headlines, from Oceania’s new Sonata-class ship plans to new and returning homeports like Philadelphia and New York City, and we wrap with a money-saving reminder: carry-on rules in Europe are not universal, so check every airline on your itinerary before you pack. If you want more travel deals, smarter itineraries, and fewer surprises, subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us.

Send us Fan Mail A $404 round trip flight to Honolulu doesn’t show up often, so we jump on it fast and talk through how to turn that airfare into a full Hawaii vacation package without blowing your budget. We walk through five-night Waikiki options at different comfort levels, share why bundling air and hotel can beat booking separately, and flag the real-world catch that matters most: you’ll want flexibility, because the lowest fares come and go and seat counts can be tight. From there, we hit the travel news that changes what your next flight feels like. American Airlines is bringing seatback screens back to hundreds of narrow-body jets, the FAA is enforcing the rule that airline-provided pre-departure drinks must be collected before pushback, and premium cabin “suite doors” are running into certification delays that can even leave expensive seats temporarily unusable. Then we spotlight the US Virgin Islands as a warm-beach answer to the question we hear all the time: “Where can I go without a passport?” We break down St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, plus a 2027 promotion that can save up to $550 when you pay in full. A listener question takes us into travel insurance, including when to buy it, how pre-existing condition windows work, and newer benefits like airport lounge access during delays. We wrap with cruise headlines and deals, from Norwegian’s short Bahamas push to Alaska demand, plus eye-catching pricing on Princess, Celebrity, and MSC.  Subscribe for more travel deals and cruise news, share this with a friend planning a trip, and leave a review with your best “should I book it?” question.

Send us Fan Mail Miami has a new reason to show up a few days early before your cruise, and it’s not another rooftop bar. We dig into Reefline, a brand-new underwater sculpture park where the first installation is literally an “underwater traffic jam” of cars that’s designed to evolve into coral reef habitat over time. If you’re building a Miami itinerary with snorkeling or scuba diving, this is one of the most memorable, conversation-starting stops you can add. From there, we move fast through the travel news you can actually use. Delta is expanding Japan service with a new Seattle to Tokyo Narita route, and we talk about what that says about Japan as a top trending destination for American travelers. We also share one of our favorite ways to travel deeper in any city: private custom tours. We explain how Tours By Locals can deliver a flexible, local-led day that can pivot on the fly, from classic highlights to “take us where tourists never go” experiences. Then we get practical with planning and deals. We answer a listener question about China, including why we recommend a structured program and how a Yangtze River cruise can fit into a Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai style itinerary. Another listener asks the big one: which Hawaii island is right for a first trip? We break down Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island based on the vacation you want, plus share a time-sensitive savings window worth considering. We wrap with cruise news, a Western Caribbean sailing built for Mayan ruins, and a simple packing rule for what never belongs in a checked bag. If this helps, subscribe, share with a friend who’s always “thinking about traveling,” and leave a review. Which trip are you planning next?

Send us Fan Mail Prices, planes, and beach conditions can change your trip faster than any travel trend on TikTok, so we focus on the updates that actually affect what you book and when you book it. We dig into the Boeing 737 Max 7 getting cleared and why that matters for route planning, seat capacity, and service to smaller cities. We also talk about Hawaiian Airlines moving toward newer aircraft for inter-island flights, a practical shift that could improve reliability as older planes get harder to maintain. Then we hit two destination headlines travelers keep asking about: Maui’s continued recovery and the reality of sargassum in Mexico. We break down what sargassum seaweed is, why warm water makes it worse, and how Mexico is spending big money on offshore capture, barriers, and cleanup to protect Cancun and Riviera Maya beaches. After that, we help a listener who wants Italy but not the usual checklist, making the case for Sardinia as a unique Italy vacation with small villages, rugged mountains, Bronze Age history, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Cruise fans get a stacked second half: a rumored move by Explora Journeys into luxury river cruising, rising Caribbean cruise capacity that could spark better last-minute cruise deals, and Viking opening 2028-2029 ocean voyages with a rare $25 deposit promo plus reduced airfare on select sailings. We close with a straight talk travel tip on when basic economy is worth it for short flights. If this helps you plan smarter, subscribe, share the show with a travel buddy, and leave a review so more travelers can find these deals and booking strategies.

Send us Fan Mail You can feel travel shifting right now: airports are experimenting with new ways to run security, airlines are trying to sell you something you’ve wanted for years, and cruise and tour companies are stacking itineraries that turn “someday” trips into actual plans. We start with travel headlines that matter for real-world comfort, including more airports considering private contractors for TSA-style screening and United’s move to sell Economy Plus with a guaranteed empty middle seat. If crowded rows and elbow battles make flying miserable, this is one of the most practical upgrades we’ve seen in a long time.  Next, we dig into the onboard experience once you’re in the air. Starlink Wi-Fi continues spreading across fleets, and we explain why faster satellite internet is only part of the story when airlines also care about how the Wi-Fi portal looks and feels. From there, we jump to guided travel with Globus rolling out new tours beyond Europe, including Chile and Northern Patagonia, Peru and Ecuador with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley plus the Galapagos, and Southern Australia with Tasmania, along with a compelling early-booking incentive for future departures.  Then we get specific with inspiration you can use immediately: Hawaii, the Big Island, and the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary just minutes from Kona International Airport. After that, it’s time to cruise, with updates on MSC’s luxury push through Explora Journeys, Port Canaveral’s expansion for the next wave of mega ships, Regent Seven Seas Christmas market sailings, and Viking’s Oberammergau Passion Play trips. We close with a listener question we all get: is Princess Plus worth it, and when does Princess Premier make sense, followed by strong Princess cruise deals to Hawaii and the Caribbean.  Subscribe for more travel news, cruise tips, and vacation planning help, then share this with a friend who needs a trip and leave a review so more travelers can find us.

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Send us Fan Mail A “window seat” that has no window sounds like a joke until you are stuck staring at a blank wall for three hours. We break down the real-life windowless seat lawsuit and why it could change how airlines describe seat selection, especially when you are paying extra for a preferred seat. Then we get practical: how we look up aircraft layouts, why some rows are narrower, and the simple seat-check habits that save you from travel frustration before you even get to the airport. From there, we tackle the baggage side of modern flying. United’s Twilight bag drop at Chicago O’Hare is a surprisingly useful upgrade for anyone on an early morning departure, letting you check bags the night before and skip the morning scramble. We also talk about why mishandled bags still happen even as overall rates improve, what tight connections do to your luggage, and why a tracker like an Apple AirTag can make problem solving faster when a suitcase goes missing. Next, we shift gears to the kind of vacation that feels like the opposite of an airport: low tech luxury. Think Caribbean all-inclusive resorts designed for a digital detox, with no TVs, no Wi-Fi, and a clear goal of helping you reconnect with who you are traveling with. If you want the water without the noise, we share why this trend is growing and how to book it at the right time of year. Finally, we head into cruise territory with fresh updates and deals: MSC’s new Pan Asian street food concept, AMA Waterways expanding its Christmas markets options in Germany, Celestyal’s move into Western Mediterranean itineraries, and a Viking Ocean promotion built to fill cabins with perks like airfare, beverages, and low deposits. Subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a review if these tips help you plan smarter trips.

Send us Fan Mail One bad decision at 35,000 feet can haunt your whole vacation, so we start with the real-world long haul flight mistakes that quietly ruin arrival day. We talk about the stuff nobody wants to mention but everyone has seen, like walking the cabin without shoes, plus the more common traps like buying a neck pillow that never works, experimenting with sleep aids you have not tested, watching movies nonstop, and landing dehydrated with jet lag hitting harder than it needs to. If you want long haul flight tips that actually make travel feel easier, this segment is packed with quick fixes you can use on your next flight to Europe or Asia. Then we shift from survival mode to trip inspiration. We dig into a unique New York City experience, Catacombs by Candlelight at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Greenwich Village, and why it belongs on a list of memorable things to do in NYC beyond the usual landmarks. We also break down Universal’s new kid-focused theme park in Frisco, Texas, including what it offers families who want the fun without the scale and crowds of the biggest parks. Our featured guest, Erin Schwartfegger from Canyon Spirit and Rocky Mountaineer, walks us through a scenic rail journey that feels nothing like Amtrak. Canyon Spirit runs in daylight for the views and pairs the train with comfortable hotel overnights in Moab and Glenwood Springs before arriving in Denver, with add-on options like Arches and Canyonlands tours. We cover service levels, food and drinks, outdoor viewing areas, luggage handling that follows you to your room, and accessibility support. We also share a listener offer for Utah and Colorado residents: an additional $150 off Canyon Spirit packages. To wrap, we jump into cruise news and deals: Star Clippers sailing cruises with new included extras, Royal Caribbean’s Discovery class ships designed to fit through the Panama Canal, a British Isles group cruise in 2027, and American Cruise Lines savings on Florida and Southeast itineraries. If you got value from these ideas, subscribe, share the show with a travel buddy, and leave us a quick review.