THE VACATION NERD WITH PATRICK WISCOMBE — EPISODE 180, PART 2
Speaker-Labeled Transcript

TODD CARLSON: This is the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show, presented by BluePlanetVacations.com, America’s Best Travel Advisors.

Call or text the show right now: 801-649-3700. 801-649-3700.

And now, here are your hosts, Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: All aboard for the infamous Just Cruising segment here on the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show. We hope you are having a terrific weekend.

My name is Patrick Wiscombe, alongside Mark Faldmo, owner of BluePlanetVacations.com.

Coming up in this segment, always at the bottom of the hour, is the infamous Just Cruising segment. We’ll be talking about cruising to Australia and New Zealand, and we’ll also be talking about going to Japan—whether it’s on a tour or a cruise.

We’ll also tell you how to find the best seat on an airplane.

There’s just something about being in Miami Beach that is special. How many times have you been to Miami Beach?

MARK FALDMO: I don’t know. I can’t even count. I’ve taken so many cruises out of Miami that it’s probably 30 to 50 times—somewhere in that range.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: It is special down here. Miami Beach is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods I think I’ve ever been in. Everything is picturesque: blue skies, a few clouds. It is just amazing.

In segment one, we had to cut the segment short because of our interview with TJ McAvoy from Globus.

Let’s finish John’s question. He wants to go to Japan, and he wants to know the best time to go and what should be on his itinerary. Let’s start there for him.

MARK FALDMO: We briefly answered his question. The best time is spring or fall. I would particularly prefer spring because of the cherry blossoms.

We also said the top three cities that should probably be included are Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima.

We just finished talking with TJ about the hosted and escorted tours that Globus offers, so I chose a Globus tour that I think is fantastic.

Right now, Globus has savings of up to $1,500 on select Japan tours. The tour I chose is an 11-day tour.

It starts in Tokyo. Then you take the bullet train to Nagoya and spend one night in Nagoya, two nights in Kyoto, two nights in Okayama, one night in Matsue and two nights in Hiroshima.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: I’m glad the tour spends a little bit of time in Hiroshima. It is a real flashpoint—no pun intended—in the history of the world.

MARK FALDMO: It is.

The first part of the tour is by train, and the last part is by motorcoach.

One thing I didn’t mention earlier is that the language barrier is one reason I recommend taking either a tour or a cruise in Japan.

On the tour, you have a tour guide with you who can help you navigate the language and cultural differences.

On a cruise, it is somewhat similar because you can take shore excursions with English-speaking guides who help you navigate while you’re in port.

The Globus tour starts at $5,449 per person. The departure I looked at was a fall departure, and it was about $1,200 below the regular price.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: So the $5,449 price already includes that discount?

MARK FALDMO: It does.

This is one of the touring styles that TJ talked about. It is a small-group tour, with a maximum of 24 people.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: That’s the land portion. Let’s talk about the cruise portion.

MARK FALDMO: The cruise portion is aboard Norwegian Spirit.

It is one of Norwegian’s smaller ships, but it is also one of my favorite ships. I love the back of the ship because it has a terraced design surrounding a pool, and part of the buffet is at the top.

I love Norwegian Spirit. It is a good ship for these port-intensive Japan itineraries and gives travelers the advantage of returning to the same room each night instead of changing hotels.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: Always in the infamous Just Cruising segment, we have the cruise deal of the week.

Zell—was this a text?

MARK FALDMO: It was a text.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: Zell says she wants to go to Australia and New Zealand. She is asking for the best time to go and what itineraries we have for her.

What do you recommend?

MARK FALDMO: I found two good itineraries.

First, the best time to go is during our winter, which is their summer. These cruises generally operate from December through March.

There are some cruises that operate year-round, but most people from the United States would probably want to go during January, February or March.

The first cruise I found is an 11-day Australia and New Zealand cruise aboard Norwegian Spirit—the same ship we just discussed for Japan. It moves south during the winter season to cruise Australia and New Zealand.

This cruise sails between Sydney and Auckland.

In Australia, it includes Sydney and Melbourne. Then it sails around New Zealand’s South Island with scenic cruising through Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound.

It also visits ports on the South Island, then Wellington and Tauranga on the North Island before ending in Auckland.

I think Australia and New Zealand cruises are one of the best ways to see this part of the world.

The departure I found was January 17. It starts at $1,895 per person for an inside cabin or $3,618 for a balcony.

Balcony cabins command a premium on this itinerary, similar to what you see in Alaska.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: I’ve seen Milford Sound. The glaciers and fjords on New Zealand’s South Island are one of a kind. They are absolutely beautiful.

That’s the 11-day Sydney-to-Auckland cruise?

MARK FALDMO: Correct.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: Is there a longer cruise available?

MARK FALDMO: I found one on Oceania Cruises.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: Generally speaking, what are your thoughts on Oceania?

MARK FALDMO: Oceania is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. It is one of their higher-end cruise lines, with smaller ships and a more upscale experience.

Oceania also does a lot of unique itineraries, and this one certainly qualifies.

The ship is Oceania Riviera. It leaves Auckland. It does not visit New Zealand’s South Island, but it sails from Auckland to Sydney and then continues along Australia’s northern coast.

It visits Cairns and Darwin, then has two stops in Indonesia before ending in Singapore.

This is a 22-day itinerary. Inside cabins start at $5,299 per person, and balcony cabins start at $6,970 per person.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: I’m looking at Riviera right now because I wasn’t familiar with it. That is a nice ship.

MARK FALDMO: It is. Oceania does a great job. Their style is laid-back luxury—almost a country-club-casual type of luxury.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: Apparently, that is my style.

Take advantage of those offers if you’ve always wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand. That part of the world is absolutely spectacular.

Call Mark in his office and get the conversation started: 888-718-7717. 888-718-7717.

He will also post this information on BluePlanetVacations.com.

When we come back, we are getting hammered with listener questions this week.

James says he does not fly often, but he likes to sit in a window seat. He recently reserved what he thought was a window seat, only to discover that there was no window.

How do you find the best seat on an airplane? We’ll answer that question next.

Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your weekend. You are listening to the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show.

Alongside Mark Faldmo, my name is Patrick Wiscombe. We’ll be right back.

TODD CARLSON: You’re listening to the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show with Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo, presented by BluePlanetVacations.com, America’s Best Travel Advisors.

Call or text the show now: 801-649-3700. That’s 801-649-3700.

And check out the podcast at InsideTravelTalk.com. We’ll be right back.

TODD CARLSON: They’ll help you plan and book your next vacation. Yeah, really.

You’re listening to the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show, presented by BluePlanetVacations.com, America’s Best Travel Advisors.

And now, here are Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: Coming to you live from the beautiful city of Miami, Florida.

Mark, it is absolutely beautiful. Nikki and I have spent the entire week aboard MSC World America, and that ship is genuinely beautiful.

Not only is it gigantic—Icon of the Seas-type size—but it is tastefully designed and decorated. The soft goods and the entire ship are awesome.

If you are thinking about taking a cruise, consider MSC World America. You will not be disappointed.

MARK FALDMO: I got off the ship the week before you boarded it.

When you get back from your travels, we need to do an in-depth review of all four cruises. You’ve taken three so far and have one more to go.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: One more: the brand-new Norwegian Aqua.

MARK FALDMO: I’m excited for you to get aboard that one. You’ve done a lot of cruising, and there is one week left. It has almost been a month.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: That’s what is crazy to me. We’ve been doing the show on the road.

Fortunately, with Starlink, you can do the show from almost anywhere. I don’t want to sound like an old guy, but all I have here is a wireless setup, and we’re doing the radio show from a Miami hotel lobby.

This segment is all about Mark’s travel tips.

We also received an email from James. He says, “I don’t fly much, but I like to sit in a window seat. I recently took a flight and reserved a window seat—or so I thought—but it did not have a window. I looked on the airline’s website, and it did not say that the seat had no window. How do I avoid that in the future?”

MARK FALDMO: This is one of the frustrating things for me when flying. I am also a window-seat person, and I have booked a window seat that turned out to be a non-window seat several times.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: You were not happy.

MARK FALDMO: No, I was not.

I like to lean against the window because there is a little more shoulder space. Some people choose the aisle for similar reasons, but then they get bumped by carts and people walking through the aisle.

For this reason, I added a link on BluePlanetVacations.com to a tool that helps people research airplane seats.

It works for different airlines and aircraft types.

Go to BluePlanetVacations.com, scroll to the footer and select “Travel Resources.” On that page, there is an option for finding the best airline seat and viewing seat maps.

You can enter your airline, flight number and travel date, and it will generally identify the aircraft configuration.

You can also search by airline and aircraft type.

The reason I use it every time I book is that there are several configurations of the same aircraft.

Take the Boeing 737 as an example. A non-window seat will not be in the same location on every version of the airplane.

The airlines also arrange first class, comfort, premium and main-cabin seats differently. A Delta 737-900 may have a completely different configuration from the same aircraft operated by United or American.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: I hadn’t thought about that.

MARK FALDMO: The seat map is color-coded.

A red seat might be close to an exit, have restricted recline, be near a restroom or have another significant drawback.

Orange indicates a seat that is somewhat better but still comes with a caveat.

Yellow may indicate a partially missing window. Depending on the aircraft, a completely missing window may be marked in red.

The tool explains whether the wing blocks the view, whether the seat has restricted recline or whether it is simply a standard seat.

It is a good way to know what you are actually choosing before you pay for it.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: On BluePlanetVacations.com, the link is under “Travel Resources”?

MARK FALDMO: Correct. That page also includes links to passport services, State Department information and other travel resources.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: That is very helpful.

This was not on the rundown, but I think it is a question many people have: How can someone get an upgraded airline seat?

Let’s say you are in the main cabin. Can you get an upgrade?

MARK FALDMO: There are a few ways.

Several airlines offer an upgrade-bidding process after you have booked and paid for your ticket. You can submit a bid for business class or first class.

Airlines that offer some version of this include Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Aer Lingus, Hawaiian Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Delta, American and United generally do not use that same bidding system.

Instead, if upgraded seats are available, their apps may offer an upgrade for a stated cash price or a certain number of points.

Sometimes the offer appears weeks before the trip. Sometimes it does not appear until check-in.

Airlines are constantly trying to maximize every seat. If someone pays to move into first class, the airline may be able to sell that person’s original seat or accommodate a standby passenger.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: So what you’re saying is that there’s a chance.

MARK FALDMO: There is a chance.

I have never personally used the bidding process, but I have seen airlines offer discounted upgrades for purchase.

Now let’s talk about flying tips and etiquette.

The first subject is boarding and seating etiquette.

Be prepared when you reach the security checkpoint and when you are ready to board.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: Those are two different points in the airport.

MARK FALDMO: Correct.

There is nothing more frustrating than being ready to board while the person in front of you is fumbling through a phone trying to find a boarding pass.

If you are in the boarding line, have your boarding pass ready.

I always print a paper boarding pass as a backup. If my phone is not ready or something goes wrong, I can scan the paper copy.

Also have your documents and identification ready. You may need identification at security, and depending on your destination, you may need your passport before boarding.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: When you travel domestically, do you bring your passport anyway and use it instead of your driver’s license?

MARK FALDMO: I always have my passport when traveling, but I normally use my driver’s license.

With TSA PreCheck facial recognition, I often do not have to show identification in that line.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: So the documents could include your passport, driver’s license and boarding pass, whether it is on your phone or printed.

MARK FALDMO: Correct.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: What is the next tip?

MARK FALDMO: Respect assigned seats.

We have discussed stories about passengers simply taking another person’s seat and refusing to move. That has led to fights and even people being banned from flying.

There is nothing wrong with politely asking someone to switch. I will generally help when a parent is separated from a young child.

But be respectful, and do not assume that someone who paid for a premium or first-class seat should move back to economy so you can sit there.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: That happened to me on a flight to Hawaii.

A man was standing in front of my seat and asked me to trade. His family was in my section, but his seat was farther back in the main cabin.

I politely said no. He did not create a major scene, but there was a little friction.

MARK FALDMO: The next tip is to be efficient during boarding and do not hog the overhead-bin space.

Follow the airline’s rules. After boarding is complete, you can place additional items overhead if space remains.

Also, if you have a backpack, carry it in front of you or in your hand while walking down the aisle. Do not leave it on your back and hit every passenger in an aisle seat as you turn.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: What other recommendations do you have?

MARK FALDMO: The number-one flying tip is to download the airline’s app.

It makes airport navigation and boarding easier. If a flight is delayed or canceled, the app will often present rebooking options. You may be able to accept a change with one click instead of standing in a long customer-service line.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: The app is usually the airline’s first way of communicating with travelers.

MARK FALDMO: Exactly.

The next thing is to check in online or through the app. That can save significant time.

Many airlines now offer self-service baggage systems. If you are already checked in, you can scan your information at a kiosk, print the bag tag and proceed to bag drop.

Also keep both a digital and printed boarding pass. It can prevent headaches.

Finally, consider travel insurance. We discuss it often, but I have seen many travelers’ investments protected because they purchased it.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: That advice is coming from a man who has traveled roughly four million miles and completed more than 150 cruises. Mark knows what he is doing.

If you want to take advantage of any promotion discussed on the show, call Mark in his office: 888-718-7717. 888-718-7717.

The travel resources we discussed are also on BluePlanetVacations.com.

Mark, we’re done. I’m taking a couple of days off, and then it is off to Bimini aboard Norwegian Aqua.

I guess I’ll see you in the studio next Saturday—for the first time in a month.

MARK FALDMO: Finally.

PATRICK WISCOMBE: You can listen to this show every Saturday and Sunday morning at 11 a.m. on this radio station and around the country.

You can also stream, download and subscribe to the podcast at InsideTravelTalk.com. We are on all the major podcast platforms.

If you do not want to subscribe, you can stream the show directly from the website.

It is now your turn to get out and explore the world, because you never know what curveballs life is going to throw at you.

Live your life deliberately. Live your life intentionally.

Thank you so much for listening. We truly do not have a show or a business without you.

Have a great week.

TODD CARLSON: That’s it. That’s the end of the show.

You’ve been listening to the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show with Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo, presented by BluePlanetVacations.com.

Book your adventure right now. Call 888-718-7717. That’s 888-718-7717.

Thanks for listening. Have a great week.