THE VACATION NERD WITH PATRICK WISCOMBE — EPISODE 184
TODD CARLSON: Explore your world. It’s the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show, presented by BluePlanetVacations.com.
Call or text the show now: 801-649-3700. 801-649-3700. And check out the podcast at InsideTravelTalk.com.
And now, here are your hosts, Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: It is the weekend, which means it is time to talk travel. Hello there. My name is Patrick Wiscombe. Mark Faldmo will be here in the studio in just a moment.
You are listening to the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show. Whether you are brand-new to the show or a longtime listener, our job is to help you plan and book your next vacation.
If you have no idea where to go, then our job is very simple: We want to give you ideas of where to vacation next.
This show is presented by BluePlanetVacations.com, which is Mark’s company. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop and listen.
Coming up on today’s show, we are heavy on trains. We are talking about Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab and, of course, through the Canadian Rockies—such a great combination if you want to head to Alaska.
We are also going to talk with Sam Langner of Grand Canyon Railway. That is coming up in the first two segments of the show.
Let me bring in my co-host and good friend, Mark Faldmo. It is good to see you on camera, since Nikki and I are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean right now.
MARK FALDMO: Good to be here.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Glad to hear that. We have had a great cruise. We are aboard Celebrity Ascent.
Maho Beach—which, by the way, if you do not know what Maho Beach is—is the beach you always see on YouTube with airplanes flying just feet over people’s heads. It is absolutely terrifying.
It is real. When the airplanes land, they are feet over your head. When they take off, people really do get blown into the ocean, along with their possessions. It is complete chaos on the beach.
MARK FALDMO: It is one of my favorite places. It is on the island of St. Martin, and I love it.
There is a little beach bar where you can sit and watch the airplanes land—and watch the people who want to get blown over by the jets when they take off.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: It is absolutely one of the most magical experiences I have ever had in my entire life. That alone is a destination and a vacation by itself. Would you agree?
MARK FALDMO: Yes, I would. I love airplanes, so that is one of my favorite spots in the Caribbean.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: The majesty of airplane travel and watching them come in is something I will never forget. There are our planes. Let’s move on to trains.
A little bit earlier this week, Mark and I—who are both big train people—talked with a gentleman Mark introduced me to: Sam Langner with Grand Canyon Railway.
We spoke with him while we were in port so we could get this on the air for our listeners.
Let’s start with Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel 101. How long have you existed? Take us through where you board the train and what listeners can expect.
SAM LANGNER: Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has existed since 1901.
Originally, the route up to the South Rim was used for mining copper ore. It then became very clear that hauling tourists to the Grand Canyon was a better business proposition—and people loved going to see that natural wonder of the world.
In 1901, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway worked with the Fred Harvey Company to develop the line and the South Rim Village. It is deeply ingrained in the history of this region.
In the modern era, we operate a 298-room hotel in Williams, Arizona, with two restaurants. Williams is a historic Route 66 town, so it has that classic Wild West-meets-classic-American-attraction feeling.
The railway makes a 64-mile run to the South Rim. It is two hours and 15 minutes each way. We leave Williams in the morning, travel to the South Rim and give guests a few hours to explore that beautiful natural wonder.
It is a very dynamic experience and a great way to spend a long weekend—or even a weekday—for anyone.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: How many day tours are there, or do you choose how long you want to stay?
SAM LANGNER: The train operates 364 days a year. We run every day except Christmas, so there is almost always a train going to the South Rim.
When you arrive, tours are available. If guests want to take a guided bus tour, that is an option. A lot of people simply get off the train and explore during the official three-hour layover.
If you are not staying overnight, three hours gives you enough time to at least take in the grandeur. Personally, I always say that you need to spend the night to experience the full grandeur.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Oh, yeah.
SAM LANGNER: The ride aboard the train is more than an A-to-B trip. It is an enchanting and entertaining journey.
We have roaming musicians in the train cars. There is a café car where guests can purchase snacks. At the higher levels of service—first class and deluxe—there are finger foods and even a champagne toast.
And maybe, just maybe, there might be an old-fashioned train robbery. I will not ruin that for you.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: You said it starts in Williams, Arizona. Everyone has to get themselves to Williams. For listeners who do not know the geography, where is it?
SAM LANGNER: We are right off Interstate 40 in northern Arizona, about 35 minutes west of Flagstaff.
Williams is a historic Route 66 town, with classic-car shows, neon lights and old restaurants. It is a quick and easy trip. You can fly into Flagstaff and take a car over. It is also only a couple of hours from Phoenix.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: What is your favorite thing about the Grand Canyon? What is the one thing that makes you say, “Man, I never get tired of this”?
SAM LANGNER: There are a lot of beautiful places in the United States, and I may be a little biased, but for my money, the Grand Canyon is the most spectacular visual representation of the Earth’s layers.
When you look at Grand Canyon National Park, you are looking back through time. In some places near the bottom, more than a billion and a half years of the Earth’s history are exposed in the rock.
The sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking. Pun intended, it is a grand place. It is difficult to comprehend, and it makes you feel insignificant in a charming way.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: When you start in Williams, how long does the journey to the South Rim take?
SAM LANGNER: It is a two-hour-and-15-minute ride north. You receive three hours at the South Rim, and then it is two hours and 15 minutes back—about 64 miles each way.
We always joke that it is not the fastest way to reach the canyon. If you just want to get there, you can drive and arrive faster.
This is about enjoying the ride and stepping back in time. You travel at approximately 40 miles per hour. It is about the onboard entertainment and soaking up the experience in these classic railcars.
We like to say that we do the driving for you. You are there to enjoy the ride.
By traveling aboard Grand Canyon Railway, we estimate that we keep upward of 60,000 cars out of the park each year. It is a great way to reduce traffic and congestion in Grand Canyon National Park while enjoying the journey more than you would while driving.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Once you reach the canyon—which is really the main feature of the train trip—you have hotels on both ends: in Williams and at the Grand Canyon.
If you could design the perfect vacation, how many days would you stay in Williams, and how many days would you stay at the canyon?
SAM LANGNER: The good news is that we have already created that vacation. It is called the Canyon Rails Getaway Package.
It is our curated experience for someone who wants to enjoy their entire time here. It includes one night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, dinner and breakfast, the train ride to the South Rim, an overnight stay at Maswik Lodge North and the opportunity to enjoy tours of your choice.
As an add-on, you could take a bus tour at the South Rim, or you could simply take a walking tour. The next day, you ride the southbound train back to Williams and stay another night.
If you are looking for a full long weekend—or even a weeklong getaway—that is how I would do it: the Canyon Rails Getaway Package.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: I did not even know you existed. I am so glad we found you.
SAM LANGNER: There are a few more things I should mention.
For travelers trying to decide exactly which experience they want aboard the train, Grand Canyon Railway offers six different classes of service.
At the entry level, there is Pullman class. Those are classic 1920s-era railcars with windows that open. We call it “40-40 air conditioning”: all the windows are open, and you are traveling at 40 miles an hour.
It is charming for families and gives you that classic train experience.
Then we have coach class, first class and our luxury cars, including 1950s-era business cars. At the higher service levels, there are dome cars and bars aboard the train. They are spectacular and very beautiful cars, depending on which experience you choose.
We also operate special Steam Saturday events. We have a 1920s-era Baldwin Locomotive Works steam locomotive that was retrofitted to run on recycled waste vegetable oil.
We lovingly call it the French Fry Express.
On select Saturdays—typically the first Saturday of the month—we use that locomotive to pull the train to the South Rim. It is very exciting.
Throughout the year, there is always something to look forward to.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Sam Langner with Grand Canyon Railway. What a unique way to see the world—especially the Grand Canyon.
If you have never been to the Grand Canyon, you are missing out. It is truly one of life’s most spectacular visual displays, especially during golden hour—the final hour to 90 minutes before the sun goes down.
The Grand Canyon never disappoints.
If you are interested in traveling aboard Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim, call Mark in his office during the break. Just start the conversation. There is no obligation.
The number is 888-718-7717. Mark will also post the information at BluePlanetVacations.com.
When we come back, it is segment number two and the hot travel deal of the week. This time, we are talking about trains in Canada and southeastern Utah with Rocky Mountaineer.
That is next when the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show continues.
Alongside Mark Faldmo, my name is Patrick Wiscombe. Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your weekend. We will be right back.
TODD CARLSON: Taking you to destinations around the world, the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show is presented by BluePlanetVacations.com, America’s Best Travel Advisors.
Call or text the show now: 801-649-3700. 801-649-3700.
Thanks for listening. We will be right back.
TODD CARLSON: Inside Travel Talk is brought to you by AmaWaterways.
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Now back to 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 check out the podcast at InsideTravelTalk.com.
Here are Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Welcome back to the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe, alongside Mark Faldmo, coming to you live from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, courtesy of Starlink.
I never get tired of this—being in the middle of the ocean, having good, reliable internet service and being able to do the radio show from the ocean.
MARK FALDMO: It is incredible that we can do that. It is amazing technology.
It is also amazing that you have the view you have while looking out your window. It is difficult to complain when the ocean is on the horizon.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: A little bit earlier this week, while we were near Maho Beach and in port in Philipsburg, we had the opportunity to talk with a gentleman named August Bont from Rocky Mountaineer.
Rocky Mountaineer operates the Denver-to-Moab train and also offers train journeys through the Canadian Rockies.
Let me bring in August Bont with Rocky Mountaineer. It is good to have you here.
AUGUST BONT: Thank you so much, Patrick. I am excited to share the Rocky Mountaineer story.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Let’s start with Rocky Mountaineer 101. For someone who has never heard of it, what is Rocky Mountaineer?
AUGUST BONT: We are a luxury, daylight-only sightseeing train.
We do much of our business in western Canada, but our newest route operates between Denver and Moab.
We take guests through stunning scenery in the remote Canadian and American Rocky Mountain wilderness.
We offer journeys through Vancouver, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise, with stops and sightseeing along the way. The trips are customizable, which is why it is a great idea to work with travel advisors like Patrick and Mark.
Most of our guests take a journey lasting approximately one week.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: What does a typical trip look like for most travelers?
AUGUST BONT: One typical trip is seven days between Vancouver and Calgary—or Calgary and Vancouver—with stops along the way in Kamloops and either Lake Louise or Banff.
You might spend two days in Vancouver, then board the train through the Rocky Mountains, beautiful canyons, lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
You may spend two days in Banff sightseeing and exploring before continuing to Calgary and heading home.
Seven days and six nights is a typical package, but the trips can be as short as two days. If you really want to go for it, you can take a 15-day round-trip journey from Vancouver.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Let’s extend it from seven days to 15. Where do you go after reaching the eastern portion?
AUGUST BONT: We have three different routes in western Canada.
You can combine two of those routes and see more of Alberta and British Columbia, with approximately a week of sightseeing between your four days aboard the train.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: What is your favorite trip—the one you would do repeatedly?
AUGUST BONT: My favorite may be different from what you would hear from other Rocky Mountaineer employees.
I love the Journey Through the Clouds route to Jasper because it is so remote. You get a much greater sense of the scale of the Canadian wilderness. There is more wildlife and there are fewer people.
Our flagship and most popular route travels to Banff and Lake Louise because it includes the iconic, postcard-picture highlights people expect from British Columbia and Alberta.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Let’s talk about Denver to Moab. Is that two days or three days?
AUGUST BONT: Denver to Moab is two days aboard the train, and that route is where my heart lies.
Before joining the sales team, I worked aboard the train as a host.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: You did?
AUGUST BONT: Yes. I told the cowboy stories and served the food and drinks.
That is part of what makes Rocky Mountaineer special. The people make the difference, and we have an incredible onboard team. That is one reason we receive such high guest-satisfaction scores.
Denver to Moab offers an incredible change in scenery. You travel up and over the Rocky Mountains, through canyons and valleys, along the Colorado River and into what has always been called the cowboy country of the Utah high desert.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Is Las Vegas an option?
AUGUST BONT: Las Vegas is an option. We have off-train tours that can enhance the journey.
After traveling from Denver to Moab, you can add a small-group tour through Utah’s Mighty Five national parks and continue to Las Vegas.
We call that the Mighty Five Explorer. It is a seven-day, six-night itinerary.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Which national parks does it include?
AUGUST BONT: The first day after leaving the train includes Arches and Canyonlands.
On the second day, you visit Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. On the third day, you travel through Zion National Park and continue into Las Vegas.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: That is a good day.
You can also travel in reverse, from Moab to Denver, correct?
AUGUST BONT: Correct.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Let’s go back to Canada. You may arrive in Calgary or Vancouver. What is the onboarding experience, and what are the accommodations like?
AUGUST BONT: Guests stay in hotels overnight before, after and during the journey. There is no sleeping in bunk beds or train cabins.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Hold on. That is an important point. You do not sleep aboard the train; you sleep in hotels.
AUGUST BONT: Correct. We stay in hotels overnight.
That is one of our differentiators. Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, so guests spend the night in hotels.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: I like that. I love trains, and I like that idea.
AUGUST BONT: To return to your original question about the welcome experience, guests make their way from the airport to one of our partner hotels, where a Rocky Mountaineer employee is waiting.
You can check in that afternoon, and you will likely spend two nights in that hotel.
On the morning of departure, you go to the lobby and hand your luggage to us.
Your luggage does not travel aboard the train. It goes ahead on a motorcoach.
We take you to the train station, where you receive your boarding pass, check in and get a cup of coffee. You then enjoy approximately nine hours aboard the train that day.
When you leave the train that evening, we have already checked you into your hotel. Your room key is handed to you.
We take you to the hotel—usually about 10 minutes away by motorcoach—and your luggage is already waiting in your room.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: You do all of the quite literal heavy lifting.
AUGUST BONT: Exactly.
We have magical woodland fairies moving the luggage. It is handled out of sight and out of mind.
You are there to enjoy the experience and let us take care of you.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Because it is a daylight-only journey, you travel through the best scenery while you can actually see it.
Whether it is Denver to Moab, following the river through the red rocks, or a Canadian route through the wilderness, what are the train cars like? Are they domed?
AUGUST BONT: Every one of our railcars has beautiful panoramic windows and spacious seats that I would compare with business-class airline seats.
There is plenty of legroom, and the seats are extremely comfortable.
While you are aboard, everything is taken care of: food, drinks and gratuities. You will not want for anything.
We serve breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day.
We do not serve dinner because we arrive at the destination before dinnertime. Dinner is on your own.
In my experience, however, I ate so much aboard the train that I did not need dinner by the time I arrived in Banff, Kamloops, Vancouver or wherever I was heading.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: I am partial to the Southwest and the Denver-to-Moab route. But if someone can take Rocky Mountaineer only once, which journey should they choose first?
AUGUST BONT: It is a two-part answer.
If you are doing it once—and only once—I would recommend our three-day Canadian route between Vancouver, Whistler and Jasper. Take the three-day route and really go for it.
If it is your first time and you live closer to the American Southwest, our Denver-to-Moab route was named the world’s best rail experience by Travel + Leisure.
Having that route in your backyard gives you the opportunity to try Rocky Mountaineer closer to home, then take an international trip to Canada later.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: What is your favorite time to travel?
AUGUST BONT: We operate from April through October. During the winter, we do not have enough daylight.
I am partial to September. I love the crisp fall air. There is more wildlife activity and sometimes a dusting of snow on the mountains.
In Canada, the busiest months are July and August because of the long, warm summer days.
In April and May, you may see beautiful snowfall, animals coming out to forage and wildflowers.
In September and October, near the end of the season, the snow begins returning to the mountains and there can be excellent wildlife sightings.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: You mentioned staying in hotels at night. What can guests do when they leave the train in the cities and towns along the route?
AUGUST BONT: There are many options, and we package the itineraries so guests have choices.
Do you want to take a motorcoach tour through the national parks? Do you want to go whale watching in Vancouver? Would you rather shop in Banff? Do you want to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain? Do you want to play golf at Fairmont Banff Springs?
We leave it open enough to cater to what each guest wants.
It is a choose-your-own-adventure experience. We help guide you and give you choices, but if there is something that has always been on your bucket list, we will try to make it happen.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Who is the perfect traveler for this trip?
AUGUST BONT: I do not think there is one demographic or age range that fits Rocky Mountaineer.
We are a good match for people who want a luxury experience, want to be exceptionally well cared for and want access to remote, beautiful places.
At the same time, they still want some independence when they leave the train. They want to choose their own adventure and decide where to go and what to do.
We guide them and make sure they receive the experience they want.
It is about traveling to remote, beautiful places in luxury.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Mark, in August 2024, you traveled aboard Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab. What was your experience?
MARK FALDMO: I was fortunate enough to take the Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary, and I loved it.
The stories they tell about the Southwest, combined with the beautiful scenery, made it an amazing experience.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: When we spoke with August Bont of Rocky Mountaineer, he gave us an exclusive offer available only to listeners of this radio show and podcast. What is the promotion?
MARK FALDMO: Utah residents can save $100 per person on the Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: One hundred dollars per person?
MARK FALDMO: One hundred dollars per person.
PATRICK WISCOMBE: Take advantage of it. Go experience Rocky Mountaineer. It is awesome, awesome, awesome. You will not be disappointed.
Call Mark during the break and start the conversation. There is no obligation: 888-718-7717.
He will also post the offer at BluePlanetVacations.com.
When we come back, we have the cruise deal of the week from Holland America and additional MSC cruise news you need to know.
That is next when the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show continues.
Alongside Mark Faldmo, my name is Patrick Wiscombe. Thank you so much for listening. We will be right back.
TODD CARLSON: You are 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 is 801-649-3700. And check out the podcast at InsideTravelTalk.com.
We will be right back.
