Inside Travel Talk

Norway Fjords, Northern Lights, River Cruises & Expert Travel Advice

• Mark Faldmo & Patrick Wiscombe • Season 4 • Episode 8

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Ready to turn travel dreams into plans you’ll actually love? We dig into Norway’s magnetic pull and show you exactly how to make it work—when to go for roaring fjords and the midnight sun, when to hunt the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle, and why Norway in a Nutshell delivers big scenery without big stress. We also share a personal heritage itinerary that stitches together a Stockholm–Narvik sleeper train, a Hurtigruten coastal segment, and time in Oslo’s top museums to transform a vacation into a family story.

From there, we zoom out to the bigger travel landscape. A brand-new luxury daylight train between Denver and Salt Lake City turns the American West into a glass-domed, chef-served panorama with an overnight in Glenwood Springs. On the water, cruise lines are reshaping the experience with curated beach clubs that trade port chaos for easy, relaxing resort days, while expedition operators launch ice-class ships to reach Antarctica, Greenland, and remote Arctic fjords for zodiac landings and close-up wildlife encounters.

If Europe calls, we break down river cruising so you match the line to your style: AMA Waterways for active days and standout dining, Avalon for wall-to-wall windows and slow-scenic mornings, Viking for structured clarity and cultural lectures, and Riverside Luxury for space, quiet, and boutique polish. We also flag the best booking window—when free airfare and added land stays arrive—because river ships sell out early and last-minute deals are rare.

We wrap with the safety net that keeps great trips great: work with a connected advisor, enroll in the State Department’s free STEP alerts, and choose travel protection that includes medical coverage abroad, with Cancel For Any Reason if you want flexibility. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s plotting their next escape, and leave a quick review—what journey are you planning next?

Welcome And Today’s Travel Map

Patrick Wiscombe

The Inside Travel Talk podcast and radio show, presented by BluePlanetVacations.com, contains travel deals, promotions, and offers that may be time-sensitive. All offers and information were accurate when the show aired. Travel deals and offers change constantly and are capacity controlled and subject to change without notice.

Show Voice

It's the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show. Presented by Blue Planet Vacations.com. Call or text the show now. 801-649-3700. 801-649-3700. And check out the podcast at Inside TravelTalk.com. And now, here are your hosts, Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo.

Speaker 3

Well, hello and welcome to Inside Travel Talk. I am Kevin sitting in again for Patrick this week. And Mark, I have to be honest, I now understand why Patrick sounds tired some weeks. Preparing for this show is serious homework.

Mark Faldmo

Yes, and he also tries to keep me on track, which is even harder.

Speaker 3

I've listened to enough episodes to know the pattern. Patrick asks the questions, you go into teacher mode, and suddenly we've all learned something about travel we didn't even know we needed to know.

Mark Faldmo

That's actually kind of the goal. Like travel sounds simple until you actually try to plan it.

Speaker 3

Exactly. And today we're talking about a destination I think a lot of people dream about but don't know how to actually do. Norway. We're going to talk about the best time to go. Northern lights, scenic rail journeys. And you're also planning a very personal trip there with your own family.

Mark Faldmo

Yep. And this is a good example of what custom travel planning really means.

Speaker 3

We'll also talk about travel safety, and later in the show, we'll get into European river cruising, which I keep hearing people mention more and more.

Mark Faldmo

River cruising is probably the fastest growing segment of travel right now.

New Denver–Salt Lake Luxury Train

Speaker 3

But first, we do what Patrick always insists we do. This one is actually really exciting for people here in Utah and Colorado. There's a brand new scenic luxury train launching in 2026 called the Canyon Spirit that runs between Denver and Salt Lake City.

Mark Faldmo

And what makes this big news is who is operating it. It's from the company that runs the Rocky Mountaineer trains in Canada. Those trains are considered some of the best scenic rail journeys in the world.

Speaker 3

So this is not transportation, this is the vacation.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. And that's the key thing listeners need to understand. This is not Amtrak, and it's not overnight rail travel. This is a daylight scenic experience. You travel during the day, so you see everything, and at night you stay in a hotel.

Speaker 3

That already sounds better than how I pictured it.

Mark Faldmo

You board in the morning, sit in a glass domed rail car, windows literally up into the roof, and you're traveling through landscapes you cannot see from any road. You'll go through deep canyons, mountain passes, red rock formations, the Colorado River corridor, and areas with no highway access at all.

Speaker 3

So this is like a national parks trip without driving.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. No traffic, no parking, no white knuckle mountain driving. You just sit, relax, eat chef prepared meals, and the host narrate what you're seeing.

Speaker 3

Wait, meals are included?

Mark Faldmo

Yes, meals, drinks, storytelling, and sightseeing. And then halfway you stop in Glenwood Springs and stay overnight in a hotel before continuing the next day.

Speaker 3

That actually sounds like something people who don't want to fly internationally would love.

Mark Faldmo

This is perfect for anniversary trips, parents or grandparents, bucketlist travelers, and people nervous about overseas travel. And right now they've launched an introductory 2026 offer of save $1,000 per couple when booking an eligible package with a premiere upgrade or $700 per couple on a signature experience.

Speaker 3

So this is one of those book early or regret it trips.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. I think within a couple years, this will be one of the signature travel experiences in the Western United States.

Speaker 3

Okay, this next story is less exciting, but probably more practical. American Airlines has increased the cost of the second checked bag.

Airline Baggage Fees Reality Check

Mark Faldmo

And this matters more than people think, because airline tickets today are not what they were 10 years ago. American Airlines is upping the cost of checking a second bag at the airport, raising it by $5 to $50 for those flying domestically. The change only affects passengers who pay for the second check bag at the airport. Those who prepay either online or via the American Airlines app will continue to pay $45. American has a similar tiered policy for its first checked bag. Prepaying the first bag costs travelers $35 while paying at the airport costs $40. Meaning the ticket only gets you the seat. Correct. Everything else may cost extra depending on what fare type you purchase. You may pay for bags, seat selection, early boarding, and sometimes even carry-on bags. So the lesson here before flying, check baggage rules for your specific airline and fare type. Not all tickets are equal anymore, or better yet. Use a travel advisor. We literally track these changes daily. All right, Mark, Norway. Why does this destination have such a pull on people? Because it's visually dramatic in a way very few places are. Imagine mountains rising straight out of the ocean, waterfalls thousands of feet high, deep fjords, and small villages sitting at the edge of the water. And the interesting part, it feels wild, but it's actually very easy to travel.

Speaker 3

So it's adventurous without being difficult, right?

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. Clean, safe, organized, English widely spoken, which surprises people.

Speaker 3

Let's answer the biggest planning question. When should someone go?

Mark Faldmo

It really comes down to what you want to experience. Summer, particularly May, through August. This is fjord season, pleasant weather, green valleys, waterfalls at full strength, and something incredible called the midnight sun.

Speaker 3

Meaning the sun doesn't set?

Why Norway Captivates Travelers

Mark Faldmo

Correct. In northern Norway, you can be sightseeing at eleven PM in daylight. Your body clock gets confused. This is also the best time for fjord cruises, hiking, scenic rail trips, photography. In the winter months, October through March is northern lights season, a totally different experience. Okay, the northern lights. Everyone asks about this. And most people misunderstand it. You don't just randomly see them in Oslo. You must go above the Arctic Circle, places like Tromso, Alta, or Narvik. The best months are January and February. The best conditions are clear skies, darkness, and solar activity, and when they appear, it's silent. That's what surprises people. No sound, just moving light across the sky. Is it really that impressive? I've had clients cry. It's one of those rare travel moments that exceeds expectations. You've mentioned something before called Norway in a nutshell. It's honestly one of the most brilliantly designed itineraries in travel. It combines train journeys, fjord crews, mountain railway, bus connections, all timed perfectly. You go from Oslo across mountain plateaus, descend through waterfalls, and sail a narrow fjord surrounded by vertical cliffs. It feels adventurous, but requires almost no planning for the traveler.

Speaker 3

Now let's talk about your trip, because this is where I think people understand what custom travel planning really means.

Mark Faldmo

Yes, this one is a family heritage trip that I am planning for my family. At Blue Planet Vacations, we really specialize in custom trips like this. We start in Stockholm, Sweden. Then we take an overnight sleeper train in a private compartment to Narvik, Norway.

Speaker 3

I love that idea already.

Mark Faldmo

You board at night, wake up in the Arctic, no airports, no luggage hassles. And Narvik is historically important as it was the site of major World War II significance. The World War II Museum in Narvik is one of my favorite museums to visit. From Narvik, we join a Hurtegruten coastal voyage, and this is important. You don't have to sail the entire route. You can board for segments. Hurtegruten is a working ship that also carries passengers. It stops at tiny Norwegian communities, large cruise ships never reached. So this is authentic Norway. Exactly. You're traveling with Norway, not just visiting it. Then we leave the ship to explore ancestral villages and churches, something we help clients do often. Heritage travel turns a vacation into a personal story. After that, we stop in Trondheim, then take a scenic train to Oslo. In Oslo, we'll visit the Fram Museum, a polar exploration ship, and the Norwegian Folk Museum, an open-air living history village. So history, scenery, and culture all together. We design trips around people's interests, not just destinations.

Speaker 3

All right. After the break, we're shifting from Norway's fjords to Europe's rivers. We'll talk about river cruising, who it's for, and why travelers are loving it.

When To Go And Northern Lights

Mark Faldmo

And we'll also cover something very important staying safe while traveling internationally.

Speaker 3

You're listening to Inside Travel Talk. We'll be right back.

Show Voice

Explore your world. You're listening to the Inside Travel Talk Podcast and Radio Show with Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo. 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. Inside Travel Talk is brought to you by Ammo Waterways. From castles and capitals to vistas and villages, visit some of Europe's most remarkable sites and cities. The award-winning and family-owned river cruise line Emma Waterways offers a wide variety of unforgettable itineraries along Europe's iconic rivers, perfectly suited to every traveller's interests. Whether you are passionate about music, history, architecture, or enjoy the finer things in a Europe river cruise on Emma Waterways is the gift that keeps on giving. To set out on your own river cruise journey, contact Blue Planet Vacations at 888-718-7717 or Blue Planet Vacations.com.

Speaker 3

I'm Kevin sitting in for Patrick this week. Mark, I think we may have just convinced a lot of listeners they need to go to Norway.

Mark Faldmo

I would not complain about that. Norway is one of those trips people think about for years, and then once they go, they tell me I should have done that sooner.

Speaker 3

Well, in this segment, we're going to stay on the travel theme, but shift from fjords to ships. We're going to talk cruise news, compare European river cruise lines, cover our cruise deal of the week, and then something really important about travel safety and what you should always do when leaving the country.

Mark Faldmo

Yeah, this is actually one of the more practical segments we do. Planning the trip is fun. Making sure the trip goes smoothly is just as important.

Norway In A Nutshell Explained

Speaker 3

Let's start with cruise news. MSC Cruises has announced they're developing a new pier complex and beach club in Freeport in the Bahamas.

Mark Faldmo

This is actually a very big trend in cruising right now, and I don't think travelers fully realize what it means yet. Cruise lines are investing billions into private destinations and exclusive beach areas. So this is similar to the private islands we've heard about? Yes, but it's evolving. Years ago, a cruise line's private island was basically a beach and a barbecue lunch. Now they are becoming full resort experience, pools, restaurants, cabanas, excursions, and controlled environments where the cruise line manages the entire day. MSC is building a pier and beach club area specifically designed so ships can dock easily and guests walk right into a curated resort style destination.

Speaker 3

I think some people hear private destination and assume it feels fake or manufactured.

Mark Faldmo

And that's actually the opposite of what's happening. The cruise lines learned something over the last few years that travelers don't want less culture, they want less stress. When a ship pulls into a very busy port, you have taxis negotiating prices, crowded beaches, sometimes long lines to get back on board. At these beach club destinations, the cruise line controls the schedule. You walk off the ship and your beach chair is waiting, your lunch is included, and you know exactly when you need to be back on board. Families especially love it because parents can relax.

Speaker 3

So cruising is becoming less about just transportation and more about curated vacation days.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. The cruise itself is now the destination.

Speaker 3

Our second story, Atlas Ocean Voyages, has unveiled a new Ice Class Expedition sailing yacht. Before the story, I think a lot of listeners probably haven't heard of Atlas.

Custom Heritage Trip Planning

Mark Faldmo

Who are they? Atlas Ocean Voyages is a relatively new cruise line in the Expedition Cruise category. Expedition cruising means smaller ships designed to go to remote places like Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, remote fjords, places large cruise ships cannot go. Their ships are small, very upscale, and very destination focused. It's less about entertainment and more about exploration. And this new ship? This is interesting because it's an ice class vessel combined with a sailing yacht concept. Ice class means the hull is reinforced so it can safely travel in polar waters. This opens more itineraries in Antarctica and Arctic regions. The trend we're seeing is ships becoming more specialized, not just cruising somewhere, but experiencing somewhere. Kayaking by glaciers, zodiac landings, wildlife viewing. And this is a completely different style of travel than traditional cruising.

Speaker 3

So not for everyone, but perfect for the right traveler.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. It's for the traveler who says, I don't just want to see the world, I want to experience it.

Speaker 3

Is expedition cruising something only very adventurous travelers do?

Mark Faldmo

It used to be. Years ago, expedition cruising meant you had to be extremely rugged. Today it's much more comfortable. You still have naturalists, guides, and zodiac boats taking you ashore, but you come back to a beautiful cabin, great food, and a very small number of passengers. Another reason it's growing is people are changing how they measure travel instead of saying I went to ten countries, they want to say I stood next to a glacier or I saw a polar bear in the wild.

Speaker 3

So fewer places, deeper experiences.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. Expedition cruising is about stories, not checklists.

Speaker 3

Alright, now let's talk river cruising in Europe. I hear you talk about this constantly, and I'm guessing there's a reason, but river cruising solves many problems.

Mark Faldmo

Travelers don't even realize they have. You unpack once, your hotel moves with you, and every morning you wake up in a different historic town in the middle of Europe. No packing, no trains to catch, no navigating unfamiliar cities. But there are a lot of river cruise companies. How do you choose? And that's the important part. River cruise lines are not interchangeable. Each one fits a different type of traveler. Let's start with my personal favorite, AMA waterways. What I like about AMA is balance. Good food, excellent service, included excursions, and very active options like biking tours and hiking tours. Their ships feel comfortable, but still upscale. This is ideal for travelers who want a premium experience, but still want activity and interaction. There is Avalon Waterways is known for the best cabins in the industry. Their beds face the window, and the entire wall opens to the outside. It feels like you're sitting on your balcony even when inside. This is perfect for travelers who value their room experience and panoramic scenery. Viking River Cruises is the most well-known brand. Very clean Scandinavian design, educational lectures, and a very consistent experience. Viking is ideal for first-time river cruisers and travelers who want a structured itinerary. I also like riverside luxury cruises is newer, but ultra luxury. Larger suites, very high-end dining, and more personalized service. This is for travelers who want a boutique hotel experience on the river. So really it's not which cruise is best, it's which is best for you. Yes, that's where a travel advisor matters because matching the traveler to the right cruise line makes all the difference.

Cruise News: Private Beach Clubs

Speaker 3

All right, this is the part I think listeners really want help with. If someone says, I want to do a river cruise in Europe, how do they actually choose between these cruise lines?

Mark Faldmo

The easiest way to understand river cruises is to think of them like hotels. They're all on the same river, they all go to similar towns, but the onboard experience is very different. Alma Waterways is probably the most well-rounded experience. The dining is excellent, honestly, some of the best food at sea or on rivers, and they include multiple excursion choices each day. You can take a gentle walking tour, or you can go biking or hiking. They even have wellness hosts that lead stretching classes and active tours. This is ideal for travelers who still want to be active and engaged during their vacation. Avalon Waterways is unique because the room itself is the experience. Their beds face the window and the wall opens into what feels like a balcony sitting area. On many ships, you don't spend much time in your cabin, but on Avalon you actually want to sit and watch the castles and vineyards go by. This is perfect for scenic travelers and couples who value relaxation. Viking River Cruises is structured and predictable in a very good way. Everything is simple, clean, and organized. The tours are educational, and the onboard lectures help you understand the history of the region you're visiting. First time Europe travelers love Viking because it removes anxiety. You always know what to expect. Riverside Luxury Cruises is different. I would say it's a floating boutique hotel, larger suites, more personalized service, and a quieter onboard atmosphere, fewer announcements, fewer organized activities, and more freedom to experience the destination at your own pace.

Speaker 3

So they're all good, but for different personalities.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly. And here's how I explain it to clients. If you are the traveler who says, I want to see everything and stay busy, you are an AMA waterways traveler. If you say, I want to relax and watch Europe drift by outside my window, you are an Avalon traveler. If you say, I want everything organized and easy with no surprises, you are a Viking traveler. If you say, I want luxury, space, and a quieter atmosphere, you are a riverside traveler.

Speaker 3

So two cruises that look the same on paper may actually be completely different vacations.

Mark Faldmo

Exactly.

Speaker 3

Perfect timing then. This week's cruise deal of the week is Europe River Cruises.

Expedition Cruising Trends

Mark Faldmo

And this is actually one of the strongest promotional seasons I've seen. Avalon Waterways is offering free airfare on select sailings, which is significant because airfare is often the most expensive part of a European trip. AMA Waterways has their triple savings promotion, savings up to $2,000 per stateroom or a complementary pre or post-cruise land stay that effectively gives you extra vacation days included. And Viking is also offering free airfare promotions on many itineraries. The reason this matters is river cruises normally sell based on availability, not discounts. When these promotions appear, it's the ideal booking window.

Speaker 3

So this is actually a really strategic time to book.

Mark Faldmo

Yes, and river cruises work differently than ocean cruises. Ocean cruises discount close to sailing. River cruises do the opposite. They sell out early because there are fewer cabins. Most river ships only carry around 150 guests. So when airfare offers appear, that's the early booking window. Waiting for last minute deals on river cruises almost never works.

Speaker 3

Alright, let's talk about something very important travel safety. There were two recent situations in travel news. One was the unfortunate incident in Puerto Vallarta, and the other was the massive winter storm that disrupted travel across the East Coast.

Mark Faldmo

And those are two perfect examples of something we always explain. Most trips go perfectly, but when something unexpected happens, preparation matters. First, use a travel advisor. We are connected to airlines, cruise lines, tour companies, and destination operators. During disruptions, we often get information faster and more accurate than what appears publicly. Sometimes we can reroute, rebook, or at least give clarity while travelers are still standing in the airport wondering what to do. Second, if traveling internationally, enroll in step, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It's a free program run by the U.S. State Department. You register your trip and destination, and if there are safety alerts, natural disasters, or civil issues, you receive notifications from the embassy. It also allows embassies to locate and assist U.S. citizens if needed. Situations like the one in Puerto Vallarta can happen anywhere in the world. STEP helps officials know where Americans are and how to contact them.

Speaker 3

I think travelers sometimes assume problems only happen in risky destinations.

Picking A European River Cruise

Mark Faldmo

But travel disruptions usually come from normal events, weather, transportation strikes, medical issues, or unexpected local situations. The recent snowstorm on the East Coast stranded thousands of travelers. Nobody planned for that, but travelers with assistance had options. That's where the third tip, travel protection, becomes critical. It includes medical coverage abroad, emergency transportation, and trip interruption. One thing many Americans don't realize is their regular health insurance often does not work internationally. A medical evacuation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A standard policy covers specific listed reasons like trip delay, illness, injury, or covered emergencies. I would consider adding cancel for any reason allows flexibility. If you feel uncomfortable traveling due to recent events or personal reasons, you can cancel and recover most of your trip costs in most cases.

Speaker 3

So insurance is less about expecting problems and more about removing worry.

Mark Faldmo

Correct. Travel should be exciting, not stressful. Travel protection gives peace of mind. Standard policies only cover specific reasons, and when you add cancel for any reason, this allows you to cancel simply because you are uncomfortable traveling. For example, some travelers currently want to postpone trips after recent news events. Only cancel for any reason coverage allows that flexibility. Travel protection isn't exciting until you need it. Then it becomes the most valuable purchase of the entire trip.

Speaker 3

Today we really covered the entire travel spectrum. We went from luxury trains in the American West to fjords in Norway, from expedition ships to European river cruises, and then talked about how to protect yourself while traveling.

Mark Faldmo

Travel is one of the most rewarding things people do, but the more prepared you are, the better the experience becomes.

Speaker 3

So whether your dream trip is seeing the northern lights, sailing through castles on the Rhine River, or simply taking that vacation you've been postponing for years, this is your reminder.

Mark Faldmo

Start planning early, ask questions, and travel with confidence.

Speaker 3

Thanks for listening to Inside Travel Talk. Until next week, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and go see the world.

Show Voice

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 Whiskey 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. This segment of Inside Travel Talk is sponsored by El Dorado Spa Resorts. Escape to Cancuns Riviera Mayer with authentic, all inclusive luxury at an El Dorado Spa Resort. To book your romantic beach getaway, contact Blue Planet Vacations at 888 718 7717 or Blue Planet Vacations.com.