Episode 163: Going Up? So is Your Pianist

A robot bartender shaking cocktails. A pianist giving mini concerts inside an elevator. That’s how Mark’s weekend on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas kicks off our travel round-up, and it’s a perfect snapshot of where cruising is headed: bigger competition, more creative onboard experiences, and more West Coast cruise options sailing out of Los Angeles.From there, we shift into travel news you can use right away when you’re booking flights and comparing total trip cost. Delta is adding a second Salt Lake City to Puerto Vallarta flight for the peak holiday travel window, and we talk about why going just after New Year’s can be a smarter value play. We also break down United Airlines’ new domestic check-in rule for travelers without checked bags: you now need to be checked in 45 minutes before departure. Plus, we cover the new United Airlines and JetBlue partnership, the Blue Sky Alliance, and what it could mean for earning miles, redeeming points, and elite status benefits across both carriers. And yes, we dig into Southwest bag fees, why it’s a brand reset, and how other airlines are already trying to win those flyers over.Then we answer two listener questions with detailed, bookable ideas. First up: biking in Europe, including river cruises that carry bikes onboard and Backroads bicycle tours with multiple activity levels and even e-bike options. After that, we head to Panama for October travel, where we recommend beach and jungle stays like Riu Playa Blanca, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, and Dreams Playa Bonita, plus can’t-miss experiences like the Panama Canal Museum, Gatun Lake wildlife, zip lines, and cultural village tours.If this helps, subscribe so you don’t miss the next set of deals and destination ideas, share the show with a travel buddy, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find us.This episode of The Vacation Nerd Podcast and Radio Show is presented by Rampage Rental & Repair!  Headed to St. George, Utah? Get out and RIDE! Rent or buy your Ebike at Rampage Rental & Repair—or get your own bike tuned up and trail-ready.Cruise Snow Canyon, ride the Virgin River Trail, or explore Kayenta.Reserve your ebike ride today! Call 435-767-2003 or book at RampageRentalRepair.com.Rampage Rental & Repair—gear up, get out, and RIDE! Support the showThank you for taking the time to listen to the show.  There are literally thousands of podcasts from which you can choose, yet you listened to this show.The entire purpose of this podcast is to help people plan and book their next vacation or give listeners ideas of where they might consider going on vacation next.  Our goal is to help our listeners live their lives deliberately and intentionally.  You only get one shot at life so you might as well make it count.  Make memories with those that matter most to you.TAKE ACTION:  Quit talking about going on vacation, just do it.  If you want more information about any of the destinations we discussed during the show, or have your own custom vacation in mind, I can help you.  Please call, text, or email me.  Here's my contact information:Patrick WiscombeCell/Text:  (801) 874-7717Email:  [email protected] Vacation Nerd (Audio Podcast):  https://www.thevacationnerd.co/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheVacationNerdFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/patrick.wiscombeInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/patrick.wiscombeThreads:  https://www.threads.com/@pa...