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Mark has just returned from Fiji with fascinating stories of crossing the International Date Line. In what he calls "the case of the missing Saturday," he describes flying from the US on Friday night, completely skipping Saturday, and arriving Sunday morning. Even more remarkable was his return journey when he departed Fiji at 9:40 pm Saturday and arrived home at 8:40 pm the same day – literally landing an hour before taking off!

For families considering Fiji, Mark highlights the exceptional value and unique experiences found at smaller island resorts. Unlike typical kids' clubs that rely on screens, Fijian resorts immerse children in local culture through hermit crab races, cultural ceremonies, and environmental conservation activities. He specifically recommends Likuri Island Resort, accessible via a 30-minute drive and scenic river cruise, with rooms starting at an astonishing $60-$120 per night.

We dive into travel news, including American Airlines' new technology to automatically hold connecting flights, plus their limited-time 5,000-mile one-way promotion. Norwegian Cruise Line announces significant upgrades to their Epic and Pride of America ships, while MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages prepare to enter the Alaska market in 2026. For European travelers, Avalon Waterways is offering free airfare or $1,500 savings on select 2025 river cruises.

The show wraps with practical travel tips, including expert advice for sleeping better on long-haul flights and creative options for cruise passengers with late flights from Miami. From exploring Everglades National Park to touring the historic Nike missile site, there are fascinating ways to extend your vacation before heading home.

Ready to experience these destinations yourself? Contact us at 888-718-7717 or visit blueplanetvacations.com to start planning your next adventure!

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Dreaming of a South Pacific paradise that won't break the bank? This week, we shatter the myth that Fiji is exclusively a honeymoon destination as Mark broadcasts live from the Fiji Tourism Exchange, offering insider knowledge from his fifth visit to these stunning islands.

Discover why Fiji deserves consideration for your next family vacation with three standout family-friendly resorts: the renowned Shangri-La, the beachfront Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, and the adventure-packed Castaway Island. Each offers comprehensive children's programs, allowing parents to enjoy some alone time while kids create their own tropical memories. The cultural immersion opportunities set Fiji apart – visiting authentic villages, participating in traditional kava ceremonies with local chiefs, and experiencing genuine Fijian hospitality.

The surprising affordability of Fiji emerges as a major revelation, with round-trip flights from Los Angeles starting at just $799 on Fiji Airways and complete vacation packages (including flights and five nights accommodation) from $1,279 per person. We explore accommodation options for every budget, from the four-star Novotel Nandi to the stunning overwater "berets" at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay.

For travelers seeking less-crowded European adventures, we highlight four spectacular alternatives to tourist hotspots: Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region, Romania's castle-filled Transylvania, southern Italy's charming Puglia, and Portugal's sunny, affordable coastline.

Cruise enthusiasts will appreciate our detailed breakdown of Panama Canal voyages, particularly highlighting Princess Cruises' exceptional 16-day repositioning journey from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale starting at just $1,229 per person. This voyage offers a perfect blend of iconic ports, the remarkable Panama Canal transit, and incredible value.

Whether you're planning your next tropical escape, European adventure, or bucket-list cruise, call Blue Planet Vacations at 888-718-7717 to turn these travel insights into your next unforgettable journey.

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Traveling with a family of five presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to cruise accommodations. Most standard cabins are designed for a maximum of four guests, forcing larger families to book separate rooms—an expensive and sometimes impractical solution. Today, we unveil the cruise lines that offer cabins specifically designed for families of five, including Royal Caribbean's family ocean view cabins, Norwegian's accommodations on their Breakaway class ships, and specialized options from Disney, Carnival, and even Holland America's Koningsdam.

For travelers drawn to European adventures, we explore the innovative "hub and spoke" tour concept from Globus and Cosmos. These tours allow you to unpack just once while enjoying guided excursions to surrounding areas—perfect for those who want to experience multiple destinations without the hassle of constantly changing hotels. The London Country tour from Globus lets you stay in London while venturing out to the Cotswolds, Oxford, and Stonehenge, while Cosmos offers unique culinary experiences in Tuscany and the lesser-known Puglia region.

Princess Cruises is making waves with their announcement of San Juan departures beginning in fall 2025. These Southern Caribbean itineraries reach stunning destinations like Grenada, Dominica, and the British Virgin Islands—ports that are rarely included on standard Caribbean cruises from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. We discuss why San Juan is an underrated gem and how these itineraries offer a rich cultural tapestry with British, Dutch, and French influences throughout the region.

The travel industry continues to evolve, with airlines reporting decreased demand leading to surprisingly affordable fares. We break down what this means for your travel plans and how you might capitalize on these savings. Additionally, we cover essential travel tips including the importance of traveling with a passport even on closed-loop cruises and how to avoid increasingly sophisticated hotel scams.

Whether you're planning a family cruise, European adventure, or Caribbean getaway, this episode provides the practical advice and insider tips you need to make informed decisions. Contact us to turn these travel insights into your next unforgettable vacation experience.