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Travel News for the Week of December 8

By December 8, 2024Blog

Hi Everyone,

Carnival just raised their prices for their beverage package.  I happened to be booking some people on a Carnival cruise and in the morning that beverage package was one price and when they decided to purchase the beverage package that afternoon, the price had gone up significantly.  The price is now $82.54 per day per person.  There was no advance notice given.

Mexico’s legislative branch has approved a $42 head tax on cruise passengers.  It will most likely be buried in your cruise fare but that’s a hefty increase for anyone to swallow.

Travel scams are up $900%.   The recent surge in AI technology has also produced a surge in scams. December is one of the busiest travel months of the year and security industry experts are warning that AI scams of all types may be even more widespread.

Here are a few things that can help you avoid these scams:

  • Beware of AI chat bots.  They are being used to simulate live customer support interactions.  They can convincingly answer questions about fake travel deals, accommodations, or bookings making people think they are interacting with a legitimate representative.
  • Verify the authenticity of travel websites.  Double-check website URLS, ensuring that they are the true website for airlines or travel agencies.  You can do this by looking at the domain name closely to ensure it is actually the site for the travel provider you want. Look for misspellings in the brand name or other small errors. Scammers may use a lower case letter in the brand name or might add an extra letter.  Look for the padlock symbol in association with the website in question.  All web browsers  have a security certificate known as an SSL Certificate.
  • Refrain from clicking links in unsolicited emails. They are a way of tricking people into providing personal information. They can also redirect you to an unexpected webpage and may also infect your compute with a virus. This entire post is on Travel Pulse.com.

2025-26  Tours and Sailings

May 3-11,  2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.   This cruise will begin and end in Paris.   Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.  Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.   Uniworld River Cruise.  Call for wait list info.    Uniworld

May 30-June 7, 2025 Columbia & Snake Rivers   Board your river cruise ship in Portland, Oregon and cruise to  Clarkston, Idaho on a 9 day, 8night  journey.  On your journey you will  visit Ft. Clapstop, Mt St. Helens,  Cross the “Bridge of the Gods” and admire Nulnomah Falls. You’ll end your cruise in Clarkston to fly home from Lewiston Idaho.- American Cruise Lines  Call for Availability

September 5-16, 2025  America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites.  We will tour  Salt Lake City, the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places.  Ready for deposit now. Email me for a brochure.   Collette

September26-October 8, 2025. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein.     Postcard-perfect vistas and storybook villages. Rolling hills and the crisp scent of fresh mountain air. There is nothing in this world quite like the Alps. You’re on your way to explore Europe’s iconic peaks and valleys on an invigorating journey through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. , 2025.   This trip is full. If you would like to get on a wait list, please contact me.

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise  From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll through colorful acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the Netherlands’ extraordinary connection to these blooms. Wander through the picture-perfect villages of Veere, Hoorn and Enkhuizen, and the enchanting outdoor Zuiderzee Museum and much more.  Deposit now.

 May 20, 2026.  Empires of the Mediterranean. 

Join us on this spectacular cruise with Viking Cruises.  This 10 day, 9 night cruise will cruise the Adriatic and Aegean taking in all the riches of this fables region.  On an exploration bookended by Venice and Athens, discover the ancient ruins of Olympia, and the Acropolis. Explore the medieval warrens of Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Kotor. Delight in the beauty of Corfu and for the first time, Viking will take us to Koper for an in-depth exploration of picturesque Slovenia.   Deposit now. Viking sells out quickly.

Coming September, 2026.  Sicily and Southern Italy.   It isn’t  time to book, but contact me to get on the interest list.

Have a great week!

Lynn

Fuller Travel Service hours:  9am-6pm Monday-Saturday.  Closed on Sunday.

 

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