One of the most popular cultural sites in Paris, the Centre Pompidou, will close for 5 years to undergo repairs and construction that officials say are needed to ensure the building’s future. While that may be disappointing if you are planning a trip to Paris, the good news is that Notre-Dame will reopen to the public in December, 2024.
Walt Disney World in Orlando announced on Thursday that its Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will close its doors permanently on September 30. This attraction was an immersive experience. However the price tag was high for this venue. The package entitles guests to a 2 night stay in onboard cabins, inclusive dining, endless exploration on the Starcruise, side quests and more but the price of admission was approximately $4800 for 2 guests and $6000 for a cabin of four.
This week the U.S. State Department issued Level Three “reconsider travel alerts” for two countries: Jamaica and Columbia due to crime, and in Columbia’s case, terrorism. The department regularly assesses risks for Americans abroad. You can find all of the advisories at http://travel.state.gov
Most of us get excited for our upcoming trips and want to let friends know they are on their way. Some people post their boarding passes online! This can be a dangerous thing to do. The boarding pass has your flight information on it but the barcode may also have contact info, passport details, frequent flier number, and other sensitive data. Don’t share or throw away. Hang on to it until you get back home. You may need it if you have a problem with frequent flier miles being posted. Once you are finished with it, shred it.-Fodors
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
June 17-23, 2023 Viking Cruise on the Mississippi Join us as we cruise from Memphis to New Orleans on a cruise called Heart of the Delta. I was only able to get 10 cabins as Viking usually does not do groups on this cruise as it is too popular. I have very few cabins remaining. We will begin our journey in Memphis, and sail to Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow, Louisiana before arriving in New Orleans. The cabins that I have are balcony cabins. Viking
September. 10-18, 2023 Painted Canyons of the West Highlights… Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah’s Scenic Byway 24, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1131375 Collette Vacations. Call for availability.
September 30- October 14, 2023 Spain’s Classics and Portugal Highlights include Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, the Alhambra, Seville,Cordoba, Madrid, Prada Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Belem Obidos and much more. Call me for availability! Collette Vacations https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103746
2024
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. I just have a couple of rooms left for this cruise. Uniworld
By the way, Uniworld has a great booking incentive for people booking in 2023 for 2024.. Pay in full and get 10% off your 2024 cruise or just deposit and take 7% off your cruise. Call for more info. Our Milan-Veneto cruise qualifies for this promo.
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 22- October 1,2024:Lourdes and Fatima with Barcelona. Travel to two of the world’s most revered pilgrimage centers and experience the wonderful cultures and beauty of Portugal, France, and Spain. Stay a leisurely 2 nights in Fatima and spend time reflecting and exploring the famous Basilica and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta. Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. During a 2-night stay in Burgos, visit the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes and a 2-night stay there. Visit the moving Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. End in vibrant Barcelona, and view Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Possible Paris and Normandy River Cruise. I’m trying to determine interest for a Paris and Normandy river cruise for spring of 2025. Shoot me an email if you have any interest.
Disney made several announcements this past week. During the pandemic, Disney made several changes at Disney World to manage crowds and deal with the types of shortages that we all encountered. Now many of those changes will soon be gone. Resort reservations for 2024 will be available on May 31. During the pandemic, it was necessary to see which parks were available before booking. Starting with park visits on January 9, 2024, that will no longer be necessary.Also, beginning January 9, the long awaited dining plan will return.-Disney Travel Agents
Delta Air Lines became the first major U.S. airline to introduce fast, free Wi-Fi for all in a partnership with T-Mobile. The experience was available on most domestic mainline aircraft as of Feb. 1 with full availability on international; and regional aircraft by the end of 2024. Jet Blue is the only other carrier offering free Internet at this point.-Insider Travel Report
If you are traveling, be aware that many venues no longer accept cash as payment. Those of us who fly frequently know that you cannot pay with cash for inflight purchases. Some airlines even require you to pay through the airline’s app. More and more venues are going cashless including sports stadiums and concert venues. From national parks to theme parks, the list of places that will not accept cash continues to grow. If you intend to pay with cash, call ahead to see if that’s even possible.-The Points Guy
Have a great week.
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
June 17-23, 2023 Viking Cruise on the Mississippi Join us as we cruise from Memphis to New Orleans on a cruise called Heart of the Delta. I was only able to get 10 cabins as Viking usually does not do groups on this cruise as it is too popular. I have very few cabins remaining. We will begin our journey in Memphis, and sail to Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow, Louisiana before arriving in New Orleans. The cabins that I have are balcony cabins. Viking
September. 10-18, 2023 Painted Canyons of the West Highlights… Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah’s Scenic Byway 24, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1131375 Collette Vacations. Call for availability.
September 30- October 14, 2023 Spain’s Classics and Portugal Highlights include Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, the Alhambra, Seville,Cordoba, Madrid, Prada Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Belem Obidos and much more. Call me for availability! Collette Vacations https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103746
2024
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. I just have a couple of rooms left for this cruise. Uniworld
By the way, Uniworld has a great booking incentive for people booking in 2023 for 2024.. Pay in full and get 10% off your 2024 cruise or just deposit and take 7% off your cruise. Call for more info. Our Milan-Veneto cruise qualifies for this promo.
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain.
September 22- October 1,2024:Lourdes and Fatima with Barcelona. Travel to two of the world’s most revered pilgrimage centers and experience the wonderful cultures and beauty of Portugal, France, and Spain. Stay a leisurely 2 nights in Fatima and spend time reflecting and exploring the famous Basilica and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta. Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. During a 2-night stay in Burgos, visit the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes and a 2-night stay there. Visit the moving Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. End in vibrant Barcelona, and view Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Possible Paris and Normandy River Cruise. I’m trying to determine interest for a Paris and Normandy river cruise for spring of 2025. Shoot me an email if you have any interest.
Check to make sure your passport is valid for all countries you will visit.
Many countries require your passport to be valid during and beyond the length of your stay (usually a minimum of six months), so check your itinerary.
It’s a good idea to carry an additional passport photo in case your passport is lost or stolen and you need a replacement while on vacation.
Email yourself a copy of the front page of your passport. That page will be a big help if you need to replace a passport.
Continue to monitor the ever-changing passport rules.
Remember that you are supposed to carry your passport with you at all times. A money belt worn under your clothing is a good place to carry your passport.
Wait times for processing new or renewals of passport are long right now. I would recommend expediting your passport application as that will help, but even so, give yourself at least a couple of months before you intend to travel to obtain your new passport.
Testimonial
Fuller Travel rocks! Lynn and Skip Fuller are fantastic! My wife and I have traveled with Fuller Travel twice. A tour of Italy in 2010 and an Alaskan land/sea cruise in 2011. Both were “awesome,” thanks to Fuller Travel. We will fondly remember those two trips for the rest of our lives! We highly recommend making your vacation plans with Fuller Travel. We look forward to traveling with them in the future.
Most people pack too much when traveling. The following may help you when trying to make packing decisions:
Lay out all your items before packing so you can reevaluate while looking at everything.
Color-coding your clothing will help you mix and match.
Pack items such as socks, belts in your shoes to save space.
Pack items tightly so they don’t move around and wrinkle.
Dry cleaning bags placed between layers of clothing help minimize wrinkling.
Rolling rather than folding items helps to save space and minimize wrinkling.
Pack toiletries in zip lock bags to avoid spills.
Remember that individual containers containing more than 3 oz. of liquid must be checked.
Do not pack medication, money, jewelry, or travel documents in your checked luggage.
Pack sunscreen and insect repellant. It will be much cheaper to buy that here than at your destination.
Take a few zip lock bags for carrying wet items or for keeping things dry.
Pack an extra pair of glasses or carry your prescription with you.
Make sure your name, address, and telephone number is inside your suitcase. If attaching a luggage tag to the outside, make sure it is a tag with a cover to conceal your personal information.
Lock your luggage with TSA approved locks to prevent tampering. It’s important to have the ability to lock your luggage while touring, not just for the flight.
If traveling overseas, make sure you know what type of adapter you will need for the electrical outlet.
If you have food allergies, carry a card (preferably in the language of the country you are going to visit) to alert restaurant staff.
Testimonial
Fuller Travel “spoils you”. To say “you get your money’s worth” is putting it mildly. Fuller’s planning provides one with a trip packed with the perfect mix of adventure, sightseeing, learning (if one is interested) and “surprises” that we never encountered in travels through other agencies. It is no secret what is at the “top” of most lists, and Fuller knows and “will not rest” until they find the best bathrooms (yes), great hotel rooms, and great meals where one would least expect it….in the “middle of nowhere”. Thank you Fuller Travel!
All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or other approved travel document when entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens can present a passport, NEXUS card at airports with NEXUS kiosks, U.S. military ID with travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when on official business.
Land/Sea Travel
Beginning June 1, 2009
U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver’s license. See the more complete information at www.getyouhome.gov.
Advice: Get a passport!!
For additional passport information visit U.S. Department of State.
In August, we traveled through Fuller Travel Agency to Alaska with a large group of people. Lynn and Skip Fuller were great to travel with! We never had to worry about any arrangements, they took care of everything, with top notch service. Each day they touched base with us to be sure we were having a great time and to see if there was anything further they could do for us. The entire trip was wonderful, all of their arrangements were fantastic. We highly recommend Fuller Travel Agency and will use them again without a doubt.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar drinks. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Try to sleep if flying overnight instead of staying awake to watch the in-flight movies.
Take along a comfortable travel pillow as many airlines are no longer offering pillows to their customers.
Regularly stretch and walk around the plane. This is particularly important on longer flights.
When you arrive at your destination, try to stay awake until evening. The best way to do that is to stay active.
Fuller Travel “spoils you”. To say “you get your money’s worth” is putting it mildly. Fuller’s planning provides one with a trip packed with the perfect mix of adventure, sightseeing, learning (if one is interested) and “surprises” that we never encountered in travels through other agencies. It is no secret what is at the “top” of most lists, and Fuller knows and “will not rest” until they find the best bathrooms (yes), great hotel rooms, and great meals where one would least expect it….in the “middle of nowhere”. Thank you Fuller Travel!
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