Travel News

Hi Everyone, A few weeks ago, I relayed a little about the new ETIAS that most European countries will require.     Here is what you need to know: The European Union (EU) recently created the ETIAS—a visa waiver system designed to protect and strengthen the borders of the 26 countries and three microstates associated with the Schengen Zone. Despite some early reports, Americans traveling to Europe after 2021 will not need to register for a visa. Rather, they and other non-EU travelers are able to travel to Europe for short-term stays of up to 90 days—as long as they complete an ETIAS form online, meet the requirements, and are granted authorization before their travel date. The visa waiver is intended for short-term visitors from 60 eligible countries, including but not limited to the United States of America, Canada, Japan and Costa Rica. Valid for business and leisure travel, once applied for and granted the ETIAS can be used for three years or until the passport used during application expires. Each applicant will be requested to meet the following Europe visa requirements:

• A passport with a validity of a minimum of three months from the date of arrival.
• A debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS application fee.
• A current email address to which the approved ETIAS visa will be delivered.

All applicants will be expected to provide the following biographical information:

• First name(s),surname or family name, maiden name (if applicable),usual name(s),date of birth,  place of birth, country of birth, gender, nationality

In addition to the above requirements, travelers will be asked to answer security and health-related questions.  It’s useful to remember that all U.S. citizens are required to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to Europe—including all minors, who will also have to apply for an ETIAS to enter the Schengen Zone.-  Courtesy of Groups Today. Hurricane season is upon us.   Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November.  

If you are planning to travel to an area that is susceptible to hurricanes, that is all the more reason to purchase travel insurance.   Keep in mind that most policies must be purchased in advance of a storm so purchase when you make the deposit for your trip.

Travel Tip:   For added security in hotels, take a long a simple rubber door stop.  Slip it under the door at night.  It is quite effective.  Just don’t forget to take it with you when you leave.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  Check on availability.

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.  Ready for deposit.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.   Ready for deposit.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Ready for deposit!  Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October  6-14, 2020  Autumn Colors   We’ll fly into historic Boston and then head to Lexington and Concord where the “shot heard round the world was fired”.  We’ll head through the Berkshires, stopping at a historic mill and glass blowing facility.   We’ll visit the historic town of Woodstock.Sample some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream at their factory before venturing into New Hampshire and and stunning of views of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeast.  We’ll visit Acadia National Park and the beautiful town of Bar Harbor. On our way south we’ll journey past lighthouses, fisheries, and seaside dwellings before arriving at Portsmouth, one of the oldest cities in the United States.   This is a very popular trip that will fill quickly so deposit asap.

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

Hi Everyone, Several months ago I mentioned that new 3D security scanners were being piloted at select airports.   In a press release this week, TSA announced that 300 new systems will be deployed at airports nationwide, thanks to a $96.8 million contract.  The biggest perk is that we may not have to take our laptops, liquids, and other materials out of our carry-0ns for inspection once this system is implemented.   The initial deployment is expected to begin this summer and be completed in 2020. There hasn’t been any announcement regarding which airports will get the new scanners first.

Many of my people who travel internationally like to linger in the duty free shops in hopes of getting a bargain.  Smarter Travel in cooperation with USA Today had a good story about just that this week and I think they are spot on.  “While it may be possible to get a duty-free bargain once in a while, it is almost never a good deal for the casual shopper.  You may save on cigarettes if you live in a high tax state but electronic goods, beauty products, and luxury items are almost always less expensive at home or online.”-USA Today

They also tackled the issue of exchanging currency at the airport.   Those of us who travel frequently know that the airport is probably the worst place to exchange your money.   You are better off using ATMs at your destination.   However, I always tell my people to use an ATM attached to a bank when the bank is open so that you can get your card back if the machine eats it.     By the way, I’m sure everyone takes a picture of the front and back of your card to keep on your phone or email to yourself in the event you do lose your card.  Many of us have the card numbers memorized but I would bet very few of us know the 800 number to your bank in the event you do lose your card.

2019

September 8-16   Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice  We’ll visit Reykjavik,  before traveling the Golden Circle.   We’ll experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur.   We’ll have an opportunity to explore caves or lava fields.  We’ll spend some time with a family that keeps alive a 400 year old fishing tradition.  We’ll stop at the Volcano Visitor Center to learn how families survived during the 2010 explosion.  We’ll take a cruise among the huge icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.  Enjoy the Blue Lagoon or Whale Watching before returning home. A few spots remain!  See the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/86105

September 16-26 Greek Island Hopper I have a couple of vacancies on our Fall Greece trip. If you are interested, call asap.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  Check on availability.

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.  Ready for deposit.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.   Ready for deposit.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Ready for deposit!  Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn        

Hi Everyone, Disney is making some significant changes.  Here is an update:

• Strollers   Beginning May 1 , strollers may not be larger than 31″wide and 52″ long.  The good news – many of the strollers on the market, including many double jogging strollers, fit within these size guidelines. Wagons are not permitted in the parks, including stroller wagons.
• Smoking areas will no longer be present inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.
• Loose Ice  Effective immediately, If you plan to bring a cooler or cooler bag for snacks or drinks, you may not use loose ice or dry ice.   It is recommended that reusable ice packs are used as an alternative.

One of the questions I hear often is in regard to the TSA’s rules on medicine.   People worry that they have liquid medicine that is more than 3.4 ounces.  Medicine is exempt from the 3.4 ounce rule.   As long as you declare it at the security checkpoint, you may carry more than 3.4 ounces, and it does not need to be placed in a plastic bag.  Regarding pills, the TSA recommends but does not require that prescription medications be in their original labeled containers to expedite the screening process.  I carry mine in a daily pill minder and have never had a problem. The TSA also makes exceptions for other medical necessities such as insulin, eye drops, or syringes. Just make sure to present these items to the security officer when you reach the checkpoint. (You may even want to consider printing out the TSA’s medical notification cards.)

I have talked about the airlines’ basic economy in other blogs but it bears repeating.   If you book yourself a seat in basic economy you cannot select a seat and one will be assigned at the airport.  Don’t expect to sit together as a family.  Gate agents and flight crew are not sympathetic at all.   You may get another passenger to switch with you, but that would be the only way to switch seats.  Also, Delta and American allow basic economy passengers to bring a carry on and personal item but United will make you gate check it and impose a fee to do so.   My advice: stay away from basic economy if you can.

2019

September 8-16   Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice  We’ll visit Reykjavik,  before traveling the Golden Circle.   We’ll experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur.   We’ll have an opportunity to explore caves or lava fields.  We’ll spend some time with a family that keeps alive a 400 year old fishing tradition.  We’ll stop at the Volcano Visitor Center to learn how families survived during the 2010 explosion.  We’ll take a cruise among the huge icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.  Enjoy the Blue Lagoon or Whale Watching before returning home. A few spots remain!  See the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/86105

September 16-26 Greek Island Hopper I have a couple of vacancies on our Fall Greece trip. If you are interested, call asap.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  Check on availability.

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Ready for deposit!  Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

Hi Everyone,

Cruise lines are always developing new avenues to entice people and Princess has come up with a nice option.  Princess EZPay gives people the flexibility of spreading the cost of their cruise over time.  They now allow you to make automatic monthly payments toward your cruise without interest or additional fees.  Something to consider so that you don’t have a huge bill at final payment.    

US airports with the most flight cancellations in 2018: New York’s LaGuardia, Norfolk International, Charleston, Greater Rochester International, and Philadelphia.   US airport with the least amount of cancellations:  Salt Lake City.   Keep this in mind when booking or when looking at connections.

Whenever I travel, I am always cognizant of that “Ugly American” tag as, I believe, many of us are.   I have read numerous articles about what not to do in another country.   I think it is just as important to remember what you should do:

• Try to learn a few phrases in the local language.   Even if you are not fluent, people will appreciate that you are trying.
• Remember that just speaking louder does not make anyone understand your language any better.
• If you want to take a picture of a local, ask first.   Many cultures do not like their pictures taken. 
• Make sure you know what the tipping custom is.   Some cultures do not tip, some find it offensive, and many do enjoy a tip although hardly any culture expects as much for a tip as we Americans do. 
• Enjoy the culture.   It will be different from home, but that’s why we travel!!

2019

September 8-16   Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice  We’ll visit Reykjavik,  before traveling the Golden Circle.   We’ll experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur.   We’ll have an opportunity to explore caves or lava fields.  We’ll spend some time with a family that keeps alive a 400 year old fishing tradition.  We’ll stop at the Volcano Visitor Center to learn how families survived during the 2010 explosion.  We’ll take a cruise among the huge icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.  Enjoy the Blue Lagoon or Whale Watching before returning home. A few spots remain!  See the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/86105

September 16-26 Greek Island Hopper I have a couple of vacancies on our Fall Greece trip. If you are interested, call asap.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  Check on availability.

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Ready for deposit!  Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

Disney World just raised their ticket prices. Disney’s official website posted the calendar of variable ticket prices which indicate that one day tickets will now range from $109-$159, depending on the day you want to visit.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a great new promo. From now through April 12, you can nominate a great teacher you know to win a free cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Once a teacher’s nominated, anyone can vote for that teacher. After nominations close, 15 educators will be chosen as finalists and they will win a seven day trip, airfare, and accommodations for two to attend an award ceremony. At that ceremony, each teacher will have a chance to win $15,000 for their school. I know several teachers at the school near and dear to my heart that would love your nomination!

I am always getting requests for all-inclusive in the US.   They are few and far  between in the US.    However, the first ever all-inclusive in the Florida Keys is  now open.   Bungalows Key Largo is located on the northernmost island of the Keys, just 63 miles from Miami.  It is an adults-only property.

Just a little humor tonight.  Hopefully, you’ll be able to open this video.

2019

September 8-16   Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice  We’ll visit Reykjavik,  before traveling the Golden Circle.   We’ll experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur.   We’ll have an opportunity to explore caves or lava fields.  We’ll spend some time with a family that keeps alive a 400 year old fishing tradition.  We’ll stop at the Volcano Visitor Center to learn how families survived during the 2010 explosion.  We’ll take a cruise among the huge icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.  Enjoy the Blue Lagoon or Whale Watching before returning home. A few spots remain!  See the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/86105

September 16-26 Greek Island Hopper I have a couple of vacancies on our Fall Greece trip. If you are interested, call asap.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395  

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  Check on availability.

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Ready for deposit!  Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

In two years, Americans traveling to Europe will be required to get an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before entering countries in the Schengen zone. This will be in addition to a valid passport. It is another step in providing a bit more security. Once you get the ETIAS it will be valid for three years and will allow you to enter any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone.

The newest addition to Disney Theme Parks, Star Wars, Galaxy’s Edge, will open ahead of schedule on May 31 in California, and August 29 at Hollywood Studies at Disney World. Disney’s largest ever single themed land expansion will open in 2 phases. While the first phase will happen this summer, the remainder of this addition will open later this year.

2019

September 8-16   Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice  We’ll visit Reykjavik,  before traveling the Golden Circle.   We’ll experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur.   We’ll have an opportunity to explore caves or lava fields.  We’ll spend some time with a family that keeps alive a 400 year old fishing tradition.  We’ll stop at the Volcano Visitor Center to learn how families survived during the 2010 explosion.  We’ll take a cruise among the huge icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.  Enjoy the Blue Lagoon or Whale Watching before returning home. A few spots remain!  See the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/86105

September 16-26 Greek Island Hopper I have a couple of vacancies on our Fall Greece trip. If you are interested, call asap.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395  

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  Check on availability.

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Ready for deposit!  Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

Disney recently designated the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando as Official Walt Disney World Hotels. That means that guests at those hotels will have some included park benefits such as Extra Magic Hours. Each day, one of the parks opens early or extends later for guests to enjoy the attractions at a less crowded time. This perk is for guests of the Disney’s hotels. Now guests at these two properties will have access to Extra Magic Hours and can also be able to utilize the 60 day window for Fast Passes.

Cruise Critic, http://cruisecritic.com published some fun facts this week. I thought you might enjoy some of them:

1. Where did the term “Lido Deck” come from? This term has come down to us from the early days of transatlantic steamship travel. The word “Lido” is a 19th-century term meaning a fashionable beach resort. European steamship lines, in the era of multi-class ocean travel, coined the phrase Lido Deck to refer to the pool and sun deck area exclusively for use by first-class passengers.
2. Why is the safety drill called a muster? Maritime law requires every cruise ship passenger to attend a pre-sail away lesson on how to use a life jacket and what to do in case of an emergency. Although the term “muster drill” (oft misspoken as “mustard drill”) might sound funny, it has no underlying meaning. Muster simply means “to gather.” The drill has been around for years, though it became more strictly enforced following the Costa Concordia tragedy.
3. Where did the term “as the crow flies” come from? In the good old days before talking GPS machines, mariners often carried cages full of crows or ravens for use as aids in coastal navigation. If the sailors were uncertain of their position and bearing to a nearby land mass, they would release one of the birds who would usually fly in the shortest, most direct route toward the nearest land. In colloquial parlance, “as the crow flies” has come to mean the most direct route between two points, which usually is a straight line (as opposed to the route one might have to take to stay on roads or within established shipping lanes).

A little interesting fact: Virgin Atlantic set a new speed record this week , flying from LA to London in just over 9 hours after the jet stream propelled it faster than the speed of sound. The 787 Dreamliner was clocked at 801 mph over Pennsylvania as it rode the fastest jet stream on record.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395  

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  Check on availability.

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Ready for deposit!  Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

Disney’s new 270 acre solar facility is now online and is expected to generate enough power to operate 2 of their 4 theme parks in Florida. they expect to reduce greenhouse gas emissions helping Disney to realize its goal of reducing emissions by 50% over 2012 usage.

Taking a long flight? I have searched for several years to find a neck pillow that actually gives some support without taking a lot of room in my carry on. One of the best I’ve seen is something called a TRTL. It has a stiff shell that supports your neck and a length of scarf that wraps around your neck to secure it. It is easy to carry and one of the better designs I’ve seen. I purchased mine from Amazon. May be worth a look if you want to get rid of those U-shaped, bean bag type pillows.

I read an interesting article this week in Fodor’s Travel regarding how to keep your identity safe while traveling. If you are going to be using your phone while traveling consider turning on two-step verification. This is a feature that requires you to enter a code sent to your phone when you log into online services from a new device. The advantage here is that would-be hackers can’t get into your account unless they also have your phone. That might not be much comfort if they’ve stolen your phone, but it protects you from keyloggers—software or devices that record the keys being pressed on a computer and can be used to figure out passwords. Make sure your phone works in the country you’re going to before setting this up!

I’m sure this doesn’t keep you up nights but did you ever wonder what happens to those gigantic airport terminals when they are replaced? Some are torn down, but an abandoned terminal at JFK is being turned into a hotel. “We’re bringing the building back to when it was in 1962,” Tyler Morse, the CEO of MCR, says of the terminal that closed in 2001. He’s the head of the agency masterminding the re-envisionment of a nearly two-decade long abandoned Eero-Saarinen-designed space into a sprawling hotel, reinstating its mid-century magic for the modern age. 

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395  

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  We are ready for deposit.   I only have 20 spots for this cruise.   Call now!

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

Hotel resort fees have continued to spread and increase in amount. What started in Las Vegas and Hawaii has spread rapidly. You may see a hotel rate of $35 in Vegas but by the time you add a $40 nightly resort fee and taxes, the price may not seem as attractive. Great Britain just ruled that the price of an advertised hotel room must include all pricing including taxes and resort fees. It would be nice to see that happen in the US.

Rental car companies have long demanded a credit card for payment. They have either not allowed debit cards or if they have, they’ve put a hefty hold on the account. That is changing as more people are using debit cards instead of credit cards. Thrifty and Dollar are accepting debit cards now while at the same time reducing the age to rent a car to 20. Both companies are owned by Hertz.

Smarter Travel had an interesting article this week about whether washing hands or using hand sanitizer on a plane is more effective. Some airlines do not use potable water in their restrooms. You may see a little sign telling you not to drink the water. Janilyn Hutchings, a Certified Professional in Food Safety states: “In general, washing your hands in non-potable water isn’t very effective in cleaning your hands. When clean water is available always wash your hands with soap and water-it is more effective in killing germs than hand sanitizer. However, if you know for a fact that clean water is unavailable, using a hand sanitizer many be your best option.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395  

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  We are ready for deposit.   I only have 20 spots for this cruise.   Call now!

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff. The trip ends in Calgary but there is an opportunity to take a 2 day extension back to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. Should be ready to deposit by the end of this week.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn

Delta will expand their pre-select meal to first class travelers on domestic routes and some routes to Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. If you are flying first class and have an email on file with Delta you’ll get notice 3 days in advance to choose your meals. For those of us back in coach-no change.

If you are one of those people that use online booking sites for hotels, be careful. Many of them have admitted using some deceptive practices to get consumers to book certain properties. They may tell you that they are almost sold out or that they only have one room left at a certain price to get you to book quickly. Many times they do not tell you that there are resort fees or that the price does not include taxes. Several of the leading online companies are now pledging to stop that. We’ll see. Just remember that if a deal is too good to be true, you may want to be rethink it. Of course, I think the best thing to do is use a reputable travel agent.

I have had a lot of people ask me where to exchange cash in preparation for an international trip. If you go through any airport, either here in the US or overseas, you will see exchange companies. Frankly, those are not the best places to get cash. I always tell people to get a little starter money before going overseas. You really don’t want to carry a great deal of money with you though. When you need cash, use an ATM. They are plentiful. I recommend using one attached to a bank, when the bank is open, so that if the machine eats your card, you can walk into the bank, and have them open the machine to retrieve your card. By the way, we all know that you should keep copies of your passports with you, but have you ever thought of taking a picture of the back of your credit card so that if you lose it, you have the 800 number to call the company? It will save you some stress.

2020

May 17-28, 2020   Alpine Explorer and Oberammergau  We will explore a bit of Switzerland and Austria before arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play.Some of the highlights of this trip include Lago Maggiore, Island Dinner, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Linderhof Palace, Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle.   Check out the itinerary:   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/817395  

May 30-June 7, 2020    Paris and Normandy River Cruise  We are ready for deposit.   I only have 20 spots for this cruise.   Call now!

June 13-21 2020   Colorado Rockies  We’ll fly in and out of the Mile High City of Denver and then travel to Grand Junction.   We’ll visit the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, National Park, and Mesa Verda National Park. We’ll then travel to Durango and ride the Silverton RailRoad before ending our trip in Colorado Springs.

August 15-23 Canadian Rockies  We’ll fly into Vancouver and after enjoying the sights of Vancouver and Victoria, we’ll head up to Kamloops and then to Jasper National Park. We’ll see the Athabascan Glacier from our snow machine. We’ll visit the spectacular Lake Louise and then on to Banff. The trip ends in Calgary but there is an opportunity to take a 2 day extension back to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. More info shortly.

September 12-23, 2020  Discovering Poland     Check out the itinerary at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/902378

October 2020  Autumn Colors

November 2020   Panama Canal Cruise

Have a great week!

Lynn