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Travel News for the Week of November 17

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

Apple will now allow AirTag users to share location data with airlines in an effort to make lost luggage a thing of the past.   Thanks to a new software update the tech company will allow customers to share the location of an Air Tag or other Find My network accessory with third parties, according to Apple.  More than a dozen airlines have agreed to begin accepting these Find My item locations as part of their customer service process in the coming months. -Travel and Leisure

Delta flyers will soon see an upgrade on the in-flight map at their seats. The map will have multiple viewing options so that flyers can see the duration of the flight left, where the airplane is currently flying, and even a virtual view of what is happening from the flight deck window. Delta says that 45% of flyers interact with the map each month and 20% of those customers are watching the map exclusively throughout the entire flight.

Rome is very busy preparing for the Jubilee year which will begin on Christmas Eve, 2024 and end on December 14, 2025. We will most likely not see another Jubilee year for 25 years.

Rome’s Jubilee of Hope will begin on Christmas Eve, 2024, and end on December 14, 2025. This Jubilee of Hope will officially open with Mass in St. Peter’s Square presided over by Pope Francis. The opening of the Holy Door rite will also take place:

December 26, 2024: The Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison Opens
December 29, 2024: The Holy door at Saint John Lateran Basilica opens.
January 1, 2025: The Holy Door at Santa Maria Maggiore opens.
January 5, 2025: The Holy Door at San Paolo Fuori la Mura opens as well as some others in Rome.
December 28: The Holy Doors at San Giovanni, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Paolo close. The Holy Door at St. Peter’s sBasilica closes on the feast of the Epiphany in 2026.
The Jubilee is a holy year of celebration that draws millions of pilgrims to Rome. The estimate of how many people ranges from 20 million to 35 million pilgrims. The opening and closing ceremonies as well as major religious feasts will see the largest crowds.  The J  The entire city of Rome is preparing for the Jubilee so if you are going to be in Rome next year, prepare for crowds. 

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.

Travel News for the Week of November 10

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

We all know that the emergency number in the United States is 911 but that is not the emergency number in most places outside the US. If you have an emergency out of the country, you want to get help asap.  Here are a number emergency numbers for some of Europe: Italy: 112,  Jamaica: 110 or 119, Ireland 112.119, Spain 112, Switzerland 114.  Look up your emergency number for wherever you are traveling at: travel.state.gov.

There are many other things you can do to help yourself if you have a medical emergency. Put your emergency info on your phone. Both iPhones and Android phones have apps that will allow you to display essential health information right on the  Lock Screen.

If you are planning a cruise, please book it early as the cruise lines have really seen a remarkable increase in demand.  They have actually exceeded 2019 levels.  Some of the more popular sailings  are already full for next year and we are booking into 2026.  Although that is not the case for every cruise, it is for the more popular or seasonal destinations.

 

Travel News for the Week of November 3

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

One of the biggest things that happened in the world of travel this week was the announcement from the US Department of Transportation requiring airlines to be proactive with refunds for delayed and canceled flights.

The new rules state that airlines are required to provide automatic refunds for canceled or “significantly delayed” flights. The refunds are supposed to be automatic so consumers will no longer have to call the airlines and argue their case. “Passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept the significantly changed flight, rebook on an alternate flight, or alternative compensation. ” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that airlines are officially required to provide automatic refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant delays.   Significant delays would be more than three hours on domestic flights and six hours on international flights.

The new regulation also applies to refunds of checked bag fees if the bag is not delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15-30 hours for international flights.  There is also a rule that passengers are entitled to any fees paid for an extra service such as WiFi, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment.

In other news, Spirit Airlines is still trying to cut as much as possible. The ultra-low-cost carrier has been forced to furlough about 300 pilots to save even more money.  This is in addition to the 23 planes they were selling  that I reported in a previous blog.

Venice, Italy was one of the first cities in Europe to introduce an entrance fee.  Apparently, it worked pretty well because next year the fee will double to 10 Euro if visitors arrive last minute.  Travelers who book in advance  (at least 4 days before arrival) will continue to pay 5Euro.   This fee is only for day people.  If you have hotel reservations this does not apply. The fee will be in effect over 54 days from April 18-July 27.

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  

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.

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.

Travel News for the Week of October 27

By Blog

Hi everyone,

When people are planning trips, one of the most common questions I get asked is,   “Is it safe?”   While that is often not a yes or no question, if you are concerned, keep these destinations in mind: Iceland, Australia, and Canada. They have been ranked this year’s top three safest countries by Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Co.   The study also highlights the world’s safest cities with Reykjavik, Copenhagen and Amsterdam taking the lead for 2025.

People are increasingly sharing more info on social media. One thing you should never share is your airline boarding pass.   Beyond the obvious danger of letting people know you are going to be away from home, the boarding pass contains your full legal name, your ticket number, and your passenger record number which is the six digit alpha-numeric code that is unique to your booking. Using this information, a hacker can have full access to your booking info which will give them your phone number, email address, and emergency contact info. It can also lead them to your frequent flier, Global Entry, and TSA Pre-check numbers. With all this information it’s easy for anyone to change or cancel your booking.  You only need a name and a PNR to change or cancel flights online. No password is needed. Many people have switched to electronic boarding passes which can be saved on your phone.-condensed fromTravel and Leisure.

Spirit Airlines woes continue.  They will sell 23 Airbus aircraft as part of their efforts to remain solvent.  Spirit’s losses have sparked concerns about a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. This week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Spirit and Frontier have  revived merger discussions.-Travel Weekly 

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  

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.

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.

Travel News for the Week of October 20

By Blog, Uncategorized

Hi Everyone,

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will rollout a brand new system that will allow guests to join a Lightning Lane queue without a reservation but it is not inexpensive.  The Lightning Lane Premier Pass will use dynamic  pricing based on demand and date of visit.  Prices will vary by the park and are expected to range from $129-$449 per person per day!  Initially, this  will be available to guests of the upper tiers of Disney resorts.

Most of us carry some type of electronic device when we fly including laptops, phones, pagers, power banks e-cigarettes etc.   They should not be put in your checked luggage if they contain lithium batteries.   Battery powered devices are overheating more often on planes.   Some of these devices are prone to catching fire, and fires in the cargo hold are  harder to detect and extinguish.

Global Entry is a great program that helps passengers get through security a little faster at many airports around the world.   You must be a registered Global Entry member to use the Global Entry line though, and there are no exceptions for children traveling with  you unless they have their own Global Entry number.  The good news is that Global Entry is free for children under 18 as long as their parents have it or are applying for the program.   Everyone still needs a valid passport.  Global Entry is not the same as TSA PreCheck which does allow children under 13 to go through security with their parents. Children 13-17 traveling on the same reservation as their parents can go through PreCheck if they have the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

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  

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.

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.

Travel News for the Week of October 13

By Blog

HI everyone

Hi Everyone,

What a crazy week!  We spent much of our time glued to the TV to watch the progress of Hurricane Milton.  Both of my brothers live in Venice, Florida and while they have been through hurricanes in the past, this one looked a bit different to them and they evacuated, along with my nephew and his family.   They were more fortunate then most. They had some minor damage but they found their homes intact when they returned.  Others were not so fortunate.  Florida and the Carolinas have been and remain in our prayers.  Unbelievably, we were scheduled to fly down to Florida to visit last Monday.  We were able to cancel all of our arrangements. Continued prayers for the people of Florida and N. Carolina.

If you are thinking of flying this holiday season keep a few things in mind:   Avoid flying on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Also, the Sunday after Thanksgiving tends to be the busiest travel day of the year. If it’s possible, consider flying on the actual holidays. You could save a lot of money and it will not be as busy. -Travel and Leisure

A week or two ago I mentioned that Mexico was going to limit the amount of electronics you could take through customs.  Apparently, there has been a lot of pushback. Officials  in Cancun have done away with the controversial rule plaguing unsuspecting visitors.-Travel Pulse.  

Also,  a few week ago the European Union introduced the EES, a process that is supposed to speed up lines in Immigration.  It was scheduled to go into effect on November 10.  That is not going to happen as some countries are not ready.   There is no word on when it will actually roll out.

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  

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.

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.

Travel News for the Week of October 5

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

If you sail Norwegian Cruise Line you will find a new program on January 1.  Their Free at Sea promos are going away.   They are introducing More at Sea, an inclusive package that offers more premium-brand alcohol, more specialty dining meals, and more minutes to use the ship’s WiFi.

If you have to renew your passport sthis will be good news.  Passport processing times have decreased to 4-6 weeks.  That is down from 6-8 weeks.   That updated processing time applies to applications submitted on paper or online.

When going through TSA the last thing you want is to have your bag pulled aside for secondary inspection.   Smarte Travel published a list of  common things that might trigger a closer inspection by TSA officers. Although all of these items are legal, they could look suspicious:

  • Food   Items like blocks of cheese, sausage, bread, peanut butter are dense and can look like explosives.
  • Powders Large amounts of items like protein powder, baby powder, certain spices. At the very least pack them at the op of our bag for easy access.
  • Books and Magazines At the very least pack them at the top of your bag for easy access.
  • Cords and Chargers  Many people travel with cords for their electronics. Do yourself a favor and  neatly pack your cords and charges separately.
  • Large quantities of gels and liquids  Bringing large amounts of things like sunscreen , toothpaste or lotions in your carry on  will increase your chances of a secondary screening and remember that there is a limit on liquids and gels. They must follow the 3-1-1 rule that mandates 3-4 ounces or less and must fit in one quart size ziplock bag.-Smarter Travel 9/17/24 

 

 

 

 

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  

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.

 

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.

Travel News for the Week of September 29

By Blog, Uncategorized

Hi Everyone,

If you are going to visit Mexico there is a new policy for bringing electronics into the country:  Each traveler is allowed to bring one portable computing device.e.g, laptop,  notebook, or iPad with out incurring an import fee. If passengers bring more than one, each extra device will incur a fee.  You can also bring up to 3 cell phones, 1 GPS, 1 pair of binoculars , 2 cameras, and 4 fishing poles.  Exceeding these limits may result in custom duties starting at 19% of the item’s estimated value and up to as high as 200%.

In a recent blog, I reported that the European Union would launch a new Entry-Exit procedure  (EES) for pretty much the entire European Union beginning November 10, 2024.  It appears to be on schedule.  If you enter the EU beginning November 10 of this year, you will need to submit to digital fingerprinting instead of having your passport inspected.  This will occur whether you enter by air, land, or sea.  The is no cost or preparation for this but you may want to leave a little more time if you have a connection.

This past summer we saw very high airfares.  The good news is that they have begun to drop. It probably won’t last as holiday pricing will have an impact very soon.  If you are planning a trip, one of the best places to look for airfare is on Google Flights. It is a great tool to find and compare pricing.

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  

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.

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.

Travel News for the Week of September 22

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

You may remember that the TSA ran a test this past spring to evaluate online passport applications.  The program was for a limited amount of time and limited participation.  They have now made the decision to continue this method of online application and it is available  for everyone. If you have a U.S. address you can do everything you need to do to renew your passport online: apply, pay the renewal fee and upload a photo.   It will still take 6-8 weeks to receive the new passport.

If you have a frequent flyer account with the major US airlines and sometimes have difficulty navigating the ever changing rules, the government is questioning those rules as well.  The Biden Administration is examining the four largest US airline frequent flyer programs and how they devalue points that customers have already earned or frequently change the number of miles or points needed to book flights. Stay tuned.

One of the things that many people forget about is cleaning their suitcases when they get home.   Bedbugs can be picked up anywhere.  To help insure that they don’t infest your house, leave your suitcase in the garage or on a hard surface.   Unpack and take clothes right to the laundry room, hopefully also on a hard surface.  Use a disinfectant like Lysol to disinfect both the inside and outside of your suitcase(remember handles and wheels.)  Let dry before you take them to your storage.  Your suitcase will be all set for your next adventure.

I didn’t make this up:  I just read a story on a travel website that a Scandinavian Airlines bound for  Malaga, Spain from Oslo, Norway had to make an emergency landing because when a passenger opened a box of food, a mouse jumped out!  The plane landed without incident and the mouse was escorted off the plane.

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.  Deposit now.   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   Deposit now.

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.  Deposit now. 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.

Coming September, 2026.  Sicily and Southern Italy.  Not ready for deposits but call  to be put on the interest list.

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

Travel News for the Week of September 15

By Blog

Hi everyone,

Five years ago, the famed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris suffered a tragic fire that collapsed its roof and spire. At the time, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that Notre Dame would be rebuilt in five years.  In February, scaffolding was removed to unveil the cathedral’s new spire, adorned with a golden rooster and a cross.  This week, eight bells for the North Belfry arrived in Paris.  The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is slated for December 8 but the surrounding area will still be under construction until 2028New York Post from Fox News.

We have been waiting for the implementation of Real ID  and it is now  scheduled for May 7, but the Transportation Security Administration is considering a phase in  for the implementation of this program.  Stay tuned.

The Department of Transportation is opening an investigation into Airline frequent flyer programs, accusing airlines of potentially illegal points devaluation and other accounting techniques that it is says are not consumer friendly.

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.  Deposit now.   A few spots remain. 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

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.  Will be ready for deposits in a couple weeks.  If you are on my interest list I will be contacting you. There are still a few spots on this trip.

Coming September, 2026.  Sicily and Southern Italy.  Not ready for deposits but call  to be put on the interest list.

Considering a 2026 cruise from Croatia to Greece. Email me if that is something you might be interested in.  Just measuring interest level.

lynn@fullertravelservice.com