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Sep 29

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.

Sep 22

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.

 

 

 

 

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Sep 15

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 2028–New 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

Sep 08

Travel News for the Week of September 8

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

Rome is the latest city to begin limiting access to some of the tourist attractions. They are contemplating limiting access to the historic Trevi Fountain.  It is not just a historic fountain, but a baroque masterpiece. Unfortunately it is also a magnet for hordes of travelers, Instagram influencers, TikTokers and more.  Various proposals have been put forth including timed entry.-TravelPulse, 9/5/24

Reminders about items allowed by TSA:

  • Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in  containers more than 3.4 ounces in reasonable amounts for the flights. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening process and they may be subject to additional screening. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in ziploc bags but you may want to for protection against leaks.
  • is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form
  • You can bring your medications in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
  • You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
  • TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
  • Medication is usually screened by X-ray.
  • Nitroglycerin tablets and spray used to treat angina are permitted.
  • If you are traveling overseas, you will want to check to see if the medication needs to be in its original container.  Also, many countries have different rules about what medication is allowed.  It is strongly encouraged to check on that country’s website to see what is allowed.
  • Most of us know that liquids have to be less than 3.4 ounces and put in a 1 quart ziplock but some may not know what “liquid” means to the TSA:  Liquids including the obvious but also toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash. Less obvious liquids include gels, creams, paste or aerosols such as creamy dips, and spreads (cheeses, peanut butter, etc.) Jams, Salad dressing.

Exempt: Infant formula

As the TSA gets new technology, we will see the end to this rule, probably in the near future, but as of this writing, the above is in effect.

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.

Fuller Travel Service hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm,  Closed on Sunday.

 

 

Sep 01

Travel News for the Week of September 1

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

I hope that you are having a great Labor Day weekend and are doing something fun.

If you are traveling and see that your flight is delayed or cancelled, you will want to do  what everyone else is doing by getting in line, and also getting on your phone to the airline, but you may want to pull up the website, Flight Aware.   You can plug in your flight info and this site will tell you where your current flight is.  If it is still sitting somewhere, it will be a while. This website can let you know if there is a ground stop on wherever your flight is. If it is on it’s way, you ‘ll be able to see the new time of arrival.  It is one of the industry’s best flight tracking websites.

Going to Europe?   There will be a little work to do.   Visitors to the 20 countries of the European Union Schengen Area will need to comply with the new automated Entry/Exit System  (EES) scheduled to begin on November 10.  There is nothing to be done ahead of time but you will need to comply with a new procedure  (EES)when you go through customs in Europe. It is an automated IT system for registering non EU travelers for short stays each time they cross the external borders of a most of the Schengen Area countries. There is nothing to do beforehand and there is no charge.  It is going to make the customs lines longer though, at least at the beginning. It is scheduled to start this year.

This procedure is different than the the EITAS which is scheduled to begin in 2025.   ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport and is valid up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you’ll need to get a new ETIAS authorization.  This is scheduled to begin next year and you’ll be able to get it online for approximately 7 euro.  This is supposed to be a fairly easy process.

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.  We d0 not have a definite date yet but have asked for the second or third week of September.  This trip wis full. If you would like to get on a wait list, please contact me.

The following trips are not quite ready for deposit but if you are interested in either of these, just shoot me an email and I’ll put you on the interest list.  No obligation but I’ll be able to let you know asap when it is time for deposits.

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise   Not ready for deposits but call to be put on the interest list.

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

Fuller Travel Service hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm,  Closed on Sunday.

 

 

 

Aug 18

Travel News for the Week of August 18

By Blog, Uncategorized

Hi Everyone,

If you tried to read the blog last week, you saw a message that  I was in Iceland and could not get a decent enough connection to be able to publish.  We are back from this wonderful trip and I have included a few pictures. Iceland is a small country but the people are wonderful, there is very little crime, and the scenery is magnificent.  I learned that in the summer they may get 2-4 hours of darkness.  In the winter they get two to 4 hours of light, and really cherish what little sunlight they get.  The Icelanders I met said that they love living there in spite of the hardships.

This is an island outside of Reykjavík. Many nesting birds live in the clefts and crevices of this place.

A small village

 

A stop along the way:

 

In other travel news, High temperatures during warm summer months can impact Amtrak operations.  Extreme heat can cause rail, bridge, and overhead wires to to expand.  Amtrak may enact heat restrictions which require locomotive engineers to operate trains at lower speeds and can result in possible delays.-.Travel and Leisure

Disney parks have been experiencing lackluster attendance but their cruise lines are doing very well and Disney just placed an order for 3 new cruise ships. Disney does have a great cruise ship product.

Have a great week!

Lynn

 

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 the 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.  We d0 not have a definite date yet but have asked for the second or third week of September.  This trip will be limited to 24 participants. Please call for availability.

The following trips are not quite ready for deposit but if you are interested in either of these, just shoot me an email and I’ll put you on the interest list.  No obligation but I’ll be able to let you know asap when it is time for deposits.

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise   Not ready for deposits but call to be put on the interest list.

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

Fuller Travel Service hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm,  Closed on Sunday.

 

Aug 04

Travel News for the Week of August 4

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

I read an article this week about the proliferation of airline customer service scammers.  There has been an explosion of these scammers who pretend to be an airline customer service center agent.   Many people reach these fake numbers through  Google searches.  Sometimes the number to these fake agencies are just one digit away from the airlines so one mistake can cost dearly.  Many times this happens when you are trying to get seats, or change your flights.  Be very careful as this mistake can cost you.  If you ask them if they are with the airline, they will usually say something like, “Yes” we work with  the airlines.  They don’t say they work for the airlines.  Changing your seats with these criminals can cost a great deal of money.  Changing a flight that may have been cancelled or delayed can cost a great deal more.   Make sure that if you call the airline, you are actually using the airline’s real customer service number  from their website, not a number from a search engine.   The entire article can be found on Fodor’s Travel, July 16.

If you love watching things like solar eclipses then you may want to book a cabin on Holland America in July or August, 2026, as three of their ships will afford excellent views of the eclipse from the Mediterranean or the west coast of Iceland.  Book early if interested.

Have a great week,

Lynn

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 the 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.  We d0 not have a definite date yet but have asked for the second or third week of September.  This trip will be limited to 24 participants. Please call for availability.

The following trips are not quite ready for deposit but if you are interested in either of these, just shoot me an email and I’ll put you on the interest list.  No obligation but I’ll be able to let you know asap when it is time for deposits.

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise   Not ready for deposits but call to be put on the interest list.

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

Fuller Travel Service hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm,  Closed on Sunday.

 

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

Jul 28

Travel News for the Week of July 28

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

There is another fad making the rounds on the internet right now and this one encourages people to put novelty  stamps on their passports to decorate them.  This could lead to problems with airlines and customs’ authorities or even void your passport.  Many countries offer these novelty stamps but if you are going to purchase them, put them in a stamp book or journal, not on your passport.-Fodor’s Travel 

If you were flying early this past week, you most likely were affected by the global ground stop that became a nightmare for tens of thousands of passengers.  The American airline that took the longest to recover was Delta.   If you were affected there is a link on Delta’s website to apply for reimbursement.  Just go to Delta.com and you should be able to find that link quickly.  If you are entitled to compensation, don’t delay.  Get that claim started sooner rather than later.

Southwest Airlines announced this week that they will eliminate open seating and begin offering regular seating as well as  extra legroom seats in some categories. This shift will occur next year and is an effort to increase profitability.

Carnival Cruise Line  will welcome the first of three new vessels in the summer of 2029. The cruise line will welcome the first of the three new vessels in the summer of 2029, each with more than 3,000 cabins and a full capacity of nearly 8000 guests!

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 the 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.  We d0 not have a definite date yet but have asked for the second or third week of September.  This trip will be limited to 24 participants. Please call for availability.

The following trips are not quite ready for deposit but if you are interested in either of these, just shoot me an email and I’ll put you on the interest list.  No obligation but I’ll be able to let you know asap when it is time for deposits.

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise   Not ready for deposits but call to be put on the interest list.

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

Fuller Travel Service hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm,  Closed on Sunday.

 

Jul 21

Travel News for Week of July 21

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

Obviously, the biggest travel news this week is the Global air stop that is affecting more than just the US.  This is a Worldwideproblem.  If you plan to travel in the next few days, continue to check your flights and be alert to any changes.  It is difficult if not impossible to get through to the airlines.  The airlines are working to get back online but it is not a simple process.  Some airlines are beginning to fly. others are not quite yet.

Italy is one of my very favorite countries.  I’ve traveled there many times and I will be going back.  The Italian government has made people aware that they should always have a form of identification on them while traveling.  Many tourists leave their passports in the hotel safe while out and about.  This new policy may make people rethink that.  At a minimum  you may want to carry a picture of your passport page with you.  If you are driving and have a problem, you will really need your passport.

We were all hoping that Europe might have a little cooler summer this year. but Southern Europe is experiencing very warm temps hovering around the 105 Fahrenheit mark.  If you are traveling to Southern Europe, be mindful of the temps and the fact that some venues are closing due to the heat.

We have been talking about the Real ID for several years  and each time the deadline drew near it was extended. Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport), to fly within the United States. Visit tsa.gov for a list of acceptable forms of ID and additional information regarding REAL ID.

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.  Ready to deposit.   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 the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places.  Ready for 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.  We d0 not have a definite date yet but have asked for the second or third week of September.  This trip will be limited to 24 participants.  We are accepting deposits but only have 5 seats remaining

The following trips are not quite ready for deposit but if you are interested in either of these, just shoot me an email and I’ll put you on the interest list.  No obligation but I’ll be able to let you know asap when it is time for deposits.

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise   Not ready for deposits but call to be put on the interest list.

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

Fuller Travel Service hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm,  Closed on Sunday.

 

 

Jul 14

Travel News for the Week of July 14

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

Aruba has implemented a new sustainability fee that will need to be paid on arrival.  The fee is $20 and is collectable when travelers arrive by air. -Travel and Leisure.  

I read a very interesting article this week. Scammers are posing as airlines on social media and stealing sensitive data. This particular example cited someone who booked air on Ryanair and went back to make a change.  A pop up immediately told her they would take care of it only they were not Ryanair.  They were Raynair, a scammer who, of course, wanted to charge a fee to make the changes. Unfortunately, an increase of scammers is being seen on social media sites.  If you book an airline ticket, book it through the airline or if it is part of a tour, book it through your tour operator.  I would not recommend booking air on a social media site.-info from Fodor’s Travel.

If you are planning to fly this summer and are worried about flight delays or turbulence, book your flight in the mornings.  Afternoons and evenings just increase the probability of flight delays and a more turbulent flight.

Sicily has always been one of my favorite places to visit but the Sicilians are asking tourists to skip them this year, no because they don’t want tourists.  They have a serious water crisis.  Smaller inns and hotels are having a difficult time getting water.  Hopefully, this will be short lived for them as tourism is a bit part of their economy.

Upcoming Tours and Cruises

January 19-31, 2025   Grand Hawaiian Adventure   Get out of the cold and join us for this magnificent tour of Oahu, Kona (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai.   This trip is a leisurely tour of four of Hawaii’s magnificent islands.  We understand that you don’t want to spend all day on tour buses when you go to Hawaii so this tour has an easy pace with free time built in for a some beach time or individual exploration.The deadline for the booking discount will close on July 17.  https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1250841    Collette

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.  Ready to deposit.   A few spots remain. Uniworld

May 30-June 7, 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 the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places.  Ready for 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.  We d0 not have a definite date yet but have asked for the second or third week of September.  This trip will be limited to 24 participants.  We should have more info in the next couple of weeks.

The following trips are not quite ready for deposit but if you are interested in either of these, just shoot me an email and I’ll put you on the interest list.  No obligation but I’ll be able to let you know asap when it is time for deposits.

Have a great week!

Lynn

 

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise   Not ready for deposits but call to be put on the interest list.

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

Fuller Travel Service hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm,  Closed on Sunday.

 

 

 

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