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Travel News for the Week of August 27

By August 27, 2023September 24th, 2023Blog

Hi Everyone,

If you want to enroll in TSA PreCheck, you now have more options to enroll or renew.  The Department of Homeland Security which manages the program, has announced a partnership with Telos, a security firm, to make applying easier. There will be more enrollment centers so completing the in-person requirements will be more available.   TSA PreCheck allows travelers to go through screening without taking off their shoes, belts, or light jackets.  Members also do not have to remove laptops or approved liquids from carry-on luggage.

Southwest Airlines has made changes to its pre-flight boarding policies by limiting the options for passengers to purchase a better spot in line for an extra fee.  The carrier’s Early Bird option will now be limited on certain flights, routes, or days.

This week, the topic of Skiplagging was all over the news.   Skiplagging is also known as hidden city ticketing and is a strategy some travelers use to save money.  Skiplagging involves booking a flight with a layover in your intended destination and then not taking the second leg.  It may indeed save you money but could have you permanently banned from the airline, your insurance may no longer be valid, and it is a breach of the airline’s contract.   It is definitely not worth it, no matter how tempting it may be to try and save a little money. –adapted from Huffington Post

2023

Please note:  We have a great group going to Spain and Portugal and have had a late cancellation.  We have two seats available.  Please call asap if you are interested.   Dates for the tour are September 30-October 14.

2024

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

 

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

NewDecember 1-9, 2024   Budapest to Passau Christmas Markets River Cruise!  Join us as we embark our ship in Budapest, where  Christmas  has been celebrated for a 1000 years. Wander through the market on  Vorosmarty Square, admiring the porcelain, and the pastries  baked over an open fire.   In Bratislava, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as spiced ginger cookies  and figurines made from corn husks.  We will enjoy a special “Taste of Christmas” in Vienna. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and amazing scenery will make the Christmas season unforgettable.   I only have 10 rooms on a “soft” hold which means if the cruise line needs the rooms, they will take them back so if you are interested please let me know asap.-Uniworld

Spring 2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.  Dates will be announced soon.

Have a great week!