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Travel News for the Week of December 10

By December 10, 2023Blog

 

Hi Everyone,

A few weeks ago I mentioned that Global Entry was developing a mobile app that will help speed you on your way when using.   At that time, there were only 7 airports using the app.  That has now more than doubled with more airports on board.   Detroit is one of those airports.  I looked for the Global Entry App in the Apple Store but did not see it.  I don’t have a PC so didn’t check Google Play.  I suspect it will show up in the near future.  With the App you’ll be able to skip the kiosks when returning to the US. You’ll be able to take a selfie and take it right to an agent who will compare to what they have on file and send you on your way.-The Points Guy

Smarter Travel had an interesting article this week about whether or not you should lock your luggage when traveling.  While we always lock our luggage, we are under no illusion that those small locks will deter anyone intent on opening the luggage.  We lock them in the hopes that they will help the zippers stay together so our clothes don’t end up spilling all over the place.  Most of luggage thefts are crimes of opportunity and if it is a little more difficult to open your luggage instead of the one next to you, the criminals may just move along.– Smarter Travel, Nov, 2023

Most people do not realize that if they are carrying large amounts of money out of the US, that they must declare it when leaving the US.  You cannot take  more  than $10,000 out of the country without declaring it.  That amount is the combined amount of a family traveling together.   If you don’t declare it, and Customs finds it, you will lose your money.-View from the Wing.

Tip of the Week:  If you take a gondola ride in Venice, stay seated.  Some tourists wanting to take pics stood up in their gondola this week and capsized the boat.   The 5 passengers and the gondolier were dumped in the water.  Keep in mind these canals are far from sanitary.  They are cleaned very infrequently and are full of human waste and trash.-USA Today

2024-25 Tours and Cruises

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.  A Few rooms remain.    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

We invite you to register for British Landscapes virtual presentation being held on Monday January 8th at 4PM by clicking on this link: 

https://collette.zoom.us/j/82586672643

There is no pressure or obligation attached to this Zoom meeting but the session will give you a good idea of what you will see on this amazing tour.

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.

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.   I will be taking deposits beginning December 1.   This is a very popular cruise so it is important to deposit early.

Coming soon- 2025 Autumn Color tour. Collette is not quite ready for Fall of 2025 but we are in the system for early October, 2025.  Will publish dates as soon as I have them.

Have a great week !

Lynn