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Travel News for the Week of November 19

By November 19, 2023Blog

Hi Everyone,

If you are planning a cruise or a tour to the Caribbean, you may want to leave your camo clothing home. Wearing camouflage is illegal in some Caribbean countries.   Many of those countries only want their military in camouflage.  If you are stopped, you may be fined. The rules typically apply to camouflage of any color or pattern, and to both clothing and accessories.

Aruba has announced the successful demo of the Aruba Happy One Pass program and will install it at their international airport in the coming months.  This AHOP is a digital travel credential system that allows visitors to hold their data on their mobile devices and share it directly with immigration officials to create a hassle free travel experience centered around privacy.  Once installed the new system eliminates the need to show your physical passports.

JD Power just released its annual report on the best and worst airports in the U.S.  The 5 best major airports in the US:

  1. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
  2. Minneapolis St Paul International Airport
  3. Harry Reid International Airport
  4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
  5. Miami International Airport

The worst airports in the US:

  1. Newark Liberty International Airport
  2. Toronto Pearson International Airport
  3. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  4. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
  5. Boston Logan International Airport

I just pulled a fraction of the information from SmarterTravel.com  Airports were divided by size of the airport.   The complete report of the Annual North American Airport Study can be found on jdpower.com

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

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

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 4-12,  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 only have 15 rooms so if you are interested, let me know.

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