GET OUT and experience the World
An Independent Contractor's website offering individual, small group, family group and any other kin
As an independent contractor working with a larger Travel Agency, I have access to their multitude of resources which include very specialized travel enhancements. These include specialized shore excursions, private museum tours, select restaurant reservations, private tour conductors etc. Just ask, and I'll see what I can do, or tell me what you're interests are and I'll fashion a trip to meet yo
11/06/2025
Here's the list of airports that will be affected by the 10% reduction in flights:
FAA to Reduce Flights by 10 Percent at 40 Airports Nationwide During Government Shutdown The first-of-its-kind measure is designed to keep American airspace safe and functioning amidst a prolonged government shutdown.
If you're planning to fly any time soon, be aware that the FAA has announced that due to the extended government shutdown, it will reduce air traffic by at least 10% starting Friday, November 7. It is expected to list all of the affected airports today, November 6 so check out the FAA website as well as your carriers website to see if your flights are affected. Airlines are supposed to contact all clients affected in order to make alternative arrangements.
06/23/2025
The U.S. Just Issued a Global Travel Warning—What Travelers Should Know About the Worldwide Security Alert The U.S. Department of State issued a rare security alert advising all Americans to exercise caution while traveling abroad—here's what you need to know.
04/17/2025
The TSA will enforce its Real ID requirement starting May 7 Travelers who only possess a noncompliant driver's license will have a more difficult time getting through airport security, according to the TSA.
03/31/2025
No surprise from me.
Economic turbulence shakes US airlines as travel demand falters US airlines were flying high on talk of a new golden age, but Trump's tariffs and federal cuts have upended that optimism. Tourists and companies have reduced spending, forcing carriers to cut their first-quarter profit forecasts.
03/31/2025
And in other "travel" news...
US-Bound Warning: Travellers Denied Entry as Devices Searched “Multiple reports of detentions and denial of entry” into the States as a result of Anti-Trump sentiments on social media accounts are raising the alarm at universities.
Here's another big new change for air travel in 2025:
A new DOT Rule on Refunds went into affect in late October of 2024. The new rule is designed to make it easier for impacted passengers to be reimbursed when their flights are cancelled or significantly altered.
"Passengers will now be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed so long as they do not accept a rebooked flight or travel credits that are offered.
A "significant change" is defined as an adjustment where departure or arrival times are changed by more than three hours domestically and six hours internationally. Other qualifications include "departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability,"
Also, passengers who file a mishandled or lost baggage claim are now entitled to a refund of their checked baggage fee if the bag is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15 - 30 hours for an international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.
Finally, passengers can request a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service such as wi-fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment if their carrier fails to provide it.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A REFUND?
"As part of the new rule, refunds are required to be automatic, prompt, in the full amount and issued in cash or the original form of payment.
This means that passengers will not have to explicitly request refunds or jump through any hoops. What's more, refunds are required to be issued within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for any other payment methods.
Airlines are not permitted to substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation, DOT confirmed.
To properly meet this new rule, airlines are also required to provide live customer service communication channels 24/7, whether through live chat or phone support. "
As with all things Federal Government are concerned, be aware that this can be changed at any time, especially if and when a new adminstration with new objectives takes office. It's happened before with the airlines' full disclosure laws that were put into affect by one administration and then promptly removed by the next. It would be nice if these new "passenger rights laws" stick around for awhile.
01/15/2025
TSA is stating that YES, enforcement of Real ID's will begin on May 7, 2025.
TSA Issues Final Rule for REAL ID Enforcement The TSA announced a final rule for REAL ID enforcement, which begins on May 7, 2025, requiring REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs for official purposes like boarding commercial aircraft.
Just a reminder from the US DHS:
Are you REAL ID ready?
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
The BIG travel news for 2025 is the long-awaited roll-out of the EU's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), sometime in May, 2025. This authorization will require all citizens from visa-exempt countries (like the USA) to obtain travel authorization before visiting any Schengen Area Country*.
The ETIAS authorization will allow for multiple entries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) and remain valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Once the system is available, travelers can apply for the ETIAS online. Once approved, the ETIAS will be electronically linked to the traveler's passport. The cost of the ETIAS is set at 7 Euro.
* The Schengen area is made up of 29 countries in Europe, including:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Schengen area includes all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus. Bulgaria and Romania are EU members that only partially apply Schengen provisions.
Something for Domestic Travel, with fingers crossed, beginning on May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. This also applies to entering certain federal facilities. By enforcing this new requirement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to enhance security by mandating that all state-issued IDs meet federal standards.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit their state's driver’s licensing agency and provide documentation verifying their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, proof of address and lawful status.
In lieu of a REAL ID, alternative TSA-approved forms of identification—such as passports, trusted traveler program cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI) or Department of Defense IDs—will also be accepted.
As of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, US Citizens, Canadians, Australians, and non-European travelers traveling to or THROUGH the UK are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization. This means whether you're staying in the UK for your trip or passing through a UK airport for a flight connection. In either case, you must have an ETA.
The ETA is for short stays of up to six months for purposes of tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study stays.
Basically, if you're setting foot on ANY UK land, whether it be airports or cruise ports, you must have an ETA.
The ETA costs 10 GBP or $13 USD and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA will be linked to your valid passport and will enhance UK Security.
Travelers can apply online with a valid passport, a digital headshot, travel details, and a debit or credit card for payment.
https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
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