Author: Travel Curmudgeon

For the first few months, Disneyland’s new 14 acre Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will come with lots of guest restrictions — like the need for advance reservations, no fast pass reservations AND guests will be limited to MAXIMUM 4 HOUR VISIT. Disney hotel guests will be granted special treatment with the ability to book advance Star Wars Land reservations — opening is slated for Memorial Day weekend. Remember though, not the entire new Star Wars Land will not be finished — cool your jets — maybe best to wait a couple of months before venturing into outer space???

Airbnb —well known in the travel lodging biz for really starting the guest home rental business (with over 39 million users in 2018) — is going into the movie production business and maybe even buy a few movie theaters in high profile cities. And look for Marriott to add on to it’s variety of lodging chains with the addition of home rentals — both Marriott and Airbnb are looking to establish partnerships with airlines!!!

The quiet northern California hamlet of Mendocino, with long standing status as the country’s major marijuana producing region, is also scoring some “high points” for its ice cream flavors. How about Campari grapefruit sorbet, yellow cake batter and mushroom — as well as chai.  Could be the high point for your trip???

A Google company has become the first drone operator to receive government approval as an airline — a key step that gives them the authority to begin dropping products to customers. It’s the same certification that smaller airlines receive from the FAA and Transportation Department to operate.  Watch for “Air Google’s” Wings air dropping in  around a neighborhood near you!!!

Finding yourself in a big city with extra time to explore but luggage dragging along? Well check out the new StoreMe app that offers the chance to drop off luggage in 5 US cities for an hourly or daily rate. And watch for a group called Luggage Hero to come on line that will offer the same service to international cities. Some locations even offer bike storage!!! Rates are hourly or by the day.  

Littering city streets and sidewalks — forcing pedestrians and drivers to share the way.  Electric scooters now rank number 3 behind bicycles and cars in city travel. It’s called the micro-mobility revolution with riders taking more than 84 million trips in 2018. Watch out Uber and Lyft?

Yup — from a whopping $25-per-day to $18 — with the opening of a new long term parking lot at SFO, they now have over 7,000 spaces available daily.  You can always find less expensive long term parking at off-airport locations that require shuttle service. Give yourself plenty of time at SFO as the airport is “perpetually” under construction!!!

The privately owned $100-million Lady S not only has its own helipad but is believed to be the first private yacht to have its own IMAX theater. Wonder if the popcorn is any better? 

By 2021, Americans traveling to many countries in Europe will have to “pre-register” online — and pay a fee — as part of a new security system intended to screen visa-free travelers. The new system is designed to strengthen security on folks traveling visa-free to more than two-dozen countries signed up for the program so far. It can all be accomplished online prior to travel with “patience” to navigate the system!!! And a credit card to pay the fee!!!

Severe turbulence over the Atlantic added some “rock and roll” to a recent Turkish Air flight headed to JFK — over 30 passengers and flight crew were taken to hospitals after the plane (and passengers) touched down. Keep those seat belts buckled up all the time!!!