June 28, 2018: Hotels in California and other states — are now offering joints with room service food and beverage options — pot friendly hotels might scare away some family travelers — but cannabis friendly lodging will make up the revenue loss with increased room rates. Desert Hot Springs and other desert destinations are the places to go in the Golden State for vaping under the stars!
June 27, 2018: European Airlines are exploring putting limits on liquor sold on flights — and on the ground? Alcohol has long been a complaint from air carriers as the main cause of “air rage” incidents — especially in Europe on low cost carriers like Ryan Air. Carriers are asking airport locations that sell drinks to limit their hours of service and number of pre-flight drinks to thirsty passengers — drinkers might be required to log the number of airport drinks and present the card prior to boarding!!!
June 26, 2018: Norway, home to some of the busiest air routes in the world (that must include airline traffic that fly over the country to other world wide destinations?) is going electric with the introduction of new electric planes serving short haul flights. First flights on electric planes recently started from Oslo Airport — unfortunately the new electric planes carry only one passenger. The TC isn’t sure if this new concept in air travel is “ready for take off” yet ? The country’s tourism folks are onboard with a new slogan — “Powered by Nature!”
June 25, 2018: Visiting California is big, big business — both from State residents and those from other places —last year these travelers contributed over 133 BILLION DOLLARS to the Golden States economy! Over 1 million Californians are employed in business activities that serve visitors — with $6 out of every $10 spent going to local economies — with rooms and food generating the big $$$$$s!
June 22, 2018: With the expected started up of SOUTHWEST service to Hawaii just a few months away, carriers now serving the island paradise are increasing flights to most island destinations — except the Big Island where the active volcano continues to cause havoc. Alaska, with the completion of their merger with Virgin America, is showing the most service increase — with Hawaiian close behind with the addition new Airbus Neo jets. If you have to travel during summer months expect to pay for it —but, if you can wait until fall, better deals and prices — and less tourists. ALOHA!
June 21, 2018: The number of travelers now using a travel agent is increasing — the airlines and tour operators have done a great job getting travelers to do all the work when booking reservations — and putting the blame for problems and paying higher travel costs back on the consumer! Most travel agents now work out of home offices keeping overhead low — and charge a set fee depending on how complicated your plans — and most airlines will do the same. Travel agent fees can range as high as $250, airlines charge per person usually around $25-$50 depending on how complicated the itinerary. And, your frequent flyer airline of choice, for a small fee, is an easier way to find travel using miles — but be flexible with travel dates. The TC recommends VIRTUOSO for travel with meaning, service, value and less confusion — and your travel agent becomes your “go to” resource if you incur problems along the way. Give an agent a try — you might be very surprised and happy!
June 20, 2018: Increasing fuel prices not only have an effect on the gas pumps we use to fill our motorcars but also on airfares — look for ticket prices to increase in the coming weeks as summer travel hits its stride. No doubt this increase will also go into fall airfares — but with advance booking light, there might still be some great travel deals after the summer family rush. And, as airlines continue to look for ways to save on fuel (United uses over 5 BILLION GALLONS of aviation fuel a year for their 750 fleet of planes) they are doing everything they can to reduce weight inflight — including lighter food and beverage carts, fewer pages in in-flight magazines, and even smaller bathrooms. Gate agents might even ask to look through your food carry on to toss overweight items — and maybe help your waist line?
June 19, 2018: Hold on — US carriers that serve Europe are being “beat up” by the lower cost airlines — like WOW and Norwegian Air — so United and Delta are going to lower fares to select European destinations in the coming months. Watch the fares carefully — the TC says check out airline and online booking site, like Expedia, after midnight — that’s when US carriers do their discounting — and for only a limited time! Expect planes to be crowded and extra charges for just about everything — hopefully not the bathrooms?
June 15, 2018: Buckle up — Singapore Airlines is set to launch the worlds longest nonstop flight later this year — from Newark to Singapore on a new A350 — 161 passengers — blocked at 18 hours and 45 minutes — over 9500 miles! WOW!!!
June 14, 2018: Emergency rides in an ambulance can easily exceed $1000+++, and many aren’t covered by your insurance. Insurance companies now recommend that if you’re not in a hurry to get to the hospital (non-life threatening) … then dial up Uber or Lyft for transport. And many ambulances are required to take you to a pre-designated hospital while UBER and LYFT can take you to YOUR hospital of choice. And taking it one step further, in Phoenix, fire and emergency service dispatchers offer users a taxi voucher rather than a more costly ambulance ride. Enjoy your trip to the hospital — and maybe a stop at Starbucks along the way?
