Author: Travel Curmudgeon

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!!!

Over 1,500 turtles were found recently in a bag left behind at the Manila Airport in the Philippines – the flight arrived from Hong Kong. In 2018, over 500 varieties of wildlife and endangered species (geckos and snakes being the most popular) were found making their way through this airport. Hopefully, none of the bags, including the turtles and coral snakes, were carry-on?

Most popular new bird watching adventure — Falconry!  Really not considered a typical “birding” activity, Falconry goes back more than 4,000 years, and highlights can include their history, different hunting styles and flying capabilities.  Colorado and New Mexico seem to be areas where this trend is “taking off!”

The “hottest” or maybe coolest take-along comfort travel item — your own colorful pillow cases!  When you think about, it makes good sense — something from home that offers comfort and something familiar for hotel stays or even inflight naps — most popular color is blue as well as ones with smilie faces (really?)!!!

How about an electric seaplane?  Yup — British Columbia-based Harbour Air, the largest float plane operator in North America, plans to have one flying sometime next year.  Flying range will most likely be under a 1000 miles with maybe 3-4 passengers — not sure about mixing anything electric with water?

Dubbed the “Speeder,” the $380,000 vertical take-off-and-landing craft will max out at 150 mph and travel as high as 15,000 feet. The first 20 Speeders are set for delivery next year — wonder if Uber or Lyft are part of the initial customers?  (by the way, the Speeder comes standard with safety straps!!!)

Sticker price on the new Bugatti “La Voiture Noire” super luxury car is listed at $18.9 million — the 16-cylinder 1500 horse-powered “rocket” is handcrafted — with the Bugatti brand now owned by Volkswagen — and comes standard with 6 exhaust pipes!!!  Wonder if there is a flower vase on the dash?

Low cost carrier WOW Air — with flights as low as $99 to Iceland and beyond — closed without warning stranding thousands of passengers without getting them from “here to there or back!” Be careful if you book any low cost carrier — and use a credit card as you might have a chance from your card company to “maybe” get some or all of your unused ticket refunded.  WOW!!!