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!!!
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?
