Blog

TSA ID Changes Planned for 2018?

January 8, 2018: The TSA is changing the type-authenticity of what they consider a valid id to travel starting this month. You need to check with the TSA online site to determine if the changes might effect the document(s) you use at airport security check points — domestically, most use a valid drivers license — but TSA now says some State drivers licenses will no longer quality as a valid ID — seems they feel the background checks some States use are sketchy. Valid passport still works and is the best. Know before you go!!!!

Top Food Trend for 2018?

January 5, 2018: According to Lonely Planet Travel —Vegan travel is in — they say it’s the fastest growing food travel trend! The TC says when McDonald’s and Burger King embrace the trend he will toooooooo!

Disneyland Goes from Happiest Place on Earth to Darkest During Christmas Week

January 1, 2017: Hundreds-of-thousands of Disneyland visitors were stranded on Wednesday before Christmas — one of the busiest weeks of the year for the Park — when “Mickey or maybe Goofy” pulled the power plug and left most of the park at a standstill. Rides stopped, lights went out, popcorn burned, and electronic systems took 4+ hours off. Back up generators provided some help but not enough to keep the Parks attractions, rides, shows and food operations running. Many guests want their money back for suffering through the unwelcome holiday week interruption, but in the typical Disney way, no cash refunds! But a good chance unhappy guests will score a ticket for a return visit. Disneyland is still the TC Disney Park favorite —with or without lights!!!!

Delta Travelers in Atlanta Left Stranded as Airport Shuts Off Power!

December 25, 2017: Did someone pull the wrong switch or forget to pay the electric bill at Atlanta’s Hatfield-Jackson Airport — busiest airport on a good day in the US? Last weekend, over 3000 passengers traveling for the holidays were stranded at the airport as Delta and the FAA put a ground hold (means all flights in bound and out bound stopped as well as those on the ground) on over 800 flights — as well as ripple effect across the US and Europe with hundreds of delayed flights — going well into the week.  Passengers on planes at the gate had to deplane out on to the cold rainy tarmac as it was too dark to come inside — and all inside travelers were also forced to leave and head for the street.  The city opened their convention center for stranded passengers and got Chick-Fil-A to provide food (on a good day this “chicken outfit” is not a TC favorite).  Makes one wonder what contingency plans US airports have for massive power outages? Just has one wondering …

Pack a Meal if You’re Flying Virgin Australia or Delta from LAX

December 22, 2017: Both airlines, who use Gate Gourmet catering out of LAX, are dealing with something extra with their contract food service provider — LISTERIA. It seems Gate Gourmet has a serious food health issue in its LAX kitchens — both airlines are providing meal vouchers for travelers to buy food for their flights before boarding as onboard meal services won’t be up to standards — what ever that is? Wonder who’s been minding the kitchen there?

Tips for Picking a Travel Insurance Policy

December 20, 2017: Travel insurance can be pricey — but does protect you (watch the fine print) when a trip is canceled or interrupted.

  • Check your credit cards: Many cards offer travel insurance, as well as car rental insurance, as part of your annual fee — some even cover baggage delay.
  • If you travel a lot, take a look at an annual policy — usually a better deal and less expensive.
  • Shop around: what the airline or hotel recommends often isn’t the best deal (only for them) — Allianz or Travel Guard are the TC’s favorites.

Shop around and find what’s best for you!!

Head Down Under in 18

December 18, 2017: One of the top travel hot spots for 2018 is Australia — some tour operators, like Expedia, are up 35% over past years selling visits to the vast country — about 9,500 miles from the US. It’s a very long flight from the US and most experienced travel folks say to plan for two and make 3-5 stops — depending on your stamina. Tour programs start at $1,700 and move upward depending on how much luxury or private attention you require.

  • Expedia is a good place to start your travel shopping
  • Trafalgar sells programs in the mid-price range
  • Hilton Smith (Affiliated with TravelStore) can handle the upscale end along with Abrocombie — one of the best upper scale tour operators with programs to just about everywhere.

You might even venture out to Whitsundays Islands as part of your visit!