Bacon Travel

04/23/2025

04/01/2025

Italy Citizenship by Descent Changes

As of March 28, 2025, Italy has implemented significant reforms to its citizenship laws, particularly affecting those seeking recognition through descent (jure sanguinis). The key changes are as follows:
1. Generational Limitations: Previously, individuals with Italian ancestry, regardless of the number of generations removed, could claim Italian citizenship. The new law restricts this right to those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy. Applicants with more distant ancestors, such as great-grandparents, are no longer eligible.
2. Effective Bond Requirement: Applicants must now demonstrate a tangible connection, termed "effective bond" (vincolo effettivo), to Italy. This includes factors like recent residence in Italy or direct parental ties to the country. This measure aligns Italy's approach with that of several other EU nations.
3. Enhanced Documentation Scrutiny: To prevent fraud, there will be stricter verification processes for submitted documents.
4. Centralized Application Processing: All applications will now be managed directly in Rome, aiming to alleviate the workload of Italian consulates, especially those in South America, which have been overwhelmed by a high volume of applications.
5. Transitional Provisions: Applications submitted up to March 27, 2025, will be processed under the previous regulations.
- [ ]
These reforms are intended to address the exploitation of the previous system, which allowed individuals to trace distant Italian ancestry to obtain citizenship and its associated benefits. By implementing these changes, the Italian government seeks to ensure that citizenship is granted to those with a genuine and recent connection to Italy

03/18/2025

Carrying that Power Bank with you on a commercial flight for your phone, camera, GoPros, etc.? Here are some tips and HOW to calculate if it’s ALLOWED!

The largest **power bank** you can carry onboard a commercial aircraft is based on its **Watt-hour (Wh) rating**, following airline and TSA/FAA guidelines:

# # # **Power Bank Limits for Air Travel**
- **Up to 100Wh** → Allowed **without restrictions** in carry-on baggage.
- **100Wh to 160Wh** → Allowed **only with airline approval**, limited to **two power banks per passenger** in carry-on baggage.
- **Above 160Wh** → **Not allowed** on passenger aircraft.

# # # **How to Calculate Watt-hours (Wh)**
If your power bank’s capacity is listed in **mAh (milliamp-hours)**, use this formula:

**Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage (V)**

For example:
- A **20,000mAh** power bank at **5V**:
**(20,000 ÷ 1000) × 5V = 100Wh** ✅ Allowed
- A **50,000mAh** power bank at **5V**:
**(50,000 ÷ 1000) × 5V = 250Wh** ❌ Not allowed

# # # **Additional Rules**
- **Power banks must be in carry-on luggage** (not checked baggage).
- **Terminals must be protected** (e.g., in a case, with tape, or inside a pouch).
- **No charging onboard** unless permitted by the airline.

If you're unsure, check with your airline for specific policies.

03/13/2025

ETIAS Implementation Timeline Update

On 5 March, EU Home Affairs Ministers endorsed a revised timeline for the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The EES is expected to become operational in October 2025. ETIAS is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026.

03/13/2025

You'll have to stay on land if you don't fit the requirements 😬

03/08/2025

Galveston home for rent…
Beach access, private pool and hot tub, a gem… 6 out of 5!

Private PoolHot TubFire PitGas GrillPet FriendlyHigh Speed InternetNoon Check-outSnowbirds Welcome Our completely renovated home features a resort style backyard with two ensuite master bedrooms. Both master bedrooms are located upstairs offering maximum privacy.The fully outfitted kitchen is open t...

03/02/2025

Trevi Fountain Has Reopened – But With a Big Change! Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve been to Rome, you know that Trevi Fountain is always packed. Like, elbow-to-elbow, shoulder-to-shoulder, good luck getting a clear selfie kind of packed.

But things are changing! After months of maintenance, the water is flowing again, and Rome has introduced a new system to make visits a little more... civilized.

So, what’s new? Let’s break it down.

New Rules: No More Free-for-All Crowds

Instead of the usual chaotic scene, Trevi Fountain now has a capacity limit of 400 visitors at a time. The main piazza is still open, but if you want to get up close, you’ll have to enter through the central staircase and exit on the side.

Right now, there’s NO entry fee, but Rome’s mayor hinted that a ticket might be introduced in the future. (Honestly, would anyone be surprised?)

Visiting Hours & Closures

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM).
Monday & Friday openings delayed until 11:00 AM for coin collection.
Every other Monday, it opens at 2:00 PM for a deep clean.
After 9:00 PM, access is unrestricted again—so night owls, you’re in luck!

Forget About Sitting on the Edge

No more lounging on the fountain’s edge with a gelato. The new rules strictly prohibit sitting, eating, drinking, or smoking near the water. It’s all about protecting the monument (and, let’s be real, keeping people from treating it like a swimming pool).

The Controversy & the “General Rehearsal”

When Rome set up a temporary walkway over the empty fountain during maintenance, people weren’t sure what to think. But guess what? Over 250,000 visitors loved it. Turns out, a little order goes a long way!

Honestly, I think this change could be a huge win for visitors. No more fighting for a front-row spot, no more squeezing through sweaty crowds. Just a calmer, more enjoyable way to experience one of Rome’s most stunning landmarks.

02/26/2025

Driving in Italy? The ZTL road sign.

A **ZTL** (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is a **Limited Traffic Zone** in Italy, which restricts the access of vehicles to certain areas of cities, typically in historic centers. These zones are designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and preserve the historic nature of the city.

The **ZTL road sign** is used to indicate that you are entering a restricted zone. It usually features a **red circle** with the letters "ZTL" inside. These zones often have strict time-based restrictions, meaning only authorized vehicles, such as residents, public transportation, or delivery vehicles, can enter during certain hours. Non-authorized vehicles may face fines.

It’s important to pay attention to these signs and follow the rules, as penalties for entering a ZTL without permission can be quite costly.

02/26/2025

Can I bring my pet along on my cruise vacation?

It depends on the cruise line and the specific ship you're traveling on. Some cruise lines do allow pets, but usually under specific conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

1. **Pet-Friendly Cruise Lines**: Some cruise lines, like **Cunard Line**, allow pets (primarily dogs) to travel in special pet-friendly areas, but there are often restrictions and additional fees. **Viking Ocean Cruises** also allows pets in certain situations, but it's more rare.

2. **Pet Policies**: Most cruise lines do not allow pets to travel, with the exception of service animals. These service animals are typically allowed on board but need to be registered in advance.

3. **Pet Care Options**: If your cruise line doesn’t allow pets, they may offer pet-sitting services, or you might need to arrange for your pet to stay at a boarding facility or with a caregiver while you're on the trip.

4. **Preparation**: If your pet is allowed, make sure you understand the ship’s specific rules, such as where pets are allowed, what kind of accommodations they offer, and if they have a designated area for exercise or relief. You'll also need to provide your pet's health records and possibly undergo a veterinary check before departure.

It’s a good idea to reach out directly to the cruise line you're considering to get the most up-to-date details on their pet policy.

Which Cruise Lines Are Pet-friendly?

Several cruise lines are known for being pet-friendly, though the policies and accommodations vary. Here are some of the major ones that allow pets:

1. **Cunard Line**:
- Cunard is one of the few luxury cruise lines that allows pets. They have a **Pet Program** where dogs can travel in special kennels on board.
- Pets must be kept in the kennel during the voyage, but owners can visit them during certain times.
- This is typically available on transatlantic crossings, and advanced booking is required.

2. **Viking Ocean Cruises**:
- Viking allows pets on a case-by-case basis, but it’s limited. Typically, they only accept smaller pets, and you’ll need to check with the line for specific details.
- They allow emotional support animals or service dogs in certain circumstances.

3. **MSC Cruises**:
- MSC offers pet-friendly cruises on select ships, primarily for small dogs (up to a certain weight limit).
- They offer pet-friendly cabins and provide a designated area on the ship for pets.
- Booking well in advance is recommended, as space is limited.

4. **Norwegian Cruise Line**:
- Norwegian Cruise Line allows service animals aboard, but pets are generally not allowed.
- They do offer some flexibility for emotional support animals, but check with the line directly for specific requirements and policies.

5. **Princess Cruises**:
- Like Norwegian, Princess Cruises generally does not allow pets, but they do allow service animals.
- They may make exceptions for specific sailings or private charters, so it’s worth checking with them.

6. **Royal Caribbean**:
- Similar to Princess and Norwegian, Royal Caribbean doesn’t typically allow pets on regular sailings, but they allow service animals.
- Some ships have certain pet-friendly options for private charters or special events.

**Carnival**
Carnival Cruise Line **does not allow pets** onboard, with the exception of **service animals**. This policy applies to both dogs and other pets, including emotional support animals. If you're planning to bring a service animal, you'll need to inform Carnival in advance so they can make the necessary accommodations.

02/25/2025

A small Texas town tucked away in the state's Hill Country has reportedly been turned inside out and been dubbed "the new Aspen" after the arrival of the mega-rich.

02/08/2025

11K likes, 822 comments. “When I heard someone tell me Texas invented the most American of foods I didn’t believe it… but it’s true!”

02/08/2025

02/06/2025

From the outside, the new Southwest Airlines 737 max jet looks like all the others. But inside is where passengers will notice some major changes.https://www...

12/10/2024

An article for all my diver friends. I certified for Open Water - long ago - in 58f water!

Cold water diving poses unique hazards due to how temperature affects our bodies and dive equipment. Experts from DAN weigh in on how to stay safe when diving in cold environments.

12/04/2024

Turkey's Istanbul metropolis is probably the most cat-friendly city in the world.Cats were brought to Istanbul centuries ago which is a historical port for i...

11/30/2024

If you are traveling to England, OR traveling to anywhere in the EU THROUGH England in 2025, you will need a UK ETA.

UK ETA
Used to apply to travel to the UK. The ETA is being rolled out in phases:
January 8, 2025: The ETA will be available for nationals from the United States and approximately 50 other countries
April 2, 2025: The ETA will be available for European countries
ETAs allow the destination country to screen travelers before they arrive, which increases security and visibility. They also replace physical immigration documents, which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
To apply for an ETA, you can:
Go to the UK ETA app or online
Apply for a separate ETA for each individual traveling
Expect a decision within three working days, but it may take longer
Know that the ETA is valid for multiple journeys, but expires after two years

11/19/2024

New info for carnival cruisers.
Carnival has a new passport rule for Panama

Carnival recently outlined new passport instructions for Panama cruise passengers.

“To comply with guidelines for going ashore, all guests (including infants) must carry a passport book that is valid for at least six months after the cruise ends," the cruise line communicated.

"Guests will be permitted to sail with other acceptable travel documentation, but they must remain on board when the ship visits Panama

11/19/2024