Marjorie Laflin, CTC, at It's A Fine Day

28/02/2025

This is the reason you need to book early to get what you want.

37.3 million passengers are forecasted to sail in 2025, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the cruise industry as it combines cutting-edge sustainability efforts with an experience that travelers continue to love. 🛳️

11/02/2025

Lobby and view (through a screen) from the room. Our tour is arranged by Lloyd Coleman of Sky guy one travels. He mentioned when he met us when we checked in that he and his family lived here while they were waiting for their house to be completed.

07/02/2025

FUN FACT. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, has 1.5 million people. The San Fernando Valley has 2 million people. NOW you know why you want to go to New Zealand.

06/02/2025

Volcanoes Safaris is one of the industry's most respected companies. This video shows you why. Take deep breath and let yourself relax. Feel yourself helping to conserve the beauty of Africa.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris hosted an informal conversation on gorilla conservation and ecotourism. Prosper Uwingel...

05/02/2025

The final deadline for a Real ID is swiftly approaching and the clock is ticking for those Americans who haven’t obtained one yet. If anyone intends to travel by air on or after May 7, 2025, it is essential to obtain A Real ID. After this date, a standard driver’s license will no longer suffice for the flights within the United States. Currently, 24% of Americans report not having a REAL ID, and among them, 64% do not know what it is or do not plan to get one before the May 7 deadline. Acceptable alternative forms of identification include a valid passport, a federal government PIV card, or a US military identification card. Children under the age of 18 are not mandated by the TSA to present identification when traveling domestically within the United States. For inquiries related to specific identification requirements for minors, it is advisable to reach out to the airline directly.

03/02/2025

From the ARTA newsletter. This actually happened to me after I returned from the Carnival Firenze last month. All folios are closed, paid in full on debarkation so I just deleted the email, thinking it was a simple mistake, not a scam.
In recent weeks, would-be customers of Carnival Cruise Line have been targeted by scammers. In response, Carnival has advised its customers on things to look out for — and how to spot the difference between a legitimate travel agent and a scammer who wants your money. According to The Travel, phony Carnival Cruise Line representatives are targeting cruisers for “unpaid fees.” Scammers are posing as cruise reps, claiming that unpaid balances or fees need to be paid while pressuring guests to provide credit card information. This is being done through emails and fake online ads,” notes Doug Parker of Cruise News Today. “A recent report said that one passenger almost paid $456 after calling a fake number that was found online that was masked as a Carnival Cruise Line number.”

02/02/2025

The post a few days ago did not easily link to the performance. Fortunately, someone put it in YouTube. You don't have to watch the whole thing to get the idea but I have to tell you, the swaying red flowers about 3/4 the way through are pretty amazing.

Witness the stunning Casa Batlló Arborescent Mapping 2025, a mesmerizing digital light show by renowned Italian artist Quayola! This unique tribute to nature...

29/01/2025

If you have some time this weekend, check out Casa Batillo

On February 1 and 2, 2025, digital artist Quayola will present the exclusive work "Arborescent" in a spectacular projection on the façade.

26/01/2025

Art, how about checking it out and reporting back?

17/01/2025

Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the Schengen Area, leaving only Ireland and Cyprus as members of the EU but not the Schengen Area. It’s important not to confuse the Schengen Area with the European Union—the former is a travel zone where citizens can cross country borders without a passport or visa, whereas the latter is an economic and political union of countries. This matters if you are planning long-term visits. Check carefully!

13/01/2025

I'm going to edit this post to add that most probably many passports were lost and will be replaced. If you have travel plans for the spring or summer, please leave extra time for renewal.

If your valid passport was lost or damaged in the California wildfires, we may be able to waive the fees to replace it. Learn how to apply for a replacement when you're ready at travel.state.gov/disaster.

01/01/2025

01/01/2025

It's only possible once a year. Cathay Pacific flight 880 left Hong Kong on January 1st, 2025, and landed tonight at LAX on December 31st, 2024. It's the flight that allows its "time traveling" passengers on the Boeing 777 to experience a New Year's Eve celebration twice. Link in the comments below.