Facebook LIVE – Travel Industry News – July 13, 2023
🌐 The backlog of getting US passports has actually gotten worse. So much so that the US State Department is holding a series of Special Passport Acceptance Fairs around the country that will allow Americans to apply for their passports in person.
Most of the events will run through July and August at libraries, post offices, and other venues in a number of different cities, mostly in New Jersey, California, and Florida, with a smaller number in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut and ONLY are for first-time customers and children.
Unfortunately, those looking for renewals will still have to do so by mail. And those who need a passport for “urgent travel” are still being told to make an appointment at a passport agency or center.
The full details are available on the State Department’s website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/passports/special-passport-acceptance-fairs.html). Please note: some of the events do require appointments ahead of time, the website includes links to make appointments where needed.
🌐 The weather has been pretty wicked in/around New York City: This past Monday a thunderstorm caused brought flash flooding in and around New York City that caused major airport delays and cancellations at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark and even Amtrak to suspend service between Albany and New York City.
Summer storms continue to pummel the New York City are this week causing a ripple affect around the country. With 3 major airports, this particular multiple-day weather disruption leaves airplanes out of place, pilots and flight attendants are not where they’re supposed to be, plus the air traffic controller shortage has contributed to longer recovery times, delays and cancellations.
Several airlines have issued waivers for passengers in affected cities to re-book their itineraries.
🌐 The Dominican Republic and Jamaica are having record-breaking years as far as tourists are concerned. Jamaica has recently issued a travel advisory to make sure that all passengers get to their airports 3 hours before departure, each way, and that you complete the Jamaica Customs and Immigration form online (https://enterjamaica.com) prior to arrival.
🌐 Hotels, airbnbs, and campgrounds along the path of the Solar Eclipse 2024 in the USA have doubled and tripled their prices. Fortunately, Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines have created special cruises that will park in the sea near the Mexican Riviera on April 8th so that the passengers can have the best chance to glimpse this rare occurrence; they’ll also have astronomers and astrophysicists on board for lectures and questions.
🌐 Europe: Europe is overrun. Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, the UK, Ireland and other countries are known to be wall-to-wall with tourists and still have to deal with rail and airline strikes, staffing shortages, high prices, and lack of availability in accommodations, tours and transfers.
🌐 Speaking of Europe, I’m partnering with The International Kitchen and HERizons Travel on a Women-Only Week in Rome Italy Culinary and Cultural Adventure. It’s June 23-29, 2024 and if you want more information, here’s the link (https://www.herizonstravel.com/webinar-registration.html) to register for the webinar.
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