February 17, 2022 Good morning! For the second week in a row, I have good travel news to report and I'm excited to share it. First of all, COVID cases are dropping rapidly in most of the world. Secondly, countries and destinations are either opening up (hello, Australia) or easing their strict and expensive testing on arrival requirements like Canada.
For the first time in almost two years, things are finally starting to feel pre-pandemic, at least here in California. Although I don't know if we'll ever shake COVID-19, it looks like we will at least be able to live with it.
Rick Steves' Solid Advice About Travel This Spring and Summer
If you're getting excited about traveling again, too, Rick Steves, along with Andrew McCarthy, has some excellent advice about traveling internationally this spring and summer which you can read here.
We're Going to Hawaii!
We're finally planning on going on our long-awaited trip to Hawaii! It was originally scheduled for April 2020 but with two littles ones, my wife and I were extremely cautious.
We're most worried about our two-year-old, Olivia, since she's not vaccinated. So we asked our pediatrician about Hawaii and before my wife could even finish her question, the doctor said: "GO!"
Keep in mind, this is the same doctor who persuaded us to cancel Jack's first trip five years ago when we were planning to take him to Toronto for his first Christmas. Back then, she said she recommended keeping newborns off planes during flu season so we did. The point is ... she's cautious but she's still recommending we travel now.
In another example of how it feels like the tide is changing, a couple of days ago, I called American Airlines to use our leftover trip credits for a flight to Toronto. As usual, I got talking to the agent and I asked if she's seen an uptick in business. She immediately replied with an emphatic yes.
She went on to say that she didn't know if she would ever see it this busy again and she was even more surprised how many trips she's booking for Spring Break. I asked her when Spring Break is since I've been hearing a variety of dates. She said Spring Break starts next week and runs through all of March and April. She explained that it's staggered across the country.
I asked her where people are booking and she said a lot of people are headed to Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii, New York City and Tennessee. The latter surprised me. I was also surprised when she said not a lot of people are booking California and perhaps that's because of all the media attention on crime, which inspired me to write the post below.
ALWAYS Leave These at Home When You Travel
When you're planning travel, the last thing you want to have to think about is crime. But unfortunately, the reality is that things are changing around the world and even here at home. So, here's my advice for when you're traveling, even domestically. Read the story here.
Alaska Airlines Launches First-Ever Flight Subscription Service
If you fly regularly around the west coast or plan to this year, then you definitely want to learn more about this: Alaska Airlines just launched their first-ever flight subscription called Flight Pass. Here's what you need to know.
Today's Travel Tip
Why You Should Travel With Rain Ponchos
Sometimes the best tips are the simplest and can really make a difference. Rain has taken all of us by surprise at one time or another. Be prepared when you travel or even when you're going out locally by always keeping an emergency stash of rain ponchos in your suitcase or car. Read more here.
This Week's Travel Products
Round-Up: Travel Neck Pillows for Better Sleep and a More Comfortable Flight
This week, I received an email from a reader asking if I could recommend some travel pillows for an upcoming flight. The right travel pillow can make all the difference so here are some great options for you to consider. Read the story here. | 
