Where's Johnny Jet?  Greetings—and Gong Xi Fa Cai—from freezing New York City! The Chinese Lunar New Year (Year of the Rat) starts in a few days on January 25, 2020! I would love to be in Asia right now, but instead I’m attending the IMM conference and speaking on Friday (January 23) at the New York Times Travel Show. If you’re in town and in the travel biz, stop by since Friday is only open to industry peeps. And speaking of Asia: I have a trip planned there next month and I’m still planning to go, although all the news about coronavirus makes me a little nervous. Let’s see how things shake out in the coming weeks. Update: A photography app that removes people I received a ton of emails last week after sending a newsletter with a subject line that included "A Photography App That Removes People." That app was found under Travel App of the Week, but the description there didn’t include one of its main functions. I apologize that it wasn’t clear. Here’s the link.  Viking launches Viking Expedition Voyages My wife and I had the privilege of attending Viking’s splashy launch party at the Beverly Hilton last week (held in the same dining room where the Golden Globes take place) to learn about the next big thing in cruising: Viking Expedition Voyages. Want to sail to Antarctica, the Arctic or even the Great Lakes in luxury? Check out their new ships here. NOVA: Polar Extremes Speaking of the Arctic and Antarctica, last week, Natalie and I took the kids to the National Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles for the first time. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t even know that this museum existed and we were all blown away by it. Especially by the dinosaur exhibit, where they have what looks like an actual dinosaur roaming around with handlers so kids can interact with it. I thought it was mechanical, but I was told there was a person inside. But I digress… The reason we were at NHM is that PBS SoCal and KCET had invited us to a preview of an upcoming NOVA series called Polar Extremes. It’s a show hosted by paleontologist and Sant Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History Kirk Johnson that will take viewers on an epic adventure through time at the polar extremes of our planet. Here’s a preview.  Scottevest: 15% off! Through the end of the month (January 31), Scottevest's latest sale includes 15% off site-wide (except gift cards and items in the outlet section). Just use code AFJ15 to save. I use Scottevest products every time I travel because their multiple hidden pockets not only keep my valuables safe but can act as an extra carry-on, as well. Check out the collection here! Companies I work with and recommendAllianz (travel insurance), Amazon (travel gadgets and supplies), Blacklane (reliable car service), Bluffworks (wrinkle-free clothing), Booking.com (hotel deals), Hotspot Shield (VPN to protect your data and get cheaper travel deals), Medjet (medical evacuation and transport), Rail Europe (trains in Europe), Scottevest (travel clothes).Follow us on social If you're on social media, don't forget that you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter. You can follow my wife on Pinterest and Instagram. |
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 By making your airport parking reservations in advance, you can avoid scrambling or overpaying like a reader recently did. This site lets you do that. More on this >>Past websites >> |  Long-time literary agent Peter Riva is the author of "Kidnapped on Safari." He has spent many months over thirty years traveling throughout Africa and Europe. More on this >> |  Anthony Bourdain’s final book won’t be released until October 13, 2020, but it's now available for pre-order. If you were a fan of his as I was, you won’t want to miss out on this one. More on this >> |
|  A video on "why fuel dumped from a plane doesn't hit the ground" is newly interesting after a Delta flight dropped fuel on a school last week. More on this >>Past videos >> |  The Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station is great for not only people who live in earthquake zones but in fact for people who live anywhere that power could go out. More on this >> |  LO Altitude is an Instagram account run by David "LO" Lombardo. The guy posts funny and crazy aviation-themed photos, videos and graphics, including one that went viral... More on this >> |
|  Last week, reader Cathie R. shared an app called Way, which you can use to find cheap and easy airport parking, among other things. More on this >>Past apps >> |  |  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of the most detailed and immersive lands Disney has created, and it has a lot to offer. Here's how to enjoy your visit... More on this >> |
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