December 31, 2023  •   View this email in your browser

🎊 Happy New Year's Eve from the U.S. Virgin Islands!

Can you believe it's New Year's Eve ... or New Year's Day for those in Asia and Australia and New Zealand?! 

My family and I spent Christmas in Toronto (YYZ) with my in-laws. Then on Wednesday, we flew from YYZ to Miami (MIA). I was surprised how calm and quiet YYZ was ... no line at check-in, security or immigration (USA pre-clearance). 

One thing that wasn't quiet was the MIA airport or our flight. It was the first time I could understand why passengers really don't like kids on a plane. The parents across the aisle from us failed at controlling their kids ... and really didn't care. Our secret is that our kids aren't allowed to use their iPads at home so when they board a plane, their iPads are such a treat, they don't make a peep! Speaking of which, would you pay more to fly on a kid-free flight?

Our baggage took almost an hour to come out at MIA, which was unacceptable and I've never seen so many people hovering around a carousel. I had to stand on my tippy toes to locate our bags on the belt. It's a good thing ours are so unique so I didn't have to keep checking bag tags. 

The most stressful part of the trip was waiting for a Lyft. The app said it was only going to take two minutes for our driver. It took 20, which seemed like an eternity with three large bags and two tired children. We didn't arrive to the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel until after midnight. 

We stayed there because the next day we were boarding a Princess cruise and Port Everglades is less than a mile away. FYI: We sailed Enchanted Princess last June on a Mediterranean cruise and we loved it so much, we booked this one. 

It was pouring so we were relieved to see Princess operates a well-oiled machine at their homeport so passengers don’t need to stand in the rain while waiting to go through security. 

Guests simply pull up to the underground where there are porters ready to take your bags (be sure to print your baggage tags in advance; I did it at the hotel), then get in line. The line looks ridiculously long but it moves surprisingly fast. Just be sure to have your passport with you. One of the agents told me there's always at least one person per cruise who gets denied sailing for not having their passport or it’s expired. The one mistake I made was not having our medallions shipped to our house, which would have saved us at least 20 minutes. 

Our first port was supposed to be the Bahamas but our captain said the water was too rough for the tenders. That was a bummer for everyone but what can you do? We then sailed to St. Thomas, where we are today. So far, the seas have been smooth and the weather drastically improved. Gotta love 80F temps for New Year's Eve! If you don't get a newsletter next Sunday, it's because I took the week off (I'm still debating). Until then, Happy New Year, to all! Wishing each and every one of you only good things in 2024.

Sponsor: Indus Travels

Uncover the magic of Sicily on this exclusive tour, starting at $899 pp! 
Immerse in sun-drenched landscapes, explore Taormina's charm, discover ancient marvels in Agrigento, savor Palermo's cuisine, and traverse from Mount Etna to the Tyrrhenian Sea. All-inclusive with accommodation, flights, and daily breakfast, reserve your spot for a stress-free and unforgettable Sicilian celebration of life! Here's more info.
 

In this issue:

• Today's Travel Outlook ✈️
• Travel Tips This Week ✅
• Travel Quote of the Day 💬
• Travel Tweet of the Day 
• 12 Things to Know in Travel Today 🌎
• Travel Video of the Day 📺
• and more… 

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook 

As of 3:30pm ET, there have been 44 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 2,054 delayed. Here's a link to the up-to-date stats and a live look at the FAA's National Airspace System Status. Here's what to do during weather delays and flight cancellations.

🌧️ Monday

What to Do in Weather Delays and Flight Cancellations 
Monday was Christmas so I didn't send out a newsletter. Instead of an empty slot -- here's a helpful post I updated... Flight delays and worse, cancellations, can really throw a wrench into your travel plans, especially over the holidays when airports are chaotic and flights are going out full. Here are my go-to tips, websites and apps to help you deal with weather delays and flight cancellations.

💺 Tuesday

Great Deals For Travelers
We don't generally recognize Boxing Day in the U.S. but my wife is a Canuck so Boxing Day is a thing in our home. If you’re looking to do a little shopping, you might want to check out our picks of great gadgets for travelers, perfect for your 2024 travels. From tech gadgets and airplane essentials to travel safety items, this list has great ideas for your travels or for anyone you know who loves to travel. Check out the deals here.

🧳 Wednesday

Apple AirTags Are Currently on Sale For the Lowest Price We've Seen in Over a Year
If you read today's travel news, you will see a story (#7) about how a traveler and police tracked their stolen luggage to a suspect's home. If you haven't purchased these revolutionary gadgets, then today is the day since they're the cheapest they've been in over a year. Another reason why I love them is that I can see where my checked bags are so I don't have to worry if my bag made it onto the plane or not and if it's been unloaded when we land. Usually the bag hasn't so it forces me to slow down. Get them here. NOTE: The price reflected above is correct at the time of this newsletter distribution but may change.   

👨‍✈️ Thursday

Do You REALLY Need to Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode? Here’s What a Pilot Says
This story was written by the pilot of a major U.S. airline. Why does it REALLY matter whether we place our phones in airplane mode? Well, there is one very important reason airlines, the FAA and the FCC require your phones to be in airplane mode, and there’s another reason you probably want it to be in airplane mode as well. Let’s look at both.

🧳 Friday

The Simple Mistake I See Even Frequent Fliers Make – Here’s What to Do Instead
Christmas is now over and we’re getting ready to start a new year … which usually means new habits for many, including yours truly. I, for one, need to eat better and exercise more. Every year, I also try to become a better traveler as rules, technology, aircrafts and more are constantly changing, so it takes time to stay on top of everything, otherwise you’ll find yourself making mistakes. One of those simple mistakes I made recently, and that I see many frequent fliers also make, is when it comes to ... here's the tip.

🐋 Saturday

Woman Tries to Ride a Distressed Baby Whale in Waikiki
In a shocking video, a woman swimming in Waikiki was seen trying to ride on the back of a distressed baby whale. Hawaii tourism officials were forced to issue a statement. Watch the video here.

📺 Travel Video of the Week

Las Vegas Sphere
I know I've featured videos for The Sphere in Las Vegas multiple times but I don't think I've ever featured one from the inside. One thing's for sure: It really is a sight to behold! Its mesmerizing architecture and design will take your breath away. Here's a quick clip.

🎁 Travel Product of the Week

Buffway Slim Minimalist Front Pocket RFID Blocking Leather Wallet
Last week, I wrote about how I'd had a number of credit cards hacked. Well, my wife just gave me an early Christmas present - an RFID-blocking wallet, which gives my credit cards and personal information an extra layer of protection. It's currently 25% off and makes a great gift, as well. Check it out here.

🌎 12 Things to Know in Travel This Week

1 Frontier Airlines: 16-year-old flying solo ends up in Puerto Rico instead of Ohio
2 Map shows just how many people are finishing 2023 feeling sick
3 Venice to ban large tourist groups and loudspeakers
4 Thousands stranded and NYE plans 'ruined' after Eurostar cancels all services
5 Public advised to stay out of these Los Angeles County beaches
6 Social media helps locate missing cruise ship passenger
7 Delta to slow down pilot hiring in 2024
8 Qantas passenger is detained on flight after 'attacking' cabin crew
9 Southwest Airlines appears to mislead customers just weeks after record $140 million fine
10 9 New CA traffic laws every driver should know for 2024
11 Race organizers jailed for their role in deadly ultramarathon
12 Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers

✅ Currency Exchange            ✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ Miles and Points