Warning: These Two Days Are Expected to Be the Busiest at U.S. Airports ✈ The Sunday Round-Up

Good morning from chilly Los Angeles. Yesterday, I wrote a tip about how not to get scammed by bad guys. Well, wouldn't you know it ... the bad guys must receive my newsletter because they just tried to scam me. Here's the story.

RELATED: Another Banking Scam and Tips So You Know What to Do if it Happens to You

And that wasn't the most unsettling part of my week. On Friday, I took my kids to a little park connected to the Manhattan Village shops in Manhattan Beach while my wife was at a doctor's appointment nearby. All of a sudden, there was a helicopter circling above, police cars everywhere and a mall security guard told me there were reports of an active shooter. I felt like a deer caught in headlights. Here's that story.

The travel industry has been even more turbulent this week compliments of Covid. New York City is a mess. To give you a visual idea, read today's Travel Tweet of the Day (below) to see the crazy long testing lines. I was in the Big Apple two weeks ago and there were only a few people in those free mobile testing spots. More than 10 Broadway and off-Broadway shows shut down and that's not including The Rockettes, who just ended their season early. And this is just what's happening in New York City.

There are dozens of NBA, NHL and NFL players out with Covid. Overseas, many countries are restricting travel from the UK, including France and Germany. The Netherlands just went on lockdown. I'm sorry to say but this Christmas isn't looking too merry for many travelers.

The only good news is that if you're fully vaccinated and don't have any pre-existing conditions, it seems that omicron cases are mild. Let's hope things turn around but with everyone coming together for much-needed family time, I don't think that's going to happen.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
The year our son was born, one of you lovely readers recommended the Christmas book Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree and it fast became a favorite in our home. We read it to the kids often over the holidays and it's a hit with everyone. If you're looking for a new Christmas Eve story to read the kids before chasing them up to bed to dream dreams of Santa, this is it! The book is (at the time of this publication) 53% off and will deliver before Christmas Eve for Amazon Prime members. Check it out here.

RELATED: The Smithsonian Children's Illustrated Atlas
If you're looking for a gift for any child on your holiday shopping list, this gorgeously illustrated children's atlas is just the ticket. Our son is getting this for Christmas from his Nana and it's going to be a big hit. It's a great gift for any kids, nieces and nephews or grandkids on your list. (And yes, it delivers before Christmas!) Check it out here.

Travel Tips/Stories from This Week

Travel Product of the Day

Worried about the air you breathe when you travel, go out to eat or sit in a long meeting? If you’re worried about catching COVID-19, or any virus for that matter, then I highly recommend getting Wynd Plus. It’s a portable air purifier with HEPA filters, about the size of a water bottle. My story.

15 Great Gifts for Travelers
This year's holiday gift guide features tons of products I think any traveler would love to open this holiday season. Check them out here.

Travel Quote of the Day
“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” – Michael Palin

Travel Tweet of the Day
@AirlineFlyer: Huge yikes at the COVID testing line outside Barclays Center #NYC https://t.co/rlGmH1kwh9

Travel Tips from Last Week:
Monday:
-Backup Your Photos Before It's Too Late
Tuesday:
-This Airline Is Offering A Buy One Get One Free Ticket (expired)
Wednesday:
-How to Cut to the Front of the Airport Security Line for Free
-Why 5G Sucks for Travelers
Thursday:
-Uh-Oh: Delta Just Made Two Major Changes to Basic Economy Tickets
Friday:
-5 Tips for Avoiding Airport Parking Pandemonium
-Multiple Videos of Last Night’s Air Rage Incident on DC to L.A. Delta Flight That Diverted to OKC
Saturday:
-Important: Do This Now So Airlines Don’t Keep Your Money
-My travel segment on Leo Laporte's The Tech Guy
Sunday:
-How To Save Tons of Money, Hassles and Headaches When Traveling During Omicron

Travel Contests
-United Cruises - 1,000,000 Mile Sweepstakes (Dec 31)
-Win a trip to Puerto Rico, Florida, or St. Croix (Dec 31)
-Win an eight-day Viking cruise for two (Dec 31)
-Win a Caribbean cruise for two (Jan 16)
-Win a five-night getaway for two to the Dominican Republic (Jan 17)
See all contests here

P.S. As always, thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I hope you like it and you share with your friends, family and colleagues so they can subscribe to either my bi-weekly newsletter or Daily Travel Tip.

The Sunday Round-Up | December 19, 2021