Tag: travel
US Air Travel Still Messy With Another 2,600 Flights Scrapped

US Air Travel Still Messy With Another 2,600 Flights Scrapped

Washington (AFP) - Americans returning home from holiday travel had to battle another day of airport chaos Sunday, with more than 2,600 flights cancelled due to bad weather or airline staffing woes sparked by a surge in Covid cases.

Further disruptions are predicted for Monday, as a winter storm blows eastward.

As of 10:00pm (0300 GMT Monday), more than 2,650 domestic flights or international ones starting or finishing in the United States had been canceled -- almost as many as the 2,750 scrapped over the course of Saturday, said the flight-tracking service FlightAware.

That figure represented well over half of the nearly 4,400 flights canceled around the world. Almost 8,600 US flights were delayed.

Southwest Airlines, one of the hardest-hit carriers, had to cancel some 400 flights Sunday morning, a spokesperson said in an email to AFP, adding that it expected further cancellations.

Passenger Nick Kagy was beside himself after his Southwest flight was cancelled.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME @SouthwestAir," he wrote on Twitter. "We waited on hold for almost 3 hours to rebook because we couldn’t rebook online, and after getting things (not really fully) resolved, you cancelled our second flight to out of another airport."

On Saturday, poor weather, much of it linked to Winter Storm Frida, forced Southwest to cancel 490 flights, most of them in the center-north states south of the Great Lakes and reaching west to the Great Plains.

The result: intense frustration for many travelers.

Missed Connections

"This is insane," tweeted Haley, another Southwest passenger who was trying to fly out of Chicago. "This is the 3rd cancellation and still not home. Was supposed to be home 4 days ago!!!"

Airports in Chicago -- a major transit hub -- were the most affected Saturday, but by Sunday the airports in Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Houston and Newark were also hard hit.

A woman named Kayla described her own ordeal: "I was supposed to get home at 10:30 yesterday morning. and at this point I've had 3 flights cancelled and one delayed to the point where I missed my connection."

Around the world, air traffic has suffered snarls since Christmas because of airline staffing issues linked to the spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant.

Many pilots and flight attendants have called in sick after testing positive for the virus or being forced to quarantine due to contact with someone who has the virus.

This has left carriers with staffing shortages and forced them to delay or cancel flights.

The latest travel chaos carried echoes of a frustrating Christmas weekend, when around 7,500 flights around the world were scrapped.

And rebooking canceled flights has been a major challenge for many.

One traveler, Eric Crawford, described his frustration at trying to call a Delta Airline agent to reschedule.

"An estimated wait time of 22+ hours to speak with a rep about a cancelled flight," he said on Twitter, "is not the best look for starting 2022."

And Kowshick Boddu offered this account, also on Twitter, about his troubles with Alaska Air: "We were supposed to fly out from Fairbanks to San Jose on Dec 30, but our flights got rescheduled to today which is eventually cancelled again??? Long customer call wait hours, no response and flights not been rebooked? Need help!!"

Travel woes are expected to continue into Monday, the first working day of 2022.

Storm Frida will continue on a disruptive path eastward, meteorologists said, bringing snow to a wide swath from Washington located on the mid-Atlantic coast up to Boston, Massachusetts in the north.

Nearly 1,400 Monday flights have already been canceled within, into or out of the United States.

best time to start planning summer trip abroad

Plan Your Dream Summer Trip Abroad: When to Start

More Americans are traveling abroad–a record-breaking 80 million in 2016–and with scientifically proven health benefits, too! According to the U.S. Travel Association, women are less likely to have heart attacks if they travel a minimum of twice per year. Men who vacation more suffer a 30% fewer heart troubles. NBC News adds that traveling boosts creativity, promotes happiness and overall satisfaction levels, and keeps the symptoms of depression at bay. With blatant health benefits and good times to be had, what is holding would-be travelers back?

Planning a trip overseas may seem daunting at first, even if the benefits are obvious and plentiful. Follow the below guidelines for a simple and straightforward trip.

How Soon Do You Need To Start Planning Your Trip Abroad?

You made up your mind. You are going to go for it. Great. Now, you need to start planning, and doing it well in advance. For most abroad trips, it is wise to begin planning no later than six months before your trip. Some travelers plan nearly three years ahead of time, while others work well under pressure, putting it all together in just three months.

The specifics of when you plan your travel can depend on other factors, too. For example, if you plan to visit a given destination during its high season, it is best to solidify plans eight to 12 months prior to travel. A quick Google search is all it takes to determine the high season for your favorite destination. Weigh the pros and cons. Remember high season may entail more tourists and higher prices. It may also be the most popular time to visit for a reason. Are there any seasonal events taking place during that time? Do resorts and attractions close seasonally when they expect fewer tourists?

For example, Holland’s tulips are world-famous, thanks to their short lifespan — three to seven days — and perceived value. In the 1600s, Western Europe entered a “Tulip Frenzy” and tulips became more valuable than gold, leaving a lasting impression to this day. To see Holland’s tulips at their best, visit in mid-April. The flowers, symbolizing life, love, and immortality, can also be viewed from the end of March to the middle of May. Tourists can travel to the Garden of Europe, or the Keukenhof, to see 7 million of the world-famous tulips bloom. As previously mentioned, travelers hoping to view the tulips in mid-April should start planning a full year ahead of time, or a minimum of eight months before their departure date.

What Do You Need To Know Before Your Trip?

Before making any final plans, it is important to create an itinerary. Plan the things you would most like to see on your trip. Make a list of museums, landmarks, natural wonders, and historical sights you must see. Keep in mind that hours may be limited. For example, if you are planning a trip to Italy and want to visit the Vatican Museum, visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday only. The last entry is several hours before it closes at 4 p.m. Knowing this can help you draft a plan and fit it into the week, weeks, or extended weekend you have planned for your trip.

Similarly, get familiar with the local culture. If you only speak English and the few words and phrases you learned in a different language are not that strong, stick to particularly touristy destinations. The more tourists that come through, the more likely you are to be able to order meals and enjoy attractions even if you do not speak the native language.

On the other hand, if you would like to reconnect with your Hispanic or Latino roots and you speak decent Spanish, it is still in your best interest to do some research ahead of time. Famous museums do not display a lot of Hispanic and Latino art. These artworks compromise just 2.8% of art displayed in museums. If you are on a mission to learn more about Hispanic culture, unfortunately, the art museum may not be the optimal place to do it. Local shops and restaurants may be a good alternative.

What Do I Need To Do To Prepare For Travel?

With your timeline and itinerary down, you may be wondering what you need to personally do before booking your trip abroad. There are a few things to consider when it comes to your health and documentation. First, vaccines.gov recommends getting any vaccines four to six weeks before your trip. The flu and complications from the flu are increasingly common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 710,000 people have been hospitalized after contracting the flu since 2010. Thankfully, flu shots are widely available (sometimes even at your local pharmacy) and covered by most insurance plans.

Before you join the 2.7 million passengers who fly in and out of U.S. airports every day, you’ll also need your passport. Make sure to begin the process of getting your passport several months ahead of time. To be safe, apply for your passport six to eight months before your trip. You can print forms on the Internet and mail them in order to apply for a new passport, renew an expired one, or change the name on your passport. Processing can take weeks or months, so get your necessary materials in well before your trip.

Where Should You Go?

With general know-how about passports, vaccinations, and drawing up an itinerary underway, you may be left with your final decision: where to go. The Earth is 71% water, and the rest is all land you can potentially visit–more than that statistic suggests! Italy is one of the top destinations in the world, with Rome and Florence being among the most popular cities to visit. Both boast famous architecture, and Florence adds its world-famous canals and gardens into the mix. Paris is another top destination with divine cuisine, breath-taking views, and a variety of historic sites and landmarks to visit.

Traveling abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, and it can make you considerably happier, too! Know the best time to plan your trip, draw up an itinerary, gather your necessary documents and get necessary vaccines, pick out your favorite destination and enjoy.

Pick The RFID-Protecting Wallet That Works For You

Pick The RFID-Protecting Wallet That Works For You

Crooks are an inventive lot. In fact, if you’ve got a credit card with one of those RFID chips, all an enterprising thief has to do is stand right next to you for a few seconds — and they can electronically swipe your vital information. Thankfully, with the advent of RFID theft has come a new wave of RFID-resistant wallets that can shield your cards from high-tech pilfering. Of course, not everyone is looking for the same thing in their wallet, so The National Memo Store has pulled together five different deals (all at significant discounts) to let you choose which one works best for you.

For the World Traveler: Passport Wallet with RFID Lock

If you’re heading overseas, protecting your passport might be even more critical than your digital info. Thankfully, this 2-in-1 wallet handles both duties with equal dedication. You get enough room to stow your passport as well as RFID defense for your cards. There’s even a lock to secure the entire bundle in place.

Buy now: Get 72% off if you pick up a Passport Wallet now at only $21.99.

For the Fashionista: Vault RFID-Blocking Leather Wallet

Who says security can’t be stylish too? This textured leather bi-fold (featuring leather even on the inside) looks like your typical upscale wallet – until you realize the RFID protection is literally sewn into this wallet’s lining.

Buy now: Usually $69, you can pick up this Vault for 49% off – only $34.99.

For the Man Who Travels Light: Ultra-Slim RFID-Blocking Wallets

A wallet shouldn’t be dragging you down, even if it is protecting your stats. With the Ultra-Slim, you’ve got room for 8 cards (and some fudge room for a few extras), cash and the RFID coverage you expect. Pare down and get the wallet that simplifies your life immediately!

Buy now: Both Nappa and Saffiano styles are $22.99 with this limited time offer, nearly 25% off retail.

For the Color Agnostic: Defender RFID-Blocking Leather Card Holder

Ok, you need an RFID-compliant wallet. Check. This newly-designed wallet can hold all your important currencies like a champ. But what if you can’t choose what color suits you best? Not a problem, since the Defender offers three different options.

Buy now: Right now, the Defender is on sale at just $29.99, a 38 percent savings.

For the Bells and Whistles Guy: Dash 4.0 RFID-Blocking Wallet

Let’s face it, some of you guys just like a wallet to look cool and do a lot of neat stuff. Say no more with the Dash. With three utility compartments (plus room for up to 15 cards total) and complete RFID-security protection, the Dash should handle any of your wallet security needs like a champ.

Buy now: Big features don’t have to mean a big price… the Dash is only $19.99 for a limited time.

This sponsored post is brought to you by StackCommerce. 

5 Reasons You Need A VPN When You Travel — and Why You Should Use Disconnect

5 Reasons You Need A VPN When You Travel — and Why You Should Use Disconnect

The message has become so battle-worn that you can probably nearly recite it in your sleep — a virtual private network (VPN) is essential to your security on the web. But after hearing the constant drumbeat of advocates for so many years now, there may be plenty of relatively novice web users who don’t fully understand what a VPN does or how it can serve as a vital line of defense for you, your digital systems, and your precious information.

For those in the know, you can cut right to the chase and get a year of protection from one of the most highly-regarded VPN services on the market — Disconnect — for a ridiculously low $19 (over 60 percent off) from The National Memo Store.

However, for those a bit fuzzier on exactly what a VPN offers and how, we’ve broken down five very simple ways a VPN is an essential travel partner literally anywhere you go.

1. Public WiFi is sketchy… and a VPN is your bulletproof vest.

Sure, we all love public WiFi. Nobody wants to use their oh-so-precious cellular minutes while they’re strolling through the mall if that mall is kind enough to offer free public WiFi for its customers. But hold on… just because the mall wants to give you something nice and do you a solid, that attitude is not necessarily held by everyone using that public hub. In fact, crooks routinely stake out those hubs, preying on devices that log in, leaving their personal information vulnerable to theft.

Not so with a VPN. Disconnect allows you to use the WiFi to connect, yet provides encryption via its own iron-clad connection shielding in any location anywhere. Behind that level of security, hackers and cyberthieves can’t crack your defenses and attack your data and files.

2. Some countries aren’t fans of a free information exchange.

If you remember back when you could roam freely almost anywhere on the web and see it all… well, that was a long time ago. Nowadays, some countries take a very heavy-handed approach to what citizens and visitors can see on the internet, blocking many popular news sites, social media platforms, and search engines to restrict the flow of information.

With a VPN like Disconnect, those restrictions fall away. You can elect to connect to a server outside the country you’re in, instantly getting you around any particular country’s arbitrary web bans.

3. Did we mention watching whatever you want whenever you want?

Sometimes, international content providers can seem just as authoritarian as rigid governments. Many companies who own worldwide distribution rights to your favorite films, television series and music will even go so far as to control it by national boundaries, geo-locking their product around the world.  That means if you want to log into your American Netflix account and watch movies while you’re on vacation in Europe… no dice.

Instead, fire up your VPN and you can decide which of your provider’s servers to log into, meaning you can either connect locally to surf the web (and watch content) like other locals; or choose a server in another country, cloaking you to look like you’re physically located anywhere you want — and subject only to those rules.

4. If no one can see you, no one can hurt you.

Anonymity is the best defense. Remember those hackers and cyberthieves? Behind the veil of total privacy provided by VPNs like Disconnect, you can go anywhere on the web, do anything and leave no trail of those activities. Thieves can’t steal what they can’t find, and if your VPN provider makes you the equivalent of an internet ghost, malicious forces can’t target your vital financial and personal information for attack.

Foreign agencies and government watchdogs? Nope, they can’t see you either. Even nosy friends, family and other associates will never know what you’ve been doing online.

5. Speed up your web connection overnight.

You may wonder if funneling your internet connection through a VPN’s secure encryption tunnel will slow your roll online. And in some cases, it can. However, in addition to its other VPN advantages, Disconnect is also a malware and web tracking blocker. Where standard internet connections can leave you vulnerable to those cookies following you all over the web and bogging down your service, Disconnect sweeps those trackers and other unnecessary browser activities away. In fact, Disconnect will have you browsing up to 44% faster — and using almost 40% less bandwidth to do it.

In addition to Disconnect’s current 1-year deal for $19, you can also lock in their services to longer term, equally attractive rates, including a three-year plan for $29 and lifetime Disconnect protection for only $49.

This sponsored post is brought to you by StackCommerce.