Q –  11.29.25  – When will the new Celebrity Riverboat be sailing, and have the books been opened up yet? Is this a river cruise you will be recommending? We are past Celebrity guests in Europe (twice) and we were extremely satisfied. 

A – Celebrity River Cruises will launch their first sailings in 2027, featuring two new luxury river ships: Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. The initial itineraries will explore the Rhine and Danube rivers, promising immersive cultural experiences, expansive open decks, onboard butler service, and 24-hour dining.

Past Celebrity guests were allowed to begin booking in September of 2025, and the entire 2027 season sold out in six minutes, according to Celebrity.

As the vessels have not yet been launched, we cannot make any recommendations. Our Inspectors will be filing reports, and we will begin to determine how Celebrity River Cruises’ quality standards compare with those of the three leading river cruise lines in Europe: Scenic, AMA Waterways, and Tauck.

For now, these are some of the features and characteristics you will find in the new Celebrity River cruise brand:

Here’s a breakdown of the key features you can expect aboard these 172-guest luxury river ships:

Signature Design & Outdoor Living
• Infinite Veranda Staterooms: Adapted from Celebrity’s ocean ships, these cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass that transforms into open-air balconies at the touch of a button.
• Expansive Open Decks: More outdoor space than any other river vessel, designed for panoramic views and relaxation.
• Infinity-Edge Plunge Pool: A dramatic, cantilevered pool extending over the river for a floating sensation.
️ Dining & Social Spaces
• Magic Carpet-Inspired Dining Pods: Elevated, cantilevered dining venues offering immersive views and a floating experience reminiscent of the Magic Carpet on Edge-class ships.
• Top-Deck Bar & Grill: Al fresco dining and cocktails with 360-degree views, designed for year-round enjoyment.

Luxury Service & Amenities
• Butler Service: Personalized attention in all suite categories, continuing Celebrity’s high-touch hospitality.
• 24-Hour Dining: Flexible, upscale culinary offerings around the clock.
• Wellness & Enrichment: Programs focused on local culture, history, and cuisine, with onboard experts and curated excursions.

Itineraries & Immersion
• 33 Weeklong Sailings in 2027: Focused on the Rhine and Danube Rivers, with immersive port experiences in cities like Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Basel.
• Cultural Deep Dives: Emphasis on local flavors, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes access to Europe’s most iconic destinations.

Will these ships be tying up to other riverboats at night? In many ports we suspect they will. Will there be extra charge shore-excursions and dining options? Unlike more inclusive competitors we expect that there will. 

Will most of the guests be coming over from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises? Absolutely yes. So Celebrity River Cruises is looking to become an extension of an existing brand loyalty not normally associated with a TrueLux product on Europe’s rivers.

But remember this: Royal Caribbean is not playing games here. They have announced a commitment to an initial order of ten new Celebrity riverboats carrying 172 guests each. But TrueLux cruise brand Silversea is also owned by Royal Caribbean and don’t be surprised if you see the development of the ultimate river cruise product under that name and financial umbrella. 

Q – Much of what you cover on your “Traveltruth Media” sites makes sense and we feel travel educated when we spend some time reading the postings. But there is an exception. Travel insurance just confuses the hell out of me. I am 71 years old, both my wife and I are cancer survivors, and we both go a full 18 holes a few times a week. So, we are in pretty good shape. As we start doing even more touring around the world, in general, how would you advise us to approach travel insurance? And remember – please keep it simple.

A – Understood. Technically, it is against the law in most states for a non-licensed insurance agent to make insurance recommendations. Of course, we do it anyway.

Per your request to keep it simple: Take out a policy with one of the very best private insurance companies that offers at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. The trick is to use one of the top-grade insurance firms that gives you extended coverage if you take out the policy within three weeks to a month of your deposit. The specific benefit you want is the waiver of pre-existing coverage. That means that if your previous condition acts up and you need to cancel, you would be covered even though the medical reason is based on a recurrence of a prior condition.

We go a step further with our clients. We urge them to consider the state of medicine in the countries they will be visiting. Would they be comfortable with the level of medical care, surgery, hospitals, etc. if there was a medical emergency during their travels? If the answer is “no,” we think our clients should seriously consider medical evacuation coverage from a company like Med-Jet.

Q – In a previous post, you mentioned the $2000 Rule at the Ritz-Carlton. I am in HR at a Fortune 500 Bank Group, and I am really curious as to how this works. I understand it is a “Rule” at the hotels and not necessarily aboard the new Ritz-Carlton Cruise line. Can you explain what it is and how it works?

A –  The Ritz-Carlton’s $2,000 Rule empowers every employee—regardless of role or rank—to spend up to $2,000 per guest, per incident, to resolve a problem or enhance a guest’s experience, without needing managerial approval.

The Core of the $2,000 Rule
• Empowerment at Every Level: From housekeepers to front desk agents, every Ritz-Carlton employee is authorized to use up to $2,000 to immediately address guest concerns or create memorable moments—without needing to escalate to a supervisor.
• Per Guest, Per Incident: The rule applies to each guest and each incident, not as a lifetime cap. This means if a guest has multiple issues during a stay, the employee can act on each one individually.
• No Pre-Approval Needed: The policy is designed to eliminate bureaucratic delays. Employees are trusted to use their judgment and act swiftly to resolve issues or surprise and delight guests.

The Strategic Philosophy Behind the Rule
• Rooted in Hospitality Psychology: The policy was introduced in the early 1980s by Horst Schulze, then COO of Ritz-Carlton. He believed luxury wasn’t just about opulence—it was about creating a sense of home and psychological safety. Guests should feel that their needs are anticipated and met with care.
• Proactive, Not Reactive: The rule encourages employees to anticipate guest needs and go beyond reactive service. For example, noticing a guest’s toothpaste is running low and replacing it without being asked is a small but powerful gesture.

In fact, Ritz-Carlton contacts tell us that the “$2000 Rule” is rarely used. While the $2,000 limit is generous, most employees don’t come close to spending that amount. The real value lies in the freedom to act, not the dollar figure itself. It is the staff empowerment and the way staff can think about improving the guest experience that is seen as the major value of “The Rule”.

Q –(11.21.25) – It seems as though our e-mail and our physical mailbox have been inundated with so-called “Black Friday” travel offers from hotels, cruise lines, tour operators – everyone! The offers sound good. In one specific case, the current offer and amenities seem better than what I had when I booked my Viking cruise four months ago. How do I know if I can take advantage of these Black Friday offers? I guess what I am really asking is “are these true deals or true scams”?

A – That is a complicated question. In previous years, offers from the Cruisetruth Top-Ten ranked cruise Lines or the RiverboatRatings.com site rankings were generally insincere marketing ploys to attract new bookings over the Thanksgiving Holidays. At the same time, mass market brands can discount at any time with little regard for the feelings of those who might have booked their tour, hotel, or cruise, in fact, the very top brands do not, as a rule, punish their best clients who have booked the first 25% of a tour, a room, or a sailing. They have no interest in alienating those who book earliest, seen as their most loyal and most preferred customers.

So “sales” and “special one-of-a-kind” promotions were the rule aboard the larger, mass-market cruise brands and at hotels that were below true five-star status.

The way pricing typically works on the better cruise lines’ and riverboat lines is that the upper-echelon lines raise prices every 90 to 120 days. Then marketing develops a strategy to sell the remaining space at the new, higher price point.

So when we would be checking a “sale price” for clients, about 80-90% of the time, the original price paid was the better deal. That was the way the system worked, but it was not publicly discussed, as no high-quality hotel or cruise product wants to admit that when occupancy reaches a certain level, prices will go up.

The better escorted tour products are much more concerned about being undercut by “early bookers”. Think about the challenge faced by a seasoned Tour Director when several couples on a tour discover that they have paid a significantly higher price than others in the group.

In the hotel industry, this is not a concern. It is assumed that guests really do not interact with strangers or discuss the price they paid for their room. On a several-thousand-passenger floating shopping mall with dozens of for-profit mini-centers scattered about the ship, core stateroom pricing is not a major concern, as it is assumed by management and by their customers that prices can and do change regularly.

But on one of our TrueLux Top-Ten Ranked cruise lines, management must assume that passengers mix and dinner conversation could well drift to the area of “price paid”. It is also a fact that on the Top Ten Rated Lines (see the summary of the latest 2026 Ratings on www.cruisetruth.com) those who book earliest tend to book higher-category staterooms as specific category suites are limited in number.

So that is the way that pricing has always worked. But this year, we are seeing some pricing strategies that are different. There seems to be a feeling that Black Friday, and the days just prior to and following Thanksgiving, have become, as a result of efforts by Amazon, Wal-Mart, and other major online sellers, a sort of national sales Holiday Season with the expectation that special pricing offers never previously offered will be available for a one or two-week period. That is what we have seen this year, and it has affected some pricing in the TrueLux cruise sector. The chances are still not good that the “Black Friday” offer will be better than the price paid by guests who booked months earlier – but this year, it very well could be, and price checks are always required.

To save time and effort and to approach cruise pricing seriously – there is one simple rule to follow:

If you booked your cruise months earlier, you paid one price. The deal, upgrades, price incentives you see on the TrueLux products during the Thanksgiving period are generally real – but YOU MUST PAY THE CURRENT PRICE FOR YOUR STATEROOM. That means that your room charge will likely be significantly higher than the price paid months ago. Then you must add in all the bubbles and the glitter in the new Thanksgiving offer to see if they offset the current pricing.

Sorry for the long explanation but we wanted to try to explain this thoroughly as your question has come up many times.

Q – We are not yet clients – but hopefully, we soon will be. So let me pose a serious question. You have been somewhat specific about some beverages you advise your clients to avoid when flying. These include coffee, Coca-Cola, Hot Tea, and that famous Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix, which tastes better at 33,000 than on dry land, even though the concoction is 50% salt. You also warned against water served from carafes. Please let me know, when working with you on future trips, precisely what you will recommend I drink at my seat while flying.

A – Well – we do permit our clients to purchase something from Starbucks in the terminal to enjoy onboard. In fact, we generally recommend purchasing a picnic of sorts in the terminal before boarding. Actual water encased in a bottle is fine onboard, and a bit of sugary juice won’t make you ill. But, right now, and after consulting with nutritionists and parking lot attendants at Duke, UCLA, and NYU, we recommend that your first choice should be old-fashioned Ginger Ale – one of the brands that actually contains Ginger. Ginger will help soothe your stomach. Or, just carry some real ginger in your carry-on and add it to your drink. 

Q – This coming year, we have two trips planned to Europe: one for a Baltic Cruise on Seabourn and the other for a Douro River Cruise on Scenic. In each case, we are doing the air arrangements ourselves, taking your advice to work directly with the airlines. Given all the delays and cancellations we’ve heard about, we are wondering what our rights are if the worst happens when flying to/from/within Europe as U.S. citizens. Really appreciate this site.

A – The good news is that when you fly within the European Union, and there is a severe delay or cancellation, you will likely be entitled to a replacement flight or a cash refund. The standard refund in the EU is now “up to a maximum of Euro 600”. That is based on how long you were delayed and the advance notice you were provided – so all a bit “iffy”.

This general rule applies to both US carriers and E.U. airlines. But understand that, these days, most serious delays are weather-related, and “climate change” events are thought to be legally out of the airline’s control. So if thunderstorms are delaying your departure, don’t expect meal vouchers, accommodations, or even an earnest apology – unless, of course, you have chartered an Emirates 787 for yourself.

Q – We will be flying Turkish Airlines because it has the best connection to Italy, where we are headed. I am a rather Goth-looking fellow, as is my girlfriend, who will be joining me. We have a fair share of tattoos, and we are a bit concerned about being stopped and searched in the process of changing planes in Istanbul. We have sprung for Business Class seats so perhaps that will help. My girlfriend has some face jewelry so wondering if she will get served? We take lots of videos and post online but this one scares us a bit. My father suggested I ask your opinion. 

A – Several questions there – let’s try to be specific:

No one cares if you follow a Goth lifestyle as you pass through Turkey. If, however, you get invited to President Erdogan’s residence for dinner – we would suggest you say you are busy. Actually, the Italians might be more inquisitive. 

Covering tattoos should be easy and, if possible, we would suggest removing facial jewelry where possible. Customs inspectors are human, and they make decisions on appearance. 

The Business Class on Turkish overseas direct to Istanbul is one of the highest-rated in the industry. The service and food get high marks, and the accommodations are quite inviting. You will likely have to pass through Istanbul’s beautiful airport between flights. It would be a good time to “blend”. 

There is one specific we want to warn you about. Do not attempt to video any Turkish Flight attendant or officer and do not film in the Istanbul Airport. Turkish police have detained passengers for filming flight attendants during the safety demonstration when the attendants claimed it was sexual harassment. 

If at all possible, carry documentation that shows that you are a regular golf partner of President Trump. It couldn’t hurt. 

Q – 11.9.25 – We will be planning a honeymoon to the Caribbean in the next three months, and we have a rather specific question we hope you can answer without fear of backlash. Obviously, we will be choosing a five-star resort or as close as we can get to it. My bride and I love to walk, shop, and explore. We keep hearing stories that in the Caribbean that can, in certain places, be dangerous. Despite the quality of the hotels, can you name the islands that you would deem “unsafe” for folks like us – adventurous types who would not want to remain “on-campus” at one of the island’s inclusive resorts. We are 26 and 29 – if that matters. Really appreciated and we will understand if you prefer not to name “names”. 

A –  These are the islands we would definitely avoid at the present time:

• Haiti – No brainer – healthcare is collapsing and there is a high rate of civil unrest and attempted kidnappings of foreigners. If you are planning on packing an AK-47 in your honeymoon luggage – you might have a chance. 
• Trinidad and Tobago – Same as above – but somewhat less severe.  There is a current “reconsider travel” alert from our State Department.
• Jamaica – Violent crime is an issue ion many neighborhoods. Jamaica is also under “Reconsider” advisory although the Jamaica Tourist Association will offer a counterargument. 
• Dominican Republic – This is the one most visitors miss because the Dominican Republic has numerous inclusive resorts and low airfares. But look behind the ads and you will note any number of statistics that make us add it to our list.
• Turks & Caicos – Requires a “heads up” for travelers from the US although less serious than the preceding islands.
• St. Thomas – The Mega-Cruise Ships call here daily so the assumption is that the island is safe. But night demands caution and assault and kidnapping are not unknown. There are absolutely neighborhoods that rank among some of the most in the Caribbean.

We realize that some of our readers and guests will point out that cruise lines regularly call at most of these ports. Yes – but they get out of town by sundown!

We all wish you a truly memorable, walkable, and entirely safe honeymoon.

Q – 11.9.25 – We are sailing to the Caribbean aboard one of the new Explora Cruise ships in a nice Suite. The Travelex insurance for this trip is a 20% premium. I believe this is really excessive. I am curious, what percentage of your customers actually purchase this high-cost insurance?

A –The vast majority of our guests traveling overseas take out insurance – 90% use Travelex. There are several companies with in-house, flat-rate insurance that we are currently recommending. These include:

Tauck – AMA Waterways – Abercrombie & Kent – Silversea 

Most supplier-provided insurance is outsourced to firms we do not highly recommend. The advantage of Travelex is they permit advocacy meaning we can, sometimes, get them to re-open a claim that had been rejected.

The average cost for insurance bought directly from the supplier is currently in the range of 12.5%. But age-based policies, as you know, can go much higher. Supplier-provided insurance is less expensive but it does not offer the same coverage including the coverage of pre-existing conditions..

To receive the waiver for Pre-Existing conditions you would need to take out Travelex within 15 days of deposit. If you don’t, pre-existing conditions are not covered.

The better consortium groups carefully screen insurance companies that want to be part certified “partners” with access to their members.  Few qualify. As of now, Travelex remains our highest-rated provider which is the sole reason we recommend them. 

If you feel that the quote is too high (that will happen with age-based policies which Travelex is) one alternative is to visit the website www.squaremouth.com  This site includes most of the insurance carriers including some with lower rates. It tries to describe the coverage in detail. My concern is that you would be working with a website. But it might answer some of your questions.

In summary:

If an age-based policy recommended by your adviser seems too high, compare it to the actual coverage offered by the supplier’s insurance which is, almost always, a flat fee and not age-based. If the coverage is similar, you will save a considerable amount of money going with the fixed-price cruise line or tour operator policy.

From a practical “what if something goes wrong” perspective, look at the issue of “advocacy” carefully. If the person who sold you the insurance policy cannot speak directly to top-level management in a case where a claim is rejected, shop somewhere else. If you are entitled to coverage and no one is going to fight for you by demanding your file by re-opened by a new adjuster, you may regret your insurance decision. Normally, the higher-priced policies offer significantly better coverage. But once you approach seventy years of age, the rates can skyrocket as you have noted.

This is a really excellent question and we understand it is on the minds of many travelers. We wish it was on even more “traveling” minds. 

Q – (11.8.25) – We are, I am certain, not alone when it comes to concern and more than a little anger that we are subjected to so much stress over our next two major holidays regarding the shutdown and its impact on flights within the United States. If our political parties actually speak to one another this thing may end in a few days but from what I am hearing, that won’t solve the shortage of qualified (let’s pray they are) air traffic controllers. Been following this really helpful site for more than a year and wonder if you might share some of the advice you must be giving your personal clients during these challenging times.

A –  We are pleased to share a communication we sent out to our guests yesterday:

Dear Friends and Flyers:

As our media is filled with stories highlighting the dysfunctional nature of our government and a bit of chaos at our nation’s airports, we thought it might be helpful if we could highlight some of what you need to know as this “crisis” unfolds.

We have scoured some of the best information currently available and put it in one report for your convenience. There are some cliches in the attached report but, also, some very good advice.

In terms of our reading of this air crisis we thought it best to highlight a few personal observations:

01 – There is a very real shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States. The number of job openings currently exceeds 3,000 and we do not see any way that this number will be increased in any dramatic way without special government intervention and funding. This has been exacerbated by the current government shut down. This means that, for safety reasons, flights and entire routes will be cancelled in the months to come. The current feeling is that a 10% reduction in the number of commercial flights operating in US skies is an achievable goal.

02 – There are no planned cutbacks of international flights to and from the United States. As they tend to involve larger aircraft, international flights are seen as an economic necessity when it comes to airline profitability.

03 – Small, so-called “Regional Jets” will be the target of most cutbacks this weekend and into the immediate future.

04 – Every domestic flyer should have a strategy. The first involves allowing 3-4 hours of check-in time until this situation is under control.

05 – Some TSA and Air Traffic Controllers are not being paid a salary given the government shutdown. In fact, several airlines have requested their catering management at major airports to deliver food to controllers working the “towers”. There are reports that some controllers have taken on second jobs such as Uber driver while the paychecks are being withheld. This shortage of controllers was predicted and will need to be addressed via systemic changes no one is openly discussing.

06 – You will be checking the status of your flights. Do not do that with a human being at the airline. Cancellations, pricing, and most scheduling is now a part of so-called “Dynamic” pricing which is managed by sophisticated AI programs.

07 – When you call an airline you will be led to believe and even told you are speaking with an employee reservationist. In fact, some air reservations customer service staff have been outsourced for years. Some are simply a component of the largest corporate travel agencies. Some are based outside the United States. One of our largest hotel chains was in the habit of setting up reservation centers in prison settings where those on “good behavior” work for $5.00 per hour with no benefits. The two best ways to check the status of your flight during a “crisis” is to use the airline app you have downloaded to your phone. This is the method most often used by airlines to notify passengers of any changes/delays/cancellations. Don’t be an “ANT” (A Naive Traveler) who books online. That is usually what “ANTS” do because it appears to be easier. But it rarely produces an iota of customer service or human care. ANTS are laughed at in much of the travel community.

08 –  If you are making new air reservations, we strongly urge you to consider making them through Cranky Concierge or a similar service that includes real time flight monitoring via e-mail.  Do not expect cruise line or tour operator air departments to have the staff to offer flight monitoring services. They are offering air “as a convenience”. 

09 – If you have an issue with an airline that requires that you speak to a supervisor, do not try calling. Instead, state your case as clearly as possible and ask for as prompt response on the airline’s Customer Service Facebook site. They actually monitor Facebook.

10 -If you are getting frustrated – and can’t get through – here is a trick that often works. Call your airline at an overseas office in Europe. Google the airline and “London Reservation Center” etc. You will find you can often get through easily to an English-speaking agent who is sitting in front of the same flight database as colleagues in the States.

Major airlines have overseas locations where staffers speak English—in the U.K., Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, for example—and they are typically just as able to help you as their U.S.-based counterparts, as long as their office is open (not all call centers are open 24 hours) and not dealing with a snowstorm.  So if you need to speak with someone at, say, American Airlines, try calling one of their worldwide phone numbers.  To keep the cost of the call down, use WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice.

11 – Gethuman.com is a website that gives you the best telephone numbers to use to reach customer service at a wide variety of travel-related corporations. Might save you time.

 FINALLY – OUR CONGRESS MAY BE CLOSED DOWN –

BUT WE’RE NOT

CHURCHILL & TUREN LTD. WILL REMAIN OPEN THIS WEEKEND AND ALL WEEKENDS UNTIL THIS AIRPORT CRISIS, THIS PREDICTABLE CRISES, IS DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED.

Q – 11.1.25 –  I have a high-level Chase Sapphire card and I earn miles which I use on American Airlines for free tickets to Europe and upgrades in the States. But no one ever really explains how the system works. Am I really earning something tangible? It seems as though I am.

A – It is a bit complicated, and it is constantly changing – so let’s simplify what is really happening. You are earning something tangible. Visa is purchasing miles from American to give you as a partial repayment of some of the profits they are earning based on your use of the card. the price has generally been between 1.8 to 2.5 cents per mile. Visa then takes the miles they have purchased and doles t hem out as rewards to customers. And here is the secret rarely discussed: In recent years, several major airlines have earned as much selling miles to credit card banks as they have selling airline tickets to consumers. 

Q –  I don’t know if there is an answer to this question but your advice would be truly appreciated. We have traveled within the US and have always gone the deluxe route. We can, fortunately, afford the best accommodations, food, guides etc. when we are on vacation. We’ve traveled abroad seven times, staying at castles, villas etc., twice with friends. Now, finally, we are ready to go on our first cruise and we want to start at the top with the best, highest-rated cruise line overall. Online searches reveal little but we thought we could pose this simple question in the hope that you will be able to offer a straightforward answer. 

What are the current top-three cruise lines in the world all things considered? 

A – Your question made us smile because it is rather timely. Our Consumer Cruise Site rates the Top Ten Cruise lines annually and we are deep into research and Certified Cruise Ship Inspection Reports before officially naming the Ten Lines for 2026. But you have asked a reasonable question and we fully understand why getting the answer is not something you are likely to discover on Tik-Tok or in industry advertising. The rankings have changed this year. These are the Top Three Cruise Lines in the World at the moment:

# 1 – Ritz-Carlton Yachts

# 2 – Hapag-Lloyd 

# 3 – Scenic Eclipse

Q – (9.27.25) – We are traveltruth newbies – thoroughly impressed. But we are frustrated. My wife and I honeymooned in Venice thirty-four years ago. We have been back once, but were thinking of going again for our vacation next September. But when I look at the overcrowding and the long lines I wonder if it might be best for us to just keep the Venice that we know cradled in our memory. The thing is, of course, we loved the Venice we knew. So we are looking for a viable substitute which doesn’t have to be in Italy. But we’re seeking sort of the same vibe, beaches etc. But here’s the thing – we want the place to be ours – we are looking for a place that is lovely, charming, with Venetian style towns and villages to explore. Does the secret Venice, unscathed by mass tourism exist?

A –  At the moment, the tourist hordes have not yet discovered the beautiful 30-mile coastline of Slovenia and  the town of Piran, the heart of the Slovenian “Riviera.” This lovely city actually rests just across the Adriatic from Venice. In fact, it was once a part of the Venetian republic. We think you will love being an early visitor to this hidden gem. The fresh fish is extraordinary but so are the nearby villages, the beautiful forests, and the cliffs  that plunge toward the water. The harbors are not crowded but they are welcoming. We would urge you both to consider being the first on your block to claim Piran as “yours”.

Q – 8.28.25) – I have a question for you; here is the background: My wife would like us to take a cruise with her son and his family (wife and two small children, currently aged 2 and 4).  Obviously, after Mickey let me down, the Cult is out of contention.   

I have been looking into luxury cruise lines that have programs for small children.  Surprisingly, Hapag-Lloyd seems to have good programs for children, and even has cabins that are configured for parents and kids.  (Also, it seems that one of the Hapag-Lloyd ships, the Europa 2, is trying to court people who don’t speak German: the ship has a bi-lingual staff, and a dedicated English-speaking “hostess” for what they call “international guests”.  I read several reviews by non-German-speaking cruisers, and they all thought that everything was excellent, with one exception: while the Europa 2 offers at least one excursion in English in each port, that means that the selection of excursions is limited for those who don’t speak German.)  The problem for us is that, in the itineraries which have been released for the Europa 2, none of them work for us (there is one which starts and ends in Miami, which would be perfect, but it lasts for 14 days, which would be much too long for our son’s work situation)…

 …So I did some googling for luxury cruise lines which have children’s programs, and there seems to be only one: Crystal.  I read your most recent appraisal of Crystal, and it sounds quite good.  There do seem to be several itineraries in the next two years that could work for us.  So my question is: have you heard any first-hand reports about Crystal’s children’s programs? — probably most importantly, whether they are sufficient to keep rambunctious kids occupied for a significant amount of time, day after day?

A – This is what you need to know about the Crystal Kids Programs:

Children must be at least three years old to participate in Crystal Cruises’ onboard kids program independently. The program is divided into two age groups:

•          Fantasia (ages 3–12): Includes supervised activities like crafts, scavenger hunts, pajama parties, and more.

•          Waves (ages 13–17): Tailored for teens with gaming consoles, video arcades, and social events.

Children under age 3 are welcome aboard but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during any kids’ programming. Crystal also offers babysitting services for children aged 1 and older, available for a fee.

Crystal operates older ships (with three new ones on order). They have been kept up nicely and we think the line offers one of the best combinations of excellent crew/cuisine/and entertainment. We agree that Hapag-Lloyd is not the appropriate choice in this scenario. 

Be careful – as the Crystal kids programs only operate when there are enough kids onboard to justify operation/staffing. Best to book during primary school holidays.

Crystal is not a major force in terms of online social media “impressions”. But their product wins awards in several categories in the Cruisetruth Rankings. Have your travel adviser ask her contacts how many other children are booked before you put money down. Your adviser can also determine if onboard children’s program staff is confirmed for your sailing.  And congrats on the quality of your research.

Q – A quick question, as I imagine you are busy booking “Southwest tickets”. We leave for the Greek Islands in three weeks and I am hearing stuff on TripAdvisor and TikTok about crowds on some beaches in Greece. I guess you need to make a reservation to hold a spot. I am less concerned about Mykonos than Paros. We have heard some great things about the island and we will be there seven nights. What is the secret to getting a good spot on the beach. I realize we can pay a small fortune to rent a chair and umbrella but we just want to lay in the sand and go swimming. What’s the real story? And I know you likely have never booked a Southwest ticket!

A –  You will be entering “Towel War” country. In June, the residents of Paros got fed up with the lack of space on their formerly beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Now, the locals have trouble, literally, finding a place to set up camp close to the water. So residents are waking up early, beating the tourists to the beach, and laying down towels to protect their newly claimed ground. Under Greek law beaches are public. And beach umbrella stands are forbidden to set up barriers around their chairs. The sand is, essentially, first-come first seated. On the island of Paros, the local protesters would tell you that their “movement” has been a success. Locals can now have their “place in the sand”. They just have to wake up at 7:00 AM to grab a towel and go to claim it. 

Q – Our incredible daughter number three is getting married, and she has asked us to plan the honeymoon. Both she and her fiancé have traveled very little; he to Mexico and the Caribbean, and she has taken one trip to Paris. They think we have a strict budget, but we want to surprise them with something magical. They are hard-working good kids and they deserve it and I can afford it. So, I suppose, without knowing them, what parts of the world are currently at the top of most lists as the overall best honeymoon destinations?

A – Right now, the top five on a bride’s “wish list” would include:

• Italy (but of course)
• Tahiti
• Maldives
• Bali
• Hawaii (Maui)

But unless this must be a total surprise, I would suggest that you contact your preferred travel adviser and schedule a long discussion with the bride and groom. If you don’t have an adviser we would be pleased to assist.

This is the most important journey this couple will ever take. It should be to a destination that will be the stuff of memories for decades. The secret is to have them both there and only take notes when the bride speaks.

Congratulations.

Q – Although I thoroughly enjoy Traveltruth, I have absolutely no plans to travel anywhere this year. But I am a bit of an airline nerd and was wondering about increasing traffic in the air. Where are the skies most crowded these days?  It came up in conversation with friends last night, and I honestly had no idea. 

A – It is an interesting question with a surprising answer.  Currently, 90% of ther world’s busiest air routes are all located in the Asia-Pacific region.

If you are playing airline trivia (might be a good idea for a small business concept) the busiest flight route in the world at the moment is in Korea. The route between the resort city of Jeju (CJU) and Seoul saw just over 13 million passengers flying in 2024.

For the sake of comparison, the busiest route in the United States is New York to LA. This is largely due to the fact that the Housewives of Beverly Hills can’t live without the Pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s Deli. But still, the total annual number of travelers on the LA-NY route is just under 2.5 million.                                                                                                                                                                                     

Q –  (8.11.25) – My husband and I are recently retired. We have been fortunate enough to travel quite well in our former positions, but we never spent much time in Asia.. We plan to undertake up to three separate trips to Asia within the next 36 months. We will contact you regarding specifics, but we were wondering of you would mind, on this excellent Q&A format, to give us an overview of travel within Asia? Is it up or down – where are Americans going – any trends? 

A – The trends in Asia have been quite interesting. There has been a great deal of discussion about the Canadians boycotting travel to the United States. Rarely mentioned is the fact that the Chinese are as well. Inbound tourism from China is down significantly. The industry data shows that travel to Asia from the US is up between 15-20% year-to-year.  The countries that are responsible for most of this growth are Japan and Thailand. 

The influence of the TV Series White Lotus is thought to account for a great deal of the interest and follow-through in tourism to Thailand. There are no real signs of this interest slowing down. 

Travel to China is down, as it has been for the past four years. Some analysts attribute this to a  lack of adequate non-stop flights from the US Mainland to China’s primary destinations.  While Thailand is enjoying the benefits of Mike White induced tourism numbers, Japan is now leveling off as a result of over-tourism and consistently rising prices. Japan is a bit of an enigma – as the yen is still weak against the dollar. But trade tariffs and demand have resulted in higher prices negating much of the benefit of as dollar that buys more yen. 

We are seeing enhanced interest in cruises that circle Japan. It is a wonderful way to see the country and the “TrueLux” lines are, even in the best accommodations, far less expensive than the cost of hotels and meals on an independent basis. Many affluent travelers from the US are rethinking the cruising option given what are perceived as skyrocketing costs for hotels, meals, and private guides who speak fluent English. 

Q – We are looking for good options for the future – retirement is not far away and we want to plan way ahead so we can start getting ready and anticipating each journey. These are some of the places we are considering for two or three weeks per trip: 

Antarctica 

Greenland

Australia

India

How far in advance do we need to plan to get the good spots?   What time of year is best for different places? Looking for multiple options for the next several years.

Thanks so much – as always. 

A – Let us offer a few comments on your priority destinations:

Antarctica 

Season is November through January. You will want to do a cruise on Silversea or aboard the Scenic Eclipse.  Figure 90% of sightseeing requires sailing in Zodiacs. This is not terribly taxing and the crew is careful with helping guests on and off, but Zodiac travel is uncomfortable for some. Given the physical requirements – this should be at the top of your list when you are in the best shape.

Greenland

Greenland is too limiting on its own but is a fascinating destination. The best way to see it is in combination with Iceland on an Exploration cruise of about two weeks. Iceland, along with Japan, are the two hottest destinations right now for upscale travel so availability is an issue. I wonder if seeing Antarctica and then going and spending the money again to see Greenland would not be repetitious. I think Antarctica would meet your needs in terms of Penguins, Ice flows, and a rugged ice-borne habitat.

If you  have always wanted to go there we can find an excellent cruise (likely Silversea) with an excellent itinerary. But I do wonder if too much “ice age” travel might seem like overkill.

Australia

Everyone loves this part of the world – but everyone says the same thing. “Australia was terrific but New Zealand was even better”. There will be a temptation to cruise. But I really think you would love staying at some of the gorgeous top-tier lodges in New Zealand. If you can spare three weeks – something like a 12-14 Night cruise followed by two lodges in New Zealand would be the perfect trip. If the cruise was out of Auckland, you could do the lodges first and then board the ship. Private arrangements here are worth what they cost – you will never forget it. I have done this for a large number of clients – happy to send you the best itinerary to look over.

The other option is to do an all-land program. There are several excellent ones and our guests for decades have loved the Tauck 21-Day Australia/New Zealand Program. It is unique because it gives you 50% of your time in New Zealand -highly unusual. On this trip there can be five internal flights – that gives you an idea of the length and breadth of the areas you would be covering.

But here’s the thing – This is about the easiest travel on your list. So, in theory, it makes the most sense to delay it a while to get some of the more active programs out of the way. And they speak a form of English! No worries about the flights – the airlines that serve this part of the world handle Business Class extremely well.

India

Peak travel season is October through March. December/January would be the best months. BUT – I am very cautious about recommending travel to India unless it is a lifelong dream. Right now, eight of the ten most heavily polluted cities on earth are located within India. The air you breathe will impact your travels – as will the smells and the constant reminders of poverty. You would need to clear this travel with your doctor and I would be worrying about you both the entire time you are there.

India is an assault on the senses and fascinating on many levels. It now houses the world’s largest population and India will soon have the world’s largest outbound tourist industry. It is likely that one or both of you will get sick from the air and/or the food. Let’s just make sure it is worth it.

One of the very best way to see India is with Micato. They are absolutely deluxe and they would take wonderful care of you. 

Do be aware that there are some fascinating First Class Train experiences in India.

Allow me to share some personal bias: These will be some of life’s greatest memories – your retirement travels free of so many other pressures and time constraints. I would urge you to consider an important question that is never discussed in travel circles:

How would I feel if, for whatever reason, during my travels to this place I had to be hospitalized and in the hands of local doctors/surgeons?  Most travelers planning post retirement travel never ask this question.

Other places you recommend

• We like a few days in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Qatar followed by a non-stop flight and a week or more at a pristine resort in the Maldives.

• Chartering a true luxury Barge along a French Waterway. Would require four couples sharing cost – but an incredible dining and visual experience.

• Ireland in Depth in April/May/September staying at some of the five-star country hotels. Ireland is now almost totally organic – the food is shockingly wonderful and the people colorful. Our Signature Trip there was one of our client’s all-time favorites. No need to join a group but they do, of course, exist.

•  Private Italy – Again, late April/May/ and particularly the first half of October. Our offices in Italy can create magic and one never tires of going there. I am not thinking of Venice – I am thinking of areas somewhat outside the tourist throngs like Perugia or Sicily.

OR

Think about joining us on one of our Signature Journeys. I can guarantee some wonderful fellow travelers. In October 2027 we will shortly be announcing a “Leaves & Lobsters” sailing on Regent from Boston up the coast to Canada with a few days at the end in Montreal.

In October 2026 we are cruising the coast of Italy aboard the fully chartered Ponant French Yacht with arrangements by Abercrombie & Kent.

Hope this helps a bit. Always happy to chat. Based on your list, we would look at Antarctica and India ahead of other easier journeys.

Q – This is an unusual way to apply for a job but I just retired from the US Government, no I was not fired, where I specialized in overseas logistical planning. It has always seemed to me that selling travel might come naturally as I have been fortunate enough to live in Singapore, Dubai, and Mexico. I have traveled on business extensively in Europe. I made a good living and I think I am realistic about what travel agent salaries might be.

I don’t know a great deal about your company but everyone is looking for great sales people and I think I am that. I love the content on your sites and I have learned a lot by reading your massive catalog of information. I have a resume and all sorts of awards that can back that up. Eventually, I would like to be a tour escort leading my own tours to places I’ve never been.

Love to know if you are interested or if you might point me in the right direction. I am 64 and I live in the Pittsburgh suburbs. Trust me – I am a born salesman. I would, I suppose, have to be home-based.

A – We receive a number of similar notes and we want to respond a specifically as possible. Here are some things we sincerely hope will be helpful:

We do not employ travel agents or salespeople of any kind. We do not believe that some of the most important moments of a persons life should ever be “sold”. So we have no openings for a travel agent.

The positions we have available are for Research and Concierge Team members who help make certain that every journey we plan is executed in the best possible way. That is a part-time position, three or four days a week, and requires extensive luxury travel experience and strong editing computer skills. Any new person who joins our team will work directly with guests and also assist our owners with the growth and management of Traveltruth Media Group. 

In terms of your specific needs we would suggest the following:

• Find one of the top-ranked travel agencies in the Pittsburgh area (there are several) Make an appointment with the owner.
• Offer to work as a trainee since you have no experience in the industry. Ask for a six-month trial without compensation or benefits. 
• Once successfully completed, become an outside salesperson for the top-tier agency where you will be paid commission for everything you sell. Expect to keep 60-100% of the entire commission.
• Define specific financial goals that must be met before management allows you to launch your own sub-division travel club where an annual or twice annual trip that you host will be the focus of your attention.

This path has led to success for others and we hope it brings you the level of success you are seeking.

Q – We are planning either an October cruise to England an d Ireland on Celebrity or a trip next May/June. Our cruise will be less than 10 days but we want to add a week or so at the beginning and the end so this trip will be in the range of three weeks plus. We stopped watching the news a few weeks ago and, like many travelers we talk to, no one has a really clear answer to the question how far will the dollar go this year versus next? May I ask what you are advising your clients regarding costs in Europe for the near term and into next summer?

A – We’re sure that you understand that anything we say that is specific will change in the next hour or so. But you were kind enough to reach out so let us try to offer some generalizations we feel comfortable making:

Let’s start with some good news: We think you may stumble onto some favorably-priced airline tickets to London or Dublin. International travel is down for non-luxury travelers, or those for whom cost is a significant issue.

But that is overshadowed by the fact that the dollar has declined for the first half of this year against peer currencies at the steepest rate in more than 50 years. To be specific, the Dollar Index, which tracks the dollar against a handful of major currencies, has turned in the worst performance for American travelers overseas since 1973. 

Today, a single British Pound now costs (as of today) $1.17 to purchase versus $1.08 only one year ago. No one knows where the dollar will be next year as our nation’s Tariff policy will be a major influence on future rates. 

It is difficult to give you specific advice – for which we apologize. But let us end this way – if the cost of your vacation is really important we would travel in October this year as cruise costs will be going up for certain given demand. But we would suggest that whatever travel arrangements you are making in advance be paid for before you leave in dollars so the amount of dollars you have to exchange at lousy current rates is minimized. Independent travelers who need to cash large amounts of US Dollars when they arrive abroad will take the biggest financial hits in the months to come. Consider a pre-paid tour (in USD) instead of winging it when you get there.

Finally, let’s take a broad look at the American Traveler and the state of overseas travel plans: The tourism market research firm, Future Partners, found that about 47% of all Americans who will take a vacation in the next year will travel abroad. BUT 35% said uncertainty about US policy decisions has already caused them to either cancel or reconsider those plans. 

But there is scant evidence that so-called “Affluent Travelers” have any intention to cancel or postpone overseas travel plans despite projected higher costs.

Q – (7.21.25) – Am I imagining it or are online scammers, like the ones who have created fake online hotel booking sites now training their efforts on airline ticketing? I just don’t know where to search for air schedules and fares anymore. You think you are dealing with an actual airline or a certified air travel agent – but often the phone numbers don’t match. Is this my paranoia or is this a “thing”.

A – You are actually understating what is happening. There are now several thousand online airline booking sites that are run by overseas professional scammers posing as as actual airlines or air-issuing travel agencies.

Often they book real flights but add on hefty fees that are falsely said to come from the airline -but are just tagged on. The primary goals of these companies is to receive and sell your credit card information. Flights booked by these online companies are often cancelled by the airline without the passengers knowledge.

They are often adept at changing the contact information in Google’s “Knowledge Panel” which is that nice box that appears on the right side of the page during a Google search.

This is a real and growing problem.  So here are some first steps to avoiding the fraud:

01 – Always verify that you are using the actual phone number of the airline. Remember that online listings and ads mean nothing. Many of them are fraudulent. There are hundreds of companies selling phony web sites to anxious buyers.

02 – Always use the URL address box at the top of the search engine. If you see words that are different than the airline’s name – walk away quickly. Check with Google to see if the site has any negative comments.

03 – Always pay by credit card – never by bank draft etc. That affords you a much higher level of protection.

04 – Always work with the airline reservations number directly. They sell what is in their computer system. No one can sell you a ticket that isn’t in their system. The staff in airline res centers is often outsourced. In many cases they are travel agents under contract to the airline. Always verify who you are speaking with before beginning any transaction. Keep a list of the best airline reservation numbers available to clients of some of the better travel agencies or copy information from one of the leading consumer travel magazines. 

Always remember that the internet is largely based on the sale of one particular commodity – your personal information. It is worth money. Always assume a 1-800 travel firm is a scam unless you are completely satisfied that it is not. 

Q – (6.24.25) – What are the advantages, if any, of booking our hotels through a travel agent? My wife and I will be setting up two driving trips in Croatia and Spain. and we’re looking for the best strategy. We like travel planning and will do most of the work ourselves but wondering what Traveltruth sees as the advantages of using one of the large online agencies or someone in the neighborhood?

A – That is actually a question that could justify a book. Here is the short answer:

You never want to book anything on an 800 number with someone claiming to be a huge online player. The site could be a fraud designed to gather your credit card and other personal information. The mega online legit bookers are always a bad idea because they never beat the rates the hotels charge directly and if you are booked by one of these firms online several hotel executives will admit to assigning their guests the worst rooms. The idea behind that is that online bookers are price searching and are not likely return guests. They likely are looking for the least expensive type of accommodation and it is doubtful they will spend much in the hotel on drinks and meals when compared to loyal past guests or those guests personally referred by a high-producing travel advisor.

Try to find an advisor who is a top-producing member of one of the better travel agency consortiums. They may not be able to get you a better rate than the hotel is offering to direct calls BUT:

01 – They can get you a comp upgrade

02 – They can get you a free breakfast

03 – They can personally introduce you to hotel management so they know you are coming.

You have not indicated your budget so we won’t make any assumptions. Let’s assume that you are really seeking out 3 or, perhaps, 4-star properties that are under 500 Euros per night. In that case, we would suggest that you carefully review the ad-free, professionally written hotel inspection reports and then contact the hotel directly when you are ready to book. But please be careful – a majority, a vast majority, of the online hotel booking sites are not affiliated with the hotel and are, therefore, not worthy of your trust or your credit card information. 

Q – (6.23.25) – You had something wild a few months back regarding never ordering coffee on any flight anywhere in any class of service. Does this still hold, and are there other things one should never order while flying a respectable, commercial aircraft (I fly four times a week on average)? Your site is wonderful except that I now know more than my TA and it can get somewhat embarrassing.

A – In general our advice holds. Coffee and tea are made using water from the aircraft’s bacteria-laden water storage tank. Virtually all airlines handle hot drinks this way as it saves them tens of millions of dollars per year.

We won’t get into alcohol consumption except to say that there is clear evidence that in the thin atmosphere aloft, alcohol has a more immediate and decisive effect. There are a few other “nevers” on our list. Here is the current short list of “nevers” when flying. Abd look carefully – see if you ever spot anyone from the flight crew actually drinking the tainted coffee or tea.

1. Never drink Hot Tea or Coffee 
2. Never drink water poured from a pitcher
3. Never drink anything aboard an aircraft in a glass filled with ice (it is not purified ice – it is also made from tank water)
4. Never drink Bloody Mark Mix on an aircraft (one of the highest sodium levels you can imagine at a level that could affect your well being at 33,000 feet)
5. Never consume food on long flights that can cause serious bloating and after effects such as broccoli or beans. If your seatmate on a flight to Singapore has brought a large bag of tacos aboard it might be wise to change your seat. 

Q – (5.20.25)  A bit of a challenge for your researchers: My wife of forty-two years loves great seafood. We will be on a tour of Australia through Scenic and I am wondering if there is one seafood gourmet dining experience that might provide a memorable experience for her?  I really want to knock her out! I suppose you might say we’re foodies but she has no idea I am planning this. Is there one best option?

A – We think there is but start working on your reservation right away. You want to try for Saint Peter, a new restaurant by, perhaps, the most famous chef in Sydney, Josh Niland. His “Saint Peter at the Grand National Hotel” is seen as an ultra-creative “scale to tail” fish concept. For an incomparable night, try to book a room in the adjoining 14-room luxury 14-room boutique hotel. The rooms continue the theme with fish-fat soap and ceramics made from fish bones.

You will want to order the 10-course Chef’s Table experience. If you can’t get in for dinner know that they are open for lunch. You can’t taste the best of Aussie cuisine at the moment until you’ve dined with dishes overseen by Chef Niland. 

Australians don’t pay all that much attention to stars from a tire manufacturer in France. Instead, they rely on their own system, the Three-Hat ratings. Of course, Saint Peter comes complete with a rare “3 Hat” ranking.

Q – I travel a lot and, if I’m being honest, I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about getting a deal or an upgrade and my secretary is far too shy to ask hotels for special treatment. But my wife and I have some trips upcoming and I wonder if you might reveal the two or three best ways to get an upgrade. I am sure that some of your legion of followers would appreciate your response, even if the hotels might not.

A – There are 11,237 posts online that address this question. Some have bits of truth while others are patently false. Here are the five secrets the real pros who work in the hotel sector rarely discuss:

Rule # 1 – Never book your room through an 800 call center online. Always book directly with the hotel making sure you are not engaging with a ghost site. The lousiest rooms are often set aside for deal seekers who booked online. The hotels figure they will never return.

Rule # 2 – The best rates are going to come from members of the top-level travel agent groups producing many billions of dollars annually for the top hotel chains. The room rate may match what the hotel will offer you directly but you will now be eligible for complimentary perks like free upgrades (really) and full breakfast included. 

Rule # 3 – If you are not booking in advance try to arrive at the property between 4:00 and 6:00 OM. That is when rates are often reduced. 

Rule # 4 – Give the front desk a real reason for upgrading you. It might be your birthday, your anniversary, or perhaps, “I’ve always dreamed of spending the night at your hotel”. 

Rule # 5 – Be extraordinarily nice to the front desk staff. Simple – but it works because “nice” is often not what they encounter as a rule.

One Additional Rule: If all else fails, request a corner room. It will likely be larger with windows on two sides – it will seem like an upgrade and, as it is at the end of the hall, you will not have to worry about loud guests on one side of the room. 

Q – (5.16.25) – There is this bucket list idea that originated with my lovely wife that we need to cruise through the Panama Canal. I am a Construction Engineer by trade and I have read a bit about the construction phase and I am also intrigued. We were directed to your website because you only evaluate and list sailings for the world’s top ten lines. We want to do a Canal cruise in February but all we could find was a ship operated by StarPride Cruises. We have never heard of them and they are not on your list. Meanwhile, I could not find a single alternative. What is going on here? Is your site just wrong?

A – You have actually uncovered a rather remarkable trend among cruisers. Panama Canal cruises were extremely popular at one time, providing ports on either side of the journey in Mexico and the Caribbean. But a regular series of high-end ships doing a “season” of Canal cruising really boils down to one current option – Windstar Cruises and their ship the the Star Pride. It carries fewer than 400 guests and cruises between Costa Rice and Panama. 

Here are some key ports:

• Colon, Panama – The starting point for many itineraries.
• Panama Canal – A full daylight transit through the canal.
• Balboa, Panama – A gateway to Panama City.
• Isla Parida, Panama – A secluded island with pristine beaches.
• Golfo Dulce (Puerto Jimenez), Costa Rica – A biodiverse rainforest region.
• Quepos, Costa Rica – Near Manuel Antonio National Park.
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica – The final stop for some itineraries.

The Windstar Product is not among the Top Ten-ranked cruise lines, but they are in the top fifteen. Their itineraries and food, including outdoor dining, get high marks. The ship itself was formerly owned by Seabourn Cruises where it sailed the world. 

These days, the top-ranked cruise lines (www.cruisetruth.com) only sail through the Canal on repositioning cruises between the US and Europe. These twice-a-year sailings normally take place in April and October to allow for the resumption of summer and winter sailing schedules. 

The major cruise lines believe that demand for Canal cruises has dropped substantially during the past decade. Executives believe that this is more a comment on the ports surrounding this itinerary than it is about the Canal itself. 

We would recommend the Windstar cruise or – you could just wait until the Panama Canal becomes “The American Canal” and see what new itineraries emerge from the change.

Q – (4.27.25) – This September, we are headed on our first river cruise on Viking. I think we may be less traveled than some of your readers and we are getting extremely concerned about the anti-American feelings we hear mentioned on the news. There are obviously a lot of European who can’t stand Trump because of his abandoning NATO, tariffs, lack of support for Ukraine etc. But how will all of that affect US travelers? If we are going to be placed in a position as Americans of defending our country, I think we are comfortable delaying our overseas travels until calm prevails. My local travel agent says I am a “worry-wart” and I should just go and have a good time, or words to that effect. How are you counseling your clients on this matter. 

A – This general subject is generating dozens of questions addressed to Traveltruth and we receive about five or six inquiries a week from guests of Churchill & Turen Ltd. over the phone. (800-445-7979)

We can well understand your concerns. We explain to our clients that, yes, there is a significant degree of anti-US Government  reporting and editorial coverage in large segments of the European press. We are seeing things said about our current government that are new and some respected observers feel that, where in the past the American people were not necessarily linked to the actions of any President, that is not the case now. 

We have been collecting a database of anti-American commentary from the world press in preparation for future articles we are working on. One of the things we discovered is that the most vitriolic commentary we could find, referring to our President as a certified “Psychopath” did not appear in any newspaper in Europe – it appeared in the Toronto Star.

But, to date, there seems to be no connection to what is shown overseas on TV and what appears in their newspapers and any overt anti-American actions taken toward tourists. Most of the world, a vast majority, feel that Americans are some of the nicest tourists on the planet and we are among the highest spenders. 

Some travelers with imminent plans to travel abroad, are stating concerns about confrontation, tough questions, and political arguments. We think these concerns are overblown and there are few facts to support the contention that this will happen.

It might be wise to sort of turn the tables. Instead of you heading for the Danube, let’s suppose that you meet some tourists from Budapest sitting at the next table in your favorite restaurant back home. Are you going to start questioning them about Orban’s leadership and arguing politics over dinner?

You won’t do that because it is impolite and not really part of our culture and the manner in which we interact when we meet citizens of other countries. The same can be said of Europeans. They are generally far too polite to confront visitors for their political beliefs. 

Sadly, you would be far more likely to possibly encounter a political argument on a cruise or tour filled with Americans of various educational backgrounds.

Go and enjoy. Turtles just don’t have much fun. 

Q – My wife  travel overseas two or three times a year since my retirement. We have not had a major lost luggage issue but our next-door neighbor has had two such experiences. My teenage son says I should get the Air Tags. Wondering if that is a good idea?

A – We highly recommend that all international travelers use Apple’s Air Tags in/on their checked luggage when traveling overseas and domestically as well if there are connecting flights. 

No one has developed a better system than Apple for monitoring where your luggage is at any stage of your journey. The capabilities of Air Tags are increasing and there are now several airlines that work in tandem with the system. At a cost of $75-$100 for a set of three, we think this is a reasonable investment. 

The biggest mistake made by Air Tag users is allowing the batteries to run low. They do need to be fully charged prior to your departure.

We do not accept compensation for any products ever recommended on any of our consumer sites. We like to recommend Apple products because we like to support “the little guy”.

By the way – you can now have your Air Tags engraved with your name and contact information. We think this is an unnecessary expense as your normal luggage tags will suffice. Do be certain that your luggage tags on your outbound flights  show the name and location as well of the dates of your first  hotel. 

Q – You have not responded to many questions about renting a rental car for vacation or even business use. I realize that this site is more centered on vacation planning. But  I read some of the online stuff and everyone talks about Expedia or Kayak for rental cars. There are, apparently, a great many car rental websites that allow you to compare rates etc. Is this the way to go – simply pull up one of the mega-sites and book what looks like a good deal? Here in Philly, there are many of us who support your efforts. By the way, what are the two or three top-rated rental car companies?

A – Let’s be honest – if you really supported our efforts you might send us some Philly steaks from  Pat’s or Geno’s.

Our advice: Always check some prices, types of vehicles available, and special promotions online. But anyone who books a travel product online is asking for problems. It is, virtually always, a sucker move. Get whatever information you want online and then book directly with the rental company. You never want to be dealing with a third party site that could be located anywhere on earth. What is there are issues with your rental or if you need to change your plans? Going through a third party on a car rental is just never a good idea.

The same is true, by the way, in the case of hotel reservations. Remember that online sites demand you personal address, credit card information and they already have your computer information recorded. Remember that ghost travel sites number in the tens of thousands online. Booking online is, in the vast majority of cases, a sucker move.

Know that off-property airport locations have lower rates generally than in-airport locations. Try to secure AARP or AAA Memberships as most of the major rental car companies offer discounts for members.

The top-ranked car rental companies are:

1. National
2. Enterprise
3. Alamo

But the quality of service can vary greatly by location. Not every rental car location is a Pat’s or Gino”s!

Q – As a telecom exec for the past 11 years, I find myself on the road about 60% of the time. My secretary books nice hotels and I just follow her directions. I find that hotel rates seem to vary from city to city among similar level accommodations. Is there any data you can find that shows which specific cities in the United States are currently able to charge the highest average hotel rates. This might be interesting to others who use your sites and might help me in terms of future business planning. 

A –  There are several ways to look at your question but the latest real-time data comes from a major study issued by the Travel Resources division of Bookings.com, one of the largest online hotel booking sites. The new data is rather surprising but when you look at demand and availability of 4-5 star properties, it sort of makes sense. These are the cities with he current highest hotel costs. The report includes the average per night cost of hotels in all major categories:

# 1 – Detroit – $278.88 Per Night  (78% higher than average cost of US hotel room)

# 2 – Washington, D.C. – $261.04 Per Night

# 3 – Long Beach, Ca. – $$261.04 Per Night

# 4 – Arlington, Va. – $235.56

# 5 – New York City – $231.90

We should also mention that if your secretary is booking your hotels by contacting them on your behalf, that is considered a “direct” booking. But unless you have demanded a refund, you have been paying the built-in travel agency commission of 8-10%. That amount should have been refunded to your credit card at check-out. Hotels will try to charge you the agency commission ever when you have not used an agency. You are entitled to a refund of that expense. In America, it is still unethical to charge individuals for services that were never provided. If you ask a hotel about this they will simply explain that we are “crazy”. But we have our sanity tested every day and we think that this is such a major consumer rip-off that it needs to be discussed.

Q – Like a fair number of your followers, my wife and I are each anticipating retirement in about a year if Elon does not get to us before then! We are talking to agents here in Dallas but we are getting conflicting answers. We are not that well traveled, we will be in our mid-sixties in excellent shape, and we are, I suppose more adventurous than most. Cost is not really a factor.  And here’s our dilemma and where we are getting confusing information:

We understand all of the advantages of cruising but there is no way we would ever board anything that carried more than a few hundred guests. We would want to travel to some really fascinating places – not London or Paris – and we would want to do some hiking, perhaps biking off the boat. We’d love to travel with a brand that stood for excellent service with fellow guests with enough energy to want to truly explore some exotic destinations.

That all said, is there one cruise product that your team feels comes closest to potentially meeting and exceeding our expectations? Please just give me your first choice – we’re not interested in second or third. The agents I have talked to keep throwing Silversea and Viking at me. Thanks and very much enjoy the hardcore info on your site. 

A – When it comes to the sailing experience we are convinced that “size” is the critical component. You should look first at Aqua Expeditions. They are, we believe, the best in the small ship expedition field. Their vessels never carry more than 350 guests and some of their smaller ships carry far less. They are best known for operating exploration journeys of quality in Peru on the Amazon, the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam) along with coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park and the Spice Islands. 

Aqua’s newest yacht, the Aqua Mare, is based in the Galapagos Islands and carries up to 16 guests.

Your stipulation that your “ship” carry fewer than 100 guests is self-limiting. We would suggest you use a new number – 600. That will get you more options, more activities, more shore excursions, and more dining choices. If you are amenable to that, we would suggest you throw Ritz Carlton Yachts into the mix. We would not rule out Silversea which will shortly be designated The World’s Top-Rated TrueLux line. 

Please let us know how this all turns out and give all of the Dallas agents our warmest regards.

Q – We are excited about a tour with Kensington followed preceded by a five nights in Stockholm which we booked ourselves online.

Yesterday, we happened to look up some of the expected “excellent” ratings for Sweden’s safety only to discover that our State Department has issued a level 2 Warning for the country warning of “terrorists with little or no warning” who might attack any place where people tend to gather in large numbers. This could include “airports, cultural institutions, and major sporting events” to list a few.

We have only been to Europe once before and this makes us very nervous. Should we reconsider this trip?

A – Absolutely – we think you should cancel all foreign travel and stay home in the safety of our own country.

Oh – wait a minute! Come to think of it, we currently rank # 134 on the International Safety Index, meaning that there are 133 countries in the world that are statistically safer than the United States. If you didn’t travel, you might be relying for your “view of the world” as presented by Whoopi and the ladies on “The View”. 

Of course you should enjoy Sweden for all that it offers. The country ranks among the top three nations in the world on the “Happiness Index”. Its citizens would not be that happy if they feared for their lives. 

In Gothenburg’s Ostra Nordstan shopping center and Old Townin Stockholm you could encounter some top-tier professional pickpockets.

And watch out for the famed Swedish Taxi Scam – the meters are in Swedish krona but they may try to convince you that the fare is showing in Euros. 

Other that that – enjoy every moment. Our State Department has to cover itself just in case. What we would really urge you to remember is that as soon as you are buckled in to your seat awaiting take-off, your life expectancy starts to increase in relationship to the amount of time you will be away from the USA. Sad, but true. If you want to know why – well, it’s a long story but it has to do with the availability of guns, our absolutely awful driving statistics, and the fact that we have a culture translating to the largest number of incarcerated citizens of any industrialized nation on earth. 

Q – (3.3.25) – We are huge fans of the Traveltruth Media Group but there is one question I have been waiting for others to  ask. My husband and I are thinking about Crystal versus Seabourn for a cruise in Europe out of Venice next summer. We’ve sailed Seabourn twice before, once on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica, and were thoroughly impressed. They deserve your high rankings. But, among our 18 past cruises, are three on the “former” Crystal Cruises we absolutely loved! We have avoided them since the bankruptcy and the new Abercrombie & Kent purchase but we are now seriously thinking about them.

We get Crystal mailings and they kept sort of hinting that on January 1st there would be a major change and the operation of shore excursions would now be handled by A&K local offices. They would, we were led to believe, be better than the shore excursions offered by anyone else in Europe because of A&K’s operation planning and access to the best places with the best guides. Despite the Crystal inferences, I have seen nothing in the press or on your sites to indicate that the big change expected on January 1st has taken place. So a simple question – did the improvement and takeover by A&K in terms of shore excursion quality actually take place? Can I be certain that the quality of Crystal shore excursions will, on the whole, be better than its five-star competitors? 

A – The short answer is “No – not exactly”. It has not happened as some Crystal optimists had hoped it would. Instead, Crystal has announced that three years after their acquisition of Crystal, actual “A&K Experiences” will be available to guests.

In reviewing A&K’s announcement carefully, it appears that the company is no longer making  claims about immediate changes in day-by-day shore excursions. Instead, A&K is taking a different path, announcing a series of longer pre/post cruise A&K branded experiences, most requiring several overnights.

In 2025, the A&K branded pre/post programs will primarily be offered on cruises operating within Asia and Africa as well as a number of special land programs in India.

The company admits it is “planting seeds” and will be expanding its programs in 2026 to include Alaska, Iceland, Italy, and France sailings.

Every year will bring additional A&K Cruise tour offerings but it will likely be several years before A&K attempts the impossible task of operating all shore excursions under the company umbrella. The problem is that A&K simply has no offices in the majority of countries it visits via the Crystal brand.

For now, what we can say with some accuracy, is that on a number of exotic sailings, A&K is offering longer pre and post programs to their guests of substantial quality – and cost. Very shortly, A&K will offer pre and post options unmatched by any competitor. We think that is a fair statement. But vast improvements in the overall quality of European shore excursions is a long way away and presents numerous operational hurdles. 

What is often missing from the press coverage related to shore excursions is the fact that in most European ports, aside from the majors, there are only one or two shoreside companies with the financial stability, bus inventory, and contracted guides to handle several cruise ships arriving on the same day. Every cruise line must work with the firm that has the buses and the guides – they have little choice but to go with their programs. A&K has offices throughout the world. In the long run, that could become a serious competitive advantage. But, we think, that is years away. 

We are getting extremely positive feedback from our guests on the new Crystal. It is, we believe, very significant that 82% of the original Crystal staff has returned. Our advice would be to stay with Crystal but sprinkle in a selection of personal tours in those ports where you have the strongest interest. 

Q – We booked a fully guided tour out of London and ending in Edinburgh. We booked it ourself and we have not received any information about the new Visa Program I have heard about. It is a 12-Day tour operated by a British company so, as Americans, I wonder what I need to do. Thanks in advance for any help you might provide. 

A –  If you are connecting flights at Heathrow etc. you would not need the new ETA Visa. 

As you will be traveling to other countries, you will need an ETA Visa to travel through the United Kingdom. This is easy to obtain online. The Visa is currently 10 British Pounds (about $12.00 P.P.)

The most simple way to get the Visa is to download the UK ETA App on your phone using either the Apple App Store or Google Play.

On Apple, the App is located under “Utilities.” There is no charge for the App.

The process is quite simple – this is what you will need:

• • Keep Passport handy
  • Have Credit Card handy
  • You will need to take a photo of your passport photo page as well as a self-photo from the neck up.
  • There is a simple online form to fill out

It has been averaging 3-4 business days for the completed Visa to be returned to you.

Your note was a tad disturbing. Why have you not been in touch with the tour operator you booked? Why are they not advising you on the Visa issue? Who is taking responsibility for the planning of your journey at the other end? Who is your travel advocate? 

As it is highly likely you are being charged the travel agency commission of 12-15% for your guide/tour/hotel etc. we think you should reasonably expect assistance with your questions. We are always pleased to help but we want you to receive what you are already paying for in terms of your arrangements. No worries – the Brits are making the new ETA Visa as easy as possible – you know, just the way our government is making it easy for foreign passport holders from wealthy nations to enter the USA. 

Q – (2.25.25) – We just received an unsolicited offer from Regent Seven Seas for a Suite Upgrade Bidding Offer. I wonder, first of all if this is legit as it did not come from my agent. But if it is legit – what gives? When did Regent start marketing like a three-star Vegas Hotel?

The pricing could be good and it seems like a good deal. What do you recommend and does Regent really know anything about this offer?

A – The offer you attached is quite legitimate and we imagine your agent was copied in. We share your opinion that this is a rather odd way to represent a supposed five-star cruise line. One has to imagine that this brilliant marketing ploy originated at one of NCH’s lower tier brands like Norwegian Cruises or Oceania. 

This could work out well and there are many booked guests who will tell us that they are pleased with the Bid outcome. But this is what you must consider:

• The chances are good that you would have received a better price than the Bid price on the upgraded category if you had booked it originally when prices were lower. Most five-star cruise lines raise their prices on a 90-120 day cycle.
• If your “Bid” is accepted you will have no option to rescind it. You’re stuck.
• You have no input in terms of where on the ship the suite is located. You must take what is assigned. Be certain you get on well with elevator shafts. What staterooms are left for the bidding process? Not the best-located ones.
• Payment is due immediately once your Bid is accepted.
• Most Bids are not accepted unless they come close to the high-end revenue goal of the cruise line.
• No cruise line wants Bid Suite winners telling the fools who actually paid for their suite what a lousy deal they received. 

It all boils down to what someone once said …”well, are you feelin lucky?”

Q – (2.21.25) – Do not want to bring everyone on TT down BUT …………just returned from a cruise to Australia and New Zealand. Loved the cruise but one of the passengers died in his sleep and I could not believe the way it was handled. An announcement was made about what had happened and it seemed designed to impress how carefully it had all been handled and to show how considerate the crew had been. Then, two days later, the coffin was off-loaded (I learned that all of the better lines have an onboard morgue and coffins) in port before the rest of the passengers could disembark. Those having breakfast on the outside upper deck could witness the entire procedure.

This upset me and led me to start thinking about what I could do if my husband or a loved one I was traveling with dies on a cruise ship in a foreign port. What should cruisers do to protect themselves in that situation? Would the ship just sail at its scheduled time leaving us to fend for ourselves with the coffin? I apologize for bringing up this subject but I imagine there are others who might want to know. 

A – No worries at all. It is a thoughtful and important question. Here are a few points that might be helpful:

01 – Assuming you are on one of the higher-rated lines, the port agent would be put in touch with you and arrangements with a local funeral parlor would be made. The ship might, or might not, help you with hotel reservations. But the ship will still sail on time, leaving you alone.

02 –  The best outcome would occur if you booked the trip with a travel advisor who was a member of one of the leading agency consortiums like Signature, Travel Leaders, Ensemble, or Virtuoso, that has “on-site” offices around-the-globe. Your advisor would likely have a relationship with the on-site office in the city or country where you have disembarked and they would contact them to try to assist you with hotel, procedures, drivers etc. That is a best-case scenario. 

03 – If the above is not possible, you would try to book into the best hotel near the port. You would then work with the Concierge Team to contact the funeral home etc. and to arrange for air home, loading of the casket on the aircraft etc. Your Travel Advisor would be in touch with the hotel Concierge to help coordinate these efforts. You may need the services of a local attorney.

04 – Most of the better travel insurance policies would cover most of the costs indicated above. But specific coverage details are often overlooked so we recommend paying particular attention to the provisions of your policy related to death. You would also be in contact with your insurance provider back home who would begin the necessary paperwork. The funeral home would usually assist with the forms needed to depart the country with your loved one.

The bottom line is that this is another real-life example of why you should never book anything travel-related either directly or through a 1-800 call center in Miami or Mumbai. The same is true of online bookers. Work with a human who knows and cares about you and your family. It may take a year or two to find such a person but they are out there. 

Hug your husband as often as you can.

Q – We are going to be in Istanbul for eight days this Fall, visiting friends and spendings several days on our own exploring. One of the things we are wondering about is whether or not it is recommended to cross over the Bosporus for the day? Is it safe? Worthwhile? 

A – It is a wonderful idea for one or two days. There was historical animosity that lasted for centuries between the European and Asian sides of this important river. But now, with prices skyrocketing in metropolitan Istanbul, many artists and university graduates prefer to live on the Asian side in Kadikoy. The short ferry ride is fun and on arrival you will be seeing an area that has been compared to Brooklyn vs. Manhattan. You will find colorful streets, markets, and lots of coffee bars. Really worth strolling without the tourist crunch sometimes evident in the big city just across the sea. 

Q – Is there one best place to check online when seeking the lowest price for a domestic air ticket?

A – We hear a great deal about this subject and, were we to believe the ads, online travel agencies are each given their own, private airfares on every worldwide flight. Of course this is not true. Fares can change on a minute-by-minute basis as they are not created by humans. In fact, we now have a process that allows computer programs to personalize air quotes based on each consumer’s personal online profile consisting of an average of more than 2,000 specific data points. So your purchase habits at Walmart or on Amazon can help determine the airfare you will quoted by an online source. 

We do think that a good start is one of Google’s latest features, the “Aggregation” of fares from third parties. Google now has a new tag identified as “Cheapest”. But be aware that the cheapest airfares may well involve routing and/or airport changes that are less than desirable. As a general rule, non-stop airfares are normally higher, often by a significant amount, than more “creative routing” that dramatically increases your risks of missed connections or lost baggage. 

There are, so-called, “Air Consolidators”, online vendors who claim to have lower fares often involving contracts with specific carriers. This makes sense until you realize that other airlines will generally not recognize these tickets. That means that if your flight is canceled, other airlines flying the route you need will not accept the ticket you are holding. 

As your question relates solely to domestic flights, we recommend that you personally call the airlines that fly the route you will want. Ask for the lowest current fare. Explain that you work for Elon Musk and you don’t earn much. 

Q – Greatly enjoying this site – even if it is not written by a Canadian. We are anticipating our first European River Cruise next year. I know that my friends in the lower 50 are greatly concerned about too much sunshine and the fact that other tourists may be present in “alarming” numbers. Not my concern. I just want/need sunshine. As much of it as I can get. I will deal with your warnings of horrible heat by simply purchasing a cup of Tim Horton’s, or some locally awful substitute, and enjoying the warmth that surrounds me.  

So, given that, which month has the warmest temperatures in Budapest, Prague, and Vienna?

A – You will want to do the Danube in July when you should average 7.9 hours of sunshine per day. That compares to 4.1 in London in July. But it strikes us that your smartest move might be to simply move to Los Angeles where you can enjoy 8.9 hours of sunshine per day in July.   

We value our Canadian clients and readers and we wish you a memorable Danube experience. And do remember a phrase that many of us feel is the ultimate truth – “If your donut is fresh and your coffee is hot – then you’ve got more than any man’s got”.

Q – I have, lovingly supported United Airlines for the past fourteen years in my work which requires frequent cross-country travel. I am not a “points geek” and I don’t waste my time using points to fly for business domestically. I just gather those points like a squirrel hoarding nuts with the idea that in one year and three months, when I retire, my wife and I can use my current 1.3 million United Miles to enjoy many years of retirement travel abroad. I suppose my question is, “If I were a Points Geek – would I be doing anything different – would I use any specific strategy to stay ahead of the game”? Enjoy your approach – keep it up. 

A – As the Wall Street Journal recently pointed out, we are going through a process called “Pointsflation”. The fact is that saving mileage award points is not at all like investing in a money market fund – your points are actually losing value the longer you fail to use them. One example in the WSJ concerned a Delta non-stop from JFK to London Heathrow. It was 86,000 points on 2019- it will now cost you over 150,000 points. Just last year on United, you could use points to fly to Paris CDG using 60,000 points – that flight is now hovering close to 100,000 points. This is all deliberate. It is an easy way for the airlines to enhance profits by increasing the cost to use miles on any popular route. 

If you were investing cash in an interest bearing account we would recommend sticking with your plan. By given that this is “Airline World” and “Airline Ethics”, we would suggest that you figure out a way to use your miles for business travel as soon as possible and save the money you are saving your company by investing it for your retirement travel. 

Q – We are booked on our second AMA sailing on the Rhine River in May of 2026. We were able to receive a nice discount of about 20% when we originally booked this several months ago. Yesterday, we received an AMA e-mail notifying us that they are now offering complimentary three-night land packages to guests booked on Rhine sailings, including our specific itinerary. When our trusted agent called to get us set up with the comp land program we were told that it does not apply to our sailing but we can buy it for an additional $2500. This seems like misleading advertising. What are my options?

A – Welcome to the wonderful world of consumer travel advertising. Your sailing is heavily booked. Prices have gone up twice since you originally made your booking. Because prices have gone up, you will need to pay more should you cancel and re-book with the current offer. On the other hand, on your sailing, AMA will “allow” you to purchase the land offer for only $2500.

On escorted tours, pricing is more heavily regulated because no one wants to spend ten nights touring on a motorcoach with riders comparing notes on what they paid. And think of the poor tour guide who has to deal with price allegations.

But the cruise and riverboat firms worry less about passengers talking to one another. The major mass market lines discount at will and they often discount as sailings with empty cabins approach sailing date. The major four and five star lines, however, generally reward guests who book the earliest – the rule of thumb is the first “20%” always get the very best pricing. The prices, as we have indicated, start rising on an average three-month cycle. 

The “tricky part” comes when it is decided to match a price increase with a “special booking incentive offer” while trying to never mention the fact that the cruise or riverboat price has gone up. 

We checked, and in your specific case, you can get the free land offer on some of the potentially poor weather spring and fall dates. But riverboat guests planning to travel next summer should be aware that inventory on Europe’s major rivers for prime season already has already fallen to just below 30%. If you booked one of the “weather and water level” riskier dates, you will also find that cabin selection is quite minimal.

There are always exceptions, a part of what makes our work so fascinating, but you are most often going to be best served by booking early and taking advantage of early booking discounts without the tainted applesauce in the form of “special deals at a higher cost. 

Q  – I keep seeing these rather charming, British voice-over ads for Viking Cruises. It seems like they are among the largest lines but I am wondering who owns them and are they really that successful? The ads keep talking to me and inviting me to sail – but who is really doing the inviting?

A –  There really is no such thing as “Viking Cruises”, There are three brands of cruises, Viking River Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Viking Expeditions which, together, form a single company “Viking” that is owned by the Norwegian billionaire Torstein Hagen. The company is privately-owned, an anomaly among mega-lines and Hagen owns 77% of the company.

It is quite a success story. Tor had been CEO of Royal Viking Line in the early eighties. In 1997, serving as a consultant, he helped a group of Russian oligarchs buy a shipping company. Out of gratitude, they sold him four river boats to launch his own company at a sharply discounted rate. In 2000, Hagen was able to quickly expand and his purchased KD River Cruises of Europe and their fleet of 22 vessels. KD also owned several advantageous anchorages which Viking still uses to its advantage.

Viking does its Marketing out of a headquarters in Los Angeles but the real company headquarters is in Basel, Switzerland. This is where crew hiring, training, and marine operations is centered.   

With more than 90 ships sailing on rivers, lakes and oceans around the world, Viking is one of cruising’s major players. Its European river fleet is the largest in Europe and Viking has river ships on the Mekong, the Nile and the Mississippi. The fleet continues to expand. Ten more Viking Longships will join the river fleet by the end of 2026 and a new Mekong ship, Viking Tonle, launches in October 2025.

The ocean fleet includes two luxury expedition ships and 10 new-build ocean ships (all identical). Viking Vela  launched in December this year and Viking Vesta in 2025.

Of course, with more than 90 ships in its fleet, and a massive new-ship building program underway, Viking is no stranger to debt.

Entering 2023 it had  about 4.7 billion in debt. Viking’s interest expenses ballooned 41% between 2020 and 2022, and cruise operators have generally been looking to cut funding costs by selling new notes.

Viking, the only pure-play luxury cruise line, has reported its first quarterly earnings since going public. The company is targeting English-speakers over the age of 55, a demographic with most of the wealth and a broad eagerness to travel. The cruise line generated 4.7 billion in revenue in fiscal 2023, compared to 3.18 billion in 2022 and 625.1 million in 2021. Like most of the cruise lines operating in North America, Viking profit patterns are extremely positive and debt is being paid down. 

Q – (12.9/24) – No one would deny that this is an unusually honest and helpful site, but I do have one criticism I hope you will consider. Whatever destination or mode of exploration you are discussing, the fact is that we need to fly there. So I think it would be extremely helpful to include more insider air advice whenever it relates to any of the questions posed. Just a suggestion. You seem to avoid air advice rather than take a deep dive into it. 

A –  Fair enough – we are not air experts and, in fact, we do not believe that our business should be processing air arrangements. Our strengths lie in worldwide vacation planning. Air is a much more specialized field than many in the industry would acknowledge. Our approach is to outsource air for our clients to the very best air experts in the nation. We think that air has become a more complex component of the vacation planning matrix. Dynamic pricing and shortages of aircraft, pilots, and air traffic controllers is causing an increasing number of cancellations. So we want everyone we work with to have their own Concierge monitoring their flights for any changes or cancellations. We do not advise purchasing any airline ticket from any online firm that does not provide personalized flight monitoring services. 

If you want to hear airline insider buzz from experts you may want to start following the following sites:

• View from The Wing
• The Cranky Flier
• The Points Guy
• The New York Times Travel Newsletter
• Travel Weekly Magazine
• Travel Pulse

All of that said – we will leave you with just a little bit of gossip/valuable air information that we hope may be useful: 

• When the Chinese tourism market opens up to its full potential, many airline executives expect to see pricing come down on international flights. This is particularly true of some of the better government-owned and controlled carriers.
• US major airlines need to turn a profit – that is not a major issue for several of the world’s leading international carriers based in Asia and particularly the Middle East. Plane for plane – the Middle East currently provides the highest levels of service and dependability in the air. They also have the best record when it comes tot he number of flight cancellations.
• International carriers vary in  terms of how they handle refunds to consumers. Currently, TAP, the airline of Portugal, and Air Canada have the poorest reputation when it comes to refunds related to issues of guest satisfaction.
• Some international frequent fliers will tell you they try to connect overseas through Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. (Although the airport is technically in Virginia) This is particularly true when the flights are headed to the Gulf Region. It is thought that there are “Diplomatic” reasons for favorable pricing.
• It is not a bad idea to do your flight searching with Google flights. They have a feature that allows you to request updates when the price of the flights you are interested in are heading south.

Q – Thanks for this really uniquely honest site. I keep looking for the ads! So nice to see a site where no PR crapola is tolerated. 

My wife and I like to stay in four and five-star hotels when we travel regularly throughout Europe. We are wondering, under normal circumstances, who and how much should we be tipping non-food related staff?

A – This is, of course, a personal question which we will answer – but please do what is most comfortable for you:

Valet/Baggage Handling – 1-2 Euros per bag based on service

Concierge Desk – 5 – 10 Euros for services including dinner reservations or private touring (Dinner reservations should not be more than 5 Euro as the Concierge may well be receiving a kick-back from  the restaurant)

Housekeeping Maids – In the vast majority of hotel properties worldwide, these are the hardest working and most poorly compensated service providers. An envelope with a brief note and a gratuity of 5-10 Euros per night would be truly appreciated and may well help out a family that needs some help. 

Q – We will want to be booking a nice, very nice, Alaska Cruise next summer. We will be joined by four friends and we will want to sail out of Vancouver B.C. or Juneau on a cruise that is somewhere between ten and twelve nights. How do I do my research before taking it to a travel agent?

A – Well, first of all, you don’t need to do your own research. For the commission they will earn, a travel advisor should be willing to get to know you a bit followed by some specific recommendations designed to meet your specific needs. But that said, you may want to start by clicking on the link to www.cruisetruth.com on the bottom of this page. Once on cruise truth (there is no registration required) just go to the cruise database section. There, using a simple drop down menu, you can search for cruises that are ranked among the Top Ten lines by company, date, number of nights, and destination. All of your options will pop up. There are no ads and there is no sales hype. It is a great way to search independently. 

There are no prices. Consumers need to understand that the entire purpose of a travel website is to get you to click and to fall into the waiting arms of a crowded call enter where you will meet someone speaking to you from a small cubicle. They are paid a small commission to get you to book directly because it saves the company a much larger commission built into your quoted fare. No cruise line, or tour operator for that matter, keeps real time availability information on their website. For that, your agent needs to look closely at the real time computer statistics – and they can change by the minute. 

As to pricing – cruises are sold much like hotel rooms. As hotels book up for certain dates, the price of their rooms are raised by complicated algorithms. You would need to work with a qualified advisor or call the cruise line directly to get accurate pricing. Several cruise lines are canceling scheduled sailings in the Orient and Europe and placing additional tonnage in Alaska in anticipation of strong sales next summer. Do try to book your Alaska cruise 14-12 Months in advance. 

Here is a rule of thumb that will help you choose the best overall strategy and time to book:

The “Cruise lines” (3,00-6,000 passenger Floating Walmarts) are not concerned that some of their guests will pay more than others. This is not a major discussion topic in the buffet line. They do last-minute deals, early booking deals, and deals associated with nearly every Holiday you can imagine. 

The inclusive, “TrueLux” top-tier lines cater to a much more sophisticated clientele. They feel they could lose the loyalty of their valued guests if folks who waited until the last minute scored a better price than those who booked early. The norm for the TrueLux Lines (The Top Ten Lines in the World as reported on Cruisetruth.com) is that they raise their pricing every 90-120 days. There may be offers but they always refer to current price levels that can often be significantly higher than the pricing paid by those who booked early.

Q – (12.3.24) – Given all that is involved in traveling overseas on vacation about twice a year, and as a former engineer with a wife who is a CPA, we like to plan our travels almost two years out. As we look at 2026 and beyond, we are struck that neither traveltruth or any of the other major travel sites that we follow seems to have any concerns, as we do, that a Trump presidency, given his criminality and tendency to pull away from support of Europe and Ukraine, will result in waves of anti-tourist and anti-American feelings of a level that could make it really uncomfortable for Americans traveling abroad. You seem unafraid about taking on tough travel industry issues but we wonder why you have been so silent on this one? How do you see Americans being greeted in Spain and Italy, for instance, during the next four years?

A –  You are projecting something that might happen. There is no solid evidence that we have seen that indicates that Europe, or any other part of the world for that matter, will turn its back and put up the “Unwelcome” signs for American tourists spending American dollars in their countries, because we have just elected a government that is to the “right” of what we had. Our clients traveling within Europe since the election are not experiencing any anti-American manifestations.

Yes, there are over-tourism demonstrations in major Italian cities. There were some American tourists who were sprayed with water pistols as they sat in cafes along Laa Ramblas in Barcelona. But the kind of anti-American political rallies you suggest have just not happened. Not yet. That is probably why travel writers, most of whom are rewarded with free trips for every story they publish, have not tried to look ahead to judge what might happen under the Trump second reign.

But you need to also put this into some kind of perspective. As American drifts toward the right so has large sections of Europe. Italy now has a right-wing government, Hungary has a very right-wing government, and the “Right” has made steady progress where their cooperation is now required to form any kind of viable coalition, in France.  So are the Europeans in any position to rally against our domestic politics?

From our research, you may have a point. And that is the other side of the coin. Off the record, we know that two major tour operators are increasing the number of domestic tour programs they will be offering in 2026 while reducing some international destination departures. In  other words, although it has not yet been reported in the travel press, there are some interesting assumptions being made at the highest industry levels that international travel for Americans may well decrease under Trump. 

Our Senior Editor, Richard Turen, reports that several industry leaders are concerned about the way American tourists may be greeted abroad in the near-future. The specifics cited in private, off-the-record interviews, involve the likelihood that before too long video of illegal immigrants being rounded up, placed in detention camps, and forcibly sent back to their country of origin, may dominate news coverage in major European capitals. The widespread video leading newscasts and major news apps may, it is thought, trigger a level of anti-American feelings we have not seen before. This will start in universities and then spread is the dominant theory. But this is just theoretical at this point. 

If the United States does, indeed, as threatened, pull out of the NATO Alliance, that could also create high levels of anti-American feelings in Europe. We have, after all, for better or worse, established ourselves as Europe’s defender. 

You ask why we have been “silent” on this issue. Traveltruth is a consumer-based Q&A site with no ads or PR phony hype. We try to respond to all questions asked. Ours is not a “political” site. There are more than enough of those. But the real reason we have been quiet on this issue is that, thus far, there is little evidence of the kind of anti-American behavior you are suggesting. It is interesting to note that some major travel firms seem to be planning for the eventuality of increasing anti -American tourist sentiment. But even there – let’s be careful about drawing assumptions. We know that a strong anti-tourist movement already exists in many major tourist centers abroad. But anti-tourist or anti-cruise sentiment is not necessarily directed at American citizens or a particular brand of politics. 

AND – there are a number of destinations within the United States where locals are unhappy with the spending habits ashore of mass market cruise tourism. When your meals, entertainment, and credits in the onboard gift shops is included in your fare, the average mass market cruiser is not really motivated to shop and dine to the degree that it really has a positive impact on the local economy.

Q – This site has been really amazing and we use it to guide our future travel planning. Some day we hope to be able to afford your personal services. Like everyone else, we have a bucket list, and Japan is at the top of the list. But we keep hearing that Japan is one of the two or three most expensive cities on earth to visit so we’ve put it off for years. Just wondering your thoughts – we can afford to travel well but we do have limits on what we will spend on any single two-week trip. Should we just take Tokyo off the list?

A – There are several inaccurate assumptions in your question. The news is all good so we are very pleased you took the time to ask us.

The idea that Tokyo is the most expensive city int he world is a long-held travel myth. Some of it has been perpetuated by travel writers and bloggers. In fact, the latest edition of the Economist’s List of the World’s Most expensive cities based on cost of living and travel statistics, shows that of the sixty most expensive cities to visit or live in on earth, Tokyo ranks number sixty. There are 59 worldwide cities that are more expensive than Japan.

We recently returned from our twice-annual Signature vacation with our clients and did a cruise around Japan on Regent Seven Seas preceded by three nights in Tokyo. Our group was so impressed with the costs we encountered that many, among our 53 guests, did a surprising amount of shopping. Prices were that good. 

Absolutely go to Japan and you will quickly see that reports of its high prices are greatly exaggerated. 

In terms of your comment that you hope to be able to afford our “personal services” – we will only state one fact. In 2023, 91% of our transactions and services to our clients were offered on a complimentary basis with no fees of any kind. In 2024, after all is tabulated, we expect that figure to be about the same. 

Forget about us – the fact is that you can normally utilize the experience and knowledge, as well as access, of a top-tier travel advisor on a complimentary basis. AND – please note that if you should decide to make your own arrangements without using a travel advisor, you are still going to pay the built-in travel advisor commission. It is a part of every price quote and direct bookings allow the cruise line, tour operator, or hotel to more than double their profit without informing the consumer as to what they are doing. 

We urge you to keep Japan high on your bucket list.

Q –  I fly a fair amount for business and recently returned from the Orient on Malaysian Airlines where I managed to get a bad case of food poisoning despite flying Business Class. Malaysian has responded to my online account but I am wondering just how common food poisoning is on long-distance international flights? I was wondering if you give your clients any specific advice about what to avoid eating on an aircraft?

A – This has really not been an issue in the airline industry. The airborne food suppliers generally work under strict supervision as a single case of food poisoning, such as yours, can lead to a public relations nightmare. We do not instruct guests in Business as to what foods they should not order but we do recommend that all fliers on longer flights consider putting together their own picnic basket using food outlets in the airport. Of course, those who pay thousands of dollars to fly Business or First Class are unlikely to take this advice. We do urge our three clients who fly economy to consider avoiding meals served in the back of the plane. 

But you asked a serious question so let us share the following:

It is best to avoid food poisoning by avoiding certain products:

• Salads served in the air are usually from a bag and may contain ingredients with some risk of e-coli contamination.
• Fish is risky -particularly raw fish served on some Asian carriers. Avoid uncooked fish.
• Avoid ice cubes in your drinks – trusting that ice is made from purified water in an act of faith best avoided
• Always avoid ordering coffee or tea for reasons enumerated elsewhere on our site.

Now that we have said this – allow us to stress our initial point: Food poisoning traced to onboard cuisine is just not an industry issue. It is a rather rare occurrence. Coach food served aboard aircraft prepared in kitchens in a non-developed country should be avoided. It is acceptable and wise to ask the flight attendant the country of origin for the food you are being served.

We urge our clients to consider a “Picnic at 33,000 Feet”. Have the flight attendant deliver your tray without appetizers or the main entree. Then add your favorite sandwiches prepared fresh in the airport before you boarded and kept in a refrigerated bag. You will enjoy your sandwich(s) and you will have few concerns about food poisoning. 

Q – (11.28.24)  – We are thinking about joining friends who have booked a small ship, I guess you would call it a riverboat line, called Aqua Expeditions sailing the Amazon next year. I looked over the consumer riverboat site, www.riverboatratings.com and could not find Aqua listed among the top five lines. Wondering why?

A – Your friends have made an excellent selection – choosing the very top-rated riverboat experience along the Amazon. Aqua Expeditions is a well-run, high-end, small collection of vessels that ply waterways in South America and in parts of Asia like the Mekong River. They are not ranked, although they are mentioned, on Riverboatratings.com because the site is dedicated to riverboats that ply the rivers in Europe, where Aqua does not operate. From food to personalized service and quality of shore excursions, you will be in the best possible hands with Aqua. Kudos to your friend’s travel advisor. 

One bit of advice – the Amazon River basin is one of the most disease-ridden areas of the world for tourists. You should definitely use the services of a tropical medicine clinic as well as your personal physician to make certain that your shots are all up-to-date as required and recommended. This is not a reason not to go – just a warning that advance preparation and the information provided by a trusted advisor are critically important. 

Currently, there is no small, exclusive Riverboat firm operating where Aqua Expeditions sails that offers a superior product.

Q – (9.21.24) – We are sailing Regent Seven Seas next summer and just received our  Business Class Air Schedule. Although there are several non-stop options to Phoenix from London they are asking us to fly to LA and then connect back to Phoenix on the return. With several non-stop alternatives, I don’t see why they would inconvenience their guests with this kind of schedule. How can we get them to change it? Why in the world would they pick a schedule that is so clearly inconvenient for their guests?

A – You are booked on the, now discontinued, “Free Business Air” Program operated by Regent for many years. This process in fairly complex as tickets are purchased and flights assigned through a separate office at the airlines contracted for specific gateway cities. In fact, it is the airline that ultimately chooses the flights based on the pricing parameters set up contractually. In your case, the airline fares for the non-stops are significantly higher than the agreed  fare arrangements with Regent. They will book you on the non-stop return but the airline is requiring a $2200 per person upcharge to reflect what the real cost of the non-stop would be versus the net contract rate. 

You have not been assigned the non-stop on the return because the airline is charging the cruise line significantly more than their agree-to budgetary costs for the air service.

The fact is that the major airlines operating routes to Europe no longer feel that they need to dilute their revenue by providing contracted fares to cruise lines and tour operators. We are starting to see major lines eliminate or drastically change their previous air programs based on favorable rates unavailable to the general public. 

Regent has been affected by this is a major way as previously discussed on this site. Effective September 1, 2024, they eliminated the Free Business Air Option. Now, guests are given a specific quote for air based on the class of service, their gateway, and the specific flight option. The “Ultimate” Regent option includes the air, transfers on arrival and departure, as well as a $500 Limousine company credit to be used for transportation to/from the airport or some time during the cruise in port. 

We are now advising, that in the case of Regent, guests carefully consider choosing and booking the air independently. 

It is important to point out that Regent’s competitors on the TrueLux List  of the world’s best cruise lines are not currently offering an inclusive Free Business Air Program. There are carefully orchestrated efforts by major luxury lines to get out of the air business whenever possible given the disappearance of once-common “contract rate” agreements. 

Cruise lines were once able to offer attractive “free air” rates on international itineraries. The airlines have now moved away from these arrangements as they feel they can fill their seats at higher rates than cruise lines are willing to pay.

Q – We have been following your ratings and rankings of the top, the very top, worldwide cruise lines and we are excited to be trying Silversea in 2026 on a wonderful itinerary. You rank them as second best in the World – high praise.  But on one of threads I follow I see that Silversea is now charging for dinners – something that doesn’t compute with its high per diems. I can afford whatever they charge but I would really like to know what my additional dining costs will be on the Dawn from Split to Lisbon? By the way, your telephone number is tough to find and I recently discovered you are unlisted. Who the hell is your Marketing Manager?

A – We now have cruise lines that are engaged in partnerships with top-line Michelin chefs and some of the options on the very top lines in our rankings are now charging for dining that really goes beyond the normal gourmet experience. Some of the “extra charge” dining experiences come with or offer extraordinary wine flights for those so-inclined. What we look for in our rankings is just how necessary is it for guests on a five star line to avoid paying anything extra to dine while still enjoying a “better than the restaurants at home”.

Here is a point often missed by cruisers: Your best restaurant at home normally gets deliveries on Monday/Tuesday and/or Thursday/Friday. Weekend food is rarely fresh. But on most itineraries, the Chef and staff make runs into local markets and pick out groceries and proteins that are fresh and meet their high standards. So you are often dining on better overall ingredients, like fish less than 24 hour sold, when you dine aboard one of the five-star’s on our list. 

On your cruise, there are five restaurants that carry no additional charge. They are: Atlantide – La Terrazza – Silver Note – The Grill – Spaccanapoli

There are the extra charge dining options and the current pricing:

• Salt Kitchen – Stands for “Sea and Land Taste”. This is a “culinary voyage into local cuisine and culture. It is normally $230 Per Guest. It is worth trying once but we find that our “Foodies” like to dine in this venue more than once during a voyage.
• La Dame – Truly French with some great DNA, $160 Per Person at the moment.
• Kaseki – A serious Japanese venue at $80 per person. Some of the discussion revolves around the fact that Crystal does not charge for its sushi bar. 

So – is there kickback about these extra charges? Really very little. Food costs are hard to predict almost two years ahead of a sailing and extra charge dining options seem to be ingrained in portions of the lux cruise experience.

Our telephone numbers have been generally unlisted for forty years. Our Marketing Manager, one A.V. Churchill, has never felt that we should be accessible. A.V. is very British and will not book anyone on any travel unless it is to Great Britain or its (Empire) and reachable by British Airways. But always feel free to reach out to us at 630-717-7777. We’ll make sure that A.V. doesn’t answer the phone. After 40 years, he still does not know quite how to work the phones. 

Q – We have a long flight coming up on Japan Airlines but first we have to connect from Las Vegas then on to Dallas for our flight.  We are fairly well traveled but this is a long flight on an Airbus 350 and I am not prone to fall asleep while flying. Any advice for us specific to how to prepare for a good night’s sleep? Any information about how comfortable we will be in Business versus First Class? Can’t tell you how much we value this site and its honesty. 

A – Well let’s start out with the good news. You will be flying the recently configured Airbus 350-1000 with one of the most innovation and comfortable Business Class seats that convert to beds in the skies. You will have a privacy wall, excellent food, a large screen, and more technology than you will ever be able to figure out during one flight. And – you will have a comfortable bed with speakers in the pillow section that will help play the sounds of sleep if you wish.

Here are the specific recommendations we discuss with our clients who have sleep concerns on longer flights to Asia, Africa, and portions of Pakistan:

• Start by considering Melatonin and a strategy to wear compression-socks. 
• For two days before your flight go on the “FJD”, the Flying to Japan diet. That might mean lean meats, fish, nuts, dairy, and some complex carbs. Avoid the hard to digest foods you normally eat.
• Try to get into deep relaxation in the 24 hours prior to your flight. Avoid raising your heartbeat – no strenuous exercise..
• Carefully select an eye mask and comfortable earplugs in advance. Test them out at home. Don’t rely on what the flight attendant hands you.
• Always avoid any hot, water-base beverages offered on an aircraft. They are likely using tank water but they do not advertise that. Notice how rarely, if ever, you have seen a flight attendant make themselves a cup of coffee. The stuff they drink is from Starbuck’s in the terminal.
• Try to book the latest flight out so you are exhausted when you board.
• Consider making a picnic at your seat using healthy choice options you purchased in the terminal. It is OK to pass on what is being served in favor of your own creation. If it keeps you more comfortable it is worth it.

Travel safe and well.

Q – (9.19.24) – We have heard that CLEAR is actually preferred to TSA Pre-Check to save time and effort in airport security lines. I love shortcuts – do you recommend that your clients take out this membership?

A – We are not yet enthusiastic about CLEAR. It costs $189 Per Year and there is good US Airport coverage. But we are not at all impressed with its coverage overseas. There have also been delays based on the need for each passenger to input information into machines that can be moody.

Bottom Line: If you regularly fly out of a home airport with CLEAR by all means sign up – but don’t rely on it as an international strategy for scooting through airports ahead of the masses. 

Q – Although our planned trip to Paris and Bordeaux with our grown kids and their three children is still eight months away, we are wondering if there are a few cultural rules we ought to start drumming into everyone now? In other words, what does it take to be a successful “tourist” in the eyes of the French? This is a 70th Birthday Celebration and we want everyone to fully enjoy the experience – but aside from us, no one in the family has been abroad. 

A – There are several things worth knowing about French cultural norms that will be helpful. Here are our personal French “House Rules”:

• Never speak loudly in a restaurant or cafe. If other tables can hear you – tone it down a few octaves,. The French don’t mind being seen but they dislike being heard. 
• Never ask for food to go or for leftovers to be placed in a doggie bag.
• Everything that touches your lips should be eaten slowly – always carefully and thoughtfully savored. Americans, the French feel, do not know how to slowly enjoy anything from coffee to snails – to life itself.
• Never ask a French person what they do for a living. The French are proud of their life-work balance and they do not enjoy discussing work after hours. 
• Never enter or leave any French establishment without a proper Bonjour or Monsieur/Madame acknowledgement. And always make sure you utter hello or goodbye in French before the staff. 

Q – (9.7.24)  This one may be a wild goose chase but a fellow golfer was bragging that he was planning to visit a country that really “does not exist”. But he claims he can still go there and intends to add that nation notch to his rather wide belt. Does this ring a bell of any kind? He seemed sure it is in Europe but I can’t imagine a nation in that part of the world that “does not really exist” in the eyes of the world.

A – It’s real and its name is Transnistria, a smallish slice of Moldavia that declared its independence. Unfortunately, no other countries recognize it even though it has strictly patrolled border crossings, along with its own anthem, flag, and “military”. Transnistria is a sad by-product of the Soviet Union’s collapse.

Intrepid Travel, a reliable operator, once offered  a 13-day day tour of Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania that included two nights in Transnistria. It would, we think, almost be worth a trip to bring home a few pieces of the local currency that is made of plastic and looks like slot machine tokens.

The best thing about this miniest of miniest Soviet wanna-be states is the Aquatir Sturgeon Complex which produces some world-class caviar. 

Your local guide, if you can possibly find one, will likely drop you off at the train station. It is overgrown with weeds and has no trains – but at least it is in a central location.

They sort of want tourists but you can never be certain if the serious-looking border guards in their fur Russian hats will have received the message, To date, the tourist board in Transnistria has not offered Churchill & Turen a consulting position designed to increase the tourist numbers.

Q –  I heard it but I won’t believe it until I hear it from you. There is now an airline that caters exclusively to dogs? Is there a “just cats” airline as well? 

A – There have been several budget airlines that cater to “mutts” but, yes, BARK Air is now flying. Nothing for cats quite yet. No one is sure that cats would remain in their seats or pay any attention at all to to the  safety drill.

On its first flight earlier this year, Bark flew from Westchester County, New York to, need you guess, Los Angeles. It was and is a curated luxury experience. On the Inaugural the plane was carrying six dogs and eleven proud owners. The dogs receive calming music, scents, and colors along with belly rubs from the on-board concierge. (a service we recently discovered is not offered to passengers in Business Class on American Airlines) The cuisine included dog-friendly cupcakes as well as chicken-flavored puppycinos, something Starbuck’s marketing department has overlooked. The transcontinental flight was $6,000 per dog and owner. The scheduled JFK to London service is currently priced at $8,000 a ticket and BARK reports that most flights are sold out. This is a very real, new business venture off to a good start.

Q – (9.4.24) – Our trip for ten days will take in some fine dining in Brussels and some boating through the center of Bruge in Belgium. But I read that there is this new kind of Passport called ETIAS that is now required for  all Europe-bound Americans. Can you let us know the latest on these requirements?

A – This is not a big deal – it is a little deal designed to enable European nations to use the internet to bring in some additional revenue for each arriving tourist. It was initially supposed to kick in in 2024 but some disagreements within the European Union postponed its introduction. It appears it will be ready to roll out in 2025 but nothing is certain as of today. This is what we know at this stage:

Americans will need to apply for a form of travel authorization before being permitted to enter 30 European nations. The authorization can be obtained online and should just take a few minutes. This of this as a toy passport. The cost will likely be 7 Euros but as a special offer for Traveltruth visitors, every European country has reached out to us and agreed to waive the fee for those under 18 and over 70 years of age.  In some cases, the application can take up to four days but that will not be typical. If you want to get the latest details go to travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

Here is the current list of countries that will require ETIAS Registration:

Q –  Good to see that you are keeping up this site. There is really nothing else like it. After some downtime, we are ready to travel with you again. This time, we are thinking about a 32-day itinerary on Viking, recommended by friends, that does a full circumnavigation of Australia.

Love to know what you think of the line and this particular cruise. As you know, we prefer to be away for two or three weeks at a time.

A – Great to hear from you. We can discuss in-depth on the phone, but here are some thoughts we would like to share:

01 – This is a rare and in-depth itinerary. It is designed to attract some guests from the South Pacific and Europe.

02—Viking is not a Five-star line. Given your cruising history on several of the better all-inclusive lines, I have concerns you might be disappointed in several aspects of the experience. You will note they never use the word “luxury” in their advertising. Viking is not trying to be five-star, and we think that is really an important part of their success.

03 – As a rule, we feel that trying to see this part of the world by ship is a mistake. If, for instance, you did one of the better land tours with Tauck or Abercrombie & Kent, you would have 4-6 required international flights, just to get to some of the major sites you would miss on a cruise ship that never stops inland.

04 – This cruise has ten days at sea and Viking is not the best when it comes to sea day stimulations. You are essentially wasting one-third of your time seeing nothing.

05 – When the election is over and all votes are tabulated, New Zealand is most often preferred to Australia as the most memorable of the two destinations. If you have already spent time in New Zealand, then Australia in-depth makes sense, particularly if the relaxation of many days at sea is attractive. But if you have never been to New Zealand we think it is a major mistake to miss it.

06—Given that Viking is competitively priced and ultra-modern, this Viking in-depth sailing makes sense if you are willing to spend the days at sea while skipping New Zealand. If you are up to lux touring, I would strongly recommend the Tauck 21-Day Australia/New Zealand Program. It is unique in that it gives you 50% of your time in NZ. A&K also does a similar itinerary that is excellent, and they do not take more than 24 guests.

07 – Melbourne is actually preferred by many to Sydney.

Upscale clients seem to love an itinerary we created using some of the best lodges in New Zealand. It can be a separate vacation or an add-on to a cruise or tour. New Zealand is one of the safest, friendliest nations on earth. It is well worth a vacation on its own without a single hour in Australia. 

Q – We have been doing mostly vacations in the West and Southwest – two exotic parts of the world given that we live in South Burlington, Vermont. But now that I have tried my last case I think we are ready to do some intensive travel. I am an information gatherer and am ready to start my “files” on Croatia  as well as a cruise out of Hong Kong to Singapore. Two questions – do I really need to use a travel agent and pay all the fees and how does the consumer get real information about insurance coverage? Really appreciate your efforts on this site. It really is a breadth of fresh travel air. 

A – There are several myths surrounding the use of a travel agent, advisor, or consultant (they are all somewhat different by the way). The biggest myth is that you pay more to use one. In fact, the full commission tot he agent is built into all pricing, every single travel product the consumer purchases from hotels rooms, to escorted tours, to cruises. You are always paying for the agent so it kind of makes sense to take advantage of what they have to offer. The better advisors normally have access to preferred rates as well – better than what you, representing no one, can negotiate on your own. So, unless you are in the mood to try your case with every cruise line you book and every hotel  where you stay, demanding a refund of that commission because you never used an agent, you are likely better off using a good agent’s services. 

Here is one quick example: Last year, 91% of our clients did not pay  anything for our services. Our services were free because the commission to our firm is already built into every price. The consumer usually has no understanding as to how this possible and they just don’t demand their proper refund when they book directly because no one ever told them that they could. 

Insurance is a shorter answer. In virtually every state, it is illegal for a non-registered insurance agent, such as a travel advisor, to “evaluate or interpret the technical terms, benefits, or conditions” of a policy a consumer is considering. There are two ways to conquer insurance:

01 – Read the best consumer articles about travel insurance in publications like the New York Times or Consumer Reports. 

02 – Call the Customer Service line at the insurance company you are considering. They will/should answer all of your specific questions. 

One final insurance thought: After all the analysis is completed, you are likely going to receive the best coverage from one of the more expensive policies.

Q – My husband and I have been to Hawaii twice before. We went up in a helicopter in Maui once and we were rather pleased although a tad nervous when the wind drafts carried us upward. Now, we are going back to Hawaii for three weeks, in part, because we want to help the local economy which is still very much in the recovery stage. We will, and can, spend money. Everything we do these days since “cash-out” is pretty much five stars. But the one aspect of the trip that causes me some concern is my husband’s pushing me to do five or six helicopter rides. So, given your honesty on so many other matters, just how safe is helicopter touring on the island these days?

A – We would need to know a bit more about your concerns – but allow us an opinion based on what you have provided. We might suggest one helicopter experience just so you can say you’ve done it and in keeping with your prior experience in the air over Maui. 

There are some facts we want to share:

The National Safety Transportation Board has recorded 246 Helicopter crashes since 1983 resulting in 188 deaths and 115 serious injuries. Sixty of those deaths occurred during Helicopter operations in Hawaii. 

Compare that to commercial airline operations in the United States which has not resulted in a single fatal domestic crash since 2009.

On that basis, we think your concerns are fully justified. 

Q – We are fairly new to the cruise game – so forgive us a rather basic question. We are, or were, happily booked on a lovely Regent Seven Seas Cruise to Japan in 2026. We live in Arizona and were thrilled to discover we could receive free air with our cruise in Business Class, along with transfers to the hotel and then later to the ship and back to the airport at the end of our cruise. Last week, I received a mailing, with a fair bit of “fine print” that said that the Free Air Program now includes round-trip limousine service from our home from a company called Blacklane. We are traveling with my wife’s sister and her husband and using their local travel agent based in Prescott.  Even though we are not your clients, wonder if you might take a moment to advise if we should switch over to the new program. We all really enjoy this site. 

A – Thank you for your question and it will be a pleasure to respond. This site was designed to help travelers and travel advisors from all over North America so there is no issue with your using your sister’s agent.

If you did not take the current offer you would have received an air credit of approximately (depending on date) $2700 per person. The program you reference went into effect on July 1st, 2024. You now pay for the Business Air, upwards of $5,000 + from Phoenix, and, for that, you receive a $500 limo package from Blacklane, a limo company headquartered in Germany.

This is all rather complex and we have received more than two dozen questions on this specific topic. To make things simple let us break down what you need to know in bullet points. Excuse the lack of flowery sentences:

• Anyone who was booked under the old, pre-July 1st change has received much more favorable pricing from Regent. If you were to take advantage of the new offer, you would have to cancel your current booking and then re-book at today’s rate which is significantly higher. Although they fail to mention it in their ads, the luxury cruise lines tend to have fare increases every 90-120 days so, as the ship fills up, those who book later pay more. There are always “deals” in mailings and cruise ads. But, the “secret sauce” is that to take advantage of any deal you must re-book at the new rate as of the current date – and it will always be higher, often much higher, than the no-deal rate would have been six months earlier.
• The included Business Class air program Regent has used for years is no longer sustainable. With plane delivery and supply train issues, seat prices have been going up and the airlines are less willing to enter into reduced fare contracts with cruise lines. This is particularly true when it comes to seats in the often sold out front of the aircraft. 
• Regent must individually quote each new air offer and it will be based on publicly available fares you can often obtain on your own. Do note that Regent’s quote includes round-trip transfers with a value from Blackstone of $500. If you work directly with an airline you will not get that credit. 
• If you choose to get to the airport on your own, you can keep the Blacklane credit and use it to provide sightseeing/private drivers in one or more of the ports you will be visiting. But to use Blacklane, you will need to download their App and do everything with them directly online. 
• Taken together, Regent’s newly-announced Air Program will cost guests several thousands of dollars more than their previous program. Guest’s should now pay particular attention to booking Regent’s lowest “Cruise Only” rates. But, for convenience and ease of use, many guests will continue to ask that their Advisor have Regent include the entire Air Package in their booking.

So – your case, we would urge you to stick with what you have and give your Prescott Travel Agent our best regards. Hope it is a truly memorable trip – and remember – as you stand on any corner in any major city in Japan, one out of every three women you see under the age of 50 has never, ever been on a date. Japan now has negative population growth which is why they are embracing immigration. 

Q – Thank you! Amazing how much of the “travel truth” escapes media interest given the huge ad spending stats from the industry. My wife and I are in our early forties and we are waiting to travel internationally until we get a bit closer to retirement age. We do most of our own planning, not because we think we are saving money but, rather, because we enjoy the planning part of every domestic journey. 

We have taken your advice regarding securing rebates of the built in travel agent commission when we book hotels. We have had only moderate success but it has been fun trying and watching them defend charging us the travel agent commission when we never worked with a travel agent.

But the fun aspect does not apply to the airlines. Our demands for a commission rebate have fallen on deaf and sometimes “rude” ears. Are we missing something?

A – We admire your tenacity in the light of truth but the airlines are a dead end street when it comes to getting the commission returned to you. The reason is simple – they stopped including the travel agent commission in ticket pricing more than a decade ago. That is why almost all travel agents have to charge ticket fees for the processing of airline tickets. The larger agencies do negotiate override commission deals but the consumer really is not entitled to any commission rebate on air tickets because it is not, as it is with hotels, cruises, and tours, baked into the final pricing. 

Q – (5.14.24) I won’t bore you with my medical history. I am going to be 79 and I have type-2 Diabetes along with several other maladies – some related, some not. We are going to be going on a 54-day sailing on Seabourn in Asia that combines several shorter sailings. Can you confirm that should my wife or I need the on-board doc’s services they are included in the fare. I seem to have read that on so-called Grand Voyages” and the Around-the-World’s” the physician’s services are all included. Can you verify? 

A  –  No verification here. This must be explored with your travel advisor and Seabourn management. Here is what you need to know and what you need to do:

• Have your physician prepare a detailed list of your current medical concerns and a full list of your medications. Have your travel advisor submit that list to Seabourn or do it directly for reasons of privacy. The on-board physician will need your medical summary information.
• Your assumption was, at one time, correct. But cruise lines have been getting away from unrestricted commitments to include medical services on any length of voyage. There are just too many insurance issues. It is more likely that your initial consultation will be included in your fare but additional services will not be complimentary. You need to get this policy in writing. You need to know exactly what will be included in onboard medical services and what won’t be. Your advisor can assist with this.
• We want you to understand that the ship’s onboard physician does not work for Seabourn. They are independent contractors. Seabourn insurance will not, generally, cover interactions with the shipboard physician. 
• You need to investigate the potential of a huge medical bill should something unexpected happen. Will Medicare or your private insurance cover you? To what extent? Have you taken out medical insurance? What are its provisions? Have you taken our advice to never take out travel insurance unless it specificifically provides at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage?

Going on a cruise with Diabetes is not unusual. But going away, anywhere, out-of-country for two months and traveling to areas where the local hospital situation may not be up to US standards, is something we would urge you to consider carefully. Your medical; health issues and paperwork must be in order and you need to know who to notify if you encounter unexpected issues. Your Advisor should be discussing all of this with you in some detail. As you have not mentioned that a professional advisor is involved, the possibility exists that you are not using one or that you are making your arrangements online or directly with the cruise line. Don’t.

You are going to be paying many thousands of dollars in travel agent’s services even if you don’t use an agent. It makes sense to share your concerns with a specialist who will adviuse you on the above. In your case, you might want to contact someone locally so you can sit down face-to-face to discuss these medical concerns in person.

Wishing you a smooth, healthy 54 Days seeing some of this planet of ours. 

Q – (5.12.24) We can’t wait to sail the AMA Spirit to Vietnam and Cambodia. But a friend who follows social media more closely than I ever will, just advised us that AMA has been sold and that it is no longer an American company. We’ve sailed with them twice before, once on the Duoro in Portugal and once for the Christmas markets along the Rhine. We love the line and the people it attracts. We know that you rate them highly but we now have some worries that the AMA we know will not be what we have experienced in the past. Any advice you can offer?

A – Yes, we suppose AMA Wasterways will change – for the better!  After all, the founders remain very much in charge but the line now has an infusion of cash that is the envy of  other companies that compete in the “river trade”.  

The  French investment firm, L. Catterton, has acquired a significant stake in AMA. The founding owners, Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and the Murphy Family are part of a consortium of investors. Centares is the travel and hospitality branch of  L. Catterton,. The investment group has $9.6 billion under management and the company is a part of the family of funds owned by Bernard Arnault in France. Mr. Arnault is said to be the world’s richest man.  Under the Arnault umbrella, AMA will now share ownership with many familiar brands including:

Tiffany & Company – Louis Vuitton – Christian Dior – Moet & Chandon – Fendi – Bulgari – Givenchy

Many of the friends of AMA, including those of us who know Rudi, Kristin, and Garry Murphy as three of the most approachable, intelligent and down-to-earth executives in the industry, are thrilled that this group now has the funding to accompany their vision to create products in the river cruise market that will operate in new markets and at the highest possible levels. AMA will remain a product specifically suited for a majority of American guests although the European market will continue to be an important part of their overall demographics.

You can now tell your friends to stop believing what they read on social media. You can also tell them that your personal riverboat company has “more money behind it” than any of its competitors. You will love your Mekong River Cruise and when you go to bed at night know that Mr. Arnault will make certain that you continue to have the very best experiences on AMA.

Q – (5.13.24) My partner and I enjoy your fresh take on the waves of travel nonsense that is produced by social media each day. And that, sort of compliment is coming from a team that produces some of that noise for a wide variety of corporate clients. We are, in fact, off next week to Buenos Aires to work with one of those clients in a mid-city high-rise. But we will have some free time and we were wondering where you might suggest we rent a bike and do some neighborhood exploring in safety and with a stop for some great Argentinian coffee every hour or so. I suppose we are interested in seeing the kinds of neighborhoods where successful folks in our business might reside in a nearby suburb. We will get more than ouir fill of city life, food, and entertainment. But we want to explore on our own and sort of get an insider’s view of where locals like us, who do what we do, live and enjoy their weekends. We are thinking upscale housing, parks, and plenty of restaurants and cafes that can be explored on a bike. Thanks very much for your response.

A –  There are several great residential neighborhoods surrounding the core of Buenos Aires but we would first suggest that you head to Palermo, just northwest of the city center.  This is the neighborhood where BA’s young professionals and media types are all moving. You will fiund upscale shops and restaurants and sidewalk cafes galore. The neighborhood is admired for jogging and biking and it is considered safe. There are public bike racks available or shops that rent bikes. But don’t stay too long – you may be tempted to put down an apartment deposit. Palermo is that much fun and largely undiscovered by tourists.

Q –   We had a long weekend, so my wife and I planned out a cruise we will be booking on Celebrity Cruises to Europe next summer, which we will follow with a Backroads Walking Tour of Spain. We spoke to our travel agent who knows that we always fly American out of Charlotte. I do love collecting those Advantage Miles and have saved enough in the past for some nice weekend getaways. But my agent told me she does not think I will get mileage credit from the cruise line or the hiking company if I purchase the air through them. Does this sound like it could be true? How can I be sure to fly American while still earning my full mileage credits? PS – we always fly Business Class. 

A – Your travel agent is absolutely correct. This is all a bit technical but let us simplify it a bit. American became the first major airline to say that if you book your air through a third party vendor, like a cruise line or a tour operator, you will no longer be able to earn miles on those flights. This policy went into effect on May 1st, 2024.

Of course, the math is fairly simple. American has to give out contracted rates and pay commission when a third party sells their tickets. They have made a business decision to, essentially, only grant miles when the customer books directly with American either online on the American App. or using the American reservation system. 

Many travel advisors are waiting to see if the other shoe drops and other airlines match this policy.

Your alternative is easy – book the air with American yourself directly. And be prepared to relinquish the airport to hotel and hotel to ship transfers that your cruise line would have included in the air package. 

This is just one more example of why so many millions of folks are wearing those red baseball caps that read “Make American Airlines Great Again”. They even hold their own anti-American Airline rallies. 

Q— (5.5.24) Our friends recently returned from a Regent Cruise sailing out of Athens. They were booked on a pre-cruise program. Their flight out of New York was canceled, and they ended up with a new schedule that required several flight changes. They arrived in Athens after 38 hours of flying. According to the Apple Air Tag, their luggage was still at Charles DeGaulle. No one from Regent or the Regent-booked hotel could help them. They finally sent an e-mail directly to the CEO of Delta and received word two days later that their luggage would be sent home as they had requested.  Thjey did the cruise with clothing and accessories they had purchased in Athens. 

We have a cruise planned on Silversea in two months and we are wondering what to do to prepare for such a situation. They told me that the travel agent could not do much because the agent had not done the ticketing. Any advise for those of us who might be worried about a similar experience regarding lost luggage would be appreciated.

A – As the rate of flight cancellations keeps creeping up, stranded pre-cruise and pre-tour baggage is a growing problem. It is a rather complicated problem to fix when it occurs because the airlines generally refuse to talk to anyone but the booking agent or the customer directly. Most airlines outsource their lost baggage departments these days so formal claims must be filed before departing the airport at one’s final destination. Although cruise lines provide air as a “convenience” to their guests, they are generally unwilling to assume responsibility for lost baggage. They will claim that it is the airline’s responsibility.

Here are Some Suggestions to Both Prepare and Cope with Lost Luggage During an International Trip: 

• Use the Apple Air Tags or a similar tracking device so you always know where your bags are at any moment
• Do not travel without emergency numbers, including the number of your airline’s lost baggage department. Ask for this number when you check in for your first flight.
• If your bags are lost, you should send a specific email to the lost baggage address. Always include the baggage claim number, the lost baggage report number, and a full description, including size, brand, and color, of your missing luggage. 
• Try using large baggage tags, including where you are staying and the dates on the back of the tag. That could prove helpful. 
• Always pack two nights of fresh clothing in your carry-on. 
• If you are not assigned non-stop flights abroad, seriously consider having your bags shipped directly to your hotel by one of the better luggage shipping services such as “Luggage-Free” (It isn’t) 
• Forget arriving at your pre-cruise destination one night before boarding the ship. To help avoid boarding without your possessions, start planning three-night pre-cruise stays wherever you are traveling. That extra day and night will help increase the odds that you will receive your bags before boarding your ship. 
• If you check in to a quality hotel without your luggage, tip the team at the Concierge Desk and nicely solicit their aid. They will often have contacts within the airport. Don’t forget that once your luggage arrives at your destination airport, it still has to be sent to your hotel. There are instances where you would go with a courier from the hotel to secure your luggage from customs personally.
• Keep a notebook with the dates/times of all conversations and details associated with your lost luggage. Keep all receipts and copies of paperwork in an envelope for easy access. This will be extremely helpful should you decide to file an insurance claim using your “lost luggage” or “trip delay” provisions. 
• If you have not received your bags do not immediately go on a wild shopping spree as insurance companies have very limited coverage of expenditures for replacement clothing. 
• Your travel advisor will, hopefully,  be tirelessly working on your behalf. Make certain that you send your advisor a daily status update. It helps if you work with an advisor who has a personal relationship with your cruise line’s management. Because cruise lines do not take responsibility for lost baggage, and the airlines will only deal with the entity that issued the tickets (The Cruise Line or Tour Company Air Departments), your travel advisor will likely be rather restricted in what they can do to help you. If your travel agency personally issued your tickets, they will/should get involved with their airline representatives.
• One or two of the better air ticketing specialists include assistance with lost baggage in their services. If you use one of these Flight Monitoring Services, such as Cranky Concierge, you will have an advantage as they can deal directly with the airlines and their baggage departments.
• Always pack anything that is truly important to you and all documentation in your carry-on. 
• Please try to stay calm. In the vast majority of cases, well over 90% of the time, passengers flying internationally, particularly those in Business or First Class, are eventually reunited with their lost luggage.

Q – As my wife and I work, almost continuously, on our Five-Year Travel Planning, we find ourselves drawn to the list you published several months ago of the World’s Top Fifty restaurants. Fine dining seems as good a reason to visit a country as anything else, so we are trying to use two or three in-country firm reservations to guide us in our planning. The question is how to best secure a reservation at one of the restaurants on the list.  Do you recommend that we call or, perhaps, put our request in an e-mail? Should it be addressed to the Head Chef or the owner? We would love to lock several places in Brazil and Japan in for 2026. Is there anything we should tell the restaurant about ourselves to make this all go smoothly?

A –  Good idea but, perhaps, wrong approach. The last thing a world-class restauant wants to do is try to figure out what a US caller is talking about. You have no clout with a foreeign restaurant unless you get screamed ast easch evening by someone named “Gordon”.

The last thing the really top restaurants overseas  want is a reputation for catering to tourists from the USA. It would help kill their local business. We would leave the restaurant reservation portion of your trip-planning to the overseas office used by your travel advisor to do the rest of the tyrip. The owners of your on-site offices live in-country and if the restaurant is on the “Top-Fifty” List it ios likely they have a relationship with management. Leave it to your local contact to fill the restauant in on juist how very important you are. Unless you are a blood relative of Anthony Bourdain  however, they may remain unimpressed. They hear from true VRVIP’s each and every afternoon seeking tables. 

The rule here is that any reservation needs to be made by a local, fluent speaker of the language or, in the case of the British Isles, by someone with the proper pronunciation.

There is one exception – if you are a return VIP Guest at one of the very best hotels in town, it is likely that the Lead Concierge at your hotel would also be a good source to score a hard-to-get reservation. 

May we say that being led on your travels by a desire to dine really well is an idea with a great deal of merit. But beware that that approach may keep you isolated int he more affluent, sophisticated portions of your destination. We would suggest a fifty-fifty mix of fine-dining and dining “a la local” in the countryside.

Q – It would appear that The Goring in London meets with your approval. We work with a TA and she is a member of one of the major consortium groups. However, I was able to call the hotel directly and get an extremely competitive rate with no hassles. We are collecting countries, 73 to date, and there will be many hotel nights to book as we are in our early fifties. So I suppose I want to ask, on behalf of others who visit this insider site, how do we really know when we are getting the very best hotel rate?  Do I book through my agent, the hotel directly, one of the mega-online agencies, or do I spend my time on Expedia and Priceline? Is there clear advice you can share. It really isn’t the money. It’s more about the principle – if we are spending, on average, in excess of $1,000 per night, how can we be certain that we have been given the best price?

A – This is, as you realize, a somewhat complex question. But you raise several excellent points and we feel that we want to try to achieve some clarity in our response. So allow us to address your questions with bullet points:

• The best hotel rates are normally going to be offered by the hotel property, not by some third-party 800-number online entity. One would have to assume that Hotel Owners are idiots were they to allow internet-based sites to beat the pricing they have in their own hotel database. We know what the ads say – but booking anything with a 1-800 Call Center is just a sucker move – yet – seven of the ten largest travel agencies sell online strangers. They are there to sell you a hotel room but, as importantly, they are there to gather your identity and your credit card information which can then be sold several times. The proceeds from the sale of your private information is generally greater than the profit on a hotel room booking – even one at a deluxe property.
• But you only represent a single booking. your agent may book the Goring several times a year and her consortium may do six figures or more in total annual bookings. So normally, (and believe us the phrase “there are always exceptions” was created by the hotel gods for their profession, the best consortium members receive similar pricing plus a package of amenities. This may include complimentary breakfast, airport transfers, a dinner voucher for the hotel restaurant etc. In other words you agent would not be undercutting the hotel’s direct price but they may have negotiated volume amenities and upgrade offers that are not available to the general public or those who book their accommodations directly. 
• So – the bottom line:
  • Only book a hotel with an advisor who has a consortium certified contract arrangement with your hotel. That is how you get the best rate – ask if the hotel “Is a Preferred Supplier of your consortium”?
  • If not, your second best option is to book directly with the hotel – not a service desk or a rep firm – the hotel itself

Q—I have a guidebook that says Sunday is the best day of the week to book a flight within the USA. Prices seem to go up on Monday. This sort of makes sense but it also seems too simple to be true.

Is there a time of day when the average air ticket is lower? We are now at the point where we will be doing more domestic travel to visit kids and grandkids and I am trying to figure out a simple strategy. Thanks very much.

A – Airline strategies are fun to write about but much of what is written is old by the time it reaches print. You want to book domestic flights between 30-60 days before departure. But there is no one day when rates are lower. The new breed of computer algorithms is changing fares constantly based on availability and sales data streaming in by the millions. There is no way a human can try to predict or even keep up with those changes.

Wednesday and Thursday may be the best days but that is really hard to certify. We do know that flights that leave between 6:00 and 8:00 am and flights that depart in the evening between 10 PM-1:00 AM tend to have better pricing and better on-time records than mid-day departures. 

Q – We are three friends – all in our thirties, all financially comfortable, and all working for West Coast architectural firms. We ski and take lots of photos, but we travel primarily to be stimulated by new ideas in urban planning, architectural design, and lifestyle planning. We like to go where the world’s happiest people live to try to gain an understanding of how buildings and design can make city living fun again.

We are now planning a November getaway – possibly to Stockholm. We have already traveled to Copenhagen. We are wondering if you would agree that Stockholm is the obvious choice? Love the site and the lack of ads. 

A – We would make a strong base for Oslo at the moment. A surplus of  Norwegian oil money has allowed the city mothers and fathers to devote considerable energy to take stodgy Oslo and turn it into a cultural colassus that admirably competes with Stockholm. You will actually see locals enjoy winter sports as you walk downtown in November.Walk to the top floor of the Oslo Opera House where you can climb promenades that slope toward the roof. The public library is not to be believed – they have craft stations with 3-D Printers and home-made crafting, high quality music studios, and movie theaters that are, of course, complimentary. The National Museum is spectacular and is larger than any other museum in Scandinavia.

Then there’s the Bjorvika District and the new performance center, SALT. But to see the locals enjoying one another’s company, you might want to book a short sail on a small Sauna boat that will drop you off in a relatively isolated portion of the fjord. You jump into the frigid water and then soon come back aboard warming up on the boat’s large sauna.

Sorry Stockholm – the newest hot major Scandinavian city of the moment is Oslo. But not literally “hot” in November. 

Q – I travel for business and my husband and I travel as much as possible overseas for pleasure. Inb our early forties, we are somewhere in the world about 60% of any year. But trying to really figure out flight schedules is terribly frustrating. Just wondering if there is a website or specific source you would recommend to help us figure out which airports have non-stop flights to cities where we need to go overseas. I have, of course, fooled around with the Expedia and Kayaks of the world. Simplicity of use is not one of their attributes. Sorry for the bother, buit we just feel we are missing something.

A – You are certainly not alone. Flight search sites are predicated on the belief that price rather than non-stop flights is the major motivation for visitors. Fortunately, there is “work-around” for this problem. Virtually every major airport in the United States now has a page on Wikipedia. Go on the site and scroll down to the section called “Airlines and Destinations.” Under this subject you will find clear listings of which routes from the airport have non-stop service and which airline(s) provide it.  This is a simple fix but it works.

Q – This is a rather fascinating site. As a resident of  Manchester U.K. I must admit that some of the cryings about travel displeasure seem uniquely American in nature. I have been planning my own travels with few issues for about twenty-five years. But I have just recently run into a stone wall trying to get confirmed on a Silversea sailing from Tokyo. I wrote a letter to management indicating that I take at least one major trip a year etc. but that has done little for my status. Do you have any suggestions to get the space cleared? Do they work these wait-lists conscientously. Any tips would be appreciated. We Brits do like to mind our manners and keep our place in line – but not necessarily in Manchester. Keep it up.

A – Let’s look at it this way. You represent a potential booking. One small piece of the cruis line’s annual revenue. Our firm belongs to a consortium group of top-producing agents. It is a “By Invitation Only” organization. In 2023 we did a total of $23 Billion in luxury sales and we are the top-producing group for most of the major luxury brands. Then, drill down a bit to who we are and what specific revenue we might product for a top-ranked cruise line. By failing to take advantage of advocacy and oversite you have placed yourself in a position to lose this soccer match. A bit of advice for getting space cleared:

• Work with a top-producing travel advisor well known in executive circles at the line. It will cost you nothing and may well get you cleared.
• Have your advisor help you design a brief bio that highlights your unique ability to generate word-of-mouth bookings for the line. That bio should be submitted with a special request to the travel advisor’s personal sales manager at the line. That won’t clear the space but it very well may move you up on the waiting list.
• Put it all in perspective: Japan and Iceland along with Grand Voyages of more than 24 Days are currently booking up faster than the vast majority of cruise itineraries in the luxury sector. They should be booked 14-16 months in advance to assure that you will get what you are seeking.

Good Luck with Liverpool.

Q – We are planning on doing a 14-night Regent Seven Seas Cruise to Australia and New Zealand next winter. I was wondering if you could tell us how many formal nights there will likely be so we can plan on packing.

A – There will be zero formal nights. Sorry if this is disappointing. Regent does not have formal nights for any sailing of less than 16 nights. But on other competitive lines like Seabourn, Crystal, or Silversea, formal nights are less of an issue than many first-time guests imagine. Every Luxury line offers alternative dining venues on formal nights that do require that male guests try to look as much as possible like members of a Falkland Islands Penguin colony.

Q – We are planning a visit to Europe in the Fall that will include Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest. We are not budget travelers at all, so quality hotels are not an issue. But we wonder about making certain that the areas around a hotel we might choose in these cities are safe at night. How do we make certain we are not venturing into unsafe areas? Is this something a travel consultant can help with? Do you advise your clients on such things, or is it up to us to do all of the research? Although we have done many driving trips in the US, as you might be able to tell – we are not well-traveled outside the country.

A – This is not a silly question. You need to feel safe when you travel. When you work with a professional advisor you should be shown hotel inspection reports that are not available online. These reports will cover any concerns such as unsafe areas around the hotel.

The truth is that five-star hotels are normally not open in anything like a dangerous area. Part of any hotel stay for visiting tourists is wandering out and finding dining choices that look enticing. The Concierge Desk at your hotel is the overall best source for the most up-to-date safety information. Always feel free to ask questions such as “is there a direction where you would advise we avoid walking”?

In general, when walking around a strange city, we recommend leaving most of your cash and some of your credit cards, along with your best jewelry, in the hotel safe. And remember, again, that 131 countries in the world are safer to walk around than almost any of America’s largest cities. (Source: 2024 Global Safety Index)

Q – (1-26-24) I just received my issue of Travel & Leisure, and I counted eight cruise lines that were touting the fact that they had won “World’s Best” Awards. Viking claims they have won top line in several categories including Riverboats and Cruises. As we are in the New Year, I wonder if there is any consensus as to which cruise line, based on objective factors, is really the top-rated line in the world. We have only done a four-day cruise to the Bahamas many years ago but are now ready to commit the money to sail the best line at sea. 

A  – No answer to your question is truly “objective”. We look at many criteria, several of which involve sources  based abroad. We also maintain our own program of CSI Inspectors who sail all of the top ships at full tariff and undercover. We have achieved this by training sophisticated world travelers who have luxury cruise experience. They use the same evaluations and tests that we use when comparing cruise products.

There are two things to note that are important:

• Numerous companies sell full sets or partial sets of A!-produced online reviews. For that reason, they are virtually meaningless. 
• Print Media believes, and studies do show, that “Lists” or “Ratings” increase circulation. The major consumer magazines try to create as many categories as possible so that every potential cruise advertiser has an award to reference. This is all big business and the consumer is supposed to believe that the line they want to sail, or the one their travel agent recommends, is really top-of-the-line. In most cases that is false.

In 2024, the top-ranked cruise line is Hapag-Lloyd. The top-ranked ship is the Europa 2. Following Hapag-Lloyd there is a close bunching of excellence as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn battle for second place. 

Hapag-Lloyd is a German Line and guests who do not speak German may be at a conviviality disadvantage. Silversea is a more formal alternative to Regent Seven Seas. Seabourn does more creative itineraries and Regent is, by a significant margin, the better value as they include round-trip Business Class Air and shore excursions on all sailings.

When you ask this question next year, we think you will see some major shits in the Cruisetruth Rankings as smaller luxury lines like Four Seasons and Aman begin to launch their products. This will squeeze out non-inclusive higher density lines like Viking from Top Ten consideration. Our team is busy updating our www.cruisetruth.com website where you will soon see the updated rankings. 

Q – (1.26.24) – Just so you know ……….there’s Fodor’s, AFAR, TripAdvisor, Travel + Leisure and 10,000 blogs that deal with Parisian Bakeries. But, in good faith, we are coming to you in the hopes that you will take our question sort of seriously. My wife, Marie, is of French background. I have childhood memories of ordering French onion soup on Queens  Boulevard in a borough of that name – when we could afford it.

Now, I write an occasional screenplay and we jet off to Paris whenever we can come up with anything that remotely resembles a valid excuse. OK – this Fall we are going to spend a week in Paris for the primary purpose of finding out and, just for our friends, documenting, where one might go to uncover the best baguettes in the city. We imagine this will take us into any number of colorful neighborhoods, some away from the tourist hordes. And we will visit the best bakeries with a small cooler filled with local provisions purchased that morning so we can quickly find a park bench and immediately begin the tasting/filming process. We don’t want to waste time and we truly feel this is the place to turn. Really enjoy this ad-free site. Hope you  can monetize it in some way. 

A – We enjoyed your question and, particularly your premise. Having some sort of good-tasting reason to walk around a city gives one purpose and, best of all, takes you into neighborhoods that one might just never visit on any kind of a touring program. We have a list that we think might be a good start. Please enjoy and, if you have a moment, please share your photos with us at documents@traveltruth.com  Have a memorable visit.

Maison Landemaine Jules Joffrin

With over a dozen locations in Paris, plus one in Lille and a few in Tokyo, Maison Landemaine might not seem like the authentic expression of the artisanal boulangerie, but the hits still hit. The baguette tradition is crusty and chewy in all the right ways, especially paired with cheeses from the nearby Laiterie cheese shop on Rue des Poissonniers.

4 Rue du Poteau, 75018 Paris, France

Shinya Pain Montmartre

Shinya Inagaki has made bread for some of the most beloved sourdough bakeries in Paris (think Fermentation Générale and the Terroirs d’Avenir boulangerie). At his own operation in Montmartre, Inagaki is making sourdough breads his own way. Olive focaccia, brioches, multigrain breads, and scones are just some of the specials Inagaki scrawls on butcher paper at his tiny storefront on Rue des Trois Frères.

41 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris, France

Maison Julien Les Saveurs de Pierre Demours

The 2020 winner of Le Grand Prix de la Baguette de Traditional Française de la Ville de Paris, a coveted award recognizing the city’s best baguette, Taieb Sahal makes a standard-bearer for traditional Parisian baguettes. Crusty, airy, and with a warm yeasty smell, the baguettes at Maison Julien in the 17th represent French bread at its finest.

Mamiche

You’ll likely encounter a line when visiting the original bakery outpost of Cécile Khayat and Victoria Effantin’s wildly popular Mamiche bakery, but the wait is worth it. Using natural leaven, Mamiche’s breads are excellent, from the hearty pain de campagne to the lightweight pain de mie, as well as a traditional “miche Mamiche.” Don’t miss the babkas and viennoiserie, too. You can’t go wrong with any of it.

45 Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris, France

The French Bastards – St Ferdinand

With three locations across Paris and a name that’s fun to say, the French Bastards’ bakery could get by on novelty alone. Thankfully that’s not the case: Breads with honey and figs, hazelnuts, plentiful seeds, rye flour, and more comprise the menu at the three French Bastards locations, and they’re all delicious. Take a hearty loaf to go, and eat a caramel eclair on the way home.

35 Pl. Saint-Ferdinand, 75017 Paris, France

The Rue des Martyrs location of Farine&O frequently has a line around lunchtime, with working Parisians picking up sandwiches, pastries, and sodas to go. The line moves fast and the wait pays off: Baguettes, brioche, and rotating daily offerings will satisfy even the most discerning of bread-heads. Don’t forget to pick up a croissant — they’re flaky beyond human understanding.

10 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, France

Levain, Le Vin

The concept — and cheeky play on words — at Christophe Fertillet’s Levain, Le Vin is all about pairing great naturally leavened breads with great natural wines. Sit for a planche of breads crafted in-house by Fertillet and charcuterie to match, or take loaves of bread to go along with one of the carefully curated bottles of wine that line the shop’s shelves.

83 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris, France

Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Terroirs d’Avenir

Part of the strip of shops on Rue du Nil that make up the sustainable agriculture organization Terroirs d’Avenir (or, terroirs of the future), the boulangerie has sourdough breads that are inspired by the organization’s mission. All manner of breads are on offer, from focaccia to multigrain tin loaves, and since the boulangerie is only a stone’s throw from the primeur (or fresh market), fish shop, and butcher, you can have dinner sorted out before you reach the end of the block.

3 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France

Boulangerie Utopie

While many boulangeries around Paris will sell bread, pastries, and viennoiserie (think anything laminated), most excel at one area or another. At Utopie in the 11th, it’s safe to pick between any of the sourdough croissants, elegant pastries, brioche, and inventive breads made with ingredients like sesame and curry powder; kalamata olives; and guava and cranberry.

20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris, France

Tout Autour du Pain

A baguette at Tout Autour du Pain is a classic option for picnics, parties, or just midday snacks. Perfectly golden and crisp, they’re the platonic ideal of a baguette. Buy one for later and one to eat immediately in the petite plaza directly across from the shop.

134 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France

General Fermentation

As the name implies, the M.O. at Fermentation Générale in the 11th is everything fermented. From kefir and kombucha to natural wines, ciders, and pickles, the menu is a dream for anyone who loves sour flavors. Sourdough fits perfectly in that mix. Every bread is tangy and tart, with a depth of flavor reminiscent of San Francisco sourdoughs.

37 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris, France

Ten Belles Bread

Alice Quillet and Anna Trattles’s sourdough bread bakery Ten Belles Bread was initially confusing to some Parisians, as they didn’t sell baguettes and they used the word “bread” instead of “boulangerie” in the name. The bakery won almost the whole city over with their bread loaves, though. They offer just the right amount of sour, with a custardy inside and crusty outside. Ten Belles sells great coffee, pastries, and lunch specials, too, so you’ll absolutely want to come with an appetite.

17-19 Rue Breguet, 75011 Paris, France

Le Bricheton

In a tiny storefront in the 20th, Le Bricheton is the choice for the truly devoted bread lover. It has limited hours, and the bread sells fast, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood, this tiny bakery is an essential visit. Breads are made from organic flour, sourced in France, often with ancient grains like

50 Rue de la Réunion, 75020 Paris, France

Boulangerie Poilâne

You’d be hard-pressed to find a visitor to Paris who isn’t heading to Poilâne at some point during their trip. That’s because the bakery has been making delicious sourdough wheat loaves for almost 100 years. You’ll recognize a Poilâne miche by the signature swoopy “P” scored into the bread before baking, as well as its brown color imparted by the proportion of stone-ground whole wheat in the dough. Looking to make sandwiches with jambon de Paris? The loaves can be sliced to order.

8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France

Le Boulanger de la Tour

While not every visitor to Paris has the time or money to visit the historic Tour d’Argent restaurant, Le Boulanger de la Tour is more than sufficient as a backup. A rotating menu of breads is available from the famed restaurant’s bakers. They’re so good, you can close your eyes and almost imagine you’ve nabbed a seat in the restaurant’s historic waterfront dining room.

2 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris, France

 These bakeries are listed by the highly recommended “Eater” Web group. 

Q – (1.12.24) We are, as we write this, sitting at a table piled with travel brochures we’ve been collecting. We are trying to figure out where we should be headed this coming summer in Europe? This led to some discussion and we are wondering what trends you are seeing at traveltruth? Have people changed their travel destination choices in the past year and do you have any sense as to the better options for summer heat travels in 2024 and 2025.  We live in Rancho Mirage so summer getaways are now an important consideration. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

A – The data is actually rather startling. The demand for cooler overseas destinations has increased dramatically this past year. Mindset Consulting claims that demand for “cooler destinations” is up 186% at the end of 2023. The search for colder destinations is strongest, according to the research, among residnets of California, Florida, and Georgia.

So where are they headed? The Netherlands had a 174% growth last year – Ireland was up 154% – and Finland 133%. These examples are being repeated all around northern Europe.  If we were launching a new travel firm today, we might call it “Cooler Climes”.

Q – (1.12.24) My husband’s Dad passed away a few months ago and we have inherited enough money to do some serious travel going forward. We live in Colorado and we are skiers so we have not felt the need to travel overseas more than once. But as we get older, we want to see Europe, Antarctica, the Maldives, and portions of South America.

Some of this will, I suppose, be escorted tour travel, some will be cruises (which we have never done) and I still think we have it in us to do a few totally independent journeys to places like Rome and Paris. We still won’t shake our desire to save money while enjoying upscale travel opportunities so my questions is should we be looking at booking our travels online or should we make contact with a travel agent? 

A –  If you have confidence in your planning skills, it might be fun to do some of your independent travels on your own using trusted internet sites. Currently, Statistica Consumer Insights reports that 53% of travel bookings are made this way because users feel it more convenient and faster than using a traditional travel agent. Online sites can sometimes make it easier to compare pricing.

Be aware, however, that when you book things online independently you are still charged the built-in travel agency commission which runs from 10-15% on average.

For your longer, more complex travels, we think you would be most satisfied with the services of a caring travel advisor. Try to choose one that is associated with one of the three or four most trusted consortium groups – their membership requirements are normally quite strict. 

There are many excellent agencies in major areas of Colorado. You may want to create a face-to-face relationship if you live in an area with an excellent agency. Do let us know if we can ever be helpful. 

Q – (1.12.24) – Have enjoyed discovering this one-of-a-kind site. Kudos for forcing all questions to be on subject and anonymous. It surely helps eliminate 90% of the BS encountered on other travel platforms. 

We cruise at least three times a year since my retirement. We have, I must confess, done Royal Caribbean with the grandkids and we just returned from a stint on the Ritz Carlton Yacht. I have noticed that we keep mailings and e-mail messages telling us about special offers etc. on some of the better lines, including Seabourn which we will be sailing in four months. My question is this: Who is monitoring these new offers and promotions? Is it the travel agent I use, the cruise line, or is it all on me and my own initiative?  Thanking you in advance. I can’t figure out how you make money from this site but I hope it continues while I can still travel. 

A – Appreciate your observations and your important question:

• Our entire Media Group, each of our sites, is set up to serve the consumer on a not-for-profit basis. We do not accept online bookings. We do not have amateur or off-subject commentary. Anyone can anonymously ask a question but we want our sites to be honest and informational and we can’t achieve that if we allow amateur “critics” to rant about experiences they may or may not have had. We are also very aware of the likelihood that some of the most-popular sites purchase reviews and AI-generated comments.
• The bottom line answer to your question is “hopefully your travel advisor is monitoring your pricing – but ultimately, it is the consumer’s responsibility to inquire about new promotions.” Cruise lines will, as a rule, not closely monitor pricing so they can lower the cost of a booked cruise and, therefore, lower their percentage of profit. They have little motivation to do that.
• Please understand that this has not been a major issue when dealing with four or  five-star rated lines. New promotions tend to be offered in tandem with scheduled price increases which normally occur every 90-120 days. When a booked guest tries to take advantage of an upgrade offer or a new discount, in the vast majority of cases they must pay the cruise fare in effect at the time. In most, but not all, cases the new deal is not as good as the earlier pricing booked. No highly-rated cruise line wishes to offend those top suite guests who booked their cruise earlier than most. Many of the computer programs that control pricing are set up so pricing increases when a ship reaches a certain occupancy level. This is often set at 20-30%. 

Q – While we would enjoy boring you with the details, you are well aware of the cruises we have booked over the course of our eleven-year relationship. We are ready to commit to something new and exciting for 2024 but we are looking for something completely different – a destination of true exploration where ships rarely go. Unfortunately, we have been spoiled and we find that five-star cruising has absolutely nothing in common with adventure cruises where you spend your days trying to get in or out of zodiacs or larger ships that seem to appeal to aging “funsters”. Is there one, off the charts, truly unusual itinerary we should look at that takes in portions of the world in about two weeks on a ship that might meet our quality requirements. Or to put it another way, a destination where my uppity next-door neighbor has never been.

A – Thanks for your rather challenging question which, perhaps, could have been shortened to just your last sentence.  We do think you should strongly consider one of two sailings in May or August on the Seabourn Pursuit that operates between Sydney and Guam on a superb fifteen-day itinerary called The Isles of Papua New Guinea. The Pursuit is technically an Exploration vessel – but it is oh so five stars we don’t really think that will be an issue for you. And the chances are your neighbor has not yet been to Vonavona, the Russell Islands, Ifalik Island or the ever-popular Woodlark Island among others. 

Q –   We are going to be headed to Rome and points south for two weeks in early October. (I know you are aware of this). May I suggest that you try to include more coverage of questions related to food and dining both in the US and abroad? Here is an example: My sweet Mrs. has gone fishatarian, or what ever you call it. No meat but lots of fish. We are wondering in Italy or back home in Boca, if there are specific nights of the week when restaurants  have the freshest food. I tried to research this online and got a bag of nonsense. Fully understand there may not be an answer. Thanks for everything.

A – That is an interesting question and we do believe that there is one best answer. It applies to both Italy and Boco – something the two towns have in common.

The answer is never discussed publicly because it would serve to possibly discourage dining out on other nights not recommended. But chefs and upscale restaurant insiders know the following to be true:

Due to warehouse rules and driver union contracts, weekend food deliveries of fresh fish and meat rarely takes place on the weekend. Weekend diners are eating food that was likely delivered to the restaurant several days earlier. 

Most top tier restaurants receive their fresh fish and meat deliveries on Tuesday mornings (many restaurants are closed on Monday). Industry pros prefer to dine out on Tuesdays when the food is most likely to have “arrived that day”.

Q – We have just been approved to visit Cuba with a small group. This has been a rather long dream of ours. They are suggesting we bring lots of cash but my wife and I would much rather rely on our credit cards. Do you know if Mastercard or American Express would be more widely accepted? We have just started researching this but that is our major question at this point. Although we will be in a group, do you feel we will be safe in Cuba?

A – Switzerland or the Vatican might have been safer choices but the dancing is much better in Cuba. We do want you to do a fair bit of research before you set off on this “cultural” journey. For now, we would advise:

• Credit cards are generally not accepted from US banks in Cuba. You will likely pay most of your expenses to the tour organizer upfront. Bring enough cash to cover several days of emergency expenses. Do not attempt to hide it. Declare it when you go through customs.
• Leave all expensive jewelry and country club insignia clothing at home. No one needs to know you are Americans – although it is highly likely they will figure it out about ten feet outside the airport. 
• Be open to the food but be cautious about drinking non-bottled water. 

Q – I am in the process of talking with two or three travel agents in our part of Florida. They each have business cards showing the name of an agency but I am getting the impression that they really work independently. When I asked about it they said they were IC’s. Should I be concerned in any way? I must say that your profession seems rather vague about who works for whom and how they are compensated. Would you agree?

A – Yes. Travel professionals are lousy communicators when it comes to explaining ourselves to the general public. Many bright consumers cannot explain the compensation model when they use a travel agent. Many, perhaps most, believe that they are paying more to use an agent’s services. Let’s try to summarize a few responses to your question:

• Most travel is no longer booked by brick and mortar travel agents working out of a business office. Currently, an estimated 71% of travel agents are technically independent contractors – not employees.
• They are usually affiliated with a travel firm and increasingly with a Host Agency. The Host provides office back-up, financial reporting and a variety of other services. But the owner of the agency cannot dictate what an IC does. 
• The travel industry, for the most part, operates very much like the real estate industry. Individuals do their own marketing and go after their own clients. But the “House” provides certain basic services so they can maximize their “sell time”.
• Currently, IC’s split commission with their affiliated agency. The normal split these days is 80-20. IC’s are free to form their own business identity with their own corporate name. 
• It is perfectly OK to interview a potential travel advisor. Ask tough questions and make certain you have a clear understanding of their personal insurance coverage. Do they carry, for instance, errors and omission coverage?
• Pricing is confusing because the industry wants it to be. If you are a five-star hotel owner are you really going to contact ten different online travel agencies and give them each a different price?  Do you really believe that any cruise line would risk alienating all of the travel agents nationally that sell its products by giving someone in India working a 1-800 call center better prices? It just doesn’t happen. Cruises and tours must have fixed pricing nationally so passengers don’t feel slighted when they socialize on tour or aboard their ship.
• Cruise pricing tends to change every 90 days or so based on marketing trends and computer-generated algorithms connected to current occupancy rates. On the other hand, escorted tour pricing is generally fixed as changing rates could cause major problems for the group tour guide.

We hope this brief summary is helpful. Your basic assumption is correct – the travel internet is dominated by misleading, price-centered, deal and discount features that, in truth, are always available to anyone.

Q – 12.127.23 – Wondering if you know anything about Alula and if you feel planning a trip around these sites is a good idea?

A – In the northwest of Saudi Arabia, and 200km from the Red Sea, Alula is located on the old ‘Incense Road’. This was a trade route that linked Arabia with the Mediterranean region. For centuries it was a geographical and cultural crossroads, a place of meetings and exchange. It attracted travelers from all over the world, and since 2020 has been doing so again. An ambitious regeneration plan aims to attract two million visitors by 2035 and make this the world’s largest living museum – a unique and global destination for arts, culture, heritage and nature tourism.

But, sadly, you have come to a biased source. We are among a growing number of travel industry professionals that will not recommend or book guests on behalf of the murderous Saudi Regime. We just cannot condone travel to a country that has exhibited such consistent levels of disrespect for women, members of the LGBT community, and Jewish travelers. The Saudis fund any number of anti-American schools worldwide. 

Yes, they now envy  the model of the United Arab Emirates as they have slowly moved from an oil-based to a more tourism-based economy. The Saudis have unlimited funds to do the same and we have little doubt that travel to the Kingdom, with the support of its government, will become extremely popular in the years to come. Arriving guests will stay in five-star+ hotels after flying over on a heavily subsidized Saudi airline. You will soon be seeing full color-spreads in consumer magazines and travel agents will be bombarded with free travel offers to personally experience all that the Kingdom offers. 

But it is wise to remember who the Saudis are and what point of view they represent. We do not believe that spending tourist dollars in the country is morally justifiable and we will not support it. 

In fairness, we strongly believe that Alula is a striking, truly memorable World Heritage site. The Saudis are going to try building a world-class tourism network in empty deserts. They have plans to build an entire city in a single straight line – a brand new engineering concept. We’d love to go there – but we won’t. We would love to help you plan this journey – but we won’t. 

Too many in the travel industry believe that the growth of tourism will somehow create a kinder, gentler society based on acceptance of all people. We find little evidence of that in the real world. What tourism does is further line the pockets of those who promote tourism in places where prejudice and hate are the rule rather than the exception. 

We do think you should visit Saudi Arabia. But we think you should do it via YouTube. 

Q – As a very recent retiree I have been trying to relax – and read your various sites. Wish you had more on airline strategies. Given my former corporate role, I spent two and a half decades flying three or four days per week. Now, I get physically ill when I see a bag of peanuts. But in the process, I have earned several million miles that I know want to start using for our bucket list.

I am wondering if there is anything like an online shortcut or “hack” that will allow me to see non-stop flights from various airports in the upper Midwest? I am sure we will have many more questions as we get closer to planning.

A – There is a hack for what you want to view online. Although it is not widely known, Wikipedia lists every major airport in the country. You airport page has a tab for “Airlines and Destinations”. Click on it and you will find a listing of all direct flights and which airline flies them. It is a great timesaver.

Q – We are trying to decide which tour company we should go with next summer for approximately two weeks in Spain and Portugal. Having a hard time choosing which tour operator to use based on our strong desire to have the best possible guide. Do we look for a “Certified Guide” as you have mentioned, or do we consider what the online reviews might say about a particular guide? Do we try to do this independently to hand-select the best guides? Will tour companies tell us in advance who the guide will be before booking so we can check references? We don’t want to come across as “escort fanatics” but we really believe that, given our limited overseas travel experience, the guide is 90% of the trip outcome. Really appreciate your time and this incredible site. 

A – There is a lot in your question. Let us try to address each portion  with some bullet point responses:

• You should assume that all full-time guides for the major tour firms are certified by local tourism authorities.
• Note that approximately 40% of the experienced tour guides in Europe had no work during Covid and sought employment in other professions. There is, currently, a serious tour guide shortage.
• Tour guides who work independently, out of their homes, rely on online reviews to attract new clients. These positive reviews can easily be purchased or even composed using an AI Chatbot by someone with computer skills. 
• The upscale major tour operators tend to attract the best guides because they appeal to an affluent rather than a mass-market clientele. This means, on average, that the guide for a company in the upper price range will likely secure higher average tips from the tour group. 
• A company like Tauck attracts many of the very best guides because Tauck has one of the lowest percentages of cancelled tours due to lack of participation. For many of the mass market firms this is an ongoing problem. Guides don’t know which tours will actually operate among the hundreds of departure dates listed. A Tauck or Abercrombie & Kent guide can pretty much plan their summer schedule far in advance. 
• Given the fact that there can always be heath issues or scheduling conflicts, the majority of tour departures do not list the name of the assigned guide. 
• Often, the absolute best guides are affiliated with the best of the on-site in-country offices that work with the large luxury consortiums and their agents. They know the guides personally and use them for VIP Guests. Many of the better guides will not do bus tours. They prefer to work with sophisticated travelers who will generally show their appreciation for good service. You would, for example, find excellent guides affiliated with a company called “Made for Spain & Portugal”. They are based in Madrid and have won numerous industry awards. Your travel advisor can set up touring with them directly and specify your interests and the type of guide you are seeking. But, of course, private touring is far more expensive than touring incorporated as part of a group tour. 

Q – Really fascinating site – but I fear we are not your type! My girlfriend and I have wonderful jobs in the private equity field and we are devoted to taking two weeks out of every year to travel. We prefer one destination in depth and then we like to set up a program ourselves involving tours geared toward our interests in art, hiking, and cuisine. We are in our thirties and, I suppose, more adventurous than many of your site followers. We would never go on a cruise ship or a fully escorted tour. We tried that kind of travel with our parents and we will wait another thirty years or so to try it again. As two women traveling together, we have to be aware of our surroundings and we tend to use upper four or five-star hotels.

Here is our question: We have successfully used a company called Tours By Locals. We have thoroughly enjoyed all seven of our experiences with this organization yet we don’t see it mentioned anywhere on Traveltruth. Could it be that they do not pay travel agents a commission and that is the reason no one ever mentions it?  One of the reasons we do not use a travel agent. You seem honest – were we just lucky seven times? We did our research on each guide and their ratings so that may have helped. Really interested in your take on this company.

A – Thank you for an intriguing question. When we were in our thirties we would never even consider having a travel agent plan our initial journeys to Europe. Let us respond by saying that Tours By Locals is a tour guide company – not a tour operator. They are based in Vancouver and guests can work with them directly on their website to book privately guided tours all over the world. The company has grown substantially and cruise passengers are now able to book their guides in worldwide ports at pricing that tends to be less than similar private touring arranged by a travel advisor or directly by the cruise line. We are pleased you raised the question as we think that ToursByLocals is a viable itinerary for many travelers who just prefer to do make their own travel arrangements.  Here are some observations we trust you might find helpful:

• Several couples can book the same guide at substantial savings. Reviews of the guides appear on the web sites and some of the reviews might actually not be purchased.
• There is an important matter of liability. You are in a foreign country – who is responsible for your health and welfare during your touring? Suppose you fall? Suppose you get back to the pier after your ship has sailed?
• Can you properly insure services by a local guide with whom you have a private contract? 
• ToursByLocals is not a member of the major travel agent consortiums so that kind of financial protection is not available. But you can book their tours through your travel agent. In fact, they do pay commission to travel agents. Their lowest commission is 5% and they pay 10% what an agencies business exceeds $7,500 annually. Most agencies will request that you work with the company directly.
• We think that one of the great values of Tours By Locals is that you can, with the guide’s willingness, adjust the sightseeing plan to meet your needs. You will have access to your guide’s reviews and background online. 
• We do think that ToursByLocals is a credible touring option for those independent travelers who prefer to make their own private tour arrangements while saving money in the process. Seven positive experiences speaks for itself. 

Q – We are planning a trip through portions of Portugal with a touch of Spain. We are planning our self-drive route using Michelin reviews so we can dine at two and three-star Michelin restaurants. (We are in our forties – from LA – and fairly well traveled) Our question really concerns Michelin. Are their ratings till dependable? Also wondering if you have any driving recommendations as in “precautions”. 

A – Yes, try not to ever pick up a hitchhiker with an M-15 strapped to his back. We would also  urge you to be extra cautious about leaving anything of value on the seats of the car when you stop somewhere. Break-ins of rental car are fairly common in Spain and Portugal while crimes against persons are quite rare. Always scan the car when parking to make sure nothing at all is in plain sight.

As to Michelin:  Yes, still the gold standard in terms of honesty and the requirement of several visits. Some industry insiders might argue that two-stars is actually a wiser choice than strictly three-star as the standards of perfection associated with a three-star rating may be both uncomfortable and overbearing. But these days, there are some notable newspapers that do excellent reviews of restaurants in their travel sections. You have to look at publications that don’t accept free anything – and they are few and far between. You might want to Google the New York Times, The Guardian, and the Times of London for a start. Any review published in a book is likely to be out-of-date. 

Q – 12.4.23 – The wife wants to see Egypt and, as a Philly girl, she has little fear of wandering virtually anywhere on God’s green earth. So we are booked on a tour in January of 2025 with Kensington that includes a four-day Nile cruise. We just found this travel Q&A site (thank you) and were wondering if you feel this program is at all likely to operate? What is happening with the current crop of Egypt tours with wives even crazier than mine? Have they all been cancelled? 

A – As of this morning, the situation in Gaza worsens, talks have broken down, and virtually no tours within Egypt have been cancelled. Egypt is a sort of ally of the United States and it has a rather serious interest in maintaining the safety of tourists as well as the country’s tourism infrastructure. All tours are currently operating.

No one can predict where this is all headed. The Chief Political Officer of Hamas actually resides in Qatar and now discussions with Qatar as a mediator have broken down. But there is hope. The answer to your question is a strong “probably”. 

Q – 12.1.23 We just returned from an in-depth cruise in Japan aboard the Regent Explorer. Overall we had a lovely time.  However, we were disappointed (as were many fellow cruisers) with Regent’s “Pre-Vibrant Tokyo Tours”.  Essentially, the tours were drop off bus rides to sites with superficial brief commentary by “Guides” who simply told passengers to “walk around on your own and return to the meeting sites within 30 – 45 minutes–or less”. Quite frankly, it is a waste of time to spend 15- 20 minutes strolling around unescorted in Tokyo’s wonderful National Museum. My husband and I ended up hiring our own private Guides who gave us outstanding, comprehensive and unique tours in Tokyo.

We met a travel agent aboard the ship who was a host (Free trip perhaps) for the Virtuoso organization.  Interestingly, she told us that she also books private tours avoiding the Ship’s tours. Per her insights and our own experience we question whether the current quality of Regent’s “All Inclusive Tours” outweighs the cost/benefit of cruising with Regent? 

Although there were some artwork changes from the last time we had cruised The Explorer, we have to say that dining in the Pacific Rim remains outstanding–and seems to be a favorite venue among a lot of our fellow cruisers.

All in all, a wonderful experience but we are concerned about our new perceptions about Regent touring. Why should tours we arranged on our own be better than the ones carefully selected by the cruise line? And what’s with the “Fleeting glimpses of Tokyo” tour that was included?

Q – We are going to try to give your question the space it deserves:

After air, the segment of the cruise experience that produces the largest number of complaints is touring. Let’s use Venice, Italy as an example. On a typical day in-season, Venice can have between 12 and 22 ships calling. About half of these ships are designated “Mega-Liners” meaning that they are carrying several thousand guests. There are also hundreds of crew members who have the day off in port and they often need to sign up for tour experiences.

Add to the number of cruise passengers requiring touring, the fact that Venice is a city that is trying to keep cruise ships away from the central Canal area, and you have the makings of a monumental logistics operation. And then you have to ask ………….

Where are the tour buses coming from and who owns them? The reality is that in most worldwide ports you only have one or two companies that have the equipment to move that many cruise passengers. That means you are sailing into a virtual monopoly. The bus companies can offer the tours they wish to offer and the cruise lines can discuss options and offer suggestions etc. but they do not control the process. In fact, finalization of cruise ship tours is done by the ship’s Purser staff working with their on-shore representatives. But touring is always under local control. 

Then there is the question of the guides. Where do they come from and are enough certified guides available? In Venice, for example, one must ask where the guides live. A home in central Venice is extremely expensive. Often, guides must travel great distances to reach their work. 

And then there is the stark reality that about half of all cruise passengers want to see the major sites while the other half wants to meet locals, explore the dining scene, and get a sense of real life in modern times with little interest in history. or the “Ancients”.

So cruise lines have to deal with that as well. That is why no cruise line is currently earning A+ scores for its land programs. Planning touring for several thousand people each of whom has paid several thousand dollars fore the experience is an operational challenge of the highest magnitude. Regent’s tour programs are similar to but not better than those offered by other five-star competitors. They are all drinking out of the same tour trough. And often there are fewer options than we would like.

Private touring is always an option and there are some good companies starting to make a dent in this market. But given that Regent includes free shore excursions, few of the lines guests feel any need to spend more money to purchase tours when the same essential tours offered by other lines are included in Regent’s fares.

As to the three-night Tokyo package included with your sailing as a comp pre-cruise package: Tokyo may be the world’s most expensive tourist city. Were Regent to include the kind of detailed, longer, and personally guided sightseeing you would have preferred, there would have to be a significant cost increase. You did have the option of not taking the Tokyo introductory package. We do agree with you that Regent’s wording of the tour was not as clear as it should have been regarding the manner in which guests would be dropped off to explore on their own.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Q – 11.18.23 – Dear, dear Traveltruthers. We recently learned that our son and daughter-in-law are going to give birth to our first grandchild. In their wisdom, they live in Silicon Valley while we happily reside  in Rhode Island. This, for us, means that we are going to start flying out to the west coast several times per year. Our question has to do with domestic airline planning. When should we be looking at flights/costs and is there one web site you would recommend that we can play with to learn the ropes. From everything of yours that we have read, it seems that for flights within the US you recommend searching online but doing the actual booking directly with the airline? True?

A –  For domestic flights, we recommend getting serious about 100 days prior to departure date. After that point, fares begin to rise. We would use the much improved Google Flights website. This site will give you the fare history of your selected flights and it will tell you what it things is a fair price for your ticket. You can set a price alert when you your ticket hits the recommend price range. You can easily set up the site to notify you via e-mail when the prices are about top change.

Congratulations. Wishing you many more and a regular commute out west.

Q –  11.18.23 – We have been using a “cash-back” credit card for years. Now that we are retired and we are starting to see a bit of the world, we would like to start out with the better of the travel reward cards in the “under $100 Per Year” price range. Not sure if you really want to get involved in this sort of advice but thought I would ask. We love the site.

A – This is a subjective question. Virtually every travel website offers credit card advice and there is almost always a statement which essentially says they may receive renumeration in kind for their recommendations. You can assume that any website about travel that seems to have a good deal of credit card advice, ads, deals etc. is enjoying payback from the various credit cards they are hawking.

Unfortunately, we have no escape clause and we receive nothing from any travel product we might recommend. We are business fools.

That said, the current consensus seems to be that the best of the cards for those planning on traveling a few times per year is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. We won’t do an ad for the card but it does give you better than usual travel rewards together with painless redemption procedures. You get some excellent benefits for $95 per year. You get points for dining, shopping etc. and, unlike an airline-branded card, you can redeem miles at a good rate on most of the world’s leading airlines.

We will now await the dozens of notes of disagreement from other credit card issuers and their users.

Q – 11.18.23  We are wondering what the status might be of our scheduled tour with Globus in February. We have called twice and all they are saying is there are no refunds being given and the tour will operate based on current information. Is there anywhere we can get more definitive information? We would love to postpone this trip by a year just to see if things calm down in Israel and along the Gaza Strip. We are not getting any information about safety from the company and we have paid in full. Any specifics you can provide would be really appreciated – our phone calls have not produced anything of value except that we are being told a credit to use another time is out. For what it is worth, we are in our seventies, we are Jewish, and we certainly don’t need the uncertainty or the stress. I am sure you understand.

A – What we don’t understand is why you are making these calls. Why isn’t this being handled by your travel advisor? Someone is earning a nice commission on your booking so it would seem appropriate that they do a little work to earn it. Our concern is that you may have booked this directly with the company. If that is the case, please make certain that the travel agent commission portion of the price you paid is returned to you. If, in this situation, you paid the full rate inclusive of the agent commission, but you never used an agent, someone is making a double profit. We hope that is not the case.

The specifics, for now, are these:

The war is in Israel and in Gaza. It has not extended to Egypt so tours are not being canceled and booked guests are, across-the-board, being denied future credited unless they specifically were booked on a canceled Israel departure. 

There is a travel “advisory” issued for American travelers going to Egypt. That means “take extra precautions”. It does not mean “don’t go”. Many American cities are under travel “advisories” and foreign visitors are warned about taking precautions to remain out of harms way. If our State Department, for whatever reason, changes the “Advisory” to a “Warning” your tour will, we are certain, be canceled and you will either be offered a total refund of all but your travel insurance fees or an attractive future credit.

If you are truly nervous about going and you booked with Globus without the advocacy of a travel professional, we would pout together a carefully crafter letter to the director of Customer Services at Globus laying out the reasons why you need to postpone this journey. You might want to include a letter from your physician as well. No guarantees, but that would take it out of the hands of the reservation agents at a call center who have been taking your calls. 

Q – 11.3.23 – Hello. You are now communicating with the person who has done more wine touring on the  west coast of the United States than any Californian alive. We’ve done it all over a 30 year span from Napa to Mendocino – even venturing into Washington State for some memorable Pinot tastings. Sad to say, my blood cell count has created the need to cut down on wine consumption so I am looking to find some upscale food touring that might best be accompanied by a single glass of wine. We don’t know who else to ask but we sense you understand. We don’t want to learn to cook pasta like someone’s grandmother and we have no interest in cupcakes or cheese. Something wonderful best accompanied by wine with a clear focus and beautiful scenery. Don’t feel the need to respond right away – if you could ponder it and respond I would raise a single glass in your honor. 

A – Yes, we try to ponder all questions for months before responding. We are not the best source for this question but we do have one rather strong recommendation assuming it clears your medical team: The latest trend in food tasting centers around Oyster events. Like wine, there are major geographical distinctions and the scenery from the California central coast, to the Gulf, on to Maine is often truly spectacular. You might start the search by checking out the tours offered by Hog Island Oysters outside San Francisco. 

Q – Well we made it to India yesterday. Arrived at the hotel at 4 AM. Begin our tour today with a half day of sightseeing in Mumbai and then tomorrow off to Udapur. 

The hotel (Taj Palace) is off course lovely, historic and well maintained. I pointed out to my wife that they repaired all the bullet holes from the 2008 terrorist attack. She of course felt much better.

What can I say about Mumbai? It’s called the City of Dreams. I am dreaming of getting out of here.

Just one question. We are, in the first 24 hours, seeing people we pass on the street who have, we would guess, not had a healthy meal for a long time. Is it a good idea to purchase gift cards from a local chain restaurant and give them out when we see someone who might really need it. I am not entirely comfortable carrying cash and handing it out. I have budgeted about $1,000 for this purpose but I don’t want to be just another ugly American. How do I know it won’t be used for drugs?

A – That is so kind of you. Don’t worry about any money being used for drugs by the homeless on the streets. Crime is not a major issue but carrying a wad of cash is always a bad idea. The restaurant gift card is not a bad idea but we would suggest you discuss this with your local guide. You would need to know that the recipient can read and understands how to properly utilize such a gift. Our recommendation would be to do your giving in a different way. You may want to make a brief visit to an orphanage and bring them something they need – like a computer. You will also see versions of the soup kitchens we have in our own inner cities that are always in need of support. That would be a way to address the truly hungry without giving them cash on the street. Your local guide should be more than willing to help you achieve your goal of giving money to those who most desperately need it.  Thank you so much for the question. 

Q – 10.22.23 – So here is my dilemma: I am 64, my husband is 69. Next summer he has a big birthday and he deserves a great travel gift. But like so many of our friends, we are getting a bit concerned about the War in Israel and all of the demonstrations we are seeing.  I had planned to surprise him with a trip overseas but now, I feel restricted. He loves exotic locales, snow rather than beachy, and he loves to wander quaint streets without a lot of tourists and speaking with the locals.

I want to surprise him with a trip in a place I know he will feel safe yet a place that is really different enough to allow him to do some wandering and take some memorable shots of the two of us. We are not foodies and, while not on a budget of any kind, we certainly don’t expect five-star hotels wherever we end up going. Oh, one other rather important thing – he does not enjoy flying. A one-stop would work but nothing more than that. A city of several million is something he would hate. We live in Cincinnati and that is as much city as he ever wants to see. I know this is a tough one but just wondering if you might have a suggestion. Thanks so much for a really different website. It makes me feel like I have a friend in the “business”. 

A – First, thank you. And let us say “you do”.

We have put ourselves in your place and we can only respond with a location we would personally love to explore. Why not surprise him with a trip to the World’s Largest Island”, Greenland. There is the capital Nuuk, but we are thinking that he almost might prefer Ilusissat, a truly picturesque outpost that sits on a fjord surrounded by icebergs. Of course, getting to Greenland’s second city is no easy task but there is some good news regarding transportation to Greenland.

Starting in 2024, Icelandair will begin new service through its hub in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. Currently, you would have to get off in Reykjavik and get to a second, smaller airport for the lift into Greenland. Now, you will have a simple stop and then proceed non-stop from Reykjavik to either Nuck or Ilusissat Airport. They are working on airport improvements and a slow growth in tourism as we speak. But you will be ahead of the herd if you plan something for this coming summer and your husband’s 70th. Hope this is helpful. 

Q – 10.22.23  – We were really excited about our planned program in Egypt with Kensington Tours. But then my husband started getting cold feet and coming around to my point of view that we ought to cancel. I found  the questions about this situation on this site extremely helpful but I am wondering about one specific issue. How exactly does the new Advisory by our State Department influence cancellation policy? Does this give everyone the right to get their money back? It sounds like our government is telling us not to go so why would any company make us go if we don’t want to? 

A – The specific answer to your question is that an “Advisory” is in no way binding on a tour operators decision to operate a profitable tour where guests are paid in full. If the situation were to become truly dangerous the State Department would issue a “Warning” and cite specifics reasons it was issuing the declaration. Any tour company that operated a tour in a country where American citizens were being specifically told by our government “Do Not Travel to ______” could, it seems clear, face potential legal ramifications from booked guests. 

The specific wording of a State Department announcement regarding travel to Egypt will also have an impact on the point at which your cancellation insurance will kick in. 

Travel advisors are prohibited from discussing insurance policies and practices. We would recommend that you call your carrier directly to fully understand at what point of cancellation you might be covered.

We would add two briefs bits of advice:

01 – If you are really worried about a trip to the point that you are no longer looking forward to it, we would advise you to cancel it if possible.

02 – Do note that when you are traveling with a top grade tour operator, guides are trained to keep you far away from street demonstrations and any activity that could be unpleasant. If that could not be assured, the tour will always be cancelled by the operator. 

Q – 10.19.23 –  My wife and I are booked on a major five-star line whose name begins with the letter “S”. We worked with them directly so there would be no funny business. Our cruise was calling in Egypt and Israel after sailing to Greece and other ports. The cruise departs in a month and a half and I called them this morning after consulting with my wife. I was told that the stops in Egypt are still on but that Israel ports are going to be replaced with time in Cyprus and Turkey. The cruise will now end in Turkey and I am responsible for changing my air return from Tel Aviv.

They were nice about it but they will not consider giving me a refund or even allowing me to let them keep my money and allow me to go on a different cruise some time nest year.

This is really lousy customer service and I am surprised the media is not calling them out about it. I did everything they asked me to do but they were non-responsive. Is there some strategy you can recommend to get me my money back or a future credit? 

A –  Thank you and truly sorry about this situation. We have heard from dozens of cruisers in much the same position. Let us make just a few specific observations that may be too late for you to have a satisfactory outcome but hopefully will help others avoid the same travel trauma.

• The rules are, as stated to you by “S”. The only way they will cancel your cruise and offer any form of refund is if there is a government order that Americans not travel to Europe as well as the Middle East.
• It sounds as though you did not use a travel advisor but, instead, booked this cruise yourself in the expectation that the approximately 15% travel agent commission would be refunded to you in cash. Our guess is that you never asked for it.
• You likely spoke to someone in the “S” call center. You are representing one booking, one revenue source – yours. The call should have been made by a trusted travel advisor familiar with the line’s management team. You could have been working with a travel advisor who gives upward of $1,000,000 in annual revenue to the line. Instead, you decided to give up the advocacy a talented advisor represents while representing yourself and your single booking. And, sadly, you never knew to demand the refund of the built-in commission for services you never received.
• The cruise line does have the right to change itineraries when they feel it is in the best interests of the guests to do so. That language appears in every cruise line contract. So we would suggest you persist, be firm, but be kind as they are only doing what every one of their competitors is doing.

As to what to do now?

We would suggest that you start writing every day to executives  using their Facebook and other social media accounts. Try calling again and try to speak to the head of the line’s Customer Service division The reservation team does not have the authority to change policy but the Customer Service Desk does. 

You will not be put in harm’s way – not when you are traveling aboard one of the company’s prized assets.  At this point we would think you might want to start thinking about how you can maximize your enjoyment of this cruise. And do take our advice – never book directly again unless you  have the cruise line’s or the tour operators assurances in writing that you will be refunded the 10-17% of the total cost represented by the build-in travel agent commission. 

Q – 10.9.23 Please get back to us as soon as possible as we are booked on a December scheduled tour to Israel with the tour firm Abercrombie & Kent. There were 14 others, I believe in our group on the Crossroads of History Tour. I had tried to call and they were really busy. My wife and I would love to do the tour but we don’t understand our options. Can you tell us who to call or, perhaps, you could find out about this tour. We are in our mid-seventies and this was something we have always wanted to do. We’re a little adventurous so there is a chance we will still go. Do you know when we can find out about this program. We made final payment two weeks ago by calling in our credit card to their 800 number. Nothing since.

A – As you provided your names we were able to trace your booking. You did call it in to the right 800 number but please be careful about doing it again as there are thousands of travel-related “ghost sites” that will take your credit card information and sell it. You think you are calling the travel company but you are calling a fake number.

Sadly, your tour is being cancelled. You will receive a full refund. Give the company a few weeks to get the credit back on the credit card you used for payment. You had not received information as this decision to cancel was just made this afternoon.

For the near term, the State Department is advising American citizens to avoid travel to Israel. That has triggered your “no questions asked” refund. Hopefully, in a year or two your trip can be re-scheduled.

You should not have had to contact A&K yourself. Unless you receive a refund of the travel agent commission you should use a travel consultant next time. You are always paying for one – it is baked into the price of your tour or cruise. 

Q – 10.8.23  Our bucket list number 1 is Israel. We are extremely well-traveled and have been saving the Holy Land for a one or two-month sojourn done in style and privately in the next four months. We are looking at Jordan, Israel, followed by a top-end Nile River Cruise in one of the better staterooms. A cruise to Indonesia might be the alternative.  We are in our early seventies and rather fit.  I suppose our question boils down to what, if any, of the trips I have described do you think is bookable and doable next winter or early spring? The news is awful and I hope you will not shy away from taking on questions such as ours.

A – You are writing to us at a time when the comprehensive devastation of this new type of terrorism is only starting to come into focus given the horrors of yesterday’s events. We have been involved in numerous policy and “what if” scenario discussions but it is far too early for anything like a credible response to your question.

The fact is that all day today, tomorrow and in the days and weeks following, travel industry executives, tour operators, cruise line operations teams etc. will be in meetings trying to determine current policies and procedures as Israel prepares to be on a war footing. This is our current best guess – a rather hopeful assessment that could, should others join this fight to the finish, be outdated by the time you read it:

Israel tours throughout the remainder of 2023 will be canceled and guests will/should receive full refunds. We do think that planning travel to Jordan followed by time in Egypt on a Nile cruise is not only possible but also a bit of a challenge. The better staterooms on most Nile river cruises for the first half of next year are going to be fully booked so it is best to get on this as soon as possible.

Q –  This came up in conversation last night with friends: They are saying that they read that the best hotels in Los Angeles, a city I often visit on business, will now be forced to allocate available rooms for assignment to the homeless currently living on LA streets. Can this be true and is it being discussed in the travel industry? I can’t imagine what hotel owners are thinking and could this spread to other states? How do I book a room for April and know for sure that the homeless will not be sharing my floor? Nothing against the homeless – I hope they get the support they need. But come on, I usually stay at the Beverly Wilshire. I can’t believe this isn’t all over the news.

A – Well it is not as big a story as Taylor Swift’s sudden interest in the NFL but the story is gaining traction in the LA region. It is a tad early to see where this is all headed but here is what we know at this time (10.4.23).

First, don’t assume that LA or any other major city is going to try intentionally to destroy the reputation and the service levels provided guests at First Class hotels. That would have such a negative impact on the upscale tourism and meeting sectors that it is hard to imagine it happening. But we are less sure that the proposed policy changes will not affect hotels geared toward budget-conscious locals who cannot afford LA’s increasing rent structure. 

You are referring to something known as The Responsible Hotel Ordinance. It was created by a union representing about 11,000 hospitality workers throughout southern California and Arizona. It is scheduled to be voted on in an election to be held in LA next March. The union has already secured the required 100,000 signatures. 

It appears that the proposed new legislation would force LA hotels top fill vacant rooms with people who lack any other housing options. There are an estimated 46,000 homeless resident sin Los Angeles, with Oakland and San Francisco not too far behind.

As presently worded, and please understand this can change at any time, LA Hotels would be required to notify the city of their available room inventory. A city agency would then direct/assign homeless individuals to specific properties and provide payment in the form of vouchers representing what is being referred to as “fair market Rate”. 

You can imagine the controversay this plan is already generating. Hotel executives are saying that the implementation could spell the end of the city’s business meeting economy. Other critics talk about the potential for crime and the obvious lowering of room rates to attract regular guests. Proponents argue that many of the homeless being accommodated would, ironically, be hotel employees who can no longer work downtown while finding affordable housing.

It is hard to imagine that this will come to pass without major modifications. Most in the travel industry see it as a radical proposal that would have a massive negative impact on domestic tourism. But for now, the proposal has the signatures and it will be on the ballot. Our take on it is that, for the most part, we are talking about motels and older hotels in areas where homelessness is a real issue. We don’t see homeless guests in the hallways of the better properties in Beverly Hills – just yet. But this is fast becoming a “cause” and celebrities can and do embrace causes quickly enough to make a real difference in the outcome. 

Q – I am sorry – but your industry seems to lack any ethical foundations when it comes to marketing cruises and other types of vacation offerings. We are AARP Members, belong to one of the nicer golf clubs in Ohio, and we donate our time to numerous charities. As a result, we are inundated with mail and e-mails offers the vast majority of which really insult our intelligence. Sometimes I wonder if it is deliberate. But the one that brings about my question is the offer received from two different cruise lines that indicated that if I would only call them, I could get two-for-one pricing – meaning my wife can join me for free. As a former CFO, I smell a rat. What should I be thinking when I receive a two-for-one cruise offer? 

A – You should be thinking that your intelligence is being insulted. The assumption of most travel advertising is that the travel consumer is a dimwit who can be told virtually anything about pricing. The industry is built on a foundation of misinformation and manipulation. You are not supposed to understand cruise pricing. 

Before a pricing brochure is finalized, cruise executives determine the actual price they need to put on each stateroom category to realize the kinds of profits they need to generate. They take that price and double it. They then advertise 2-1 pricing.  The Top Ten Cruise lines, the real ones, tend to raise their pricing every 90 days while creating new offers designed to make the consumer feel good about paying more – they may raise prices and then throw in one or two free shore excursions or gratuities.

The secret for the consumer is to fully understand the real price formula every potential cruiser needs to know. We have mentioned this before in one of our responses – but here is the secret to understanding cruise pricing:

Use the same mathematical formula each time you consider a cruise: Take the minimum unobstructed outside stateroom and remove the port charges and the air from the total cost. Then, take the total cost and divide it by the number of nights you will spend on the ship.

This will give you a per diem price with the “applesauce” removed. Use this formula each time you look at a cruise to determine the real cost of your cruise. You can decide if the air is a good deal separately. We actually have a client who has used this formula for years and, based on the outcome,  he decided to book  a 72-Day Grand Voyage based on the low per diem costs. 

Q – We have some wonderful friends who have indicated they will join us on something like a ten-day Nile cruise/tour in Egypt. We are well-traveled, as our friends, but they like to travel independently and a group tour may be a tough sell. I have heard from returning friends that Cairo and the Pyramids, along with Luxor were packed with tourist buses. We will want to avoid some of that by going in the off-season. Is there a time when tourism in Egypt really slows down? Do you recommend we try to convince our friends not to do Egypt on our own? 

A – The “off-season” in Egypt is May-September, their summer. Summer in Egypt is no picnic and we do not suggest you visit during days of physically challenging  heat. Prime Season is November through March. A good compromise might be shoulder months of April, September, or October. 

Since there will be four of you, we would normally urge you to consider a private journey. The price when you are joined by one or two additional couples makes private travel somewhat more affordable. But in this case, you will want to be on a Nile River Cruise with other people and you will want to go to the most popular tourist sites. So “getting away from the crowds” is far more challenging. 

It seems to us that your best option is going to be a small group journey with fewer than 20 fellow guests. We think that Abercrombie & Kent, a company with a strong presence in Egypt, is the first company to consider. But there are several other good Egypt operators including Tauck and National Geographic. 

Egypt is one of the “UIP” countries (Upgrade If Possible). You really want to avoid three and four-star hotels. Egypt is also known for having a surplus of non-certified guides. 

Finally, we would suggest that your friends try to understand that independent touring is not what it once was – independent travelers often believe what they are being told on internet travel sites and apps. The fact is that the independent traveler receives few of the price breaks enjoyed by upscale travelers on group programs. “Independent Travel” now carries a real additional cost on virtually every component of a trip. Given security issues, we think that you need to travel with a company that has on-the-ground staff in-country when traveling to Egypt. 

NEWARK AIRPORT

Q – So pleased that our pediatrician told us about this site. But the lack of ads is scaring us. Won’t you go broke soon? 

So here is my question: We are going on a wonderful Explora 1 Cruise  next summer that begins in Athens and ends in Barcelona. I don’t worry about the return but my schedule is such that I will only have one day in Athens before we board. I don’t want anything to go wrong. Should we connect through Newark, JFK, or Boston Logan? Do you feel strongly that our chances for a hassle-free flight connection over are going to be better from one or the other? We would be looking at American or United most likely. 

A – In this case, don’t worry about the airport. Ideally, we want you to have a two and a half hour connection and we would prefer if you left before midnight. You might also consider the type of aircraft on the East Coast to Athens segment. If you are flying Business you will want lie-flat seats. If possible, avoid flying the 767 as there are now roomier options. Consider adding Philadelphia to your list of options as American is turning it into a major international hub. If you want to go crazy, you might want to look up back-up flights – as in what can you fly if you miss your connection. 

There is also arrival time. If you arrive in Athens at 7:00 am and get to your hotel by, say, 9:30, it is highly unlikely that your room will be ready.

As to our consumer-oriented, ad-free approach: No worries. We all have day jobs.  We do this work out of a sincere desire to provide at least one source of truthful information for the intelligent traveler. It helps us sleep at night.

Just to cross our t’s on our response: Do consider shipping your luggage from home to your hotel. And please seriously consider using a reputable flight monitoring service so if there is a hiccup they will be by your side via app. to re-book you on the best available option. These are two specific things savvy travelers do when there are questionable connections on the horizon. 

Please let us know how this all turns out including your time aboard Explora, the new, upscale division of MSC Cruises. 

Q – We have been going up and back with two travel agents, one online, to plan a one week stay somewhere in France in a wonderful village setting. There are some great hotels but then we would need to drive or be driven to the local village. We are both educators, I am a High School Principal. Our time is somewhat limited as we plan for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We’ve been saving for this trip and price is not a huge consideration. If possible we want to avoid Paris and other cities and just stay in a great hotel smack in the middle of a lovely village. But we also want great service and food that we will never forget. 

So far, we are being given names in Provence and along the French Riviera. We just started reading this web site and we feel that your backgrounds may point us in the right direction. We do have a relationship with one of the agents who we have met with twice but you can convince us to work with you on this truly important trip. Thank you in advance and know that we appreciate the total lack of insulting travel drivel.

A – This is, of course, an opinion question and we are at a disadvantage as we have never spoken and we would want to know more about you before making a final recommendation. But, based on what you have told us, we strongly urge you to consider the Hotel Bastide de Gordes. Gordes is a commune in the Vaucluse département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. The residents are known as Gordiens. The nearest big city is Avignon; smaller cities nearby include Cavaillon, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Apt . 

The hotel is among the finest we have ever experienced and the village has been named France’s “Prettiest”. The hotel is on the main street with terraces out back that overlook a magnificent scene of hills and old stone villages. The extraordinary staff all speak English and the food is Michelin + quality. 

We appreciate your kind offer of possibly working with us but we would urge you to be loyal to the agent who you met with two times. We have been in business for 38 years with a following in 46 states and 6 countries – there is no need for us to use this consumer site to solicit or even seek new business. 

Whatever you do in France, thank you both for your service to our kids and have a memorable second honeymoon. 

Q – Love that you are including some food and restaurant information on traveltruth. We hope you will feature more.  My wife and I are head off to London in mid-August. We will be staying at the Lanesborough, a hotel I would think you would recommend. We have booked it directly with the hotel and so we will be expecting the refund for booking direct when we check out. 

But our questions concerns sushi. My wife and I love sushi restaurants – I would say that Nobu is our favorite restaurant group in all our travels and, of course, they have one and many like them in London. But here in Boca, most of us are smart enough to stay away from raw fish in mid-summer when the temperatures are so high and food handling of fresh fish becomes problematical. Would you be afraid to order sushi at Nobu in August in London or any other high quality restaurant in London? We are recommending this site to all our friends. Keep it up – but more food Q&A.

A – Interesting question. We feel that you can trust the food handling at Nobu worldwide. When it comes to other London sushi restaurants we would urge caution about dining on raw fish mid-summer when real temps may be above 100 degrees. That requires a lot of faith not only in the sushi chef but in the the system of receiving and storing newly arrived fresh fish supplies during a heat wave. Sushi is a gastronomic leap of faith at the best of times. We think your question is relevant and we would urge some level of caution. One rule of thumb recommended by some experts is always avoid eating raw fish between May and September while traveling in a heat zone. 

But allow us to also suggest that you should also consider that fresh fish standards in Great Britain, are  higher than they are in the United States as a result of stricter government regulation and, of course, proximity to the sea. We would not, personally, hesitate to order sushi at a top-grade Japanese restaurant in London mid-summer. You might want to request a selection from “your last fresh fish delivery”. 

Q – My friend and I have decided to take our three weeks off each year and do some traveling together within the United States. We are both in our forties – my friend is divorced and I am single. Unfortunately, we’re both OK looking so there are some concerns about traveling independently. Having spent some time on this site, we think you’re the right folks to ask although we understand this is out of your wheelhouse. 

As we start our long-range planning, we are wondering if there is any research that might indicate which State in the country, or area, is going to be the safest for two women traveling together?  For our first trip or two we would like to head to an area of the country where we feel secure and then we’ll ease into other trips as we gain confidence.

A –  There is some research that measures the major factors you would want to consider. But we think that any conclusion is really stretching it. For the record, Vermont is considered the safest state for women traveling on their own. We would put little faith in that conclusion but we do think that New England generally may be a good place to start your journeys. We would offer one caution – in your situation, there might be a tendency to avoid big cities and to consider rural drives and sightseeing well off the beaten path. That is fine, but do also look for places that have a well-educated demographic, higher income, and a well-regarded police force. You might also want to be unusually cautious about your accommodations.  As you have concerns, we would suggest going up a “star” and try to stay in hotels that have evening security. The vast majority of hotels in the United States have absolutely no on-duty security during evening hours. In fact, the vast majority of hotels in the United States operate with only one staff member on the late-night shift. 

We do want to end by suggesting that you not read our comments as serious concern. Doing a driving trip within the United States with a friend is a relatively safe pursuit by any standard. 

Q – (9.14.23)  Would like to see if you can address a preference I am sure many people share. We just can’t seem to pinpoint specifics and we are getting frustrated. We are frequent, and growing more frequent, cruisers. My wife and I  are not easy sleepers and we find that we sleep much better when we are facing the bow of the ship. In other words, we want a bed that allows our legs to face forward toward the front of the ship. 

We sail Oceania often and Regent sometimes. We have had our vacations severely disrupted more than once when the cabin layout was not as promised. Our Travel Agent was told that the staterooms were forward facing and , when we arrived, we discovered they weren’t. In one case, the ship was sold out so no changes were possible. Our agent knows what she is doing but I still called reservations directly and quickly realized that they don’t really have a clue as to how beds are aligned in each cabin. The company deck plan is worthless on this issue. All of this boils down to one simple question I am sure would interest many of your followers: How exactly do we ascertain the direction faced of the bed in our stateroom? 

A – You have put your toes on a real issue at most of the lines. When researching this for you, one of our editors was told “we will have to try to get in touch with the yard that built the ship to find out”. Deck plans are useless in terms of finding forward facing bedding in specific stateroom numbers. The information is not readily available because many ships make layout changes to ships when they are in their annual drydock. The real thing that is going on here is that, from a sellers point of view, the cruise lines do not want to offer still another choice in cabin selection that could eliminate 50% of the available staterooms.

The best tactic at this point is to have your agent speak to Special Services or a Reservations supervisor. Ask that the fact that yours is a forward-facing stateroom be put in writing by Oceania. That way, if you booked a forward facing stateroom and it turns out not to be on arrival, you would find onboard management sympathetic to a complimentary upgrade. 

Finally, a more extreme approach would  be to secure a note from your physician explaining that you require a forward-facing bed. That note can be presented to the cruise line’s Medical Officer at the timer of booking and that may help you achieve what you want. 

It is interesting that flyers raise hell when they find themselves in rear-facing  seats on an aircraft but cruisers who may be spending more than a week in their stateroom are expected to never question the direction of the bedding. British Airways, for one, has installed rotating front and rear facing seats in the Business Class sections on some of their long distance aircraft. The rear-facing seats are less popular than Mike Pence. 

Q –  Really enjoying this new site and the opportunity to ask honest questions without pop-up ads and someone trying to sell me something. We travel for pleasure several times a year now, after retiring two years ago. We’ve done a tour program with National Geographic and we’ve cruised with the French line Ponant (loved it). We have a dedicated  travel advisor and I think we are getting some good advice. But her agency only sells one insurance company and I just don’t know if something as important as insurance coverage should just be automatic.

We are staying away, largely based on your advice, from the supplier travel insurance policies. But how does the consumer pick the best vacation option for their specific trip? Can you please boil it down to the bottom line – what should we be looking for in a travel insurance policy. I am also curious about commission. If I buy a policy from ABC Tours who is taking me to Peru, does that mean that my travel agent is not getting a commission? Do travel agents earn anything when they sell you a travel policy. Love to know how that works and how it influences which policy is being recommended. I don’t  know why you would spend the time maintaining this site – but please don’t stop until we have completed our RTC (retirement travel cycle)

A – Thank you. This is our 38th year. We will be here for your entire RTC! 

There are three things you need to look for when selecting travel insurance. The first two three obvious – the third is not:

Choose an insurance provider that:

01 – Has the strongest demonstrated financial strength. 

02 – Never choose a policy that provides less than $500,000 in medical evacuation. Given costs associated with medical evacuations abroad, we consider this the minimum coverage required.

03 – Ask your agent to demonstrate their ability to offer insurance “advocacy”. Can they intervene with the insurer on your behalf if needed? (This tends to eliminate all online sellers) This is the tie-breaker because in the insurance industry, as you may have heard, the inclination is to encourage adjusters to turn down claims whenever they can. You should only purchase insurance from a seller who can demonstrate the ability to be your advocate with the insurance company to request that they re-examine your claim when it is appropriate. 

Anyone, from the cruise line, to the insurance agent, to the travel agent, to the tour operator who ever sells you travel insurance is earning a commission. Be sure of it. That is why the three requirements above are critical in the selection process. If you purchase your travel insurance directly from the insurance provider it works exactly the same as it does when you book a hotel directly, or a cruise etc. They simply charge you the commission anyway and simply pocket it as extra income. 

We hope this helps. Enjoy that RTC!

Q – (9.9.23) We have been taking European vacations on and off for the past ten years after we retired in our early and late sixties. I really want to return this coming summer to do one of those Globus Tours that allows you to see five or six European capitals in about two weeks. But my husband is now adamant that he will not get into any political discussions about our American way of life while traveling overseas. He is a Trump Republican, more than I am, and  he feels that at this stage of his life he doesn’t want a bunch of Europeans in his face firing questions at him about our politics in the States. Is that a realistic view in any way? I mean we have traveled to Europe four times and I can only recall one political discussion with a front desk clerk in our Budapest hotel. 

A – There is little evidence, at this point on the indictment scale, that Europeans are starting to pepper American tourists with questions about their politics. You know this from your past visits. In fact, based on our experiences in this area, there is a greater likelihood that one or two fellow tour members from the States could be a greater irritant on your husband’s tender feelings than the locals. We sometimes forget that the European have their own issues.

Italy has a Far Right Prime Minister who has expressed complimentary words for Mussolini, the Far Right has made some impressive gains in France’s government, an area of Spain, including Barcelona, has been trying to secede from the rest of the country, and Great Britain and London are experiencing waves of gang-related store looting that rivals anything we have here in the States. They also had Boris Johnson. Europeans are not really in a position, for the most part, to lecture us about the imperfections of our Democracy. Not yet.

But this is a a seven-continent kind of place. Your husband is in his seventies and, it is our opinion, that he should avoid any destination he can’t visit with full measures of joy and anticipation. Take him to Japan. They are too polite to ever discuss American politics with a guest in their country. 

We are seeing your question being raised in one form or another fairly often. But we are not hearing anything to indicate that concerns about political confrontation abroad between locals and American visitors are justified.

Q – We have decided, based largely on your advice, to do our first trip to East Africa through Micato Safaris. We are leaning heavily toward trying to see the mountain Gorillas at the end of our safari. Is it worth it and is it more than a “chance encounter”? Don’t want to spend the extra nights and travel time, as well as cost, if actually seeing the Gorillas and knowing them on a first-name basis is not going to happen.

A – This will, almost always, work. You will start out in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. You will then head northwest into Volcanoes National Park . The park lodgings are quite luxurious and by day you should encounter one of the park’s current ten families of mountain gorillas. This kind of touring is carefully controlled to avoid crowds and to avoid interaction with the gorillas while they are watching Fox news. 

Q – We have pretty much decided that we are going to do the Paul Gauguin next winter on a sailing from seven to 11-days. We are looking at three different itineraries, the seven-night “Tahiti and Society Islands”, the Society Islands and the Tuamotus, (10 nights) or the Cook Islands and the Society Islands (11 days). All things being equal, is one of these a superior choice? We are flexible in terms of dates and expense. Appreciate your efforts. Just starting to read the entire site.

A –  We think you may be most impressed by the Cook Islands which, on this itinerary, is added to the essential seven-night Tahiti program plus a visit to a private island Motu. And if you really like the Cook Islands and have millions of dollars you would like to place in an offshore bank, you might become a frequent visitor to the islands. . As one of the major banks advises,

“The Cook Islands, a sovereign nation based on the Westminster style of government is a group of 15 islands in the South Pacific Ocean south west of Tahiti and due south of and on the same time zone as Hawaii. Our geographic location allows the Cook Islands to have a strategic advantage in dealing with both the Asian and US markets”

Q – We have enough miles to use for a 32-Day, three-segment cruise from Singapore to  Hong Kong.  What is the best way to go about using them? Any strategies for this sort of thing? We are not going to be using the cruise lines air but I have never cashed in any of my approximately 750,000 miles on United. 

 A – If you are going to purchase a coach ticket and use miles to upgrade to Business or First Class, you should deal directly with the mileage desk at your airline. They will likely offer you more than one option requiring some instant decisions.

If, on the other hand, you are going to use your miles to get Business or First Class tickets, we highly recommend that you speak to the leading expert in this field, Gary Leff. He charges fees (approx. $350) but his expertise in this field is well worth it. Gary has been hailed as “The World’s Best Mileage Expert” (source: Conde Nast Traveler) and he assists many Churchill & Turen guests. Contact him initially at gary@bookyouraward.com  (Note: We do not have a business relationship with Mr. Leff). We do not accept payment in any form from those firms we recommend to our readers)

Q – I know we are early, but we are planning our first trip to the Orient in the winter of 2025. We will likely be using one of the top ranked tour operators like Red Savannah, Abercrombie & Kent or, perhaps, Tauck. We will be flying out of Cleveland. I am a tad anxious about the air and I will obsess about it until I have the schedule in my hand.  I am not sure, since I will know exactly what I want, if I will need a travel agent or if I should book this directly.

I will not accept flights that are “assigned to us”. There are some excellent carriers that operate in Asia and we will want the best possible routing. Who do I speak to at the tour company to make this happen as “it must”. 

Would really appreciate your addressing the “use an agent” question as I am receiving contradictory advise from friends who are well-traveled. Don’t be afraid to tell it to me straight. Love the site.

A –  You do not get to “choose” your flights when using supplier-provided air. What they can offer is, as we have discussed elsewhere on TT, limited by their contractual obligations. But there is nothing wrong with letting the air department know your preferences. If you don’t get them, and the air schedule is unacceptable to you, simply reject it and do your own thing. This will, almost always, increase your total costs by several thousand dollars and, should something go wrong, you are on your own. Another down side is that air, as quoted by a tour operator or a cruise line, is almost always a package – not a simple ticket quote. It usually includes taxes, which can run as high as 18%, baggage handling, and round trip transfers. You will end up paying for each of those items if you do your own air. 

The “should I use an agent” question is one that comes to us, in one form or another, on an almost daily basis. You want it straight – only a fool books direct. When you do, you are supporting one of the travel industry’s major “scams”. Virtually all suppliers will charge you the travel agency commission even when you book directly with the company. By all rights, it would seem to be unethical, and perhaps illegal under certain provisions of existing consumer protection laws, to charge a consumer the agent commission  when they book directly and have not used an agent. But the agent commission is always built in and you might  be surprised at the number of folks who pay it without asking for a refund. This is how travel suppliers can easily double their profits on any booking. They get the consumer to pay the same price the agent would charge even though the agent’s services are not included. This is why savvy travel observers will notice that every possible effort is made to get you to go to the supplier’s site to book online. You are paying for services you never received and they are simply pocketing the difference. 

Was that “straight” enough?

Q (9.4.23)  Your help would be appreciated. How do I know if my hotel pricing from Expedia is the best available? We are looking to book a two-week vacation in Poland and Hungary with a planned visit, if time permits, in Austria. But my husband has no interest in going so I will be traveling with our two teenage daughters. We are looking online but, quite frankly, we don’t know where to begin. Should we be looking under Poland tour operators or “tours to Eastern Europe”.  Obviously, there are budget concerns, but we are willing to go as high as $300 per night if necessary. The trip will be scheduled in September and, as you might imagine, the girls are primarily interested in Instagram moments while I want to do some serious sightseeing with good guides.  If we were sitting across the desk from you – what would you advise? My oldest daughter is quite good at internet research. 

A – There is a lot to unfurl here so please understand our need to be brief.  Do all the research you want on the internet and Expedia – but no travel consumer should ever book with a stranger at the other end of the phone who could be living anywhere and who is generally unreachable should there be any problem. When it comes to travel planning, you want to always avoid providing personal information and your credit card details to anyone you found on a search engine.

Never book any hotel room online because that is an automatic signal to the hotel that you are buying on price and you will never be a loyal, return customer. You will likely  get one of the worst rooms reserved for “online bookings”.

All hotel reservations should always be booked with an actual human who is working at the hotel “on-property”. This can be challenging because a large proportion of online hotel booking sites have been revealed to be “ghost sites” with no business relationship with the property. 

Your budget is unreasonable unless you are seriously looking at three-star hotels. Do you really want to put your daughters in that position? By the way, September has become the single most popular travel month in western Europe given the heat issues of the past decade. Prices are much higher than you might imagine.

Our suggestion is that you consider this a potential trip filled with moving parts and complexities. You should make an appointment with an experienced travel agent close to home, someone who will be available to you before and during your travels. Your agent will be able to give you a realistic cost estimate. 

It strikes us that you might want to inquire about a land tour that gives you most of what you want. Having a tour guide to attend to all details might actually enable you to enjoy this vacation with your girls. Try to understand that “Europe on $5 A Day” is now closer to “Europe on $1500 A Day”. And you are a “Triple”!

Finally, we would strongly urge you to consider a river cruise along the Danube. Sightseeing would be included as would all meals and accommodations. Much less to worry about.

Q – All right – just love the no bs approach of this  site – hope you can help. We have cruised Cunard twice, Azamara once, and we are now looking at Alaska on Regent which our travel agent says is the top-ranked cruise line in the world! So, first, is that correct? But my real question has to do with the Free Air offers to Alaska. I notice that when you book Regent Cruises to Europe you get free round-trip air and they fly you in business class. But our travel agent is saying that if we book Regent to Alaska, she will get us free first-class air – not business.  She has been around and is well-regarded in the Pittsburgh area. Is she getting us something special. Sure feels like it – and she did put it in writing.

A – Regent is not the Top-Rated cruise line in our latest rankings. But they are among the top three and they are rated at the very top when it comes to “Best Overall Value for A True Luxury Cruise Product.”

The answer to your question is not exactly what you may have concluded. Regent does include “Free” Business Air on every sailing outside our continent. It is automatic. But you can always turn it down and take an air credit. For instance, a typical air credit for a sailing in Europe would be $2700 per person. So if you chose not to use the cruise line’s air, your travel agent would be able to take $2700 x 2 off your total invoice. 

What is confusing you is that Business Class seats rarely exist on flights within North America. So when you are traveling between Alaska and your home your only choices are normally flying First Class or that other class that begs for food from the folks in front. So, yes, Regent always offers First Class rather than Business Class air on flights within North America and you always have the option of choosing the air credit instead. Morgan & Morgan might argue that the air credit voids the legal concept of free. Your travel agent is doing a fine job but all of your fellow travelers on Regent are getting the same offer.

It is, by the way, worth repeating, that Regent is still, after more than a decade, the only major luxury line to offer the “Free Air” option on every sailing. No one else seems to have figured out how to do this. Instead, lines use “Free” air promotions sparingly on sailings that need financial or marketing stimulation. What Regent knows that the others haven’t figured out, is that travel agents will always sell the thing they know. And rather than look up the date or wait on hold with a competitor to see if free air is available, they will turn to Regent where they know it is.

Worthy of some discussion at the Harvard Business School. 

Q – (9.3.23) – We have never cruised on a riverboat – my husband thinks he will be unhappy if he is limited to one major lounge onboard any ship. We’ve cruised three times on NCL on advice of friends and we were happy with our experiences. But as we approach retirement (we are in our early sixties) we are starting to see other options. My hubby is not a mathematician but I think I have him understanding that a 3,000-4,000 guest Norwegian Cruise ship will not, in his lifetime, be sailing down the Danube. I feel that I need to “sell this” to him based on quality, making sure he is on the very top line. I am reading some nice write-ups about Uniworld. Are they the best? 

A – Tricky question – and one we get asked all the time. (See below)  It is really hard for the consumer to gauge relative quality when considering two or three hotels that manage to float from place to place. Obviously, each one has its strengths – but also its weaknesses. The truth is that when Crystal, the old Crystal, declared bankruptcy, the best overall product on Europe’s rivers was no more. Now, we have several contenders and Uniworld is surely one of them. Given your concerns, we would limit your search to AMA, Tauck, Scenic, and, yes, Uniworld. Our media group does include a site totally devoted to river cruising. (www.rivercruiseratings.com) Currently, as of this morning, our overall rankings of Europe’s best riverboats is the order listed above. We do think that Uniworld is worth a serious look. They are strong in terms of shore excursions and onboard dining. The boats have more traditional decor – more palatial than modern. The line tends to attract an older crowd than appreciates the classic touches. 

Q – Your industry is not very good at helping consumers identify the various pros and cons of competing products. we’re not cruisers, but we are excited about the casual on-board life and ‘below 200″ fellow guests on Europe’s waterways. We are ready to begin a five-year plan to start sailing Europe’s rivers in style. So, after reading much of this site and carefully checking your credentials, we have just one question: “Right now, which river cruise line is considered the very best at what it does overall”?

A – It is a fair question and your assumption about our industry’s attempts to keep qualitative differences away from the prying eyes of the consumer is absolutely correct. Look at all the magazine awards – they all go to different lines. Confusing and we sincerely wish we could answer you in a sentence – but we can’t. We do hope you can spend time with our full reviews on our www.riverboatratings” website (it is not a public access site) 

Here is the bottom line: Before their parent company, Genting in Hong Kong, declared bankruptcy, Crystal Riverboats were clearly the benchmark brand in the industry. Now, with Crystal gone, several lines are fighting for dominance. Here are the best brands currently on Europe’s rivers and just a few comments to help guide you in your decision:

AMA Waterways – This family brand wins the most awards for excellence on the rivers although we think the gap between it and its competitors is sufficiently narrow to blur distinctions. AMA shines in terms of its hand-picked crew. It has also formed some interesting partnerships with Disney and companies like Backroads for bicycle touring. The line does a series of wine-centric cruises. We think that AMA is generally the safest choice for first-timers seeking the highest available quality experience. 

Scenic – On any sunny day along the river nothing is better than the Scenic experience. This is an Australian-owned company and they are fairly notorious for some poor communication between headquarters and their crews when it comes to reacting to water level issues and some of the other issues that can crop up from time to time. But in terms of food and service as well as a nice international mix of guests, Scenic is a player.

Tauck – Unlike the others at the top end of the market, Tauck, the renowned tour operator, does not own their boats nor do they employ the crews. This is a rental product overseen by Tauck on-board guides and management. Like everything Tauck does, it is extremely well-organized and caters to an affluent American market. Food gets good reviews but Tauck also has the edge when it comes to some creative touring options. 

We will stop there to avoid confusing you further. Uniworld is a top-tier line and Viking is, by far, the largest operator in Europe’s rivers with more than 70 boats featuring progressive Scandinavian design. Avalon does some lovely programs as well. But we think, if you are limiting yourselves to the very top of the current options, you might want to start with one of the three we have profiled. 

Q – We will be doing more and more traveling since I won the mega-billion lottery. No, actually, I am still working and I just won a $400 scratch-off here in Providence. But we are going to be stepping up our domestic traveling. I have a fairly short fuse when it comes to canceled flights. Can you name the airlines that currently have the worst domestic record in this regard I am wondering if there is a real connection between the cost of the ticket and the rate of flights being canceled. Thanks and wonderful site. 

A – The short answer is yes. If you look at all of 2022, Allegiant led the industry by canceling 4.43% of all flights while Delta had the best record of the majors with just 1.94%. Jetblue, Southwest, and Spirit held the next three spots in terms of their flight cancellation rate. 

Yes, there is a connection between overall airline rating and the percentage of cancelled flights. But we should remind you that the respected Skytrax organization does the industry’s most respected annual rankings of the world’s airlines. Five Star + is the highest ranking. All three US major carriers, United, American, and Delta are currently ranked as three-star airlines. Turkish Airlines, by contrast, is a 4-star rated airline. 

Q – We booked a Silversea cruise from Athens to Venice and just learned, sixty-thirty days before we leave, that our air schedules have been changed because Delta canceled one of our flights. Our travel agent says she cannot speak to Delta to help us but they are trying to work this out directly with Silversea. I see Delta as the one who canceled the flight and I think they are the ones who ought to make this up to us by offering us a better connection – not a worse one. Should we go around the agent and call Delta directly? If so, what department? I don’t quite understand why I used a travel agent to book this if they can’t help me with Delta.

A – We will infer from your note that you are booked on an air program that is part of your Silversea booking. Your travel agent is exactly correct. Your ticket was purchased by Silversea as part of a group contractual arrangement with Delta. This gives Silversea access to tickets at special pricing but they must adhere to the terms of the contract. Delta will not, legally, be able to speak to your travel advisor because your travel advisor is not the official “ticketing agent”. That would be Silversea’s Air Department. 

Your agent can contract Silversea on your behalf because the agency acts as your “advocate” in situations like this. This, by the way, is one primary reason why you should always use a travel advisor. That, and the fact that, even if you don’t use one,  you will end up paying their commission anyway because it is always built into the cruise line’s price matrix.

It is highly likely that calling Delta will be a waste of your time. The cruise lines go through special group departments and you will likely not be put through to that office as they do not work with passengers directly. 

There is one essential point here we want to be certain we make clear. Let’s imagine that your Business Class ticket actually cost Silversea $2800 based on their negotiated confidential contract with Delta. If your original flight is canceled, Delta must, working with Silversea’s air department, find you an alternative way to get to your destination. But what they will not do is put you on a flight where the Business class tickets are currently priced at $4500 Per Person. They must operate on their agreed-upon price of $2800. They are not going to east the difference – neither is Silversea. So what you will be getting on a cruise line-supplied air offer is alternative routing within the same general price range. There could be a non-stop available – but you won’t get a $4500 ticket. 

So what to do about it? You can always decide to take the available air credit and do your own air every time you take a cruise abroad. But studies show that 90% of the time you will be spending more, often thousands of dollars more, to do your ticketing independently. And, always remember that when do do not use the cruise line’s air program your transfers from and back to the airport are not included. In most European capitals that can easily amount to additional charges of several hundred dollars.

Q –  (8.20.23)We have been going to Hawaii, on and off, for the past eighteen years. Instead of a busy itinerary, we like to devote our time to one island per vacation, staying a week at the best hotel and a week at the best condo. We always do the condo first so we can be “served” the second week. Four years, ago we stayed on Lanai and absolutely loved the small-town vibe and the beauty. Now, we want to return but with all of the restoration work after the devastation that hit the Lahaina area, we are having second thoughts. We don’t want to be in the way but we must assume that tourism is going to be sorely missed. Any thoughts would be appreciated.   

A – We think your heart is in exactly the right place. Hawaii is still cleaning up and it will be for years in portions of Lahaina and Maui. But the islands will need the support of all of those who love the places and the people. We would encourage you to plan a vacation back to the islands just as soon as you can. Be prepared for some work crews to be using accommodations wherever you stay and dining options may be a bit limited. We think that waiting a month or two might be wise. But real travelers who have felt the Aloha spirit should, in our view, be planning a return to the islands to help spur the essential revival of the tourism economy. And please bring as many friends and family members as you can.

Just two weeks before the fires struck, we had a call from a very prominent Hawaii hotelier who wanted to discuss any clear reasons we could see why tourism to the islands had slowed down dramatically in terms of fall and winter bookings. Hawaii, as well as Mexico and the Caribbean, have all been impacted by a surge of American passport holders who, post-Covid were ready to head for points in Europe. 

So Hawaii has felt the power of a natural disaster coupled with a trending away from the North American continent. All of us have always seemed to take Hawaii for granted. But Paradise was always there and, for the most part, it still is populated by a people with fierce determination. We want to thank you for asking this question. For all of the exquisite moments we have spent on these magical islands – it is now payback time. 

Q – We seem to be getting more and more cruise offers at home which would indicate that the cruise lines are in trouble. Yet, for the most part, you have indicated they are not. Why this flurry of deals and special offers from the top cruise like the ones Churchill & Turen represents and do you, quite frankly, have the same offers?

A – Love this question. Your perception is correct. There are more offers and part of the reason is that marketing folks have to earn their keep. Many years ago, we advised guests to always use the “Cruisetruth Mathematical Model” to determine the true price of your cruise.

Take the least expensive, outside balcony stateroom and determine the total cost including port charges but leaving off air and insurance. Then divide by two. Then, divide that number by the number of nights you will spend aboard the ship. That will give you the true “per diem” cost per person and you can then compare that pricing with other cruises you might be thinking about taking.

The cruise industry is not “in trouble”. There is considerable Pandemic-related debt to be paid down, but as of yesterday, for instance, Royal Caribbean stock was up 114% for the year. (They own Celebrity and Silversea)/ Several major lines are operating currently at occupancy rates above 100%. 

As to the deals. We can use Regent Seven Seas as an example. They currently have an offer on a wide range of sailings that includes a three-night land program at the beginning or end. Sounds great. And, like virtually all cruise advertising, it assumes that the consumer is totally deal-focused and will believe anything. So what is missing in these deals? The worst thing that can happen on a Seabourn cruise, or a Tauck Tour, for that matter, is a discussion where a large number of loyal guests realized that if they had just waited until the last minute to book they would have received a better offer. And you know what? That does happen on Carnival, on Norwegian, and on Royal Caribbean. Last-minute deals happen all the time on a four and five thousand guest ships.

But the world’s top ten ranked cruise lines, which are the focus of our firm,  do not generally do that because they realize that those who book earliest are their most reliable core clients. And they have absolutely no interest in alienating their most loyal guests. We know many of these top executives. They are highly intelligent and aware men and women who have no interest in trying to train high-income, sophisticated cruisers to wait until the last minute to score a price deal that can be bragged about over cocktails on the ship. 

The cruise industry’s goal is not to simplify pricing so every consumer understands it clearly. Just the opposite. Their commissioned call center personnel are trained to try to get you to spend the most you can when you call.

The luxury lines fully understand that people talk aboard ships and it could cause major problems if those who booked last-minute received better pricing than those first 25% of guests putting down deposits – often more than a year in advance.

There is a major cruise myth perpetrated by the media that would make it seem that every cruise line goes out and negotiates different pricing with every travel agency group – with each price negotiated separately so there are hundreds of pricing models in the cruise line’s computer system. And, you have to believe that the cruise line management is so stupid that they put out pricing to the public that undercuts the pricing they are offering in-house. 

What many of our guests do not realize is that the top lines have a regular schedule of rising prices as each ship fills. On one of the very top-ranked lines, for example, the prices generally are raised every 90 days. So while they may offer a land program, in the example you used, when you book it you are being charged a fare that has been raised several times which helps defray the cost of the package. You are not getting a better deal than those who booked earliest.

With tour operators that meet our stringent requirements, there is no discounting at all. The worst thing Tauck could ever do to a long-time tour guide is to have twenty-four guests on the bus who have paid a wide variety of prices for the same program. Guests would be unhappy and the company might well lose one of its best guides.

Finally, you asked about our firm. Since we have held executive positions in the industry and fully understand pricing models, we take a different approach. Instead of playing foolish and misleading pricing games, we state, in writing, that we will seek out the best current legitimate offer and we will refund 100% of that offer to the guests. We have not, in 38 years, ever retained any portion of the discounts due to any guest of our firm. We’re sure there are other luxury travel firms that share this policy but we feel better presenting it in a legal format.

Apologies for the long response. You hit a nerve. Every travel supplier wants its guests to take action to book. The best way to do that, they feel, is to make every guest feel that they are receiving a very special offer. That is why you keep getting mailing offers at home. Use our Cruisetruth Pricing Model and you will always know exactly how good an offer you have received. Define your own “Per Diem” comfort level and don’t be shy about advising your advisor about the figure you have in mind. 

Thank you for your important question.

Q – I thought you had written something a while back that indicated that an airline can give your seat away even after it is confirmed and you have it in writing. Can that be true?

A – Yes. The fine print on every ticket indicates that you have been assigned seats that can change. This does happen more than you might imagine for two primary reasons: The first is when there is a change of equipment. When that happens, airline computers will arbitrarily assign new seats based on the newly assigned aircraft’s seating plan. The other scenario when seats are changed without your knowledge has to do with the needs of one of the airline’s elite fliers. Airlines can and do give booked seats to their most frequent, million-mile fliers. This is one reason we always advise flyers to download the airline’s app to check from time to time that their assigned seats have not been changed.

Q – We are now fully retired, although I do some consulting in the field of Environmental Law, and my wife and I are ready to start living some of our dreams – most of which center around eating some incredible, best available, meals. We want to start planning two or three major trips a year where we can find, quite literally, the top-rated restaurants on the planet. I guess you can call us Obsessive Foodies with an emphasis on “obsessive”. 

Obviously, we would try to knock out several of the world’s best on each trip. But how to find out where the best restaurants are and what to say when we call them up for a reservation? And where to begin? Does any such list that is actually respected in the Restaurant Industry actually exist? And where would you start if we want to begin at the very top of the list and then work our way down? As you can see, this is all in the beginning planning stages but we really want to take off next summer on the first of two or three journeys next year in search of “The Planet’s Best Meals”.

There may be a book or a blog involved in this project but that is really secondary to amazing dining memories and, let’s be honest, some bragging rights. Are you aware of anyone who has done this before and actually worked their way down the line from 1-10? Can’t wait for your response and kudos for an intriguing site that allows open questions like this with no apparent financial motive.

A – OK. Let’s see if we can help you organize this. It has been done before and, yes, there is an “officially” recognized and respected list each year of the World’s Best Restaurants. There are clients of ours who have tried to include the very top-tier restaurants but, if you want to “do the list” be aware that it refers to the “Best Fifty Restaurants in the World” so you will need to plan carefully.  

The most respected list in the industry is called “The World’s Best Restaurants” and it was launched by an impressive group of chefs, food editors, and writers in 2002. It has, since it was launched, gained a great deal of respect within the international dining community. Last year’s winners were Noma and Geranium, both located in Copenhagen which quickly became a gourmet food destination to those in the know. 

The group has a strong rule that no restaurant can gain the top spot more than once so everyone in the restaurant industry worldwide was quite interested in which restaurant would get the top spot in 2023 and where it might be located. Given the number of Michelin restaurants on the list, Japan was thought to be a serious contender.  

You will first be headed to Peru on your life journey. Lima’s Central has been inching up the list since 2013 but it got a boost when one of the owners,Virgilio Martinez, was featured on Netflix “Chef’s Table” series.

The restaurant is in the coastal Barranco neighborhood. You will be served a 12 or 14-course tasting menu at a cost per person of just under $300. We thought you might like to see where the rest of your travels will be taking you if you literally decide to do the full list of the World’s Best Restaurants. Lima, by the way, has an amazing four restaurants on the list making it the world’s premier Foodie destination.

In terms of travel planning, no restaurants in India or on the African Continent made the list. Here are the 2023 Restaurants named the Best in the World:

The Complete List of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023

1. Central (Lima, Peru) – Best Restaurant in South America
2. Disfrutar(Barcelona, Spain) – Best Restaurant in Europe
3. Diverxo(Madrid, Spain)
4. Asador Etxebarri(Atxondo, Spain)
5. Alchemist(Copenhagen, Denmark)
6. Maido(Lima, Peru)
7. Lido 84(Gardone Riviera, Italy)
8. Atomix(New York City) – Highest Climber, Best Restaurant in North America
9. Quintonil(Mexico City, Mexico)
10. New: Table by Bruno Verjus(Paris, France) – Highest New Entry
11. New: Trèsind Studio(Dubai, UAE) – Best Restaurant in the Middle East and Africa
12. A Casa do Porco(São Paulo, Brazil)
13. Pujol(Mexico City, Mexico)
14. Odette(Singapore) – Best Restaurant in Asia and Chef’s Choice: Julien Royer
15. New: Le Du(Bangkok, Thailand)
16. Reale(Castel di Sangro, Italy)
17. New: Gaggan Anand(Bangkok, Thailand)
18. Steirereck(Vienna, Austria)
19. Don Julio(Buenos Aires, Argentina)
20. Quique Dacosta(Dénia, Spain)
21. Den(Tokyo, Japan)
22. Elkano(Getaria, Spain)
23. New: Kol (London, England)
24. Septime(Paris, France)
25. Belcanto(Lisbon, Portugal)
26. Schloss Schauenstein(Fürstenau, Switzerland)
27. Florilège(Tokyo, Japan)
28. New: Kjolle(Lima, Peru)
29. Boragó(Santiago, Chile)
30. Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden)
31. Mugaritz(San Sebastian, Spain)
32. Hiša Franko(Kobarid, Slovenia)
33. New: El Chato(Bogotá, Colombia)
34. Uliassi(Senigallia, Italy)
35. Ikoyi (London, England)
36. New: Plénitude(Paris, France)
37. New: Sézanne(Tokyo, Japan)
38. The Clove Club(London, England)
39. The Jane(Antwerp, Belgium)
40. Restaurant Tim Raue(Berlin, Germany)
41. Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
42. Piazza Duomo(Alba, Italy)
43. Leo(Bogotá, Colombia)
44. Le Bernardin(New York City)
45. Nobelhart & Schmutzig(Berlin, Germany)
46. New: Orfali Bros(Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
47. Mayta(Lima, Peru)
48. New: La Grenouillère(La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil, France)
49. New: Rosetta(Mexico City)
50. The Chairman(Hong Kong)

Finally, in terms of getting reservations: Do not try calling them on your own. Instead, work with a travel advisor well-versed in food and fine dining. Your advisor should be part of a consortium that has offices in the countries where you will be headed. You will want reservations requested by a local who will have the inside track on securing often, impossible to get, reservations.

We have clients who just returned from dinners at both Noma and Geranium during a one-week visit to Denmark. They booked the best hotel in the city and got to know the lead Concierge. They arrived at the hotel with a carefully thought-out gift for the Concierge. They reported that each dining experience was well worth the effort and the price.

For the record, we don’t feel that anything about your plan is obsessive. You are focused and we suspect that your focus will result in a suitcase full of truly memorable journeys. And you may become more in demand as a cocktail party guest. Enjoy it all and don’t fill up on the bread. 

Q – Really interesting site – just stumbled across you via some algorithm hidden in the bowels of Google’s basement. Two weeks ago, on business in DC, I was checking in at the JW Marriott. I had checked and I knew, for a fact, that the next category up, a junior suite was available. I asked the front desk, and then the front desk manager, if they would consider an upgrade. They politely refused even though I am every kind of Marriott frequent stayer there is. As a security consultant (you can read anything into that you want) I could not believe they would refuse to upgrade me when I was checking in at 8:30 PM. 

One of my co-workers had almost the same scenario occur at the Grand Hyatt in LA. He is an off-the-charts Hyatt frequent traveler. I know you weren’t there – but wondering if you can think of any explanation that is making it harder and harder to secure hotel upgrades?

A – In other words you are a part-time security guard  who wants a free upgrade? No worries – you are asking a serious question and the tend you have noticed is, we think, very real. There are several possible reasons applicable to specific properties but you may very well be looking at a change in upgrade procedures that is a result of pandemic financial losses and a severe shortage of housekeeping staff. There are wage increaese pressures, threats of unionization, and a failing attempt by four and five star hotels to get guests to willingly forego housekeeping services.

Some of this is, we suspect, mathematical. The time spent cleaning a suite is greater than the time spenmt cleaning a standard-size room. The amenities and in-room cleaning requirements are greater.

One of the not so public issues that has arisen as hotels emerge from the pandemic with higher, much higher, average occupancy rates is the amount of time maids can spenmd cleaning rooms. In many larger cities like Los Angeles, hotels are addressing their increasing costs for housekeeping services by placing limits on the actual number of square feet a maid can clean. The number we are hearing is 3,500 square feet per day. After that the maid, or “room attendant” has completed their work and must be paid for a full day or, perhaps, be compensated at “overtime” wages. 

So upgrading you to any kind of suite would have increased the maid’s square foot coverage, would take more time, and would, if done frequently enough, more additional housekeeping staff.

The maid’s unions are in a stronger position then they have ever been and room cleaning services are increasingly going to be viewed by hotels as services for which the guest must sign-up and expect to pay for the “extra” services. 

In this environment, comp room upgrades are going to become less frequent.

Q – What is the biggest mistake you think clients make when planning their vacations? Is it where they travel or more, how they travel?

A – Many upscale travelers reject the notion of traveling with other like-minded people out of hand. Many of our guests are unaware that there are several, not many, tour firms that appeal specifically to intelligent and relatively sophisticated travelers. It is also true that many of our guests will not even consider a cruise vacation because of the many stereotypes regarding mega-ships at sea. The fact is, that when you did down deep enough, there really is a ship for everyone. You just have to be open to the discussion. 

Other “mistakes” might include a reluctance to do off-season travel when recommended to do so. In a general sense, we would argue that the consumer’s tendency to believe social media posts by so-called “influencers” and very part-time travel writers and agents, has created a dung heap of phony and purchased reviews designed to spread product quality misinformation. In public forums and on talk radio we use this example: If you loaded up a bus filled with friends and headed out to the largest indoor mall in your area and then stopped the first 500 people you saw to ask them if they could name the world’s top-rated cruise line – we believe not more than one or two would know. And that is being optimistic. 

Our industry, the nation’s third largest, is so filled with deceit and misrepresentation, that a majority of consumers cannot describe how their travel agent is compensated.

Q – Will the hotel rates we are seeing, many over $2000 per night at five-star properties, stay steady in 2024?

A – No – nothing in this current environment will be steady. Hotels will be charging as much as they can given the losses still being felt during the pandemic. The new Aman Hotel in Venice, for example, has starting prices that are approaching $3000 per night. Hotel rates, much like cruise pricing, are not normally controlled by humans. There are algorithms that control pricing increases once a certain occupancy rate is achieved. Price increases are slow and steady and the one rule of thumb is that the first 25% of guests to book a property tend to get the best rate. Occupancy in Europe is now running 37% ahead of its peak in 2019 in terms of American visitors. But that is also true of Indian visitors, visitors from all over Europe and the South Pacific. Records are being broken and that is slowing down getting firm rates for better properties in 2024 and 2025. Many of the hotels we work with along the Amalfi Coast, for instance, are delaying price quotes because truth be told, they just don’t know how much they can charge and operate at 100%.

Given current demand, no one is predicting a rapid decrease in room pricing. The industry still has to compensate for two years of closed properties and staff depletion. 

Q – Any guesses as to what impact the 2024 election will have on international travel? Is there any evidence that travel will slow down in the months up to and after the election because people will want to stick around to see if we still have a democracy in place? Will this result in more availability and lower pricing? We will be doing a highly anticipated Rhine River Cruise on Scenic and we are wondering if we will see far fewer Americans traveling abroad in the weeks leading up to our so-called election?

A – The election cycle theory holds that the number of Americans traveling overseas declines by 15-20% in the months preceding and following a national election. But we’ve seen very little empirical evidence of a slowdown during the Presidential election cycle. Yes, there are folks who will want to stick close to their TVs and computer screens, but there may be an equal number that just wants to get away from the “noise” for a while. It is good to remember that the average high school student in Italy has been to far more countries abroad than the average adult American. Our election travel trends will not have a major impact on pricing or availability overseas. The topic might be brought up more often but we don’t foresee any major impact on your travel plans. 

Q – My husband and I are soooo tired of reading online reviews. We don’t know how people in your profession do it. We want to spend about a week in Venice next year, staying at the very best property in a junior suite. We realize from our readings that Venice doesn’t require a week but we’ll use it as a base and take some day trips to Verona and elsewhere. Our questions just boils down to which is the best hotel. And if we didn’t know about you, how would we go about getting the answer from a travel agent here in Austin? 

A – A really good consultant has access to certified hotel inspection reports written by industry professionals after a series of undercover visits. This is not available. Generally speaking, when you look at three or four of these reviews, ad-free and hype-free, you will know which hotel seems right for you.

That said, there are two properties that now dominate the upper echelon of Venetian hotels.

Occupying its own out-island, about 20 minutes from San Marco Square, the Cipriani has always been regarded as the very best place to stay in Venice.  The food and service are exquisite. This is a Belmond property and insiders love the wooden terrace at Cip’s Club that faces the Doge’s Palace.  For Michilin-starred dining, you would want to try the Oro Restaurant. There is an Olympic-size pool and the highly-regarded Casanova Wellness Center.

Then there is the newcomer – arriving with sparkling credentials belonging to the Traveltruth top-ranked hotel group in the world. The Aman Venice has just opened and it features 24 rooms and suites. You will feel that you are staying in a museum in this centrally-located 16th-century palazzo. 

If you want the best in Venice, we would suggest you have just completed your search.

Q – Discovered you about eight hours ago while looking for a travel site that had anything at all to do with the word “truth”. I work in financial planning here in Santa Monica and I am, fortunately, in a position where I can take off with my wife any month to go virtually anywhere. I am wondering how you are now advising your clients when it comes to 2024/2025 and beyond travel planning to Europe and the Orient given the likely scenarios of declining windows of satisfactory touring weather and conditions. When we are on vacation we try not to pass out en route to major sites and getting dizzy from the heat and not knowing where I am only makes sense to me if I am near my home in the parking lot of an In-N-Out Burger. Thanks. Short answer is fine, we’ll talk soon.

A – Good question – one that we are being asked often in a variety of ways. Let’s start with the Orient. Japan and South Korea have longer seasons but we are now recommending that destinations including Vietnam and Cambodia are best visited in the winter months from November through the first week in March, And even then, the humidity and the heat will require careful pacing. 

June through August has always been the prime season in Europe. Then word started seeking out that the French, followed closely by the Italians like to take off almost the entire month of August. Many store owners and restaurateurs own summer getaways and despite the potential for significant lost income, they are still willing to close their shutters to fully utilize scheduled vacation time. 

Given the decline of many services due to labor shortfalls in August, September has become the best month to enjoy southern Europe. But given the last two summers, September splendor is giving way to more heat, humidity, and growing crowds including large numbers of visitors from India, Russia, and Scandinavia. So we now have some key weeks that look best for travelers with the kinds of options you enjoy. For travel within southern Europe this is what we are currently recommending for those whose schedules have flexibility without the need to adhere to school schedules:

• April 20 – May 20
• September 20 – October 20

We stopped predicting the weather as though we knew what we are talking about several years ago. But our best guess is that, given current weather patterns, these are the premier times to plan future travels within southern Europe. Thanks for finding us. We’ll try not to let you down.

Q – My long-time travel agent in Alexandria, Va. is, unfortunately, retiring. In a recent conversation, she mentioned something about our being her “favorite FIT Lovers”. She seemed to think we knew what that meant – but we didn’t. Did not want to show our ignorance but as we have been traveling with her counsel for more than fifteen years, I wonder if you might know what she meant. 

A – The term stands for “Foreign Independent Tour” and it is shorthand in the industry for travelers who prefer a personally-curated private journey instead of a set group tour. Travel agents who do FIT’s well are fairly rare. It involves utilizing hundreds of contacts abroad and designing complete itineraries on a custom basis. Agents who do FIT’s sometimes charge by the hour, but many do FIT’s on a flat-rate basis. Once a program is completed and the final itinerary is presented to the guests the final price reflects a mark-up of from 15-30% depending on complexity. These days, many FIT specialists charge a flat rate of $500-$1000 per person. 

To put the charges in perspective, when a major group tour supplier sets out to design a new group tour it takes a team working two to three years to complete the project. When you ask a travel advisor to create the same thing just for you the process can truly be time-consuming. 

Your agent was complimenting you. She was saying that you prefer to go your own way rather than going along with a set group program. Nothing wrong with being a FIT “Lover” but it can, over the course of several years, get expensive. 

Q – (8.6.23) – We took a Sea Dream Cruise last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. We live in Seattle and we try to take advantage of the local dining scene, particularly seafood, at every opportunity. Sea Dream was wonderful. Only 68 guests on a 100-Guest ship. And the food was quite good. We particularly liked the fact that we could dine outdoors while cruising the Greek Islands. But now, we are ready for something more immersive with a choice of excellent restaurants. I know that your firm created an impressive list of cruise industry awards for excellence in specific areas a few years ago. I would really appreciate knowing which cruise line is currently at the top of your rankings for overall food quality. I understand you may not wish to address this as it might not go over well with the many cruise lines you support and who support you. 

A  –  No worries at all. Please know that our Media Group is operated independently of our travel consultancy and we do not accept any financial aid or supplier input connected to our consumer online sites. Your timing is good because we are in the process of finalizing our 2023-2024 Cruise Industry Awards. They will be sent to all media representatives in the next 30 days and they will then appear on our newest consumer website under development. This new site will be totally devoted to unbiased ratings and ranking of travel products across-the-board so you can easily look up the kind of information you are seeking. It will also appear on our www.cruisetruth.com website, the home of our comprehensive reviews and rankings of the World’s Top Cruise Lines. 

But the data is completed for this year’s award categories and we are pleased to respond to you with specifics. 

• BEST DINING AT SEA OVERALL  – HAPAG-LLOYD
• BEST DINING RUNNER-UP           – SILVERSEA

We really hope this is helpful. Please note:

• Hapag-Lloyd appeals to a German-speaking clientele.
• If you are sailing Silversea try to book one of their vessels where the S.A.L.T. Program is operating.

Q – One question that I don’t recall seeing addressed: The little lady and I are starting to do some nice trips now that the kids are grown and one of them is attending law school. (He’s been cut off). We enjoy escorted tours led by knowledgeable guides that use some of the better hotels around the world. We have booked a program to Morocco using a US-based company and a tour of Portugal planned by a Lisbon-based firm. We couldn’t see many real quality differences. But from a consumer view, shall we, going forward, stick with US-based firms for the protections offered to American travelers abroad? In reading your site I realize that, in travel, assumptions are not always correct. Love the site – don’t stop what you’re doing.

A – Actually, this is one of those times where assumptions are incorrect. We will only discuss Europe for now, because travel within Europe would be the exception to the rule you are trying to establish. Respected travel attorney Mark Peskroink recently addressed this topic in response to a question from a travel agent in Travel Weekly. He pointed out that European nations tend to have much stricter consumer protection laws when it comes to travel. In the States, for example, we often see that suppliers have surety bonds, or trust accounts as “protection” against default. But these protections are filled with exceptions and, most importantly, US laws allow Tour Operators to avoid liability when their suppliers are guilty of non-performance.

Under European laws, the tour operator is basically liable to the client for anything that goes wrong during a trip. This, importantly, includes subcontractor performance if the tour operator chose them. Every major European tourist nation has a government-sponsored insolvency plan that makes good on defaults by a supplier who goes out of business.

It is very important to note that these consumer travel protection laws in Europe apply to private travel arrangements as well as group tours. Stranded passengers who had air arranged as part of a tour also receive a remedy in the form of accommodations and new flights.

The bottom line, sadly, is that the average American traveling to Europe has better legal protection if they use a European-based company than they would if they worked exclusively with American firms.

By the way – are you cutting your son off because he is financially independent – or because he decided to become a lawyer?

Q – (8.4.23) –  As you are aware, my wife and I always purchase comprehensive travel insurance when we travel overseas. Last week, however, we had dinner with friends who are really well-traveled and who will soon be using your travel services. They mentioned that they depend on their Chase Sapphire Reserve card in lieu of separate or independent insurance. I’ve since looked over the coverage and it looks pretty good including 100K in emergency evacuation coverage.

We’re considering upgrading our credit card portfolio but wanted to get your thoughts before we do, Apologies if you have already covered this topic and warmest regards.

A – Thanks so much for your question, one that is on the minds of many travelers. And please no worry about the question possibly being asked previously. Insurance can be a confusing game and it is always good to have the opportunity to update information. Unfortunately, the consumer travel media does not cover this subject in great detail because of the travel advertising clout of credit card companies, banks, and insurance companies.        

No need to mince words – we never suggest that travelers rely on a credit card company for coverage. They outsource coverage and there is no one in the transaction to seriously represent your interests.

Our Senior Editor, for instance, carries the Chase Preferred Sapphire card. It is a lovely little card but we think the coverage is inadequate although it does improve with the highest levels of upgraded cards. These days, we think that $100,000 is an inadequate amount for emergency evacuation, the most critical component of any credit card used for travel purposes. An emergency helicopter evacuation can cost close to the maximum amount covered and that would not cover hospitalization or medical care. We are now recommending a minimum of $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Here is the problem: When the media tries to analyze the cost/benefits of several policies, they rarely speak to those who sell those policies on a regular basis. That means that the two most critical questions are rarely if ever, asked:

01 – How do you determine the financial standing of the insurance provider?

02 – When you purchase a travel insurance policy for a trip from a travel advisor, to what degree have they and will they become your advocates should a claim initially be denied?

Suppose, for instance, you have what seems to be a valid claim. But, for whatever technical reasons, your claim is denied by the insurance company’s underwriters. Is your consultant in a position to personally intervene with the possibility of getting your insurer to reopen the case? Will your travel advisor be your advocate?

This is the real secret of purchasing travel insurance and, for some rather obvious reasons, travel insurers never bring it up. Sorry for the long answer but hope this is helpful.

Q –  This is all great information but, as a frequent business and soon-to-be-retired leisure traveler, I’d love to have access to some of the industry materials that you are featuring on this site. I hope you will consider making a suggestion or two to a wanna-be travel nerd”. I would love to be able to discuss your industry intelligently with friends.

A –  There are any number of excellent consumer mileage and air-centric sites such as “View from the Wing” and “The Points Guy”. You might also want to follow travel via the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, The Washington Post, and, for the most truthful expertise, the New York Times. But to follow true industry stories that consumer sources usually overlook we would suggest a subscription to Travel Weekly (note that our Editor is the Senior Contributing Editor at TW) and Travel Pulse which offers a good news digest on a weekly basis. But put your quest in perspective. 99% of all articles about our industry are written by writers who have never worked in travel. Always be skeptical about what you read in a travel-advertising-heavy consumer publication. If you want to test this theory, Google back articles that explain why consumers who book hotels and other services directly are entitled to a refund of the built-in travel agent commission. See how many articles you can find that even touch on this subject. Crickets.  

And always remember “traveltruth law # 17”: Anything you ever read in any consumer or industry publication has likely (over 90-% of the time) been written by a travel writer who owes payback for a complimentary or reduced-rate trip. There is only one publication we are aware of that does not accept comp travel for its journalists and you can probably figure out who it is. 

Q – We are thinking about a Danube River Cruise on Uniworld that will sail from Budapest this August. In sort of preparing for this journey I see that Hungary is ruled by Victor Orban, a rather right-wing, authoritarian ruler. We are in our late sixties and not all that much traveled. Not sure I want to go anywhere where there could be dangerous street demonstrations. If Orbin caused some commotions would I be able to get my money back? Is this a trip you would do? Is August the right time to do it?

A –  If you don’t wish to travel in Europe in countries led by, more or less, authoritarian leaders, you might try skipping Italy as well. If the idea of very strong right-wing opposition parties frightens you, add France and Spain to the list. We have spoken to Victor and he assures us that Budapest and the waters of the beautiful Danube will be safe to cruise when you are there.

You would not get a refund for civil disturbances unless Uniworld determined that it was not safe to cruise there. That would be their decision – not yours.

Sadly, you have chosen a month to cruise the Danube that we are encouraging travelers from the States to avoid. The heat issues and the crowds do not bode well for a stress-free journey. Add the heat to the possibility of Orbin’s friends tossing rocks at you as you sail by their villages, makes us think that you should re-schedule your plans. For the Danube, the ideal months are May, September and the first three weeks in October.

Q – (8.4.23) –  As you are aware, my wife and I always purchase comprehensive travel insurance when we travel overseas. Last week, however, we had dinner with friends who are really well-traveled and who will soon be using your travel services. They mentioned that they depend on their Chase Sapphire Reserve card in lieu of separate or independent insurance. I’ve since looked over the coverage and it looks pretty good including 100K in emergency evacuation coverage.

We’re considering upgrading our credit card portfolio but wanted to get your thoughts before we do, Apologies if you have already covered this topic and warmest regards.

A – Thanks so much for your question, one that is on the minds of many travelers. And please no worry about the question possibly being asked previously. Insurance can be a confusing game and it is always good to have the opportunity to update information. Unfortunately, the consumer travel media does not cover this subject in great detail because of the travel advertising clout of credit card companies, banks, and insurance companies.        

No need to mince words – we never suggest that travelers rely on a credit card company for coverage. They outsource coverage and there is no one in the transaction to seriously represent your interests.

Our Senior Editor, for instance, carries the Chase Preferred Sapphire card. It is a lovely little card but we think the coverage is inadequate although it does improve with the highest levels of upgraded cards. These days, we think that $100,000 is an inadequate amount for emergency evacuation, the most critical component of any credit card used for travel purposes. An emergency helicopter evacuation can cost close to the maximum amount covered and that would not cover hospitalization or medical care. We are now recommending a minimum of $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Here is the problem: When the media tries to analyze the cost/benefits of several policies, they rarely speak to those who sell those policies on a regular basis. That means that the two most critical questions are rarely if ever, asked:

01 – How do you determine the financial standing of the insurance provider?

02 – When you purchase a travel insurance policy for a trip from a travel advisor, to what degree have they and will they become your advocates should a claim initially be denied?

Suppose, for instance, you have what seems to be a valid claim. But, for whatever technical reasons, your claim is denied by the insurance company’s underwriters. Is your consultant in a position to personally intervene with the possibility of getting your insurer to reopen the case? Will your travel advisor be your advocate?

This is the real secret of purchasing travel insurance and, for some rather obvious reasons, travel insurers never bring it up. Sorry for the long answer but hope this is helpful.

Q – 4.18.23 – Perhaps someday, my husband and I can convince you to do a Q&A site totally dedicated to air-related advice. Meanwhile, we are headed to Europe on September 9th of this year to meet friends in Budapest where we will be going on an Avalon Danube Cruise. We are definitely going to have to change planes somewhere in Europe and I am wondering which cities I should concentrate on and which ones you think we should definitely avoid. We picked September because we don’t like crowds and very warm weather. We booked with Avalon based on the ship, which we thought was lovely, and the great offer they gave us.  We are hoping to see some great air pricing since we are flexible as to where we would change planes. Any advice would be really appreciated. This is our first “cruise” of any sort. 

A – You might want to deal with a knowledgeable travel agent who specializes in international air arrangements. You are very late to begin this search and you should assume that 60-70% of available seats on the best routings into Budapest are already fully booked. As you have not indicated where you will be flying from, it is hard to suggest specific flights. Do note, however, that there are non-stop flights into Budapest on both United and American among others. JFK and O’Hare will have the best options. 

If you have to connect through an airport in Europe, these would be our top recommendations based on current data and anticip[ated crowds when you will be traveling. Do note that “September is the new June and July” but your assumptions about fewer crowds and more comfortable weather are largely inaccurate. Pack for temperatures ranging from 85-92 on the Danube in early September. Expect high occupancy and crowds during several portions of your journey. This summer we do not expect to see anything like a tourism slowdown much before the last week in September running into October. Our current rule is that we want you coming home from a major river journey no later than the 20th of October. 

The Current Best “Change of Plane” Connecting Airports in Europe for Budapest are:

• Vienna
• Zurich
• Munich
• Copenhagen

Q –  OK, we are now “fans” but one or two of your revelations about the travel industry seem to be so “first time I have ever heard that” off-the-charts. I just read a piece you had published suggesting that because I fly to Europe and Australia on business, I should be smearing my face with protective suntan lotion for up to fifteen hours at a time in the air. I do always prefer a window seat whether I am flying Economy Plus or Business. But I have never, ever seen a fellow passenger lather up. Not asking for a scientific treatise but wondering what led you to suggest this strategy. Wouldn’t I scare my fellow passengers if I get up covered with lotion, to use the restroom?  

A – You might – but on a long flight with the sun streaming in through the windows mid-day, sun exposure is a credible risk that has been affecting pilots for years. The New York Times has reported on some of the abnormally high cancer rates  pilots on longer routes have experienced.

We know that airplane windows are typically made of polycarbonate plastic or layered composite glass.While there is negligible transmission of UVB rays through plastic and glass windshields, UVA transmission through these windows is significant.”

It is thought that the heavy amount of light transmitting through airplane windows contain potentially-harmful UVA rays.

Why should you care? Well, though you won’t necessarily get a sunburn since that’s caused primarily by UVB radiation, UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin and are known to cause photoaging (sun spots and wrinkling).

When you are flying at 33,000 feet one of the most remarkable characteristics of your flight is that you are, quite literally, flying above the atmosphere. But you are closer to the ozone layer by about six miles. You are that much closer to the sun so we can hopefully agree that the sun’s rays are, at that altitude, considerably more powerful. Added to that, is the fact thatyou are flying above weather- above clouds, that serve to filter some of the harmful rays from the sun .

The bottom line appears to be that flying long distances, particularly in an aisle seat with the shades left open, your exposure to UVA rays can contribute to the development of skin cancer. 

And since you’re closer to the ozone layer — almost six miles closer to be more exact — the sun’s rays are simply more powerful. Plus, extended exposure to UVA rays can contribute to the development of skin cancers.

The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that the plane’s windows stopped about 99% of UVB rays, but only about half of UVA rays. That means about an hour of exposure on a plane is the equivalent of 20 minutes in a tanning bed. And, according to SkinCancer.org, there is no safe amount of time you should spend in a tanning bed.

We will continue to suggest that clients flying in a window seat on any flight of three hours or longer, apply protective amounts of high-quality suinscreen while keeping the window shades down as much as possible. It just makes sense. Family and friends in adjoining seats may want to do the same as UVA rays penetrate the aircraft’s structure. 

We are not suggesting a full face two-inch lather of protective cream – just the same amount you might apply for a few hours At the beach. If you ever run into any professional pilots you may want to see what they have to say on the subject and the steps they take,m with so much window exposure, to protect themselves. 

We will know we are making progress when Business and First Class Amenity Kits start containing small tubes of sunscreen.

Q – As you know, we want to return to Africa. As we ponder other travel possibilities – East Africa specifically – we are wondering what your thoughts are about the current drought conditions.  Multiple news stories portray conditions that are dire in Kenya & Tanzania – people and animals dying from lack of food and water, etc.  We know that you always filter through the hype – is it hype? Or is this not the ideal time to go to East Africa? Would we experience less-than-ideal conditions that would provide a very different experience for us?

Thank you for your valued opinions. And, thank you for all of your assistance to ensure the best travel experiences. We value our relationship.

A – Thanks so much for your thoughtful and considerate question regarding East Africa. Please allow us to respond with just a few observations:

01 – You can see as many animals and experience higher-end camp accommodations in South Africa and Botswana. If that is an option you might want to consider it.

02 – Yes, the drought is real. And its effects in East Africa are demonstrable. It is not exaggerated. But we have had similar conditions in some of the western areas of the United States. It is interesting that if you draw a line down the middle of the United States landing in, say, Austin, Texas, you would find that 80% of the US population lives to the east of that dividing line. That is partially due to dry conditions out west.

03 – When you go on safari you are rarely, if ever, in view of local villages suffering malnutrition. Yes, they are out there, and often not a very long distance from the camps where the tourists are staying, but a safari is one of life’s most fulfilling and upscale experiences. These are not poverty tours.

04 – If one is sensitive to the suffering in, for example, certain drier portions of Kenya, you could decide not to go. But we think there is another important side to that question. If all the safari tourism dried up in East Africa would the children and the adults in the country suffer even more? I believe the answer is a clear yes.

If, for example, we book you on a highly recommended tour with Micato Safaris, your support of Micato would result in a local child being able to attend a good school for an entire year. Many of the other African travel suppliers operate similar programs and, in some cases, they sponsor schools and local development projects. We can state for sure that your presence in Africa will make a major impact on a child’s life. That is why we support these companies and that is how we can justify tourism in an area where many are suffering the immediate results of climate change.

There are all sorts of ethical issues involved in your question and each guest has to decide where they come out on this issue. Our experience tells us that tourism in both East and Southern Africa achieves far more good for the local economy than the alternative of avoiding travel to the area.

Q – We are taking the family to see family in Denver for Thanksgiving, including a particular branch of the family that buys into every conspiracy theory on God’s earth. They actually believe that high Holiday airfares are controlled by a cabal designed to keep families from connecting with one another. I won’t bore you with some of the other stuff they believe today. But here’s my point: I am going to be paying $723 Per Person for the four of us to fly out to see them. That’s a coach fare. Unfortunately, due to the fact that I truly love my wife, I am doomed to repeat the trip again next year. How can I save on these fares next year? 

A – We’re not at all conspiratorial but a “cabal” managing extraordinarily high airfares over the Holidays when families need to travel, is really not anything we would rhetorically rule out. This is a case where you want to be among the first 20% to book your seats. Book them at 12:20 am. on the morning eleven months prior to the date of your planned return flight. The flights for that day will be loaded at midnight so do what the air nerds do and set the alarm. On average, it takes about 20 minutes for the servers to load the new flights. This may save you some money but it is a procedure most often used by frequent flyers who will be planning to use miles and who are guessing that two or three mileage seats will be available on any Holiday flight. Good luck. 

Q – 11.19.22  – As a true Southerner, I do share the belief of most of my neighbors that when we pass we will have to go through a Delta security gate to enter the promised land. That said, the hold times lately have been driving me crazy, especially when I have last-minute questions, changes, or confirmations. The prompt e-mail responses just don’t seem to be arriving. I could care less about UA or AA, they barely know where the South is. But is there any way to get through to Delta that might be a back-door secret? These hold times are turning my beard grey. 

A – It is a growing problem but we would have thought that a grey beard might be a plus in your neighborhood. Delta does have a number that should get you right through but it only works within 48 hours of your departure time. Dial 1-855-548-2505. And don’t worry – we won’t let any other Delta fliers know about this trick. 

Q – We have become addicted, if I can use that word, to Aman Resorts, We have thoroughly enjoyed their properties throughout Asia believing that there really is nothing better on this planet in terms of accommodations and service. Last Tuesday, we came home from a stay at the new Aman property in Manhattan. Our entry-level suite was $3200 a night, which was more, but not that much more than we have paid for past stays. There was something so special about this property – my wife and I loved that it was a true oasis of calm. Looking out the windows to the crowded streets below, we heard no traffic, no sirens, and no honking horns. 

So two quick questions: Do you have any idea if Aman is planning on opening any more properties in urban areas of the US? Also noticed a lovely corner suite. Can you give us a rough idea of what that would cost us if we decide to upgrade next time? Thanks very much. Keep up the good work. 

A – The corner suite is running $15,000 per night this week. The news about Aman’s plans to open additional city properties based on their “urban oasis” long-term goals is good. There is currently a four-year plan to open new Aman properties in central Bangkok, Miami Beach, and, need you ask, Beverly Hills. On the day it opens its doors, the Aman property will become the chicest of all Hollywood haunt. The “influencers” will be falling over one another at the front entrance.

Q -We are leaving on an Avalon River Cruise on the Rhine. Given what we are reading about the airline situation in Europe, we are confused about how to arrange our air. Our agent has come up with an hour connection through Toronto or an hour-and-a-half connecting time in Zurich. Do we go with the Canadians? Zurich is one of several “secret” airports that have unusually high “connections made” statistics. The others include Vienna and Munich. 

A – No. One hour is just cutting it too close and you might not have clean clothes until the fourth day of your cruise. Toronto’s airport is understaffed. In this scenario, Zurich is the safer bet. In fact, Swiss nonstops from the States into Zurich with onward connections is a secret used by many air pros. And even if you miss your connection – you will be in Switzerland. We trust that your agent has built in at least one hotel night on arrival prior to your joining the Avalon riverboat. It is not widely known that the major Canadian airports have been encountering serious operational problems that have resulted in delay issues that are among the worst of major airports worldwide. Staffing shortages are the primary reason for the chaos that is particularly bad in  Toronto and Montreal 

Q – I am thinking of joining the travel industry. Are there college classes I will need to take to get certified to offer travel counseling and handle people’s vacations?

A- The short answer is that the only requirement is that you must have spent an hour in an International House of Pancakes at least once in your life. The vast majority of travel agents are unlicensed and not, in any way certified. The more professional agents will take courses and seek product certification as they spend time in the industry.

The best path to a worthy entry into travel is to decide what kind of agency might come closest to meeting your interests and then find the very best one. See if the owner will hire you as an intern in your area of interest. Don’t expect to handle clients for six months. Oh, one other thing. Please don’t even consider entering this industry unless you have lived and traveled abroad for at least six months. That’s how you get a “Real Life License”. 

Q – This is one of those annoying questions about cost issues. We want to plan a trip to Spain and Portugal in the next few months but we are reading that hotel rates and airfares are going up significantly compared to where they were pre-Covid. Should we cancel the trip for a year or two in the hope that prices will come down?

A – No not at all. Your average air and hotel costs are going to rise in the range of 25-40%. That is likely a permanent change with prices likely going even higher based on projected demand in 2025-26. The side of the price story often missed is that the dollar has almost achieved parity with the value of the Euro. This means that your dollar gets you more Euros than it has at any time since Spain and other European countries adopted the Euro as their common currency. Food and shopping costs have never been better for Americans traveling to Euro nations. This will more than compensate for initial, air, hotel, and tour costs. We would not recommend delaying your trip for reasons related to pricing. The dollar is stronger against the Euro than it has been in many years and prices are only going up given the debt loads of many companies that had to shut down for two years due to Covid. It would be a mistake to delay this trip. 

Q – We are thinking of bringing our family of fourteen on a cruise or land tour. The group would have five kids between the ages of five and seventeen. We have looked at a Globus tour as well as a cruise on Royal Caribbean – both in Europe. We will travel in the summer when schools are out. Love to have any advice you might offer in terms of our options. We are concerned that Royal Caribbean does not appear in your ratings at all.

A – Given the major age differences in the family, we feel strongly that Royal Caribbean, with its wide assortment of kids’ activities and facilities, would be the best option in this case. It would also provide the adults with some time away from the kids. On the right itinerary, the kids can get a wonderful European overview.

We don’t know what your travel style is so please note that Royal Caribbean is not among the world’s top-ten rated cruise lines. (Source Cruisetruth.com) But not a single one of the cruise lines that cater to kids/families would be on that list nor would any line with several thousand passengers and low per-guest space ratios. The kids, any kids, will love Royal Caribbean. And if they are happy – we suspect you will be as well.

Q – What do you think of the idea of bringing our 18-and-a-half-year-old extraordinary daughter on a Tauck Family Bridges Tour to Italy this coming August before she is off to Boston to start college?

A – Strong opinion on this one – we would not book the family on a Tauck Bridges tour because you could have twenty or more younger children in the group. You should take your college-bound daughter on one of the excellent Italy tour programs operated by Tauck for adults. We think your daughter will appreciate the adult conversations along the way.

Q – Thanks so much for the best travel site we’ve ever found. The missing ads are not missed at all. My husband and I are off on a twice-delayed trip to Paris and the French Riviera. We’ve had lots of time to prepare and we’ve read everything we can about Paris, particularly the pieces written by your idol, Mr. Bourdain. My husband suggested that I write in with one simple question – what is the first bit of advice you give your clients headed off to France?

A – Use “ Bonjour” before ever addressing anyone in France. You walk into a bar and the waiter comes up – says “Bonjour”. It is more than a greeting in France. It is an acknowledgment that, unlike your predecessors, you are a polite American who understands that this word or the lack of it, makes an immediate impression on any French citizen. When you first meet a waiter or pass the check-in desk always say Bonjour. It means far more than “hello”. It means that you still value human interaction and polite greetings. It is the start of all human contact in France. Have a memorable journey and thank you for your kind words.

Q – My wife and I try to keep up with travel and we keep seeing articles in the press that make us think that travel to Italy anywhere near June – July – August is looking for trouble. The heat waves seem to be truly worrisome and we keep reading about long lines. That brings us to a long-delayed driving trip we want to do in Sicily (we are in our mid-seventies and in fairly decent shape). We are thinking about going around the 15th of October and we are wondering if you think that is a good idea? Is Sicily safe? How would we go about booking such a trip?  

A – It isn’t a good idea – it is actually rather brilliant. There is this thing called “Climate Change” and it has made the southern extremities of Italy heat hazardous in the mid-summer months. About 75% of the tourists will be gone and the heat should be a non-issue in October. But here’s the thing – the Sicilians do not, as a rule, have a summer place in Boca Raton. They will be there and the cafes will be busy. The restaurants will be open but you may be able to snag a preferred outdoor table. 

Sicily has seen some attacks on tourists but your primary worry will be world-class pickpockets in crowded areas. But as much as the country enjoys a reputation for mibbed-up residents, Sicily is considerably safer than most US cities and their concept of “Freedom” does not include arming every member of the population. You will need to be cautious about where you stay and where you park. 

The big decision will likely be whether or not to use Palermo or Catania as a base. We vote for Catania, a Baroque town, Sicily’s second largest city, welll-located on the eastern coast of the island. How you book depends on your budget. Many luxury advisors will not handle self-driving trips as there are just too many non-commissionable variables. If you belong to AAA in your state you may find their services for such a trip on your own to be useful. They do offer extensive mapping services and they can make all hotel arrangements. 

If you want priovate guides, good ones, and some of the best hotels available, use the services of an advisor who belongs to one of the top Travel advisor consortiums. Contact us if you need recommendations for one of the better firms near your place of domicile. Learn some Italian before the trip. Traveling on your own requires this extra step. One final thought – learn how to play a decent game of Bocce before you depart. It will come in handy. 

• Q- How can Viking Cruises claim it has consistently been voted the world’s best cruise line when, based on Cruisetruth information, it clearly isn’t? Are there any laws in travel related to the claims made by various cruise lines or tour operators as to the quality of the product and whether or not they are actually five-star or something different? I mean they can’t all be “The World’s Best” – can they?
• A – If you read the wording on the awards they will usually read Reader’s Choice” or words to that effect. That means the readers of the various publications have sent in votes for their favorites in assorted categories. Publications are motivated to list as many awards as possible so the various cruise lines can use them in their advertising. As Viking continues to grow, the sheer number of past guests will grow to provide a nice reserve of potential “Best”  voters. Look for them to win many more “Reader Choice” type awards. There is so much more we can say on this topic but, for today, let’s allow Viking to make their claim. In fact, there are other lines that make far more outrageous claims in their brochures and advertising. For the most part, Viking lists the awards it has won but makes no claims of five-star status that we have detected.  It is sadly true that “Truth in Advertising” statutes have rarely, if ever, been applied to the travel industry. These firms are essentially allowed to use words like “five-star”, “deluxe”, and “top-rated” with impunity. That, by the way, is one reason that we launched Cruisetruth almost two decades ago. 
• 
  

Q –  7.28.22 –  I really need some help with this one. In five weeks I am scheduled to do a 12-Day cruise on Regent Seven Seas to the British Isles. Well, as it happens, I am 82 and rather susceptible to Covid. In addition, the temperatures in London and other parts of the UK are in record territory with hardly any air conditioning.I just don’t want to risk my health for this cruise and would like a refund but Regent is refusing. I would switch to another sailing and I don’t see why they are being unreasonable. I did not take out any travel insurance for this trip. I have little interest in being forced to endure England’s heat wave. Had I known that Regent treated its customers in this manner I would not have booked with them. This cruise cost me $29,000 so this is no small thing. How do they get away with this?

A – Let’s try to unwind this piece by piece:

You are 82, have medical conditions, and you never bothered to take out travel insurance?  Poor judgment call.

The major cruise lines were forced into financial hibernation by Covid. The ships were tied up or anchored with no place to go. What we are trying to say is that they made no money!

As a result, as the cruise lines started sailing again they have all rather rigorously enforced their cancellation policies. You would be in 100% cancellation with virtually any of the leading luxury lines this close to sailing. This is current industry policy and it is by no means limited to Regent.

Your reference to weather issues when canceling a cruise is irrelevant. No travel supplier is responsible for the fact that 91% of the population of England lives without air conditioning. They will also have to live without Boris Johnson but neither the weather or  Boris are reasons for a refund.

Given your health concerns, we suggest that you have your travel consultant send a strong note on your behalf to the Guest Services Department. If you booked direct, try to get Guest Services to take your call.

Since you feel this cruise would now be a “health risk” we suggest you remain at home and take the loss.

Q – We are scheduled to join friends on our first river cruise with Scenic. We are scheduled to sail out of Passau and “float” down to Budapest. We found that all of the river cruise lines smelled like cinnamon until we came to your site. You have some very nice things to say about Scenic but they are ranked below several other lines. We’re committed to this cruise and if we have to “sail along” on a 40-passenger bus I am sure it will be an adventure and we’re up for it. (we live in Northern California and we tend to roll with the punches) But just wondering what we’ve stepped into as river levels decrease and we’re booked on a river line you identify as having customer service issues? 

A –  Good to hear from you and congratulations on your low unemployment and a record-breaking budget surplus. You’ve asked a fairly complex question. Here are one or two observations we hope will be useful:

Scenic is based in Australia. It has, in the past, taken a fair amount of time to make decisions regarding water levels so guests can “be in the know”. Everything had to go through the home office.

The Scenic product is currently under review and we believe they will be rising in the ratings. They have beautiful ships, a rare contemporary feel, and some of the best cuisine on the rivers. They also hire and train their own crews.

It is true that Scenic has enjoyed a reputation for screwing up last-minute bus touring when water levels prevented sailing. We do not, at this time, feel that they handle last-minute planning any worse than anyone else and they may have one advantage. You see they recently lost a class action suit brought by a large number of Aussies who felt that their bus touring was not at all what they had paid for. The court in Australia agreed. Now, Scenic has that legacy to live down so we believe they may strive a bit harder than the next bloke to make things right when the rivers go amiss.

You should also be aware that Scenic has been more proactive than its competitors in canceling cruises on the Rhine when the river became clearly unnavigable. 

Stay chill and keep the attitude.

Q – We are desperately trying to get information about our Danube Cruise on Scenic that begins in Budapest in two weeks. Nothing from Scenic yet and the news reports we have been reading seem to specify the Rhine. Can you help us understand the situation in Budapest? Great site!!! 

A – The Danube is challenging to describe for one primary reason – the river flow in Austria is well-managed with a number of dam projects in place to assure smooth river cruise passage. This is not the case in Hungary where major projects to deal with low or high water issues have just not been in Orbin’s “front of mind”. (We realize there is an interesting assumption in that statement).

Right now, on stretches of the Danube in Hungary, 1600 ton vessels can only make it along the low water if they are not carrying cargo. Just north of Budapest, some stations located between Szentendre and Visegard, where the Danube takes a major loop, have been closed for two weeks. There are current reports that some Danube river passengers have discovered that their ship could not make it to Budapest. Instead, guests have been bused to Komarno to board their ship. This port is an hour outside Budapest in Slovakia. They will tour Budapest by bus and then be bussed back to their ship in Slovakia.

Q – Our travel agent told us that mid-October was a great time to do the Rhine because the tourists have left and the temperatures are cooling off. So here we are, scheduled to leave on October 13th on Viking with no recourse until they, on their own, decide to cancel our cruise – which of course they won’t, given how much money is at stake. So we are, according to our agent, facing some likely changing of boats or, worse, ending up on a bus tour from hell. We are going with another couple and they are having tee shirts made that will read “I paid $16,400 and all I got was a lousy bus ride”. We will wear them when/if appropriate. Comments? Should we change travel agents – perhaps working with you instead?

A –  We would not suggest changing travel agents yet. Our clientele does not wear tee shirts in public so we may not be a good fit. Actually, your agent tried to have you avoid the drought – although October is often a time of high water levels as the rains come to northern and central Europe. You were given factual information about Viking’s policy – full cancellation is charged unless they cancel your sailing. So, yes, a bus tour is totally possible, at least for a part of your journey. Going forward, and looking at current weather patterns, we prefer to have our riverboat guests back home no later than October 20th. But that is an arbitrary figure and very subject to environmental change.

Q – My family and I have been really upset by the article we read from CNN Travel which came out quite recently. It seems to say that river cruising is, for all practical purposes, over with. This article makes us think that our planned family cruise next August along the Seine River may be inoperable. Wondering if you have seen the article and wondering if you agree with its premise.  Really enjoy your websites. 

A – This article has gone “mature people viral”. The title of the piece, “Europe’s Drought Could Signal the Death of River Cruising” is, we think, based on fact, along with some opinions by a professor of tourism. The conclusion seems to us to be rather dark.

The first paragraph states that “Europe is having another cataclysmic summer”. Given that 63% of the land mass across the EU, as well as Great Britain, is operating under drought warnings or the more serious “alerts” we think this is quite literally true. Add in the record-breaking heat waves and we have to wonder what river cruising in the seasons to come will look like.

This is a big topic and we don’t want to spend a lot of time responding to a piece on CNN written by someone who does not, as far as we know, work in the industry. But at its heart, the article correctly points out that the management of these river cruise lines has nothing but the ravages of climate change to work around. Next summer may be much better. And even the summer after that. But sometime in the near future, this will happen again and with more severity and riverboat companies on Europe’s rivers will have to re-examine their business models. 

From our perspective, this will not mean the end of an industry. It will, we think, mean a reallocation of seasons. October may become the most desirable month to cruise the Rhine or the Danube, or perhaps April before the drought has typically begun. 

The Seine is still standing at the moment. France always survives and there are many harder-hit localities. Continue planning what we are certain will be a really enjoyable family vacation. 

Q –  In four weeks we are supposed to be off to Budapest to begin a Danube Cruise. The little I have read about this on some of the “boards” has me really scared and my husband and I want to cancel for a refund. Some of the “boarders” seem to suggest that Uniworld will allow us to either get a refund or switch to a similar sailing next year. If we have those options – great. But can you verify this information?

A – We would love to – but we can’t! The information is totally bogus. The policy at Uniworld, and most of their competitors, is that they will cancel any sailing where passage and the delivery of a satisfactory experience is in peril. If they cancel, they will move you to another date in the future and they will price protect – this represents significant savings. 

Unless Uniworld specifically announces cancellation, their stated cancellation policies will remain in effect. Going forward, the vast majority of guests booked on European rivers have made full payment and so are in full cancellation. 

Sorry about the posted misinformation on the site you were looking at. One reason we do not open our rivertruth site to unknown posters is that there is absolutely no way to verify the information presented. Much of the travel chatter originates overseas where some folks are simply thrilled to see their thoughts posted on a well-read American site. 

Q – Really enjoy this ad-free site. Congratulations. I am a Minister in Michigan who is slowly retiring. I’ve long thought about how much I would enjoy performing Sunday services aboard a cruise ship in exchange for free or reduced-rate passage. The problem is that I don’t know who to contact to set up, this kind of position. Can you help me or recommend how I might best pursue this? I think I am good with people and I could add a lot to life at sea. (Trust you will not use my name without authorization)

A -Clergy are sometimes offered reduced rate passage in exchange for officiating at weekly services. You would be considered a part of the entertainment component aboard the ship and normally the hiring of clergy is handled by the line’s Director of Entertainment. You will need to present videos of some recent sermons as they like to keep it light on vacation ships. 

Q – Is it literally true, and legal, that if we go ahead and take a Great Lakes cruise on Viking Cruises that they will not allow our teenage kids to go with us? I am thinking this could be a great family vacation but if Viking really hates kids, I don’t want anything to do with them. I am sure your readers will be interested in your response.

A – Perhaps less than you think. Viking will soon become the world’s largest upscale cruise brand. Their demographic skews older than many of their competitors. Their Scandinavian-style ships are sleek filled with sharp lines and glass walls and furnishings fitted with  Nordic products. Yet, despite the modern feel of their vessels, Viking knows its consumer base and feels it wants:

• No casinos
• No kids
• Few, if any, days at sea
• More intellectual lectures versus light entertainment.

Retirees make up a large portion of Viking’s client base and every industry study seems to support the fact that retirees simply don’t want to sail with young kids. Your choices are not at all limited. Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival brands comprise 84% of all berths in the US market and each of their ships caters to children. Then there is, of course, the entire Disney fleet, a line designed around serving children. You might think about dropping a line to Florida’s Governor asking him which of the Disney ships is his favorite.

Q – 8.3.22 -We are planning on taking our three children on a cruise to South America. We are deluxe cruisers but for this trip we will be traveling with our seven-year-old son and our nine and eighteen-year-old daughters (it’s a long story). Just how high-end do you think we can go? We’re desperately trying to find a product that can make all of us happy. Toys, games, and caviar!

A –  Sorry – but this is a bit of an impossible dream. The issue is likely your 18-year-old who may not want true luxury or programs designed for younger kids. Some of the luxury lines will sail with demographics that could result in stares greeting the young ones. Many guests feel that luxury should mean “no kids under 35”.

There needs to be a compromise – it is named Celebrity Cruises.

Q –  8.2.22  -We are “foodies” in the sense that all of our prior vacations in Europe have been food oriented. We love  Michelin’s and we love eating a sandwich in Barcelona’s La Boqueria food market. We’ve done many trips including three or four cooking schools in France and two memorable weeks exploring Moroccan cuisine in Fez and the Atlas Mountains.

The point is that we have never cruised. We are looking at doing Scandinavia in the summer of 2024 so the natural question is, no matter the cost, which cruise line currently has the best onboard dining?

A –  The summer trade in Scandinavia attracts several of the leading lines and our response will be rather subjective. But that has never stopped us before. Your experience may well depend on your selection of specialty restaurants aboard your ship.

For main dining room excellence, the current leaders are Silversea and Seabourn. For specialty dining, we give a slight edge to Regent Seven Seas. The overall best formal cuisine/service will be found on Hapag Lloyd.

Foodies love discovering excellent cruise food on so-called “tweens” ships that operate with food and service levels between four and five-star levels at a lower price point than the five-star sexy ladies of the seas. Currently, the best food/price value is found on Oceania.

Q – what do you think of the idea of bringing our 18-and-a-half-year-old extraordinary daughter on a Tauck Family Bridges Tour to Italy this coming August before she is off to Boston to start college?

A – Strong opinion on this one – we would not book the family on a Tauck Bridges tour because you could have twenty or more younger children in the group. You should take your college-bound daughter on one of the excellent Italy tour programs operated by Tauck for adults. We think your daughter will appreciate the adult conversations along the way.

Q – I am thinking of joining the travel industry. Are there college classes I will need to take to get certified to offer travel counseling and handle people’s vacations?

A- The short answer is that the only requirement is that you must have spent an hour in an International House of Pancakes at least once in your life. The vast majority of travel agents are unlicensed and not, in any way certified. The more professional agents will take courses and seek product certification as they spend time in the industry.

The best path to a worthy entry into travel is to decide what kind of agency might come closest to meeting your interests and then find the very best one. See if the owner will hire you on as an intern in your area of interest. Don’t expect to handle clients for at least six months. 

Understand that over 90% of the travel agents in the United States do not receive any salary at all. Their income is based on the commission earned on what they bring to the agency. You might think about starting out by putting your own groups together so you end up with a “following”.   All things considered, we would urge you to choose a more lucrative career and then do travel as a hobby with growth potential.              

Q – 7.17.22 – We are leaving on an Avalon River Cruise on the Rhine in early  September. Given what we are reading about the airline situation in Europe, we are confused about how to arrange our air. Our agent has come up with an hour connection through Toronto or an hour-and-a-half connecting time in Zurich. Do we go with the Canadians?

A – No. One hour is just cutting it too close and you might not have clean clothes until the fourth day of your cruise. Toronto’s airport is understaffed. In this scenario, Zurich is the safer bet. In fact, Swiss nonstops from the States into Zurich with onward connections is a secret used by many air pros. And even if you miss your connection – you will be in Switzerland. We trust that your agent has built in at least one hotel night on arrival prior to your joining the Avalon riverboat.

Q – Just back from a stay at one of the better resorts in San Juan. As recommended, when checking out I asked that the built-in travel agent commission be taken off our bill since I had booked this personally on the phone with no travel agent involved. They refused and mumbled something about “they always charge the full price”.  We had stayed for a week and at 10% I figure that we were overcharged by more than $1000. What is the next step? Do I contact our Attorney General’s office, contact the credit card company, etc?

A – if you want to get action on this you should contact  Guest Services at the hotel. If they are not immediately responsive, you might also post this on Twitter and Facebook on the hotel’s guest services site. If you want some government help to recover the travel agent commission we would suggest that you reach out to the Office of Tourism in San Juan.

You should be aware that many hotels limit their commission payments to travel agents to 8%. But it is often higher.

We doubt that your credit card company will be of much help. This consumer revolt against travel companies charging guests the travel agent commission when no travel agent was involved is starting to garner attention – but not from the travel press. No one wants to upset this extremely profitable travel apple cart. We are guessing that the impetus for change will come from people like you who are fed up with being secretly charged for travel agent services they never received. In the meantime, if you have an attorney in the family, you might try to secure a bill for the refund you are owed on legal stationery.

Q – Thanks so much for the best travel site we’ve ever found. The missing ads are not missed at all. My husband and I are off on a twice-delayed trip to Paris and the French Riviera. We’ve had lots of time to prepare and we’ve read everything we can about Paris, particularly the pieces written by  Mr. Bourdain. My husband suggested that I write in with one simple question – what is the first bit of advice you give your clients headed off to France?

A – Use “ Bonjour” before ever addressing anyone in France. You walk into a bar and the waiter comes up – say “Bonjour”. It is more than a greeting in France. It is an acknowledgment that, unlike your predecessors, you are a polite American who understands that this word or the lack of it, makes an immediate impression on any French citizen. Have a memorable journey and, if you find a lovely one-bedroom apartment for under $500,000 USD – buy it immediately. You will never regret the decision.

Q – This is one of those annoying questions about cost issues. We want to plan a trip to Spain and Portugal in the next few months but we are reading that hotel rates and airfares are going up significantly compared to where they were pre-Covid. Should we cancel the trip for a year or two in the hope that prices will come down?

A – No not at all. Your average air and hotel costs are going to rise in the range of 25-40%. That is likely a permanent change with prices likely going even higher based on projected demand in 2025-26. The side of the price story often missed is that the dollar has almost achieved parity with the value of the Euro. This means that your dollar gets you more Euros than it has at any time since Spain and other European countries adopted the Euro as their common currency. Food and shopping costs have never been better for Americans traveling to Euro nations. This will more than compensate for initial, air, hotel, and tour costs. We would not recommend delaying your trip for reasons related to pricing.

Q – We are thinking of bringing our family of fourteen on a cruise or land tour. The group would have five kids between the ages of five and seventeen. We have looked at a Globus tour as well as a cruise on Royal Caribbean – both in Europe. We will travel in the summer when schools are out. Love to have any advice you might offer in terms of our options.

A – Given the major age differences in the family, we feel strongly that Royal Caribbean, with its wide assortment of kid’s activities and facilities, would be the best option in this case. It would also provide the adults with some time away from the kids. On the right itinerary, the kids can get a wonderful European overview.

We don’t know what your travel style is so please note that Royal Caribbean is not among the world top-rated cruise lines. (Source Cruisetruth.com)

Q – I am pleased to share that we have, like many of your followers, achieved critical mass for retirement. We can pretty much afford to travel anywhere and any way we choose. But our dilemma, I suppose, is that we believe top resort or top tier hotel stays provide everything we need. We will judge our future vacations by how many books we read and how many on-property meals exceed our standards. We just see total relaxation as our goal for the foreseeable future. So, I guess this is a two-part question?  

Are there really advantages to using a travel advisor to make just hotel reservations or should we pursue the 8-10% direct booking discounts?

Secondly, which website do you feel is most reliable in terms of reading accurate reviews from users? Really appreciate your efforts:

A – Congratulations on “critical mass” attainment and what that will mean for your retirement:

If your travel consultant is a member of one of the leading industry consortium groups, you may well get preferred rates, an automatic upgrade if it is available, as well as on-site amenities such as included breakfast. You would have to make a judgment call as to whether those amenities are worth the money you might possibly save if the hotel is reimbursed, you’re the travel agent commission built into all pricing. It’s a tough call but since most hotels will fight you on the commission refund you are, in our mind, legally due, it is likely better not to worry about the booking and work with an agent who has connections at that particular resort or hotel. Just ask.

In terms of “reviews” from website users – we would suggest that you ignore them as a source of anything like real information. Good reviews can be purchased by hotels in bulk, and often are. So-called “review farms” are big business and any kind of reviews in any number are available to anyone willing to pay the price. This leaves the consumer as a hapless victim – it is nearly impossible to know if you are reading a “farm” produced review. Our recommendation is to ask your travel consultant to secure a copy of the ABC Report, professional, confidential hotel evaluations written for the top players in the industry by hotel executives and inspectors who are always undercover. Any agent should have access to these reports. They are not available online and can only be purchased by industry professionals.

Q – We’re flying to Cabo San Lucas in October with our kids. Any recommendations on the best masks to wear on the aircraft? Kind of concerned as we are flying coach. Can my daughter get away with wearing her Taylor Swift cloth mask?

A – Those washable fabric masks might not be enough by the time you are ready to depart. Several airlines are now banning cloth masks, insisting that travelers wear surgical masks, FFP2 masks, or KN95 or N95 masks without a valve.

Finnish airline Finnair is the most recent to change its mask policy, saying fabric masks will not be permitted. Several other carriers, mostly those that service Europe, are giving cloth the boot, too. German carrier Lufthansa hasn’t allowed them on flights to and from Germany since Feb. 1. Switzerland’s Swissair has a similar policy.

Air France and Croatia Airlines also require surgical masks.

To date, no U.S. carrier has required passengers to forgo fabric masks. But as the Delta variant continues to spread and other mutated variants raise concerns, policies could change.

Cloth masks have been hot sellers during the pandemic, giving people a way to express themselves through fashion while complying with local and federal mask mandates. They were also easier to find when surgical masks were supply-constrained and being prioritized for medical personnel. Cloth is generally not as effective as other filters.

“The filtration effectiveness of cloth masks is generally lower than that of medical masks and respirators; however, cloth masks may provide some protection if well designed and used correctly,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last year.

U.S. carriers do have some fabric limitations in place. Virtually all prohibit bandannas and scarves to be used as masks. Ski masks and balaclavas are also not accepted. Currently, masks are required in airports, airplanes, and other forms of public transportation until at least January 2022.

Our advice – order a 20 pack of KN95 masks from Amazon for this trip.

Q – Has Churchill & Turen planned trips to Iran or Afghanistan for clients in recent years? I would guess not but some people like to taker chances.

A – We have sent several Churchill & Turen guests to Iran in recent years and the escorted tours went extremely well. The Iranians they encountered seemed quite pleased to see a small group of American tourists. We have never sent Churchill & Turen guests to Afghanistan although some of our clients have spent time there as “contractors”. You may be surprised to learn that we do not have any Virtuoso properties in Kabul at the moment.

But here is a brief historical note on the question you pose. Richard had just moved to San Francisco from Italy when he got his first job in travel working for a large travel club out of offices above a restaurant on Union Street. The very first trip he ever booked was to Afghanistan and Iran. Two of the waitresses at the restaurant downstairs asked him to book them on an overland tour by truck (a camping truck that carried tents) to the two countries.

Q – We are planning on flying into London next April. Schedule-wise it seems to boil down to either American or British Airways. The BA res. people are telling us they offer the best service to Europe because they have new seats and improved menus aboard their aircraft. We will be flying Business and paying cash so we would really appreciate knowing which of these you recommend. We intend to complete our booking as soon as you respond.

A – This is a tricky question which is why we refer our clients to the best air specialists on the planet. Covid has made it all an even more complicated process as the odds of your flight arrangements changing hover somewhere around 30%. BA flies some Boeing 787-10’s and Airbus 350’s from the States to London Heathrow. They have the new seats and they are relatively comfortable – not Singapore or Emirates, but nice enough. Some of BA’s 777’s have the new seats but many don’t. The 767’s that fly the route do not have the new seats. Generally speaking, flights out of JFK have some of the best equipment because of how competitive that route tends to be. And, yes, the food quality has been ungraded but BA’s Transatlantic food offerings had no place to go but up. Simply stated, neither American or British Airways are not top-tier airlines. They currently rank 3 points out of a possible 5. We are happy to send Club Members a copy of the latest rankings of the world’s airlines. They do exist and you may see some surprising outcomes. For instance, Turkish Airways ranks considerably above every major US airline in most categories.

Q – Does Medjet, which I know you recommend, include coverage if you test positive for Covid while traveling and need to be medically evacuated back to the States? Can you get us any idea as to what it would cost to fly home if we test positive before our return flight?

A – No. There is, however, a company called Covac Global that provides that kind of coverage.  For a party of two traveling abroad for 15 days or less, the basic Covid Coverage policy with Covid Global is going to cost $1282.50 total.

 Here is the direct link to our dedicated Covac Global web site:

Churchill & Turen Ltd – Covac Global

Q – We know that Churchill & Turen is different, but how do you describe the difference to potential new clients?

A – The travel agency system in the United States is based on the real estate model. Every agent is a salesperson and normally there are no salaries involved. Agents get paid commission based on what they sell. Travel agents are bombarded with sales seminars – teaching them how to sell more and more; how to get that deposit and, especially, how to sell “up”.

If you felt that your physician, financial advisor, or attorney was a salesperson trying to sell you more stuff you would likely look somewhere else.  Our owners and our entire team believe in a radical concept – “Travel Should Never be Sold”. We see ourselves as travel “truthtellers”. We provide the best possible information and our guests make the decisions that are best for them. “Selling” or “Selling Up” is prohibited at our firm. Our model is not the real estate industry – our business model is the trusted physician with a knowledgeable, salaried support team. It is a team approach. To our knowledge, no one in the industry has ever tried to copy it. But that may be because few seem to understand it. It just runs contrary to the way the vacation booking process works in the United States.

Q – One of the things we’ve noticed about working with your company is that we seem to never get into price or discount discussions. We’ve been happy with everything but wonder if we’re unusual in that we never feel the need to raise the topic?

A – Interesting question. The consumer is overwhelmed with cruise and tour offerings that always stress deals and discounts. For instance, mainstream cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are constantly changing their pricing as are the mass market escorted tour companies to encourage early as well as late bookings. It is assumed that everyone on a 4,000 passenger ship or flying in coach overseas realizes that everyone around them got a different price. That is the norm. But the top-end deluxe products in cruising and touring realize that pricing discrepancies can ruin a travel experience for upscale travelers. So the discounting they do is upfront and generally transparent. Most of the discounts are related to early bookings. Last-minute bookings are normally higher because no one at Tauck, A&K, Seabourn, or Ritz Carlton Yachts, wants the subject to come up at dinner with disastrous results.

So here is the thing – if your cruise stateroom is discounted by $1300, some travel agents will offer you a $1000 discount and pocket the rest. This often happens at online travel agency call centers because you are relying on what someone in Miami, Manilla, or Mumbai is telling you on the phone.

Our guests know that we certify in writing that we will obtain, document, and then return 100% of all applicable discounts on every travel product we represent. Nothing is kept “for the house” – never. So, because of that strategy, we know that we are obtaining and returning all discounts. That is why we never worry or really discuss very much, issues related to pricing.

You might well ask “all good – but how do we know that your pricing is the best legitimate pricing available”? Look at it this way: Virtuoso is the largest seller of luxury travel in the world. We are larger than American Express. In 2019 we did over $27 Billion in annual sales and were the top sellers of nearly every top-tier tour company and five-star cruise line. Add to that the fact that Churchill & Turen has been named Virtuoso’s Top-Producing Consultants for four of the past five years. Add to that our journalistic credentials and the audience for our media group. When we call – the suppliers know who we are and they do not give us anything but the best pricing available. It won’t be pricing that is exclusive to us – but it will almost always be the best pricing available. Our guests have come to trust that this is true.

But please read the above carefully. We never said that we have the “best prices”.  We specifically said, “it won’t be pricing that is exclusive to us”. All of the top travel firms receive exactly the same pricing from their leading suppliers. If that were not the case, we would stop representing them. Anytime any travel business claims to have “exclusive” of “best pricing offers” it is flat-out lying. Don’t be a naive consumer. Anyone who makes outrageous pricing claims is insulting your intelligence. 

Q – We are considering travel to Brazil and/or Peru or the safari we have always wanted to do to Kenya and Tanzania. We would be doing this next year, summer, or early fall. Based on current information, do you have a strong preference for one of these destinations?

A – East Africa would be a strong recommendation because safaris are set up in such a way that you would be avoiding population centers and crowds while still experiencing the very best of each destination. We have had a number of guests on safari this summer and everyone’s experience, without exception, has been deemed “5 stars”.

Q – My wife and I are fairly new to Churchill & Turen and we have been avidly reading your websites from front to back. Before discovering your services we did a fair amount of cruising and took a number of land tours with companies like Backroads and National Geographic. I read what you said about companies that charge those who do not use a travel advisor the travel advisor fees. You said that this could possibly be illegal in a number of states including the one where we live! So I suppose my question is “Does this practice still go on and how can I get the commissions back for our almost twenty years of direct bookings”? One particular line owes me a small fortune after I sailed with them about 15 times.

A – The practice still goes on and is the industry “norm”. It will be an uphill battle but sometimes companies do things to maintain goodwill. If you wish to try, and you really have some time on your hands, you might want to try to collect copies of all of your past receipts for trips taken with the same company where you were charged the agency commission when you did not book through an agency. If you can collect the receipts or put together a record of exactly what you paid, along, if possible, with your reservation numbers. It would need to be a clearly designed multi-trip copy of the money you paid in inclusive of the commission. You may want to have a lawyer assist although this is the kind of thing easily done on your own. It should be addressed to the Director of Customer Services. They should have the authority to reimburse you if they see fit to do so. Again – this will be an uphill battle – you know, like Everest.

Q – We will be traveling to the Greek Islands this October, thanks to you. We are not all that digitally proficient and we are wondering if there is anything like a flight app that will work while we travel to monitor gate changes, flight delays etc. It would be great to have that with us.

A – Download The Flight Tracker. It gives you all the real-time basics you will need as well as reminders when you need them. But the real reason to download this app is that it works offline so you can take advantage of it while you are en route aboard your aircraft.

The pro’s app is Flight Aware Flight Tracker which you can use on your desktop. Some say that flight changes appear here before they are posted on the airline’s own site. Learn to use the “Misery Map” which instantly shows you which airports have been hit with the longest delays and cancellations.

Q – 9.7.21 – It all seems rather confusing at the moment – can’t imagine how you are keeping up with where one can/should go on vacation these days. Like everyone else in the D.C. area, we need to get away for a while. Are there general areas of the world we should be considering, avoiding, if we want to travel before the New Year?

A – For 2021, the luxury playing field is narrowing but there are still many good options – although you may have to do a bit of 72-hour pre-testing. Let’s start with those portions of the world that we think might be best avoided for the rest of this year and into the first quarter of next year followed by destinations where current conditions make vacation planning in the next 100 days feasible:

AVOID:

• Central America
• South America
• Asia with the exception of Japan
• Mexico
• Hawaii
• Caribbean Mega-ship Cruise Ports
• India and Nepal

CONSIDER

• Tahiti
• Antarctica Cruising
• Christmas Market River Cruises
• The Maldives
• The United Arab Emirates
• Eastern and Southern Africa
• Iceland
• Ireland and Scotland
• Egypt and Nile Cruises
• European Cruises on ships with no Covid history on the Cruisetruth Top Ten List
• Italy and Greece
• Seychelles (Cruise)
• The Galapagos Islands (Cruise)
• Private Jet Touring
• Scandinavia and Russia

Q – We are people travelers – we could care less about sterile historical buildings and silly church buildings with their excessive costs. For us, we like to be around locals where they gather – seeing neighborhoods that are developing but are off the beaten tourist track. It seems that we invariably stumble into some fine local dining by experiencing places this way. This fall, we’ll be heading to Prague for the first time and we are wondering if you can identify a few neighborhoods worthy of our time. They don’t need to be deluxe – just authentic and where the locals really tend to hang out because they can’t afford the rents in the city center. Realize you are into high-end vacation planning so hope this question is appropriate.

A – Candidly, we are in complete agreement with your approach, or we would be if you included some of the major sites of interest. Many years ago we designed an approach to touring we call “Contemporary Lifestyle Touring” (CLT) which involves tour planning that utilizes a “where do the locals gather” approach along with guides who are trained to offer a sense of modern life in the city. So your question is entirely appropriate and we think your approach ought to be incorporated by the major tour operators, many of whom are offering essentially the same “Main Sites” itineraries they have been selling for two decades.

The wilder part of Prague is Vrsovice which has an incredible main street called Krymska that features some great local food, thousands of football fans, and a pub or beer garden every twenty feet or so. You have not really seen Prague unless you have walked the Krymska.

The floods of 2012 left the old town neighborhood of Karlin in ruins. This is now the hippest part of Prague and a great place to go during the lunch hour. Try Eska for really excellent classic Czech cuisine. One of the current dining stars is “Avocado Gang” which features shared tables. Carnivores swear by the Presto Meat Market, essentially a butcher shop with a few tables. If the tables are full – no worries. There is a dining tent out in the back.

Q – 5.14.21  Thank you for all of this – extraordinary info. We are planning a tour to Egypt that will include a cruise along the Nile for four nights. This is a bucket list item and I am an advance planner. The dates and pricing for our planned travel about two years from today are not out yet but I am told I can have our names placed on a wait-list with a deposit. We will then be contacted when things are set. We are working with a local agent in our town who is encouraging us, naturally, to deposit.  Are there risks involved? Is 24 months in advance rushing things? 

A – Egypt touring with Nile components is among the five top worldwide destinations that are selling out far in advance of reservations elsewhere. The demand is high with visitors from North America, Asia, India, and Europe. For one of the better, most reliable tour operators the idea of placing your deposit down far in advance of pricing is a sound one as some departure dates could sell out within days of being announced. The deposit will serve to hold your place – space will be offered to your agent before the departure is opened to the general public. We want to be certain, however, that you have something in writing certifying that if you are unhappy with the pricing presented you can drop out and receive a full refund. You should receive a confirmation in writing from the supplier care of your advisor showing the wait-list confirmation.

Travel to Egypt is challenging, worthwhile, and dependent on the quality of the operator, the hotels, the guides, and the boat used along the Nile. This is an example of a destination where budgeting is unwise. Take security into account as well. Stay at one of Cairo’s top-grade hotels. Standards decrease rapidly. Be prepared for Cairo’s pollution. 

Q – Thanks to your efforts, we are looking forward to a cruise from Copenhagen to Stockholm next summer. We have decided to arrive in Copenhagen two nights prior to our sailing on the Regent Splendor. We would love to stay at a well-located, reasonably-priced hotel and go out to a nice dinner before boarding the next day. Any recommendations for an interesting hotel experience along with a Vegan-centered restaurant recommendation? We have been assured by your Team that Vegan dining aboard ship is not an issue.  Just wondering if you are coming across many Vegan travelers in your work? 

A – We’d suggest a stay at the new Villa Copenhagen, a four-year project to convert the post office next to Tivoli Gardens into a $215 Million 390-Room property with a striking rooftop pool. Rates will co9me in at under $300 for a standard room and you’re perfectly close to the action. You can walk the streets and watch some of the world’s “happiest” residents frowning their way through the city.

For the best Vegan food in a city renowned for its creative cuisine head to Restaurant Ark which is very close to the worth visiting Torvhallerne food halls. Try to order a dish made with produce from the staff’s private mushroom farm (no not that kind). 

The facts regarding vegetarian dining in America are quite surprising. Forty-six percent of the U.S. adult population always or sometimes eats vegetarian meals when eating out. Twenty percent of U.S. adults always or sometimes eat vegan meals when eating out. Four percent of American adults are vegetarian (including vegans) all the time, and half of the vegetarians are also vegan (two percent).

Enjoy the schrooms and don’t forget to board the Splendor the next day. 

Q – 5.14.21  I had a trip planned with Tauck Tours in 2020 and was offered an incentive to keep money in-house with an incentive that was placed in something they call a “travel wallet”. Now, it looks like we are being cancelled again and I was wondering if we should expect a doubling of the incentive if we travel in 2022? Is there an industrry rule that they have to keep increasing the offer with each cancellation (by them – not me)?

A – There is no such rule and these companies, which have been hit hard by the pandemic, are not generally doubling up on re-booking incentives once they have been applied. This is not a bank account that earns compound interest. Some companiues like Tauck will take your insurance payment and move it into an account for a future booking where it can be applied. That saves you the considerable cost of re-purchasing insurance. 

We would need to know the specifics of your case but it appears that you have had two tours cancelled because it was deemed that to operate them might place your health in jeopardy. Normally, incentives would be carried over once and then again if necessary. But they would not be duplicated. 

Q – As we start planning our travels again, and I don’t want to bother you with long weekends and domestic hotel stays, I wonder if you are feeling that handing over credit card info to a hotel website or online booker is reliable these days? In the past, I’ve done it without thinking, but something you once posted made me think that this had once been a problem. Just how secure is online booking? 

A – Actually, glad that you raised this question. Fake hotel sites are a major problem and most consumers cannot identify the real sites from the fake ones. In 2019, the last year for which reliable pre-Covid data exists, there were an estimated 15 million bogus hotel bookings at an estimated value of $1.3 billion. Most “ghost” hotel sites look identical to the real thing. The goal of the ghost sites is collecting your credit card information and it is estimated that the number of credit card numbers harvested by online hotel bookings now exceeds $100 Billion. Many of the online sites are pretending to be located in the States but they are often overseas ventures that sell your personal information to anyone willing to pay. 

There is no reason that you should use a travel agency to book domestic hotels unless you are seeking high-end comp. amenities at a five-star property. But if you do book directly always phone the hotel directly and make certain you are actually talking to hotel reservations and not a ghost service. Tell them you are recording the call and ask specifically if they are “on property”. 

Thank you for raising this important question as most travel consumers are naive about the dangers of online travel purchasing. 

Q – We are restarting our travel buttons with planned stays at hotels in LA as well as Manhattan for Fashion Week events. As we emerge from this Covid crisis, cleanliness is even more important than godliness. To be specific, how do we choose a hotel that will not be reusing the same sheets from a previous guest? According to your site, this happens often. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I mean suppose a Kardashian has just occupied the room?

A –  It does happen far more than most hotel guests would imagine. In 2019, the average room rate paid for a hotel room in the United States was $97.50. At that rate, housekeeping is going to be minimal and sheets will likely not be changed if there are no visible stains. In June 2020, Inside Edition found “used sheets” gracing beds in the middle of Manhattan at Hyatt Place Times Square, the Hampton Inn Times Square Central, and Trump International. 

There are a few ways to avoid this issue. First, make up your mind that budget or even mid-range hotels are far more germ-laden than you might imagine. Avoid them and book upscale properties that come personally recommended by your consultant. If you can’t afford to stay at a Four Seasons call the hotel front desk shortly before arrival and insist that the beds be made up with fresh linens and ask that all room bedspreads, duvets, and cushions be removed. It is likely that they are covered in fecal matter and have not be properly cleaned for months.

Q – Any thoughts on how things might change in terms of the check-in process, rules aboard aircraft etc? What can we expect?

A – Airlines have discovered major software deficiencies system-wide making the cancellation and transfer of credits extremely challenging. Automation challenges are being addressed now and should be in place when full-scale international air travel resumes by May 2021.

You should expect a rapid acceleration in the use of biometric facial ID at airports. This will help streamline the process. The checking-in of baggage will also be changed in some dramatic ways but that is, according to experts, about three to four years off. Facial ID achieved by having the passenger simply look into a camera will even become the norm at larger domestic airports.

Security clearance will not be initiated at check-in. El-Al has had a system in place for years that allows them to identify all passengers at the time of ticket purchase. Israeli security consultants think we are foolish for not doing the same.

Airlines will simply refuse to permit non-mask wearers to access the aircraft and, in most cases, the terminal. This will surely change over time but look for rule enforcement throughout 2021.

Q – We are due refunds, we believe, for our air arrangements which we made directly through American. They are giving us credits which we do not want at this time. How does one deal with this, can you help us, and how do we avoid this fiasco in the future? We were flying Business class and our total investment was $8400.

A – US Airlines have been doing everything possible to avoid paying cash refunds. In the majority of cases, they are required to under the law. You should keep sending certified letters to customer service explaining why you will be unable to use a future credit. Those with health or financial issues will be in the best position to get a positive response.

As you may have detected, we are not big fans of anti-social media because anything posted becomes public domain and can be sold or used against you in a profile. Here you will get a kickstagram review to increase your instagram followers.  The average American now has more than 1,000 data bits of information in their profile – a profile that is sold by Google, Amazon, Samsung, and your grocery store. That said, in your specific situation, anti-social media (we think that is its correct name) can be useful. We would suggest you carefully lay out your case on American’s various social media sites. They are carefully monitored by management because you may be influencing thousands of users who follow the sites. You are likely to get a faster and more consumer-friendly response than you would had you simply written an e-mail or posted, perish the thought, an actual letter.

Finally, as we face certain turmoil in the booking process, changes, cancellations, and re-routings, it is really important that guests book directly with the carrier or, better yet, through one of the better Flight Ticketing services that offer Concierge-level flight monitoring. 

Q – We keep hearing references on the news to how hard the airline industry has been hit hard around the world. How bad has it been and will they recover?

A – There was one day in March where it was calculated that 61% of the US Airline fleet was in lockdown somewhere at a desert airfield in Arizona, New Mexico, and similar locations. (Actually, we wonder if there really are “similar” locations)

This year, the world’s Airlines have, according to the IATA, lost in the range of $118 Billion. But 2021 is also expected to show losses that exceed $39 Billion. Many of these airlines receive government subsidies as they are seen as essential industries that support the tourism sector in each country. US Airlines have been complaining for years that they are forced to compete with airlines that receive major infusions of cash from their governments.

The sense seems to be that most of the major names will survive but that we will continue to see consolidation in the industry.  Churchill & Turen has long proposed the merging of our three largest US Carriers to something called, perhaps, “AmDelighted” Airlines. We are also seeing a worldwide shortage of pilots that should begin impacting international air travel in 2023 and 2024. How this shortage will evolve is unknown but it is a limit to the growth plans of many international carriers.

Q – You go all over the internet and find all kinds of advice about travel to Africa and it all sounds like so much noise. Yesterday, my therapist, yes I am being serious, told me about your site. I hope you will answer just a few questions. My wife and I are in our early fifties, I work in manufacturing, we’re in good health, and we don’t want to wait until I am retired to start seeing and doing things that take some effort. Our questions are – which tour operators in Africa are really the best, which ones should we avoid, and what month is the best time to see the “Big Five”.  How do we begin the process and what will a travel agent charge us to assist?

A – We’d need to know a lot more to make really specific recommendations but let’s do the best we can:

Don’t even think about going on safari unless you are booking with one of the following established, highly respected, feet/offices on the ground firms:

Micato Safaris  –  Abercrombie & Kent  –  &Beyond  –  Africa Adventure Company  – Austin-Lehman Adventures  –  Grey & Company  –  Wilderness Safaris –  African Travel Inc. – Big Five Tours 

We would recommend you avoid any firm not on this list although there could be exceptions based on your specific interests.

The best time to go depends on your interest in terms of seeing East Africa or Southern Africa. The “season” for a safari is quite extensive but many travelers go during our summer months. But this is a discussion that occurs after you select the very best program for your “safari expectations”. 

The process starts with a “No Sales Pitch” discussion with a professional travel consultant. The rule of thumb should be that there are no charges of any kind when you are booking an established, brochure departure. If your agent is creating a custom safari especially for you, fees hover in the $500-$1000 Per Person range. 

We hope this helps and good on you for planning Africa while you are physically able to handle the adventure. 

Q – We try to keep up with travel industry publications and have been surprised by the failure of Thomas Cook and the reported financial issues with Cox & Kings, which is, I believe, the oldest travel agency in existence. You keep hearing that travel agents are being put out of business by the internet. We’ve just started a new relationship with a new local travel agency and I suppose we’re wondering how we might know about their financial solvency. How do we know our money is safe? Is it appropriate to ask for financials? 

A – Several broad questions here. Let’s start by saying that Thomas Cook and Cox & Kings are not travel agents. They would be designated as tour operators. Cook was involved in charter flights, group tours, charters, and worldwide group packages. It is a risky business involving payments of huge amounts of money upfront. For example, two of the major tour operators specializing in travel to China declared they were closing their doors last week in anticipation of a complete decline in potential tour groups to Asia.

After the last financial crisis in 2008/2009 it is estimated that 40% of the travel agents in the United States were put out of business. The vast majority were selling inexpensive package travel that was easily replicated by OTA’s, (Online Travel Agencies). 

Since that time, the income of travel agents has risen and there is now a serious shortage of qualified vacation agents, particularly those that cater to upscale overseas travel. Tour Operators take a much larger financial risk than travel agents who simply act, for the most part, as intermediaries in the booking of other people’s products. They are the distribution channel for the tour operator. 

We certainly think that a discussion of the financial stability of any company you work with is appropriate although asking for a written accounting statement might be a tad much. You will get the best accounting service which is  Available via infinit accounting. It is good to know if any funds paid to a travel agent are kept in escrow until the time you travel. Here are four questions you should ask any travel agent with whom you are considering a relationship:

01 – How do I know that you are placing my interests ahead of those of your agency’s financial interests?

02 – What won’t you sell – and why?

03 – Have you worked within the travel industry before becoming a travel agent and in what capacity?

04 – Will you be wearing a bathrobe when I speak to you on the phone?

Q – I recently returned from a trip to London where I noticed that instead of saying I was flying in economy it said I was flying in Q Class. Then I looked carefully, and my connecting ticket home had an N instead of a Q. Anyway you can explain these letters the airlines use and what they really mean. 

A – Airlines use codes so their gate agents and flight attendants will know exactly what kind of ticket you are flying. Special compensation offers might be made to certain code holders. Thet might indicate what kind of changes you are allowed to make on a ticket or how a refund is to be handled. These are known as “Fare Codes” or “Fare Basis”. It allows the gate agent to know exactly what kind of flyer you are and whether or not you should be considered for an upgrade. So they are fairly important yet most flyers have no idea of their meaning. Obviously, it will vary a bit from airline to airline but here is a short guide to the airline’s secret lingo – used primarily to identify you as a full-fare or discount flyer Fares codes are also used to determine how many miles and points you will be awarded on a flight. 

Y – Full Fare Economy Guest

L,M,N,Q,T,T,V and X – Various levels of Discount Fare usually in order restrictions.

J,C – Refer to Full-Fare Business Class Guests

F – Is a non-restricted Full=fare First Class Guest

If you are flying a multi-segment ticket and you have more than one fare code, most airlines will enforce the most stringent rules that apply to anyone of your segment codes. They do that because they are so customer-service oriented and because they have almost zero appreciation of your loyalty or business. 

Q –  I have been flying for the past two decades, mostly to larger metropolitan areas. I have noticed that some pilots, particularly those with Delta, seem to make harsher landings while American pilots seem to glide in more softly. I wonder why this is and also wonder about any of the larger airports where you have to come in fast and hard for safety reasons. Any light you can shed on this would be appreciated. Don’t mean to denigrate Delta in any way – I actually prefer the airline to any of their competitors and am a very frequent flyer. 

A – So you think maybe Delta pilots are trained to make hard landings while American pilots are taught to be more laid back on landing and to do it “ever so softly”. You didn’t mention what you do for a living – we’re hoping you’re not a clinical psychologist.

Pilots are generally told what landing speed to maintain. It has absolutely nothing to do with the brand or the pilots who work for that brand. Instead, you will find that it has a lot more to do with the length of the specific runway where you are landing. Some of the most notoriously short runways in the US are found at Midway in Chicago, John Wayne in southern California, and Washington D.C.’s Reagan International. Long, slower, softer landings are not recommended on shorter runways because they tend to use up too much “pavement” something pilots are loathe to do. So next time you encounter a “rough” landing it may mean that your pilot is being extra cautious. If you are flying DL or AA you are in the hands of some of the best qualified worldwide.  

Just to relax you on your next flight, let’s take a quick look below at “The World’s Most Dangerous Airport”, Lukla in eastern Nepal. 

Lukla and the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, 2881m elevation, Everest Base Camp Trekking Route, Nepal Lukla is the starting point for most trecks to Mount Everest Base Camp. Tenzing-Hillary airport has a single runway that is 460m by 20m with a 12% gradient. Aircraft can only use runway 06 for landings and runway 24 for takeoffs. Due to the terrain, there is no prospect of a successful go-around on short final. There is high terrain immediately after the northern end of the runway and a steeply angled drop, of about 2000m at the southern end of the runway, into the valley below.
The airport is rated as the most dangerous in the world.

Q – Our 16-year old son will be joining us on our annual summer break vacation. We’re fairly well-traveled and when we asked him where he really wanted to go, he responded that he would love to visit “somewhere that will help me see and understand the effects of climate change on the planet.” That’s a tough order so we thought we would seek your input. We have a fairly open budget but would like to keep the total trip under $60,000. We are all fit and active travelers and hiking does not put us off at all. 

A – We think you should consider the world’s largest island which happens to be covered in ice over 80% of its surface. Given that, no country on earth is more instructive regarding the effects of climate change than Greenland. Consider hiking a bit of the 100-mile Arctic Circle Trail. Go and book a tour with san diego whale watching and the magnificent Eqi Glacier via boat with a naturalist.  If your dates are flexible, try to time your trip with the June 21st celebration of Greenland’s National Day. It will add a sense of place to your travels. You may want to add a few days in Iceland but we think that Greenland is the destination best suited for your goals. We all wish your son the best of luck. 

Q – Set with a two-week tour of southern Africa that begins in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg. This mid-August vacation includes two nights in Victoria Falls where I am reading the water has completely dried up and the Falls are no more. We are working with a local safari operator based in Johannesburg and wondering if they will eliminate the Victoria Falls. We found them on the internet and they seem to have hundreds of “likes” so we’re trusting them to do the right thing. What options might be available if we decide to skip the Falls at this point? We are paid in full. 

A – There is a growing pattern of weather affecting Victoria Falls that is quite complicated but boils down to the fact that October-November rainfalls are way down in tandem with serious heat issues and daily averages approaching 96 degrees. You should be fine in mid-summer although you will see evidence of decreased rains, drought, and the effects they are having on the majesty of the “Falls”. 

We have no idea why you would have paid in full for a trip not scheduled for six months. It does not sound like you have any advocacy built-in – as you are working directly with a group operator. But most troubling of all is your failing score on our “Travel Naivete” Index. You were impressed by hundreds of “likes”? 

“Likes” online do not require any sort of mental capacity – just some sort of forefinger. And if that doesn’t work, “Likes” can be easily purchased – in bulk. 

Try to find out if your tour operator is accredited by any of the major US travel consortium groups. If not, see if you can secure any recommendations from past clients in your area. It is likely that your trip to Vic Falls is scheduled at the end of your journey just prior to your departure for Johannesburg and your flight home. Have your tour operator give you two options to replace the nights at the Falls if you are determined to skip them (not what we would advise)

Do feel free to call the tourist boards in New York for additional information about the company you are using and their recommended itinerary modifications.

Finally, make certain that the travel agent commission is being refunded to you in the pricing as you are not using an agent’s services.  

Q – We are fascinated by your point about the relationship about travel articles and the fact that the vast majority of writers are describing their own “free or nearly free” trips. No wonder we can’t really depend on travel reporting any more than we can believe what is written on a number of other subjects. But travel writing seems uniquely tainted and unreliable since it is based on first-person experiences. Would you agree? Also wondering if you might provide a list of those newspapers and magazines that have a policy of not accepting free travel for their travel writers. 

A – We would agree. The travel consumer is usually reading words served up as payback for comp. travel. But no one seems to mind so the practice continues.

There is no official list but the publications that currently do not accept free travel for writers include, as you might expect, The New York Times, as well as the Associated Press and USA Today. Unfortunately, that’s about it.

Q – Have spent portions of the last three nights reading your Q&A. Really enjoyable and love the information. Here is our brief story: I am retiring in six months and, with the death of my folks earlier this year, have come into enough money that will enable us to do some serious traveling in the years ahead. I have one big question. We’re fairly normal travelers, been to Europe twice, once on a cruise, once on a tour. We’ve done a lot int he States and we spent two weeks in Mexico. But now we are looking to expand our horizons. So our big question:

We can’t splurge on everything – nor would we want to. Generally speaking, do you feel that money is best spent on flying in the front of the plane, on accommodations, on fine dining, or on sightseeing?  We’re having a hard time deciding and we’re not at all confident that a local travel agent can answer this one. 

A – It is a little hard to answer this one without knowing you and having an in-depth discussion. The answer will be different for different travelers. But thank you so much for phrasing a really BIG question. In gratitude, we are going to try to answer it as specifically as possible with our recommendations:

Aircraft Seats: If there are medical reasons to fly Business or First do so. If you have miles to use do so. If not try for a good quality Premium Economy that will still give you the critical extra legroom. We like to phrase it this way to our clients: Imagine you are going to sit through a triple feature at your local movie theater. Would you pay $3000 extra for a larger seat with more legroom? 

Accommodations:  Always select one of the top-tier hotels because they employ a 24-hour security force and they change the bedding as often as you would expect it to be changed. You also need to care about who your fellow guests are likely to be. But notice that the lower priced accommodations in a top-tier hotel give you access to each of these important features. Don’t splurge on the room but do splurge on the hotel. If you have a heart attack, they know they have to call best cardiologist doctors. And always remember that if you know the price of your hotel room you have likely overpaid.

Dining: This is where we save. Three-star Michelin dining is no longer chic. Dine as the locals dine and pay what they pay for food. You will eat well and come home with better stories. 

Sightseeing – This is the one most amateurs miss. The single most important element in your enjoyment and understanding of a destination is the use of a professional guide trained to discuss those subjects that interest you most.  The one BIG splurge ought to be, for most people, the services absolutely superb guides. The very best consultants know how to snag them around-the-world. 

Q –  We will be going on the south africa safari next year a and I would like to know the strategy for bringing drugs like Zyrtac, for allergies, into the country. I have read that they are very strict about drugs. 

A – South Africa, along with many other nations in Africa are extremely strict about drugs brought into the country. In several African nations, for instance, Tylenol and Excedrin are considered to be Class 1 narcotics and fines or jail time can be used to punish offenders. Tourists, we should point out, are not usually the victims.

There are, however, some simple precautions that should remove all worries. Always travel with your prescription drugs in their original bottle and have a doctor’s note authorizing use. The prescription medications most frequently diverted to recreational use include opioid painkillers like OxyContin, anxiolytics like Xanax, tranquilizers like Valium, and stimulants like Adderall. These drugs are readily prescribed by doctors for years, and are easily available on the road , as well, when doctors’ prescriptions run out. People can become hooked in to them once they use them to affect problems, reduce or to possess an honest time with friends. Prescription drug abuse covers the spectrum from anxiolytics and opioids to stimulants. With each one of these addictions, RX treatment begins with detoxification. You enter rehab, and, under medical supervision, begin to taper off the drug that you use, over a period of weeks. At Baytown botox you will get a specialize in cosmetic treatment with Botox and skincare therapy treatments.

Prescription drug abuse covers the spectrum from anxiolytics and opioids to stimulants. With all of those addictions, treatment begins with detoxification. You enter rehab, and, under medical supervision, begin to taper off the drug that you simply use, over a period of weeks.Typically, withdrawal symptoms begin to line in within hours. If you’re detoxing from Xanax, as an example , you’ll experience anxiety, insomnia, blurred vision, nausea, and tremors. Xanax withdrawal is usually treated with medications for nausea, pain, and diarrhea.When you quit an opioid that you’re hooked in to , you tend to experience symptoms that are often like a nasty flu. within the beginning, you’ll sweat tons , feel anxious, and find it hard to sleep. From the second day onwards, you’ll begin to crave the opioid, suffer from abdominal cramping, and nausea. Detoxing reception isn’t recommended. once you detox under medical supervision, doctors are ready to administer drugs like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone to ease the withdrawal symptoms and make the method more predictable.Quitting a stimulant like Ritalin are often very different from quitting an opioid. Doctors can prescribe medications like bromocriptine and amantadine to counter the cravings, and antidepressants can help calm the mind down and minimize the danger of self-harm.Depending on the drug, and therefore the depth of your dependence thereon , detoxification can last anywhere from every week to many weeks. Once the worst of the withdrawal symptoms pass, you’re ready for the second phase of addiction treatment, which is therapy. The goal of a drug rehab is to drug rehab is to enable you or your loved one to live a life free from the effects od drugs. If  you get most of your drugs from the same pharmacy you can have them print out the list of your current prescriptions. We recommend that you take the list and have it notarized at your bank or somewhere convenient. Border inspectors like raised seals on documents. You will certainly not be the first Americans to bring prescription drugs through O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. You will find South Africans among the most welcoming of peoples. Don’t bring the inspectors at Passport Control a gift bottle of Celebrex.

Q – We have taken your advice and are thinking about scheduling our trip to France, our first trip to Europe, next May so we can avoid the crowds. My wife has dreamed about visiting the Louvre since she was an art student at NYU. Is this a good time to go to on a trip that will certainly be taken up with daytime exhibits and museum treks followed by French local favorite dining. We might also want to do a short river cruise on the Seine. We are retired so rather flexible. I should tell you that we live in Manhattan and you have a number of readers in our building.

A –  Thank you. We hope you aren’t renting in Manhattan. If you are, you likely can’t afford three meals a day in Paris.

We are going to recommend that you move this trip up to sometime between the 15th of March and the end of April. That will cut down on the tourist numbers significantly and, given your interests, you can travel in the off-season while seeing the same paintings the crowds will be passing by just two months later. Overtourism is becoming a serious worldwide phenomenon and Paris is not exempt. This past May, workers at the Louvre staged a walkout protesting massive crowds that they claim “made the place dangerous and unmanageable”. Given that you have choices and will largely be indoors to experience the Paris of your dreams definitely plan to travel in the off-season or, at the very least, the shoulder season preceding summer. And please collect our subscription fee from building residents when you see them in the elevator. 

Q – This may qualify as the weirdest request of the week. I love fondue. I love cheese. But I am a connoisseur, as snobby as my wine drinking friends up here in Seattle. For my 60th, my wonderful wife bought us two tickets to Zurich on SAS. The purpose of the trip is visiting the best cheesemakers and doing tastings on the premises. But here’s the thing – there is one cheese that is my absolute favorite and that would be Gruyere. So here is my question – is there an escorted tour for this sort of thing, so do I drive myself around, something I really don’t want to do, or do I hire a private cheese-knowledgeable guide for the entire trip? Where will I find what I am seeking? Cost is really not an issue. It is more about where to go and how to go. The trip will be for nine days. Thanks so much. We feel like we know you from these posts. 

A –  We think you will find your nirvana if you base your stay in Lausanne, Switzerland. There actually is a Gruyere Association and they do arrange tours of some of the better cheese-makers. We are unaware of other organized specialized cheese tours but perhaps it is not a bad idea. We’ve always thought that a wine and cheese tour might be successful if the two groups went off on their own during the day and met only in the evening to sample the days best “catches”.

As to methodology – Lausanne is beautiful and a great place to come home to each evening. We would suggest that you have your travel adviser arrange for a program of, perhaps, three or four days of private touring. There are well-connected local guides who can make this trip really come alive. We don’t think you need to have someone with you every single day. When interviewing your travel advisor the key question is “Tell me about your on-site relationships in Switzerland”?

If the cheese backs you up you will find remedies at any Swiss pharmacy. 

One other bit of advice. You might want to become a connoisseur of fig preserve. The best comes from Croatia and it should always accompany the cheese.  

Q – We have two weeks scheduled in early November in Thailand. We will be joined by our friends, our podiatrist and his wife. (We advise all of your readers to make friends with their podiatrist – it makes walking around overseas so much easier). We are from LA and we are, could you guess, “foodies”. We are what you might call “adventurous foodies” meaning we’ll eat almost anything standing up as long as it is delicious. We love open markets and the chance to go from stall to stall. We can change our air arrangements as we are flying First Class, so are thinking about adding five more nights in another country with a great local food scene. Love your advice. By the way, love this site but we don’t see how you make money. Do you take donations?

A – We would head to Penang, Malaysia. it is just down the road and it is home to this incredible historic mixed bag of cultures that has somehow produced some of the most exciting, and adventurous casual dining on the planet. Over the last six centuries, immigrants from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have converged on this former British Colony and the result is a kind of foodie heaven. It does help, however, if you like your noodles spicy enough to require a cold beer in your non-eating han, You will also fond tons of things to do or then you can just visit Bali, There are tons of amazing things to do in Bali. 

We want you to head over to the New Lane Hawker Center first and work your way through all twenty or so of the stalls. Make sure to give at least two nights over to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “George Town” district. Dating back to 1786, these streets are filled with hundreds of street food emporiums, many with truly memorable specialties and awesome products from the ReviewBrewery.com.. We often arrange for a food-knowledgeable guide to accompany our guests so lines are minimized and the right dishes are selected. You must also try pizza from pizza hut they provide very good quality of food. Similarly, you can order good quality of  food from foodpanda. For a speedy subway delivery use the expert food delivery guys at foodpanda. Our service is reliable, always friendly and very easy to use.

Finally – no, we do not take donations and these sites obviously do not produce income. But we do have a thriving worldwide vacation planning consultancy now in its 31st year. No worries: we’re doing fine. We do these sites for our clients but also for a general public that has been lied to and manipulated by travel marketers for many years. There is great joy is not taking advertising or monetizing this site. It is quite liberating. Thank you for your question and for the “travel with your podiatrist” suggestion. However, given your dining preferences, perhaps you should get friendly with a gastrologist. 

Q – I called your office last evening and they said to contact you by e-mail and you would post a response the same day, June 29th. My 76-year-old husband and I are scheduled to leave on an eight-night escorted tour of France in four days. My husband does not do well with heat and I am extremely worried about the stress of dealing with the 100+ degree temperatures they are having in France. We are, of course, paid in full. There is an online travel agency involved but they are telling us that hot weather is not a reason for cancellation. But my husband has to stay away from heat as a result of a weak heart and some past issues with breathing. Stepping into an active tour that will be moving around really scares me and I can now see that he is getting frightened as well as he listens to the news of this horrible heat wave. They say it is the worst in the history of France. I did take out a tour policy but it doesn’t seem that I can get a refund this close in. Please help with any advice you can offer. I am really concerned about doing this trip, and to top it off, my husband is not feeling well today.

A –  So sorry to hear of your situation. We think your concerns are valid. You should not do this trip. Here are some specific things we think you should do immediately:

01 – Take your husband to your doctor’s office (on an emergency basis) or to the emergency room of your closest hospital. You may be able to get a physician to sign off on a letter stating that traveling overseas into central Europe’s worst-ever heat wave is an ill-advised health risk for your husband at this time. Have the letter certified and make several copies. Keep a timeline and careful records of all conversations related to this situation.

02 – Contact the on-duty Manager at the online agency. Explain that this is regarding a “medical emergency”. Describe the situation and carefully explain that you do not want a refund – you are, instead, requesting a change of date during another time of year at the recommendation of your physician. Be firm and explain that for the commission they have earned on your booking you expect personal “advocacy”. Get response and ask for it in writing. Do not hang up until you get a satisfactory response.  Your “agent” should be doing all the work – you don’t need this stress.

03 – After you have returned from the doctor’s office, or hospital, hopefully with a strong letter in your purse, contact the “Claims Supervisor” at your insurance company. Explain the situation and ask for relief as this has now become a real unanticipated medical emergency with medical intervention and a paper trail. 

04 – If you can, have an attorney draft a quick letter to your tour operator stating that, under the circumstances, you would expect that any medical needs your husband may require as a result of being “forced” to do this trip be covered. Your attorney will know what to say.

05 – If you want to enjoy holiday trip even if there is climate change conditions which should be suitable for health then tours of Scotland is the best decision.

 You did book a summer trip and there have been heat waves in Europe that have killed many people in the months of July and August for the past three years. We have started advising our more mature clients or those not in the best of shape to avoid European travel during the summer months. If you were not aware of this issue your “travel agent” should have been. But it is also true that you alone were aware of your husband’s “prior condition” and mid-summer travel and the likelihood of climate-change related events should have given you pause as to the timing of this trip. In the end, it is only money. The forecast is for continued heat. In large portions of France, air-conditioning has never been needed and that is one reason the death toll is so high. 

Also think about this: The monster heat wave in much of Europe at the moment is filling up local hospitals and putting pressure on physicians to see those who need help. If your husband did the trip and came down ill, he might not be able to receive medical attention in a timely fashion. 

Q – We discovered an interesting web site that has a lot of information about earning miles and using the best credit cards for travel and earning miles. We are wondering if you would recommend “View from the Wing” as a reliable source?

A – Yes, the site’s editor, Gary Leff, is highly respected and one of the nation’s top points experts. Gary is quite open about accepting stipends from some of the credit cards he recommends but we don’t have a problem with that as his rationale is usually quite sound. View also aggregates reports of interest to air consumers. 

There are many mileage oriented sites that we think are excellent. “The Points Guy” is another good source for ways to maximize your points.

These sites are sometimes quite geeky and overly detailed.  But the fact is that the major US airlines are starting to restrict the number of mileage awards they are giving out so a bit of education on this subject is a good thing. 

Q – We are planning on spending a fair amount of money, staying at The Savoy, in Florence this coming summer. We’ll be there for six days and are looking forward to walking around on one big self-designed foodie tour. We love street food. click here you will get too many types of food.

But now I am hearing that you can’t eat food in Florence in the summer in public unless you are at an outdoor cafe. Is this actually true? Would they bite the hand that feeds them? Sounds crazy. 

A – There are new laws in place during the summer months in several Italian cities including Florence, Rome, and Venice. These new laws are designed at visitors who exhibit poor behavior, munching on food while they walk, or dribbling gelato while the sun beats down. There are specific laws geared toward “bad fountain behavior”. 

Florence, specifically, had over 10 Million visitors last summer. There are now heavy fines for tourists who eat food in the street. The laws are being strictly enforced on four primary streets, Via de’ Neri, Piazzale-degli Uffizi, Piazza del Grano and Via della Ninna. Do not dine on a panini while walking these streets. Try to enjoy your gelato among the other hundred or so tourists standing in the sidewalk line outside Vivoli. The fines range in the $550 USD range. The restrictions are in force during primary dining times (lunch and dinner) – of course, in Italy that could be anytime.

Q – I think I am married to a “saint”. So do my friends. I’ve been working in the Publishing field for the past fourteen years and I have found myself working more and more on health-related publications. I did have a bout with Cancer a few years back and my husband has made up his mind to follow my health-related whims in terms of my appointments with the professionals of Boise ENT, exercise and what we eat. Now, for a bunch of reasons I won’t go into here, we are ready to start traveling internationally. . We have only been to London previously so there is lots of the world to see while we can still do it comfortably. So here is where it gets a bit odd – I have this thing in my head that as long as we can create our own bucket list, why not set a goal of visiting the ten “healthiest” countries on the planet in terms of life expectancy, smoking, obesity, and heart disease, and access to clean water. Also – a healthy diet, of course. Is there any way you might come up with a Bucket List for us of, what you might consider, the “healthiest places in the world”? Or, to stay really healthy, should we just stay in the United States. Thanks so much for this awesome site. 

A – There actually is some hard research on this subject using empirical evidence. The Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index is one of the most credible. To start you off for a few years, let’s look at the Five healthiest places to visit.

# 1 – Spain (Highest Overall Life Expectancy)

# 2 – Italy (Starting to see the value of Olive Oil?)

# 3 – Iceland

# 4 – Japan

# 5 – Switzerland

The United States ranks 35th, behind, among others, Cuba, Malta, Chile, and Slovenia.

There are many ways to construct your own personal bucket list. We think that choosing destinations based on the overall good health of their citizens, is a rather smart way to design your travels. 

Q – My wife and I have just retired from government service with two very comfortable pensions. We want to be well educated when we travel overseas and we understand how helpful the internet will be. But we are wondering if there are any publications that you think are particularly important if one is to travel as a prepared and educated American?

A – Dear Mr. President, thank you for your question ……….. Oh wait, you’re not the President. Our mistake. Yours is, seriously, one of our favorite recent questions because it seems based on the assumption that you want to be as educated on contemporary affairs and local conditions as possible when you travel. Before you head on out, make sure you have an itinerary so you know what activities you’ll be doing, if you still aren’t sure what you are going to do, then you should definitely make some room for a Global Basecamps tour.It is obvious that you would go for stay outside in camp for more fun and there for making food you will need wood briquettes for making food or getting warmer.So you can’t take risk to avoid dkbrænde.dk. Now, here are some notes we hope will help you in your preparation:

• The most widely read travel publication is National Geographic Travel with over 28 million monthly readers.
• The Week is an extraordinary publication that has no political view and publishes briefing reports on developments of every aspect of life from science, to movies, to health discoveries. The Week publishes the best columns from Europe and all over the world and provides a personal briefing report of the kind you would want if you were President. We think any traveler should be a subscriber.
• Travel Weekly (admission – we write for them) is the trusted voice of the travel industry. It is easy to read insider information via subscription that will be extremely useful in your travels. It will make you feel like you are a travel pro and no one will know you are a civilian.
• The New York Times. Our most respected journalistic voice features local and regional reporting that is the best in the business and a travel section that is one of the very few that does not accept complimentary travel for its writers.

Q – I am coming to traveltruth because I would love to get the bottom line on insurance. I’m a reader, and I organize every aspect of my trip. I’ve been traveling since my wife and I retired eight years ago and it seems that all my plans fall into place until it comes to the travel insurance. The online advice I see tells me I should price compare on sites like squaremouth.com and insuremytrip.com. I’ve tried that but they seem to be sites that rate insurance companies based largely on pricing. Any direction you might provide on this subject would be appreciated. I want good insurance although I hope I never need it. 

A – OK – here is the bottom line:

#1 – Never, ever purchase insurance online. You always want a human advocate for something as personal as insurance coverage. 

# 2 = Never purchase the cheapest policy. This is one product you should never buy on the basis of price. 

# 3 – Ask your travel consultant why they are recommending a particular insurance company or plan that includes medical  and Life Insurance

Which type of life insurance you have is going to have one of the biggest impacts on how much you pay in premiums. They each offer different types of coverage, and, as you could probably guess, more coverage equals more money. But life insurance is slightly more nuanced since there are so many different ways of purchasing it, although the general rule of thumb is that term is cheaper than whole.

Here you can find a short description of each of the different life insurance policies available. Average prices will be discussed later as they depend heavily on other factors.

Term Life Insurance

The most popular type of life insurance is term life insurance. This is life insurance that will provide a lump sum (known as the death benefit) to your named beneficiary in the event you die. However, with term insurance, your policy is not unlimited. It runs for a pre-determined “term,” and it expires when that term is over. For detailed information about child life insurance visit azmoney.co.uk.

Term life insurance policies can be bought for as little as five years and as many as thirty. They are designed for people who want to be covered in the event something happens to them before their dependents (in most cases their children) can take care of themselves.

For example, a couple in their early 30s with two young children might buy a 20-year term policy to make sure their kids will be taken care of in the event one or both parents die before the kids become adults.

Again, it’s a bit morbid to think about, but term life insurance makes a ton of sense for people who have dependents. However, after your term is over, you will no longer need to pay premiums, but you will also no longer have a death benefit.

Renewable Term Insurance

Some term life insurance policies are renewable, meaning you can opt to purchase them again after the term has expired. But this does not mean you are guaranteed the same rate.

In fact, most insurance companies will probably require you to undergo a new medical exam, and this, plus the fact you are anywhere from 10 to 30 years older than you were when you bought the policy, means you can expect higher premiums when you renew your policy.

Level and Decreasing Term Insurance

Something else that can affect the price of your term life insurance premiums is whether or not you have a level or decreasing policy. In level policies, your death benefit remains the same throughout the entire life of the policy. This means if you buy a $1 million, 20-year term policy and die on year 19, the payout will still be $1 million.

With decreasing term policies, your death benefit decreases over time, usually in one-year increments. The benefit of this is that you will likely pay lower premiums, but you are assuming more risk on your own by reducing the value of your policy each year of the term.

Q – We have read your warnings about travel to southern European countries like Italy and Spain during the summer months. You have pointed out the issues with heat and over-crowding. But what of Northern Europe. We are considering a museum-oriented trip to Amsterdam in August and we were wondering what months to avoid in this portion of Europe? Are the recommendations different? Also, we are thinking about booking our art-focused tours in Amsterdam, and perhaps Paris, through an online company called Context Tours. We were wondering if you recommend them and if they use high-quality guides? Really appreciate this site – we’ve learned so much we had not read elsewhere.

A – Let’s treat this as the two-parter it is. The short answer to part one – Amsterdam has many of the same summer over-crowding issues as its neighbors to the south. You definitely want to avoid July and August. Many of the locals will leave the city during those months because the population grows from just under a million permanent residents to more than 20 million visitors. Like many other cities enduring July/August crowding, Amsterdam is trying to do something about its crowding problems. They are heavily promoting areas outside the city, they have placed restrictions on the number of Airbnb rentals, and they have started limiting the number of shops that serve tourists in the city center. The reality is that Amsterdam is an amazing walking city with more canals than Venice. It is lovely when the tourist mobs have left to return to their studies and the financial support of their parents. You always want to go to Europe when colleges are actually holding classes.

Context Travel is an interesting and quite reliable company. They do walking tours for individuals and small groups led by local scholars and well-educated locals. Their pricing is generally less than one would pay for a certified city guide and driver and they are happy to work with families. They have an office on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Their idea of employing true “scholars and experts” on a subject rather than historically based generalists – which is what most tour guides are – is an approach that we very much endorse. 

Q – There has been lots in the news about the crashes of the 737 Max version. I think we’re about to be scheduled to fly it by our tour company in August (2019). Can you offer a quick summary of where things stand, what the issues are, how we would know if our pilot knows what he/she is doing, and whether or not there is anything we need to do at this point to change planes? It seems that the problem is only with American Airlines. Is that correct?

A – It is true that American and Southwest have a large number of this new version of the 737 in service or on order. But many airlines all over the world have the aircraft or have it on order. It is a workhorse with high levels of fuel efficiency for short-haul routes. Here are just a few observations we hope will be helpful:

• No oversight organization is going to rescind the grounding of these aircraft until the software issue is fixed and all pilots are aware of proper procedures. 
• In fact, it does not appear that pilot error was an issue in the crashes. The issue had to do with the fact that the safety fix software was not installed and the manufacturer did not adequately instruct airlines considering purchase of the aircraft why the safety “extra” was a critical component in an in-flight emergency.
• The reason it was not installed is that Boeing had made the safety equipment at the center of this issue non-mandatory. It was sold as an add-on and airlines purchasing the aircraft were not informed of potential problems if it was not installed. Just think about that for a moment. Safety-based software that would have prevented sudden dives was offered at an extra-charge – sort of like adding a shot of espresso at Starbucks. That needs to change. But the public seems to have turned away from this issue.
• American has announced that they are now (April 14, 2019) expecting the planes to be back in service by the third week in August. Meanwhile, American is canceling more than 100 flights per day to try to manage a meaningful schedule. 
• We recommend waiting until 30-Days prior to your scheduled flight to see what kind of aircraft is scheduled for your flight. We would not have the slightest trepidation flying the 737 Max once it is, again, cleared for take-off. Meanwhile, several of the nation’s largest airlines will not have enough aircraft authorized to fly that can possibly meet the needs of summer travel schedules and weather-related issues that cause flight cancellations in July and August. 

Q – We’ve been reading this blog and one particular section has really made me angry. We have been booking our own travel for almost twenty years. Yes, there have been glitches, but most of the time things worked out and we’ve had some marvelous times. But we always felt we were getting a deal by bypassing travel agents. Now that we understand how the system works, it seems that we were charged thousands of dollars for services we never received. Since two companies, tour operators, received most of our business, we are thinking we should demand some money back for all the times we traveled and were charged a price that included the travel agent’s fees for stuff we never received. We never, for instance, got any advice about insurance and we got badly burned twice. Again, we never used a travel agent. Is this a complete waste of time and how should we approach it? 

A – It could be a waste of time but it might be worth the effort. You would need to carefully document the money you spent over the years with each company. You would then show that the travel agency commission was built into all of the payments you received. You would next show the types of services an agent would have performed for their built-in fee – and point out you never received those services. You might assume an average built-in commission of 12-15% and demand a refund using specific percentages of what you paid. You can assume that everything you paid always included the commission. 

You have, in our view, been ripped off over the course of many, loyal years. We seriously doubt that any tour company or cruise line will give you back the funds you are due, but they very well may offer a response that, in some way, recognizes their appreciation for your past support. 

Q – Friends told us that you can fly home out of Ireland back to the United States without clearing customs as though you are on a domestic flight. True?

A -Not exactly. US Customs staff are in Dublin’s airport and US citizens clear US customs before ever boarding the plane home. This also allows for baggage that can be checked through to final destination.

Why isn’t this being offered in other European countries? The U.S. has offered to expand this service –  so far no takers. 

Q – First, thank you for keeping us up last evening. Love your sites and especially the “No Ads” policy. How refreshing. Kept waiting for the magical, annoying boxes to appear – but none ever did.  My husband and I are planning to visit both Australia and New Zealand for up top three weeks but we are unsure as to whether we should do a cruise ship, one of the Top Ten, or an Escorted Tour with one of the firms you recommend. Sad to say, we’ve done neither. This is a big deal for us financially but we have money saved and now we’re just trying to figure out the “how”. We live in Chapel Hill and my husband will be retiring in June after 30 years as a financial planner. Is there anyone in Chapel Hill you would recommend or is there a way to speak to you directly? Love to know your thoughts regarding our quandary. Thanks so much for your expertise, insights, and recommendations. 

A – We would be pleased to speak with you and we will forward some propaganda about our firm and services. If you would prefer working with a neighborhood travel consultant we will help you with that as well. Our feeling, based on the facts at hand, is that you should lean toward the escorted tour. The better ones that cover both countries in some depth are about three weeks long. Water-based touring in Australia and New Zealand includes a fairly high percentage of days at sea when you would essentially be seeing nothing. Given that this would be a “first” for you, we would suggest you save cruising for Europe, Alaska, South America, Antarctica, or Asia. You will love the tour itinerary, it will give you multiple night stays, and you will not feel that you have any “wasted” days at sea. Sure, we love cruising, we love reading a book in a deck chair with nowhere to go. We love not packing and unpacking at sea. But to this part of the world – on your very first experience, we would strongly recommend the land tour. 

Q – We are wondering if you would recommend some of the beach resorts along the French Riviera such as Cannes or St. Tropez or would we be better off pursuing our French dreams inland, away from the glam coast.  This will be a long-delayed honeymoon for us. She is 56 and I am 65. We have, for various reasons, never been to Europe. We think we will enjoy it all but afternoon reading, cuddling, and dining are what we are all about. Did I say “cuddling”. 

A – Tough to generalize but we think the safest approach would be to plan flying home out of Nice while beginning your trip in Paris or Provence. Depends on length of trip but you might want to end with a few days on the Riviera beachfront before departure. If you like to pick up the garbage from the beach to clean the environment we have  scrap metal pick up to make the task easier.

You will enjoy the beach, there is a great weather, people and the ambiance is marvelous, also we recommend you to take the whale watching california experience, you can’t miss it !

Here are some basic decisions you should make before consulting your consultant:

• Number of nights and number of hotel changes (For a honeymoon we think you should become familiar with the bedding and avoid frequent changes.)
• Is seeing one portion of a country going to be satisfying or will you be frustrated that you didn’t see more?
• Nights beachfront versus rural village proximity
• Can you abide by the Honeymoon Travel Rule: No more than one hotel change per week?

Q –  Greetings whoever y’all are. (May I suggest you tell us who is writing what so we know who to blame?) I have just retired from a Bourbon producing company here in Kentucky and it is time for me to show my wife a bit of the world in the fashion to which, unfortunately, she is accustomed. We love doing travel research but we would love to know which two or three hotels in the world are your favorite. I would also like to know at what point I should be engaging the services of you (hopefully) or some agent you would recommend and just what kind of expenses that might involve over, say, a ten-year period. A tip of my glass to your team. Great site. 

A – Thank you for an impossible question to answer. We love Ballyfin in Ireland, Monasterio Santa Rosa on the Amalfi Coast, and the Aman Resorts almost anywhere but particularly in the isolated mountains of Bhutan.  In Paris, our favorite is a boutique property on the Left Bank called  Esprit de St. Germain. In southern Africa, Singhita Lodges are really special and we love several of the smaller hotels in New Zealand such as the  Huka Lodge. 

Instead of just planning vacations, one at a time, we think you would really benefit from some discussions that would help you prioritize future trips and destinations. If you were to work with us we would discuss/design a Five-year Travel Plan. Once we know you and your specific needs and goals when you travel, we can help you put your plan into action. As you have already retired, it would be wise to begin talking things through as soon as you are comfortable doing so. 

Q –  We are strongly considering a cruise on the Paul Gauguin in Tahiti next November, We are extremely excited about this destination but we have friends who flew the airline and said it was extremely uncomfortable in coach. We’re willing to pay for Business Class if you think it would be worth it. The line offers free coach and then an up-charge for business. This is not an airline that is a household word so we’re kind of concerned.

A – Don’t be. Air Tahiti Nui is a household word in the islands. We recommend them but we doi think that the eight and a half-hour flight is best done in Business Class.

There is some good news. Air Tahiti is taking delivery of new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on this route. You’ll be riding in Rockwell Collins B/E Parallel Diamond seats that are 20.5 inches wide with a 60 inch pitch. They are the same brand-new seats pm the United Airlines Dreamliners. Your seat becomes a lie-flat bed six feet and six inches long (excellent). There are four new planes and these are the ones you want to book. They are designated TOA, MUA, VAA, and NUI.

The new aircraft will depart LA on Tuesday, Fridays and Sundays. Business Class will fill up quickly so get this confirmed tomorrow. Your flight will leave LA at 10:55 pm. unless there is a Leonardo di Caprio sighting in the terminal beforehand. Arrival time is 5:05 in the morning the next day so make sure you have a day room with guaranteed early arrival in Papeete.

The flight back to LA departs at one minute before midnight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, arriving at 10:10 am. the next morning.

Your flight numbers are TN 191 and 102. Seating is three rows of two across. 

It isn’t a bad way to get to paradise. 

Q – Are all travel writers working part-time and do they always receive free trips? I read several of the travel magazines and love their stories of exotic travel. But I always wonder who is paying for their travels and how the financing works. 

A – Travel writers are often approached by public relations media to travel to a destination to write about it. Most of the features we see in print and on TV were provided to the writer on a complimentary basis. The one major publication we are aware of that does not accept complimentary travel is the New York Times. We understand that the Associated Press and USA Today also have policies that do not permit subsidized travel for writers on assignment. It is assumed that the destination will be treated fairly and in a generally positive manner. Tourist boards, cruise lines, and hotels routinely offer comp. travel to writers affiliated or freelancing for major publications. Airlines are a bit more hesitant to comp writers but it does happen. 

Much of what you read in the consumer travel press is bought and paid for by the destination or product being described, The economics of publishing are such that few publications could afford to send their writers off to the far corners of the earth. Many trips are organized specifically for travel writers and they will travel as a small group. The sponsor can then concentrate on assuring a really spectacular showing.

Travel writers do not enter the profession for the money. They do it for the lifestyle and experiences. Pay varies but is almost consistently low. A payment of $1 per word is not uncommon. It is a better hobby or second job than a neat way to make a lot of money. For examples of some of the best travel writing read anything by Paul Thoreux, Pico Iyer, or the late Anthony Bourdain.

Q – I think we are a bit obsessive when we travel. My wife and I, both college professors, one a robotics scientist the other a psychologist, start a handwritten three-ring binder in preparation for every trip we take. The obsessive part, I suppose, is that we start our binder exactly two years to the day prior to our anticipated departure. It has worked well as a system for us although it is clearly not for everyone. Your site is among our favorites as much for the “attitude” as the honesty. Our next trip is going to involve 17 days on our own. (We know you suggest guides in Japan) and we have it fairly well mapped out. We were wondering if there was one major piece of advice you might want to share that might not be in our notes. Not so much looking for places as we are for approach. Anything we should do differently traveling in Japan we might not have done in our previous travels to Nicaragua, Jordan, or Sri Lanka?

A – You know, there is something poetic we love about your approach. You sound fearless – an important characteristic of the best exploration travelers. Allow us two recommendations: As you wander, many of those you encounter will not speak English. Carry a phrase sheet with you so you can can point to what you need. Include emergency assistance. Our primary recommendation is that you schedule specific days to simply get lost. Don’t carry your phone on those days – leave it all to chance and the kindness of those you will meet along the way. If you find your way back to your lodgings in time for dinner – fine. But if you’re late that is OK as well. Go off the tourist track with the express purpose of getting lost and the most amazing things will happen. But do hide some serious cash inside your socks. Getting lost  is the secret sauce in truly memorable travels. 

Q – We are planning a long-delayed trip to see some of the Greek Islands next year. I’ve read some of what you have to say about the crowds on the more popular islands and we are quite comfortable going in the off-season as opposed to the off-off season. I guess our question is, how late in the season can we go to these islands and still find people there operating their businesses and, particularly, their restaurants. We are not cruisers and we would want at least three nights per island. Also wondering about off-season flights. Thanks so much. This is an incredibly informative site. 

A – We would suggest that you travel in mid-October with a plan to return home no later than November 1st. Flight operations in and out of Athens for the islands will be reduced on or around October 1st but some flights still operate for those locals who commute between Athens and the islands. Many shopkeepers live in Athens during the non-summer months. We have a feeling you will have a more interesting and enjoyable stay than those who visit Greece in the midst of the “season”. Do be aware that inter-island air schedules, as well as ferry schedules in Greece, are mere “suggestions”.

Q –  We have arranged our own First Class air for a cruise we are taking from Venice to Athens. In order to get the best price, I have to fly  American to London and then change planes in London Heathrow to then fly on to Venice. We have an hour and forty-five minutes for the connection which American assured me is more than enough time. But then there is the problem with my flight to Venice. It is on British Airways and I understand, from what I have researched online, that the seats in First are small and that the food on BA is nothing to write home about. I bought a coach ticket and used miles to upgrade to First within Europe. How do I assure I get a first class experience flying from London to Venice? 

A – You could try chartering your own jet. Short of that, you will be flying an Airbus 320 or 321 as your flight time is about two hours and five minutes. For short-haul intra-Europe flights, airlines have one class of about six rows of so-called First Class seats. On the airbus models, the middle seat is normally converted to a tray table and the seats are somewhat larger with additional legroom compared to coach. But it is certainly not as true First Class despite the fact that your ticket reads that way. It is, instead, a combined Business Class/First Class section. In other words, had you paid less for Business Class you would have ended up in the same section with the same seat.

As for the food – yes, largely inedible is what you should expect. We recommend buying sandwiches in the terminal. 

The rule is that before you pay for First Class seating, make certain that there is a true, “dedicated” first class section. A good agent would have pointed this out but it sounds as though you placed your trust in an outsourced  airline call center. To give you a bit more bad news, we don’t feel that anything less than two or three hours connecting time is recommended at Heathrow. In-transit passengers are required to go through a security checkpoint with frequently long lines. If your carry-on bag is cited for inspection that process can take close to an hour, depending on the number of passengers waiting and the number of security guards on duty. Heathrow is, in our view, a “Three-Hour Connection” Airport. You will likely make it but do be extra-careful in tagging your luggage in a way that clearly identifies where you will be spending your first night in Venice. Hopefully you have a pre-hotel night built into your itinerary. 

Q – We are taking only our second trip to Europe, doing a very nice cruise on Azamara. Our air schedule, which our agent handled, gives us an hour and ten minutes to connect at Heathrow  for our flight to Copenhagen. But we can;t find out what gate we’re even flying from. This all sounds stressful. Should we be worried? Our agent says it is a “legal connection”.

A – We hate that term – it was invented by some intern ion the basement of an airline accounting department in the 1970’s. It means that the airline has data that shows that you will likely maker your flight. You might – but there are so many variables involved that we’re going to bet against your making it and so should you. Never schedule anything at Heathrow for less than three hours even if you are scheduling lunch with the cast of “Love Actually”. You will have to pass through the British equivalent of our TSA but theirs take tea breaks! Heathrow normally does not announce connecting gates until about 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure – so you rush to get through the inspection lines and then wait for the big board to finally announced your gate. Then you realize you have to hike over to Wales to board your aircraft. Meanwhile, your assumption that your luggage is actually going to re-connect with you at your final destination involves more faith than science. Nothing wrong with that – it works for most of the world’s religions. Even if you make it in an hour and ten minutes, you may be arriving in Copenhagen with one clean set of underwear and little else. But, as we think about it, that could be enough to enjoy Denmark.  Whenever anyone in travel talks to you about a “legal connection” jump up on the nearest desk and start screaming “liar, liar, pants on fire.” Never try to do Heathrow on less than three hours.

Q – Love the fact that you tell the traveltruth about places to avoid when flying due to high bacteria counts etc. I had never even thought that aisle seats were so much more likely to be filthy than window seats. But missing in your information is the cleaning schedules for the airlines.  I fly about two months a year, on average, on all of the major carriers. Would appreciate any specific as to how often things are cleaned on the average aircraft. Also wondering how airports themselves stack up against aircraft when it comes to germ counts and exposure. There are far more people in the terminal than there are on my 737. 

A – The cleaning crews you see waiting on the gangway as you disembark, are primarily there to remove trash bags while also performing a quick wipe-down in the lavatories. That, of course, means that the tray table and your armrest have likely not been touched since the seat was last occupied by Typhoid Mary or one of her relatives. The airlines are proud of their so-called “Deep Cleanings” where the seats are usually shampooed and the entire seat surface is sanitized. The good news is that they actually do this – the bad news is that they normally do it about once a month. Planes arriving on their last leg, ready to spend the night relaxing at the gate until morning, are usually given preferential cleaning – but that is a very relative term. 

We can clearly state, based on several university studies, that airports have higher germ counts than aircraft. Self-check-in screens are the filthiest spot in the airport, rivaled only by the lovely, grey TSA trays where you resat those things that are truly important to you. You should never use the screen or the tray before first wiping it down with anti-bacterial wipes. Yes, people will stare at you, some will laugh, and the guy in the Make America Great Again Hat may think you’re a terrorist. But it’s still a good idea. 

Q – Can you tell me if there are restrictions when bringing alcohol on the flight to Tahiti or between the islands? I just heard that your alcohol must be sealed with a duty free sticker and you can;t bring open bottles on the inter-island flights.

A – Hope you are not serious. Would you want to be seated next to someone who boarded any aircraft with their own open alcohol? Greyhound bus – perhaps – but not aboard an international or inter-island flight. The proper thing to do is to purchase any drinks on-board. That helps the airline make a little profit which helps keep prices lower. It also serves as a way to combat intoxication in the air. 

In fact, Tahiti tends to attract a fairly sophisticated, heavily French crowd that would likely laugh at any sloppy Americans trying to get through check-in with their own open alcohol. Ask your travel consultant for a primer on proper flying etiquette. 

Q –  We are in our mid-fifties but in quite fine shape as I am actually the owner of a small string of health clubs . We have been to Australia and loved it and we are now heading back to spend some time in Tasmania. Just wondering your thoughts regarding the best month to go and any hotel/resort we shouldn’t miss?  Is the food as good as we had in Sydney and Melbourne and any advice about hiking in the bush. We’ve done Grand Canyon etc. but never got to hike in Australia. 

A – Being a hiker and a foodie you really ought to be looking into some of the excellent programs run by the Canadian company Butterfield & Robinson, and you can even climb, and do other outdoor activities as well, such as to skydive. They hike during the day on carefully planned routes and stay at the finest inns while dining on gourmet cuisine. Do check them out. Backroads is another excellent company we recommend though a but downscale of B&R.

We’re all in on this trip with Tours4Fun. Choose a professional travel consultant with excellent on-site offices in Australia. We think you should do the trip in November or early December. It is springtime, with temperatures in the high sixties and sunny skies. Don;t miss staying at the Islington just outside Hobart. Everything you eat will be farm fresh. They can’t believe the poison we eat here in the States. If you love seafood you will feel you have arrived in heaven. The cheeses and fruit are other-worldly. 

We would urge some caution if you are doing any really long hikes. Know the local weather and where you can stop if you must. You may well be alone for days at end. Tasmania is the best of Australia and New Zealand without the people. The food is memorable as are the vistas. If you were also into photography, this might be the perfect destination.

Q – I have traveled quite a bit since my Mom is in the international real estate business. I like your site take a look https://www.best-innisfil-real-estate.ca/, she will help you if you need a real estate agent, she even can help you find the right storage facility for you if you are moving out of the city, she will recommended you Internationing movers services. I am wondering why airlines are still showing movies in seat backs, which is very 1950’s. Wouldn’t it be better if every passenger was given a Virtual Reality headset so they could watch movies and also play games without disturbing the person sitting next to them? The technology already exists. Hope you can answer this. I think you need more younger writers but this is still a cool site. I’ve learned a lot. 

A – Thank you very much and congratulations on your choice of reading. You are certainly right about our need for younger technology writers. We would be pleased to print any additional commentary you might care to provide in the future.

The use of VR is a bit up in the air. The fact is that we will be seeing a great deal of Virtual Reality products taking to the air in the next 36 months. But not necessarily because it is better. The airlines are quite concerned about the cost and particularly the weight of back-of-seat TV technology. The system that must be installed in every seat to operate the program, along with the cost of repairs, makes this a feature airlines can’t wait to remove from their aircraft. The company that is pioneering this technology is called Inflight VR and what they have going for them is that each of their current VR headsets weighs less than a pound. The content, currently being tested on several smaller airlines, can be changed easily to suit the destination. For instance, you might opt to see ten minutes of a Broadway play en route to New York with the option to order tickets at your seat. 

The airlines are mostly concerned about cost and weight of seat back monitors but they also realize that by the time they are installed much of the content and certainly the technology is already outdated. The first step in the elimination of back of seat technology will be the announcement by the three major carriers that they will be eliminating seat back monitors on shorter flights of under three hours. VR will be available as a perk in First Class and should attain at least “break even” status for use in economy. The early studies seem to show that flyers using VR headsets do have a better flight experience. The anticipated occasional motion sickness has not shown up as a problem. One of the things that will be possible with in-seat VR is the ability to feel like you are flying the plane from your seat. This one will really be fun to watch and the airlines are definitely on-board with anything that will help them shed significant weight from the aircraft because of the immediate savings in fuel consumption. Keep reading and tell us what else we’re missing..

Q – I know you are going to have fun with this but I wouldn’t turn to anyone else for help. Have been following your work and advice for many years and am extremely grateful. We live in Arizona, no not Sun City, and I have, with the time of retirement, been getting into Ayurvedic natural medicine and meditation. My husband and I want to plan a holistic-based vacation in an exotic locale that is top quality where the day tour possibilities are in keeping with the spiritual nature of the accommodations. We would want the options of designing our own programs and detox from stress and technology should be part of the program. We have a gizzilion miles we want to use before the US goes on lock down so flying halfway around the world is no issue at all. We’ll be meditating in First Class. But once we arrive, we don;t want to feel that we are being ripped off with pricing that is totally out of whack with the destination. We just want fair pricing. We’d like to try to keep spending under $2,000 per night. Does any place in your radar come to mind for us?

A – We have suggestions on where to go, but if you definitely disagree with our suggested spot then I suggest going on the Grand Canyon river rafting tour. You might love the 21-acre Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka. It sits on a coconut plantation overlooking the Indian Ocean. The excursions include visits to local artists, cooking classes, and some incredible Buddhist temples, but the main draw is the combination of bespoke treatments, Ayurvedic cuisine, and meditative detox. And we won’t have “fun” with this at all. We admire you for knowing what you want and for deciding that your vacation will, in many ways, be life-changing. 

Q – We are headed to Mexico to look around San Miguel de Allende for a possible retirement retreat. The prices just can’t be beat and there is a huge ex-pat American community. Our real estate people have set us up for accommodations but we are wondering if there is a particular restaurant we should designate as our evening headquarters. We’re not all that into trendy – we just like good.

A – We’re not going to suggest that it might be less expensive still to move into the back of a Chipolte. You are correct, San Miguel de Allende is actually the centerpiece for the largest ex-pat American community on earth. It is a lovely area. It sounds as though the restaurant you might really enjoy is Bovine. Great steaks and seafood in buildings that house lovely small boutiques. 

Wе adore Mеxісо’ѕ еnеrgу and bеаutу аnd аftеr оur lаtеѕt tаѕtе оf the соuntrу, we are rеаdу to rеdіѕсоvеr more оf whаt Mеxісо has tо offer.
Mexico is a country thrіvіng wіth unique сulturе аnd hіѕtоrу. As the соuntrу in Latin Amеrіса with the highest аmоunt оf tourism, Mexico оffеrѕ a vаrіеtу оf орроrtunіtіеѕ to еxрlоrе its аnсіеnt hіѕtоrісаl landmarks оr іndulgе in оnе оf its mаnу unіԛuе rеѕоrtѕ right оn the соаѕt of the Gulf оf Mеxісо оr thе Pacific Ocean, you can look at these Mexico Travel Tips to learn everything you need to know before visiting this amazing country.

Hеrе аrе a fеw of thе many reasons уоu should рlаn уоur nеxt vacation to Mеxісо.

Whаtѕ unіԛuе аbоut Mеxісо’ѕ cuisine іѕ thаt іt vаrіеѕ bу region. Mоѕt dіѕhеѕ are a соmbіnаtіоn of the аnсіеnt Aztес аnd Mayan dіѕhеѕ and thе іnfluеnсе оf thе Sраnіѕh conquistadors.

Whіlе thеу ѕеrvе some оf thе more іntеrnаtіоnаllу recognized dіѕhеѕ, like tаmаlеѕ, tacos and quesadillas, they also hаvе a vаrіеtу of dіѕhеѕ nоt found аnуwhеrе else.

Nоrthеrn Mеxісо offers vаrіеtіеѕ of beef, gоаt and most unіԛuеlу оѕtrісh dіѕhеѕ. Cеntrаl Mеxісо іѕ a соmbіnаtіоn of thе influence of оthеr rеgіоnѕ of Mеxісо, оffеrіng mуrіаd саrnіtаѕ, tamales, аnd bаrbасоа.

Yet іn Sоuthеаѕtеrn Mexico, thеу аrе knоwn fоr their vаrіеd use оf spices, with a lіttlе Cаrіbbеаn influence. There is also a wіdе uѕе оf fish in аrеаѕ nеаr the Gulf оf Mеxісо and Pасіfіс Ocean.

Dіd уоu knоw Mеxісо іѕ аlѕо hоmе tо the creation оf chocolate? Dаtіng bасk tо 1100 BC, the Aztecs were knоwn tо uѕе сосоа іn thеіr drіnkѕ. Sоmе vеndоrѕ ѕtіll оffеr authentic Aztес сhосоlаtе in thе mаrkеtѕ.

Q – We are leaving in two weeks for Milan – a quick three-night addition to a business trip I have planned. My husband will be joining me and, strange as it sounds, he actually loves to shop high-end Italian clothing shops like The Swiss Avenue Store. To save time – please, please tell us where we should shop and where we should stay (hopefully in the same neighborhood).

A – Head to Quadrilatero della Moda which is in the centro-storico district. The two streets you want are Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.. Do not stay anywhere but the Townhouse at the Galleria..We forbid it.  It is Milan’s best-kept secret and one of Europe’s best properties. Rooms overlook the cafes and shops of Milan’s famed Galleria. Another good option to buy is shopping online, visit Shoppok and find all you need. Don’t be shocked if you run into a few Hollywood types in hiding – or, perhaps, Michael Cohen.  

Q – The other day I was about to board a flight to Los Angeles with my husband and he commented on how new it looked. It was not, however, a new plane. It just looked like it had been washed. The paint was gleaming. I am wondering how often the outside of these planes are washed? Are there any rules in place?

A – No hard and fast rules but the wash rotation for major carriers seem to vary from 30 to 60 days of flight time. Singapore Airlines claims its planes are washed on a monthly schedule. United washes its planes every 50 days. The airline has wash facilities worldwide to service its fleet. All of the world’s leading airlines seriously believe that “first impressions matter.”

Q – I would never criticize your industry but I hope you won’t mind my suggesting that most of the information I’ve read about Jet Lag is pure nonsense. My new job requires very frequent international travel, primarily to Asia, I love to spend my time at the bungalow sri lanka while being there. Really wondering if there is any way to arrive more refreshed than I do. I have followed all the traditional remedies like no drinking, Melatonin, etc. I just seem to arrive in no shape to conduct business and I am almost always in the front of the plane. What am I missing here? My doctor is stumped and so am I. 

A – Obviously, we don’t have a solution but we do have a suggestion. Instead of concentrating on magic remedies and pills, try concentrating more on the aircraft and just when it left the factory. The fact is that when most people fly in an aircraft they are flying a plane that is pressured to about the comfort you might feel sleeping at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The 767, 707, and older A340’s and 350’s all maintain air pressure at about the same level and it approximates what you would experience spending the night in Bogota, Columbia. Of course, you can Check this Out for more information about safe and fun traveling. 

According to Atas you should use Seatguru.com or flightradar24.com to check the type of aircraft being used on your route. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus 350 XWB are new commercial aircraft types constructed out of carbon fiber reinforced polymer. This is a lighter material that sharply reduces fuel consumption. But there is some serious evidence that suggests they also cut down on some of the major symptoms we see in jet lag. That is because these new materials can handle more interior pressurization that metal which practically produces an in-cabin air atmosphere that is about the same as trying to sleep at an elevation of 6,000 feet. That 25% reduction can help eliminate jet lag which is also known as “mountain sickness” on older model aircraft, The new generation aircraft also maintain a higher humidity level so the air is far less dry. This also helps with sleep. And if that is not enough, be aware that the newest aircraft have much better air filtration systems, higher ceilings, and larger windows. These improvements help contribute to creating better rest on-board and they will likely help you with the jet lag you are experiencing, this way people can vacation at the hotel Neustift im Stubaital without having to worry about their traveling process. The really good news for you is that the Asian carriers have been purchasing large numbers of these new-generation aircraft. 

Q –  There seems to be a lot of nonsense written about the best places to sit on an aircraft. Some say it is safer in the rear of the aircraft, some say the exit row, some say an aisle up front. I really don’t care about safety or an accident in the air. No worries there.  What my husband and I do care about is contacting e-coli and the best place to sit to avoid the most contact. We take one or two international vacations a year and I am always worried about catching something in that filthy environment. My niece is a flight attendant and she has stories that just curl my hair. Just wondering if there is any evidence on this subject you could share with your followers? Is coach really much worse than Business Class or First? Is Premium Economy better than Economy in terms of germ count? 

A – There really is some hard evidence on this subject. One of the nation’s most prominent researchers in the field of getting sick on an aircraft is Charles Gerba an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona. Gerba specializes in just how diseases spread through indoor spaces like planes, cruise ships, and casinos. There was an important study about the transmission of viruses aboard commercial aircraft at a recent meeting of the National Academy of Sciences. We have seen some of the research and it is rather complex with many variables in terms of the type of aircraft, cost per ticket, number of passengers aboard, time of year, destination, etc. All the variables you would expect. But we want to answer your question as best we can in layman’s terms and based solely on our understanding of the research, allow us to offer the following summary:

01 – The so-called “two-row” rule is largely a myth. Infectious viruses can easily affect those seated beyond a two-row perimeter of a contaminated person. Movement about the plane is the most critical factor in terms of exposure to e-Coli and other serious bacterial infections.

02 – Aisle seats are generally the worst place to sit in terms of contamination. There are several reasons why. Those in aisle seats tend to get up from their seats more often than those in a window or middle seats. That places them in contact with a higher percentage of the aircraft’s passengers. The crew has a staggering number of close contacts compared to seated passengers so infected crew member can easily spread disease within a confined space. Those in aisle seats have their seat arms and headrests touched by numerous fellow passengers who are going to and from the lavatory, a prime source of infection. 

03 – Tray tables are the single greatest source of contamination, with armrests and seat headrests as other areas of high bacteria concentration. No one should ever be seated on a commercial aircraft without first using sanitizing wipes or liquid to clean all surfaces where one would be eating or placing one’s hands or head. It is important not to touch your eyes when you fly. Use tissues to open and flush lavatory doors. 

04 – Never use airline pillows. They are thrown into the overhead racks which are laden with bacteria from shoes and the bottom portions of luggage. Only use airline blankets to cover your feet. 

05 – Those in window seats face the lowest threat of infection from infectious diseases.

06 – The internal cleaning of airline seats and lavatories is supposed to occur about every 100 hours of flying. But this service is usually outsourced and cleaning crews are under tremendous pressure to clean cabins quickly for a quick turn-around. The practical result is that planes are rarely cleaned. Instead, “cleaners” clean out seat backs and collect garbage. Do not imagine that the seats and the TV screens, along with other surfaces you might touch are cleaned regularly.

07 – For those who are prone to infection for any reason or those who have a concern about cleanliness, it is always recommended that seating in the forward part of the plane be considered. Business and First Class seating is cleaned more often and the air quality is generally far superior.

 And that, ladies and gentleman, is why we have never been asked to create an airline commercial. 

Q –  After more years than I care to count with the Ford, I am set to begin showing my bride a bit of the world. We want to start in my ancestral home, Ireland and are tentatively thinking about travel in mid-July when it gets rather warm here in Atlanta. We’ve done some business-related travel to Europe but this would be our first in-depth trip and I am thinking of spending about two and a half weeks. I will likely want to stay at nice places and will follow your advice in that regard but I am wondering about timing and crowds and even itinerary. I just read a piece in Bloomberg that indicated that several European destinations are getting seriously crowded, including the roads, in mid-summer. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. And please don’t waste your time suggesting that I rent anything but a Ford product in Europe. Love this site and grateful for the help you provide those who may not be your clients. 

A – In a general sense, American travelers really need to get more creative. In Europe specifically, Europeans are doing much more international travel than their American counterparts and China, Japan, and Russia are sending enough tourists to major destinations to really impact both pricing and availability. It is time that the savvy traveler starts doing more travel to Europe in the off-season and more wandering to sites just to the left of the tourist map. Here are some strategies we would suggest:

• Avoid traveling in July or August. Change your departure to mid-May or even late April. On the other side, consider “post-tourist” travel in late September or early to mid-October. 
• Consider actually skipping the big-name Irish sites for alternatives that are just as lovely. This is, after all, a country filled with natural beauty and charm and any wrong turn will likely bring you past colorful villages surrounded by lovely farmland and gently rolling hills. Don’t, for instance, even do the Ring of Kerry. Many experts will tell you that the Beara Peninsula is as beautiful with a lot less traffic.
• The Americans have not yet discovered what many Europeans know: the city of Belfast is wonderful and only two hours away from Dublin with far fewer tourists. It is the gateway to lovely drives including the incredible Causeway Coast. It is becoming more popular because so many of the scenes from Game of Thrones were filed there. 

Q —  We are in our early and mid-seventies, in great health, and we love adventure. We don’t mind camping out to see great sites but we do have some qualms about safety as we consider a trip to Colombia, every time we decide to camp over there we find ourselves in the need to find the best camping knife on the market. We’ve been big fans of Narcos on Netflix and it does not paint the most beautiful picture of the local crime scene. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated. Our entire community in Scottsdale now follows your Q&A. 

A – The deal is that the FARC rebels made a peace agreement with the present Colombian government in 2016. That opened up major portions of the country including the west coast, which appears in Narcos. It is a land of lovely beaches and underdevelopment. Make certain that you use a really good on-site tour company to handle your arrangements. There are now flights from both Bogata and Medellin to the really quaint towns of Nuqui and Bahia Solano.  You will likely end up staying in eco-lodges. We think this is a safe destination when compared to the average city in the United States. Hard to imagine that when watching Narcos – but true. Do the trip but take out emergency evacuation air insurance with a company like Med-Jet.

Q –  We are in our mid-forties and, being self-employed, I’ve worked things out so I can get away up to four weeks a year on various vacations. Most last a week but sometimes we do a longer trip. I don’t use an agent because all we are booking are flights and hotels and, quite frankly, sometimes we just arrive in our destination and select a place to stay or we use AirBnB to book a small home or apartment. Yes, we’ve one or two hiccups, but for the most p[art, the freedom to just do our own thing, mostly beaches, is worth it.

My question has to do with strategy. Given our profile should we be using a travel agent and how should we focus that search? I would also like to know whether you would trust Kayak or Skyscanner more in terms of finding the lowest fares? 

A – We really see no reason why you should not continue to make your own travel arrangements. We think that a professional agent with expertise might get in your way. Kayak and Skyscanner are really quite different. Kayak is good at showing you routing, who flies it, and what the airlines are charging on their own sides. It is one-stop for fares and schedules. Skyscanner consolidates data from a number of firms that sell discounted tickets. It also checks them out, to a degree, as discounted international air tickets from third parties is frequently not what it appears to be. The best strategy for air is simple. Search everywhere and everything you want to until you have all of your “information”. Then go to the airline’s actual site and book it directly with them. It is foolish to do otherwise as you have little recourse if there is a change or more serious problem down the runway. 

Q – We are seriously interested in doing all possible to preserve our fragile environment when we travel. We are interested in spending just over a week touring portions of the Arctic out of Churchill, Manitoba. We are quite serious about not wanting to leave a carbon footprint when we travel, although our aircraft will certainly mess up those plans. We’ve come across a company called Natural Habitat Adventures. Do you recommend them and their program in this region?

A – We think you will be extremely pleased with this company. They really attempt to be a carbon-neutral travel provider and they work in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund. Their seven-night program out of Churchill will include interaction with indigenous people including village elders, tracking polar bears, and a chance to truly understand issues related to geology and climate change. It is a wonderful program and they limit group size. It is priced from $6000-$7000 based on traveling date and specific itinerary. Good work. You have found a “keeper”. But room service will not be 24 hours and that thing on your pillow may not be chocolate. 

Vacations are supposed to be a wonderful yet relaxing experience to unwind and chill out. A great hotel management company like Prospera Hospitality is, in big part, responsible of such an amazing experience. However, any vacations wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a stay in the right hotel for your needs. That’s when a travel agent comes into play to do all this planning for you.

Q –  We are now taking three to four vacations a year and we’ve been using a local travel agent here in St. Louis. She seems fine but I’ve started noticing that we’re being charged $25 per hotel for every booking she makes. Since I assume she gets a kickback from the hotel, does it seem outrageous to you that we’re being charged these fees which certainly add up? We tend to use middle-of-the-road smaller hotels and we do a great deal of touring on our own. But we book the car and the airlines through her. She charges something or everything she does, When we went to Australia last year, our fees totaled $600. 

A – Based on the information you have provided, it would appear that your agent is seriously undercharging you. If you asked us to plan a truly memorable vacation in Australia, which we have to assume was in the two to three-week range, our Planning Fee would be $500 Per Person. Charging for hotel reservations is now standard industry practice. Agents don’t get “kickbacks” from hotels but you are paying the travel agency commission in the price of your room. The trouble is that hotels are notoriously slow in paying agents these commissions so there is often a great deal of back-and-forth paperwork. Many agencies now charge $50-$100 per hotel booking for their time and work. 

There is some good news. You have a choice. You can always book your hotels directly and get the best Trisara Promotions online. You can and should demand a refund of the travel agent commission because you booked direct. That way you can save the agent’s booking fee as well as the commission.  If you go on one of the online sites be prepared to be treated as a statistic and know that there is a good likelihood that the best-located rooms are not going to be assigned when you arrive.

You can assume that your travel agent is making next to nothing on your airfare unless you happen to be a First Class flyer, which, we suspect, is not the case. There is a general rule you might want to try to understand: If you book your trip yourself, you should theoretically be saving between 12-15% of the total cost in travel agency fees and commissions. That sounds pretty swell until you realize that the only fees you will actually save are the small fees assessed by your agent. You will still be charged the agency commission by the hotels, the auto-rental firms. and airlines. You can kick and scream but they are going to charge you anyway. So even though you will be devoting a great deal of time into reserving your trip with all details confirmed, you will have saved very little in the big picture since the commission that makes up well over 80% of your costs are still going on your credit card. In the United States of America, you are charged for the services of a travel consultant even when you don’t use one. That appears to still be legal. It is the secret no one wants to tell you because it involves huge profits for billion-dollar corporations. They absolutely want you to book with them directly so they can double and triple their profit on your transaction while giving you nothing in return except a short chat with Harry or Harriet Headset who are clueless about you and your vacation. 

Q – This airline business is uniquely frustrating and I am wondering if they make it intentionally tough to cash in miles? I currently have miles and elite status with American, Alaska, and United Airlines. I get e-mails and notifications but it is all very confusing and I tend t just give up and pay whatever they ask me for. Is there some way to make this easier? I do a lot of flying at age 73, but it is now mostly to visit family and friends. Two of my children are studying abroad, one in Milan, Italy and the other in San Paolo, so there is a good bit of traveling. I just hate the idea of leaving miles on the table. This is a well-run site and we have recommended it to our friends. You should advertise a bit. It never hurts. 

A – Well, actually, they do make it complicated so that approximately 20% of all miles are never cashed in. There are a number of strategies but we don;t want to give you a strategy that is too challenging. We can understand why you are traveling overseas frequently – we wouldn’t buy the “study in Italy and Brazil” stories either. You can affiliate with a travel agency that does a lot of business air ticketing. They will have a program where, for a fee, they will keep careful track of your miles. They use computer programs that do this for them, Or, you can do it yourself by using one of the better Apps that manages airline miles. The two best are Awardwallet.com,  and Points.com. Thank you for the advice. This site, as well as our others, is primarily designed to help our own clients navigate the complicated world of travel planning. 

Q – We are off on our second trip to Europe, following London last year. We’ve arranged a Italy tour and we are trying to do some homework. We love Deli food in the US, being New Yorkers I suppose that is not surprising, and we are wondering if the Delis we see listed in Venice and Florence are going to look familiar and have some of the sandwiches we love. We really hate to take the time to eat a sit down lunch – we far prefer take-out Deli food and a stroll in the park.

A – Italy does not do the kind of Deli food you would find in New York  Deli, in the New York sense,  originated in Germany in the mid 1700’s and then spread to the United States where Ashkenazi Jews who had migrated from Germany were served by kosher delicatessens which first opened int he late 1800’s. But the ritual you describe is very Italian and you should seek out shops in Italy bearing titles such as gastronomica, bottega alimentare, and salumeria (a store that features salami). Italian delis are wonderous places and the adventurous traveler will find a wide variety of things to enjoy on a park bench or back in your hotel room. Whether or not you will enjoy sharing your Italian deli products with the pigeons is another story. Better to stick with Katz’s. 

Q – This is only marginally a travel question. My wife is extremely concerned about the environment and the lack of cleanliness in American cities compared to what we have seen in our travels. America really is a garbage dump in a high percentage of our cities with litter and filth everywhere. We’ve about had it and want to move. We would move to the cleanest city in America if we knew what it was but we’re not averse to moving north or south. The data we’ve examined is mostly biased so we’d love to know because you don’t seem to be in bed with any of the tourist boards, what city you might look at for a reconnaissance visit?

A – We will take this as a serious request, although there are a great many small towns in New England, the Midwest, the South, and the Western States that would seem to be cleaner than the city you are describing. But if you want an itinerary – fly north and go to Ottawa, Canada. There are dozens of programs in the Canadian capital designed to keep the city clean and livable. Our favorite is the annual Spring Cleaning Program that starts every April 15th and lasts a month. Last year, more than 60,000 volunteers showed up to clean the city’s roadways, sidewalks, green spaces, and parks – even though many hardly needed it. 

From Ottawa we’d head to Calgary, which is generally acknowledged to be the cleanest city on the planet. Calgary has a well-planned grid system that reduced traffic and pollution. There is a terrific light rail system and any number of transfer stations that sort through every citizen’s garbage removing recyclable and biodegradable materials. Click here if you want to know more about the Dumposaurus Dumpsters & Rolloff rental. Dumpsters are available in different sizes and choosing the right one is important because the bigger dumpster you choose, the more it will cost. If you are doing a house renovating or home expansion project, then you will have to deal with a lot of waste, which will require a dumpster size of 30-40 cubic feet. Choosing the right dumpster size not only determines the cost of these services, but it also determines how effectively you can move the waste from your property. A dumpster is an American term meaning a garbage bin. This garbage bin is mobile and can therefore be moved around. The main function of a dumpster is storing trash for a short period of time before it is emptied into a garbage truck that comes around maybe two times a week depending on your agreement.

These dumpsters are used for dumping many kinds of waste material and also recycling purposes. Apartments, schools, businesses, offices and industrial sites have dumpsters to store waste. Front loading-trucks, which have large prongs are used to empty these dumpsters. They have hydraulics used for lifting the dumpsters and then flip them to empty its contents in the truck’s hopper. It’s not about renting a cheap dumpster. It’s more appropriate to order the proper dumpster size because if you underestimate what ever cubic yards you need. This can be costly on your wallet. This is why our friendly staff is here to assist you with what ever dumpster size you need and we take the time to assist in these factors then well proceed to giving you the best price you can imagine. Another tip to consider that the best and most popular sizes out there is our 20 yard bin. This size can accommodate you threw out your project if your not 100 percent sure. One of the most important part in a home renovation is appointing best painting contractor from https://www.malerstaubo.dk.

To most home owners, disposing of their junk can be a major chore and a fairly unpleasant chore at that. Yet, it is a task which many of us may require to complete in order to keep our homes clutter free, and in times where we need to remove a large amount of junk, this is where a Junk Removal Service can come to our rescue.

Following your call, a junk removal service will dispatch a crew to your home and remove any set aside items which you no longer want or need. In addition, they may also provide a dumpster when required, for you to load your unwanted junk into, and then take this away at a later date. This is one way in which a service may operate following your needs. An alternative is for the junk removal service to leave a dumpster in your driveway for an agreed period of time, during which you can fill with your unwanted goods. Click here If you are looking for the Denver CO Location | E.Z.D.J.R.

A further option for some clients who require a more thorough service is that in addition to providing you with a dumpster and removing it when full, they will also clean your home of specified junk. There are companies that will organize a junk management and removal service for you which is ideal in the event that large amounts of junk are generated on a regular basis.

This is the in between size dumpster rental and we can offer the best dumpster rental prices on this size. To further more assist you on tips lets say you are knocking down a single car garage to the slab. You would want to check out our 30 yard dumpster rental prices. Another tip if it’s a double car garage you would need two 30 yards. We’ve seen many customers over the past rent the wrong size dumpster and this like we mentioned above can be very costly on you pocket. Most of our clients have rented a 10 yard dumpster and that is good for cleaning out there basement or renovating a kitchen. So it’s so important to understand when your shopping around for the best dumpster rental prices. Do not just estimate any size dumpster rental is going to get the job completed. You have to actually estimate the volume of waste you have to gauge what proper size you need and this can be tricky if you haven’t rented a roll off dumpster before. If your in need of assistance with any of our dumpster rental sizes and need help to determine the most effective and efficient size for you home or construction project call us or check out our site. When you order a dumpster in the USA, We have over 25 years experience in the Dumpster rental waste industry.

We strive for longterm customer satisfaction as well as a trusted longterm business relation. Our Affordable prices vary all the time from company to company depending on the contents, such as what you are disposing of,size of dumpster and location of your dumpster rental. With Book Your Dumpster, we offer special flat-rate pricing & standard tonnage limits depending on your location when you rent a roll off dumpster with us, we have flexible rental time periods and appropriate basic dumpster terms that our clients understand then most companies. No sneaky fee’s or surprises when you book your dumpster here.Our clients range from Homeowners, Contractors and mid – large national accounts. We can handle any size projects small to large scale.Our roll off dumpsters & roll off containers can help with all your types of projects. Plus, our dumpster service is astonishing. If your not sure what size dumpster you need, Please, do not hesitate to call us we can provide a reasonable price as well as helping you decide which roll off container size you need.

Also did you know it really depends on which size bin you order. What we are trying to explain is depending on the size of your renovation project or general cleanup you need to understand which size rental is right for you. It’s not about renting a cheap dumpster. It’s more appropriate to order the proper dumpster size because if you underestimate what ever cubic yards you need. This can be costly on your wallet. This is why our friendly staff is here to assist you with what ever dumpster size you need and we take the time to assist in these factors then well proceed to giving you the best price you can imagine. Another tip to consider that the best and most popular sizes out there is our 20 yard bin. This size can accommodate you threw out your project if your not 100 percent sure. This is the in between size dumpster rental and we can offer the best dumpster rental prices on this size. To further more assist you on tips lets say you are knocking down a single car garage to the slab. You would want to check out our 30 yard dumpster rental prices.

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Finally, we’d suggest you end your tour by giving one American city a try. Fly to Honolulu, the cleanest large city in America. The city is covered with a transportation system using pollution-free buses that are the envy of city planners from all over the country. 

Or – just get your wife a new vacuum. Let her know that, while we may not be the cleanest country in the world, our Olympic Curling team is really good. 

Q –  We are kind of newbies to the idea of travel out of the country. We will be taking our first trip to Europe aboard a Celebrity cruise in July sailing the lower Med to Spain, Italy, and Greece. We couldn’t be more excited. One bit of advice we need concerns credit cards. We took out an American Express card because our travel agent said it was reliable. We also like the way American Express totals everything when you get your bill. Our agent, who works for Celebrity, also said we should pay for everything in dollars as it makes it easier. Also wondering about the dress for this trip. The agent said it might be warm and to bring some summer clothes but not shorts. Any comments about this would be appreciated. As I said, this is all very new to us.

A – You want “comments” – we’re going to give you comments:

01 – No Travel Agent works for Celebrity. Since it would appear that you have only made deposit and not a final payment, take the booking away from Celebrity and sit down with the best local travel agent in your town. Have them take over your booking. You’ve been dealing with a reservations staff member who works on commission and knows nothing about worldwide conditions, credit cards, or much of anything else that will be useful for you to know. The job of someone in reservations is to secure your booking.

02 – You haven’t told us which type of American Express card you took out. There are several different cards and each one carries different benefits and features. It is likely that the one you chose does carry a foreign transaction fee which normally is 3%. This is a total rip-off. You should always travel with a card that has “No foreign transaction fees”.  Amex has some co-branded cards that carry this benefit. We do agree that Amex is “reliable” and they are aggressive about fighting fraud. They are also less readily accepted by merchants abroad than Visa or Mastercard.

03 – You always want to pay in local currency using your US bank credit card. That will assure that the currency conversion is done by your bank utilizing the official rate. This will negate costly commissions and conversion fees abroad.

04 – Finally, your “agent” seems to be underestimating the heat issues. July has seen heat waves with temps reaching 100 degrees for the past two years. You can wear shorts in that weather but it would be better to wear lightweight slacks given the likelihood that you will be touring churches and buildings of historical importance. Discuss this with your real “agent” once you convert the booking.

Q – We recently checked in to a Hilton at the airport in Rome. I was really disappointed with my room and I went to the front desk and reminded them that I had made my reservation with one of the largest online agencies and that I personally post frequently on Facebook, Instagram, and TripAdvisor about my travel experiences.  This did not seem to do a lot of good. Finally, I asked for the manager-on-duty, who explained that they were sold out that night and she could not make a change. I’m not sure if I believed her. It was only for one night so I didn’t pursue it further. How should I deal with this in the future to obtain an upgrade?  I certainly feel that with my postings, I am influencing lots of their potential customers but they do not seem to want to hear about it.

A – When you are shown to a disappointing room you should politely walk back down to the front desk and ask to speak to the Rooms Manager or the Manager-on-duty. Explain why this trip is important to you and keep your tine low and polite so other guests do not hear your conversation. We would suggest you keep your TripAdvisor connection to yourself as hotels are quite tired of hearing about those who expect to get something for free because they have enough time on their hands to type amateur reviews as self-anointed “critics”. Most of the better travel critics we know have years of hard-earned credentials. 

If you belong to Hilton’s Honors Club, your room preferences should be a part of your stored profile. You should not be assigned an inferior room. But you booked on one of the online sites and you were, we would guess, assigned one of the remaining rooms in your category. Hotel chains want bookings to be made via their own sites so they do not have to be paying out commission to third-party web sites. When it is noted that you have been brought to the property by a discount online agency, you should expect less than VIP treatment. If you care about your accommodations, have your travel consultant VIP you or write a short note tot he Hotel Manager in advance explaining why you worthy of upgrade consideration. Never mention that your blog or have online “followers” or billions of “likes”. Travel industry staff are so tired of hearing this from consumers headed their way that it has become an industry joke. The fact that you are celebrating an important anniversary or taking a “second honeymoon” will get you much further than referencing the junk you share online. Most hotel staff have a healthy disdain for opinions posted about their properties online. They realize that the internet has proven itself to be the most perfect vehicle for the dissemination of misinformation ever devised. 

Q – I fear I may be ridiculed in your pages, but let me explain that there are certain liquors and tequila that I really prefer to what is offered in Business Class on the airlines I fly. The flight attendants tell me there is no way to legally bring my own liquor on the plane but I just wonder if you guys know of a workaround. I do not have a drinking problem – I suppose my real problem is that I am a snob when it comes to choosing my alcoholic beverages. Am I out of luck?

A – Actually there is a workaround. We’re going to share it with you but we are wondering just how long these flights are that you can’t abide by the drink offerings in Business Class – no less. TSA rules require that any liquids be clearly displayed and carried in small bottles not to exceed 100 mil. Just try to find the mini-size bottles of your favorite brand and keep them in your carry-on next to your hand cream and cologne. They have to be kept in a clear bag for inspection. But they are totally legal.

Now, here’s the thing. You can drink them at your seat but absolutely are not allowed to open the mini-bottles by yourself. Only a flight attendant is allowed to do that.

One more thing. You are permitted to purchase a bottle of liquor from the duty-free airport store and you may request that a flight attendant open it for you aboard the aircraft. But do not attempt to bring the bottle with you when connecting to another flight. It will be confiscated and show up at a TSA Supervisor party weeks later.

Q – I have been reading this material religiously but I keep coming back to one piece of advice you gave some time ago. Wondering if you are still suggesting that it is really dangerous to drink coffee aboard an aircraft. If there was an issue – it would seem like the airlines would have fixed it by now. Are you really suggesting that I bring a cup of Starbucks aboard my future morning flights? 

A – Dangerous may be too strong a term. Let’s just say that those savvy travelers who do their research, stay away from coffee and tea cooked aboard aircraft using tank storage water that has not been properly brought to the boiling point. That makes it possible for storage tank well-documented bacterial content to exist in the water. Our own investigations into this subject have never uncovered a single aircraft where care was taken to boil the water being served to passengers. We have never, for example, encountered an airline that used sealed bottled water to brew coffee in coach.  You drink their coffee and you take your chances! This is very much a budgetary issue. The cost of using bottled water versus the storage tank water filled by airport maintenance crews would be significant. This is a bottom-line issue. So, yes, absolutely board with your own Starbucks.

Q – Great site – thinking about renting a Ferrari for a slow drive from the Bay area down to LA. Can this be easily done and any advice?  This is a definite bucket list item I want to complete before my 40th birthday. 

A –  You are breaking the “Bucket List” rule. Bucket lists are not supposed to begin until you are at least fifty years of age. You can certainly rent from a number of companies. The Ferrari California is, of course, the model everyone wants. The standard rental is just around $1,500 plus delivery fees and taxes. But the cars are rarely rented for less than a week. The costs of transportation are just too high. The real cost is when they have to fly out a techie to show you how to use the car. If you can avoid that, the cost is much less. This is one of those situations where you need to know exactly what you want and then call the top three companies in the market for price quotes. And make one of those calls to the exotic car department at Hertz or Avis. We believe that you will find that costs vary tremendously. Make sure to verify that your current auto insurance policy offers coverage for “exotics.”

For starters, try Menlo Park Exotic Car Rentals, Gotham Dream Cars, Italia Rental, or San Francisco Exotic Car Rental by Enterprise. 

Q – My husband and I were scheduled to fly our favorite airline, Alaska Air, to Cuba in March. We live in Pasadena and the non-stop flight from LAX was perfect. Now, we have been notified that they are operating their last flight in January. We’re making other plans, but we’re wondering why they would pull out when the flights appeared to be going out full?

A – Actually, business to Cuba is down significantly, Alaska Air says by 80% since the November 9th U.S. government decision to end the people-to-people program. Given the sharp reduction in business, Alaska, along with several other operators, have canceled or reduced their operations to Cuba. 

There are several intertwined issues here one of which is the fact that laws in Cuba currently require heavy percentages of Cuban hotel and tourism industry ownership. This basically means that if you construct a new hotel, there is a likelihood that your partners will be Cuban military and government officials. We have been advising that travel to Cuba should be postponed for 24 months. We now think that a more realistic timetable is five or six years assuming new construction plans with ownership adjustments can be implemented by the current administration. (wasn’t that said nicely?)  

Q –  We are doing a Caribbean cruise that includes several days in Cuba. The information about spending money in their country is a bit contradictory. Do we just bring a bunch of singles, do we use local currency for best results? What is the best strategy? As Cuba is opening up, we think you should increase your coverage of questions related to this destination.

A – Actually, Cuba is closing up last we looked. If you found anyone willing to accept US dollars you would be totally ripped off. Cuba hosts many European tourists. The strategy that is the simplest is bringing in Euros for your shopping and incidentals. They are readily accepted and the exchange rate is quite fair. Leave your dollars in the room safe aboard your ship. Bitcoins seem to have been heralded by most as the currency of tomorrow, but there are only a handful of sites that agree to accept them. Luckily for us, transforming bitcoins to a workable currency like dollars is simple and plain. If you desire to be aware of just how much bitcoin is worth, run a simple net search. If you want to essentially convert bitcoin to dollars, transfer them in an internet market and sell them to an interested consumer. The online marketplace might promptly and easily convert your bitcoins to dollars and transmit them to a debit card, bank account, or digital wallet of your determination. You can latest news found here for more about the bitcoin.

The Bitcoin market is worldwide and the citizens of China and Japan have been particularly active in its purchase along with other Asian countries. However, recently in Bitcoin news the Chinese government has tried to suppress its activity in that country. That action drove the value of Bitcoin down for a short time but it soon surged back and is now close to its previous value. The Bitcoin history chart is very interesting. Its creator was an anonymous group of brilliant mathematicians (using the pseudonym Satoski Nakamoto) who designed it in 2008 to be “virtual gold” and released the first Bitcoin software in early 2009 during the height of the USA economic crisis. They knew that to have lasting value, it like gold had to have a finite supply. So in creating it they capped the supply at 21 million Bitcoin. To get your feet a little wetter, you can go panning for gold. There are a number of services and websites out there that will pay you in bitcoin to do things like go to certain websites, fill out online surveys, or watch sponsored videos. These are harmless, and you can earn a few extra bitcoins this way, but it is important to remember that these are businesses that get paid when people click on the links on their sites. They are essentially kicking back a portion of what they get paid to you. There is nothing illegal, or even immoral about this (you might like what you see and make a purchase!), but they are frequently flashy and may not be completely straightforward. All the ones that I have tried (particularly bitvisitor.com) have paid out as advertised. It is interesting to experiment with these, but even with the likely rise in the value of bitcoin, you won’t become a millionaire doing this. So, unless you are an advertisement junkie, I would recommend you move on. If you would like to try, simply Google “free bitcoins” or something along those lines and you will find numerous sites. Bitcoin mining refers to the process by which new Bitcoin is created. With conventional currency, government decides when and where to print and distribute it. With Bitcoin, “miners” use special software to solve complex mathematical problems and are issued a certain number of Bitcoin in return.

Q – This is a bit out of your normal range of questions but wondering if  you might help me with a recommendation on an issue of personal security. As I write this it looks like the US is moving the Israeli capital to Jerusalem and I am headed to visit several parts of the middle east, including Iran, where protests could be an issue. I also have to meet with manufacturers in India and China, not always in the best of locations. Any hotels you might avoid and any recommendation as to whether or not I should plan on purchasing a satellite phone just in case internet is disrupted. I worry about that more than anything as I imagine CNN will not always be available. I’m not afraid, and I’m fairly well read on these countries, with some travel experience in India and China, but just wondering what you all would advise. Thanking you in advance.

A – There are several questions here so let us break them down as clearly as possible, point by point:

• We recommend that you stay in a non-US luxury hotel, preferably one that is locally-owned. Try to ascertain in advance if you will be able to get CNN in your room – in an emergency that could be extremely useful. Avoid hotels that cater to American guests. In times of duress you might actually find that having Wolf Blitzer in your room is comforting – although we can;t really see why. 
• Start practicing used text messages on your phone. In fact, China and India have outlawed satellite phones so that is not a good option. 
• Figure out where the safest neighborhood is in each of your scheduled stops and try to choose a hotel located within that area.
• In all cases – do not make these arrangements on your own. Have your agent use a locally-based on-site office with whom they have a close relationship. That will provide a valuable source of comfort and protection should any situation get out of hand. 
• As you are no doubt aware, India and China are significantly safer than we are here in the US. Gun violence is extremely rare. Iran does, of course, have parts  of town that are not kosher. Travel safe 

Q –  How do we get in and back out of Canada without a passport. My fiance and I had no idea you needed one and it appears that for certain trips you do, if you want to do travel as road trips using used cars ottawa, Canada for this purpose. This is just a vacation at a nice hotel we booked using points. Our agent never mentioned that we needed a passport. What should we, could we, do at this point?

A – First, initiate legal proceedings against your travel agent. You are going through a lot of hassle for no reason. Secondly – don;t worry – spring into action. Use one of the better passport and Visa Processing firms like A. Briggs and ask for a 48-hour expedited passport. They will tell you what to do or you can use their web site. Unless you have committed multiple felonies, you should, at a rather steep cost, be able to get passports within eight days on an expedited basis. Tell your fiance we suggested she “reconsider”.

Q – Really wondering if you might help us. We are starting to do a lot of traveling as we have come into some unexpected inheritance. The obvious start is to begin in Canada and Scandinavia where we keep reading people are actually open and friendly, something that just strikes us as worthy of support. There is no reason for us to explore while having to deal with really obnoxious locals who have no appreciation of the money we are spending to share and understand their culture. But no one ever says where the most unfriendly people are located, “unfriendly” in terms of the manner in which they welcome and treat tourists. We realize this is not scientific but if you could list some of the most unfriendly places we would be appreciative. If this is too subjective – no problem – love the site anyway.

A – There have been studies of very frequent travelers and there is a study of 140 countries called “The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report” that attempts to gauge the “attitude of the local population toward foreign visitors.” (2013)  The results show that these are the three most “Tourist Unfriendly” countries on earth:

#1 – Bolivia

# 2 – Venezuela

# 3 – The Russian Federation

Q – My girlfriend and I are vegetarians, world travelers I suppose, fans of modern art, foodies to a degree, and, of late, folks who enjoy nudist activities. We are in our mid- 60’s and keen to take a day or two of our upcoming Parisian vacation to get naked in public without upsetting the gendarmes. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

A –  Actually, nudists in Paris  have been in a snit over the lack of availability of  proper facilities and gathering places for naturalists. The government has now set aside a reserved space, a grassy space, in a nudist “zone” opened in the city’s Bois de Vincennes park. The government tourist board has been promoting holidays for naturalists and they hope to ensure naked tranquility by placing several warning signs about the designated area so the unsuspecting family might not just wander in to their skin wrinkled encampment. We think you will have a lovely time and the people you will meet in the park will advise of other areas of the city where nudism has the blessings of the authorities.  There are a reported 2.6 million naturism practitioners in France.

Q – We’ve been reading stories of American Airlines pilot shortage and the likely inability of the airline to fly many of its flights over the coming Holidays. Is it time to switch to another carrier if we can find space? I really don’t want a “substitute, part-time pilot.”