80% of the trending global travel destinations for 2024 are in Asia, according to new report—here's the full list CNBC
* This article was originally published here
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Monday, January 29, 2024
Airport worker delights the internet after recording a hilarious message for plane passenger who left their iPad behind on a flight
Christianna Peterson, 24, from California, works at Hollywood Burbank Airport and provides ground support. She shared the message she left for a passenger after they left their iPad behind.
* This article was originally published here
Sunday, January 28, 2024
I travelled to an iron ore mine deep in the Sahara Desert on one of the world's most extreme railways. Here's what I saw...
'Travelling under the starry sky across the Sahara Desert is hard to forget,' says photojournalist Mykolas Juodele, who recalls freight-train hopping in West Africa.
* This article was originally published here
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024
CBD oil massages, a Michelin-listed restaurant and villas costing £6,900 a night: Inside The White Lotus' most spectacular hotel yet as filming of third season starts at five-star Thai resort
The entire 45-acre hillside resort has been closed to guests from January 29 when cast and crew arrive for two months of filming.
* This article was originally published here
Thursday, January 25, 2024
The city break that'll bring even the surliest of teens to life: Inside Washington DC - the capital of cool for youngsters. It'll even distract them from their phones, our writer discovers...
MailOnline Travel's Harriet Arkell visited DC with her two teenage boys. As they entered the city the 'teenagers' eyes shone with excitement'. And the excitement never waned.
* This article was originally published here
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Don't be a tourist bored! Fascinating map reveals ONE THOUSAND amazing things to do, see - and eat - in Britain, from places with bizarre names to wacky sporting events (fancy entering a shin-kicking contest?)
The Great British Bucket List Map, published by marvellousmaps.com, reveals that the UK is blessed with more things to do, see and eat than you could ever imagine.
* This article was originally published here
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
The future of entertainment? Inside the world's first 'Hologram Zoo' in Australia - where animals jump out at you and whales swim suspended in mid-air
Inside Brisbane's 'Hologram Zoo' - the first of its kind in the world - where lasers project 3D renderings of animals in mid-air. We talk to CEO Bruce Dell about this ground-breaking attraction.
* This article was originally published here
Monday, January 22, 2024
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Pillow expert reveals the three ways passengers can sleep comfortably on a long-haul flight
A sleep expert from Levitex has revealed three tips that could help passengers get some shut-eye on their next plane journey - and viewers opinions on flight etiquette are divided.
* This article was originally published here
Friday, January 19, 2024
Fly the Drake Passage to Antarctic – Lindblad Expeditions From $7,500
Fresh off my 2nd trip to Antarctica expedition in less than 8 months and my 4th expedition in 2023 I am excited to bring you exciting news and an amazing deal. You can now visit Antarctica with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions with a base price of less than $7,500 per person! Best yet, you can Fly the Drake passage and skip the Drake shake! The Lindblad Fly the Drake passage is new for the 2024-2025 Antarctic cruise season and is offering one of the best deals in the industry.
Embarking on an Antarctica cruise is a dream for many adventure seekers, and Lindblad Expeditions offers a unique way to make this dream a reality. For those who suffer from seasickness and cannot or will not conquer the Drake, this is the most direct way to the Antarctic Peninsula and the smoothest way. Plus you get an equal amount of time in Antarctica as you don’t have to waste 4 days at sea!
If you are wanting to visit the 7th continent, contact us at Scott & Thomas Travel, your Antarctica Experts!
The Drake Passage Challenge
Known for its turbulent seas, the Drake Passage is a formidable obstacle for those seeking to reach Antarctica and South Georgia Island. Lindblad Expeditions, however, has turned this challenge into an opportunity by offering a flight option to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Flying from South America over the Drake Passage not only saves time but also provides passengers with a breathtaking aerial perspective of this remote and icy wilderness. Lindblad is the leader in expedition and NO company provides the level of service, comfort, and knowledge that Lindblad and their expedition offers. I sell a lot of Antarctica and have traveled with nearly every expedition company and hands down, Lindblad wins EVERY time. I always compare my trips to my previous Lindblad Expedition.
Why Travel with Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expedition has the most experience in Antarctica. Lindblad led the first tourist expedition to Antarctica in 1966 and was among the first companies to bring tourists to the Galápagos Islands starting in 1967. Being born in Expeditions, Lindblad knows how to explore and get guests close to nature. Lindblad is so good at it, they are the only company that partners with National Geographic and has a Nat Geo photographer on every expedition!
Learn more about this trip and the ship with the lovely video below:
What’s included in the Cost
When you travel with Lindblad Expeditions to Antarctica, nearly everything you can think of is included in the cost of your trip. Unlike other companies, you are not nickel and dimed. Most companies charge over $200 for kayaking in Antarctica. With Lindblad it’s free!
Pricing Includes
- Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
- Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks,
- Expert Guidance and company of our leading expedition leader and staff
- All meals, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
- Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
- 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits
- Crew gratuities a
- Complimentary Starlink-enabled wi-fi internet is available to all guests aboard our US-flagged and blue water vessels, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
- Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
- Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka
- Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Pay once and forget. Unless you visit the Spa for a massage you honestly won’t pay another dime!
On these Fly the Drake packages, the trip begins and ends in Puerto Natales, Chile. Many trips begin in Buenos Aires, but Nat Geo is shaking it up. You do have to get yourself there, but that’s easy with multiple daily non stop flights from Santiago, Chile to choose from and often less than $75 per person. There is a hotel stay built into the trip on both on day 1 before your flight to Antarctica and again on the return on Day 7. On Day 8 you can fly back to Santiago to catch an international flights home or stay and check out Patagonia.
Fly the Drake Introductory Pricing
National Geographic Expeditions through Lindblad Expeditions is offering Fly The Drake introductory pricing that cannot be beat. These 9 days trips on The National Geographic Explorer expedition ship are nearly ½ the price of their expeditions which sail from Ushuai to the White Continent. Starting at just $7,475 per traveler, these pricing cannot be beaten! Current sale price includes a $500 discount.
| Dates | cat 1 | cat 2 | cat 3 | cat 4 | cat 5 | cat 6 | cat 7 | Single SA | Single SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 26 - Dec 3, 2024 | $7,475 | $8,460 | $8,753 | $9,430 | $11,912 | $13,932 | $1,545 | $11,463 | $13,353 |
| Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2024 | sold out | sold out | $8,753 | $9,430 | $11,912 | $13,932 | $1,545 | sold out | sold out |
| Dec 15 - Dec 22, 2024 | sold out | $8,460 | $8,753 | $9,430 | $11,912 | $13,932 | $1,545 | $11,463 | $13,353 |
| Dec 20 - Dec 27 2024 | sold out | $10,707 | $11,053 | $11,922 | $15,027 | $17,554 | $19,450 | $14,463 | $16,830 |
| Jan 3 - Jan 10, 2025 | $8,475 | $9,584 | $9,895 | $10,677 | $13,471 | $15,745 | $17,450 | $12,963 | $15,093 |
| Jan 8 - Jan 15, 2025 | sold out | sold out | $9,895 | sold out | sold out | sold out | $17,450 | $12,963 | $15,093 |
| Jan 22 - Jan 29, 2025 | sold out | sold out | $9,895 | $10,677 | $13,471 | $15,745 | $17,450 | sold out | sold out |
| Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2025 | $8,475 | $9,584 | $9,895 | $10,677 | $13,471 | $15,745 | $17,450 | $12,963 | $15,093 |
| Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2025 | $8,475 | $9,584 | $9,895 | $10,677 | $13,471 | $15,745 | $17,450 | $12,963 | $15,093 |
| Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2025 | $8,475 | $9,584 | $9,895 | $10,677 | $13,471 | $15,745 | $17,450 | $12,963 | $15,093 |
Category 1 rooms – porthole windows
Category 2 and 3 rooms. Category 3 rooms at 40 sq ft larger plus have an expresso machine
Category 5 rooms have a Veranda for prime viewing
Category 7 rooms are the largest suites on the ship with a balcony and ton of windows. Prime for Antarctica viewing
Note, the price of the charter flight to King George Island is not included in the list fare. This costs $1,000 per person, per direction.
Ready to book or have more questions? Email Rocky Today
Exploring Antarctica’s Wonders:
Once on the continent, Lindblad Expeditions offers a variety of activities to immerse you in the unique beauty of Antarctica. From kayaking through iceberg-studded waters and along ice sheets, to cruising alongside curious gentoo penguins and weddel seas, every moment is a chance to witness the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes that define this frozen polar region. I LOVE Lindblad, among my favorite companies to travel with. If you want the best expedition company with the most experience. Look no further!
Prepare yourself for maximum time off the ship. With only 148 other guests max, you can spend hours off the ship and on land every day. Expect at least 2 landings per day and possibly additional activities such as zodiac cruises and kayaking. Lindblad has the most experience and will ensure you have the best trip possible.
Antarctica is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including seals, whales, and countless penguins and seabirds. Lindblad Expeditions prioritizes responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring that your interactions with the wildlife are respectful and environmentally conscious. Imagine watching a colony of penguins waddle along the shore or witnessing majestic whales breach the surface – these are the moments that make Antarctica truly magical and what keeps me going back.
Unlike other companies, Lindblad let the animals dictate your expedition. Stopping the ship to watch a pod of Orcas feeding or following blue whales as they swim along side of the ship. Offering the most up close and personalized animal encounters. Plus with a true open bridge and expedition staff on the bridge at all times, the expedition team truly works with the ship captain to provide guests with not only a world class experience, but the BEST in the industry. You can read more about my experience with Lindblad on the National Geographic Resolution. By far the BEST expedition I’ve done to date!
Bottom Line
Flying over the Drake Passage with Lindblad Expeditions is not just a means of transportation; it’s a prelude to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for travelers to Antarctica. From the adrenaline rush of crossing the Southern Ocean to the serene beauty of Antarctica’s sea ice and icy landscapes, this journey offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. I’ve sent hundreds of people to Antarctica the last couple of years, been myself several times, and honestly this is among the best deals I’ve seen. Especially when you consider Lindblad’s standard price point. A true win. This Introductory cruises offer for Lindblad Expedition fly the Drake package are shockingly low. Now making a Lindblad expedition in the reach of many more people.
If you’ve wanted to visit Antarctica but fear Drake, this opportunity is for you. Contact me today, to book your Lindblad Expedition.
Read the rest of this article at Fly the Drake Passage to Antarctic – Lindblad Expeditions From $7,500.
* This article was originally published here
Thursday, January 18, 2024
NASA engineer who designed supersonic jet dubbed 'son of Concorde' tells DailyMail.com how it could revolutionize domestic flights in the US
NASA's recently unveiled X-59 supersonic jet is part of the space agency's Quesst mission to develop supersonic jets that can fly over land. The long-term goal is to change an FAA ban on such flights.
* This article was originally published here
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Oklahoma couple turn their back on city life for a month to live in an abandoned lighthouse in ALASKA - where their only neighbors are a pod of humpback whales and it takes THREE HOURS to get to the mainland
Five Finger Island Lighthouse, which sits in the body of water known as Frederick Sound off the coast of Alaska, has a white light focal plane of 68 feet and is hours from mainland North America.
* This article was originally published here
Monday, January 15, 2024
Revealed: The 25 safest airlines for 2024 - Air New Zealand is top, Alaska Airlines is No.1 in America and British Airways comes 15th
Australian-based company AirlineRatings.com publishes its list of the world's safest airlines annually. The site assesses the flight records of 385 carriers.
* This article was originally published here
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Can you stomach it? Solo traveller reveals her ordeal with 'Bali belly' and how to avoid it during your holiday
'Bali belly' also known as 'travellers diarrhea,' is putting some people off travelling the island completely. MailOnline spoke to experts about what the sickness really is and how to avoid it.
* This article was originally published here
Friday, January 12, 2024
Huge ancient city that was built 2,500 years ago and lasted for 1,000 years with a population of at least 10,000 has been found in Ecuador in the Amazon
Archeologists have uncovered a massive lost ancient in the Amazon that was home to at least 10,000 farmers 2,000 years ago, discovered by archaeologist Stéphen Rostain.
* This article was originally published here
Thursday, January 11, 2024
The 737 MAX9 Door Saga Continues. The FAA Wants Answers
I thought my first story on this Alaska Airlines flight 1282 plug door story was a one-and-done. Hang on, the saga continues as part three will be a take on what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants for answers from Boeing and corrective action. If you missed the previous posts, you can read part one here and part two here.
The FAA
Before I get into this story’s nuts and bolts, let’s look at the FAA. What is the FAA? The FAA is a Federal Agency that has two missions:
- To promote aviation and
- To ensure safety in aviation.
The problem is that sometimes, it is difficult to keep these objectives separate. In the past, there have been incidents and accidents where the FAA was slow to require changes or were far too lenient in dealing with aviation issues.
One of the problems with the FAA is that they do not have enough inspectors to evaluate who aircraft are built. Simply put, the Federal Government can’t afford to pay the wages that the industry pays for like positions. The FAA requires aircraft manufacturers to submit how they intend to inspect aircraft under construction. They more or less leave it up to the manufacturers to police their own inspections.
The Immediate FAA Action
Right after the incident aircraft suffered the door loss and decompression, the FAA was quick to issue and Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for U. S. airlines operating the 737 MAX9 aircraft.
What this EAD says is that operation of 737 MAX9 aircraft are prohibited until and inspection and corrective actions have been performed. However, this was paragraph is vague because it doesn’t state what the method approved by the Manger is.
AD Requirements
This AD prohibits further flight of affected airplanes, until the airplane is inspected and all
applicable corrective actions have been performed using a method approved by the Manager,
AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA.
The FAA backtracked and issued a revised EAD that spelled out the process and let the aircraft return to service after the approved work was completed. Both United and Alaska Airlines hoped to get most of their aircraft back in the air by Saturday, January 13, 2023.
Here are the changing steps the FAA has taken from oldest to newest:
Updates on Grounding of Boeing 737 MAX 9 Aircraft
Thursday, January 11, 2024
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
This incident should have never happened and it cannot happen again. FAA formally notified Boeing that it is conducting an investigation to determine if Boeing failed to ensure completed products conformed to its approved design and were in a condition for safe operation in compliance with FAA regulations. This investigation is a result of an incident on a Boeing Model 737-9 MAX where it lost a “plug” type passenger door and additional discrepancies. Boeing’s manufacturing practices need to comply with the high safety standards they’re legally accountable to meet. The letter is attached.
The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning the Boeing 737-9 Max to service.
January 9, 2024
Every Boeing 737-9 Max with a plug door will remain grounded until the FAA finds each can safely return to operation. To begin this process, Boeing must provide instructions to operators for inspections and maintenance. Boeing offered an initial version of instructions yesterday which they are now revising because of feedback received in response. Upon receiving the revised version of instructions from Boeing the FAA will conduct a thorough review.
The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning the Boeing 737-9 Max to service.
January 8, 2024
The FAA has approved a method to comply with the FAA’s Boeing 737-9 emergency airworthiness directive, and it has been provided to the affected operators.
The FAA’s priority is always keeping Americans safe. In that spirit, Boeing 737-9 aircraft will remain grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections which include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners. Operators must also complete corrective action requirements based on findings from the inspections prior to bringing any aircraft back into service.
The FAA will continue to support the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. The NTSB is in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates.
January 7, 2024
The FAA’s first priority is keeping the flying public safe. We have grounded the affected airplanes, and they will remain grounded until the FAA is satisfied that they are safe.
January 6, 2024
The FAA ordered the temporary grounding of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft operated by U.S. airlines or in U.S. territory.
“The FAA is requiring immediate inspections of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes before they can return to flight,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. “Safety will continue to drive our decision-making as we assist the NTSB’s investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.”
The Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) requires operators to inspect affected aircraft before further flight. The required inspections will take around four to eight hours per aircraft.
The EAD will affect approximately 171 airplanes worldwide.
Wait Just A Minute
Yesterday, the FAA changed their minds again. It looks like they now want an investigation into how Boeing assembles the door plug. Now the FAA is focusing on the area that should be at the heart of the problem, quality control. It was just last month when alarm bells at the FAA rang concerning loose rudder bolts in the 737 MAX aircraft. Do we have an earlier problem with loose bolts on the 737 MAX aircraft? Does Boeing have a serious safety culture problem?
FAA Closely Monitoring Inspections of Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes
Thursday, December 28, 2023
The FAA is closely monitoring targeted inspections of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to look for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system.
Under consultation with the FAA, Boeing has issued a Multi-Operator Message (MOM), urging operators of newer single-aisle airplanes to inspect specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware.
The FAA will remain in contact with Boeing and the airlines while the inspections are underway. The agency is asking the airlines to work through their approved Safety Management Systems to identify whether any loose hardware has been detected previously and to provide the agency with details on how quickly these two-hour inspections can be completed.
The FAA will consider additional action based on any further discovery of loose or missing hardware. Boeing recommended the inspections after an international operator discovered a bolt with a missing nut while performing routine maintenance on a mechanism in the rudder-control linkage. The company discovered an additional undelivered aircraft with a nut that was not properly tightened.
On Wednesday, the FAA sent a letter to Carole Murray, VP Total Quality at Boeing Commercial Airplane Company. The FAA is putting Boeing on notice that they are now under investigation for this new problem. Yes, it looks like the real problem of quality control is now being looked at.
Aircraft manufactures have written process and procedure manuals that cover every aspect of aircraft assembly. Is Boeing following their own processes and procedures? This is the point of the FAA letter and investigation:
REQUIREMENTS: Part 21 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS, ARTICLES, AND PARTS, Subpart G–Production Certificates, Sec. 21.146, Responsibility of holder, states in part, “The holder of a production certificate must…(c) Ensure that each completed product or article for which a production certificate has been issued … presented for airworthiness certification or approval conforms to its approved design and is in a condition for safe operation;” BCA Quality Manual, Revision I dated June 26, 2023, section 8.5.1 Inspection and Testing states in part, “Appropriate inspection and test activities are conducted … post-delivery activities are conducted in accordance with contract or regulatory requirements.”
ALLEGED NONCOMPLIANCE: The above-described circumstances indicate that Boeing may have failed to ensure its completed products conformed to its approved design and were in a condition for safe operation in accordance with quality system inspection and test procedures.
When Will The 737 MAX9 Fly Again?
The return to commercial service date may be a moving target. First, it was completing the steps of the initial EAR from January 6. Then there was the revised directive and both United and Alaska thought they could complete all of the inspections by January 13. Now, we have the quality control investigation. Will that delay the MAX9 return to service until the investigation has been completed? I wouldn’t be surprised if the delay is indefinite until the FAA is satisfied that the aircraft is safe.
This Is Going To Cost Boeing
This episode is going to cost Boeing more than its reputation and standing in the aviation world. There will be financial costs for Boeing to pay. Boeing will have to pay for all of the repairs to bring all of the 737 MAX9 door plugs into safety compliance. What about the costs to the airlines? United has been cancelling an average of 200 flights per day and Alaska 150 flights per day. To be fair, not all of these cancellations are due to the 737 MAX9 groundings. It would be safe to say with 79 aircraft at United and 65 at Alaska, the majority of their flight cancellations are due to the groundings. Canceling flights is expensive for an airline. There is the lost revenue and lost customer confidence. These people have to get to their destinations somehow so another airline might get both their immediate business as well as future business. You can bet that the airlines are going to send Boeing a bill for their losses.
Final Thoughts
When the 737 MAX9 returns to service may take longer than the airlines thought. Certainly, there is no excuse for an experienced aircraft manufacturer to deliver aircraft with loose or missing bolts. There seems to be a safety culture problem at Boeing and now the FAA is going to investigate why and how to correct safety deficiencies.
I am supposed to fly to JFK on January 20th on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX9. Will my flight be affected? I’d really like to know sooner than later.
Read the rest of this article at The 737 MAX9 Door Saga Continues. The FAA Wants Answers.
* This article was originally published here
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