Tag: General Travel

CLEAR thru airport security

©CLEAR

Did you know that you can bypass the long security line at some airports?

Yes, TSA PreCheck is awesome and I totally recommend it if you travel often. Best travel item we ever bought! You get thru so much faster than the regular security line and don’t have to take out liquids, electronics, and shoes.

However, if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, some airports now have Reserve, powered by CLEAR, which is free! This lets you schedule a time for your security check and bypasses the much longer security line. It is currently available at several huge airports in Orlando, Los Angeles, Newark, Phoenix, Seattle, and Calgary.

For more details and to reserve your arrival window, proceed to the CLEAR Reserve site here:

Note: this is different from the regular CLEAR service.

Mask mandates lifted on many cruise lines

Mask

As a follow-up to my post the other day about Disney Cruise Line lifting their mass mandate, it looks like most other cruise lines have also lifted their mask mandates.

Of course, this could also change anytime so make sure to check the policy for your particular cruise line at the time when you’re cruising.

I found this article from Cruise Critic that has a good summary of the requirements for most of the cruise lines out there. Credit goes to them.

Support for Ukraine

With everything going on in the world, we should take pause to remember those in the midst of it. Consider how fortunate we are if we’re not directly affected and try to help in whatever way we can.

There are some sources in this article to help the Ukrainians, but you may know of others that you can support as well.

Bring Him Home – Streaming and purchase proceeds will be donated to relief efforts. See his description.

As travelers, we all know how small the world really is. Let’s support each other and pray for a quick, peaceful resolution.

Pic ©The Points Guy

Harry Potter™: The Exhibition Opens in Philadelphia

Where are my Harry Potter fans?? You have to check this out! There’s a brand new Harry Potter exhibit in Philadelphia that just opened at the Franklin Institute, a science museum! It runs through Sept 18, 2022.

I haven’t made it to this one yet, but went to one of the touring Harry Potter exhibits years ago where they had costumes and scenes from the movies and that was awesome. I’m sure with the advance in technology now, they can have even cooler stuff. I can’t wait to go!

Here’s what their website says about it:

This groundbreaking exhibition will celebrate the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World using best-in-class immersive design and technology. From the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle to the antics of its mischievous yet brilliant students; from daring duels to dragons and Dark Arts; from glittering Gringotts™ to the magnificent Ministry of Magic – the exhibition will bring magic to life, connect visitors with the larger global community of fans of the Wizarding World, and reveal the artistry and craftsmanship behind the blockbuster films.

Visitors will get an up-close look at authentic props and original costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts™ films as they engage with innovative, awe-inspiring, and magical environments and installations in this: the most comprehensive touring exhibition ever presented about the Wizarding World.

For more details and to buy tickets, go to their site:

Trusted traveller programs

You’ve probably heard about the trusted traveller programs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR, etc. If you don’t have one of them already, you might be wondering if they’re worth getting, and which one to get.

We got our Global Entry and TSA PreCheck a few years ago and we’ve been kicking ourselves for not getting at least PreCheck sooner. It’s so awesome to breeze through the PreCheck security line, which is usually much shorter than the regular line, not have to take out all of our electronics and liquids, and not have to take off our shoes.

The decision on whether it’s worth it for you should be based on how often you travel and your tolerance level for lines and hassle. I know our ability to fly is rather limited right now, but if you’re going to apply for one of these, now is the time to get started if you’re going to need it in the next few months. They may take several weeks to months to process.

Here’s an article that highlights the major programs. Check the website of each program for specific details though, especially for any changes due to the pandemic.

Newbies and Non-U.S. Citizens: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR, NEXUS, Sentri: What’s the Best for You?

Travel via books

Apparently, today is Book Lovers Day! Who knew?

Since we can’t physically travel right now, we can travel in our imaginations at least. Here are some more books that will transport you around the world.

Caveat: I haven’t read them all myself (more stuff for the bucket list), so pick n choose for yourself. Let me know if you recommend a favorite.

International travel advisories

Advisory Map

On August 6, 2020, the U.S. State Department lifted it’s blanket advisory against all international travel, and going back to the usual advisory on countries individually. If you are planning any international travel, be sure to check each country’s restrictions. There are still bans on travel in and out of the U.S., as well as many other countries.

Get updated information from the U.S. State Department.

More cruises cancelled

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), of which Disney and most other cruise lines are a member of, has decided to suspend cruises sailing from U.S. ports until October 31, 2020. If you have a cruise currently booked through early November, check with that cruise line to see how they’re handling cancellations. If you would like help with your cruise plans, please feel free to contact me.