Greetings from Los Angeles!

If you subscribe to my daily travel tip newsletter, then you know that after five weeks away, seven flights (on six different airlines), seven countries (Canada, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Vatican City, Germany), four states (PA, NY, CT, NJ), six hotels, four trains, four subways, two ferries, one cruise, a car rental and countless taxis, Ubers and car services, we’re finally home! It feels great ... and as surreal as our epic trip. I'm still writing trip reports about every leg of the journey. Here's what's been published so far:
-Trip Report: Los Angeles to Philadelphia on American Airlines
-The Philadelphia Airport Marriott Makes a 10-Hour Layover Easy
-Toronto to Barcelona in Air Canada’s Premium Economy
-Cruise Review: 22 Reasons to Sail on Enchanted Princess
-48 Hours in Rome and Our Stay at the Rose Garden Palace Hotel
-What It’s Like To Take the Fast Train From Rome to Naples, Italy
-The Taxi App You Need to Download When Traveling In Europe
-12 Things I Learned From Traveling to Europe This Summer

We spent last few days in New York City and one of the highlights was attending an Expedia party to celebrate the launch of their new rewards program, One Key. Here's what you need to know.
PLUS: There's a lot of travel news, which you can read below in 12 Things to Know in Travel.

Sponsor: Indus Travels

Christmas in July Sale! More than 100 tours with up to 50% Off on Unforgettable Tour Packages! Make this July merrier with our spectacular Christmas in July sale, offering incredible travel deals with up to 50% off on tour packages! Experience the magic of travel without breaking the bank. This limited-time offer is your chance to indulge in adventures at unbeatable prices. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Book now and make this Christmas in July truly unforgettable.

In this issue:

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook

As of 10:15am PT, there have been 128 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 2,641 delayed. Here's a link to the up-to-date stats and a live look at the FAA's National Airspace System Status. Here's what to do during weather delays and flight cancellations.

✈️ Monday

Seat Kidnapping: I Can’t Believe it’s a Thing - Here’s What to Do If it Happens to You While Traveling
What is wrong with people? No, seriously? I read about this new trend in China and it happened here to one of my friends. Here's what seat kidnapping is and what to do about it if it happens to you.

🗺️ Tuesday

The Map App That Beats Google Maps and Apple Maps Because of This Simple Feature
When I'm in a new city, especially on foot, this app beats Google Maps and Apple Maps because of its simple approach to directions. It's a must-download for travelers. Read more about it here.

🍽️ Wednesday

Never Be Afraid to Ask This Question at a Restaurant
No matter if you're home or away, there's one question you should never be afraid to ask at a restaurant.

💰 Thursday

Traveler Exposes Scammer’s Trick For Stealing Airline Passengers’ Money
You know to be skeptical about things on the Internet, right? Just because you read something online, it doesn’t mean it’s true or that it’s coming from a trustworthy source. Shmuli Evers, a father of three who was flying a few days ago from New York’s JFK airport, learned this lesson recently. Here's how to keep your money and data safe.

🌡️ Friday

14 Tips For Traveling During a Heat Wave
If you’ve watched or read the news in the last couple of days, then you know it’s ridiculously hot all over the world. It's no fun to travel in extreme heat but if you are, there are plenty of ways you can stay safe and conserve energy. Here are 14 tips to help you.

🧳 Saturday

4 Savvy Ways To Save Over $100 on Overweight Baggage Fees
No one wants to pay the airlines more money than they have to. I mean, per CNBC, U.S. airlines made almost $7 billion (yes, that's a B as in boy) last year in baggage fees alone according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Here are four savvy ways to keep that money in your bank account where it belongs.

📺 Travel Video of the Week

Hilarious Japanese Boat Driver
You won't believe how smooth this Japanese tour boat driver is. I now want to take a ride on the Yanagawa River. Here's the video.
Cruel Flight Attendant Denies Passenger Lavatory Access and Films Her Peeing on the Galley Floor – Can You Guess the Airline?
Here's a travel video that went viral this week but I actually recommend you don't watch it. It's disturbing but you should know the story. Here's what a cruel flight attendant (from an airline I bet you can guess) did to a desperate passenger.

⚡ Travel Product of the Week

Illuminated Foldable Travel Mirror
This illuminated travel mirror is great to have in your bag when you travel. It's about the size of an iPad Mini. The rechargeable mirror has 72 LED lights and offers three different light settings - warm, natural and cool. My wife uses this all the time when the bathroom is in use or if the light isn't quite right. Plus, it makes it much easier to see what you're doing. Check it out here.

🌎 12 Things to Know in Travel Today

1 Don strengthens into 1st hurricane of 2023 Atlantic season
2 American Airlines pilot contract offer increases to $9 billion following United agreement
3 Palm Springs Flight Cancelled During 118-Degree Heat
4 'Lion' that triggered police search in Germany was probably a boar
5 'Cocaine sharks' may be feasting on drugs dumped off Florida coast
6 A Barcelona store put up a sign to warn tourists that they'd be charged for snapping selfies and not buying anything
7 Following successful launch, Megabus expands Vegas-to-L.A. bus service
8 Aussie man rejected on Bali flight over tiny detail: 'Absolutely ridiculous'
9 Scientists: Florida Keys coral reefs are already bleaching as water temperatures hit record highs
10 ‘Twisted economics’ mean flights in Europe up to 30 times cheaper than rail travel, says Greenpeace report
11 Sharks are feeding at the shore in Florida as the ocean's temperature reaches record highs and the water feels like syrup
12 Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers

✅ Currency Exchange ✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ Miles and Points