The Sunday Round-Up | December 19, 2021
Good morning from chilly Los Angeles. Yesterday, I wrote a tip about how not to get scammed by bad guys. Well, wouldn't you know it ... the bad guys must receive my newsletter because they just tried to scam me. Here's the story.
RELATED: Another Banking Scam and Tips So You Know What to Do if it Happens to You
And that wasn't the most unsettling part of my week. On Friday, I took my kids to a little park connected to the Manhattan Village shops in Manhattan Beach while my wife was at a doctor's appointment nearby. All of a sudden, there was a helicopter circling above, police cars everywhere and a mall security guard told me there were reports of an active shooter. I felt like a deer caught in headlights. Here's that story.
The travel industry has been even more turbulent this week compliments of Covid. New York City is a mess. To give you a visual idea, read today's Travel Tweet of the Day (below) to see the crazy long testing lines. I was in the Big Apple two weeks ago and there were only a few people in those free mobile testing spots. More than 10 Broadway and off-Broadway shows shut down and that's not including The Rockettes, who just ended their season early. And this is just what's happening in New York City.
There are dozens of NBA, NHL and NFL players out with Covid. Overseas, many countries are restricting travel from the UK, including France and Germany. The Netherlands just went on lockdown. I'm sorry to say but this Christmas isn't looking too merry for many travelers.
The only good news is that if you're fully vaccinated and don't have any pre-existing conditions, it seems that omicron cases are mild. Let's hope things turn around but with everyone coming together for much-needed family time, I don't think that's going to happen.
Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
The year our son was born, one of you lovely readers recommended the Christmas book Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree and it fast became a favorite in our home. We read it to the kids often over the holidays and it's a hit with everyone. If you're looking for a new Christmas Eve story to read the kids before chasing them up to bed to dream dreams of Santa, this is it! The book is (at the time of this publication) 53% off and will deliver before Christmas Eve for Amazon Prime members. Check it out here.
RELATED: The Smithsonian Children's Illustrated Atlas
If you're looking for a gift for any child on your holiday shopping list, this gorgeously illustrated children's atlas is just the ticket. Our son is getting this for Christmas from his Nana and it's going to be a big hit. It's a great gift for any kids, nieces and nephews or grandkids on your list. (And yes, it delivers before Christmas!) Check it out here.
Travel Tips/Stories from This Week Monday:
-These Straps Will Prevent Sore Ears from Wearing a Mask
-What's the Best First Class Between Miami and New York and Airline Cancelation Policy
-Ryanair Wins Twitter By Throwing the UK Government Under the Bus
Tuesday:
-An Obvious Resource That Many Travelers Don't Take Advantage Of
Wednesday:
-The TSA’s Advice for Traveling with Gifts This Holiday Season
Thursday:
-PLAY, A New Low-Cost Icelandic Airline Is Offering Cheap Tickets to Europe
-39 Travel Questions with Captain Sandy from Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean
Friday:
-Warning: These Two Days Are Expected to Be the Busiest at U.S. Airports
-Holiday Gift Idea: The Smithsonian Children's Illustrated Atlas
Saturday:
-Manhattan Beach Police Respond to Possible Active Shooter at Manhattan Village and I Was There
-How Not to Get Scammed by the Bad Guys
-Holiday Gift Idea: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
-My travel segment on Leo Laporte's The Tech Guy
Sunday:
-Don't Go to Mexico?
Travel Product of the Day
Worried about the air you breathe when you travel, go out to eat or sit in a long meeting? If you’re worried about catching COVID-19, or any virus for that matter, then I highly recommend getting Wynd Plus. It’s a portable air purifier with HEPA filters, about the size of a water bottle. My story.
15 Great Gifts for Travelers
This year's holiday gift guide features tons of products I think any traveler would love to open this holiday season. Check them out here.
Travel Quote of the Day
“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” – Michael Palin
Travel Tweet of the Day
@AirlineFlyer: Huge yikes at the COVID testing line outside Barclays Center #NYC https://t.co/rlGmH1kwh9
Travel Tips from Last Week:
Monday:
-Backup Your Photos Before It's Too Late
Tuesday:
-This Airline Is Offering A Buy One Get One Free Ticket (expired)
Wednesday:
-How to Cut to the Front of the Airport Security Line for Free
-Why 5G Sucks for Travelers
Thursday:
-Uh-Oh: Delta Just Made Two Major Changes to Basic Economy Tickets
Friday:
-5 Tips for Avoiding Airport Parking Pandemonium
-Multiple Videos of Last Night’s Air Rage Incident on DC to L.A. Delta Flight That Diverted to OKC
Saturday:
-Important: Do This Now So Airlines Don’t Keep Your Money
-My travel segment on Leo Laporte's The Tech Guy
Sunday:
-How To Save Tons of Money, Hassles and Headaches When Traveling During Omicron
12 Things to Know in Travel Today— Netherlands 'going into lockdown again' to curb omicron, residents allowed four guests at Christmas
— Rockettes cancel annual Christmas Spectacular early due to COVID-19
— Theatergoers disappointed as more Broadway shows cancel performances due to breakthrough COVID cases
— French ski season in disarray as UK tourists banned
— Reclusive Laos to re-open to foreign travellers
— Italy launches high speed Milan-Paris train
— TSA reports firearms confiscated at highest rate in 20 years
— Family of tourist killed by suspected sniper while hiking near L.A. asking public for help
— People who work in the travel industry share their best holiday vacation tips
— Climate change is reshaping the lobster industry in Maine
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers
The 72 other top travel news stories from this past week!
Miles & Points
-Here's how you can earn extra American Airlines AAdvantage Miles when you fill up your gas tank, including an easy extra 100 bonus miles.
-Which of these top travel cards is better for you? Both earn 3x rewards on dining, come with an annual hotel credit, and more.
Air Travel -You Will Never Believe What Frontier Airlines Gave Passengers After Possible Carbon Monoxide Leak Leads to Emergency Landing
-Which Airline Offered George Clooney $35 Million to do a Commercial? -The Travel Hack You Won’t Believe TSA Will Let You Do-The Trick for Getting Luggage Carts for Free
-Instead of Giving Your Flight Attendant a Hard Time, Give Them This Instead
-12 Tips to Make Holiday Travel Smoother and Safer
-The Nuclear Air Travel Hack You Might Want To Consider This Holiday
-A Brilliant Trick To Save Huge On Airfares
-The 11 Airports to Avoid This Holiday Season
-How To Save $50 on Southwest Airlines Flights
-Canceled Flight? Passenger Rights All Travlers Need to Know
-How to Get Free Upgrades and Points on American Airlines -Sorry T+L, You Got This One Wrong – Here’s How You Can Really Get Upgraded to First Class-9 Tips For Avoiding COVID-19 On Planes and In Airports-How Much Time Should You Give Yourself Between Connecting Flights?
-My Number 1 and 2 Travel Tips
-10 Air Travel Pet Peeves and What You Can Do About Them
-10 Tips For Better Sleep On a Plane
-17 Ways to Find Cheap Flights
-What to Do: Weather Delays and Flight Cancellations
-7 Dirtiest Things on an Airplane According to a Flight Attendant
-15 Tips for Surviving a Long Flight
-How to Get Upgraded to First Class
-Econophobia: Fear of Flying Coach
-JohnnyJet.com Booking Tool
International Travel -The Overlooked Reason Americans Should Reconsider International Travel
-How To Save An Hour at This Airport
-19 Things to Pack for Long Border Lines
-This Nat Geo Show Will Teach You To Be A Better Packer and Show You Can Never Get Away With Trafficking Drugs-Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right For You?
-The Must-Have App For Travel to Europe
-12 Pandemic Travel Tips For the EU and UK From An American
Road Trips/Car Rentals
-Two Great Things to Keep in the Car For Road Trips
-The New Transportation App Hawaii Travelers Should Download
-Don't Fall For This New Travel Scam That's Costing People Hundreds of Dollars
-Never Forget Your Room Number or Parking Spot Again
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off
-The Quick Way Thieves Are Trying To Ruin Your Trip
-15 Tips To Renting A Car in 2021
-5 Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Road Trip
-How To Find Cheap Parking
Lodging
-How to Save Up to 60% on Hotels
-Our Anthony Bourdain-Inspired House Rental
-When To Stay At An Airport Hotel
-Paying It Forward: The Trick To Ensuring The Next Guest Gets Clean Sheets
-The Truth About Hotel Room Key Cards
-Don't Get Suckered By Hotel and House Rental Marketers
-Don't Fall For This Hotel Scam
-Book with Expedia or Priceline
-How to Make Sure You Get the Lowest Room Rate at Your Hotel
-Latest Lodging News
Popular Stories
-How to Never Miss A Wake-Up Call Again
-5 Tips For Traveling With Medications
-Mugged in Europe: Tips To Help You Travel Safe
-Rick Steves Pickpocketed In Paris -- Here's How To Prevent It From Happening
-Always Wear This When You Travel To Keep Valuables Safe
-The Free Storm Tracking App Every Traveler Should Download
-Must-Have Product For Traveling With Little Kids
-The Site Every Int'l Traveler Needs To Bookmark
-Why People Eat at McDonald's When They Travel
-10 Things You Don’t Need to Pack
-10 Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Airplane Habits: Are YOU Guilty?
-Fallen Soldier on My Delta Flight
Good To Know
-The Family Friendly California Farm You’ve Never Heard of But Need to Visit
-The Essential Email Reminder Service I Use To Manage My Life
-Renting a Private Movie Theatre is Cheaper Than You Think
-How To Check Hospitalization Numbers
-The Trick to Preventing Items In Your Car From Getting Stolen
-A Genius Food Safety Hack for Travelers
-A Lifesaving Tip
-The Rule You Need to Know for International Travel
-How to Use Your Phone As a Remote Control
Safety/Health
-Should You Cancel Your Holiday Travel Plans?
-4 Things Bradley Cooper Did Wrong Before NYC Subway Knifepoint Hold Up
-12 Things Travelers Need to Know About Omicron -Red Alert: The WHO is Recommending These People DO NOT Travel-Brilliant Advice From a Doctor To Keep You Safer From COVID While on a Plane
-Warning: This Type of Crime is on the Rise and Travelers Should Take Note
-The Portable Air Purifier I Now Travel With to Ensure Clean Air
-What I Keep In My Carry-On First Aid Kit -11 Tips for Traveling During Cold and Flu Season-The Most Dangerous Places to Be During a Lightning Storm
-My Funniest Travel Experience Underscores Why You Should Always Do This in Your Hotel Room
-What I Now Pack When Traveling To Fend Off Dehydration
-How to Find a Doctor While Traveling
-How to Save Big On Prescription Drugs at Home and on the Road
-My Somewhat Freakish Travel Habit Might Just Save Your Life
-How To Always Have Clean Water
-The Health Tool You Need at Home and On the Road
-A Tool I'd Never Heard of But Have Now added To My Travel Health Kit
Food/Shop
-Ted Lasso's Secret Biscuit Recipe is Out
-The Neck Massager That's Perfect for Travelers
-Your Favorite Travel Foods Delivered & a $15 Promo Code
Travel Gadgets/Products
-Turn Your Vacation Photos into Wall Art in Minutes
-A Great Gift for Those Who Love to Play Cards But Can’t See Well
-The Blackout Sleep Mask Travelers Need
-Banana Phone --- The Funniest White Elephant Gift Ever
-The Tech Organizer All Travelers Need
-The Carry-On Essential You Never Thought of Packing
-This Beach Pillow Is The Accessory You Never Knew You Needed
-The PeaPod Prestige Travel Bed Makes Life Easier For Parents
-Always Pack This For Summer Travel
-The Solution For Those Who Always Have No Storage Left iPhones
-A Brilliant New Travel Purse for Women
-The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without
-The Best Luggage to Give and Get
Just For Fun
-Hands Down the Best Beach Toy for Kids
-How To Virtually Meet Your Favorite Celebrity
-The Best Airplane Toy For Any Kid
-An Emirates Flight Attendant Stood Atop The Tallest Building in the World
-Hilarious Travel Video
Face Masks
-How to Prevent Sore Ears Caused By Face Mask Straps
-I use Aiden Health’s N95, KN95 masks
-What to Know Before Wearing an N95 Mask
-The Best Face Masks for Flying During COVID-19
-8 Accessories to Make Wearing Face Masks More Comfortable, More Hygienic and More Pleasant to Wear
Watch
-11 Great Travel Shows for Kids
-Live New York City Webcams
Destination Guides
-The California Town You’ve Probably Never Heard of But Should Definitely Visit
-10 Reasons NOT to Go To Hawaii Right Now
-Catalina Island
-12 Things To Know Before Going To The Hollywood Bowl
Podcast/YouTube
-Talking International Travel, Mexico and Day of The Dead with Tech Guru Leo Laporte
-39 Travel Questions: Samantha Brown
-39 Travel Questions with Josh Gates
-39 Travel Questions with Andrew McCarthy
-39 Travel Questions with Leo Laporte
-More
Travel Contests
-United Cruises - 1,000,000 Mile Sweepstakes (Dec 31)
-Win a trip to Puerto Rico, Florida, or St. Croix (Dec 31)
-Win an eight-day Viking cruise for two (Dec 31)
-Win a Caribbean cruise for two (Jan 16)
-Win a five-night getaway for two to the Dominican Republic (Jan 17)
See all contests here
P.S. As always, thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I hope you like it and you share with your friends, family and colleagues so they can subscribe to either my bi-weekly newsletter or Daily Travel Tip. |
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