If You Live In New York Uber Shuttle will get you to JFK airport for $10, Increasing To $25 After April 30th

Uber is expanding its airport shuttle service to include one of the busiest hubs in the world, New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. For a limited time, customers can grab a ride from specific stops in Manhattan or Brooklyn to JFK for just $10. After April 30th, the fare increases to $25, including taxes.

Uber’s shuttle to JFK runs every 30 minutes. Image: Uber

Airport runs are a crucial part of Uber’s business, and customers have expressed frustration at the rising cost of booking a car to the airport. JFK, in particular, is one of the most expensive airports for travelers, with Uber and Lyft trips costing $80 or more, depending on the pickup location. By bundling riders together in a shuttle, Uber hopes to introduce a more affordable option to budget-conscious customers.

For JFK trips, customers can use the Uber app to book up to four seats in a shuttle. Rides can be booked up to seven days ahead of time or simply on the day you need it. Riders will get their pricing upfront before booking and won’t be subject to surge pricing.

Image: Uber

When the shuttle arrives, riders will validate their reservation with the driver via QR code and a unique PIN. At launch, vehicles will be limited to just 14 passengers. Each rider is allowed one personal item, like a purse or backpack, and one piece of luggage (carry-on or checked) weighing up to 50 pounds. Riders can rate and tip drivers in the app, just like a normal Uber trip.

Uber says it will operate four routes to JFK, with pickup locations at Port Authority, Grand Central Terminal, Chinatown, and Atlantic Center in Brooklyn. The service will run every 30 minutes from 5AM to 10:45PM, seven days a week. For its shuttle business, Uber is partnering with fleet providers who manage commercially licensed drivers. In New York, the company is using ETS, an airport shuttle operator since 1996.

Uber has been experimenting with shuttle service for airports and concerts, including $15 rides to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Miami last year. The company also launched an $18 shuttle to LaGuardia Airport last year. (That price is now $20.) For airport trips, the company needs to negotiate terms with airport operators before a new service can be launched. Uber said it’s currently in talks with Boston’s Logan International Airport about bringing its shuttle service there.

https://www.theverge.com/authors/andrew-j-hawkins

Trump Travel Ban Indefinitely Delayed As U.S. Continues To Revoke Visas

A plan for the Trump administration to bar entry into the United States from foreign nationals whose countries do not meet its vetting standards has been indefinitely postponed, with no new date set.

The State Department said Monday it is continuing to work on the report that would serve as the basis for the anticipated visa restrictions but could not say when it would be ready. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office requesting recommendations on what new visa restrictions should be applied to which countries by March 21.

Trump gave his administration 60 days to submit a report "identifying countries throughout the world for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries."

A list of more than 40 nations, including Iran, Russia and Venezuela, were reportedly under consideration for full or partially restricted travel to the U.S. as part of the mandate, which built on a travel ban Trump enacted during his first term and the Supreme Court upheld.

But the due date for an official list to be submitted came and went without an announcement from the White House, and the State Department's top spokesperson declared the deadline no longer in effect.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said at a briefing on Monday that a new date for the recommendations had not been set. She called the original deadline, which was set by Trump's executive order, a "target date that no longer applies" without offering an explanation.

"The State Department like every department in President Trump's administration are acting on executive orders, including this one," Bruce said.

It was not immediately clear why the administration postponed the report that would lay the groundwork for Trump to enact a new travel ban and impose visa restrictions on foreign nationals from select countries.

"I can't speak to that. But I can tell you that we're working on what the executive order asked for," Bruce said, describing them as "restrictions on other countries" of "whether or not they meet the standard of security and vetting that's required for entry into the United States" rather than a travel ban.

Asked to clarify if a new date had been set, she said "no," before adding, "Again, because there's not a date, it doesn't mean that it's not being worked on. And so we are all working to implement what President Trump has ordered."

The White House declined to provide a comment.

At a previous briefing, on the report's March 21 due date, Bruce told reporters the deadline was no longer that day. "I can’t tell you the specifics, but it’s – don’t expect... that today is a day that something will have to come out," she said.

State Department revokes visas

Trump issued multiple bans on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries during his first term, with each of them facing legal challenges, before the Supreme Court ruled in his favor in 2018.

In his January executive order, he told U.S. officials to use the standards that were in place when he left office as a baseline for reestablishing screening and vetting procedures.

Trump's order tasked the secretary of state, director of national intelligence, attorney general and secretary of homeland security with jointly submitting recommendations for a list of countries that would be slapped with the visa restrictions.

He also told them to identify "how many nationals from those countries have entered or have been admitted" into the country since former President Joe Biden took office and directed DHS to "take immediate steps to exclude or remove" foreign national from the country who do not meet the current administration's vetting standards.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Friday that the department is doing daily reviews to revoke visas when a person undertakes activities counter to the national interest or foreign policy of the U.S. government or the person is involved in criminal activity.

“My standard — If we knew this information about them before we gave them a visa, would we have allowed them in?” Rubio said. “And if the answer is no, then we revoke the visa.” He said upward of 300 student visas have been affected.

Last week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained 30-year-old Rumeysa Ozturka, a Turkish graduate student studying at Tufts University near Boston. The Department of Homeland Security told USA TODAY that she supported the terrorist group Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip and has been at war with Israel.

Days before that, Customs and Border Patrol deported Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese national who had a work visa to practice at Brown Medicine in Rhode Island. Customs and Border Protection alleged her phone had content that was sympathetic to the terrorist group Hezbollah.

And Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Syria-born Mahmoud Khalil, who was one of the pro-Palestinian leaders of the encampment protests at Columbia University last year. Another Columbia student, Korean-born Yunseo Chung, sued the Trump administration to maintain her legal permanent residency in the U.S.

Rubio said student visas are among those being reviewed but he wasn’t sure if they were the only ones. “We’ve also identified people that have criminal charges and even while in the country, and still have active visas. Some are unrelated to any protests and are just having to do with potential criminal activity.”

https://www.usatoday.com/staff/9751000002/francesca-chambers/ https://www.usatoday.com/staff/3063822001/erin-mansfield/

Travelore Tips: Getting From The Cancún Airport To Your Hotel Just Got Easier, Thanks To A New US $7 Bus Service

Tourists traveling from Cancún International Airport (CUN) to the hotel zone can now take a 140-peso (US $7) bus ride, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama has announced.

The long-established ADO transportation company now runs buses from the Cancún airport to the hotel zone every two hours from 10:25 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. (@BradWelton/X)

The new route, operated by Grupo Asur in collaboration with Autobuses de Oriente (ADO), is in response to reports of ongoing taxi fare abuse.

Previously, ADO offered direct transportation services only to city centers such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen, from which tourists needed to use another transportation service to the hotel zone.

The new ADO service departs from Terminals 2, 3 and 4, connecting to Plaza Fiesta in the hotel zone. According to ADO’s website, the service is available every two hours between 10:25 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. The ride takes about 40 minutes.

Taxis departing from CUN are known to charge tourists more than US $100 for a ride to the hotel zone. According to the rates established by the city, a one-way trip from the airport to the hotel zone should cost from 100 to 400 pesos (US $5 to $20).

Reports of taxi abuse increased after Mexican influencers fell victim to the scams. In a video posted on his social media in January, content creator Luisito Comunica shared how a taxi driver charged 2,000 pesos (US $99) for a ride of less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, influencer Narabask reported that a taxi driver charged her and her friends 10,000 pesos (US $500) for a 30-minute drive.

Such reports prompted Sergio González Rubiera, head of the Mexican Association of Inbound Travel Agencies (AMATUR), to voice his concern.

“It is very worrying that the abuses committed by taxi drivers and airport concessionaires are damaging and undermining the image of tourist destinations, throwing away all the promotional work that we have done,” he said.

In addition to the pricing issues, users of ride-hailing apps like Uber have experienced acts of violence from taxi drivers. Uber was authorized to operate in some areas of Cancún and the Riviera Maya in January 2023, but strong opposition from local taxi operators has led to conflict, increasing attacks by taxi drivers.

To address these issues, the local Congress increased penalties for assaults involving transportation and public byways, which now include the cancellation of licenses, permits and concessions. Sentences for murder and assault involving public or private transportation were also increased.

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/author/gsolis/

Tourists Are Cancelling Trips To The US – Here’s Where They Are Going Instead

European countries have issued specific travel warnings to transgender and non-binary citizens.

The United States is one of the top three most visited countries in the world.

The big draw cards – cities such as San Francisco, New York and Chicago and national parks such as Yosemite – have attracted international tourists for decades. This combined with its role as a global business powerhouse meant it had 66.5 million visitors in 2023 – and the 2024 figure is expected to be higher still.

But a lot has changed in recent months, and 2025’s figures may not be as strong. The 2024 reelection of Donald Trump as the president of the United States and the consequential changes in foreign diplomacy and relations, alongside internal cultural shifts, are starting to change global attitudes towards the US – attitudes that appear to be affecting tourists’ desire to visit the US.

In a recent report by research firm Tourism Economics, inbound travel to the US is now projected to decline by 5.5% this year, instead of growing by nearly 9% as had previously been forecast. A further escalation in tariff and trade wars could result in further reductions in international tourism, which could amount to a US$18 billion (£13.8 billion) annual reduction in tourist spending in 2025.

There is already some evidence of travel cancellations. Since Trump announced 25% tariffs on many Canadian goods, the number of Canadians driving across the border at some crossings has fallen by up to 45%, on some days, when compared to last year. Canada is the biggest source of international tourists to the US. Air Canada has announced it is reducing flights to some US holiday destinations, including Las Vegas, from March, as demand reduces.

According to a March poll by Canadian market researcher Leger, 36% of Canadians who had planned trips to the United States had already cancelled them. According to data from the aviation analytics company OAG, passenger bookings on Canada to US routes are down by over 70% compared to the same period last year. This comes after the U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian inbound travel could result in a US$2.1 billion (£1.6 billion) loss in spending, putting 140,000 hospitality jobs at risk.

Some would-be visitors have cited an unwelcoming political climate as part of a concern about visiting the US – including angry rhetoric about foreigners, migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. The Tourism Economics report also cited “polarizing Trump Administration policies and rhetoric” as a factor in travel cancellations.

There are other factors that may influence travellers from, for instance, western Europe, which represented 37% of overseas travel to the US last year. These include US tariffs pushing prices up at home and the US administration’s perceived alignment with Russia in the war in Ukraine.

Research by YouGov in March found that western European attitudes towards the US have become more negative since Trump’s reelection last November. More than half of people in Britain (53%), Germany (56%), Sweden (63%) and Denmark (74%) now have an unfavourable opinion of the US. In five of the seven countries polled, figures for US favourability are at the lowest since polling began in November 2016.

Some high-profile cases at the US border could also be putting off tourists. In March, a British woman was handcuffed and detained for more than ten days by US Customs Enforcement after a visa problem. In the same month, a Canadian tourist was detained after attempting to renew her visa at the US-Mexico border. During the 12-day detention, she was held in crowded jail cells and even put in chains.

Mexico is the US’s second largest inbound travel market. Tourism Economics suggests that issues around new border enforcement rules will raise concerns with potential Mexican tourists. During Trump’s first term in office, Mexican visits to the US fell by 3%. In February this year, air travel from Mexico had already fallen 6% when compared to 2024.

Many countries including Canada have been updating their travel advice for the US. For instance, on March 15 the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its advice for the US, warning visitors that “you may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules”. The previous version of advice, from February, had no mention of arrest or detention. Germany has made similar updates to its travel advisory, after several Germans were recently detained for weeks by US border officials.

Multiple European countries, including France, Germany, Denmark and Norway have also issued specific travel warnings to transgender and non-binary citizens, as US authorities demand tourists declare their biological sex at birth on visa applications. This comes as the US has stopped issuing of passports with a X marker – commonly used by those identifying as non-binary – for its own citizens.

As thousands of travellers cancel their trips to the US, other destinations are seeing a spike in interest. Hotels in Bermuda have reported a surge in enquiries as Canadians relocate business and leisure trips away from the US, with some predicting a 20% increase in revenue from Canadian visits.

Europe too has reported increased bookings from Canada, with rental properties experiencing a 32% jump in summer reservations when compared to last year, according to some reports.

There are already growing concerns that visa and entry restrictions will disrupt fans and athletes from enjoying 2026 men’s Fifa World Cup, held on sites in the US, Canada and Mexico. Visitors from some countries, such as Brazil, Turkey and Colombia, could wait up to 700 days to obtain visas. The International Olympic Committee has also raised concerns over the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles, although US officials have insisted that “America will be open”.

With mounting visa delays, stricter border enforcement and growing concerns over human rights and anti-minority rhetoric, the United States risks losing its appeal as a top holiday destination. The long-term impact on its tourism industry may prove difficult to reverse.

https://www.independent.co.uk/author/ross-bennett-cook

Air France Introduces Its New La Première First Class

It was a day of excitement and anticipation at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport as Air France unveiled the crown jewel of its luxury offerings—the new La Première First Class. This long-awaited reveal marked a significant milestone in the airline's journey to elevate the standards of air travel.

Invited guests, including aviation enthusiasts, travel influencers, and global dignitaries, gathered in a specially designed hangar, transformed for the occasion into a haven of elegance. The stage was set with dramatic lighting and soft ambient music, perfectly reflecting the essence of the French art de vivre.

As the lights dimmed, the curtain drew back to reveal an impeccable display of the new La Première suite. Gasps of awe swept through the crowd as they took in the unparalleled sophistication of the space. Each suite featured sliding doors for complete privacy, luxurious leather seating that converted into a fully flat bed, and bespoke amenities created in collaboration with renowned French designers and brands.

At the heart of the experience was a commitment to unparalleled comfort and personalization. The onboard dining options showcased Michelin-starred menus crafted by some of France's most celebrated chefs, complemented by a curated selection of fine wines and champagnes. Passengers could also indulge in an entertainment system featuring the latest films and an extensive library of cultural content.

Cancun International Airport Adds Additional Agents, More E-Gates And Free Wi-Fi

The National Migration Institute (INM) has announced a series of measures to improve traveler service at the Cancun International Airport. The announcement came after a multi-level government meeting due to complaints.

Travelers into Cancun International have experienced slow moving lines and general inefficiency in the immigration entry processes, while others have reported mistreatment.

In a Friday INM meeting chaired by the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, actions were discussed to resolve the problems, one of which was the addition of 100 trained INM agents.

The INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) says they have also agreed to increase the number of e-Gates in three terminals and offer free Wi-Fi to the public.

“To assess the current situation at Cancún International Airport, following instructions from Commissioner Francisco Garduño Yañez, officials from the National Migration Institute participated in a working meeting chaired by the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama.

“During the meeting, topics related to immigration assistance and the coordination of tasks to streamline the services provided to foreigners were discussed. During the meeting, the following points were agreed upon.

“Staff Reinforcement: The INM will increase the AICUN staff with 100 additional Federal Immigration Agents, with the goal of covering the 110 checkpoints at the airport’s three terminals. In addition, training programs will be implemented to provide warm and friendly service to users.

“Technological modernization: The number of Autonomous Immigration Screening (e-Gate) will be increased in the three terminals. As part of this effort, the “Emergency Assistance Plan for Entry Registration” was presented.

“Free connectivity: Operation of the INMVITADOS platform, which offers free Wi-Fi to the public at the airport. Facility maintenance: The ASUR Group was asked to prioritize the maintenance of airport facilities, including space adaptation, cleaning, and repairs.

“The Federal Government, through the Institute, works daily to improve the services and attention it offers to foreigners visiting our country,” the INM said in a statement.

https://riviera-maya-news.com/category/travel

A Major New Airport To Serve Cambodia’s Capital And Boost Tourism Is Due To Open In July

Cambodia expects that its new airport serving the capital will open in July, a project official said Friday, in a major step forward in boosting the country’s lucrative tourism sector, whose growth was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Work on Phnom Penh’s new airport, officially known as the Techo International Airport, began in 2019, covering an area of 2,600 hectares (6,425 acres) located at the border of Kandal and Takeo provinces, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the capital.

“I think the TIA airport here is going to be launched in the soft opening in July 2025, and we believe that so many passengers are waiting and they really want to come in to see this new airport,” said Charles Vann, director of the airport’s project steering committee, during a media tour.

The new airport is a $1.5 billion joint venture between the Cambodian government and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corp. It’s being built by the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd.

The architects for the airport are the British firm Foster + Partners, whose website says its “design embodies a strong sense of place” and is “responsive to the tropical climate.” The terminal building sits under what is described as a single overarching roof canopy that is a lightweight steel grid shell, “with an innovative screen that filters daylight and illuminates the vast terminal space.”

Construction is being undertaken in three phases. Initially, the airport is expected to be capable of handling up to 13 million passengers a year, with capacity increased up to 30 million passengers after 2030, and then up to 50 million passengers in 2050.

It will be the second major airport in Cambodia to open in the space of two years. In 2023, the Chinese-financed Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport began operations in the northwestern province of Siem Reap, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the centuries-old Angkor Wat temple complex, the country’s major tourist attraction.

Tourism is one of the main pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia received around 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, a 23% increase over 2023.

By SOPHENG CHEANG

Lufthansa Introduces Its New First Class Premium Experience

The travel experience in Lufthansa First Class with the new cabin interior on long-haul flights is now even more exclusive. The Allegris First Class cabin can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru. Travelers can additionally enjoy the new cabin product in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class on flights to New York-Newark (from mid-April), and from the beginning of August, also to Charlotte.

Since February, nine A350-900s with the new cabin interior have already been flying for Lufthansa, eight of them with the new First Class. Almost half a million passengers in all classes have now enjoyed the new cabin. This year, the retrofitting of the existing fleet with Lufthansa Allegris will commence, beginning with the Boeing 747-8.

"We are completely reinventing the Lufthansa First Class travel experience with Allegris and making it even more exclusive," said Jens Ritter, Chief Executive Officer Lufthansa Airlines. "Our new First Class, with its unique suites, defines the concept of privacy like never before and is unrivaled worldwide. We are also investing in exclusivity and comfort on the ground by completely redesigning our First Class check-in areas and lounges in Munich and Frankfurt."

Three exclusive suites in the Allegris First Class

First Class sets new standards with two individual suites and the extraordinary Suite Plus: guests can heat or cool their almost one-meter-wide seats in the individual suites, according to their personal needs. The separate cabins, with ceiling-high walls and a lockable door, large table and wide seat, an up to 43-inch-wide screen and wireless "over-ear" headphones, define a new standard of comfort and individuality. Generous storage space is provided by a personal wardrobe in the suite, so that travelers can comfortably change and have all their items at hand. Furthermore, individual lamps allow travelers to create their very own “feel-good” atmosphere.

The distinctive double cabin, Suite Plus, with two wide seats that can be combined into a comfortable double bed if required, creates a unique travel experience. The flying private room impresses with maximum comfort and individuality. For the single passenger, the Suite Plus offers exclusivity, with the unique option of using the double cabin as a couple.

The new First Class is part of a major Lufthansa premium initiative. Among the enhancements, First Class guests can also look forward to renovated First Class check-in areas in Frankfurt and Munich, as well as the redesigned First Class Lounge at Munich Airport.

Service improvements for all Lufthansa passengers

There are sustainable improvements not only for First Class guests, but for all travelers. For example, Lufthansa is offering all passengers departing from Frankfurt a new, innovative baggage collection and check-in service. Since last year, travelers have been able to use the Apple AirTag location function to provide the location of their AirTag via the familiar digital channels of Lufthansa baggage tracing. From the summer, Lufthansa will also offer unlimited free chatting on its intercontinental flights. Passengers will be able to send and receive any number of messages, including photos, on their own smartphone or tablet via the familiar apps during the flight, regardless of their travel class.

Lufthansa is additionally revising all service components on long-haul flights in all classes: the entire culinary offering, tableware, pillows, blankets, amenity kits and the onboard service. The introduction of the upgraded service is scheduled to commence in time for Lufthansa's 100th anniversary next year.

There are also many new features, especially for Business Class guests and frequent flyers. Since the end of February, a new catering concept on short- and medium-haul flights in Business Class offers travelers more hot and cold meal choices, as well as completely new menus. The lounges in Newark and London Heathrow have been entirely redesigned, and the renovation of a further 30 lounges will follow this year.

Finland, Denmark Issue Travel Warnings For US For Transgender People

Denmark and Finland have revised their travel guidance for transgender individuals planning to visit the United States.

US President Donald Trump speaks while visiting a neighborhood affected by Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, North Carolina, on January 24, 2025. Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen gives a statement as he arrives ahead of the summit of the Baltic Sea NATO countries at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on January 14, 2025.

The move follows similar guidance updates by other European nations, including Britain and Germany, in apparent response to President Donald Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration and trans rights.

Trump has rolled back rights for transgender and nonbinary people with a flurry of executive orders since he returned to the White House. On his first day back in office, Trump issued an order stating that the government would recognize only two sexes: male and female.

A new section has been added under Denmark's visa rules for entry into the United States. It states that when applying for a U.S. visa, there are only two gender options available, male or female.

If your passport has the gender designation X, or if you have changed your gender, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises contacting the American embassy before traveling for guidance on how to proceed.

The change was made after LGBT+ Denmark contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting an update to the travel advice, per RadioIIII.

Meanwhile in Finland, the advisory notes that if the gender on an applicant's passport differs from the gender confirmed at birth, U.S. authorities may deny entry. It's recommended to check the entry requirements with U.S. authorities in advance.

Additionally, Finnish passports do not include an "X" gender marker. If a dual citizen holds a passport with an "X" marker, it's advisable to verify entry conditions with U.S. authorities beforehand, according to the new guidance.

It comes after Trump also signed an executive order outlining steps to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military, a policy currently facing legal challenges. A Pentagon memo issued in late February directs military branches to identify and discharge transgender service members within 30 days.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth later issued a memo stating that transgender individuals would no longer be allowed to enlist in the military while emphasizing that service members with gender dysphoria who are already serving would be "treated with dignity and respect."

Federal Judge Ana Reyes blocked Trump's executive order prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has updated its travel guidance for British citizens planning to visit the country, warning of potential arrest or detention if travelers fail to comply with entry requirements.

Germany has told its citizens that they are not guaranteed entry to the U.S. even if they have a visa or entry waiver.

Head of secretariat LGBT+ Denmark Susanne Branner Jespersen told RADIO IIII: "We are worried that people will be stopped at the airport and denied entry, or that they will be exposed to something that is transgressive and unpleasant at the airport, says Susanne Branner Jespersen.

"At LGBT+ Denmark, however, they want a very clear answer to what to expect if you as a transgender person want to apply for entry to the United States. Therefore, they will contact the American embassy directly."

It is expected that more European nations will update travel guidance as President Trump reshapes America's domestic and foreign policy.

By Billal Rahman and Yevgeny Kuklychev

Drivers To Pay $23 Extra For Every Uber Or Lyft Trip At Boston Logan Airport, The ‘Highest Rideshare Fee At Any Airport In World’ Under New Plan

The price hike would mean they'll be forced to pay the highest rideshare fee at any airport in world.

In a public records request, it was revealed in a "hidden Massport document" that the agency has plans to increase rideshare prices in the coming years, as reported by Fox's Massachusetts affiliate WFXT.

Massport, or Massachusetts Port Authority, is looking to raise Uber rideshare fees to $23 by 2031.

This comes after Massport announced a proposed raising rideshare fees to $15 roundtrip by 2027, last month.

Boston residents who rely on this transportation method are not thrilled about the potential hike in fees.

“I’m not happy about that at all. I’ll probably try a different type of transportation,” John Kuzniewski told WFXT.

Although there have been complaints from rideshare users, Massachusetts officials claim the money generated from the price hike would be going towards a good cause.

The revenue would be put towards infrastructure upgrades that would greatly improve ground transportation at Logan Airport, as reported by WFXT.

"Logan saw its busiest year in 2024 with 43M passengers, and as we manage our growth, we need to make improvements to all of our ground transportation modes, including Ride Apps," Massport spokesperson Jennifer Mehigan told WFXT.

According to a recent airport report, there were over 29,400 total flight operations in January 2025.

This was nearly 2,000 more operations than were logged in January 2024.

Many aren't convinced that the price hike would benefit consumers or help out those who drive for the app.

Uber drivers are concerned that the hefty price will deter customers from ordering a ride to the airport.

"I think it’s a rip-off," said driver Jim Stern.

"Why do they keep adding on more fees and taxes for the normal American person?" he asked.

Massport's Plan to Increase Riseshare Prices
Massachusetts Port Authority plans to increase rideshare fees to and from Boston Logan Airport by more than $15.Currently, Uber and Lyft are popular ride-app services that provide convenient ground transportation to and from Boston Logan International Airport.

A Massport document revealed that prices are proposed to go from the current $3.25 to $5.50 the next two years, and then $7.50 starting in 2027, and staying at that rate the following year.

Consumers and drivers are worried about how this will impact their day-to-day lives. Those who depend on the service are considering using other methods of transportation to the airport while drivers are worried that business will decline after the price hikes.

In 2019, rideshare companies, also called transportation network companies (TNC), provided over 91 million rides in Massachusetts, according to a report issued by the state.

https://www.the-sun.com/author/teresa-mettela/

Spirit Airlines To Rebrand As Premium Carrier

Spirit Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, some four months after filing. The Florida-based discount airline lost $1.2 billion last year, and filed for bankruptcy protection with a debtor-approved plan already in place.

“We’re pleased to complete our streamlined restructuring and emerge in a stronger financial position to continue our transformation and investments in the guest experience,” said CEO Ted Christie, who will continue to lead the airline. “Throughout this process, we’ve continued to make meaningful progress enhancing our product offerings, while also focusing on returning to profitability and positioning our airline for long-term success. Today, we’re moving forward with our strategy to redefine low-fare travel with our new, high-value travel options.”

The airline had already begun the process of bundling fares last summer, creating four bundles: Go, Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big, offering a variety of inclusions ranging from checked bags, seat assignments, blocked middle seats, or first class-style “Big Front Seats.”

This is in contrast to the business model the airline employed throughout much of the past decade. Spirit was famous for offering bargain basement fares with nothing included, adding on fees for everything from carry-on bags to printing a boarding pass at the airport. The Big Front seat was available as a separate fee, but didn’t come with any extra perks like bags, snacks, drinks, or priority boarding or security—those still had fees attached. Now, with the Go Big fare bundled, the fare type really amounts to a discounted first class. Go Comfy is a lighter version, with an empty middle seat.

The bundled fare products look similar to the four fare-type matrices used by the legacy airlines to sell their own products. Delta, for example, offers Basic, Main, Comfort Plus, and First on their own flights. That stratification of fare products was implemented by the country’s largest airlines in order to compete with the “unbundled” lower fares offered by Spirit. Now that those airlines are back to profitability, it appears Spirit’s role in the industry has evolved from that of a disruptor to that of an imitator.

While the legacy carriers, including American, Delta, and United rebounded following the pandemic on a boost in demand for premium products like extra legroom seats and first-class cabins, low-cost, and ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit have struggled to adapt their business models. Spirit announced a merger with Frontier in 2022, only for JetBlue to swoop in with a better offer by July.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued to block the combination, saying it would violate antitrust laws, and a federal court judge agreed, blocking the merger in early 2024. Spirit filed for bankruptcy in November and declined a second takeover attempt from Frontier in February, saying they would prefer to stick with their ongoing plans to emerge from bankruptcy as a premium airline.

The company didn’t provide any further details on what changes to its product were anticipated in the coming months as it seems to attract more affluent travelers willing to spend more on its flights.

In the January 2025 Air Travel Consumer Report, which includes data from November 2024, Spirit Airlines ranked fourth in on-time performance, operating just over 85% of its flights on time. The company also ranked fourth in fewest flights canceled for the month.

Spirit is the nation’s sixth largest airline in terms of passengers carried, boarding 44.1 million travelers in 2024, behind Alaska Airlines and ahead of JetBlue. The airline operates flights in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, and describes itself as a “low-fare carrier” offering “elevated travel options with exceptional value”.

https://www.fodors.com/news/author/scott-laird

Puerto Vallarta’s Popular Malecón To See Major Upgrades This Year

Puerto Vallarta’s boardwalk, better known by its Spanish name malecón, will soon undergo renovations, the Public Works Adjudication Committee for Jalisco announced on Monday.

During Monday’s session, Mayor Luis Munguía voiced his support for improvements to the popular malecón, a source of pride for local residents of the famous Pacific Coast destination.

The project’s goal is to create a more attractive and safer space for visitors, Munguía said. The plans include the renovation of curbs, seawall cleaning, and the installation of prefabricated benches.

Around 2.6 million tourists visited Puerto Vallarta in the first seven months of 2024, and the mile-long malecón is beloved by residents and tourists alike.

The Public Works Adjudication Committee recently completed improvements to the malecón, including the replacement of 35 traditional lamps with LED technology, infrastructure repairs and a thorough cleaning, all aimed at enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency, the municipal government shared on its Facebook site.

More improvements in the pipeline

In January, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro announced plans to build a new 140-meter-long pier near Hotel Rosita on the Puerto Vallarta malecón.

The project is expected to cost 430 million pesos (US $21.3 million), according to Lemus. It will feature a canopy with a metal structure and steel mesh, pedestrian and stage lighting, outdoor seating and a large viewing platform.

Lemus expressed his vision of a more standardized image for Vallarta’s future.

“We want the people of Puerto Vallarta, the historic center, to have a standardized urban image,” Lemus said. “That is, for the entire town of Vallarta to be seen as those of us in my generation who grew up here remember it — all white, tiled, with all the houses the same, not as it is today, where some are one color, others another. We want to standardize the entire image and encourage many more tourists.”

Several piers have recently been completed along Jalisco’s coast, including in Quimixto, Punta Pérula, Melaque and Boca de Tomatlán.

The state government plans to construct more piers along the coast in Mismaloya, Las Peñas, Yelapa, Chimo, Bahía de Tehuamixtle and Bahía de Navidad.

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/author/fbradstock/

Travelore News: Heathrow Says It Doesn’t Know When Power Will Be Restored And Expects Disruption For Days After Fire

Heathrow Airport says it doesn’t know when power will be restored and expects disruption to last for days after an electrical substation fire nearby.

The airport said in a statement it does not have “clarity on when power may be reliably restored.”

At least 1,350 flights to and from Heathrow were affected, flight tracking service FlightRadar 24 said, and the impact was likely to last several days as passengers try to reschedule their travel and airlines work to get planes and crew to the right places.

Authorities do not know what caused the fire but so far found have no evidence it was suspicious.

Residents in west London described hearing a large explosion, followed by a fireball and clouds of smoke, when the blaze ripped through the electrical substation near the airport.

Some 120 flights were in the air when the closure was announced, with some turned around and others diverted to Gatwick Airport outside London, Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris or Ireland’s Shannon Airport, tracking services showed.

Lawrence Hayes was three-quarters of the way to London from New York when Virgin Atlantic announced they were being diverted to Glasgow.

“It was a red-eye flight and I’d already had a full day, so I don’t even know how long I’ve been up for,” Hayes told the BBC as he was getting off the plane in Scotland. “Luckily I managed to get hold of my wife and she’s kindly booked me a train ticket to get back to Euston, but it’s going to be an incredibly long day.”

Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports for international travel. It had its busiest January on record earlier this year, with more than 6.3 million passengers, up more than 5% from the same period last year.

Still, the disruption Friday fell short of the one caused by the 2010 eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed clouds of ash into the atmosphere and created trans-Atlantic air travel chaos for months.

The Metropolitan Police force said counterterrorism detectives were leading the investigation because of their ability to find the cause quickly and because of the location of the electrical substation fire and its impact on critical national infrastructure.

Miliband said the fire, which took seven hours to control, also knocked out a backup power supply to the airport. Heathrow said in a statement that it had no choice but to close the airport for the day.

“We expect significant disruption over the coming days, and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens,” the airport said.

The fire’s widespread impact on travel led to criticism that Britain was ill prepared for disaster or some type of attack if a single blaze could shut down Europe’s busiest airport.

“The U.K.’s critical national infrastructure is not sufficiently hardened for anywhere near the level it would need to be at to give us confidence this won’t happen again,” said Alan Mendoza, the executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, a security think tank. “If one fire can shut down Heathrow’s primary systems and then apparently the backup systems, as well, it tells you something’s badly wrong with our system of management of such disasters.”

Tom Wells, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, acknowledged that authorities had questions to answer and said a rigorous investigation was needed to make sure “this scale of disruption does not happen again.”

Heathrow — where the U.K. government plans to build a third runway — was at the heart of a shorter disruption in 2023 when Britain’s air traffic control system was hit by a breakdown that slowed takeoffs and landings across the U.K. on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Disruption could last days

Though the fire has been brought under control, Anita Mendiratta, an aviation consultant, said the impact of the closure will be felt over two to four days as airlines, cargo carriers, and crews are moved into position and passengers rebooked.

“As soon as the airport opens up at midnight tonight, it’s not only about resuming with tomorrow’s flights, it’s the backlog and the implications that have taken place,” Mendiratta said. “Crew and aircraft, many are not where they’re supposed to be right now. So the recalculation of this is going to be intense.”

The London Fire Brigade sent 10 engines and around 70 firefighters to control the blaze and about 150 people were evacuated from their homes near the power station.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said in a post on X the power outage affected more than 16,300 homes.

Diverted, canceled and in limbo

At Heathrow, a family of five traveling to Dallas showed up in the hopes their flight home — still listed as delayed — would take off.

But when Andrea Sri brought her brother, sister-in-law and their three children to the airport, they were told by police that there would be no flight.

“It was a waste of time. Very confusing,” said Sri, who lives in London. “We tried to get in touch with British Airways, but they don’t open their telephone line until 8 a.m.”

Travelers who were diverted to other cities found themselves trying to book travel onward to London. Qantas airlines sent flights from Singapore and Perth, Australia, to Paris, where it said it would bus people to London, a process likely to also include a train shuttle beneath the English Channel.

Budget airline Ryanair, which doesn’t operate out of Heathrow, said it added eight “rescue flights” between Dublin and Stansted, another London airport, to transport stranded passengers Friday and Saturday.

National Rail canceled all trains to and from the airport.

Blaze lit up the sky and darkened homes

Matthew Muirhead was working Thursday night near Heathrow when he stepped outside with a colleague and noticed smoke rising from an electrical substation and heard sirens crying out.

“We saw a bright flash of white, and all the lights in town went out,” he said.

Flights normally begin landing and taking off at Heathrow at 6 a.m. due to nighttime flying restrictions. But the skies were silent Friday morning.

“Living near Heathrow is noisy, there are planes every 90 seconds or so, plus the constant hum of traffic, but you get used to it, to the point of no longer noticing,” said James Henderson, who has lived next to the airport for more than 20 years. “Today is different, you can hear the birds singing.”

https://apnews.com/author/jill-lawless

Japan Joins Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, And New Zealand In Establishing Tourist Tax As An Emerging Trend

Japan has joined Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand in making tourist tax an emerging trend in 2025, as more countries implement higher fees to combat overtourism and fund sustainable travel initiatives. With rising visitor numbers straining infrastructure and natural resources, nations are shifting toward mandatory contributions from travelers to support tourism management, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Japan is expanding its tourism-related levies, Germany continues enforcing its 5% hotel tax, and Russia has introduced a nationwide accommodation fee. Mexico is implementing a $42 cruise visitor charge, Portugal is raising lodging taxes in major cities, and Italy is adjusting both hotel and day-trip fees. Switzerland’s visitor levies vary by region, Slovenia enforces municipal travel taxes, and New Zealand has significantly increased its visitor levy by 185%. These changes mark a global shift toward making tourist taxes a standard practice, reinforcing the idea that travelers must contribute more to the destinations they visit as governments seek to balance tourism growth with long-term sustainability.

Japan’s Higher Travel Costs

Japan continues to charge its 1,000-yen ($7) “Sayonara Tax” for departing travelers, but new tourism-related fees are emerging. The Junguria Okinawa nature park, opening in July 2025, will charge international visitors 8,800 yen (~$58) for entry, while Japanese residents will pay 6,930 yen (~$46). Officials argue the higher fee for foreigners aligns with global standards and helps maintain the park. Additional price increases for attractions and accommodation taxes in certain regions are expected in the near future.

Japan – Tradition Meets Innovation

Tokyo: The City That Never Sleeps

A vibrant metropolis where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers. Places to Visit: Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara electronics district. Things to Do: Experience a traditional tea ceremony, shop for the latest fashion in Harajuku, enjoy sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, explore teamLab Planets digital art museum.

Kyoto: The Cultural Heart of Japan

Home to stunning golden temples, historic geisha districts, and breathtaking Zen gardens. Places to Visit: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Gion District, Ryoan-ji Temple. Things to Do: Take part in a kimono experience, enjoy matcha tea in a traditional teahouse, walk the Philosopher’s Path, visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Osaka: Japan’s Kitchen

Famous for its street food scene, neon-lit nightlife, and friendly locals. Places to Visit: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori entertainment district, Umeda Sky Building, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Universal Studios Japan. Things to Do: Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, watch a sumo match, visit Kuromon Market for fresh seafood, explore Osaka Aquarium.

Germany’s 5% Hotel Tax Expansion

Germany applies a 5% city tax on hotel stays, funding urban infrastructure and tourism maintenance. Initially implemented in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, the tax is expanding to smaller towns. Visitors staying in luxury accommodations will pay the most, while budget travelers will see a smaller impact. The funds support landmark preservation, including Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Berlin’s Museum Island, ensuring they remain well-maintained for both locals and tourists.

Germany – A Blend of History and Modernity

Berlin: The Capital of Culture and Creativity A city that seamlessly blends history with a thriving arts and nightlife scene. Places to Visit: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Reichstag Building, Checkpoint Charlie. Things to Do: Walk along the East Side Gallery, explore the underground clubs of Kreuzberg, visit the Topography of Terror museum, relax at Tiergarten Park.

Munich: Bavarian Charm and Beer Gardens

A city known for its historic architecture, beer halls, and proximity to the Alps. Places to Visit: Marienplatz, Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg Palace, BMW Museum, Viktualienmarkt. Things to Do: Drink beer at Hofbräuhaus, take a day trip to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, visit the English Garden, experience Oktoberfest in autumn.

Hamburg: Germany’s Port City

A lively maritime city with a mix of historic and modern attractions. Places to Visit: Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt warehouse district, Miniatur Wunderland, St. Michael’s Church, Reeperbahn nightlife area. Things to Do: Cruise the Elbe River, visit the Hamburg Fish Market, take a ferry to Blankenese, explore the St. Pauli district.

Mexico’s New Non-Resident Cruise Fee

Mexico is introducing a $42 non-resident fee for cruise passengers starting in 2026. Previously, cruise travelers were exempt from additional charges, but the new fee applies whether or not they disembark. This change primarily impacts tourism hotspots such as Cozumel, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas, where short-term cruise visitors contribute to congestion but have not paid tourism-related taxes before. The revenue will be invested in port infrastructure, tourism services, and local community support.

Mexico – Vibrant Culture and Stunning Coastlines

Mexico City: A Capital of History and Art One of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world, filled with history and culture. Places to Visit: Zócalo Square, Chapultepec Park, National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo Museum, Teotihuacán Pyramids. Things to Do: Try authentic tacos at a street market, watch a Lucha Libre wrestling match, explore the floating gardens of Xochimilco, visit Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Cancun: A Paradise for Beach Lovers

A top vacation destination with white-sand beaches and ancient ruins. Places to Visit: Playa Delfines, Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itza, Tulum Ruins, Xcaret Park. Things to Do: Snorkel in cenotes, swim with dolphins, take a boat tour to Cozumel, party at Coco Bongo nightclub.

Guadalajara: Mexico’s Cultural Hub

The birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, full of historic landmarks. Places to Visit: Hospicio Cabañas, Tlaquepaque arts district, Teatro Degollado, Tequila countryside, Mercado Libertad. Things to Do: Watch a mariachi performance, sample tequila from a distillery, visit a rodeo-style charreada, explore the colonial streets of downtown.

Switzerland’s Tourism Levies Vary by Region

Switzerland’s tourist tax rates differ across cantons, ranging from CHF 0.50 to CHF 7 per night, depending on the city and accommodation type. While these taxes increase visitor expenses, they also come with perks—many cities offer free or discounted public transport to tourists who pay the levy. The collected funds go toward maintaining alpine trails, ski resorts, and urban infrastructure in destinations such as Zurich, Lucerne, and the Swiss Alps, ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

Switzerland – Alpine Beauty and Urban Elegance

Zurich: The Financial and Cultural Capital

A city that blends historical charm with modern sophistication. Places to Visit: Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, Lake Zurich, Grossmünster Church, Lindenhof Hill, Swiss National Museum. Things to Do: Take a boat ride on Lake Zurich, explore the Old Town’s cobbled streets, visit the FIFA Museum, enjoy Swiss chocolate tastings.

Lucerne: Fairytale Views by the Lake

A picturesque city known for its medieval architecture and stunning scenery. Places to Visit: Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, Lion Monument, Musegg Wall, Swiss Transport Museum. Things to Do: Ride a cogwheel train to Mount Rigi, take a lake cruise, explore the Glacier Garden, visit the Richard Wagner Museum.

Portugal’s Travel Fees Rise in Key Cities

Portugal has increased its tourism tax across multiple regions:

Lisbon raised its fee from €2 to €4 per night in September 2024.

Porto is set to increase its charge from €2 to €3 per night later this year.

Madeira is expanding its €2 per night tax to cover more municipalities by 2025.

Cruise passengers visiting Funchal (Madeira’s capital) must now pay €2 per visit. These fees contribute to historic preservation, environmental sustainability, and tourism services, ensuring that Portugal’s attractions, from Lisbon’s Alfama district to Porto’s wine cellars, remain well-maintained.

Portugal – Sun, History, and Coastal Charm

Lisbon: The City of Seven Hills

A city full of colorful streets, historic trams, and ocean views.

Places to Visit: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama district, São Jorge Castle, Time Out Market.

Things to Do: Ride Tram 28, listen to Fado music, explore the LX Factory creative district, take a day trip to Sintra’s palaces.

Porto: The Home of Port Wine

A charming riverside city famous for its historic center and wine cellars.
Places to Visit: Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello bookstore, Clerigos Tower, Ribeira district, São Bento train station.

Things to Do: Taste port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia, cruise along the Douro River, explore the Bolsa Palace, try a Francesinha sandwich.

Russia’s Nationwide Tourist Tax Introduced

Since January 1, 2025, Russia has implemented a new accommodation tax of 1% of lodging costs, with a minimum 100 rubles (~$0.90) per night. The rate will rise to 3% by 2027 to fund transportation, tourism services, and hospitality improvements. This tax applies across the country, affecting visitors to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, and Sochi, supporting the nation’s goal of modernizing its tourism infrastructure.

Russia – Grand Cities with Imperial Heritage

Moscow: The Capital of Tsars and Revolution

A city filled with historic grandeur and Soviet-era landmarks.

Places to Visit: Red Square, Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM shopping mall, Bolshoi Theatre.

Things to Do: Ride the Moscow Metro to see its ornate stations, visit Lenin’s Mausoleum, explore the Tretyakov Gallery, take a river cruise at night.

St. Petersburg: Russia’s Cultural Gem

A city of grand palaces and world-renowned museums.

Places to Visit: Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Nevsky Prospekt, Catherine Palace.

Things to Do: Watch a ballet at Mariinsky Theatre, visit the Fabergé Museum, take a canal boat ride, explore the nightlife scene.

Italy Adjusts Tourism Taxes in Popular Destinations

Italy continues modifying its tourist tax system, focusing on Rome and Venice:

Rome has increased its hotel tax by up to €2 per night, depending on accommodation type. Budget stays cost around €5, while luxury hotels now charge €12 per night per person. Venice’s day-tripper tax remains €5 for advance bookings, but last-minute visitors (booked less than 4 days ahead) will pay €10 on 54 peak days in 2025. These funds help maintain heritage sites like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Venice’s canals, aiming to ease the strain of mass tourism.

Italy – Timeless Beauty and Rich History

Rome: The Eternal City
A living museum filled with ancient ruins, grand piazzas, and Renaissance art.
Places to Visit: Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum.

Things to Do: Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, explore the Sistine Chapel, walk through Trastevere’s charming streets, enjoy authentic pasta carbonara.

Venice: The City of Canals

A romantic city built on waterways, famous for its gondolas and stunning architecture.

Places to Visit: St. Mark’s Basilica, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Murano and Burano islands.

Things to Do: Take a gondola ride, visit a glassblowing workshop, explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, attend the Venice Carnival.

Slovenia’s Uniform Travel Tax SystemSlovenia enforces a nationwide tourist tax, with Ljubljana charging €3.13 per person per night—this includes a €2.50 municipal tax and a €0.63 tourism promotion fee. Other Slovenian regions follow similar pricing. The revenue goes toward preserving natural parks, funding eco-friendly tourism, and maintaining cultural landmarks such as Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and the historic town of Piran.

Slovenia – Europe’s Hidden Gem

Ljubljana: The Green Capital

A charming city with a pedestrian-friendly center, beautiful riverbanks, and fairytale castles.

Places to Visit: Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Tivoli Park, Central Market.

Things to Do: Cruise along the Ljubljanica River, explore Metelkova’s street art scene, visit the National Gallery, enjoy Slovenian cuisine in an open-air market.

Bled: A Fairytale by the Lake

A picture-perfect town famous for its lake, island church, and medieval castle.

Places to Visit: Lake Bled, Bled Castle, Vintgar Gorge, Bled Island, Triglav National Park.

Things to Do: Row to Bled Island, hike to Ojstrica for panoramic views, taste the famous Bled cream cake, explore the Julian Alps.

New Zealand’s Drastic Increase in Visitor Levies

New Zealand has raised its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) from NZ$35 to NZ$100 (~£47) as of October 2024, marking a 185% increase. This applies to most visa and NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) holders, with Australians and select Pacific nations remaining exempt. The funds will support environmental conservation, hiking trail maintenance, and sustainable tourism in destinations like Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and Rotorua’s geothermal reserves.

New Zealand – Natural Wonders and Adventure

Auckland: The City of Sails

New Zealand’s largest city, surrounded by harbors and volcanic islands.

Places to Visit: Sky Tower, Waiheke Island, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Viaduct Harbour, Mount Eden.

Things to Do: Take a ferry to Rangitoto Island, visit Hobbiton nearby, go bungee jumping off the Harbour Bridge, explore Piha Beach.

Queenstown: The Adventure Capital

A paradise for thrill-seekers, set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps.

Places to Visit: Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Gondola, Kawarau Bridge, Milford Sound, Arrowtown.

Things to Do: Try bungee jumping, go jet boating on the Shotover River, ski at The Remarkables, hike the Ben Lomond Track.

Japan has joined Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand in making tourist tax the emerging trend in 2025, as more countries adopt higher fees to combat overtourism, support infrastructure, and ensure sustainable tourism, signaling a global shift in how travel is funded.

Why Are Travel Fees Increasing Worldwide?

As global tourism rebounds, many countries are balancing economic recovery with sustainability. These fees help mitigate the impact of high visitor numbers, maintain infrastructure, and fund preservation efforts.

As countries worldwide adjust their tourism policies, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand are leading the charge in raising travel fees in 2025. These increases aim to manage overtourism, improve infrastructure, and preserve cultural and natural heritage. While higher costs may affect travel budgets, they also contribute to maintaining the very destinations travelers seek to explore. Whether these rising taxes will deter visitors or enhance their overall experience remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—tourism is evolving, and so are the costs that come with it.

With Japan, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand all increasing travel fees this year, will these changes affect your plans? Or do you see them as a fair price for maintaining the world’s top destinations?

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

American Airlines Considering Change In Carry-On Luggage Policy

Several major airlines have modified carry-on rules in 2025, sparking questions about bag sizes, restrictions, and what this means for travelers.

Flying with your trusty carry-on bag is practically a right of passage for modern travel. But American Airlines, among others, might be set to shake things up. In 2025 the airline has been rumored to be making plans to implement a revised baggage policy that could redefine what you’re allowed to bring on board. For frequent fliers, this raises an obvious question: what does this mean for you?

The move, if it happens, follows a wave of regulatory changes in European airports, which have created confusion among US-bound passengers. Since Sep. 1, 2024, new EU carry-on standards have tightened what counts as an acceptable bag. American Airlines, alongside other carriers, is reacting with updated guidelines and detailed instructions on its website. But the concern stateside is that it may have more than just an effect in Europe.

What’s happening to carry-on dimensions?

Currently, American Airlines allows a personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger, but the fine print is where things get interesting. Your personal item – think small backpack, purse, or laptop bag – must fit under the seat in front of you and measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Carry-ons, on the other hand, have a limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. Any bigger, and your bag is headed for the cargo hold, often at no extra charge.

The catch? This “generous” policy depends heavily on the size of the plane and the airport you’re flying from. Some airports, including Miami International, have gained a reputation for rigid enforcement, turning away bags that barely exceed the limits. Travelers report that gate-side confrontations over luggage have become almost as common as long TSA lines.

Will your favorite bag make the cut?

If you’re attached to your current carry-on, it might be time to measure it – again. Starting in 2025, if these rumors are true American Airlines will align its policies more closely with stricter international standards. This could mean shrinking the allowable size for both carry-ons and personal items, a move that could frustrate travelers already struggling to pack light.

Adding fuel to the fire are growing restrictions on what you can pack. Lithium batteries, large drones, and even seemingly innocuous items like pepper spray are banned outright by the TSA. Forget to check your list? You could face fines or legal trouble.

Why is this happening now?

Blame it on regulation creep and logistics. Airlines worldwide are standardizing policies to streamline operations and avoid delays caused by overcrowded overhead bins. European airports have taken the lead, leaving American carriers to follow suit—or risk complications for international fliers.

But there’s also a business side. Tighter restrictions could steer more passengers toward checking bags, a service that conveniently brings in billions of dollars annually for airlines. Whether this is about efficiency or profit is a debate that many travelers won’t take lightly.

Delta Airlines, WestJet and Southwestern are just a few of the major carriers to make changes to their baggage policy in 2025.

What can you do to stay ahead of the changes?

For now, double-check your bag’s dimensions before your next trip. If it doesn’t fit into a standard airline sizer, be prepared for it to end up in the cargo hold. And while you’re at it, review prohibited items lists from the TSA and FAA. Alcohol over 70% proof? That’s a no. Your trusty Swiss Army knife? Also a no.

The good news is that the expectation is any change by American Airlines would be advised with plenty of notice.

https://en.as.com/autor/calum-roche/

Israir Joins The Race With Nonstop Flights From Tel Aviv To New York, Challenging El Al’s Monopoly

Israir is set to launch nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and New York, intensifying competition with El Al and offering lower fares for travelers.

Israir to Launch Nonstop Flights Between Tel Aviv and New York, Intensifying Competition

Israir is preparing to become the third Israeli airline offering nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and New York, intensifying competition with the national carrier, El Al, and contributing to a reduction in high airfares.

Request for U.S. Carrier Permit

The airline has submitted a request for a foreign air carrier permit to the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT), seeking approval to operate long-haul flights to the U.S. This comes shortly after rival Arkia launched its own direct service to New York last month, breaking El Al’s longstanding monopoly on the route. U.S. carriers have been cautious about flying to Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the region’s security risks.

Planned Service Details

Israir plans to operate up to six weekly nonstop flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and New York as early as this summer, although the airline has yet to reveal specifics about the service.

El Al’s Monopoly Under Pressure

Throughout most of the past year, El Al enjoyed a monopoly on the Tel Aviv-New York route as U.S. airlines avoided the area due to security concerns. This lack of competition led to severe shortages of available seats and significant fare hikes.

Arkia Joins the New York Route

In early February, Arkia initiated its own direct flights from Tel Aviv to New York, marking its first-ever U.S. route. Initially intended to operate for three months, Arkia has extended the service until at least October. The airline currently runs three weekly flights from Tel Aviv to John F. Kennedy Airport, with departures on Saturday nights just before midnight, and Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

Soaring Airfares Amid Conflict

Airfares between Israel and the U.S. have soared, with prices sometimes more than doubling since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. The conflict caused widespread disruptions, with foreign airlines frequently canceling and resuming flights due to rocket and drone threats. A fragile ceasefire and decreasing tensions have led several major airlines to announce the resumption of services to Israel.

U.S. Airlines Resume Services

U.S. carriers, including United Airlines, are set to return to Israel on March 15, while Delta Air Lines will resume its New York-Tel Aviv route on April 1. American Airlines has yet to announce its plans.

Comparing Airfares: Arkia vs. El Al

Current roundtrip fares on Arkia’s nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to New York start at around $1,200, significantly cheaper than El Al’s starting prices of about $1,800.

Israir’s Potential to Compete with El Al

Feldman remarked that if Israir were to offer business or premium class services, it could compete directly with El Al for a share of the market.

Future Challenges for Arkia and Israir

Looking ahead, both Arkia and Israir may face challenges in maintaining their New York routes as they compete with the reestablished U.S. carriers, especially if tensions ease and long-term peace is achieved.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

Six Flags Fiesta Texas To Unveil The Largest DC Universe Themed Area At Any Amusement Park In The U.S.

On March 1, Six Flags Fiesta Texas made history with the grand opening of the largest DC Universe themed area at any amusement park in the United States. This Texas-sized expansion will take guests into the iconic world of DC like never before, where they'll experience unparalleled thrills, meet legendary DC Super Heroes and DC Super-Villains, and enjoy cutting-edge attractions for fans of all ages.

The new DC Universe themed area features three all-new rides ranging from family-friendly to pulse-pounding thrills: CYBORG™ Cyber Revolution, SHAZAM!™ Tower of Eternity, and METROPOLIS™ Transit Authority. Plus, exciting updates to several existing rides, bringing even more of your favorite DC characters to life. Guests will step into a world where they can encounter DC Super Heroes like SUPERGIRL™, GREEN LANTERN™, and BATMAN™ alongside notorious villains such as THE JOKER™, POISON IVY™ and THE PENGUIN™.

“We are beyond excited to unveil the largest DC Universe themed area in the U.S. and bring these iconic characters to fans in Texas like never before,” said Jeffrey Siebert, park president of Six Flags Fiesta Texas. “This expansion offers an incredible experience for fans of all ages, where they can step into thrilling new attractions, expanded themed areas, and reimagined classics. With something for everyone, it's the ultimate place to feel like a DC Super Hero—again and again. There's no better time to get a Season Pass and experience this new DC Universe themed area like never before, right here in San Antonio.”

All-New Attractions for Every DC Super Hero Fan

The DC Universe themed area will feature three new electrifying rides, plus themed dining options for Super Heroes of all ages.

CYBORG Cyber Revolution: Riders will experience a dizzying adventure unlike any other, where four giant mechanical arms rotate around each other in an exhilarating interlocking pattern. As the ride spins, the entire structure rotates, creating a hypnotic, multi-dimensional sensation of speed and movement. This stunning technological marvel offers families and brave guests a heart-pounding ride inspired by CYBORG's fusion of man and machine.

SHAZAM! Tower of Eternity: A family-friendly drop tower that propels guests 70 feet into the sky before delivering a series of unpredictable, gravity-defying drops. This ride, inspired by the power of SHAZAM, guarantees laughter, screams, and endless fun for Super Heroes of all ages.

METROPOLIS Transit Authority: Guests will soar above the park aboard this monorail-style train, offering a scenic aerial tour of the newly expanded DC Universe themed area. Take in panoramic views from 17 feet above the action while cruising through Metropolis.

Planet Krypton™: Fuel up like a Super Hero at Planet Krypton, where you can enjoy delicious New York-style pizzas made fresh. With fun, Super Hero themed décor, it's the perfect place to refuel after battling Super-Villains or soaring through the skies.

More Super Heroes, More Super-Villains, More Thrills

The expansion also includes thrilling updates to several classic attractions, each now enhanced with more DC characters and storyline

SUPERGIRL Sky Flight: Soar 200 feet into the air, spinning around the towering structure at 35 miles per hour, feeling like Supergirl herself.

POISON IVY Toxic Spin: Guests will spin through POISON IVY's twisted garden in “toxic flowers,” climbing high above the ground for a whimsical yet thrilling ride.

THE PENGUIN: Gotham City Getaway: Hop into the front seat of THE PENGUIN's getaway car and join the criminal mastermind in spreading mischief through the streets of Gotham City. This action-packed ride features an epic battle with BATGIRL™.

Daily Planet: The newly remodeled Daily Planet is your go-to for all things DC! With nearly double the space, you'll find a treasure trove of DC Super Hero merchandise from SUPERMAN™ to BATMAN™. Plus, this one-of-a-kind gift shop acts as both an entrance and two exits for SUPERMAN: Krypton Coaster and SUPERGIRL Sky Flight, making it a hub of excitement for fans!

A Historic Day for DC Super Hero Fans

For more information on 2025 Season Passes, the full lineup of attractions and park hours, visit www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas or follow Six Flags Fiesta Texas on social media.

Travelore Tips: TSA-Approved Self-Defense Weapons You Can Actually Put In Your Checked Luggage

A woman traveling from LAX to Philadelphia in 2024 was stopped by TSA for possessing knives, a box of fireworks, pistol-shaped keychains, pepper spray, and a pair of thread scissors — all in her carry-on luggage (per KTLA5). While some understandably may feel nervous when it comes to traveling and therefore want to have protection on hand — there are strict TSA rules travelers must follow to ensure the safety of their fellow passengers. Unfortunately for those who really want to show off their cool self-defense tactics, this will probably need to wait until landing — as most, if not all, self-defense items are only allowed in your checked luggage (not carry-on). 

Some items, such as pepper spray or mace have stricter regulations even in checked luggage, while things such as personal alarm keychains are fully approved. Even if an item is technically allowed on the flight, however, TSA officials have the final say as to what they deem safe. If you are unsure if an item can be taken on a plane or not, call your airline or contact TSA ahead of time to double-check. With that said, let's dive into today's topic — self-defense weapons you can bring along with you in your checked luggage. 

Pepper spray

When it comes to items like pepper spray or mace, some airlines strictly forbid it, while others allow it to be packed away in your checked luggage. Major airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, and United don't allow pepper spray at all, so it is important to check the airline's website before packing. The same can be said for your destination — while pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, there are still rules and regulations that need to be followed, and each state is different. Some countries or states may have restrictions on the size or formulation of pepper spray that you can carry. On any airline, pepper spray is not allowed in carry-on luggage, and this applies to keychain-sized canisters as well. 

TSA allows each passenger to bring one 4 fluid ounce container (or less) in their checked luggage. It must also have a safety lock or feature in order to prevent accidentally setting it off. Most manufacturers provide instructions on safe handling and storage. Any spray with more than 2% tear gas is strictly prohibited, so be sure to triple-check before packing. Consider labeling your pepper spray container with your contact information in case it gets separated from your luggage. If required by the airline or TSA, notify the security personnel during the screening process. If you're unsure about bringing pepper spray, consider purchasing it at your destination. Many retailers in tourist areas cater to travelers looking for self-defense products.

Tasers and stun guns

Stun guns and tasers are generally permitted in checked baggage but not carry-ons. Most stun guns are equipped with certain batteries that require passengers to remove them (typically lithium) and place them in their carry-on luggage, away from the gun itself. It is best to contact your airline carrier to confirm its particulars when it comes to storing batteries. Even if your stun gun or taser is placed in your checked baggage, TSA still has the final say on whether or not your weapon can pass through the checkpoint. Clear communication (such as letting both the airline and TSA officer know what you are bringing) will help the process go much smoother.

The voltage limit of stun guns varies depending on the state, and all states except for Rhode Island, recognize them as a legal self-defense weapon. Some states require civilians to possess a concealed carry permit or a concealed weapons permit to both purchase and carry stun guns. Local ordinances can sometimes overrule state laws, meaning certain cities can enforce their own regulations. Being prepared with the proper paperwork and knowledge of city regulations will help your trip go off without a hitch. 

Firearms

Firearms are another self-defense weapon that are surprisingly allowed aboard planes. Unloaded firearms may be transported in a locked hard-sided container in checked baggage only. Even if there are "snakes on a plane," you'll have to find some other form of defense against them. Passengers must declare the firearm or ammunition to the airline when checking their bags at the ticket counter. According to the its website, the TSA informs passengers to be aware "that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage." TSA also has certain regulations on what is considered a "loaded" weapon. For example: "If an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered loaded for purposes of assessing a civil penalty."

Its website goes on to say that only the passenger claiming the firearm should have access to the key or combination, unless otherwise asked by TSA personnel. All firearm parts (including ammunition) are prohibited in carry-on luggage but may be transported in checked luggage. Speaking of ammunition, the TSA website goes into specifics: "Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline. Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition." Items such as toy weapons or replica firearms also are required to be packed away in checked baggage.

Sharp Objects

Self-defense items categorized as any sharp-bladed objects like knives or swords are generally only permitted in checked luggage, as long as they are sheathed and stored away properly. Thrusting weapons such as fencing foils are also considered dangerous and must be wrapped and put away in checked luggage. While TSA flirted with the idea to allow small pocket knives in carry-on luggage back in 2013, it quickly reversed its decision after significant pushback. Now, all pocket and Swiss army knives are required to be packed away in your checked luggage. Knives with rounded blades or blunt edges without serration or teeth (such as butter knives or plastic cutlery) are also allowed in carry-on luggage. 

In general, most sharp objects are prohibited in carry-on bags (such as multipurpose tools with knives), however multi-tools with scissors less than 4 inches are allowed in carry-on bags. As with most of the above-mentioned items, certain states and countries have stricter regulations when it comes to things like knives and swords, so check online before you bring your bag of knives with you. For example, certain states prohibit the possession or use of switchblades or butterfly knives. While in the U.K., it is illegal to carry an offensive weapon, including a knife, in public. 

Random items allowed in checked luggage

There are a few other self-defense items that are allowed in your checked luggage, again at the discretion of TSA agents. Things like Kubotans (short rods typically made of plastic), other self-defense keychains, tactical pens, brass knuckles, and defense rings are not technically allowed in your carry-on luggage — however, it is important to call your airline to clarify if you are still unsure. Baseball bats and Black Jacks (small bludgeoning devices) are allowed as long as they are in your checked luggage. 

Certain everyday items that you are allowed to bring with you in your carry-on can also double as self-defense weapons. Items such as a sturdy pen, a metal water bottle, knitting needles (without blades), and S.O.S. jewelry are allowed on board with you. If your main concern is your safety before you land (or you just don't want to deal with purchasing new self-defense items upon arrival), these nontraditional self-defense weapons function well in the sense that you won't have to deal with legalities or worry about getting flagged by TSA. 

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