Even though the "summer
travel season" is at its peak, I am offering an updated guide to travel
"rules" and "regulations" + "change" for 2023 into 2024.
It is important to know that
all travel COVID 19 restrictions are no longer applicable.
I've also included a link to
a website that offer suggestions for avoiding security line holdups, as in the
USA and elsewhere, travel includes going through the "security"
screening, and each country has it's own rules and regulations.
Even if you research your own
travel itinerary using Expedia or some other booking website, you can't expect
them to tell you about security screenings, even the airline you intend to use
will not give you that information.
I
suggest that the best way to avoid being flagged is to use a "trusted" and "knowledgeable" travel
agent to make your bookings, is. Of course, you need to let the travel agent
you choose know that you expect them to be familiar with the rules and
regulations of "security screening" in the countries you plan to
visit.
I've also included a link to
the USA government website advising about visas and entry requirements for
Americans.
More importantly, I am
preparing you for a change to Visa requirements in 2024, wherein Americans will
need a travel visa for European travel, and once more, it is important to use a
"trusted and knowledgeable" travel agent to give you the correct
information and to provide you with the help you will need.
Although this blog has been
about saving $ and traveling comfortably, traveling on the cheap in this 21st
century is not possible if you want to travel comfortably. I understand some may not
care how they get there, but saving $$ is not effective in this 21st
century when travel disasters are a regular occurrence, For instance, a flight is cancelled or your plane is delayed, you have paid in
advance at an Airbnb, and you can't get there, therefore, you lose your money.
A good solution to this
"money losing 21st century" travel dilemma" is to use
a United States Tour Operator Association member (USTOA) who goes to the
destination you want, and a knowledgeable trusted travel agent will guide you budget
wise, as to which USTOA tour operator is best for your pocketbook.
Here are some facts about
USTOA, see the link:
Every USTOA tour operator
will "guarantee" your travel arrangements, and if a destination on
the tour is cancelled you are entitled to a refund for that portion, however, in
most cases a destination equal to the one that was cancelled is substituted,
also the number of days listed for your tour remains the same, however, in the
travel industry tour operators go bankrupt more frequently than is known, therefore,
the best feature of choosing a USTOA member's tour: in case of bankruptcy, all the money you
expended in advance will be fully refunded, it is guaranteed by USTOA.
I wish you and yours happy traveling in 2023!
