Alerts, Updates & Useful Travel News

We receive Daily Updates about status of airports, cruise ports, cruise itineraries, resorts and hotels, and changes in government regulations.  If you have a concern or question, please contact us. 

And our Music City airport is always busy.  Visit www.flynashville.com for flight times, current wait times at security checkpoints, & helpful tips.

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(7/14) Shrinking Sinks! - Yes indeed - airlines are looking at every way possible to add seats to the cabins.  The latest move is to reduce the size of the bathrooms.  The space to turn around is tighter, the sinks are now smaller, and passengers and crew are complaining about the "splash" effect.  Yes, because the sink is so narrow and shallow, the sink water splashes on you as you wash your hands - one more reason not to dress up for airline travel anymore!  

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(7/3) Brandywine Travel Tip of the Week:

BOOK FOR THE HOLIDAYS NOW Vacation Request Approved! – THINK CHRISTMAS IN JULY! Lock in your Holiday Getaway now. Whether it is Christmas Markets in early December, Santa Claus with family overseas, on a cruise, or at the beach, New Years Eve in an iconic location, BOOK NOW for best rates on air tickets, hotels, cruises, and resorts. Don’t wait – availability will become very limited and rates will increase!

 

       

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INVEST  in the  TSA Trusted Traveler Programs

TSA Precheck – Why?  Because the lines are shorter and you don’t have to take off your shoes, pull out your liquids, laptop, belts, light jackets, or your snacks!   Yes, SNACKS!  In some airports, TSA is asking you to pull out your snacks and put them in the tray to be Xrayed!

What does it cost you? $85 and is good for 5 years. 

Or if you travel overseas as well, then apply for Global Entry – Why? You receive all of the benefits of Precheck plus expedited processing thru Immigration and Customs.    

What does it cost you? $100 and is good for 5 years

 

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(6/27) Brandywine Travel Tip of the Week:

UNACCOMPANIED MINOR – Children 5 and over are allowed to travel unaccompanied.  Each airline has their own schedule of services and fees.  Each airline has its own specific rules and procedures for unaccompanied minors.  Some restrict unaccompanied minors to direct flights only.  The party meeting the minor must also be named.  If there is a connecting flight on a different airline, check fees and requirements for both airlines.  Some may require a parental consent form. Check each airlines website at time of booking the ticket and again well in advance of the date of departure to ensure that you bring the appropriate documentation and id’s at check in.  

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(6/19) Brandywine Travel Tip of the Week:

BASIC ECONOMY FARES Beware of those super cheap airline fares – they are the most restricted. Restrictions vary from airline to airline and change quite frequently. SOUTHWEST Airlines shuns this highly restricted fare. As of today, (6/19/18) these are the posted restrictions for 3 major airlines. If you do purchase the Basic Economy fare, we strongly suggest you purchase travel insurance.

DELTA Basic Economy Fare:
NOT Available – Advance Seat assignments & upgrades to Comfort or premium seats.
NOT Permitted – Flight changes and refunds.
NOT Available – No paid access to priority boarding.
Allowed – Small personal item that fits under seat in front of you.
NOTE: If you try to take on a full size carryon and there is no overhead bin space, checked luggage fees apply. Your seats will be assigned after check in and you will always be in the last boarding group at the gate, and so families may not be able to sit together.
Check the DELTA site for FAQs on the Basic Economy Fare

https://www.delta.com/…/faqs/planning-reservations-faqs.html

UNITED Basic Economy Fare:
NOT Available – Advance Seat assignments & upgrades.
NOT Permitted – Flight changes and refunds.
NOT Available – Family or group seating.
NOT Permitted – Full size carry on 
– no access to overhead bins.
NOT Available – Certain Mileage Plus and Premier benefits.
Allowed – Small personal item that fits under seat in front of you.
NOTE: If you try to take on a full size carryon – you will be charged for checked luggage plus a $25 gate luggage handling fee. You will always be in the last boarding group at the gate.

Check the UNITED web site for FAQs on the Basic Economy Fare: https://www.united.com/…/content/travel/…/basic-economy.aspx

AMERICAN Basic Economy Fare:
NOT Available – Upgrades.
NOT Permitted – Flight changes and refunds.
For a Fee – you can purchase a seat assignment 48 hours before departure.
NOT Available – Family or group seating.
NOT Permitted – Full size carry on – no access to overhead bins.
Allowed – Small personal item that fits under seat in front of you.
NOTE: If you try to take on a full size carryon – you will be charged for checked luggage plus a $25 gate luggage handling fee. You will always be in the last boarding group at the gate.
Check the AMERICAN web site for more info on their Basic Economy 

https://www.aa.com/…/tra…/experience/seats/basic-economy.jsp

 

Again, this fare is generally the least expensive available, is not offered on all routes, and is very restricted. If for some reason you cannot take the flight, you will LOSE ALL YOUR money, unless you purchase travel insurance.

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(6/13) Brandywine Travel Tip of the Week:

Do you know about the 6 MONTH PASSPORT VALIDITY RULE?
When traveling overseas, most travelers know that a valid United States passport is required to enter an international destination. But, what will catch out many people is that most countries require six month validity on your passport to travel to their country. This is known as the 6 months validity passport rule for visitors. 
So, if you have booked a vacation departing in October 2018, your US passport must be valid through April 2019. Check your passport expiration date now!

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(5/29)  The Presidential Visit will severely affect air traffic at BNA and road traffic as he motorcades to the downtown fundraising event.  Check local news outlets for up to the  minute status. 

BNA airport delays

Sometime Tuesday afternoon, Air Force One is expected to touch down at Berry Field Air National Guard Base, which uses the same runways at Nashville International Airport. Officials with Nashville's airport are reminding those traveling by air that day to give themselves extra time when heading to the airport that afternoon and evening.  Minor flight delays are expected upon both the president's arrival and departure.

Road closures

Trump's visit will cause a series of road closures downtown, according to a statement from Nashville police.

 

At 9 a.m. Tuesday, Fifth Avenue will close from Charlotte Avenue to James Robertson Parkway. Gay Street will close from Fifth Avenue to James Robertson Parkway.

 

At 10 a.m., James Robertson Parkway will close from Third to Fifth avenues. Fourth Avenue will close from Charlotte to James Robertson Parkway.

 

At 3 p.m., James Robertson Parkway will close at Rosa L. Parks Boulevard.

 

Interstate 40 probably will be temporarily shut down for Trump's arrival and departure, which could impact the Tuesday afternoon commute, depending on what time the president arrives.

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(5/25) The USS Arizona Memorial, is closed indefinitely for repairs to its visitor and loading ramp.

Originally, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that the site would need minor repairs, but after consulting with structural engineers, the NPS said that the repairs are “more significant than originally anticipated" and that “the amount of time needed to implement the repairs is unknown.”

Visitors can still experience free programs at the USS Arizona Memorial, including viewing the site’s 25-minute documentary film and getting a harbor tour of Battleship Row. The site’s museums will also remain open, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor.

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(5/23)Traveling with kids outside your home country? In general, each adult in your party will need a passport and minor children will need either passports or original birth certificates. Documentation requirements become more complicated when one parent or guardian is traveling alone with a minor. In general, besides your passport, you should bring written consent from the child’s biological parent(s) along with the child’s birth certificate.

Many countries require that the consent document be witnessed and notarized. Several websites let you download or print free parental consent forms.

Be aware that specific rules about documentation can differ substantially from country to country, so you should check the US State Department International Travel website for information about requirements for your destination country. Find your destination country, then the tab for "Entry, Exit, & Visa Requirements," then scroll down to "Travel with Minors."

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(5/21) With TSA PreCheck there is:

No need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops or 3-1-1 compliant liquids!   Enroll Now and save time and hassle !  $85 for 5 years 

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(5/21) As a reminder, TSA recently completed the roll-out of enhanced screening procedures and there are a few things passengers can do to assist TSA with keeping wait times to a minimum this summer: 

  • Always check personal belongings/carry-ons for prohibited items before going to the airport.
  • Check with the airlines and airports to determine wait times during peak periods. The MyTSA App is also a great resource to help figure out when you should get to the airport.
  • Pack your carry-on so that it can be easily screened. Examples of personal electronic items that should be scanned separately include laptops, tablets, e-readers, and cameras. Additionally, TSA may provide instructions to remove items from your bag such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

For additional travel tips, read “TSA’s 5 Essential Summer Travel Tips” and follow @AskTSA and @TSA on Twitter and Facebook.

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(5/18) Brandywine Travel highly recommends to our travellers to invest in TSA PRECheck or GOES - These programs save you time through the security check lines, and GOES also includes express service through immigration when returning to the US from an overseas trip.  Both are good for 5 years.

QTSA PreCheck - $85  - if you know you will be flying only in the US 

QGOES - $100 - if you will be travelling overseas by plane or cruise ship

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(5/18) Nashville International Airport (BNA) has added two security screening lanes for a total of 12 lanes to better accommodate travelers as passenger volumes continue to rise. The additional screening lanes, which became operational today on the south side of the terminal, are expected to help the airport limit wait times to 15 minutes or less on most occasions.

BNA plans to add two more screening lanes by the end of 2018, bringing the total to 14. Additionally, the airport’s security checkpoint will expand to as many as 24 screening lanes by 2023 as part of BNA Vision, the airport's ongoing growth and expansion project. 

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(5/16) British Airways became the 53rd airline to join the TSA’s PreCheck program this week, finally giving BA’s passengers access to the program that allows them to speed through security without taking liquids or laptops out of their carry-ons or removing shoes.  Any British Airways passenger flying from or through a U.S. airport that supports PreCheck will now be able to be part of the program for five years for $85.  Great for our British Airways International visitors to Nashville!

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(5/16) Airlines institute enhanced procedures for passengers wanting to bring service and emotional support animals on board in the cabin. 

For American, new procedures apply for tickets issued on or after July 1, 2018.  Check out their web site for info.

Check here for Delta's service and emotional support animal policy.

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(5/15) Hawaii - here we come! Southwest Airlines will begin service to Honolulu in early 2019, and offer inter-island service as well. Flights will originate from Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and San Diego; and expect to expand Hawaii service from Las Vegas and Phoenix.  Make your plans now for Hawaii - those flights will book up fast!  Great News for Nashville since we are a SouthWest hub and have excellent service - don't we love free checked luggage!

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(5/15) How much time do you spend on travel web sites booking your own travel?  According to a study by Expedia, Americans  spend 23 hours online 6 weeks before their vacation, visit on average 140 web sites.  Or you could work with a travel agent! A travel agent can usually offer you the same or better discounts and sale prices as you find on line, and they will help you avoid the scams, and hidden charges that often accompany the "too good to be true deals"

An ABC TV affilate did some investigation - check out their story - What could you do with those 23 hours?  What is that time worth to you?

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(5/14)  Want to know about events in the Caribbean - culinary, cultural, music festivals, boat races, and more.  Check out  http://caribbeanevents.com -  it is a brand new website and as destinations become familiar with it, more and more events will be listed.

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(5/12)  Just got married? - Need to change your name on your passport? - then submit the form to change the name within a year and there is NO charge, if you wait longer than that, then you have to pay the fee.  Note - it is worth the drive! - if you drive to Gallatin Post Office passport service desk, 380 Maple St, Gallatin TN 37066, 615-230-5918  - no appointment is required and the service is quite fast.  If you go to the Airport Location, 525 Royal Parkway, Nashville TN 37229, 800-275-8777 - it is by appointment only and can involve quite a long wait!

 

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(5/11) Need Medical help at the Airport ? BNA's CareHere Walk-In Clinic and Wellness Store can help you travel with less pain. The clinic is located near the C Concourse entrance on the secure side of check-in and offers primary care services for conditions such as earaches, rashes, nausea and strains/sprains, and is also a medicine dispensary. 

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(5/4)  Inaugural Flight Today Nashville - London.  British Airways is operating 5 days a week - on the Boeing 787- 8 Dreamliner.  Departs BNA 8.20pm arrives LHR 10.25 am next day (6 hour time difference.)  Coming home, departs LHR 2.55pm arrives BNA 6.00 pm same day.  Terminal 5 in LHR.   In 1994, American Airlines launched the same route, but canceled it just one year later when the carrier ended Nashville's hub status. 

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(5/1)   What's Open and What's Still Closed - Aftermath of the 2017 Hurricane Season in the Caribbean - Click here for an Island by Island Update for the worst affected islands.

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(4/30)  Mega - Cruise Ships - an amusement park and a small city at sea! -  Cruise ships continue to offer tremendous value - when you consider the itinerary, the entertainment, the activities, the dining!  USA Today did a great photo spread of some of the largest ships at sea - take a look at what these amazing ships offer!  Contact Brandywine travel for travel planning assistance so we can help match your vacation experience expectations with the best cruise ship (small to mega,)  itinerary and activities for you, your family and friends.

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(4/23)  Mamie, one of professional travel counsellors, and Dot, on our staff, have just returned from a trip with UNCRUISE, on a small ship sailing around the San Juan Islands near Seattle.  This is called UNCRUISE, "small ships, BIG adventures" because the experience is so different from what one normally pictures when we say "cruise."   The cruise itinerary offers an opportunity to truly experience the outdoors.  Excursions from the  ship include sea kayaking, swimming, short and long hikes, as well as visits to small ports and towns along the way.  To find out more about the UNCRUISE style of adventure, call Mamie at Brandywine Travel 615-847-4095 .

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(4/10) June 6 - Anniversary of D-Day -  this year is 74th anniversary of D-Day, next year 2019, will be the 75th Anniversary and there will be lots of events to celebrate.  Start planning now so you can book your flights as soon as they become available (11 months out) or work with a tour operator such as Monograms.  They offer a 10 day Paris and London adventure which includes a cruise from Paris on the River Seine and visits to the Normandy Beaches. While in the UK be sure to visit Dover Castle and the Secret Wartime Tunnels from which  the evacuation from Dunkirk was  planned.  Contact Brandywine Travel to start planning your D-Day Anniversary trip. 

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(4/3) Combined River and Blue Water Cruises - a new cruise travel itinerary

Viking offers:

·        The 15-day Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords combines a Rhine river cruise with a North Sea sailing (with departure dates in both 2018 and 2019). 

·        The 22-day Grand European & Viking Fjords combines a Danube, Rhine and Main cruise with a North Sea sailing (departures in 2019). 

·         The 18-day Rhine and Amsterdam to Catalonia combines a Rhine cruise with a sailing along the Atlantic coast (departures in 2018).

Crystal Cruises, offers eight itineraries that combine a river cruise with either a yacht sailing or an ocean cruise, a series the company calls Crystal Exclusive Journeys, and offers a 15-20% discount on the ocean cruise when booked in combination with a river cruise. 

Viking combines the itineraries from the same port - Amsterdam -  Crystal coordinates transfers, if the ports do not overlap.  So, for example, passengers might disembark the Crystal Mozart in Vienna, then take a nonstop flight to Dubrovnik, Croatia, to board the Crystal Esprit yacht.  Regardless of how complicated the transfer, both  cruise lines assert that a key benefit of doing the combination cruises is that the lines will handle logistics.

Scenic Cruises and Emerald Waterways are planning combined river and ocean cruise itineraries, once their new yachts  are launched.  


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(4/3) Cunard combines Alaska with a Trans Panama Canal and TransAtlantic crossing. In May and June 2019, Cunard Line will depart Vancouver, visit Alaska, offering departures in May and June aboard the Queen Elizabeth.  Cunard offers 10-night round-trip Vancouver sailings with more time in port and opportunities to visit the natural wonders of Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.

The ship will then transport passengers down the West Coast of the United States, through the Panama Canal to New York, on to Iceland and the British Isles.  

Itineraries feature scenic cruising through the Inside Passage as well as full days in several of the region’s ports, including Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. The itinerary also includes the Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier and Victoria.

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(4/3)   Roadies a new Los Angeles-based travel company, launched a road trip-style tour concept whereby passengers overnight in berths in a luxury motorcoach.  The Roadies motorcoaches are equipped with 11 sleep pods, a bathroom and shower, flat screens TVs, WiFi access, books, games, and a variety of food and snacks. Coaches will park at participating hotels where passengers will have access to amenities like pools, gyms, restaurants, bars and spas at no extra charge.  The company has two inaugural routes. The seven-day "Sunshine & Lights Tour" includes stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. The seven-day "Hot N' Spicy Tour" visits the same sights in reverse order!

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(4/3)  Open Skies in Africa - Africa seemed to finally take a step in the right direction with the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative by the African Union (A.U.) to open Africa's skies and improve intracontinental air connectivity.   Open Skies could mean a 30% drop in airfares. For tourists, the most exciting prospect is that increased air access will enable them to explore undiscovered parts of Africa more easily.  Whether on safaris, serving on a mission trips, or discovering your roots and ethnic heritage, air travel will be easier and less expensive on the African continent.

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(3/21) United Airlines announce suspension of accepting reservations for the PetSmart service, transporting pets in cargo holds, pending results of an investigation of recent incidents involving pets.  Pets carried in the passenger cabin continues.

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(3/14) Virgin Atlantic introduces 3 classes of economy tickets.

Economy Light: Passengers choose their seat for free at check in and go through security with hand luggage only. Meals, drinks and snacks included, and there are no refunds or changes permitted.

Economy Classic: Meals, drinks and snacks are included, as well as one checked bag (up to 23 kilos), free seat selection at any time, seats upgradeable with miles.

Economy Delight: Meals, drinks and snacks included, plus one checked bag (up to 23 kilos), free seat selection at any time in an extra legroom seat, upgradeable with miles, premium check in and priority boarding.

Delta has a similar tiered service in Economy Cabins - Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Comfort + 

 

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(3/13) Cunard collaborates with Ancestry.com, the largest online family history resource in the world, to offer guests the opportunity to trace their family history on the flagship liner Queen Mary 2 while sailing across the Atlantic.

Cunard played a critical role in the immigration movement to the U.S. in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when one in five immigrants who came through Ellis Island arrived on a Cunard liner. This Ancestry.com crossing offers an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one’s ancestors and experience sailing across the Atlantic like so many immigrants did.

“Cunard has a deep history with immigration to the U.S.,” said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president for Cunard North America. “Cunard’s partnership with Ancestry.com for the November trans-Atlantic crossing will be an extraordinary experience for our guests to learn about their ancestors as they retrace their passage to the U.S. sailing into New York on a Cunard liner.

The seven-night trans-Atlantic crossing, Nov. 4-11, 2018, will feature four genealogists from Ancestry.com who will assist guests in learning who they are and where they come from. These experts will show guests where their family originated, how to sift through census and military records, and determine their ethnic mix through AncestryDNA. 

Cunard is offering a two-night post-voyage tour of Ellis Island and New York’s Ancestral Trail, which offers insight into the early history of New York in downtown Manhattan, including historical landmarks such as Wall Street, the New York Exchange, Federal Hall and the Trinity Church. A detailed 90-minute guided tour of Ellis Island will include the immigration halls and immigrant hospital buildings.

From March 1 through Aug. 31, 2018, guests who book the post-voyage historical tour can save up to 40 percent off a balcony cabin on the Nov. 4 Ancestry Crossing. Call Brandywine Travel 615-847-4095 for  more information.

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(3/8) Basic Economy Fares – The truth  you need to know -  More and more airlines are introducing the Basic Economy Fares for both domestic and transatlantic routes. Although specific rules and restrictions vary by airline and routing, the Basic Economy Fares will always be the least expensive fare on the day you book your flight.  However, know this, that in general:

  You will NOT be assigned a seat until after you check in, which means your seats will most likely be middle seats, and families may not be able to sit together.

  You may be charged for your carry on, you may be charged for your first checked bag. 

   You will NOT be eligible for a free upgrade and in many cases will not be able to purchase an upgrade.

At Brandywine Travel we prefer NOT to book you a Basic Economy Fare ticket, because we know from experience that our clients have been unhappy with the service they receive on that kind of a ticket.   If you  book your tickets through an online travel agency, the lowest fare that we all instinctively are drawn to purchase, will more than likely be a Basic Economy Fare.  Check the restrictions before you purchase, and know exactly what your  are buying!    

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(3/7) Allegiant Lands In Nashville!  5 new cities served non stop from BNA.  Service starts June 7. Year round flights to Punta Gorda/Fort Myer, FL and seasonal flights to Richmond, VA, Savannah, GA, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Destin, FL.  

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(2/27) Drought limited to Cape Town - no drinking water issues in rest of South Africa - Hotels are innovative in their water saving strategy - using biodegradable paper napkins and placemats, changing bed linens on request instead of daily to reduce amount of washing - removing plugs from baths to encourage guests to take quick showers, offering bottled water rather than tap water to drink - Cape Town and South Africa are still wonderful places to visit!  Call Us to plan and book your trip!

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(2/20)  Carnival Cruise Ship Fascination returns to San Juan,  Puerto Rico.  After being leased to FEMA for Hurricane relief work in St. Croix, and Carnival rebuilt their cruise terminal in San Juan, the Fascination has been refitted with new restaurants and bars, and a candy store "Cherry on the Top."The Fascination will depart on Sundays for seven day roundtrip voyages stopping in St Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts. St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

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(2/20) Tours for Single Parent Families -  Intrepid announces dedicated solo parent itineraries that allow children to bond and form friendships with other children in the group while giving a single parent (or a parent traveling without their spouse) the unique opportunity to travel with adults in similar family dynamics. While many family travel experiences are priced based on double occupancy, Intrepid Travel’s new tours are offered at no additional cost. Making family travel even more affordable, all children aged 17 years and younger receive a 10 percent discount off the price of their trip.  Tours range from 8-15 days and include destinations such as Costa Rica, Thailand, Northern India, Egypt, Vietnam, and Morocco.  Trafalgar and Tauck  also offer tours for single parent families.  Call Brandywine Travel for more details.

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(2/15)  Southwest Airlines announces Atlanta as a new destination from BNA, bringing more flight options and competition to the Nashville-Atlanta market.  Service begins on Aug 7, with 5 flights a day.  Not only does this new flight help Nashville businesses,  it will facilitate more tourists coming to Nashville!

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(2/13) Voluntourism in Dominica - As a sign of progress in Dominica's recovery from Hurricane Maria, Fort Young Hotel in Roseau has complted first phase of renovations and opened 41 rooms.  Visitors can book the five-night Voluntourism Package, which includes accommodations, roundtrip transfers, full daily breakfast, an island tour and cleaning of debris along the Waioukubuli National Trail. The package is priced at $837 per person, double occupancy.  

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(2/12) Montego Bay - Jamaica - the "state of public emergency" for St James parish, which includes the Montego Bay area, has been extended to May 2.  Although the incidents of crime in the parish have not affected the tourism area and the increased crime rate has not deterred visitors, the government wanted to elevate the level of security to provide additional visibility and protection for the visitors.  In fact, the number of visitors is up by 6% year over year.

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(2/12) Air New Zealand makes schedule changes due to maintenance requirements.

Air New Zealand advises that it will be retiming some international flights and making a limited number of cancellations over coming weeks as a result of two recent events involving the Rolls-Royce engines on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Rolls-Royce has advised that some of the Trent 1000 engines in the airline’s Boeing 787-9 fleet require maintenance sooner than previously indicated.  Rolls-Royce does not have any replacement engines available while this maintenance work is undertaken which means some schedule changes are unavoidable.

In addition to these changes, Air New Zealand is focused on securing replacement aircraft capacity.  Customers affected by these changes will be proactively contacted with new travel information.

If you are affected by a delayed or cancelled 787-9 service and the alternative offered is not suitable or the reason for your travel no longer exists, you may defer your travel to a later Air New Zealand flight in the same class of travel within 7 days of your original travel plans without penalty. If travel is only available in a higher cabin, the fare differential will apply. If the proposed date of travel is unknown, then the value of your ticket may be held in credit for payment towards travel within the same 12-month validity.

Where there is no suitable alternative to your travel plans when the 787-9 operated flight has been cancelled or delayed you may receive a full refund of unused tickets regardless of fare conditions. Please contact your original booking agent for refund assistance.

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(2/5) TSA Pre✓®- 5 more airlines added to the list, notably Air France, KLM and Philippine Airlines - now a total of 47 domestic and international airlines participate in the program.  Click here to view the listA 5 year membership for TSA Precheck costs $85, it does require a back ground check.  And it  saves so much time going through the lines, and you dont have to take off your shoes!   Click here for info on the Trusted Traveller Programs from TSA.

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(2/2) Passport Execution Fees will increase on April 2, 2018.  The execution fee will go up from $25 to $35, bumping the cost of a passport up to $145 for adults and $115 for children 16 years and younger.  However, that increase does not apply if you mail in your application, rather than go to a post office.   The Post Office Passport Window that many folks use is the one adjacent to the airport at 525 Royal Parkway - for information regarding their new times and procedures call 615-872-5742.  As of today, their web site has not been updated to reflect the changes.   Appointments are no longer necessary, and it is a walk in and wait operation now.  The doors open at 8 am and it is a first come first serve process, with a maximum of 64 applications being processed each day.   Other post offices in the region do have passport windows, the next closest to Old Hickory is in Hendersonville at 105 Imperial Blvd - click here to search for the closest post office to your zip code, and be sure to select Passports.

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(2/1) Puerto Rico is welcoming visitors with newly renovated hotels and restaurants - Two major hotels in San Juan have announced reopening dates: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort on March 1 and El San Juan Hotel on Oct. 1.  Following a multimillion-dollar renovation to repair hurricane damage, the 400-room Wyndham Grand Rio Mar will offer new menus at their restaurants, plus, to celebrate Puerto Rico's recovery, $1 of every room night booked by guests for March and April will be donated to the El Yunque Rainforest Restoration Fund, with the goal of raising $10,000.

The 388-room El San Juan is undergoing a renovation of guest rooms, oceanfront villas, pools, public spaces and landscaping, after hosting groups of first responders and aid workers following Hurricane Maria.

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(1/28)  Caribbean Recovery Update - Dominica - The port of Roseau has reopened and welcomed the first cruise ship since Hurricane Maria in September, 2017. Shore excursions were planned and some restaurants are open.   However 4 months after the hurricane, 85% of the island customers are still without power.  Many homes and businesses are utilising solar power. Utility Power is expected to be fully restored by April 2018. Support our Caribbean neighbors and help them get back to work in the important tourism industry by visiting the Caribbean.

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(1/20)  Federal Government Shutdown and TSA.  Airlines will fly the friendly skies without obvious changes during the federal government shutdown because air-traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration checkpoint officers are classified essential workers. 

The 25,127 workers in FAA’s air-traffic organization, will be working since they are deemed esential, according to a Transportation Department plan. LIkewise TSA will be staffing the security checks points at airports, as will Customs and Border Patrol.  During the shutdown, they are working with no guarantee of a paycheck, lets hope government officials will authorise pay for our hardworking government employees. 

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(1/19) The Jamaican government recently declared a "State of Emergency" for the Montego Bay Area due to a recent uptick in crime in that area.  Visitors are being warned not to leave the confines of their resorts. However, in Jamaica, do not be alarmed.  Jamaica experiences a very low crime rate of crimes against tourist, perhap as one of the lowest in the Caribbean, a Jamaican tourist board representative remarked.   99% of Jamaicans welcome this move, he continued.

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(1/15) U.S. Virgin Islands Update. One of the Caribbean destinations hardest hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria is closer than ever to full recovery. Electrical power has been restored to more than 90 percent of the U.S. Virgin Islands.   8,851 poles and 5.6 million feet of wire were replaced.  The USVI had to repair damaged roads, weakened infrastructure, and remove sunken boats.  The U.S.V.I.  received $800 million in emergency loans from a $36.5 billion disaster recovery bill approved by the U.S. Congress last year.  However most hotels will not reopen for tourism until summer of 2018,  On the otherhand, Historic downtown Charlotte Amalie, is almost back to normal. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. partnered with the Department of Tourism and the Magen’s Bay Authority to restore Magen’s Bay Beach, one of USVIs most popular beaches and always a favorite with cruise-ship visitors, re-opened on December 7, so cruise ship activity is almost back to normal now in the USVI.  And now the USVI needs toruism dollars - Book a cruise and help rebuild hurricane ravaged islands!

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(1/11)  Kenya Airways, a member of the Delta/KLM Sky Team announced daily direct flights from New York to Nairobi, with onward connections to 40 African cities.  Service begins October 29.  Departs JFK at  12:55pm and arrives at 10.55pm, and departs 11.25pm landing in JFK 6.25am next day for easy connections back home. For our clients interested in safaris, mission trips, beach vacations on the Indian Ocean, this will be an excellent option.  We can expect this to book up fast!  If you are planning a trip to the African continent, make plans now so you can take advantage of this service.

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(1/9) â€‹Nashville International Airport (BNA) is advising travelers that a section of the Long Term A Parking Lot will close beginning Saturday, Jan. 13, due to construction activity. The remaining spaces in Long Term A will still be available as well as BNA Express Park, Long Term B, Economy, the Short Term Parking Garage and Valet Parking.

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(1/2)  The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an extension to  9 states (Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington) that are not compliant with the Real ID Act, giving travelers from those states until Oct. 11, 2018, to use their driver's license as identification at the airport at TSA checkpoints. If that extension had not been granted, airline passengers would have been forced to use their passports (pictured above) as ID in order to fly domestically, and many do not have passports.  Tennessee Drivers Licensea are already  in compliance!

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(12/28)  The Turkish Embassy in Washington DC issued a statement today confirming that they would begin processing visa requests again for US citizens.  You can apply on line:  Click Here:  https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

YEAH -  now you can plan those trips to Turkey again!

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(12/28)  Visit Venice by Cruise ship while you still can - the iconic views of Venice from the deck of a cruise ship can still be enjoyed for a few more years Under the new rule, large vessels will be diverted to a neighbouring industrial town, Marghera.  But it will take four years before the port and the new route are ready, the transport minister said.   The new plan will divert ships weighing 100,000 tonnes or more away from the historical canal, leaving the waterfront of the iconic St Mark's Square for gondolas and water taxis. 

(12/20)  Dive the Shipwrecks in Puerto Rico!  The Puerto Rico Tourism Company declares today that Puerto Rico is  "officially open for tourism."   Crash Beach Puerto RicoIf you want to help them, please visit. They need the income, they need our tips, they need our support.  "It's still a beautiful place, the sun is still shining, the water is still crystal clear," a tour operator reports "We are recovering and we need tourist dollars." 

At least one activity is even better post-storm: SCUBA DIVING  -  many shipwrecks that had been buried under the sand are now exposed!

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(12/19)  Puerto Rico Update - 65% of the island has power restored.  For the average tourist, however, visiting Puerto Rico will feel familiar. There are clear signs of Maria's destruction: many traffic lights still don't work, detritus still lines some roadsides, there are many damaged buildings.  Some stores have reopened without power and accept only cash.  Support and encourage the people of Puerto Rico get back on the feet, visit Puerto Rico by cruise ship, or plan a land vacation!

Custom Panama Hat Maker in San Juan

Old City hotels like El Convento and the boutique Villa Herencia are open and have no signs of damage. There are plenty of places to eat and souvenirs to buy. The beaches are mostly cleaned up and the water quality is back to normal. Some of the largest hotels are still closed, especially those on San Juan's beach, like Hilton's El San Juan, the Ritz Carlton and the Marriott. But more than 100 hotels are open and taking reservations.  


Their spirit of resiliency is alive in Aguadilla, where locals, including many that work in tourism, have been out cleaning up Crash Boat Beach, one of western region's nicest beaches where even now, the water is so clear you can see straight down to the sandy bottom 20 feet below at the end of the pier. Maria knocked about half of it into the sea. The storm surge also swallowed about 100 feet of the sand, making the strip of beach much smaller than it used to be. 

 

"Se Levanta" or "Rise Up" is the Rallying Cry for Puerto Ricans

Locals say there is far less vegetation, many fewer palm trees, but it's still a beautiful beach.  Crash Boat's iconic fish market, which fisherman stocked with fresh catches from the colorful yolo boats, was destroyed, along with its adjacent restaurant and bar.  The beach cleanup, which included painting the pier, picking up trash, and cutting the fallen palm trees, was organized by the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC), which has been helping to get Puerto Rico's tourism sector back on its feet. 

 

 

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(12/18)    Tragic Accident on the Inaugural Day of the Cascades High Speed Train Service. High Speed Train Derails South of Seattle Interstate 5 remains closed.  The Washington state governor, Jay Inslee, declared a state of emergency and visited the scene.  He emphasized that the cause of the crash remained unknown.  “There are four things we need to do: express compassion for these families, respect first responders, stay off I-5, and suspend judgment. No one knows what happened in this incident.”

The Amtrak Family Assistance Center is open to assist passengers and families at the Marriot Courtyard in Tacoma.

The Amtrak Incident Hotline is 800-523-9101.

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(12/18)  Airport Electrical Fire grounds many Delta Flights on Sunday 12/17 - the  disruption affects all airlines but mostly Delta because ATL is a connecting major hub for them, and to lesser extent Southwest.   When a similar disruption occurred 6 months ago, it took Delta 4 days to totally recover. The challenge being that most flights are already full for the Christmas season.  The good news is that because Atlanta is the center of operations for Delta, there are more spare planes and ground crews available to fill in and move the passengers on to their final destinations.

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(12/1) Antigua and Barbuda - Open for Business - Antigua was hardly touched by the hurricanes, but Barbuda was badly damaged, and now the people need your support - check out their video  

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(11/30)  Christmas Flights and American Airlines - a glitch in their pilot scheduling  software approved too many vacation requests and now they are understaffed for the scheduled flights over the holidays.  If you purchased your ticket through Brandywine Travel, we will be advised if there are any schedule changes or cancellations, and we will work with the airlines to make sure you are on a flight.  If you purchased your ticket direct from the airline or an OnLine Travel Agency you will have to contact them to resolve any issues.

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(11/29) The Airport in Bali is open again - however the volvano continues to emit small eruptions

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(11/27)  Several eruptions of Mount Agung, a volcano in Bali, are causing weekend flight delays and cancellations throughout the region.  The volcano erupted three times on Saturday (11/25), according to CNN, with ash shooting up to 2.5 miles in the air and the resulting smoke ultimately reaching as high as five miles. In addition to ash and smoke, overnight photos of the volcano also captured what appeared to be magma,  Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia KLM, Qantas and Virgin Airlines are among the affected airlines.  The U.S. Consulate in Surabaya urged travelers to confirm their flights with their airlines.  

 

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(11/20) Nashville International Airport Provides Thanksgiving Travel Tips - Heavier Passenger Departure Days Expected for Nov. 22 & 26

As the holidays approach, Nashville International Airport (BNA) is preparing for a busy travel season. Anticipated heavier passenger departure days will be Wednesday, Nov. 22, with approximately 21,000 departing passengers and Sunday, Nov. 26, with approximately 23,000 departing passengers. The 2017 passenger projections are a six percent increase over the previous year.   On a typical day at BNA, approximately 19,000 passengers are screened at the security checkpoint. BNA’s current single day record is 25,024 departing passengers, which was set Monday, June 12, 2017, following the conclusion of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and CMA Music Fest.

 

Travel Tips:

 

  • Pack smart by knowing what to pack before you depart. Visit tsa.gov for tips.
  • Check flight status before heading to BNA.
  • Arrive inside the terminal at least two hours before a scheduled flight.
  • Be sure to check your boarding pass before entering the security check point to see if you’ve been selected to participate in TSA Pre✓™ for that particular flight.
  • Check Security Checkpoint Wait Times at flynashville.com and on flight information monitors in the Ticket Lobby.
  • Mobile boarding passes are accepted at BNA. Passengers can use their smartphones and mobile devices to show their boarding passes and for check-in.  For more information, contact your airline carrier.
  • Visit www.flynashville.com for more information and tips.

Read the full press release here.

 

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(11/14)   Las Vegas is a community where the number 1 employer is tourism.   If you were thinking about a trip to Vegas, now is the time to go to support our fellow Americans, again. The Oct. 1 mass shooting just off the Las Vegas Strip has dealt a substantial blow to travel bookings.  This is a tragic situation -  What has happened to the victims of the shooting is absolutely shocking and tragic. One also feels sorry for all those people who work in Las Vegas too. They are dedicated to showing visitors a good time, and it must be very hard to keep doing that in such awful circumstances.   We must not let these terrible tragedies destroy even more lives, the families of the employees - consider booking a trip to Vegas! 

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(11/6) Although the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and its tourism sector were deeply affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September, the Tourist Board can now proudly proclaim that we’re still sailing as of Nov. 1.

The BVI Tourist Board and government have been fully dedicated to restoring the territory to its luxurious allure. While many of the landside accommodations are currently closed, the BVI is thrilled to announce that the yachting sector will begin welcoming visitors in November. The following charter companies intend to resume sailing for the Winter 2017/2018 season – many of whom are bringing new yachts to the BVI for the first time. A sailing enthusiast’s delight, the BVI is excited to once again host the highly-anticipated Anegada Lobster Festival on Nov. 25 and 26. Guests are encouraged to stop by the event to indulge in delectable and authentic seafood offerings, entertainment and fun.  “We remain energized and optimistic that the destination’s tourism industry will rebound. Guests of the BVI have come to expect a luxurious, personalized experience in terms of the islands’ natural beauty and our unparalleled hospitality. When they return, this product will only have gotten better,” Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus said.

Diving enthusiasts can enjoy the BVI’s vast marine life at the Wreck of the RMS Rhone, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, or at the new BVI Art Reef. Dead Chest, Peter Island, Norman Island and the Indians are also great places to experience underwater beauty. Meanwhile, the dive operator sector is focused on rebuilding efforts to become fully operational.  Starting November 1, Dive BVI will operate initially from their main base at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor while Sunchaser Scuba (Bitter End) and Sail Caribbean Divers (initially from the Moorings base) will begin operations the following month.

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(11/3) Thanksgiving Day Travel Forecast  Thanksgiving air travel is notorious for crowds, bad weather, delays and flight cancellations.  It’s easily one of the most challenging times of the year to fly. We all think that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the worst day to travel - not so – it is actually the Sunday before, and the Tuesday before is the second worst day of the year to travel!  The risk of a delayed flight is higher at Thanksgiving than at any other time of year.  Best day to fly with the least number of delays – Thanksgiving day it self!

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(11/1) Update on the Florida Keys – The Keys are open – have been since Oct 1.  1 million cubic metres of debris was removed from Key West – the section of the Keys from MileMarker 5 – 40 was most badly affected.  That is an area from approximately 5 miles outside Key West heading towards Miami for 35 miles.  News from the Florida Keys and KeyWest Tourism Office:

"Every day, things are improving in the destination and we are very proud of that.  With lots of rain after the storm, the foliage is returning, and the cleanup crews have, and are still, working tirelessly to get the Florida Keys looking as beautiful as ever.  The harder hit areas will take a little longer to get completely cleaned up, but overall, the destination is looking great and is open for business." 

  How can Americans help? Come to the Keys. 50% of the residents of the Keys are employed in the tourism business.  If you have reservations for a vacation in the Keys – Don’t cancel, and if you are thinking about a Florida vacation, a week or a weekend, – think about the Keys and support your fellow Americans!    

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(10/24) St. Maarten  - Minister of tourism Melissa Arrindell-Doncher said there will be activities for cruise passengers, including Segway tours, dining, shopping and tour buses to local attractions and beaches.  Most of the island has had power and water restored.  "We are open now but visitors have to realize we have come through an enormous, powerful storm and the island is in the midst of recovery. Those who have been to St. Maarten before will certainly see a difference, but we are well on our way toward full recovery. I see progress from one day to the next," Arrindell-Doncher said. By February or March, "We will have a very nice tourism product to offer to our visitors," she said.  On schedule is the annual Heineken Regatta, March 1-4, and a music festival, March 14-18.

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(10/23)  Puerto Rico says it is on a quick path to recovery - just 4 weeks after the storms,  The international airport is fully operational, the  cruise ports are open and RCCL has returned,  More than 80 hotel properties are open and taking reservations. For an update on the hotels Click Here.  Many key attractions are open,  Bacardi Tours opens November1,   El Morro and other historic sites in San Juan will be opening in the coming weeks. 

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(10/19) US Virgin Islands Update  Please consider vacationing in the USVI as a way to support our fellow US citizens. Call us to find out how. Tourism is the major component of their economy and represents so many jobs that support local families.  Properties on St. Croix are now or will be open soon for guests.  Some of the largest hotels on St. Thomas and St. John will be closed for hurricane repairs and renovations until 2019, but many of the smaller properties will be reopening sooner.

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(10/19) Napa Valley Wildfires - The Napa Valley itself was mostly spared from the firestorms. The wildfires mostly affected the eastern and western hillsides surrounding the valley floor.  Many of the hotels, wineries, restaurants and other businesses have remained open or are reopening this week to welcome visitors.  Many of the wineries are holding fire relief fundraisers to support those who were affected by the wildfires, "Dine and Donate"  "Dollar for Dollar Match" "25% donation on wine sales and tasting fees"  "20% of On Line Sales" Click here and then scroll down to find out about the many different ways you can enjoy wine and support the local relief effort.

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(10/17) Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) will return to St. Thomas on Nov 9.  It is expected that most restaurants, shops, bars, and excursions, including boat and catamaran will be operating by then.   Grandeur of the Seas will return to Port St. Maarten on Nov 5, according to that town's facebook page. 

(10/17) Hurricane Ophelia affected Ireland and Northern England with such strong winds that brought sand from the Sahara Desert, it turned the sun red!   In the south west of Ireland. where the hurricane made landfall, trees were uprooted, cell and internet service were lost for a day or so. There were power outages and a few flight cancellations but  most everything is back to normal now.  Confirm with your airline for specific carrier information.

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(10/13) Carnival Fascination chartered to FEMA and cancels San Juan departures through Jan 28, 2018.   Other cruise lines such as RCCL and  NCL will be visiting San Juan.  Consider booking a cruise that visits San Juan - the port is open, the old town is lovely and Puerto Rico really needs your business as a way to help our fellow American citizens on the road to full recovery .

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(10/12) The Caribbean  Hotel and Tourism Association has a very easy website on which to check the status, island by island, 25 islands are open, 11 islands are on the road to recovery

(10/12)  Updated - After the Storms - Whats Open - Whats Closed in the Caribbean    Most of the Caribbean is Open and really needs your support to rebuild and ensure jobs for the people of these beautiful islands.  

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(10/11)  Beaches Resort (by Sandals) Update - The Turks and Caicos Sandals Beaches is scheduled for re-opening on December 14 after the hurricane damage.  The resort was already scheduled for renovation and maintenance so no bookings or guests were signigficantly impacted.   Book now in this wonderful resort for families.  

Beaches Resort (by Sandals) is home to the Caribbeans first  Autism-Friendly Kids Camp.. Beaches is the first resort company in the world to have completed the rigorous Autism Certification.  Beaches welcomes Julia - a Sesame Street character - a sweet and curious 4 year old with Autism.

(10/10) Status Update - California Wine Country Fire Damage 

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(10/9) Rebuilding Puerto Rico - For travellers who would like to help the relief and recovery process in Puerto Rico, UnitedForPuertoRico.com is a domestic non-profit brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rossello, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected on the island.   For anyone with further questions about the rebuilding process in Puerto Rico, the tourism department has provided a phone number (787-522-5960) which will give people information and updates.

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(10/6)   Tropical Storm Nate will impact the Yucatan Peninsula Saturday and the current trajectory has landfall in the US between Mobile AL and Tallahassee FL as a Cat 1 Hurricane.

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(10/3) Whats Open, Whats Closed,  A Map of the Caribbean and the recent Storm Tracks

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(10/2)  Jet Blue, Puerto Ricos largest airline, makes significant philanthropic commitment.  With its 100x35 initiative, the carrier has 35 ways it plans to aid Puerto Rico over the next 100 days and beyond. The name pays homage to Puerto Rico's size of 100 miles long by 35 miles wide.  JetBlue said it would continue to aid the island in six broad categories: charitable airlift services, relief pricing, fundraising, deployment of its emergency personnel to the island, providing for unmet needs by supporting programs such as free meals and care package deliveries; and by supporting rebuilding efforts.  Other U.S. airlines, including Southwest, American, United and Delta have also aided Puerto Rico by carrying supplies to the island and by flying evacuees out of the U.S. territory free of charge.

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 (9/29)

Puerto Rico Update - Dramatic sattelite images that show the extent of the power outages on the island, as well as the US Virgin Islands and Tortola. The top image shows the islands at night before Hurricane Irma and Maria, the lower image is dated on Sept 24 2017, a week after Maria.

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(9/28) Great News - Florida Keys opens for tourism October 1 - sooner than expected

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(9/27) Open or Closed ? A Port-By-Port Look after Irma and Maria (as of 9/25)

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(9/27) Islands NOT IMPACTED By Hurricanes Irma and Maria and OPEN NOW to Receive Guests

Jamaica                  Aruba           Curacao        St.Lucia         Barbados

Cayman Islands     Grenada       Haiti              Trinidad & Tobago

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(9/27) Islands MINIMALLY IMPACTED by Hurricanes Irma and Maria

The Bahamas: Hotels, airports, and marinas are open on Nassau and Grand Bahama as well as most out islands. Most of the damage from Hurricane Irma happened on the small southern out islands. As of Friday, Sept. 22, Hurricane Maria is expected to pass northeast of the Bahamas through Sunday.

Antigua: The island only experienced some minor wind damage in Hurricane Irma. Although the entire population of Barbuda has been evacuated to Antigua, all hotels and airports are open.

The Dominican Republic: The island did experience some structural damage, flooding, and fallen trees in Hurricane Maria. The country’s major tourist destinations, including Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Samana are operating normally.

 

Islands  IMPACTED  by Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Turks & Caicos: There was major damage to hotels and roads during Hurricane Irma. Just as rebuilding started and the airport  re-opened, the core of Hurricane Maria passed about 90 miles north of Grand Turk Island on Friday, Sept. 22, bringing an estimated 16 inches of rain to the islands. Club Med expected to open 

Cuba: The north coast of the island received a lot of wind damage from Hurricane Irma, mostly in Los Cayos. Wind damage, power outages, and major flooding in Havana has made travel difficult although some hotels are open.

St. Croix: Largely unscathed by Irma, the western and southwestern areas of the island were damaged by Maria, and much of its power is down. The island’s medical center was breached and patients were evacuated.

St. Kitts and Nevis: While Nevis is mostly without damage following hurricane Maria, there is some damage to structures and roads on St. Kitts. 

 

Islands SEVERELY IMPACTED by Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Anguilla: Most of the island’s buildings were damaged or wiped out in Hurricane Irma. The airport is open only for emergency flights carrying supplies. Clean-up, renovations, and rebuilding has started all over the island.

Dominica: After the island was battered by Hurricane Maria, its prime minister posted an impassioned plea for help on Facebook stating that nearly the entire island had been destroyed. 

Puerto Rico: This American territory was mostly spared any major damage from Hurricane Irma, but the eye of Hurricane Maria made a direct hit on this island. Still facing dangerous flooding and months without power, the island started receiving military and rescue flights on Friday, Sept. 22. A failed dam is causing several towns to evacuate.

St. Thomas: There was sweeping damage all over the island after Hurricane Irma, with many residents in shelters or evacuated to the U.S. mainland. The tourism board of the U.S. Virgin Islands is discouraging visitors from coming at this time. 

St. John: The smallest and most remote of the U.S. Virgin Islands was stripped of most of its signature beauty by Hurricane Irma as trees and parks have been demolished. Half of the population has evacuated. As with St. Thomas, the tourism board of the U.S. Virgin Islands is discouraging visitors from coming at this time. 

Barbuda: This idyllic, tiny island had 95% of its structures knocked down and all of its population evacuated after Hurricane Irma.

St. Martin/St.Maarten: Battered into a heap of cracked facades and uprooted trees by Hurricane Irma, the shared French and Dutch island has very little water or power.

St. Barts: The former luxury playground has been reduced to bent palm trees and rubble by Hurricane Irma but reports that electricity and water have been restored mean that rebuilding will begin soon.

British Virgin Islands: Large-scale destruction from Hurricane Irma has wiped out most of the island’s infrastructure but re-building has already started. The islands were spared the worst from Hurricane Maria but received high winds and rain.

 

 

 

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Maria-Ravaged Puerto Rico Grapples With Island-Wide Power Loss

(Click here for an audio update from a resident reporter - 9/21/2017)

 

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STATEMENT REGARDING SEPTEMBER 19TH EARTHQUAKE IN CENTRAL MEXICO
The sympathies of the Mexico Tourism Board, and the entire Mexican tourism industry, go out to those affected by the earthquake in Central Mexico on September 19, 2017.Mexico’s Federal, State and Local Governments have activated response plans in order to support the individuals impacted as well as to assess damages.

According to the latest information, damages have been reported in parts of Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico City. Tourist attractions remain open and functioning in these destinations. While the international airports in Mexico City and Puebla suspended operations as a standard precaution yesterday, both airports reopened within 4 hours and are now fully operational.  Additionally, we are thankful to report that no other international tourism destinations in Mexico have been affected and are operating normally.  Given these facts, there is no reason for visitors to cancel travel plans to Mexico. The Mexico Tourism Board, and the entire tourism industry, are focused on ensuring visitors in affected destinations receive any assistance necessary while continuing with their existing travel plans.  Updates on the situation will be shared as new information becomes available.
Mexico Tourism Board --  "Support Mexico by keeping your travel plans"

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The Realities of IRMA – and how you can help. (Click here for an audio update from a Caribbean Tourism official)

We have all seen the pictures, the loss and  devastation of the homes of the people who are left with practically nothing.  How are they going to rebuild their lives?  They need to go back to work -  their jobs are mostly supporting tourism on thier islands.   For the most part, the resorts and hotels are still standing and were unaffected.  If the  tourists return, fill those rooms, eat at the restaurants, shop at the local stores, then the local people will be working again, and then they can rebuild their homes for their families.  Can you help?  The areas most affected by the Hurricane Irma were St Thomas, St John, and St Martin and many of their resorts will be closed at least through the end of the year.  On the other hand, many resorts in Antigua, for example, will be reopening sometime in October after clean up. Resorts on other islands further south were not affected at all.   Let Brandywine Travel help you find a destination  where you can help bring jobs back to the people, and at the same time relax, enjoy a vacation, and know that you are helping those in need. 

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Hurricane Irma Keeps Travel Agents Nimble and Very Busy

 Hurricane Irma kept travel agencies busy trying to accommodate clients in advance of the storm, and promises to keep them almost as busy in its wake fielding calls from travelers with plans to head to an affected area.

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Post - IRMA  Guide to Caribbean Vacationing 

For updates on the affected islands and properties

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Cruise Lines Aid Hurricane Irma Relief

As Irma, now a tropical storm, continues to pass near northern Florida and into Georgia, the cruise industry is sending ships to help those affected by the storm in the Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line reports it has deployed the Norwegian Sky to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to......... click on photo for more information

 

Is it not wonderful how we come together during disasters such as Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma!!!