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PLACES

American Airlines Sues Travel Site Skiplagged, to crackdown on customers who use this loophole.

The travel industry in not new to tips & tricks & to help you save time, money, & a few other headaches etc. Ever spend hours online to find the best deals on flight, we know you have. Well, surprise, surprise! American Airlines allegedly seems to have spotted a player who's been bending the rules. In a move to combat deceptive practices within the travel industry, American Airlines has filed a lawsuit against Skiplagged Inc, an online travel website which lets customers buy hidden city trips.

So, what is Skiplagging ? - Skiplagging or "hidden-city ticketing," is a technique where you book a multi-stop flight but exit the plane during a layover.

• Let's say you want to go from New York to Chicago. It could actually be cheaper to book a flight from New York to San Francisco, with a layover in Chicago, but you simply don't take the San Francisco part.

• The catch is, you can't check bags (those would end up in San Francisco), and you're limited to one-way tickets.

While not generally illegal, airlines argue that this practice goes against their policies.

Just last month, a 17-year-old traveler got into a bit of trouble with American Airlines. They kicked him off a flight and even banned him for three years. Why? Because of skiplagging. He bought a ticket from Gainesville, Florida, to NYC, which had a layover in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was cheaper than a direct ticket to Charlotte.

What the lawsuit includes ?

1. ❝It [Skiplagged] employs unauthorized and deceptive ticketing practices, entices customers to participate in this deceptive ticketing practices by promising savings, and then doesn’t deliver,❞ the suit said.

2. In the legal battle, American Airlines pointed fingers at Skiplagged, claiming the site deceives people into thinking they've found a hidden "loophole." American Airlines alleges that Skiplagged pretends to be a regular traveler buying tickets and even advises users not to reveal the setup to the airline.

Nothing New - Skiplagged isn’t new to lawsuits, the NYC based company has been previously sued by airlines like United and Southwest, which they proudly display on their homepage.

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Warnings

1. France's transport minister Clément Beaune just spilled the beans: they're cranking up the taxes on airline tickets. The moolah from these high-flying taxes will be greasing the tracks for some serious railway revamp.

2. “Dangerous jellyfish”, “falling rocks” or “seawater polluted with sewage” are some of the fake posters anti-capitalist group Caterva which warn people to stay away from Spanish beaches.

3. Red alerts have been placed across 16 Italian Cities, with mercury set to reach a sizzling 40°C. Advising Young, fit, Old to stay indoors b/w 10am-6am, due to anticyclone Nero. Click link to check out the cities & More Info.

Attractions

💕 Opening After A Decade - If you're looking to outdo those sappy movie moments, strolling hand in hand with your loved one amidst lush landscapes and scenic Italian charm, Via dell’Amore or ‘Path of Love’ is your jam. This most romantic walk in the world, which closed back in 2012 after a landslide is due to fully reopen in July 2024, (that’s a decade). The first leg of this dreamy hiking route is throwing its doors wide open to tourists until September 30th.

🤡 House Of Horrors - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is back with a spooktacular scoop: they've spilled the eerie beans on their upcoming Howl-O-Scream event! They're dialing up the scare-o-meter with all new hair raising haunted houses (in total 5) & 2 new sinister scare zones (total 6), 4 fearsome entertainment productions, that'll have you screaming like a banshee who lost her voice, plus you never know what’s going to be there at end of that corner. And cherry on top Florida’s wildest rides in the dark. So, Mark your calendars, grab your pals and your bravest face, from September 10th to October 31st.

🌋 Fire on the Mountain - Tie on your hiking boots, adventure junkies! Europe's Fiery showstopper, Mount Etna, is putting on a sizzling performance with its volcanic eruptions. But here's the kicker: you're probably wondering if you can still swing by for a visit when Mother Nature decides to spit some lava. Well, the answer is a cautious yes! Our travel guru spills the molten details on how to dance with danger (safely, of course) while exploring this fiery wonder. There are plenty of hiking routes that stay far away from the exploding summit. And guess what? When the volcano puts on its fiery display, some brave guides offer nighttime tours for a mind-blowing light show!

Deals

• Cruise on $49 Sale, Margaritaville at Sea Is Thanking Teachers.

• 58 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas 2023.

• 60,000 points and 20% back on travel - Last chance for Amex Green Card best-ever offer.

• Frontier’s One Mile for Every Dollar for every dollar you own in student debt.

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📰 Read

• Train strikes August 2023: Are they still on? Dates ?

👁️‍🗨️ Watch

 • Aussie Woman Fined $3000, for trying to catch a flight.

😲 React

 • Tourist Climbs into Rome’s Trevi Fountain, to fill her water bottle.

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Jumping In The World On Water

📍 Boo Rocks, 🇮🇩 Indonesia

Tucked away in the Raja Ampat archipelago, this hidden gem comprises a maze of limestone islets that rise dramatically from the cerulean waters. Boo Rocks isn't just an island getaway; With over 1,000 species of fish and 75% of the world's known coral species, Boo Rocks is home to thriving marine life, including pygmy seahorses and majestic manta rays. With only a handful of local villages, this untouched paradise exudes seclusion and ecological richness, inviting you to explore its kaleidoscopic depths.

Get ready to step into a world that seems to have sprung from the pages of a fantasy novel – Boo Rocks, Indonesia.

Here's a list of exciting things to do while you're there:

🧘 Sunrise Yoga - Start your day right with a serene yoga session as the sun rises over the horizon. The tranquility of the surroundings will enhance your practice and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

🐸 Island Hopping - Hop aboard a traditional boat and embark on an island-hopping adventure. Explore neighboring islets, each with its own unique charm and natural wonders.

🚣‍♂️ Kayaking Through Caves - Embark on an epic kayaking journey through the mysterious sea caves that dot the coastline. Paddle through these natural tunnels and marvel at the interplay of light and water.

🫧 Snorkel in Kaleidoscopic Waters - Grab your snorkeling gear and dive into the unbelievably clear waters around Boo Rocks. Witness vibrant coral reefs and an incredible array of marine life that will leave you in awe.

🧗 Rock Climbing Thrills - For the adventurous souls, the rugged limestone cliffs offer an opportunity for rock climbing. Scale the heights and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

🏊 Hidden Lagoon Discovery - Rent a kayak and paddle your way through the calm, turquoise lagoons. The view from the water gives you a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and towering limestone cliffs.

🤳 Underwater Photography - If you're into photography, don't forget an underwater camera! The underwater world here is so vibrant and colorful that you'll want to capture every moment.

🐬 Dolphin Watching - Take a boat tour to spot playful dolphins frolicking in the surrounding waters. It's a heartwarming experience that'll leave you with a smile.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement the Boo Rocks experience:

• Boo Rocks & Raja Ampat's Ethereal Isles:

  Extend your Boo Rocks adventure to the nearby Raja Ampat archipelago, a paradise of pristine waters and marine biodiversity. Dive into the vibrant coral gardens of Raja Ampat's underwater wonderland, where manta rays glide and colorful fish dart among the reefs. The seamless transition from dramatic limestone formations to Raja Ampat's aquatic beauty creates an unforgettable journey that celebrates both nature's artistry above and below the waves.

• Boo Rocks & Komodo National Park's Dragon Realms:

  Combine the awe-inspiring Boo Rocks with a visit to Komodo National Park, where you'll encounter the ancient Komodo dragons and untamed landscapes. Explore rugged hills, hidden beaches, and the fascinating wildlife of the islands. This pairing invites you to appreciate the dynamic contrasts of Indonesia's natural wonders, from the sculpted rocks of Misool to the untamed terrains of the dragon-inhabited islands, all in one incredible adventure.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-3: Raja Ampat's Ethereal Isles (archipelago exploration, underwater exploration)

✔️ Day 4-7: Boo Rocks (rock climbing, island hopping, kayaking, snorkeling)

✔️ Day 8-10: Komodo National Park's Dragon Realms (beaches, hills, komodo dragons)

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Before you Jump in..

🌊 Plan According to Currents and Tides - Picture yourself doing the underwater cha-cha with strong currents – that's what you might get if you're not cautious around Misool Boo Rocks. the currents can be strong around Misool Boo Rocks. It's crucial to plan your dives around the tidal patterns to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Dive operators in the area are well-versed in local conditions and can guide you to the best times for diving, helping you make the most of your adventure.

🌌 Night Dive Spectacle - The real underwater party at Misool Boo Rocks happens when the sun clocks out like a secret rave. Experience a hidden wonder by embarking on a night dive at Misool Boo Rocks. The night reveals a different cast of characters, including vibrant nudibranchs and hunting lionfish. Check with local dive operators for guided night dives, as exploring this underwater realm after dark offers a unique chance to witness the marine nightlife.

🥽 Customized Equipment Matters - The underwater terrain at Misool Boo Rocks can vary from shallow reefs to deeper drop-offs. Consider adjusting your scuba gear to match the conditions. Short wetsuits or rash guards are great for warm waters near the surface, while slightly thicker suits provide comfort during deeper dives. Additionally, having a reef hook can be handy for securing yourself in mild currents to observe marine life without drifting.

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Wagner Chief Prigozhin DEAD After Fiery Jet Crash Near Moscow.

2. India’s Chandrayaan-3 lands on the south pole of the moon, the first country to do so.

3. UK’s Nurse Baby Killer who found guilty of murdering 7 babies, reveals motives.

4. It’s A Me Mario, voice actor steps down after 30 years, but not completely.

5. GOP Debates, Vivek Ramaswamy, becomes targets of 7 other politicians.

GUESS THE PLACE

This City Offers Underwater Suites, Letting you watch the fishes as you sleep.

- - B - I

Last week’s answer to:
This Place has the longest hiking trails in the world - Canada

• With a length of 14,912 miles, (others saying 16,777) the Great Trail of Canada, formerly Trans Canada is the longest.

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