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WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP

Two 80 year old friends go on a trip around the world.

During their recent global expedition, two 80 year old women managed to travel around the world within 80 days, and their journey has gained them significant social media recognition.

Hamby and Hazelip spent almost 3 months exploring different parts of the world, experiencing unique adventures such as camel riding in Egypt, coin-tossing in Rome's Trevi Fountain, capturing a selfie with a long-tailed macaque in Bali, and taking a dog sled ride in the Arctic Circle.

Ellie Hamby, a documentary photographer, and Sandy Hazelip, a physician and lecturer , toured the world in 80 days, adventuring from the beaches of Bali to the deserts of Egypt.

Hazelip told CNN that she met Hamby after her husband died in 1999. Before his death, he “planted the seed in my heart that we should start taking our grandsons on mission trips in the summer,” she said.

This led her to the Zambia Medical Mission, a project run by Hamby and her husband in southern Africa. The two bonded over their shared interest in travel and commitment to prioritizing unique experiences over comfort and amenities while abroad. Both became closer as widows after Hamby’s husband died in 2005. Hazelip says the idea for their trip originated a few years before they were each set to turn 80. “I just got the idea because we had traveled previously together internationally,” she said. “And so about four years before we were going to turn 80, I mentioned to her one day, “Ellie, wouldn’t it be fun to go around the world in 80 days at age 80?”

Fame on Social Media - Videos of their adventures have more than 800,000 likes on TikTok and they have about 43,000 followers.

Now that the pair are back home safe, they're hoping others are inspired to go on their own adventures. “My advice is, get up out of that easy chair, step out of your comfort zone, make some plans and live," Hazelip said. “Your age is only a number.” Read More

If you think that is thrilling, wait until you read more below..

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FROM WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP >

Women Freezing Their Eggs By Traveling Overseas

Milvia, a new company that plans trips for women who want to freeze their eggs, takes care of every aspect of the trip, including flights, hormonal medication, and doctor's appointments.

The company's mission is to increase accessibility to egg freezing by taking women to destinations where the procedure is less expensive.

Process - Egg freezing, a process that takes about 2 weeks and may allow a woman to extend her fertility. The patient is injected with hormones to stimulate her ovaries. A specialist then retrieves the eggs and preserves them in liquid nitrogen for future use.

The Issue - In the US, the cost of egg freezing, which includes medications, doctor visits, and the average number of years of egg storage, amounts to approximately $18,000. Unfortunately, most women cannot rely on their health insurance to cover this cost. Freeze Health, a website that offers information on egg freezing worldwide, states that several countries have clinics that offer the procedure at a significantly lower cost. For instance, in the Czech Republic and Spain, one round of egg freezing can cost less than $5,400.

The Solution - Along with hoping to keep the price under $10,000 for the entire trip, they will have time to sightsee before the procedure. “You will be on hormones, so if you want to stay in the hotel, we can arrange that,” Abhi Ghavalkar (Founder & CEO) said.

Storing frozen eggs in the country where they were frozen can often be less expensive than transporting them to another location. For instance, in Canada, annual storage costs for frozen eggs can be under $200, and in Spain, just over $200 per year. However, in cities such as Los Angeles and New York, storage costs can be much higher, with annual fees ranging from $750 to over $1,000, according to Freeze Health.

The company estimates there are millions of women in the United States who want to freeze their eggs. But only a tiny percentage of them have been able to.

Full Article

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FROM WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP >

The Bargain Offer For Columbia's Digital Nomad Visa

In response to the rising trend of remote work, Colombia has joined the growing list of countries introducing a digital nomad visa to entice visitors.

This new visa aims to attract digital nomads to stay and work in the country, reflecting a global shift towards location-independent work.

With a monthly rental fee of only €347, a one-bedroom apartment in Bogota, Colombia can be yours for six months at a cost of just €2,087. This South American city also shares the same time zone as some eastern US states, making it a prime location for individuals who work on US hours.

“Colombia is thrilled to share with digital nomads the privilege of working from the second most biodiverse country in the world,” Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism said in a statement.

“Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, the Coffee Landscape and other destinations offer a variety of coworking spaces and accommodations with specific programs developed for more extended stays where remote workers will have unforgettable experiences.”

Who can apply for Colombia’s digital nomad visa?

Picture it this way ; To be eligible for Colombia's digital nomad visa, you must possess

1. a valid passport from a country on the list of those exempt from requiring a short-stay visa,

2. as well as provide a letter demonstrating your employment in your home country

3. and proof of health insurance.

4. Additionally, applicants must satisfy the income threshold of 3 million Colombian pesos or €600 per month, which can be substantiated with bank statements.

In case your income surpasses the above threshold, and you are a citizen of a country like the UK, Canada, or the US that doesn't require a short-stay visa to enter Colombia, you may not need to apply for the digital nomad visa. A 90-day stay can be extended to 180 days without any documentation by obtaining an Entry Permit if you plan to stay for only six months in a year.

Colombia has introduced a digital nomad visa that grants remote workers a 'Cedula de Extranjeria' form of identification and allows them to stay in the country for up to two years. This identification is essential to access various services, such as renting a property or obtaining a mobile phone contract. The government aims to attract approximately 45,000 digital nomads to Colombia during the initial 18-month period of the program's launch.

I’d love to know your thoughts.

But, if you’re traveling to a different country, you’ll most likely read the reviews of the place before going there, & I’ll tell you why you should be more careful about that..

Further More

FROM WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP >

Over 1.3 Million Fake Reviews Registered On Tripadvisor Last Year

The site identified more than 1.3 million fake or fraudulent reviews in 2022, according to the company, which amounted to about 4.4 percent of all reviews submitted.

However, the good news is that Tripadvisor was able to prevent 72% of these fraudulent reviews from being published on their platform through their fraud detection systems. This indicates that the travel company has taken measures to combat fake reviews and protect the authenticity of its user-generated content.

According to Tripadvisor's latest report, the number of reviews submitted by users in 2022 surged by 20% compared to 2020, reaching a total of 30.2 million. During the same period, the travel platform also added 1.3 million new businesses to its website, bringing the total number of listings to 11.1 million, which represents a growth rate of 16% compared to the previous year.

PARADISE MEMEING

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QUICK TAKES

This week we saw a number of cool places to check out from Dino Safaris, to a holographic theaters, & the opening of the newest Virgin Hotel in NYC.

1. Virgin Hotels Celebrates New Opening With Sir Richard Branson In NYC Sir Richard Branson's luxury lifestyle hotel brand has recently unveiled its latest addition in the NoMad neighborhood of New York City.

   Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Hotels' CEO James Bermingham, General Manager Candice Cancino, and hotel owners John Lam and Hung Luk, Broadway star Colton Ryan, who stars in the hit musical New York, New York, performed the titular song. The event culminated in a grand party that took place throughout the hotel's communal spaces.

2. Good news for cruise lovers, Carnival Cruise Line has started taking reservations for its newest ship, Carnival Firenze™. The ship promises to offer a unique experience of Carnival Fun Italian Style, and will set sail from Long Beach, California, from May 2024 through April 2025.

   Sails To: Mexico | Sails From: Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA | Duration: 2 - 5 Days, 6 - 9 Days | More Info.

3. “Bangkok Comes Alive To Celebrate Its 241st Anniversary” The Ministry of Culture has announced a lineup of exciting events and activities. From April 21-25, 2023, visitors can enjoy free admission to the Bang Lamphu Museum, where they can take part in a variety of community tourism activities, art and craft workshops to cultural performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The BMTA will be organising buses and trams for sightseeing, as well as pick-up and drop-off services at various points, free of charge.

4. “THE WORLD’S FIRST HOLOGRAPHIC THEATER Verse Immersive”

   has announced its open run movie schedule in Los Angeles.

   Visitors are transported into a world of augmented reality where they are fully immersed in captivating multi-act stories, intricate characters, and pulsing soundscapes. Imagine being transported to a surreal world that lies somewhere between the whimsical Alice in Wonderland and the mystical forests of Avatar. With a butterfly as your guide, you're invited to explore your surroundings, interact with the environment, feed the animals, and collect crystals that will help you find your way home.

   Tickets are $25-$50 | Verse Immersive is open to the public at Block 37 in Chicago | More Info.

   Wed & Thu 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fri & Sat - 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

   & Sun - 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

5. Ready For A Wild Ride With Dino Safari

   “At Dino Safari, we’re going to transport you back in time through enormous animatronic dinosaurs, real fossils, interactive games, virtual reality, and incredible science, all in one place! It’s the perfect activity for dinosaur fans of all ages to become immersed in an entertaining and educational globetrotting dinosaur adventure.” says Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine Exhibitions

   Dino Safari: A Walk Thru Adventure opened on, April 10, 2023, at Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s Las Vegas) on its lower level next to The Cabinet of Curiosities.

   
   Ticket prices start at $22.25 | 30-45 mins to walk through the entire experience. |  More Info.

   NOTE - Prices/Timings etc. subject to change or are approximate, please check before booking/visiting.

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Coachella is an annual music and arts festival that takes place in Indio, California, typically over two weekends in April. The festival has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting tens of thousands of music fans and celebrities from around the world.

Originally launched in 1999, Coachella features a diverse lineup of musicians, ranging from indie rock and hip-hop to electronic dance music and pop. The festival is known for showcasing both up-and-coming artists and established headliners, with past performers including Beyoncé, Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish.

APR 14-16 & 21-23 | Location: Empire Polo Club | Check details & lineup

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In addition to the music, Coachella also offers a range of art installations, food vendors, and interactive experiences, making it a complete sensory experience for attendees. The festival has become a popular destination for influencers and celebrities, who can often be spotted in VIP areas and on social media posts.

Coachella has also been criticized for issues such as overcrowding, high ticket prices, and cultural appropriation in its fashion choices. Nevertheless, the festival continues to draw crowds year after year, and has become a staple of American music culture.

The popularity of Coachella has led to the emergence of music tourism, where travelers plan trips around attending music festivals and exploring different music scenes around the world. Music tourism has become a significant contributor to the global tourism industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue for host destinations and supporting local businesses.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the music industry and tourism. Many music festivals, including Coachella, have been postponed or cancelled due to health and safety concerns. Travel restrictions have also been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus, making it challenging for travelers to attend festivals and explore new destinations.

Furthermore, I’ll share some tips below for staying safe & avoid getting lost, that you to swear by, when it comes to surviving your music festival.

💡 EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Surviving your Festivals

01. STAY SAFE - Always buy your own drink and watch it being poured. Don't accept drinks from strangers. Get help from a trusted friend or the venue management. If you are the responsible one amongst your friends, take care for them, & keep everyone in check making sure they’re safe.

02. Can I get a hell yeah - The scorching sun and concert fatigue can leave you vulnerable to heatstroke, making it crucial to stay hydrated regularly and fuel your body with quick, high-protein snacks such as granola or protein bars to stay energized and avoid a slump, especially when your favourite act is performing. You can use a timer app to remind yourself about that.

03. Avoid getting lost - When attending festivals, it's always a good idea to sharing your live location with friends and investing in GPS trackers or airtags for both yourself and your luggage can come in handy, especially in situations where your phone dies or your belongings get stolen.

Don’t leave us hanging, what do you bet on most at festivals ?

Love traveling with friends ? Share this newsletter with them.

TRAVEL & BEYOND

Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Gunman Open Fires At Louisville Bank, Killing 5 Officers.

2. Love Story Over: After Six Years Taylor Swift And Joe Alwyn To Split

3. Actor Drake Bell Found Unharmed After Mysterious Disappearance

4. Manchester United have carved a difficult Europa League

5. Pentagon leak by Jack Teixeira, (21) gets arrested by the FBI.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country hosts the largest tomato fight festival, in which people hurl tomatoes at each other.
(Answer revealed in next issue)

- - - I -

Hint - 5 letters, think Southwestern Europe
psst. - Its expected to happen on Aug., 30th of this year.

Last week’s answer to:
This country with The World’s Largest Solid Gold Buddha. - Thailand.

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