WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP

🇫🇷 Travelling to France ? Think again

In France, people are protesting against President Macron's pension reform, which includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. The protests and strikes have caused some concern for travelers, including the cancellation of King Charles' state visit to France, which made headlines on Friday.

However, the French health minister, Olivier Veran, said “I don’t want people to think that France is not capable of welcoming tourists. People both here and abroad shouldn’t worry, despite the protests and strikes, life goes on as normal, as French people living here can clearly see”

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns of possible violent demonstrations in Paris and other parts of France, as well as disruptions to road travel and services due to ongoing strikes.

The transport reporter for Le Figaro reported that there were 250 kilometres of traffic jams in the Paris area as of Tuesday morning, but noted that it was still “within normal limits”. Tourist sites in Paris, including Versailles, will have limited opening times, with the Louvre museum closed on both Monday and Tuesday. The Eiffel Tower also warned visitors of disruptions on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, blockades at oil refineries are causing fuel shortages in more and more areas of France, with around 15 percent of filling stations reporting shortages on a national level and one in three stations running dry in the worst-affected areas.

🇩🇪 "Travel Chaos in Germany as Mega Strikes Disrupt Flights and Trains!”

There's been a Mega strike happening in Germany, and it's causing a lot of problems for public transportation and airports. Two of the largest unions, Verdi and EVG, are involved,

Verdi, one of the largest unions in Germany, represents approximately 2.5 million employees in the public sector, which includes workers in public transportation and airports. On the other hand, EVG represents around 230,000 workers at Deutsche Bahn, the national rail operator of Germany, as well as other bus companies.

The German airport association said the strike “went beyond any imaginable and justifiable measure”, estimating about 380,000 air travellers would be affected by the strike.

As a result, many airports, including Munich - the 2nd-busiest hub in Germany - have cancelled all passenger flights for the next couple of days. It's a tough situation, and many travellers are feeling the effects of the strike. Bremen, Dortmund, Hamburg and Stuttgart airports have also cancelled all flights - both taking off and landing - with more airports likely to follow.

Kicking Violent flyers out of the skies.

There has been a significant increase in unruly and violent behavior by airline passengers. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported over 5,000 incidents of disruptive passengers this year alone, with a large number of these incidents involving physical assault or threatening behavior towards other passengers and flight attendants.

1. According to a USA Today article on March 25, 2023, a flyer allegedly opened the emergency exit of a Delta Air Lines flight, causing the exit slide to inflate.

2. And on March 24, 2023, Fox News reported that a passenger was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight at Miami International Airport after getting into a fight with another flyer.

As a response, lawmakers are proposing a new legislation to ban violent airline passengers from flying, which would prevent anyone who has been convicted of violent behavior on a plane from being able to fly in the future. This is an important step towards ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers during air travel.

An Alaska Airlines passenger’s Generous act of kindness

An Alaska Airlines passenger who paid for the entire plane's food and drinks?

During a chat with the flight attendants, the passenger was impressed with their kindness and dedication to their job. As a way to show appreciation, the passenger decided to cover the cost of all the food and drinks for everyone on the flight!

It's an inspiring story that shows the power of simple human connections and how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

PARADISE MEMEING

For laughs - Here’s a list of 56 ways to fool your friends for tomorrow on April 1st.

QUICK TAKES

1. Columbia’s Visa for Digital Nomad’s Full Backstory

2. Spain’s Visa for Digital Nomads, & how to get it.

3. Amsterdam distances itself from its red light district tourism under new regulations in an effort to attract more mindful visitors.

4. Events in Abu Dhabi will no longer have to pay tourism tax to develop Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for large scale venues & events.

5. 🪐 Planets aligned - In a Rare occurring, 5 planets, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus and Mars — will line up near the moon.

💡 TIPS FOR TRAVEL

Choosing your Travel Clothing

01. Ever considered using nylon or polyester fabrics for your travel clothing? Not only are they wrinkle-free, but they're also quick-drying. This means that if you need to hand wash your clothes while on the go, they'll be mostly dry by the next morning when it's time to pack up and head out again. It's a pretty convenient feature, don't you think?

02. Thought about renting or buying clothes locally when you're traveling to a new place? It's a great idea, especially if you're not sure about the local dress code or don't have the right clothes packed. Plus, it can be a fun way to get more involved in the local culture and make sure you're dressed appropriately for any activities or events you have planned. So why not give it a try and see how it goes?

03. Heat of the sun wearing your travels down ? A polyesters / silk scarf or other sun protecting clothing is usually preferable as they reflect suns harsh rays & It doesn’t require extra space.

SHARE your travel tip, tweet at us.

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

SHIPWRECKED IN GREECE

Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a stunning cove located on the Greek island of Zakynthos. The beach is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy shores, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

One of the most unique things about Navagio Beach is the shipwreck that lies on its shores. The ship, known as the Panagiotis, ran aground on the beach in 1980 after being chased by the Greek Navy. Today, the ship remains as a rusted relic, adding to the beach's already picturesque scenery.

The beach itself is only accessible by boat, which makes the experience of visiting Navagio Beach even more special. As you approach the beach by boat, you'll be greeted by the stunning sight of the shipwreck and the surrounding cliffs. Once you disembark, you'll be able to enjoy the warm sun, gentle waves, and stunning views of the sea.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even explore the caves and hidden coves that dot the coastline. And if you're looking for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, there are plenty of beachside bars and restaurants where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.

History or Mystery ? The story of how the Panagiotis came to be stranded on Navagio Beach is shrouded in mystery, with several different versions of events circulating among locals and tourists alike.

1. One of the most popular stories surrounding the wreck of the Panagiotis on Navagio Beach involves allegations of smuggling. According to this tale, the ship was carrying contraband cigarettes for the Italian Mafia in 1980, when it was pursued by the Greek Navy. The crew attempted to evade capture by running aground in the cove, where they abandoned the vessel and fled. This version of events has been backed up by court documents and photos, as well as by local residents who have shared stories and legends about the ship.

2. Another version of events involves 
   legitimate cargo being carried on the Panagiotis when it was caught in a storm and forced to beach on Navagio Beach.
   According to this story, the ship was carrying goods from Argostoli to Durrës in Albania when the storm hit, and the crew had no choice but to seek shelter in the cove.
   However, when part of the cargo was looted by locals, the captain of the ship, Charalambos Kompothekras-Kotsoros, alerted the authorities.

   In the end, 29 people were convicted of plundering the ship, but Kompothekras-Kotsoros himself was never charged.

Regardless of which version of events is true, there's no denying the eerie beauty of the Panagiotis wreck as it lies on Navagio Beach today. The rusted hull of the ship makes for a striking contrast against the pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the island's history and the many stories that are woven into its fabric.

TRAVEL & BEYOND

Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Nashville elementary school - what you need to know,

2. Klay, Steph add to Splash Bro lore with epic 3-point stat

3. Jonathan Majors gets arrested, here’s why

4. Pope Francis has been hospitalized.

5. FIFA removes Indonesia as host of FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023

GUESS THE PLACE

This country tops the list of world’s Happiest Country everytime
(Answer revealed in next issue)

- - N - - N -

Hint - 8 letters, think Northwestern Europe

Last week’s answer to:
About 80-90 % of the people in this country live on the coast. - Australia

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