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TRAVEL STRIKES
Summary of Summer Strikes

Just when we thought our summer travel plans couldn't get any more thrilling, strikes are swooping in like mischievous clouds ready to rain on our parade. Airports & air traffic controllers are staging a coordinated strike performance across the continent, turning the friendly skies into a wild rollercoaster ride.

So, grab your lucky travel socks & pack your patience, because this summer's travel adventures just got a whole lot more...dramatic!

EasyJet, a popular low-cost carrier in the United Kingdom, has proactively reduced its summer schedule by 2 percent due to concerns about potential air traffic control issues across Europe, as reported by Reuters. This decision has resulted in the cancellation of 1,700 flights for July and August, with a majority of the affected flights originating from London's Gatwick airport.

1. But, its not just the skies that are turbulent, in Birmingham, approximately 100 security officers and terminal technicians are planning to stage a walkout on July 18 to protest pay cuts over the past two years, according to the Unite union.

2. However, at London's Heathrow Airport, managed to dodge a strike when their security staff accepted a better pay raise leading to the cancellation of a planned 31-day strike last month, as noted by Reuters.

Last month, the French aviation regulator took precautionary measures, with concerns about potential air traffic control strikes, they pulled out their caution signs & asked airlines to cancel around a third of their flights from Paris-Orly airport, with flight reductions of 20 percent in other major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Nantes.

Meanwhile, in Switzerland, the Geneva Airport experienced disruptions due to strikes; however, operations have since returned to normal following an agreement reached on July 1, according to the airport authorities.

Recent news from Belgium reports Ryanair has cancelled 44 flights, due to pilots walking out over pay & working conditions. This could impact around 140 flights on the days of the strike 15-16th July.

Similarly, EasyJet's cabin crew in Portugal are expected to go on strike from July 21 to July 25.

In Spain, Iberia Regional Air Nostrum pilots recently went on an indefinite daily strike, prompting Iberia to introduce more flexible fares on affected routes.

However, in Italy, air traffic controllers have agreed to give everyone a break & not strike between July 27 and September 5, as reported by Reuters.

So keep holding onto your passports & prepare for a comical twist, because amidst all the chaos of travel strikes in Europe, we've discovered the ultimate hack: teleportation! Okay, maybe not, but we do have a fantastic lineup of hilarious travel stories and useful tips waiting for you in the rest of this newsletter.

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PARADISE MEMEING

HAPENNING
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Warnings

1. Scorching News - The Mercury in Europe witness a shocking surge in heat-related fatalities, potentially reaching a staggering 100,000 deaths each year.

2. High Flying Con - Former Southwest employee accused of swiping $2 million worth of airfare by cunningly converting them into customer vouchers. Next time you get your hands on a voucher, make sure its not a work of fiction.

3. Money, back in your pocket - Flight’s Cancelled ? Delayed ? Overbooked? Here’s how to get rid of all your woes, & get a refund.

4. Heavy Rainfall - in India breaks 45 years of record, flooding North Eastern parts of India, like Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana etc.

Attractions

🏖️ Hit Pause - on your beachside playlist, playing music on Portugal beach might cost you a whopping $36,000 fine! Talk about a DJ disaster! The fines could be slapped anywhere between €200 & €4,000 for individuals & between €2,000 and €36,000 for groups. And your speakers could also be confiscated. Keep those beach beats to a low hum, or you might find yourself in a financial jam. Learn why they’re doing this.

👋 Calling All Adults - At the Outpost Hotel Sentosa, close to a 3-5 min. stroll to the station & beaches. Dive into their world of luxury & adventure. Activities include Partner Yoga, dance & fitness classes, Cocktail Making class Oyster Shucking & Appreciation Workshop. Tandem bungee jump, giant swing. & much more. Discounts included.

🎲 Hold onto your lucky charms - Europe just got a whole lot luckier with the opening of Europe's largest casino! The City of Dreams Mediterranean on the east Mediterranean island of Cyprus is Stacked with a whopping 100 tables and 1,000 slot machines. Get ready to roll the dice, plenty of gaming space spread over 7,500 square meters of across 14 floors. You might just leave with pockets full of cash and a big ol' smile on your face!

Deals

• Work stress free in the mountains, this Swiss village looking for Digital Nomads like you.

• Graduate Hotels is offering $20,000 for fresh-faced grads to travel the world.

• Klooks hotel packages are Calling all swifties, win 2 Taylor Swift concert tickets & a 4 star hotel stay, starting at S$542.

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MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
The Future is Present Here

📍 Sphere at the Venetian Resort,
Paradise, Nevada, 🇺🇸 United States

The concept behind the Sphere was inspired by the idea of creating a space where art, technology, and entertainment converge. MSG collaborated with leading architects, engineers, and designers to bring this vision to life. The result is a stunning architectural marvel that pushes the boundaries of what a traditional venue can offer.

That’s the biggest (& roundest) thing in Las Vegas, & possibly the world right now.

The interior will be equipped with a 16K resolution wraparound LED screen, measuring 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2). It will be the largest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world.

The Sphere is about to become the ultimate hub for star-studded events & mind-blowing concerts. While it may not be your typical sports arena, it's all set to host awards shows, epic concerts, & a whole lot of entertainment. And hey, don't worry sports fans, they've got you covered too! From intense boxing matches to electrifying mixed martial arts showdowns, & even esports tournaments, the Sphere is bringing the heat from all angles.

✔️ Mark your calendars for September 29, 2023, because that's when the Sphere is set to open its doors! With U2 as its first performer, with their residency called U2:UV Achtung Baby Live. MSG is going to host 6 residencies every single year! They're also debuting a show called Postcards from Earth in October 2023. And to help with all of this the Sphere will be employing around 3,000 people.

+ 2 Places to check out while you're there

• The Grand Canal Shoppes: Located within The Venetian Resort, the Grand Canal Shoppes offer a unique shopping experience reminiscent of the streets of Venice. Explore the cobblestone walkways, browse through a variety of high-end boutiques, & enjoy the charming atmosphere. Don't forget to take a gondola ride along the indoor canals for an authentic Venetian experience.

• The High Roller Observation Wheel: Located nearby at The LINQ Promenade, the High Roller is the world's tallest observation wheel. Hop aboard one of the spacious cabins and enjoy breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip & the surrounding area. The 30-minute ride provides a panoramic perspective of the city & is a must-do for any visitor.

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS
Like A Local

📍 Tap Into Local Recommendations: Instead of relying solely on tourist guides or popular websites, seek out local recommendations for hidden gems. Ask locals for their favorite spots to eat, shop, or visit. You can strike up conversations with friendly locals at cafes, bars, or even through social media platforms dedicated to travel or the city you're visiting. These insider tips can lead you to unique experiences and off-the-beaten-path locations that might not be found in typical tourist guides.

📲 Use City-Specific Apps and Websites: Many cities have their own dedicated apps or websites that offer valuable information for tourists. These platforms provide insights into public transportation routes, real-time updates, and suggestions for restaurants, attractions, and offbeat spots. Additionally, they might offer exclusive deals, discounts, or special offers that are specifically tailored to visitors. Take advantage of these resources to navigate the city efficiently and find hidden gems.

🚶‍♂️ Engage in Free Walking Tours: Free walking tours are a fantastic way to discover a city's history, architecture, and hidden stories without breaking the bank. Many cities offer free guided tours led by enthusiastic locals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. These tours usually operate on a tip-based system, so you can contribute an amount that suits your budget and satisfaction. Joining a free walking tour not only saves you money but also provides an opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides and connect with fellow travelers.

Want to add your own tips in here ?

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

1. Mark Zuckerberg & Elon Musk Martial arts Training with Lex.

2. Tyson Fury Vs. Francis Ngannou fight announced in Saudi Arabia.

3. What happened before Charlie & the Chocolate Factory ?

4. No Winners yet for Mega Millions as jackpot grows to $560M

5. Elon Musk launches new AI company.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country is Home to
Most Number of National Parks 
in the World.

- - S - R - - - A

Last week’s answer to:
This Continent is Home to the Most Number of Ski Resorts in the world. - America.

• There are over 6,000 Ski Resorts in the world, largely clustered in Northeast of U.S.

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