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WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP

🇬🇧 Travel Chaos : “Heathrow” Security Staff Set To Strike Over Kings Coronation

Security staff at London's Heathrow Airport are planning to go on strike during the upcoming King's Coronation weekend, which is expected to be a busy period for travel. Here’s why,

The strike is in response to proposed changes to working conditions, including the removal of paid breaks and changes to shift patterns. The workers' union argues that the changes would result in a pay cut and a decline in working conditions. 

The strike is expected to cause disruption to flights, and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and allow extra time for security checks.

We all know, nobody wants to go through a difficult time especially when you’re out on planned to have a good time & have a holiday, so if you are traveling in / around london, pay attention to the following.

When is this happening ?- A fresh wave of walkouts is scheduled from 4 to 10 May and again from 25 to 26 May

“Strikes next month will cause further disruption to airport passengers but this dispute is a direct result of Heathrow’s stubborn refusal to make an offer that meets our members’ expectations,” says Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King.

Furthermore, traffic wardens in Westminster are planning to go on strike on the same day, in protest over pay and working conditions.

On top of that, the Passport Office workers represented by the Public and Commercial Services Union are set to go on strike for four days from 2 to 6 May.

This will include nearly 2,000 passport examiners who are already on a rolling strike, along with another 1,000 staff including interviewers and administrative workers. It's unclear at this stage how much disruption these strikes will cause, but it's definitely something for travelers to keep in mind if they're planning to be in the area during that time.

British Airways has cancelled around 5% of its flights and stopped selling tickets for previous strike days.

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FROM WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP >

🇪🇺 “Targeting Airbnb-style Rentals, These European Cities Have Enforced Powerful Regulations”

If you like the homely feeling of airbnb, its important to know some of these rules the following countries have set..

🇫🇷 PARIS

Check this out. In this popular tourist destination, to rent out your primary residence in Paris on platforms like Airbnb, you must register your property with the local town hall and adhere to a 120-day per year rental limit. Why so strict ?

Currently the city is struggling with a housing crisis and second homes and holiday worsens it. Did you know that Paris has a special team to crack down on illegal rentals? Guess how much they’ve made in the last 4 yrs ? About €18 million in fines from those who fail to comply with the rules for short-term rentals.

🇵🇹 PORTUGAL

Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, is taking action against short-term rentals. The country’s last census in 2021census revealed that it had over 720,000 empty housing units.

Why do you ask ? To curb the sharp increase in rental prices, it has decided not to grant new licenses for Airbnb and other similar vacation rentals, except in rural areas that are not under urban pressures. It seems that the country is taking serious steps to address the housing crisis.

Its also introducing a new system to regulate the rental prices of holiday homes, while also implementing a review process for all licenses every 5 years.

Additionally, Airbnbs owners who choose to convert their properties back into regular homes will receive a tax incentive.

🇪🇸 SPAIN

• Barcelona was the first European city to ban private room rentals for short-term stays? The city even has a special team dedicated to cracking down on illegal listings and removing them.

• Valencia made headlines in February when it proposed a ban on using homes for occasional tourist stays in its historic center. Although the ban was initially overturned by the courts, the town hall is determined to continue its fight against short-term holiday rentals.

• Palma, the beautiful capital of Mallorca, has won a legal battle to ban tourist rentals in apartment buildings. This means that visitors can only stay in single-family homes, such as villas or isolated houses, instead of flats or apartments.

🇮🇹 Italy

Another tourist hotspot, Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro has announced plans to limit home rentals to tourists to a maximum of 120 days a year. He warned that those who exceed the limit will be met with police at their door.

Airbnb and similar platforms have to collect a 21% tax on rental income and share information with tax authorities, making it a bit easier for the government to regulate the market.

🇳🇱 Netherlands

If you're looking to rent out your home in Amsterdam, you'll need to obtain a temporary permit, which will cost €48.10 / $52.96. However, keep in mind that it can only be your permanent address that's being rented out.

But that’s not all, If you plan to rent out your property in Amsterdam, be prepared to follow some strict rules - you can only rent it out for a maximum of 30 nights per year, to no more than four people, and you can't offer bed and breakfast.

Additionally, you'll need to inform the municipality of your holiday rental period before your guests arrive.

What’s more ? If you're thinking of running a bed and breakfast or any other short-term rental in Amsterdam, be prepared for more paperwork and regulations. In order to let out your whole home for over 30 nights, you'll need a specific permit called a short-term stay licence.

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PARADISE MEMEING

HOW your luggage is handled in different countries ?

Want such memes in your timeline ?

HAPENNING

Lets get the important stuff out of the way.

1. Warning - U.S. Department of State advise U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to 🇸🇩 Sudan due to armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, the highest level, which means "Do Not Travel.”
   Read More → U.S. Department of State
   

   Now the exciting stuff.

2. 🇮🇳 India launched its first Water Metro 🛥️ in the city of Kochi. Connecting 10 islands surrounding and within the port city, it will also help in boosting tourism. Guess the price ! It will start from ₹ 20, which is about 0.24 Cents.
   

3. Delta Sky Club has unveiled its newest nature-inspired lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which offers travellers a range of premium amenities and features, including locally-sourced food, Three kiosks for quick and easy self-check-in, soundproof booths for you to work quietly premium bars, a buffet system for when you get hungry, & More.. But speaking of food…
   

4. The Bite of Seattle one of Seattle’s most iconic food festivals returns this summer to Seattle Center after a three-year hiatus. 500,000 attendees, 50+ musical performances, and 200 different food booths, only. A must-attend event for foodies, families, music fans, and anyone looking to experience the best of Seattle’s culinary scene.
   

5. Magic of Thailand

   In Koh Samui, the Illusions Theatre magic show will take place 6 nights a week From Mon. to Sat, From 17 April, there will be 2 shows nightly: a 7pm show for the whole family, and a 9pm show for adults only.
   Each show lasts an 1 hr with a 15 min. interval.
   Feature amazing illusions and captivating feats of visual magic, mind reading and illusions that the entire family will enjoy.
   Tickets retail to the public at THB1,200 (US$35/€32/£28) per person – the same price for all ages.
   More info. on → IllusionsKohSamui.com
   

6. Princess Cruises has announced that they will be sailing seven ships in Alaska in 2023 begins April 29. The itineraries include scenic cruises through Glacier Bay National Park and visits to ports of call like Juneau and Ketchikan. Across 14 cruise itineraries and 25 land-sea vacations. Every cruise features at least one glacier-viewing experience. Visitors to Alaska will have plenty of options for shore excursions, with over 150 to choose from. These activities include a lumberjack show, dog sledding on a glacier, wildlife viewing tours, and more.

7. Can’t beat the heat ? 🥵 - Avoid 🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇳🇮 Nicaragua, 🇭🇳 Honduras, 🇬🇹 Guatemala as these have been noted for hotspots for heatwaves.

LOOKING FORWARD TO…

New Orleans Jazz Festival 2023

• April 28-May 7, 2023 New Orleans, LA

Monsters of Rock Cruise 2023

• April 29-May 4, 2023 Miami, FL

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

• 5–6 May 2023

Vesak

• 5 May Friday - Celebration of buddha’s birth, what it means Wikipedia

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

HAND OF THE DESERT

“Mano del Desierto” (Hand of the Desert) is a striking sculpture located in the Atacama Desert of 📍 Chile. Designed by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal, the sculpture consists of a giant hand rising out of the sand.

Don’t even think about hi-fiving it, it symbolizes the vulnerability and helplessness of humanity. Standing at 11 metres / 36 ft tall, the sculpture has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the vastness and beauty of the Atacama Desert.

It was commissioned by the government of Chile in the early 1990s as part of a program to promote tourism in the Atacama Desert, which is one of the driest and most desolate places on Earth.

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Since its installation, "The Hand of the Desert" has become a popular spot for tourists and photographers, particularly at sunset when the surrounding desert landscape takes on a rich, orange glow.

To get to the sculpture from Antofagasta, take Route 28 going East until the road joins Route 5 at La Negra (industrial complex) (distance from Route 1 in Antofagasta to the junction at La Negra approximately 16 kilometres (9.9 mi)). Take Route 5 going South for another 48 kilometres (30 mi), where a dirt road turns right (West) towards the sculpture. The sculpture is 450 metres (1,480 ft) from the main road. Clear signposts are placed on the road, although the sculpture can already be seen from quite a distance away.

Keep in mind, It is an easy victim of graffiti and its cleaned occasionally. If you ever visit places like these, be conscious & try to leave the place cleaner than they were.

💡 EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Fitting your world in a backpack.

Firstly,
01. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BACKPACK - Here’s some things to consider when choosing a right backpack. Designed to fit most major airlines' carry-on size requirements. Multiple interior pockets that facilitate organized packing of all travel accessories. Also, Comes with a padded laptop compartment that is easy to access while on the move. An important one; it should feature a hidden anti-theft pocket, perfect for securely storing extra cash, travel documents and other valuables. This isn’t an exhaustive list. But some beginning things to consider. We’ll talk more about this in the future…

Secondly,
02. CHOOSE MULTI FUNCTIONAL - A sarong is a perfect example of multi-functional travel gear. Here’s why ! It can double as a blanket, skirt, towel, beach accessory, privacy curtain, scarf, and more. There are also many clothing choices (mostly for women) that can be worn multiple ways to suit differing climate or style requirements. It sounds simple. And it is.

Finally,
03. TRAVEL LIGHT - Wear the heaviest clothes, on your way to the airport. This includes things like jackets, jeans shoes, and belts. 2 pairs of shoes - a versatile sneaker that can work for both athletic activities and casual outings. And if you need a second pair, opt for something dressier that you can wear to fancier dinners or more formal events. Now give it a go, & let me know.

Have some of your own ?
Sound off in the comments below, / tweet at us.

TRAVEL & BEYOND

Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Jerry Springer's former Cincinnati Mayor & Host of self named tv show Dies at Age 79”

2. NFL 2023 Draft Analysis for every player drafted to round 1.

3. Down syndrome Barbie - Mattel releases first Barbie doll with Down syndrome

4. Tucker Carlson, & Don Lemon were fired by Fox News & CNN, Here’s the full backstory.
   

5. Bed Bath & Beyond bankruptcy: Get your coupons and refunds before it's too late.

GUESS THE PLACE

This country decriminalized all drugs in 2001, the first country in the world to do so.
(Answer revealed in next issue)

- - - T - - A -

Hint - the answer is in this issue.

Last week’s answer to:
The country tops the list of world’s Powerful Passports in the world for 5 yrs. in a row - Japan

Japan has the most powerful passport in the world for the 5th year in a row, according to the Henley Passport Index. South Korea and Singapore are tied for 2nd place. Henley Passport Index, ranks all of the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa in advance.

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