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PLACES

Iceland’s Volcano Erupts After Weeks Of Evacuation.

The volcano finally erupted in Iceland, after weeks of warnings of increased seismic activity in the area & evacuating 4,000 people were from the area. The eruption fissure measured about 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) long. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa - one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions - will remain closed through at least Dec. 27.

Is It Safe To Travel To Iceland ?

The Foreign Office hasn't given Iceland a travel makeover yet, but they've pointed people to the Icelandic Met Office and Safe Travel Iceland for the latest advice.

Eruption zone is a no-go for now – respect the closure vibes. But overall, no red flags for traveling to Iceland, just steer clear of Grindavík and nearby spots. Listen to the locals, folks!

No 'no-go' warnings mean it's business as usual for airlines and holiday plans. No automatic refund magic for canceling.

Big deal: Blue Lagoon spa took a hit, closed on Nov 9 after earthquakes. Opened up for a bit on Dec 16, but guess what? Closed again after the eruption party. Other chill spots around also taking a break. Stay tuned for updates!

Have flights to Iceland been cancelled?  

Keflavik Airport is still up and running despite a volcano doing its thing nearby. No need to panic about travel plans just yet.

The Icelandic airport folks (ISAVIA) suggest keeping an eye on flight info, but for now, everything seems cool. No major ash drama in the air, just a little orange aviation alert.

Planes are taking off as planned – no cancellations or big delays at Keflavik. Icelandair and Play airlines are like, "No worries, folks. Schedules are on point."

Heads up: Roads to Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon are closed for now.

But hey, keep your phone close. If anything changes, the airline will inform their customers.

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THE TOP STORIES
Happening
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Updates

1. Covid’s Making A Comeback with a new Omicron subvariant JN.1 of COVID-19 spreading to multiple countries.
With Singapore recording about 56,000 cases
Germany records highest since 2022,
UK 6000 people tested positive through England a 38% rise from previous week along with India, USA, China.

2. Workers are striking across Europe , expect flight & train disruptions at,
Spain - 29 Dec-1 Jan & 4-7 Jan at airports
Italy - 15 Dec for public transport
France - 18 Dec at airports
UK - 15-16 Dec & 22 December for trains & buses

3. South Korea will introduce a K-culture training visa and a digital nomad visa (workaction) in 2024 for foreign nationals who wish to learn more about the country’s culture. The cherry on top ?: if you're from Vietnam, Indonesia, or Philippines, rejoice! The electronic visa fee waivers are expanding, & the application period is stretching out until the following year.

Attractions

🏄‍♀️ SURF’S UP ? Get ready to ride the desert waves because The Palm Springs Surf Club (PSSC) is making a splash on January 1st. This ain't your grandma's pool – we're talking an $80 million transformation of a vintage Wet n’ Wild waterpark from the '70s, and it's surfed up to the max.
A mind-blowing Surfloch Wave System that lets surf pros and newbies alike ride waves ranging from two to seven feet. It's like having your own customizable ocean – and with up to 25 surfers catching waves together
Surfers, mark your calendars and wax your boards.

🏨 TALLEST HOTEL - Guess what's finally waking up after a decade-long nap in Las Vegas? The Fontainebleau, the city's tallest hotel, is throwing open its doors, and it's been a $3.7 billion snooze fest!
With a staggering 3,644 rooms, this colossal tower is now ready to host your dreams – or at least your wildest Vegas escapades, starting at a cool $300 a night. But wait, there's more to this Vegas giant than just its lofty stature!
Stacked with 1,300 slot machines, 128 gambling tables, and enough bars and restaurants to keep you well-fed and well-entertained, the Fontainebleau is not just a hotel; it's a mini city of its own. And while it's second fiddle in height to the nearby Strat tower, at least it's reigning supreme in the heart of Sin City. Ready to roll the dice and reach for the stars?

🎅 OG GIFT GIVER - Meet the OG gift-giver, Saint Nick, born circa 270 C.E., whose generosity was so legendary that Bari's sailors couldn't resist swiping his bones in 1087.
Now, 75% of his skeleton chills beneath the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari, making it a hotspot for Christians worldwide.
Bari locals are catching on to the Santa-Nicholas tag team, turning the city into a Christmas tourist hotspot. From San Nicola bakeries to Santa-San Nicola actors roaming the streets in December, it's festive chaos. Tour operator Paco Ricchiuti is cashing in with guided tours of the basilica, museums, and even a stadium dedicated to Saint Nick.
“I’m happy that the real Santa is buried in my hometown, which is the origin place of the myth of Santa Claus,” he says. “People around the world envy this and we don’t realize how blessed we are.”

Deals

• Alaska or Caribbean - Get a free Cruise (only until 31st dec.)

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📰 Read

• Stay Safe - Protect Your Home While You Travel

👁️‍🗨️ Watch

 • Fireworks & Celebrations - 10 Best Places In NYE 2023

😲 React

 • The Entire List - Worst Behaved Tourists Of 2023

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
Dancing Through Dolomite Delights

📍 Dolomites 🇮🇹 Italy

Over 8,000 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

Picture this: soaring peaks, lush valleys, and charming alpine villages that seem straight out of a storybook. With over 18 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters, the Dolomites offer a playground for adventure seekers, from epic Via Ferratas to thrilling downhill bike trails. Lace up your boots, these majestic mountains, where 34 million visitors visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2022, boast jaw-dropping landscapes and adrenaline-pumping adventures..

Sunrise at Passo Giau: Set that alarm early and witness the sunrise at Passo Giau. The Dolomite peaks bathed in morning light? It's a photographer's dream come true.

Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Lace up those boots and tackle one of the most iconic trails. The views of the three distinctive peaks are worth every step, trust me.

Go Crazy with the Skiing: If you're here in winter, it's time to hit the slopes! The Dolomites are a skiing paradise, and whether you're a pro or a newbie, there's a run waiting for you.

Visit the Garden of the Rosegarden: Wander through the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle and marvel at the vibrant blooms against the backdrop of the Dolomites. It's a floral paradise with a view.

Chase Waterfalls in Val di Funes: Take a hike in Val di Funes to discover charming alpine villages and the enchanting Cascate di Fanes waterfalls. It's like something out of a fairytale.

Dine with a View: Seek out a mountain hut or a rifugio with a killer view. Dining with the Dolomites as your backdrop takes the whole culinary experience to new heights. It's the perfect way to refuel and enjoy the Alpine hospitality.

Relax in a Mountain Spa: Treat yourself to some well-deserved R&R. Many hotels offer spa facilities with panoramic views. Imagine soaking in a hot tub with the Dolomites as your backdrop. Bliss!

Here are 2 other destinations that complement your , experience:

1. Verona: Where Romance Meets History

   Extend your journey to Verona, known for its Shakespearean charm and ancient Roman history. Wander through the cobbled streets, visit Juliet's balcony, and soak in the atmosphere of the Arena di Verona. It's a cultural interlude that complements the Dolomitic landscapes, adding a touch of history and romance to your Italian escapade.

2. Lake Garda: Tranquil Respite

   Nestled at the foothills of the Dolomites, Lake Garda offers a serene retreat. Indulge in water activities, explore charming lakeside towns, and savor the local cuisine. The calm waters and Mediterranean flair provide a delightful contrast to the rugged mountain adventures—a peaceful intermezzo in your Italian journey.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: Dolomite Peaks and Alpine Trails

  Morning: Arrive in the Dolomites, explore the chic town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

  Afternoon: Embark on a breathtaking hike along the trails of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

  Evening: Enjoy a rustic dinner in a mountain hut, soaking in the alpine ambiance.

• Day 2: Verona's Romantic Heritage

  Morning: Journey to Verona and explore the historic Piazza delle Erbe.

  Afternoon: Visit Juliet's House and balcony, immersing yourself in Shakespearean romance.

  Evening: Attend a performance in the ancient Arena di Verona, adding a touch of theatrical magic.

• Day 3: Lakeside Bliss in Lake Garda

  Morning: Travel to Lake Garda and visit the picturesque town of Sirmione.

  Afternoon: Relax by the lakeside, perhaps taking a boat tour for scenic views.

  Evening: Savor a delightful dinner with lake views in Desenzano.

Recent Review - Went here for a walk around the lake. It is very beautiful, especially in the summer if it is sunny. You can’t go to the lake itself, but there is a nice walkway around it through the forest. Well worth a visit, but keep in mind it gets very crowded during the day.

This itinerary is a general guide, you’re free to choose activities based on your preferences, travel pace, and local conditions. Be sure to check weather conditions & consult with local guides for the most accurate information.

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EASE MY TRAVELS
To Save Time & Money At The Airport

👈 Smart travelers have a secret weapon: take a left at security because, let's face it, most folks veer right like they're in a right-handed parade. Left lane might be your golden ticket to shorter lines – consider it the VIP entrance to boarding bliss.

💲 Forget paying extra for an Uber straight out of the airport. Take a little stroll away from the terminal, and bam, dodge those sneaky service charges. Your wallet will thank you later.

⏫ Want your luggage treated like royalty? Slap on a "Fragile" sticker – the baggage handlers might just roll out the red carpet. Watch baggage handlers turn into gentle giants. Your bag might just ride high on the baggage claim throne, making you the luggage royalty of the day.

🌊 Feeling parched after the security hustle? Resist the urge to splurge on airport water – it's like liquid gold. Instead of draining your wallet, save those precious bucks for post-flight hydration. Your bank account will thank you.

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

1. Apple Halts Sales Of Its Watches

2. USA Announces 10 Nation Force To Counter Houthi

3. Donald Trump Fires Back At Courts Decision

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country Has The Worlds Longest Christmas Celebration 

- - I - I - P - - - -

Last week’s answer to:
This Country is home to the Most Active Volcanoes - Indonesia

• It has the world's most recently active volcanos at 55. Japan & the USA follow behind with a count of 40 and 39, the latter country due to volcanic areas in and around Hawaii, Alaska and Pacific territories.

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