The package is arriving soon!…Facial scanning and fingerprints…

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Facial scanning software, or face recognition technology, identifies or verifies an individual’s identity by analyzing unique facial features using artificial intelligence and computer vision. The software detects a face, maps key landmarks like the eyes, nose, and jawline, and converts these into a digital faceprint. This unique faceprint is then compared against a database of stored records to find a match, which can be used for various applications, from security and fraud prevention to customer onboarding and emotion detection.

We continue to republish articles from Travel + Leisure Magazine when we feel the information may be pertinent to many of our traveling readers. The magazine has a team of staff members who constantly scour the world news for travel updates. Since there are only two of us conducting research, we can’t possibly be as efficient as they are. As a result, when we see articles that may be relevant to our readers, we repost them.

From Travel + Leisure online magazine:

“Europe Is Replacing Passport Stamps With Fingerprint and Face Scans—Here’s What Travelers Should Know

Starting Oct. 12, the EU will begin rolling out a new digital border system replacing passport stamps. By Michael Cappetta, Published on September 30, 2025

Travelers will soon be required to provide a fingerprint or facial scan for entry to dozens of popular countries, including France and Spain.

Starting Oct. 12, Europe’s new Entry and Exit System (EES) will begin rolling out at airports and border crossings as part of a “progressive start” to slowly test and expand the technology, according to the European Union. The full implementation will not take effect until April 10, 2026.

The EES program will eventually be required in 29 European countries, including many in the European Union, such as France and Spain, as well as those in the Schengen area, including Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. It will be required for all non-EU nationals heading to Europe for a short stay, but the fingerprints of children below 12 years old will not be scanned.

The European Union stated that the goal of the new program is to modernize borders, combat identity fraud, and facilitate the identification of travelers who overstay their visas. Files containing personal data will be stored for approximately three years. The EU has stated that data may not be transferred to third parties.

In anticipation of the new procedure, the U.S. Department of State warned American travelers in a post on X to “expect new automated border checks and to have their biodata digitally collected upon arrival and departure.”

The scanning of biometric data isn’t the only major change under the EES system. Additionally, the procedure will gradually eliminate the tradition of collecting stamps in a passport book, a popular souvenir among travelers.

“The EES will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records when travellers enter and exit, making border checks faster and helping staff to work more efficiently,” the European Union noted. “With EES, travellers will spend less time at the border thanks to faster checks, self-service options, and the possibility to give their information in advance.”

The EES system was first announced in 2023 with plans to debut it in 2024 originally. However, the program was eventually delayed.

Beyond the European Union, the United Kingdom implemented its own electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee earlier this year. That is now required for most travelers arriving in the country, including from the United States.

In the U.S., travelers applying for the popular expedited security programs, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, must similarly provide fingerprints for security scans. Meanwhile, companies like Clear Plus utilize fingerprint, eye, or facial scans to help travelers get through airport security faster.”

The package is expected to arrive in the next three hours. We’re still holding our breath that it’s the correct item, that it works, and by the end of today, Tom will be able to hear again.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 9, 2015:

Cross atop a distant rock on the shore at low tide in Savusavu, Fiji. For more photos, please click here.

Updates on the package…International shipping woes…

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There are taxes and duties (customs) required by most countries when receiving foreign packages.

Shipping packages from the United States to other countries has never been a simple process. Over the years, we’ve learned that what seems like a straightforward task, boxing up a few items and sending them overseas, can quickly become an exercise in patience, persistence, and sometimes, pure luck. For travelers like us who live a nomadic life, moving from country to country, the challenge of receiving or sending a package can feel like navigating a maze filled with hidden fees, lengthy delays, and unpredictable customs rules.

One of the first hurdles comes long before the box even leaves American soil: the cost. International shipping prices have soared in recent years, making it shockingly expensive to send even a small parcel abroad. A lightweight box that might cost $30 to ship domestically can easily increase to US $200 or more once an overseas destination is added to the equation. Add insurance, tracking, or faster delivery, and the total can rival the value of what’s inside the package. For digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers, that price tag makes us think twice before sending anything at all.

Then comes the paperwork, those seemingly endless customs forms that require detailed descriptions of items, their values, and intended uses. It might not sound so bad until you realize how specific you have to be. Listing something too vaguely, like “gift,” often triggers suspicion at customs. But list something too precisely, say, “prescription vitamins” or “lithium battery camera equipment,” and you might open the door to confiscation, extra taxes, or even outright refusal of entry, as we experienced in the recent DHL refusal of Tom’s hearing aid charger. Every country has its own rules, and they change without warning. What passed through last month might get stopped next time for no clear reason.

Customs clearance itself is a bit like waiting for the weather to change. It could take days or weeks. Packages often sit in limbo, “awaiting inspection,” while both sender and recipient anxiously refresh tracking pages that seem frozen in time. Sometimes, items that were carefully declared and legally shipped never arrive at all. They vanish into the mysterious void of “lost international mail,” a term we’ve learned to dread. Attempting to file a claim with a courier company often results in a bureaucratic dead end. Each side blames the other. The US carrier blames the destination country, while the foreign postal service insists it never arrived.

For those of us who are always on the move, timing becomes another major obstacle. Since we rarely stay in one place for long, coordinating a delivery can feel like a game of chance. Even express options, like DHL, UPS, and FedEx International, are not foolproof. A promised “three to five business days” can easily stretch to ten or more if customs decides to take a closer look. And unlike domestic shipping, where you can redirect a package mid-route or pick it up at a nearby office, international parcels often can’t be rerouted once they’ve crossed a border.

Another frustrating factor is import taxes and duties. Many countries charge high fees on incoming packages, even when they’re clearly marked as gifts. We once received a small box of personal items sent from the US, containing nothing fancy, just vitamins, a few pieces of clothing, and a pair of shoes. We were shocked when customs in Europe charged nearly US $300 in import duties. The irony was that the contents weren’t worth much more than that. These surprise fees can make receiving mail abroad both unpredictable and costly, turning what should be a joyful experience into an expensive ordeal.

Certain items are especially difficult to ship. Anything containing lithium batteries, as has been the case with Tom’s hearing aid charger, electronics, or supplements, tends to raise red flags. Medications are nearly impossible to send, even if prescribed. Food items, liquids, and anything perishable are typically restricted as well. We’ve learned the hard way that what’s perfectly legal in the U.S. might be considered contraband elsewhere. It’s not unusual for customs to seize an item, claiming it violates import regulations, even when it’s something as innocent as over-the-counter vitamins or protein powder.

Many travelers turn to mail forwarding services, as we have with Maillinkplus.com, hoping for a smoother experience. These companies receive packages in the US and then ship them abroad once all items are consolidated. While convenient in theory, they come with their own complications. Forwarders charge handling fees, and sometimes they repackage items to reduce size or weight, which can cause problems with customs if item declarations don’t match perfectly. Still, for those of us without a permanent home address, they can be a lifeline.

Technology has helped somewhat. Tracking systems are now more sophisticated, allowing you to track a package’s journey across the globe. However, tracking doesn’t make the process faster or more reliable. It simply provides a clearer view of where things are stuck. It’s both comforting and maddening to watch a parcel sit in “customs processing” for a week with no updates.

The emotional aspect shouldn’t be overlooked either. When you live abroad, packages from your home country carry more than just objects. They carry connection. A care package from a friend, a birthday gift, or even a replacement for something lost in travel can mean the world. So when that box disappears, or arrives months later battered and partially opened, it’s hard not to feel a little deflated. It’s a reminder of how small yet complicated our world can be, and how easily a simple gesture can become entangled in bureaucratic red tape.

Ultimately, we’ve learned to adapt. We pack light, buy locally whenever possible, and avoid shipping anything we can live without. When we do need to send or receive something, we brace for the process, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. International shipping, like much of long-term travel, teaches patience and flexibility. It’s a dance between convenience and chaos, between the modern world’s promise of connection and its many practical limits.

For now, we accept it as part of the adventure, just another challenge on the long road of life abroad, reminding us that even in an age of global connectivity, distance still has a way of humbling us.

This morning, we received a notice from UPS, when the package arrived in Barcelona, we had to pay a customs fee of US $38.93. We couldn’t pay it quickly enough, hoping the charger wouldn’t be delayed further. It was expected to arrive yesterday, but now it is delayed until tomorrow. We shall see how it goes.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 8, 2015:

Tourist information at the police station in Savusavu, Fiji. For more photos, please click here.

Oh, oh…The package is delayed…Travel as medicine???…

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Not our photo. Many have enjoyed the health benefits of a sauna.

Here is an article that popped up today in Travel & Leisure online magazine:

“This Country Is Now Prescribing Travel as Medicine—Here’s How It Could Improve Your Health

Sweden is promoting saunas, forest bathing, and the Northern Lights as natural therapies. By Lydia Price Published on September 27, 2025

If you’re looking for new ways to improve your sleep, circulation, or serotonin levels, you may want to discuss this with your physician—and consider telling your boss that this PTO is doctor’s orders.

Sweden has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to encourage visitors and doctors to take advantage of the health benefits of traveling to the country. Based on research from Karolinska Institutet and a new global YouGov survey, many Swedish settings and activities, such as using saunas, foraging, and viewing outdoor art, can “reduce stress, improve heart health, regulate sleep, and boost mood,” according to Visit Sweden.

The unique initiative has garnered support from doctors around the world, including Stacy Beller Stryer, Associate Medical Director for Park Rx America. “Nature, social settings, and culture have restorative powers, and evidently Sweden has these assets in abundance,” she said in a press release shared by Visit Sweden. “I would welcome discussing with my patients how Swedish nature and lifestyle could benefit their health—and am open to prescribing a visit to the country if my patients request it.”

Visit Sweden prepared a Swedish prescription guide for patients to present to their doctors, who can recommend everything from forest bathing to cycling on national trails or visiting serene art museums. The guide includes explanations on how 14 specific areas of Swedish life and travel can improve overall wellbeing, along with spaces for doctors to add personalized prescriptions.

To target sleep and mood concerns, consider a trip to northern Sweden. In the summer, the midnight sun “can help reset the body’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep patterns and supporting mood regulation,” according to Visit Sweden’s guide. A winter journey can likewise “foster a sense of awe and emotional release” thanks to the Northern Lights and powerful starshine.

The guide also suggests snagging tickets to see Sweden’s renowned musical acts, including metal bands. “Studies show that even extreme genres like death metal can reduce anger,” the pamphlet says. The country has approximately 428 metal bands per million residents, making it a global leader in the genre. If mosh pits and soaring decibels aren’t your thing, rest assured, “there’s a music event for every taste, from city festivals to countryside festivities dedicated to everything from rock to social dancing.”

If your trip to Sweden feels far off in the distance, get a small taste of the culture’s therapeutic benefits by embracing some traditions at home. Fika, for example, is a cherished Swedish habit of slowing down to enjoy a small refreshment and the company of others.”

While on the cruise to Saint Petersburg, Russia, we visited Stockholm during a “port of call.”  However, a short stay such as that would provide little indication of the cost of living and the quality of life for long-term tourists.

Many countries we’ve visited provide access to health-related activities and venues. If it is important to you to include these in your travels, in many cases, you can filter for those that appeal to you.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 7, 2025:

Ratnesh, our driver in Fiji, explained that before dark, all the goats return to this abandoned house where they sleep at night. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back…A bit of this and that…

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October 6, 2013, I wrote: After a considerable wait this morning, we were able to get this shot of a young lion with his head jutting out of a culvert. The mother and babies were living in the culvert for protection. The photo was blurry since my hands were shaking with excitement over seeing this amazing situation in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. For more photos, please click here.

This morning, I booked our lunch reservation to get together with friends Linda and Ken when their ship arrives at the Port of Barcelona on October 20, two weeks from today. After diligent research, I found what appears to be a lovely restaurant, close to the port, which will require all of us to take taxis to the location.

The restaurant, El Tribut, appears to have an excellent dinner menu, and it likely offers an equally good lunch menu for our early arrival at 1:00 pm. We are all looking forward to getting together after not seeing each other for quite a few years, although we’ve stayed in close touch.

On past occasions, since they also travel extensively, we have met up with them in Australia and again in Wales, when, coincidentally, we happened to be in the same country at the same time. We met Linda and Ken at Kathy and Don’s home in 2013, when they owned a home in Marloth Park, which they’ve since sold. They’ve owned a home in England for decades and make that their base as they continue to travel the world.

It will be good for us to get out, and Tom will help me manage the scary stairs. From where I sit in the lounge room of this apartment, I have a clear view of the street below and often find myself peering out at the flurry of activity. Oddly, I don’t feel cooped up at all. In only 22 days, I’ll have an ocean to provide the feeling of freedom that comes with daily exploration.

Yesterday, while I was feeling “under the weather” (cause unknown), I’m totally better today. We did two loads of laundry, which we started at 10:00 am and didn’t dry until 5:00 pm. The washer takes two hours, but the dryer can take hours and hours of resetting to dry a small load.

They appear to be a new stackable washer and dryer. We spent two days over the past five days going through this same long process, which also included washing the sheets and pillowcases. If we had three loads, we’d have to carry them over the second day since Tom can’t hear a thing when they are running at night, when we’re attempting to stream a few shows.

Speaking of Tom’s hearing, we’re holding our breath. UPS Spain tracking published the following: ON THE WAY, SHIPMENT CLEARED CUSTOMS October 6, 2025, 2:35 am. Thank goodness, we didn’t have to deal with customs fees, which may have required us to appear in person to pay, as we have when receiving other international shipments in other countries.

We no longer send supply packages to ourselves while living in various countries. It’s not worth the expense and the hassle. However, this situation with Tom’s hearing aid charger was different.

I’m eager to have a reasonable conversation with him! He’s fairly good at reading lips, so that’s helped a bit. He’s been using his earbuds to listen to his favorite podcasts and football games. Yesterday, I was able to set up DAZN, his NFL app on the smart TV, enabling us to watch the Minnesota Vikings game on the TV monitor instead of his laptop. It seems these apartments are fairly well soundproof.

Hopefully, we haven’t been disturbing the other three tenants in this building with the volume turned up. It has also helped us use closed captions when streaming a few shows.

Today’s our last day of taco salads. Tomorrow, we’ll order takeaway through Uber Eats, which provides excellent service.

That’s it for today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 6, 2015:

Viewing spot for guests only at Tony Robbins’ Namale Resort. For more photos, please click here.

The challenges of cooking in a sparsely equipped kitchen…

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No, our photo, but you get the idea…

Over the almost three weeks since we arrived in Barcelona, we’ve ordered about 70% of our meals through Uber Eats. Surprisingly, I’ve been able to find meals that fit into my way of eating. Tom has found several options that appeal to him.

We are both doing intermittent fasting to lose weight before the cruise. Since neither of us is drinking alcohol and snacking on biltong throughout the day, we’re thrilled to be losing weight, at long last. After too much fun in Marloth Park, being away from that party-like atmosphere, losing weight finally became possible.

Most of my cruise-type attire didn’t fit me for the past few years after I gained about 25 pounds from heart medications, which I no longer need to take. When I stopped taking those meds, I thought the weight would fall off. But, it didn’t. On numerous occasions, while in Marloth Park, I attempted to lose weight, but despite my efforts, I was unable to maintain any losses.

Now, in Spain, limiting how often we eat and how much we eat, it’s finally falling off. I still have a way to go and don’t expect to reach my goal by October 27, but I am determined to be very strict on the cruise. Neither of us ever gains weight on cruises. Although we enjoy many of the offerings, food isn’t a big motivator for us on cruises. There are plenty of other events we enjoy on the ships.

In the past few days, tired of Uber Eats meals, we decided to make chicken and beef taco salads. We brought an entire container of low-carb, sugar-free taco seasoning with us. With all the topping items available to order online, our grocery order arrived this morning with everything we needed.

We both load up our salads with lettuce, seasoned meat, diced tomatoes, onion, green olives, and freshly grated cheese. I purchased a container of guacamole, which I’ll add to my salad. Neither of us uses the tortilla shell that one often sees with taco salads in restaurants, which has too many carbs and is entirely unnecessary.

While I was showering after the groceries were delivered, Tom started cooking the meat using three separate, smaller pans of varying sizes. There wasn’t a pot big enough to cook all the meat.

Once he was done, I started cutting the vegetables, keeping each item separate from the other since we each like to control how much of each item we add to our salads.

There aren’t any small bowls, only full-sized pasta bowls, that take up too much space in the small refrigerator. I couldn’t find any plastic bags at the online grocery store. I rummaged through our luggage and was able to consolidate a few large ziplock bags, leaving me with one plastic bag for the diced tomatoes. I place the remaining diced items in measuring cups without lids. It will have to do.

Tom grated the delicious aged cheddar cheese onto a dinner plate, which I covered with paper towels. Once I seasoned the meat, I placed the entire pot, which fit all the meat, into the refrigerator after it was cooked and cooled. Tom’s Crystal Light Iced tea and my herbal iced tea are in individual sauce pans and have taken up space in the refrigerator when no pitchers are available here either.

This made me appreciate Louise’s well-stocked kitchens in her houses in Marloth Park. We’ve never wanted for a thing! After all this hoopla to cook a meal, I suppose, once we finish the pot of meat, we’ll continue ordering from Uber Eats, which, at that point, in three days, will be for the remaining 20 days, including the day we meet Linda and Ken for lunch, until we head to the ship on October 27. We can hardly wait.

No word on the package yet. We wait, checking the UPS tracking every few hours.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 4, 2015:

The bubbles around the coral, seen in Fiji, led us to believe it is alive. For more photos, please click here.

The package with the battery charger has left Las Vegas…Tentatively optimistic…Still staying in…

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Not our photos: The Sagrada Família is an iconic, still-under-construction Roman Catholic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is famous for its unique architectural style, a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau forms, filled with intricate symbolism and vibrant, tree-like structures within its interior. Funding for its construction comes from private donations and ticket sales, and it is considered the most visited landmark in Barcelona, as well as a masterpiece of Modernist architecture. We visited this site the last time we were in Barcelona (on three occasions in the past).

Last night, we received a tracking number from UPS for the shipment of the hearing aid charger from Nevada. Of course, we’re both frequently checking the tracking information on UPS. It appears that it has arrived in Spain for the clearance process. (See below).

Past Event
Label Created

United States

10/01/2025, 4:05 P.M.
Past Event
We Have Your Package

Las Vegas, NV, United States

10/01/2025, 8:55 P.M.
Current Event
On the Way

Clearance in Progress

El Prat De Llobregat, Spain

10/02/2025, 10:45 A.M.

Thus, since yesterday, October 2, it appears it’s about to enter Spain, but we can’t determine by UPS’s post if it’s actually in Spain at this time. We can only keep checking and see if it moves along. We’re concerned it may be held up by customs for several days or weeks, which we’ve experienced in the past when shipping internationally.

Clearance in process is described as follows:

“Clearance in process” for international UPS shipments indicates that the package is undergoing the necessary customs procedures to officially enter or exit a country, ensuring it complies with regulations and pays any required duties or taxes. During this stage, customs officials are checking documentation and verifying the contents of the shipment.”

We hope that regulations are less restrictive than those in South Africa, which has prompted us to stop sending packages from the US. We’ve learned our lesson there!

On another note, we still haven’t gone out. As we mentioned, we’ve been to Barcelona in the past, seeing the attractions that appealed to us, and have no interest in hiring a taxi to drive us around. With my recent Uber experience, which was a rip-off when I got a pedicure, we’re not motivated to use Uber.

Given our recent string of unfortunate experiences, we believe staying put for now is a logical decision. The treacherous staircase is a huge factor in this decision. Our dear friend Rita (and her husband, Gerhard) were at a safari resort in South Africa for a few days, and Rita fell on a step, breaking her foot.

They are now back in Marloth Park until the end of the month, when they will return Inge to Germany, as Rita is unable to stand or sit when her foot must be elevated, or go out to dinner or sit in a vehicle for game drives. Rita is very strong, fit, and one of the most sure-footed people I know. Thank goodness, Rita’s mom, Inge, is there with them, who is cooking and handling household tasks.

Yesterday, I spoke with Gerhard at length, as he described her fall and subsequent trip to Mediclinic in Nelspruit to be diagnosed and fitted with a cast. They purchased a wheelchair to get her to and from the rental car.

When we heard this story, we were all the more determined to stay put, not attempting to navigate those stairs any more than absolutely necessary. The only upcoming outings will be meeting up with our dear friends, Linda and Ken, at a restaurant near the port of Barcelona, and for another pedicure at the end of the month.

Some of our readers have written, suggesting we “bite the bullet” and get out and about, even if it’s just for dinner. We realize and appreciate that our readers would like to see some local photos. However, we must do what our guts tell us, and now that everything is working in the apartment, we are content and will be even more so when the package arrives.

This time indoors has been well spent. We’ve booked holiday homes, flights, and rental cars well into the future. We successfully completed the complicated, time-consuming, and challenging process of obtaining the ETA for Indonesia, despite its website crashing repeatedly.

We have since obtained and received ETAs for Australia and New Zealand, and checked to ensure we don’t need any additional online visas for any other countries we’ll be visiting on the upcoming 47-night cruise. Additionally, we’ve spent hours working on a means of receiving the hearing aid charger.

It’s this precious time that has enabled us to accomplish a lot. Additionally, Tom had to process his first RMD, Required Minimum Distribution, since he turned 72 this year. An RMD is described as follows:

An RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) withdrawal is the mandatory minimum amount that must be withdrawn each year from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, starting at age 73 or the year a U.S. taxpayer turns 73. Tom’s birthday is in December. These withdrawals are required by the IRS to prevent individuals from indefinitely deferring taxes on their pre-tax retirement savings, ensuring that these funds are eventually taxed as income.

Today, we’re washing and drying the bedding which takes almost all day with the slow washer and dryer. We keep having to check the dryer’s water collector to ensure it’s emptied, or the dryer quits working. We can only wash or dry one of the two sheets at a time. There isn’t another set of sheets for that bed, which would make it easier.

That’s it for today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 3, 2015:

The fishermen in Fiji sell whole fish at the local farmer’s market. Without a good fillet knife, it makes no sense for us to purchase an entire fish. For more photos, please click here.

The hearing aid charger fiasco…What? Shipping issues with products containing lithium batteries?…

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This item, containing lithium batteries, which we are hoping to receive.

Shipping products with lithium batteries has become one of those challenges that sound deceptively simple until you’re knee-deep in regulations, fees, and delays. As frequent travelers, we’ve had our fair share of encounters with lithium batteries, whether tucked into our laptops, cameras, or the ever-reliable portable chargers that keep us connected on the go. But what I’ve learned along the way is that the world doesn’t treat these batteries casually. They may be small, but they are viewed almost as if each one carries the potential to start a wildfire at 35,000 feet. And in truth, under the wrong conditions, they can.

The irony is not lost on me. Almost every modern device that makes travel easier or more enjoyable is powered by lithium-ion technology. Smartphones, tablets, drones, e-bikes, hearing aids—these aren’t fringe products. They’re mainstream, and yet, trying to ship or even fly with them can feel like walking into a maze of contradictory rules. Airlines, couriers, and customs offices each have their own take on how these batteries should be handled, and the rules often overlap, leaving consumers confused and frustrated.

For example, if you want to ship a product like a laptop or a camera to a different country, suddenly you’re not just sending “a package.” You’re dealing with hazmat regulations. Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and couriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL adhere to strict guidelines for labeling, packaging, and documentation. Some won’t even touch a package if the batteries aren’t installed in the device. Others require special paperwork that the average individual has no idea how to complete.

We encountered this exact issue when we attempted to send Tom’s hearing aid charger. A simple concept, we thought. However, when our mailing service in Nevada carefully wrapped and labeled the charger as containing lithium batteries, they warned us that the package might be returned, as is the case 45% to 50% of the time. Their explanation was logical: these batteries can overheat, short-circuit, or even explode if damaged. But it was still baffling. If I could board a plane with one in my backpack, why couldn’t I send it across the world in a padded envelope?

The difference lies in control. Airlines and couriers have no way of ensuring what happens to a package once it enters the cargo system. It might be jostled, punctured, or stored improperly. Multiply that by thousands of shipments, and the risk compounds. For this reason, lithium batteries shipped separately are heavily restricted, while those inside a device are treated with slightly more leniency. Still, even then, weight limits apply. Anything over 100 watt-hours is flagged, and higher capacities, like those found in professional equipment, often require explicit airline approval.

The practical impact of all this is significant. Small businesses, trying to sell products internationally, face added expenses and complications. Hobbyists who build drones or e-bikes find themselves jumping through hoops to receive replacement parts. Even travelers like us, who in this case, need to mail an item such as the hearing aid charger, hit roadblocks. The end result? Many people either give up or look for workarounds, which sometimes means using unofficial channels that carry their own risks.

On a psychological level, it adds one more layer of stress to an already complex world of logistics. Shipping is rarely straightforward when you live on the move. When you add in the unpredictability of lithium-battery rules, it feels like yet another reminder of how fragile our modern conveniences are. These sleek, compact batteries make our lives infinitely easier, until we try to move them from one country to another.

Ultimately, the difficulty of shipping lithium batteries reflects the very thing that makes them so valuable. They pack an incredible amount of energy into a tiny space, and with that power comes responsibility. Regulators aren’t trying to make life difficult; they’re trying to prevent disasters. Still, for those of us who depend on these devices every day, the process can feel like overkill. As I’ve come to see it, traveling with technology is no longer just about keeping it charged — it’s about navigating a world that treats those little batteries with the seriousness of explosives.

When we were notified a few days ago that DHL immediately returned the package containing the hearing aid charger to the mailing service, we panicked. What can we do?

Immediately, we got to work and called Costco stores in Spain (the closest is a six-hour drive from here) to see if they’d ship the device locally. They wouldn’t. They required all hearing aid customers to come to the store for replacement parts. Nor would they confirm they had the device in stock, which presents another issue if they had to order it. We gave up on that idea.

(Of course, when the charger wasn’t working, the first thing we did was call the original Costco store where Tom purchased the hearing aid in 2024. They couldn’t do a thing other than provide us with a credit in their system for the cost of the device, since it was still under warranty. However, we ordered the charger from them to be sent to our mailing service, which is the item we’re trying to ship now. They would not send it to us internationally.)

Next, we called Philips customer service to see if they could send us the charger. No, they told us, we had to go to a Costco store since they are their certified distributor.

Carlos, the helpful young man we met the first day we arrived in Sant Marti, stopped by and called a few hearing aid stores in the area to no avail. None of them had the product in stock, nor did they carry the Philips brand, and they didn’t seem interested in ordering it.

At 6:00 pm last night, I called our mailing service in Nevada, Mailinkplus. I asked them to follow the online lithium battery guidelines directly from UPS to ensure the package could be delivered. Last night, I received a message from them, stating that they called UPS for instructions. UPS suggested they bring the package to them today, and they will secure and wrap it to ensure it won’t be rejected again. Then, it will be shipped directly from that location.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this works. I can’t imagine that they would reject it if they packed it. The package is expected to arrive next Tuesday, five days from now.

Why is this charger so important, especially right now? Tom can’t hear without it. Cruising wouldn’t be enjoyable for him, when it’s always about socialization for us, if he couldn’t communicate with other passengers, attend shows, embark on tours, and participate in different venues.

We’ll be holding our breath for the next five days while we await the delivery, hoping that Spanish Customs doesn’t delay it further. Oh dear.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 2, 2015:

The ferry, in Savusavu, Fiji, was awaiting passengers for its daily run to the main island of Viti Levu, which takes several hours. For more photos, please click here.

Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?…What are restrictions travelers must observe?…

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Saudi Arabia is located in various colors on this map.

When considering travel to countries that are vastly different from our own, questions of safety and restrictions naturally arise. Saudi Arabia is one of those places that many travelers are curious about, yet also hesitant to visit. In recent years, the country has made a noticeable push to attract more tourists. This effort, known as Vision 2030, is designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and showcase its rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and vast desert landscapes. But as travelers, we can’t simply look at glossy brochures or enticing Instagram photos. We need to weigh safety, cultural restrictions, and practical realities before deciding whether it’s a destination for us.

From a safety standpoint, Saudi Arabia is generally considered secure for tourists. The country has a strong police presence and strict laws that help maintain order. Major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have the infrastructure to support visitors, and crimes against tourists are rare. Terrorism concerns that once dominated headlines have been significantly reduced in recent years, thanks to the government’s firm measures to protect both its citizens and visitors. Travelers often report feeling physically safe walking around, even at night, which is reassuring.

Yet, while violent crime is not usually a concern, the greater risks for travelers come from cultural misunderstandings and breaking laws—many of which are enforced with much greater severity than in Western countries. This is where restrictions come into play, and where we need to be well-informed before we step off the plane.

The most noticeable restrictions are tied to Saudi Arabia’s conservative interpretation of Islamic law. For instance, alcohol is strictly prohibited. There are no bars, no happy hours, and certainly no bringing your own wine tucked away in your suitcase. Attempting to do so could result in harsh penalties. For those of us who enjoy sundowners or a glass of wine with dinner, this is a significant adjustment. It’s a reminder that when we travel, we are guests in another culture, and respecting the rules is essential.

Dress codes also remain an important part of Saudi society, though they’ve eased in recent years. Women are no longer required to wear the abaya (the long black cloak) in public, nor is it mandatory to cover their hair. However, modest clothing is still expected—long skirts or pants, sleeves covering the arms, and high necklines. Men, too, should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts in public settings. While visitors might not face fines for showing too much skin, they could attract unwanted attention or disapproval. Out of respect, it’s wise to err on the side of modesty.

Social behavior carries restrictions as well. Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are frowned upon and can result in reprimand or worse. Unmarried couples traveling together may still face scrutiny, though rules have relaxed in recent years, especially in tourist areas. Still, travelers should be mindful of how they present themselves in public spaces.

Then there are digital restrictions—something not everyone thinks about before traveling. Internet usage in Saudi Arabia is monitored, and some websites and apps may be blocked. Social media is widely used, but critical comments about the government or religion can carry severe consequences. It’s a reminder that freedom of expression, something many of us take for granted, does not carry over when we travel to the Kingdom.

On the positive side, Saudi Arabia is opening up in ways that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. Tourist visas are now available online, making access easier. Women can travel without a male guardian, a significant step toward independence for both Saudi women and female visitors. Large-scale events, such as music festivals, art exhibitions, and sports competitions, are being promoted to draw global interest. Travelers who approach the Saudi people with an open mind often find themselves pleasantly surprised by their hospitality, which is a testament to the country’s rich culture.

Health and safety precautions should also be taken into consideration. The desert climate is harsh, with extreme heat in the summer that can be dangerous without proper preparation. Travelers should drink plenty of water, dress appropriately for the heat, and limit exposure to the midday sun. Road safety is another concern, as driving standards can be erratic compared to what many of us are used to. For visitors, hiring a driver or using ride-hailing apps is often the best option.

So, is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia? Yes, if you approach it with respect, awareness, and preparation. Physically, the risks are low, but culturally, the potential for missteps is high if you arrive uninformed. Unlike destinations where rules are looser and forgiving, Saudi Arabia requires mindfulness from the moment you land. For those willing to adapt, it can be an enriching experience. You can marvel at UNESCO World Heritage sites like Al-Ula, explore the cosmopolitan waterfront of Jeddah, or witness the blend of old and new in Riyadh. The rewards of travel there are unique precisely because the country has been closed to the outside world for so long.

Ultimately, traveling to Saudi Arabia may not be suitable for everyone. It requires a certain flexibility, a willingness to accept restrictions that may feel uncomfortable, and an understanding that we, as visitors, do not set the terms. But for those who embrace it, the trip can offer extraordinary insights into a part of the world that few outsiders truly know.

For us, as global wanderers, the decision to visit Saudi Arabia would depend on weighing our desire for cultural exploration against our comfort with restrictions. It is not about whether the country is safe in the traditional sense…it is. It’s about whether we are prepared to travel within the boundaries it sets, and to see safety not just as freedom from crime, but as the reassurance that rules are enforced to preserve order.

Would we consider visiting Saudi Arabia? If we were in the Middle East at any given time, we might consider it. However, making a special trip from a distant location would deter us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 1, 2015:

This is actually a dine-in restaurant located in Savusavu, Fiji, in a strip mall, featuring two tiny tables for diners and minimal cooking space for the cook. For more photos, please click here.

Wrapping up e-visas, one more to go…Cruise lines don’t help…

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Photo from a restaurant in Kenya on September 30, 2013. The buds of the sweet-smelling flowers were intoxicating, like a fine perfume. For more photos, please click here.

Yesterday morning, we initiated and completed the process of applying for the required e-visas, also known as Electronic Travel Authorities (ETAs), for New Zealand and Australia. Both countries require these documents, which we’ll print once we board the ship on October 27, in case printed copies are needed.

We won’t be visiting New Zealand during the 47-night cruise, but we will do so after we arrive and fly from Brisbane, Australia, following the completion of the 47-night cruise. However, on the last leg of the cruise, we’ll be entering Australia. The e-visa for Australia is mandatory and may have prevented a passenger from boarding the cruise without it.

To clarify, the 47 nights are three back-to-back cruises on the same ship, Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas. We will be required to check out of each leg and then check back in, which process will be made known to us once we are aboard. We have taken several back-to-back cruises, but since the pandemic, we haven’t experienced the process firsthand.

One of the more confusing aspects of preparing for a cruise, especially one as long as the 47-night sailing we’re about to embark on, is figuring out which visas, ETAs, or e-visas are required for each country along the way. Cruise lines do an excellent job of highlighting excursions, dining packages, entertainment, and, of course, the ever-tempting drink offers. But when it comes to the very serious matter of what paperwork passengers must have to even step foot off the ship, they provide surprisingly little guidance.

We’ve learned this the hard way over the years of cruising. At most, the cruise line may send a vague email a few weeks in advance, mentioning that “certain countries may require a visa or ETA.” Beyond that, they wash their hands of the matter. It’s left to the passengers to decipher government websites, apply through official or third-party services, and hope they’ve selected the correct visa type. It amazes me that a multibillion-dollar industry, which can plan the logistics of moving thousands of passengers, crew, and tons of food across the world’s oceans, can’t take the time to streamline this process for its guests.

The reality is that most passengers don’t think to check until it’s nearly too late. For people who don’t travel frequently outside of cruising, visas can be baffling. The terms themselves are confusing—what’s the difference between a visa, an ETA, and an e-visa? One country’s “visa” may be another’s “entry authorization.” Some are valid for years, while others are only valid for a few days. Some require embassy visits, while others can be obtained in minutes on a smartphone. And then there are tricky requirements, such as needing a printed approval rather than just a digital copy, which could leave a passenger stranded at the gangway.

We’ve always been cautious, knowing how important it is to have these details ironed out well in advance of boarding day. But even with our experience, it still requires hours of research. We often use government websites directly, double-checking against travel forums and news articles to ensure rules haven’t changed. For the average passenger, especially one who booked the cruise expecting everything to be “all-inclusive” and carefree, this is far too much to ask.

The irony is that cruise lines could easily fix this. They already collect every passenger’s passport information in advance. They know the exact itinerary, port by port. With a little effort, they could integrate a visa guide into the booking process, showing passengers exactly what’s required for each stop, with links to the correct application portals. Airlines manage to do this to some degree, warning passengers about visa requirements during check-in. Why can’t cruise lines?

Instead, the burden falls on each traveler. Those who are unprepared may find themselves confined to the ship, watching others disembark and explore. In the worst cases, passengers have been denied boarding at the very start of the trip for failing to have the proper paperwork. Imagine the disappointment of saving for a dream cruise for years, only to be turned away at the dock because no one clearly explained the rules.

As seasoned travelers, we’ve come to accept that visa research is part of the preparation, as essential as packing or buying travel insurance. But I can’t help but feel frustrated on behalf of the many passengers who get caught unaware. Cruising is marketed as the easiest way to see the world, your floating hotel that takes care of everything. And yet, in this one critical area, the lines fail to provide the support people need most.

If cruising is truly meant to be a stress-free experience, it’s time for the industry to step up. A simple checklist, tailored to each passenger’s nationality and itinerary, would prevent endless confusion. Until then, travelers must take it upon themselves to double and triple-check every destination’s requirements. It may not be glamorous, but it’s the only way to ensure that when the ship docks in a new country, you’ll actually get to step ashore.

Tomorrow, we’ll complete the ETA for Indonesia and finally be done with all of these needed for our upcoming back-to-back cruise.

Yesterday, Tom’s hearing aid charger arrived at our mailing service in Nevada, and it will be shipped via DHL International today. Due to lithium battery restrictions, the package must be wrapped in a specific manner; otherwise, it may be returned as undeliverable. This evening at 6:00 pm here in Spain (9:00 am in Nevada), I will call Maillink to ensure the package is wrapped correctly. We hope there are no issues at customs when it enters Spain in about a week.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 30, 2015:

Many locals in Fiji, as well as some tourists, take this bus to other parts of the island. For more photos, please click here.