Important news about visiting and flying to the UK!!!…Even if only a layover…Even for cruise ports…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
Any angry-looking bull we encountered upon arrival in Kauai from the Big Island ten years ago.

It’s good to keep an eye out for current travel news. A few days ago, I read an article about the UK requiring all travelers to apply for and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the UK. We have a layover in London on our upcoming trip to South Africa.

Our layover is only five hours, but the ETA is a requirement, even for only a few minutes. Without it, the airline won’t let you board your originating flight, or the cruise line won’t allow you to board, which would be a nightmare.

As a result, we felt we needed to share this information with our readers, many of whom may be traveling through or to the UK in the future. The ETA payment (IS $12.50) and process are required for travel after tomorrow, January 8, 2025. This also applies to any ports of call visited in the UK while on cruises. Airlines and cruise lines do not help provide this information.

What are the new visa requirements for travel to the UK in January 2025?

Starting January 8, 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Mexico, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting the United Kingdom. Check with your country’s State Department to see if this is required.

Key Details about the UK ETA:

Purpose: The ETA serves as a pre-approval for entry, enhancing border security and streamlining the entry process.

Eligibility: This is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or family visits for up to six months. This includes travelers transiting through the UK.

Application Process:

  • When to Apply: Applications are open now for travel on or after January 8, 2025

How to Apply:

  • You can apply online via the UK government’s official website or the UK ETA app. The process involves providing personal and passport information, uploading a photo, and paying the application fee.

    You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the UK online at GOV.UK or through the UK ETA app:

    Link to apply at UK government site: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or use their app…
    App: Download the UK ETA app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store 

Processing Time:

  • Decisions are typically made within three working days, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date

Cost:

  • The ETA application fee is £10 (approximately $12.50).

Validity:

  • An approved ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries into the UK during its validity period.

Exemptions:

  • UK and Irish citizens and individuals with a valid UK visa or residence permit are exempt from the ETA requirement.

Please note that possession of an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK; UK Border Force officers make final entry decisions upon arrival.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the UK government’s official guidance on the ETA application process.

Wow! It’s a good thing we caught this. When we booked our flights with the London layover a few months ago, this requirement was not mentioned.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 7, 2015:

Clouds obscuring a pie slice of last night’s moon from Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back…Disappointing football day…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
The veranda at our condo in Lake Las Vegas.

Last night, we had a lovely dinner at Richard’s home and watched the disappointing Minnesota Vikings game against the Detroit Lions. The Vikings were slaughtered, and we were all grossly disappointed and frustrated. They will still play in the playoffs, but we aren’t as optimistic as we were that they would have a shot at the upcoming Super Bowl in February. So it goes.

We took an Uber for the 20-minute ride to Henderson using Uber both ways. On the way, we paid $31.02 plus tip. On the return ride, we paid $21.17, with lower rates later on Sunday. The driver on the first trip did Tai Chi with his right hand while driving to Henderson.

The driver on the return trip explained she had been sick with the flu for the past five days and complained about how she got COVID-19 five times from her passengers but wasn’t wearing a mask while driving us. We didn’t give her a tip. We’ll wait over the next ten days to see if we get sick from riding with her. Oh, good grief!

The weekend passed quickly, and it’s hard to believe it’s Monday again. Soon, I’ll work on food prep for tonight’s dinner. Tom Is having a t-bone steak with rice, while I’m having sauteed Barramundi (fish), and we’ll both have broccoli and salad.  It will be a nice dinner which we’ll repeat, making everything fresh again.

We’ve decided we will dine out two evenings a week. It’s an excellent way to get out and about, and we’ll have some variety with options here in the Village. We just read the menu for Rick’s Cafe at the Westin Hotel behind our building, where many options appeal to both of us.

Here are more details about the Village in Lake Las Vegas:

The Village at Lake Las Vegas is a picturesque Mediterranean-inspired oasis nestled along the tranquil shores of a man-made lake in Henderson, Nevada, just 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. This charming community feels worlds away from the neon lights, offering a peaceful, inviting atmosphere that blends luxury with laid-back living.

Architecture & Aesthetic
The Village boasts cobblestone streets, terracotta rooftops, and stucco facades reminiscent of a European lakeside retreat. Winding pathways lead visitors through plazas adorned with elegant fountains, lush landscaping, and cozy seating areas. It’s a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance that feels like stepping into a postcard-perfect scene.

Dining & Entertainment
Various restaurants and cafes line the waterfront, offering something for every palate. You’ll find it here whether you’re craving Italian pasta, fresh seafood, or a simple cup of coffee with a view. Many eateries feature outdoor patios where you can savor your meal while soaking up the scenic surroundings. Live music and seasonal events add to the vibrant yet relaxed ambiance, making the Village a hub for locals and tourists.

Shopping & Activities
Boutique shops and art galleries allow leisurely browsing, while the lake invites visitors to enjoy water-based activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and even yacht rentals. The area has a championship golf course and plenty of walking trails for those who prefer land-based fun.

Community Vibe
The Village exudes a sense of community and connection. It’s a place where people gather for wine tastings, farmers’ markets, and outdoor movie nights. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, it’s easy to feel like part of the fabric of this lakeside haven.

A Peaceful Escape
Surrounded by desert landscapes, the shimmering lake is a refreshing contrast and creates a serene environment. Sunsets over the water are especially magical, with hues of orange and pink reflecting off the surface, making it a favorite spot for romantic evenings or quiet moments of reflection.

In essence, the Village at Lake Las Vegas is a delightful blend of sophistication, natural beauty, and community charm, offering a tranquil escape from the fast-paced energy of nearby Las Vegas.

We couldn’t be happier to be here. It truly has a vacation-type feel, along with the hominess of this delightful condo.

Be well.

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

A pink Trumpet flower as seen on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

It was good to go out to dinner…Are you paying for services you don’t need?…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
Having our drinks at the bar during happy hour at Sonrisa Grill was fun.

The food at Sonrisa Grill is mediocre for our tastes. Tom had the beef tacos but didn’t eat the Spanish rice or refried beans, resulting in a small meal. I had a grilled chicken salad minus the tortilla strips, corn, and beans, which consisted mainly of sliced chicken breasts over big, overly green chunks of lettuce and about ¼ sliced avocado.

Tom filled up on the chips (he doesn’t like salsa), and I indulged and ate several tortilla chips, which I usually avoid. But, the total bill was only $75 compared to spending over $100 at casual dining restaurants in the US. But we didn’t complain and enjoyed being out, chatting with another couple at the bar and listening to the DJ music from the 1970s and 1980s in the main dining room.

We stayed for quite a while after eating dinner, trying to identify the songs playing and using the music-identifying app Shazam on my phone when we couldn’t figure it out. It was a fun evening.

This stairway to the right led to the main dining room, where we had dinner.

When we returned to the condo, we returned to binge-watching the British TV series “Shetland” since we’d activated a 7-day free trial on Britbox a few nights ago. Before the new seasons came out, we watched the first five seasons and only had to catch up on four seasons during the trial.

Since we’d already watched the best series on Britbox during our ten months in lockdown in India, we see no reason to continue to pay for that streaming service. I always put a note on our family calendar, Cozi, to remind me to cancel after the trial since a trial like this can automatically charge your credit card for another month or, in some cases, an entire year.

Nothing is more frustrating than to realize you’ve been paying for an app you don’t use. I frequently check with Google Play  (whatever service you are using) to see the apps I am paying for, plus our credit cards have a link that shows the automatic payments going out each month.

It’s not always easy to cancel services, and if you can’t find a good link to direct you to cancellations, the best solution is to contact customer service to do so. Oftentimes, there’s a chat module or phone number where cancellations can be processed.

Also, whenever we leave a holiday home, I cancel any delivery fees for groceries and other services. Fortunately, we get free delivery with Grubhub through our Amazon Prime membership, which we can use in many countries besides the US (not South Africa).

Although a few local restaurants offer delivery, Marloth Park is too remote for most food delivery services. But there, it’s always such fun to go out, and we never consider the need for delivered meals. Gosh, in 56 days, we’ll be on our way.

Be well.

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

Lava or not, local roosters and chickens are busy peeking at vegetation, a common sight on the islands. This rooster had a keen eye on his “wife” and a chick on the side of the road. For more photos, please click here.

A shocking delivery!…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
This was everything in today’s Albertson’s grocery delivery order when we spent $192.10. Shocking!

When I placed the grocery order online from Albertsons in Henderson, I tried to keep the total around $200, knowing we’d be dining out tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday at Richard’s. We had plenty of protein sources in the freezer to get us through the remaining four dinners until we shop again for next Friday’s grocery delivery.

Two packages of Italian sausage were the only meat in this order. I’ll use them to make a giant egg, mushroom, and sausage casserole, divided into individual portions that we’ll freeze and enjoy for breakfast over the next few weeks. Placing two servings in zip-lock bags will make it easy to defrost them in the refrigerator overnight as needed.

As a result, I ordered six dozen eggs, three of which I’ll use to make the big pan of this delicious breakfast dish. However, I was shocked by the price of the eggs: over $60 out of the $192 total. Due to egg shortages, Alberson’s only allows customers to purchase two dozen of each type/brand of eggs.

Subsequently, I purchased some more exprensive eggs to ensure I had enough. I prefer pasture-raised eggs over “free range” since many free-range eggs are raised as follows:

“The main difference between pasture-raised and free-range eggs is the minimum outdoor space provided to the hens. For pasture-raised eggs, each hen gets a minimum of 108 square feet of pasture for themselves.”

As a result, pasture-raised eggs are healthier. For us, that’s a good reason to pay a little more. But, I must say I was shocked when I totaled the cost of the six dozen eggs. Sure, we won’t have to buy eggs for a few weeks since we will have enough left for various other dishes.

I am always shocked by the price of Fage Greek Yogurt. Two 32-oz containers were $16.42 after a $.56 discount. Eight rolls of toilet paper were $7.69, when only a few years ago, we got 12 rolls for that price. Prices were reasonable for a few items, such as a package of Wholly Guacamole singles for $3.87 and a 24-oz bag of broccoli florets for $5.80.

Our grocery bill included a $2.23 sales tax and a $12 delivery tip. However, we purchased a month-by-month delivery program for $12.95 to avoid individual delivery fees each week, which was worth the cost. Thus, we’re not paying $60 daily for a rental car or incurring fees for Uber to take us shopping.

Plus, it’s much easier to have groceries delivered to our door than spending time in the market, bagging our groceries, hauling them out to the car, bringing them indoors, and then putting them away. All we have to do now is put them away. The prices are the same as those in the market, and with most grocery apps, we get points and discounts that we wouldn’t get shopping in the store.

A huge benefit is the lack of impulse buying, which can increase one’s shopping by 25% or more. This is especially important for us so we don’t have to deal with unused impulse purchases.

It will be interesting to see the menu prices when we head out for dinner the next two nights here in the Village. Tonight, we’ll go to Sonrisa Mexican Grill, and tomorrow night, we’ll visit The Speakeasy for the first time.

We’ll return with food photos and our experience dining out in the Village tomorrow.

Be well.

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

Lots of action on our last day on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

A great place to cook!…Preferred features in vacation/holiday homes…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 2 Comments
This kitchen is much larger than it looks in this photo. We enjoy preparing meals here.

Nothing is more important to me while living in a holiday home than a good kitchen, fully stocked with ample space for prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up. Most often, about 30% of the properties we rent don’t have what we’d consider a “good working kitchen,” while the others range from adequate to exceptional.

The kitchen at the condo here in Lake Las Vegas is, without a doubt, exceptional. Its two working areas, including the space near the stove and refrigerator, provide a good working area, and the center island where the sink and dishwasher are located, with the comfortable space between them, couldn’t be more perfect.

I spend most of my prep time using the heavy wooden cutting board on the island, close to the sink, and less time at the stove, actually cooking. Most meals we make are cooked in the oven or on the top of the stove using the amazing skillet I purchased from Amazon last year. That skillet will be joining my luggage, even at the cost of dumping clothing to remain in the allowed baggage weight.

I told Tom I’d give up clothes for that pan and my big sharp knife (and its sharpener), which means more to me than anything I might wear.

Over the years of world travel, we’ve learned what means the most to us is when we rent a holiday home. Here is the list of features that we and most travelers seek. When travelers look for vacation homes, their needs and preferences often vary depending on the purpose of their trip, the group they’re traveling with, and their style. However, there are several standard features that most travelers value:

1. Location, Location, Location

  • Proximity to Attractions: Near beaches, city centers, mountains, or other major attractions.
  • Safe and Walkable Areas: Walking safely to local cafes, shops, or markets is essential.
  • Scenic Views: Homes with stunning views of nature or cityscapes are always a draw.

2. Comfortable Living Spaces

  • Spacious Layouts: Space for everyone to spread out is key for families or groups.
  • Cleanliness and Hygiene: A spotless home is non-negotiable.
  • Quality Furnishings: Comfortable beds, cozy sofas, and appealing decor enhance the stay.

3. Well-Equipped Kitchens

  • Travelers often prefer to cook meals to save money or accommodate dietary preferences. A kitchen stocked with essentials is a big plus.

4. Reliable Wi-Fi and Connectivity

  • High-speed internet is crucial for remote workers, digital nomads, or families with tech-savvy kids.

5. Entertainment Options

  • Streaming services, smart TVs, board games, books, or even gaming consoles for indoor fun.

6. Outdoor Spaces

  • Balcony, Patio, or Garden: Ideal for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or outdoor dining.
  • Pool or Hot Tub: A luxurious touch many travelers seek.

7. Laundry Facilities

  • Long-term travelers or families especially appreciate a washer and dryer.

8. Family-Friendly Features

  • Amenities like cribs, high chairs, toys, or safety gates are highly valued for families with kids.

9. Pet-Friendly Options

  • Increasingly, travelers are bringing their pets along, so homes that allow pets and have fenced yards are in demand.

10. Transportation Convenience

  • Access to parking or proximity to public transportation.

11. Sustainability Features

  • Eco-conscious travelers may look for homes with solar panels, recycling facilities, or energy-efficient appliances.

12. Local Recommendations

  • Hosts providing a guidebook with tips on local attractions, dining, and activities add a personal touch.

13. Safety and Security

  • Features like secure locks, alarms, or a safe for valuables give peace of mind.

14. Unique Experiences

  • Unique architecture, historic charm, or a quirky theme can make the stay memorable.

Travelers want a home-away-from-home that enhances their experience, offering comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury or local charm. The order of preference may change for us depending on the uniqueness of any given property, allowing us to forego some requirements.

Be well

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

A picnic area in Lava Tree Park on the Big Island wasn’t busy. For more photos, please click here.

Happy New Year!…A new day…A new dawn…Final posting of our new itinerary…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
It’s a New Year for worldwide travel and adventure.

It is a new year for all of us, but it is significant for Tom and me because we will soon commence our worldwide travels after a long health hiatus. Nothing could please us more as we enter the New Year with renewed health and hope for the future.

We wish you health, well-being, and opportunities for new experiences, big or small, and a better year on the horizon for all of us.

We are saddened by the horrific events in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, killing 15 and injuring dozens of others. We offer love and prayers for the victims, their loved ones, the police, and healing for the magical city of New Orleans, which will feel the ravages of this heart-wrenching event for years to come.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. Today is the last day we will post it, but we will post it again as we add more bookings.

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Today will be a quiet day for us. It’s cool today with a high of 53° and a low of 35°. With our limited warm clothing, we’ll undoubtedly stay indoors today.

Have a safe and Happy New Year.

Be well.

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

On this date, there was a high surf warning. For more photos, please click here.
.

Happy New Year, Everyone!…New itinerary reposted…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 4 Comments
Two dear friends we met in South Africa 11 years ago sent this graphic to me early this morning. Thanks, Kathy and Linda! I couldn’t resist posting this appropriate photo with Africa only two months away. Whoever designed this should have written: “Happy New Year.” In any case, Happy New Year to our family, friends, and readers!

Although not a long post today, we wanted to wish each and every one of our family members, friends, and readers/friends a very happy New Year’s Eve. Whatever you’ve decided to do, please do so safely, staying alert in crowds, public places, and on the roads, many of which will be snowy, icy, and slippery.

Also, please exercise caution when setting off fireworks and other celebratory observations. If you drink alcohol, please do so sensibly to avoid trips, falls, health issues, and potential altercations. Nothing is worse than awakening with a hangover on New Year’s Day.

Forty-eight hours from now, the holiday season will have ended, and we all can return to “regular life,” finding purpose and meaning in any resolutions we may have made for the new year or any promises we’ve made to ourselves for personal growth, good health, and improved relationships.

A new year is almost like a new lease on life, motivating many of us to make changes we’ve considered over the past year. Although many of us are “always a work in progress” and don’t make resolutions, we may have a list of what we’d like to accomplish in the new year. I certainly know how I can improve in many ways, some monumental and others infinitesimal.

For example, on the infinitesimal side, this morning, I told Tom I’d work harder on cooking his eggs better. He likes a runny yolk, and I often overcook them. I prefer a firm yolk, and when I cook our eggs in the same pan, it’s tricky for me to get them right. It’s not that I don’t know the “how” of it…it’s my easy distraction when I am constantly multitasking and not paying enough attention to what’s happening in the pan.

That’s all I am sharing about my resolutions for now. Feel free to share any of your with us by commenting at the end of this post.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it as we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 31, 2024:

Numerous beaches line the shores of the Big Island, attracting sunbathers and picnickers. For more photos, please click here.

End-of-year travel news…Reflections and adaptations…New itinerary reposted…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
The countdown begins…

As the year winds to a close, I find myself sitting with a warm cup of tea, reflecting on the ever-evolving world of travel. For nomads like us, this time of year holds a unique rhythm. While others may be decorating homes and planning holiday gatherings, we are contemplating new destinations, deciphering visa rules, and embracing the reality of spending the festive season far from family yet close to the heart of adventure.

This year, the travel landscape has brought its fair share of surprises. Some airports bustled with energy as travelers embraced post-pandemic wanderlust, while others bore the weight of delays, labor shortages, and an unpredictable winter season. It’s a mixed bag for those of us who have chosen the path less traveled. Yet, isn’t that part of the charm?

December is a peculiar month for long-term travelers. Flights often have inflated prices, accommodations fill up quickly, and the typical chaos of the holidays seeps into even the most remote corners of the globe. Still, amidst this bustle, there’s a sense of solidarity. Fellow travelers exchange knowing smiles at crowded airports, and the kindness of strangers becomes a constant reminder that the world is smaller—and more connected—than we sometimes realize.

For us, this end-of-year travel season has been a lesson in flexibility. Plans that once seemed set in stone have shifted, reminding us that adaptability is not just a skill but a necessity. It’s not always easy. Sometimes, it means trading the comfort of a familiar routine for the thrill—and challenge—of the unknown. Other times, it’s accepting that a missed connection or an unexpected change of plans is simply part of the journey.

One of the highlights of this year has been witnessing the resurgence of local cultures welcoming visitors with open arms. As countries continue to reopen and recalibrate their tourism industries, there’s an undeniable energy—a celebration of resilience and recovery. It’s heartwarming to see small businesses thriving again, meet locals eager to share their stories and experience the authentic essence of places often hidden beneath guidebooks and itineraries.

Looking ahead to the new year, we’re excited to explore lesser-known destinations and continue seeking out those moments of human connection that make this lifestyle so fulfilling. It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics—the bookings, the packing, the endless checks of weather apps—but at its core, travel is about so much more. It’s about growth, perspective, and the incredible privilege of seeing the world through a lens of curiosity and wonder.

As the final days of December unfold, we remain grateful for the places we’ve seen, the people we’ve met, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. The end of the year may bring closure, but for travelers, it’s also a reminder that every ending holds the promise of a new beginning.

Wherever you find yourself this season, whether gathered around a roaring fire, watching the snow fall outside your window, or soaking in the sun on a distant shore, may the spirit of adventure be with you. Here’s to embracing the road ahead with open hearts and endless curiosity.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it as we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Happy travels, dear friends.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 30, 2014:

Had I been there seconds earlier, I could have taken the rays from the sun reflecting on the ocean. This was the view by the time the camera loaded. For more photos, please click here.

Travel news tidbits…Repost…day 5, our new itinerary…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
The backside of our condo complex.
It’s a quiet day here in Lake Las Vegas. Subsequently, we’re posting a few morsels about recent travel news. Please let us know if you’d like more information on these and any other topics, and we will research and provide more data.
Here are some recent travel and tourism news stories:
  • Thailand: Thailand is expected to welcome over 35 million visitors in 2024. 
  • Digital passports: Digital passports are expected to replace traditional travel documents. 
  • Music tourism: Music tourism is driving economic growth and travel in the US. 
  • Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines: There has been an increase in travel on Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines. 
  • “Cowboy core” tourism: “Cowboy core” tourism is expected to gain popularity in 2025. 
  • Wellness travel: Wellness travel is embracing community-centric experiences. 
  • Airbnb: Airbnb is using anti-party technology to crack down on guests. 
  • New Year’s Eve travelers: Las Vegas, NYC, and other popular US cities are preparing for New Year’s Eve travelers. 
  • NYC’s Hotel Week: NYC’s Hotel Week is back with 25% off stays at iconic properties. 
  • Gas prices: Gas prices across the US are the lowest they’ve been in 3 years. 
  • Mexico Tax: The Mexico Tax for cruise line passengers has been delayed. 
  • Disneyland: Disneyland is preparing to celebrate its 70th Anniversary with hotel deals, new attractions, and more. 
  • JetBlue: JetBlue is cutting routes from NYC, Miami, and more. 
  • Air Canada: Air Canada is adding 3 new US flights next summer.

    While on the walk to Season’s Market in the Village.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it when we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

It’s funny how today doesn’t feel like Sunday. In a few hours, we’ll be watching the Minnesota Vikings football game using Tom’s DAZN app, enabling us to watch all US football games and other sports regardless of where we are. However, it requires the use of a VPN. If you’d like more information on how to use this app, please let us know, and we’ll share a post on how to use this app.

One of a few streets (no cars allowed) in the Village.

Later, after watching the games, we’ll watch CBS’s Sunday Morning, which, without any local channels on this Dish network, we will stream from Paramount+, one of several streaming services we use regularly.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 29, 2014:

The road on the Big Island was long and desolate. For more photos, please click here.

A goofy error….A daytime walk in the Village with photos…Repost, day 4, our new itinerary…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
The view over a portion of Lake Las Vegas with a flock of birds overhead.

Thanks to our reader, Vikki, for commenting on a typo in our itinerary. I listed a date as 13/13/2025 when, in fact, I meant 12/13/2025. It’s easy to make mistakes when typing such comprehensive information and preparing a post daily.

I use an app called Grammarly to correct typos and grammatical errors. However, it often misses something, even the spelling of some common words. It’s frustrating that it isn’t perfect, but I suppose, with AI advancements, it will soon become more proficient.

Yesterday, I wrote that I’d try to encourage Tom to head to the local Season’s Market with me when I forgot to add celery to the grocery order from Albertson’s. Much to my surprise, he didn’t hesitate to join me, and off we went. This was to be the walk to test whether all my exercising had paid off, walking to the market up and down hilly paved roads in the Village.

Partial view of Lake Las Vegas.

Need I say, I was disappointed when I struggled, not out of breath but with awful pain in my legs after a short distance. I didn’t complain to Tom. What good would that do? Instead, I toughed it out and made it up and back, stopping a few times to take photos and once to sit at a little table to look out over the lake.

After two months of working out vigorously, the situation with my legs hasn’t improved. This is my fate, and I have accepted the reality. I will continue to work out daily for muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular benefits. Other than the limitations with walking distances, I feel good and am grateful for that! I have no bouts of Afib or irregular heartbeats, no shortness of breath, and my blood pressure is controlled. What more could I ask for?

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it when we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Today is a quiet day. After I work out, all I have to do for the rest of the day is prepare tonight’s T-Bone steak dinner with rice for Tom, veggies, and salad. It will be quick and easy.

The Lake Las Vegas Marina.

We hope you are all enjoying the holiday week as we wind down to New Year’s Eve in three days. What plans do you have to celebrate, if any?

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 28, 2014:

It was exciting to spot whales from the lanai in Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.