Why use Costco Travel for bookings?…Pluses and minuses…Is a membership required?…

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Note: We do not receive compensation for mentioning Costco Travel

Recently, we booked four cruises through Costco Travel for several reasons, including:

  • Pricing, plus the benefit of price reductions before the final payment is made
  • Complimentary Costco Shop Cards are provided for certain bookings including cruises.
  • Annual shopping credits for spending money using membership
  • Perks acquired on Costco Citibank card
  • Ease of booking (they’ve greatly improved their phone response time).
  • Reliability with the Costco brand

See more below:

Booking travel through Costco Travel can be a great option, especially if you’re already a Costco member. Here’s why:

1. Exclusive Member-Only Deals

Costco negotiates discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages, often bundling in extras like resort credits, free breakfast, or complimentary room upgrades. These deals are only available to members, making them a great perk.

2. Added Value & Extras

Many Costco Travel packages include Costco Shop Cards, which can be used for future Costco purchases, as well as perks like free airport transfers, daily resort credits, or waived resort fees.

3. Transparent Pricing (No Hidden Fees)

Unlike some third-party travel sites, Costco Travel prices are straightforward. Taxes and fees are typically included upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges later.

4. Bundled Convenience

Costco offers vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and sometimes even rental cars—saving you the hassle of booking everything separately. This can also mean better pricing than booking each component individually.

5. Rental Car Discounts

Costco Travel offers some of the best rental car rates, often including a second driver for free (which is usually an extra charge with other providers). They work with brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, giving you flexibility.

6. Strong Customer Service

Costco is known for good customer service, and its travel department is no exception. If something goes wrong with your booking, you have Costco’s backing, which can be helpful compared to dealing with an online booking site with limited support.

7. Luxury Hotel & Cruise Benefits

For those booking higher-end travel, Costco Travel often includes perks like room upgrades, late checkout, onboard cruise credits, or specialty dining packages—sometimes matching or exceeding what you’d get by booking directly with a hotel or cruise line.

8. Trust & Reliability

Costco has a reputation for vetting its vendors carefully. If a travel deal is offered through Costco, you can generally trust that it’s a good value.

Potential Downsides to Consider:

  • Limited Flight Options: If booking flights, Costco’s travel packages may not offer the same flexibility as booking directly with an airline.
  • No Loyalty Program Benefits: If you frequently earn points with hotels or airlines, you may not receive full rewards or elite status perks when booking through Costco.
  • Must Be a Costco Member: You need a Gold Star or Executive Membership to book through Costco Travel, though the savings can often justify the membership cost.

If you value simplicity, bundled deals, and extra perks, booking travel through Costco can be a fantastic option! Would you like recommendations for specific destinations?

In the past, we frequently used VacationstoGo.com, an excellent cruise booking service. However, when comparing overall benefits and pricing, Costco was a winner for us, even factoring in the price of their annual executive membership.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 29, 2015:

The colors in the tunnels at Tunnels Beach at Napali Beach are varied. For more photos, please click here.

Fun new addition to Las Vegas family entertainment offerings…Family friendly events in Las Vegas…

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Tom, standing on the dock in Hanalei, Kauai, ten years ago.

When researching travel news today, I encountered the following article, which might interest ice cream-favoring adults and families considering Las Vegas, Nevada, as a vacation option.

From this article:

“Las Vegas Is Getting a Museum of Ice Cream With Themed Hotel Suites and an Epic Ice Cream Buffet

The Museum of Ice Cream announced it’s adding to its collection of five pop-ups and five permanent locations with its largest flagship destination. By Stacey Leasca, Published on January 28, 2025

Museum of Ice Cream Las Vegas

The sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream Las Vegas. Photo: Courtesy of Museum of Ice Cream

“Love a good scoop of ice cream? Then, it’s time to book a flight to Las Vegas.

On Tuesday, the Museum of Ice Cream announced it’s adding to its collection of five pop-ups and five permanent locations with its largest flagship destination, set to open in Las Vegas in 2026. Specifically, it’s opening as the new flagship family-friendly food and beverage destination at the AREA15 immersive entertainment district, and, according to the brand, it will also be its “most ambitious location” to date. 

“AREA15 is built on immersive experiences, and Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World, making it the perfect location for the evolution of the Museum of Ice Cream. Since founding the Museum of Ice Cream, we’ve seen visionary designers like Bjarke Ingalls and Lionel Ohayon push the city into a new era of design, and we are excited to contribute to that legacy,” Maryellis Bunn, the museum’s co-founder and CEO, said. “Our Las Vegas flagship represents the pinnacle of our journey — blending design, hospitality, and participation in ways that balance family-friendly experiences by day and create a global nightlife destination by night.” 

Museum of Ice Cream Las Vegas buffet
The Ice Cream Buffet. Courtesy of Museum of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream Las Vegas, the brand added in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure, “will redefine immersive entertainment, spanning nearly 30,000 square feet — three times the size of previous locations.” Its new location will include its iconic sprinkle pools, playgrounds, an epic ice cream buffet that the company is calling “the world’s first permanent, dedicated ice cream buffet,” costume parlors, and even an ice cream cake wedding chapel. And perhaps most fun of all, visitors can sleep over in its ice cream-themed hotel suites.

“We’ve been working toward opening in Las Vegas for over five years, and this marks a pivotal moment in our brand’s growth,” said Manish Vora, co-founder and co-CEO. “It comes on the heels of eight years of growth and millions of visitors served worldwide. We have watched the city evolve with groundbreaking attractions like the Sphere, Spiegelworld, and the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. To bring a permanent version of the Museum of Ice Cream to Vegas, we knew we had to elevate everything — size, interactivity, gamification, and theatrics.” 

While you can’t visit this new location just yet, you can visit one of the Museum of Ice Cream’s five permanent locations in Austin, Chicago, New York, Singapore, Miami, or Boston. You can also keep track of Vegas’ progress by signing up for updates on the Museum of Ice Cream’s website, museumoficecream.com.

Las Vegas might have a reputation as a party destination, but it also provides plenty of family-friendly venues and activities. Here are some great options:

Entertainment and Shows

  1. The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage
    • This is a magical spot where you can see dolphins, tigers, and other exotic animals up close. Kids will love the playful dolphins and learn about animal care.
  2. Tournament of Kings at Excalibur
    • A dinner show with jousting knights, sword fights, and medieval fun. It’s interactive and great for kids who enjoy a bit of action.
  3. Cirque du Soleil Shows
    • Family-friendly options like Mystère (at Treasure Island) feature acrobatics, humor, and awe-inspiring visuals.

Interactive Attractions

  1. Discovery Children’s Museum
    • This hands-on museum has interactive exhibits covering science, art, and culture. Perfect for curious little minds.
  2. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
    • Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles. It’s an immersive underwater adventure.
  3. Adventuredome at Circus Circus
    • A five-acre indoor theme park with rides, games, and attractions for all ages.

Outdoor Fun

  1. Bellagio Conservatory and Fountains
    • The Conservatory’s seasonal floral displays are mesmerizing, and the fountain show is a must-see for all ages.
  2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
    • If your family enjoys hiking and nature, this is a stunning day trip destination outside the city.
  3. Springs Preserve
    • A mix of botanical gardens, museums, and interactive exhibits that explore the desert environment and Las Vegas history.

Quirky and Fun

  1. Pinball Hall of Fame
    • A massive collection of vintage pinball machines. It’s an excellent place for a nostalgic trip down memory lane for parents and fun for kids.
  2. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
    • An interactive exhibit for superhero fans with costumes, props, and challenges inspired by the Marvel universe.
  3. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
    • Take a free self-guided tour to see how chocolates are made, then explore the desert-themed cactus garden.

Dining with a Twist

  1. Rainforest Café (at Planet Hollywood)
    • A jungle-themed restaurant with animatronic animals and thunderstorm effects that kids adore.
  2. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Crazy Shakes (at The Venetian)
    • Known for their over-the-top milkshakes, which are practically a dessert and a photo-op in one.
  3. Sugar Factory
    • Famous for its candy-themed décor and giant goblet drinks (non-alcoholic options for kids, of course!).

Of course, adults or a family can keep themselves entertained for days with the events and venues listed above. However, parents (and adults) must prepare themselves for the exorbitant costs of participating in many of these offerings. The costs per person for the above events are listed on their websites and can be easily found online.

Since Richard moved to Las Vegas, we’ve been coming here for over 35 years. We’ve seen some of these but have little interest in spending hundreds of dollars on a single event. We’d rather spend our money on wildlife, nature, and cultural adventures worldwide.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 28, 2015:

No photo was posted on this date ten years ago. The post may be found here.

Thinking back to where we were, as Covid-19 began to hit the world…

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Cloudy morning in Kauai.

As we approach the time when the pandemic began worldwide, as we were preparing to leave for India in 2020, I can’t help but easily recall the days leading to our departure from Phoenix after visiting with Tom’s sisters in Apache Junction for a few months.

Little did we know what was ahead, but according to a quote from our post on January 27, 2020, I think we’d already begun to prepare ourselves, in part, for what was yet to come. But, little did we know…

“Then, besides packing, we’re thinking a little about the Coronavirus, but not as much as some may. There have been only a few cases so far in India, and they’ve been testing all arriving passenger’s temperatures at all major airports. So far, they’ve sent 12 passengers back to China, refusing entry. Hopefully, this diligence will continue.

This morning, I purchased more wipes for our hands and surfaces that we’ll wipe down wherever we go, including the armrests and tray tables on both planes and all characters in our hotel room, including phone, remote, door handles, etc.

Today, our 100 disposable face masks will arrive from Amazon. I had difficulty finding them online, including on the Amazon site. We’d seen a news report in China where people lined up hundreds deep at a pharmacy, hoping to purchase face masks when they were almost sold out.

We’re taking every precaution and striving to be sensible and practical. However, if we had planned to visit China, then I am confident we would have felt the need to change our plans.

Last night, we hosted a happy hour for our neighbors and Tom’s family. We gathered around the outdoor table and enjoyed a few hours of lively conversation, snacks, and drinks.“

Here’s what was happening with Coronavirus in January 2020:

In January 2020, COVID-19 was in its early stages and primarily concentrated in Wuhan, China, where it was first identified in December 2019. Here’s a brief overview of the situation that month:

  • Early January: The first cases were linked to a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan. On January 7, Chinese authorities identified the virus as a novel coronavirus (later named SARS-CoV-2). By mid-January, China had reported dozens of cases.
  • International Spread: By late January, cases were reported outside China, including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. The first confirmed death occurred in Wuhan on January 11.
  • WHO’s Response: On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern,” signaling the growing global risk.

The outbreak’s true scale was underestimated at the time due to limited testing and understanding. By the end of the month, only a handful of cases had been reported in many countries, though the virus was already spreading undetected in some areas.

We’re so happy the pandemic is hopefully behind us all.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 27, 2015:

We posted this video ten years ago today as we first became familiar with the Laysan Albatross nesting in a neighborhood near us. For more, please click here.

For now, we’ll continue to post travel news updates that may save you time and money…

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Ten years ago in Kauai, Hawaii, we began to experience the joy of watching, almost daily, the Laysan Albatross couples nesting with their single eggs, which eventually hatched while we observed the chicks growing, planning to fledge months later. It was an experience we’ll never forget.

There are only 34 days until we leave Nevada for South Africa; with little activity happening on our end as I continue to recover from this two-week virus, we don’t have a lot of news to share. I should be back to normal within a week and be able to return to working out, after which I’ll feel even better.

My son Greg and his girlfriend Heather arrive here in 11 days, and I plan to be up to the flurry of activities that will ensue while they are here for five days. Once they leave, it will only be a few weeks until we start packing and preparing to depart. The month of February will fly by.

As a result, most of our upcoming posts will consist of the latest travel news that may impact your travel experiences, expenses, and booking processes. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time and stamina right now to delve into more detailed topics. Once we settle in Marloth Park, we’ll post stories and countless photos of the world around us.  We can hardly wait.

One of our dear readers/friends, Lisa, wrote that we don’t have to be concerned about our readers judging our content. Few have said anything negative or pressured us to add more entertaining content during quiet times. Thanks, Lisa, for the vote of confidence. Of course, our goal is always to provide interesting and fun content.

For today’s bit of current travel news, this article may be of interest to those considering travel during Spring Break:

“American Airlines Has Spring Break Flight Deals to Cancun, Miami, and More — Starting at Under $200

A variety of popular destinations are available. By Michael Cappetta

Published on January 25, 2025

As cold winter temperatures cover much of the United States, airlines discount prices for spring break getaways. 

American Airlines recently published hundreds of discounted airfares under $200, spanning the spring and early summer travel season. Best of all, the destinations include a variety of popular locations, including Cancun, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix, and more. 

Travel + Leisure spotted a variety of discounted fares including: 

  • Chicago, IL (ORD) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) from $177
  • Dallas, TX (DFW) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) from $277 
  • Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (SJD) from $263
  • Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Las Vegas, NV (LAS) from $145
  • Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Miami, FL (MIA) from $179 
  • Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) from $298

The airline also has several discounted flights to Miami, FL from Boston ($127), New York – LGA ($179), Washington – DCA ($158), and other locations throughout the winter and spring break season.

American Airlines has also discounted tickets to other popular spring break getaways, such as Los Angeles (LAX) to Tucson, AZ (TUS) for only $193, or Minneapolis, MN (MSP) to Destin, FL (VPS) for only $197. 

While many flights depart from one of American’s hubs, such as Dallas or Philadelphia, travelers can use an interactive tool on the website to select their home airport and desired budget to find discounted flights. For example, when entering “Kansas City, MO,” travelers can see options to fly to Austin, Denver, New York – LGA, or more at a price under $200 round-trip. 

For travelers looking to set sail on the sea during spring break, American Airlines Cruises division offers bonuses of up to 10,000 miles and other perks on select upcoming bookings. Travelers could also use the discounted domestic flights to save on tickets to and from a cruise port. 

The Dallas, TX-based airline has also been marketing international flight promotions, including round-trip European tickets for under $500. The discounted flights come as American has also begun new European routes, including flights to Madrid.”

For our readers living outside the US, it may be worthwhile to investigate special Spring Break rates offered through airlines you may use most frequently in your country. However, some of these rates may apply if visiting the US is part of your travel plan.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 26, 2015:

Our new friend Richard gave us the gift of The Majestic Albatross by Robert Waid, a neighbor whom we later met, as we began to experience the wonder of the Laysan Albatross in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Updated information on ETA (electronic travel authorization) fees for the UK…

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Hanalei Beach in Kauai.

On January 7, we posted new information about the UK requiring ETAs (electronic travel authorization) even when only flying through on a flight layover. This policy change would directly impact us when we fly to South Africa on March 1. See our post here.

We had noted the calendar to apply for the UK ETA in plenty of time for our upcoming flight in only 35 days. Now, we won’t have to.

Their new policy, which went into effect on January 8, 2025, received much criticism from flight passengers who never left the airport during a layover. According to the article below, the ETA for transit passenger layovers will not be required. However, all other listed requirements will remain the same.

Weirdly, the UK is proposing an increase in the ETA fees, established on January 8, as described below:

From Travel and Leisure

“The UK Is Dropping Its ETA Fee for These Specific Passengers — What to Know

It also is proposing an increase in the fee just weeks after launch. By Alison Fox

 Published on January 21, 2025

The United Kingdom has proposed raising its electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee just weeks after it went into effect. Still, it will no longer require it for transit passengers not leaving the airport.

The ETA fee, which went into effect for most travelers on Jan. 8, including those from the United States, currently costs £10 ($12.28) to apply. However, the UK has proposed raising the cost to £16 ($19.65).

With that, the UK government said last week that travelers no longer need to pay if they do not pass through border control. (Which isn’t necessary for many layovers such as our case).

“As part of the government’s Plan for Change, ETAs will deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year,” the Home Office wrote in a statement. “However, following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control.”

Following the announcement, Willie Walsh, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said he opposed the increase, calling the proposal and its timing “bewildering.”

“If implemented, it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UK’s tourism competitiveness,” Walsh said in a statement. “It’s time for the UK government to see the big picture. It has everything to gain by making the UK a more cost-competitive travel destination — including the substantial tax revenues that travelers generate. It makes no sense to discourage high-cost visitors even before they set foot in the country.”

Beyond the UK, the European Commission plans to roll out its own electronic authorization system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), sometime this year. The fee will be €7 ($7.27).

The US also has its own Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA), available to travelers from countries with a Visa Waiver Program. The application fee for ESTA is $21.

This is one less step required for our upcoming fight, although they list the layover exemption as temporary.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 25, 2015:

The boat launch at Hanalei Beach, Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

It’s been a long haul…Finally, getting better…

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Our dear friend Richard, whom we met at the Makai Country Club in 2015, included us in his vast circle of friends, and in no time at all, we felt part of the local group. Richard, a retired attorney from Missouri, took pride in his huge antique desk. Richard has since passed away, and most recently, his beloved wife, Elaine, also passed. We had an amazing social life in the four months we spent in Kauai.

The most frustrating part of being sick with flu these past 11 days has been losing all the strength I’d acquired from working out since we arrived in Lake Las Vegas on December 18. I worked hard to build strength and stamina, and once I noticed the improvements, I got sick.

Sure, it entered my mind that I may have pushed myself too hard, but instead, I believe I caught it from the sick Uber driver when we went to dinner at Richard’s home weeks ago. Now, I am left with a cough and weakness. Soon, I will slowly begin to work out again and hope to rebuild my strength by the time we leave here for the airport to fly to South Africa in 37 days.

The time until we depart has passed quickly, and in a little over three weeks, I’ll start sorting and packing. Since I’ve lost weight and plan to keep it off, I have several clothing items to donate to Goodwill, along with the wheelchair I no longer need. We will call and make arrangements for pickup or drop the items off at a store next time we go out.

Yesterday, it was two weeks until son Greg and his girlfriend Heather will arrive for a visit. They will stay with Richard during their five-day visit. I am so excited to be with my sons and their significant others for the first time in many years. It’s a good thing I got sick when I did instead of when they were about to arrive.

With Tom’s help, we chopped and diced ingredients for Tom’s low-carb pizza, which we’ll cook tonight. We’re making enough for three nights. Last night, I roasted chicken thighs and legs for me, which I’ll have for the next few nights. All I have to do today is make a salad and put the ingredients on top of the two pizza crusts I made this morning.

Tom mostly cooked for himself while I was sick, while I had simple, light meals. One day, we made a batch of chicken salad for three dinners. It was easy, although I wasn’t able to do much.  At least now, I’m feeling well enough to do a few things.

Sorry, I don’t have anything exciting to write about today. Hopefully, I’ll be myself again soon and be more enthusiastic about preparing posts.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago, January 24, 2015:

This one-lane bridge crosses over the Hanalei River in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2, no passport?…Travel to These Stunning International Destinations Without One (with alternate documentation)……..

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The beautiful pier in Hanalei, Kauai.

I stumbled across the following article, which may appeal to Americans (or others) who do not have a passport.

Americans without a passport can still travel to these tropical (and international) destinations. By Evie Carrick, Travel and LeisurePublished on January 22, 2025

“The US is the fourth largest country by land mass, with over 3.5 million square miles to explore. It’s home to 63 national parks and some of the most well-loved cities in the world. We’ve got Alaska for those looking for extreme wilderness and Hawaii for those looking for an island beach vacation.

America is so big that you could live your whole life without leaving the country — and many do. But you don’t need to limit yourself to the confines of the US just because you don’t have a passport or are waiting for a new one to arrive. There are several international destinations Americans can visit with no passport at all. (It’s worth noting that starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required at TSA checkpoints. More on that here.)

American Samoa
To visit American Samoa without a passport, you must show your government-issued ID and a certified birth certificate demonstrating your nationality. You’ll also need a ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa or proof of employment there.

Guam
To visit Guam without a passport, you must book your flights through Honolulu first, as traveling through other major hubs like Tokyo or Seoul requires a passport. Then, you’ll need to show your government-issued ID and an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

Puerto Rico
Traveling to Puerto Rico is different from traveling to Pennsylvania. US citizens wishing to visit the island nation must show their government-issued ID; no birth certificate is required.

US Virgin Islands
You’ll need a valid government-issued ID and birth certificate to visit the US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. According to some travel forums, the latter is not always required but is recommended if you’re asked to show proof of citizenship.

Northern Mariana Islands
Just northeast of Guam are 14 islands comprising the Northern Mariana Islands (The Marianas). Like Guam, to get to the islands without a passport, you must fly through Honolulu to avoid layovers in countries requiring passports. You can enter the Northern Mariana Islands with a government-issued ID and an original or certified birth certificate.

International Closed-loop Cruises
Another way to travel internationally without a passport is to book a “closed-loop cruise,” or a cruise that starts and ends at the same US port and only travels within the Western Hemisphere.

For example, a closed-loop cruise might depart from Miami and visit Bermuda or The Bahamas before returning to Miami (no passport required). However, you couldn’t leave Miami and travel to Panama before ending your cruise in San Diego. This trip requires a passport because the cruise doesn’t start and end at the same port of call.

On closed-loop cruises, you can bring along a government-issued ID and a government-issued birth certificate instead of a passport and still visit foreign countries like Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Of course, many of these situations can change quickly, and verifying this information in detail at least a month before you travel is imperative.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 23, 2015:

It was so exciting to stumble upon this pier at Hanalei Bay. Notice the “beach closed” sign on the left, which no one observed, including us. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1, no passport?…Why do some Americans (or citizens of other countries) refuse to get a passport?..

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United States of America passport book on a table

The reluctance of some travelers to get a passport often boils down to a combination of practicality, misconceptions, and personal preferences. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Contentment with Domestic Travel

Many people live in countries like the US, which offer diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences within their borders. From tropical beaches to snowy mountains, domestic travel can fulfill many people’s wanderlust without international exploration.

For example, Someone living in the US might see no reason to get a passport when they can visit the Grand Canyon, New York City, and Hawaii without leaving the country.

2. Perceived Complexity or Cost

Getting a passport involves fees, paperwork, and time. The process may seem daunting or unnecessary for some if they don’t immediately need international travel.

Reflection: “Why spend money on a passport I may never use?” is a sentiment some hold, particularly if international travel feels like a distant dream.

3. Fear of the Unknown

International travel often involves navigating foreign languages, currencies, and customs. For some, this can feel overwhelming or intimidating.

Example: Someone might avoid getting a passport because they worry about culture shock or feeling out of place abroad.

4. Attachment to Routine and Comfort

Some people value the familiarity of their home environment and are hesitant to venture too far from what they know.

Reflection: “Why leave the comforts of home when everything I need is right here?” is a thought that may discourage passport applications.

5. Lack of Motivation or Time

If international travel isn’t a priority, getting a passport often falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

Example: A busy schedule or a lack of interest in far-flung destinations can make obtaining a passport feel unnecessary.

6. Misconceptions About Travel

Some might believe that international travel is only for the wealthy or adventurous, which can create a psychological barrier to obtaining a passport.

Reflection: Shifting this mindset often starts with education and exposure to stories of travelers from all walks of life.

7. Unrealized Opportunities

For those who have never experienced international travel, the value of a passport might not be immediately evident. However, once people travel abroad, they often realize how enriching it can be and wish they had started sooner.

While these reasons might make sense to those holding them, the beauty of having a passport is that it represents freedom and possibility—even if you don’t use it immediately. For those already in love with travel, encouraging someone to get a passport often starts with sharing the transformative experiences it can unlock.

Suppose you don’t have a passport and hesitate to apply for one, apprehensive of the process. In that case, you can get assistance from a passport processing company (added fees), local governmental offices, and FedEx and UPS stores (added fees).

Tomorrow, in Part 2, we will share some destinations outside the US that don’t require passports for entry. Please check back.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 22, 2015:

The mountains in Kauai exhibit a hazy cast even on sunny days, most likely due to low-lying clouds and humidity from vegetation. For more photos, please click here.

Finally back!…

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The pool at the Makai Country Club in Kauai, which we joined as social members ten years ago.

While in an Uber, leaving Richard’s home after dinner and football on January 5, about five minutes into the drive, the driver announced she was sick but working anyway. She bemoaned her passengers who didn’t wear a mask when they were sick, and yet there she was, sick and not wearing a mask. We didn’t leave her a tip.

When we returned to the condo, I looked up the most current flu and virus incubation periods. Most were up to 14 days from exposure. Nine days later, last Monday, I awoke with a “tickle in my throat.” I hoped it was just a by-product of the dry air, typical in Las Vegas this time of year. But no such luck.

By the end of the day, I was coughing, sneezing, and feeling extreme body pain, worse than when we had COVID-19 in April 2023 while on a cruise, which upended months of travel plans. There was no need to get a test or go to a doctor. I decided to let it run its course. We had nowhere to go, and I could rest and get better.

I won’t go into all the gory details, but it’s been challenging, and there was no way I had the wherewithal to prepare a post. I had a fever for six days. Today, day 9, I felt well enough to write a short post after countless thoughtful inquiries and well wishes, for which we thank our kind readers.

I wish I had the oomph to write an interesting and informative post about travel, but it’s taking all I can muster to write this. Thank God Tom hasn’t got it, and he’s done a great job taking care of me. He should be home-free if he can make it through the next five days or so. Oh yeah…he’s already home free. Duh!

Until this is over, we will do short posts and crank up the creativity as I improve. Thanks for your kindness and consideration.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 21, 2015:

We joined the Makai Golf Club, a social membership only, so I could use the small fitness center, which had everything I needed, the pool, and we could dine at the club restaurant. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Nervous about flying?…Most turbulent flights in the US…

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The scenery on the Big Island, Hawaii, never ceased to amaze us.

As the California wildfires continue, my sister Julie, who lives in Brentwood, waits for another evacuation notice. The first notice took her and her roommate to a friend’s home, and they were able to return days later. However, they could be evacuating again with more high winds predicted for today and tomorrow.

The stress and horror about this unimaginable situation for all the residents who’ve lost loved ones, their homes, and all of their belongings is hard to fathom. We send love and prayers to everyone impacted by this devastation.

It seems insignificant to discuss anything other than the devastation of these times, but life goes on for the rest of us, albeit with an added awareness of how fragile our lives are. Anything can happen at any time. Although we continue with our usual posts about our lives and travel, that doesn’t mean we are not continually thinking and praying for everyone involved, including the brave and relentless firefighters and first responders who sacrifice so much to help.

Today’s and tomorrow’s stories focus on air turbulence during fights, which appears more frequently in the news and videos than ever before. Is turbulence getting worse? I don’t assume so. However, with more people making videos during flights, posting comments online, and receiving increased exposure from the media, it seems so.

Below is a list of air turbulence that is most prevalent when flying over certain areas in the US, and tomorrow’s post will include details of air turbulence in flights outside the US. Please check back,

Turbulence on flights in the US can vary depending on weather patterns, geography, and the time of year. However, some regions and routes are notoriously more turbulent due to jet streams, mountain ranges, and seasonal weather systems. Here are the most turbulent areas and flights in the US:

1. Flights Over the Rocky Mountains

  • Why Turbulent: The Rockies cause significant atmospheric disturbances, particularly mountain wave turbulence. Winds flow over the mountains, creating air currents that can result in turbulence.
  • Notable Routes: Flights between Denver (DEN) and cities like Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA), or San Francisco (SFO) often experience turbulence.

2. Northeastern Corridor

  • Why Turbulent: This area frequently encounters strong jet streams, especially during the winter. Nor’easters and storms can add to the instability.
  • Notable Routes: Flights between New York (JFK/LGA) and Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (DCA/IAD), or Philadelphia (PHL).

3. Flights Over the Midwest

  • Why Turbulent: Thunderstorms are common in the Midwest during spring and summer, leading to convective turbulence. Tornado-prone areas can also experience atmospheric instability.
  • Notable Routes: Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Kansas City (MCI) or Minneapolis (MSP).

4. Southern US Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Warm, moist air over the Gulf of Mexico combines with seasonal storms, leading to turbulence. Hurricanes during the summer and fall add to this risk.
  • Notable Routes: Flights along the Gulf Coast, including Houston (IAH) to Miami (MIA).

5. West Coast Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Winds coming off the Pacific Ocean combined with the Sierra Nevada and coastal mountains create turbulence, especially in the Bay Area and Southern California.
  • Notable Routes: San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) to Seattle (SEA) or Las Vegas (LAS).

6. Hawaiian Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Flights to and from Hawaii cross the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where trade winds and storms can cause turbulence.
  • Notable Routes: Flights from the mainland US (LAX, SFO) to Honolulu (HNL).

7. Alaskan Routes

  • Why Turbulent: Mountainous terrain, strong winds, and storms in this region make flights to Alaska particularly bumpy.
  • Notable Routes: Anchorage (ANC) to Seattle (SEA) or Fairbanks (FAI).

Tips for Managing Turbulence

  • Seat Selection: Sitting over the wings (near the plane’s center of gravity) can reduce the sensation of turbulence.
  • Flight Timing: Morning flights typically experience less turbulence due to more stable air.
  • Preparation: Buckle up and stay informed about weather patterns before your flight.

Hopefully, your next flight will be turbulence-free. Most often, flying over the Atlantic Ocean, like we will in 46 days on March 1, results in a fair amount of turbulence. Oh dear.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 14, 2015:

Sunrise reflections are taken from what Tom called the “birdhouse” on the Big Island, where we had the family get-together. Click on the link to see our final expenses for that event here.