Kenya – Threat of Terrorism

There is a serious and ongoing risk of large scale acts of terrorism in Nairobi and Mombasa. Foreigners are advised to avoid unnecessary visits to public places in Nairobi and Mombasa at this time.

Italy – Air Traffic Controllers Strike Cancelled

Unionized air traffic controllers in Italy have canceled a nationwide strike slated to occur March 30.

Thailand – Mass Protest in Bangkok

Anti-government protest leaders are calling for a mass protest march in Bangkok March 29. The protest is scheduled to begin at 0930 from Lumphini Park and will culminate at the Royal Plaza near Dusit Palace in the Dusit District. Organizers predict that thousands of people will participate in the event in the capital. Smaller anti-government rallies are possible in other major cities and towns nationwide. Expect heightened security in Bangkok, especially along march routes. Significant traffic disruptions are also possible.

Are there still baggage fees on Air Tran?

The five-year-plan for the merger of Southwest and AirTran will be completed at the end of 2014. Increasingly AirTran flights have been converted to Southwest. However, until the Southwest/AirTran merger is complete later this year, the remaining AirTran do retain their own fees and policies, but only if booked through AirTran. If the AirTran flights are booked through Southwest then Southwest’s “bags fly free” policy applies.

• Named for the smoke-like bluish haze that often envelopes the mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States
• Located in Chattanooga, the Tennesse Aquarium is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world
• The world’s largest fireworks display is called Thunder Over Louisville and is the opening ceremony for the Kentucky Derby Festival
• The first self-service grocery store, the Piggly Wiggly, opened in Memphis in 1917
• Located near Corbin, Kentucky, Cumberland is the only waterfall in the world to regularly display a moonbow
• Pikeville, Kentucky, leads the nation in consumption of Pepsi-Cola
• The Memphis Cotton Exchange still handles approximately one-third of the entire American cotton crop each year
• Middlesboro, Kentucky, is the only city in the U.S. built within a meteor crater

Avis Lowers Rental Age Limit in DC

Effective April 1, 2014, Avis is lowering the minimum age requirements to 21 at all locations within Washington DC, including Washington National Airport. Customers who previously had to be 25 years of age to qualify for a rental are now permitted to rent with Avis between the ages of 21-24 with a valid credit card and driver’s license. At the time of rental, Avis will automatically apply a $27 per day underage surcharge for these customers in addition to the rental rate.

Jennie Hendrickson from International Travel Team

“Hi Jennie. All went well. Per usual, your service was good and, in particular, much more efficient than me scouting around all the websites to find the right flights and the right fare classes.”

Niger Travel Warning

Mali Travel Warning

8 Packing Tips

Hotel Safety Tips

Virgin Atlantic Goes Hollywood

Flight Attendant Flash-Mob Dance