Latin America and other Catholic Countries – Carnival 2015
2015 Carnival celebrations continue throughout Latin America on February weekends from 7 pm to 2 am on Saturdays 7 pm to 12 am on Sundays, with Monday and Tuesday, Feb 16-17, as Carnival holidays. Watch for an increase in petty crime near Carnival celebrations. Many other Catholic communities around the world celebrate Carnival on February 17th and the same precautions apply.
China – Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year celebration begins February 19 and ends on March 5. Expect significant travel congestion during this time.
India – Bank Strike Possible
Trade unions of nationalized banks are threatening a 4-day strike from February 25 – 28. It is recommended to have cash on hand in advance of this time period in case bank services are unavailable.
Indonesia – Air Ticket Sales Banned at Airports
The Transportation Ministry has banned the sale of flight tickets at airports throughout the country effective February 15th. Travelers must obtain tickets before heading to the airport.
Moscow – Taxi Strike
Taxi drivers are on strike in Moscow and other major Russian cities February 13-15. Expect public transportation to be very crowded.
England – Smoking to be Banned in Cars with Children
As of October 1, 2015, drivers in England will be banned from smoking in cars if they are carrying young people under 18 as passengers.
Italy – Air Traffic Controllers Strike
Unionized air traffic controllers will strike nationwide 1300-1700 on Feb. 17. Unless averted, the industrial action could cause widespread disruptions to flights operating to, from, and within Italy, with domestic flights most likely to be affected. However, it is unlikely to be crippling as Italian law requires minimum services by maintained.
I’m trying to make sense of United’s boarding order, but can’t seem to figure it out. Can you help?
In recent years just about every airline has experimented with various boarding orders in an effort to shave time off the process. Currently, United uses something they call “WilMA”, which stands for Window, Middle, Aisle (aka Outside-In Boarding). Groups board in the following order:
1. Elite frequent flyers
2. First class passengers
3. Passengers in window seats
4. Passengers in middle seats
5. Passengers in aisle seats
Note that passengers requiring extra assistance generally board between groups 2 and 3, but sometimes between 1 and 2. Passengers traveling together and seated together are permitted to board together. For example, a family of three in the window, middle, and aisle, would all board with the window zone.
For more information about boarding policies for major U.S. airlines, click here.
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- The region known as Siberia covers 77% of Russia, but is home to only 28% of the population
- The Trans-Siberian train from Moscow to Vladivostok takes a week to complete its journey
- The majority of private vehicles in Eastern Siberia are right-hand drive, due to the proximity to Japan and the popularity of buying used Japanese vehicles
- About 30% of Russian exports travel along the Trans-Siberian Railway
- The Trans-Siberian railroad crosses exactly 3,901 bridges
- Siberia’s Lake Baikal contains 20% of the unfrozen fresh water on earth
- Within Siberia are vast areas of frozen tundra, lush evergreen pine forests, steppes, and in the far east, sub-tropical forest
Throughout Travel-On, our employees are M.A.D ( Making A Difference) for our clients. Many of you have noticed and shared your thoughts. Recently, the following note was received from a client.
Joanne Myrland from a Corporate Team
“Thanks a lot for helping us with this. We were stuck and you really helped us out…..The internet cannot help me at a time like that.”
TRAVEL WARNINGS
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Hide The Honeymoon
As we were pulling up to the hotel, my new wife felt very foolish that she was on her honeymoon. She turned to me and asked,
“ what can we do to hide the fact that we are on our honeymoon?”
I thought a second and replied,
“you carry the luggage!”