Author: Laura Schad

Venture out on safari in spectacular South Africa

Adelman’s Cam Thieme recently returned from hosting an Adelman Discoveries adventure to spectacular Southern Africa. The 12-day journey began in Cape Town where our group of adventurers learned about fascinating cultures while soaking in stunning scenery and interesting sites in and around the area.  According to Cam, “Everyone loved Cape Town, Boulders Beach and the African penguins. The Cape of Good Hope was also very beautiful.”
	Next, our group headed to Kruger National Park for the safari portion of their trip.  They stayed at the Kapama River Lodge, which served as their base for six thrilling game drives. “Kapama Game Reserve was off the charts,” said Cam. “Our group saw all five of the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Water Buffalo.) WOW!”
The group also experienced Zimbabwe’s awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and the famous Devil’s Pool, which is a natural body of water that formed on the top of the falls on the precipice of a large gorge. Cam said, “Victoria Falls was breathtakingly beautiful. In addition, everyone especially loved the Ilala Lodge where we stayed in Zimbabwe.” Overall, Cam felt that this was a fabulous trip. With the group size being limited to 20, it really fostered a great sense of camaraderie among the participants while providing for a truly unique and memorable adventure. Adelman Discoveries will be offering this amazing African Adventure again in 2019 (February 23-March 7, 2019).  If you would like to learn more about this unique experience please contact Cam or one of our other Adelman Vacations advisors at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Trendy Tru by Hilton expands in the U.S.

Hilton’s Tru brand, which is aimed at travelers who want to experience the local flavor of a destination while also keeping price in mind, is expanding across the United States. Officials say there are currently 30 Tru by Hilton properties open or scheduled to open, including more than a dozen in the south.  

Tru is a midscale brand that features properties focused on local experiences. Lobbies typically have murals designed for the surrounding, while food and beverage use regional beer, wine and other brands. These hotels also feature local engagement so guests can find suggestions from team members and past guests regarding local restaurants, attractions and other activities.

Get to Honors Gold faster

 Adelman customers can earn Gold status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program in just four stays. Clients simply need to register using the special link, https://www.hiltonhonors.com/en_US/HHCM/adelman-ftgold/landing and then book via Adelman and complete the four stays within 90 days of registration.

Renew your passport now before the price goes up

As a reminder, effective April 2, 2018, the cost of getting a new U.S. passport will increase by $10. The Department of State said it needs to boost the execution fee by $10 to cover the rising costs of processing a new passport application. The total rate for obtaining a new adult passport will be $145, up from $135, while the price for a child’s passport will go up to $115.

The cost of a passport card will go up to $65 for adults and $50 for children.  Passport cards can be used to enter the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic air travel.

The $10 price increase does not apply to applicants renewing their passport by mail.

Influenza is still running rampant, protect yourself while you travel

The United States continues to be affected by one of the worst influenza seasons in years. While the latest week-over-week reports show the number of reported flu cases have decreased slightly, all states except Oregon and Hawaii are still reporting high levels of widespread influenza.

Travelers should take extra precautions to reduce the risk of catching and spreading flu or any other virus. Consider the following steps:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it’s not too late to get an influenza vaccine. However, it takes two weeks for the vaccine to provide protections, so travelers should plan ahead.
• Air travel can be very dehydrating. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated as water keeps mucus in your nose and your throat moist so you are better equipped to fight germs. Avoid dehydrating beverages, especially when you fly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs spread this way.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, or at least use alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Also carry alcohol-based wipes so you can clean susceptible surfaces such as airplane tray tables, window shades, car rental steering wheels, hotel remote controls and video touch screens as, unlike bathrooms, these surfaces may not be subject to mandatory cleaning.

Miami celebrates launch of facial recognition technology as government officials call for more biometric screening

As U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) officials call for increased initiatives for the implementation of biometric facial recognition technology at our nation’s airports, Miami International Airport is touting the opening of its renovated federal inspection facility in Concourse E which airport officials say, “is the first in the country dedicated to using biometric facial recognition to verify a traveler’s identity.”  

When passengers arrive off select flights, they approach CBP inspectors with passport in hand as usual. However, they are also asked to look into a small camera. Facial recognition software then compares the photo to the picture on file. Since testing got underway in November, officials say they have been able to screen nearly 10 passengers per minute with the facial recognition process.

Nationally, tests have also been underway at various airports such as Boston Logan and Los Angeles International. Elsewhere, facial recognition technology is already in place for KLM passengers flying to Amsterdam while Lufthansa has tested similar technology for passengers to board aircraft without showing a boarding pass.

U.S. officials say facial recognition technology, “has the potential to not only speed up queues for international arrivals, but also to reduce lines at the TSA ID check station and even at boarding gates.

Airport construction underway at Washington Reagan National, may cause traffic issues

Construction activity as part of a $1 billion revitalization project at Washington Reagan National airport may cause traffic issues for passengers driving to and from the airport. Lane closures in the arrivals areas around Terminals B and C will initially be limited to overnight hours. Later this spring, the airport’s lower level roadway will be subject to round-the-clock construction and more widespread closures. Traffic patterns are expected to change, and Uber/Lyft pickups might be moved from the arrivals to the departure area.

Inside the airport, Delta and American Airlines ticket kiosks and bag drop-off counters have been moved into National Hall, about 100 feet from their previous locations near the Metro walkways.

Airport officials say travelers should allow extra time to arrive and transit through the airport during the renovation process. More information on construction updates and advisories can be found at http://www.flyreagan.com/dca/construction-advisories.

American Airlines

American said it is again seeking U.S. Department of Transportation approval for antitrust immunity on a new joint venture with Qantas that would allow the two airlines to jointly market, schedule and operate flights between the United States, Australia and New Zealand.  A previous application for antitrust immunity for the two airlines was blocked in November of 2016. Airline officials say the new joint venture proposal would increase competition while also bringing other consumer benefits such as expanded fare classes and more codesharing.

Hawaiian Airlines

Because of delays in the shipment of new Airbus A321neo aircraft, Hawaiian Airlines has canceled or deferred a number of flights between California and Hawaii. Some of the affected flights include seasonal service from Honolulu to San Francisco and from Kona to Oakland. Service from Lihu’e to Oakland is being deferred from April to Mid-June.  Hawaiian Airlines is directly contacting travelers holding reservations on the affected flights. However, all passengers should reconfirm their itineraries as other flights are experiencing significant schedule changes. For example, some flights to Hawaii’s other islands will now have a connection in Honolulu instead of being nonstop.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest has introduced a new, higher fee to obtain a prime boarding position on select high-demand flights. When Southwest first introduced the last minute upgraded boarding option it set the fee at $40. Later it offered a cheaper $30 option on some flights, but now it also has added the more expensive $50 option in the mix for other popular flights.

Vancouver, a grand gateway to the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies

Vancouver is a city unlike any other, yet it is one of North America’s most under-rated tourist destinations. Vancouver is not only one of the most picturesque cities in the world with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rugged coastline, it also offers a lively modern atmosphere and a unique mix of cultures along with great hotels, trendy restaurants, extensive shopping venues, art galleries, concerts, theatres, and plenty of nightlife. 

Vancouver is a great place for outdoor adventure with a host of recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, golfing, boating, sailing, kayaking and fishing along with seasonal whale watching. Plus, Vancouver is a great gateway to explore the stunning beauty beyond the city limits in the great Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies, whether you take an inside passage cruise, the scenic Rocky Mountaineer train, or head out on your own to the area’s multiple forests, lakes and mountain resorts.   

Adelman’s Andrea Bateman had the opportunity to explore Vancouver as part of an extended trip to the Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies. There were so many interesting places to visit such as the famous Stanley Park, historic Gastown neighborhood and Chinatown.  Andrea especially enjoyed her time at Canada Place and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.  The iconic Canada Place is a national landmark located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront and offers a variety of interactive and educational experiences. Visitors can take a walk along the unique Canadian Trail, which represents the 10 provinces and three territories of Canada, or enjoy the vibrant colors of the nightly Sails of Light show.

The popular Capilano Suspension Bridge Park also offers several opportunities to experience the area’s natural beauty. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is 450 feet long and provides a sweeping view of the towering pines and the Capilano River 230 feet below. The Treetops Adventure, with its seven elevated footbridges, gives a squirrels-eye view of the cedar-scented rainforest, while the new Cliffwalk offers visitors a thrilling experience as they follow a series of narrow cantilevered bridges and platforms along a granite precipice overlooking the Capilano River.

After exploring Vancouver, Andrea set out on a Rocky Mountianeer rail adventure, which took her through picturesque green valleys and then into the heart of the mountains. Some of the fascinating stops on this exciting journey include Kamloops, Jasper, Banff, Yoho National Park, the Columbia Icefield Glacier and the famous and stunningly beautiful Lake Louise.

If you would like to experience Vancouver, the grand Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies, consider joining us on a special city stay and rail journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Sept. 16 – 23. Click here for details (http://adelmanvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/AD-Rocky-Mountaineer-2018.pdf). Or if you would like to create your own special adventure, contact Andrea or one of our other experienced Vacation travel advisors at 800-749-7116.

Earn 1,000 American AAdvantage miles with Hyatt

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts is giving customers a chance to earn 1,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles with a qualifying stay at any Hyatt Place or Hyatt House hotel in the world. This is in addition to the standard 500 AAdvantage miles per stay. Or customers can choose 1,000 Addvantage bonus miles plus World of Hyatt base points.

Under this promotion guests must be a member of both the World of Hyatt and American AAdvantage loyalty programs. Guests must also register for the promotion by April 30 and complete their stay by June 30, 2018. To register, please visit https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/wohpromotions/american-airlines.html.

Trusted traveler membership at a reduced price

Trusted traveler programs can save airline passengers precious time at the airport while also making the security check process more convenient, but these programs come at a cost. However, if you are a member of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer program you can apply for a membership in the CLEAR trusted traveler program at a reduced rate of just $79 annually instead of the regular membership price of $99 annually. Delta Diamond Medallion Members can apply for an annual membership to CLEAR free of charge.

For more information on CLEAR visit www.clearme.com. To apply for CLEAR with the Delta SkyMiles discount visit www.clearme.com/partner/delta. If you are not a member of Delta SkyMiles you can enroll free of charge at https://www.delta.com/profile/enrolllanding.action.

More in-flight high-speed Internet coming in 2018

Airlines will be equipping more of their aircraft with high-speed satellite-based Wi-Fi capabilities in 2018. According Wi-Fi provider Gogo, it has almost 1500 orders for its high-speed 2Ku product, which is seven times faster than its air-to-ground network. The 2Ku satellite systems will be fitted on aircraft being operated by carriers such as AeroMexico, Alaska, American, British Airways and Iberia. Delta already has more than 350 of its aircraft equipped with the 2Ku product.

Officials at American Airlines said that all of its A320 aircraft along with its legacy US Airways A319s will be retrofitted with Gogo 2Ku service by the end of 2018. Legacy American A319s, A321s and its entire 737 fleet will be equipped with ViaSat’s high-speed satellite service by spring of 2019. American noted the ViaSat service has already been deployed on a few of its planes and that passengers with Gogo monthly subscriptions will be able to use their subscriptions on both Gogo and ViaSat provided systems.

In addition to more aircraft being equipped with the satellite service, both Gogo and Viasat said that with the launches of new satellites they will be able to offer even more improvements to their high-speed Wi-Fi products.