Errin Stevens's Blog, page 3

‘I travel 100 days a yr, and there’s one item I never leave with out’ – Travel News – Travel

Traveling all over the world is each an artwork and a privilege, and whereas some people can dwell on a plane, others discover it each exhausting and daunting. One truth stays—some people are higher at touring than others.

They know how to plan, they know which assets to make use of and what to keep away from. They are additionally disciplined, an underrated trait that is not all the time related to travel. While letting free is crucial whereas stress-free, staying disciplined about sure features (*100*) the journey is more likely to improve your expertise, particularly in transit.

Sometimes, having an gratifying touring expertise also can imply letting issues go—and studying to adapt. Going with the circulation, and not being too stiff or inflexible in regards to the schedule. A seasoned traveler who has been on-the-go for over 100 days a yr for work shared the travel pointers from their playbook on Reddit.

“With repetition comes experience. Here’s some stuff I’ve found that help me travel with less stress,” they wrote.

Portable batteries are important

Buy a battery pack. When you completely need a plug within the airport, you’ll never discover it. Even higher, in the event you depend on your laptop computer for work, buy one that may output 65-100w from a single line (not mixed output).

It’s higher to be early than late

“Leave early. I know this sounds like your parents but I would rather have an extra 90 minutes to kill at the airport than having a traffic jamb or a detour make me miss a flight. I can still work in a booth/chair at the airport if I need it.

“Yes I’ve heard the argument (*100*) the ‘hours gained/misplaced’ by ready but when it’s a distinction (*100*) working for an hour at home or on the airport with no stress then select the latter,” they said.

Keep cleanliness supplies with you

They recommend spraying liquid (not gel) hand sanitizer. Why? “Good to your palms, a public toilet seat in an emergency or the random sticky floor within the rental automotive,” they said.

“Never flip down the sanitizing wipes on the flight,” they quipped. “I personally use them for my noise-canceling headphones or backups for the above.”

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Get quality headphones

An investment that’s worth the buck? They say quality noise canceling headphones with an audio jack.

“Don’t simply depend on the bluetooth engaged on the flight. Even if I’m not watching a film, I put on some music and learn a book. Have no less than one playlist with 4-5 hours (*100*) music/podcasts downloaded. Even in the event you’re driving and hit a unhealthy reception space you may nonetheless play music,” they said.

Hotel room sleep hacks

Too much light in the room? They wrote, “Use the garments hangers with the clips within the lodge to carry the blackout curtains collectively.”

If you’re a light sleeper, book the highest floor possible in the hotel. “No youngsters working the corridor on the ground above,” they said.

White noise apps help for this too. In terms of adapting, they say travelers must learn to sleep with background noise. “I use an app on my telephone at home and on the street. Same app, identical white noise sound,” they said.

Always keep a pain reliever on you

When it comes to medication, they said they travel with Advil/tylenol and 4 mucinex. “If I hit a wall then I could make it by a couple days till I can get home or to a pharmacy with out having to panic.”

Always grab extra plastic utensils from restaurants

“Grab a couple (*100*) the wrapped utensils from a fast food place, a few napkins and a couple straws. Nothing more irritating than getting food on the run and then making an attempt to eat your pasta with out silverware or a to-go cup and no straw,” they recommended.

Never forget your carabiner

They concluded, “I forgot this one so it’s a late addition: add a massive carabiner to your back pack (6” ‘stroller hook’ sized). You can use it to hold your bookbag from stall partitions or in a selection (*100*) locations if there’s no hook. Also turns out to be useful for water bottles or ball caps and even a grocery bag once you’re working out (*100*) palms.”

89-year-old woman sues major airline for injuries from staff while boarding

A disabled 89-year-old woman was allegedly severely injured while boarding a Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Istanbul, Turkey. 

The incident occured on Aug. 29, and it has prompted the woman, Helena Masovaric, to file a lawsuit towards Turkish Airlines. Masovaric was in a wheelchair as she was turned over to the airline’s flight attendant on the door of the plane. However, the flight attendant was allegedly distracted and let go of Masovaric after serving to her stand, the lawsuit stated, per MyNorthWest.

“She predictably fell and broke her leg. She needed surgery, which involved a nail, a rod, and screws. Her recovery has been long and painful,” Aviation Attorney Mark Lindquist stated.

“Additionally, her leg fracture resulted in pain, prolonged suffering, mental anguish, physical therapy, substantial medical expenses, and caretaking expenses. Her daily life activities have been significantly limited for months,” he said.

Lindquist also stated that this accident could have been prevented, and Turkish Airlines is mandated by the Air Carrier Access Act to offer appropriate assistance and accommodations for the elderly and other passengers with disabilities. 

Turkish Airlines, thus, is liable for all injuries under the Montreal Convention, Lindquist alleges. 

“For an elderly person, who is pushing 90, this has had a major impact on not only her health, but her life activities,” he added.

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Recent airline accidents

Recently, the Times of India additionally revealed that an aged man died on a Qatar Airways flight after being served a non-vegetarian meal, regardless of pre-ordering a vegetarian meal. When he requested for a vegetarian meal again, he was informed to “eat across the meat.”

The passenger then choked on the meat and died mid flight.

His household has filed a lawsuit towards Qatar Airways, alleging negligence and a failure to supply medical help.

This incident highlights how important it’s for flights to observe a passenger’s dietary choice, together with having efficient medical protocol for emergencies.

US issues travel advisory over popular tourist destination – Travel News – Travel

The U.S. State Department issued an up to date travel advisory on Oct. 7 for all these touring to the Republic of the Maldives.

The State Department reported a Level 2 travel advisory stage, citing, “Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism.”

“Terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning,” the advisory states.

The Maldives is a vacation hotspot nation comprised of 1,192 islands within the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited.

In 2024, the nation reached a monumental tourism milestone when it welcomed over 2 million guests, in response to a Maldives press release.

People travel to the Maldives for its distinctive geography, together with colourful coral reefs, white sand seashores with clear shallow waters, and over a thousand species of fish.

If you’ve gotten plans to travel to this luxury destination, here’s what you need to know concerning the travel advisory:

State Department warns of focused locations 

In the State Department’s advisory, it warns that terrorist teams might goal these areas:

Officials additionally warn that assaults might happen on distant islands, and if this happens, the authority’s response occasions might be lengthened.

What to know if touring to the Maldives 

As of Oct. 8, the Ministry of Tourism reported that over 1.6 million people have already visited the nation this yr, which is a 10 p.c increase.

While this destination is most popular with China, Russia, and the UK, practically 50,000 American vacationers have visited the nation already this yr, making up a massive portion of the Maldives’ tourism base.

The U.S. State Department works with the Maldives to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. Per a 2023 report, the Maldives is “cognizant of the threat of terrorism.”

The Maldivian authorities have disrupted varied terrorist assault plans since 2017. In 2021, a high-profile politician and bystanders have been injured from an improvised explosive system in central Malé.

The U.S. warns that vacationers ought to monitor native media for breaking information and be ready to regulate their plans in an emergency.

Also, vacationers ought to keep conscious of their environment and keep away from demonstrations or crowds.

Travelers headed to the Maldives may also enroll within the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to obtain updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate in case of an emergency.

Travel expert shares 4 tips to get free stuff at the airport – Travel News – Travel

Taking a trip or flying out to go to household could be an costly affair. Airline tickets aren’t at all times straightforward on the pockets except you snag a great package deal deal, after which there’s the added price of getting to the airport.

Even whereas ready at the terminal on your flight, you possibly can simply drop a bundle on snacks, drinks, and final-minute buying.

But what if there was a method to cut down on some of the most common airport bills? The information comes as lady causes travel chaos as she blocks complete Frontier flight from deboarding

One travel expert insists she constantly scores freebies at airports by merely following a few easy guidelines.

Carmen Roberts, a travel journalist and entrepreneur who has visited over 85 nations, shared a video on TikTok revealing how she saves money and makes her airport expertise really feel “more luxurious” with out spending a dime, studies, the Express.

1.Free water

Staying hydrated earlier than and during your trip is important, and one of the best freebies to get at an airport is water.

Carmen suggests bringing a reusable water bottle to the airport, as many locations will refill it with both scorching or cold water for free.

Additionally, water fountains are normally situated all through terminals, permitting you to fill up your bottle in your own. But it is not simply common ingesting water you possibly can get for free.

Many cafes and airport lounges offer free scorching water, so for those who convey your own tea baggage, on the spot espresso, and even scorching chocolate packets, you possibly can whip up a tasty brew with out shelling out for overpriced espresso store drinks.

Carmen shared: “Hot water is usually free at cafes and airport lounges. Bring your own teabags or even instant coffee and enjoy a cuppa without the £4+ markup.”

2. Free samples

For these in need of a fast decide-me-up, airport magnificence counters could possibly be your saving grace. Carmen revealed that for those who “ask nicely”, many of these counters are keen to give away free samples of objects like moisturizer, fragrance, or serum.

This means you possibly can freshen up your pores and skin or spritz on some fragrance with out spending a dime or having to lug round a bigger product that you do not really need.

Carmen suggested: (*4*)

3. Charging ports

Carmen additionally prompt that you may usually charge your cellphone for free at an airport if you already know the place to look. The expert stated airports usually have charging ports close to TV screens and merchandising machines, or in areas the place they do not anticipate crowds.

Finding one of these ports means you can provide your cell a much-needed enhance if it is operating low, which could be a lifesaver whenever you arrive at your vacation spot and need to call somebody for a trip.

Bonus tip

Carmen, a seasoned traveler, shared a savvy tip that might help you avoid wasting money, regardless that it is not fully free. She prompt that for those who need toiletries or cosmetics from a store like Boots, you possibly can usually get them organized upfront and decide them up whenever you arrive at the airport.

Sometimes, these pharmacies will charge you commonplace market costs for this stuff whenever you buy them online, so it can save you your self some money by not paying inflated airport costs – regardless that you are selecting up from an airport store.

Carmen talked about she’s had success doing this with Boots in the UK, and Walgreens in the US.

Vegetarian doctor dies choking on Qatar Airways flight after allegedly being served meat – Travel News – Travel

The household of a California man who allegedly choked to loss of life after being denied a vegetarian meal on a Qatar Airways flight is suing the airline for wrongful loss of life.

Asoka Jayaweera, 85, a vegetarian who died in August 2023, after allegedly being compelled to “ear around” meat served to him on a flight from Los Angeles to Doha, Qatar, in accordance with a wrongful loss of life lawsuit filed by his son, Surya.

He alleges that his father was compelled to eat the carnivorous meal after being knowledgeable by a cabin crew member that there have been no vegetarian choices regardless of requesting the meal in superior.

The lawsuit seeks damages for negligence and wrongful loss of life in addition to protection for his legal charges.

Jayaweera, in accordance with the lawsuit, was allegedly served the meal with meat about two and a half hours into the 15-hour flight.

The son disputes the declare in regards to the plane’s location impacting the flexibility to land early, arguing more may have been performed to save lots of his life.

Jayaweera was utilizing an oxygen masks for the rest of the flight, although his saturation ranges remained at a “critical” degree till he finally misplaced consciousness.

Eight hours later, upon touchdown in Edinburgh, Scotland, he was taken to the hospital, the place he was pronounced lifeless from aspiration pneumonia, a lung an infection brought on by improperly inhaling food or liquid.

Body of stowaway found in plane’s landing gear compartment – US News – News

A stowaway was tragically found useless in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines plane upon its arrival.

The horrific discover was made at Charlotte Douglas International Airport round 9am on Sunday morning, in keeping with police stories.

Workers found the physique whereas conducting routine upkeep on the plane that had simply touched down from Europe. The information comes as Olympic hopeful, 19, dies after foam pit accident as police launch investigation.

The particular person was pronounced useless on the scene by officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed that the airline is “working with law enforcement on its investigation”, however no further particulars have been disclosed, stories the Daily Star.

Authorities are urging anybody with info to contact them instantly on 01-704-432-TIPS or go away nameless suggestions with Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 01-704-334-1600.

Earlier this 12 months, a comparable incident occurred when the our bodies of two youngsters have been found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane at a South Florida airport.

The flight had arrived in Fort Lauderdale from John F.Kennedy International Airport in New York, stories the Star.

The stowaways have been recognized as 18 12 months outdated Jeik Aniluz Lusi and 16 12 months outdated Elvis Borques Castillo.

DNA testing was used to determine the younger males, who have been found on January 6 during a post-flight inspection at Florida‘s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The plane had traveled from New York‘s JFK Airport through the Dominican Republic, which was the homeland of the younger males. JetBlue described the security breach as a “heartbreaking situation” with stowaways risking their lives in determined bids to succeed in nations all over the world.

The US Federal Aviation Administration estimates that just one in 4 people survive the ordeal.

These sobering figures solely replicate found instances, as aviation skilled Irene King advised the BBC – quite a few stowaways by no means make it to their deliberate locations.

South African Themba Cabeka defied the chances during an 11-hour trip from Johannesburg to London, hidden within a British Airways plane’s landing gear. He had studied plane blueprints along with his buddy Vale, who joined him on the terrifying 2015 journey.

“I was not far from the engine,” Themba, who now goes by Justin, advised Channel 4’s The Man Who Fell From the Sky documentary. “You could feel it outside when it was rotating. You could even see the houses down there when the plane was flying.”

Themba gripped cables along with his arms to stop himself from falling from the plane, sustaining burn wounds during the ordeal. He woke up on Heathrow’s runway with a fractured leg earlier than regaining consciousness as soon as more in the hospital.

He’s now established in Liverpool.

Woman causes travel chaos as she blocks entire Frontier flight from deboarding – Travel News – Travel

Chaos ensued when a Frontier Airlines flight that landed in Baltimore, Maryland, had a cussed passenger who was blocking the aisle, refusing to let people deboard.

While others had been making an attempt to disembark, she refused to get out of the way in which or transfer ahead. In the video that is gone viral on X, she was screaming at different passengers in order that her daughter may cut by way of the road and catch up to her. The daughter, nonetheless, was a number of rows behind, and the aisle was full of people forward of the daughter ready to maneuver alongside and exit the plane.

A passenger snapped back in response to the ruckus, “What is wrong with you? I would hate to be your daughter and have to go home with you, no wonder she’s back there.”

The instigator of the chaos advised the passenger they need to be “careful” and “not say s— to her.” It comes after a drunk passenger spat on lady in a ‘disgusting’ incident after inflicting a flight diversion.

The aisle was empty in entrance of the girl who refused to maneuver out of the way in which, making it irritating for dozens of passengers who had been making an attempt to get off the plane.

A flight attendant tried to calm all people down and really useful that the girl step apart and watch for her daughter to achieve her as the road strikes ahead.

“Why they can’t let her come pass?” the instigator retorted back.

Eventually, the flight attendant managed to get the girl to step apart into a row and let everybody come by way of. The instigator screamed, “f— y’all,” and eventually moved over.

A passenger filmed the incident on his Meta glasses and shared the video with the Daily Mail, including that the flight had “already been a nightmare” as a result of it had been delayed by three hours at take off, thus everybody was determined to get off.

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Various people responded to the video, with many dubbing the girl’s conduct as “incredibly rude.” One commentor responded after watching the video, “I have a headache and I’m not even on that plane.”

Another person replied, “Her daughter was probably too embarassed to even walk a front with her.”

An X person who posted the video on the platform wrote, “This is rock bottom IQ and abysmal civic etiquette at work.” 

When the video initially made it to the Daily Mail, viewers additionally known as out the girl’s entitlement. One wrote, “Amazing how life can get you to a point where common sense and civility just leave your mind. She became so fixated on one train of thought that the simplest action to take had left her mind. So strange how we can get to that point.”

And one other individual quipped, “It’s the entitlement that gets me. So bloody ignorant and rude imagine if someone did this to her.” To which another person responded, “You said it. Ignorance plays a big part here but she wouldn’t know it.”

Tourists can be turned away from cruise ships for wearing this attire – Travel News – Travel

Numerous vacationers will be excitedly trying ahead to setting sail on a cruise getaway this winter period.

These seagoing retreats offer limitless probabilities to take pleasure in mouth-watering dishes from throughout the planet whereas discovering wonderful cultural experiences at ports of call all over the world.

However, P&O Cruises has highlighted an important rule that passengers should observe to forestall the humiliation of being turned away at their restaurant reservation. The information comes as vacationers warned to go away standard vacation spot with island ‘on brink of collapse’.

Most of their journeys characteristic a relaxed gown code coverage, with choose nights marked as “Black Tie” occasions.

These distinctive evenings honor “glitz and glamour”, as P&O’s web site explains: “a chance to dress to impress with your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown, suit or smart jacket and tie.”

There are additionally “Evening Casual” instances, the place vacationers are urged to put on their best shirts, darkish denim and classy separates, “as long as the tracksuits are left on the hanger”.

One particular merchandise of clothes, although, stays completely banned all through all restaurant areas besides the buffet during Black Tie nights – gown shorts.

Even during Evening Casual events, solely a handful of eateries enable patrons wearing them inside, stories the Express. Reddit customers have shared tales of themselves or their travel buddies being turned away from these more unique eating experiences for wearing shorts – even when paired with sharp button-down shirts and costly footwear.

One annoyed traveler revealed how her husband was refused entry to the primary eating room on Celebrity Equinox for his outfit, explaining: “My husband got turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox (about four years ago) for wearing nice shorts with a collared polo shirt.”

While you may really feel inclined to argue with crew members over gown code insurance policies, it is sometimes thought of poor etiquette. Dressing improperly is a common mistake amongst cruise vacationers.

Grant Harrold, an etiquette specialist working with Spincasino.com, identified that dressing suitably is important and regularly ignored by novice cruisers. Grant confused: “This is really important,” noting, “It’s making sure you’re dressed in the right outfit in the right area.”

He went on to make clear that passengers are sometimes notified concerning the clothes requirements for formal and relaxed nights on main ships. “On a lot of the big ships you will be given notice of formal evenings or casual evenings, so casual evenings can be anything from jeans and t-shirts to smart shirts, jackets and chinos to the formal evenings where it’s going to be black tie or national dress and officers wear their uniforms.”

However, vacationers do not need to ditch their sensible shorts simply but.

Daytime clothes on cruises is mostly informal, with t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses being customary, although they could not be superb for a Northern European voyage this winter.

Grant additionally really useful: “Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”

P&O additionally recommends snug flat footwear for strolling the decks and light-weight layers for chilly and breezy evenings whereas on deck. For vacationers going ashore, the cruise line additionally emphasizes air-conditioned museums or cooler spiritual websites.

“Please remember that some cultures may require you to cover up too,” particularly many holy areas. Smart shorts aren’t the one clothes merchandise with limitations: “Fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board.

“We reserve the proper to disclaim embarkation to visitors who’re inappropriately dressed. The solely exception to this is official P&O Cruises theme nights, the place visitors are invited to decorate up according to the theme.”

Hotel Awards 2025 announce the world’s best places to stay – Travel News – Travel

Three British motels have earned recognition in the prestigious Hotel Awards 2025, showcasing the most interesting new and renovated lodging worldwide – they usually may very well be simply round the nook from you.

From a tranquil wellness sanctuary to a culinary paradise set on an unique farm, plus an intimate romantic getaway, these three institutions every boast distinctive options which have elevated them amongst the globe’s premier locations.

As the UK continues gaining recognition amongst vacationers looking for breaks with out worldwide flights, these outstanding treasures tucked away throughout Britain we’ve got listed delivers the excellent resolution. The information emerges as Kim Kardashian’s favourite lodge in the world is in Ireland.

Saltmoore Hotel, North Yorkshire, UK

The Wellness class noticed Saltmoore lodge in the North Yorkshire Moors declare runner-up honors, stories

Delivering an authentically British method to wellness, this 72-room sanctuary guarantees full rest.

Featuring peaceable countryside vistas that encourage invigorating wild swimming and refreshing coastal strolls, guests can unwind in uniquely designed lodging starting from cozy hideaways tucked beneath the rafters to luxurious suites with 4-poster beds.

Rates start at $375.

Fowlescombe Farm, Devon, UK

Devon’s Fowlescombe Farm secured first place in the culinary class.

The institution elevates the “all-inclusive” idea by offering complete meal protection alongside a packed every day exercise schedule.

Situated on a sustainable farm, guests can take part palms-on and uncover the origins of their delicacies – with every go to custom-made to match visitors’ personal preferences. Imagine beginning your day by gathering contemporary eggs, adopted by a yoga session in the greenhouse.

Later, you may forage alongside the hedgerows for cooking ingredients, knead dough with the cooks or feed the livestock with the farmer.

The every day menu is crafted based mostly on what has been grown, harvested, and fished from the sea.

With solely 10 suites out there, visitors are unfold throughout restored stone barns and a Victorian farmhouse, every offering views over orchards or grass meadows and that includes native supplies corresponding to oak, wool, and stone.

Prices begin at $556.

Swan Inn, West Sussex, UK

For these looking for a more romantic getaway, Swan Inn at Fittleworth was a runner-up in the romantic class. This 14th-century West Sussex teaching inn has been remodeled into a luxurious nation retreat nestled amidst the picturesque hills of the South Downs.

Featuring wonky wood ceilings, wall paneling, and freestanding bathtubs, it affords an genuine British expertise that is each cozy and enjoyable.

Prices begin at $227.

Royal Caribbean cruise turns into nightmare as 71 passengers fall sick – Cruises – Travel

A Royal Caribbean International Cruise has turned into a residing nightmare after 71 passengers contracted the extremely contagious norovirus . The outbreak was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday, September 28.

At least 71 passengers and one crew member have been confirmed to have been contaminated aboard the Serenade of the Seas ship. The vessel has a complete of 1,874 passengers and 883 crew, that means that round 4% of passengers have been contaminated. The signs of norovirus embrace nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdomen cramps and complications.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Serenade of the Seas left San Diego on September 19 earlier than stopping in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Columbia. It is because of dock at Miami on Thursday (October 2). The information emerges after a whole bunch ‘vomiting’ with ‘diarrhea’ from cruise ship norovirus outbreak.

The sick passengers at the moment are being remoted from the remaining of the ship. Staff onboard are gathering stool samples for testing and ramping up cleansing procedures.

Royal Caribbean stated: “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority. To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines.”

The CDC declares a cruise ship outbreak if at the very least 3% of more than 100 passengers fall in poor health. A complete of 19 outbreaks of gastrointestinal sicknesses have been recorded on cruise ships to this point this 12 months, 14 of which have been norovirus.

The CDC advised USA Today: “While the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks has been higher than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend.

“However, CDC information show a newly dominant pressure is presently related to reported norovirus outbreaks on land. Ships usually observe the sample of land-primarily based outbreaks, that are greater this norovirus season.”

Norovirus is a extremely-contagious virus that may have an effect on anybody. It is transmitted most simply in confined areas, with signs usually starting 12 to 48 hours after an infection.