Errin Stevens's Blog, page 9

American tourist slams Italian city after trip that was ‘like a horror film’ – Travel News – Travel

A vacationer has recounted her “complete chaos” expertise in an Italian coastal vacation spot that she described as being packed “shoulder to shoulder” with guests.

Regina Simmons, 38, had eagerly anticipated her trip to Positano, Italy, after witnessing “amazing views” and “calm empty streets” in photographs and clips throughout social media platforms, together with TikTok. Following a 10-hour flight from Las Vegas, Nevada, the mom of two and her household discovered themselves let down by the historic Amalfi Coast vacation spot.

Regina defined: “In the videos, you see everything looks completely empty and calm. In real life there were far too many people. It was just bananas… We were overwhelmed by the amount of people. We had to look for a restaurant to hide in and make a game plan.”

Regina, alongside her husband Dan Simmons, 46, and their daughters Sofia, 16, and Camila, 13, additionally explored Rome and extra well-liked locations all through their Italian journey final month. Based on TikTok footage, Regina had envisioned “amazing views” mixed with “calm empty streets” and “locals buying fresh vegetables from the markets.”

However, bother started the moment they stepped off on the railway station – which Regina likened to “like a horror movie” – due to the overwhelming crowd of vacationers. This situation caught Regina, who owns a number of eating places, fully off guard.

“Positano is all these tight little streets and everyone is walking together. Half the people are going up and half are going down. It was complete chaos. Everyone was touching, shoulder to shoulder,” the mother elaborated.

“There are hundreds of beautiful videos of Positano which inspire you to go. This year feels very trendy – lots of my American friends are travelling to Italy this year.”

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Las Vegas residents Regina and Dan had envisioned tranquil lanes, quaint native markets brimming with recent items, and secluded eating spots. Yet, once they stumbled upon an engaging store, the pathways had been too jam-packed to even think about stopping for a look, studies The Mirror.

Regina, who had booked a keep in Sorrento and made a day trip to Positano, noticed: “We found everything was in English and there were Americans everywhere. I actually took Italian classes, and I never needed to use it.”

Should they plan one other European getaway, the pair intends to discover completely different locations. The mom of two, Regina, added: “If it’s trendy on social media, everyone wants to do what everyone else is doing, Myself included… Don’t believe everything you see on social media.”

Pilot explains why turbulence is getting worse on commercial flights – USA – Travel

If you’re feeling such as you’ve heard more and more accounts of harmful turbulence on airplanes in latest months, you’re not alone.

It appears as if there’s been more stories of accidents attributable to turbulence – a phenonmenon that was uncommon. Earlier this week, 25 people on a Delta flight touring from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam have been injured when turbulence rocked the plane, sending these with out a seatbelt flying towards the ceiling.

And in June, 5 people have been taken to a North Carolina hospital for analysis after an American Airlines flight from Miami hit turbulence on its solution to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Longtime British Airways pilot Alastair Rosenschein advised the DailyMail these occurrences have gotten more common, primarily on account of modifications in our ambiance.

Climate change is creating more violent pockets of air, making it more troublesome for pilots to seek out the sleek areas.

“Air space is more dense [because of increased commercial air traffic] making it difficult to get the flight level you want,” Rosenschein mentioned.

In the case of Delta, Rosenschein mentioned that passengers may have prevented harm if that they had adopted security instructions from the in-flight crew.

“The number of people injured is usually directly proportional to the number not wearing seat belts,” he mentioned. “They should change the rules now and make wearing seat belts compulsory whenever you’re in your seat.”

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Most airways advise passengers to proceed carrying their seat belts, even when the seatbelt signal is off. But carrying a seatbelt isn’t obligatory on many main airways, as these on long flights will inevitably need to get up.

There are differing types of turbulence, as many assume the worst sort is during a storm. But Doug Moss, a former airline pilot and security marketing consultant, advised the AP that “clear air turbulence” is even more dangerous.

Clear air turbulence comes during a time when the skys look clear, so pilots can’t see modifications in air sample. That kind of turbulence may cause critical hurt “because the time before the incident can be very calm, and people are caught off-guard,” Moss mentioned.

A research in Geophysical Research Letters from 2023 discovered proof that climate change can increase clear air turbulence at plane’s cruising altitude. It discovered that the strongest class of clear air turbulence was 55% more frequent in 2020 than 1979.

Rosenschein stays optimistic that has situations change, so will airplane technology. Forecasting has already improved, with clear air turbulence predictions up 75% from twenty years in the past.

Map shows terrifying moment Delta flight dropped 2,000 feet – US News – News

Earlier this month, Delta Air Lines was pressured to make an emergency touchdown, which noticed 300 people stranded on a small island, and the airline discovered itself in a similiar scenario this week. A Delta flight en path to Amsterdam from Salt Lake City, Utah, hit extreme turbulence Wednesday night, leading to accidents to a quantity of passengers.

The plane was diverted to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, in Minnesota, the place it touched down safely at 7:45 p.m. native time.

Upon touchdown, paramedics and the airport fire division have been on the scene, and Delta confirmed to The Associated Press that 25 passengers have been taken to native hospitals for analysis and therapy, studies the Mirror US. 

“Medical personnel met the flight upon arrival to evaluate customers and crew. Twenty-five of those on board were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care,” Delta acknowledged. “We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved.”

The Mirror has reached out to Delta, the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, native hospitals, and the FAA for more particulars.

On Saturday, a minor harm led to at least one particular person being taken to the hospital after a “mechanical issue” during takeoff at Denver International Airport triggered a Boeing plane operated by American Airlines to briefly ignite, as reported by a spokesperson for the airline to The Mirror.

Passengers and crew have been pressured to evacuate the plane onto the runway simply earlier than 3 p. m.

following a brake fire triggered by blown tires and the deceleration of the plane, which was promptly put out by the Denver Fire Department, mentioned an American Airlines spokesperson aware of the occasion.

American Airlines flight 3023, destined for Miami, had 173 passengers and 6 crew members on board.

FlightAware, a flight monitoring web site, recorded 435 delayed flights and 14 cancellations by 5 p.m.

The Boeing plane has been taken out of service for additional inspection, in response to the airline.

These items that aren’t liquids will give you trouble with TSA – Travel News – Travel

If you’re planning a summer season getaway, bear in mind that sure items might land you in trouble.

Hand baggage liquids should typically be underneath 3.4 ounces to clear airport security, together with water bottles, face oils, moisturizers, and hand sanitizers.

However, some non-liquid items can even pose issues at security checkpoints.

Fulton Umbrellas has compiled a record of surprising items that are both allowed or prohibited in your journey.

For occasion, comfortable cheese falls underneath the three.4-ounce restrict if you’re returning to the U.S. from the EU.

The identical rule applies to jams, chutneys, sauces, and any food bought in liquid type, like antipasti or olives.

Some international locations implement even stricter rules concerning touring with food, so it is smart to confirm earlier than packing.

Another merchandise to keep away from in your carry-on is protein powder.

This is as a result of powders can intrude with X-ray machines and thus require handbook inspection by workers.

This may be a time-consuming course of, so it is quickest and most secure to easily go away it at home — or if you completely need it, place it in your checked baggage.

Interestingly, there’s one merchandise permitted within the U.S. that you won’t bear in mind of.

If you’re planning to travel mild with simply a carry-on, however nonetheless need to take pleasure in some arts and crafts mid-flight, relaxation assured, you can carry a small pair of scissors on board.

In the U.S., the final rule is that scissors with blades shorter than 2.4 inches are allowed.

For greater pairs, it is advised to pack them in your checked baggage.

Keep in thoughts, airline insurance policies concerning bladed items can differ, so it is smart to double-examine if you need to tote scissors alongside.

Radar failure grounds flights at London’s Heathrow leaving scores of US travelers stranded – Travel News – Travel

The UK’s air site visitors authority shortly after mentioned the system has been restored.

“Our engineers have now restored the system that was affected this afternoon,” the U.Ok. Civil Aviation Authority wrote on X.

“We are in the process of resuming normal operations in the London area. We continue to work closely with airline and airport customers to minimise disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.”

While the system situation has been addressed, flights is not going to start taking off instantly and prospects ought to anticipate additional delays and disruptions.

The radar points have been reported after a San Francisco-bound United Airlines flight at Hearthrow needed to conduct an emergency touchdown barely after takeoff as a result of fumigation points.

“United flight 949 from London Heathrow to San Francisco returned to London shortly after takeoff to address fumes in the aircraft’s galley,” United Airlines mentioned in a assertion to the Daily Express US.

“The flight landed safely, passengers deplaned normally at the gate, and we’re working to get our customers to their destinations as soon as possible.”

The plane was a Boeing 777-200 that was carrying 272 passengers and 13 crew members, the airline added.

10 best cruises for couples looking to get away, according to travel experts – Cruises – Travel

Picture this: you set up a romantic vacation together with your companion to eat scrumptious meals and watch the sundown over the water. Everything’s going to plan, till a screaming child throughout the deck ruins your good night. 

Cruises might be great for a romantic getaway for couples, however they aren’t all created equal. Some cater more in direction of kids and households, whereas others are higher decisions for a quiet, enjoyable voyage. Some all-inclusive packages are designed for adults wanting a intimate vacation. 

Eat Sleep Cruise, a Youtube channel that covers all issues cruises, lately ranked the 10 best cruises for couples, so that you don’t unintentionally book the improper one when planning a romantic trip. 

Youtubers Don and Heidi ranked them primarily based on 4 classes: grownup solely areas and environment; eating experiences; worth for money; and general vibe.

(*10*)

Royal Caribbean has a lot of grownup areas, however they’re all on the smaller dimension, that means they might fill up fast. Many of the quiet areas really feel secondary to the areas for kids, which take up the bulk of the common areas. 

“Most public areas on Royal Caribbean ships are designed for all ages, with most Royal Caribbean ships prioritizing high energy entertainment over intimate couple experiences,” Don stated.

(Image: Getty)

Princess Cruises was the ship used within the 1977 tv sequence Love Boat, so it has a popularity for romance. It has a number of luxurious and quiet grownup-solely areas, nevertheless it does upcharge passengers to use them. It exhibits films underneath the celebrities and has a calmer environment, which might cater to couples. 

The leisure skews in direction of more subtle over high power, which younger couples might discover boring.

(Image: Getty)

Windstar is a small ship, which can be ideally suited for couples, Don stated. The ship solely has 350 passengers, which might really feel more intimate. He stated: “The whole ship functions as an adult focused environment with no children facilities or dedicated family programming.”

The Windstar might be a lot more costly, nonetheless, for the unique environment.

(Image: Getty)

‘I’ve lived in California for decades and these hidden beaches are the best’ – Travel News – Travel

California is home to some of the most well-known cities in the world, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. But with fame comes people, which means crowded streets and vacationer traps.

Patricia Doherty wrote for Travel + Leisure that she’s lived in California for 50 years, and she would advise towards the fashionable locations in the event you’re wanting for some peace and quiet. In truth, there are three beaches not removed from Los Angeles that are the cities “best-kept secret.”

She wrote: “The South Bay’s Beach Cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. Together, these towns offer all you need for a perfect vacation—any time of the year.”

Hermosa Beach

The idyllic seaside city is about 20 minutes south of the Los Angeles International Airport. It was the setting for the 2016 musical romance La La Land, in which Ryan Gosling performed piano at one of the historic jazz golf equipment, The Lighthouse.

The city is full of historical past and tradition, which might be seen by vacationers as they stroll from spot to identify. It’s walkability is one of its best options, letting company view the city’s murals, historic buildings and more as they stroll to the seashore.

“There are pieces of history tucked in every corner of Hermosa Beach,” Jamie Erickson, director and curator of the Hermosa Beach Museum, informed Travel + Leisure. “There is one thing intangible that I can not describe that appeals to people. Hermosa’s walkability is a large plus, and it wins you over with that small-city really feel that everybody right here is decided to hold on to in the midst of an ever-evolving city panorama.”

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Manhattan Beach

If you’re trying to spend most of your time digging in the sand, Manhattan Beach could also be the proper match for you. Less than 5 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport, Manhattan Beach has a number of iconic beaches to discover.

When Doherty requested locals their favourite half of dwelling there, they’d a easy reply: the seashore. There’s loads to do on its sandy shores, from browsing to the annual volleyball event.

There’s additionally distinctive procuring in downtown Manhattan Beach, from clothes boutiques to jewellery and home decor.

Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is simply a 30 minute drive from the airport, and it gives lovely views and good food for guests. The seashore was the home of the authentic Baywatch TV sequence.

It has a U-formed pier packe with fishing poles and more than 30 seafood eating places to select from with freshly caught fish. There’s even a 6-and-a-half-foot long great white shark on show.

Summer Festival is a fashionable free occasion that takes place in Redondo Beach each June, and it options over 300 exhibitors, arts and crafts cubicles, a beer and wine garden, and dwell leisure.

Holiday resort abanonded by rich ‘seems like horror flick’ – USA – Travel

A retreat beloved by prosperous vacationers is now “forever frozen in time”, deserted by all who frequented it. The vacation spot of Elkmont in Tennessee was a favored vacation spot for the rich for years, however now resembles the setting of a Hollywood horror movie.

Tucked away within the shadows of The Great Smoky Mountains, it’s now a ghost city; a shell of its former self, no longer full of bustling guests having fun with a weekend escape. But it might probably nonetheless be visited at this time and has grow to be a in style vacation spot for explorers.

Reddit customers have taken to the location to speak about Elkmont’s gradual demise. One consumer mentioned: “Ghost towns never cease to amaze me… like a little sliver forever frozen in time.” Another mentioned it was “cool” and gave them “Friday the 13th vibes”.

Elkmont is well known for its in depth mountaineering trails, the beautiful 80-foot Laurel Falls, and the enchanting annual synchronous firefly show that illuminates the mountain. Now most acknowledged because the “abandoned town of the smokies”, it was initially often called “Little River”.

The space spanned 86,000 acres and was acquired in 1901 by Colonel Wilson B. Townsend, who established the Little River Lumber company. The development of a railroad to help his logging business led to an increase in guests, remodeling the locale into a sought-after vacation spot for properly-to-do vacationers, studies the Express.

Gradually, this weekend escape grew into a everlasting group for residents from Knoxville, incomes the identify Elkmont. Hidden deep within the Tennessee mountains, haunting photos seize the crumbling and uncared for cabins which have stood nonetheless in time for many years.

With the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934, property homeowners had been confronted with a selection: promote their houses and transfer out instantly, or conform to a lowered price sale to the National Park Service. Homeowners managed to barter lease renewals and proceed residing of their houses till the late 80s.

However, by 1992, most leases had expired, leaving residents with no selection however to vacate. This resulted within the abandonment of 70 historic buildings, and the as soon as bustling group of 1500 residents was lowered to a ghost city, incomes it the nickname Elkmont Ghost Town.

With the choice that no one would return to Elkmont, the query arose: what would grow to be of the buildings and the city after everybody left? Historic preservationists argued for the preservation of Elkmont on account of its century-long historical past, whereas environmentalists pushed for the demolition of the cabins to permit the land to revert back to its natural state.

The National Park Service initially leaned in direction of demolition, however in the end determined to put 19 of the 74 constructions on the National Register of Historic Places. This transfer saved them from destruction and ensured their restoration, whereas the remaining buildings had been demolished.

The National Park Service initially leaned in direction of demolition, however in the end determined to put 19 of the 74 constructions on the National Register of Historic Places. This transfer saved them from destruction and ensured their restoration, whereas the remaining buildings had been demolished.

Today, guests are free to discover this abandoned city nestled within the Smoky Mountains at their own tempo, witnessing constructions slowly being reclaimed by nature. As images reveal, explorers will encounter damaged wood flooring, peeling paint, collapsed roofs, and vacant cabins, all reminiscent of scenes straight out of a horror film.

Many out of doors fanatics and vacationers add this hidden treasure to their Tennessee should-see listing, discovering Elkmont a surprisingly serene spot.

The top 10 most famous archaeological discoveries ever made – World News – News

There are sure wonders on the earth which can be so famous, it’s laborious to think about a time earlier than they have been found.

From Machu Picchu to Stonehenge, there are mysteries on the market that have been left by generations earlier than us. Though nicely by no means know precisely what they have been used for, historians and archaeologists can use clues to piece collectively how these websites got here to be.

Everyday, scientists are discovering new fossils, skeletons and ruins. Just final yr, archaeologists uncover a 2,700-yr-previous Etruscan cult Temple in Italy. And lately, researchers imagine they’ve uncovered the historic Byzantine-era Christian metropolis of Tharais, a location as soon as indicated on the Madaba Mosaic Map, which has been lacking for hundreds of years.

If some of the most famous historic places weren’t discovered till centuries later, possibly there are nonetheless wonders on the market which have but to be stumbled upon. Here are the top 10 most famous archaeological discoveries ever made.

Four major TSA changes anyone traveling in US needs to know now – USA – Travel

Thousands of Americans take to the skies each day, however staying present with airline laws can show difficult – significantly when coping with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), infamous for frequent coverage updates. Nevertheless, for those who’re planning home travel quickly, a number of latest modifications carried out over latest months demand your consideration.

Travel blogger Pollyann, acknowledged as travelwithpalma on Instagram, just lately highlighted these updates online, believing many passengers stay unaware of the alterations. To help fellow vacationers, she detailed all the pieces in a simple post aimed toward streamlining the air travel expertise.

Pollyann simplified the data to improve traveler comprehension. Surprisingly, eradicating footwear at security checkpoints is no longer obligatory.

In her post, she defined: “TSA rule changes you need to know before your next flight! REAL ID or passport now required – starting May 2025, for domestic flights. Power banks banned in checked bags – they must go in your carry-on. Shoes stay ON – the TSA no longer requires shoes off at most U.S. airports.

“Liquid guidelines are altering – some airports are testing new scanners that permit bigger liquids, however issues like treatment, child method and toddler drinks are literally already allowed in bigger portions if declared on the checkpoint. Travel is at all times altering and evolving – do not get caught off guard at security!”

To help you grasp things a bit more clearly, here are the regulation updates broken down. This should assist you in learning everything you need to understand.

REAL ID

The TSA website explains: “As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that aren’t REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as legitimate types of identification at airports. Passengers ought to both travel with an acceptable different type of ID, like a passport or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID by means of their state DMV workplaces.

“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.”

Detailing what happens if somebody lacks acceptable ID, it continues: “The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity.

“If your id is confirmed, you may be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, the place chances are you’ll be subject to further screening.

“You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process or your identity cannot be confirmed.”

Power banks

Just in case you were not conscious, the TSA has banned energy banks and transportable chargers containing lithium-ion batteries from checked baggage. They should be stowed in carry-on baggage solely due to the potential fire hazard related to these batteries.

This is particularly true when they’re broken or uncovered to excessive temperatures or stress changes during flights.

Shoes

In different travel information, as of July, vacationers can now keep their sneakers on at TSA security checkpoints. The requirement for passengers to take away their sneakers during airport security screenings has been lifted at most airports.

This change comes after years of having to take off sneakers following the “shoe bomber” incident in 2001, the place a man tried to detonate explosives hidden in his footwear.

Liquids

As for liquid guidelines, there might be one other change coming quickly relating to the quantity of liquid ounces that vacationers can deliver on planes. “The liquids I’m questioning, so that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned, in accordance to ABC information.

“We’re looking at our scanners, what we have put in place in TSA, multi-layered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it still is safe.”

The TSA web site presently states: “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

“Placing this stuff in the small bag and separating out of your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening course of. Pack objects which can be in containers bigger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

“Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.”

Earlier in April, the TSA confirmed it had deployed slicing-edge scanners, referred to as Analogic machines, engineered to ship superior imaging of objects packed inside carry-on baggage. These gadgets, carried out during the earlier two summers amid unprecedented travel volumes, have been supposed to allow complete examination with out requiring elimination of carry-on contents, supposedly accelerating security checks for each employees and vacationers.