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Airfare Hikes, Cruises, Europe Travel & Weekly Travel News Roundup
Published 28 days ago • 10 min read
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - May 11, 2026
Happy National Eat What You Want Day - a USA day that celebrates indulging in the foods that make you happy. It's about having one day a year to eat without regrets. Whether you love donuts or fast food, today is your day to gratify without feeling guilty.
We're nearing the end of our home renovation project - they tell us that by the middle of next week, the contractors will be finished. Then, we have the task of getting everything back in its place. The house is in serious disarray right now - including the workspace where I sit to deliver this week's travel news to our readers.
This weekend, we took a final trip for the season to Disneyland with the grandkids. Not the best timing, given all the work needed at home, but tickets were already paid for, so Anaheim got us one more time.
Travelers planning summer 2026 getaways should expect higher prices across the board, according to a new Points Path analysis. Domestic cash fares are up about 15%, international fares are up around 12%, and points redemptions are rising even faster. Higher fuel costs, strong demand, reduced capacity growth, and increased airline fees are all contributing to the jump.
Still, travelers may find better value by flying in mid-to-late August, choosing Tuesdays or other off-peak days, considering secondary airports, and watching for routes with added capacity. One surprising bright spot: international business and first-class fares are rising more slowly than economy, creating a potential upgrade opportunity.
Even with long security lines, rising fares, higher fuel costs, and major industry shakeups, North American airlines are getting better marks from passengers. JD Power’s 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study found overall satisfaction rose eight points year over year, with improvements across first/business, premium economy, and economy cabins.
Travelers gave stronger scores for onboard experience, communication, service, and perceived value, though experts warn that fare hikes and baggage fee increases could make it harder for airlines to keep passengers happy. JetBlue led first/business, Delta topped premium economy, and Southwest ranked highest in economy/basic economy.
Spirit Airlines has officially ceased operations, marking the end of one of the most recognizable ultra-low-cost carriers in the U.S. aviation market. The shutdown comes as full-service airlines like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines continue investing heavily in premium seating, better technology, onboard amenities, and customer experience — and seeing strong financial results in return. The contrast reflects a broader shift in traveler expectations: passengers increasingly want reliability, comfort, and convenience, even if it means paying more. For travelers, it’s another sign that the era of rock-bottom fares paired with minimal service may be fading as airlines compete more on experience than price alone.
A rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has led to three deaths and several confirmed infections, prompting an international health response as the vessel remains off the coast of West Africa. Medical experts and the World Health Organization stress that this is not the start of a broader pandemic, noting that hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents and only very rarely passes between people.
Investigators believe the original exposure likely occurred before passengers boarded in Argentina, and health officials say the outbreak is expected to remain contained. For travelers, the key takeaway is that normal tourism activities in South America remain low risk, though avoiding areas with rodent activity and following basic hygiene precautions is always recommended.
Starting May 19, Delta Air Lines will end complimentary snack and beverage service for Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+ passengers on flights shorter than 350 miles, affecting about 450 daily short-haul routes such as Los Angeles to San Francisco, New York JFK to Boston, and Atlanta to Charlotte. First Class passengers will still receive full service, and Delta says the change is meant to create a more consistent onboard experience. While some travelers will lose the familiar cookie or drink on quick hops, about 600 other daily flights will now gain full snack and beverage service, making this a mixed change depending on your route.
Alaska Airlines is expanding its California network with new seasonal flights to Santa Rosa, giving travelers easier access to Sonoma County’s wine country. Beginning November 1, the airline will add routes from Boise, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, with service running up to daily through late April 2027.
Alaska is also returning to Long Beach after nearly a decade, launching twice-daily year-round service from Seattle on September 8, 2026. For travelers, the expansion means more convenient options for reaching Northern California vineyards and a less crowded Southern California airport alternative.
The U.S. State Department is beginning a major enforcement effort targeting Americans who owe significant child support debt, including revoking valid passports. Officials say the initial focus will be on people owing $100,000 or more, but enforcement is expected to expand to anyone with more than $2,500 in unpaid support — a threshold established under federal law in 1996.
For travelers, the move is a reminder that financial and legal obligations at home can directly affect international travel plans. Anyone whose passport has been revoked must resolve their child support debt before becoming eligible to apply for a new passport, and revoked passports can no longer be used for travel, even after payment is made.
Yellowstone National Park has closed several trails, backcountry campsites, and fishing areas near Old Faithful after two hikers were injured in a bear encounter on May 4 near Mystic Falls Trail. The incident marks the park’s first bear-related injury of the 2026 season and serves as an important reminder for travelers visiting grizzly country to stay alert, hike in groups, carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and keep at least 100 yards away from bears. While bear attacks in Yellowstone remain rare, given the park’s millions of annual visitors, spring is an active season for bears, making preparation and awareness essential for anyone planning hikes there.
Philadelphia’s historic Pennsylvania Hospital — the nation’s oldest chartered hospital, founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond — has officially opened a new public museum inside its original Pine Building as part of its 275th anniversary celebration.
Visitors can now explore centuries of medical history through exhibits on early psychiatric and maternity care, restored apothecary collections, rare medical texts, and America’s first surgical amphitheater, where operations were once performed before anesthesia. Led by longtime archivist Stacey Peeples, the museum blends storytelling, preservation, and interactive experiences to connect travelers and history lovers with one of the country’s most important medical landmarks during Philadelphia’s America250 festivities.
New airline booking data suggests Americans may be cooling on Europe travel this summer, with July air bookings to destinations like Frankfurt, Athens, Paris, and London down compared to last year. But luxury travel advisors and high-end hotels are reporting a very different reality: affluent travelers are still booking Europe in strong numbers, especially for destinations like Italy, France, Greece, and Scotland.
Industry insiders say the slowdown may be less about a lack of interest and more about timing and price sensitivity, as travelers wait for airfare sales, monitor exchange rates, and seek flexible cancellation policies amid geopolitical uncertainty. The result is a European market increasingly divided between travelers willing to pay premium prices and those hoping costs come down before they commit.
The expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, remains at the center of a growing public health and travel controversy after three passengers died and several others became seriously ill from a suspected hantavirus outbreak linked to the vessel’s recent voyage from South America. Three sick passengers—including a British doctor who had been helping care for others onboard—were medically evacuated to the Netherlands for specialist treatment, while roughly 140 remaining passengers continue toward the Canary Islands.
However, Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo has questioned whether the ship should be allowed to dock, citing fears that a rare strain of hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission could spread locally. Spanish authorities say quarantine measures are planned, and the World Health Organization reportedly requested the islands as an evacuation point. The incident is drawing unusual attention because hantavirus outbreaks on cruise ships are extremely rare, raising new questions about health protocols on remote expedition voyages.
Adventures by Disney is expanding its 2027 portfolio with two brand-new itineraries in Thailand and Croatia/Slovenia, plus an enhanced Italy adventure designed for families and multigenerational travelers.
The Thailand trip features experiences like exploring Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins, cooking in Chiang Mai, and visiting an elephant sanctuary in Phuket, while the Croatia and Slovenia itinerary includes kayaking in Dubrovnik, touring Ljubljana Castle, and hiking to the alpine village of Velika Planina.
Disney is also refreshing its Italy program with new culinary experiences along the Amalfi Coast and visits to historic sites like Herculaneum and Mount Etna. Bookings open May 15, giving travelers more options for immersive, guided family adventures across Europe and Asia.
MSC Cruises is rolling out a new free AI assistant, MSC Concierge, designed to help guests manage their cruise experience from a smartphone or tablet. Available in 68 languages through the MSC for Me digital ecosystem, the tool can answer questions, book restaurants, spa treatments, and shore excursions, check account balances, and help guests find onboard entertainment. Travelers do not need a paid internet package—just a connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi. After a pilot involving more than 170,000 guests and over one million messages, MSC says the service earned a 93 percent satisfaction score, signaling growing traveler interest in more convenient, on-demand cruise planning.
The U.S. State Department has updated Jordan to a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory, citing terrorism and armed conflict risks, with additional restrictions for specific areas including Syrian refugee camps, the Baqa’a neighborhood of Ayn Basha, Zarqa City, and parts of Ma’an Governorate.
For travelers, this does not mean all travel is banned, but it does mean trips to Jordan should involve extra planning, close monitoring of local conditions, flexible itineraries, and a clear emergency exit plan.
Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips
Inspect & Update Hiking Gear
As summer hiking season ramps up, now is the perfect time to evaluate your trail gear before heading into the heat.
Take a close look at hiking shoes or boots for worn tread, cracked soles, or reduced support — especially if you’ve logged many miles over the past year.
Check backpacks for broken zippers or fraying straps, inspect hydration systems for leaks, and make sure trekking poles still lock securely.
Summer trails can be unforgiving, particularly in hotter destinations where reliable gear becomes a safety issue, not just a comfort issue.
Replacing worn socks, sun hats, cooling layers, and portable water filters before your next adventure can help prevent blisters, overheating, and unexpected trail problems.
A quick gear review at home today may save your vacation hike tomorrow.
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Why Visit? Reno, Nevada is known as "The Biggest Little City in the World" and offers a unique blend of vibrant city life, stunning natural surroundings, and rich cultural experiences.
Top Things To Do:
National Automobile Museum: Explore over 200 vintage cars and automotive memorabilia in this one-of-a-kind museum.
Lake Tahoe: Take a scenic drive to Lake Tahoe, known for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking mountain views.
Nevada Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in contemporary art at this renowned museum featuring works from local and international artists.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Reno is during the fall months when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. You can also save money by booking accommodations and activities in advance.
Don't forget to check out local events and festivals, such as the Great Reno Balloon Race and Hot August Nights, for a unique experience during your visit.
Plan Your Visit: Check out our blog post on Reno Nevada for more ideas and tips on how to plan your trip.
Planning Ahead - Top Events in Six Months
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on November 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Bon Om Touk — Cambodia’s Water Festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River with colorful boat races and riverside festivities. (November 23-25, 2026)
Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
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