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🌏 Couch-Style Beds in Economy & Weekly Travel News Roundup
Published 24 days ago • 6 min read
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - March 30, 2026
Happy National Virtual Vacation Day, the day that reminds us all to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate, no matter where we are.
While our home is in disarray with our kitchen remodeling project, we took the weekend to visit Disneyland to celebrate a birthday for one of the littles in the family. A reminder that in the coming weeks, our production schedule for the podcast, YouTube videos, and blog posts is under the banner of "we'll publish what we can." Those of you who have been through home renovation projects can relate.
There is no newsletter next week, so Happy Easter Week to you. We’re grateful for all of our readers.
A new Phocuswright study reveals that more than half of U.S. leisure travelers are now using AI to plan, book, or navigate trips—marking the fastest behavioral shift in travel in a decade.
From researching destinations with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to getting real-time recommendations on the ground, AI is quickly becoming a core part of the travel experience. While travelers still double-check information, the growing reliance on AI signals a major shift in how trips are planned and experienced—offering more personalized, efficient travel but also raising questions about sustainability and the future of travel jobs.
President Trump has signed an executive order to restore pay for TSA officers during the partial government shutdown, a move aimed at easing growing disruption at U.S. airports. After missed paychecks led to staff shortages, sick calls, and long security lines, the administration said workers could begin receiving pay again as early as Monday. For travelers, the order could help stabilize airport screening operations and reduce delays, while also highlighting how political gridlock can quickly ripple through the travel experience.
The FAA has released an updated report identifying more than 150 U.S. airports as “surface hot spots,” meaning they have an elevated risk of ground safety problems such as runway incursions and potential collisions.
The list includes major travel hubs like Atlanta, San Francisco, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, and all three major New York City airports, underscoring that these concerns affect some of the nation’s busiest gateways.
The report arrives amid renewed attention on airport safety following a deadly March 23 runway collision at LaGuardia, and it highlights the FAA’s push for more tracking technology on airport vehicles to help prevent similar incidents. For travelers, it is a reminder that runway safety remains a major focus behind the scenes at both commercial and private aviation facilities.
United Airlines is redefining long-haul economy travel with its new “Relax Row,” a couch-style seating option that lets passengers stretch out across three seats. Debuting in 2027 on Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, the upgrade includes leg rests that form a flat surface, along with added comforts such as mattress pads, blankets, and pillows.
Positioned between standard economy and Premium Plus, this new option gives travelers—especially families and couples—a more affordable way to rest on long flights, signaling a growing trend toward enhanced comfort in economy cabins.
The U.S. Department of State has lowered Venezuela’s travel advisory to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”), reflecting some improvements, including the removal of prior risk indicators such as wrongful detention and unrest, and updates to embassy operations; however, significant safety concerns remain.
Travelers are urged to reconsider visiting due to ongoing risks of violent crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and a fragile healthcare system, particularly outside major urban areas.
Several regions—including the Venezuela-Colombia border, Amazonas, Apure, parts of Aragua, Bolívar, Guárico, and Táchira states—remain under a strict Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning due to heightened danger.
Visitors face additional risks such as unreliable infrastructure, active criminal and terrorist groups, and serious healthcare shortages, making careful planning and heightened precautions essential for anyone considering travel to the country.
Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips
Plan Ahead With Travel Meals & Snacks
Before you head out on your next adventure, pack portioned nuts, protein bars, and a few collapsible containers so you’re not at the mercy of overpriced or less-than-ideal food options at airports, rest stops, or theme parks.
We put this into practice during our recent Disneyland visit by bringing our own lunch and snacks—and it made a big difference. Not only did we save money, but we also had food we actually enjoy and feel good eating.
In fact, it worked so well that we wished we had packed a second meal. Our dinner burritos at Disney California Adventure didn’t quite hit the mark, and having a backup option would have been a win. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping both your budget and your energy levels on track while traveling.
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Featured Place - Bryce Canyon National Park
Why Visit? Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique and stunning rock formations called hoodoos, which are the result of years of erosion. This park also offers a range of outdoor activities and opportunities to learn about Native American history and culture.
Top Things To Do:
Hiking along the Rim Trail: This easy 11-mile trail offers breathtaking views of Bryce Amphitheater.
Scenic Drive: Take a drive along the park's main road to see various viewpoints, such as Inspiration Point and Natural Bridge.
Stargazing: Experience the incredible dark skies at night by attending one of the ranger-led stargazing programs.
Travel Tip: For those visiting Bryce Canyon, it is best to plan your trip in late spring or early fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. The peak season for tourism is during the summer months, but this also means longer lines and more crowded trails. If you do visit during the busy season, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the busiest times of day.
Plan Your Visit: Check out our blog post on Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive for more ideas and tips 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 September 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany – The world’s largest beer festival kicks off in late September with massive beer tents, Bavarian music, fairground rides, and traditional dress. (September 19 - October 4)
Rømø Kite Festival – Rømø, Denmark – Thousands of colorful kites fill the skies over this North Sea island, along with kite‑flying workshops and family activities on the beach. (September 4-6, 2026)
U.S. Open Tennis Tournament - New York - Experience the electrifying atmosphere of the U.S. Open in New York, where world-class tennis meets late-summer city energy and unforgettable fan experiences. (August 23 - September 13, 2026)
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Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
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The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - April 20, 2026 Happy National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day - a USA day that celebrates a sweet cake that contains pineapples and cherries. Americans have been enjoying this springtime cake since the early 1900s, when many cakes were made in cast-iron skillets. The chaos continues in our home as the renovation project feels as it has reached the halfway point. We've got our fingers crossed that we'll be able to put things back in their place after a...
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - April 13, 2026 Happy National Scrabble Day - celebrate by calling a friend to play a game or two of the world-famous game. We're back after a week off, celebrating during a busy Easter week. We also took a few days away from our home renovation project to enjoy a day at Disneyland with family, made our first-ever visit to Christ Cathedral in Orange County (highly recommended), and watched the Anaheim Ducks snap their recent losing streak to keep...
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - March 23, 2026 Happy National Tamale Day from the USA. We're back from a weekend attending the Los Angeles RV Supershow. It's the first time since 2019 that we've had a large RV show in L.A. Hopefully, we'll have a video recap on our YouTube channel next weekend. Demolition of our kitchen started last Monday as we're underway with our renovation project at the house. That will keep our travel limited until June. As a result, the podcast, YouTube...
