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✈️ Higher Cost to Visit Edinburgh?? - Plus Weekly Travel News
Published 20 days ago • 6 min read
The Places Where We Go - Travel Planning Briefing August 3, 2026
Happy National Watermelon Day, a day that celebrates the taste of summer. And this refreshing fruit is also packed with vitamins A and C. Woo hoo!
This past week, we attended a pop-up at our local AAA office and signed up for TSA PreCheck. With a few flights scheduled in the upcoming months, we're looking for a bit of lower stress getting through airport security with this item. Plus, it's good for five years.
And we got some local entertainment in last night with tickets to the touring company of Phantom of the Opera at The Pantages Theater in Hollywood. If you can't find time for a getaway from your hometown, check your local listings for a night out at a theater.
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A reliable portable charger is no longer just a convenience—it’s becoming an essential travel item. With airlines tightening rules on the number and type of battery packs passengers can bring onboard—Southwest being one of the latest to introduce new limits—having a single, high-quality charger matters more than ever.
These policies are designed to reduce fire risks in the cabin, so travelers should prioritize safety-certified devices with strong performance over carrying multiple cheaper options. Investing in a dependable portable charger ensures your phone, boarding pass, and travel apps stay powered throughout your journey—without running afoul of new airline restrictions.
JetBlue is reorganizing its booking process to help travelers choose flights based first on the onboard experience and then on fare flexibility. Customers will select from Main, EvenMore, BlueFirst, or Mint, followed by up to three fare levels: Base, Standard, or Flex.
The change should make it easier to compare seating, amenities, cancellation terms, and refund options before booking. The new structure also sets the stage for BlueFirst, JetBlue’s upcoming domestic first-class product, which is expected to begin rolling out later this year on aircraft and routes without Mint.
Delta Air Lines has introduced a tiered fee structure for its basic fares, with travelers booking premium cabins facing significantly higher costs for changing or canceling a trip.
Main Basic and Comfort Basic tickets still carry a $99 fee, but Basic Business cancellations can now cost as much as $500, while changes may reach $400.
Travelers concerned about flexibility should review the fare rules before booking, consider paying more for an Extra or refundable ticket, and remember that Delta’s 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy may allow changes shortly after purchase.
Celebrity Cruises increased its daily gratuity rates on July 29, with guests in Inside, Oceanview, and Veranda staterooms now paying $19.50 per person, per day, up from $18. Concierge and AquaClass guests will pay $20.50, while passengers staying in The Retreat will pay $24.50.
The charges are automatically added to onboard accounts and distributed among dining, bar, culinary, housekeeping, and other crew members, though guests may prepay or adjust the amount before disembarkation.
For travelers, the change means a seven-night cruise could cost up to $10.50 more per person in gratuities, depending on the stateroom category.
Workers at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum have voted to strike in disputes over pay and working conditions, including at the new V&A East Storehouse. Collection access officers, who help visitors request objects from the museum’s vast holdings, are seeking two paid breaks per day, while staff across the wider V&A are calling for higher pay, London Living Wage accreditation, and better holiday compensation.
No strike dates have been announced, but travelers planning a visit should watch for updates that could affect opening hours, tours, or the Storehouse’s popular “order an object” experience.
Travelers staying overnight in Edinburgh will now pay a 5% visitor levy on accommodation costs for the first five nights of a stay. The charge, which took effect on July 24, 2026, applies across the city to hotels, vacation rentals, hostels, campsites and other paid lodging, although bookings partly or fully paid before October 1, 2025, are exempt.
Edinburgh expects the levy to raise as much as £50 million annually for tourism infrastructure, cultural venues, public spaces, sanitation, policing and destination management. Visitors should check whether the levy is included in their quoted price, particularly when comparing accommodation costs.
President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. government to allow American airlines to resume nonstop service to Lebanon for the first time since 1985. The proposal still requires Department of Transportation approval, and airlines may hesitate to launch routes while regional security concerns remain high.
Lebanon is currently under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the U.S. State Department, and ongoing tensions involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran could affect any timeline. For travelers, the announcement represents a potentially significant improvement in access to Lebanon, but direct flights are not yet confirmed.
Why Visit? Copenhagen is a vibrant and charming city, renowned for its distinctive blend of historic charm and contemporary design. With its picturesque canals, colorful streets, and friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder that it's often ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.
Top Things To Do:
Tivoli Gardens: This amusement park is not just for kids - with beautiful gardens, thrilling rides, and live performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Rosenborg Castle: Take a stroll through the picturesque grounds of Rosenborg Castle, a stunning Renaissance palace and garden filled with history and beauty.
Nyhavn: A picturesque canal lined with colorful buildings, perfect for strolling and enjoying a drink or meal at one of the many outdoor cafes.
Travel Tip: A practical tip for visiting Copenhagen would be to take advantage of the city's bike-friendly culture and rent a bicycle to explore. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is pleasant and various outdoor events and festivals are taking place.
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on February 2027, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Mardi Gras — New Orleans, Louisiana - Celebrate with krewe parades, marching bands, elaborate floats, costumes and neighborhood celebrations culminate on Fat Tuesday before Lent. (February 9, 2027)
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase — Tucson, Arizona - Dozens of shows and markets turn Tucson into an international marketplace for gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils and geological specimens from late January through mid-February. (January 27 to February 14, 2027)
Sapporo Snow Festival — Sapporo, Japan - Enormous snow statues, illuminated ice sculptures and winter activities transform several areas of Sapporo during a weeklong celebration in early February. (February 4 to February 11, 2027)
Venice Carnival — Venice, Italy - Elaborate masks, historical costumes, canal processions, street entertainment and ticketed masquerade balls fill Venice during the weeks leading up to Lent. (January 30 - February 9, 2027)
✈️ Don’t miss out on incredible travel savings.
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August 8-9, 2026: Walking the 6th annual Serra Walking Pilgrimage from Santa Barbara Mission to Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. This year's hike has a record 400 walkers registered! (35-mile route)
November 2026: Every Hockey Arena road trip continues with a stop at Climate Pledge Arena to watch the Seattle Kraken vs. the Anaheim Ducks
December 2026: Exploring near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park in California
January 2027: The NHL Winter Classic in Utah (pending ticket affordability)
Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
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