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🌏 Places You Don't Want To Visit Now & Weekly Travel News Roundup
Published 4 days ago • 6 min read
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - March 1, 2026
Happy National Banana Cream Pie Day in the USA, and another roundup of travel news.
In general travel news, TSA PreCheck lanes remain open despite earlier shutdown concerns, but Global Entry is temporarily unavailable—savvy travelers are turning to the free Mobile Passport Control app as an alternative.
Hyatt is shaking up its rewards program with higher point requirements for premium hotels, so if you've been saving up for a luxury stay, now's the time to book before the changes take effect.
In airline news, Spirit Airlines has announced it will emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy this summer, thanks to a successful deal with creditors.
Your flight search just got smarter! Skyscanner has launched its app within ChatGPT, making it easier than ever to find affordable airfares. Simply ask ChatGPT something like "Skyscanner, find me the cheapest flight to New York in December," and watch as flight options populate instantly. You can then compare fares and adjust your travel dates right within the app. With 160 million monthly users already benefiting from Skyscanner's powerful search capabilities, this AI-powered integration promises to revolutionize how we plan our adventures. Chief AI Officer Piero Sierra says they're committed to evolving travel search toward more dynamic, conversation-based experiences.
Chicago O'Hare airport will see reduced flights this summer as the Federal Aviation Administration steps in to manage a significant surge in airline schedules. United and American Airlines both announced major increases—United plans 780 daily flights (up from 541 last year), while American is adding 100 daily departures for a 30% spring increase. The FAA is capping operations at 2,800 per day during the March 29–October 25 summer season to prevent operational disruptions. If you're planning to fly through Chicago this year, consider booking early and checking for schedule changes as airlines adjust to these new limits.
The J. Paul Getty Museum has acquired an impressive collection of 189 photographs by renowned photographer Irving Penn, captured during his travels in Cuzco, Peru. This generous donation from the Irving Penn Foundation includes a maquette for a book titled Christmas in Cuzco and significantly strengthens the museum's already impressive Penn holdings. Combined with the Small Trades series acquired in 2008—featuring 252 gelatin-silver and platinum-palladium prints—the Getty now stands as a premier destination for experiencing Penn's extraordinary work. This collection offers a unique window into the vibrant life of Cuzco through the lens of one of photography's masters.
Venezuela tops the list as the world's most dangerous destination for solo travelers in 2026, according to a new risk index by Squaremouth. With a risk score of 9.74 out of 10, the country faces significant safety concerns, with fewer than 10% of residents feeling safe walking alone at night. Peru follows in second place with a score of 8.87, where nearly 60% of people worry about being attacked, while Gabon ranks third at 8.51 due to limited healthcare access outside major cities. On the brighter side, San Marino claims the title of safest destination for solo adventurers. The analysis of 113 countries considers factors like safety perceptions, crime rates, and infrastructure quality to help travelers make informed decisions about their next journey.
Great news for travelers headed to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara! As of Tuesday, February 24, both airports have returned to normal operations following a brief period of gang-related violence on February 22. All airlines are running their usual schedules, and the state of Jalisco has confirmed that tourist destinations are safe with enhanced security measures in place. Restaurants, businesses, and attractions are open and ready to welcome visitors.
While cruise lines serving Cozumel are taking a cautious approach with some shore excursions temporarily canceled, the U.S. Embassy has lifted shelter-in-place advisories for most areas. Airports across Mexico remain operational, so if you're planning a trip to these beautiful destinations, you can book with confidence. Just remember to check your flight status and stay updated on local conditions before you travel.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to ongoing terrorism and civil unrest, and to avoid Gaza entirely due to armed conflict.
Travelers are warned that terrorist attacks can occur without warning at tourist locations, transportation hubs, and public spaces, and that the security situation remains unpredictable with potential rocket fire, drone intrusions, and missile strikes.
The advisory emphasizes that commercial flights may be disrupted, border crossings can close unexpectedly, and consular services in Gaza are unavailable.
Now’s the perfect time to lock in your Labor Day weekend camping reservations before the most coveted sites disappear. National and state parks, especially near lakes, beaches, and mountain trails, tend to book out months in advance as travelers plan their summer getaways.
Securing your spot early not only guarantees the best campsites with scenic views and amenities but also lets you plan activities like hiking, kayaking, or fireworks viewing without last-minute stress.
It's also not too early to make sure you have the camping essentials you need so you don't scramble for supplies at the last minute.
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Featured Place - Auburn, California
Why Visit? Auburn, California, located in the Sierra Foothills, is known for its charming historic downtown, outdoor adventures, and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy exploring local shops, hiking through the nearby state parks, or taking a scenic drive along the American River Canyon.
Top Things To Do:
Explore the Auburn State Recreation Area and enjoy hiking, swimming, and biking along the scenic American River.
Visit Old Town Auburn for a charming stroll through historic buildings, unique shops, and delicious restaurants.
Take a thrilling white water rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the American River with one of the many experienced outfitters in the area. Soak up the beautiful scenery while navigating through exciting rapids.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Auburn, California, is in the fall and spring, when the weather is pleasant, and many outdoor activities are available. Avoid visiting in the summer, as it can get very hot and overcrowded with tourists.
Plan Your Visit: Check out our blog post on Auburn 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)
UNITY Festival – Las Vegas, Nevada – Multi‑weekend electronic music events in September bring big‑name DJs and immersive stages to the Las Vegas entertainment district. (August 5-8, 2026)
✈️ Don’t miss out on incredible travel savings.
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February 2026: We have a few Southern California road trips on the calendar.
Spring 2026: Adventures at Disneyland Resort in California
July 2026: Beach camping in Northern California
January 2027: The NHL Winter Classic in Utah
Now is the time to start marking your calendar for your future bucket list adventures. If you have travel questions, feel free to reach out to us. You can reach us at comments@theplaceswherewego.com
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 - February 23, 2026 Happy National Banana Bread Day in the USA, and another roundup of travel news. We've enjoyed watching the exciting hockey games at the Winter Olympics - there was some amazing talent. Now that the event is over, you might want to look at visiting Milan and Cortina in Italy. Host cities typically invest a lot into upgrading infrastructure which we can benefit from as travelers following the Olympic games. In general travel news,...
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - February 16, 2026 Happy President's Day from the USA as we approach Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras tomorrow. We're keeping things local during this 3-day weekend and trying to find some time to take in some of the Winter Olympics. One of our travel strategies is to visit cities the year after they host an Olympic event - so after the festivities finish this month, consider a trip to Milan and Cortina in Italy. Our Latest Updates Latest Blogs15 Affordable...
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - February 9, 2026 Happy Day After The Super Bowl Monday. We spent last Friday night slotting in four vacations for 2027, ranging from California to the United Kingdom and points in between. In general travel news, checked bags are making a comeback. Recent Google search data shows that queries for "checked bags" have surpassed those for carry-ons, with a surge in interest in packing accessories such as vacuum bags. Experts suggest the shift is driven...
