The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - March 16, 2026

Happy National Artichoke Hearts Day from the USA, and an early Sláinte for Tuesday's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

We've started tearing up the house as we'll be undergoing a major kitchen renovation over the next two months. Given the disruption of this house project, it is likely to spill over into our normal routines. That means our podcast, YouTube videos, and blog posts will be disrupted until late May. We'll bring you travel highlights as we're able to over the next couple of months.

Our Latest Updates

Latest Blogs
​Guide to Finding Great Campgrounds​

Latest Podcast
​How To Find Your Perfect Travel Destination In 9 Simple Steps​

Latest YouTube
​Visiting The Musée National Picasso-Paris​

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General Travel News

Topping off travel news this week, TSA Still Unpaid as Senators Disagree on DHS Funding. This is resulting in hours-long waits at TSA security checkpoints. Interest in ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ Travel Insurance is Surging. And Spring Break Travel gets pricier as gas prices are rising at the pump.

​Why Summer Airfare Could Rise Soon—and What Travelers Should Do Now​

Travelers hoping to save on summer flights may want to act sooner rather than later, as rising oil prices, airline route cuts, longer flight paths, and continued strong demand are all putting upward pressure on airfare. Even though ticket prices have not surged across the board yet, airlines are facing higher operating costs that could show up in fares in the coming months, especially during peak vacation season. For travelers, that means this is a smart time to book early, consider midweek departures, check alternate airports, and set fare alerts before prices climb further.

Recent Travel News: USA

​Southwest Exits O’Hare and Dulles as It Refines Its Route Network​

Southwest Airlines will stop flying to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles on June 4 as part of what it calls an ongoing effort to fine-tune its network. For travelers, the change is less dramatic than it may sound because Southwest will continue operating extensive service from Chicago Midway, Baltimore/Washington International, and Reagan National, all of which already handle far more of the airline’s flights in those metro areas. The move reflects Southwest’s broader strategy of cutting less profitable flying while doubling down on stronger airports and adding select new destinations, a shift that matters for travelers planning future flights in Chicago and Washington.

​Walt Disney World Announces New, Refreshed Attractions With Summer Savings ​

Recent Travel News: Global

​EU Introduces Biometric Border Checks Starting April 10​

Travelers heading to Europe this spring and summer should prepare for a new border experience as the European Union rolls out its Entry/Exit System across the Schengen Area on April 10. Passport stamps are being replaced with biometric data collection, including facial images and fingerprint scans, allowing authorities to digitally track how long visitors stay.

While the system is expected to streamline border crossings over time, travelers may encounter delays during the initial rollout, so planning extra time at airports is a smart move. Importantly, visa requirements remain unchanged for U.S. travelers, though a separate pre-registration system is expected later this year.

​AmaWaterways Unveils “City Escapes” Cruises with More Time in Europe’s Iconic Cities​

AmaWaterways is introducing a new “City Escapes” collection of river cruises that gives travelers longer stays in some of Europe’s most popular cities, including Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Strasbourg, and Budapest. Scheduled during quieter travel periods on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube, these sailings feature extra overnight stays, more daylight cruising, and at least 24 hours in key destinations, making them especially appealing for travelers who want a more relaxed and immersive European experience. The program launches this year, expands in 2027, and also includes new London and Rome extensions, along with limited-time booking perks on select departures.

​Princess Cruises Raises Gratuities and Onboard Service Charges​

Princess Cruises has increased its daily Crew Appreciation charges, with suite guests now paying $20 per person, per day, Mini Suite, Cabana, and Reserve Collection guests paying $19, and all other staterooms paying $18. The cruise line also raised its food and beverage service charge from 18% to 20% for travelers without Princess Premier, Princess Plus, or certain beverage packages. For travelers planning a cruise, the change is a reminder to look closely at added onboard costs, especially since Princess is not alone—Carnival Cruise Line is also set to raise gratuity rates and drink package prices, reflecting a broader trend across the cruise industry as operators respond to rising costs.

More Global Travel News

​Airlines Boost Nonstop Europe-Asia Flights as Middle East Hubs Face Disruption​

​Trafalgar Launches Sale on Summer 2026 River Cruises​

​Princess Cruises Opens Bookings for 2028 World Cruise​

Stress-Free Airport Transfers Ride With Welcome Pickups

Travel Advisory Update

​Saudi Arabia - Level 3 - Reconsider Travel​ The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Saudi Arabia, urging travelers to reconsider plans due to ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, along with risks tied to terrorism, missile and drone attacks, and strict local laws. While commercial flights are still operating, disruptions are possible, and the U.S. government’s ability to assist citizens is limited. Areas near the Yemen border remain under a “Do Not Travel” warning, and travelers are also being cautioned about exit bans and legal risks tied to social media activity—making preparation and awareness essential for anyone considering a trip.

Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips

What You Need To Know About Blood Clot Risk On Long Flights

​Long flights lasting over four hours can slightly increase the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), particularly for individuals with certain risk factors, such as inflammatory conditions (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis) or those on medications that increase clotting risk.

To reduce the risk, stick to your prescribed medications, wear compression socks to prevent blood pooling, and stay active by standing or moving your legs regularly during the flight.

If you experience symptoms such as persistent leg pain or swelling within one to two weeks after flying, or sudden shortness of breath and chest pain (potential signs of a pulmonary embolism), seek immediate medical attention.

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Featured Place - Lassen Volcanic National Park

Why Visit?​
​Lassen Volcanic National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park boasts stunning landscapes, diverse geological formations, and abundant wildlife. The southern part of the park has similarities to Yellowstone, yet without the crowds.

Top Things To Do:

• Explore the otherworldly landscape of Bumpass Hell with its bubbling mud pots and fumaroles.
• Hike to the top of Cinder Cone for a hike you'll never forget.
• Take a scenic drive along the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway to see various volcanic features such as cinder cones, lava beds, and hot springs.

Travel Tip:​
The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is during the summer months when all roads are open. We recommend planning your visit no earlier than late June.

Plan Your Visit:​
Check out our blog post on Lassen Volcanic National Park for more ideas and tips to plan your trip.

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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:

​Cannstatter Volksfest (September 25 - October 11) in Stuttgart - This 17-day festival is Germany's second-largest beer and folk celebration, featuring traditional beer tents, amusement rides, and a massive traders' market (September 25 to Sunday, October 11, 2026)

​La Mercè Festival – Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona stages street parades, human towers, fireworks, and concerts for a week‑long celebration of its patron saint in late September.​ (September 23 to September 27, 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)

✈️ Don’t miss out on incredible travel savings. Sign up for FareDrop's Limited plan and receive top flight deals straight to your inbox. ​ Sign Up Now

Featured Travel Resources

General Travel Booking – We recommend Expedia​

Tour Company - We recommend Viator ​​

Rental Car – We recommend Discover Cars​

RV Overnight Camping – We recommend Harvest Hosts​

Credit Card Optimized for Travel - We recommend Chase Sapphire Visa​​

​Travel Insurance – We recommend Travel Insurance Masters​

Where We're Off To Next

Spring 2026: We'll be viewing adventure rigs at the Los Angeles RV Show followed by 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.

P.S. We'd appreciate it if you could share the newsletter with your friends who are also passionate about travel. Let's spread the word and inspire others to explore the world with us! - New subscriptions are free and easy with this link​

​Julie & Art​
​The Places Where We Go​

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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