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💰Rising Travel Costs & Weekly Travel News Roundup
Published 10 days ago • 8 min read
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 their NHL playoff dreams alive.
Just when we thought our home routine was in shambles as a major kitchen renovation began a few weeks ago, we are simultaneously replacing the floors in the entire house, starting this Wednesday. Undoubtedly, there will be days when we'll have to disassemble everything, including routers and other equipment, so we might be silent for another week or two while the craziness dials up in the house.
We hope to resume our normal production schedule for the podcast, YouTube videos, and blog posts by mid-May.
Even with a temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, travelers shouldn’t expect airfare relief anytime soon. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says jet fuel prices will likely remain elevated for months due to ongoing disruptions to Middle East refining capacity, even if key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz reopen. For travelers, this could mean higher ticket prices, fewer flight options, and continued volatility in airfare as the aviation industry adjusts.
Summer travel is getting more expensive beyond just airfare, as major U.S. airlines, including JetBlue, United, Delta, and Southwest, raise checked baggage fees in response to higher jet fuel costs.
For travelers, that means another $10 or more added to the cost of flying, especially for families, long trips, or anyone checking multiple bags. The broader trend points to airlines leaning harder on ancillary fees as fuel prices and geopolitical tensions keep operating costs elevated, so travelers may want to budget more carefully and expect fewer bargains in the months ahead.
United is rolling out a new tiered fare structure in its premium cabins, adding base, standard, and flexible options for United Polaris and United Premium Plus travelers on long-haul international, transcontinental U.S., and select flights to Hawaii. Travelers get more control over what is included in the ticket price, from a lower base fare to options such as seat selection, extra checked bags, refundability, and even lounge access. United is also rebranding the front cabin as United Polaris on select transcontinental and longer flights to Hawaii, with some fares including access to the Polaris lounge, signaling a more premium experience for travelers on routes beyond traditional international service.
Rising geopolitical tensions and disrupted international travel are driving a major surge in U.S. travel demand, with domestic searches jumping 161% year over year. As travelers grow wary of overseas uncertainty, advisors are steering clients toward high-impact destinations such as Jackson Hole, Napa Valley, Sedona, and Santa Fe, as well as national parks, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Meanwhile, under-the-radar spots like Savannah and Newport are gaining traction for their charm and ease. For travelers, this shift means rediscovering the diversity of U.S. experiences—from luxury wine regions to rugged wilderness—while avoiding the stress of international travel disruptions.
American Airlines has increased checked-bag fees and updated its basic economy policies as rising fuel costs continue to affect the airline industry. Travelers booking domestic and short-haul international flights will now pay up to $50 for a first checked bag and $60 for a second, with even higher fees for additional luggage. Basic economy passengers will see steeper costs and fewer perks, including paid seat selection and no eligibility for upgrades. The move follows similar increases from other major U.S. carriers, signaling higher travel costs ahead—especially for budget-conscious flyers.
Several major cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line, are removing Tracy Arm Fjord from their Alaska itineraries following a 2025 landslide that triggered a tsunami and raised ongoing safety concerns. In its place, travelers will experience scenic cruising through Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier—still offering dramatic landscapes and wildlife viewing. For cruisers, this means a slightly different but still visually stunning Alaska experience, with safety taking priority while access to one of the region’s iconic fjords remains limited.
Los Angeles’ La Brea Tar Pits is moving forward with its ambitious Reimagine project, having raised more than $131 million toward its $240 million goal, as the Page Museum prepares for a two-year closure starting July 7, 2026, during construction.
Travelers can still visit the site during the transition, with active fossil excavation still visible from new vantage points, and parts of Hancock Park remain open, with updated walking paths and outdoor features added in phases. Museum leaders say the renovation will better connect the museum to the surrounding landscape while preserving beloved highlights such as the lake pit, mammoth family, visible dig sites, and rolling hills, making this a meaningful opportunity for visitors to experience the site’s vintage charm before a new chapter begins.
The European Union has officially rolled out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) across the 29-country Schengen Area, requiring non-EU travelers—including Americans—to register biometric data like fingerprints or facial scans upon arrival.
While the system is designed to replace passport stamps and eventually speed up border crossings, early reports suggest travelers may face significantly longer wait times—sometimes up to three hours—due to staffing shortages and technical issues.
The good news: there’s no fee, and once registered, your data can make future entries into Europe smoother. For now, travelers should plan for extra time at arrival airports and be prepared for a more high-tech (and potentially slower) entry process.
A major new exhibition at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, is inviting visitors to explore Queen Elizabeth II’s life through fashion, with displays ranging from childhood garments and her famous wedding dress to the bold pastel looks that defined her later years.
Running from April through October 2026, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style highlights how the late monarch used clothing as a form of identity, diplomacy, and soft power, while also spotlighting the British designers she inspired. For travelers heading to London, it offers a fresh way to experience royal history through craftsmanship, culture, and one of the most enduring style legacies of the modern age.
The U.S. State Department has reissued its Level 3 travel advisory for Ethiopia, urging travelers to reconsider travel due to ongoing risks including unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communication disruptions, and the possibility of exit bans.
The advisory highlights new concerns such as restricted communications and stricter enforcement of exit bans, which can prevent travelers from leaving the country if immigration rules are violated.
A reliable portable chargeris 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.
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Featured Place - Cardiff, Wales
Why Visit? Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Less visited than popular UK stops like London, you can enjoy traditional Welsh culture in a more relaxed, modern urban experience.
Top Things To Do:
Cardiff Castle: A medieval fortress with over 2,000 years of history and impressive Gothic architecture.
St Fagan’s National Museum of History: An open-air museum showcasing the country's cultural heritage through reconstructed historic buildings. We were fascinated by this location during our visit and gave it top marks.
Cardiff City Center: The bustling heart of the city, featuring numerous shops, restaurants, and landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the iconic Principality Stadium. It is also a hub for cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Cardiff is during spring or summer when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Plan Your Visit: Check out our blog post on Cardiff 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 October 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Austin City Limits Music Festival (Texas) – A two-weekend music festival featuring top artists across multiple genres in a vibrant outdoor setting. (October 2-11, 2026)
MassKara Festival (Philippines)– Known for its smiling masks, this lively festival celebrates resilience with street dancing and music. (Late October)
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Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
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