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 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
​Riding to the Top of the Eiffel Tower​

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Recent Travel News: USA

TSA Disruption Impacts USA Travel

Topping off travel news this week is the impact of TSA disruption on travelers in the United States.

TSA staffing shortages during the government shutdown are creating long security lines at major airports like Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. With TSA workers unpaid and calling out in large numbers, wait times are becoming unpredictable—and in some cases, extreme.

Travelers are being urged to arrive at least three hours early, even for domestic flights, and to check airport websites or social media for updates, as official TSA wait-time tools are offline. If you miss your flight due to delays, airlines may not compensate you, making an early arrival essential. There’s also growing concern that smaller airports could temporarily shut down if staffing issues worsen, potentially disrupting travel plans even further.

Recent Travel News: Global

​Barcelona Doubles Tourist Tax ​

Barcelona is significantly increasing its tourist tax starting in April, doubling overnight fees for both hotel guests and vacation rental guests—bringing charges to as high as €12.50-€15 per night.

The move comes as the city grapples with record-breaking visitor numbers and growing local backlash over overtourism, housing shortages, and rising living costs.

While officials say a portion of the revenue will support housing initiatives, the increase could make Barcelona one of Europe’s priciest destinations for tourist taxes—and may influence how travelers budget and plan their visits.

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​Viking Floats World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship​

Viking has reached a major milestone with the float out of the Viking Libra, described as the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship and its most environmentally friendly vessel to date.

Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the 998-guest ship is expected to sail its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, giving travelers a first look at what zero-emission cruising could mean for future voyages.

For cruise fans, this is a notable step toward more sustainable travel at sea, especially as Viking plans to follow it with a second hydrogen-powered ship, the Viking Astrea, in 2027.

Stress-Free Airport Transfers Ride With Welcome Pickups

Travel Advisory Update

​Venezuela - Level 3 - Reconsider Travel​ 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

Tips To Make Your Gas Go Further

​With gas prices rising and road trip costs climbing, travelers may be looking for easy ways to stretch every fill-up. Practical habits that can improve fuel economy include:

• Slowing down
• Driving more smoothly
• Keeping tires properly inflated
• Avoiding unnecessary idling
• Combining errands into one outing
• Reducing extra cargo
• Using air conditioning strategically

For travelers planning spring and summer drives, these small adjustments could add up to meaningful savings while also reducing wear on the car and lowering overall fuel use.

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Featured Place - Bath, England

Why Visit?
​Bath, England is a charming city known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. It is home to unique attractions, cultural experiences, and picturesque landscapes that make it a must-visit destination.

Top Things To Do:

• The Roman Baths: A well-preserved Roman site with ancient ruins and artifacts.
• Bath Abbey: An impressive Gothic cathedral with intricate architecture and breathtaking views.
• Pulteney Bridge: A picturesque bridge adorned with Georgian-style buildings on both sides.

Travel Tip:​
The best time to visit Bath is during the spring or summer months, when the weather is pleasant, and there are various outdoor events.

Plan Your Visit:​
Check out our blog post on Bath, England 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:

​World Port Days – Rotterdam, Netherlands – Rotterdam opens its vast harbor for ship tours, naval demonstrations, and fireworks celebrating one of Europe’s busiest ports.​ (September 4-6, 2026)

​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)

✈️ 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: Adventures at Disneyland Resort in California.

July 2026: Beach camping in Northern California

January 2027: The NHL Winter Classic in Utah

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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