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🔒 UK Entry Restrictions Coming & Weekly Travel News Roundup
Published 18 days ago • 4 min read
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.
A potential partial government shutdown is looming as Congress races to reach a deal on Department of Homeland Security funding. Without a resolution, essential agencies such as the TSA and Coast Guard will continue operating, but staff would likely be forced to work without pay—a scenario that led to significant staffing shortages and airport delays during previous shutdowns. While flights won't stop immediately, we recommend arriving early and allowing extra time if you're flying in mid-February, as security lines may lengthen as the situation unfolds.
Starting February 25, 2026, the UK will officially implement a major change for visitors from more than 85 countries, including the US, Canada, and France. If you usually travel visa-free, you will now strictly need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to board your flight. It’s a quick £16 digital permission you can easily grab via the UK ETA app, paving the way for a smoother, contactless border experience—so make sure you're sorted before you jet off on your next British adventure!
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Niger, citing severe risks related to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health concerns, and kidnapping.
As of January 30, 2026, non-emergency government employees and their families have been ordered to leave the country, and the U.S. government offers limited consular support outside of Niamey.
A state of emergency exists in many regions, with strict travel restrictions and requirements for military escorts outside the capital due to the high threat of violent crime and terrorist activity targeting Westerners.
If you’re dreaming of a summer escape at sea, now is the perfect time to book your cruise! Cruise lines are currently offering early-season deals, cabin upgrades, and flexible booking options—but these perks won’t last once demand heats up.
Securing your spot early gives you the best choice of itineraries, staterooms, and departure dates, especially for popular routes in the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Plus, early booking means more time to plan excursions and snag those coveted onshore experiences before they sell out.
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Featured Place - Solvang, California
Why Visit? Solvang is a charming and unique destination that offers visitors a taste of Danish culture in the heart of California. With its quaint European-style architecture, delicious Danish pastries, and beautiful surroundings, Solvang provides a taste of Denmark without leaving the USA.
Top Things To Do:
Experience the rich history and culture of Solvang at The Elverhøj Museum.
Indulge in some authentic Danish cuisine at one of the many restaurants in town.
Take a stroll down Mission Drive to admire the traditional windmills and half-timbered houses.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Solvang is in spring or fall when the weather is mild. Renting a bike or walking around town is fun as parking can be limited (though parking is free). Don't forget to stop by the local bakeries for some delicious treats!
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on August 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Capitol Hill Block Party - Seattle, Washington - This three day music and arts festival celebrates the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle, with a 100 local and national acts performing at dozens of bars, outdoor stages, and restaurants. (August 7-9, 2026)
Big Feastival, Kingham, England – Family-friendly countryside weekend combining chef demonstrations, street food, and live music on a working farm in the Cotswolds. (August 28-30)
ArcTanGent Festival, near Bristol, England – Niche rock and metal festival in rural southwest England known for experimental and progressive lineups and on-site camping. (August 19-22, 2026)
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February 2026: We have a few Southern California road trips on the calendar.
Spring 2026: Camping and sightseeing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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 - 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...
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,...
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