In general travel news, Skyscanner has officially launched a new Package Holidays comparison feature, making it easier than ever to book your dream vacation. Instead of just searching for flights, you can now browse millions of bundled deals—including all-inclusive resorts and city breaks—from top providers like Expedia, TUI, and easyJet Holidays.
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has officially surpassed Atlanta to become the busiest airport in the U.S., recording a staggering 857,392 takeoffs and landings in 2025.
This incredible momentum highlights Chicago's role as a premier global gateway, offering unmatched connectivity for your next big adventure.
Starting February 1, if you haven't upgraded to a REAL ID yet, your airport experience might get a little pricier. The TSA is introducing a new $45 fee for the ConfirmID process, designed to verify the identity of the 6% of passengers who arrive at security without a compliant ID. While using ConfirmID is optional, skipping it could mean missing your flight, so check for that star on your license or pack your passport to breeze through security worry-free.
Amsterdam is weighing a major change that could impact your future European itineraries: a full ban on ocean-going cruise ships. As part of new tourism restrictions planned for 2026, city officials are pushing to stop these vessels from docking in the city center to reduce overcrowding and pollution. A final decision is expected after the local elections in March, but if the ban passes, travelers may need to dock in nearby Rotterdam and take a short one-hour drive to explore the iconic canals.
Great news for travelers heading to Europe! KLM has started rolling out unlimited, complimentary Wi-Fi on its inter-Europe flights, answering a long-standing wish from passengers. Currently available on 50% of their fleet, this new perk allows you to stay connected while soaring through the skies. To access the free internet, all you need to do is sign up as a Flying Blue member—it's that simple to start browsing at 30,000 feet!
The U.S. Department of State has issued an updated Level 3 travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging citizens to reconsider travel due to ongoing concerns regarding civil unrest, crime, kidnapping, and terrorism.
While violence has decreased following the formation of the Interim Government in the summer of 2024, the situation remains volatile with the potential for sudden violent clashes during protests.
Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution and to avoid all demonstrations.
A strict Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning remains in effect for the Chittagong Hill Tracts region due to heightened risks of kidnapping and sectarian violence.
Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips
Winter Travel Readiness
Traveling in winter brings its own set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to limited daylight hours. Before heading out, take a few extra steps to prepare—pack layers for warmth, check road or flight conditions regularly, and keep essentials like a power bank, insulated water bottle, and compact first-aid kit close at hand. Staying equipped for cold-weather travel means you can focus on the adventure, not the conditions.
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Featured Place - Krakow, Poland
Why Visit? Krakow, Poland is a city full of charm and character. Compared to popular European destinations, it is particularly affordable, making it a great destination for travelers. From its stunning architecture and rich history to its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, the city offers excitement day and night.
Top Things To Do:
Explore the iconic Wawel Castle, home to centuries of Polish royalty and filled with fascinating exhibitions.
See the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine. This beloved Polish mine, filled with amazing art carved from salt rock, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Rynek Główny, one of Europe's largest medieval squares, where you can admire St. Mary's Basilica and enjoy local street performers and vendors.
With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, Krakow’s Old Town is one of Europe's most historic, charming, and best-preserved. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been home to legendary figures like Copernicus and John Paul II. This sightseeing tour gives an overview of the Old Town’s past, filled with glory and tremendous tragedy, and will help you see an enduring space with new eyes.
Travel Tip: If you want to avoid crowds and high prices, consider visiting Krakow in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. The city can get quite crowded in the summer, but its mild climate makes it a great time for outdoor activities. Public transportation is readily available and easy to navigate, but don't be afraid to explore on foot; many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other. Be sure to try some traditional Polish dishes like pierogi at local eateries to get an authentic taste of Krakow.
Plan A Visit to Krakow, Poland: Check out our Krakow, Poland blog post 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 July 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Frontier Days of Prescott, Arizona— One of the world’s oldest rodeos takes place in Prescott, combining rodeo competitions with Fourth of July celebrations. (June 29 - July 5, 2026)
Festival Napa Valley, California — July brings peak summer concerts, wine tastings, and culinary events throughout Napa Valley, ideal for wine-focused travel. (July 4 - 19, 2026)
North Sea Jazz Festival – Rotterdam, Netherlands - A major July weekend festival that brings global jazz, soul, and fusion stars to indoor and outdoor stages in Rotterdam. (July 10-12, 2026)
Montreux Jazz Festival – Montreux, Switzerland - Held on the shores of Lake Geneva in early to mid‑July, this iconic festival draws world‑class jazz, rock, and soul artists for atmospheric lakeside concerts. (July 3-18, 2026)
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January 2026: We'll be exploring museums and sights throughout Los Angeles.
Spring 2026: Camping and sightseeing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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 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...
