May 6, 2022
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On this day in 1937, the Hindenburg met its fiery end in New Jersey. A transatlantic trip took around 46 hours - insanely fast for the time - and although it was ludicrously expensive, if it were resurrected today it would be a pretty-budget friendly option.
Watching flight costs rise this year, locking ourselves in a box under a giant hyper-flammable hydrogen balloon for two days seems worth the risk for a piña colada on the
beach.
In today's edition:
Southwest is offering free inflight wifi this month
The CDC still wants us masking up
Airbnb's getting a little pricey
Is Mariupol about to fall?
P.S. Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up for yourself here!
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| TRAVEL
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Southwest is trying out free wifi on its flights this month
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Southwest Airlines is offering free wifi on selected flights this month as part of a broader test focussing on service upgrades.
The experiment started on May 4th and is slated to last until June 10th on certain flights in the Western US. Forty planes in its fleet have been fitted with new wifi technology that should significantly increase internet capabilities for passengers.
Southwest currently charges $8 a day for its wifi but blocks websites and apps that require higher bandwidths, like Netflix, Zoom, and other streaming services. This month's tests are gauging the reliability of the new tech, but it is unclear if the same blocked sites will be open for use during this period.
Hawaiian Airlines have already announced the arrival of free wifi on flights next year thanks to Elon Musk's SpaceXÂ Starlink satellite system. Delta suggested it would introduce free wifi before the pandemic, but no developments have emerged recently.Â
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| COVID
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The CDC is still recommending we keep our masks on
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The CDC is still asking Americans to wear masks on public transport, including airplanes, despite the recent court ruling that removed the national mask mandate. The mandate was dropped on April 18th after a Florida judge ruled that it exceeded the authority held by health officials.
The reiteration of the recommendations comes as the Northeast US sees a significant surge in both COVID cases and hospitalizations. The fast-spreading BA.2 variant has become the dominant strain in the United States.
The initial decision caused controversy due to the drop's timing and roll-out. Multiple reports emerged of immuno-compromised or shielding passengers being horrified as masks were ripped off to cheers mid-flight. Critics pointed out that they had bought tickets under the assumption that one set of rules was being followed and that the sudden change posed a risk to them.
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| TOGETHER WITH
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How to learn a new language. Step 1: Babbel. Step 2: Start speaking.
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Summer is here and travel is calling our names.
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Context tips sprinkled throughout lessons as well as courses like Countries & Traditions, give you useful tips and cultural knowledge to help you better understand the words you’re learning.
We can confirm It works.
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| VACATION RENTALS
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Airbnb rates approach all-time highs along with hotels and flights
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Travel's great post-pandemic resurgence doesn't seem to be slowing despite Airbnb, hotel, and flight prices all soaring.
Airbnb, typically viewed as a less expensive option for travelers, has reached all-time high levels. The average cost of one night's stay for the first three months of 2022 was $168 - or 37% more expensive than the same period in 2019.
The home-sharing platform has skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic as travelers flocked to larger private accommodations to help lessen the effects of the rules impacting hotels and other establishments.
Hotel rates have had a similar increase, with American accommodations showing almost rates almost 40% more than the same time last year. Fuel prices continue to drive airline prices up, making any travel this year a pricey venture for almost everyone.
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| WORLD NEWS
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Vicious battle for Mariupol continues at battered steelworks
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Fighting in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol has intensified as Putin searches for a symbolic victory before Russia's Victory Day holiday.
The port town has been under constant attack for weeks. Still, it has come to represent Ukrainian resilience as only a few thousand soldiers hold off bombardment after bombardment from within the Azovstal steelworks. Putin has told Ukrainian leadership to order the remaining soldiers to surrender.
Hundreds of civilians are trapped along with injured soldiers under the sprawling steel complex. Although there have been some successful rescues, there are reports of Russians attacking rescue convoys and fleeing civilians.
It is a concern that Putin may use Victory Day, a holiday celebrating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, to announce all-out war, granting martial law and the ability to draft soldiers from across the country. A triumph in Mariupol would serve as a significant victory to present to the people of Russia.
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| THE ESSENTIALS
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We know, we know, you love the feel of a real book. But you can't fit 6 thousand books into your carry on. It's time to get over the tech-resistance and enjoy your library from anywhere in the world with the kindle paperwhite.
Have trouble sleeping? Check out the wearable that helps your body manage stress better. Instead of taking something to help you sleep, wear the Apollo device on your wrist or ankle and let touch therapy take over. Take 10% off here!*
A great Mother's Day brunch requires Ohza - The Original Canned Mimosa™ company just launched their brand new Pineapple Mimosas, and they’re the perfect drink for every outdoor occasion. Click here and get a free 4-pack with any order over $29.*
We're all traveling again and you know the second you arrive in your hotel room you're going to realize you forgot that the outlets are different. Get ahead of the curve and grab one of these excellent travel adapators.
It's tough traveling minimalist when you're makeup bag is a carry-on in itself. This brilliant multifunctional makeup brand can help you downsize a little. Â
*This link is sponsored
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
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Google is rolling out a host of new travel tools
These are the most expensive cities in the US this Spring
The FAA is working to smooth out Florida’s travel woes
Every European country that still requires you to wear a mask
More Russian superyaghts are seized in Fiji
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