January 16, 2024 | View Online | Sign Up
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We're all curious about what happened to the man whose iPhone fell out of the Alaska Airlines flight. Interestingly, he was asleep when it occurred and only realized the whole door was missing, along with his sock and shoe, upon waking up. I can't imagine the sheer shock of waking up to an actual nightmare and then looking down to see you’ve been violated by strong winds.
In today’s edition:
These are the most powerful passports in the world
Where to travel on a budget in February
Anticipated air travel trends for this year
Yikes,
Kaylen
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| PASSPORTS
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The Most Powerful Passports of 2024
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For many, the power of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 194 destinations worldwide lies within their grasp. In an unprecedented scenario, six countries share the top spot for the most powerful passports in 2024, and my envy is through the roof.
The rankings were based on the most recent Henley Passport Index report, marking a stark difference from 2023 when Japan claimed the top spot by granting access to 193 countries.
Countries holding the top spot:
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇮🇹 Italy
🇯🇵 Japan
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇪🇸 Spain
Finland, South Korea, and Sweden shared the second place, and the US ranked seventh along with Canada and Hungary, with access to 188 different countries. In the last decade, the United Arab Emirates saw the most significant increase in passport rankings, gaining 106 visa-free countries since 2014. Check out the full list of ranked passports here.
If you’ve been having trouble obtaining a new or renewed passport in the last year, the good news is that as of December 2023, wait times have returned to normal, pre-pandemic levels.
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| TRAVEL
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Medellín, Colombia
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Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in February
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If you're seeking a budget-friendly last-minute getaway for Valentine's Day or just an excuse to start using your PTO, Priceline highlighted the most affordable destinations for a memorable trip next month, featuring budget-friendly flights and hotels for both domestic and international cities.
🇺🇸 Cheapest roundtrip domestic destinations
New York City $217
Chicago $220
Washington DC $239
Denver $242
Seattle $244
Atlanta $245
Fort Lauderdale, FL $256
Tampa, FL $260
Orlando $267
San Francisco $268
Cheapest roundtrip international destinations
🇸🇻 San Salvador, El Salvador $356
🇨🇴 Medellin, Colombia $369
🇩🇴 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic $412
🇲🇽 Cancun, Mexico $430
🇯🇲 Montego Bay, Jamaica $437
🇲🇽 Mexico City $443
🇦🇼 Aruba, Aruba $467
🇨🇴 Cartagena, Colombia $469
🇧🇸 Nassau, Bahamas $475
🇩🇴 Santiago, Dominican Republic $488
Here’s the complete list of the most budget-friendly domestic and international cities, based on the average cost of a hotel room per night. If next month is too soon for you, but you’re eager for more affordable destinations to consider later on, here are the 10 least expensive places around the world.
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| INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
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🤌A Tasty Investment Opportunity
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Imagine how well a great-tasting pasta with just 9 calories and zero net carbs would sell.
You don’t have to imagine: It’s Skinny is already the top-selling pasta on Amazon. And you can share in their growth as an early investor.
The growth potential is enormous too. Over 50 million people can’t find a pasta that fits their dietary needs. That’s on top of people who want a great-tasting pasta without the guilt. By delivering a pasta that checks all the boxes, It’s Skinny is already growing sales by 80% each year.
But this is just the beginning. Expanding their revolutionary pasta across shelves nationwide is a $1.7B opportunity.
Legendary investors like Tim Draper back them. Now you have the exclusive chance to join them. Learn more about becoming an It’s Skinny shareholder and earning up to 5% bonus stock here.*
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| AIR TRAVEL
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Anticipated Air Travel Trends for 2024, According to Experts
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As the new year started off with unhinged doors, unruly passengers, and a plethora of other air travel-related issues emerging all within the first three weeks, travel experts are donning their prediction hats for air travel trends this year.
Despite recent worries, airlines are experiencing a surge in air travel this year, rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts a record 4.7 billion global passengers in 2024. A recent IATA survey shows a 44% rise in people planning to travel more in the next 12 months. In the US, TSA checkpoint volumes increased by 11.6% in 2023, averaging 2.3 million daily travelers, with an expected 5% increase in 2024, potentially resulting in longer lines.
2024 air travel predictions
✈️ Boeing 737-9 max concerns: Recent Boeing 737-9 Max groundings, with 171 planes grounded in the US and countries with direct flights, have prompted FAA oversight of Boeing production, so the return of the 737-9 Max is uncertain.
👀 Operational challenges: Recovering from operational challenges, especially Southwest, which was fined $140 million by the DOT, suggests a possible industry-wide three-hour rule for compensating delayed passengers. DOT also plans to investigate airline loyalty plans for any "unfair and deceptive" practices.
💺 Airfare challenges: Airfaces will likely stay high due to demand surpassing available seats, supply chain issues, and rising labor costs. Travelers should take advantage of good flight deals when they see it, as prices are unlikely to decrease.
💵 Continued ancillary fees: Charges for baggage and other additional services are anticipated to continue. Despite receiving criticism, these fees are considered a persistent aspect of air travel pricing, and airlines, including Alaska, may increase fees for services such as baggage check.
🌍 Expanded international service: In 2024, major airlines plan to offer more international flight options, focusing on restoring seasonal capacity and adding new flights to the Pacific region. Big events, like the Paris Olympics and Taylor Swift's international tour, are expected to drive more airline traffic.
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| DEAL OF THE DAY
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We love helping you travel on a budget but what we love even more is finding you travel deals that don’t break the bank. That’s why we launched Perks.
We are always adding new Perks but here’s a glimpse at one of our favorites:
Today’s perk is dedicated to our digital nomad readers. Landing offers flexible, furnished apartments for rent so wherever you land, you feel right at home. And, with a DFC Perks membership, you can get $250 off your first month’s rent! Learn more.
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