March 29, 2022 | View Online | Sign Up
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I’ve been talking about the “superbloom” since the first drop of rain fell late last year. Everyone doubted me at first—it’s Southern California after all—but with both LA and San Diego having recorded more rain in 2023 than Seattle, people are no longer rolling their eyes at me. I’ll be spending my spring exploring national parks and nature reserves, and telling everyone, “I told ya so.”
In today’s edition:Â
Lawmakers advocate for a no-fly roster for unruly passengers
European cities imposing tourist taxes
Will upcoming strikes disrupt your travel plans?
Don’t drought me,Â
AlexaÂ
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| TRAVEL NEWS
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Lawmakers push for no-fly list for violent airline passengers
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I like order on airplanes. People shouldn’t be holding up the boarding process by organizing their belongings before sitting down. And they certainly shouldn’t be rushing to the front of the plane upon touchdown—cutting off those with seats in front of them. I’ve found myself softly confronting such offenders, truth be told, but I’d never be so unruly as to cause a scene. Not everyone has such restraint, or good reason, as we’ve learned.Â
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the US is proposing new legislation to ban airline passengers fined or convicted of serious physical violence from boarding commercial flights. The “Protection from Abusive Passengers Act” aims to enhance aviation worker and passenger safety, as well as minimize disruptions to the national aviation system.
Lawmakers proposed the bill after a series of high-profile incidents onboard airplanes, including a passenger who attempted to open an emergency exit and attacked an attendant with a makeshift knife. The FAA received 2,456 reports of unruly passengers last year and proposed $8.4 million in fines, up from the $5 million proposed the previous year. Although the total number of reports was lower than in 2021, the proposed penalties increased dramatically.
The new bill has been met with mixed reactions. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposed the no-fly list for unruly passengers, citing the government's history of prejudice. Meanwhile, the airline industry and major US airlines have shown support. Flight attendants from Southwest, Frontier, and American Airlines will join lawmakers in their push for the legislation.
If the law goes into effect, the TSA would be responsible for managing the no-fly list and developing guidelines for removal and appealing from the list. The length of the ban would depend on the severity of the incident.
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| TOURISM
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These are the European cities charging tourist taxes
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As a California resident, I know a thing or two about being taxed. While I’m busy pushing back my annual tax appointment for the third time, I know it can’t be avoided. And, as if concerns over my income taxes aren’t enough, now I have to learn about tourist taxes.Â
Tourist taxes, also known as hotel taxes or visitor charges, are increasingly being implemented in European cities. Manchester is the latest addition to the list of cities charging a tourist tax in the UK. The new visitor charge, set to begin on April 1, 2023, will charge visitors staying in city-center hotels or rental apartments per room for each night of stay. The nightly charge will be ÂŁ1 ($1.23) per room, and it is expected to raise ÂŁ3 million ($3.6 million) annually to help build local infrastructure.
The initiative is the first of its kind in the UK but follows the success of similar ones in tourist destinations like Venice, Barcelona, and Rome. In November 2022, Edinburgh also announced plans to charge visitors ÂŁ2 ($2.46) per night to stay in the historic city in the near future.
Tourist taxes are becoming increasingly popular as they help to fund local infrastructure and tourism initiatives. They also act as a source of revenue for local governments, making them more self-sufficient. Visitors may have concerns about the additional charge, but it is often minimal compared to the overall cost of travel. And if you just don’t look at the bill at all, like me, there’s no harm!
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| HEALTH AND WELLNESS
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The future of gut health
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Our gut health may not be excited about our upcoming travel plans… but Ritual has our back. Their 3-in-1 includes clinically-studied prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotic formulated to support digestive health - even on the go.*Â
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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| TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS
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Major flight disruptions expected due to ongoing union strikes
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I leave for London in a few weeks, and I’m hoping I don’t fall victim to a flight delay or cancelation on behalf of the current European political climate.
Travelers are facing major disruptions across Europe due to union strikes taking place in various countries. Heathrow airport is advising passengers of potential disruption due to a strike by Unite, which represents security officers, between March 31 and April 9. The union argues that accepting the airport's proposal of a 10% pay increase would result in a real-terms pay cut, and members are striking "due to need not greed."Â
This strike is expected to occur during the busy Easter and spring break travel period and may limit the amount of luggage passengers can bring through the airport. British Airways has already canceled over two dozen flights out of its London hub during the strike, with other airlines flying out of Heathrow also potentially impacted.
In addition to the strike at Heathrow, another strike could impact Easter travel in the UK, with 1,000 Passport Office workers announcing they will be going on strike for five weeks next month, from April 3 to May 5, followed by Belfast workers from April 7 to May 5. The industrial action is over a dispute regarding jobs, pay, and conditions and has raised concerns that some people's passports will not be processed in time for their summer holidays.
How can you plan ahead?
While I’m going about this whole thing with my fingers crossed and a positive mindset (and a nonrefundable roundtrip ticket at that), you should probably be more diligent. If you have upcoming travels to the affected areas, plan to check regularly with your airline about the status of your flight and arrival and departure options. Contact your airline, check your travel insurance policy, consider alternative transportation, be
prepared for delays, and stay informed about any developments.Â
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| THE ESSENTIALS
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We’re in that in-between weather. It’s warm in the sun but frigid in the shade. It’s raining one minute and it’s bike-riding weather the next. Let’s not glaze over spring style. Here’s what’s in my cart:Â
A man dressed in white is so très chic without trying. This rugged button-down is the perfect layer for spring temps.Â
Let me jump through the puddles with my best fashion foot forward with these 100% waterproof, chunky-heel, faux-patent leather booties. The pull-on styling is my go-to for getting out the door quickly and in style.Â
I went straight to the spring selects on Quince, and found my forever dress. This midi wrap dress is so flattering, affordable, and transitional.Â
When you want to show a little skin but stay warm, a long-sleeved crop top is the way to go. The corset and cropped design of this casual-chic sweatshirt provide a slimming effect while accentuating your curves.
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| BETTER FITTING BRAS
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Meet the redesigned push-up bra for small boobs by Pepper that actually feels like you. The Lift Up Bra is uniquely designed to provide that extra oomph without adding two cup sizes or bulky padding. It's Pepper #1 best-selling bra for AA to B cups and for good reason.
See what the hype is all about and get 20% off your first order when you spend $120 or more with code NAVIGATOR20.
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