May 9, 2023 | View Online | Sign Up
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Fun fact about me: Three years ago I put in my two weeks at my corporate banking job and told my team I was headed to Egypt, hoping to feel something other than a constant urge to check my emails.
I could talk your ear off about it how it was the most memorable trip of my life and undoubtedly altered my brain chemistry, but my pal Steven just went too and he's got all the deets with the perfect 10-day Egypt itinerary.Â
In today’s edition:
Tips on avoiding travel scamsÂ
Snooze your way from LA to SF on an overnight train
Greece promises accessible beaches for all
Cheers,
Kaylen
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| TRAVEL TIPS
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How to avoid travel scams this summer
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As the weather warms up for summer, so are the travel scammers. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it's probably because the fine print you forgot to read was written in chicken scratch.
Recently, a fake Delta promotion promising $1,000 flight credits to women over 40 has been circulating on social media. Unfortunately, it's not a real Delta promotion; but a ploy to collect travelers’ personal and sensitive information.Â
These tips can help you remain vigilant against travel scams:
To ensure legitimacy, check the airline's official website for advertised promotions; if the sale is not listed there, it is likely not affiliated with the airline.
Refrain from sharing personal and bank information when booking a flight, and use verified third-party platforms such as Expedia or Priceline.
Find flight deals on reputable travel websites like Dollar Flight Club to help you save on your next domestic or international flights. Â
Beware of urgent messages for flight sales and take time to verify the deal with the airline or a trusted source.
Gift cards are commonly used by scammers to receive untraceable payments, and it's difficult to get your money back once sent. Any promotion or deal that requests payment in the form of gift cards is likely a scam.
Before you book your next summer getaway, be sure to read the fine print and double-check those chicken scratch terms and conditions. Happy travels, and may the travel scammers be unsuccessful!
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| TRANSPORTATION
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Overnight train between Los Angeles and San Francisco may soon become a reality
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A Newport Beach-based startup wants to bring back the good old days of train travel with a luxury overnight “hotel train” traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles. I just want to know why it wasn't thought of when I was in college and had to endure the agony of taking the Greyhound bus with a breathtaking view of Highway 5.Â
Dreamstar Lines plans to bring back overnight train travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco, an option that hasn't existed in 55 years. The privately run night train would provide comfy accommodations for passengers to get a full night's sleep before arriving at their destination.
What will the trains look like?
Dreamstar plans to have about 65 private rooms for passengers with single roomettes, executive-class double bedrooms, first-class staterooms with private bathrooms, and a car for drinks, dessert, and breakfast. The trains are expected to depart at 10 pm and arrive at their destination by 8 am the next day.
The plan for Dreamstar's new train service includes multiple stops in LA and SF, with a crew-change point in San Luis Obispo, offering a better alternative to cramped flights and long airport security lines.
How much will the train tickets be?Â
One-way tickets would cost about $300, $600, and $1,000, depending on the type of room, which is higher than typical airfare from city to city. If the plan is approved, the new trains could run as early as the summer of 2024.
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| SMART SAVINGS
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9 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially
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You’ve got just enough money in your bank account to last until Friday … but then Monday rolls around, and you’re in the same situation. Again.
Food. Bills. Rent. Gas. They dry up every bit of your take-home pay.Â
But it doesn’t have to be this hard. With a few smart moves, you could supplement your income and afford that next vacation — without doing much extra “work,” or even
getting a side job!
Here’s what to do.Â
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| EUROPE TRAVEL
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Credit: TOBEA
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How Greece is pledging to make 200+ beaches more accessible
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Greece is proving that it's not just famous for its stunning beaches and ancient history, but also for its commitment to inclusivity by making more than 200 beaches wheelchair accessible so all beach lovers can enjoy.
How will the beaches be more accessible?Â
With the help of local company TOBEA, the country is installing remote-controlled ramps and improving restrooms at 287 beaches nationwide, with over 140 beaches completed in upgrades.
TOBEA’s Seatrac mover uses a remote control to lower users into the water via a chair on a movable track. At the end of the track, a handrail is provided for users to get up from their chairs and swim in the water. Along with new ramps, the project also focuses on implementing portable sanitary facilities, removable changing rooms, accessible parking areas, and more.
Where can we find these beaches?
An interactive map on the website allows visitors to view a list of beaches that are currently accessible, with the goal of the project being to boost Greece’s status as an accessible beach tourism destination.Â
Greece isn’t the only country working towards greater accessibility in tourism. Museums in the US are also making efforts by providing features such as noise-canceling earmuffs, hosting sensory-friendly hours, and installing wheelchair-accessible carousels. National parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone also have wheelchair-friendly trails for a more inclusive visit to the great outdoors.
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| THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GOÂ
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Every week, without fail, we shift our fingers on our keyboards to surf the web and stumble upon things that make us react in all types of ways. This week, we came across things that made us go...
🇮🇹 Oops: There are 31 ways to get into trouble as a tourist in Italy
💣 OMG: Unexploded bombs from WWII found near popular Oahu beaches
🦶Â NOPE:Â Tennessee hotel guest woke up to a night manager sucking his toes
🚂 Whoa: Amtrak is launching Harry Potter-themed trains
🐶Â Aww: This stray dog in the Philippines enjoys a meal from a stranger with gentle gratitude
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| KICKSTART YOUR METABOLISMÂ
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Check it out today and use code NAVIGATOR to get 20% off your first order.
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