Elon Nurmagomedov

[Weekly Travel Report @weeklytravelrp]

Xi says the US and China may add direct flights. US airlines are pushing back: some Chinese flights can cross Russian airspace, theirs can't. Each side is capped at about 50 round trips a week, down from 150+ before 2020.

Would you fly to China? #China #TravelNews

[Weekly Travel Report @weeklytravelrp]

Carnival Sunshine sailed from Norfolk a day late after the nor'easter. Bimini is canceled, Nassau moves to 1 p.m., and guests get one prorated day refunded. Fair deal, or should Carnival give more? #CarnivalSunshine #CruiseNews

[Weekly Travel Report @weeklytravelrp]

Forgot your ID at the airport? TSA ConfirmID now costs $45, averages 10–15 min (30+ possible), and TSA can't guarantee it'll verify you. It covers 10 days, and every adult pays separately. Fair fee, or should proving who you are be free? #TSA #RealID

[Weekly Travel Report @weeklytravelrp]

Oktoberfest’s opening weekend drew about 1.04 million visitors.

On opening Saturday, roughly 1 in 3 guests came from abroad — and Americans were the largest international group.

Through Oct 4 in Munich.

[Weekly Travel Report @weeklytravelrp]

Heading to Thailand? The rules changed Sept 15.

For travelers from 60 countries (including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia), the old 60-day visa-free stay is now 30 days, tourism only.

Some nationalities now need a visa before they fly.

[Weekly Travel Report @weeklytravelrp]

Royal Caribbean just signed a ~$3B deal for half of Sandals.

Also this week: a nor’easter turned a foliage cruise tropical, and new sanctions shut Iranian airlines out of a major Gulf hub.

Full rundown in Weekly Travel Report Ep. 2 ↓
https://t.co/qbf7R47HOs

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Gion is a historic district in Kyoto, Japan, renowned as one of the country's most famous geisha districts, or hanamachi. Located in the Higashiyama-ku area, it originated during the Sengoku period as an entertainment hub in front of Yasaka Shrine (also called Gion Shrine) to serve travelers and shrine visitors. The name "Gion" derives from the Buddhist term Jetavana, and the district has evolved into a symbol of traditional Japanese culture while blending in modern tourism elements.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Dotonbori is one of Osaka, Japan's most iconic and vibrant districts, serving as a major hub for tourism, nightlife, and street food. Located along the Dotonbori Canal in Chuo Ward, it's famous for its dazzling neon lights, massive billboards, and lively atmosphere that embodies Osaka's energetic spirit. Dotonbori is Osaka's street food paradise, known for takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), kushikatsu (fried skewers), and ramen.

[Kim Dotcom @KimDotcom]

Leaked: The Trump campaign ad for 2024.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

The Port of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a major hub for cruise ships in the Caribbean, situated in Charlotte Amalie. It features two primary docking areas: Havensight Cruise Pier, which is near a bustling mall with numerous duty free shops, and Crown Bay Cruise Port, serving as an overflow when Havensight is full. These ports host millions of passengers annually, particularly during the peak season from January to March. Beyond being a shopping paradise, St. Thomas offers attractions like the renowned Magens Bay, historical sites such as Blackbeard's Castle, and easy access to other beaches. Transportation around the island includes regulated taxis and shared safaris, with English as the primary language and the U.S. Dollar as currency, making it a convenient destination for tourists.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Philipsburg is the bustling capital of the Dutch side of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten it is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and commerce. Founded in 1763 by Scottish Dutch naval captain John Philips, this town has evolved from a strategic trading port into a tourist haven. The heart of Philipsburg is its colorful Front Street, offering duty free shopping, mixed with the scenic Great Bay Beach, perfect for water activities. The town's boardwalk is a social hub with numerous bars and restaurants, while its proximity to Maho Beach adds an adventurous twist with planes flying overhead. Practical for both cruise passengers, with a busy port, and land travelers, Philipsburg is compact, walkable, and offers a nightlife filled with casinos and cultural experiences, encapsulating both Dutch and Caribbean influences in its local cuisine and daily life.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Coco Cay or Perfect Day at CocoCay, is Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, offering an array of activities from serene beaches to high adrenaline water slides at Thrill Waterpark, including the tallest waterslide in North America, Daredevil's Peak. This island caters to both thrill seekers and those looking to relax with features like the expansive Oasis Lagoon pool, exclusive Coco Beach Club with overwater cabanas, and various dining options. Accessible only by Royal Caribbean's cruise ships, Coco Cay provides a mix of complimentary and premium experiences, ensuring there's something for every type of vacationer.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

https://t.co/2c2P0429be

[Alain @travelwithalain]

St. Maarten Cruise Port, located in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, welcoming over two million cruise visitors annually. The port is situated in Great Bay, directly adjacent to Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten. It features two piers capable of docking up to six large cruise ships simultaneously. The port has an open air cruise terminal with duty free shopping, tourist information, ATMs, restrooms, and transportation options like taxis and water taxis. From the cruise port, you can reach the heart of Philipsburg by walking, which takes about 10-20 minutes, or by taking a water taxi, which offers a scenic ride for a small fee ($7per person). Taxis are also readily available, with fixed rates for various destinations. For those preferring to explore further, renting a car or joining a guided tour can be convenient. St. Maarten is unique as it's shared by two nations, the Netherlands and France, giving it a rich blend of cultures. Philipsburg reflects its Dutch heritage with architecture and a vibrant shopping scene on Front Street, known for duty free stores.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Travel Advice

Don't waste money buying new clothes, visit new countries where people haven't see your old clothes.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Get your passport.

That’s it. That’s the post.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Costa Maya is a cruise port located on Mexico's Caribbean coast in the state of Quintana Roo. It's known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and proximity to archaeological sites like Chacchoben and Kohunlich. The port area itself provides a taste of Mexican culture with shops, restaurants, and a large pool complex, serving as a gateway to explore the less commercialized, natural beauty of the region.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

Cozumel is an island off of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula it is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs perfect for diving and snorkeling, and rich Mayan history. The main town, San Miguel de Cozumel, offers a mix of cultural attractions, duty-free shopping, and local cuisine, making it a popular stop for cruise ships and tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.

[Alain @travelwithalain]

I might be addicted