Laurie Baratti travel tips

In a bid to tackle overtourism and ensure the city’s livability, Amsterdam officials have announced a bold new policy banning the building of new hotels in the bustling Dutch capital, The Washington Post reported. 

Southwest Airlines is introducing new enhancements to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, offering members greater flexibility and value when it comes to booking flights and hotels. 

(Courtesy of The Travel Corporation)

The United Kingdom (UK) continues to be a top destination for American travelers, but if you’re planning on soaking in some of the country’s incredible dramatic coastlines and picturesque beaches while you’re there on holiday, a word of warning—you may find yourself swimming in sewage if you aren’t careful. 

Governor Gavin Newsom and Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta just broke the news that California still retains the largest market share of tourism in the entire United States. According to new data released today, travel spending in the Golden State reached a record high of $150.4 billion in 2023, outstripping the previous record amount of $144.9 billion seen in 2019.

Caribbean all-inclusive leader Sandals Resorts has concocted a one-of-a-kind gig for one lucky new hire who will get to work sampling and fine-tuning cocktails for its new Poolside Sippers menu. In the exclusive role of Caribbean Cocktail Critic, this person will be part of a stirring pilot program at the company’s newest Jamaican resort, Sandals Dunn’s River.  

Dubai’s ruler and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, today made a big announcement on social media platform X, declaring his approval of new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), situated about 28 miles outside of Dubai. Construction is set to begin immediately.

In honor of Global Travel Advisor Day, coming up on May 1, Riviera River Cruises is rolling out a series of booking incentives throughout the entire month of May.

A new class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), representing over 1,000 qualified air traffic controller applicants who were allegedly discriminated against based solely on their race.

Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for an sensational summer with the unveiling of a electrifying array of new experiences, promising fun-filled adventures for visitors of all ages from day to night. The highly anticipated lineup, set to start debuting on June 14, includes the opening of DreamWorks Land; CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, a mesmerizing nighttime lagoon show; the enchanting Hogwarts Always castle projection show; and the Universal Mega Movie Parade, Universal’s grandest daytime parade to date.

Southwest Airlines has rolled out a tempting new deal for its Rapid Rewards loyalty program members, offering an up-to-50 percent discount on the purchase of points through its latest rewards sale.

Being a mom is all too often a thankless job and one day a year is surely not adequate to express to your mater just how much she means to you. Nevertheless, Mother’s Day is the one occasion on the calendar on which everyone is supposed to deeply and genuinely express to Mom her importance in their life, so it’s worth making the most of it.

The small beachside city of Destin, Florida, suddenly finds itself a center of worldwide attention, thanks to its inclusion in the lyrics of one of Taylor Swift’s newest songs, “Florida!!!” on her “Tortured Poets Department” album that dropped on April 19.

Trek through rugged mountains, plunge into the ocean depths or ascend into the boundless heavens. There’s no better way to embrace the magnificent beauty and wonder of our planet than through travel and exploration. And, now that spring has officially sprung, warmer weather will draw more and more travelers out to see and experience the wider world.

Airports aren’t exactly a place where you’re expecting to have the time of your life, but running into a staff member who clearly loves their job and interacting with the public can turn a hassle-filled travel journey into a far more palatable experience. Conversely, come across an employee who is in a sour mood can make things feel infinitely more frustrating.

Amid the shifting landscape of post-pandemic life, travel has emerged as a top priority for seasoned travelers, with an increasing number of people placing greater value on travel experiences over material possessions. At least, so says a recent survey conducted among experienced travelers by The Global Rescue Companies, a leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

Coming home from a recent trip, I had the opportunity to transit through the brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, located outside the increasingly popular Mexican Caribbean destination of Tulum in the state of Quintana Roo. 

This past week, ALG Vacations launched its first-ever “Pros on the Go” Mega-FAM event, with a series of educational workshops, networking and community activities taking place at the Breathless Riviera Cancun resort in the enchanting Mexican Caribbean. The year’s new event format will see two Mega-FAMs replacing the 20 or so escorted FAM trips that ALG Vacations has hosted in years past. The first took place this past week from April 9-13, while the second will occur in Punta Cana from June 19-23). 

United Airlines has reportedly indefinitely postponed the launch of two highly anticipated routes just weeks before their inaugural flights were due to take off. 

Hawaii is at a crossroads concerning the future of short-term vacation rentals, with potential legislation now in play that could reshape the tourism landscape of the islands. Newly proposed legislation could mean that booking stays through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo may cease to be in option in the future. 

Princess Cruises and Brightline, the intercity rail system that connects major destinations in Central and South Florida, just announced a new partnership, which has produced the groundbreaking Rail & Sail program that’s set to revolutionize travel experiences for passengers embarking from ports in the Sunshine State.