The Current State of Traveler Satisfaction With Industry Apps, Websites

There are few things more important to a small business than its suppliers, and with recent supply chain crunches showing just how easy it is for things to go awry, businesses are more aware than ever of the need for resilience.

Before the pandemic, Trip.com Group offered an “Around the World” package that was priced at a staggering $250,000. It was an instant sensation, and sold out in a mere 17 seconds.

After one of the most devastating wildfires in US history ripped through West Maui in early August, the island is preparing to fully reopen to tourists starting November 1.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

My morning routine is how I set myself up for the day. I splash my face with water and will often use Oskia’s Super C Beauty Capsules. I’m a big fan of Augustinus Bader’s The Light Cream and then Merit’s Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, which is very subtle. I’m really into their makeup: they have this Bronze Balm in a stick and blushers that come in little jars that are easy to swipe on. I use RMS UnCoverup Concealer and Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40. I have an orangy red lipstick from NARS called Heatwave that I’ll wear here and there. I was on a shoot recently and the makeup artist told me about using this Schwarzkopf Styling Gel on your brows — it’s the only thing that actually stays for me. Kure nail varnish has the best range of colors and is the most durable of all the natural products; I like Rose Milk.

Riga’s Kronvalda Park had taken on a Christmas-card look with icicles hanging from trees and the canal frozen solid. It was minus 14C so I’d lost the feeling in my hands but I ran on, crunching through the snow, avoiding black-ice patches and taking corners slowly.

Frontier Airlines' all-you-can-fly pass is an interesting concept that comes with a major catch.

There are plenty of hotels around the world that the royal family have frequented—but there’s something special about staying in an actual home or estate that the monarchy has vacationed at. It feels more regal; more like leaning into the royal life than checking into a hotel room.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast! 

The U.S. State Department has issued updated information for Americans traveling in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, including information on charter flights out of Tel Aviv this week. The latest guidance comes just four days after officials issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens traveling abroad."Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," the U.S. State Department said on October 19.Americans are encouraged to avoid travel to Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq and reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank as of Monday. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Israel and the West Bank with U.S. government assistance need to complete a crisis intake form.Additionally, Monday's update includes details regarding upcoming charter flights out of Israel via Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport."Commercial availability remains limited out of Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. government is facilitating charter flight transportation for U.S. citizens; we urge those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available. There will be flight departures from Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 26," the State Department confirmed."Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3 if you wish to depart Israel. U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait," officials added.Regardless of where they're traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are being asked to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts that make it easier to be located in an emergency and follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.

On Thursday, October 19, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory urging American citizens to “exercise increased caution” while overseas, “due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, [and] demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”

For frequent travelers, nothing may be more annoying than a poorly designed website or app that slows down the overall travel experience.  Fortunately, many travel companies have upgraded their technology to make apps extremely helpful and the improvements are getting awarded.  This week, J.D. Power recognized the best of the best in travel websites and apps in their J.D.