After the fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will reopen on December 8, 2024.
Galapagos Islands entry fees are increasing as of August 1, 2024. They haven’t increased these fees since 1998, so I think they’re entitled to double them. They will go from $100 (approximately 92 Euros) to $200 (approximately 184 Euros).
Bulgaria and Romania join the list of Schengen countries in Europe on March 31, 2024. Croatia’s prices reportedly went up when it became a Schengen country, and it adopted the Euro as its currency. We’ll have to see what happens to the prices in Bulgaria and Romania, but it should make it easier for travelers to go there from other Schengen countries. While both countries are already in the European Union, they don’t use the Euro, and as for now, there are no plans for that to change. Some people worry that this will spell over-tourism for the region, however.
Passport stamps may be on their way out. In November, the European Union will roll out an automated process that will eliminate stamps, and visas will use facial recognition and/or fingerprints. This will sadden those of us who are accustomed to the stamps and used them for bragging rights and reminiscing.
Planning to climb Mount Fuji? Japan is now going to limit the number of climbers to 4,000 total per day, and the climbers will be charged about $13.50 each.
A Boeing whistle-blower who talked about his concerns over safety and quality control was found dead on March 9th from what’s being called a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hmmm… (I will say no more except condolences to his family.)
Joke seen on Facebook: “Whenever one door closes, another opens.” -Boeing
Speaking of Boeing, the FAA is now investigating another plane that flew from San Francisco to Oregon with a missing external panel. This is all becoming quite disturbing, which is probably why the CEO and several other executives are reportedly stepping down.
Washington Dulles Airport was the most punctual airport during the month of February.
Wild rabbits are proving very destructive on the lawn of Esplanade des Invalides in Paris. They’ve been digging tunnels and chewing electrical cables and garden hoses. Estimates are that the damage amounts to more than 350,000 Euros. Some people advocate euthanizing them, while protesters are upset at the thought and want the bunnies to be left alone.
The AirBnb ban on indoor security cameras goes into effect April 30, 2024. Hallelujah!
Want to hang out on a beach in Greece this year? In another move to curb the overcrowding that’s plaguing so many destinations, Greece will restrict the number of sunbeds on its beaches starting this spring.
After its merger with Spirit Airlines fell through, JetBlue has decided to cut down on its flights. It will go from 34 flights from LAX to 24 daily, and over the course of the year, it will also phase out flights to Kansas City, Bogota, Quito, Lima, and certain routes from Fort Lauderdale, as well as its flights between New York and Detroit.
Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, New York Travel Writers Association, and International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 43 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.
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