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In travel news this week: CNN reveals 10 great US cities to visit that aren’t overrun with tourists (yet) as the nation prepares for a record-breaking Fourth of July holiday. Also, the latest transportation glitches and problems plus a hurricane you’ll really love.
Two of the biggest acronyms in travel — TSA and AAA — are sounding the alarm: It’s going to be busy for loooooong July 4th holiday week. Like setting busy records.
The Transportation Security Administration said it expected to screen more than 32 million people at US airports from June 27 to July 8. That would be a 5.4% increase over Independence Day 2023. “We expect this summer to be the busiest ever, and summer travel typically peaks around the Independence Day holiday,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. in a press release this week. He vows that the agency is ready to attack the security line.
Auto agency AAA expects 70.9 million Americans to travel 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from home. More than 85% will go by car. At the very least, the Covid-19 pandemic is just a speck of dust in the rearview mirror. “We anticipate this July 4th week to be our busiest ever with 5.7 million more people traveling compared to 2019,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. Check here for peak congestion times in Atlanta, Boston, Seattle and other major cities.
In other news from often crowded places: Disney announced this week that its Genie+ travel reservation service, used to help savvy planners avoid long lines, is being bottled again. Instead at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida: Lightning Lanes. One of the key changes is that visitors will be able to book up to three attractions seven days in advance if they are staying at a park hotel. (And it’s three days ahead if you’re staying abroad). Get the details here.
If all these crowds shuffling side by side in record summer heat feels boring, check out the less-visited US national parks for a haven of escape.
The heat will send many more to the seaside this coming week. And you’ll need something to put all your stuff. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a guide to product reviews and recommendations owned by CNN, bring you the best beach bags and purses.
If you love the urban experience, but feel like you’ve had enough of the Big Apple and other expensive, crowded cities, this is for you. At CNN Travel, we tapped our network of nominating contributors to come up with our inaugural list of America’s 10 Best Cities to Visit.
They have spread from New England and the South into the heartland and West. These are places where you’ll often find small-town atmospheres full of personality, as well as plenty to see and do. And they are easier on the budget.
The list shows that the United States, which was recently voted the best country in the world for tourism, is filled with communities dedicated to making their cities better—for themselves and the people who come to them. visited.
Accidents and misdemeanors in transport
We’ve seen another rough go of it lately as people try to get from point A to point B.
A power cut led to delays and disruption at one of the UK’s busiest airports. Across the Atlantic in Naples, Florida, a former customs official pleaded guilty to stealing money from arriving passengers. In South Korea, flights at Incheon International were disrupted due to balloons, launched from North Korea, filled with trash.
In difficult water, the world’s largest cruise ship caught fire while docked in Mexico. And while it’s hard to call a roller coaster “transportation,” we thought you might want to see this video of people having to climb off a classic California ride after a mid-ride emergency.
This New Orleans cocktail will rock your Fourth of July
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– Source: CNN
Now here’s a way to relax and add a dash to your Fourth of July celebration. Bar owner Neal Bodenheimer shows the proper way to prepare a proper New Orleans Hurricane. Enjoy! (In moderation, of course.)
This saltwater lagoon is legally a person.
Here’s why it might help him survive.
The most livable cities in the world.
A chic cultural oasis in Europe tops the list. Again.
This comedian wasn’t kidding when he…
He said he would prefer life in Estonia to the United States.
The slamming of the door on tourism!
This Iberian city will end the renting of apartments to foreign tourists.