Sunday Spontaneity Flight 12:12:21
NYC is facing a cream cheese shortage, U.S. tightens international travel rules, and airports are designing suites for Autistic passengers
‘Tis the season to feel…a bit burnt out.
While this year’s holiday season is much more lively than in 2020, the world is still in far-from-perfect shape. With the sudden news of the omicron variant, many people who planned on traveling to finally reunite with friends and family are now contemplating whether those plans should — and even can — exist any longer. The holidays can be a time of comfort and joy, but more than ever, these past two years have shown us that they can also be filled with loss and grief.
You never know what someone is going through, what trip they were supposed to take with who, and what emotions this time of the year sparks. All that is to say, let’s remember to be mindful of and kind to one another. ‘Tis the season to care, too!
Travel News
New York declares mask mandate: While NYC has been requiring proof of vaccination for indoor activities since the summer, a mask or proof of vaccine mandate is going into effect throughout the entire state of New York. This is in response to the spread of the omicron variant ahead of the busy holiday season.
U.S. requiring COVID test within 24 hour of boarding return flight: All U.S. travelers returning from an international destination must now show a negative COVID test 24 hours before their flight, regardless of their vaccination status, in order to come back. Also, the latest countries upgraded to a level four risk on the CDC’s highest warning list are France, Portugal, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Jordan, and Tanzania.
Fun and/or Interesting Trends
NYC bagel shops are battling a cream cheese shortage: Cream cheese has now become the latest shortage to make headlines. With NYC’s large number of bagelries — and apparently, the large amount of cream cheese used on every bagel — it makes sense that the Big Apple would be hit harder by this shortage than other cities around the country. But hey, at least you can still get a bagel, just opt for tofu-based CC or some butter and jelly.
Airports are creating safe spaces for neurodivergent travelers: Airports across the country are rolling out suites that are specifically designed to make autistic passengers more comfortable in the airport. Pittsburgh International Airport even has a simulated airplane cabin as part of theirs to help make neurodivergent travelers relax and adapt to a plane environment before boarding.
Things to do Next Weekend
New York
Sat., Dec. 18: A Pizza Zoo Holiday Special (Queens): This is for the pizza lovers. Pizza Zoo is a pizza-themed event that gives out unlimited NY-styled pizza (cheese, pepperoni, Margherita, and Sicilian pies are all on the rotation). A bonus: there will be an open bar for the first two hours of the event, so come get your money’s worth!
Cost: $50 per ticket
Sun., Dec. 19: Full Moon Hike: “Cold Moon” (Pleasantville): With a full moon comes a stellar opportunity to observe it via a night hike. Head to Rockefeller State Park Preserve for a 2-hour event during park after hours. The 4-mile hike begins when the sun is going down, so dress according to weather conditions.
Cost: $3 per ticket
Connecticut
Sun., Dec. 19: "Lunges and Leggings" Sip & Sweat (Suffield): The mission of this event is to bring women together, and what better way to do that than with a workout followed by a glass of champ? Sign up for this full-body workout followed by some light bites and beverages, networking, and a raffle.
Cost: $18.95 per ticket
Sat., Dec. 18: 2000s Night (Norwich): Come dressed in your finest 2000s attire and get ready to dance your way into yesterday’s hottest songs — from Nelly’s “Hot In Here” to Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz’s “Get Low.”
Cost: $10 per ticket
New Jersey
Friday, Dec. 17 - Sun., Dec. 19: Newark Winter Village (Newark): This open-air festival has everything you need around the holidays — hot cocoa, warm bites, ice skating, unique shops, rentable private igloos...you name it. If you can’t attend and get your festive fix this upcoming weekend, the Newark Winter Village will be running Wed. through Sun. every week for the rest of the month.
Cost: Starting at $5 per ticket
Sat., Dec. 18: Full Moon Release Yoga + Sound Bath (Tinton Falls): Ring in the full moon with this special yoga flow and sound bath. Bring a mat, blanket, and any of your favorite crystals to charge during the practice.
Cost: $30 per ticket
Pennsylvania
Sat., Dec. 18: THRIFT-A-THON, The Holiday Edition (Plymouth Meeting): This thrifting event will have you hopping from vendor to vendor, looking for the ‘90s t-shirt you never knew you wanted. There will also be a DIY ugly sweater contest where you get to make your own and show off the ugly sweater of your dreams.
Cost: Free
Sat. Dec. 18: Christmas Vacation Pop Up at The Oaklander Hotel (Pittsburgh): This pop-up bar is filled with favorite moments from the iconic film “Christmas Vacation.” Photo ops, egg nog, and movie props galore!
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sun., Dec. 19: Brooklyn Virtual Street Art Experience: Walk through the virtual streets of Brooklyn to see the rich art splashed across the borough. Make your way through East Williamsburg where commissioned artwork, some 40 feet, will be available for viewing (and you’ll hear the backstories on them from your guide, too). Then, visit the Bushwick Collective, an open-air viewing of some iconic pieces.
Cost: Suggested donation is $5 to $25
Sat., Dec. 18: Sonder Social: Cooking Parsnip & Potato Pancakes: Join in for an online cooking tutorial that will teach you how to make parsnip and potato pancakes (hello, comfort food). Before the event begins, gather all the ingredients listed on the events page. At the end of two hours, you’ll have a pancake dinner ready to go.
If you’re currently in the thick of celebrating the holiday season, take care of yourself and take breaks! And if you’re not, still take breaks — we’re living in weird times and we all need them here and there. Travel Boldly (& Safely), friends x