Sunday Spontaneity Flight 9:12:21
Sweden bans U.S. travelers, Disney cruise sailing without kids, and the future of airplane food
So, as the unofficial rule set by no one says, summer is over. The long weekend honoring American workers has come and gone, which signifies the end of beach outings and wearing white (which you should continue to do anyway) and the beginning of reminiscing about the last few months (cue the words, “where did the summer go?!”).
To that last part, I just read a National Geographic newsletter that encouraged readers to reflect on their favorite family travel traditions in the summer. But instead of looking behind, I challenge you to look ahead: what’s your favorite travel tradition in the fall?
Is it driving around to see the best leaf peeping there is to see? Renting out a vacation rental for a picturesque weekend getaway? Or is it more of a staycation, spending all day baking with “Hocus Pocus” playing in the background? For me, it’s nothing wild, but I like to go up to my parents’ house for a weekend (they still live in my childhood home in CT) and spend a day playing board games, sitting on the back deck to take in the foliage, going to the local farm to pick up some cider donuts and apple cider, and just spending time together.
Personally, I have to practice being more in the present rather than looking back at the past. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good nostalgic moment! But if you look back too much, you’ll forget to turn your head to see what’s right in front of you, and you’ll walk right by it without creating the memory that it deserves.
Travel News
Sweden and Bulgaria ban U.S. travelers: While you might be seeing your friends and family bopping around Europe right now (the panini/gelato/croissant/etc. photos in Italy have me green with envy), the fall is looking a lot more… confusing. Earlier in Sept., Bulgaria banned U.S. travelers from entering the country, regardless of vaccination status. Sweden joined in on the same rule this past week, and a handful of other European countries have added restrictions that vary place by place. In other words, I’d recommend booking travel plans to Europe in the fall much closer to when they are expected to happen, if any at all. As usual, all must expect the unexpected and be flexible.
U.S. doubling fines for maskless travelers on planes: First off, if you’re refusing to wear a mask on a plane/form of public transportation, please do one of the following:
Don’t travel.
Stop and wear a damn mask.
If those two points don’t sway you, the U.S. announced that they are doubling down on the fine for first-time offenders, a fee that spiked from $500 to $1000. Second-time offenders will be smacked with a $3000 fine (up from $1500).
Disney cruise setting sail without kids: In an effort to keep their cruising ventures afloat, Disney announced that their Disney Wonder cruise sailing through the Panama Canals in Nov. won’t be allowing children under the age of 12 aboard. Any kind of Disney experience without kids feels out of the ordinary, but for adults who fantasize about a Disney vacation without children everywhere… a dream that you wish will come truuuue.
Fun and/or Bizarre Trends
Chase bank buys restaurant review website: The Infatuation, a popular website that aims to share honest reviews of restaurants around the world, was bought out by JPMorgan Chase — you know, the bank. This strange yet strategic move comes at a time where food companies and restaurants are more open than ever to new ways to stay financially alive, and more banks and credit card companies are looking to partner with food-related brands to sweeten the perks for credit cardholders. As a food content reader, the concept feels a bit icky and I hope this doesn’t actually become a trend, but at the same time, if financial companies give these food websites editorial freedom, then I’ll be grateful for helping them stay around.
Airplane dining (hopefully) becoming finer: Just as I’m in the minority of people who love airports, I’m also in the minority of those who enjoy airplane meals — not for the quality per se, but the art of creating a dish while up in the air. Although the pandemic has halted whatever experience that used to be, I stumbled across this article that looks back at in-flight meals in the 1970s. While airplane dining in the U.S. has fallen from grace since then — a large part due to the increase in popularity of budget flights — it makes me hopeful that someday, we can return to a time where complimentary alcohol and three-course meals are the norm. A glimmer of hope: Delta is serving meals from local restaurants on a handful of domestic flights in Sept., which includes San Francisco’s Greek “fast-fine” restaurant Souvla that has the best Greek frozen yogurt I’ve ever tasted. Makes me want to book a ticket for that alone.
Things to do Next Weekend
New York
Sat., Sept. 18: Glitterati at The House of Yes (Brooklyn): If you didn’t already know, The House of Yes is back! Next weekend, the nightclub is hosting a Glitterati-themed party, meaning you should come dressed in your most glittery, shiny, and sparkly attire. There will be glamour shots, glitter showers, a reflection station, and more.
Cost: $30 per ticket
Sat., Sept. 18: A Real-Life Santa's Workshop: Behind-the-Scenes @ Mechanical Displays (Brooklyn): Put on by the New York Adventure Club, this tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the workshop of Mechanical Displays, a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing holiday, animated displays. You’ll get a private tour of the workshop, a demo of displays, and a discussion with the founder, Lou Nasti.
Cost: $35 per ticket (waitlist available as of right now)
Connecticut
Friday, Sept. 17: Sift Bakery Tour & Open House (Groton): Head up to Mystic to Sift Bake Shop, known for their French-inspired pastries, and get a tour of where the magic happens. Along the way, you’ll get a glass of sparkling wine (or a nonalcoholic beverage) and nibble on samples. Finish your sugary tour at the nearby Young Buns Doughnuts.
Cost: $20
Sat., Sept. 18: SoNo Music Fest (Norwalk): Head over to the SoNo Garden roof terrace for a day of live entertainment paired with art, games, and fashion/beauty booths, among other activities. The music lineup includes Paul Green Academy and The Breakers.
Cost: Free
New Jersey
Friday, Sept. 17: Jersey City Wine Fest (Jersey City): Come for the 100+ wine vendors, stay for the… wine. You’ll be able to sample all kinds of wine from around the world, paired with live entertainment, activities, and plenty of bites.
Cost: $65 per ticket
Sun., Sept. 19: Hoboken Wellness Crawl 2021 (Hoboken): Think bar crawl, but for wellness. Come to hop around and shop hundreds of wellness brands — from fitness studios to spas and food vendors — and be prepared to go home with lots of freebies.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Pennsylvania
Sat., Sept. 18 - Sun., Sept. 19: Lancaster VegFest 2021 (Lancaster): This event aims to promote the benefits of plant-based foods. This two-day event will be lined with vendors serving up bites as well as live music and activities to keep you entertained all day long.
Cost: Free
Friday, Sept. 17: Oil City Uncorked Fall Wine Walk (Oil City): Bop around town to grab wine samples from several regional wineries — plus some brews and spirits — to taste the best the area has to offer. And of course, feel free to bring full bottles of wine home.
Cost: 30
Virtual
Sun., Sept. 19: National Museum of African American History & Culture - Livestream Tour: Get a tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, which is led by the founder of non-profit community organization Washington, DC History & Culture. You’ll be able to learn about its many exhibits and design moments.
Cost: Free
Sun., Sept. 19: EGYPT aLIVE!: An Exhilarating Virtual Tour of The Land of The Pharaohs: Just as the name suggests, get an up-close look via your screen at the ancient pyramids and tombs as well as a current archaeology dig in Egypt. You’ll also get to meet archaeologists, locals, and experts on the ground.
Cost: Free
A final thought:
According to Hopper, tomorrow (Sept. 13) is the best time for travelers to find the cheapest air tickets for holiday travel. It might feel too soon, but early bird gets the best deals for one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Have a great week everyone, and as always, Travel Boldly (& Safely), friends x