Welcome to Check-In, our weekend feature focusing on all things travel.
It’s time to get a real (real) ID
Starting May 3, 2023, US travelers flying domestically will no longer be able to show their standard driver’s license when boarding a plane. Instead, they will have to provide a Real ID or another form of identification approved by the Transportation Authority Administration.
It’s been a long time. In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005. The law sets minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards; a special stamp on the license or ID card indicates that the individual has passed the review and approval process.
The real letters were supposed to come into force in 2008, but were repeatedly delayed. If you do not have a real ID, a passport or extended driver’s license is an acceptable alternative.
National Geographic lists Trinidad & Tobago, Botswana and Slovenia as must-see destinations in 2023
While some people know JUST where they want to go on vacation, with everything planned until the fourth night’s dinner party, others need inspiration. National Geographic is here to help, releasing its annual list of the “most breathtaking places and experiences” for 2023.
Their suggestions include: Botswana, to see incredible wildlife; Slovenia, to roll out new cycling routes that stop at vineyards, cheese makers and farms; the Longmen Grottoes in Henan Province, China, to take in ancient art (including nearly 110,000 Buddhist stone statues); and Trinidad & Tobago, to help save sea turtles.
More and more people are using part (or all!) of their vacations to give back, and in Trinidad & Tobago, tourists are volunteering to protect vulnerable sea turtles during nesting season. Their duties include tagging and counting nesting mothers, monitoring and relocating nests, and protecting turtles from predators. “Their hard work has caused poaching of skink meat and eggs to drop to near zero. National Geographic notes. There are still many beaches that don’t have any monitors, but technology can help: vacationers can report their sea turtle sightings through the TURT app.
So you want to … see the world from the sea
You can cover a lot of ground (or, water?) when you take a cruise, especially one that lasts several weeks. For those who like the idea of not having to travel long distances, take multiple flights or constantly change hotel rooms, going on a world cruise may be the best way to explore.
Azamara just announced her 2025 world cruise, which will begin in San Diego, California and end in Southampton, England. In the middle, the ship (the He will stay ahead) will stop in 37 countries, with destinations including Sydney, Bangkok, Tahiti, Lisbon and Barcelona. The cruise will last 155 nights and will kick off with a gala in San Diego. Azamara President Carol Cabezas said Travel + free time that 60 percent of the ports on this cruise are different from the 2024 world voyage, and the itinerary was “carefully curated to give even the most well-traveled guests a new perspective on the world.”
Who should book this? Someone with the ability to be away from home for 155 nights does not get seasick and enjoys the salty air. Also, consider the price: the fee is expensive ( cheaper option is Club Interior, at $39,999 per person, based on double occupancy). That includes perks like 13 cultural events, $4,000 in onboard credit, weekly laundry service, a premium beverage package for two and unlimited Wi-Fi for one device, but it’s still a significant chunk of change.
What is it He will stay ahead how? The ship is new, having been christened on May 2 in Monte Carlo. It can hold up to 684 passengers and has a spa, fitness center and specialty restaurants, including the Prime C steak and seafood restaurant and the Aqualina restaurant, with an Italian menu. Atlas Bar, which serves craft cocktails, can only be found at He will stay ahead. There is no age limit to sail the ship, but Azamara discourages families from boarding with children 18 and under.
Ready to go? Here’s what you need to know: Bookings open to the public on November 10, on the Azamara website. The 2024 world cruise sold out and has a waiting list, so it’s possible it could happen again in 2025.
Plan accordingly: Upcoming events and openings to add to your calendar
Calling all chill-loving movie fans: The 2023 Sundance Film Festival is just a few months away. Running from January 19-29, 2023, Sundance isn’t just about screening new films and documentaries—attendees can also sit in on conversations with filmmakers and listen to panel discussions. Volunteers are a big reason why the festival is able to run, so if you have the time, consider signing up.
It’s not exactly swimming weather in most of the United States, leaving many people dreaming of taking a dip. One pool you should start thinking about is at the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona. The hotel is set to open in the fall of 2023, with a 400-foot pool, making it one of the longest pools in North America. now this is how do you make a splash
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