Travel News September 2024

This Labor Day weekend marked the peak of an already record-breaking travel season, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening over 15 million travelers in just six days, excluding figures from Tuesday, September 3. The period beginning Wednesday, August 28, saw daily numbers surpassing those from the previous year, with Friday, August 30, alone processing nearly 2.91 million passengers. The TSA had predicted more than 17 million travelers would take to the skies by the holiday's end on Wednesday, September 4, continuing a trend where daily air traveler counts have rarely dipped below two million since mid-February.

However, the surge in travel wasn't without its challenges. Weather disruptions and technical glitches led to significant delays and cancellations, particularly on Friday, August 30, when more than 8,000 flights were delayed and 450 were canceled. These issues persisted into Labor Day, with another 5,000 delays reported as many travelers began their return journeys. Delta Air Lines faced a particularly rough period due to a faulty software update that caused widespread disruptions, prompting an investigation by U.S. airline regulators.

While air travel was bustling, road travel also saw an uptick, thanks in part to lower gas prices, which were nearly 50 cents per gallon cheaper than the previous year. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported a 9% increase in domestic travel compared to last year, with Seattle being the most popular destination. Although international travel over the holiday weekend saw a slight decrease, likely due to rising costs, the overall summer season has been one for the books, with the TSA reporting that the 10 busiest days in its history occurred this summer, starting in May.

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The National Park Foundation has received an unprecedented $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., marking the largest donation in its history. This funding comes at a critical time for the Foundation as it aims to address the growing challenges facing America's national parks. A significant portion of the grant will be directed toward enhancing the visitor experience amidst the rising issue of overtourism.

In recent years, national parks have experienced a surge in visitors, with over 325.5 million visits recorded in 2023 alone - a 13 million increase from the previous year. This influx has led to severe overcrowding in popular parks, causing issues such as traffic gridlock, safety concerns, and environmental degradation. Some parks, like Maine's Acadia National Park, have implemented measures like timed-entry systems and vehicle reservations to manage the crowds, but the problem persists across many sites.

The grant is expected to bolster efforts to mitigate the impacts of overtourism by improving park infrastructure and exploring new technologies to better manage visitor flow. However, specific details on additional measures to combat overcrowding have yet to be disclosed. The National Park Foundation's priority remains to preserve the natural beauty and accessibility of these cherished sites while ensuring they can accommodate the growing number of visitors sustainably.

For those planning to visit these iconic sites, securing comprehensive travel insurance remains a wise choice. Check out our plans, and get a quote with Trawick International to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience amidst the growing park demands.

As fall approaches, travel prices are expected to cool down alongside the weather, making it an ideal time for cost-effective vacations. According to Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, airfare and accommodation costs drop significantly in September and October, offering substantial savings of up to 30%. This period is perfect for visiting popular destinations with fewer crowds and lower prices, especially if you delay your trip by a few weeks from the peak summer season.

In the US, National Parks become a little less crowded in the fall, making them a prime choice for shoulder season travel. Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska offer serene, less-visited environments, while others, like Yosemite and Mount Rainier, reduce reservation requirements as visitor numbers decrease. Some parks, such as Acadia in Maine, remain busy all season due to the allure of fall foliage. However, as reported above, in our article, Revamping the Parks: A Bold Move to Tackle Overtourism, Acadia and others have implemented measures like timed-entry systems and vehicle reservations, so be sure to check the National Park Service website before you plan your visit to stay up to date on the latest happenings at each of the parks.

Fall is also a great time to explore cultural destinations like Santa Fe, New Mexico, which experiences a lull between its summer peak and holiday season. International travel, particularly to Japan, sees significant savings, with airfares dropping by 33% from summer prices. The weak yen and fewer tourists make Japan an attractive option for fall vacations, offering both cost savings and a more relaxed travel experience.

Additionally, repositioning cruise ships and fall foliage cruises present unique opportunities for travelers seeking value. Cruise lines often offer low-cost sailings as they move ships between regions, with itineraries that include destinations like Rome, Quebec, and Halifax. With fewer crowds and attractive deals, these cruises are an excellent way to enjoy the changing seasons while saving money.

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The European Union is scheduled to launch its long-delayed Entry-Exit System (EES) on November 10, 2024, as announced by EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson. This new biometric system, which will use fingerprints and digital photos for identification, is set to revolutionize how non-EU travelers are processed at the EU's external borders. The EES will apply uniformly to all non-EU travelers, including those who are visa-exempt or hold short-stay visas, signaling a significant shift in the EU's approach to border management.

The implementation of the EES has faced several delays, but Johansson confirmed the launch date following intense discussions with EU member states and other key stakeholders. The system will replace traditional passport stamping with digital checks, aiming to make travel more efficient and border controls faster across all EU entry points, including airports, harbors, and roads. Johansson emphasized that the EES is a crucial first step in a broader initiative to digitize EU border processes.

Following the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be introduced in the first half of 2025. ETIAS will require travelers from 60 visa-exempt countries to obtain electronic travel authorization before entering a group of 30 European countries. This system is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to enhance security and streamline entry processes for international travelers.

Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns within the travel industry about the complexities these new systems might introduce. Some industry leaders worry that the rapid implementation of the EES, followed by ETIAS, could confuse travelers and complicate their travel plans. There is a call for the travel industry to be well-prepared to implement these new processes smoothly to minimize disruption and avoid any travel chaos at the borders. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and visit both EES and ETIAS websites to avoid confusion.

Is there finally a light at the end of the visa crisis in Sri Lanka? It seems like it. For the past month, following the suspension of its e-Visa system due to problems with its management by a foreign consortium, Sri Lanka has been issuing visas on arrival to its international visitors.

That is why, to make procedures easier, Sri Lanka has announced a new visa-free entry initiative for citizens of 38 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and several European and Asian nations. Sri Lanka initially planned to drop the visa requirements for these countries on October 1. However, following some discussion, it was decided that visa-free access will have immediate effect starting September 3, 2024, as part of a six-month pilot initiative. This move is designed to make the country more accessible and attractive to international visitors.

The decision to expand the visa-free entry program follows the success of a similar initiative in October 2023. Government officials have emphasized that the updated policies are intended to boost tourism and strengthen international relations. By making it easier for travelers from key destinations to visit, Sri Lanka hopes to further revitalize its tourism sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry has been gradually recovering since the devastating Easter Sunday bombings in 2019, which led to a sharp decline in international arrivals. In the first half of 2024, tourism earnings reached $1.5 billion, signaling a positive trend for the industry. The visa-free entry initiative is part of a broader strategy to continue this recovery and enhance Sri Lanka's appeal as a travel destination.

For more information on the visa-free entry program, visit Visa Guide’s website to stay updated.

Europe is currently experiencing a wave of labor strikes across major cities, leading to significant disruptions in air travel and public transportation. These strikes, rooted in demands for better wages and working conditions, highlight the ongoing tensions between workers and employers. While some strikes are planned in advance, others are announced with little notice, making it crucial for travelers to stay informed to avoid unexpected delays or cancellations.

In the UK, a four-day strike by Border Force employees at Heathrow Airport ended on September 3, 2024, but disruptions may persist as workers plan to refuse overtime through September 22. Meanwhile, planned strikes by train drivers at London North Eastern Railway and ScotRail have been deferred due to new agreements, though some services remain limited due to ongoing staff issues.

In Italy, travelers should prepare for widespread disruptions on September 7, 2024, due to strikes by pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, and baggage handlers at key airports. Additionally, public transportation strikes are scheduled for September 9 and September 20, 2024, which could cause further challenges for commuters and tourists alike.

Other countries, including France and the Netherlands, are also facing labor actions. In France, motorway strikes are causing delays for summer travelers, while in the Netherlands, a major public transport strike is planned for September 11, 2024, affecting services in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Travelers are advised to stay updated on strike developments to manage their travel plans effectively.

Will travel insurance help if a strike impacts your travel plans? It can, if you have the right type of plan. It's important to highlight that given the predictable nature of these strikes, opting for a travel insurance policy that offers optional Cancel for Any Reason and Interrupt for Any Reason coverage, is the most reliable choice for safeguarding your trip. To learn more about these benefits, read our latest blog and don’t forget to get a quote with us!