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Doggone Touchie-Feelie Available At Airports


According to Associated Press, several airports have come up with a novel way to help passengers. It involves a pilot program offering friendly dogs trained to snuggle and soothe people as the nervous humans wait for flights and try to endure other airport inconveniences that seem to get more stressful every day.

The service is called PUP: Pets Unstressing Passengers. On leashes held by trained volunteers, and wearing jackets identifying their tasks, the dogs wander through the passenger areas offering friendly paws, bellies and noses to pat.

The dogs are particularly popular with kids, who are often frightened, confused and impatient when being forced to wait for hours in busy, noisy airports. A friendly dog's gentle eyes, muzzle and wagging tail are perfect solutions to calming them down.

So far, PUP is available at airports in San Jose, Los Angeles and Miami, with more expected to offer the doggone good services soon. Considering the growing tensions in just about every airport from flight delays, security lines, ever increasing fare prices and other stresses, the friendly canines are welcome presences.  

Editorial opinion: We like dogs very much, but as cat lovers, we feel they are just as qualified to be airport therapists, and should also be enlisted to provide the same soothing services. We’d call them FRIENDS: Felines Really Into Easing Numbingly Disturbing Situations.

Q: What’s My Best Travel Way To Meet Other Singles? PDF Print E-mail


Widowed since last year, I need to get out socially now. Suggestions? MPJ, Cleveland OH

A: A good way to shake off the loneliness is do a cruise. One of the best lines for special sailings is Holland America. It caters to solo travelers via its Single Partners Program, featuring hosted events for onboard singles, and special singles-themed cocktail parties and games.

Holland America also groups singles together at meals and other shipboard schedules. On sailings of 40 days or longer, the line provides male hosts to accompany single women to dinner and social events. When booking, consider the roommate matching service with fellow solo travelers of the same sex. Two Holland America ships offer dedicated singles cabins: Koningsdam has 12, and Prinsendam has three.

 
Air Taxis: Soon To Take Over Busy City Streets? PDF Print E-mail


A test flying taxi recently flew over Singapore's crowded waterfront, eventually expecting to lead to normal air service in traffic-choked Asian cities.The 18-prop German-made chopper may soon regularly carry passengers.

Volocopter has already successfully tested in Dubai, Helsinki, Germany and Las Vegas. Singapore may be among the first to get the regular daily service within two to four years. Fares are expected to be moderately higher than charged for earthbound taxis. However, the dangers of the new air taxis and delivery drones accidentally hitting other vehicles and people have yet to be considered by local officials and eager lawyers.

 
Q: How Do I Find The Lowest Airline Fares? PDF Print E-mail


I know Southwest frequently offers special deals, but it seems every time I need to book, there are no cheap SW flights in effect. TSF, Roanoke VA

A: Of course, the first rule for best fares is not to book to fly on busy weekends, and never on holidays, when airports are jammed. And be willing to fly late night, so-called red eye flights. Before booking, always comparison shop online and/or with a trusted travel agent. Airlines routinely match one another's fares on competing routes, and you’ll find Southwest isn't always the cheapest.

There may be a better deal or flight schedule on another airline, or snag a Southwest deal one way and a deal on the return on a different airline. Search on airline websites, travel search sites like Google Flights and online travel agencies like Priceline and Expedia. Southwest tickets can only be booked on its website, or through its reservations center (800-435-9792).

 
Don’t Be A Dangerous Selfie Cruise Passenger PDF Print E-mail


Selfies while traveling can be fun. Smiling in front of the Eiffel Tower, hugging at the Trevi Fountain and strutting in front of the Kremlin are all ok. However, if you’re on a cruise and climb up to point your camera or smartphone while standing on the ship’s railing is a no no.

Despite warnings, a couple did it while on a recent Royal Caribbean cruise. They were kicked off at the next port and had to pay all return home expenses. Additionally, Royal Caribbean banned them from ever sailing again on the cruise line. Simple solution: With or without your smartphone camera, when traveling, always be aware of personal dangers you may encounter, aboard cruise ships, high buildings and elsewhere, and follow all safety rules.

 
USA Today: Rick Steves Posts Beautiful Photos Of Europe PDF Print E-mail


Seniors who enjoy memories of past tours and/or are planning new ones will enjoy seeing the famed travel guru’s 118 selections. They include France, England, Germany, Spain and many other popular destinations. www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/destinations/2019/02/11/rick-steves-european-favorites

 
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