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Batteries and Traveling

Recently, I read this on a post from Getty…

Effective January 15, 2018, passengers must remove the lithium-ion batteries from their smart luggage before checking in.

The batteries that make suitcases smart are a huge fire hazard.

High-tech suitcases that charge your phone, open at a single touch, and track your valuables may make traveling less anxiety-reducing (lost luggage worries, begone!), but they unleash a whole new risk for airlines, which is why American Airlines is imposing new rules on them.

Effective January 15, American Airlines won’t let passengers check their smart suitcases if the lithium-ion battery can’t be removed, the airline announced on Friday. “We’ve looked at the prevalence of these bags as they most likely are going to be a hot item, no pun intended, this holiday season,” a spokesperson for the airline told The New York Times. “Just make sure the battery is removable,” he continued. “If it’s not removable, we won’t be permitting it to fly in the cargo hold or in the cabin.”

After American’s announcement, Delta announced similar restrictions beginning on the same date. According to CNBC, United Airlines and Southwest are working on policies as well. The Federal Aviation Administration already bans spare lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage because the powerful energy source has the potential to overheat. The batteries particularly pose a high risk when luggage is stored in an aircraft’s cargo hold. Crew members are trained to put out fires in the main cabin with extinguishers and fire containment bags, but they are essentially powerless in reaching them in the hard-to-access luggage hold. If they aren’t checking their smart bag, passengers can leave the battery in the suitcase—but it still must be removable.

The new policy is related to current ones for laptops and hoverboards, which pose similar risks when checked. Passengers will have to remove the batteries with screwdrivers approved by TSA. Some high-tech suitcase manufacturers already include batteries that can be uninstalled, including Raden and Away. Raden’s battery is stored in a removable electronics pouch while Away includes a TSA-approved screwdriver in its products. The brand Bluesmart, however, does not allow its batteries to be removed, though according to its website, the batteries are installed to comply with industry regulations.

 

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Travel Tips…Useful or Not?

Check out these insider travel tips from professional and frequent travelers.

If you check your bags, take a photo as they are loaded onto the belt. It never

hurts to show the airline they were, indeed, loaded.

Check reviews of airlines before you purchase that “too good to be true” ticket. What, exactly are you getting for your money?

Always fly with a reusable water bottle. Many good flasks are available. Some even come with a filter…important and necessary on some trips.

Become a regular…wherever you are. Maybe it’s stopping for a glass of wine every day at 4:00 and talking to the bartender. Maybe it’s talking to the locals at the café or bar. Think of this as your new home. See who you meet.

Jet lag? One suggestion is to get some sun the moment you land. That and a cup of coffee… What do you do?

More later…

 

 

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Travel in 2018

Travel Trends in 2018…Any of These Appeal to You?

Are any of these ideas or trends on your travel list for 2018?

Apparently, women traveling together is going to be a big deal in 2018. At least that’s what I’ve been informed. Do you agree? If so…why and how? Last year the solo travel industry blossomed. Did you take a solo trip?

Cooking classes have always been popular. In 2018, they are becoming the thing to do. You learn to cook…then you eat. Sounds good to me.

Likewise, safaris have been a popular trip. Some areas in Africa are experiencing major water shortages and are cutting back on these trips. That leaves other areas picking up the slack. Some places could be more dangerous. Be sure to check before you go. Safety should be a concern wherever you go.

Fitness trips are quickly expanding and offering more options. No longer are just trekking trips offered. You now can cycle in the Alps, run marathons across the world, kayak the oceans, sail your own adventure, and more. Interested?

What are your travel trends for 2018?

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State Department and Trouble Spots

From the Chicago Tribune

The State Department on Wednesday introduced shades of gray into its system that tells people about trouble spots around the globe.

The standard jargon at the State Department’s website (travel.state.gov) used to be a “warning” — something serious that would suggest extra caution (and sometimes more) — or an “alert,” which often was a red flag, sometimes temporary, telling travelers about, say, an election or the aftermath of a natural disaster.

The revised system assigns levels of advice (1 to 4) about travel as it pertains to every country.

None of levels prohibits travel. North Korea is the only country that’s off-limits to Americans without special permission.

Five states in Mexico have gotten the sternest “do not travel” advisories under the revamped system.

The five include the northern border state of Tamaulipas and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan and Guerrero.

The State Department had previously discouraged travel to all or part of the five states’ territories but the new warnings are sterner, placing the drug- and crime-plagued states on the same level warning level as Somalia, Yemen, Syria or Afghanistan.

Mexico as a whole has a level-two rating, “exercise increased caution” in the new four-level alert system, because of concerns about crime. But an additional 11 Mexican states got a level-three warning, “reconsider travel.” Mexico has 31 states, half of which are under level 3 or 4 warnings.

The State Department also appears to have softened its stance on Cuba, advising people to “reconsider” travel to the Caribbean island nation under the new system.

Last September, it issued a warning that told Americans to avoid travel to Cuba in the wake of health problems reported by Havana-based U.S. diplomats and their family members. The U.S. government evacuated most employees at its embassy in the Cuban capital.

The department issued this fact sheet about the changes on Wednesday:

On January 10, 2018, the Department of State launched improvements to how we share information with U.S. travelers.  These improvements will provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information worldwide.  Under the new system, every country will have a Travel Advisory, providing levels of advice ranging from 1 to 4:

  • Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel.  Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.
  • Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.  Conditions in any country may change at any time.
  • Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.  Conditions in any country may change at any time.
  • Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance.  The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so.  The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.  Conditions in any country may change at any time.

The Travel Advisories for each country replace previous Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.  While we will issue an overall Travel Advisory level for every country, levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country.  For instance, we may advise U.S. citizens to “Exercise Increased Caution” (Level 2) in a country, but to “Reconsider Travel” (Level 3) to a particular area within the country.

Our detailed Travel Advisories will also will provide clear reasons for the level assigned, using established risk indicators, and offer specific advice to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there:

  • C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country.  Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
  • T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
  • U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
  • H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present.  The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.
  • N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
  • E – Time-limited Event: A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event, or other incident that may pose a safety risk.
  • O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators.  Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.

We will review and update each Travel Advisory as needed, based on changes to security and safety information.  Additionally, U.S. embassies and consulates will now issue Alerts to replace the current Emergency Messages and Security Messages.  Alerts will inform U.S. citizens of specific safety and security concerns in a country, such as demonstrations, crime trends, and weather events.

The Department’s newly-redesigned hub for traveler information, travel.state.gov, will host all Travel Advisories, recent Alerts issued for each country, and an interactive map in mobile-friendly formats.  Country pages on the site will continue to include all travel information currently available, including details about entry/exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, transportation, and other relevant topics.

To receive security and other important updates while traveling, U.S. citizens can enroll their travel plans in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (step.state.gov), and follow us on Twitter (@travelgov) and Facebook (facebook.com/travelgov).

This article was originally published in the Chicago Tribune. In our crazy world, there are many warnings about travel. If you’re going to travel, it’s best to be informed about your destination. This is not cause for alarm…just information.

As always…travel safe and pay attention. It really doesn’t matter if you traveling to a far away destination or a local one.

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Department of State and Warnings…What Should You Do?

The Department of State has launched new Travel Advisories and Alerts to make it easier for U.S. citizens to access clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information about every country in the world. For more details and FAQs about our Travel Advisories and Alerts, please see travel.state.gov/travelsafely. You are receiving this because you are enrolled in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You do not need to take further action to continue receiving these updates. Before any travel abroad, we encourage you to check our safety and security information for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination.

France, Level 2: Exercise increased caution 

Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to France:

  • Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and large crowded public venues.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebookand Twitter.
  • Review the Crime and Safety Reportfor France.
  • S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler¿s Checklist.

Bottom line…pay attention to warnings and pay attention when you travel, regardless of where you’re going.

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Enjoy this Wine Information…Cheers!

Podere Selva Capuzza

Buongiorno dal podere Selva Capuzza!

We are proud to announce that our hundred’s harvest wines are about to leave the cellar in the next weeks.

The “Chiaretto San Donino” is already available, while “Lugana San Vigilio” will debut in february.

“Groppello San Biagio” and San Martino della Battaglia “Campo del Soglio” will be ready between springtime and summer.

“Lugana Selva” will be introduced between june and september, at the correct aging time.

Regarding ” Dunant 2017″ , the aging time is around one year, while “Mader” should be ready in 2020, just like “Lugana Riserva Menasasso”.

Between 2018 and 2020 we will celebrate our hundred’s harvest with a surprise, a new unrealeased wine among the Selva Capuzza bottles.

 

The 2017 harvest was marked by a warm and dry summer, with a considerable flow of air thanks to the position of the vineyards on the famous “cap” (Cappuccio) which gives the name to our Selva.

The ripening of the grapes was healthy and independent, with few human interference in the vineyard as we had very little parassite issues.

Luck was on our side, leaving us aside the metereological problems that hit the area and some of our collegues; the production has been reduced only due to the high temperatures.

The quality of these wines make us proud and glad: the white wines will have again our preferred alcoholic percentage, not over 13%, they will be fresh and crispy, with a perfect balance of nose and mouth. “Chiaretto”

astonished us with its elegance and body, and last but not least, with its beautiful colour.

It is too early to judge the red wines, as soon as “Groppello” will be ready, we will understand the personality they may express this year.

Our hundred’s harvest is among the best of the last twenty years, we are happy to celebrate it with you.

Kind regards

Laura Pacchioni