These days many of the world’s most popular destinations are concerned about “over tourism”. In response to this Rome’s Mayor Virginia Raggi , issued new laws banning bad behavior by tourists. The days of sightseers bathing in public fountains, dining on monuments and treating monuments with disrespect are over. Law breakers will now be greeted with “Zero Tolerance” in Rome’s city center areas.

Comparable efforts are being imposed around the world. Tourists on the Spanish Steps will be warned to stop drinking beer and keep their footgear on. Fines are being distributed in Florence for feasting in doorways and walkways near the Uffizi Galleries. Eating is being restricted in St Mark’s Square unless done in a local café or restaurant in the square and the red-light district of Amsterdam will begin prohibiting guided tours. Not to be left out, locals who dress themselves in fake Roman Soldier attire posing near ancient monuments seeking money from tourists who take selfies with them will also be fined.

Our advice to travelers - when you’re in a foreign country be respectful of the culture and have a wonderful experience! Enjoy your surroundings and appreciate the culture which is your host.

​500+ million plastic straws are used and discarded daily in the United States. American Airlines, Bon Appétit Management (on-site restaurants), Hilton, HMSHost (airport food-service), Hyatt, IKEA, Royal Caribbean International, SeaWorld, Starbucks and Walt Disney Company have announced plans to stop using single-use plastic straws. For example Marriot will be removing them from all their properties eliminating approximately 1 billion straws annually. 

Some companies are switching instead to an eco-friendly paper straw alternative. Finding show that discarded plastic straws in the oceans are a danger to sea creatures especially sea turtles. Alaska Airlines was convinced by a Girl Scout to switch to a marine-friendly alternative. Santa Barbara has threatened “time in the slammer” for those who distribute straws, while San Francisco prohibits one of the biodegradable alternatives. 

There also is a fear that environmental policies causing drinking straw bans don’t consider people with disabilities who rely on plastic straws as tool of daily life. Sturdy plastic straws can sometimes be the difference between independence and needing help to drink for people with hardship conditions like cerebral palsy.

The Governor of Hawaii signed recent legislation to become the first state in the U.S. to ban sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate believed by scientists to be causing damage to Hawaiian coral reefs. The chemical contamination is renewed daily by beachgoers and swimmers resulting in coral bleaching the main cause of coral mortality. Other acceptable sunblock on the market which contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not harm coral. The ban will take effect 2021. 

Making the World Your Playground!

Orlando International stated it will be the 1st airport in the U.S. using facial recognition to process arriving and departing passengers. In less than 2 seconds with use of a tiny camera they can compare traveler’s photos with their Department of Homeland Security on file images processing travelers quickly and with 99% percent accuracy. Visa photos or Passports on file are used to compare to the traveler’s face helping to create a secure and seamless travel experience.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and U.S. Customs & Border Protection joined together to create this program which was already being tested in Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, New York JFK, San Diego, Washington Dulles and pre-clearance tested in Aruba, Abu Dhabi, and Ireland. By the end of 2019 the program will be fully operational at Orlando International Airport.

Making the World Your Playground!

TSA screeners beginning June 30, 2018 are scrutinizing powdered substances such as dry spices, protein and baby powders making it more difficult for international passengers to carry these types of items through airport security in a carry-on. Inbound international flight passengers with 12 ounces or more of powder, may be subject to additional screening. However, if the powder cannot be identified, it may also be confiscated. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all On the lighter side, antlers, Harry Potter wands and bowling balls are accepted in carry-on or checked bags but alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol over 140 proof and Bear Spray are prohibited.

Making the World Your Playground!

This is the enchanting story of “Journey”, the wandering mascot of AZ Trails Travel. 

One day a wise and powerful King Penguin named Darwin, became curious as to who was responsible for sending multitudes of friendly travelers to visit the regions where penguins lived – areas as South America, Galapagos, Australia, S. Africa, New Zealand & Antarctica. Leaving his kingdom, Darwin set out on an adventurous trek to find this special place that traveler’s from all over the world called “AZ Trails Travel”! 

Since Darwin was sitting on an egg at the time, he placed it gently into his backpack and took it with him on his trip. Lo and behold along the way, the egg did hatch! When Darwin finally arrived in beautiful Fountain Hills, Arizona he decided to gift his baby boy to the wonderful people at AZ Trails Travel as their mascot.

Being so honored, AZ Trails Travel wished to give this cute and adorable penguin a proper name. They asked their clients and friends from far and wide to help name the little darling. Leslie, a fair maiden from Iowa suggested the name of “Journey” which was bestowed on the baby penguin and the rest is history.