Tag:

Travel

NY Woman Sent Desperate ‘Call the Cops’ Message Before Death In Jamaica, Husband Wanted NY Woman Sent Desperate ‘Call the Cops’ Message Before Death In Jamaica, Husband Wanted
NY Woman Sent Desperate ‘Call the Cops’ Message Before Death In Jamaica, Husband Wanted A Queens woman was killed while taking a birthday vacation to Jamaica, and police are looking for her husband as a person of interest. Melissa Kerry Samnath, 35, was left at a hospital in St. James, Jamaica, on Wednesday, April 29, shortly after arriving on the island, the Jamaica Constabulatory Force said. She was later pronounced dead from blunt-force head injuries, according to authorities. Hours before her death, Samnath sent her family a distressing WhatsApp message, telling them, “I need you to call the cops. … Look at my location ... It is a pink house,” the Jamaica Gleaner reported.…
Hantavirus Outbreak: Hudson Valley Residents Among Returning Passengers Now Being Monitored Hantavirus Outbreak: Hudson Valley Residents Among Returning Passengers Now Being Monitored
Hantavirus Outbreak: Hudson Valley Residents Among Returning Passengers Now Being Monitored Two Hudson Valley residents are among a group of New Yorkers now being monitored following a deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to an expedition cruise ship off the coast of Africa, state health officials announced.  According to a statement released Monday, May 11, by New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, three New York residents who had been passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship arrived at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska earlier in the day.  Officials said one passenger is from New York City, while the other two are residents of Orange County and Westche…
Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why
Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why A shift in how Americans plan their trips is offering new insight into what’s driving travel decisions this year. More Americans are scaling back how much they spend on travel, according to a Talker Research survey of 2,000 Americans commissioned by CheapCaribbean Vacations that highlights a growing focus on value. The study found that 58 percent plan to spend less on travel than they did last year, with budgets down an average of 23 percent. Three in four respondents said their travel budget does not stretch as far due to higher prices. Rising costs appear to be reshaping behavior. Seven …
No REAL ID? TSA Will Let You Fly For $45 Starting In February No REAL ID? TSA Will Let You Fly For $45 Starting In February
No Real ID? TSA Will Let You Fly For $45 Starting In February Air travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID will soon have a new way to fly, but it will come at a cost, federal officials announced. Beginning Feb. 1, the Transportation Security Administration will roll out a modernized program called TSA ConfirmID, giving travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification an alternative option to pass through security, according to a national TSA press release issued Thursday, Jan. 15. Under the new system, travelers who do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification may pay a $45 fee to use …
Feds Tell Flyers To Dress 'With Respect,' Launch Push For 'Civility' In Air Travel Feds Tell Flyers To Dress 'With Respect,' Launch Push For 'Civility' In Air Travel
Feds Tell Flyers To Dress 'With Respect,' Launch Push For 'Civility' In Air Travel If you've ever been on a flight with someone barefoot or parents with disruptive kids, the federal government is looking to help. The US Department of Transportation rolled out a new campaign called "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You" on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The program to promote civility at airports and on planes comes after a rise in high-profile incidents in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported that in-flight outbursts have risen 400% since 2019, including 13,800 "unruly passenger incidents" since 2021. The issues especially spiked during the COVID-19 pan…
Thousands Without Power In Hudson Valley As Gusty Winds, Heavy Rain Slam Region Thousands Without Power In Hudson Valley As Gusty Winds, Heavy Rain Slam Region
Thousands Without Power In Hudson Valley As Gusty Winds, Heavy Rain Slam Region Thousands of Hudson Valley residents are without power as strong winds and heavy rain sweep across the region on Thursday, Oct. 30, causing scattered outages and downed lines from Westchester to Dutchess County.  The outages have come as a powerful storm system moves through the area, disrupting service and making travel difficult as trees and power lines come down.  As of 2:50 p.m. Thursday, utilities reported the following outage totals: Central Hudson: 2,423 outages in Dutchess County, affecting fewer than 5% of customers, with crews reevaluating restoration times as of …
Apple’s New AirPods Can Translate Conversations In Real Time Apple’s New AirPods Can Translate Conversations In Real Time
Apple’s New AirPods Can Translate Conversations In Real Time Apple just dropped its most advanced earbuds yet — the AirPods Pro 3 — and they can now do something straight out of a sci-fi movie: translate conversations in real time, right in your ear (scroll for a video to watch the translation in real time). The highly anticipated Live Translation feature means you can chat with someone in another language without fumbling for your phone. Just pop them in, start talking, and let Apple Intelligence and computational audio do the work.  “Now when you’re with someone who speaks a different language, AirPods Pro will help you understand them in your…
Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects
Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects Holiday shoppers are expected to spend less in 2025, marking the first decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey. PricewaterhouseCoopers released its 2025 Holiday Outlook on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The financial firm found that Americans plan to spend an average of $1,552 over the holidays, down 5% from 2024. Gift budgets are taking the biggest hit, dropping 11% to $721, as consumers pull back on shopping amid President Donald Trump's widespread tariffs. "People are going to keep shopping, but with continuing concerns about tariffs and elevated prices (especially on electr…
Razor Rules: TSA Tightens Carry-On Guidance Razor Rules: TSA Tightens Carry-On Guidance
Razor Rules: TSA Tightens Carry-On Guidance Airline passengers have long faced confusion over what can and can’t make it through airport security. Now, the Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers where to draw the line when it comes to razors. In an advisory shared this week, the agency confirmed that disposable razors and cartridges are permitted in carry-on bags.  But safety razors with blades, loose razor blades, and straight razors are prohibited and must be checked. The TSA clarified that travelers may bring the handle of a safety razor in a carry-on only if the blade has been removed. Blades themselv…
Big Spike In COVID-19 Cases Revealed In New CDC Data Big Spike In COVID-19 Cases Revealed In New CDC Data
Big Spike In Covid-19 Cases Revealed In New CDC Data Federal health officials are sounding the alarm over a surge in COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just reported a noticeable increase in COVID test positivity rates across the United States in data posted Friday, Aug. 29. The latest numbers arrive just days before Labor Day weekend, a peak period for travel and gatherings. Test positivity climbed to 11.2 percent for the week ending Saturday, Aug. 23, up from 10.2 percent the previous week, according to updated CDC figures. Nearly half the country now faces a test positivity rate of at least 10 percent.…
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy How much money does it take to feel financially content? A new national survey suggests Americans have a specific number in mind, and it comes with strings attached. The Talker Research survey, conducted for SurePayroll by Paychex, asked 2,000 adults what they would consider the perfect salary.  Respondents pointed to an average figure of $74,000, though nearly one in five said nothing less than six figures would cover their lifestyle. Even so, half of those surveyed said their current pay is not enough to support their needs, and one in four admitted they are unhappy with their incom…
Fox News Anchor Hospitalized With 'Severe Case' Of Malaria Fox News Anchor Hospitalized With 'Severe Case' Of Malaria
Fox News Anchor Hospitalized With 'Severe Case' Of Malaria A Fox News anchor is being treated at a northern Virginia hospital after coming down with a "severe case" of malaria. John Roberts, co-anchor of "America Reports," revealed his diagnosis in a social media post on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Late-night news anchor Trace Gallagher filled in for the 68-year-old on his broadcast with co-host Sandra Smith. It's unclear when Roberts will return to the air. "I somehow came down with a severe case of Malaria," Roberts posted. "I can honestly say that I am the only person in the hospital with Malaria. In fact, one of my doctors said I'm t…
Measles Case Confirmed In This NY County: First One In Several Years, Officials Say Measles Case Confirmed In This NY County: First One In Several Years, Officials Say
Measles Case Confirmed In This NY County: First One In Several Years, Officials Say Health officials are urging Rockland County residents to check their vaccinations after the first confirmed case of measles in the county since 2019.  The case was confirmed in a Rockland resident who had recently returned from traveling and developed symptoms after a possible exposure, County Executive Ed Day and Health Commissioner Mary Leahy said in an announcement on Monday, Aug. 25.  The person visited a healthcare facility on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and reported a rash two days later. The case was later confirmed to be measles, officials said.  The Health Department i…
Luxury Trips, $1M Homes: 2 Dads Convicted In NY For Russian Spy Smuggling Plot Luxury Trips, $1M Homes: 2 Dads Convicted In NY For Russian Spy Smuggling Plot
Luxury Trips, $1M Homes: 2 Dads Convicted In NY For Russian Spy Smuggling Plot Two suburban husbands — one from New Jersey, the other from New Hampshire — lived comfortable family lives while secretly helping Russia obtain U.S.-made technology and sniper ammunition, federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Vadim Yermolenko, 43, of Upper Saddle River, NJ, a dual U.S. and Russian citizen, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in the illicit network, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. His co-defendant, Alexey Brayman, 38, of Merrimack, NH, an Israeli citizen born in Ukraine, pleaded guilty and is awaiting se…
Spirit Needs More Cash To Survive, Airline Warns: 'There Is Substantial Doubt' Spirit Needs More Cash To Survive, Airline Warns: 'There Is Substantial Doubt'
Spirit Needs More Cash To Survive, Airline Warns: 'There Is Substantial Doubt' Despite recently emerging from bankruptcy, Spirit Airlines warns that it may not survive the next year without raising more cash, according to a new filing. Spirit said it's facing significant financial pressure due to "elevated domestic capacity and continued weak demand for domestic leisure travel" in the second quarter of 2025. The budget airline disclosed its concerns in a quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, Aug. 11. The Dania Beach, Florida-based company said it expects to face a "challenging pricing environment" through at least the end of…
More Trips, Better Mood? Poll Explores Travel’s Link To Happiness More Trips, Better Mood? Poll Explores Travel’s Link To Happiness
More Trips, Better Mood? Poll Explores Travel’s Link To Happiness For many Americans, a healthier state of mind might just require a passport stamp. According to a new Talker Research poll, people with excellent mental health take twice as many trips each year as those who report feeling poor or very poor. Additionally, they are far more likely to describe travel as a key part of their lifestyle. The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed a striking connection between how people feel and how often they leave home.  The average respondent said they feel 67 percent better mentally after a trip, with those who travel frequently more likely to report good o…
TSA Announces New Changes At Security Checkpoints TSA Announces New Changes At Security Checkpoints
TSA Announces New Changes At Security Checkpoints Traveling just got a little easier at America’s airports.  The Department of Homeland Security has announced new changes to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.  They are rolling out dedicated lanes for families and military members to streamline the screening process. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem introduced the “Families on the Fly” program at Nashville International Airport on Tuesday, Aug. 5.  She explained that families traveling with children will now have access to special security lanes designed to make the process less stressful. The…
NY Barber Promises Worst Haircut Of Your Life—And Kids Are Lining Up For The Challenge NY Barber Promises Worst Haircut Of Your Life—And Kids Are Lining Up For The Challenge
NY Barber Promises Worst Haircut Of Your Life—And Kids Are Lining Up For The Challenge Not many barbershops promise you’ll hate your haircut—but most barbers aren’t Joe Matt. At his Massapequa business, Barberchops, Matt has turned back-to-school trims into viral gold with his “Wheel of Cuts.” Kids spin the big, colorful wheel and get whatever it lands on—no swaps, no do-overs, and absolutely no dignity. The options —all terrible —include nightmare fuel like “The Old Man” (a shaved strip down the middle), the “Checkerboard” (yes, exactly what it sounds like), and the “Reverse Mullet.” One kid even ended up with a mustache shaved into his forehead. The rules are simple: Spin …
CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike
CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike Fueled by a fast-growing new variant, COVID-19 infections are regaining ground just as summer travel peaks. New CDC transmission estimates released Friday, Aug. 1 show the effective reproduction number, or Rt, above one in 40 states, meaning overall US infections are again expanding. In 28 states the agency assigns its highest confidence category — “growing” — while another 12 fall into the “likely growing” bucket. No state is currently classified as declining, and nine are holding steady. For more info, view the CDC's interactive map here, and click on a specific state. Nationally, the R…
Viral Jet2 Holiday Meme Delights Internet, Turns Into Political Flashpoint Viral Jet2 Holiday Meme Delights Internet, Turns Into Political Flashpoint
Viral Jet2 Holiday Meme Delights Internet, Turns Into Political Flashpoint You may have heard that a Jet2 holiday can't be beaten. A commercial for British travel company Jet2holidays has emerged as a viral sensation over the summer. The January 2024 advertisement has been used in hundreds of thousands of memes on TikTok and Instagram. The upbeat commercial is set to the 2015 song "Hold My Hand" by UK pop singer Jess Glynne. A family is seen arriving at an airport for a Jet2 flight and enjoying a vacation at a tropical resort. The original ad promotes a deal to save 50 British pounds per person on a getaway. "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday," the female voiceover a…
Citi Launches New Premium Card Aimed At High Spenders, Frequent Flyers: See The Perks Citi Launches New Premium Card Aimed At High Spenders, Frequent Flyers: See The Perks
Citi Launches New Premium Card Aimed At High Spenders, Frequent Flyers: See The Perks As major companies battle for premium customers, Citi has entered the ring with a new high-end credit card promising big rewards, flexible perks, and airline lounge access. Citi has launched its most exclusive credit card yet, the Citi Strata Elite, the company announced on Monday, July 28. The card joins a wave of recent upgrades from competitors like American Express and Chase aimed at frequent travelers and high spenders. The $595-per-year card offers up to 12x points on hotel stays, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel, plus 6x on air travel and weekend…
Ex-NJ Corrections Officer Who Killed GF, Best Friend Sentenced: Report Ex-NJ Corrections Officer Who Killed GF, Best Friend Sentenced: Report
Ex-NJ Corrections Officer Who Killed GF, Best Friend Sentenced: Report A former Hudson County corrections officer who killed his girlfriend and her friend in 2021 has learned his fate. John P. Menendez has been sentenced to 50 years in state prison for the killings of Anna Shpilberg and Luiza Shinkarevskaya, both 40, with his service weapon in Newark in February 2021, NJ Advance Media reports. Police found Shpilberg, of Randolph, suffering a gunshot wound at Edison Place and Bruen Street around 9 p.m., on Feb. 16, 2021, then-Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said at the time. Shi…
Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When
Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When Say goodbye to setting an alarm to get your best possible spot in a Southwest Airlines boarding line. Southwest's open seating will officially end on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Dallas-based airline said in a news release on Monday, July 21. Customers can start picking their seats for those flights when booking online starting on Tuesday, July 29. The move marks a major shift for Southwest, which is known for its policy of A-B-C groups marked off by large stanchions near gates. "Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience," said Tony Roach, executiv…
No. 1 American City Revealed In New Survey No. 1 American City Revealed In New Survey
No. 1 American City Revealed In New Survey They’re vibrant, unforgettable, and according to thousands of travelers, worth visiting again and again. Travel + Leisure has unveiled its 2025 list of the world’s best cities, based on votes from its readers — and one destination in Mexico claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. The annual rankings spotlight cities that blend atmosphere, history, hotels, dining, culture, and bang-for-your-buck value.  In this year’s survey, voters particularly favored cities in Asia and Latin America, with seven of the top 10 located in Asia and six in Latin America. While beloved global …
Rule Involving Status Of Popular Carry-On Item Spelled Out By TSA Rule Involving Status Of Popular Carry-On Item Spelled Out By TSA
Rule Involving Status Of Popular Carry-On Item Spelled Out By TSA Before you zip up your suitcase, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants you to rethink where you stash one of the most-used travel gadgets of the smartphone era. The agency has issued a summer reminder about portable power banks — those pocket-size lithium-ion battery packs that keep phones and tablets alive on long flights. The bottom line: they are allowed only in carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. TSA’s rule is explicit: Carry-On Bags: Yes Checked Bags: No "Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags," th…
Man Murdered Ex-Wife As Kids Slept Nearby In Area Home Man Murdered Ex-Wife As Kids Slept Nearby In Area Home
Man Murdered Ex-Wife As Kids Slept Nearby In Area Home A Brooklyn man confessed to murdering his wife of over 10 years inside her Schenectady home as their children slept nearby. Timothy Taylor, 38, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Schenectady County Court in the 2023 killing of 44-year-old Tishawn Folkes-Taylor, prosecutors announced Wednesday, July 16. As part of the plea deal, he faces a sentence of 22 years to life in prison when he appears before a judge in September. Traveled Across State Lines To Kill His Ex-Wife Taylor traveled from North Carolina to Schenectady on May 27, 2023, checking into the Imperial Hotel around 11 p.m.…
Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years
Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years Southwest Airlines is planning to begin flights to a popular Caribbean destination as the carrier expands its network for the first time in about five years. Southwest is looking to fly to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for the first time, the airline said in a news release on Monday, July 14. Service to Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) in Charlotte Amalie is expected to begin in "early 2026," pending government approval. St. Thomas would be Southwest's first new destination since 2021. "Today marks an exciting milestone for the US Virgin Islands and our growing tou…
This NY Locale Named America's Best Town To Visit This NY Locale Named America's Best Town To Visit
This NY Locale Named America's Best Town To Visit Where can you find a waterfall, a blues club, and world-class waffles, all in one Top 10 list? CNN Travel has unveiled its second annual ranking of America’s Best Towns To Visit, spotlighting small cities with standout charm, and a big dose of the unexpected. The outlet tapped its readers and contributors for nominations.  It then narrowed the field by evaluating each town’s attractions, dining and drink options, cultural and nightlife scenes, identity, diversity, proximity to other destinations, and general “wow factor.” Travel essentials like lodging and accessibility were also con…
Here's How Many Days Parents Need To Recover From Family Vacation Here's How Many Days Parents Need To Recover From Family Vacation
Here's How Many Days Parents Need To Recover From Family Vacation Family vacations may be packed with memories, but for many parents, the real trip starts when they get home. It takes the average parent two and a half days to recover from traveling with kids, according to a new survey of 2,000 parents of children under 12. For one in three, the peaceful part of the journey doesn’t even make it past the first hour.  Whether by plane, car, or train, bickering, meltdowns, and mood swings are frequent fliers on most family itineraries. When asked to estimate how long it takes to feel fully like themselves again after a trip, parents said they needed 2.…
TSA To End Shoes-Off Policy At Airport Security Checkpoints, Report Says TSA To End Shoes-Off Policy At Airport Security Checkpoints, Report Says
TSA To End Shoes-Off Policy At Airport Security Checkpoints, Report Says It may soon be time to leave your shoes on at the airport. After nearly two decades of making travelers remove footwear at security checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reportedly phasing out the long-standing policy at many major airports across the country. Passengers in general screening lanes — not just those with TSA PreCheck — will no longer need to remove their shoes at dozens of high-volume US airports, according to an internal agency memo obtained by ABC News. The change will roll out gradually nationwide, with more airports adopting the new approach ov…
Here's What’s Keeping Millions From Enjoying Summer Travel Here's What’s Keeping Millions From Enjoying Summer Travel
Here's What’s Keeping Millions From Enjoying Summer Travel One in four Americans say a surprisingly common issue could derail their summer travel plans. That’s according to a new survey by Talker Research on behalf of health company NBPure, which found that 27 percent of Americans report digestive troubles serious enough to disrupt vacations and summer trips. Whether it’s constipation, bloating, or general stomach discomfort, 42 percent say they have gut health issues, and 38 percent report symptoms that get worse when they travel. The fear of a digestive episode looms so large that nearly half of respondents (49 percent) said they bring supplemen…