Warner Brothers in Abu Dhabi? Yep!

Abu Dhabi’s Warner Bros. World Gears up for July 25 Grand Opening

By    James Shillinglaw,

In case you may have overdosed on the latest Disney World or Universal Studios attractions, Abu Dhabi is coming to the rescue with some theme park excitement of its own. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest Warner Bros.-branded indoor theme park, based on Yas Island, is putting the final touches on its attractions ahead of its scheduled July 25, 2018 grand opening. The park is currently undergoing operations training, ride safety checks, and quality assurance testing across all restaurants and shops to ensure a seamless experience for guests, so it can make itself into another reason to visit Abu Dhabi. When it opens on Yas Island on July 25, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be one of the world's largest indoor theme parks. Guests will be transported to six truly immersive lands, including DC's Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza, and enjoy 29 state-of-the-art exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment. The park’s interactive new experience will bring together some of the world's most iconic characters and stories under one roof for the first time in the region including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman as well as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones, among others. "We are at a very proud milestone here on Yas Island,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, the park’s developer. “The development of the iconic Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is at its last stages with final finishing touches being made. The whole team, along with our partners, is working tirelessly to make sure the park is at complete readiness when it opens its doors to the public on July 25.” "We are incredibly excited to see guests of all ages experience this one-of-a-kind park,” he added. “From the immersive lands and thrilling rides, to experiencing interactive attractions and meeting some of their favorite characters like Batman and Bugs Bunny, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi complements the wide range of award-winning leisure and entertainment attractions already on offer on Yas Island for visitors from all over the world.” The park’s dining options are working to complete training of staff and fine-tuning operations. Guests will be able to choose from a wide range of menus that are bespoke to the different lands, and feature a variety of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Asian and Western. In addition to its many grab-and-go and sit-down options, the park is the first in the region to offer guests a chance to enjoy a personal visit to their table from some of their favorite characters. The 1.65 million-square-foot park promises to bring together some of the world's most iconic characters and stories under one roof for the first time in the region. The park will provide immersive environments, thrill rides and well-known comic book and cartoon characters. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is being  developed by Miral to complement its Yas Island destination portfolio of themed parks. These includes Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, CLYMB, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, opening in 2022. Yas Island also offers a wide range of sporting and entertainment experiences, including Yas Marina Circuit, seven hotels, year-round events, a live performance and concert arena, 18-hole championship golf course, marina, beach, and shopping destination Yas Mall. To learn more about Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, click on WB World.

Well, It Doesn't Look Like Our Airline Seats Will be Getting Any Larger :(

FAA: 'No Evidence' Smaller Seat Size is a Safety Hazard

Last year, after Federal Judge Patricia Millett ordered the Federal Aviation Administration to review seat size and legroom on aircraft from the perspective of passenger safety, the traveling public held their collective breath in the hopes that the ruling might be the first step back in the favor of passenger rights. In what Judge Millet dubbed “the case of the incredible shrinking airline seat,” the suit was filed by the organization Flyers Rights, which argued that smaller seat sizes could affect the ability of passengers to evacuate an aircraft safely in case of an emergency. The organization also said smaller seat size could lead to increased risk of blood clots in air travelers. A three-judge federal panel, led by Millett, ordered the FAA to undergo a “properly reasoned disposition” of safety issues related to seating configurations. This week, the hopes of the flying public have been dashed, after the FAA announced it would not impose new restrictions on the airline industry. The agency said it “has no evidence that there is an immediate safety issue necessitating rule-making at this time,” in a letter sent Monday. It also cited “research” indicates emergency evacuations aren’t slowed down by tighter seating. Instead, the choke points created by the emergency exits is what slows evacuations. Because it takes time for flight attendants to get the emergency exits ready for evacuation, “The FAA has no evidence that a typical passenger, even a larger one, will take more than a couple of seconds to get out of his or her seat, or that such time will approach the time necessary to get the emergency exits functional.” https://www.travelpulse.com/news/impacting-travel/faa-no-evidence-smaller-seat-size-is-a-safety-hazard.html?ubhide=true&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=64246410&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_q4lj3GUG_egxr-Xh2NFA4w8hxht3KuuuwaSNpoKf19rtpuYQdIc_LI9pax4zF2a8K9l7HMUA-nHJMjsZYlyUVI-f2PA&_hsmi=64246410

What to See & Do This Summer & Fall at Walt Disney World

Toy Story Land is officially open for business at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (see our story on Toy Story Land opening), but there’s still more to see this summer and fall at Walt Disney World. While the new land dedicated to the hit Pixar franchise has certainly grabbed headlines since it opened last Saturday (June 30), Disney is also out with several other new attractions and experiences. It’s part of the “Incredible Summer” at the resort, as Disney seeks to capitalize on the success of another blockbuster Pixar film, “Incredibles 2.” Here’s a closer look at what to expect this summer and in the months ahead at Disney World: Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live!: This concert series at Epcot is headlined by two of the biggest stars from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. Star-Lord and Gamora lead an alien ensemble as they play hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mixtapes, including songs from the two movie soundtracks. Expect to hear a solid selection of tracks from the ‘70s and ‘80s inside the America Gardens Theatre. There are five show times daily, with performances running through Aug. 19. The show is included with theme park admission. Later this summer and fall, the park is also hosting the 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which has become one of America’s top food festivals since it started in 1996. For full details, click on TasteEpcot.com. Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary: Disney World’s youngest theme park is celebrating 20 years with two new experiences. UP! A Great Bird Adventure debuted this spring and features two of Pixar fans’ favorite characters from the animated film “UP.” Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug introduce guests to bird species from around the world, including the marabou stork, a creature with an impressive 10-foot wingspan. As part of the celebration, Donald Duck is also throwing a party in Dinoland U.S.A. Disney’s famous duck has taken over this area of the park after learning that ducks are descendants of dinosaurs. He’s brought along feathered friends Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack to meet with guests along with several other Disney characters. The celebration, Donald’s Dino-Bash!, features new decorations and a nightly dance party, adding to the line-up of after-dark entertainment at Animal Kingdom. Guests should also make time to visit the park’s newest land, Pandora-The World of Avatar and its signature attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage. Here riders fly on the back of a mountain banshee during a 3D ride that’s become the top-rated attraction at Disney World since it opened last year. Wait times can exceed two hours, so be sure to take advantage of the FastPass+ reservation system. “Incredibles” Take Over Tomorrowland: Disney’s cast of incredible animated superheroes have a new home this summer. Guests will meet their favorite characters from the “Incredibles” movies in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, including Mr. Incredible and Frozone. For the first time ever, they can visit with Edna Mode, the costume designer for the superheroes from the film. Tomorrowland is also decked out with “Incredibles” decorations and hosts a dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. This experience runs through Sept. 3. Later this summer, check out Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This special-ticket event is starting sooner than ever and runs select nights Aug. 17-Oct. 31 at Magic Kingdom. Guests should keep their eyes open for dancing ghosts, the Headless Horseman, plus Peter Pan and other characters in Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade. According to Disney, there will be plenty to munch on for trick-or-treaters, and each night during the party, the skies above Cinderella Castle will come alive for a fireworks display. Advance tickets start at $75 for adults and $70 plus tax for children ages 3-9. Nighttime Fun at Typhoon Lagoon: Rex and his “Toy Story” friends are throwing a nighttime pool party of their own at this Disney water park. H2O Glow Nights features a DJ dance party on the beach and Rex, a.k.a. Partysaurus Rex, serving as your host as the festivities take over the surf pool. The glow party also has special food, beverage offerings and an adults-only area with a private bar called The Wharf. The park and its attractions are open for an additional three hours as part of the experience. This special-ticket event is happening only on Thursdays and Saturdays, June 21 through Aug. 11. The party starts at 8 p.m., with tickets costing $55 per adult and $50 plus tax for kids ages 3-9. Disney Springs Serves Up New Eats: There are several new dining options at Disney Springs, including The Edison, an “industrial gothic” restaurant and bar; Terralina Crafted Italian, a new concept from James Beard award-winner and “Top Chef” master Tony Mantuano; Maria & Enzo’s, an open and airy Italian trattoria serving Sicilian-inspired dishes that are family friendly; and Wine Bar George, the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida. This fall, chefs José Andrés and Wolfgang Puck will also open new restaurants. Before you eat, check out “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire,” a hyper-reality experience from Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB and the VOID. Surrounded by cutting-edge 3D imagery and sound, guests move around freely while virtually interacting with popular “Star Wars” characters in a multi-sensory environment that Disney says combines groundbreaking technology and virtual reality. Play Disney Parks App Rolls Out: We touched on this digital addition earlier this week, an app offering all-new interactive experiences and activities from the convenience of guests’ phones. All they have to do is download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. Select attraction queues, including Slinky Dog Dash and other rides throughout Walt Disney World, have their own curated activities. Guests earn themed achievements for playing games, answering trivia questions and completing challenges. They also can listen to the Disney soundtrack by accessing playlists directly from Apple Music. The app is also available at the Disneyland Resort as well. Pixar Character Experience Debuts for Kids: Younger guests can hang out with some of their favorite characters from “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles” as part of this experience at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. As part of the fun, the Pixar Play Zone teaches younger guests how to battle the enemies of Star Command during Space Ranger Training. They also learn the ropes of the Wild West from Sheriff Woody and Jessie. This experience is exclusively for children ages 4-12 and takes place nightly from 5-10:30 p.m. It costs $65 per child plus tax and includes dinner and arcade games. New Tower Opening at Coronado Springs Resort: When it opens next summer, the 15-story tower at Coronado Springs will be one of the tallest hotels in Disney World. The project celebrated another milestone last month, as crews poured the final concrete at the work site. There will be 545 new guest rooms in the tower when construction is complete, including concierge-level suites and services. Guests will be greeted by a two-story grand lobby with plenty of space to relax and recharge. Upstairs they will find a rooftop restaurant and lounge, an ideal spot for watching fireworks and enjoying views of the resort. All of the property’s existing guest rooms are also getting upgrades, with new features and amenities catering to both business travelers and vacationers. You can also expect to find new bridges stretching across the resort’s lake, and a new island oasis bar and grille. Disney Skyliner To Offer “Tinker Bell” Views:  Guests will be able to travel via gondola between two Disney theme parks and four Epcot-area hotels when the Skyliner officially opens. While an opening date has not yet been announced, these gondolas will offer a bird’s-eye view of the property, and take riders to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios on roundtrips from the Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort and the proposed Riviera Resort. Disney also is out with several special resort offers for bookings in late summer and early fall. The “Play Big” offer saves clients up to 25 percent on rooms at select Disney resort hotels for stays most nights, Aug. 2 through Oct. 7, when booked by Sept. 7. The “Enchanted Escape Together” package offers a family of four a four-night stay in select hotels and four-day Magic Your Way base theme park tickets for as low as $2,067. This deal is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, Aug. 12 through Oct. 4, when booked by Sept 7. There’s also the “Ultimate Disney Fall into Magic Package.” This limited-time offer, available for bookings through Aug. 19, includes a five-night stay at a select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort hotel for arrival Sept. 3 and departure Sept. 8. The package also features four-day Magic Your Way tickets and an itinerary with special experiences in all four parks, including access to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and two hours of exclusive evening access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Packages start at $149 per person, per night for a family of four in a standard room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. http://www.insidertravelreport.com/?s=what-to-do-and-see-this-summer-and-fall-at-walt-disney-world&preview=1    

Is Your Sunscreen Compliant?

Coming soon . . . you will not be able to use just _ANY_  sunscreen in the Ocean!

<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-469" src="http://www.thatkatstravelkonnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/630x355-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hawaii’s governor, David Ige, signed a bill banning <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/hawaii-becomes-first-us-state-to-ban-sale-of-coral-damaging-sunscreen.html" target="_self">certain types of sunscreen</a> in the state, starting in 2021.

The new bill, passed by Hawai<a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/hawaii.html" target="_self">i</a> lawmakers in May, bans certain types of sunscreens that are believed to contribute to the destruction of coral reefs. The state is the first in the U.S. to ban the use of sunblock that contains oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Visitors have quite a while to prepare. The ban isn’t scheduled to take effect for another three years, starting on January 1, 2021. At that time, the Islands will cease the sale or distribution of over-the-counter sunscreens containing coral-damaging ingredients and the use of these substances will be prohibited.

Visitors will have limited choice when it comes to choosing sunscreen when visiting Hawaii, but there are options. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been found to not harm coral reefs and are proven effective as a sunscreen.

Many organizations have reservations about the ban, saying that it could lead to people not using sunscreen at all.

However, the Skin Cancer Foundation is using this as an opportunity to push for innovation and also noted that everyone needs sunscreen, but that sunscreen alone is not sufficient protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun.

Those traveling to Hawaii should bring other forms of sun protection, including protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, etc.

The foundation pointed out that while oxybenzone is one of the few effective forms of sunscreen in the U.S., other more effective ingredients are available in other countries and have been used safely around the world for years.

“The legislation in Hawaii emphasizes the need for new sunscreen ingredients and should send a message to the FDA. Innovation in sunscreen formulation will provide the public with more choices for sun protection, potentially leading to a decrease in the incidence of skin cancer,” the <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/press-release-2018/hawaii-oxybenzone" target="_self">foundation noted in a statement</a> on the sunscreen ban in Hawaii.

Advancing research for new effective formulas of sunscreen could save coral reefs and lead to better sun protection for travelers in the U.S

$2 BILLION Theme Park in OHIO!

<img class="size-medium wp-image-465" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" src="http://www.thatkatstravelkonnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/630x355-29-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />

&nbsp;

Theme park developers in Ohio announced plans Thursday to build a new $2 billion facility outside of Columbus.
According to <a href="https://fox8.com/2018/07/09/2-billion-entertainment-park-bigger-than-disneyland-coming-to-ohio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fox Cleveland</a>, Blue Horseshoe Ventures representatives announced the new theme park will be dubbed Planet Oasis and will be built on a 350-acre lot near Interstate 71 in Delaware County, Ohio.

The Planet Oasis <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/news/entertainment" target="_self">theme park</a> will feature indoor skydiving, an indoor water park, BMX racing, a rollercoaster, indoor climbing walls, virtual reality games, an E-Sports arena, a bowling alley, laser tag and a 20-acre saltwater lake with sandy beaches.
The facility will also boast restaurants, hotels and a conference center.
Blue Horseshoe Ventures CEO David Glimcher said construction is currently scheduled to begin in December, with the first phase of the project likely to open in 2019. The new theme park is expected to create around 15,000 jobs in the <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/ohio/columbus.html" target="_self">Columbus</a> area.

America's Top 10 Seaside Cities

So last post I showed you the top Beaches as decided by Travel Pulse so now I'm going to show you their choice for the 10 Most Charming Seaside Towns!

Ogunquit, Maine

Located on Maine's southern coast, Ogunquit is home to several miles of sandy beach and scenic coastal walks such as the Marginal Way. Visitors will quickly understand how the town got its name, which means "beautiful place by the sea."

   

Florence, Oregon

On the West Coast, Florence, Oregon stands out for its sea lion and whale watching opportunities as well as its charming Historic Old Town district.

Cape May, New Jersey

Dubbed the Nation's Oldest Seaside Resort, Cape May was founded in the early 17th century and makes for a picturesque summer getaway thanks to its iconic Victorian houses, which include the Emlen Physick Estate.

 

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

The delightful California beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea is reminiscent of a village with its quaint cottages. However, there's also lots to do for outdoor enthusiasts, including surfing, scuba diving and birding at Carmel River State Beach.

   

[caption id="attachment_452" align="alignleft" width="300"] Tall sailship at Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, New England, USA.[/caption]

Mystic, Connecticut

This famous New England village is perhaps best known for its iconic seaport, which is recognized as the largest maritime museum in the country.

       

Corolla, North Carolina

The quiet beach town of Corolla is located in the Outer Banks. Charming attractions include the 19th-century Currituck Beach Lighthouse and historic Whalehead hunting club near Historic Corolla Park.

   

Traverse City, Michigan

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, the namesake Midwest destination hosts the annual National Cherry Festival each summer. However, that's just one of many reasons to add it to your bucket list.

   

Depoe Bay, Oregon

Oregon's Depoe Bay is a tremendous whale watching destination and a photographer's paradise as it boasts multiple parks, natural areas and scenic viewpoints, including at nearby Boiler Bay.

     

Hampton, New Hampshire

Hampton is everything you could want in a summer vacation destination, offering visitors plenty of beaches, one of the country's best boardwalks, weekly fireworks and countless concerts and entertainment.

   

Chatham, Massachusetts

Located on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, Chatham features numerous scenic landmarks and historic buildings oozing with charm. It's no wonder it received the 2007 Distinctive Destinations Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

    So far the only one of these I can certify to myself is Carmel-by-the-Sea, having lived near there for a short period many years ago. Adorable and very unique!

What's the Best Beach?

10 Beaches to Celebrate National Bikini Day  

So, July 3rd was National Bikini Day! Having never really been a Bikini wearer, I missed this amazing Holiday, so please forgive me {snark}. However, I posted something on beaches recently on my FB page that kind of exploded! It turns out lots of folks have the beach on their mind this time of year. So I thought this post would be a good choice! Here it is - directly from Travel Pulse! Thursday is National Bikini Day, which coincides with the 72nd anniversary of the invention of the famous swimwear by Parisian fashion designer, Louis Reard. Those looking to celebrate and show off their bikini this summer will want to hit one of these peerless beaches.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach boasts a whopping 27 miles of sugar white sand beaches, making it the ultimate spot to celebrate National Bikini Day. Popular St. Andrew's State Park Beach has been named the best in America by Dr. Beach. Meanwhile, bikini-clad pet lovers can unwind with their four-legged friends on Doggie Beach across from Pier Park.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The powdery white sand, turquoise Caribbean Sea and relaxing palm trees along Punta Cana's beaches are the perfect complements to any two-piece bathing suit. Visitors will quickly realize why this is one of the world's top destinations for play

         

Cancun, Mexico

It's easy to overlook Cancun's world-class beaches given all of its elite hotels and resorts as well as just how much there is to do along the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Nonetheless, they provide the perfect background for any summer Instagram shot.

         

Miami, Florida

Bikini wearers looking to impress in South Florida should head to Miami Beach, where they can stroll Ocean Drive like a celebrity or flaunt their swimsuit slightly closer to the ocean on South Beach.

         

Los Cabos, Mexico

National Bikini Day revelers who aren't afraid to get wet in their two-piece swimsuit will love Los Cabos and its swimmable beaches. The picturesque destination and its rocky cliffs are also guaranteed to enhance your social media game.

         

Santa Monica Beach, California

If you'd rather be active than lazy in your bikini, consider Southern California's Santa Monica Beach. There's plenty to do here, including surfing, outdoor chess, beach volleyball and gymnastics, among other seaside activities.

         

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

There are almost too many beautiful beaches to choose from in Playa del Carmen so you can't go wrong. Rock your bikini on Mamitas Beach if you aren't afraid of potential crowds. Otherwise, you can head to Playacar Beach for a more tranquil experience.

       

Negril, Jamaica

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Negril, Jamaica stands out for its famous Seven Mile Beach. This tropical oasis is a popular locale for vacationers looking to showcase their favorite bikinis and improve their tan lines in the process.

         

Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas

There's a reason its called Paradise Island. The beaches of Nassau and Paradise Island, Bahamas are second-to-none, from the white sand and crystal clear waters to the serene views and gorgeous weather.

         

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Hawaii's Waikiki Beach is the ideal place to strut your stuff in a stunning two-piece or simply sit back and appreciate others'. The two-mile stretch of sand is guaranteed to produce an audience as its surrounded by a sea of high-rise hotels and resorts, including the five-star Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.

Prepare for Travel During Hurricane Season

It’s hard to forget the record-setting hurricane season we had in 2017. Though we hope such a severe hurricane season won’t happen again this year, it can serve as a reminder that the weather isn’t something we can control or predict. Your travel plans could be disrupted by a storm, and that’s why travel insurance is a good idea for any travel plans, especially during the summer months.

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30. The most active part of the season is typically August to October because of warmer temperatures and increased moisture.

How can travel insurance help?

Certain plans include coverage when your trip is affected by a hurricane. Bad weather alone is not a covered reason. But if you purchase a plan with Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)*, you could get coverage to cancel for undesirable weather, or any reason. Here are some other ways travel insurance could help:

• When a hurricane warning is issued by the NOAA National Hurricane Center you may be eligible for cancellation coverage.
• If you’re already on your trip you may be able to get reimbursed for expenses incurred while trying to get back home.
• When you’re delayed due to a hurricane, you can be reimbursed for necessary expenses like meals and a hotel room while you wait.
• Hopefully you’ll stay safe from the storm, but travel protection does include medical coverage in the event you need it.
• Each plan includes non-insurance assistance services, provided by OnCall International, which range from emergency assistance to translation services.

Refer to the Plan Documents for a complete description of coverage.

How can I prepare for a hurricane if I’m stuck at my destination?

Hotel staff in hurricane-prone areas are usually prepared to help you. However, you may not be staying in a hotel – and if you are it’s still a good idea to have a plan.

• If you have a car with you, fill up the gas tank.
• Stock up on some food and bottled water.
• Try to get more cash if you don’t already have some. It’s possible the power could go out leaving you unable to use your credit card.
• Once you’re getting settled at your accommodations, charge all of your electronic devices. As a Travel Insured plan holder, you can receive alerts for your destination alerts with our app so be sure to download it (available on the App Store and Google Play).

To learn more about travel protection or to purchase a plan, contact your travel agent or visit www.travelinsured.com. *Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is not available to residents of New York State. This blog post contains highlights of the plans. The plans contain insurance benefits underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best Company 2016. The plans also contain non-insurance Travel Assistance Services that are provided by an independent organization, and not by United States Fire Insurance Company or Travel Insured International. Coverages may vary and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions. Insurance benefits are subject to exclusions and limitations, including a pre-existing conditions exclusion. Louisiana residents looking to obtain additional information regarding the features and pricing of each travel plan component, please contact Travel Insured. http://blog.travelinsured.com/prepare-travel-during-hurricane-season/

TSA Rule on Powder in Carry-ons

If you are in the habit of carrying any type of powder in your carry-on baggage when you travel, you need to be aware of the TSA rules. This rule has been newly rolled-out to International flights with tighter enforcement on USA flights also. While the carry-on limit on powders of 350 milliliters or roughly 12 ounces (the size of a soda can) has been enforced on domestic flights dating back to last summer, the TSA is requesting foreign airports adopt the same guidelines for international flights en route to the U.S. beginning June 30. Moving forward, passengers will need to check powders exceeding the aforementioned limit or risk being put through secondary screening. Those traveling with cosmetics, spices, protein powder and similar items will want to double check the amount before heading to the airport. "These measures are part of TSA's efforts to stay ahead of threats, keep passengers safe and constantly increase capabilities through a layered approach to security," agency spokesman Mike England wrote in an email.