Let's try this -- this is a thread for news links, alerts and information that might be of interest /trv/lers. Stuff that doesn't really call for its own thread, but that is worth sharing for those interested.
Young Pioneers No Longer Accepting American Citizens for NK Tours.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/06/19/tour-group-weighs-change-after-warmbier-death/103023202/
You can still go to Cuba --sort of...
What restrictions are in place for US Citizens going to Cuba, and what is allowed., under the newly revised policy.
http://lifehacker.com/you-can-still-visit-cuba-heres-how-1796223945
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/03/23/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-airline-electronics-ban/?utm_term=.84e14a4ab317
I got caught not knowing it extended to cameras, which was a huge pain in the ass since I wasn't ready for it.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/grantmartin/2017/06/20/united-takes-away-online-check-in-from-basic-economy-travelers/#3a3f08cd1ba1
Status Matching -- How to make all the airlines love you and treat you right.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bishopjordan/2017/06/14/elite-status-match/#747db8da4bab
>>1264193
Looks like it only affects the US and certain middle-eastern countries, but like most airport security trends, I could see other countries following suit.
Fucking shit. I'm a backpack-only traveler, and I need my camera.
First liquids, now this. Goddammit.
>>1264374
There is also a not-identical version impacting flights into Britain. Or was a month ago when I traveled from the Gulf to England.
IF the ISIS guys really are developing a laptop-battery bomb, it will and should spread. But if that turns out to have been a false alarm, it will, hopefully, fade away.
Costco travel booking, anyone?
http://www.businessinsider.com/costco-travel-is-my-new-go-to-for-booking-vacations-2017-6
http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/breaking-news/advocacy-tourism-fights-trafficking/news-story/05bb7b1eb3c112416db7d2620be0c91e
Why things like the electronics ban, when only applied to select contries, makes zero sense -- you can route around it.
Also, when planning your travels, remember you can route around some of this stuff if you want to.
http://business.financialpost.com/transportation/u-s-ban-on-laptops-from-europe-could-be-a-boon-for-canadian-airlines/wcm/680e8b09-cd47-4db2-96ce-048e5aa3466c
http://www.seattletimes.com/life/travel/good-food-in-economy-six-airlines-are-making-it-happen/
>>1264374
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-airlines-electronics-idUSKBN19J21S
Travel photo contest. Maybe some of you guys have some good pics?
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jun/29/readers-travel-photo-competition-july-win-a-trip-to-costa-rica