12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):

=== December 28 to January 4 === 

=== Saturday, January 3=== 

=== Wednesday, December 31=== 

Power Failure Paralyzes Channel Tunnel Rail Traffic, Causing Travel Mayhem
Train services through the Channel Tunnel linking Britain and continental Europe were suspended for much of Tuesday after a power supply failure, bringing chaos to peak winter holiday travel. The disruption, caused by a fault in the overhead power supply, upended plans for thousands of passengers in London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. CNN

Millions Of Americans Closing Out 2025 With Brutal Winter Weather
Millions of Americans are closing out 2025 with brutal winter weather, as an estimated 67 million people remain under wind alerts across the Northeast and New England, including metropolitan areas stretching from Washington, D.C., to Boston, according to an NBC News analysis. Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 mph in Boston, 45 mph in New York, and 40 mph in the nation’s capital. NBC News

Florida Freeze Map Update As Nearly Entire State Under Warning
Most of Florida is under a freeze warning or cold weather advisory as a cold front pushes south. Portions of the state and the broader Southeast are experiencing a rare cold snap, with temperatures falling far below seasonal averages, posing risks to vegetation, infrastructure, and vulnerable populations unaccustomed to freezing conditions. Newsweek

Celebrity Cruises Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak Sickens More Than 100
More than 100 people fell ill during a gastrointestinal outbreak aboard Celebrity Eclipse. Of the 3,042 guests on board, 95 reported symptoms including vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, along with nine crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The voyage ended on December 28. USA Today

Tourist Trains To Machu Picchu Crash, Killing One And Injuring Dozens
A collision involving two tourist trains en route to Peru’s Machu Picchu site resulted in at least one death and about 30 injuries. Authorities identified the victim as a railway worker, and rail services between Machu Picchu and Cuzco were suspended following the crash. The Independent

Desperate Mum Jumps Off Dock To Rescue Girl, 4, Who Fell Into Water By Carnival Sunrise
Dramatic images captured a mother leaping from a dock to rescue her four-year-old daughter who slipped into the water and became trapped between the Carnival Sunrise cruise ship and the dock at Carnival’s Celebration Key in the Bahamas. Crew members quickly assisted in the rescue on December 21. Mirror

Six Injured And More Than 100 Stranded As Cable Car Slams Into Mountain Station Barrier In Italy
Six people, including a child, were injured after a cable car struck a station barrier while approaching a mountain summit in Italy’s Piedmont region. The incident left more than 100 passengers stranded at the Macugnaga cable car site. Daily Mail

A Tiny U.S. Territory In The Pacific Doubles Down On A Giant Chinese Casino
In Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, a massive casino project built by a Chinese mother-and-son duo was once billed as a $2 billion investment that would transform the local economy. The gilded Imperial Palace remains a symbol of both ambition and controversy in the tiny U.S. territory. Washington Post

Uber Flags Sexual Misconduct But Many Drivers Stay On The Road
Uber received multiple troubling reports in February 2023 about a Pennsylvania driver accused of racist language and inappropriate behavior toward passengers. Despite escalating complaints, the driver continued operating on the platform, raising concerns about rider safety and company oversight. The New York Times

Canadian Couple Found Dead While Vacationing In Dominican Republic
A Canadian couple, Christine Sauvé and Alain Noël, were found dead in their hotel room in the Dominican Republic after dying in their sleep on December 25, according to family members and local authorities. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation. BBC

Solo Trips, National Parks, And More: 2026 Travel Predictions
Travel trends heading into 2026 point toward solo trips, national park visits, and immersive cultural experiences, according to industry experts and Airbnb’s latest forecast. Travelers are increasingly seeking ways to unplug, slow down, and explore destinations off the beaten path. CNBC

Adobe Photoshop Is Now Built Into ChatGPT For Free
Adobe has integrated Photoshop, Acrobat, and Express directly into ChatGPT, allowing users to edit images and documents using simple natural-language prompts. The tools are free to use and include sliders and controls for fine-tuning results without requiring graphic design experience. TechRadar

=== Tuesday, December 30=== 

Americans Face New Year’s Eve Travel Chaos And Whiteout Conditions
Americans have been warned to avoid unnecessary travel in some areas of the United States as a wild winter storm is expected to bring more strong winds, heavy snow and frigid temperatures. The nasty weather comes just a day after a bomb cyclone barreled across the northern U.S. and left tens of thousands of customers without power. The storm that hit parts of the Plains and Great Lakes Monday brought sharply colder air, strong winds and a mix of snow, ice and rain that led to treacherous travel. Forecasters said it intensified quickly enough to meet the criteria of a bomb cyclone, a system that strengthens rapidly as pressure drops. The Independent

Rain Could Be An Unwelcome Entry At The Rose Parade On New Year’s Day. Bundle Up For NYC Ball Drop
For the first time in 20 years, rain could be an intruder at the Rose Parade in Southern California, a venerable New Year’s Day event that attracts thousands of spectators and is watched by millions more on TV. Storms caused Christmas week flooding, mudslides and other miseries across the region. Now comes a 90% chance of rain Thursday in Pasadena, according to the National Weather Service. AP

Eurostar Suspends All Europe Trains Due To Power Problem
Eurostar suspended train services in Europe on Tuesday after a power supply problem in the Channel tunnel, sparking travel chaos for passengers during the very busy New Year period. Passengers were left scrambling to find alternatives after the operator postponed all services between London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. AFP

Frontier To Launch ‘First-Class’ Seats — With A Few Differences
New “first class” seats will launch on Frontier Airlines flights in early 2026, over a year after they were announced, and with a few crucial differences to a regular first-class offering. The ultra-budget carrier unveiled plans to roll out premium seating in December 2024, but supply chain issues delayed installation. The seats will be configured in a 2×2 layout and will occupy the first two rows on Frontier’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The Independent

Man Dies During Watermelon Eating Contest At Resort
A father-of-four died choking on watermelon during an eating competition in front of his heartbroken wife. Carlos Cerasomma, 37, was playing a game called ‘Boca de Melancia’, which translates to ‘Watermelon Mouth’, where competitors try to eat the exotic fruit as quickly as possible. Metro

After 5 Feet Of Christmas Snow, Tahoe Ski Season Is Officially Here
After a slushy, delayed start, ski season in and around Lake Tahoe is finally underway. The heavy Christmas snowstorm that dropped up to 5 feet of snow in 72 hours, and led to gridlock on Interstate 80 last week, has turned to crisp snow and sunshine, as resorts opened up their lifts to eager skiers and snowboarders. SF Gate

India’s Aviation Meltdown Exposes Long-Brewing Pilot Fatigue Crisis
Every couple of weeks, the Indian pilot is required to make three short-haul night flights over two consecutive nights. As she tries to rest up before her next daytime flight, the 40-year-old says she often lies awake worrying about her health. “I don’t think I will live long if I continue flying,” said the Delhi-based pilot for IndiGo, India’s largest airline. “My body, my brain — everything has just shut down. This is zombie work.” MSN

U.S. Visits To Canada Rising
Trips by Americans to Canada rose for the first time in eight months in October, Statistics Canada reports. The number of trips to Canada by U.S. residents in October totalled 1,814,406, up 3% compared with 1,760,987 the same month last year. Meanwhile, the number of Canadian-resident return trips from the United States in October totalled 2,336,872, though that number was down 26.3% from 3,170,986 a year ago. Travel Industry Today

Starbucks Doesn’t Want To Be On Every Street In New York And Los Angeles Anymore
Starbucks spent years trying to become an inescapable storefront on the streets of New York, Los Angeles and other big cities in America. Now that’s coming to an end. Its expansion once seemed limitless and even became the butt of jokes, including an Onion headline and stand-up routines pointing to Starbucks locations facing one another across the street. CNN Business

Travelers Warned As Dangerous Airplane Sleeping Position Gains Popularity
A viral TikTok trend claiming to offer better sleep on airplanes is raising alarms over passenger safety. Videos show passengers pulling their feet onto their seats and securing their legs with a seat belt while trying to sleep during flights — a position that has sparked debate about comfort, etiquette and potential health risks. Fox News

JetBlue Plans First Class Seats In 2026. How Mint Fits In.
JetBlue, which currently offers its highest-end Mint service with lie-flat seats on select long-haul routes, plans to introduce a domestic first class–style product on aircraft that do not have Mint beginning in 2026. While the airline is yet to release details, CEO Joanna Geraghty told The Wall Street Journal the seats would be in the style of traditional first-class seats. USA Today

Teen Girl Adopted By Principal After Having Nowhere To Go For Christmas
When Michigan high school principal Jeremy Wright learned one of his students was getting kicked out of her foster home in December 2022, he decided to take her in for two weeks — just until social workers could find another placement. That temporary solution turned into a permanent family, as Wright eventually adopted the teen, Bridgett, who had been struggling with instability and behavioral issues. People

=== December 21 to 28 === 

British Airways Cleaners at Heathrow to Strike Over Low Pay This Christmas
Workers employed by OCS to clean British Airways offices and buildings across four Heathrow terminals are set to strike this Christmas over low pay, with walkouts planned from December 18 to December 29. More than 80 Unite members involved in the dispute are currently paid the minimum wage of £12.21 per hour. Daily Mail

Waymo Pauses Robotaxis In SF Due To Flash Flood Warnings
Waymo temporarily paused its driverless taxi service in San Francisco over Christmas Day due to flash flood warnings. This follows an update to the fleet aimed at improving operations during power outages. CNBC

Southwest’s Profits Down 42% But Stock Leads US Airlines
Southwest Airlines’ profits dropped this year, but its stock outperformed other US airlines. The airline anticipates gains from initiatives like baggage fees and assigned seating next year. CNBC

Florida Woman Arrested After Allegedly Dunking 6-Year-Old
A woman at Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly dunking a 6-year-old boy at the pool. Tampa Free Press

Uber Cleared Violent Felons to Drive. Passengers Accused Them of Rape.
Uber says its background checks are essential for keeping passengers safe, promising that all of its drivers have passed a screening for violent crimes. That claim ignores a critical detail: the system approves people with many types of criminal convictions, including violent felonies. A New York Times investigation found Uber limited the criteria used to vet potential drivers as part of a push to speed them onto the ride-hailing network while keeping costs down. The New York Times

Could ‘Home Alone’ Travel Chaos Happen Today?
Panic erupts in the McCallister household as soon as the day begins in Home Alone 2. The parents’ alarm clock never rings, bags and coats spill across the floor and the family barrels out the door to catch a flight to Florida. The pandemonium intensifies at the airport, raising the question of whether such chaos could realistically happen today. Travel Industry Today

Warning as EU Entry-Exit System Causing ‘Three-Hour Waits’ at Airports
Europe’s airports are warning of increased border wait times due to the rollout of the EU’s entry-exit system. Airports Council International is calling for an urgent review as the system requires fingerprints and facial biometrics in addition to passport checks, leading to reported three-hour delays at some airports. The Independent

They Get Wheeled on Flights and Miraculously Walk Off. Praise ‘Jetway Jesus.’
After a delayed flight from Guadalajara, passenger Carlos Gomez learned that 25 wheelchair users were slowing boarding. Yet upon arrival, many of those same passengers stood up and walked off unassisted. Social media has jokingly credited “Jetway Jesus” with these sudden recoveries, dubbing the phenomenon “miracle flights.” Wall Street Journal

Goodbye (and Good Riddance?) to NYC’s MetroCard
New York City is officially phasing out the MetroCard, nearly 32 years after it replaced subway tokens in 1994. Early reactions were enthusiastic, with commuters praising its convenience, but the iconic card’s era is now coming to an end. The New York Times

Japanese Ski Resort to Fine Disruptive Tourists Amid Visitor Surge
Hakuba village in Japan’s Nagano prefecture plans to introduce fines starting July 1, 2026, targeting disruptive tourist behavior such as graffiti and loud nighttime noise. Officials say the measures are needed as visitor numbers surge and tensions grow with local residents. The Independent

‘He Was Poisoned.’ Toxic Fumes on Planes Blamed for Deaths of Pilots and Crew
American Airlines pilot Ron Weiland was in good health when he suddenly began losing coordination, a condition later linked by advocates to toxic cabin air exposure. Investigations continue into whether fumes on aircraft may be contributing to serious illnesses and deaths among pilots and crew. Wall Street Journal

Traveling for the Holidays? Beware of These Common Scams, Lawmakers Warn
Lawmakers are warning travelers about holiday scams, including fake airline texts claiming flights are canceled and directing passengers to bogus links or phone numbers. Officials urge travelers to verify any schedule changes directly with their airline. CBS News

Demand Surges for Airbnbs During the World Cup in LA, With Prices Jumping 56%
Airbnb demand in Los Angeles is surging ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with prices jumping more than 50% in some areas. Hosts report a flood of booking requests tied to matches at SoFi Stadium, highlighting how major sporting events can reshape local travel markets. Los Angeles Times

=== Friday, December 26=== 

Dangerous Snowstorm Coming To NYC Area
A major winter storm is making post-Christmas travel extremely dangerous in parts of the Northeast, bringing the most snow to New York City in years. Nearly 800 flights have been canceled so far on Friday, with New York City’s three airports and Detroit Metro Airport hit the hardest. ABC News

Hawaii Cruise Passengers Face New Climate Change Tax
A federal judge’s ruling allows Hawaii to include cruise ship passengers in a new tourist tax to help pay for climate change impacts, effective 2026. U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake denied requests to stop enforcement of the law on cruises. MSN

Waymo Pauses Robotaxis In SF Due To Flash Flood Warnings
Waymo temporarily paused its driverless taxi service in San Francisco over Christmas Day due to flash flood warnings. This follows an update to the fleet aimed at improving operations during power outages. CNBC

Christmas And New Year’s Cruises Are In High Demand
Holiday cruises tend to be more crowded since schools and many workplaces give time off, making it easier for families to travel together. Travel agent Susan Guthrie offers tips on how to find deals. USA Today

United Passenger Takes Six Flights In One Day For Platinum Status
A California man took six flights in a single day for around $500 to achieve United Airlines’ Platinum status. He described it as a fun “aviation geek” challenge. NY Post

Driverless Toyotas Take Control At Japan’s Busiest Airport
Toyota’s new autonomous ground vehicles, equipped with Level 4 self-driving tech, are now in service at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Carscoops

How Long Is The Flu Contagious?
People with the flu are most contagious in the first 3–4 days. Those with weakened immune systems or young children may be contagious longer. Stay home until fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms improve, or at least five days if no fever develops. NBC News

Spirit Airlines’ November Data Shows Struggles
Spirit Airlines faces challenges in November amid the aftermath of the government shutdown and ongoing bankruptcy issues. Cranky Flier

Southwest’s Profits Down 42% But Stock Leads US Airlines
Southwest Airlines’ profits dropped this year, but its stock outperformed other US airlines. The airline anticipates gains from initiatives like baggage fees and assigned seating next year. CNBC

Florida Woman Arrested After Allegedly Dunking 6-Year-Old
A woman at Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly dunking a 6-year-old boy at the pool. Tampa Free Press

A “Playable” Atari-Themed Hotel Is Coming To Phoenix
Construction begins next year on a hotel with over 90,000 sq. ft. of experience-driven spaces, including an esports venue and a 2,000-person concert center. People

Caesars Palace Loses Its Vegas Crown
Once the king of Las Vegas, Caesars Palace is now considered overpriced and has lost much of its former glory. SF Gate

=== Wednesday, December 24=== 

Rick Steves Steps In to Keep Hygiene Center Open
A Lynnwood facility that provides free daily showers and restrooms for people experiencing homelessness has been saved from closing, thanks to travel writer and TV host Rick Steves and an outpouring of community support. The Jean Kim Foundation’s Hygiene Center, the only facility of its kind in south Snohomish County, was on the brink of shutting down after the property owner announced plans to sell the building for $2.5 million. The center has operated since 2020, offering more than 52,000 showers, hot meals and clean clothing to nearly 700 unhoused residents who rely on it regularly. King 5

Man Brings Gun Into ATL Airport Then Shoots Himself in Torso, APD Says
A 59-year-old man is accused of bringing a firearm into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport before shooting himself at the baggage claim, police say. About 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 21, a man later identified as Douglas E. Smith entered the Atlanta airport with a handgun, according to the Atlanta Police Department. Smith went up the escalators to the upper level of the baggage claim area before firing the weapon at himself. USA Today

Uber Cleared Violent Felons to Drive. Passengers Accused Them of Rape.
Uber says its background checks are essential for keeping passengers safe, promising that all of its drivers have passed a screening for violent crimes. That claim ignores a critical detail: the system approves people with many types of criminal convictions, including violent felonies. A New York Times investigation found Uber limited the criteria used to vet potential drivers as part of a push to speed them onto the ride-hailing network while keeping costs down. The New York Times

Teacher on Vacation Falls to Her Death in River Cruise Ship Crash
A teacher on vacation in Egypt is dead after the cruise ship she was on collided with another tourism vessel on the Nile River. Around 7 p.m. local time on Dec. 21, approximately 70 Italian tourists were on the Royal Beau Rivage ship when it collided with another cruise ship less than 20 miles from Luxor, according to Italian news outlets. People

Flight Attendant Found Stabbed to Death in Luxury Dubai Hotel Room
A 41-year-old man has been arrested after a flight attendant was found stabbed to death in a luxury hotel room in Dubai, according to reports. The suspect was arrested in St. Petersburg some 2,700 miles away, days after authorities believe the 25-year-old Russian citizen was killed between Dec. 17 and 18. The Independent

Could ‘Home Alone’ Travel Chaos Happen Today?
Panic erupts in the McCallister household as soon as the day begins in Home Alone 2. The parents’ alarm clock never rings, bags and coats spill across the floor and the family barrels out the door to catch a flight to Florida. The pandemonium intensifies at the airport, raising the question of whether such chaos could realistically happen today. Travel Industry Today

Warning as EU Entry-Exit System Causing ‘Three-Hour Waits’ at Airports
Europe’s airports are warning of increased border wait times due to the rollout of the EU’s entry-exit system. Airports Council International is calling for an urgent review as the system requires fingerprints and facial biometrics in addition to passport checks, leading to reported three-hour delays at some airports. The Independent

Air Tahiti All-Business Class ATR HighLine Turboprop Flights Take Off Late 2026
Air Tahiti plans to introduce an all-business-class ATR 72-600 featuring ATR HighLine interiors in late 2026. The aircraft will mark a major upgrade from the airline’s current all-economy configuration, offering a premium experience on short-haul island flights. One Mile at a Time

Suburban Vegas Resorts Are Enticing Guests to Get Out of Town
Las Vegas’ suburban resorts are drawing travelers with lower prices, no parking fees and smaller casino minimums. These properties offer more personalized service and better value than the Strip, appealing to locals and budget-conscious visitors alike. Travel Weekly

Where to Watch the Ball Drop in 2026—NYC New Year’s Eve
Watching the ball drop in Times Square remains one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve experiences in the world. From celebrity hosts to the glittering Waterford Crystal ball, the event draws more than a million revelers annually to welcome the new year. Condé Nast Traveler

How Hallmark Became a Christmas Colossus
What began as a small stationery business grew into one of the most-watched TV networks in the U.S. Hallmark’s rise is fueled by its feel-good holiday movies, a devoted audience and a formula that turns seasonal nostalgia into a media empire. Morning Brew

Why American Holiday Flicks Are Made in Canada
Canada’s tax incentives, production talent and versatile filming locations make it the go-to destination for American holiday movies. These advantages help keep costs low while maintaining the cozy, wintry aesthetic audiences expect. Morning Brew

=== Monday, December 22===