In travel news for August 2, 2023 we talk about ever increasing passport delays for new applications and renewals, Princess Cruises continues to impress with their 2025 Alaska cruise itineraries, and Venice is in danger of being added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site danger list.
Passport Panic: Plan Ahead for International Travel in 2023
American travelers are experiencing lengthy passport wait times, averaging thirteen weeks due to a surge in applications and renewals, with the U.S. State Department processing about 430,000 applications weekly. Expedited services also seem to be affected as applicants are left waiting seven to nine weeks, with an additional two weeks for delivery despite paying an extra $60. The challenge originates from staffing shortages at the Passport Office during the pandemic, unable to handle the volume as travel confidence resumed. The situation is further aggravated by a boom in last-minute and international travel. It's advisable to apply early for travel in 2024 and always ensure your passport is valid at least six months beyond your return date.
Princess Cruises Unveils 2025 Alaska Excursions
Princess Cruises, renowned for its Alaska cruising, has introduced three exciting roundtrip itineraries and a new National Parks Cruisetour for the 2025 season. The notable new addition is a 22-day voyage starting from San Francisco, taking travelers into Alaska during the Summer Solstice. The other two offerings include a 17-day journey from Seattle, providing extended glacier viewing, and a 16-day Inside Passage itinerary from Los Angeles. A unique 15-night National Parks Cruisetour is also on offer, giving visitors the chance to witness the beauty of Alaska's wilderness, including five renowned national parks. These experiences are blended into a package involving a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, rail travel, and accommodation at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
UNESCO Sounds Alarm for Venice's Heritage
UNESCO has proposed adding Venice and its lagoon to its list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The organization believes that Italy isn't adequately addressing the threats posed by climate change and mass tourism to the iconic city. The absence of a strategic vision for the long-term preservation of Venice exacerbates the issue. Venice, famous for its unique canals and cultural sites, has long grappled with Overtourism. Measures such as introducing fees for day visitors have been delayed due to opposition. UNESCO criticized the Italian government for inadequate and insufficiently detailed corrective measures and lack of effective communication. Venice's municipality has promised to review UNESCO's recommendations. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre regularly assesses the status of its 1,157 sites, deciding which to include on the danger list at its committee meetings.