Upon arriving at JFK Airport, many tourists, like Tabitha Abed and her husband, fall victim to “hustlers” who illegally solicit rides and overcharge for fares. These unlicensed drivers exploit the airport’s chaotic environment and prey on disoriented travelers, as evidenced by Abed and her husband’s $800 bill for a ride to Times Square that should have cost around $70. The Port Authority Police Department struggles to control this illegal activity, which is detrimental to licensed taxi drivers, especially as the number of hustlers continues to rise. Despite the agency’s efforts to increase enforcement, including Operation Legal Ride, the hustlers remain a prevalent presence, making it difficult to protect travelers.
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Fewer foreigners visited US in 2025 as global tourism spending rose, and it’s a trend that’s pretty clear to see. There’s a lot of chatter about this, and the reasons seem pretty straightforward when you look at what people are saying. It appears that folks are choosing to spend their travel dollars elsewhere, even as the overall global tourism pie gets bigger.
The anxieties, and let’s be honest, the outright fears, surrounding travel to the US are quite palpable. Many people I’ve talked to expressed serious concerns about the political climate. The perception of a country that’s unwelcoming, potentially hostile, and even dangerous, is a significant deterrent.… Continue reading
The Canadian government has issued a warning to citizens with an “X” gender identifier on their passports, cautioning them about potential entry restrictions when travelling to the U.S. and other countries that do not recognize this identifier. This advisory follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting the recognition of gender to male or female on official documents. The notice advises that travelers may be asked to provide their sex/gender as male or female. This update is part of broader travel advisories aimed at informing Canadian travelers about potential challenges in the U.S., including those related to anti-2SLGBTQ+ laws.
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Amidst recent air travel safety concerns and following previous FAA job cuts under the Trump administration, Elon Musk appealed to retired air traffic controllers to return to work, citing a shortage of qualified personnel. This call comes despite assurances from the Department of Transportation that critical safety positions, including air traffic control, were not affected by the layoffs. Musk’s statement on X/Twitter highlights a perceived need for experienced controllers, contrasting with official claims. The timing of the appeal coincides with public anxieties over a recent increase in near misses and accidents, though these have been deemed largely anomalous by experts.
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American Airlines flight diverted to Rome over a reported security issue highlights the anxieties surrounding air travel in today’s climate. The incident, initially causing significant alarm, revolved around an email bomb threat. Authorities quickly deemed this threat unfounded, leading to a sigh of relief for many, including the family members of flight attendants who routinely fly this route.
The incident underscores the impact of such events, even when ultimately deemed non-credible, on the collective psyche. The heightened media attention given to aviation incidents, regardless of whether they represent an actual increase in risk, fuels public anxiety. While official data from sources like the NTSB’s monthly aviation dashboard might show that air travel remains statistically safer than other forms of transportation, the emotional impact of even a false alarm is undeniable.… Continue reading
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Three Spanish tourists killed by gunmen in central Afghanistan. It’s a headline that strikes a chord and leaves many questioning the rationale behind such a tragic event. The mountainous region of Bamiyan, home to the remains of the giant Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, was the backdrop for this senseless act of violence. How does tourism fit into the Afghan landscape, a country marred by decades of conflict and instability? The Taliban, now back in power since 2021, have made efforts to restore security and attract tourists to the region. The irony of selling tickets to access the site of the very statues they destroyed is not lost on anyone.… Continue reading
Islamic State claiming responsibility for a gun attack that killed three Spanish tourists in Afghanistan is a chilling reminder of the dangers that exist in certain parts of the world. The question on many people’s minds is, why would anyone choose to travel to Afghanistan as a tourist? The country has a complicated history, rife with conflict, and is not typically associated with leisurely vacations or sightseeing. Yet, despite the risks, some individuals are drawn to the allure of danger tourism or the desire for an adrenaline rush.
While Afghanistan may have stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, the reality of the security situation cannot be ignored.… Continue reading
As I sat down to write this article, my heart weighed heavy with the news of bodies found in Mexico where Australian and US tourists were reported missing. The mention of Callum Robinson struck a chord with me, as a fellow lacrosse enthusiast who admired his skills on the field. The thought of such a vibrant young man meeting a tragic end in a foreign land is truly heartbreaking.
Baja California, despite its natural beauty, has a reputation for being one of Mexico’s most violent states. The warning from the U.S. State Department about reconsidering travel to the area due to crime and kidnapping is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in seemingly idyllic vacation spots.… Continue reading
Thousands of planes have run into issues with jammed GPS signals while flying over Eastern Europe, and some people are blaming Russia. It’s frustrating to think that such a crucial technology for navigation is being tampered with deliberately. The fact that this has been ongoing for months and is suspected to originate from Russian territory in Kaliningrad raises eyebrows.
As an airline pilot, the safety of passengers is always a top priority. The risk of jamming is one thing, but the idea of spoofing, which can send an aircraft off course if undetected, is particularly alarming. It’s crucial to have systems in place to counteract these disruptions and ensure safe navigation, especially in busy airspace over Eastern Europe.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood