By Larry Olmsted

There have been a lot of news stories about the coming crush of holiday travel, with consumers booking Christmas vacation earlier than ever (CNBC), availability already growing tight and driving up prices (Wall Street Journal), while many tour operators have reported new record setting reservations for 2022, especially for active trips and to exotic and European destinations. Even countries that have had the strictest border policies throughout the pandemic, such as Chile and Australia, are opening up.

Travel is coming back fast, but aviation has not kept pace. As air travel has been ramping back up, there have been many problems with cancellations and delays, as well as understaffing of both airlines and airport services, often resulting in huge lines at airport eateries and security … continue reading

Award-winning travel journalist Larry Olmsted is the author of “Real Food, Fake Food.” He is a Contributing Editor to US Airways Magazine and Cigar Aficionado Magazine and “The Great Life” columnist for Forbes.com. His newest book is“Fans: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happer, Healthier, and More Understanding.”