Category Archives: Uncategorized

THE SMALLEST POST OFFICE IN AMERICA IN OCHOPEE, FLORIDA 

On a recent trip to Florida, I had the pleasure of discovering the smallest Post Office in the United States.

The Ochopee Post Office is just 56 square feet and fits only one postal worker. This post office has been in continuous use since 1953, after it was quickly put into service when the existing post office and general store burned down in a fire.

The building used to be an irrigation pipe shed on the adjacent tomato farm, which no longer exists, but the post office hasn’t changed in nearly seventy years. There’s a phone but no internet, so money orders are created manually on a vintage-looking machine. It’s the old-fashioned away of doing it that nobody really does anymore.

Even during the pandemic, this tiny post office was open, serving local residents and businesses in three counties and is now a famous landmark.

If you are ever passing through this rural part of south Florida, it’s worth a stop to get a photo of this unique historical tiny Post Office in Ochopee

Artėjančių Velykų proga – žydintis kelias po Lietuvą! 

Ieškantiems žalesnių, tvaresnių keliavimo po Lietuvos gamtą krypčių – pasiūlymas išbandyti gėlių turizmą ir sustabdyti akimirką, kai žydi visa šalis.
Nacionalinė turizmo skatinimo agentūra „Keliauk Lietuvoje“ kartu su turizmo informacijos centrais pristato maršrutą po žydinčius regionus su žiedų piko kalendoriumi. Lietuvoje galima panirti ne tik į išpopuliarėjusių sakurų ar levandų, bet ir saulėgrąžų, rožinių žibuoklių, laukinių morkų ar lietuviškų orchidėjų jūrą. Taip pat – pasigrožėti žydinčiu tulpmedžiu, prezidentinėmis obelimis ar sudalyvauti žygyje stebėti pražydusio piliakalnio. Beje, žiedai gali atvesti ir į turistų neatrastas vietas – žiniuonės vyšnių sodą, ekstremalų pojūčių taką, gimtąjį Nobelio premijos laureato slėnį ar prie Stelmužės 3D kamieno kopijos.Ieškantiems žalesnių, tvaresnių keliavimo po Lietuvos gamtą krypčių – pasiūlymas išbandyti gėlių turizmą ir sustabdyti akimirką, kai žydi visa šalis. Nacionalinė turizmo skatinimo agentūra „Keliauk Lietuvoje“ kartu su turizmo informacijos centrais pristato maršrutą po žydinčius regionus su žiedų piko kalendoriumi. Lietuvoje galima panirti ne tik į išpopuliarėjusių sakurų ar levandų, bet ir saulėgrąžų, rožinių žibuoklių, laukinių morkų ar lietuviškų orchidėjų jūrą. Taip pat – pasigrožėti žydinčiu tulpmedžiu, prezidentinėmis obelimis ar sudalyvauti žygyje stebėti pražydusio piliakalnio. Beje, žiedai gali atvesti ir į turistų neatrastas vietas – žiniuonės vyšnių sodą, ekstremalų pojūčių taką, gimtąjį Nobelio premijos laureato slėnį ar prie Stelmužės 3D kamieno sėkmingesnės turizmo ir svetingumo verslo transformacijos.

Debut month was a big success for the new Viking Glory 

The response to Viking Line’s new flagship, Viking Glory, has been overwhelming and the number of bookings, which currently exceeds 350,000, has exceeded all expectations. In its first month in service, Viking Line has already reinforced its market share to over 70% on the Turku-Åland-Stockholm route as more than 70,000 passengers sailed on the new vessel in March. In addition nearly 280,000 passengers have booked a trip and are waiting for their turn.
 

On March 1, Viking Line’s new flagship, Viking Glory, was launched in service on the Stockholm–Mariehamn–Turku route. It is one of the world’s most climate-smart vessels and offers passengers top-class comfort and a wide range of experiences. More than 70,000 passengers have already managed to enjoy wonderful vistas through the large windows that provide views of the world’s most beautiful archipelago.

During the launch, there was uncertainty about placing a new vessel in service given the impact of the Covid pandemic on travel. But people’s interest and sales have both exceeded expectations, and since tickets went on sale almost 350,000 passengers have booked a trip on Viking Glory.

“With Viking Glory, we now have not just a new cruise concept but indeed a full-out cruise experience with an international atmosphere on the Baltic Sea. Many guests we’ve spoken to have compared their experience on board to a modern city hotel with lounge bars, piano players, jazz trios and modern DJs. They say we’ve created something new on the Baltic Sea, and that’s high praise,” says Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, Communications Director on Viking Line.

Now that travel restrictions have been lifted, there is also increased interest in cruises, cabin holidays and hotel packages among people travelling to both Finland and Åland.


“After a long and challenging period, we can see that interest in cruises and holiday travel in nearby areas is growing and to some extent approaching normal, which is a little extra special this year given that Åland is also celebrating 100 years of autonomous rule in 2022. The whole of Åland is celebrating, with all kinds of exciting events during the spring and summer, including musicals, exhibitions and concerts, so there are at least 100 reasons to visit Åland this very year,” adds Johanna Boijer-Svahnström.

Book your tickets for Viking Glory here

Read more about Viking Glory

Read more about Åland 100 years

BREEZE TO LAUNCH 6 NEW NONSTOPS THIS SUMMER 

As part of its expansion at Bradley International Airport, Breeze Airways will begin nonstop service to six destinations this June.

The new destinations include Nashville, TN; Akron/Canton, OH; Savannah, GA; Richmond, VA; Jacksonville, FL; and Sarasota/Bradenton, FL.

“As both a Board Member and Connecticut resident, I’m doubly happy to be at Bradley International to announce six new nonstops from Hartford, bringing Breeze’s total destinations served from here to ten,” said Trey Urbahn, Breeze Airways Board Member. “The expansion is a result of the warm welcome we’ve received in Connecticut.  Keep flying us and we’ll keep adding more and more flights.”

“We welcome Breeze’s significant expansion at Bradley International Airport and the benefits it will bring to our community,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “The six new destinations are a major addition to our route network, supporting continued and strategic growth at Bradley International Airport. We are very pleased to partner with Breeze as they continue to increase their national presence and to offer our passengers added travel options with the introduction of these exciting destinations.”

The new routes will commence operations in June 2022, with the inaugural flights to Nashville, TN; Akron/Canton, OH; Savannah, GA; Richmond, VA and Jacksonville, FL scheduled to start on June 3rd, and flights to Sarasota/Bradenton, FL to commence on June 4th.

The new routes will be operated with Breeze’s fleet of brand-new Airbus A220s, except for the Bradley International Airport to Richmond flights. Other than Nashville, all the destinations are brand new routes to Bradley International Airport.

The airline currently operates nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to Columbus, OH; Norfolk, VA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Charleston, SC. In total, Breeze Airways will be offering low-cost, nonstop flights to ten destinations. All flights are on sale at www.flybreeze.com and the Breeze app.

Breeze Airways launched at Bradley International Airport in May 2021. Nine months later, the airline has chosen the airport to become one of its operational bases, with plans to create more local jobs and expand nonstop services.

Among its hallmark offerings, Breeze Airways is committed to low fares with booking flexibility that includes no change or cancellation fees for flights changed or cancelled up to 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Breeze Airways was founded by David Neeleman and is his fifth airline start-up, after JetBlue, Brazil’s Azul, Canada’s WestJet, and Utah-based Morris Air, which was later purchased by Southwest Airlines.

EU Opens First Round of Applications for Free Travel Passes for Young People 

Starting from April 7, and until April 21, young people living in Erasmus+ countries can apply for one of the 35,000 free travel passes offered by the EU 

In a statement issued today, the European Commission has announced that DiscoverEU, which allows 18-year-olds to explore Europe mainly by train, is opening the first round of applications for 2022, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

According to the Commission, this year’s round will mark DiscoverEU’s entry into Erasmus+, and for the first time ever, it will be made possible for youngsters from Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey to apply for the passes.

“With this change and through the exceptional funding under the European Year of Youth 2022, 70,000 travel passes will be made available in 2022: 35,000 in the application round announced today and another 35,000 in an application round foreseen for October,” the Commission notes in a press release issued regarding the opening of the application period.

It also states that eligible to enter are applicants who have successfully completed the selection quiz and are born between July 1, 2003, and June 30, 2004. The winners will have the opportunity to travel throughout Europe for up to 30 days during the travel period July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

Commenting on the opening of the application period, the EU Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said that those who turn 18 in the second half of the year would be able to apply in the October round for the free passes.

“DiscoverEU gives more opportunities to travel to young people than ever before. With the European Year of Youth, we celebrate youth. We owe this to an entire generation that could not travel for the last two years. Good luck to all,” the Vice-President said.

To increase the learning dimension of the DiscoverEU experience, Erasmus+ National Agencies will facilitate meetings and information meetings to prepare new travellers for their journey and to create a learning experience with colleagues.

The Commission has also announced that DiscoverEU aims to promote discussions on sustainability, culture, and European identity, through these meetings.

In addition, participants who have disabilities or health problems will be able to accompany them during their journey.

The Commission, by encouraging sustainable rail travel, also makes exceptions for those who have difficulty reaching continental Europe to begin their train journey. To make this possible, special arrangements have been available for young people from more remote regions, counties and foreign territories, remote areas, and islands.

New Orleans Jazz Fest is Back 

Louisiana is delighted to confirm one of its legacy festivals will return this year with an ever-impressive line-up of iconic artists. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell recently announced the music line-up for the much-anticipated 2022 Festival, scheduled over two weekends: 29th April – 1st May and 5th – 8thMay 2022.
 
Jazz Fest returns with the fabulously fun celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana, alongside unforgettable performances by nationally and internationally renowned guest artists to create one of the world’s most diverse musical festival line-ups. 
   
The line-up for 2022 includes the following performers; The Who, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band, Luke Combs, Lionel Richie, The Black Crowes, Willie Nelson & Family, Erykah Badu, The Avett Brothers, Norah Jones, Lauren Daigle, Ludacris, Billy Strings, Nelly, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Death Cab for Cutie, Ziggy Marley: Songs of Bob Marley, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Revivalists, Lukas Nelson & POTR, Randy Newman, Melissa Etheridge, Boz Scaggs, Kool & the Gang, Third World, CeeLo Green As…”Soul Brotha #100” (A James Brown Tribute), Irma Thomas, Big Freedia and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

UPGRADE OF DATA TRANSMISSION NETWORK FOR LITHUANIAN RAILWAYS 

Telia Lietuva and Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos Geležinkeliai) (LTG) have signed two agreements according to which Telia Lietuva will design and implement data transmission solutions in the LTG network. Both agreements might be worth up to EUR 7 million.

It will be one of the largest projects on LTG network modernisation in Lithuania in the last decade. It will cover all levels – starting from replacement of network nodes, implementation of security and network management systems and finishing with cable installation and transfer of the existing services to the upgraded network.

“This agreement is a very important opportunity for us to make use of our knowledge and experience in designing and implementing data transmission networks. The fact that the structure of the network which we ourselves continuously develop and maintain is very similar to the planned critical network of LTG gives as an additional advantage,” – Daniel Karpovič, Head of Enterprise at Telia Lietuva, said.

The maximum value of the contracts signed by Telia Lietuva and LTG amounts to around EUR 7 million in total, excluding VAT. However, depending on the outcome of the negotiations and the final proposals received, the project costs may be lower.

The project consists of five parts, responsibility for which will be assumed by different suppliers and will be carried out in stages. Telia Lietuva will be responsible for two parts of the project. The signed agreements stipulate that the company will develop the LTG network architecture, design and deploy optical signal multiplexing and critical data networks, and deliver the necessary equipment for these networks within two years. It will also ensure coordination of the project with other suppliers and compatibility of their solutions.

One of the major works is the migration of the existing systems and services into the new network. To implement this stage, Telia Lietuva plans to use its extensive experience in the field of data transmission network maintenance. Prior to the commencement of the main project works, deployers of the critical and corporate networks will be required to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed solutions by demonstrating the operation of the solutions in the LTG infrastructure.

LTG data transmission network is an integral part of the railway infrastructure, it is the main mean connecting railway users, business, communication, information and traffic management systems. Reliable data transmission will be important for smooth and secure traffic of trains and for effective operation of the companies within the Group.

The LTG data network upgrade is expected to make it even more secure, reliable, easier to maintain and manage. It will also significantly increase data transmission speed.

“Keliauk Lietuvoje“ pozicija dėl karinių veiksmų Ukrainoje 

„Keliauk Lietuvoje“ griežtai, be jokių išlygų, smerkia Rusijos Federacijos vykdomas karines atakas prieš Ukrainą. Pasisakome už bet kokio bendradarbiavimo ir turizmo reklamos kampanijų Rusijoje nutraukimą.

Pastarieji įvykiai sukrėtė dar nespėjusį atsigauti turizmo sektorių, įnešė nežinomybės, neapibrėžtumo ir baimės. Tačiau Europos kelionių komisija (ETC) ragina nepasiduodi skleidžiamai dezinformacijai apie Baltijos šalių saugumą turizmo kontekste. „Keliauk Lietuvoje“ palaiko ETC poziciją ir tiki, kad žiauraus tirono veiksmai neturi stabdyti ne tik mūsų tikėjimo, bet ir ambicingų darbų ir planų. Esame įsitikinę, kad kelionės kuria vienybę ir taiką, ugdo skirtingų tautų supratimą.

Pasaulio turizmo organizacija (UNWTO), reaguodama į Rusijos invaziją į Ukrainą, šaukia skubų Vykdomosios tarybos posėdį. Sesija vyks Madride, kovo 8 d., Gvatemalai, Lietuvai, Lenkijai, Slovėnijai ir Ukrainai pateikus prašymą sustabdyti Rusijos Federacijos narystę Jungtinių Tautų Pasaulio turizmo organizacijoje.

Norime padėkoti Ukrainos piliečiams pagalbą ir prieglobstį tiekiantiems viešbučiams, kitoms apgyvendinimo įstaigoms, kelionių organizatoriams ir agentūroms, kurios imasi iniciatyvos padėti kitose šalyse įstrigusiems ukrainiečiams. Dėkojame kelionių asociacijoms, privatiems asmenims, kurie pasirinko žvelgti į ateitį su viltimi, o ne su baime ir aktyviai prisideda prie solidarumo akcijų.

„Keliauk Lietuvoje“ nuo pat karo veiksmų pradžios ėmėsi iniciatyvos analizuoti Lietuvos įvaizdį užsienyje, palaikyti ryšius su užsienio kelionių organizatoriais, partneriais ir siekia atsverti bet kokią pasirodžiusią neigiamą informaciją, užkirsti kelią dezinformacijos sklaidai.

Turint pasiūlymų ar klausimų, kviečiame susisiekti su mumis el. paštu info@lithuania.travel.

Nepraraskime vilties ir tikėjimo taika pasaulyje.

Lithuania Removes Passenger Locator Form Requirement for Everyone 

After exempting several categories from the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) requirement, the Lithuanian government has announced a full abolishment of the requirement, permitting travellers to enter the country freely starting on March 31.- Advertisement –

However, as the press release issued by the Health Ministry reveals, arrivals from third countries will remain subject to an entry ban, meaning that current restrictions will remain effective until further notice, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

“In view of the observed rise in the incidence of COVID-19 in some countries, the government on Wednesday decided to extend the ban on foreigners from third countries to enter Lithuania, applying the existing exemptions to certain countries and categories of persons,” the press release reads.

As per arrivals from third countries, those have to undergo a PCR or antigen test taken 24 hours of arrival unless they fall into one of the following categories:

  • He/she is a minor under the age of 16.
  • Travelled to Lithuania between 14 and 270 days of vaccination with one of the shots approved by health authorities (Comirnaty, Spikevax, Vaxzevria, Janssen, Nuvaxovid, Covishield).
  • Recovered from COVID-19 about 180 days before entering Lithuania and has the necessary documentation to prove the previous infection.
  • Is crew or crew member engaged in Lithuanian companies for international transport
  • Enters the country for special humanitarian reasons.

On the other hand, arrivals from countries like the United Kingdom, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the European Union are permitted to enter Lithuania exempted from additional requirements.

In addition, only arrivals from countries that have joined the EU Digital COVID-19 (EUDCC) and those included on the EU’s safe third countries list as shown below, are permitted to enter Lithuania without undergoing testing requirements.

In addition to the new changes, the Lithuanian government has waived the requirement for wearing masks, starting on Monday, April 4.

“Although the wearing of masks will not be mandatory, it remains recommended in confined spaces where a safe distance, poor ventilation, or increased crowding cannot be maintained. The use of masks in health, nursing and care facilities and in public transport remains mandatory,” a press release issued by the authority reads.