October 11–17, 2026

Felder Travel Weekly

A quick roundup of travel ideas, timely information, and practical tips to help you travel smarter.

This Week's Travel Spotlight

RIU Week: save up to 70% at participating RIU Hotels and Resorts, book by October 19, 2026

RIU Week Is On

RIU Week is here with limited-time savings at participating RIU Hotels & Resorts throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Guests may save up to 70% at participating resorts, with additional benefits available at select properties, including resort credits, wedding and honeymoon collections, and access to RIU Party or Splash Water World.

Book By
October 19, 2026
Travel Through
June 30, 2027
Explore RIU Destinations & Resorts

Browse RIU destinations and resorts, then contact Felder Travel for current availability, pricing, and booking assistance.

Offers vary by resort. Restrictions, exclusions, blackout dates, and availability may apply. Pricing and promotions are subject to change.

Travel Inspiration

Iceland: Where Winter Feels Otherworldly

Kirkjufell mountain rising above a waterfall and pool on the Iceland coast

Few destinations transform as dramatically with the seasons as Iceland.

Autumn and winter bring longer nights, snow-dusted landscapes, geothermal pools, dramatic waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights.

For travelers who don't mind packing a few extra layers, this can be one of the most atmospheric times to experience the country.

From Reykjavík to Iceland's waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, geothermal regions, and coastal scenery, the destination rewards travelers who are willing to embrace changing weather and a little adventure.

Explore Iceland

Worth Knowing

When Weather Changes Your Cruise Itinerary

Recent storms have again forced cruise lines to adjust itineraries in both the Pacific and Caribbean.

Carnival recently modified several sailings as Hurricanes Isaias and Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel affected cruise routes. Changes included canceled port calls and adjusted arrival times.

These changes are a reminder that cruise itineraries can shift quickly when weather or sea conditions make a scheduled port unsafe.

Felder Travel Tip: In the days leading up to your cruise, monitor messages from your cruise line and make sure your phone number and email address are current on your reservation. If a particular port is one of the main reasons you booked the trip, remember that cruise lines cannot guarantee every scheduled port will ultimately be visited.

Passport & Visa Watch

Fall Can Be a Good Time to Renew Your Passport

Verified as of: October 11, 2026

If your passport will need renewal soon, fall may be a good time to take care of it.

The U.S. Department of State says passport demand is generally lower between October and December than during the busier late-winter through summer travel season.

Current processing times remain:

Routine

4–6 weeks

Expedited

2–3 weeks

Additional $60 fee

Important: Processing times do not include mailing time. A mailed application may take up to 2 weeks to reach the passport agency, and receiving the completed passport may take up to another 2 weeks after processing.

Felder Travel Tip: Even during a quieter processing season, do not wait until the last minute. Check your passport expiration date before booking international travel.

ETIAS Still Isn't Open

Verified as of: October 11, 2026

Europe's Entry/Exit System, or EES, is already operating.

ETIAS, Europe's upcoming travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers, including Americans, is different.

ETIAS is still not operational, and applications are not currently being accepted.

Felder Travel Reminder: Be cautious of third-party websites claiming they can obtain an ETIAS for you before the official system opens. When ETIAS becomes operational, Felder Travel will share updated information.

Travel requirements can change without notice. Information above was verified as of October 11, 2026. Passport, visa, entry, and transit requirements may vary based on citizenship, itinerary, and individual circumstances. Travelers should verify current requirements before departure.

Travel Tip

Pack for the Reroute, Not Just the Itinerary

When weather is active around your cruise route, your destination may change even if your sailing still departs as scheduled.

A warm-weather itinerary can suddenly include a cooler port, an extra day at sea, or a completely different destination.

Felder Travel Tip: Pack at least one flexible layer, comfortable walking shoes, and anything you would need for an unexpected itinerary change rather than packing only for the exact forecast at your scheduled ports. A little flexibility in the suitcase can make an unexpected reroute much easier to enjoy.

Get the latest travel finds, inspiration and tips delivered to your inbox.

No subscription needed to read this week's issue. Sign up and the next one comes to you.

Ready to Go Somewhere Amazing?

Whether you're planning a cruise, a resort stay, or something completely different, Felder Travel can help you sort through the options and build the trip that fits you.

Prefer to talk? Call 803-574-1398.