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The Last Tourist

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The Last Tourist is 9788 on the JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts today. The movie has moved up the charts by 4857 places since yesterday. In the United States, it is currently more popular than Faraway Eyes but less popular than Kirikou and the Sorceress.

Travel is at a tipping point. From Carribean beaches to remote villages in Kenya, forgotten voices reveal the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries in the world. The role of the modern tourist is on trial.

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The Last Tourist

Travel is at a tipping point. Forgotten voices reveal the real conditions and consequences of one of the world's most profitable industries. more

Travel is at a tipping point. Forgotten voices reveal the real co ... More

Director: Tyson Sadler

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The Last Tourist

Travel is at a tipping point. From Caribbean beaches to remote villages in Kenya, forgotten voices reveal the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries in the world. ... Read all Travel is at a tipping point. From Caribbean beaches to remote villages in Kenya, forgotten voices reveal the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries in the world. The role of the modern tourist is on trial. Travel is at a tipping point. From Caribbean beaches to remote villages in Kenya, forgotten voices reveal the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries in the world. The role of the modern tourist is on trial.

• Tyson Sadler
• Alexander Ayling
• Elizabeth Becker
• 10 User reviews
• 6 Critic reviews
• 2 wins & 2 nominations

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Trivia Over 400 hours of footage was captured during production.
• Soundtracks Wander Written by Heidi Webster Performed by Heidi Webster

User reviews 10

• rehan_abbasi93
• May 30, 2023
• How long is The Last Tourist? Powered by Alexa
• March 15, 2022 (United States)
• Official Website - The Last Tourist
• India (Delhi)
• Born Explorer Films
• Skin and Bones Film
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 1 hour 40 minutes

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The Last Tourist

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Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Tyson Sadler

Jane Goodall

Lek Chailert

George Stone

Meenu Vadera

Jonathan Tourtellot

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Travel is at a tipping point. Tourists are unintentionally destroying the very things they have come to see. Overtourism has magnified its impact on the environment, wildlife, and vulnerable communities around the globe. Filmed in over 16 countries and guided by the world’s leading tourism and conservation visionaries, THE LAST TOURIST reveals the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries worldwide through the forgotten voices of those working in its shadow. The role of the modern tourist is on trial.

Elizabeth Becker

Author, Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism

Sangduen Lek Chailert

Founder, Save Elephant Foundation

Costas Christ

Editor at Large, National Geographic Traveler

Dr. Rachel Dodds

Professor, Ryerson University

Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE

Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

Dr. Martha Honey

Executive Director, Center for Responsible Travel

Judy Kepher-Gona

Founder, Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda

CEO, National Geographic Partners

Melissa Matlow

Campaign Director, World Animal Protection

Yachak Delfin Pauchi Yalishara

Founder, Pimpilala Lodge

Bruce Poon Tip

Founder, G Adventures

Francisca Qquerar Mayta

Founder, Ccaccaccollo Women's Weaving Cooperative

Jonathan Tourtellot

CEO, Destination Stewardship Center

Meenu Vadera

Founder, Sakha Cabs For Women

Arnie Weissmann

Editor in Chief, Travel Weekly

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

As a filmmaker, I’ve had the privilege of travelling to some of the world’s most remote, fragile, and beautiful places.  These experiences have shaped me but also given me a sense of responsibility for ensuring that future generations can experience these wonders.

Over the past 3 years, this film took us on a journey to 14 different countries where we interviewed dozens of leading travel experts, tour operators, academics, as well as travellers and service workers in host communities who are leveraging tourism to improve their quality of life. In the process, we amassed nearly 400 hours of footage that was edited into a 90 minute film that pulls back the curtain and shows us the true cost of travel – on the environment, wildlife, and host communities.

The process of creating this film has been an incredible learning and growth experience. The miracle intersection of technology and modern travel allows us to book a flight with the click of a button and board a plane to virtually every corner of the globe – but isn’t without its challenges. Massive crowds of tourists are causing environmental degradation, dangerous conditions, as well as the economic impoverishment and pricing-out of locals. We need to rethink the way we travel or else our impact will be irreversible.

Despite the harsh impacts that travel can have on our planet, travel is also a force for good. It’s a universal language that connects people regardless of their age or their gender or their income or where they come from. And if we actually get out into the world and explore it, we uncover amazing things and make ourselves better people and hopefully have a positive impact too.

This filmmaking journey culminated during a global pandemic where international travel has been virtually halted. As the world slowly opens its borders again, we, as travellers, have the opportunity to be the driving force that paves a new way to travel. A more thoughtful way that protects both people and places, and secures a positive future for destinations and host communities for generations to come.

THE FILMMAKERS

Tyson Sadler

Director & Writer

Editor and Writer

Stephen Chandler Whitehead

Director of Photography

Executive Producer

Liane Thomas

Anthony Fung

Composer, Original Score

Anton Peterson

Sound Editor and Sound Designer

Marc Swenker

CO-PRODUCERS

Dave Daga, Kyle Jordan, Lauren Michell & Ashley Monaghan

DISTRIBUTION

Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE photo credit: Marco Grob

Copyright © (2022) 2628893 ONTARIO LIMITED

The Last Tourist

Cast & crew.

Dr. Jane Godall

Lek Chailert

Elizabeth Becker

Bruce Poon Tip

Judy Kepher-Gona

• DOCUMENTARY
• Average 6.5

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The Last Tourist (2022) Stream and Watch Online

Watch 'the last tourist' online.

Looking to watch ' The Last Tourist ' on your TV, phone, or tablet? Searching for a streaming service to buy, rent, download, or view the Tyson Sadler-directed movie via subscription can be tricky, so we here at Moviefone want to do right by you. Read on for a listing of streaming and cable services - including rental, purchase, and subscription choices - along with the availability of 'The Last Tourist' on each platform when they are available. Now, before we get into the fundamentals of how you can watch 'The Last Tourist' right now, here are some details about the Born Explorer Films, Skin and Bones Film documentary flick. Released April 15th, 2022, 'The Last Tourist' stars Elizabeth Becker , Sangduen Lek Chailert , Costas Christ , Dr. Rachel Dodds The movie has a runtime of about 1 hr 24 min, and received a user score of 62 (out of 100) on TMDb, which compiled reviews from 8 well-known users. What, so now you want to know what the movie's about? Here's the plot: "Travel is at a tipping point. From Carribean beaches to remote villages in Kenya, forgotten voices reveal the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries in the world. The role of the modern tourist is on trial." 'The Last Tourist' is currently available to rent, purchase, or stream via subscription on Hulu , Plex, Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Apple iTunes, Plex Channel, Amazon Video, Tubi TV, OVID, and Hoopla .

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Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Last Tourist’ on Hulu, A Doc Promoting Responsible Tourism Over The Excess And Ignorance Of Travel Today

Where to stream:.

• The Last Tourist
• documentaries

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Brian wilson suffering verbal abuse from his father in ‘the beach boys’ doc makes the ‘let it be’ fights look tame, 'the blue angels' ending explained: where are amanda lee and the other pilots now, stream it or skip it: ‘the blue angels’ on amazon prime video, a glossy, upbeat glimpse into the stunning feats of elite navy fighter pilots.

The Last Tourist (Hulu) examines the effects of mass tourism on our planet, and an industry often unmoored from the land and local communities that it promotes as destinations. Written and directed by Tyson Sadler, the doc is truly global in scope, traveling to Kenya, Thailand, Peru, and the Caribbean to tell its story of an industry and its consumers facing a paradigmatic moment.  

THE LAST TOURIST : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: According to one expert in The Last Tourist , eighty percent of the world’s countries consider tourism a top revenue generator. From Thailand (39.8 million tourists annually) and Cambodia (6.2 million), to the Bahamas (7.2 million) and Jamaica (4.3 million), to France, where over 90 million annual visitors take selfies at the Eiffel Tower and herd into the Louvre, tourism is a bomb that just keeps detonating. But while numbers at that scale mean money being spent, mass tourism also puts immense strain on environments, extracts resources from local communities, and even shuts them out completely. In Kenya, for example, only fourteen percent of every dollar spent stays within the country, with the rest siphoned off to travel companies and international interests, even though it’s a region’s most vulnerable people bearing the brunt of tourism’s effect. Locals, says sustainable travel advocate Judy Kepher-Gona, “are not integrated into the tourism value chain.”

The internet is a driver here. “The advent of social media has completely changed the way we travel,” says Dr. Rachel Dodds of Ryerson University. “We’re going after a photograph.” And Last Tourist is populated with reams of millennials articulating careful camera setups before the massive 12th century bulk of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or propping themselves up on the seamless flagstones of Machu Picchu. But beyond contemporary travel as a mechanism for Instagram posting, it’s also dominated by forces like cruise ship companies, who hawk boat-top go-kart tracks that overlook Alaskan glaciers, an intrusion only exacerbated by the companies keeping their consumers’ spending power captive aboard ship. There’s little to no connection with the local environment, and therefore a profound lack of local benefit. It’s not even travel, says Bruce Poon Tip, an adventure travel operator and a Last Tourist executive producer. “Let’s just call it a transfer of environments.”

As it transitions into its prospect for change, and profiles individuals and companies integrating the tenets of more responsible tourism into their business practices – a cab company in India that empowers women as independent drivers, or a sanctuary for elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand that powers local infrastructure with portions of its tour profits – Last Tourist also highlights some of the most tragic parts of this global conversation. In Thailand, elephants are held captive, cruelly trained, and utterly demeaned as they become entertainment fodder for tourists. And in countries like Cambodia and Kenya, where orphanages have fueled the rise of a billion-dollar industry in “voluntourism,” local children are exploited in the service of foreign visitors’ savior complexes. It amounts to neocolonialism for the sake of a selfie.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of? The 2013 documentary Vendemmia explored the ecological, cultural, and political effects of tourists in the millions descending on a small community of ancient villages in Italy, and Bye Bye Barcelona (2014) searched for coexistence between the Spanish city’s residents and its status as a destination site for tourism on a massive scale.

Performance Worth Watching: Michelle Oliel isn’t afraid to implicate herself in the exploitative nature of “voluntourism.” She explains how her experience traveling to Africa and making fleeting visits to orphanages there revealed the instability within that system, and inspired her to become an international human rights lawyer and advocate for children’s rights.

Memorable Dialogue: Arnie Weissman, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly , highlights Asia, Africa, South America as destinations that represent “the critical crossroads of poverty, indiginous culture, and biodiversity” being found in one place. “And this is where tourism is going right now.”

Sex and Skin: None.

Our Take: As a consciousness-raising tool, The Last Tourist is sharp and revelatory. The average person, listlessly trolling Expedia or Kayak for hot deals on an all-inclusive in Mexico, might not pause to consider how such a resort completely walls off the local population, and prevents their economic participation. Similarly, the visitor to Thailand who buys an elephant ride down the Kawai River becomes party to the cruelty that led the animal there. Last Tourist is most crusading when it prods individual travelers to consider how and where they’re spending their money, and “leakage,” or the dissipation of tourism dollars from a local economy. “The idea we’ve had of a tourist has to end,” Bruce Poon Tip says. “We need a new tourist, a new traveler.”

It does take some time for the doc to get there. Last Tourist features some incredible scenery, from aerials of snow-covered mountains and drone cameras drifting across crimson red crags, to the slow pad through a rainforest to an ancient waterfall in the Ecuadorian Amazon. There are scenes of our built environment, too, as a woman darts her cab through the clog and tumult of New Delhi, and African grasslands give way to poor villages. But wherever on Earth it goes, the film aligns its vistas and hideaways against the inevitability of tourists. A string of figures traipsing through the foreground with backpacks and hiking boots, or a glut of camera-wielding bus trippers descending on a village. It’s a little bewildering, traveling to so many places on the scale of a nature documentary while being told how contemporary travel disconnects visitors from the place to which they’re traveling.

Will you stream or skip the tourism documentary #TheLastTourist on @hulu ? #SIOSI — Decider (@decider) June 7, 2022

Our Call: STREAM IT. The Last Tourist highlights a lot of the most glaring issues plaguing global travel today, but it also illustrates the physical wonder and sense of community that still thrives in our world.

Johnny Loftus is an independent writer and editor living at large in Chicagoland. His work has appeared in The Village Voice, All Music Guide, Pitchfork Media, and Nicki Swift. Follow him on Twitter: @glennganges

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The Last Tourist

• 1 hr 24 mins
• Documentary, Travel

Exploring our ability to harness tourism's power in a way that creates shared value for both travelers and host communities while preserving the places and natural resources we treasure most.

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• 1 hr 41 min
• 7.1   (350)

The Last Tourist is a riveting thriller from 2021 that centers on Jake, a former undercover agent for the US government. The movie boasts a star-studded cast with Alexander Ayling, Lem Baing, and Elizabeth Becker among its main actors. The Last Tourist takes viewers on a tense ride through the streets of Cambodia, as Jake attempts to unravel a web of conspiracy and deceit surrounding the disappearance of his wife, Abbey.

The film opens with Jake and Abbey enjoying what should have been a romantic vacation in Cambodia. However, things quickly turn sinister when Abbey disappears without a trace. Despite his years of experience in the field, Jake is paralyzed by fear and unable to think clearly. To make matters worse, he soon realizes that he is being followed by a group of ominous figures. He manages to shake them off and seek help from local authorities - but it quickly becomes clear that they are not to be trusted either.

As Jake investigates Abbey's disappearance, he finds himself drawn into a world of shadowy organizations and government cover-ups. The Last Tourist deftly weaves together themes of espionage, corruption, and personal sacrifice to deliver a heart-pounding thriller. Jake's quest for truth forces him to confront the brutal realities of power and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and societies.

The acting in The Last Tourist is top-notch, with Alexander Ayling delivering a standout performance as Jake. His portrayal of the character's struggle to come to terms with his own mortality while battling the forces of evil is both raw and emotionally resonant. Elizabeth Becker is similarly impressive as Abbey, infusing her character with both vulnerability and strength.

Lem Baing is a revelation as Sovann, the local police officer who becomes embroiled in Jake's investigation. His performance is nuanced and multifaceted, as he grapples with the competing pressures of his duty to his country and his desire to do the right thing. Baing's portrayal of Sovann adds a layer of complexity to the film's examination of power and its impact on ordinary people.

The Last Tourist's cinematography is similarly impressive, with breathtaking shots of Cambodia's natural beauty contrasting with the film's darker themes. The movie's use of light and shadow effectively heightens the tension, creating a sense of unease and foreboding that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

In addition to its superb acting and cinematography, The Last Tourist also boasts a gripping storyline that will keep viewers guessing until the very end. Director James White masterfully navigates the film's intricate plot, deftly balancing action sequences with quieter moments of introspection. The result is a movie that will appeal to both fans of the espionage genre and those seeking a more contemplative viewing experience.

Overall, The Last Tourist is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores themes of power, corruption, and personal sacrifice. Its talented cast, impressive cinematography, and taut storyline make it a must-see for fans of the thriller genre.

The Last Tourist is a 2022 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.

• Genres Documentary
• Cast Alexander Ayling Lem Baing Elizabeth Becker
• Director Tyson Sadler
• Release Date 2022
• Runtime 1 hr 41 min
• Language English
• IMDB Rating 7.1   (350)

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The Last Tourist

• Backseat Mafia Rob Aldam As The Last Tourist ably demonstrates, there needs to be a massive culture change in the way we consume our holidays.
• POV Magazine Pat Mullen With picturesque views of 30-odd locations around the world, The Last Tourist inspires a sense of wonder with one image, but provides a sense of whats at stake with the jarring trash-filled and overpopulated snapshots in the next.
• What She Said Anne Brodie Sobering and important.

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• General English

The Last Tourist

The film The Last Tourist is about problems with the tourism industry. Watch the trailer to find out more about it.

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises. You can also read the transcript.

Preparation

Matching_MjQ3NTk=.xml

We, as tourists, have kind of lost the plot, I think.

Mass tourism has led to destruction.

The world has become an oyster for the masses.

We have a fundamental problem with tourism. 

The most acclaimed destinations have the highest levels of poverty. 

Only 14 per cent of every dollar that's spent in the country stays in the country. 

Cruise ship comes in like always and nothing for the locals. 

We're such unconscious consumers.

About two billion dollars a year are spent through volunteerism.

Guys, I found the kindergarten. She's gonna let me come see the babies. 

There's been a 75 per cent increase in orphanages. They were there because I wanted to be there.

If tourists didn't pay money to see these 'entertainments', then the entertainments would change. 

More than 500,000 animals are suffering around the world for different types of tourist attractions. 

People need to know that they're harming the very animals they care about. 

It's completely shocking. 

The idea we've had of a tourist has to end. 

Tourism has an opportunity to change now. 

We have to change our mindset about travel. 

Whether I'm going to be part of the solution or not.

© Elevation Pictures

TrueOrFalse_MjQ3NjA=.xml

ReorderingHorizontal_MjQ3NjI=.xml

What do you think? Do we need to change the way that we travel?

Language level

Absolutely. The way we travel has significant impacts on the environment, public health, and social equity. As our population grows and urbanization increases, rethinking how we move from place to place becomes crucial.

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

• space weather
• solar flares
• solar storm

FinanceBuzz

8 Proven Ways to Pay Less For Your Airline Tickets

Posted: March 21, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

Hopping online to purchase airline tickets can cause quite a shock due to their high prices. 

Thanks to the cost of gas, staffing issues, and pilot shortages, it’s not cheap to travel by plane. That’s why we’re here to help you get the best deals on airline tickets so you can start traveling more . 

Here are the best tips to help you find the most affordable airplane tickets for the times you just need to get away.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Use a travel or airline credit card

One easy way to save on airline tickets is to purchase them with the best travel credit cards, which give you points for each dollar you spend. 

The best airline credit cards offer similar rewards programs, allowing you to acquire miles that you can save up and redeem for discounted or even free flights.

Some credit cards will also offer free companion tickets. Just be sure that you don’t carry a balance on either type of credit card, as interest rates and annual fees can negate any benefits you rack up if you let debt build up without paying it off in a timely manner.

Are you a homeowner? Don't let unexpected home repairs drain your bank account.

Plan your trip far in advance

You may have heard that there are magical times when you can book a flight to snag the best possible price on airline tickets.

However, that might not always be the case, especially considering the fluctuating price of oil and general market uncertainty.

To that end, it’s best to book your flight as soon as you know you will be taking one. Travel experts suggest booking your summer trip in winter, and vice versa. Think of it like buying a bathing suit when it’s chilly or a parka when it’s beach weather.

Book on certain days and fly at unpopular times

You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who delights at getting up at 3 a.m. for an early flight or boarding at 11 p.m. for a red-eye flight. However, the discomfort and exhaustion of traveling at the crack of dawn or the dead of night might translate into some serious savings for you.

Also, purchasing your airline tickets on certain days of the week, like Thursdays, and planning to depart on a Wednesday can chip away at the cost as well.

Although the savings may not be huge, any savings helps. So yes, the days and times you both book and fly can spare your wallet.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Add a connecting flight

Let’s face it, booking a direct flight is certainly the easiest and most hassle-free way to go about air travel. Your bag travels with you in one plane, you don’t have to run through the airport to catch a connection and delays will stress you out far less this way.

However, you’re likely to pay more for a direct route. If you want to save some cash, then book a connecting flight.

You do run the risk of arriving at your connecting flight a sweaty mess and will have to add extra time to your overall travel schedule, but you’re going to the same place in the end.

Book with a budget airline

We’ve all heard the horror stories of flying on a budget airline, but take those with a grain of salt. The reason? These airlines have grown significantly in recent years, and have quadrupled in size since the last time oil prices were soaring into oblivion.

Additionally, more people are turning to budget airlines to book their flights, from a mere 4% of travelers in 2008 to 15%, and growing today.

You do have to be mindful of hidden fees on budget airlines, including for carry-ons and such, but in the end, you can wind up with serious savings.

Sign up for sites like Travelzoo

If you have flexibility about when and where you want to travel, you can find some of the best airline tickets and travel packages around on sites like Travelzoo.

This company has an entire staff of experts who spend their time scouring the web to find the best deals on a wide variety of trips, from quick beach getaways in Mexico to bucket list trips like African safaris, eco getaways to the Galapagos Islands, and more.

All you need to do to access these deals is sign up with your email address, and each week you will get a list of their top 20 picks, with cheap airfare included in many of them.

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Book with a site like Expedia

Another way you can save money on plane tickets is by booking your flight on sites like Expedia. For one, you can often (but not always) find cheaper flights on Expedia as opposed to booking them directly with a carrier.

Additionally, if you’re willing to bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental, you’ll often find that doing so comes out cheaper than the sum of its parts.

Expedia also offers last-minute deals similar to Travelzoo if you’re up for a spontaneous adventure. Just be sure to compare shops and read the cancellation policies very carefully. Finally, Expedia also offers reward programs, but airline and credit card reward programs tend to be more lucrative.

Use a travel agency

This last bit of advice might sound like a relic from a time gone by, but booking with a travel agency can still save you money, even in the era of oodles of travel websites.

For one reason, they have expertise that can be exceptionally valuable, especially if you are planning a complicated trip to a place you’ve never been, like South Asia or the Middle East.

Additionally, you often don’t have to pay extra to utilize an agent, as their compensation comes from the hotels and services they work with. Just inquire about fees up front, and prepare to save.

Bottom line

While flying in general is more expensive lately, especially if you have to book at the last minute, it’s not impossible to score some savings. This is especially true if you do a little recognizance beforehand.

If possible, consider saving money on travel by taking the train if you can reach your destination, as those fares can be far cheaper. You can see more of the country, too. 

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Friday’s preholiday travel breaks the record for the most airline travelers screened at us airports.

ATLANTA (AP) — A record was broken ahead of the Memorial Day weekend for the number of airline travelers screened at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said Saturday.

More than 2.9 million travelers were screened at U.S. airports on Friday, surpassing a previous record set last year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, according to the transportation security agency.

“Officers have set a new record for most travelers screened in a single day!” the TSA tweeted. “We recommend arriving early.”

The third busiest day on record was set on Thursday when just under 2.9 million travelers were screened at U.S. airports.

In Atlanta, the world’s busiest airport had its busiest day ever. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport broke a traffic record on Thursday when 111,000 passengers, airlines crew and airport employees were screened at security checkpoints. The second busiest day followed on Friday when 109,960 people were screened, according to the TSA.

With 104.6 million passengers, the Atlanta airport was the busiest in the world last year, according to Airports Council International.

U.S. airlines expect to carry a record number of passengers this summer. Their trade group estimates that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking the record of 255 million set last summer.

AAA predicted this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to roam at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday — 38 million of them taking vehicles.

The annual expression of wanderlust that accompanies the start of the summer travel season is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.

In what had long been celebrated every May 30 to honor America’s fallen soldiers, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971, observed on the last Monday in May.

Jason Redman, a retired Navy SEAL who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, told The Associated Press last year that he honors the friends he’s lost. Thirty names are tattooed on his arm “for every guy that I personally knew that died.”

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Memorial Day 2024, National Moment of Remembrance: Should you say happy Memorial Day?

National moment of remembrance puts 'memorial" back into memorial day.

• Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
• The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day and was first observed in 1868.
• Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have died in service to their country.

The Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast.

The three-day weekend for many is marked as the unofficial start of summer — although it has nothing to do with astronomical or meteorological seasons . Memorial Day is a day rich in tradition, but how much do you really know about the holiday?

When is Memorial Day and why is it on a different date every year? Should you say happy Memorial Day? Here's what you should know about the day, why we celebrate it and ceremonies you can find in Florida.

When is Memorial Day 2024?

Memorial Day is held on the last Monday of May. In 2024, Memorial Day is on May 27.

Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Memorial Day is one of 11 federal holidays.  Schools and libraries will be closed, along with most federal and state offices. There will be no mail delivery on Memorial Day.

Is Memorial Day a Florida holiday?

Yes. Memorial Day is a holiday recognized by Florida. Most state and local offices will be closed.

Will there be school in Florida on Memorial Day?

For many Florida students, school will end before Memorial Day .

For students still in school, there will be no classes on May 27.

What is the true meaning of Memorial Day?

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day can trace its origins back to the years after the Civil War when people began to decorate the graves and say prayers to those killed during the war.

In 1868, Gen. John Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance , according to History.com . The observance was called Decoration Day, and it was observed on May 30, 1868, as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. The date was chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any Civil War battle, History.com said.

Originally honoring only those who died during the Civil War, Decoration Day expanded to recognize the sacrifices of others after World War I.

"The holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," according to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 and changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

Fast facts: 10 historical facts about Memorial Day

Who do we honor on Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor members of the U.S. military who have died in service to their country.

What is the National Moment of Remembrance? Putting 'memorial' back into Memorial Day

In May 1996, children touring Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., were asked what Memorial day meant. Their answer was that it was when pools open, according to National Moment of Remembrance.

That answer sparked an effort to put "memorial" back into Memorial Day, and in December 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was signed into law with these goals in mind:

• To demonstrate gratitude to those who died for our freedom.
• To remind all Americans of the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
• To provide U.S. citizens in America and throughout the world the opportunity to join in this symbolic act of unity.
• To make Memorial Day relevant, especially to younger Americans.

What do you do during the National Moment of Remembrance?

"The National Momen t of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation," according to the VA.

What not to do on Memorial Day?

This really isn't the day to thank someone for their service just because it's Memorial Day; Save those wishes for Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day.

Remember that the purpose of Memorial Day is to focus and remember those who died during their service.

There's nothing wrong with spending time with family or finding special sales, but don't forget to reflect and appreciate the sacrifices that make it all possible.

Should you say 'Happy Memorial Day'?

Memorial Day is intended to honor those people who have died in service to their country, so wishing someone a "Happy Memorial Day" really isn't appropriate.

For families who have lost loved ones, it's often not a happy day in the traditional sense but a solemn day filled with emotion.

So what can you say instead?

The Wounded Warrior Project suggested saying "Have a meaningful Memorial Day" or even "Today and always, I’m remembering (name).”

What's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Memorial Day honors the sacrifice and loss of those who have served and died in the military.

Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military. This is the time to thank a member of the military for their service.

Florida ceremonies to mark Memorial Day 2024

Many communities observe Memorial Day with parades, concerts or ceremonies put on by local veteran organizations. Among the observances and activities around Florida over the Memorial Day weekend are:

Pensacola : Patriotic music, flags placed on gravesites at Barrancas National Cemetery, Memorial Day observances, wreath-laying ceremony.

West Palm Beach : Jupiter Memorial Day Ceremony, Palm Beach Gardens Memorial Day Ceremony, Royal Palm Beach Memorial Day Ceremony, Wellington Day Parade and Ceremony, Day to Remember Memorial Day Service in Lantana, Boca Raton Memorial Day Ceremony and Concert.

Brevard : Memorial Day tribute in Cocoa Village, Memorial Day program at Liberty Bell Museum, Memorial Day observance on Merritt Island, Memorial Day observance in Mims, Memorial Day service in Titusville.

Sarasota : Sarasota Memorial Day Parade, Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade in Lakewood Park, Patriotic Pops Concert and Fireworks Display at CoolToday Park, Memorial Day Concert.

Treasure Coast: Memorial Island Sanctuary's Memorial Day Ceremony, Memorial Day Picnic in St. Lucie County, City of Stuart Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.

Naples : Memorial Day service in Bonita Springs, "Patriotic Pops" concerts at Artis―Naples.

What's closed on Memorial Day?

All banks, schools and nonessential government offices will be closed for the holiday weekend.

However, most stores, restaurants supermarkets — including Publix — and convenience stores will be open

Memorial Day closings: Memorial Day 2024: What is open, closed in Florida?

When is the best time to travel during Memorial Day weekend?

AAA projects  43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more  from home over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This is a 4% increase over last year.

AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers during the holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year.

 Transportation data and insights provider  INRIX  suggested the best times to get on the road:

• If leaving Thursday or Friday, hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters.
• Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.  
• Thursday: noon-6 p.m.
• Friday: noon-7 p.m.
• Saturday: noon-5 p.m.
• Sunday: 3-7 p.m.
• Monday: 3-7 p.m.

Memorial Day road trip: Here are the best and worst times to go in Florida, the Southeast

Staying in Florida over Memorial Day weekend? Get free admission to state parks

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced all Florida state parks will be free to enter during the Memorial Day weekend.

The weekend runs from May 24 through May 27.

Florida state parks: Visiting Florida state park soon? Here are the 10 most popular parks, and how to get in free

Memorial Day sales

Here are companies offering Memorial Day sales we've rounded up for you.

➤ 10 best Memorial Day deals

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Contributing: Samantha Neely, USA TODAY Network-Florida

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Latest stats delight Tourism Waitaki

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• North Otago

Tourism Waitaki released a report last week showing the sector is outperforming the national average in a range of categories.

Comparing the data from March 2023 to March 2024, commercial accommodation usage by both international and domestic visitors registered a 48% and 17% increase respectively.

Those numbers are more than double the national average of a 21% and 5% increase respectively.

Not only are more people visiting, but they are also staying for longer, with the average length of stay in commercial accommodation up from a year ago.

In the Waitaki region, domestic guest nights rose from 68,200 in March 2023 to 87,800 in March 2024, while international guest nights rose from 25,600 to 38,000 guest nights during the same period for a total rise of 23,000 guest nights.

Employment in the tourism industry was also up, with activity, travel and tour services achieving a 20% increase, while accommodation and food and beverage services’ saw a 7% increase and transport services’ had a 6% increase.

Tourism Waitaki consumer and trade marketing manager Jade Harvey was "super thrilled" with the numbers.

"It just shows what a positive impact that tourism is having on our economy.

"Encouraging people to come and visit, staying in our accommodation and then spending their money on our dining experiences, it’s great to see."

It was a testament to what the district had to offer visitors.

"Especially the festivals we have on throughout the year. Jazz and blues in March (the Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival) was huge and we had a great turnout for that.

"There’s a lot of excitement with the upcoming Steampunk Festival and we’ve got the new Waitaki Arts Trail [open weekend] happening the same weekend as well, so we’re expecting even higher visitor numbers over the coming months."

They appear to finally be over the hangover caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, she said.

"Earlier in the year, we had a lot of Chinese visitors return, especially for Chinese New Year in February. It’s taken a while for that market to return.

"It’s really positive to see the return of international markets, especially as we’re still recovering from the impact of Covid and what that has done to the infrastructure of tourism."

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