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For ages 6 to 7

EXPLORING LIFE TOGETHER AS OTTERS

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

If your son or daughter is between the ages of 6 and 7, and you are looking to enrol them into extracurricular programs, consider one that could:

• Support & complement your parental journey to raising a happy, successful and responsible child
• Provide your child with the opportunity to embark on a new adventure to safely discover and explore the world around them
• Guide your child down the right path by developing their understanding of the catholic faith & relationship with God
• Be life-shaping & life-changing for your child and your family
• Help your child build lifelong friendships with other like-minded children in a fun, accepting, non-judgmental, safe environment

"My son can’t wait to get to his Otter lodge to play with his new friends, to listen to stories and enjoy one adventure after another.  We see an increased sense of self-confidence, joy and a growing discovering of the love of Jesus for our son and the other members of his lodge.  This is an awesome program.” (Jack & Charlene G – Parents)

OTTER DETAILS

Just like real-life otters, children in this program are encouraged to use their playful and inquisitive nature to explore the world around them. Within a safe and joyful environment, otters are encouraged to make a positive difference in the lives of others through activities that enhance their sense of:

• Cooperation
• Self-discovery

UNIQUE PROGRAM OFFERING

Our regularly scheduled single-gendered programs consist of:

• Physical games
• Activities & Crafts
• Skills Development
• Learning through Stories & Pictures

Our members grow in their love for God through stories, discovering the joy and power of prayer, and by happily helping others.

We also offer regular field trips and outings to discover nature and its seasons.

TIMBER WOLVES

For ages 8 to 12.

EXPLORING LIFE TOGETHER AS TIMBERWOLVES

If your son or daughter is between the ages of 8 and 12, and you are looking to enrol them into extracurricular programs, consider one that could:

• Support & complement your parent journey to raising a happy, successful, and responsible child
• Reduce the amount of time your child spends with electronics & reconnect them with the simple & wholesome things in life
• Guide your child down the right path by developing their understanding of the Catholic faith & relationship with God
• Help your child build lifelong friendships with other like-minded children in a fun, accepting, non-judgemental and safe environment

“Our son has grown immensely since being enrolled in the FNE program.  He laughs more, complains less, is more cooperative, and less combative with his brother ; above all, he is realizing his own value and abilities, and has increased self-confidence.” (Winnie & Hayden K. – Parents)

“Growing in faith is as important as learning any other life skill or academic enrichment program. We are thankful to have discovered the FNE group as they have become a true partner in our child’s development.” (Connie & Calvin C. – Parents)

TIMBER WOLVES DETAILS

Timberwolves live and operate within a happy family, a den plays together. The youth live in the jungle with Baloo, Akela, Mowgli and others as they learn about loyalty, friendship, and acts of courage.

As a Timber Wolf, your child will learn how to differentiate between right and wrong; work hard and play fair; finish what they start; never give up; and keep a promise.  Through the program, we also strive to develop their sense of:

UNIQUE PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Our regularly scheduled single-gender programs consist of:

• Life Skills Development
• Spiritual Development

Our members grow in their love for God through regularly celebrating the sacraments of the eucharist and Confession and giving back to the community.

We also offer field trips, all-season weekend camping (in cabins), annual summer camp, retreats, and International Travel opportunities.

For ages 12 to 16

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

If your son or daughter is between the ages of 12 and 16, and you are looking for a program that could:

• Push & challenge your child in ways they never imagined before – physically, mentally, and spiritually
• Reduce the amount of time your child spends with their phone or on the TV & reconnect them with the simple & wholesome things in life
• Guide your child down the right path by developing their understanding of the Catholic faith & and relationship with God
• Develop practical life and survival skills
• Build confidence and instil a sense of adventure to take on any challenge the future may hold
• Help build lifelong friendships in a fun, accepting, non-judgmental, and safe environment

"I really love FNE and think it should be something everyone should be part of; because I know I am part of something big, something beautiful, something that really teaches me what brotherhood really is.  It’s something you don’t feel at school.  I feel such a sense of belonging and love that I’ve only otherwise felt in my family.  FNE helps me grow immensely.  If it weren’t for FNE, I don’t even know where I’d be right now." (Benjamin T. – Explorer)

EXPLORERS DETAILS

Explorers work in groups called patrols lead by brother or sister explorers known as a patrol chief.  Each patrol has its own unique totem name, cheer and chant. Teenagers like to operate in small groups whereas everyone actively contributes to the success of their patrol as they serve others or even compete against one another.

A message for our youth - " In a patrol of 5 to 8 boys or girls, with real friends, you will have adventures that are the size of the man or women you aspire to be.  Your patrol is counting on you to canoe down rivers and lakes, to set up tents deep in the woods, to learn to be autonomous and to use nature's resources intelligently.  Adventures, challenges, games, explorations, camp vigils, this adventure is for boys or girls who dream of getting out of the monotony and have a soul of an explorer, to discover the world that awaits you. You will never be alone in this adventure because your patrol is counting on you. "

In addition Explorers, like their name, suggests, “explore” the great outdoors, nature, and service.  The program develops all aspects that build their character like no other organization can deliver.  With Christ at the centre of it all, Explorers develop their sense of:

• Collaboration
• Responsibility
• Challenging and Unique games
• Basic of Design & Development of Engineering Concepts
• Survival & First Aid Training
• Music & Photography Skills Development
• Occasional Visits from Spiritual Guests

Our members grow in their love for God through regularly celebrating the sacraments of the Eucharist and confession and giving back to the community.

We also offer field trips, all-season weekend camping, annual summer camp, and international travel opportunities.

For ages 17 to 24

Within a Wayfarer Clan (for men) or a Wayfarer Fire (for women) you will live and experience a demanding physical adventure, deepening of faith and discernment as to your vocation be it married, single, religious etc.

This stage is beautiful because it involves the lives of young men or women to anchor them in the Lord and in their apostolic life.

At an age when many do not make a choice, the Wayfarer commits themselves and puts themselves at the service of others all within a Christian spirit.

Moreover, the technical aspects of the formation of Wayfarers are not forgotten.

Once a Wayfarer, it is a reflection on the commitment that is put in place in order to prepare oneself, often, to become a leader and first the leader of his or her personal life.

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Rostov the Great, Russia

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Why visit rostov the great.

Founded in 862, fabulous Rostov the Great or Rostov Veliky (do not confuse it with Rostov-on-Don) is situated on the sparkling Lake Nero's shores and is known as a tourist center of the famous Golden Ring itinerary . The scenic town with more than a thousand years of history boasts a huge number of cultural monuments. Some of them are considered to be especially valuable cultural heritage sites.

Rostov has dozens of amazing sites. The most significant must-see on your Rostov tour is definitely the Rostov Kremlin , placed in the historic town center. The Kremlin was originally built not as a fortress but as a residence of the local church leader. The Yaroslavo-Rostovsky Museum is a treasure trove of Russian icon art, while the other Rostov churches hold many of their own beautiful frescoes.

Attractions of Rostov Veliky

Another outstanding landmark worth seeing during your Rostov travel is Abraham monastery . Founded in the 11th century, it has the honorary title of one of Russia's oldest monasteries. 

The Borisoglebsky Monastery sits 18 km from Rostov. The monastery was founded in the 14th century by two monks who supported St. Sergiy. It is believed that St. Sergiy himself selected the location for the monastery. It was often visited by Russian princes and tsars, including Ivan the Terrible, who came to the monastery three times and made more than twenty donations. In 1994, the Borisoglebsky Monastery witnessed a revival after the dark Soviet times. Nowadays, it is a male monastery and a branch of the "Rostov Kremlin" museum sanctuary.

If you decide to switch from historical highlights to picturesque nature views, consider visiting the Rostov City Park located in a natural beauty spot on Lake Nero's shore. Spectacular city festivals are organized annually on the park boardwalk and delight the visitors with fantastic parades, theatrical plays, reconstruction battles, and other breathtaking events. All these will certainly turn your Rostov journey into an exciting adventure.

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Rostov on Don

Bolshaya Sadovaya Street

Bolshaya Sadovaya is the central and one of the oldest and most beautiful streets of Rostov, running parallel to the Don line. The street is full of gorgeous historical and modern buildings, administrative institutions, restaurants and greenery. The area is ideal for walking during the day and at night. Get directions .

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Rozhdestvensky Sobor , the symbol of the city, was built in 1860 on the market square. The design is based on a draft of architect Konstantin Ton , the designer of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow (explaining why both cathedrals look similar). Get directions .

The October Revolution Park

The October Revolution Park is one of the most popular green spaces in the city. The shaded park is known for its excellent conditions for exercising and offers an artificial lake with water birds. Find here also some playgrounds and cafés, an amusement park, and since 2016, a 65-meters tall ferris wheel. Get directions .

The Obelisk to the Liberators of Rostov

The Stela (Ru) was installed in 1983, on the 40th anniversary of the Liberation of Rostov-on-Don from the fascist invaders. Its top is adorned with a golden sculpture of the Goddess of Victory, Nike . The base of the stela is encircled by a bas-relief made of tufa with hanging bells inside. Get directions .

The Rostov Academic Drama Theatre

A mock-up of the Rostov Academic Drama Theatre (Ru) represents Russia in the London Museum of the History of Architecture alongside a mock-up of St Basil's Cathedral . It was built in 1935, blown up by the fascists in 1943 and restored in 1963. Its unusual and monumental shape resembles a tractor.

Visit the official website (Ru) for ticket info. Get directions .

Soborny Lane

Soborny Pereulok (Ru) is one of the first streets of Rostov, with references going back to 1811. During the past 200 years it changed its shape and length several times, and recently it became partly pedestrian, enriched with seating areas and small trees. Get directions .

Pokrovsky Cathedral

The Pokrovsky Cathedral is an Old Believers’ church. This community exists in Rostov since the end of the 18th century and was represented mostly by wealthy people. It was thanks to the means of one of the merchants that this church was built in 1913. Get directions .

Horizon (Mall)

The biggest mall of Rostov is the place to find what you need. Horizon offers a large number of stores of big international brands. The mall is also nice for leisure, with an aquapark, a cinema, a bowling, restaurants and karaoke.

Learn more about Horizon and its stores on the official website . The mall is open every day! Get directions .

Pokrovsky Park

Pokrovsky Park (Ru) is a well-maintained small historical place around the Church of the Intercession . The previous church was demolished in 1930, whereas the current version dates from 2007, as enriched with a monument to Empress Elizabeth Petrovna . Get directions .

Don River Embankment

This lovely pedestrian zone of about 3 kilometres is a favourite place for walking and cheerful festivities of all citizens. Along the Don Embankment , you will find statues of legends from the history of Donland, as well as restaurants and cafés. River cruises operate from here during summer time, and are highly recommended. You can find an office selling river cruises at Beregovaya Street 23A. Get directions .

Astor Center (Mall)

The 3-story Astor Center is the best place for fashion-addicts. Here you can find elite boutiques of world-famous clothes and jewelry brands, an exhibition space, some excellent restaurants and a karaoke-club.

Have a look at the official website (Ru) to learn more about the stores. The mall is open every day! Get directions .

Frunze Park

Frunze Park is the main park of the Nakhichevan district. It contains a memorial complex with an eternal flame in the middle, devoted to the soldiers who fell in WWII. The well-groomed park further includes a playground and some benches. Get directions .

Nakhichevan Bazar

The history of this market goes back to the late 19th century, when an Armenian settlement appeared near the Rostov fortress. The Nakhichevan Bazar offers very tasty and fresh food, based on traditional Armenian markets. At times you may also hear the sounds of a duduk here.

The Nakhichevan Bazar is open every day! Get directions .

House of Margarita Chernova

The House of Margarita Chernova is a lovely and richly decorated mansion that was built in 1899 as a gift to the actress Margarita Chernova from her admirer, merchant Paramonov. The elite of Rostov gathered here for gorgeous balls, music evenings and theatre performances. After a renovation in 2001, the building hosts a branch of the Bank of Moscow. Get directions .

Professor's House

Until the appearance of the Professor's House here in 1937, there was a church on this site. During the Soviet era, a constructivist apartment building was built for the professors of the university and the medical institute. That explains the name. They say that in the courtyard, under the playground there are walled up entrances to the church cellars. Get directions .

Regional Council House and Watch Factory

The construction of the Council House , which would unite all governmental organizations, began in 1931 and was supposed to be in neoclassical style. Because of the war and a lack of funding, construction was finished by the early 60s. The style was completely changed into constructivism due to a specific decree (Ru). Get directions .

Greek Orthodox Church

The Greek Church was built in 2014 in a Neo-Byzantine style located close to the place of the former church, which was closed in 1959 and rebuilt into a puppet theatre in 1964. The church is the centre of the spiritual life of the Greek Diaspora of Rostov. Get directions .

Gorky Park is the oldest park of the city, founded in 1813. Ever since those days, it has been an important place for celebrations and festivities. It contains two flower gardens, fountains, playgrounds, an amusement park, cafés and an observatory. The bronze Lenin statue greets the guests at the entrance. Get directions .

Academic Youth Theatre

This theatre building from 1899 shows a mixture of styles, including Baroque, Renaissance and Classicism. It had already housed several theatres, before becoming the home of the Academic Youth Theatre (Ru) in 1964. The theatre has a rich repertoire, including classical Russian as well as international plays. Get directions .

Central mall TSUM

This mall of the TSUM chain is located in a century-old building in the very heart of Rostov-on-Don. The focus here is on clothes stores from local brands, but you can also easily find cosmetics or household items.

Have a look at the official website (Ru) for further info about the stores. TSUM is open every day! Get directions .

Central Market

Located in the oldest district of Rostov, this marketplace used to be the real heart of the city and the centre of trade. The Central Market of today contains indoor and outdoor parts, and sells mostly simple clothes, accessories and of course fresh food. The place is also nice to search for flea.

Learn more about the market on the official website (Ru). The Central Market is open every day! Get directions .

The brilliant building of the City Duma was designed in 1899 in eclectic style by the architect Pomerantsev , the designer of Moscow’s GUM . People say that every new administration of the city paint the roof in a new color, symbolizing the new power. Get directions .

Komsomolsky Park

Komsomolsky Park (Ru) is a small and quiet area with tall deciduous trees, a popular place for people with children due to a nice children's town with a trampoline and slides. You can also find here many benches in the shade of maples along the alleys, and a nice café. Get directions .

House of the merchant Gench-Ogluyev

The Gench-Ogluyev House was the first multi-story apartment house in Rostov-on-Don, built in 1883 by the architect Pomerantsev for the merchant Gench-Ogluyev. Historically, the first floor of the building has always been rented by shops – and following that tradition, today it also houses a store. Get directions .

Monument to the Strike of 1902

In 1902 railroad workers went on a strike (Ru), demanding a reduction of the working day and an increase in wage. After clashes with the police, several workers were killed. This impressive monument symbolizes the workers with a flag of revolution. Get directions .

The First of May Park

The 1st of May Park is situated on the territory of the former fortress. The main highlight of the park is a rotunda in neoclassical style, built in 1901. In about the same period, a linden alley was planted here – beautiful and very useful for escaping the summer heat. Get directions .

Museum of Fine Arts, Pushkinskaya

The Museum of Fine Arts is situated in a graceful mansion behind an openwork fence that was built in 1898. This branch of the museum houses a permanent exposition dedicated to Russian art, a place to find art of Bryullov , Repin , Kramskoy , Surikov , Aivazovsky and Levitan .

The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Learn more on the official website (Ru) of the museum. Get directions .

Museum of Russian-Armenian Friendship

From 1972 to 2007, the Museum of Russian-Armenian Friendship (Ru) was located in the Surp Khach monastery. Nowadays it is housed in this late 19th century mansion. The museum covers the migration of Armenians from Crimea, and treasures a collection of over 30,000 exhibits, such as household items and Armenian books from the 18th century.

Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Get directions .

Ostrovsky Park

With a territory of 63 ha, Ostrovsky Park is the biggest public park in Rostov. The park with cafés and beautiful century-old trees, includes various sports- and playgrounds, a children's railway, and unique Soviet amusement rides. Get directions .

Rostov Arena

The Rostov Arena was constructed especially for the 2018 World Cup, on the left bank of the Don River. After the World Cup it became the new home ground of FC Rostov . The stadium provides seats for 45,000 spectators. Get directions .

Marins Hotel (Former 'Hotel Rostov')

The former Hotel Rostov was one of the biggest hotels in the USSR, built in 1934. It was the last renovated building in Rostov-on-Don after the war. You can still see the original relief 'Great Creation' in the upper central part of the main facade, depicting seven workers. It was created by the famous sculptor Vuchetich . Get directions .

Museum of Fine Arts, Chekhova

This branch of the Museum of Fine Arts is dedicated to West-European art. The collection reflects the main art developments of the 17-19th centuries. You can enjoy here all the major European schools of that time: Italian, Dutch, Flemish, French and German.

Pushkinskaya Street

Pushkinskaya is the main pedestrian street of the city, a boulevard with tall trees that is very popular during the hot summers. The street contains many historical buildings from since the 1870s, monuments, museums, cozy cafés and comfortable benches. Get directions .

Rostov State Transport University (RIIZhT)

The complex of buildings of the Rostov Transport University (Ru) appeared in 1934. It is a monument of Soviet constructivist architecture. After WWII the building was severely damaged and rebuilt in the style of Soviet neoclassicism. Get directions .

The State Bank Building

The magnificent State Bank Building was constructed in 1915 in neoclassicism style . Its big green dome can be noticed from afar. Interesting to know is that this building was entirely preserved after the Nazi occupation of the city. Opposite the entrance you can find a fountain with sculptures of lions. Get directions .

Builder's Park

The Builder's Park is one of the oldest city gardens of Rostov, founded on the territory of a manor in the beginning of the 20th century. It has a well-equipped playground and benches in the shade of tall trees. Get directions .

Golden Babylon (Mall)

Golden Babylon is an excellent shopping center with a good number of clothes stores, a big cinema, and a flawless food court. In this mainstream mall you will also find some big international brands, like Zara and Mango.

Check out the official website (Ru) to learn more about Golden Babylon and its stores. The mall is open every day! Get directions .

Museum of Local Lore

The Museum of Local Lore (Ru) opened its doors early 20th century, and despite the fact that it was looted by the Nazis during the occupation, it still treasures an excellent collection of Scythian gold and an exhibition about the history of the Don Cossacks – the most numerous of the Cossack troops in the Russian Empire.

Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Visit the official website (Ru) for more visitor info. Get directions .

Palace of Culture of Railway Workers / Lendvorets

Lendvorets (Ru) was the first building in Rostov built in the style of constructivism in 1927. During WWII it was partially destroyed, and after its restoration in 1957, the main entrance received a giant portal with a colonnade in the style of Stalin’s classicism . Get directions .

The First Pioneer Gathering square

This small park is a popular resting place for locals living in the nearby high-rise buildings. One of the highlights of the First Pioneer Gathering square (Ru) is the fountain 'The Knight killing the Snake', to be found near hotel Rostov. Besides the well-groomed flower beds, you will find here benches and a children's playground. Get directions .

North Caucasus Railway Administration

This magnificent building of the North Caucasus Railway was built in 1913 in Art Nouveau style, with elements of Eclecticism . The building has always been home to the railroad management. Get directions .

The Public Library

The history of the Donland Public library originated in 1886. The library has been housed in various places before this huge and particular building appeared in 1994. This cultural centre hosts film festivals, exhibitions and lectures. It’s also pleasant to sit in front of the library while resting and reading a book.

Learn more about the library on the official website (Ru). Get directions .

Vitya Cherevichkin Children's Park

Historically the Vitya Cherevichkin Children’s Park was named after Alexander II, containing an 11-meters copy of the Alexander Column , installed here in 1894. Since 1965, the park with its wide alleys and tall trees is named after Vitya Cherevichkin, a Rostov teenager who got killed by the German invaders. Get directions .

St Alexandra's Church

St Alexandra’s Church is dedicated to the Holy Queen Alexandra . It was built in 1904 in Russian Revival style, located in the Nakhichevan-on-Don area. It had not been closed in Soviet times, for its location on a cemetery. Get directions .

The Southern Federal University

The Southern Federal University was founded in 1915 as a satellite university of the University of Warsaw. The Russian staff needed to be evacuated from Poland in 1915, as a result of WWI. Today the university is one of the biggest educational institutions in the southern region of Russia. Get directions .

The Musical Theatre

Before the revolution, it was mostly visiting theatre troupes performing in the Rostov Musical Theatre . It received its official name and status in 1919, to become the oldest centre of musical life in the south of Russia. Its repertoire includes operas, ballets, operettas and symphonic music.

Check out the official website (Ru) for ticket info. Get directions .

The Botanical Garden

The 90-years-old Botanical Garden is an island of pure nature. Guided tours are offered, as well as horse riding. In addition, there's a mineral spring, which is considered an Orthodox shrine.

Please note that the entrance to the garden (Ru) is from the south, at Lesoparkovaya Street 30A – get directions .

Makaronka is a contemporary art center uniting an experimental theatre of modern drama called 'Theatre 18+', an exhibition space, artist's studios, a bookstore and a souvenir shop. The name of the center came from the building, as it used to house a pasta ('makarony' in Russian) factory. Get directions .

Residential block for Skilled Professionals

Housing construction for the working class took place on a large scale in the time of Stalin's five-year plans . Budennovsky Prospect was one of these examples, and is very rich in constructivist architecture. Get directions .

Memorial complex Zmievskaya Balka

Zmievskaya Balka is a memorial on the place where 30,000 people (mostly Jews) were massacred on 11 and 12 August in 1942. Historians consider this to be the place of the largest mass extermination of Jews in Russia. Get directions .

Megamag (Mall)

One of the newer malls in Rostov-on-Don, still developing, but with a good number of clothes stores of mostly local brands. The mall already offers stores in nearly all categories, including cosmetics and electronics, and a hypermarket for instance.

Visit the official website to learn more about the stores. Megamag is open every day! Get directions .

Pleven Park

Pleven Park is located in the middle of a residential area. It's an excellent place for walks. Besides the many benches, the park offers an amusement park and some cafés. In summer season, you can also rent a bicycle here. The park was named after Pleven , the Bulgarian twin city of Rostov. Get directions .

Atlantes Fountain

The Atlantes Fountain from 1936 was designed by a young Yevgeny Vuchetich , who later became famous for his works The Motherland Calls! in Volgograd and the Swords to Ploughshares in the United Nations Art Collection. According to the legend, Vuchetich gave the animals' faces features of his contemporaries – city officials. Get directions .

The Synagogue

The only Synagogue of Rostov was built in 1872. The building was severely damaged by a fire during the Anti-Jewish pogroms of 1905 . After 1935 it got closed for a long time, in line with Soviet rules. Only in 1991 it was returned to the Jewish community. Get directions .

Water-transport Workers House

During the Soviet period, many buildings in the city were constructed for workers of different professions, such as this one. The characteristic features of these buildings are the simplicity of the artistic solution of the facades, combined with monumentality. You can find other examples on the crossroads of Verknenolnaya, Nizhnenolnaya and Sovetskaya Streets. Get directions .

Student Park

The territory of the Student Park contains the educational buildings of the Technical University , some student hostels, a church and sports grounds. The best part for walks is the north, with its tall trees. Get directions .

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‘The Plane Is Fine’: An Airline Course Looks to Overcome Fear in the Skies

Anxiety when flying might not seem so unreasonable these days, but a British Airways program seeks to reassure the lightly nervous and the abjectly terrified alike.

By Sarah Lyall

No sooner had British Airways Flight 9240 roared into the air over Heathrow Airport than the cabin air was pierced by a sharp, scary noise, like an alarm or a siren. The power surged and then seemed to falter, and the plane became worryingly quiet. (Too quiet?)

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What was it? Images of catastrophic scenarios — birds, engine failure, parts falling off, total systemic breakdown — pinballed through the passengers’ imaginations as the plane seemed to struggle to find its equilibrium. Unease gripped the cabin. But then a disembodied voice wafted soothingly over the public-address system. “Everything’s normal,” the voice said. “The plane is fine.”

This emotional roller coaster of a flight, a 35-minute loop in the air that started and finished at Heathrow, was the culmination of the airline’s “Flying With Confidence” course , aimed at people who are afraid to fly — the lightly nervous as well as the abjectly terrified.

The course includes a deep dive into the mechanics and operation of an airplane. There’s also a section on how pilots are trained to deal with various scenarios — including cabin depressurization, malfunctioning landing gear, holes in the fuselage and sudden gusts of wind on the runway that force what is called a “go-around” — when a pilot suddenly aborts the landing and sends the plane barreling straight back into the sky. The day ends when the attendees — or at least those who didn’t leave early — board an actual plane for a real-life flight.

As many as 40 percent of all airline passengers have at least mild apprehension about flying, experts say, and people with serious aviophobia fall roughly into two groups. About 20 percent have “an underlying anxiety that manifests as fear of flying,” said Douglas Boyd, an aviation researcher who runs a fear-of-flying course in Houston . Another 70 to 75 percent, he said, “think that something bad will happen to the plane — there will be a fire, the engine will fall off, the pilot is drunk, it’s going to crash.” (The rest have a hybrid of worries.)

Flying is objectively low-risk, and 2023 was the safest year for jet travel ever, according to the International Air Transport Association . But fear of flying hardly seems irrational, what with reports of aircraft malfunctions, overworked air traffic controllers and the sense that climate change is making turbulence worse .

For instance: On Jan. 5, a door plug — a door-sized panel on the side of an aircraft — blew off the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines jet as it made its ascent, depressurizing the cabin and exposing passengers to open air thousands of feet above ground. Also in January, five members of the Japanese Coast Guard were killed when their plane collided with a Japanese Airlines jet on a Tokyo runway and both planes burst into flames. (Everyone — 367 passengers and 12 crew members — on the Japanese Airlines flight survived.) Boeing, the manufacturer of the Alaska Airlines plane and other planes that have experienced various mishaps, has faced particular criticism for neglecting safety .

Such incidents loom large in the heads of passengers, but Mr. Boyd said that people tend to ignore how rare they are. “You have to look at objective measurements,” he said. “In the last 15 years we’ve had only two fatal accidents with a U.S. carrier, and that speaks volumes.” (Those were when a Continental Airlines flight crashed into a house in Buffalo in 2009 , killing 50 people, and when a window blew out after an engine exploded on a Southwest Airlines flight in 2018, killing a passenger who was partly sucked out of the plane.)

Nobody wants to go through a flight racked with fear or beset by emotional upheaval, and airlines have an obvious interest in calm, unterrified passengers. A number of airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa and Virgin, offer fear-of-flying programs, but B.A.’s has been operating for more than 35 years and is considered the most well-established.

I — an occasionally nervous-in-turbulence but not prohibitively terrified flyer — joined an October session, paying the fee of 395 British pounds, or about $508.

My fellow attendees represented a spectrum of ages and professions and suffered from a range of anxieties.

Duncan Phillips, a high school science teacher, said that he had not set foot on a plane since his honeymoon, two decades earlier. Imogen Corrigan, a medieval history lecturer, said that she had a “generalized dread of the whole airport experience,” exacerbated by a traumatic flight some years earlier in which her seatmate, incorrectly interpreting the plane’s post-takeoff noises as systemic engine failure, rose to her feet and yelled, “We’re not going up!”

And a 28-year-old man who asked that his name not be used because he works at Buckingham Palace said that his problem was claustrophobia — he once got trapped in an elevator — but that he was committed to overcoming it. “I just don’t want to be afraid anymore,” he said.

Listening to the captain

Standing onstage in a conference room at a hotel at Heathrow and using props like slides, a plastic plane and a replica of a human ear to explain how airplanes work, Capt. Steve Allright, the B.A. pilot who led the program, provided his go-to anti-anxiety tip.

“I want you to breathe out for four seconds and then breathe in, while squeezing your largest muscles — your buttocks,” he said. “What you’re doing is taking control of your mind and your racing thoughts. Don’t sit and suffer. Breathe and squeeze.”

(Yes, Captain Allright has seen the film “Airplane!” in which Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Peter Graves play two pilots whose names — Roger Murdock and Clarence Oveur — lead to “Who’s on First”-style amusement when their colleagues bark “Roger, Roger!” and “Over, Oveur!” at them. Captain Allright knows that his name, too, sounds fictional. It is not.)

He invited the group to identify its specific worries. “How many of you have not flown for more than 20 years, or never flown?” he asked. “How many are regular business travelers, and it’s getting worse? Mums and dads who had children and it suddenly made them aware of their own mortality?”

He peered into the crowd. “Who doesn’t like the takeoff?” he added. “Who doesn’t like the landing and — everyone’s favorite — who doesn’t like the turbulence?”

One person raised her hand for all the categories.

Among the points made by Captain Allright and his team:

The wings of planes can’t just snap off.

The plane has sufficient stores of fuel and will not suddenly run out of gas. “Those Hollywood scenes where they’re circling around yelling that they’re going to run out of fuel and the plane is going to ‘land on fumes,’” Captain Allright said, “that’s not going to happen.”

The thing that sounds like the engines have suddenly ceased functioning after takeoff? It’s an auditory illusion created by the reduction in power after the plane becomes airborne; the plane needs more power to take off and less power when it gets into the air.

Those movies in which pilots are “wrestling with the controls and sweating profusely during turbulence” are totally fake, Captain Allright said. “Turbulence is uncomfortable but not dangerous.”

When you hear a strange beeping noise in the cabin, it is not a secret pilots’ signal meaning that “we have an emergency, but don’t tell the passengers.” In fact, “all airplanes make different noises,” Captain Allright said, and what you’re hearing could well be something like the “barking dog noise” that people say they hear on some Airbus jets, attributable to the planes’ hydraulics.

No pilot would ever unlock the cockpit door and let in a bunch of hijackers, even if the hijackers were threatening to kill the flight attendant with whom the pilot was having an affair, as in the TV series “Hijack,” starring Idris Elba.

The presentation seemed to allay some of the passengers’ fears. Charlotte Wheeler, an agricultural company executive still spooked by a childhood in which her acutely phobic mother would drink to excess and become obstreperous and hysterical on flights, said she appreciated Captain Allright’s willingness to journey through the weeds of her apprehension.

“That whole ‘wings not snapping off’ thing was amazing,” she said. “And I appreciated what he said about the fuel not running out.”

Ms. Corrigan, the lecturer, said she was particularly soothed by Captain Allright’s discussion of “the bit where they’ve just taken off and you don’t think it’s going to make it.”

B.A. 9240 is boarding

The hard-news presentation was followed by a segment on fear, anxiety reduction and relaxation led by a psychologist, Dr. Jan Smith. But, eventually, it was time to get on the plane, minus several unnerved people who left during the lunch break and never came back. Divided into small groups, each led by a B.A. employee in a high-visibility orange vest, the remaining passengers moved tentatively through the airport terminal. The boarding passes listed the destination as “Fictitious Point,” because the plane was both departing from and returning to Heathrow.

There was a brief setback. The first passengers boarded, only to find that they had to get off because an unspecified glitch had failed to register their existence when they scanned their boarding passes.

“This is not good,” one passenger said.

“Is this part of the course?” said another. “I have a fear of stampedes.”

Several people fretted by the door and failed to board the plane. One woman successfully got on but quickly got off, sobbing. “I’m sorry,” she said.

Everyone else took their seats: 120 customers intermingled with about 20 B.A. personnel, pilots and psychologists whose job was to provide emotional and occasionally physical support at this most delicate part of the day. People were hyperventilating, reciting inspirational mantras, folding into themselves and, in several cases, openly crying. A woman in the front row cranked up her headphones and tried to distract herself with the Lee Child thriller “No Plan B.”

“I really, really don’t like being up in the air,” she said.

The plane took off and the power surged on and then ratcheted down, as Captain Allright had explained. The collective anxiety level rose to 11. “Everything’s normal,” he said. “The speed is stable. The pilots are happy and relaxed. This would be a good time to do your breathing and squeezing.”

The plane flew around for a bit as he talked through the sights and sounds — the Millennium Dome, Gatwick Airport, the London Eye, the wing flaps, a little chirping noise signifying that autopilot had been switched off.

“That means that Nigel’s now controlling the aircraft manually,” Captain Allright said, referring to the pilot, Capt. Nigel Willing, who was at the controls and who, yes, has another name that sounds like he’s a character in a movie. “It’s perfectly normal. Let’s all make a conscious decision to squeeze our buttocks.”

As the plane began its descent, some of the passengers, genuinely amazed that they had made it this far, took proof-of-flight photos out the window.

“I’m just glad I didn’t throw up,” the “No Plan B” reader said. “I could really use a cigarette.”

The plane came to a stop and Idris Guest, an IT worker who had not been in the air since a horrific 2016 experience involving turbulence and a flight attendant with a bleeding head wound, pronounced himself if not cured, then at least not in a fetal position.

He vowed to fly again. “I’m on a massive high,” he said.

“Everything’s normal,” Captain Allright said. “Give yourself a round of applause, people.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Read by Sarah Lyall

Audio produced by Sarah Diamond .

Sarah Lyall is a writer at large for The Times, writing news, features and analysis across a wide range of sections. More about Sarah Lyall

Managing Anxiety and Stress

Stay balanced in the face of stress and anxiety with our collection of tools and advice..

How are you, really? This self-guided check-in will help you take stock of your emotional well-being — and learn how to make changes .

These simple and proven strategies will help you manage stress , support your mental health and find meaning in the new year.

First, bring calm and clarity into your life with these 10 tips . Next, identify what you are dealing with: Is it worry, anxiety or stress ?

Persistent depressive disorder is underdiagnosed, and many who suffer from it have never heard of it. Here is what to know .

If you notice drastic shifts in your mood during certain times of the year, you could have seasonal affective disorder. Here are answers to your top questions about the condition .

How much anxiety is too much? Here is how to establish whether you should see a professional about it .

The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.

Fine-Tuned Finances

15 Countries Where You Can Travel Without a Passport

Posted: February 15, 2024 | Last updated: February 15, 2024

For American citizens traveling internationally, possessing a passport is generally a requirement to enter another country. However, exceptions exist for certain independent countries and US territories operating somewhat autonomously. Before planning visits to such places, it is essential to thoroughly research entry requirements. Some locations may necessitate an enhanced ID or proof of specific vaccinations. While a passport is a typical prerequisite, understanding and adhering to particular entry conditions for each destination is crucial for a smooth and compliant travel experience. So don’t grab your passport, because you won’t need it, and check these 15 countries you can travel to passport-free.

Northern Marianas Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands form a US commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean. This island region boasts diverse attractions such as mountains, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and significant WWII battle sites. The unique blend of natural wonders and historical landmarks makes the Northern Mariana Islands a destination of interest. Its affiliation as a US commonwealth offers a distinctive combination of scenic beauty and historical significance for those seeking a varied and engaging travel experience.

Thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, entering Mexico, a beautiful and historic country to our south, is possible with an enhanced driver’s license or passport card, eliminating the need for a full passport. This streamlined process facilitates travel to Mexico, allowing individuals to use alternative identification documents for entry. Travelers must know these accepted alternatives to ensure a smooth experience when crossing the border into this culturally rich and picturesque neighboring country.

American Samoa

Comprising the US territory of American Samoa are seven South Pacific islands. The National Park of American Samoa offers exploration opportunities amid tropical landscapes, including beaches, reefs, and rainforests. As of 2022, entry requirements have become more stringent, but visiting without a passport is still possible under specific conditions. The US State Travel provides comprehensive reports on these conditions, guiding potential travelers through the necessary steps and considerations for exploring this unique and picturesque territory.

Canada, as the world’s second-largest country with the longest coastline, offers ample opportunities for exploration. While it’s possible to visit without a passport, specific conditions apply. Notably, air travel necessitates a passport. According to Statistics Canada , in July 2023, US residents made 3.1 million trips to Canada, marking a 42.8% increase from July 2022 (2.2 million) and reaching 86.6% of the trips taken during the same month in 2019. These statistics reflect a notable and steady rise in travel to Canada from the United States.

Turks and Caicos

The tropical archipelago of Turks and Caicos, located just southeast of the Bahamas, comprises forty low-lying coral islands. As a British territory, it is often hailed as an island paradise. This destination holds particular appeal for scuba divers, with its prized 12-mile barrier reef along the north shore of Provo, a gateway island. Grand Turk Island boasts an impressive underwater wall, often called the Grand Canyon of the Caribbean, characterized by a sudden drop-off in the ocean floor plunging to depths of 7,000 feet.

St. John Island

Experience the natural allure of the Caribbean Sea through the captivating St. John Island. This destination is a primary vacation spot in the archipelago, making it a top choice for those exploring the US Virgin Islands. Notably, it is one of the prominent locations where US citizens can visit without needing a passport or visa. The island’s significance is accentuated by Laurence Rockefeller’s 1956 contribution of 5,000 acres for a public park, now covering two-thirds of the emerald expanse of St. John.

US Virgin Islands

Being a US territory, entry to the US Virgin Islands doesn’t require a passport. Yet, the appropriate ID is necessary, so ensure you verify the requirements in advance. Once arrive, savor the experience of white-sand beaches, reefs, and rolling hills adorned with vibrant plant life. The combination of these natural features contributes to the appeal of the US Virgin Islands, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty and diversity of this captivating Caribbean destination.

Entry to the US island territory in the Western Pacific, Guam, is possible for US citizens without a passport, given proof of citizenship or appropriate ID. Although once a pivotal site during WWII, Guam is now renowned for its villages, latte-stone pillars, and tropical beaches. The War in the Pacific National Historical Park provides an opportunity to connect with Guam’s historical past, allowing visitors to appreciate both its wartime significance and the natural beauty it offers today.

Bermuda, renowned for its pink-sand beaches, is a British territory with a culture blending American and British influences. As a popular destination for cruises and resorts, it attracts visitors. According to the Royal Gazette , the US remains Bermuda’s primary market, with 73 percent of air visitors arriving from America. This steady influx of visitors reflects the island’s enduring popularity among American travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and a distinctive cultural experience.

The Bahamas

Situated in the North Atlantic’s West Indies, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an island country encompassing 97% of the Lucayan Archipelago’s land. The entire nation is classified as tropical despite certain parts being just above the Tropic of Cancer. Renowned for its popularity among vacationers and cruise enthusiasts, the Bahamas offers a sought-after destination with its picturesque islands, attracting those seeking the allure of tropical landscapes and the relaxation associated with this well-known and frequented region.

Haiti, an independent nation on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola alongside the Dominican Republic, faced devastation from a 2010 earthquake. Despite the challenges, many historic structures endured. Nevertheless, the US State Department strongly advises against travel to Haiti for American citizens. The caution stems from concerns about kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. These multiple issues highlight the considerable risks associated with visiting Haiti, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety when considering travel to this region.

St. Thomas Island

St. Thomas Island holds prominence in the Virgin Islands hierarchy, enveloping the Water Island in its maritime embrace. Commonly known as the “Last Virgin,” it became the final island to join the US Virgin Islands in 1996. The ferry service, reminiscent of a cruise ship experience, seamlessly connects travelers from the shore to Water Island, with no fees imposed on US citizens. Upon arrival, the option to explore the island’s nearly 500 acres, teeming with marine life and resilient flora, is facilitated by golf trucks. While camping is not permitted, visitors can secure accommodation in advance through island estates, glamping, or paying guests.

An enhanced driver’s license or passport card is sufficient for entering Mexico. However, a passport becomes necessary if you plan to travel to Jamaica by plane. Interestingly, a passport is not required if you choose to visit by ship. Jamaica offers three cruise ship ports: Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay, all providing access to bars, shopping, and beautiful beaches. Understanding the specific entry requirements for different modes of travel is crucial for a hassle-free experience in these destinations.

Puerto Rico

As a US territory, Puerto Rico stands out with a distinct atmosphere, different from any US state, attracting many travelers. The island’s diverse landscape is characterized by mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests. San Juan, the capital, offers a range of amenities, including hotels, beach bars, and casinos, contributing to its popularity as a travel destination. The unique blend of natural beauty and urban attractions makes Puerto Rico a sought-after location for those seeking a varied and appealing vacation experience.

St. Croix Island

St. Croix Island beckons with remarkable attractions despite being identified as the least visited among the Virgin Islands, as indicated by travel industry reports. Like other islands in the region, St. Croix allows travelers to see without needing passport formalities. Those seeking tranquility and serenity can immerse themselves in the local experience, spending time in traditional houses or thatch huts. This island stands out for its relatively low pollution levels compared to its counterparts, offering visitors a serene and peaceful environment.

“No Boomers Allowed”: 15 States Where Retirees Are NOT Welcome

If you’re planning a significant change during retirement, it’s crucial to think about the kind of home you desire and the aspects you should steer clear of. “If you’re thinking about making a big move in retirement, it’s important to consider what characteristics you want in your new home and which ones to avoid at all costs,” suggests experts. To assist you, we’ve compiled a catalog of the 15 least favorable states for retirement.

16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY

Looking back on the childhood of the boomer generation, it becomes evident that certain things once considered appropriate would never pass today’s standards. The cultural landscape has evolved significantly, leading us to recognize 16 aspects of their upbringing that would be deemed wholly unacceptable today. From unsupervised outdoor adventures to unfiltered television content, the boomer generation got away with various experiences that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows in today’s world. Let’s delve into these intriguing elements of their upbringing and reflect on how far society has come.

STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF

Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was “in my day.” At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don’t want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic. STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF

IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!

With the advances of social media, home trends, décor, and fads change faster than ever before. While some trends become instant classics, others can be redundant, unsensible, or just downright hideous. In a popular online forum, users shared the home fads they’re tired of seeing. We’ve compiled a list of these most disliked home décor fads, so grab a cup of coffee, and let’s look into these less-than-inspiring home design options!

BOOMERS FED UP: THE NEVER-ENDING SAGA OF MILLENNIAL BLAME FOR FINANCIAL FAILURES – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Millennials look at their current economic situation with despair. The feeling amongst them is that the boomers are the cause of their woes. Boomers are considered to be a group of individuals who are self-serving, greedy, and short-sighted. But is this the case?

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Who is Don Hankey, the billionaire whose insurance firm provided Trump a $175 million bond payment?

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: April 3, 2024 / 11:04 AM EDT / CBS News

Former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants in his New York civil fraud case on Monday posted a bond of $175 million , following a judge's ruling that they had for years misrepresented the value of his properties. The bond is underwritten by an insurance company run by a billionaire, who got his start making high-risk, high-interest loans to car buyers with poor credit.

Don Hankey, the executive whose company provided the bond, is a little-known mogul who built his $7.4 billion fortune through car dealerships and providing subprime auto loans, according to Forbes magazine . That makes him richer than Trump, whom Forbes estimates is worth $6.4 billion, including his multibillion stake in the newly public Trump Media & Technology Group.

Hankey, who told The Associated Press he has never met nor spoken with Trump, said his Knight Speciality Insurance company provided both cash and bonds as collateral for Trump's appellate bond. That bond is now essentially a placeholder that will guarantee payment if the judgment against Trump is upheld on appeal. 

"This is what we do at Knight Insurance, and we're happy to do this for anyone who needs a bond," Hankey told the wire service. 

Hankey didn't immediately respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment.

Who is Don Hankey?

Hankey, 80, got started in the auto industry when his father bought a stake in a Ford dealership in Los Angeles in 1958. A teenager at the time, Hankey started out washing cars during the summer, but later stepped into a salesman role, he told the Los Angeles Business Journal last year. 

While Hankey was studying finance at the University of Southern California, his father died and his family lost its stake in the car dealership. But a few years after Hankey's graduation, his family repurchased the dealership with a $250,000 loan.

How did Hankey get into the car loans business?

After buying the dealership, Hankey courted buyers that other car sellers often rejected: subprime borrowers. His dealership provided the loans, unlike other car dealers which typically turn to banks to provide financing for auto purchases. 

Hankey told the Los Angeles Business Journal that his showroom was often filled with people arguing over terms they believed were unfavorable.

"We had beefs going on, and at the same time people coming in, buying cars," Hankey said . "But it all worked. And you would think that somebody buying a car would hate to see somebody else arguing about a payment, but it didn't seem to matter."

What other businesses does Hankey own?

Hankey expanded beyond auto dealerships when he realized that there was demand for subprime auto loans outside of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Business Journal. 

He incorporated Westlake Financial Services, which Forbes said now works with more than 30,000 car dealerships across the U.S. to provide auto loans to people with poor credit histories. Westlake is now part of the Hankey Group, which also oversees other financial services companies, including Knight Insurance Group, the enterprise that provided Trump's bond. 

Is Hankey a Trump supporter?

Hankey told Bloomberg News he voted for Trump, but said that his support for the real estate developer didn't play into his decision to extend the bond. 

"Yes, I voted for him in the past, but this is a business deal and this is what we do," Hankey told the publication. "I have never met Donald Trump, nor talked to him on the phone."

Hankey has been a generous donor to political candidates, almost exclusively Republicans, including Donald Trump. Leading up to the 2016 presidential election, Hankey and his wife gave $80,000 to the Trump Victory Fund, with $5,400 going to the Trump campaign and the rest to the Republican National Committee, according to Open Secrets.

Axos Bank, in which Hankey is one of the biggest non-institutional investors, provided the funding to refinance Trump Tower and take out a $100 million loan in 2022, when the Trump Organization's real estate valuations were under scrutiny due to the New York fraud case , Bloomberg reported. Hankey told the publication he wasn't aware of the deal until after it was completed.

How does the $175 million bond work?

Appeal bonds are used when a defendant appeals a court ruling, which essentially freezes enforcement of the financial judgment as the legal process continues.

Insurers typically provide the bond after they have proof of collateral and charge a fee, which ranges from 1% to 2% of the bond amount, according to insurance broker NFP. That means Trump could be paying as much as $3.5 million on an annual basis for the bond guarantee from Knight Insurance. 

If Trump wins his appeal of the ruling, he won't have to pay the state anything and will get his money back.

"As promised, President Trump has posted bond. He looks forward to vindicating his rights on appeal and overturning this unjust verdict," said one of Trump's lawyers, Alina Habba.

—The Associated Press and CBS News' Dan Klaidman contributed to this report.

• Donald Trump

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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7Pines Resort Sardinia

Cradled in the colorful contours of baja sardinia, 7pines resort sardinia is a beachfront resort surrounded by fragrant gardens and secluded beaches. enjoy a tranquil atmosphere, modern comfort, and exquisite dining..

Guests celebrating a special occasion receive a surprise gift from the staff.

Thoughtfully designed rooms and suites offer Mediterranean-inspired décor and contemporary furnishings. Enjoy stunning views from the private terrace overlooking the garden, laguna, or the sea. Spacious bathrooms include walk-in showers and premium amenities.

Select from 3 on-site restaurants and 6 bars, including Capogiro, serving fine Italian dishes. The Cone Club is a beach-club-style eaterie featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Unwind with a creative cocktail at the Beach Bar.

Stay fit at the fully-equipped on-site gym, including cardio machines, multi-adjustable benches, dumbells, and strength machines. Explore the multi-sport area featuring tennis, padel, and basketball. Pure Seven is a wellness oasis offering treatments from massages to facials and body wraps.

Head to the secluded beach for a picnic and a day of swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Relax in a complimentary cabana at one of two pools. Rent a yacht for the day and explore beautiful Sardinia with a private crew and dining experience.

Località Li Mucchi Bianchi, Baja Sardinia. Baja Sardinia, 07021 Italy

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport.

• Daily breakfast for two
• Experience Credit : US$ 100 Property credit to be used during stay
• 4pm check-out guaranteed
• 12pm check-in, when available
• Room upgrade at check-in, when available 1
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• $75 Property credit to be used during your stay.

Call your Centurion Membership Executive to book this property and receive your exclusive Centurion benefits in addition to your standard Fine Hotels + Resorts® benefits.

1 Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

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Fine Hotels + Resorts with Centurion Benefits Program:  Fine Hotels + Resorts ® (FHR) program Centurion benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel (meaning solely by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card) with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Centurion ® Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express ® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Room upgrade is subject to availability and is confirmed at time of booking; certain room categories are not eligible for an upgrade. Noon check-in is subject to availability and is provided at check-in. The type of experience credit varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the experience credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. For a stay of two consecutive nights or more, an additional experience credit of up to $200 will be provided. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change.

Fine Hotels + Resorts Program:  Fine Hotels + Resorts ® (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card ® Members, and Centurion ® Members. Additional Platinum Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts are also eligible for FHR program benefits. Companion Card Members on Consumer Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, Additional Business Gold and Additional Business Expense Card Members on Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, and Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express ® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the experience credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card. 

The Hotel Collection Program:  The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Gold Card, Platinum Card ® Members, and Centurion ® Members. Additional Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum Card Accounts, and Additional Card Members on Consumer and Business Centurion Accounts are also eligible for THC program benefits. Delta SkyMiles ® Gold and Platinum Card Members are not eligible. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express ® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Room upgrade is subject to availability and is provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

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Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards ®  program apply. Visit  membershiprewards.com  for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice. The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to  www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

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Venice day-trippers will face steep fines if they fail to pay an access fee under a pilot program

FILE -Tourists visit Rialto bridge, in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. Day-trippers to the lagoon city who fail to pay 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the lagoon city’s historic center during a limited-date pilot program launching later this month will face fines starting at 10 times the entrance fee, officials said Thursday, April 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

Luigi Brugnaro, mayor of Venice, talks during a press conference in Rome, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Day-trippers to the lagoon city who fail to pay 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the lagoon city’s historic center during a limited-date pilot program launching later this month will face fines starting at five times the entrance fee, the city’s mayor said Thursday. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

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MILAN (AP) — Day-trippers to the fabled canal city of Venice who fail to pay 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the lagoon city’s historic center during a time-limited pilot program launching later this month will face fines starting at 10 times the entrance fee, officials said Thursday.

Venice announced last year it would launch the long-discussed day-tripper fee after the city escaped being placed on the U.N. agency’s list of endangered heritage sites, due largely to the impact of overtourism. Officials have avoided calling it a tax, opting for softer words like contribution, and have downplayed the possibility of waits to enter the city, emphasizing there will be no turnstiles or physical barriers.

But during a press briefing, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro suggested lines could form at the official entry points, and used the word tax to describe the fee.

Brugnaro said personnel have been trained to verify that tourists who are not staying in Venice have either a QR code confirming payment of the fee or an exemption voucher. Exemptions will be issued for a variety of reasons, including to access the city for work, school or medical care, as well as to people born in Venice, and residents of the Veneto region.

Venice has long suffered under the pressure of overtourism, but officials say pre-pandemic estimates ranging from 25 million to 30 million visitors a year —including day-trippers — are not reliable and that the pilot project also aims to come up with more exact figures to help better manage the phenomenon. By contrast, registered visitors spending the night last year numbered 4.6 million, according to city figures, down 16% from pre-pandemic highs.

Visitors arriving at the main train and bus stations will first be met by stewards who will remind tourists of the new requirement and help anyone who hasn’t yet downloaded the QR code. Payment points will be set up for anyone without a smartphone.

Brugnaro said that anyone found beyond designated control points without the required documentation will be subject to fines. These will range from 50 to 300 euros (from around $55 to $326, depending on exchange rates), plus the maximum entrance fee allowed by law, set at 10 euros (nearly $11).

“There is no tax without controls,’’ Brugnaro told foreign reporters in Rome.

Visitors will be subject to random, not systematic, checks, he said.

“If someone turns himself into Batman and tries to enter, and enters all the same, he will not win a medal from me, but we will simply thank him for his rudeness,’’ the mayor said.

Officials have emphasized that the program aims to reduce crowds on peak days, encourage longer visits and improve the quality of life for residents. The fee is not required for anyone staying in Venice, including the mainland districts of Marghera and Mestre.

Venice’s islands, including glass-making Murano, are also outside the pilot program, which is being tested on 29 days, starting with an Italian national holiday on April 25 through mid-July, including most weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No maximum number of visitors has been set in this phase.

Venice is launching an advertising campaign to inform visitors of the new obligation, featuring Brugnaro speaking a variety of languages aided by artificial intelligence. Visitors can register at the website, www.cda.ve.it , which is operating in five languages.

The pandemic delayed Venice’s plans to launch the day-tripper tax, which has become a keystone of the city’s attempts to deal with overtourism . UNESCO cited the plan when it decided not to include the city on the list of endangered world heritage sites last September, a tarnish that it similarly avoided two years earlier with the cruise ship ban through St. Mark’s Basin and the Giudecca Canal. Cruise ships brought 1.6 million people to Venice in 2019.

Brugnaro said many cities around the globe have contacted him for details of the plan, but that they asked not to be identified.

Activists sounded a warning last summer when the number of tourist beds officially overtook the number of residents, which has dwindled to under 50,000 in a trend dating back decades. They said the imbalance drains the city of services, clogging its tight alleyways and water buses with suitcase-toting tourists and pushing residents to the mainland with its conveniences.

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News & features, winter center, total solar eclipse cloud forecast: will clouds spoil your view.

Clouds aren't the only concern for eclipse viewers. Severe weather could present problems for thousands traveling to and from viewing destinations.

Published Apr 1, 2024 9:23 AM PDT | Updated Apr 8, 2024 11:52 AM PDT

What will make this year’s eclipse different from the one in 2017? When will the next one be in the U.S.? We’re answering those questions and much more.

The final countdown is underway! In just a few hours, the moon's shadow casts part of the United States into darkness for a few fleeting moments, and the deciding factor of whether or not people in the path of totality see the event may boil down to one thing: clouds.

The eclipse takes place on Monday, April 8, and for areas in the path of totality, it will be an afternoon affair, with the exact timing varying depending on your location. People outside of the path of totality will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse as long as clouds don't spoil the show.

AccuWeather's latest total solar eclipse cloud forecast is looking promising for some but concerning for others, AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said. Most places in the vicinity of the path of totality will have to deal with some level of clouds, whether high or low. But there are some areas with good viewing expected.

Where will the best weather be for viewing the eclipse?

The best viewing near the path of totality is from Missouri to Ohio and most of New England. Some high clouds will block the viewing at times from Dallas to Amarillo, but the skies will still offer a decent showing.

"The clearing zone is pushing quickly across Indiana and Ohio this morning. However, some high clouds will continue to streak south to north in this region," Pastelok said. "Viewing looks good for cities like Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland and possibly improving in Pittsburgh during the eclipse."

The best areas to watch with more sunshine will be eastern and northern New England, eastern Carolinas and Georgia, and a narrow band from southern New Mexico, central Plains and Ohio Valley. In addition, the viewing looks better in Florida and California, away from the path of totality.

"Major cities like Los Angeles, El Paso, New York City, Boston and Raleigh should all have nice views of the eclipse from start to finish," Pastelok said.

What areas face a cloudy forecast for Monday?

Places along or near the path of totality with more adverse viewing conditions due to low to mid-level clouds are from southeastern Texas to western and central Pennsylvania and parts of western and central New York state.

"Other areas with poor viewing conditions will be from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington and Oregon," AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Joe Lundberg explained.

Severe weather threat to eclipse viewers

In addition to the cloud forecast, there are a few factors involved in the weather pattern after the eclipse that could affect those traveling from viewing locations. Strong winds, dangerous lightning strikes, hail and perhaps a few tornadoes could threaten those traveling back home Monday night and Tuesday.

Showers and drenching thunderstorms can occur across east Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley on Monday and slowly move northward into southern Oklahoma later in the day and night. Strong winds, dangerous lightning strikes, hail and perhaps a few tornadoes could threaten those traveling home from eclipse viewing the night of April 8 and during the day of April 9. Areas along and north of Interstate 10 in Texas may have to deal with severe thunderstorms during this period.

AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations, Dan DePodwin is urging eclipse travelers to be aware of their surroundings. “With so many people traveling to unfamiliar areas and camping or staying in an RV, it’s important to take a few minutes to locate your nearest storm shelter. It may be a sturdy restroom building, campground office, a nearby public storm shelter, or even a 24-hour retail store,” he said.

The slow-moving storms can lead to flooded roadways, especially along interstates 10, 20 and 30 from central Texas to the western Tennessee Valley during this period. Flooding downpours can impact interstates 20, 30 and 40 across northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky and Tennessee Monday night into Tuesday.

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