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Sunday 24 September 2023

Europe tour with kesari.

The Europe trip was always in our minds as a wishlist but it took more than 10 years to execute. When the right time arrived, my wife and I started planning for the same. There were many questions like should we go on our own or through a tour operator, should it be a customized trip or a group tour etc. We spent a lot of time researching for whatever information available so that we can make a decision. Finally we decided to go on a group tour with Kesari Tours. In this post, I’ll share the information on what to expect in a group tour and how was our experience with Kesari and of course on the places we visited. As far as places are concerned, I’ll try to share more pictures with less description. I hope this will provide enough information for anyone who is looking for a similar tour.

The first thing we wanted to decide was - whether to go on our own or through a tour operator. If we have to go on our own, we have to do a lot of planning - for places, tickets, commute, hotels, restaurants etc. Since we have never been to Europe, everything was new and to add to it - the languages are different. Considering these aspects, we decided to go with a tour operator.

The next decision was - which tour operator. We considered Kesari Tours, SOTC, and a few more. We went through a lot of reviews available on various sites. Of course there were both positive and negative reviews for each of these operators. Out of these, Kesari had more positive feedback. To add to it, my cousin and his wife had gone to Europe through Kesari. They provided detailed and valuable information about Kesari tours and their experience. These helped us in taking a decision to go with Kesari Tours.

Like any other operator, Kesari has a variety of tours - varies on places covered and duration. You need to pick the one suits best. Every tour is published on their website with a complete itinerary. I strongly suggest going through the itinerary to get the feeling of how tight/ free the tour will be. This is an important factor before you decide to choose a tour. I’ll explain further below why this is important. We chose a 12-days package which is called “P7 - Images of Europe economy”. This package covers western parts of Europe.

Kesari takes care of everything. We only need to visit their office a few times and of course visit the visa office twice (one for UK visa and the second time for Schengen visa). Kesari takes care of flight booking, visa appointment, local transport in Europe, monuments tickets, local guide (wherever required), hotels booking, restaurant booking for lunch and dinner, sticking to the time (itinerary) and of course most importantly a tour manager who will be with us all the time.

Itinerary - 12 days for Europe means it covers some major places across multiple countries (9-10 countries in our case). As I mentioned before, we went through the itinerary in detail. We also calculated driving distance between cities to understand the amount of road travel. This helped us a lot to get the expectation clear on travel. The tour manager sticks to the itinerary.

This group tour is not for you:

• If you are looking for a relaxed tour
• If you are looking for a flexible itinerary
• If you can’t do a lot of walking (on an average we did 11,500 steps daily with 18,500 steps the highest in Rome)

Timings - Kesari follows what they call the 6-7-8 pattern. Get up at 6 am, breakfast at 7 and then start your day at 8. Normally, we’ll be back to Hotel by 7ish and then have dinner at 8 pm. We do get sufficient time for sleep and that’s very important. We made sure that we get at least 7 hours of sleep, so that we’ll be fresh for next day sight-seeing.

Places - All the places were covered as per itinerary. In a few places, we felt the time given was not sufficient. In other places such as the Leaning tower of Pisa, Colosseum etc we had enough time. Of course, this “enough” time is very subjective. What I consider as enough may not be enough for someone else. In a group tour, this factor needs to be considered. In fact, when we went for a tour in Sikkim, it was a customized tour package exclusively made for us. We had liberty to stay in a particular place for as much time as we wanted. We will not have this luxury in the group tour. Also, we went to Europe in September. It turns out, the crowd in Sep was less compared to months like April, May and June. This also matters. The more crowd, the longer the queue in places like Eiffel Tower etc.

Extra Places - The tour manager provided an option to visit additional places (which were not there in itinerary) with whatever actual cost. We chose the Seine river cruise in Paris, Paris by night and Vatican city.

Shopping - Time was given for shopping in specific places. For instance, we got time in a Cuckoo factory in Germany, Lucerne (Switzerland), Swarovski crystal world in Austria, Venice (Italy), and Rome (Italy). In other places like Pisa and Paris, we had very limited time. Our first preference was sight-seeing and then shopping. So we planned our time accordingly.

Food - We got Indian food for lunch and dinner, so there is no problem here (except that we got maida made roti which was not good to eat continuously for 12 days). However, we get enough to fill up our stomach. As for breakfast, we got English breakfast in London and Continental breakfast in other places which primarily includes bread, croissant, cereals, fruits and coffee. For non-vegetarians, there are a few more options. Only in Switzerland, we got South Indian breakfast because the hotel where we stayed had an Indian restaurant. We also carried MTR ready to eat dishes such as Upma, Avalakki uppittu, Shavige bath, Bisibele bath which were very handy for us when we got bored of eating continental breakfast.

Commute - A bus was arranged to travel in Europe. Only from London to Paris we traveled by Eurostar train and the rest was by bus. The bus driver is called Captain and he/she will help in loading/unloading the luggage from the bus. The roads are very good so you don’t feel tired during road travel. The seats will be allotted on a first come first serve basis, so one needs to sit in the allotted seat only.

Hotels - The hotels booked were good. Every hotel had lifts so as long as you have wheeled luggages you can carry your luggage without much problem. There are no helpers in hotels, so we need to carry our luggages from the bus to the rooms and vice-versa.

Washrooms - The tour manager stopped the bus for loo breaks. He tried to stop wherever we could use toilets for free. In only a few places, we had to pay 1 Euro per head to use the toilet.

Drinking water - We can use hotel tap water for drinking. So we don’t need to worry about drinking water. We just need to carry bottles and fill up wherever possible.

Group - It’s a group tour. In our case, we had 18 families (approx 36 people). As the tour progressed, we got to know each other and we also had some fun activities in the bus.

Tour Manager - An important factor in the trip is the tour manager. He’ll be our guide and caretaker for the entire tour. Luckily we got Mr. Raj Salvi as our tour manager. He’s one of the most experienced people in this field and he managed very well. He talked about the places we are visiting, it’s historical importance, do’s and don’ts during the trip, extra caution to be taken care especially in France and Italy (to be careful from pickpockets), making sure that trip is happening on time, coordinating with hotels and restaurants to ensure food is ready by the time we reach the place, coordinating with bus driver for timely pickup and drop, and a lot more. This is the person who ensures that we have a smooth travel experience.

Complimentary Items - Kesari provides complimentary items for each traveler such as Universal Adaptor, Shoulder bag, passport pouch, cap, stroller, wet issue paper, electric kettle, poncho and snacks hamper. Only adapter and poncho are per family and the rest is for each person. The snacks hamper includes a variety of snacks (sweets, salty and spicy). These snacks come handy when we are traveling from one country to another, or whenever we feel hungry.

Overall we had a wonderful experience with Kesari tours and we thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We cherish this experience for a long time, for sure. We express our sincere thanks to the team Kesari (specifically Ms Steffi from Sales team, Mr Vinod from Visa team and Ms Divya from Airline booking team), and Mr. Raj for his excellent guidance and help during entire trip. Do we prefer Kesari for any future tour? Yes, if we have to go for a group tour!

Photos: To keep this post short, I've shared the pictures in a separate post. Please click here for the pictures .

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Kesari Tours Usa West Coast | Your National Park Escape

Table of Contents

Introduction to Kesari Tours Usa West Coast

The allure of the vast open spaces and natural wonders on the USA’s West Coast is undeniable. With Kesari Tours USA West Coast offerings, you can uncover the secrets of these majestic landscapes. Kesari Tours has curated an experience that combines comfort with adventure, ensuring you get the most out of your national park escape.

Why Choose the West Coast for a National Park Adventure

The West Coast offers a diverse range of landscapes, from beaches to mountains, all preserved in their pristine forms. These national parks are not just about scenic beauty; they also carry a rich historical and cultural significance. Kesari Tours understands this allure and has crafted experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in these wonders.

Best Time to Visit

To get the most out of Kesari Tours USA packages , it’s essential to know the best times to visit. Each season brings a unique charm. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and a more intimate experience, consider avoiding peak seasons.

Overview of Top National Parks on the West Coast

Each national park on the Kesari Tours USA West Coast itinerary is a gem. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, each offers unique attractions that cater to every traveler’s preference.

Yosemite National Park

A crown jewel in the Kesari Tours USA West Coast offerings, Yosemite boasts stunning waterfalls and vast meadows. For first-time visitors, ensure you have a camera ready, as the panoramas are truly breathtaking.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

The towering giants in these parks are a testament to nature’s grandeur. The activities in these parks, highlighted in Kesari Tours USA West Coast packages, range from hiking to simply marveling at these ancient trees.

Death Valley National Park

Kesari Tours USA West Coast makes a pitstop at this unique landscape, which might seem daunting but is filled with natural wonders. When visiting, always adhere to safety tips, as the terrain can be challenging.

Channel Islands National Park

A marine lover’s paradise! Kesari Tours USA West Coast offers unforgettable water activities here. The biodiversity is unmatched, and the islands are a haven for those seeking a tranquil escape.

Joshua Tree National Park

This park, part of the Kesari Tours USA West circuit, is iconic for its namesake trees. Whether you’re into rock climbing or just stargazing, this park has something for everyone.

Redwood National and State Parks

Imagine standing next to the world’s tallest trees. With Kesari Tours USA , you can! Besides hiking, there are numerous activities to ensure you fully experience the majesty of these woods.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

The geothermal wonders here are a highlight of the Kesari Tours USA West Coast package. Geysers, hot springs, and clear mountain lakes – this park is nature’s laboratory!

Pinnacles National Park

The rock formations, a significant draw in Kesari Tours USA West Coast visits, are a sight to behold. For bird lovers, this park offers an opportunity to spot rare species.

The Benefits of Booking with Kesari Tours

Booking with Kesari Tours USA  means getting experienced guides, curated experiences, and true value for your money.

Customized Tour Options

The Kesari Tours USA West Coast team believes in personal touches. So, if you have specific preferences, they’re more than happy to create a bespoke travel itinerary for you.

Group Tours vs. Individual Tours

Kesari Tours USA West Coast offers both group and individual tours. Depending on your travel style, you can choose the one that suits you best.

Accommodation and Stays

With Kesari Tours USA West Coast, expect only the best accommodations. Whether you’re staying within the park or just outside, comfort and authenticity are guaranteed.

Transportation and Getting Around

Ease of movement is ensured with Kesari Tours USA West Coast. Their fleet is comfortable, ensuring your journey between parks is as memorable as the destinations.

Travel Tips and Packing Essentials

When embarking on a Kesari Tours USA West Coast adventure, always pack for varying terrains. Their team provides essential tips to ensure you’re adequately prepared.

Sustainable Travel and Conservation Efforts

Kesari Tours USA West Coast believes in giving back. Their eco-friendly tours ensure minimal impact on the environment, and travelers are encouraged to partake in conservation efforts.

Customer Testimonials

The numerous positive feedbacks for Kesari Tours USA are a testament to their unparalleled service.

Booking Process and Itinerary Details

Booking with Kesari Tours USA West Coast is seamless. Every package detail, including inclusions, is transparently shared to ensure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Embark on a journey with Kesari Tours USA West Coast and discover the wonders of the West Coast National Parks. It’s more than just a trip; it’s an experience waiting to unfold.

How long is the average tour duration?

Most of our tours range from 7 to 14 days, but customization is available based on your preferences.

Are meals included in the package?

Yes, we offer a mix of local and international cuisine as part of our packages. Dietary restrictions can also be catered for.

What’s the average group size for group tours?

Our group tours typically comprise 10-15 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Do I need any special permits to visit these National Parks?

Most parks require an entry fee, and some might need permits for specific activities. Kesari assists in all necessary documentation for a hassle-free experience.

Can I extend my stay in a particular park?

Absolutely! We're happy to customize your itinerary to suit your interests.

Your opinion is golden - rate us now!

Your opinion is priceless to us! Help us improve and serve you better by sharing your thoughts. Rate us now and be a part of our journey to excellence!

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Considered among the most popular types of travel, group tours have gained a lot of fame not just in India but across the world at large. If you have been meaning to go on a group trip with your friends but hate to be the one to make all the plans, a well-priced international group tour package is what you need. In fact, opting for group tours in India or abroad is an option that works for a variety of travellers. Although conceptualized to attend specifically to large groups of people wanting to travel, group tours have grown to suit different sets of audiences over time.  

Group tours can involve people who know each other or are related in some way or people who are complete strangers. It is a great travel option for solo travel enthusiasts who have a well-planned itinerary and a group to travel with. In that sense, group tour packages for group tours in India and abroad work like a charm. At Veena World, we offer group tours that have itineraries planned and supervised by experts, and fit snugly into your budget while taking you to some of the most exotic destinations in the world. 

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A strategic product of well-planned tourism, group tours has become the go-to travel option for many travelers, and with good reason. The availability of carefully-arranged travel plans that covering everything from flight bookings, accommodation to going around, has taken travelling to a whole new level.  

Embarking on group tours can allow you to see amazing places and experience new cultures, with minimum hassle or responsibility. What’s best is that if you are travelling solo, you also end up meeting like-minded travellers with different hobbies and set of experiences. Chances are that you will not only have a fun trip but also end up making friends for life. 

Group tours at Veena World

We, at Veena World, are believers and advocates of group tours, and this is what we have on offer: - 

Women’s Special – Veena World’s Women’s Special group tour package lets you break the stereotype that travelling is not for the ladies. An all-women group tour, it allows you to have the time of your life at a delightful new destination with your “gal pal”. 

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Festival tours – Whether a culture lover or just a fun-seeking traveller, Veena World’s exclusive Festival Group Tours allow you to explore destinations in their absolute vivacity. Buying one of these packages enables you to not just see a place, but truly experience its soul by becoming a part of its most popular celebrations. 

Honeymoon Special – Setting out on your honeymoon soon? Go for our Honeymoon Special group travel packages to set out on a trip that has been planned to allow you to have the time of your life, alongside helping you save a bunch. 

Jubilee Special – At Veena World, we offer well-planned itineraries for special occasions such as your life’s jubilee ceremonies. Created exclusively for couples reaching their 25 th and 30 th year of marriage, these vacations ensure that you have the most memorable time with your better half. 

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Many packages to choose from

Having extended our reach to numerous exotic locations both national and international, we at Veena World offer to you an expansive range of group travel packages to choose from. You can make your selection based on your budget, the destinations you wish to cover, and the kind of travel experience you seek. 

Options to customize 

The fact that our group holiday packages are especially crafted to suit the needs of a specific community or group of `people is what makes us stand out from the crowd. With us, you will find everything from budget travels for singles to more glamorous options for honeymooners. 

Hassle-free travel

We are known for offering well-curated and comprehensive group holiday packages in India. Our group tours comprise of everything from travel, going about, accommodation to food. Be it group tours to North India or South India or any other destination, we have affordable and all-inclusive packages in store for you.

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Booking a group travel tour with Veena World is as easy as it can get. You can begin by registering online at our website, followed by selecting a tour of your choice. The steps for completing the booking process have all been kept simple and easy. You can also check the status of your tour online using your tour name and code to stay up to date. 

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At Veena World, we constantly endeavor to make all our group tours and travels as hassle-free as possible so that you can enjoy your travels to the fullest. For each group travel that we organize, we have an expert group tour operator assigned who oversees all the activities throughout. In case of any query, you can always reach out to the person concerned about your travel-related concerns and get the assistance you need. 

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On this tour you take in some of Moscow's most important and highly decorated stations. Carrying up to 7 million passengers a day and covering almost the entire city, the Moscow Metro is one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world. It's famous for the fine examples of social-realism which decorate many of its stations.

Visit some of the most important stations and get the chance to admire spectacular baroque-style ceilings, marble statues, busts of Communist heroes, stained glass windows, and ceiling mosaics depicting the bright Soviet future. Visit the most remarkable stations like Komsomolskaya, Kurskaya, Kievskaya and others, with the experienced guide who will bring you a full insight into their fascinating history.

• Tour of Moscow's Metro system visiting beautifully decorated key stations on the network.
• System that carries more than 7 million passengers per day
• Views of the most opulently designed tunnels & platforms
• Significance to the country—known as the “People's Palace”
• History & stories relayed by an expert local guide

If you wonder why the Moscow metro is considered one the most beautiful in the world, this tour is made for you!

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• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

Departure and return point: nearest metro station to your central Moscow hotel  

Departure time:  flexible

Sights included in program

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Planning to Combine Business and Leisure Travel? You’re Not Alone.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are trying to figure out where their duty of care obligations begin and end.

Credit... Aart-Jan Venema

Supported by

By Amy Zipkin

• April 7, 2024

On a Sunday in late January, Melinda Buchmann, who lives in Florida and supervises client relations for RevShoppe, a 30-person remote company advising organizations on sales techniques and strategies, arrived in Banff, Alberta, to help set up a four-day company meeting.

The last day of the event, her husband, Josh, a director of strategic partnerships for the delivery company DoorDash , who also works remotely, joined her. They spent two leisurely days hiking in Banff National Park and visiting Lake Louise.

“I take advantage, because I don’t know when I’m going to return,” Ms. Buchmann said of the decision to combine downtime with a business trip.

As postpandemic work life has changed, and arrangements now include full-time office attendance as well as hybrid and remote work, so, too, has business travel. The phenomenon known as bleisure, or blended business and leisure travel, was initially embraced largely by digital nomads . But such combined travel is now also popular with people outside that group . Allied Market Research, a subsidiary of Allied Analytics, based in Portland, Ore., estimated that the bleisure travel market was $315.3 billion in 2022 and would reach $731.4 billion by 2032.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are struggling to determine where their legal obligation to protect employees from harm — their so-called duty of care — begins and ends. And workers may think that because their trip started with business, they will get all the help they need if something goes wrong on the leisure end. Instead, they should generally consider the leisure part of a trip as a regular vacation where they cover all expenses and contingencies.

Companies are responsible for knowing where their employees are during a business trip, covering expenses if an accident or emergency occurs, securing new lodging if a hotel is damaged, even swapping out a broken down rental car. Still, it’s not entirely clear if that coverage ends completely after the conference or the last client meeting.

Companies recognize that threats are increasing, said Robert Cole, senior research analyst focusing on lodging and leisure travel at Phocuswright, a market research company. They are trying to figure out how to take care of a valuable company resource, the employee, without leaving themselves open to financial risk or potential litigation.

“Crafting a comprehensive policy that balances business objectives, employee well-being and legal considerations can be challenging,” Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos, head of tourism at ICF, a consulting and technology services company in Reston, Va., wrote in an email.

Employees may be on their own without realizing it and may be surprised by out-of-pocket expenses if they require hospital care abroad or evacuation, said Suzanne Morrow, chief executive of InsureMyTrip , an online insurance travel comparison site in Warwick, R.I.

Ms. Morrow said medical coverage provided by a company “is generally only for the dates of the actual business trip abroad.” If travelers are extending the trip for personal travel, she added, “they would want to secure emergency medical coverage for that additional time abroad.”

Employers and employees are left to figure out when the business portion of the trip ends and the leisure segment begins, a significant detail if an employee has a medical emergency. “Where does the corporation liability end?” said Kathy Bedell, senior vice president at BCD Travel, a travel management company.

Companies have varying policies to deal with the new travel amalgam. The chief executive of RevShoppe, Patricia McLaren, based in Austin, Texas, said the company provided flexible travel options and allowed employees to work anywhere they choose.

Even so, there are constraints. The company requires all employees, including executives, to sign liability and insurance waivers when they are on a voluntary company-sponsored trip, such as an off-site meeting. Such waivers typically place responsibility on employees for their own well-being. And if they bring someone, they are responsible for that person’s expenses.

Employees are responsible for requesting the paid time off and notifying their managers of their whereabouts, although that part is not a requirement. Managers have to ensure adequate staffing, Ms. McLaren said.

Elsewhere, employees may not bother to mention the leisure portion of their trip. Eliot Lees, a vice president and managing director at ICF, said he had been on trips as a child with his parents when they combined business and leisure. His parents were academics, who would piggyback vacations onto conferences.

Now he does the same. “I don’t think I ever asked for approval,” he said. (ICF has no formal business-leisure travel policy. It’s allowed as part of personal time off.) After a conference in the Netherlands last year, he spent four days hiking in the northern part of the country.

“I go anywhere, and take more risks than I should,” he said. He said he didn’t carry personal travel or accident insurance.

Any nonchalance may quickly evaporate if a threat emerges. Security experts say even low-risk locations can become high-risk for a few days or weeks of the year.

“Companies are concerned about losing visibility into a traveler’s whereabouts if they booked flights and hotels outside their corporate travel management company,” Benjamin Thorne, senior intelligence manager in London for Crisis24, a subsidiary of GardaWorld, wrote in an email. “The company may think the traveler is in one city when, in reality, they could have booked a holiday package to another nearby city. This lack of visibility by the company makes it difficult to support travelers when a disaster occurs.”

He also raised the possibility that “a traveler with bleisure travel reservations and expectations may find their work trip canceled due to changes in the risk environment or company policy, disrupting their leisure plans.”

Will a company step in off hours if there’s a problem? “That depends on how you are booked,” Mr. Cole, the senior research analyst at Phocuswright, said. A rule of thumb is the further you get from corporate control, the greater the gray area gets.

Half of GoldSpring Consulting’s clients take the responsibility for the entire trip, said Will Tate, a partner at the consultancy based in Cross Roads, Texas, and a certified public accountant. They don’t want the reputational risk. The other half say: “The business trip ended Friday. That’s when we end our duty of care.”

Some companies are trying to define and narrow the gray area. “If you are clearly on personal time, there is no legal requirement for your employer to provide for you,” said Nicole Page, a lawyer whose practice includes employment law at Reavis Page Jump in New York.

Uber provides employees with advisories before a trip, travel assessments, safety tips while traveling and emergency travel assistance, including medical aid, airport travel support, urgent and emergency assistance, and lost or stolen personal property insurance whether they are on business or pleasure travel or a combination.

And at DoorDash, Chris Cherry, head of global safety and security, wrote in an email that “while personal travel is not something we track, we have received requests to extend our travel support capabilities to personal travel.” Mr. Cherry said in those cases, the company has manually added employee leisure itineraries to its travel risk management system and “provided the same level of overwatch that we do for regular business travel.”

The Buchmanns plan to travel this month to Barcelona, Spain, for the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention. DoorDash will have a booth, and Mr. Buchmann will work on the exhibit floor and also entertain clients.

Ms. Buchmann will accompany him. She plans to go sightseeing in the morning, and work in the afternoons and evenings Barcelona time. She will also take three days of paid time off and has shared her plans with Ms. McLaren, the RevShoppe chief executive.

They will stay a day after the conference and plan to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum in Figueres. “I’m sure there will be no shortage of tapas and window shopping along way,” Mr. Buchmann said. He expects to be back at work the next Monday.

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Masters Par 3 Contest, how to watch: TV times, tee times, scores

A look at the ninth green during the Masters Par 3 Contest. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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The Par 3 Contest at the Masters has been a Wednesday tradition dating back to 1960 with the inaugural competition won by Sam Snead. Tournament participants as well as all past champions are invited to play the nine-hole course designed by George Cobb and Cliff Roberts which is set around DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike's Pond. In the tournament's history, there have been 107 holes-in-one made, including a record nine in 2016. Five holes-in-one were made in 2023, including two by Seamus Power (Nos. 8 and 9). No Par 3 Contest winner has won the Masters the same year as his short-course victory.

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Delta is changing how it boards passengers starting May 1

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 12, 2024 / 12:35 PM EDT / CBS News

Delta Air Lines is changing its boarding process beginning May 1 in an effort to speed up loading passengers onto planes. 

If you're flying on the airline, you'll have to know what zone number you're in to board in the correct sequence. The move is hardly innovative, experts say, and instead reflects a return to the traditional way of boarding passengers followed by most airlines. 

That's because Delta is introducing numbered boarding zones for all flights, meaning that customers will have a zone number assigned to them instead of boarding groups labelled by airline status or fare class, such as "Sky Priority." The airline stressed that boarding orders will not change, but the group names will.

When Delta introduced its branded fare boarding process in 2018, it called zone boarding "a thing of the past." But the airline is now reverting to the traditional way of boarding people, in what some experts call an unusual move for an innovative airline.

Customers who need more assistance will still pre-board as usual before passengers in Zone 1, which will comprise Delta One and First Class customers. Zone 2 will include Diamond Medallion Members and Delta Premium Select ticket holders. 

Delta Comfort+ customers will board in Zone 3, followed by Sky Priority in Zone 4, according to a  chart  on the airline's website. Zone numbers will go up to 8, when basic economy passengers will board. 

Delta said the change is small, but could make the process easier for infrequent fliers and non-English speakers who only have to listen for a number to know when it's their turn to board. The change will also make the process less stressful for gate agents, Delta added. 

Still, some travel experts questioned whether the change would meaningfully speed up the boarding process. 

"They're not changing who boards when or the sequence," Clarkson University professor John Milne, an expert on airline boarding, told CBS MoneyWatch. "All they are changing is the names of what passenger group boards next." 

In a statement to CBS MoneyWatch, Delta said the "simple change" will "provide customers more clarity into the boarding sequence and make the boarding process more intuitive—especially for infrequent travelers and/or customers who might face a language barrier at the gate."

Delta added, "Numbered zones will also align more closely with our joint venture and international partners, providing international customers a more simplified, consistent experience when traveling on mixed-metal itineraries. "  

CEO Ed Bastian addressed the change on the company's first quarter earnings call Wednesday. "When you have a number and you're standing in line, we are all trained to know when it's our turn," Bastian said.

Superficial changes?

The change is fairly superficial, Milne said, noting there are other changes Delta and its competitors could make to boarding processes that would make them more efficient. 

The airline still prioritizes passengers with airline status or who paid for a higher class fare on a particular flight. Instead, it would be more efficient to board passengers based on where on the aircraft they are seated, Milne said. 

For example, boarding window seat customers in the back half of the plane first would speed up the process. "That way you would minimize some of the congestion," he said. 

Delta instead assigns passengers to boarding groups based on their loyalty to the airline and ticket prices. 

Travel expert Scott Keyes also emphasized that the change does little to meaningfully improve or expedite the boarding process. All Delta is doing is reverting to the traditional way of boarding passengers and scrapping its branded boarding process that began in 2018, he noted.

"The fact that they've reverted to numbered zones, like those employed by virtually all other airlines, speaks volumes," Keyes said. "Traditionally, Delta has been seen as the innovative airline and others have followed suit. In this case, Delta's innovation didn't pan out, and they've been forced to once again mimic American and United's boarding processes."

To be sure, any move that would actually speed up passenger boarding could give an airline a leg up on competitors.

"Speeding up the boarding process by even 10 minutes can prevent delays, and if sustained, allow airlines to add an additional daily flight to the schedule," Keyes said.

The airline posted a $37 million first-quarter profit on Wednesday and said demand for air travel is strong heading into the busy summer travel season. Travelers are flocking to book trips despite a string of recent air safety incidents, including a panel blowing off a Boeing 737 Max aircraft during an Alaska Airlines flight.

• Delta Air Lines

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News Streaming to discuss her reporting.

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The tsa kept 1,500+ guns off planes—how to make yours safe to fly.

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Miami, Florida, Miami International Airport, security screening, do not bring firearm through ... [+] checkpoint. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

As of March of this year, the Transportation Safety Administration intercepted 1,503 firearms at U.S. airports, an average of 16.5 firearms per day. While the TSA does not confiscate firearms, it does notify law enforcement, who will take possession of the weapons and press charges in keeping with local law. The TSA can also impose steep civil financial penalties of up to $15,000 depending on the circumstances.

Although trying to cross airport security with a gun is illegal, it is possible to fly with firearms if you know the rules .

Five Fewer Firearms Than Q1 Last Year

The number of firearms stopped by TSA screeners in the first quarter of this year is five fewer than the same time last year. This poses a considerable security risk, especially as 93% of the firearms caught by TSA were loaded.

The rate of passengers traveling with firearms this first quarter was 7.3 firearms per million passengers. That is a slight decrease from 2023, when the rate was 7.9 firearms per million passengers.

“One firearm at the checkpoint is too many,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a TSA press announcement. “The demand for air travel is as strong as ever and security is always our number one priority. Every time we discover a firearm at the checkpoint, the security screening process is slowed down for all.”

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Traveling with a firearm is allowed. However, firearms must be packed safely in checked baggage and declared to the airline at the ticket counter.

Pekoske said, “We always recommend passengers start with a clean bag when they pack to ensure no firearms, weapons, or other prohibited items are present.”

TSA Checkpoints Had A Busy Start To The Year

TSA security check with long lines and crowds of people at Charlotte International Airport, North ... [+] Carolina. (Photo by: Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Having to perform extra screening for those who try to bring their firearms past the security checkpoint also slows the security process at a time when the TSA is managing high numbers of travelers.

Airline passengers screened at TSA security checkpoints increased by 7.8% in the first quarter of this year. Through the end of March, Transportation Security Officers screened over 206 million passengers, compared to more than 191 million passengers last year.

During spring break travel, between March 7 and March 25, TSOs screened over 48 million passengers. This is 7% higher than the number of spring break travellers who crossed security checkpoints at the nation’s airports last year.

All The Times The TSA Stopped Guns At Airports So Far This Month

Crowded security line at Denver International Airport, Colorado. (Photo by: Marli ... [+] Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The TSA reports on firearms finds at security checkpoints throughout the year, and those caught carrying weapons repeat common mistakes. Most people who bring guns to the airport do so with no ill-intent, but either through carelessness, forgetfulness, or a lack of awareness of the rules, they can seriously disrupt their travel plans and the travel plans of others delayed at the security checkpoint.

To get a sense of the most common offenses, we only need to look at the first weeks of April.

April 11: TSA stops the fourth gun in seven days at Reagan National Airport

The TSA stopped an Edgewater, Maryland woman with a 9mm handgun loaded with seven bullets.

“She told officials that she was cleaning and placed the firearm into the small food bag that she was planning to take to the airport and forgot the gun was inside. The firearm took up about half of her lunch sack,” the TSA stated.

The woman was the fourth person that week to be caught with a firearm at the security checkpoint. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police confiscated all four firearms and cited each person on a weapons charge.

“It is troubling to see four guns within a week’s time. Responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and this trend is very concerning,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport, in a TSA press release. “All of our recent incidents involved travelers who said, ‘I forgot it was in the bag,’ which means they were carelessly and unwittingly carting a loaded, unsecured weapon with them.”

April 9: TSA intercepts a loaded handgun at Charlottesville Airport

An Indiana resident tried to bring his 9mm firearm was loaded with 11 bullets, onto a flight. The gun was detected as the man entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on his carry-on bag, which prompted a closer inspection, during which TSA officers found the firearm. The man faces a financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint.

April 8: TSA intercepts the third gun in four days at Reagan National Airport

A Florida woman brought her .380 caliber handgun, loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber. On April 7, TSA officers stopped a Leesburg, Virginia man who was carrying an unloaded .380 handgun in his backpack. On April 5, officers stopped a man from Falls Church, Virginia, from bringing his 9mm gun, loaded with 10 bullets, through the checkpoint.

In all three cases, the guns were discovered after an alert on the X-ray unit at the security checkpoint, prompting a closer inspection. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police confiscated the firearms and cited each person on a weapons charge.

April 7: TSA finds two guns at Reagan National Airport

TSA stopped a man from Falls Church, Virginia, from carrying his 9 mm gun loaded with 10 bullets onto his flight on April 6. The next day, they found an unloaded .380 handgun in the backpack of a Leesburg, Virginia man. He told TSA officers that he forgot that he had his gun with him. Both weapons were detected by X-ray alert screening. In both cases, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police confiscated the firearms and cited the individuals on a weapons charge.

“Bringing a gun to an airport security checkpoint delays travelers. More important is the fact that bringing a gun to a checkpoint is a security risk that our officers take seriously, which is why these two travelers each face a federal financial civil penalty,” John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport, said in a TSA press release.

April 7: TSA intercepts a gun at Long Island McArthur Airport

After an X-ray alert prompted an inspection, TSA officers stopped a man from Sayville, New York, from bringing his 9mm firearm loaded with 10 bullets onto a flight. It was the first firearm intercepted at the airport checkpoint this year. The Long Island McArthur Police and Suffolk County Police allowed the man to return the firearm to his vehicle. However, the man still faces a federal financial civil penalty.

April 8: TSA finds a loaded handgun at Norfolk International Airport

A North Carolina resident was prevented from bringing his loaded handgun onto a flight only four days after TSA stopped another traveler with a firearm. It was the ninth firearm that TSA officers intercepted at the checkpoint this year.

The handgun was loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber. Local police confiscated the gun and cited the man on a weapons charge. He also faces a financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint.

“It appears that this traveler had packed his firearm in a gun case. However, he needed just a few more important steps before he could travel with it,” explained Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “He needed to ensure the firearm was unloaded, then taken the locked gun case to his airline to declare he wanted to fly with it. At that point, the airline representative would ensure that the firearm could be transported as checked baggage.”

April 3: TSA stops a loaded handgun at Richmond International Airport

A woman from Yorktown, Virginia, tried to bring her 9mm handgun past the security checkpoint, loaded with 10 bullets, including one in the chamber. It was the second gun caught at the airport in four days.

April 5: TSA finds a loaded handgun at Norfolk International Airport

A resident of Chesterfield, Virginia, brought his 9mm handgun, loaded with 11 bullets, to the security checkpoint at Norfolk International Airport. Local police confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. The man also faces a financial civil penalty. The case will be forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.

April 4: TSA intercepts a loaded gun at Pittsburgh International Airport

An Indiana, Pennsylvania man received a summons by police after TSA officers intercepted his .40 caliber handgun, loaded with five bullets, in his carry-on items at the Pittsburgh International Airport security checkpoint. The man did not have a valid permit to carry a firearm.

April 3: TSA catches a loaded handgun at Roanoke Airport

A Roanoke man tried to bring a 9mm gun loaded with nine bullets past the security checkpoint. Police confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. He also faces a financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint.

April 3: TSA catches a loaded gun at Yeager International Airport

A man from Marlinton, West Virginia, was stopped at West Virginia International Yeager Airport with a loaded firearm in his carry-on items. TSA officers intercepted his .32 caliber handgun, which was loaded with two bullets. Police confiscated the gun.

Firearms Must Travel Safely In Checked Luggage

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 10: TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers demonstrates how to lock a gun in a ... [+] case accepted by TSA for checked-in luggage. TSA press conference held at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Air travelers can fly with their firearms if they keep them in their baggage checked in the aircraft hold, secure, and unloaded.

Here are the main points to remember:

• Secure your firearms in checked baggage
• Pack the firearm unloaded
• The firearm must be locked in a hard-sided case
• Be sure to let the airline know your checked bag contains a firearm at the ticket counter

No firearms are allowed to cross security checkpoints, enter the secure area of an airport, or go inside the plane. Even travelers with concealed carry permits or who reside in a constitutional carry jurisdiction must adhere to these rules.

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Masters 2024 Leaderboard: Latest updates on golf leaders as Friday wraps at Augusta

Editor's note: Follow live coverage of the Masters, leaderboard, highlights and more.

The second round of The 2024 Masters begins with Bryson DeChambeau at the top of the leaderboard as Friday's action begins.

Round 1 of the Masters tournament got off to a rough start due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, which caused a delay of two and a half hours. The day's first tee-off time was at 10:30 a.m. ET when Erik van Rooyen and Jake Knapp began the tournament.

The final group of the first day, which included Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, and Tommy Fleetwood, didn't tee-off until 4:30 p.m. ET. Golfers, including Tiger Woods, were up bright and early to finish the first round that was suspended for the evening.

After Friday's Round 2 action's results, the top 50 players on the leaderboard will advance from a field of 89.

Join us for live coverage of Day 2 of the 2024 Masters Tournament.

The 2024 Masters Leaderboard 2024:

• T-1. Scottie Scheffler (-6)
• T-1. Bryson DeChambeau (-6)
• T-1. Max Homa (-6)
• 4. Nicolai Højgaard (-4)
• T-5. Cameron Davis (-3)
• T-5. Collin Morikawa (-3)
• 7. Ludvig Åberg (-2)
• T-8. Matthieu Pavon (-1)
• T-8. Cameron Young (-1)
• T-8. Tommy Fleetwood (-1)
• T-8. Danny Willett (-1)
• T-8. Ryan Fox (-1)
• T-8. Byeong Hun An (-1)
• T-8. Cameron Smith (-1)

Masters Leaderboard: Full updated scores for Augusta leaders

The 2024 Masters Tournament morning tee times: Day 2 Friday

Group 1 tees-off at 8 a.m. ET: Lee Hodges, Adrian Meronk, Grayson Murray

Group 2 tees-off at 8:12 a.m. ET: Camilo Villegas, Denny McCarthy, Cameron Davis

Group 3 tees-off at 8:24 a.m. ET: Mike Weir, Ryo Hissatsune, Neal Shipley (A)

Group 4 tees-off at 8:36 a.m. ET: Vijay Singh, Si Woo Kim, Emiliano Grillo

Group 5 tees-off at 8:48 a.m. ET: Fred Couples, Adam Hadwin, Stewart Hagestad (A)

Group 6 tees-off at 9 a.m. ET: Justin Rose, Eric Cole, Peter Malnati

Group 7 tees-off at 9:12 a.m. ET: Akshay Bhatia, J.T. Poston, Shane Lowry

Group 8 tees-off at 9:24 a.m. ET: Bubba Watson, Nicolai Højgaard, Adam Schenk

Group 9 tees-off at 9:36 a.m. ET: Patrick Reed, Sungjae Im, Kurt Kitayama

Group 10 tees-off at 9:48 a.m. ET: Keegan Bradley, Matthieu Pavon, Tyrrell Hatton

Group 11 tees-off at 10:06 a.m. ET: Adam Scott, Sam Burns, Cameron Young

Group 12 tees-off at 10:18 a.m. ET: Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa

Group 13 tees-off at 10:30 a.m. ET: Brian Harman, Brooks Koepka, Tom Kim

Group 14 tees-off at 10:42 a.m. ET: Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Åberg, Sahith Theegala

Group 15 tees-off at 10:54 a.m. ET: Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood

Group 16 tees-off at 11:06 a.m. ET: Erik Van Rooyen, Jake Knapp

Group 17 tees-off at 11:06 a.m. ET: José María Olazábal, Taylor Moore, Santiago de la Fuente (A)

Group 18 tees-off at 11:30 a.m. ET: Danny Willett, Austin Eckroat, Stephan Jaeger

Group 19 tees-off at 11:42 a.m. ET: Charl Schwartzel, Luke List, Christo Lamprecht (A)

Group 20 tees-off at 11:54 a.m. ET: Gary Woodland, Thorbjørn Olesen, Bryson DeChambeau

Group 21 tees-off at 12:12 p.m. ET: Zach Johnson, Corey Conners, Jasper Stubbs (A)

Group 22 tees-off at 12:24 p.m. ET: Sergio Garcia, Chris Kirk, Ryan Fox

Group 23 tees-off at 12:36 p.m. ET: Lucas Glover, Byeong Hun An, Harris English

Group 24 tees-off at 12:48 p.m. ET: Phil Mickleson, Sepp Straka, Tony Finau

Group 25 tees-off at 1 p.m. ET: Nick Taylor, Joaquín Niemann, Russell Henley

Group 26 tees-off at 1:12 p.m. ET: Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, Rickie Fowler

Group 27 tees-off at 1:24 p.m. ET: Hideki Matsuyama, Will Zalatoris, Justin Thomas

Group 28 tees-off at 1:36 p.m. ET: Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap

Group 29 tees-off at 1:48 p.m. ET: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele

Group 30 tees-off at 2 p.m. ET: Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith

The 2024 Masters Tournament schedule and how to watch

The Masters begins Thursday, April 11 and run through Sunday, April 14.

Round 2: Friday, April 12

• Starting at 8:30 a.m. ET
• TV coverage: 3-7 p.m. ET
• Channel: ESPN
• Streaming: Masters.com (simulcast), CBSSports.com (desktop and mobile), CBS Sports App (desktop and mobile), ESPN+, Paramount+

How to watch: Catch Masters action with an ESPN+ subscription

Round 3: Saturday, April 13

• Starting at 10 a.m. ET
• Channel: CBS
• Streaming: CBSSports.com (simulcast), Paramount+ (simulcast), CBS Sports app (simulcast)

Round 4: Sunday, April 14

• TV coverage: 2-7 p.m. ET

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