WorldbyJude

06/27/2026

Boiling hot in right now? Pro tip: get a little bit out of the city and underground. The catacombs are fascinating! And Amber was one of the best guides we had as well as an expert photobomber LOL. We loved this tour:

03/14/2026

Advice for Those Who Hate to Wait from

**Scroll to the bottom for the inside scoop!

The partial government shutdown is stretching TSA staffing thin and causing hours-long airport security lines at some major U.S. airports, especially during busy spring break travel.

What’s Going On at the Checkpoint

Because funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed in mid-February, TSA officers are required to work without pay, and unscheduled absences have risen as some officers call out or seek other work. DHS and TSA officials say these staffing shortages are directly contributing to longer-than-usual security wait times at certain large airports.

Current Wait Times and Where Its Worst

Reports over the past week show just how uneven the situation is from airport to airport. At the high end, news sources report that travelers at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport and New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong Airport have reported lines approaching or exceeding three hours, with airports urging passengers to arrive four to five hours before departure. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Charlotte Douglas have also warned of lines that can stretch well past an hour at peak times.
By contrast, some airports—especially at off-peak times or in smaller markets—are still seeing waits closer to 10–20 minutes. This variability makes it hard for passengers to predict their experience, which is why experts and TSA alike are urging travelers to build in significantly more buffer time than usual and to monitor live wait estimates in tools such as the MyTSA app.

For many travelers, the most striking part of the shutdown has been the visual of lines snaking through terminals, sometimes back to baggage claim or even toward parking areas. Reports from Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and other hubs describe families missing flights after standing in line for two or three hours, even when they arrived what used to be considered “early.” News outlets have also highlighted heightened stress and frayed tempers at checkpoints, as well as airports organizing donation drives and support efforts for unpaid TSA staff.

At the same time, not every checkpoint is in crisis every hour of the day. Some travelers report relatively normal waits when flying very early or late, or from less-trafficked terminals, underscoring how localized and time-dependent the disruption can be.

The Inside Scoop

Clients of **** have recently reported that, in this shutdown environment, CLEAR lanes at major airports have been unusually manageable, with relatively short queues and a noticeably faster path to the X-ray and body scanners than either PreCheck or the main security line. (As always, once you reach the machines, everyone is subject to the same screening pace, but skipping the long ID-check line can save a huge chunk of time.) If you want to explore that option, you can learn more and enroll directly through CLEAR’s site at https://www.clearme.com before your next trip.

For travelers carrying an American Express Platinum card, remember that Amex currently offers up to about $209 per calendar year in statement credits toward CLEAR+ membership when you charge the fee to your eligible Platinum card, effectively offsetting the cost for many cardholders (exact terms and caps can vary, so check your card’s benefits page). If you decide CLEAR is right for you, it’s smart to enroll and complete your setup before you head to the airport, still plan to arrive earlier than usual during the shutdown, and then give yourself permission to relax with a book at the gate instead of spending that extra hour or two standing in line. Safe travels everyone! And please get in touch with me by emailing [email protected] to plan your next travel adventure!

CLEAR’s identity verification platform makes experiences safer and easier—both physically and digitally. Skip long lines with CLEAR in airports and more.

03/10/2026

Want to explore breathtaking destinations and create unforgettable travel experiences? 🌍 Visit our website now! At Travel with Jude, we specialize in crafting journeys tailored to your budget and bucket list. Your dream adventure is just a click away. Start exploring and planning with us today!

11/10/2025

Your next unforgettable journey is just a click away. Check out travelwithjude.com now to find personalized itineraries that match your travel dreams.

11/09/2025

A destination close to my 💜 as 50% Hungarian-American! Let’s book your travel to Hungary and join the family!

Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺

11/09/2025

11/09/2025

So important to take time out for yourself around those milestone birthdays .. for me, its always been the perfect time for solo travel - preferably to destinations where I can find sparkly presents for myself! Can I help you plan your milestone travel? Solo or not, time to reflect on those birthdays with a therapeutic break from your routine can be so helpful!

Feel free to reach out about planning your milestone birthdays trip: [email protected]

11/09/2025

Let’s book today and get cruising! www.travelwithjude.com

Cruisers get it 🛳️🏝️😆

11/09/2025

See Miami Like a Local! Top Tours and Sights

Miami is a vibrant city full of sun, beaches, culture, and unforgettable experiences. The top attractions and tours in Miami for 2026 highlight everything from art and history to outdoor adventure and family fun, making it an ideal destination for every type of traveler. As a local, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite Miami experiences, so you make sure you don’t miss a think on your trip!

If you have yet to book your lodgings or are interested in a flight and lodging package from your home city, please reach out to me a [email protected] for information on packages and local stays that get off the beaten track, and to add additional perks to your stay.

If you are coming soon, here are some of my top local tours and experiences - use the links to add your dates and book!

See Miami from the Water: Miami is home to some world-famous millionaires and billionaires. And the best way to get a peek at the lifestyles of the rich and famous is from the water! Consider booking a sightseeing cruise for seagoing fun with a guide who will fill you in on all the details! Bring your camera and photoshop yourself onto the patio later! Direct booking available at : https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Miami-Sightseeing-Cruise-to-Millionaires-Homes/d662-28744P2?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD for a larger group tour starting at $19 per person with a discount for kids.
Get fancier and see MIami from the water with a 2 hour private yacht experience for a bit more of that millionaire feeling, with fares starting at $90 per person: https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/2-Hours-Tour-on-a-30-to-34-Ft-Boat-for-8-people/d662-169162P10?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD Both these sea-based experience have LOW mobility requirements, you must be able to board the vessel, but don’t worry, easy access and a hand from the crew will be within reach.
For the fanciest option and my favorite water tour, choose a private boat tour with a captain/guide, starting from $190 per group, up to 10 passengers. If you have a larger group, this may even be a more affordable option! https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Private-Tour-Miami-Boat-Rental/d662-328105P2?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Wynwood Walls: This outdoor museum in the Wynwood district showcases vibrant street art from global artists. Surrounding streets offer galleries, cafes, and breweries. You can choose from my favorite, an artist-led golf cart tour (great for beating the heat), starting at $45 per person: LOW mobility requirement. https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Wynwood-Graffiti-Golf-Cart-Tour/d662-18774P7?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Get your steps in and see the Wynwood Walls on foot, while taking advantage of a local guide to both the art and food of the district. MEDIUM mobility requirement, walking only. https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Wynwood-Walls-Food-and-Art-Walking-Tour/d662-381607P1?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Everglades National Park Airboating: The Florida Everglades are the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere, and home to 13 endangered and 10 threatened species, as well as countless alligators, sea birds and the largest stretch of sawgrass prairie in North America. Several areas in close proximity to Miami can be reached in less than an hour and an airboat tour is one of the best and least environmentally impactful ways to get a taste of Everglades National Park. LOW mobility requirement, you must be able to climb about the airboat, but the operators are standing by with a helping hand. With roundtrip transportation from Miami, tours start at $80 per person. I recommend choosing the first or last departure, as alligators don’t like the midday sun either! https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Everglades-Tour-from-Miami-with-Transportation/d662-21428P2?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Art Deco District. Hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League, these walking tours explore the Art Deco District, revealing Miami’s architectural treasures. MEDIUM mobility requirement, walking only. Starting at $40 per person. https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/The-Official-Art-Deco-Walking-Tour-by-the-Miami-Design-Preservation-League/d662-108578P2?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Little Havana. Get a taste for the Cuban culture and food that makes Miami unique with a walking and tasting tour with a local guide. 3 hour tour, starting at $65 per person, includes lunch and tastings at 5 local restaurants, a taste Cuban coffee (a personal favorite) and a peek at the hand cigar-making, as practices for generations. MEDIUM mobility requirement, walking only. Starting at $65 per person, with an optional adult beverage upgrade and includes lunch. https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Little-Havana-Food-and-Culture-Walking-Tour-Food-Cigars-Mojitos-and-more/d662-381607P2?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Paddleboarding Biscayne Bay. During the Spring and Summer months enjoy the birds and aquatic sea life that proliferate in the area. Between November and April, large peaceful manatees migrate into Biscayne Bay making it highly likely to spot them while riding paddleboards and kayaks in the bay and its surrounding waters. Currents and wind permitting, you may also paddle along the Atlantic Coast or paddle into the bay to see the picturesque Miami skyline -- the perfect mix of the city's urban and natural environments. https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Miami-Biscayne-Bay-Paddle-at-PADL-Beach-Club/d662-243840P7?pid=P00058688&uid=U00582072&mcid=58086¤cy=USD

These are all bookable links to tours I’ve personally taken and vetted – except for the paddleboarding, my abs aren’t up to it, but there is also kayaking and jet skiing available if you want to reach out to book those options. The tour pricing I’ve included may vary by season, date and time, and our suppliers typically offer the lowest prices you can find. Pricing is provided as a reference to save you some effort and help guide your budget. Some tours offer discounts for kids and seniors. Please reach out and let me know if you’ve booked using these links, or want to look into other options as I can provide additional details and advice to add to your adventure!

Other cultural attractions to consider visiting in Miami include:

South Beach & Ocean Drive: Famous for its white-sand beaches, Art Deco architecture, and bustling nightlife, South Beach is a must-see. Ocean Drive features more than 800 preserved Art Deco buildings — the largest collection in the world. See them on the official walking tour (above) or explore on your own at a slower pace.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Explore a romantic Italianate villa overlooking Biscayne Bay, rich with history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Venetian Pool: Located in Coral Gables, this unique, spring-fed pool set in a historic coral rock quarry is a local icon.
Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) & Frost Museum of Science: Located downtown, PAMM boasts contemporary art, while the Frost Museum includes a planetarium and aquarium.

Events, music and festivals are also a part of life in south Florida! Miami’s packed calendar includes major events like Art Basel, the South Beach Food & Wine Festival, the annual F1 race and the Miami Film Festival, making any season an exciting time to visit. Local spots offer live music and concerts year round. Reach out to me about specific packages to visit and experience these festivals.

Whether you want art, history, adventure, or family fun, Miami serves up something memorable for every visitor in 2025. From relaxing on South Beach to exploring street art in Wynwood or discovering wildlife in the Everglades, there’s no shortage of incredible tours and attractions to make your trip unforgettable. For more information or to plan your trip, contact me at [email protected] or www.travelwithjude.com!