Planning smoother arrivals? A funding standoff is finally easing after weeks of TSA delays. Eyeing a European incentive? A legendary Venice hotel is stepping into its next chapter. Thinking about more flexible group travel? Private yacht-style charters are on the rise.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
Senate Moves to Fund TSA After Travel Disruptions
A long-running funding standoff in Washington is beginning to ease—but not before creating significant ripple effects at airport security checkpoints. The Senate has advanced a measure to fund much of the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA, after weeks of disruption tied to a partial government shutdown that began in mid-February. The proposal still faces uncertainty in the House, but it marks the clearest step yet toward stabilizing airport operations.
For travelers and planners, the impact has already been felt. Thousands of TSA officers have been working without pay, leading to widespread staffing shortages, rising absenteeism and nearly 500 departures from the agency. The result is some of the longest security wait times on record, with delays stretching hours at major airports.
At the peak of the disruption, callout rates exceeded 40% at some airports, prompting warnings of potential checkpoint closures and forcing airlines and airports to adjust operations.
While the proposed funding would restore pay and begin to stabilize staffing, the situation underscores how quickly federal funding issues can translate into real-world travel friction. For meeting planners, it’s a reminder to build in extra buffer time for arrivals and to keep a close eye on policy developments that can impact attendee movement just as much as weather or flight schedules.
Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Debuts Major Relaunch Ahead of 2026 Season
Venice’s iconic Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido is entering a new era with a sweeping relaunch set for May 5, 2026, unveiling refreshed guest rooms, a restored Palm Court and a new signature dining concept.
The multiyear transformation reimagines the Moorish-inspired landmark (long known as the host hotel of the Venice International Film Festival) with updated interiors that blend Mediterranean design with contemporary comfort, alongside the revival of the Palm Court as the hotel’s central social hub.
A key addition is Amù Venice, a new terrace restaurant, pool bar and beach club debuting in July. The property’s private beach and 299 cabanas further reinforce its positioning as a rare blend of resort-style relaxation and proximity to Venice’s historic core.
The relaunch enhances the appeal of Lido as an alternative base to central Venice, offering waterfront space, refreshed accommodations and built-in cultural cachet tied to the film festival legacy, paired with easy access to Piazza San Marco via private boat transfer.
Unforgettable Croatia Opens 2027 Charters
Luxury small-ship cruising is getting more appealing (and customizable) for groups. Unforgettable Croatia has announced that its fleet of six 36-guest vessels will be available for private charter in 2027, sailing the Adriatic coast with departures primarily from Split and Dubrovnik.
Demand for private charters has doubled in the past two years, signaling a clear shift toward more tailored group travel. Planners can work with the operator to design fully bespoke itineraries, weaving in culture, gastronomy, history or nature-based experiences across destinations such as Hvar, Korčula and Vis.
“Private charters are proving increasingly popular as groups look for more personalized travel experiences,” said co-founder Graham Carter. “Our cruises can be tailored…creating an experience that goes far beyond a standard package.”
Charters run five to seven nights between May and October, with each vessel staffed by nine crew members and featuring up to 18 cabins, many with private balconies, along with amenities such as a jacuzzi, swim deck and sun deck.
For planners seeking a more intimate option, the company also offers private yacht and gulet charters for groups of nine to 21 guests.
JetBlue Adds Cleveland Route from Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue is adding more lift out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, including a new daily route to Cleveland launching July 8.
The expansion also includes increased frequencies across nine existing routes, from domestic hubs like Atlanta and Philadelphia to Caribbean destinations such as Santo Domingo and Saint Martin. Altogether, the airline has added service to 21 cities and nearly 32 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale over the past year.
For planners, it’s a meaningful bump in accessibility. More frequencies mean more options for attendee arrivals and departures and reinforces Fort Lauderdale’s role as a reliable gateway for both domestic and Caribbean programs.
England Opens World’s Longest Coastal Path
England is giving travelers a new reason to slow down and stretch their legs. The country has officially opened the King Charles III Coast Path, now the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world at 2,689 miles.
The milestone traces its inspiration back to Paul Theroux’s 1983 classic The Kingdom by the Sea, which documented his journey around Britain’s coastline at a time when much of it was fragmented or inaccessible. Today, that once-disjointed route has been unified into a single, walkable path, effectively turning a literary journey into a physical one.
The timing aligns with a broader shift toward slower, more intentional travel. Instead of quick-hit itineraries, travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences that prioritize connection to place, something this path delivers through remote cliffs, historic villages and uninterrupted coastal access.
For planners, the implications go beyond leisure. The route opens new opportunities for active programming, wellness-focused retreats and incentive experiences built around exploration rather than agenda-heavy schedules. It also reinforces a growing trend that invites participants to engage more deeply with a destination, not just pass through it.
