work travel alter

Welches Alter muss ich für Work & Travel haben?

Nicht jeder, der auch Work & Travel machen möchte, kann dies auch wirklich tun – denn die “Hürde”, die es zu nehmen gilt, heißt Working Holiday Visum! Für dieses Visum gelten diverse Voraussetzungen, um das WHV für Neuseeland, Kanada, Australien oder auch Japan, Singapur, Taiwan oder Hongkong zu erhalten. Eine dieser durchaus zahlreichen Voraussetzungen ist auch das Alter des Work and Travellers! Hierbei gelten teils unterschiedliche Vorgaben, die sich vor allem auf das Höchstalter (bei Beantragung des Visums wohlgemerkt!!!) beziehen – diese haben wir euch hier mal in Kurzdarstellung überblicksartig zusammengestellt.

TIPP: >> Finde hier dein Work & Travel-Programm!

THEMEN DIESER SEITE:

Altersvorgaben für verschiedene Länder

• Weitere Working Holiday Visa-Voraussetzungen
• Vergleichstabelle: Alle Working Holiday Visa im Überblick

Special: Work and Travel ohne Working Holiday Visum

• Warum Work and Travel für Ältere nicht möglich ist
• Work and Travel-Angebote

Altersvorgaben für Work and Travel in Australien

Das Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) für Australien können 18 bis 30jährige beantragen. Heißt gleichzeitig:  Den Visumsantrag musst du VOR deinem 31. Geburtstag gestellt haben, zum Einreisen nach Australien für dein Work & Travel hast du dann aber die nächsten 12 Monate Zeit! Somit kannst du also auch mit 31 in Australien als Work & Traveller einreisen und dort auch noch deinen 32sten Geburtstag als Working Holiday Maker feiern!

Das erste Webinar für Work and Travel in Australien und Neuseeland

In dieser kostenlosen, digitalen Infoveranstaltung vermitteln wir dir in nur 30 Minuten alle wichtigen Tipps und Tricks, die du für die Organisation deines Work and Travel-Abenteuers benötigst. Du erhältst so die perfekte Orientierung, damit du sofort mit deiner Planung durchstarten kannst.

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Welches Alter für Work and Travel in Neuseeland?

Für Work and Travel in Neuseeland musst du zwischen 18 und 30 Jahre alt sein. Der Antrag für dein Visum muss an oder nach deinem 18. Geburtstag und vor dem 31. Geburtstag bei der Neuseeländischen Botschaft eingehen, dabei zählt der Eingangsstempel.

Wie alt muss ich für Work and Travel in Kanada sein?

Für Work and Travel Kanada musst du zwischen 18 und 35 Jahre alt sein. Der Antrag für das Visum muss an oder nach deinem 18. Geburtstag und vor dem 36. Geburtstag bei der Botschaft in Kanada eingehen, dabei zählt der Eingangsstempel.

Work & Travel ganz einfach selbst organisieren! Finde hier alle kostenlosen Bonus-Guides rund ums Thema Work & Travel und Auslandszeit und spare Geld, Zeit & Nerven! Jetzt anmelden und mit deiner Orga starten!

Work and Travel in Japan – welche Altersvorgaben gelten?

Bei Antragstellung für ein Working-Holiday-Visum  für Japan musst du zwischen 18 und 30 Jahre alt sein. 

Altersgrenzen für Work & Travel in Hongkong

Für Work and Travel in Hongkong musst du zwischen 18 und 30 Jahre alt sein. Der Antrag für dein Visum muss an oder nach deinem 18. Geburtstag und vor dem 31. Geburtstag bei der Botschaft eingehen, dabei zählt der Eingangsstempel.

Altersvorgaben für Work and Travel in Singapur

Das Working-Holiday-Visum für Singapur heißt offiziell “ Work-Holiday-Pass” (WHP) , ist aber den anderen Working-Holiday-Visa sehr ähnlich. Der Work-Holiday-Pass erlaubt es jungen Leuten zwischen 18 und 25 Jahren sich bis zu sechs Monate lang in Singapur aufzuhalten.

Übersicht Altersvorgaben & weitere Working Holiday Visa-Voraussetzungen

Egal, für welches Working-Holiday-Land bzw. -Gebiet du dich entscheidest – folgende Voraussetzungen gelten zusätzlich zu den Altersvorgaben:

• du musst mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein
• du musst deutscher Staatsbürger oder Staatsbürger eines anderen Staates sein, mit dem das Zielland ein Working-Holiday-Abkommen hat
• Nachweis von finanziellen Rücklagen , zum Beispiel für Rückflug und Unterhalt vor Ort (ggf. auch Vorlage eines Rückflugtickets)
• du musst eine für dein Zielland gültige Auslandskrankenversicherung abschließen
• Vorlage eines polizeilichen Führungszeugnisses bei bestimmten Länder
• Besitz eines gültigen Reisepasses

Tabelle: Alle Working-Holiday-Visa im Überblick

Wie schon erwähnt gibt es auch zahlreiche Working Holidays, die man auch ohne Working Holiday Visum machen kann – bspw. wenn man bereits zu alt ist und somit das WHV nicht mehr erhalten würde. Dies ist deshalb möglich, da man eben NICHT gegen ein Entgelt sondern bspw. für Kost & Logis arbeitet. Unter “ Jobben im Ausland ” zeigen wir einige dieser Möglichkeiten auf, die ihr auch mit dem ganz normalen Touristenvisum machen kann.

Warum Work and Travel nicht für Ältere möglich ist

Die Altersbeschränkung für das Working-Holiday-Visum wird für viele Reiselustige zum Stolperstein. Die meisten Länder vergeben dieses Visum nur an Personen zwischen 18 und 30 Jahren. Wer noch nicht alt genug ist, muss sich einfach etwas gedulden. Wer allerdings die 30 Jahre schon überschritten hat, für den ist es in den meisten Ländern schlichtweg zu spät.

>> Warum Work and Travel für Ältere nicht möglich ist

Work & Travel-Angebote für Australien, Neuseeland, Kanada, USA & Japan

Unser großer Work & Travel-Finder zeigt dir sämtliche Programme & Packages , aus denen du wählen aktuell kannst – jetzt einfach unverbindlich Infomaterial anfordern . Zudem haben wir von Auslandsjob.de für euch die bislang einzige interaktive Work and Travel Check- & Planungsliste erstellt, die dich komplett selbständig durch den Planungsprozess deiner Working Holidays führt:

>> Jetzt über 50 verschiedene Work & Travel-Packages & Angebote ansehen & Infos anfordern

>> Jetzt in den Planungsprozess meines Work & Travel-Abenteuers einsteigen mittels innovativer Work & Travel-Checkliste

>> Hier findest du Auslandspraktika-Angebote für Jugendliche unter 18 Jahren

Die wichtigsten Planungsschritte

Mach dir keine sorgen und hol dir zusätzliche unterstüzung bei deiner planung, die orga-app, e-mail tutorial, der ultimative auslandsjob-guide 🔥.

Du suchst einen Job im Ausland? Dann hol dir jetzt den Job-Guide von Auslandszeit. Alle Anleitungen, Kontakte, Tipps & Tricks.

• 80 Seiten Tipps & Tricks
• Step by Step Anleitungen
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• Zusätzlich bekommst du den Onlinekurs "How to Auslandsjob" gratis dazu!

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Du willst auch in Zukunft kein Jobangebot im Ausland verpassen? Dann werde Teil des Kandidaten-Pools von Auslandsjob.de und erhalte interessante Jobangebote !

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Moody Moons

A Celebration of the Seasons & the Spirit

Your Travel Altar: 10 Ideas to Make Magic Portable

A travel altar makes use of lighter, portable ritual items for convenient use on the go.

With the biggest travel day of the year coming up, putting together a travel altar is a fun, rewarding project.

Add the sparkle of a little magic to your trip a pick a few items off this list to take with you.

If you like the article below, you might also like Road Trip:  A Modern Witch’s Guide to Hitting the Highway .

(Please note:  This article may contain affiliate links.   If you’re . . . really, really bored, you’re welcome to read our yawn-worthy disclaimer about it.)

1.  Pick a fun container for your travel altar.

If you haven’t come out of the broom closet yet, there’s lots of options to keep your ritual tools discreetly out of view.  A simple drawstring bag works.

Or, be creative!  I love this adorable Ouija Board mint box, which stores my travel altar items perfectly.  (Also, the mints aren’t bad).

2.  Pack tea lights.

If you like the atmosphere candles create, tea lights offer some advantage for travel over their more cumbersome counterparts.

They’re lightweight.  Unlike stick versions, they don’t need candle holders.  And they contain their own drippings, so they’re neater and less likely to get wax on the heirloom dresser in your grandmother’s guest room.

3.  Bring a mini tarot deck.

Nothing breaks the ice with people you only see once or twice a year like an impromptu tarot reading.

Many tarot decks come in smaller versions for convenience during travel.

Check out the graceful art of the Tarot Art Nouveau Mini for a lovely, compact deck to delight your friends and family during the holidays or on vacation.

4.  Make a dream pillow for your trip.

Do you toss and turn when you’re away from your own bed?

Fill a drawstring bag with lavender or chamomile herbs to help you sleep peacefully.

Or, get super crafty and try these heat activated spell sachets .

5.  Bring a mini chalice.

With the wine flowing at the holiday table, set aside a thimbleful of the good stuff to use in your night ritual after the lights go down.

A travel chalice adds an extra special touch to a private ritual when away from home.

6.  Hang a travel pouch on your rear view mirror.

Travel spell bags promote positive travel experiences and reduce trip-related anxiety.

Here are some instructions on how to make a travel spell bag yourself.

Toss one in your travel altar to bless your journey with happy vibes!

7.  Bring some peppermint oil.

A few drops of (diluted) peppermint oil on the forehead or in the bathwater works wonders for stress.  It also eases headaches (too much holiday wine?) and makes everything smell like a candy cane.

If you take one essential oil with you on your trip, make it peppermint oil!

8.  Include a vile of moon water in your altar kit.

Easy to DIY and the ultimate, all-purpose spell ingredient, consider including moon water in your travel kit.

Dot it on your wrists or behind your ears like perfume to calm frayed nerves from a long flight or help you keep from saying something you’ll regret to your annoying Aunt Nelly.

Moon water can be stored in a tiny corked bottle or vile for convenient, portable use on the go.

9.  Load up your Kindle with witchy reads.

With all the tension of getting together with family and friends during the holidays or vacation, keep your sanity by scheduling a little “me time.”

Behind on your witchy reading list ?  It’s a great time to catch up!  Pick a few pagan-themed reads and plan to retreat with them if things get hectic.

Or, kill some time in the passenger seat!

10.  Carry a piece of malachite.

Malachite aids travels and encourages safe passage.  Wear a piece of jewelry that features malachite prominently.  This brilliant, fairy-green stone sets beautifully into ornate rings and looks gorgeous in pendant necklaces .

Published by moodymoons

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This was so helpful! I already had a few things in mind, but going over this list gave me a lot more ideas I wouldn’t have thought of. I’m going to be away from home for a month, so a travel-sized altar will help me a great deal! Thank you!

hi i was wondering if you have made a beginners guide to make an altar? because i could really use one 🙂

No, but that’s a great idea, and I just put it on my list of posting titles, so look out for it soon!

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The Raven and The Lotus

A magical resource with a transcendental vibe, travel altars for magick on the go, march 21, 2017 blythe comments 4 comments, why travel altars.

Travel altars are great for more than just travel. They are compact, portable, and easily put away, so they are also great for the magickal practitioner who needs privacy or just doesn’t have a lot of space.

Maybe you live with people who are uncomfortable with the idea of you being a witch/wizard/magician. Or, you don’t have much space to set up a permanent altar. Maybe you’re a traveler and your tools must fit in a suitcase or backpack! Or, maybe you have your own space and freedom to practice how you wish, but the idea of being able to pick up a small package and take your magick anywhere just sounds like fun.

A travel altar is a great idea for anyone. You can set up a travel altar for any kind of purpose. You can use whatever kind of carrying case you like, too!

Take Magick With You

I love to travel, and when my husband and I travel, we usually focus our trips on being outdoors. Being able to put a little altar in my day pack so I can take some time to connect with the area and practice some meditation is awesome! I wanted to bring my deities with me, so they could be part of the fun too, so I created my own Altoids tin altar.

What to Use

The great thing about making your own travel altar is that you get to decide how it looks. Think about how you’ll use it and then, decide what works best. Do you want it super-witchy inside and out? Will you put sigils all over it to ward off prying eyes? Or, do you want to go Ninja-magician and make it just look like any other bag or backpack that you could wear all day without anyone suspecting you’re not really a muggle? It’s up to you!

Magick Kits

Note: If you are traveling by plane, you will not be able to bring certain things in your carry-on. Just try explaining an athame to airport security! Keep this in mind when you’re packing. You might want a dedicated set of travel-friendly tools.

If you have a witch or wizard in your life, travel altars make really nice and thoughtful gifts too. And remember, you don’t have to have everything in your travel altar. Maybe you just need a travel circle or a little Deity space like I have. You might have several little witchy go-bags for various purposes. Most of all, have fun creating your own magick-to-go!

I would LOVE to hear about your travel altar! Let me know in the comments how you bring your magickal practice with you!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and buy something, I may receive a small commission.

4 thoughts on “ Travel Altars for Magick on the Go! ”

I was at “the largest bead store in the world” Shipwreck Beads outside of Tacoma, Washington, and found they had an EXCELLENT selection of silver & pewter charms. So, I picked some up (some just for fun, some for magic)…. I got a little chalice, a little athame, a feather, an oak leaf, a dragon, and a seashell. I strung ’em on a little key-chain, and now I have the ULTIMATE in tiny travel altars! LOL Just another option for those who can afford to spend a few bucks (and, none of the charms were more than $3.00 individually) and want their altar super-tiny.

That’s such a great idea! Now I want a keychain altar! 😀

I love your tiny shrine. I’d love to make one, but I’m having difficulty finding a picture of Tiamat that calls to me. When I DO, finally, I’ve got a tin set aside. LOL

I was wondering where do you find the meanings of different charms and the things for your alter? Also can you enchant any object the same way you wrote you can enchant your drink? I’ve been reading your posts nonstop since I’ve found it so I have a lot of questions at one time. And i LOVE your alter using an altoids tin!

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How to Set Up a Witchcraft Altar + DIY Travel Altar

• Written By: Sarah Esmae Wolfe

There is so much to consider when it comes to a witchcraft altar. Is it for magick and spells, for ancestors or deities, for divination or meditation? Should you change it at every sabbat? How often should you clean it? What should you put on it, and where? There is so much information out there about altars and almost every religion has a different version. Today I will be going over the basics of the Wiccan and New Age Witchcraft altar setup!

As always, remember it is best to follow your intuition. We are witches after all! If you like the look of something on your altar, that is where you should put it. If something doesn’t feel right being on your altar, you don’t need it no matter how many websites tell you it is necessary. Find what works for you and your personal practice!

What Is An Altar? 

Put simply, an altar is a space set aside for your spiritual practice. It is a visual representation of your spiritual path and a place to return to and center yourself. Note that altars are often confused with shrines. A shrine is a consecrated space decorated with sacred objects. It is a place set up to connect with ancestors or deities where you leave offerings. Its energy is connected to its location, therefore it should not be moved. An altar can be taken down and set up as often as needed. It contains the tools you use for rituals and spells in order to work at any location. An altar often doubles as a shrine, and you may choose to keep everything in one place or separate your altar from your shrines, especially if you work with many different spirits in your craft and leave offerings regularly.

Do I Even Need An Altar?

Since an altar can be set up anywhere, the sky’s the limit for what you consider to be your altar. Maybe you’re a kitchen witch and your spiritual practice is only in the kitchen. Having a special altar cloth where you set your consecrated cooking tools is your altar. Or if you are a green witch, maybe your altar is a certain basket you transport from the garden to indoors while you work to prepare your herbs for use in spells and rituals. It does not need to be a permanent thing by any means, it can be something temporary you decide to set up for special rituals only. But of course, an altar is not necessary because you can find your sacred space inside yourself. You are a witch and whatever you deem sacred, so it is!

How To Set Up Your Witchcraft Altar

But if you decide having an altar will help you follow your witchcraft path to its fullest potential, here are some things to consider. Most witchcraft altars are made on a short table that you are able to work on while sitting on the ground. If you don’t have a table you can certainly spread an altar cloth on the floor and set it up as an altar! Are you a broom closeted witch? Consider setting up your altar away from prying eyes and literally turn a closet into your own altar, having your tools in the corner of a shelf behind some clothes.

The most important question to ask yourself when setting up your altar is: Does the way my altar is set up make it easy for me to work my witchcraft? Think about what you use it for most: Is it meditation, divination, spellwork, or ritual? If you do a lot of rituals with deities, you might want to decorate with their specific correspondences. If you mostly use it for divination or spellwork, make sure you have enough space on your altar to give you the room you need to work.

Wherever you decide to put it, having a representation of the four elements can be helpful for when you want to call on the elements when doing spellwork or casting a circle. Your representation of earth should be positioned to the north, air to the east, water to the west, and fire to the south. You might choose something like a bowl of dirt or salt for earth, an incense burner for east, a chalice or a seashell for west, and a candle for south. Whatever first comes to mind when you think of the elements, that is what you should place on your altar.

Let’s Talk About Tools

The focal point of an altar is usually a pentacle or a cauldron. The pentacle represents the fifth element of spirit. In Wicca and witchcraft, the cauldron represents the goddess and rebirth. Many witches also like to include something to represent the god and the goddess. This could be statues ,  candles , or a sun symbol and a moon symbol.

The foundation of your altar will be an altar cloth. This can be any cloth you choose to cover the surface and place whatever tools and decorations you decide to include. The altar cloth represents the foundation and sets the space aside as sacred. You can have just one that is special to you, perhaps it is designed with a certain symbol, or you can have several different colors and change them out to correspond with the sabbats.

Other tools you may choose to include could be an athame or  wand for directing energy, a bell or broom for energy clearing before spellwork, or even displaying your Book of Shadows. You might also like to decorate your altar with crystals  and dried herbs and flowers.

DIY Travel Altar

But what if you don’t want a permanent altar, are practicing in secret, or have nowhere to put it? A travel altar is easy to make and can easily fit inside of an empty breath-mint tin. Here’s how to make one, whether it is the only altar you have or a secondary one you use when you are away from home!

You will need:

• An empty breath-mint tin
• A tealight candle or battery-operated candle
• Matchbook if using a regular candle
• Small tumbled crystals
• Dried herbs, this could be a bundle for burning or loose herbs you commonly use for spells (or both!)
• Optional: salt of your choosing for protection or representing the element of Earth
• Optional: miniature corked glass bottles for storing loose herbs or salt
• Optional: a small feather or bell to cleanse energy or represent the element of Air if not using an herb bundle for burning
• Optional: a small seashell to represent the element of Water

Arrange all of your chosen objects so they fit inside the tin. If you like to use a pentacle as a focal point of your altar, you can draw it inside the lid of your tin. Pack your travel altar with a napkin-sized altar cloth so that when you are away from home, you can pull out the cloth and set up your altar on it from the tin. If you can find some that are small enough, consider adding incense cones if you like them for meditation and commonly use your altar in that way. Make sure you will have something heatproof available to burn your incense. Maybe you have a small pendulum or a pocket stone with a symbol that is special to you. Get creative with what you put in your travel altar and customize it to you and your individual practice!

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The Complete Guide to Wiccan Altars (And Why You Need One)

The purpose of a Wiccan altar can vary from witch to witch, but all of us who use one find strength and comfort in knowing that we have a secure spiritual “home base” to return to.

If you are new to the world of Wicca but are interested in creating your own Wiccan altar, you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’re going to break down everything you could possibly need to know about how to set up and how to use a Wiccan altar. From the purposes it serves to how to make it look beautiful and work great–we’ve got you covered.

Strap in–you’re about to learn more than you thought possible about Wiccan altars!

Table of Contents

The importance of a wiccan altar, creating a wiccan altar.

Using a Wiccan Altar

An altar is a personal thing for a Wiccan, and its purpose can vary from witch to witch. But that being said, there are some broad, common themes that tend to crop up when you ask a witch about the importance her altar.

In this section, we’re going to take a look at those commonalities among different types of Wiccan altars and why so many practitioners see these themes as important to their spiritual journey.

What is an Altar?

Before we can think about why an altar is important, we’ve got to pin down what exactly an altar is. Luckily there is no shortage of examples, both from within the world of Wicca and outside of it.

The General Purpose of an Altar

At its most basic, an altar is a specially designated place where someone performs a religious ritual. And Wiccans and witches have no special claim to altars–they show up in religions across the world.

In some instances, you can find an altar in a public place of worship, like in Christianity. The altar is often the central focus of worship and devotion in churches of all kinds.

But in other cases, altars are more of a personal affair. These are areas in a person’s home where they can practice their religion in private. This kind of personal, spiritual altar is what we’ll be focusing on in this article, as most Wiccan altars are personal creations–although Wiccan covens frequently use altars in their services too!

The Purpose of a Wiccan Altar

So now we know that altars are special places where people perform religious rituals and rites, but that still doesn’t tell us much about the purposes of a specifically Wiccan altar. Why should a witch want one?

Well I’m glad you asked! And even if you didn’t, I’ll tell you anyways!

As you might already know, Wicca is a religion that is all about harnessing and directing spiritual energy. That’s why we perform spells, that’s why we pray, that’s why we set intentions, and it’s why we do most of what we do. By learning to control the spiritual energy that’s always around us, we can manifest our innermost desires in the outer world.

For a Wiccan, an altar can be a focal point for that spiritual energy . When we create one, we’re telling the universe that this very spot is where the magick happens, whether that be spells or prayers or whatever sort of Wiccan practice you employ.

But your altar is more than that, too. It’s also a reflection of you and your unique spiritual journey. By the end of this article, I’m sure you’ll be sick of me repeating this mantra, but it’s absolutely true: creating your altar is all about finding what works for you and your spiritual goals.

We’ll go into the specifics of using your altar a little later, but for now just know this–if your altar makes you feel like you’re progressing as a witch and brings you closer to the divine Triple Goddess and Horned God, then you’ve got a bona fide Wiccan altar on your hands.

Is An Altar Necessary?

So now that we’ve got a little bit better understanding of what a Wiccan altar is, we have to ask ourselves the million dollar question–is an altar really necessary to practicing Wicca or witchcraft?

Well, like most things in life, it depends.

In this section, we’re going to take a look at the benefits of an altar in general and whether or not it will help enhance your personal practice.

The Benefits of a Wiccan Altar

There are two main benefits to constructing your own personal altar–one of them is spiritual and the other is practical . And despite the fact that we often emphasize the spiritual over the practical, I think it’s important to look at both aspects for your own journey.

Spiritual Benefits

Like we discussed a little earlier, an altar acts as a nexus for spiritual energy. By having this central location to perform most (or all) of your magick, you imbue that space with its own spiritual power that helps to amplify the energy drawn in by a spell.

However, a Wiccan altar has spiritual benefits that extend beyond making your magick more powerful.

It also acts as a reminder and source of inspiration for your spiritual journey. Some days, especially when it seems like nothing is going right (magickally or otherwise), we’re tempted to throw in the towel. An altar is a way to physically symbolize where you’ve been and where you want to go spiritually.

It’s sort of like a vision board on steroids–not only does it remind you of your inspiration, it also provides you the tools and platform to make those inspirations a reality. And even if you’re not working magick on a regular basis, your altar is a reminder of what drew you to Wicca in the first place.

Practical Benefits

This is typically not the first thing that comes to mind in regards to the benefits of an altar, but there’s no denying that having one is an organizational godsend.

On a practical level, a Wiccan altar is a centralized place where all your most important tools for spellcasting reside. There’s a lot less hunting for missing objects when they have a designated space.

Obviously, boxes or other organizational tools could also solve this problem, but if you’re already thinking about creating an altar, why not kill two birds with one stone?

Who Should Make an Altar?

If you’re still undecided about whether a Wiccan altar is right for you, take a look at the following scenarios and see how much they apply to you.

Do you feel like your spells are not as powerful as they could be?

When people talk about feeling spiritual energy, are you left wondering exactly what that feels like?

If so, an altar might be the right choice for you. Sometimes, all we need is a little focus to take our magick to the next level.

Do you find yourself plagued by disorganization?

Is it a challenge to complete a spell or ritual because you feel like there are just too many individual parts to stay focused on?

I know I just said it, but it bears repeating–for those of us who are not the most organized, it’s such a relief to know that everything is ready and waiting for you at your altar. Creating a Wiccan altar can give you some peace of mind if you’re like me and have a tendency to fret over fine details.

Do you want a way to express your spiritual individuality?

Are you looking for a new creative outlet?

Making an altar is perfect for people who feel like this! For really creative witches, the process of constructing your altar can be just as spiritually rewarding as using it.

In the next section, we’re going to look at the specifics of how to make one, and as you’ll see, there are no hard and fast rules. It’s the perfect place to let your creativity run wild.

Who Shouldn’t Make an Altar?

Just because there are lots of good reasons to create an altar, doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. If you find yourself resonating with the following, then perhaps an altar isn’t the right spiritual tool for you at this point in your journey. And that’s perfectly fine!

Do you prefer spontaneity over ritual?

Is the element of discovery and surprise the most important value in your spiritual practice?

There’s no denying it–I’m someone who loves planning involved rituals with plenty of symbolism and other bells and whistles. But that’s not the only way to be a witch–and I get that.

If you’re worried that you’ll feel “chained” to your altar or you resent the idea of spellcasting in the same place over and over again, then maybe an altar isn’t right for you. And forcing yourself into a practice that you don’t actually enjoy is only going to be detrimental to your magick.

That being said, as we’ll see in a little bit, an altar doesn’t always have to be as permanent and long-lasting as I’ve made it seem so far.

Would you rather invest spiritual energy in your practice as opposed to physical energy?

Does the thought of a to-do list invoke feelings of dread and procrastination?

Creating an maintaining a Wiccan altar isn’t the most time- or energy-intensive thing you can do, but it does take work. And if the thought of adding another obligation to your plate sounds like the last thing you want, then it’s perfectly fine to hold off on creating one.

An altar can be a source of energy and inspiration for some, but if you’re worried that this is just going to be a burden or a nuisance, then it’s likely to sap both energy and inspiration.

We’ve finally reached the fun stuff-it’s time to actually create your altar!

Like I said in the last section, a lot of what will go into your altar is a mix of personal preference and practical considerations. So, this section is not so much a guide for constructing the “ideal” altar–rather, it’s more about making you aware of the basic altar set up and why certain witches design their altars in certain ways.

I can provide you with all the puzzle pieces, but it’s up to you to put them all together. There are so many different types of Wiccan altars, and I’m excited to see what you come up with!

Where to Put an Altar

Before we figure out what goes into an altar, we’ve got to figure out where to place it.

Portable or Stationary?

Some Wiccans’ altars are a permanent fixture in their home. These tend to be more complex and decorative since you’re not having to move it around all the time.

However, there’s nothing wrong with creating an altar that you pack up after use. If you simply don’t have the space in your home to dedicate an area for altar use only, portable is the way to go.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a good, old fashioned makeshift altar on your kitchen table when time and space allows it.

A portable altar also might be a good idea for a Wiccan who prefers to or is forced to live “incognito.” You won’t get as many prying questions about your religious beliefs from parents, roommates, guests, etc. if your altar can be put away and hidden from sight.

Indoors or Outdoors?

Placing your altar inside or outside is largely a matter of personal preference.

If you feel particularly drawn to the power and beauty of nature, there’s nothing wrong with creating an outdoor altar. It actually sounds pretty cool. But there are some things to keep in mind about this.

Firstly, a portable altar would probably do better outdoors. You don’t want your altar to be damaged by the weather, and unless you’re living in paradise, you probably don’t experience clear skies and nice temperatures 365 days a year.

Additionally, you’ll need to take things like lighting into consideration when creating an outdoor altar. During the day, you’ll be fine, but things can get trickier after dark. Assuming you can keep your candles lit outdoors, that might still not be enough light to read your spell by.

But for some of us, an outdoor altar is just not a possibility. And I think you’ll definitely find more people with indoor altars than outdoor ones simply as a matter of pure practicality.

What Direction Should It Face?

Even though there are only four cardinal directions, you’d be surprised at how many different opinions there are about what direction your altar should face.

I’ll go through the major schools of thought shortly, but please don’t make this an agonizing decision. The direction of your altar can be important, but it’s more important to end up with a working altar and not get stuck in the planning phase.

Many Wiccans will suggest creating your altar facing north, as this is traditionally associated with the element of earth. A northward-facing altar can help you feel grounded and secure in your practice.

East is another option, as it is the direction of the rising sun. This is a practice that’s found not only in witchcraft, but other world religions as well. Facing the rising sun can bring an energy of newness and life into your practice.

However, south could be a good choice, too. It’s traditionally associated with the element of fire, which can bring passion and intensity to your spellcasting.

What’s most important is that you choose a placement that’s personally significant to you. But like I just mentioned–don’t get too hung up on the details at first.

Which Room Should It Go In?

Wiccans who have the space sometimes choose to dedicate an entire room of their home to their craft, with the altar being the central focus of the space.

For those of us who don’t have much room to spare, it’s important to take some practical concerns into consideration when finding a place for your altar.

You probably want to avoid putting it in an area with lots of foot traffic and activity. A living room altar might sound convenient, but imagine trying to cast a sacred circle with the television blaring in the background!

A kitchen or dining room altar could be an option, but only if you think the energy or vibe of the room connects well with your practice.

Speaking of vibe–I’ve never seen a bathroom altar for this very reason. But hey, if it works for you…

That really just leaves the bedroom, which I think is where you’ll find a good chunk of Wiccan altars. It’s a deeply personal space, and it’s typically not a particularly busy room–which for many witches is the perfect combo.

What to Put Your Altar On

When it comes to placing your altar, there are two important things to decide about surfaces–how big should the altar be and what material should the surface be made of?

What Size Should the Surface Be?

The size of your altar will largely depend on your own personal style of Wicca.

When you cast a spell are all of your items neatly arranged and within arm’s reach?

Do you enjoy simple spells that rely more on focus and intention than physical objects?

If you answered yes to either of these, you might be able to get away with an altar that’s on the smaller side.

Do you enjoy the “thrill of the hunt” when it comes to looking for a specific tool?

Do you prefer spells that have visual drama and lots of moving parts?

In that case, you’ll probably want your altar to be on the bigger side.

But regardless of what I just suggested, you’ve also got to take practical considerations into mind. You might like the idea of an altar the size of a coffee table, but if you don’t have the room to comfortably place it in your home, it’s likely to be a source of resentment and frustration as opposed to a source of inspiration.

My main advice in terms of size is this: take some time to scope out a good place for your altar and see what potential space you have to work with. Then do an “altar test run” in that area with a spell or two. If you feel comfortable there, then congrats–you’ve discovered what size your altar should be!

What Kind of Material Should I Use?

Traditionally, altars would be constructed on wood surfaces. But, like everything in this article, that’s only a necessity if it feels beneficial to you.

If you’re going with wood, you’ll have to choose a specific type, too. Some witches swear by oak, while others only use maple or cedar. Ultimately, it’s worth the effort to do some research to see what associations different types of wood have and then choose one that suits your practice.

That being said, if you’ve already got a table you want to use, don’t worry about it being the wrong kind. This is more about setting up a usable base of operations than about creating the perfect one.

And you don’t even have to restrict yourself to wood. This is especially true if you want to create a portable altar–a simple, collapsible plastic table could work just fine for those purposes.

Those creating outdoor altars are the really lucky ones, though–you can get super creative with your surface. Tree stumps are a traditional Wiccan favorite, but even something like a large, flat stone could be neat too.

The Sections of a Wiccan Altar

An altar is traditionally divided up into sections, but what those sections are and where they go are a matter of personal preference. Now, we’re going to take a look at some of the different options and why a witch might want to go with a particular one.

What is the Basic Altar Setup?

There are a few common themes that show up across Wiccan altars. These are:

• Altar cloths
• Ritual space

Shrine to the Lord and Lady

• Personal objects

Altar Cloths

Altar cloths help spruce up the look of your altar, but they also serve a symbolic magickal purpose as well. Changing the color or design of your altar cloth based on the changing of the seasons or the type of magick you’re going to be performing can help to enhance your potency as a witch.

Ritual Space

Typically Wiccans will leave a large area of blank space near the middle of the altar to use for performing rituals or spells. Now, not all altars are used for working magick, and that’s fine–but most altars, no matter their specific purpose, need a little space for doing whatever it is that you’re going to do.

How much ritual space you allocate yourself will depend on the size and nature of your altar, but this is really the whole point of constructing one–a place to work your magick, whatever that might mean for your specifically.

Another common theme to Wiccan altars is a shrine honoring our deities. Traditionally, this would be the Lord and Lady (or Horned God and Triple Goddess), but this space can be reserved for any deities or energies you principally identify your practice with.

In Wicca, the Lord and Lady are the source of our power and all magick in the world. Creating a space that honors them and reflects their unique qualities is usually of the utmost importance to a Wiccan.

Traditionally, the left side of an altar is designated as a space for the Goddess, while the right side is a space for the God. However, this is just one configuration among many for you to try. Personally, I keep statues of the Lord and Lady at the topmost point of my altar so that they can preside over everything that takes place there.

How you represent and honor your deities is a matter of personal choice, but I always recommend that some sort of symbol be present on your altar to commemorate them.

Space for Wiccan Altar Tools

Designating space for tools or other objects on your altar can be a challenge. There are already so many things that need to go on there that these objects can really start to pile up! So remember, your mileage may vary depending on how big your altar is and what purpose you’re designing it for.

That being said, I would recommend keeping at least a few of your most commonly used tools on your altar. We’ve already talked about how altars can be both organizational tools and a reflection of your own unique spirituality, so I won’t rehash those again.

But I will say this– think about the primary purpose of your altar and then make space for those objects and tools that help you to accomplish that purpose.

Common Wiccan altar tools that you might consider including are basics like:

• Chalice/Bowl

Personal Objects

Personal objects with spiritual significance to you are also a good option for including on your altar. These could be items with a special meaning to you, but you could also include everyday things that help put you into a magickal mindset–like incense or a work of art.

How Much is Too Much?

Only you can tell when your altar is too cluttered–that’s something that’s going to vary from person to person. However, it is beneficial to pay attention to how you use your altar and tailor its design to that.

For example, if your altar is the nexus of your Wiccan practice and you’re using it daily for lots of different purposes, it would make sense to create a large, expansive altar. If your altar is witchcraft central station for you, it’s fine to make it look that way!

I lovingly refer to this as a “kitchen sink” altar–as in, it contains everything but the kitchen sink.

On the other hand, if your altar serves a very specific purpose–like honoring a deity or performing a specific kind of spell–you might be better served by paring down the objects on your altar. This will allow you to really focus on those elements that are amplifying your purpose to its fullest potential.

Making Changes to Your Altar

There will be times when you want to change up your Wiccan altar, and that’s totally fine. In this section, we’re going to take a look at some reasons why you might want to change up your decor and how to do that.

Holiday Decor on Your Altar

The eight major Wiccan holidays (or sabbats) are a great opportunity to spruce up your altar. Adding colors or symbols associated with a particular celebration is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Be sure to check out our article on Wiccan holidays to see how and why we celebrate each of these special occasions. Or better yet, you can use your altar to start holiday traditions of your own!

Decorating for a Specific Spell

Making some changes to your altar decor depending on what spell you’re performing is another opportunity to switch things up. That being said, a new spell doesn’t always require you to overhaul your altar completely.

This is a good chance to experiment with things like color. Changing the color of your altar cloth depending on the type of spell or deity you’re working with can help to enhance and amplify the energy you’re attempting to raise.

Additionally, you could rearrange the objects on your altar without adding any new ones to help better serve your specific purposes. For example, if I’m performing a spell that invokes the four elements or cardinal directions, I will sometimes rearrange my altar into four quadrants, with each representing a different element.

Just Changing Things Up

There’s nothing at all wrong with changing up the look of your altar from time to time just because you want to. But I would caution you against treating your altar like an outfit–something to change up every day.

I think a good Wiccan altar should feel inviting and consistent, and it’s difficult to accomplish that when your altar is just a collection of ever-rotating objects. Create an altar setup and give yourself some time to get used to it and decide if it’s for you. You can always change things up later, but why not give them a try as they are right now?

Safety Concerns

There hopefully isn’t too much on a Wiccan altar that poses a safety threat, but it’s important to make sure we’re aware of any potential problems.

Fire Safety

If your altar features candles, incense, or anything else lit be aware of how you place them and when they’re burning. As much as possible, keep them away from flammable objects on your altar, and always have a plan and tools ready in case an accidental fire does start.

Don’t forget–altars can be replaced, but people can’t.

Child Safety

If your altar features any tools or small objects that could be dangerous to children, be sure to keep them out of reach of any curious eyes and hands! This could mean anything from constructing your altar on a high table to putting away your altar objects after you’re done with them.

Using Your Wiccan Altar

If you’ve made it this far, then you’ve probably got a great altar on your hands–or at least some great ideas for constructing one in the near future. So now it’s time to put this altar to good use!

First things first–we need to bless the altar. Just like any other tool you use in witchcraft, an altar needs to be consecrated before we put it to use.

Wiccan Altar Blessing

You can design your own altar blessing that’s as involved or simple as you would prefer, but below, I’ve included a short blessing of my own that you can use or incorporate into your own ritual.

To perform this blessing, you should set up your altar the way you want it beforehand.

[Face the altar and repeat the following, with your hands held palms up]

I consecrate this space with blessing and protection By the power of the great Lord and Lady may all negativity here be banished

I consecrate this space with power and intention By the power of the great Lord and Lady may my work here be fruitful

I consecrate this space with truth and courage By the power of the great Lord and Lady may this altar guide me along the Path

May all spirits and energies of goodwill and light join me in this prayer of consecration

[Take your right index finger and point it towards the sky above your head. Then, reach down and touch the ground with the same finger.]

As above, so below, the blessing is sealed by the power of my will given by the great God and Goddess of all. So mote it be.

How Will You Use Your Wiccan Altar?

Your altar is officially up and running and ready to go! Your next steps are up to you, though.

You could try casting spells at your altar or honoring a specific deity, but nothing is set in stone. Your altar might just end up being the place where you can meditate and unwind from all the craziness of the world.

Ultimately, if you feel like your altar is serving you then it’s doing its job–regardless of what I or any other witch recommend. My goal with this article was not to dictate how and why your altar should be based on my own practice, but rather, it was to show you the exciting possibilities for creating a unique altar that excites you and supports your spiritual goals.

Your Next Steps

A Wiccan altar is just one aspect of this religion–there’s plenty more to be learned! If you’d like to know more about Wicca, I’ve got some suggestions for further reading.

The Wiccan Bible for the Solitary Witch

First up is my book, The Wiccan Bible for the Solitary Witch . It’s a guide that takes a look at all the most important things that a solitary witch (i.e. a witch without a coven) needs to know. It’s a self-guided manual for anyone who values their individual perspective and wants to become a successful Wiccan–and it’s the perfect place to start if you’re new to Wicca and witchcraft.

How to Become a Wiccan

Not ready to curl up with a good book? That’s fine too!

Here on Explore Wicca, we’ve got a great introductory article to the religion– How to Become a Wiccan . By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll be familiar with all the major beliefs and practices of Wicca, and you’ll even be able to perform a spell yourself!

The Explore Wicca Mailing List

If you’d like to stay in touch and be notified when Explore Wicca publishes a new article or has exciting news, don’t forget to sign up for the Explore Wicca mailing list !

When you sign up, you’ll receive a free color magick chart–and it’s perfect for helping you choose the correct colors for your own Wiccan altar. Click here to sign up!

Regardless of the next steps on your spiritual journey, I’m honored that Explore Wicca could play a small part on it. I wish you nothing but the best for you and your new, spiffy altar!

Blessed Be, Didi Clarke

How to Become a Wiccan: The Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft

Wiccan Deities: A Complete Guide for Beginners

10 Wiccan Symbols Every Witch Should Know

Work & Travel Altersgrenze: Das musst du beachten

365 Tage im Ausland leben, die Welt bereisen und dabei auch noch Geld verdienen – beim Work & Travel wird dieser Traum Wirklichkeit. Doch einfach die Koffer packen und los? Ganz so leicht ist es nicht. Denn neben einer guten Organisation gibt es auch ein paar Voraussetzungen , die du beachten musst. Darunter: Die Work & Travel Altersgrenze . Wie jetzt, Altersgrenze? Wir erklären, was es damit auf sich hat und was du beachten musst.

Work & Travel: Altersgrenze für das Working Holiday Visum

Wenn man es ganz genau nimmt, gibt es für Work & Travel an sich keine Altersgrenze. Die eigentliche Beschränkung gilt nämlich für das Working Holiday Visum . Dieses erlaubt dir, für 12 Monate in einem fremden Land wie Australien, Neuseeland, Japan oder Kanada zu arbeiten.

Um das Visum zu beantragen, musst du einige Voraussetzungen erfüllen. Darunter fallen auch das Mindest- und Höchstalter für die Antragsstellung. Diese Grenzen unterscheiden sich je nach Zielland, wobei du immer volljährig sein musst.

Beachte bitte, dass sich Visumsverlängerungen in Australien (Second Year Working Holiday Worker Visa) und in Kanada (Young Professionals) auch auf diese Altersspanne beziehen!

Diese Begrenzungen gelten aktuell:

Work & Travel Altersgrenze für Australien

Um ein Working Holiday Visum für Australien zu beantragen, musst du mindestens 18 und höchstens 30 Jahre alt sein. Das heißt: Du musst das Visum vor deinem 31. Geburtstag beantragen. Das heißt aber nicht, dass du auch davor schon verreisen musst. Du hast nämlich nach Antragsstellung ein Jahr Zeit, deine Reise anzutreten. Du kannst also problemlos auch mit 31 dein Abenteuer in Australien starten, wenn du das Visum rechtzeitig beantragt hast.

Work & Travel Altersbeschränkung für Kanada

Gute News für alle etwas älteren Traveler: In Kanada gilt ein Altersbereich  von 18 bis 35 ! Du musst deinen Visumsantrag für Kanada zwischen deinem 18. und vor deinem 36. Geburtstag einreichen, wobei das Datum des Eingangsstempels der Botschaft ausschlaggebend ist.

Work & Travel Altersbestimmungen für Neuseeland

Auch in Neuseeland gilt: Du kannst das Working Holiday Visum zwischen deinem 18. und 30. Lebensjahr anfordern. Bist du älter oder jünger, kommt ein Work & Travel für dich leider (noch) nicht in Frage.

Work & Travel Altersgrenze für Japan

Genau wie für Australien und Neuseeland musst du für deinen Auslandsaufenthalt in Japan mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Du kannst das Visum bis zu einem Alter von 30 beantragen.

Warum gibt es für Work & Travel Altersgrenzen?

Menschen, die außerhalb der geltenden Altersgrenzen für Work & Travel liegen, fragen häufig nach dem Grund dafür. So traurig wir es auch finden, haben die Bestimmungen ihre Berechtigung…

• Zielgruppe: Work & Travel ist hauptsächlich für junge Erwachsene gedacht, die Erfahrungen im Ausland sammeln wollen. Die Altersgrenzen helfen dabei, diese Zielgruppe anzusprechen.
• Gesundheit und Versicherung: Jüngere Reisende haben oft weniger gesundheitliche Probleme und sind einfacher zu versichern.
• Arbeitsmarkt: Jüngere Teilnehmer*innen sind oft flexibler und bereit, kurzfristige oder saisonale Jobs anzunehmen, die bei Work & Travel häufig sind.
• Kultureller Austausch: Das Programm zielt auch auf kulturellen Austausch ab und junge Erwachsene sind oft offener für solche Erfahrungen.
• Sicherheitsbedenken : Jüngere Menschen gelten oft als anpassungsfähiger und belastbarer in neuen und unvorhersehbaren Situationen.

Natürlich heißt das nicht, dass du als ältere (oder jüngere) Person nicht auch das passende Mindset für einen längeren Auslandsaufenthalt hast. Und es gibt natürlich trotzdem die Möglichkeit, Reisen und Arbeiten zu verbinden – aber eben ohne Working Holiday Visum. Es gibt tolle Alternativen zum Work & Travel für Ältere .

So kannst du auch ohne Working Holiday Visum im Ausland arbeiten

Bevor du jetzt alle Reisepläne über Board wirfst: Auch unter 18 und mit 30+ kannst du natürlich im Ausland arbeiten. Denn du musst nicht zwingen ein Work & Travel absolvieren, um diesem Traum nachzugehen.

Das kannst du Ü30 machen:

• Freiwilligenarbeit : Man ist nie zu alt, um in sozialen, ökologischen oder kulturellen Projekten mitzuarbeiten und dabei auch noch etwas Gutes zu tun.
• Sabbatical : Das Sabbatical ist in allen Berufen und Branchen zu finden und ermöglicht es dir, eine Auszeit zu nehmen, ohne dafür deinen Job aufgeben zu müssen.
• Erwachsenenbildung : Sprachkurse, Kochkurse oder Workshop-Reisen im Ausland sind eine tolle Möglichkeit, neue Fähigkeiten zu erlernen und andere Kulturen zu erleben.
• Berufliche Weiterbildung : Manche Länder bieten spezielle Programme für berufliche Entwicklung oder Weiterbildung an.
• Au Pair für Erwachsene : Es gibt Agenturen, die Au Pair-Stellen auch für ältere Teilnehmer*innen vermitteln, besonders für solche mit Erfahrung in Kinderbetreuung oder Pflege.
• Kulturaustauschprogramme : Programme, die kulturellen Austausch fördern, sind oft offen für alle Altersgruppen.
• Digitale Nomaden : Als Freelancer oder Fernarbeiter*in kann man von überall auf der Welt arbeiten, solange man eine gute Internetverbindung hat.
• Akademische Programme : Ältere Studierende oder Forschende können an internationalen Studien- oder Forschungsprogrammen teilnehmen.
• Haus- oder Tiersitting im Ausland : Diese Option ermöglicht es, in einem anderen Land zu leben, ohne die üblichen Wohnkosten zu tragen.

Das kannst du ab 16 Jahren machen:

• Volunteering : Gute News für alle nicht-Volljährigen – Wir bieten auch coole Auslandsaufenthalte ab 16 Jahren an!
• Schüleraustauschprogramme : Viele Schulen und Organisationen bieten Austauschprogramme an, bei denen du ein Semester oder ein Schuljahr im Ausland verbringst.
• Auslandspraktika : Manche Schulen oder Organisationen (auch wir!) bieten Praktika im Ausland an, die eine berufliche Orientierung bieten.
• Sprachreisen : Diese sind speziell für Jugendliche konzipiert, um eine neue Sprache zu lernen und eine andere Kultur zu erleben.
• Ferienlager im Ausland : Diese Camps bieten oft Aktivitäten und Kurse, z.B. in Sport, Kunst oder Wissenschaft.
• Familienaustausch : Manchmal organisieren Familien gegenseitige Besuche für ihre Kinder, um Erfahrungen in einem anderen Land zu sammeln.
• Begleitete Jugendreisen: Reiseveranstalter bieten betreute Reisen für Jugendliche an, oft mit einem Fokus auf Bildung, Kultur oder Abenteuer.

Dein Auslandsaufenthalt mit wayers

Du hast weitere Fragen zur Work & Travel Altersgrenze oder wünschst dir eine individuelle Beratung? Wir sind gerne für dich da! Buche einfach einen Beratungstermin oder nimm an einem unserer Webinare teil.

So viel vorab: Wir können ein Work & Travel nur jedem ans Herz legen. Die Kombination aus Reisen und Arbeiten ist einfach einmalig und wird deinen Horizont um Welten erweitern. Und wenn es aufgrund des Mindest- oder Höchstalters nicht klappt, findet sich bestimmt eine andere Möglichkeit für einen aufregenden Auslandsaufenthalt .

Tipp: In unserem Trip-Finder kannst du auch nach Alter filtern!

• Elefanten-Projekt
• Meeresschildkröten-Projekte
• Meeresschutz & Tauchen
• Natur- & Klimaschutz
• Pinguin-Projekt
• Sozialarbeit & Wildlife
• Sozialarbeit mit Kindern
• Tierheim-Projekt
• Unterrichten
• Unterrichten von Mönchen
• Wildlife & Tierschutz
• Griechenland
• Tansania (Festland)
• ab 16 Jahren
• ab 17 Jahren
• ab 18 Jahren
• Most Wanted Land
• vegane Ernährung
• wayers Home

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Once grounded by pandemic, road warriors return to the skies

Business travel is ramping up, but remote working and air travel issues have taken the wind out of a full rebound.

When Eric Goldmann took his first business trip after 15 months of being grounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, the avid road warrior sensed he was getting back to his true self.

Goldmann, who traveled almost weekly in pre-pandemic times for his health-care technology sales job, was so pumped for his first in-person customer meeting in June 2021 that as soon as he landed in Jackson, Miss., “I just ran up to the Hertz counter, grabbed the keys, left the airport.”

“I just felt — I felt alive,” Goldmann said. It wasn’t until after his meeting he realized that in his thrill to get back to business travel, he’d forgotten to claim his checked bag.

More than two years after the pandemic disrupted business trips and corporate junkets, work travel is ramping up. Atlanta-based Delta Air Linessays it has seen strong business travel this fall, a season that typically brings more work trips and conferences after the summer break. Delta is based at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the United States based on passengers served annually.

But the rebound still has a way to go. Corporate sales increased after Labor Day and are 80% recovered, Delta said during an investor conference call on financial results this month.

On average, business travel managers estimate their domestic business travel is at about 63% and international business travel at about 50% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to survey results released in October by the Global Business Travel Association. About 78% of travel managers expect their companies to handle more business trips next year.

The rise of hybrid work could completely alter the future of business travel, experts say, with more Zoom calls replacing face-to-face gatherings. Some who used to travel weekly are now traveling monthly.

The experience of travel has also changed with airport and airline staffing challenges translating into longer waits for services, more flight cancellations and fuller and less-frequent flights to some places.

Still, for many frequent business fliers like Goldmann, who said he thrives on new experiences and the adrenaline rush of making pitches to clients, the travel is part of their identity.

“When COVID came and I was sitting at my desk, I went crazy,” he said. “Literally crazy.”

‘Center of the air travel universe’

Hundreds of companies — from Fortune 500 corporations to small businesses — locate their headquarters in Atlanta, in part for easy access to the airport. Hartsfield-Jackson offers flights to roughly 200 cities globally, with 80% of the U.S. population reachable within two hours by plane.

That makes Atlanta “the center of the air travel universe,” said Joe Leader, a frequent traveler who lives in Dunwoody, Ga., and runs the Airline Passenger Experience Association. “You have more options here than nearly anywhere else.”

For business travelers, the number of nonstop routes from Atlanta means far less need for connecting flights and the accompanying increased risk of weather or mechanical delays and baggage problems.

The peripatetic lifestyle has become part of the culture for a segment of the Atlanta community made up of traveling consultants, salespeople, executives and entrepreneurs. They tend to thrive off of variety, social interaction — and airline frequent flier status.

There are so many frequent fliers in Atlanta that Delta has nine Sky Clubs at Hartsfield-Jackson. United and American — Philadelphia’s largest carrier — also have their own airport lounges. When priority boarding for elite frequent fliers is announced at Atlanta airport gates, it’s not unusual for dozens of people to stand.

“The airport and the companies, the people that work here, have had this symbiotic relationship that has caused more routes to be developed by airlines, and more people to choose Atlanta as their base of operations,” Leader said.

More Zoom, fewer reward miles

But even as business travel has resumed, with the rise of remote work and Zoom calls, many road warriors are taking to the skies less often than they did before the pandemic. Or, they’re visiting clients Tuesdays through Thursdays instead of five days a week.

“Friday meetings are increasingly difficult to get,” said J.P. Morgan analyst Jamie Baker. “Most of our employees are coming back Thursday nights instead.”

Some geographic shifts during the pandemic also are changing business travel, altering how and where people live and work.

Delta President Glen Hauenstein said he thinks travel may never return to what it was in 2019, “but it will be bigger in different ways.”

“We have the migration of people out of some of the bigger cities in the U.S. to more rural areas or lower-tax areas that have to get back to the office many times a year,” Hauenstein said.

Among some who lived near the world’s busiest airport because their jobs required heavy travel, it could mean a migration away from Atlanta.

Leader, of the Airline Passenger Experience Association, said he has had colleagues who have relocated from Atlanta to other places like Lexington, Ky., during the pandemic, but now fly back to Atlanta as their business hub.

“They’re the ones that will be staying remote and traveling back to base,” Leader said. “Remote work changed the dynamic for road warriors.”

But the travel experience has also changed since pre-pandemic days.

Labor shortages mean longer lines for service, some closed concessions, and less-experienced workers trying to handle customers at the airport. Delta Sky Clubs are more crowded, since the airline extended elite status for business travelers who stopped flying, in hopes of maintaining them as loyal customers in the future.

Many hotels have cut back service, cleaning rooms less often.

The reduction of business travel during the pandemic paradoxically drove increased demand from leisure travelers paying for first class seats, according to Delta.

“All of these road warriors that have had their wings clipped for a couple of years, they’ve been taking more and more leisure trips, because traveling is what they love to do,” Leader said.

And for some, it’s hard to go back to coach.

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This silly-looking pillow is the reason I no longer dread long flights

Friends think I’m blessed. “How lucky,” they say, “for you to be able to fall asleep anywhere.” They forget that I was an insomniac for years — the slightest sound used to wake me, and then I’d stay awake for hours. I spent days on end, bleary-eyed, from just a few hours of sleep . My hours of unconsciousness were precious — which meant that travel (particularly redeye flights) was dreaded. If I couldn’t sleep well in my own bed, I certainly wasn’t going to snooze in transit. I’d inevitably arrive at my destination, craving not adventure, but sleep — until I found this one life-changing travel pillow. 

The TRTL travel pillow has officially become my must-pack travel accessory, particularly when journeying long distances. Before boarding a flight or train ride, I make sure it’s in my bag . Because it’s not a typical travel pillow, it doesn’t pose the usual travel pillow woes: no creaky neck, no mid-flight deflation, no taking up room in your suitcase. (Suitcase storage space is sacred — particularly if, like me, you’re a souvenir zealot.)

TRTL Travel Pillow

Travel and Airplane Pillow

Although its price tag may raise some eyebrows, if you’re taking redeye flights and need to wake up refreshed in your destination — you know the price you’d pay for a good night’s sleep. 

What is the TRTL Travel Pillow?

The pillow is lightweight, easy to pack, and (best of all) makes it possible to get good rest when you’re far away from your creature comforts. This is probably because it doesn’t look at all like a travel pillow. (If you’ve ever walked past someone on a flight and it seemed their scarf was somehow keeping their head held up, you walked past someone with a TRTL.) It’s a deceptively simple design: one piece of plastic that acts as a cradle for your head, wrapped in what looks like a super soft fleece scarf with foam padding. 

In order to don the TRTL, you place the bit with the padded cradle on your preferred side, then wrap the rest of the scarf-like fabric around your neck and secure the velcro to hold everything in place. (The fleece is, by the way, extremely cozy.) 

Why I like this product

The pillow is designed to provide “cushioned but firm support, holding your head in a neutral position,” according to its makers. It creates this neutral position for my neck that has made such a difference in allowing me to sleep on the road. 

It's adjustable and machine washable

As someone who works on the computer and is a side sleeper, I have made peace with the fact that I’ll live life with some constant, low-simmer shoulder tension. Sleeping with typical travel pillows used to make this worse. If I was able to fall asleep (which was rare), I’d wake about an hour later with a creak in my neck. But because the TRTL is adjustable, it perfectly cradles my head and I feel supported, like my pillow does in my bed. And my shoulders are deeply grateful.

Also, although you can throw your TRTL back in your suitcase at the end of a flight, I prefer to tuck it in my purse or tote — where it takes up seriously little room. It’s lightweight enough that I can genuinely, honestly forget that I’m carrying it. 

And because accidents do happen (especially when on the road), the pillow is machine washable . All you need to do is slide out the cradle from the scarf, then throw the scarf into your washing machine. It’s easy to take apart and reassemble, as there are only two parts.

What to consider

But, as with any holy grail product, there are a few things you should take note of before you rush to add this to your cart. 

I would highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the TRTL before you travel. The plastic framework is adjustable, meaning it will fit all neck sizes — but you’ll want to find your perfect settings at home . It takes a bit of elbow room to finagle the plastic and your in-flight neighbor likely won’t appreciate a jab across the armrest. 

There are other adjustments you can make while on the road. I’ve heard that if you’ve got a longer neck, you’ll want to position the cradle tight before you wrap the scarf around to close it. If you prefer your head to be straight when sleeping, you’ll want the cradle closer to your chest than your shoulder. This might take some time for you to figure out, though.

Also, the TRTL doesn’t solve the other woes of sleeping in transit. If you’re anything like me, you’ll still need to pack earplugs or noise-cancelling earbuds. But if you’re a side sleeper who travels light and needs eight hours every night, the TRTL may just revolutionize the way you travel. Blessings abound!

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Do you want an early hotel check-in? Here's what is happening behind the scenes.

Joy Felicitas’ bed-making skills are an art form. 

Moving swiftly, Felicitas pinched the pillows in half with her forearm so they slid smoothly into the pillowcase. She flung the double-sized mattress up as if it didn’t weigh over 50 pounds and tucked the sheet under. She folded the topsheet at the foot of the bed, allowing extra room for taller people. She slipped the comforter into the duvet cover without a hitch. The final touch was a few hot water spritzes to smooth out wrinkles. It was over in the blink of an eye.

Then again, Felicitas has made hundreds of beds in her lifetime. As one of over 100 housekeepers at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina in Hawaii, Felicitas is part of what is often a hotel’s biggest – and arguably, most important – department. 

Most people know housekeepers to spruce up our room daily, sometimes even at night for a turndown service. But behind the scenes, housekeepers do much more to ensure guests have the seamlessly luxurious experience expected on vacation through grueling labor.

Housekeepers not only accommodate specific guest requests, like using eco-friendly cleaning products, as they clean, but they also anticipate unexpressed needs, like providing extra towels if there’s a family with young children, according to Felicitas. They are also responsible for cleaning any trace of a previous guest before the next one arrives. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Their work touches every single department in a hotel, from washing coats for the chefs to keeping public areas immaculate. And they do this all without guests noticing. 

“We’re the silent team people never see,” said Terry Marks, senior director of housekeeping at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. “We’re able to communicate with the guests through our work, our actions.” 

Ever wanted to ride an airport bag belt? You can't, but we can show you where they go.

How intensive is housekeeping?

Felicitas makes bed-making look easy, but housekeeping is back-breaking – and often unappreciated – work. 

To get rooms to pristine condition, not only are housekeepers cleaning everything – from the shower curtain to each window shutter – they’re also making sure the pillows stand up nicely and phone-charging cords are neatly coiled. Then there’s pushing the supplies cart that can easily weigh over 60 pounds from room to room. (The Four Seasons replaced the heavy carts in 2016 with smaller wagons that are lighter and easier to maneuver and don’t damage the carpets.) 

“Hello, the amount of steps they get each day, having to lift the beds and the mattresses, going back and forth to the bathroom, you have to get down on your hands and knees to scrub the floor, the showers and they do it right … You give them the time to take care of these, but yeah, it’s a very tough job,” Marks said. 

What many people don’t know is housekeepers are also strategizers. 

“Housekeeping, we would clean rooms, and so they weren’t considered a skilled worker,” Marks said. “COVID is really one of the areas that brought to light how important housekeeping is, and they need to be intelligent.” 

Typically, housekeepers are assigned a specific timeframe to clean each check-out room to prepare for a new guest, based on data gathered by each resort. At the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, a guest room featuring double beds is granted 73 minutes for turnover.

Since housekeepers manage the same sets of rooms, they take ownership. If check-out is the following day, they can prep the room as best they can the day before, so turning over the room is a little faster, Marks said. They also make sure their carts are properly supplied so they can avoid going back and forth to the linen closet, filled with fresh linens and amenities, on each floor to avoid running back to the housekeeping department.

However, things don’t always run smoothly. If there’s a family with kids versus a couple or an early check-in, it can be a time crunch to get the room cleaned to standard. “Expect the unexpected,” said Sonia Hara, a housekeeper of 18 years at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Oahu’s largest resort with 700 workers in the housekeeping department and part of the Local 5 union, which advocates for better working conditions and equitable pay.

At the start of each day, Hara does mental math to see how many linens and new shower curtains she has to add to her cart to be efficient, although that can result in a heavy cart. To finish her 12 rooms in time, Hara often ends up skipping lunch. “Sometimes it’s a really hard job,” she said. 

The demanding labor can also take its toll. Hara has gotten injured while working, like when a guest turned off the bathroom lights and she slipped on spray-on sunscreen that was all over the floor. She also went to physical therapy for six months after pushing the heavy cart caused her back to “become crooked.”

Despite the physically taxing work, Hara is proud. “I take pride in my work and I love what I’m doing.”

Do housekeepers pay attention to guests’ behavior?

Housekeepers also read their guests. They take mental notes of a guest’s behavior, like if someone typically sleeps in, they’ll start coming to clean their room later. They also look at “visual signals,” as Marks puts it. “So this gentleman, every time you know, I put the hairdryer back, they move it back over to the right, so I'm going to start leaving it on the right, and increase his consistency.” 

At the Four Seasons, housekeepers cater to guests' needs before they even realize it. It can be as small as leaving distilled water in a room if someone uses a CPAP to sleep or slipping a bookmark into an open book. “We go into the rooms a lot of the times without seeing the actual guests, we're being invited into their home away from home,” Marks said.

How is the hotel kept clean without guests noticing too much?

To keep an entire resort with 370 guest rooms, for example, and multiple public areas looking unblemished, the behind-the-scenes at a resort like the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a massive operation. Over 100 housekeepers are managed by a team of three supervisors, who worked their way up from housekeeper. Public attendants take care of common areas, like lobby restrooms. House attendants help run items for housekeepers or to guest rooms, like an extra toothbrush.

Down the service elevator, the basement of the Four Seasons is where the office for the housekeeping coordinators. The team of three coordinators is on until 11 p.m. They’re the ones who answer when you call for an extra pillow and manage the cleaning schedule for all the housekeepers, including figuring out late check-out and early check-in. Housekeepers are in constant communication with the coordinators. At the Four Seasons, the coordinators use iPod-like devices to stay in touch and heat sensors to tell if a guest is in the room or not. 

“In my humble opinion, (housekeeping) is the most important department,” Marks said. “You can’t check guests into rooms if they’re not clean ... We’ve got to be on our game, making sure we’re communicating properly.”

Turning the corner of the Four Seasons’ downstairs housekeeping department are towering stacks of boxes containing hundreds of linens. The tremendous amount of linens the resort goes through are outsourced to a third-party washer and returned the next morning. There are also shelves of linens washed in hypo-allergenic detergent. 

Then there’s a giant chute that the dirty towels and bedsheets changed out by housekeepers from each floor empties into. One worker sorts through the hulking pile all day, wearing heavy-duty gloves in case something sharp is caught in the sheets. 

How can we be better hotel guests?

Besides trying to keep their room somewhat orderly, there are a few ways hotel guests can help make their housekeeper’s role easier. Hara prefers her guests opt into daily housekeeping to make her check-out days faster, and that the “Do not disturb” sign can sometimes throw her schedule off.

Communication is also key. Letting the hotel know a preferred time for daily housekeeping and turndown service can help housekeepers stick to their schedules. It can also give guests the best chance for early check-in and late check-out. 

Hotels try their best to accommodate late check-out and early check-in, even turning over a room in 60 minutes or less at the Four Seasons (which may include a supervisor or second housekeeper being called in to help). The more information guests can give the hotel before arrival, the better, Marks said, to allow the coordinators to go through arrival times and prioritize cleaning schedules. Sometimes, if there are too many check-ins, it just isn't possible.

Taking the time to get to know the housekeeper also goes a long way, not only in making their job easier but also because of the pride they take in their work. Hara loves it when her guests interact with her or leave thank-you notes. Some guests even request certain housekeepers or rooms because of the housekeepers. (On that note, consider sending a quick email to the hotel to give kudos to the housekeeper, which Hara said is “very uplifting.”) 

“That's really the thing; the people who are here really care about the guests,” said Marks. “And it amazes me just how much they do interact, and the comments that I get from the guests that’s ‘I felt like family... Joy, or whoever it was, you know, really took care of us.’”

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Work starts on america’s first high-speed train between la, las vegas that could cut travel time in half.

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The much-anticipated construction of the first high-speed passenger train between Los Angeles and Las Vegas got underway Monday — promising to ferry passengers between the two cities in half the the time it now takes to drive through the desert.

The $12 billion project is being spearheaded by Brightline West, which will lay 218 miles of track between a new terminal in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and another station just south of the Las Vegas Strip by 2028, according to Fortune .

In a statement, Brightline Holdings founder and chair Wes Edens said that breaking ground on the rail on Monday — thanks to $6.5 billion in backing from Joe Biden’s administration, plus $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds — was laying “the foundation for a new industry.”

Brightline also won federal authorization in 2020 to sell $1 billion in similar bonds, Fortune reported.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will reportedly participate in the rail’s Monday groundbreaking.

Upon its completion, Brightline West is expecting to welcome millions of passengers aboard the high-speed train, which will travel up to 200 miles per hour between the two major US cities in just over two hours — about half the time it takes to drive between LA and Vegas.

The high speeds are comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, whose network includes nearly 2,000 miles of lines on the country’s four major islands.

Brightline’s estimates are that 11 million passengers will take the electric-powered train one way per year, meaning there will be 30,000 travelers per day. The trains will also have restrooms, Wi-Fi, and food and beverage.

There will also be the option to check luggage — with ticket fares with or without large bags anticipated to be well below the cost of flying across the Mojave Desert.

It wasn’t immedately clear what a ticket aboard Brightline West will cost, though airline costs range between $80 and $230 depending on the time of the year.

Passenger traffic at Sin City’s Harry Reid International Airport set a record of 57.6 million people in 2023, Fortune reported.

Meanwhile, an average of more than 44,000 automobiles per day crossed the California-Nevada state line on Interstate 15 in 2023, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority data — perhaps because of the Super Bowl and Formula 1 Grand Prix race that both took place in Las Vegas last year.

Las Vegas — which has nearly 3 million residents — draws more than 40 million visitors per year.

Brightline CEO Mike Reininger has said the goal is to have high-speed trains operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Almost the full distance of the forthcoming train will be along the median of I-15, according to Fortune, which begins in San Diego and runs through Los Angeles before passing through Nevada and into parts of Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Montana.

At this point, only one station stop along the route will take place in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area, per Fortune.

At a later date, Brightline West has said it may add more stops in Palmdale, Calif., and other US metros that are too close to fly between but too far to drive to, though details have yet to be finalized.

The goal is to relieve congestion on I-15, where motorists often get caught in slow-moving traffic.

Representatives for Brightline West did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Florida-based Brightline already operates a Miami-to-Orlando high-speed line, where trains reach speeds of up to 125 miles per hour.

The service launched in 2018 and expanded to include service to the Orlando International Airport in September 2022, Fortune reported. It now offers 16 round trips daily, with one-way tickets to travel the 235-mile-long track going for about $80.

Another fast train in the US include Amtrack’s Acels, which can reach 150 miles per hour while transporting passengers between Boston and Washington, DC — but rails aren’t considered “high speed” unless they top at least 160 miles per hour.

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is a Keeper: TV Review

Legendary talk show host and hot wing evangelist returns to television with hilarious new Max travel show

By Stephen Rodrick

Stephen Rodrick

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The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down , this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.

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Conan’s three-decade run as a talk show host ended in 2021 under less-than-optimal circumstances , as he wound down his TBS show during the pandemic year. He talked to longtime sidekick Andy Richter , who sat among dozens of cardboard cutout fans. O’Brien quipped that they were last in line for the vaccine because the CDC had looked at the shows and “they said ours is the least essential of pretty much all the non-essential shows.”

There was some truth in that, but Conan had already started his move to other outlets , starting with his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast in 2018.

The podcast is funny and sweet, especially the pre-interview segments with longtime associate Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley. Conan mocks Sona’s legendarily bad work habits. and Gourley’s flea market predilections, but any kind of comedic acid is reserved for the self-lacerating O’Brien. (On a recent episode, Conan runs down his own looks, and it is cruel and hilarious, but part of me is thinking, “Dude, cut yourself a break.”). The only time things get contentious is when Conan visited by longtime friend Kevin Nealon — perhaps the podcast’s best episodes.

The podcast had an offshoot called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan,” on which O’Brien would talk to a fan, often in a faraway land. That led to O’Brien traveling to Norway, Thailand, Ireland and Argentina to meet them. Why? Well, a dour and ominous narrator, aka Werner Herzog, offered this rationale at the beginning of each episode: “Once a proud talk show host, he’s been driven by a changing ecosystem to a drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast. Here , without the nourishment of his studio audience, this clown with dull , tiny eyes, the eye of a crudely painted doll , is forced to feed on that meagerest of morsels: the random call-in fan. Unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm. He scavenges in distant lands uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition , and the occasional selfie.”

It’s a self-deprecating bit, but it’s also the truth. Conan has been doing travel shows for years, most notably one to Movsesian’s native Armenia , as well as a chaotic trip to Finland where O’Brien is treated as a god because of his physical resemblance to the Finnish president who happens to be a woman. He clearly loves the journey. And he loves the comedy set piece–see his classic “Old Timey Baseball” opus — which has always been an essential part of his appeal.

The encounters work because O’Brien doesn’t treat his new friends as fools — rather , he revels in the fact that he is the fool. (See his instant-classic appearance on “Hot Ones,” the show where interviews are conducted while the celebrity consumes increasingly acidic chicken wings. Conan rhapsodizes on comedy being all around us as green-yellow mucus drips down his nose.) Of course, there are exceptions made for old friends. Conan goes out for asada in Buenos Aires with the effete and erudite Jordan Schlansky, a longtime producer and frenemy. Schlansky and Conan are the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon of American cable , and on his TBS show and podcast the two have tangled over Japanese customs, Conan hosting Schlansky’s bachelor party in his own office, and Schlansky hiding an expensive Espresso machine in an inaccessible part of their offices. (As with the Courtney Thorne-Smith segment, Conan’s visceral malice toward Schlansky works because it is so out-of-character).

During the Argentina episode, they get into a fierce argument about the proper pronunciation of the word “tango,” Conan then licks Schlansky’s favorite cut of meat — wait, that came out wrong. After, they go on an ill-fated trip to the Pampas, where both fail spectacularly at gaucho life.

Not everything works. O’Brien does a self-referential bit about the expensive drone he is using on the first show , and for the next four episodes I am distracted every time I see a beautiful shot thinking about the drone’s specifications and capabilities. Some of the stuff goes on a bit long, but so does my writing.

These are minor quibbles. If you’re a Conan fan, you’ll treasure the trips, just like his completists treasure encounters with a masturbating bear. The series ends with Conan tracing his family’s roots in Ireland. He comes across his ancestor’s land, makes a few jokes, but then looks at the land, clearly moved. Conan O’Brien has played the fool long enough; we grant him this moment of humanity with all our hearts.

All four episodes of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” are now available on Max.

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California News | Work begins on high-speed-rail line from LA to…

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California news | work begins on high-speed-rail line from la to vegas, the goal is to have trains operating in time for the olympics in la in 2028.

By Ken Ritter | Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction, officials said Monday, amid predictions that millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028.

“People have been dreaming of high-speed rail in America for decades,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement released to coincide with a ceremony at the future site of a terminal to be built just south of the Las Vegas Strip.

Buttigieg predicted the project will bring “thousands of union jobs, new connections to better economic opportunity, less congestion on the roads, and less pollution in the air.”

Brightline West, whose sister company already operates a fast train between Miami and Orlando in Florida, aims to lay 218 miles (351 kilometers) of new track between Las Vegas and another new facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Almost the full distance is to be built in the median of Interstate 15, with a station stop in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area.

Brightline Holdings founder and Chairperson Wes Edens dubbed the moment “the foundation for a new industry.”

“This is a historic project and a proud moment,” Edens said in the statement. “Today is long overdue.”

Brightline aims to link other U.S. cities that are too near to each other for air travel to make sense and too far for people to drive the distance.

Company CEO Mike Reininger has said the goal is to have trains operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Brightline received $6.5 billion in backing from the Biden administration, including a $3 billion grant from federal infrastructure funds and approval to sell another $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds. The company won federal authorization in 2020 to sell $1 billion in similar bonds.

The project is touted as the first true high-speed passenger rail line in the nation, designed to reach speeds of 186 mph (300 kph), comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains.

The route between Vegas and LA is largely open space, with no convenient alternate to I-15. Brightline’s Southern California terminal will be at a commuter rail connection to downtown Los Angeles.

The project outline says electric-powered trains will cut the four-hour trip across the Mojave Desert to a little more than two hours. Forecasts are for 11 million one-way passengers per year, or some 30,000 per day, with fares well below airline travel costs. The trains will offer rest rooms, Wi-Fi, food and beverage sales and the option to check luggage.

Las Vegas is a popular driving destination for Southern Californians. Officials hope the train line will relieve congestion on I-15, where drivers often sit in miles of crawling traffic while returning home from a Las Vegas weekend.

The Las Vegas area, now approaching 3 million residents, draws more than 40 million visitors per year. Passenger traffic at the city’s Harry Reid International Airport set a record of 57.6 million people in 2023. An average of more than 44,000 automobiles per day crossed the California-Nevada state line on I-15 in 2023, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority data.

Florida-based Brightline Holdings launched the Miami-to-Orlando line in 2018 with trains reaching speeds up to 125 mph (200 kph). It expanded service to Orlando International Airport last September. It offers 16 round-trips per day, with one-way tickets for the 235-mile (378-kilometer) distance costing about $80.

Brightline West acquired rights to the project in 2019, pieced together right-of-way and environmental approvals, and reached labor agreements.

Ideas for connecting other U.S. cities with high-speed passenger trains have been floated in recent years, including Dallas to Houston; Atlanta to Charlotte, North Carolina; and Chicago to St. Louis. Most have faced delays.

In California, voters in 2008 approved a proposed 500-mile (805-kilometer) rail line linking Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the plan has been beset by rising costs and routing disputes. A 2022 business plan by the California High-Speed Rail Authority projected the cost had more than tripled to $105 billion.

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Proposed bill could ban security line skipping services from California airports

I s it OK for people to pay to skip security lines at the airport? Two state lawmakers say no, and they're proposing a bill to change the way third-party security screening companies like CLEAR work.

CLEAR allows people to pay to verify their identity at a kiosk then be escorted past people waiting in the TSA security lines.

If the new bill passes, it would ban companies like CLEAR from operating at California airports unless they utilize their own security lines.

Some air travel experts say the change could mean added work for the TSA.

This bill is still a long way from becoming law. It goes before the state Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

If it passes, there it would have to go through several more steps before making it to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk.