birthright trips may 2024

Birthright Israel: MAYANOT departure dates

Trip options are now available.

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This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel.

The gift of  a Birthright Israel trip is made possible thanks to tens of thousands of donors including individual donors and foundations, and alumni and their families that support Birtright Israel Foundation in the United States as well as the people of Israel through the Goverment of Israel and Jewish communities and Federations around the world. 

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Ⓒ 2024 Mayanot Israel

Birthright Trip to Israel

Winter 2024 Birthright registration will open in the fall and space will be limited. Birthright will travel December 15, 2024 thru December 25, 2024 and depart out of Atlanta Airport.

Birthright Israel has also implemented safety and security protocols.  Please read about those here .

SUMMER 2024

Register now, summer 2024 registration now open register here, volunteer in israel this summer 2024 -  apply now .

HELLO ISRAEL

Classic Birthright Israel Trip

Ages: 18-22, 22-26

Cities: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston

This 10 day trip allows you to take a meaningful and intimate tour around Israel:

- Spend Shabbat in Jerusalem

- Stay by the beach In Tel-Aviv

- Float in the Dead Sea

Experience Israel on an action-packed journey

TRIPS THAT MATCH

Your interest.

Whether you're looking for the Classic Birthright experience or Onward Volunteering/Fellowship programs,  we have something for you

Onward   

ONWARD VOLUNTEERING:  

This program is 8 or 14 days long and allows you to help the people of Israel  when they need it most.

ONWARD FELLOWSHIP:

Join our subsidized 4-week fellowship in Israel!  Gain digital marketing skills while immersing yourself in its vibrant culture. 

A taste of our adventures 

A taste of what you will experience on a Yael Adventure

Visit the world famous shuk •  Wander the old city and Jewish Quarter • Experience the Western Wall

Explore the vibrant city • Swim in the Mediterranean Sea • Self explore the city

Climb Masada at sunrise • Explore the ancient fortress • Enjoy Ein-Gedi hike and water springs

Float in the salty waters  • Cover yourself in mineral-rich mud • Relax and enjoy the lowest point on earth

Enjoy a night under the stars • Experience Bedouin hospitality • Build a camp fire •  Camel ride in the desert

Planning your Birthright Israel Adventure should be easy

In a few steps, you can be on your way to your Birthright Israel adventure .

Get in touch 

Want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Here's how you can reach us...

Contact Yael Adventures 

Sometimes you need a little help from your friends..or a Yael Adventure support rep. Don't worry, we're here for you

We'll get back to you within 24 hours

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Hillel International

Hillel: birthright israel faqs.

Do you have questions? Get them answered before applying for a life-changing adventure with Hillel: Birthright Israel.

Multiple trips depart every week from May–July and December–January. Summer and winter trips leave from New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. If you’re traveling with your campus, connect with your Hillel professionals regarding dates. 

You’re responsible for finding and paying for any domestic travel, but not for international travel. Don’t book any domestic travel until you receive a confirmation email from us.

Yes, the $360 deposit is fully refundable. The $25 deposit processing fee isn’t refundable. Shortly after your Birthright Israel trip, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to request a refund for your deposit. You’ll also receive a refund if you’re waitlisted or you withdraw prior to the refund deadline for accepted participants (50 days prior to departure). 

Due to the limited number of spots on each trip, we need to ensure that all chosen participants will show up. When an applicant pays the $360* USD deposit, this lets us know that you’re serious about traveling with Birthright Israel and covers any fees that we might incur in the event of a late cancellation. It also helps guarantee that you follow Birthright Israel safety and behavior standards. In extreme cases in which participants violate these guidelines, their deposit may be confiscated.

Read more here

Fill out this form to request a refund, which may take up to two weeks to be processed. For other deposit issues from the United States, email [email protected] with the word DEPOSIT in the subject line and a detailed explanation of the issue in the message.

Besides the $360 refundable deposit and $25 processing fee, travel accommodations are cost-free because of generous donors. However, we suggest bringing $200–$500 USD on the trip to cover the following:

• One meal a day (roughly $10 USD)
• Tip for the tour educator, bus driver, and guard (Participants customarily leave a $100 USD tip at the end of the trip.)
• Gifts and souvenirs

Yes, you can transfer your deposit for up to THREE seasons in the future. For example, if you can no longer make your winter trip, your deposit can go toward a trip next summer or next winter.

There’s no catch. You are only responsible for a $360* USD deposit—which you can kindly donate to support future Birthright Israel educational activities or request a refund after successfully completing the program.

Learn more about the gift of Birthright Israel,  click here

Traveling with friends

We won’t know who you want to travel with unless you indicate it in your application. Under TRAVEL PREFERENCES (in the Birthright Israel application), list the name of the friend you want to travel with. If your friend has registered for Birthright Israel with Hillel, then their name will automatically populate in the section regarding travel buddies. If their name doesn’t automatically populate, use the space below to provide us with your friend’s name and email so we can be in touch with them about registering with Hillel. 

There’s a lag time between adding and updating information. This issue should be resolved within 24 hours. If not, submit a help request or call 202-449-6695.

Yes, you can still complete the application. Remember, the passport process takes a few weeks, so build in enough time. As soon as you have your passport information, add it to your application. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date from Israel .

An important note: The name on your Birthright Israel application MUST MATCH the name on your passport. Exactly. 

Review our “ Extend ” page for more information.

There is a common myth that Birthright Israel programs are funded by just a few donors, but in reality, they are funded by nearly 40,000 donors annually, including tens of thousands alumni, their families, and individual donors from around the world who believe in our mission. The program is also funded by the people of Israel through the government of Israel, The Jewish Agency for Israel, and Jewish communities and Federations.

Absolutely. There is no gift too small to make a difference. The future of the Jewish people is a shared responsibility, and every dollar counts and contributes to a stronger future for us all. To make a donation in support of Birthright Israel, please click  here.

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel. The gift of a Birthright Israel trip is made possible thanks to tens of thousands of donors including individual donors and foundations, and alumni and their families that support Birthright Israel Foundation in the United States as well as the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, and Jewish communities and Federations around the world.

For information on how to reach our General Inquiries and our EMERGENCY issues lines related to participants who are CURRENTLY in Israel, please visit our Contact Us page

About birthright israel onward.

When you grow, so do your opportunities. Global experience gives you that extra competitive edge. Our programs take you Onward – personally and professionally – and allow you an authentic taste of modern day Israel while gaining experience and knowledge through an internship opportunity. Birthright Israel Onward is designed with the beginning in mind: The beginning of your success story. Start up your future in Israel.

A majority of our programs are Birthright Israel Onward- Masa programs, carried out in partnership with Masa Israel Journey. Onward, first established in 2012 as a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel, is now a department of Taglit Birthright Israel. Onward is a partnership between lead philanthropists and foundations, Jewish communities, and organizations from around the world. It also serves as a major platform for mid-length internship experiences in partnership with Masa Israel Journey.

Since January 1, 2022, Onward is part of Birthright Israel and therefore users of Birthright Israel Onward’s website are subject to Birthright Israel’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Safety and Security Update

Birthright Israel Onward stands with the Israeli people as they face harsh reality. Despite attempts by adversaries to undermine our existence, they cannot erase our spirit, our rich history, or our homeland.

We strictly follow the guidelines provided by the Home Front Command, ensuring the safety of all our participants and volunteers as we continue to vigilantly monitor developments in the situation. We support and stand in solidarity with Israel. For more information visit our FAQ .

Am Israel Chai – now and forever.

*Updated: April 15th

What is Birthright Israel Onward about? Hear from our Vice President, Ilan Wagner:

Impact at a glance.

Number of Onward Israel participants in its most recent cohort in 2022.

Number of Onward Israel participants in the first cohort in 2012.

Onward Israel alumni are 59% more likely to educate others about Israel than they were before their program.

Percent of Onward Israel participants that attended the same or more Israel and Jewish activities and events after returning home. Contrary to the general trend of declining engagement among college students.

Demand is high: there are three applicants for every available spot on an Onward Israel program

from our blog

ALLIE RUBENSTEIN January 14, 2024 In the middle of Hanukkah, my stomach dropped when I got an email offering...

by Ilan Wagner Onward Israel President/CEO While Israel has enjoyed one of its rainiest seasons on record (accompanied by...

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Onward Israel CEO Ilan Wagner visits the ILTV Israel News office to talk about the benefit of Onward Israel...

Find Out What’s Happening at Birthright Onward Israel

Birthright Israel Onward applicants interested in interning in one of the following internship fields – STEM, Finance, Law, and Medicine – must meet the following criteria:

The applicant must be in their sophomore year of studies or beyond while applying for the Onward program

The applicant must have prior exposure to the field outside of academic studies

Prior professional experience/internship experience in the specific field of interest is desirable but not required*

*Applicants interested in an internship in the legal field must demonstrate internship and/or work experience related to the field

The applicant must have completed at least 4 courses relevant to the internship field of interest or be enrolled in said courses that will be completed by the time the Onward program begins

If the applicant is applying for a computer science or computer engineering internship, they must meet the criteria above AND must be proficient in at least in one computer programming language.

Applicants meeting all criteria have the strongest chance of securing an internship in the desired field

Applicants meeting two or fewer criteria:

Theme Based Programs: Applicants can be waitlisted or can be transitioned to a different Theme Based Program depending on availability

Hillel/Community Programs: Applicants will need to take under consideration that it is unlikely that an internship match will be made in their desired field or a related field if they do not meet the above criteria based on available internships and the applicants skills and experience and should therefore seek internships in other fields.

Onward Israel applicants interested in interning in one of the following internship fields – STEM, Finance, Law, and Medicine – must meet the following criteria:

The applicant must be in their sophomore year of studies or beyond while applying for the Onward Israel program

The applicant must have completed at least 4 courses relevant to the internship field of interest or be enrolled in said courses that will be completed by the time the Onward Israel program begins

If the applicant is applying for a computer science or computer engineering internship, they must meet the criteria above AND must be proficient in at least in one computer programming language.

Hillel/Community Programs: Applicants will need to take under consideration that it is unlikely that an internship match will be made in their desired field or a related field based on available internships and the applicants skills and experience and should therefore seek internships in other fields.

Entry & Quarantine Requirements

Currently, in accordance with the State of Israel regulations, only participants that fall into one of the following categories will be granted entrance to Israel.

• Vaccinated individuals*: individuals must have received at least two doses of the vaccination (with the exception of Johnson & Johnson which requires only one). * Please be aware that additional conditions may apply depending on each individual’s specific status.
• Recovered individuals*: individuals must have been recovered within one year of the program start date. *Please be aware that additional conditions may apply depending on each individual’s specific status.

Please note that these policies are subject to change.

In both of the above cases, certain entry and quarantine requirements will apply. Participants must refer to our Onward Israel Masa Programs – Entry & Quarantine Requirements for more information.

Prior to arrival in Israel, participants will receive detailed information regarding all COVID-19 protocols & policies in respect of their trip.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]

In both of the above cases, certain entry and quarantine requirements will apply. Participants must refer to our Onward Israel Programs – Entry & Quarantine Requirements for more information.

Updated: July 27, 2021

In recent days, and despite the high rate of vaccinations in Israel, there has been a resurgence of COVID-19 transmissions in Israel, stemming from the Delta Variant. In response, the Ministry of Health has restored the obligation to wear facemasks in indoor locations and is considering limitations on entry to certain venues for only vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 individuals. The list of countries that Israelis cannot travel to is begin updated and additional restrictions and regulations at the airport are being considered. Onward Israel obliges all of its participants to wear masks at indoor activities and is now limiting participation in future programs to only vaccinated and COVID-19 recovered participants.

Today, the US Embassy in Israel published a Level 3 Health notice about travel to Israel. It can be found here:

https://il.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Onward Israel’s policy is to allow early departure from our 2021 summer programs  because of anxiety or worries connected to COVID-19. In such cases there is no financial penalties for participants, although costs connected with changes to flight tickets as well as the required PCR test within 72 hours of departure remains the responsibility of each participant.

Onward Israel remains steadfastly committed to providing a meaningful, impactful, summer experience to each and every participant on all of our summer 2021 programs. We have planned the summer with the well-being of our participants as a cardinal concern.

If you have any other questions, please contact us at  [email protected]  and visit our website periodically for important updates.

Updated July 19, 2021

On May 20 th , a cease fire went to effect on Israel’s southern border with the Gaza Strip. The cease fire has been upheld since then. Due to the complexity and dynamism of the issues involved we are carefully monitoring the situation on a daily basis, and making any adjustments to our programs due to changes in the security situation.

In general, we prioritize the safety, health and security of our participants while also striving to facilitate their immersion into Israeli life and society and their exploration of the country, as key elements of the Onward Israel Experience.

Our security protocols rest on the following important elements:

• All participants receive a detailed safety and security orientation at the very beginning of the program. This orientation is repeated as a refresher during the program itself. This orientation also includes training about how to use conduct oneself in public spaces if there is an air raid siren
• All housing units have immediate and quick access to safe spaces in the event of air raid sirens. These spaces include “safe rooms” within apartments, shelters or reinforced stairwells
• Participants are shown these spaces and taken to them physically as part of the safety and security orientation
• The initial orientation at each internship site includes learning about and practicing access to the safe space at the worksite
• All educational trips and activity are vetted on the day of implementation by the Israeli Ministry of Education’s “Moked Teva”- which approves every itinerary based on updated security developments and dictates what additional security measures must be taken for each itinerary, if applicable
• All participants are part of a Whattsapp group, run by their group counselor, through which all pertinent security information is clearly communicated to participants.  In addition, participants are part of a wider Onward Israel Whattsapp group as an additional source of information
• Onward Israel is in daily coordination with Masa Israel Journey, The Jewish Agency for Israel and Birthright Israel for safety and security updates
• Participants are instructed to share individual travel plans with their program staff in order to get directions about safe and secure ways to travel in their free time
• Please see our “Contact Us” page should you have additional questions. We are happy to answer further questions (including those security related), however, ask that you direct non-emergency inquiries or those in regard to participants who are not currently in Israel to our general inquiries phone line and email address. While these avenues are only staffed during North American working hours, we will do our best to respond as quickly as possible. We have an Emergency Helpline available for urgent/immediate problems related to participants who are currently in Israel.

Horoscopes Today, May 17, 2024

Here are the horoscopes for today, Friday, May 17, 2024.

For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience .

What is your zodiac sign? A guide to what astrology can tell you about yourself

Get to know Taurus: Personality traits and more on this Zodiac sign

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Embrace your wholeness. The Virgo moon emphasizes the value of authenticity today. Feeling complete in who you are?

Is it in the stars? Free Daily and Monthly Horoscopes

Read the full Taurus Daily Horoscope

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

Needing your freedom? Give yourself the space to walk solo today. Being alone has its magic under the Virgo moon.

Read the full Gemini Daily Horoscope

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

Your social life has surprises up its sleeve. Receiving unexpected invitations? The Virgo moon gets you out amongst the people.

Read the full Cancer Daily Horoscope

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Can they help you reach your goals? A serendipitous career connection can put you on the fast track to recognition.

Read the full Leo Daily Horoscope

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

A land far away calls out to you. Drawn to explore? The grass may be greener on the other side.

Read the full Virgo Daily Horoscope

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

On the verge of change? The call to liberation is louder than ever. Prepare to let go and trust.

Read the full Libra Daily Horoscope

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Partnerships are ready to level up. Lead the way by saying what you hope to have happen. Do they know?

Read the full Scorpio Daily Horoscope

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Have you been keeping your creative work under wraps? Display it for all to see during the Virgo moon.

Read the full Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

Do what you want to do. The Virgo moon makes your freedom a top priority. Impulsive pleasure leads the way.

Read the full Capricorn Daily Horoscope

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Today’s about breaking chains that have held back your inner sense of prosperity. Ready to step toward your abundant birthright?

Read the full Aquarius Daily Horoscope

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Unexpected conversations shifting your reality? The Virgo moon can open a can of worms. Don’t change the subject.

Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

New levels of abundance call out to you. Ready to do the work to receive? Make a tangible transition.

Read the full Aries Daily Horoscope

This horoscope was generated automatically using information from Sanctuary . You can send feedback to Laura Trujillo at [email protected] .

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

• space weather
• solar flares
• solar storm

'A Gentleman in Moscow' Ending Explained: Alexander Rostov's departure from Metropol Hotel marks a new beginning

Contains spoilers for 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 8

MOSCOW, RUSSIA: The Finale Episode of 'A Gentleman in Moscow, ' titled 'Adieu,' has been released on Paramount+ with Showtime, offering viewers a deeper insight into the life of Count Alexander Rostov (Ewan McGregor) as he leaves the Metropol Hotel.

Starring Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Fehinti Balogun, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Leah Harvey, and Johnny Harris in pivotal roles, ' A Gentleman in Moscow' revolves around Rostov and his journey of resilience, adaptation, and survival while confined within the Metropol Hotel.

Based on Amor Towles' bestselling novel of the same name, the series presents a captivating story set against the tumultuous backdrop of Russian history.

There's much to uncover in 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 8. So, let's jump in!

Sofia leaves the Metropol Hotel to embrace a new future

In ' A Gentleman in Moscow ' Episode 8, Richard (Lucian Msamati), an American diplomat residing at the Metropol Hotel, seeks Rostov's help in gathering intelligence at a crucial meeting where officials will choose the next leader.

In return for spying on the meeting's attendees, Richard offers to take Sofia (Beau Gadsdon) to the United States, giving her a chance at a new beginning. In Episode 8 of 'A Gentleman in Moscow', Sofia finally leaves the hotel.

Rostov informs Sofia that after her performance in Paris, arrangements have been made for her to be taken to the U S Embassy. From there, she will have the opportunity to travel to the United States and begin a new life.

This plan subtly indicates that Richard may have played a significant role in facilitating this fresh start for Sofia.

After her performance in Paris, Sofia cuts her hair short and dresses in boys' clothes, adopting a disguise to avoid detection.

With her new appearance, she discreetly leaves the venue, representing her determination to leave her past behind and embrace a future full of possibilities.

Alexander Rostov finally achieves freedom from the confines of the Metropol Hotel

As the episode progresses, Rostov engages in a conversation with Anna Urbanova (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) about the possibility of using two passports to travel to Finland. They dance around, cherishing the moments they have together. 

However, Osip Glebnikov (Johnny Harris) intervenes and stops Rostov from executing his plan. He reveals that the authorities have their eyes on Rostov and warn that any attempt to use the passports to travel to Finland could result in harm to his family members.

On the other hand, The Bishop (John Heffernan) has taken the passports because he knows it was stolen. Rostov goes to his room with a gun and blackmails him to give back the passports.

Rostov, aware of the dangers posed by the authorities who are closely monitoring his movements, decides to take a cautious approach. He entrusts Osip with the crucial task of delivering the passport to Anna.

Anna cries when she realizes that Rostov will never come. The hope she had clung to, the belief that they would be reunited, is shattered in an instant.

However, in the last scene, Rostov realizes that the authorities are no longer watching him. Rostov steps out of the confines of the Metropol Hotel, symbolizing his freedom from the restrictions that have bound him for so long. 

However, it is left ambiguous whether Rostov reunites with Anna. In the last scene, through Sofia's imagination, viewers see Rostov and Anna living together. This dream-like sequence hints at a possible reunion between the two characters. 

'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 8 is now streaming on Paramount+ and Showtime

10 celebrities who have been banned from talk shows

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TSA is prepared for busiest summer travel season ever

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer’s travel season, which begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day. TSA forecasts Friday, May 24, to be the busiest travel day of the long Memorial Day weekend, anticipating nearly three million passengers. From May 23 to May 29, the agency expects to screen more than 18 million passengers and crew, representing a checkpoint volume increase of approximately 6.4% compared to the same period in 2023.

“In close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are also continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been.”

TSA is continuing to modernize airport security checkpoints across the country with a focus on enhanced detection methods to best secure the aviation system. This summer, airline passengers can expect to encounter some of those latest checkpoint technologies and recommends several important travel tips. These include:

Tip 1: Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance. TSA is using the second generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), which features the same capabilities as the CAT, confirming the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credentials with their acceptable photo identification credential along with their flight details and pre-screening status, but with an added camera feature. The passenger may voluntarily agree to have a real-time photo taken of them to verify their identity using their TSA-acceptable identification credential. The facial recognition technology TSA utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Keep your boarding pass tucked away. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology. Passengers who do not want their photo taken may ask the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) for a manual ID check without penalty and losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see TSA’s Privacy Impact Assessments , Fact Sheet and biometrics technology webpage s.

Several airports have installed Computed Tomography (CT) units. These units significantly improve scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. CT units give TSOs the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce the need to physically search the contents of the bag. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Passengers are also reminded to bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening.

To date, TSA has deployed 2,050 CAT units to 223 airports. Among those, 238 CAT units represent the second generation (CAT-2) technology and are located in 84 airports nationwide. Additionally, TSA has deployed more than 820 CT units to more than 240 airports nationwide.

Screening protocols may vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment, so it is important for passengers to follow the TSO’s directions.

Tip 2: Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with a firearm , but it must be secured in the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter.

TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, the TSO will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck ® eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties.

Tip 3: Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule. When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. If you’re heading to the beach, you may wonder how to pack your sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

Tip 4: Make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license to fly within the U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if you have a REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. For questions on acceptable IDs, go to TSA.gov.

Tip 5: TSA PreCheck ® members: Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation. With nearly 20 million TSA PreCheck members, it is essential that airline reservations have the passenger’s correct KTN, full name and date of birth so they can truly “Travel with Ease.” Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time they travel. TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. TSA’s wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes. 

If you are not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck and appreciate faster passenger checkpoint screening, we encourage you to enroll with one of TSA’s enrollment providers starting at $77.95 for a five-year membership. Most new enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term starting at $68.95. Visit TSA PreCheck at www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information about enrolling or renewing in TSA PreCheck and to find enrollment locations and pricing information for all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers.

Tip 6: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel will be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check in with your airline and drop your bags and prepare for the security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.

Tip 7: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the transportation system are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.

Tip 8: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or assistance. Contact TSA by sending a text directly to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) on any mobile device or over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24/7. Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSO who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something ® . Those traveling abroad for the summer should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation. For those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly videos for children packing for their upcoming trip.

For additional information about changes to air travel please see the Department of Transportation’s recent announcement .

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2024 Memorial Day Weekend Travel Expected to Approach Record

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Memorial Day weekend may be the busiest in almost 20 years.

This year, AAA projects that 43.8 million people in the U.S. will travel at least 50 miles from home Thursday, May 23, to Monday, May 27. That’s a 4% increase over the same 5-day period around Memorial Day last year, and just shy of the record 44 million record set in 2005.

Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel said in a statement, “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Here’s what to expect if you are traveling by air or car on the first holiday weekend of the summer, and how to avoid the crowds.

Air travel will be busy …

The number of travelers traveling by air Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the highest since 2005. AAA predicts 3.51 million people will fly over the 5-day period, a nearly 5% increase from last year and 9% more than in 2019.

Most flyers should have been able to snag slightly less expensive Memorial Day flights compared to 2023 travelers. Flight prices in 2024 have been down at least 5% year-over-year each month from January to April, according to Consumer Price Index data.

If you haven’t booked your flights yet (or your plans are flexible), consider extending your trip to avoid the crowds. The least busy days to fly around Memorial Day are the Tuesday or Saturday before the holiday or the Wednesday after, according to a NerdWallet analysis of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) throughput data.

Holding a TSA PreCheck , Global Entry or Clear membership is one way to avoid the crowds and skip long lines at airport security checkpoints during Memorial Day weekend, but even those lines might be slightly slower than usual. TSA PreCheck membership has ballooned to 19 million people, up from 15 million people this time last year.

But the car traffic will be worse

The spike in air travel is nothing compared to the congestion road trippers can expect Memorial Day weekend. AAA estimates nearly 38 million people will travel by car over the holiday weekend, more than 10 times the number of air travelers.

Gas prices are expected to remain around last year’s national average of $3.57 per gallon for Memorial Day weekend, but could increase over the summer. Since the start of 2024, gas prices have been inching up.

To avoid the worst congestion, INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, recommends avoiding afternoon and evening traffic, especially on the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day to avoid mixing with commuter traffic. The best time to return home on Memorial Day is after 7 p.m.

How to maximize your rewards

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Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

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2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Did You Make Your Connecting Flight? You May Have A.I. to Thank.

Airlines are using artificial intelligence to save fuel, keep customers informed and hold connecting flights for delayed passengers. Here’s what to expect.

By Julie Weed

Last month in Chicago, a United Airlines flight to London was ready to depart, but it was still waiting for 13 passengers connecting from Costa Rica. The airline projected they’d miss the flight by seven minutes. Under normal circumstances, they’d all be scrambling to rebook.

But thanks to a new artificial-intelligence-powered tool called ConnectionSaver, the jet was able to wait for them — their checked bags, too — and still arrive in London on time. The system also sent text messages to the late-arriving passengers and the people on the waiting jet to explain what was happening.

A.I. still might not be able to find space for your carry-on, but it could help put an end to the 40-gate dash — sprinting to catch your connecting flight before the door slams shut — as well as other common travel headaches.

It’s not just United. Alaska Airlines , American Airlines and others have been working to develop new A.I. capabilities that could make flying easier for passengers. The carriers are also using the technology to reduce costs and streamline operations, including saving fuel, said Helane Becker, an airline industry analyst for the investment bank TD Cowen . Although many of the airlines are developing their programs independently, a successful innovation by any carrier could possibly become an industry standard.

A.I. is poised to change almost every aspect of the customer flying experience, from baggage tracking to personalized in-flight entertainment, said Jitender Mohan, who works with travel and hospitality clients at the technology consulting company WNS .

Saving fuel and frustration

A.I. has been helping Alaska Airlines dispatchers plan more efficient routes since 2021. “It’s like Google maps, but in the air,” explained Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at the carrier.

Two hours before a flight, the system reviews weather conditions, any airspace that will be closed, and all commercial and private flight plans registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, to suggest the most efficient route. The A.I. takes in “an amount of information no human brain could process,” said Pasha Saleh, the corporate development director and a pilot for Alaska.

In 2023, about 25 percent of Alaska flights used this system to shave a few minutes off flight times. Those efficiencies added up to about 41,000 minutes of flying time and half a million gallons of fuel saved, Mr. Baskaran said.

On the ground, American Airlines and others are working on an A.I.-powered system American calls Smart Gating — sending arriving aircraft to the nearest available gate with the shortest taxiing time, and if the scheduled arrival gate is in use, quickly determining the best alternate gate. All this could mean fewer frustrating minutes spent waiting on the tarmac.

American introduced Smart Gating at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2021 and now employs it at six airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Miami International. The airline estimates it saves 17 hours a day in taxi time and 1.4 million gallons of jet fuel a year.

Mr. Mohan said that using A.I. as a virtual parking attendant could save up to 20 percent of taxiing time, with the highest benefits seen at the largest airports.

Faster and better customer service

Rapidly evolving generative A.I. — think ChatGPT — is helping airlines communicate with passengers better. At United, a companywide challenge last year yielded a plan to make texts sent to fliers more specific about what’s causing delays. Passengers can get frustrated when flights are delayed with no explanation, said Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer.

But tracking the details required, composing an appropriate message and sending it to the right people for 5,000 flights a day would be too much for the staff to handle, Mr. Birnbaum said. Generative A.I. can process all that data and create messages tailored to conditions. For example, passengers booked on a January United flight from San Francisco to Tucson received this text message, along with a new departure time and an apology: “Your inbound aircraft is arriving late due to airport runway construction in San Francisco that limited the number of arrivals and departures for all airlines earlier.”

Having a more detailed explanation can calm travelers’ nerves. Jamie Larounis, a travel industry analyst who flies about 150,000 miles a year, recalled receiving text messages last summer explaining that a storm and a related crew-scheduling problem had delayed his flight from Chicago. “Getting a specific reason for the delay made me feel like the airline had things under control,” he said.

Generative A.I. is also good at summarizing text, making it a powerful tool for wading through emails. Last year, Alaska was among the carriers that began using A.I. to handle customer messages more efficiently. The airline’s system “reads” each email and summarizes the issues raised.

“We used to read first in first out, handling the requests as they came in,” said Mr. Baskaran, but now the system helps prioritize emails. For example, an urgent request involving an upcoming flight may take precedence over a complaint about a past one.

The system also helps a human agent decide how to respond, such as offering the customer a voucher, and it may draft an initial written response. “The person makes the decision, but it’s streamlined,” Mr. Baskaran said.

For all the benefits A.I. promises to airlines and passengers, the technology still has some shortcomings. For one, it doesn’t always deliver accurate information. In 2022, an Air Canada chatbot incorrectly promised a traveler that if he booked a full-fare flight to a relative’s funeral, he could receive a bereavement fare after the fact. When he filed a small-claims case, Air Canada tried to argue that the bot was its own separate entity, “responsible for its own actions,” but a tribunal found Air Canada responsible and ordered it to pay about $800 in damages and fees.

Still, as A.I. develops and airlines race to find more uses for it, passengers could see even more benefits. “As a customer and a business person, this is one of the biggest technology disruptions in the last five to eight years,” Mr. Mohan said.

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

An earlier version of this article, in a quotation from Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at Alaska Airlines, misstated the number of gallons of fuel an artificial-intelligence-powered planning system saved the airline in 2023. It was half a million, not half a billion.

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Putin’s meeting with Xi in China underscores growing alliance

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As Moscow bureau chief, Guy runs coverage of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Before Moscow, Guy ran Brexit coverage as London bureau chief (2012-2022). On the night of Brexit, his team delivered one of Reuters historic wins - reporting news of Brexit first to the world and the financial markets. Guy graduated from the London School of Economics and started his career as an intern at Bloomberg. He has spent over 14 years covering the former Soviet Union. He speaks fluent Russian.

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Two people were killed and five more are missing after a suspected collision involving a small motor boat and a cruise ship on the Danube river north of Budapest late on Saturday, police said on Sunday.

Russian air strikes killed at least four and injured eight others in Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv on Sunday, local officials said.