What is it they say? Keep it simple stupid. Due to the weather, the staffing shortages, the numbers of people flying, what could possibly go wrong? Pretty much anything and everything.

Since the only two countries I’ve not visited in all of the Americas are Bolivia and Venezuela. I planned on a excursion to the famous Salt Flats in Uyuni. Venezuela would have to wait due to their very unstable economy. Safety concerns there are a little too risky.

Since I like to fly my airline and its partners this journey would involve 3 different airlines within a fairly tight time frame. I booked and paid for all of them, including hotels and a tour. I knew it was somewhat of a precarious gamble and sure enough Latam cancelled my flight from La Paz to Lima. I spent a few hours trying to find an alternative but nothing would allow me to meet my connections. That was clearly a sign. I CANCELLED. One of the airlines and one of the hotels would not reimburse me. It could have been worse. I had not paid for my visa!

Since I enjoy the planning almost as much as the actual travel I decided to try another destination, almost as difficult or maybe more? Saudi Arabia here I come…well maybe.

I will be flying on Delta, Air France and KLM….and that only gets me to and from Dubai! I then connect to a airline that is new to me: Flynas. I’m expecting some difficulties with the transit visa in the U.A.E. because all the websites profess something different. One offered to sell me a visa for $200 even though I will not be leaving the airport and will only be in the terminals for a few hours.

Saudi Arabia only recently opened up for tourism, especially for female travelers. My online e-visa application took minutes and the hotel in Riyadh is listed as one of the most sought-after addresses in Saudi Arabia. Yippee…hopefully I will file a great report in a couple of weeks!