The boundaries of a number of significant tectonic plates, including the Pacific, Indo-Australian, Eurasian, North American, and Philippine Sea plates, chiefly define the Ring of Fire. From South America’s southern coast, it extends across North America’s western seaboard, over the Bering Strait to Japan, then descends through Southeast Asia and ends in the South Pacific. The existence of subduction zones, when one tectonic plate is thrust beneath another, makes this area especially unstable. Numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are caused by the tremendous pressure created by these geological interactions.

Ouch! I am feeling so old this week. Let me explain. We have a fireplace insert in our living room and burn wood during the winter. It is so nice. But our massive shed was almost empty and I was worried. But then this week, with temps in the 250* heat index range (I exaggerate a little) my neighbor had a HUGE maple tree taken down. So I spent days cutting and splitting and stacking. Gosh I need a vacation now to enjoy stuff like this from the blog this week:

Chris asks the question “Do Chase Sapphire Reserve®® Members Get Priority Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges?” I don’t mind telling you page views for this post were off the charts. Take a look and see what everyone is wondering about.

One of our frequent floaters, Michael stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver before an NCL cruise. He said he would NOT return. The hotel was not happy with his review and emailed us (i.e. Chris, the blog’s majority owner) their displeasure with the post. I think the post and review is very good – see if you agree.

For me the value of holding a yearly travel policy is a no brainer. There are times I let it lapse for a few months but generally I am always insured when I travel. Is it worth it? Chris goes over the reasons why he and I both hold a policy and things to consider.

A while back Delta allowed us to order Delta medallion tags. They are custom and metal and I have to say kinda neat. I can confirm that, for now, they are letting you order a second set if you want to. This may not last long fyi.

There is one person at Delta corp. I really do not like. Well maybe two or three but the main one is the guy who has the world upside down angry with the suggestion that the airline is going to use AI to get the MAX money out of each and everyone who flies Delta. Well maybe not so fast.

Lastly Chris has a PSA about keeping your seat belts on when up in the air as we were again reminded this week. I always have mine on even when sleeping unless I am up going to the lavatory.

Have a great August weekend everyone and I can not believe we are only weeks away from the start of football season and with the fall will be just around the corner. Where did the summer go? – René

The European Union is set to transform the way travelers obtain Schengen visas, moving to a completely digital system that will eliminate traditional paper applications and physical visa stickers by 2028. This major overhaul promises to streamline the application process and enhance security measures.

Schengen visa allows non- EU nationals to travel within the Schengen Area, which consists of a group of 29 European countries, for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

According to a report by The Economic Times, the new system will replace the familiar visa sticker with a secure, encrypted 2D digital barcode, marking a significant leap toward technological innovation in travel documentation.

How the digital system works

The digital transformation got its first real-world test during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where France successfully issued 70,000 digital Schengen visas featuring barcodes. Under the new system, travelers will simply scan these barcodes at border checkpoints, giving immigration officials instant access to personal and visa information through a centralized EU database.

The fully online experience will allow applicants to upload required documents, track their application status in real-time, and complete fee payments digitally. Once approved, travelers receive a digitally signed barcode visa. While first-time visitors to Europe must still provide biometric data in person, subsequent applications will follow a more streamlined process.

Application process remains structured 

Despite going digital, the fundamental application steps remain consistent:

Embassy selection: Applicants must choose the embassy of their primary destination country. For multi-country trips, apply through the nation where you’ll spend the most time, or if time is equal, the first country of entry. Most countries work with VFS Global, though Spain uses BLS International in India, and France requires appointments through its Démarches Simplifiées platform.

Document requirements: Essential documents include a valid passport with six months validity and two blank pages, the completed application form, photographs, travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, flight and accommodation bookings, a cover letter, and financial documentation including 3-6 months of bank statements and salary slips or International Transaction Reporting System (ITRs).

Biometric data collection: First-time applicants must provide fingerprints and photographs, with data stored in the EU’s Visa Information System. This requirement is waived if biometric information was collected within the previous 59 months.

Fee structure: Standard visa fees remain at approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12, with no charge for those under 6. Service fees through VFS or BLS range from ₹1,800 to Rs 2,200.

Processing timeline: Typical processing takes 15 calendar days, though this can extend to 30 or 60 days during busy periods or for complex applications.

Strategic tips for Indian applicants

Experts recommend applying 30-60 days before travel, as applications are accepted up to six months in advance. However, last-minute applications within 15 working days should be avoided to minimise delay risks.

For faster processing, consider applying through embassies like Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia, which often complete reviews within 7-10 days and maintain lower rejection rates.

Some embassies, particularly Germany and France, may require in-person interviews. Applicants should be prepared to clearly explain their travel itinerary, financial situation, and intention to return to India.

A significant change affects German visa applications: starting July 1, 2025, Germany eliminated informal appeals, requiring all rejected applications to go through formal legal procedures.

Indian nationals who have successfully used two Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for multi-year validity visas (2 or 5 years) under the EU’s “cascade” regime, offering greater convenience for frequent travelers.

The digital transformation represents the EU’s commitment to modernizing travel processes while maintaining security standards, promising a more efficient experience for millions of travelers worldwide.