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Volcanoes in Iceland halting air traffic in Europe? For two days now, air travel has been delayed in many of Europe’s most highly traveled airports, including Heathrow. More than just a visual problem from the ash clouds, the volcanic ash in the air can cause dire problems to the aircraft’s ability to fly at all. Volcanic ash in the engine of an airplane, can cause the plane to fail, thus causing a much larger problem than simply delays. In an effort to prevent such tragedy, the only solution is to delay flights until the wind changes direction and the ash clears up.

With delays in effect for an unspecified time, all travelers can do now, is sit and wait. With over 16,000 flights canceled so far, it could be up to a week before the ash clears up enough for normal flights to resume. In an effort to keep travelers aware of travel situations around the globe, Southwest Travel Club Tucson is bringing you the most current information on flight delays caused by the Icelandic Volcanic Eruption.

So who is being affected? According to the most recent information, travelers being most impacted are those from the U.S. to some areas in Europe, Ryanair has canceled all of its flights to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, Northern France, Northern Germany, Poland and the Baltic States until Monday, and all airspace in the following countries is closed including Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania and Hungary. As the ash moves, airports will continue to reopen and flights will resume. Southwest Travel Club Tucson AZ reminds you to be patient if the current situation is affecting your travel. Remember that the closures are for your safety.

In reality, this eruption is quite small in comparison to some and impacts are very slight in the grand scheme. Though air travel has ground to a halt, not much other impact is expected to occur. Volcanic ash can be quite destructive and on occasion, large eruptions have caused wide spread effects on the earth itself, stunting plant growth, affecting health and killing crops. Though your travel plans may be interrupted, it is important to remember that it could always be worse. Southwest Travel Club knows that travel inconveniences are always a bit annoying, but be patient and make the best of your extended stay by perhaps doing a bit more site seeing.

Count on Southwest Travel Club Tucson AZ to bring you the most up to date information on travel and destinations throughout the world.

Explore the stunning beautiful and awe-inspiring recreational opportunities in Utah on a visit to Salt Lake City with Southwest Travel Club.

Many who travel to Utah, do so in the winter. As one of the top ski destinations in the U.S., Utah is filled with majestic mountains and resorts offering some of the finest accommodations available to you. Those who take the time to explore this area of Utah in the Spring, are treated to some of the most stunning scenes and wonderful activities imaginable.

A bustling metropolis, Salt Lake City is home to almost 200,000 year round residents.  Offering you more than just outdoor recreation, historic sites of interest and dining options are found throughout the city. Night life, sports events, arts and cultural activities, museums and art galleries provide much for the city dweller to enjoy in Utah.

In celebration of Earth day, Southwest Travel Club would like to explore some of the many wonderful outdoor destinations you can enjoy on a visit to Salt Lake City this April and throughout the year.

Salt Lake City Hiking

From easy to more difficult, hiking is found throughout the area. A great way to explore natures beauty, there are literally miles of trails and paths that take you to some of the most beautiful sites in the area including:

• Alexander Basin
• Bell Canyon to First Waterfall
• Desolation Trail to Valley Overlook
• Ensign Peak
• Mount Olympus Summit

Each presents unique opportunities for the hiker to enjoy. Mount Olympus Summit in fact, is considered one of the finest views in the region. At over 9,000 feet above sea level, this federally protected wildlife area is both beautiful and breathtaking any time of the year.

Salt Lake City Biking and Exploring

Mountain Biking is another great way to get out and explore the beauty of the area. Again, miles of trails from both simple to more difficult give you many options to choose from including:

• Albion Basin - A smooth and relatively simple trail through the pines and aspens
• Big Water to Dog Lake - One of the most popular trails from Mill Creek Canyon to Dog Lake
• Ridge Trail 157 - A world class single track in the heart of the Wasatch Range - Difficult

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound throughout the area. Many National Park destinations, community parks and camping opportunities are found throughout the area. If you are interested in hiking, biking, watersports, natural areas and ecofriendly adventures, Utah can provide it all. Southwest Travel Club invites you to explore all of natures beauty at destinations around the world. Explore our National Parks and recreational areas and do something healthy while you vacation with Southwest Travel Club as your partner in travel throughout the U.S. and the world.