By Judy Newell
Mexico News
U.S. State Department Unveils New Mexico Travel Warnings
The U.S. State Department has released new official travel warnings for various parts of Mexico.
Instead of the warnings focused on COVID rates that were used over the last two years, warnings are now based on risk factors such as crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and natural disasters. Warnings are also now made by state instead of the entirety of Mexico.
Typically, the State Department issues travel warnings by assigning a number from one to four based on the country as a whole, but this new advisory allows travelers to see safety warnings based on the specific area in Mexico.
This update comes on the heels of 6,000 troops being deployed in Cancun due to increased crime and drug trafficking as well as shootings that took the lives of tourists. To see the full list of warnings, you can visit the State Department website.
International News
McDonald’s to Leave Russia after 30 Years
McDonald’s has said it will permanently leave Russia after more than 30 years and has started to sell its restaurants. The move comes after it temporarily closed its 850 outlets in March.
The fast-food giant said it made the decision because of the «humanitarian crisis» and «unpredictable operating environment» caused by the Ukraine war.
The opening of McDonald’s first restaurant in Moscow in 1990 came to symbolize a thaw in Cold War tensions. A year later, the Soviet Union collapsed and Russia opened up its economy to companies from the West. More than three decades later, however, it is one of a growing number of corporations pulling out.
McDonald’s said it would sell all its sites to a local buyer and would begin the process of «de-arching» the restaurants which involves removing its name, branding, and menu. It will retain its trademarks in Russia.
The chain said its priorities included seeking to ensure its 62,000 employees in Russia continued to be paid until any sale was completed and that they had «future employment with any potential buyer.»
McDonald’s said it would write off a charge of up to US$1.4 billion to cover the exit from its investment.
The chain’s 108 restaurants in Ukraine remain closed due to the conflict but the company is continuing to pay full salaries to all its employees there.
The move comes after Renault announced it was selling its business in the country. Hundreds of international brands, including Starbucks, Coca Cola, Levi’s, and Apple have left Russia or suspended sales there since the country invaded Ukraine in February.
Cruise News
HAL Volendam Extends Charter Housing Ukrainian Families
Holland America Line cancelled more cruises as the ship Volendam is extending its stay in Rotterdam.
The ship is on charter to the city to house Ukrainian refugees., and
has been accommodating about 1,000 Ukrainians in Rotterdam since April.
The ship was chartered until the end of June but has now been extended until mid-September. Six additional cruises are cancelled.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to guests booked on Volendam through the summer,” said HAL’s chief commercial officer. “We appreciate their continued understanding as we work on this important mission.”
Volendam is scheduled to return to service departing Venice on September 24.
Margaritaville at Sea Sets off on Maiden Voyage
A new cruise brand has officially launched with Margaritaville at Sea’s maiden voyage from the Port of Palm Beach. A partnership of Bahamas Paradise Cruise line and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville hospitality brand, it is sailing two-night cruises to Freeport, Bahamas, twice each week.
Now called Margaritaville Paradise, the ship received a makeover with signature Margaritaville facilities, such as a St. Somewhere spa, Fins Up! fitness center, and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Deal of the Week
14-day Adriatic Air, Land & Sea Vacation Package
A truly incredible adventure of a lifetime through Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia starting from US$4,699 per person.
Package Includes:
• Round-trip international airfare
• Land tour package with 5-star hotels and transportation
• Seven-night all-inclusive cruise along the Dalmatian Coast
• Small deluxe group and small premium vessel
• Visits to five UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites
• French cuisine with drinks onboard
• US$200 onboard credit per person*
• Complimentary UTO Worry-Free Plan*—a US$299 value!
• Travel window from September 2022 through September 2023
If purchased separately you would spend at least US$6,939. Save over US$2,000 per person with this bundled package.
* US$200 onboard credit per person may be redeemed towards the following items:
• Mysterious Karst Journey
• Cabin upgrades
• Classic shore excursions (eight trips)
• Discovery shore excursions (nine trips)
** UTO Worry-Free Plan
A US$299 value included in your vacation package
• Risk-free deposits
• Full-refund cancellations
• Flexible tour changes with no fee
• Plus more features & protections
A limited number of discounted seats are available for each departure date, and they are likely to sell out quickly. Secure your booking with a US$600 deposit. Redemption deadline for the onboard credit is 150 days before vacation departure date.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 50+ years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico and international travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765, Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: The Navigator, BBC News, Travel Mole, UTO Vacations
