By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Complex and flavorful, Mexican cuisine is the centerpiece of the country’s culture.
As the capital and largest city, Mexico City is the culinary heart of Mexico. For a legendary first-class meal, La Hacienda de Los Morales, is housed in a 16th century mansion and serving traditional dishes like aguacate con camarones (avocado with shrimp) and las carnitas de pato (duck tamales), is a fine choice.
With some of the cheapest and tastiest food in Mexico, street food vendors are parked in virtually every city and village, serving some of the freshest Mexican staples, from sugary churros and roasted corn, to the popular favorite—tacos al pastor.
Throughout the coastal resort areas, the cuisine tends to be based around seafood dishes (try Coyuca 22 in Acapulco), yet there are some excellent international restaurants offering unexpected delights. Casa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres specializes in Italian cuisine and serves up wood-fired pizzas with a view of the Caribbean Sea.
International News
Mount Everest is the highest point on earth, but Mauna Kea in Hawaii is the tallest from base to peak.
Cruise News
First Cruise Ship Returns to Fiji
Cruise tourism has made a comeback in Fiji. Lautoka Port welcomed its first large post-pandemic cruise ship call with the arrival of P&O’s Pacific Explorer.
Pacific Explorer also kicked off New Zealand’s cruise industry return when it called in Auckland earlier the same week.
Deal of the Week
South Africa and East Africa on Sale
Book by Sept 23, 2022
Want to see fascinating wildlife, gigantic calderas, and truly breathtaking scenery? Discover some of the most gorgeous destinations to see wildlife in the world with these tours of Africa!
Book your tour by September 23 to get up to US$200 off!
Scenic Zanzibar
7 Days ‒ Flights Included!
From: US$1,899 $1,655; CAD $2,469 $2,165
Tour Highlights:
- Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul on a beautiful island in Tanzania
- Go swimming or snorkeling in search of tropical fish in the Indian Ocean
- Discover the tantalizing scents and exotic flavors of the local spices
- Walk along white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise-blue waters
- Learn about the history of Zanzibar with an optional tour of Stone Town
Classic Kenya Safari
Nairobi—Masai Mara—Lake Nakuru—Amboseli—Nairobi
From: US$2,799 $2,547; CAD$3,639 $3,311
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the Masai Mara, one of the best wildlife reserves in Africa
- Search for Africa’s Big Five in their natural habitat with game drives
- See the ways of life of the Masai Mara with an interactive village visit
- Discover Amboseli with its 400 species of birds and magnificent scenery
- Admire Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain peak in Africa
Super South Africa and Dubai
Johannesburg—Hazyview—Kruger—Johannesburg—Stellenbosch—Cape Town—Dubai
13 Days, Flights Included!
From: US$3,099 $2,841; CAD$4,029 $3,693
Tour Highlights:
- Visit Johannesburg, a metropolis of social and political transformation
- Visit Soweto, a township offering a glimpse into the political history
- Search for Africa’s Big Five in Kruger National Park with game drives
- Explore Cape Town, home to breathtaking views of Table Mountain
- Admire the traditional architecture and modern skyscrapers of Dubai
Jewels of South Africa
Johannesburg—Victoria Falls—Johannesburg—Kruger—Johannesburg—Cape Town
12 Days, Flights Included!
From: US$3,199 $2,939; CAD$4,159 $3,821
Tour Highlights:
- Visit Johannesburg, a vibrant city and the former home of Nelson Mandela
- Admire the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
- See hippos and alligators with a cruise on the Zambezi River
- Spot Africa’s Big Five with a safari drive through Kruger NP
- Choose to uncover the natural beauty and legendary attractions of Cape Town
Essential Tanzania
Arusha—Manyara—Serengeti—Ngorongoro Crater—Arusha
8 Days, Flights Included!
From: US$3,199 $2,939; CAD$4,159 $3,821
Tour Highlights:
- Stay in Arusha, the capital of Tanzania, home to a wide variety of attractions
- Visit the awe-inspiring Lake Manyara, located in the Great Rift Valley
- See baboons, wildebeests, and monkeys with a safari in Manyara National Park
- Spot Africa’s Big Five in Serengeti National Park, home to the oldest ecosystem
- Explore Ngorongoro Crater and see lions, leopards, and elephants
Amazing East Africa
Nairobi—Masai Mara—Lake Nakuru—Lake Elmenteita—Amboseli—Lake Manyara—Serengeti
14 Days, Flights Included!
From: US$6,399 $6,075; CAD$8,319 $7,899
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the Masai Mara for wildlife, one of Africa’s best wildlife reserves
- Discover the Amboseli National Park with its 400 different species of birds
- Search for the Big Five, in their natural habitat during several game drives
- Admire the breathtaking scenery and wildlife from the Ngorongoro Crater
- Visit the Serengeti National Park and see why this region is the game-viewing capital
Combine flights from any city in the US or Canada.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 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 at judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Travel Pulse, Travel Mole, and Indus Travels.
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