By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Save up to 45% on travel deals in Mexico
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Family | Vacation Package
Riviera Maya, Mexico
4 nights from US$979
Book by October 31, 2022
Vacation Highlights:
- 4 nights accommodations
- Hotel transfers
- All Inclusive
Special Notes:
Kids stay for only US$20* a night at select All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels
Secrets® Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa
Vacation Package
Riviera Maya, Mexico
4 nights from US$1,465
Book by November 30, 2022
Vacation Highlights:
- 4 nights accommodations
- Hotel transfers
- All Inclusive
- Adults only
- Enjoy unlimited dining and 24-hour room service
Special Notes:
Bonus: up to 40% savings plus receive US$200 in resort coupons
Complimentary 25-minute head, neck, and shoulder massage with a 5-night stay.
International News
Amtrak Restarting One of Its Most Scenic Routes
Just in Time for Fall Getaways
For the first time in more than two years, Amtrak is resuming service on one of its most scenic routes: The Amtrak Cascades route, which runs from Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia, and weaves through some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful natural formations along the way.
Tickets are on sale again for the route’s relaunching on September 26. When the route first resumes, Amtrak will operate one daily roundtrip between Seattle and Vancouver, stopping at five cities in Washington state along the way: Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham.
Along the nearly 200-mile route, riders will be treated to gorgeous scenery as the train runs along the Pacific coastline and offers views of the craggy Cascade Mountains and the snowy peaks of the Olympic Mountains.
The route is also restarting in time to catch the end of British Columbia’s whale watching season, which typically runs through October.
Like all Amtrak services, the Cascade train will offer passenger comforts like roomy seats, free Wi-Fi, and generous baggage allotments. There’s also the Café Car, which offers for-purchase dishes as well sparkling wine and hard cider.
Although passengers from the U.S. are allowed to enter Canada once again, there are still a few travel requirements. All passengers must use the ArriveCAN app to submit their proof of vaccination before travel—non-Canadian citizens must be fully vaccinated and carry with them the vaccine record they uploaded to the app. All travelers are also required to wear masks on Canadian trains and inside Canadian rail stations.
For such a picturesque route, prices for Amtrak Cascades are currently very affordable. Coach tickets for travel in September and October are now starting at just US$45 for a one-way trip, which is about four hours long.
Deal of the Week
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
Now is the perfect time to start planning where you’ll be on March 17, 2023—and why not plan to celebrate in Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day is an important holiday with a rich history, celebrated around the world with parades, parties, and plenty of great food. Listed below are CIE Tours guided tours that will be in Ireland on March 17, 2023. You can also celebrate wherever you want on St. Patrick’s Day with a Custom Private Driver Vacation.
Tours in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day:
Taste of Ireland
From US$1,635 $1,385 + airfare
Departing March 17, 2023
7 days including hotel, guided tour, and more
This fast-paced Ireland tour is the perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle. You’ll be in Dublin on March 17, 2023, while the parade is in progress.
The Irish Pub Tour
From US$1,965 $1,715 + airfare
Departing March 11, 2023
8 or 9 days, including hotel, guided tour, and more
Raise a glass to rich pub culture and history. This guided tour offers plenty of stops at legendary pubs and you’ll be in Dublin to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Irish Odyssey
From US$3,015 $2,765 + airfare
Departing: March 10, 2023
12 days, including hotel, guided tour, and more
Spend a night in a luxurious castle hotel, see Kylemore Abbey, visit EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, take in the Cliffs of Moher, and feel the vibe in artsy Galway.
Best of Ireland South
From US$1,645 $1,395 + airfare
Departing: March 11, 2023
7 or 8 days, including hotel, guided tour, and more
See many of Ireland’s top attractions, including the majestic Cliffs of Moher. You’ll travel from Galway to Dublin on the afternoon of March 17 to enjoy the fun.
Irish Adventure
From US$1,835 $1,585 + airfare
Departing: March 13, 2023
9 or 10 days, including hotel, guided tour, and more
Maximize your fun as you circle the island, discovering Glendalough, Cliffs of Moher, and Giant’s Causeway. Stay in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Galway, and Derry.
Irish Classic
From US$3,195 $2,945 + airfare
Departing March 4, 2023 (Post-night required)
13 days, including hotel, guided tour, and more
Discover Connemara, Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Glens of Antrim. Extend your stay for an extra night to enjoy the magic of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
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: GoGo Vacations, Condé Nast Traveler, and CIE Tours.
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