By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Webcams de Mexico
This site captures the nation’s beauty and tracks its disasters. It promotes tourism, but its footage from over 60 webcams nationwide also helps officials track emergencies.
If you follow the news in Mexico online, you may have noticed that when disasters strike and the Mexican online newspapers run video footage of a hurricane pounding the beaches of Cancun, or an earthquake shaking Mexico City, or a volcano spewing lava, one name consistently pops up: Webcams de Mexico.
Webcams de Mexico’s stationery cameras captured two out of three of those sorts of events
International News
Back to the Americas
Private and small group tours, guided by local hosts.
From Caribbean coastlines and tropical islands, ancient temples, and cultural cities, to immense jungles with diverse wildlife, Central and South America are jam-packed with incredible places to explore.
Costa Rica: 12 days; Tropical Rainforests and Beach Escape; from US$2,469, now $1,599
Chile: 14 days; From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia; from US$5,109, now $2,999
Peru: 16 days; Ultimate Inca Adventure; from US$3,609, now $2,199
Japan Opens to Foreign Tourism
Japan’s announcement that the country will finally restore visa-free travel for international visitors beginning October 11, has sparked a surge in demand. Japan is also ending the cap on daily arrivals to the country.
The news coincides with the Japanese yen slumping to its lowest levels against the dollar in almost a quarter of a century, making Japan an attractive destination for foreign visitors.
Japan’s move to scrap most restrictions on foreign tourists is a significant milestone in the country’s tourism revival plan.
From October 11, entry to Japan for international tourists will require proof of a COVID triple vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test on arrival.
Spain Plans to Introduce Digital Nomad Visa
Spain is the latest European country to hop on the digital nomad train, in company with Portugal, Greece, and Italy. With a plan to introduce a new visa for remote workers, Spain would allow non-EU citizens to work and stay in the country for up to five years. In January, Spain announced visa plans to attract international talents; this shouldn’t be too hard with Spain’s fast internet speeds and affordable housing.
Interested applicants will need to prove that they have been working remotely for at least a year with a company outside of Spain—this includes contract, freelance, or full-time work. Proof of income of around €2,000 a month will also need to be documented to qualify.
Visas will be valid for 12 months, and remote workers can extend their stay for up to five years. For the first four years of their stay, visa holders will be taxed at 15%, rather than the standard 25%.
Cruise News
MSC Splendida Unveils Winter Red Sea Itineraries
MSC Cruises announced they will offer a Red Sea seven-night itinerary with MSC Splendida for the winter 2022/2023 season.
It comprises 33 shore excursions available, including the addition of Cairo, and three embarkation ports in Sokhna Port and Safaga in Egypt, plus Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
MSC Splendida’s seven-night sailings call at Sokhna Port, Safaga for Hurghada and Luxor, Egypt; Aqaba for Petra, Jordan; Jeddah for AlUla, Saudi Arabia and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
The line also revealed a nine-night holiday option under its “Fly and Cruise” program with a two-night pre-stay in Cairo before the seven-night voyage. An extended 13-hour stay in Sokhna Port, Egypt, allows for trips to the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Costa’s Fall Sale is Here
Costa’s fall sale has arrived, which means you can find low rates on select sailings. Sailings start from US$449 per person, with savings of up to US$800 per cabin. You can experience the culture, history, food, and majestic sites of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, or the Caribbean. Don’t delay—sale ends October 31.
Deal of the Week
Ghana Heritage and Historical Tour
Nine-day Small Group Tour to Ghana plus air
Book now and travel in May or September 2023
From US$3,599 | CAD$4,679
Including international flights
This incredible tour to Ghana invites you to follow the footsteps of your ancestors and connect to motherland Africa.
Retrace the steps of your forefathers. Visit ancient traditional communities. Learn the foundations of African-American culture, and experience modern-day Africa to see how this culture brings so much to the younger generation.
Experience your heritage and cultural past, discovering the rich identity that still lives on and plays a vital role in the everyday life of African-American people.
Tour highlights:
- Dive into Ghana’s rich culture through the legacies of the Ashanti Empire
- Discover Accra, home to various sculptures that talk about Western Africa
- Visit Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s last surviving rainforests
- Admire the Manhyia Palace Museum to learn more about the kingdom in Kumasi
- Explore Elmina and its infamous forts, castles, and slave dungeons
What’s included:
- 7 nights’ accommodations at well-located superior hotels
- Roundtrip flights from U.S. or Canada to Accra
- Full board meal plan
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- Sightseeing tours
- English-speaking local guides
- National park and museum fees
- All applicable local taxes
- Air taxes and fuel
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 Newell 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: Mexico News Daily, Exocticca, Wendy Wu Tours, Travel Mole, MSC Cruises, and Indus Travels.
