By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Mexico Mulls New Airline Run by Military
President Lopez Obrador confirmed Mexico is considering establishing a new national airline operated by the military. He told media it is “very probable” the proposed airline would happen with economic viability projections already completed.
According to the newspaper El Universal, the Ministry of National Defense was working on a commercial airline that would have a fleet of 10 aircraft. The newspaper also says the Ministry could set up a state-owned tourism company to operate hotels.
International News
US State Department Travel Warnings
Level 4 warnings, “Do Not Travel,” stating not to travel to the listed country should be heeded. As of press time, that list includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Central African Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tonga, Venezuela, Yemen, and Ukraine.
No matter what the advisory level is, it’s also important to stay smart while on the road. Officials recommend that American citizens sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with details of their trip in order to receive the latest safety and security alerts from the U.S. Government.
Get More Out of the City with The Tokyo Pass
Just as foreign tourism to Japan begins to open up and visits become easier, Tokyo has created and launched The Tokyo Pass to enhance and improve the visitor experience for everyone coming to the city.
The Tokyo Pass offers visitors an affordable smart phone app bundling handy tourist hints and tips, useful information about the city, top sightseeing spots, and entry into more than 35 of Tokyo’s most popular visitor attractions.
Visitors can also combine The Tokyo Pass with a Tokyo subway ticket, offering unlimited journeys on Tokyo’s vast underground transport network for two, three, or five days. The Tokyo Pass also provides details of cultural events and various area guides to this huge metropolis allowing visitors to explore everything Tokyo has to offer and to meet locals along the way.
Cruise News
Riviera River Cruises Receives Magellan Awards for Solo Traveler Offerings
Riviera River Cruises is proud to announce that it has received 2022 Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly for its solo traveler offerings.
Riviera received Gold and Silver Magellan Awards in the category of Cruise Overall Solo Traveler. This is the fifth year in a row Riviera has received a Magellan Award. According to Travel Weekly, the Magellan Awards honor the best in travel in a variety of travel industry segments including cruise lines.
Riviera is the only European river cruise line to offer exclusive departures for solo travelers on which cabins and suites across the entire ship are available with no single supplement. For 2023, eight itineraries are available for solo travelers on the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône, and Seine rivers and the Dutch waterways.
In addition to its exclusive solo traveler departures, Riviera makes a small number of cabins on every departure available with no single supplement.
Including its solo traveler cruises, Riviera River Cruises offers 20 itineraries on 10 European rivers and waterways. Riviera’s fleet of 11 world-class river cruise ships is one of the youngest in Europe with spacious cabins and suites, and its cruises include fine culinary experiences as well as expert-led excursions to classic sights and lesser-known places.
Riviera guarantees exceptional value, promising never to add hidden surcharges or fees, and it doesn’t automatically include gratuities or drinks, so the choice is up to guests.
Riviera River Cruises is the United Kingdom’s leading river cruise operator.
Second Guest Sails Free on Atlas Ocean Voyages
A second guest sails free on Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Mediterranean small, sleek, yacht-style cruises, when booked before December 31. The all-inclusive fares start at US$4,299 for two guests, plus 50% reduced deposits.
There are three Mediterranean routes on offer. One tours the Canary Islands, the second docks in Seville, and the third travels from Barcelona to Nice along the French Riviera.
Deal of the Week
Discover the Greek Islands
Fall in love with ancient Athens as you discover the medieval island of Rhodes and the breathtaking beaches of Kos with this trip to Greece. It’s an Independent Tour with guaranteed departures.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore Athens, a fascinating city boasting thousands of years of history
- Discover the Palace of the Grand Masters in the medieval city of Rhodes
- Head on a scenic ferry ride between the beautiful islands of Rhodes and Kos
- See the ancient ruins on Kos dating to the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras
Inclusions:
- International roundtrip airfare from various gateways in the United States and Canada
- Domestic flights Athens-Rhodes, Kos-Athens
- Ferry tickets Rhodes-Kos
- Seven nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Transportation in deluxe airconditioned vehicles
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Air taxes, fuel surcharges, and all local and applicable taxes
Priced from US$1,599; travel dates April-October, 2023. International and domestic flights included and ferry from Rhodes to Kos.
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 Mole, Conde Nast Traveler, Go Tokyo, TRO, and Indus Traveler.
