By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Cancun Hotels Nearly Sold Out This Winter
This winter, Cancun is on the verge of being sold out with occupancy rates expected to reach up to 95%. Obviously, the actual numbers may be substantially higher, so everyone considering a trip should decide soon.
Cancun was once again nearly sold out this summer, causing hotel prices to skyrocket.
The Mexican Caribbean as a whole and Cancun, in particular, have long been the most popular winter vacation spots for Americans. Winter is by far the finest time to travel, when the sargassum seaweed has entirely disappeared from the coast and the temperature reaches a comfortable 86°F. This is often between late November and late March.
International News
Slow Journey in Vietnam and Cambodia
Slow journeys are trips that are usually longer in number of days, allowing time to immerse in the local way of life of the destinations visited.
Instead of jetting from one place to another, slow travel usually involves a train ride or a river cruise that traverse off-the-beaten-path where mesmerizing landscapes unfold, and authentic experiences await.
Trails of Indochina’s featured itinerary in Vietnam and Cambodia, “Majestic Rivers to Ancient Ruins,” is a 16-day itinerary that starts from Da Nang (central Vietnam), on a four-hour scenic train ride along the coastline towards the fishing town of Quy Nhon. There are a few days of cultural exploration and beach relaxation before heading south towards Saigon.
Traveling deeper into the Mekong Delta, the luxurious Jahan awaits to transport you on a seven-day cruise to Cambodia via Phnom Penh and ending in Siem Reap, home of the magnificent Angkor Wat Complex.
Trip Highlights:
- Bike in Hoi An’s countryside and visit farming villages
- Experience Vietnam’s first luxury train from DaNang to Quy Nhon
- Observe river life on the mighty Mekong from the comfort of your cabin on the Jahan
- Cyclo ride through bustling Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia
- Visit a silk-making village located on an island in the Mekong River
- Learn about Khmer culture and history and the restoration projects of Angkor Wat from a Khmer Scholar
Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia are fully re-opened to vaccinated travelers without any COVID testing requirements or quarantine.
Cruise News
Save on Europe Voyages
This holiday season, you are invited to celebrate The Gift of Travel on select 2023 Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages when booked by January 6, 2023.
Transoceanic Wellness Cruise
Cruise from Buenos Aires to Lisbon focused on self-care, life balance, and connecting with nature.
Disconnect and enjoy a holistic cleanse for body and mind through yoga, tai chi, meditation, wellness lectures, and delicious, nutritious meals.
Pre and post-programs include trips to Iguazú Falls and Estancia Santa Susana in Argentina; or in Lisbon, visiting UNESCO-listed Sintra.
Departs: April 1, 2023; save up to 40%.
Scenic: Free Flights plus 10% Savings
Enjoy a five-star, all-inclusive luxury European river cruise and “Discover the Wonder Beyond” with Scenic. Receive free flights on select 2023 European river cruises or up to US$1,500 per person savings on select 2022 departures. Plus 10% savings when you pay in full. Must book by December 15, 2022.
Deal of the Week
World Class Rafting in Idaho and Oregon
Idaho and Oregon boast some of the most pristine and expansive stretches of whitewater in North America.
These multi-day rafting trips feature spectacular scenery, awesome whitewater, soul-nourishing wilderness, and so much more. Each day is filled with wonder and new discovery, punctuated by exciting, splashy rapids.
We invite you to explore these favorite wilderness rafting trips in 2023.
Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Discover why the Middle Fork is America’s most iconic alpine wilderness rafting trip.
• Six-day trips out of Stanley or Salmon, Idaho
Offered June-September
• Starting at US$2,990 per person
Rogue River
Enjoy a lodge-to-lodge or camping trip on the wild and scenic Rogue River, an American jewel.
• Three-four-day trips out of Merlin, Oregon
• Offered May-September
• Camping trips starting at US$1,385 per person
• Lodge-to-lodge trips starting at US$1,460 per person
Snake River through Hells Canyon
Explore Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, on this exciting wilderness and whitewater adventure.
• Five-day trips out of Cambridge, Idaho
• Offered May-September
• Starting at US$1,820 per person
Salmon River Canyons
A perfect combination of fun, bouncy, rapids, inspiring western scenery, sprawling white sand beaches, and idyllic camping conditions.
• Family specific trips available
• Four-five-day trips out of Lewiston, Idaho
• Offered July-September
• Starting at US$1,990 per person
Deschutes River Multi-Day Rafting
The Deschutes offers a perfect gateway trip to whitewater rafting, or an exciting and intriguing alternative to experienced rafters.
•Three-five-day trips out of Maupin, Oregon
• Offered May-September
• Starting at US$1,050 per person
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: Traveling Lifestyle, Trails of Indochina, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Hurtigruten, Scenic River Cruises, and ROW Adventures.
