By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Sunday Biking in Mexico City’s Historical Center
Every Sunday one of Mexico City’s largest avenues, Reforma, is closed to vehicles allowing families to cruise safely on bicycles and explore the city’s iconic landmarks and buildings. Guests will learn about the area’s fascinating history as they pedal towards the main square, known as the Zócalo.
International News
Vacation Destinations Giving Away Free Trips
Destinations across Europe and Asia are offering travelers attractive financial incentives to visit and boost tourism to pre-pandemic levels.
Destinations like Sicily, Finland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are giving away free flights, hotel accommodations, excursions, and even cash to lure in travelers. While this sounds like a scam, we promise you it’s definitely not.
How to score a free trip:
Sicily is reviving its «See Sicily» travel promotion for 2023 offering visitors a free extra night at an affiliated hotel when travelers book three nights as well as 50% off a flight or ferry ride to the island and a free local excursion. Bookings must be made through a local travel agency for this promotion. The flight discount is only applicable for trips departing before September 30 and the maximum discount is 100€ for domestic flights and 200€ for international flights.
Taiwan announced that US$165 will be given to 500,000 visitors, while 90,000 tour groups receive US$658. The initiative will launch on April 15 but the logistics of distributing the cash vouchers are still being finalized. Taiwan also launched a two-for-one deal on high-speed rail tickets for international tourists with discounts on accommodations, site attraction tickets, and shopping.
Other countries like Finland, which has been ranked the world’s happiest country for the fifth year in a row, are choosing 10 lucky applicants to attend a four-day «masterclass in happiness» this summer at the Kuru Resort.
Hong Kong is also giving 500,000 free plane tickets to visitors around the world, with a portion reserved for U.S. travelers.
Cruise News
Alaska Cruises on Sale
Though it’s the nation’s largest state—at more than twice the landmass of the next in line—Alaska is as much about what you see on the water as on terra firme. Think Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage, and orcas, humpbacks and belugas. Put otherwise: A cruise here is one continual mind-blowing eye feast. All cruises are on Holland America Line.
Seven-night Alaska cruise from Seattle
Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria
From US$499 on May 13, 2023
Weeklong Alaska cruises
Kodiak, Anchorage, Valdez, Sitka and more
From US$329, May 2023; April and Sept. on sale
Sail Alaska from Vancouver for seven nights
Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan
From US$399 on May 7, 2023
Week-long Alaska cruise from Vancouver
Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan
From US$329 on May 17, 2023
14-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver
Kodiack, Anchorage, Valdez, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria
From US$899 on May 7, 2023
Aviation News
United Airlines names Oscar the Grouch as First Chief Trash Officer
United Airlines has appointed its first Chief Trash Officer. Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch has been named due to his love of rubbish.
United Airlines’ consumer campaign will promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) more broadly. The new campaign featuring Oscar includes video, digital, and social ads. It follows the character’s journey from job listing to C-suite office starring alongside real United employees.
In a first among U.S. airlines, United now shows an estimate of each flight’s carbon footprint on a per economy seat passenger basis. Travelers have the option to contribute to supplement United’s investment in the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund.
This a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle designed to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel.
As a part of the collaboration, United is supporting Sesame Workshop through a donation to the nonprofit educational organization’s Welcome Sesame initiative.
Deal of the Week
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
All-Inclusive Sofitel Beachfront Bestseller with 60-Minute Massages and Nightly Cocktails.
Treat yourself to a five-star tropical escape at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. This French-inspired beachside retreat is tucked away in a quiet enclave of Bali’s famous southern peninsula with exquisite dining onsite and a myriad of other beachside bars and restaurants just moments away.
When you’re not enjoying the incredible dining, float throughout the almost resort-wide lagoon pool, enjoy the SoFIT Fitness Centre, or indulge in an exotic treatment at SoSPA gazebo. Whether you’re looking to explore storied Balinese temples, soak up the sunshine at the beach, or shop at the prestigious Bali Collection mall, Nusa Dua’s extraordinary treasures await.
Six nights all-inclusive from US$1,107 per room
Valued up to US$3,538—save up to 69%
You can add flights to the hotel package. Select from all major airlines.
Secure with 20% deposit; Taxes and fees apply
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: Journeys Mexico, The Navigator, Travel Zoo, Travel Mole, and Luxury Escapes.
