By Judy Newell
Mexico News
The US State Department Updated a Travel Advisory for Mexico
It cited an ‘increased risk of crime and kidnapping’ in some areas.
It added specific level 4, ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories on the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas over kidnapping threats.
In addition, less severe ‘Reconsider Travel’ warnings are issued for Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora.
“Violent crime—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department said.
The government has placed restrictions on travel for government employees due to safety risks.
“U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber and regulated taxi stands,” the advisory said.
“Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes,” the State Department added.
Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed, which has led to tourist injuries and deaths in resorts.
International News
Perfect Trips to Go Solo
What’s holding you back on your next adventure?
Are you waiting on a travel buddy, compromising on itineraries, and juggling dates? Well, that’s the beauty of solo travel—all you really need is you.
There’s a whole world out there, so why wait? Just go, solo.
Inca Trail and Amazon Adventure
12 days
From US$3,108, per adult in a twin share room
Want your own room? From an extra US$375
Central America Adventure
17 days
From US$1,234 per adult in a twin share room
Want your own room? From an extra US$700
Hola Cuba—for US citizens
9 days
From US$2,108 per adult in a twin share room
Includes CUC10 in additional payments
Want your own room? From an extra US$540
Egypt Adventure
8 days
From US$1,179 per adult in a twin share room
Want your own room? From an extra US$500
Jakarta to Ubud
14 days
From US$2,185 per adult in a twin share room
Want your own room? From an extra US$455
Cruise News
Cruise Vacations to the Islands of Tahiti
Get away from it all to a paradise of blue lagoons, swaying palms, and the legendary welcome of the Tahitian people, singing a song of welcome at every port. It’s a carefree trip of a lifetime.
Discover Tahiti aboard Windstar Cruises Star Breeze
From US$3,134 per person
Visit some of Tahiti’s most beautiful islands in 7 days aboard the luxury yacht, Star Breeze. Itinerary includes Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Motu Mahaea (Taha’a), and Huahine.
This vacation package includes:
- Roundtrip international airfare from Seattle on Air Tahiti Nui
- Inter-island flights and roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
- 7 nights aboard Windstar Cruises Star Breeze in an Ocean View Suite
- All onboard meals including 24-hour room service and non-alcoholic beverages
- 2 nights post-cruise stay at the Te Moana Tahiti Resort in a Lagoon Studio on Tahiti
Deal of the Week
Best Deals on Alaska Cruisetours with Celebrity
9-Night Alaska Cruise Tour
Inside cabin from just US$1,493
Departing from Vancouver, you will experience world-renowned scenic cruising over 7 nights with popular ports including Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. After disembarking in Seward, you will transfer to your fully escorted land tour.
You’ll embark on a natural history tour of Denali and board the Wilderness Express railcar for picturesque views of Talkeetna over the next 2 nights.
- Up to US$400 Airfare Savings on select cruisetours
- US$200 Savings
- Free Gratuities for all guests in a cabin
- Free Classic Beverage Package for all guests in a cabin
- Free Unlimited Surf Wi-Fi Package for all guests in a cabin
Featured deal is based on the September 1, 2023, departure of the Celebrity Millennium in an Inside cabin.
11-Night Alaska Cruise Tour
Balcony cabin from just US$2,169
Start your fully escorted tour with a breathtaking journey in a glass-domed railcar on the Wilderness Express to Denali where you’ll enjoy 4 nights exploring all that Alaska’s interior has to offer, including Alyeska, Homer, and more.
Upon arriving in Seward, embark upon your 7-night cruise where you’ll experience Alaska’s beauty in ports including Ketchikan and Juneau, as well as scenic cruising through Icy Strait and the Inside Passage.
- Up to US$400 Airfare Savings on select cruisetours
- US$600 Savings
- Free Gratuities for all guests in a cabin
- Free Classic Beverage Package for all guests in a cabin
- Free Unlimited Surf Wi-Fi Package for all guests in a cabin
Featured deal is based on the May 15, 2023, departure of the Celebrity Millennium in a Balcony cabin.
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, Intrepid, Pleasant Holidays, and Avoya.
