By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Domestic Travel Dominates American Travel Habits
U.S. travelers aren’t looking too far beyond the horizon for their summer travels according to new analyses from Allianz.
The insurance company compiled a list of over a million flight itineraries and found that approximately three out of four Americans will be traveling domestically this year. Orlando, Seattle, and Honolulu are reaping the benefits are the top three domestic destinations.
For the Americans leaving the U.S. behind, Cancun has retained its top spot. The rest of the international destinations are made up of Caribbean and Mexican destinations well in line with the surge in luxury travel being seen across the world.
International News
Live the HI Life
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort from US$1,009 per person for four nights with air and hotel.
This amazing Hawaiian getaway is nothing like your average beach vacation—it’s filled with adventure and activities in a luxurious Hilton beach resort. You’ll be living the HI life everyday.
Get ready to experience the excellence of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort as you enjoy a relaxing hotel stay on the biggest stretch of beach in Waikiki. You can swim in any of their five pools and saltwater lagoon or choose to feel the sand between your toes at Duke Kahanamoku Beach. And you can explore up to 22 acres of spectacular gardens on site.
What’s included:
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Honolulu from U.S. gateways
- Four nights in Honolulu at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in a Resort View Room
Please note: A Resort Fee of approximately US$57.48 per room per night will need to be paid directly to the hotel in destination, upon check-in. This fee includes: guest internet access, cultural activities, exercise classes, outdoor movies, 20% off adventure sail and elite beach package, two-day rental car discount or upgrade, 10% off beach activities/services, Waikiki Aquarium offer, and DVD/game use.
Cruise News
Stunning Cruise Itineraries in Japan
Sales have opened for MSC Cruises’ first ever winter season in Japan. With cruises now year-round from Japan, MSC Cruises offers the largest cruise capacity in the region.
The new winter program on MSC Bellissima will commence from November 2023 with an 11-night, 9-night and 6-night cruise from Yokohama.
From January to March 2024, MSC Bellissima will homeport in Naha/Okinawa offering guests from around the world the opportunity to experience Japan’s stunning landscapes and beaches, rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and modern attractions with multiple destinations—all without having to repack a suitcase.
The Winter 23/24 season will see MSC Bellissima sailing within Japan and to Keelung, Taiwan (China), offering cruises of four to five nights in length, with varying itineraries visiting destinations such as: Okinawa, Ishigaki, Keelung, Taiwan, and Miyako Island.
This summer, MSC Bellissima is now sailing eight to nine night summer sailings out of Yokohama, Tokyo, offering one-of-a-kind opportunities to discover the beauty of the region. Some of the departures still have availability.
Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic offers unique ways to see the enchanting Asian Pacific shorelines by small ship with new voyages that take you from Asia’s thriving cities to its small villages where wild creatures roam, ancient traditions endure, and rich cultural encounters make for unforgettable exploration.
In a region lost to time and enveloped in lore, discover lush isles where Komodo dragons roam and the ancient spires of 9th century temples pierce the jungle canopy. Dive into translucent waters and encounter colorful corals and sea life in a snorkeling and scuba mecca.
Special Savings: Air included up to US$5,000 and 20% off cabin fare; solo offers or 20% off back-to-back voyages.
Deal of the Week
Carefully Curated Tours to Spain, Portugal and Morocco
Spain in Style
Duration: nine days, eight nights
From: US$1,528 per person
Visiting: Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid
Mapping Northern Spain
Duration: 13 days, 12 nights
From: US$1,885 per person
Visiting: Vigo, Toledo, Haro, Santiago De Compostela, Avila, Madrid, Santander, Oviedo, Bilbao, Porto
Essence of Portugal and Spain
Duration: 14 days, 13 nights
From: US$2,282 per person
Visiting: Fatima, Sevilla, Lisboa, Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Guimaraes, Madrid, Sintra
Across Northern Spain and Portugal
Duration: 16 days, 15 nights
From: US$2,446 per person
Visiting: Fatima, Vigo, Lisboa, Guimaraes, Madrid, Oviedo, Santiago De Compostela, Santander, Haro, Bilbao
Landscapes of Spain and Morocco
Duration: 16 days, 15 nights
From: US$2,378 per person
Visiting: Sevilla, Toledo, Cordoba, Casablanca, Granada, Tarifa, Ronda, Tanger, Madrid, Marrakech, Fez
Spain, Portugal and Morocco Explorer
Duration: 20 days, 20 nights
From: US$3,229 per person
Visiting: Sevilla, Fatima, Lisboa, Toledo, Casablanca, Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, Tarifa, Guimaraes, Tanger, Madrid, Marrakech, Fez, Sintra
All tours include:
- Private transfers to/from airport as per itinerary
- Four-star hotels located in the city center with breakfast daily
- Transportation by luxury motor coach
- English-speaking tour director throughout the journey
- Guided visits with entrance fees included in cities per itinerary
- A carefully selected list of optional experiences available per itinerary
- Our “Customer Service on Tour 24/7” team
- Travel insurance.
Petrabax offers English-only small group tours specializing in the Iberian Peninsula by escorted group coach tours and independent travel services.
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: The Navigator, Hilton Hotels, MSC Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and Petrabax.
