By Judy Newell
Mexico News
The Coolest Hotel Opening This Fall in Tulum
Casa Chablé is located in the South of Tulum—an area that feels a universe away from the partying crowds and ruins-visiting tourists, in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere on the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.
It’s the latest offering from eco-conscious, wellness-centric Mexican brand Chablé Hotels. Yoga classes for every level, Ayurvedic treatments, a gorgeous spa, cooking classes and tequila tastings, star gazing, cenote explorations—everything you’d expect from a luxury Quintana Roo experience is here.
The property (which has only five rooms in the Main House and five villas), does a great job of letting nature do most of the talking. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere protecting some 1.6 million acres of wide white sand beaches, mangrove forests, and secluded inlets, is nothing short of spectacular.
International News
All Thailand COVID Restrictions Finally Lifted
Thailand has officially ended all COVID-19 restrictions for foreign travelers. People arriving in Thailand are no longer required to produce vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test result.
Only travelers displaying possible COVID-19 symptoms will need to undergo testing. However, positive cases with only mild or no symptoms do not have to isolate.
Cruise News
NCL lifts all Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Norwegian Cruise Line has eliminated all COVID-19 testing, mask, and vaccination requirements. The revisions took effect October 4.
Norwegian says it continues to follow health rules in place at every port call. That means guests still need to follow local rules when they visit.
Norwegian was the first line to drop pre-cruise COVID testing. The line cites “significant, positive progress in the public health environment” for easing rules.
Four Seasons Launching Luxury Cruise Line
Four Seasons is following in the footsteps of Ritz Carlton by launching a yacht cruise line. Four Seasons Yachts is targeting a 2025 launch and Fincantieri will build the new luxury vessel.
The vessel will cost a whopping €1.2 billion. There is an option for two additional ships.
It will feature 95 staterooms including a four-floor “Funnel Suite” with over 9,600 square feet of living space.
Aviation News
American Airlines Flying Taxi Completes First Test Flight
Are we dreaming or did “The Jetsons” actually predict flying vehicles?
Last year, American Airlines preordered 250 flying taxis from British startup Vertical Aerospace, and recently the first piloted test flights went as planned. This is a milestone achievement in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology.
Vertical Aerospace designed the VX4 flying taxi to carry four passengers on 30-minute flights between airports and cities to combat traffic congestion and carbon emissions, being more energy efficient to run than vehicles.
American announced in July that it paid for the pre-delivery of 50 VX4s, with 200 on order and an option for 100 more. The aircraft vehicles are also attracting plenty of interest from other major airlines and tourism companies around the world.
Vertical Aerospace plans to continue VX4 testing with the goal to increase the altitude and speed with each new test flight. The company hopes to have the VX4 certified by 2025.
Deal of the Week
Extended: 2023 Early Booking Savings
We have some great news! You can continue to save on all-inclusive, luxury river cruises for next year for a short while longer. Early booking savings have been extended through October 31, 2022, so book and pay in full soon to save 10 percent on select 2023 departures.
If you’re looking to travel solo in 2023, you’re in luck—Uniworld’s added a few select dates with 100 percent waived single supplements for next spring!
Featured Itineraries:
Tulips and Windmills
10 Days | Amsterdam to Antwerp | River Duchess or River Empress
From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium at their most colorful when you travel in the springtime. Solo traveler dates added!
Milan, Venice, and The Jewels of Veneto
10 Days | Milan to Venice | S.S. La Venezia
Begin your journey in stunning Milan and disembark in romantic Venice. These two legendary cities will bookend unforgettable experiences set along Northern Italy’s exquisite coastline. Also available without Milan program is the 8-day Venice and the Jewels of Veneto itinerary.
Enchanting Danube
8 Days | Budapest to Passau | S.S. Maria Theresa
This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers and seasoned travelers alike.
2023 Early Booking Savings
Now is the time to secure the best pricing and availability on Uniworld’s 2023 river cruises. Book and pay in full by October 31, 2022, to save 10 percent across the entire collection of 2023 itineraries.
2023 Solo Traveler Savings
Discover solo travel at its best when everything is taken care of for you on an all-inclusive river cruise. Enjoy the best savings with 100 percent waived single supplements on select departures.
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: Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Mole, Norwegan Cruise Line, Four Seasons, The Navigator, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
