By Judy Newell
Mexico News
2022 Readers’ Choice Award
Best Small Cities in the World
Number One: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
“Four hours northwest of Mexico City is the jewel of San Miguel de Allende, which has topped this list for three years in a row now. A hub for expat artists, this highland city is known for its Spanish Colonial architecture and colorful facades.
“You could spend hours browsing the galleries and pop-up shops at Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory that is now home to local artisans.
“The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is a hidden oasis in the heart of the city, with grand rooms featuring hand-carved furnishings and 360-degree views of the skyline from the rooftop tapas bar. For dinner, book the chef’s table at Aperi for one of the best dining experiences in the city, full of fresh flavors from the region.”
International News
New Canada Testing and Vaccination Protocols
As of October 1, guests traveling to Canada are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, undergo any type of COVID-19 testing, or submit health information via the ArriveCAN website or mobile app.
The requirement that all train and airplane passengers wear masks while on board has also been lifted.
La Dolce Vita Awaits
If you’re longing for amazing food, stunning art, fascinating history, and spectacular scenery, the Taste of Italy with Sorrento Tour will delight you. You’ll see the spectacular sights of Venice, Florence, and Rome, and CIE Tours has added on extra days to give you so much more: Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Isle of Capri—and new for 2023, the stunning Amalfi coast.
Stroll through the colorful streets of the chic village of Positano and then take a cruise to Amalfi. Pass by fishing villages, clifftop churches, and stunning architecture on your way to this beautiful resort town, renowned for its distinctive cuisine, handmade ceramics, and centuries-long tradition of papermaking.
Explore it all with amazing local guides and enjoy the worry-free travel you can only get from CIE Tours. Ten days, starting from US$3,295.
Cruise News
Cunard’s Explore with More
This fall, “Explore with More” and receive up to US$2,000 onboard credit per stateroom, free specialty dining for two, hotel and dining service charges, and a 50% reduced deposit on select voyages seven nights or longer sailing between February 2023 and May 2024.
Grill Suite bookings will continue to receive the complimentary drinks package. In addition, Cunard World Club Members receive discounts up to US$1,200 per stateroom (blackout dates apply). Must book by Monday, January 2, 2023.
Special Savings for Veterans
In recognition of the service members of the United States armed forces, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is extending an exclusive offer to active and former military members.
During National Veteran and Military Families Month, they’ll save 20% on select expedition cruises to destinations rich in military history, such as the D-Day beaches in Normandy and South Pacific isles harboring fascinating World War II relics and shipwrecks.
Book by November 30, 2022, so you can take advantage of this special offer.
Deal of the Week
Luxury Private Car Tours of Israel
These wondrous journeys have been meticulously planned, handpicking the finest guides to create a luxurious experience that is seamless and distinctive. Enjoy Israel at your own pace, focusing on your personal interests.
Israel 360-Degrees
North to South, East to West. It’s all covered on Israel 360-Degrees by private car, including
Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Petra, Mitzpe, and Ramon.
Tour departs on Wednesdays.
Tour Includes:
• Deluxe hotels
• Seven days sightseeing (Israel) and two days (Jordan) per itinerary by private car/microbus
with private guide
• All transfers by private car
• VIP meeting by our host at the jetway of the aircraft upon arrival in Israel
• Flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat
• Wine-tasting cocktails at a Golan Winery
• Jeep ride in the Golan Heights
• Special Kibbutz tour at Sde Eliahu
• “Night Spectacular” sound and light show in Jerusalem
• “Shuk Bites” tasting experience at Machane Yehuda Market
• Jeep ride at Wadi Rum in Jordan
• Jeep ride at Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, in Israel
• Visa for Jordan
• “Petra Kitchen” cooking class
• Expedited arrival and departure services at Ben Gurion Airport for international flights
• 20 meals
Number of nights: 13
2023 dates available from January 4 through May 3, with Wednesday departures.
Land-only prices per person from US$8,535 for double occupancy and US$10,724 for single occupancy.
Other tours by private car available:
• Discover the Holy Land, Christian Spiritual Tour; 10 days, 8 nights
• Israel Heritage, A Jewish Interest Tour; 11 days, 9 nights
• Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Israel, Cultural-Culinary Tour; 12 days, 10 nights
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, Air Canada, CIE Tours, Cunard, Lindblad Expeditions, and Isram Israel.
