By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Royalton Cancun All-inclusive Resort Opens
All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy and Blue Diamond Resorts announced the opening of Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection Resort.
The all-inclusive resort features 1,005 suites, an expansive water park, and nightly entertainment.
It houses an outdoor theater for live entertainment. There are fitness facilities, a kid’s club, four-lane bowling and a trampoline park.
The all-inclusive resort boasts 12 culinary destinations for dining a la carte, buffet, or at a sports bar. Accommodations include a Diamond Club service upgrade section.
Cruise News
Crystal Cruises is Back
Crystal Cruises is back offering customers who sign up for its 2023 itineraries a priority reward program. Guests who join the Open Deposits program will have first access to itineraries, staterooms, suites, and experiences in 2023 and 2024 and also will get a US$125 shipboard credit.
Crystal will be operating Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony under its new owners, A&K Travel Group, who bought the brand in June 2022.
The ships will sail to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Also on the agenda will be Grand Journeys, “designed to inspire the most seasoned world travelers,” and the Crystal World Cruise in 2024.
“Book Early and Save” on Adventure Cruises
“Book Early and Save” is here with Hurtigruten Cruises. You can save up to US$4,000 on bucket-list adventures like the Galápagos Islands and Antarctica which are homes to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife and pristine landscapes.
As the world leader in sustainable adventure travel, Hurtigruten is delighted to sail on hybrid ships, partner with local communities, and do their best to ensure that these special places remain special for generations to come.
With sustainability and exploration at its core, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers small-ship exploration of more than 250 destinations across over 30 countries, including Antarctica, Alaska, Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, Norway, British Isles, South America, the Caribbean, and more.
It’s time to “Book Early and Save” up to US$4,000 on select Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises. Save big on bucket-list destinations like the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, and more. Offer valid until February 15.
You can also “Book Early and Save” up to US$2,000 on select Norwegian Coastal Express voyages. Save big on 12, 11, 7, and 6-day voyages along the beautiful Norwegian coast. Offer valid until February 15.
Aviation News
When’s the Best Time to Book a Flight?
Google debunked the myth that Tuesdays are the cheapest day to fly, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no rhyme or reason to booking a cheap flight.
Here are some main factors to help you determine the best time to book your next flight.
- The flight route: if you are flying a popular route or one with limited service, the ticket price will likely be higher.
- The time of year: if you’re flying during school breaks, summer, or the holiday season, expect to pay more for tickets. Try building in some flexibility around travel dates or flying in the off-season.
- Special events: if you’re flying for a special event, book your trip right away. Airlines know when there is a big event happening and prices will only go up.
Airfare has been at an all-time high as post-pandemic travel rages on. Luckily, prices are expected to come down in 2023. Here are some more ways to score cheap flights:
- Don’t wait: though some people think booking at the last minute is a way to save on flights, in reality, that’s very rare. Waiting until the last minute usually means you’re paying more.
- Domestic flights: generally, the best time to book is 1-2 months out.
- International trips: for the best deal, book 6 to 8 months out.
- Fly mid-week: though there’s not one day of the week that’s the cheapest to fly, taking off mid-week tends to be cheaper.
Deal of the Week
Magical France
12-day/11-night luxury package offered at US$7,095 per person.
Here’s a magical France itinerary commencing in Paris, then to Aix-en-Provence via a TGV train, and finally to Nice via a private transfer with a stop for wine tasting at Chateau d’Esclans, famous for its Whispering Angel rose.
Small group and private tours include: a sunset Versailles bike tour, a full-day tour to Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise to visit Monet’s house and gardens and to where Cezanne, Daubigny, Pissarro, and Corot painted—along with where its famous resident Vincent Van Gogh spent his last days.
Furthermore, a full day tour to the heart of Provence to the Luberon region for a soap making workshop where quintessential Provencal villages are perched on hilltops. Lastly, a gourmet walking tour in Aix combines with days at leisure.
Four-star accommodations in the most central locations with upper category rooms maintain your comfort and mean you are just steps away from attractions. Private airport and railway transfers provide an easy-breezy flow. Overall, it’s an itinerary filled with days of the dreamy ambiance that makes France famous.
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, Research Travel Online, Hurtigruten Group, Dollar Flight Club, and Eurobound.
