By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Mexico Added to CDC’s High Risk COVID-19 List
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention placed vacation hotspot Mexico in its ‘high’ risk category for COVID-19.
The CDC recently revamped its risk classification for COVID-19, with ‘Level 3’ the highest risk. Level 2 is moderate risk, and Level 1 is considered low risk.
Along with Mexico, New Caledonia and the United Arab Emirates were placed in the Level 3 category.
Mexico and the UAE were previously at Level 2. Nearly half of the countries and territories monitored by the CDC are at Level 3.
International News
U.S. lifts COVID Tests for Inbound Air Travelers
The U.S. administration is finally dropping the need for a negative COVID-19 test for inbound travelers.
After months of concerted pressure from the travel industry it was lifted on June 12. The CDC will review the decision after three months.
“If there is a need to reinstate a pre-departure testing requirement – including due to a new, concerning variant – CDC will not hesitate to act,” an official said.
The rule was put in place in early 2021 and then tightened by the Biden administration, to show proof of a negative test within a day of departure. It had already been dropped for land border crossings.
Save Big on Rocky Mountaineer Travel in 2022 and 2023
If you’ve been thinking about booking a train trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, now is the time. The Final Call Promotion saves US$150 per person or US$300 per couple. The Rocky Mountaineer’s season ends in October (exact dates vary by route), so plan for summer or early fall trips.
If you prefer to plan even further ahead, couples can save US$800 on select dates with the All Aboard 2023 Travel Promotion. Book by August 31, 2022, to save on 2023 trips.
Cruise News
Take 50 Percent off Select Voyages with HAL
Holland America Line is celebrating the return of its full fleet for the first time since the pandemic began with up to 50 percent off select cruises throughout 2022 and 2023, as well as US$50 of onboard credit per guest and deposits reduced by 50 percent.
Travelers can take an 11-day cruise up the Atlantic Coast starting at US$479 or enjoy a 7-day Western Mediterranean voyage from Italy to Spain starting at US$799.
This celebratory sale includes cruises to nearly every corner of the globe, from Alaska to the Caribbean, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Australia, Antarctica, and more. Cruises must be booked by June 30 to take advantage of these big offerings.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
When the much-anticipated Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launches its first-ever ship, Evrima, it will be a treat for cruise enthusiasts and sailing newbies alike.
As the line’s name suggests, the atmosphere aboard the vessel is meant to feel closer to that on a chartered superyacht rather than a cruise ship, with intimate restaurants, a cigar-and-cognac bar, two infinity pools, and even a marina at the ship’s lower aft that offers “sun loungers, water toys, and seamless entry into the sea.”
Every suite has its own terrace and a minibar provisioned to the guest’s preferences. What’s more: each passenger is assigned their own personal concierge who takes care of every detail of their voyage, from booking reservations at the ship’s specialty restaurants to organizing shore excursions and fulfilling other requests.
Evrima‘s first sailing embarks on August 6, with roundtrip 7-night itineraries from Athens that visit Mykonos, Rhodes, Amorgos, and Spetses in Greece, as well as a stop in Bodrum, Turkey. And don’t forget, you can also book a voyage using Marriott Bonvoy points.
Deal of the Week
Under the Southern Cross: New Zealand to Melanesia
Uncover the tropical beauty and important cultural history of the South Seas.
Following in the wake of Captain Cook, you will journey from New Zealand’s North Island to the Solomon Sea. Delve into a fascinating history of intrepid explorers, convicts, and traders, and learn about the rich cultures of the Maori and the Melanesians.
Examine traditional carved houses and ancient caves and meet villagers on some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific. Along the way, don your snorkel and fins to discover incredible coral reefs and lagoons.
- Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Maori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
- Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
- See the stunning limestone geology of New Caledonia at Isle of Pines and visit a cave filled with primitive tree ferns
- Visit important World War II sites, including the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge and the Battle of Guadalcanal
- Come ashore at Tikopia. Meet the local chiefs of the traditional villages and learn about the cyclone that almost devastated the island in 2002—without any loss of life
- See the fantastic fishing canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon
Duration: 18 days
Price: From US$15,160 per person (does not include airfare)
Dates: Jan., Feb., Oct., Dec.
Special offers: Free bar tab and crew tips included; fourth guest travels free; and more
Ship: National Geographic Orion
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 Ttrave News topics, Mexico, and international tfravel. 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: Journey Mexico, Inspiring Vacations, Travel Mole, The Navigator, and Dunhill Vacations.
