By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Travel Awards Season: World’s Best Cities, Hotels, and More
Some of the world’s most prominent travel outlets have released their lists of the best destinations for 2022. Time Out, Travel and Leisure, and Time all unveiled their top picks.
Time Out placed Scottish capital Edinburgh as the best city for 2022, while Travel and Leisure placed the fast-growing Mexican destination of Oaxaca in its top spot.
Time Out’s list saw Chicago and Medellin in second and third place, with the top five rounded out by Glasgow and Amsterdam. Travel and Leisure placed San Miguel de Allende and Ubud second and third, while Florence and Istanbul finished fourth and fifth.
Time’s list differs slightly, listing the best destinations as nominated by the magazine’s correspondents. The unranked list highlights a breadth of places and brief but poignant reasons to visit each this year. Destinations include The Galapagos Islands, Ras Al Khaimah, and Dolni Morava.
International News
Riding the Rails in Spain Will Soon be Free
Spain will soon make some short and medium length train journeys completely free. It takes effect from September 1, allowing free rides on certain rail routes run by state-owned operator Renfe.
It is gratis for regional lines of less than 300 km and on commuter lines until the end of the year.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said it is a response to help alleviate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Spain has also reduced fares on state-owned public transport by half.
Embark on a Journey of Discovery
South Carolina and Georgia’s Gullah Geechee Heritage
On a six-day journey from Charleston to Savannah, take part in enlightening tours and encounters to discover the culture, history, and impact of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans. Full of good food, music and storytelling, this adventure is not just educational – it’s a whole lot of fun.
Style: Comfort
Ages: Minimum 15
Group size: Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Why you’ll love this trip
- Dig into Charleston’s Black heritage on an eye-opening tour, and tour the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church, and important figures in the civil rights movement.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the Gullah Geechee people when you explore James Island and Johns Island, enjoy a traditional low country lunch, and take part in a sweet grass weaving workshop.
- Meet the Gullah Geechee people of St. Helena Island and learn about their unique language and strong beliefs before tucking into a tasty low country lunch.
- Take part in a soul-stirring performance in Beaufort, where music and dance are used to share the experience of enslaved Africans brought to South Carolina, then share a seafood boil with the locals.
- Travel to Savannah and learn about the state’s Black and Gullah heritage during in-depth tour, then round off your adventure with Sunday worship at a Black church.
- Meals: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Transport: Private Van
- Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights). Want your own room? From an extra US$545
Rates per adult in a twin share room:
Oct. 4 – 9, 2022, US$2,820
Nov. 8 – 13, 2022, Available, US$2,820
Feb. 21 – 26, 2023, Available, US$2,960
Mar. 21 – 26, 2023, Available, US$2,960
Cruise News
The Gauguin Wins Best Small-Ship
Travel and Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards Number 1 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line
Paul Gauguin Cruises is thrilled to announce that the world’s most discerning travelers have once again voted the Paul Gauguin as the Number 1 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in Travel and Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards.
This honor is a testament to the genuine hospitality and authentic experiences provided by the Officers, Staff, and Crew aboard the intimate, 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin.
Recently reimagined with a contemporary tropical elegance, the beloved ship boasts an ambience of carefree all-inclusive luxury, setting the stage for immersive journeys throughout Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific.
Deal of the Week
Cunard Cruise Sale
Up to US$1,200 savings plus free drink package, free specialty dining, hotel and dining service charge included, exclusive shore event and more!
Hot Deals:
7 Day Alaska: Jun. 30, 2023; Roundtrip Vancouver; Queen Elizabeth; from US$869
7 Day Transatlantic: Aug. 5, 2022 – Dec. 8, 2023; New York City to Southampton; Queen Mary 2; from US$679
7 Day US and Canada Eastern: Sep. 30, 2022; Quebec City to New York City; Queen Mary 2; from US$579
7 Day Scandinavia and Fjords: Aug. 14, 2022; Roundtrip Southampton; Queen Victoria; from US $589
7 Day West Mediterranean: Aug. 29 – Sep. 26, 2022; Roundtrip Barcelona; Queen Elizabeth; from US$609
13 Day Southern Caribbean: Nov. 20, 2022; Roundtrip New York City; Queen Mary 2; from US $969
12 Day Canary Islands: Nov. 29, 2022; Roundtrip Southampton; Queen Victoria; from US$1,349
18 Day Panama Canal: Jan. 20, 2023; New York City to San Francisco; Queen Victoria; from US$3,989;
26 Day Grand Voyage: Apr. 30, 2023; Roundtrip New York City (Transatlantic—UK, Germany, Norway); Queen Mary 2; from US$4,209
107 Day World and Exotic: Jan. 11, 2024; Roundtrip Southampton (Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Town and more); Queen Victoria; from US$17,809
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around th eworld. 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.
