By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Marriott International has opened the 167-room Aloft Playa del Carmen, the lifestyle brand’s third hotel in the Mexican Caribbean region. Located near the destination’s popular Fifth Avenue shopping and dining destination, the hotel offers several food and beverage spots, including a WXYZ Bar, Remix Lounge and Nook Restaurant, as well as a live music venue and a rooftop with two infinity pools.
International News
Warsaw was named European Best Destination 2023
Warsaw has taken the title of European Best Destination 2023, beating off stiff competition from 21 other cities also nominated.
Votes in the competition were cast by internet users worldwide and they decided the winning city.
Established in 2009, European Best Destinations is a travel website whose aim is to promote culture and tourism in Europe.
Warsaw’s rich tourism appeal is evident. The city boasts a fascinating history, modern museums and art galleries, a packed calendar of cultural events, great culinary experiences and beautiful green spaces.
Above all, Warsaw stands out as an exceptionally open, safe and hospitable city.
The win is welcome news and will enable Warsaw to rebuild its international tourist traffic after the losses of the Coronavirus pandemic, and exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.
Phoenix: Self-driving Taxis are available
Waymo, a self-driving robotaxi service, is now available to the general public in Phoenix.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- The service now offers driverless rides between downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport.
- Waymo will be doubling its service area in downtown Phoenix.
- The autonomous ridesharing experience is available 24/7 between the airport and downtown.
- To book a ride, users simply need to download the Waymo One app.
- Unlike other ridesharing services, users can expect zero wait time with Waymo.
- Waymo is experimenting with different pricing methods comparable to other ridesharing options.
Waymo is already available to the public across most of San Francisco, where riders can use the Waymo One app to book a driverless ride for free. The company hopes to expand to Los Angeles in the near future and is working to secure the permits needed to commercially launch in both California cities.
Phoenix isn’t the only airport launching the robotaxi. It seems this could be the latest travel trend with Uber recently launching its own services in Las Vegas as well.
Cruise News
Holland America Line’s 2024 Alaska Cruisetours are open for booking, and travelers who want to head to Denali and the Yukon can start planning their vacation with the leader in Alaska exploration. Combine a cruise with the Best of Denali and exclusive tour options featuring Canada’s Yukon – All dates now available to book.
Leveraging more than 75 years of experience in the Great Land and a network of its own hotels, railcars and motorcoaches, Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends the land tour to the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush and the unspoiled reaches of the Yukon Territory.
With 16 different Cruisetours in 2024, guests can choose whether to cruise to Alaska or go overland first, and then decide to include one, two or three nights at Denali National Park. Those who want to explore farther into Canada can add a trip to the remote landscapes of the Yukon with stops in Dawson City and Whitehorse.
For a limited time, when guests book 2024 Alaska Cruisetours with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included, plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
2023 Voyages with 20% Saving on Regent Seven Seas Cruises
More unrivaled space can be enjoyed with 20% Savings now across new select voyages in Alaska, Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Canada & New England with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Take advantage of the expanded savings with the Upgrade Your Horizon offer. You’ll enjoy a 2-Category Suite Upgrade, Reduced Deposits and 20% Savings aboard an all-inclusive journey sure to deliver an unrivaled experience.
This special closes at midnight on December 31, 2023.
Deal of the Week
Free at Sea
Discover a new country today and then do it again tomorrow. Norwegian Cruise Line offers over 160 port-rich itineraries with 150 ports of call across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles.
Book on a cruise to Europe with Norwegian and see for yourself why Norwegian has been named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” 14 years in a row. You’ll explore more with an average of 9 hours in port and many overnights. Plus, you will enjoy the incredible value that’s included in your cruise fare with Free at Sea.
Free at Sea ~ All-inclusive
- Free Airfare
- Free Unlimited Open Bar
- Free Specialty Dining
- Free Excursions
- Free WiFi
- Free 3rd & 4th Guests
- Up to US $2,900 Free
- Feel Free!
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 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 judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Travel Weekly, Travel Mole, Dollar Flight Club, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line
