Mexico News
Hotel Reopenings by La Colección Resorts
After a brief halt of operations due to the global coronavirus pandemic, La Colección Resorts has begun reopening its doors to travelers across Mexico. Since June 11, resorts under the brands Live Aqua, Fiesta Americana, Grand Fiesta Americana, and The Explorean began a gradual reopening.
As of June 15, the following hotels are all open:
- Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach All Inclusive
- Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
- The Explorean Cozumel
- Fiesta Americana Cancun Villas
- Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All Inclusive
- Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive
- Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
- Live Aqua Private Residences Los Cabos
- Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa
- Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Adults Only
- The Explorean Kohunlich
On July 1, Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende and Fiesta Americana Acapulco Villas will open.
Cruise News
Holland America Cancels Select Cruises into 2021
With travel and port restrictions continuing for the near future due to global health concerns, Holland America Line extended its pause of cruise operations and cancelled more departures from the port of Vancouver, B.C., this fall.
Cancelled are Panama Canal, Pacific coastal, and South America voyages in September and October 2020. Also cancelled are select Hawaii cruises from either Vancouver this fall or San Diego in early 2021.
Guests on cancelled voyages will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit unless they opt for a refund. The credit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and may be used to book sailings departing through December 31, 2022.
Previously, Holland America Line extended its pause of global cruise operations and cancelled all Alaska, Europe, and Canada/New England cruises for 2020. In addition, Amsterdam will not operate the 79-day Grand Africa Voyage.
International News
Victoria Falls Splendor
Victoria Falls is in all its splendor as it reaches the highest water levels in a decade. Victoria Falls appears to be thoroughly enjoying its alone time, reaching its highest flows in a powerful display of breathtaking beauty and intensity, which ironically no one is there to witness.
Trump Blocks Chinese Passenger Airlines from U.S.
Political and travel tensions reached a peak when the Trump administration decided to block Chinese commercial airlines from flying to the U.S.
The Department of Transportation said it would suspend travel privileges of Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines starting June 16.
The situation has been a contentious back-and-forth. Both Delta and United want to restart their lucrative routes to China next month and have submitted applications to resume flights to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This comes after having suspended flights more than two months ago due to the coronavirus.
To stem the tide of foreigners bringing imported cases of the virus to China, the CAAC ordered all airlines to use their flight schedules from March 16 to 22 as their baseline for how many flights can logistically be operated to and from China. But Delta and United had already stopped flying to Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities by those dates, so they have no benchmark.
Airlines Ban Alcohol on Planes
Alcohol sales may have boomed during lockdown, but our return to air travel will be an altogether more sobering experience. Many airlines are limiting drink options to water only and not serving any hot meals.
Airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and KLM in Europe; Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in the United States; and Asia’s Cathay Pacific and Virgin Australia are suspending all or part of their alcoholic drink service in response to COVID-19, as part of a widespread revision of the industry’s food and drink service to minimize interaction between crew and passengers, and to ensure a safer journey for all. Face masks are already mandatory on the majority of all flights around the world, so if you’re traveling this summer, pack plenty of healthy snacks and keep your face mask on.
Words of the Wise and Well-traveled
“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.” – Anthony Bourdain
Deal of the Week
Club Med Cancun: Let’s Escape Again
Take back summer vacation with a last-minute getaway to Club Med Cancun, or plan a warm-weather escape later this year for up to 50 percent off.
All-inclusive Pioneer Club Med and Club Med Cancun will begin welcoming guests on July 1. Club Med also announced the launch of its Let’s Escape Again Sale, open for bookings now through August 26, 2020, with select travel dates through January 9, 2021.
This resort is the perfect location for families. Its recently expanded Aguamarina family oasis area features 60 all-new oceanfront family rooms, water games at the dedicated family pool, and outdoor activities as part of the new Club Med Amazing Family programming.
The new Club Med Spa by L’Occitane, the only L’Occitane experience in the Yucatan region, offers personalized treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Through Club Med’s “Safe Together” initiative, new hygiene and safety protocols will be implemented in all the brand’s resorts including those in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Guests will enjoy unlimited access to included amenities, from land and water sports to expert childcare and expansive dining options.
To ensure travelers have complete flexibility and peace of mind, Club Med offers an updated free cancellation policy. For new bookings made after May 18 for travel through December 18, 2020, guests can receive a full refund should they need to cancel their stay, up to 15 days prior to the anticipated travel date.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant since 1971, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit your interests, physical abilities, and budget. Please contact Newell for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Travel Agent Central, Luxury Travel Advisor, PSC Inc, Travel Pulse, CNN Travel, Insider Travel Report