Mexico News
Beyond Isla del Coral: the other beaches in Rincón de Guayabitos
Everyone knows Rincón de Guayabitos and its beautiful Isla del Coral, but even though its beauty is undeniable, there are other lesser known beaches that are worth discovering.
Three small, charming beaches—Playa Frideras, Playa Frideritas, and Playa del Toro—form a corridor that can be reached by land or by sea, and they are immersed in vegetation, largely isolated, and ideal for spending a day in absolute tranquility.
Travelers can reach them from Los Ayala or from Rincón de Guayabitos.
Playa Frideritas
Also known as Playa del Beso—”Kiss Beach”—it is about 150 meters by foot from Playa los Ayala. A path ends at a charming beach perfectly ensconced in lush vegetation with soft, golden sand and water that varies from blue to green.
Playa Frideras
This is the longest and most developed; it even has a restaurant serving fresh seafood. Its coastline is rockier, but, during high tide when the ocean is calm, it’s great for snorkeling or diving. This beach can be easily reached by boat from Los Ayala.
Playa del Toro
A small beach—only 200 by 30 meters—it is rarely visited because it’s harder to get to it up a fairly steep incline from Los Ayala for about two kilometers, though you can also take a boat. The water is calm and crystalline with shades of blue and green.
Air News
All 3 major U.S. airlines are getting rid of change fees for good
United Airlines announced that it is permanently getting rid of change fees on all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
The airline is also extending its fee waiver for new tickets purchased through December 31, meaning that all tickets purchased from March 3 through the end of the year—both domestic and international—will be permitted an unlimited amount of free changes.
A day after United’s announcement, Delta Air Lines stated that it will no longer charge fees to cancel or change domestic flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in all Delta fare classes, except Basic Economy. Delta waived its US$200 change fee, the same amount as United’s.
American Airlines slashing capacity by 55 percent
American Airlines will slash its flying capacity by 55 percent in October in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic’s disruptions on the travel industry.
The airline is reducing its operations as demand for travel continues to slump due to the pandemic and a slower season approaching as summer vacations come to an end. It is adding more than 20 seasonal routes for customers seeking to travel to warmer climates as fall comes, including Miami, Phoenix, and Mexico.
Several airlines received federal assistance from the government by agreeing not to lay off any employees until October 1. But talks for additional funding in Congress have stalled, leading airlines to prepare for massive job cuts.
American Airlines said it expects to cut 19,000 jobs in October after the federal aid expiration date, following the announcements from Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines warning of thousands of layoffs.
Cruise News
Another cruise line throws in the towel on 2020 cruises
Windstar Cruises announced that they have canceled all remaining cruises this year. The cruise line said that they believe that the most prudent way forward to keep their crew and guests safe is to postpone sailings until 2021.
Guests on canceled cruises will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 125 percent of all monies paid on the booking to Windstar Cruises. Guests who prefer a refund can request their FCC be converted to a refund equal to 100 percent of the monies paid to Windstar. Guests will have 24 months to book and embark on any available Windstar cruise using their FCC.
Other cruise lines that have canceled all remaining cruises in 2020 are Viking and Cunard.
Deal of the Week
Islands of Thailand
Blessed with pristine beaches, stunning views, and vibrant culture, this Phuket, Phi Phi, and Krabi journey is a perfect tropical vacation. See some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in Thailand on this unforgettable nine-day tour. The flexible itinerary will allow plenty of time for relaxation and exploration.
Begin your tour on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket. The ferry to the tropical island of Koh Phi Phi is off the country’s Andaman Coast; then spend two nights in the picture-perfect surrounds of Krabi.
Small Group Tour and Guaranteed Departures
Highlights:
- Explore Phuket, the largest island in Thailand
- Enjoy the clear warm waters and white sandy beaches of the stunning island of Koh Phi Phi
- Explore the activities offered in beautiful Krabi or sample the area’s famous nightlife
Inclusions:
- International roundtrip airfare from various North American gateways
- 6 night’s accommodation at listed hotels or similar
- Daily buffet breakfasts
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Transportation in an AC deluxe vehicle
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Return ferry Phuket ‒ Phi Phi – Krabi
- All taxes and fuel surcharges
Prices for this tour are from US$1299 per person, based on a twin/double room sharing basis with flights from Los Angeles. Other gateways in U.S. and Canada are available. Single supplement is available starting US$399. Promotion valid until September 18, 2020.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant since 1971, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: CVB Riviera Nayarit, United Airlines, Travel Market Report, Condé Nast Traveler, American Airlines, Cruise Fever, Indus