Though COVID-19 has stalled a lot of travel plans, we hope our stories can offer inspiration for your future adventures—and a bit of hope.
Mexico News
Historic places in the Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is much more than exclusive resorts set on gorgeous beaches or traditional fishing villages. This tourism corridor that extends along more than 307 kilometers of coastline also guards a variety of historical places, as do other regions of the state like the Sierra del Nayar and Colonial Nayarit.
In these places, it’s possible to find the remains of pre-Colombian civilizations and also more modern ones, whether in the heroic Port of San Blas, in archaeological sites like Altavista in the municipality of Compostela, or in the towns tucked away in the intricate mountains.
One of the 10 Historic Places in the Riviera Nayarit that we suggest should be visited is La Contaduría (The Accounting House).
La Contaduría in San Blas, located in the mountains of San Basilio, harks back to the year 1773 and is one of the places that saw the most battles in the long history of the port. Its beautiful colonial architecture and imposing cannons are mute witnesses to past glory.
As a departure and arrival point for the legendary Manila galleon, it was also the most important center for business and cultural exchanges between America with Asia and Europe. La Contaduría was also a military fort, where José María Mercado directed liberation strategies during the Mexican Independence movement, having been named Commander-in-Chief of the regional divisions by the famous priest Miguel Hidalgo.
Currently, La Contaduría has a museum where visitors can see the remains of the bravery and pride of the people of San Blas.
Air News
Virgin Australia Airline to be sold to U.S.-based Bain Capital
Virgin Australia’s creditors agreed to sell the airline to Boston-based Bain Capital in a deal that will see the carrier cut 3,000 jobs and end many of its international flights.
Co-founded by British businessman Richard Branson, the airline in April became the world’s largest to seek bankruptcy protection after the coronavirus pandemic grounded much of the aviation industry. It plans to reemerge with cheap fares as a value-based carrier.
Another airline founded by Branson, Virgin Atlantic, last month filed for protection in U.S. bankruptcy court as part of a process in the United Kingdom to carry out a restructuring plan.
Virgin Australia said the deal with Bain, worth 3.5 billion Australian dollars (US$2.5 billion), would see unsecured creditors get paid between 9 and 13 cents on the dollar for their claims. Virgin’s creditors are owed a total of about AU$7 billion.
The administrators in June signed a binding agreement with Bain Capital, the company co-founded by former Republican presidential candidate Sen. Mitt Romney. Virgin’s administrator said creditors had voted overwhelmingly in favor of the deal.
Under a plan announced previously, the airline will cut back its workforce to 6,000 and end long-haul routes from Australia to Los Angeles and Tokyo as it resets the business for lower global demand. The airline’s budget subsidiary Tigerair Australia will be discontinued.
Cruise News
Cruises are planning for a busy 2021
No travel sector has been impacted more publicly by COVID-19 than the cruise industry, which has had to rethink many of its formerly standard practices.
If you hope to cruise in 2021, word in the industry is: Book now. Between the passengers who bumped 2020 sailings because of the pandemic, and general interest in getting out to sea again, cabins on ships both small and large, river and ocean, are filling up fast.
For 2021, cruise bookings industry-wide are up 4 percent, with river cruises up 30 percent from January 2020 to January 2021. And for those deciding whether to cruise next year, only small fully refundable deposits are required.
Deal of the Week
Holland America extends “Save Now, Cruise Later” promotion
Holland America Line is extending its popular “Save Now, Cruise Later: Have it All” promotion. Running through September 30, 2020, guests who book with the promotion will receive free drinks, free gratuities, free specialty dining, free Wi-Fi, and more.
With the promotion, travelers can book holiday 2020 cruises through winter/spring 2022 cruises or Alaska Land+Sea Journeys (excluding Grand Voyages). All bookings are eligible for 50 percent reduced deposits. This promo is available for cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.
Further, third and fourth guests in the same stateroom also receive a free beverage package, free gratuities, free dining package, and reduced deposits.
Additionally, Holland America Line is offering a Cancellation Protection Program that can be purchased for new cruise or Alaska Land+Sea Journeys or existing bookings, as long as it is purchased before the date cancellation fees begin.
Book now and receive up to US$2,300 in extras on cruises later this year and 2021 and 2022 voyages.
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 Judy for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cellphone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: CVB Riviera Nayarit, Fox Business, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Agent