Mexico News
Work and learn from paradise
Playa Hotels & Resorts launched a new program, “Work & Learn from Paradise.” The program, which requires a 14-night minimum stay, is available at resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic and features:
- upgrades to a suite or interconnecting rooms
- office space with high-speed Wi-Fi
- onsite tech support
- complimentary laundry services
- three personal fitness training sessions per week
- two spa treatments per week
- a private cabana on Saturdays and Sundays
- personalized activities and educational experiences for children
- shared space for students learning remotely
- and conversational Spanish classes with bilingual instructors
The promotion is available through December 22, 2020, at the all-ages Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall; and the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cancun, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Sanctuary Cap Cana.
International News
Myanmar rediscovered
Off the travel radar for decades, this trip returns to some of Myanmar’s classic sights and explores new experiences and exchanges with local people. Features of trip:
- Bagan’s stunning Plain of Temples from above and below via hot-air balloon and overland excursions
- Shin Pyu initiation ceremony, Buddhist monuments, boat excursions, and stilt villages at Inle Lake
- Shrines and monasteries of Mandalay; Yangon with a pre-dawn visit to gleaming Shwedagon Pagoda
- Rural adventures visiting a pottery village, Danu community, and a conservation-focused elephant camp
- Burmese cuisine through cooking demos and classes, market visits, and special dining experiences
Group trip dates: February 7-20 and November 3-16, 2021. Custom trips offered October-March. 14-day group trip from US$6,835 per person.
Cruise News
AmaWaterways extends river cruising suspension
AmaWaterways said it would extend the suspension of river cruising through November 15, 2020. U.S. and Canadian markets make up 95 percent of the company’s guests and there are still many restrictions affecting the ability of North American residents to travel internationally.
President Rudy Schreiner said, “Our ships and crew remain on standby to welcome travelers on our regular scheduled sailings once these restrictions are lifted.”
AmaWaterways left open the intriguing possibility that it could run Christmas Market cruises in Europe in December, though most observers say river cruising in Europe probably won’t begin again until March 2020, the traditional start of the spring season.
Deal of the Week
Kenya’s Great Migration Safari & Victoria Falls
A safari in Africa is truly a unique experience. There’s nothing else quite like breathing in the cool early morning air as your four-wheel drive vehicle moves slowly through the bush, seeking out the amazing abundance of game. Of all the continent’s many exciting game reserves, some of the finest places to see wildlife are in Kenya.
Incredible wildlife experiences and spectacular landscapes await travelers on an 11-day Great Migration Safari to Kenya & Victoria Falls, a small group tour sponsored by Perfect Journeys, This private, custom-designed safari for residents and friends of San Miguel will take place September 15-25, 2021, at the peak of the Great Migration.
There’s nothing in the world to match the amazing migration of nearly two million wildebeest and zebra as they trek to the Masai Mara from the southern plains of the Serengeti. From July to November they follow the rains that bring with them fresh grasslands. Africa’s largest concentrations of predators are drawn to this perfect opportunity for easy hunting.
The Masai Mara in Kenya is often considered to be Africa’s premier safari destination. It is home to an astonishing concentration of animal and birdlife. Sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) are almost guaranteed. Birders can look for more than 450 recorded avian species.
In addition, the safari will visit Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
The safari land tour price is US$5,898 per person for two people sharing accommodations and regional flights are from US$1,287 per person (fare subject to change until ticketed). International airfare is additional.
The 11-day safari includes all accommodations in Kenya and Victoria Falls in deluxe safari lodges and hotels, private English-speaking guide/drivers on safari, private 4-wheel safari vehicles with guaranteed window seating, airport transfers, all breakfasts, 3 meals a day while on safari, and sightseeing including national park and entrance fees. The tour is accompanied by Judy and Jim Newell.
For the full itinerary and description of accommodations, please contact Judy Newell at Perfect Journeys. Cell phone 415 111 8765, Vonage 949-300-3682, or email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
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. Cell phone 4151118765; Vonage 949-300-3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Travel Pulse, Geo Ex, Insider Travel Report, Perfect Journeys