Mexico News
Mexican Caribbean Reopens Archaeological Sites
Due to the coordinated efforts of health officials and the latest update to the epidemiological light system, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) approved the gradual reopening of archaeological sites in the north of the Mexican Caribbean with the implementation of new sanitary measures.
The sites that have reopened include Tulum, Cobá, San Gervasio, and Muyil, which will be open Monday to Sunday from 9 am.
To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, archaeological sites have implemented new measures, including reduced capacity (group maximums of 10, including guided tour groups), installation of a sanitary filter at site entrances, mandatory use of masks or face coverings for guests and staff, and gradual, controlled access, especially in site health services, to maintain social distance.
Tulum will be limited to 2,000 visitors daily, while Cobá will be limited to 1,000. There is no specified limit for San Gervasio and Muyil since these sites have fewer visitors.
The destinations of Cancun, Costa Mujeres, Cozumel, Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, and Tulum recently celebrated the next phase of the epidemiological light system by transitioning from orange to yellow, which reactivates economic activity and begins the gradual reopening of select public beaches.
International News
Finland Uses Coronavirus-Sniffing Dogs at Airport
Finland is deploying dogs that can detect the coronavirus at its main international airport in Helsinki, according to The Associated Press.
The four-month pilot program could determine whether COVID-detecting canines could be used as an affordable alternative for testing and help airport officials find infected travelers.
The program is voluntary. Passengers who agree to take the free test use a wipe to swipe their necks to collect a sweat sample, which is placed in a box and given to a dog in a separate booth.
The four trained canines, who have learned how to detect cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses, sniff the sample for 10 seconds and then give a result. If the wipe is positive, the passenger is encouraged to take a standard COVID-19 test at the airport’s health center.
So far, the trial seems to be working. The dogs can sniff out the virus in people who are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic and can detect the virus at earlier stages than standard COVID-19 tests.
Finland is the second country to test detection dogs at an airport, following a program launched at the Dubai International Airport in August. Dog-sniffing programs are being studied in Australia, Britain, France, Germany, and the U.S. as well.
Cruise News
New Cruises on Exotic Rivers
Among many new exotic river options, Panda will debut a new seven-night “Brahmaputra Expedition” itinerary in northern India starting in October 2021. Operating a roundtrip from Guwahati, the 36-passenger Kindit Pandaw will ply the Brahmaputra River within a region of UNESCO-protected national parks and rural communities.
In Southeast Asia, Viking will launch a new ship, the 80-passenger Viking Saigon, for its “Magnificent Mekong” cruise-tour. Starting on August 30, the vessel will operate between Kampong Cham, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Across the globe, Aqua Expeditions’ new 40-passenger Aqua Nerais will head to its new home port of Iquitos, Peru. In 2021, it will operate three, four, and seven-night eco-adventures in the Peruvian Amazon.
Sailing on Egypt’s Nile River in 2021 will be AmaWaterways’ new 68-passenger AmaDahlia. An 11-night “Secrets of Egypt & the Nile” itinerary will include land experiences in Cairo and a seven-night river cruise roundtrip from Luxor.
Deal of the Week
2021 Alaska Adventures Awaits!
Experience true adventure and save with the new “buy one, get one half off” offer on select expedition cruises to some of Hurtigruten’s favorite destinations—Alaska, Antarctica, and Norway! Offer valid until November 15, 2020.
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Alaska Voyages:
Departure: May-June, 2021 (14 days)
Alaska and British Columbia—Wilderness, Glaciers, and Culture (northbound or southbound)
Ship: MS Roald Amundsen; buy one, get one half off; from US$7,193/person
Departure: June & July 2021 (18 Days)
Alaska and British Columbia—Inside Passage, Bears, and Aleutian Islands (northbound and southbound)
Ship: MS Roald Amundsen; buy one, get one half off; from US$10,988/person
Worry-Free Booking: Book a cruise by October 31, 2020, and if you cancel it for any reason in the future, we promise that you will receive a full refund, including your deposit, within 14 days.
Call for information on other destinations.
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, WebMD, Hurtigruten