International News
Kenya is Back in Business
As steps got into high gear on re-opening the country, in July Kenya was awarded the Safe Travel Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The accreditation came in recognition of the country’s adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols dubbed ‘Safe Travels’ in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Twenty out of 36 international airlines that had suspended flights into Kenya due to the pandemic have resumed business since the Aug. 1 restart. All major domestic airlines have resumed flights into various local destinations.
National carrier Kenya Airways resumed international and domestic operations and is constantly increasing the number of local and international routes it is serving. The airline resumed flights from Nairobi to New York in October.
The U.S. is among countries from which travelers are free to travel without being subjected to 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Kenya.
So by September 2021, when the “Kenya Safari & Victoria Falls” tour by Perfect Journeys takes place, there should be no doubts as to the safety of travel to Kenya. Contact judynewell@perfectjourneys.net for full details on the private small group tour Sept. 15-25 during The Great Migration.
CDC Issues Level 4 Travel Notice
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 4 travel notice warning against all cruising, and setting international air travel precautions to help the public make informed decisions for safer, healthier, and more responsible travel during the pandemic.
The CDC advises that “all people” should avoid travel on cruise ships worldwide because “the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high.” The CDC added that “Passengers who decide to go on a cruise should get tested three to five days after your trip and stay home for seven days after travel.”
The CDC further recommends that even if a traveler tests negative, they should stay home for the full seven days. If they don’t take a test, they should self-isolate for 14 days.
Regarding air travel, the CDC says: “Social distancing is difficult in busy airports and on crowded flights, and sitting within six feet of others, sometimes for hours, may increase your risk of getting COVID-19. How you get to and from the airport, such as with public transportation and ridesharing, can also increase your chances of being exposed to the virus.”
It recommends that international air travelers get tested “one to three days before your flight” and again “three to five days after travel.” Those who test negative upon return should quarantine at home for seven days and 14 days for those who do not get tested.
Cruise News
Windstar Cancels Cruises into 2021
Due to rising coronavirus outbreaks around the world, Windstar Cruises announced it has canceled additional cruise departures. The cruise line previously canceled all remaining cruises in 2020 and is now canceling cruises for January and February 2021 for all its yachts, and into March and April 2021, depending on the itinerary. The first yacht to set sail, as of the latest update, will be the Wind Spirit on Mar. 25, 2021 in Tahiti.
Deal of the Week
Holiday Escape to the Islands of Tahiti
Now is the perfect time to plan your holiday to the islands of Tahiti. Wide open spaces and enhanced safety measures make Tahiti the serene escape you have been dreaming of.
Located in the South Pacific, the islands of Tahiti are just eight hours by air from California. Surrounded by pristine, crystal clear blue waters, the 118 islands and atolls offer natural beauty, authentic island culture, and unique French Polynesian style.
Moorea Romance–Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa from US$3,933
The heart-shaped island of Moorea is the perfect place for romance. Book this seven-night romantic getaway to the luxurious Hilton Moorea Lagoon and Spa. The resort is nestled between two bays with velvety green mountains as a backdrop. A crystal clear 10-acre lagoon embraces the island’s all-bungalow resort that commands the most idyllic oceanfront location.
This vacation package includes:
- Roundtrip air from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
- Inter-island transportation
- All applicable transfers
- Seven nights at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa in a Overwater Bungalow
- Daily breakfast
- Four-wheel drive safari
Tikehau Enchantment from US$4,350
Beautiful lagoons and remote atolls make this the trip of choice for anyone who dreams of being a castaway in a South Pacific paradise. The tour includes seven nights with all meals at Ninamu Resort and breakfast and dinner at Vanira Lodge.
Experience the true Polynesian way of life with a week spent relaxing amidst lush tropical jungles and remote, pristine beaches with this seven-night value vacation at the unique Vanira Lodge on Tahiti and Ninamu Resort on Tikehau with complimentary use of all non-motorized sports.
This vacation package includes:
- Round-trip international airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
- Round-trip inter-Island air transportation on Air Tahiti
- Two nights at Vanira Lodge in the Vai Ora Bungalow
- Five nights at Ninamu Resort in a Garden Bungalow with AC
- Daily breakfast and dinner for two at Vanira Lodge
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two at Ninamu Resort
- Complimentary use of non-motorized sports
- Welcome flower lei, transfers, and baggage handling
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 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: APTA, Travel Leaders Network, Travel Agent Central, The Islands of Tahiti