The region is also known for its vibrant food scene, outdoor activities, and welcoming locals. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, the American Southwest has something for everyone.

Springdale, Utah

Springdale is your entry point if you’re traveling to Zion National Park from the west or south. For hungry trekkers, this small village in the Southwest, which is located at the entrance to Zion Canyon, serves quick meals. Grab a patio table at your preferred restaurant after a tiresome day in the park and enjoy the sunset over the red-rock canyon cliffs.

Silver City, New Mexico

The community of Silver City in the Southwest is a reliable base for a variety of experiences, as it sits at 6,000 feet above sea level and near the Gila National Forest. Stroll through the charming downtown and visit art galleries and restaurants such as Adobe Springs Cafe or Jalisco Cafe.

Virginia City, Nevada

Henry Comstock discovered the first silver in the United States in 1859 on property he shared in Nevada’s Virginia Range. Virginia City became a thriving mining town as a result of the silver rush. Today, the town is well aware of its past. A ride on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad and visits to mining sites or buildings like the wooden Fourth Ward School Museum, built in 1876, are like stepping into a real-life history book. 

Ojai, California

Pink sunsets, also known as “pink moments,” are not uncommon in Ojai, as the light of the setting sun is reflected in the Topatopa Mountains, which serve as a dramatic backdrop. Ojai Avenue is a great place to shop and dine. Tipple and Ramble offers the most beautiful patio for wine and cheese tasting.

Moab, Utah

Anyone who enjoys the smoldering beauty of the red sandstone mountains or seeks quick access to amazing state and national parks will find paradise in this area of eastern Utah. Explore the art galleries, quirky stores, and even microbreweries in town before strapping in for hikes at nearby Arches National Park (10 minutes away), Canyonlands (30 minutes away), and Dead Horse Point State (40 minutes away).

Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a high desert town with breathtaking views, a rich Native American heritage, and a thriving community in Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Taos is located on the edge of the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. After visiting the pueblo, take a hot air balloon ride over the landscape or go swimming at the neighboring Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs.

Idyllwild, California

The main attraction of this Alpine town is that there are no chain restaurants, lakes or ski resorts here. Come here to relax among towering pines and cedars and explore the nearby hiking trails. Sip a beer at the Idyllwild Brewpub, relive your youth over a slice of pizza at the unassuming Idyllwild Pizza Company, or stock up on groceries and treats at the Idyllwild Village Market.

Joshua Tree, California

Hiking the Boy Scout Trail or Barker Dam in the national park is a real treat, but so is strolling through town, which has a quaint and unspent Western feel. Visit Natural Sisters Cafe for sandwiches and snacks, Joshua Tree Coffee Company for coffee and Pie for the People, or Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza for dinner.

The post 8 Best Small Towns In The Southwest U.S. To Visit In Summer 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

According to a joint analysis from the University of South Florida and NASA, the total mass of stinky kelp is expected to “increase substantially” as prevailing currents and winds drive it westward. In addition, more beaching incidents are anticipated in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to researchers, the eastern Atlantic’s persistent clouds are to blame for the lack of change. But it won’t likely continue for long.

“It’s a train, which is a trailer; this stuff is 5,000 miles long and about 300 miles wide,” said Steven Leatherman, Ph.D., a Florida International University in Miami earth and environment professor. “So this is the largest one we’ve ever seen.”

Strong winds and currents, according to scientists, are slowly transporting seaweed to locations like Key West while they wait for the rest of it to arrive.

“When it’s offshore, environmental laws do not allow us, even if it’s up against the beach, to take it out of the water. We can only take it where it actually comes ashore,” said Alyson Crean, the City of Key West public information officer.

Although coastal populations are accustomed to this particular type of seaweed, the current level is already problematic.

“We rake our beaches every day. This is always the case because our beaches are small and it’s easy to do, and it keeps the visitors happy,” Crean said.

June and July are when seaweed blooms most abundantly.

While the seaweed itself doesn’t pose a concern, the microscopic sea animals that dwell in it can cause skin rashes or blisters, according to Florida health officials, who are warning the public about a wave of seaweed that smells like rotten eggs.

The post West Florida’s Beaches Under Threat Due To The Spread Of Seaweed Sargassum appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Exploring these hidden gems can also support local communities and economies, as many of these destinations may not receive as much tourism as larger cities or tourist attractions. Overall, visiting Egypt’s hidden gems can offer a rewarding and enriching travel experience for those who want to discover more of this fascinating country.

Abdeen Palace

Location: Cairo

Visit Cairo to discover one of Egypt’s luxurious hidden gems – the Abdeen Palace. Originally the residence of Egypt’s royal family, it now serves as the presidential residence. The palace features stunning architecture that really catches the eye. Not only is the exterior lavish, but the interior is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of the most exquisite palaces in the Middle East.

Elphinstone Reef

Location: Red Sea

Elphinstone Reef is one of the world-class dive sites in the Red Sea. Elphinstone Reef is still unknown despite its incredible beauty. The reef, located 12 miles off the coast of Marsa Alam, is one of Egypt’s best kept secrets for nature lovers, especially divers.

Blue Desert

Location: Sinai

In the midst of the sandy desert, there are a multitude of stunning blue boulders that catch the eye. However, these boulders are not a natural occurrence but an art installation by Belgian artist Jean Verame. This installation was built after the peace agreement and serves as a memorial of peace, with the color blue symbolizing this message.

Salt Mountain

Location: Port Fouad

The Salt Mountain in the town of Port Fouad in northern Egypt is a hidden gem overlooked by tourists. There are a number of mountains of pure white salt in the area that live up to their name. They resemble a snowy landscape, which is unimaginable in a country with a scorching, arid environment. The salt mountain is thus becoming an emerging tourist destination.

Cave of Beasts

Location: Wadi Sura

In the ancient cave you can find Neolithic art that goes back centuries. The Cave of the Beasts is one of the most attractive destinations in Egypt and is located in the middle of an arid desert. It is a lasting reminder of prehistoric human civilization.

Wadi El-Weshwash

Location: South Sinai 

The blue body of water in South Sinai is tucked between granite mountains. Like an oasis, the Wadi El-Weshwash brings a breath of fresh air to its arid surroundings. You can swim in the warm, safe and transparent waters of the Wadi El-Weshwash Natural Pool and relax in this unique hidden beauty.

Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa

Location: Alexandria 

The catacombs of Kom El-Shofaqa are a Roman and Egyptian underground cemetery. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, they have a long history dating back to the second century. The catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa stand out among the historical sites of Egypt because they represent a synthesis of several cultures. 

The Tombs of the Nobles

Location: Aswan

The Tombs of the Nobles are a fantastic substitute for the Valley of the Kings. Here you will find magnificent ancient tombs with a more tranquil atmosphere. The tombs, which date back to the Old and Middle Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt, have magnificent entrance halls, interesting columned halls and extraordinary tombs. They serve as tombs of ancient Egyptian governors, administrators and noblemen.

The post 8 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit In Egypt In 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Stick to well-populated locations like downtown Cancun and the hotel zone unless traveling with an approved tour or informed locals. The hotel zone is the safest area of Cancun. Here you will find a 13-mile circuit of stunning white sand beaches surrounded by resorts and hotels.

Suggested: Cancun seaweed forecast

LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from CANCUN:

May 12 – Cancun Sends More Security Agents To Beaches To Protect Tourists

The beaches of El Nino and Punta Sam, as well as business establishments near the coast, are now monitored by local police, the National Guard, and the Secretariat for Citizen Security. 

The agents of the Secretariat of Citizen Security will also be responsible for monitoring the Supermanzana 89 area. The K-9 Unit of the Northern Zone will also be deployed to support these agents, as the K-9s can detect drugs, explosives, and firearms. 

These actions are part of the strategies of the New Model of Citizen Security of Quintana Roo.

April 25 – Areas You Should Avoid When Visiting Cancun 

Visitors to Cancun should limit their travel to tourist areas.   

This comprises the hotel zone in Cancun, gated resort communities, specific commercial areas, and other tourist destinations.   

Certain communities that are infamous for crime are the ones you do want to stay away from.   

The four neighborhoods that are considered to be the most dangerous are as follows: 

• Bonfil  
• Tres Reyes 
• Santa Cecilia 
• Valle Verde 

It is important to note that despite warnings about safety in Cancun, millions of Americans travel there every year because it is usually a safe place to visit.

March 23 – Increased surveillance and nightclub inspections are part of Cancun’s increased tourist safety measures

According to Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, security operations in the Mexican Caribbean are being carried out with the help of corporations from all three levels of government before the start of spring break.

“We are all working daily on joint actions under the new agreement for the welfare and development of Quintana Roo to increase security. We maintain a presence on all beaches with officers from the Navy, the National Guard, the Tourist Police and the State Police,” she said.

She said “Operation Red Circle” begins every day at 10 p.m. to monitor bars and nightclubs. In addition to the surveillance that takes place from the C5, there are immediate attention centers called (CAIS) and tents where security cameras are constantly checked.

Common scams to avoid in Cancun in 2023

The only disadvantage of traveling is tourist frauds (along with the expenses). It’s bad that many lovely places we visit have a small percentage who live on taking advantage of innocent tourists who come to support their local economy. Cancun, Mexico, is no exception and has its own share of scammers. In 2023, here’s how to prevent tourism scams in Cancun, Mexico.

Picture Scam

When a local asks you to take their picture, it’s a common scam in Cancun, Mexico. They hand you their camera and asks you to take their picture. When you return the camera, they intentionally drop it and accuse you of breaking it and demand payment. Please do not photograph anyone (unless you are sure they are not locals).

Taxis Overcharging

When taking a cab in Cancun, always request that the meter be turned on. It’s also a good idea to plan your route before getting in the cab so you know how long the ride will take.

Friendly ATM Helper

Someone approaches you at a Cancun ATM cash machine to assist you in avoiding local bank fees. Their ultimate goal is to scan your debit or credit card with the card skimmer in their pocket and then watch you enter your pin information so they may drain your account later.

“Friendly” Bar Friends

Beware of the following scam if hooking up is something you plan to do while visiting Cancun, Mexico. Two amiable girls (or guys) will strike up small talk and give the impression that they are interested in the same things. After that, they’ll propose getting a drink and offer you to join them in a nearby bar (which they are partners with). You’ll end up spending five to ten times as much after a few drinks. There are a few things you can take to protect yourself from falling for this tourist fraud in Cancun. You may start by suggesting the bar.  Be sure to request the bar menu when you arrive, in order to check the prices.

Bird Poop Scam

Your natural reaction when someone puts a piece of white paste on your shoulder while you are walking the streets of Cancun is to look up and think it’s bird poop. Suddenly, a “nice” local offers to help you clean it up while cursing the birds for making such a mess. They help you clean up, but they also steal from you.

Please politely decline any “help” from locals who rush to your aid unless it is an emergency. Keep everything you own hidden, preferably with your money and credit cards in an inside pocket.

Guessing Game Scam

While strolling through the streets of Cancun, Mexico, you come across a man holding three boxes, with a throng of onlookers attempting to determine which box the ball is placed in. When someone in the group correctly guesses the solution, the man awards him with cash as a prize. They repeat this with a different group member and get the same response. More and more people are drawn by the ruckus to this charitable street performer. An innocent bystander from the crowd is then invited to make an estimate. The group rapidly pickpockets them for any valuables while they are focused on where the ball is.

Safety Measures To Keep in Mind When Visiting Cancun Area

• Share your vacation plans with your travel companions and family at home. Send your GPS location to a friend in case you get separated from your travel group. If you are traveling alone and taking a cab, take a picture of the cab’s number and/or license plate and text it to a contact.
• Use toll roads whenever possible and do not drive at night or alone. In many states, police presence and emergency services are severely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Use extreme caution when entering local bars, clubs or casinos.
• Do not flaunt your wealth by wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
• When using an ATM or visiting a bank.
• To receive alerts and help rescuers find you, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Follow the U.S. Department of State on Twitter and Facebook.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Twitter and Facebook.
• Read the country security report for Mexico.
• Create an emergency plan. Review the travel checklist.

Why visit Cancun

1. Underwater museum

Visiting the largest underwater sculpture park will be one of your most fascinating experiences in Cancun. The museum displays nearly 500 statues created by Jason deCaires, a British sculptor and other Mexican artists. 

The museum was conceived with the objective to save the coral reef by drawing snorkelers away

2. The cenotes

Jump on a guided tour and come visit this unique geological element of Mexico. The cenotes are natural sinkholes that expose fresh groundwater underneath.

Explore the breathtaking caves and caverns and walk the path that once the ancient Mayas considered the door to the underworld.

3. The Coco Bongo

Better to be vaccinated because it’s going to be crazily crowded inside! 

Ranked as one of the best nightspots in Cancun, Coco Bongo offers a unique show production, a mix of different types of music, and the very latest in audio and video entertainment, and alcohol! Rivers of it.

Update archives

February 10 – Cancun Airbnbs will only be able to operate in safe areas

There will be restrictions on where online rentals can operate, which will affect availability for vacationers.

Authorities this week unveiled new measures to restrict Airbnb rentals to certain areas in an effort to reduce the number of unsafe or unsanitary rentals.

The Quintana Roo Tourism Commission, an organization affiliated with the state legislature, claims that a number of locations do not meet minimum safety requirements for online rentals. In light of many considerations, including crime rates, the new laws will specify exactly where Airbnb is allowed to operate.

January 24 – U.S. Issues Cancun Travel Warning Amid Attacks On Uber Drivers And Passengers

The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for Quintana Roo State in Mexico following attacks and harassment of Uber drivers and passengers. This heat-up situation comes after a judge approved Uber’s Amparo company to legally operate in Quintana Roo, including Cancun.

January 24 – Cancun continues to be safe despite a spike in violence in Mexico

Travelers can still feel safe in the State of Quintana Roo because of increased security measures, despite a recent spike in violence in various regions of Mexico. To ensure that visitors to Cancun and the surrounding area have safe holidays, thousands of law enforcement officers have been added in addition to various other safety measures.

Tourist numbers are expected to rise in the Mexican Caribbean destinations of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum in advance of the busy winter travel season. As a result, Cancun’s secretary for public security, José Pablo Mathey, declared that authorities “are trying to deter crime in high-risk zones thanks to our crime prevention units together with our federal and state partners.”

January 9 – Quintana Roo is one of the safest states for tourists to visit in 2023, authorities say

Quintana Roo in Mexico remains one of the safest states for tourists, despite rising crime rates and reports of bloodshed sparked by cartel warfare in several parts of the country. This is due to improved security measures. Although organized crime is still a problem, few visitors are directly affected. And thanks to the thousands of police officers protecting tourists, visitors can feel safe on their upcoming Cancun vacation, officials say.

December 21 – Cancun has continued its tough crackdown on crime with the arrest of 5 high-profile criminals

The Coordination Group for the Construction of Peace and Security Quintana Roo has managed to arrest five people, including a woman, for their alleged involvement in crimes against health and illegal possession of firearms for the exclusive use of the Armed Forces.

The police officers took action after observing a strange exchange of items during the operation that set off alarm bells. In addition to considerable quantities of what is believed to be marijuana, police also discovered five short. 9- caliber pistols, many cell phones, and sim cards believed to be used for illegal purposes.

December 5: The number of homicides decreased in Cancun in October.

Crime is up less than 5%, and homicides have actually decreased in recent weeks.

In Cancun, the number of homicides decreased by about 16 percent in October compared to the previous month. It is also worth noting that the vast majority of these incidents do not involve tourists, but rival drug traffickers fighting over territory.

Due to the increase in criminal activity, the U.S. State Department issued travel advisories for several parts of Mexico in October. For travel to Quintana Roo, State advised “exercise increased caution” The warning said this was due to “crime and kidnappings.”

October 25 – 100 Navy officers have been stationed in Cancun to help fight crime

Rear Admiral Rubén Oyarvide Pedrero, the Secretary of Public Security of Quintana Roo, visited Cozumel earlier this month to discuss the rise in some types of crime there.

He assured the community that personnel are currently being transferred to assist state and local police.

In the coming days, additional Marine personnel will be en route from Mexico City to Cozumel. These police officers will assist in both crime prevention and crime suppression. In addition, Marine Special Forces officers have been dispatched to Cozumel, arriving by plane Thursday evening.

November 16 – A tourist was reportedly found dead in a hotel room in Playa del Carmen, near Cancun.

On Monday, Nov. 14, a traveler, identified as 41-year-old Deyson Konsiechak, was found lifeless in bed at the Ocean Maya Royale hotel, just north of Playa del Carmen. The incident came to light when Konsiechak’s travel partner, who also shared a room with him, returned to the hotel room and found Konsiechak dead in bed.

The cause of death had not been announced at the time of writing this update.

October – Security analyst warns Americans about ‘risky’ travel to Cancun and other areas of Mexico

Along Mexico’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts, well-known tourist sites have been affected by incidents that put innocent people at risk.

One of the six most popular destinations in the Caribbean coastal state of Quintana Roo is Cancun, which former DEA Special Agent Derek Maltz told the Courier-Journal that he advised a friend against sending his daughter there on vacation.

I would not send my child there because it’s too unsafe,” Maltz said. “I’d show them the phone with all the violence down there.”

Colima, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán and Sinaloa are among the states the government strongly advises American citizens not to visit.

September – State Department officials issued a warning about traveling to Cancun and nearby locations

Officials from the State Department warned of an upsurge in violence against Americans.

While the US government has not enforced travel restrictions on its employees in Quintana Roo tourist areas such as Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum, it has issued a general warning to Americans.

“increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.”

Tourists are warned to “remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones” in the wake of shootings between rival cartels that have injured bystanders.

July – Family of American Allegedly killed In Cancun Sues Resort 

The family of murdered Arlington firefighter Elijah Snow has filed a lawsuit against the Mexican resort and a local travel agency.

At the Royalton Chic Cancun Resort & Spa, Elijah and his wife Jamie Lynn Snow were commemorating their tenth wedding anniversary when the father of two was allegedly kidnapped and assassinated.

Jamie filed a lawsuit against the Royalton Chic Hotel Resort & Spa in Cancun, Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts, Inc., and Sunwing Travel Group, a privately held travel business with its headquarters in Toronto, Canada, claiming more than $1 million in damages.

Both the hotel and the Mexican government have insisted that Mr. Snow’s death was an accident, but the family has vigorously challenged those claims. The lawsuit focuses on the hotel’s activities on the day of the murder. Ms. Snow alleges that the hotel recklessly encouraged its guests to get drunk and that there was inadequate video surveillance, among other security measures.

May – Safety report

This month, Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection reported the arrest of Oscar Iván “N,” the alleged mastermind behind the murders of Robert Dinh and Thomas Cherukara, two Canadian citizens related to drug trafficking, according to officials.

According to the Security and Gender Observatory of Quintana Roo (OSEGE), the state had the fourth-highest number of femicides in Mexico in 2021, down from 13th place in 2020. It also has the greatest number of rapes reported in the country.

Furthermore, while the homicide rate has stayed constant (Quintana Roo has ranked tenth in the country in homicides since 2020), the state has the highest rate of manslaughter cases in the country.

January 17 – Cancun seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases

Cancun, one of the major tourism hot spots in Mexico, is seeing a spike in coronavirus cases after a busy holiday season.

Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, had set its daily case record in March 2021 with 574 new infections. But the figure was exceeded by the beginning of January 2022. On average, there are now around 814 new cases daily.

Quintana Roo isn’t the only region struggling with Omicron. It is also Mexico City or Baja California Sur. Even for the rising number of infections, Mexico stays open for international visitors without significant safety measures.

Source: The Washington Post

December 6 – Cancun will not impose extra COVID-19 restrictions for now

Foreign travelers to Quintana Roo are not subject to any restrictions. It might change, though, if the Omicron variant presents a proven threat to the population, according to Andrés Aguilar Becerril, the local Tourism Secretary.

For the time being, Cancun will maintain the same procedures, such as temperature tests at the airport, mandatory face mask use, and random health questionnaires.

As of December 6, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintained Mexico’s travel advisory rating at level 3 — “high” risk.

November 7 – Cancun continues to receive international tourists without restrictions

Cancun remains open for international visitors without entry restrictions. It has reported a rise in hotel reservations for the winter season. As of now, hotels in the whole of Quintana Roo are supposed to be occupied at 90% or more in December.

Also, on Saturday, November 6, Cancun International Airport saw 513 operations between arrivals and departures with no restrictions or health protocols for travelers from Europe, the U.S., and the rest of the world.

Source: El Sol de México

September 22 – Quintana Roo among 10 states with the highest vaccination rate in Mexico

As of today, September 22, Quintana Roo has distributed over 1.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, which makes it one of the top ten states with the highest vaccination rate in the country. Also, it has recently been moved to the “yellow” alert level list.

Even though most public spaces are now open again and non-essential travel is allowed, Governor Carlos Joaquín insists on following the usual preventive measures to be able to move to “green” on Mexico’s traffic lights system.

He also pointed out the importance of getting vaccinated to help restore the country’s economy.

Source

August 30 – Cancun maintains high rate of tourist flow even through a spike in coronavirus cases

According to the State Secretary of Tourism, over 3 million travelers stayed in Quintana Roo this summer. Even though the holiday season is officially over, more than 120,000 visitors are still staying in the region.

On average, hotels have maintained a 60 percent occupancy rate this summer. While now during the orange epidemiology alert, only 50 percent occupancy of tourist services is allowed.

Also, a number of U.S. airlines have exceeded the pre-pandemic levels of passengers to Mexico. More than 2.3 million travelers flew to the state in July, which became the busiest month since the beginning of the pandemic.

Source: Riviera Maya News

The post Is CANCUN SAFE To Visit? Travel Advisory 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Based on government data, Mexico has allowed tens of thousands of people to pass through its territory en route to the U.S. border since early April. This represents a significant increase before the end of U.S. immigration policies that prevent most migrants from seeking asylum in the country.

The increase coincides with reports from local aid organizations and migrants that people traveling north from Guatemala, the main route to the United States, have entered Mexico more easily in recent weeks as Mexican security forces have abandoned some of their outposts on the country’s southern border.

As the Biden administration prepares to lift a pandemic-era restriction called Title 42 on Thursday night that has allowed the United States to quickly deport people trying to cross the border illegally, the increase in people allowed to cross the Mexican border and reduced security measures have likely contributed to a spike in the number of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Inquiries about possible changes in the government’s immigration policy were not answered by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the National Institute of Migration.

Local aid workers claimed that the expiration of health measures likely contributed to an increase in the number of migrants on Mexico’s southern border.

“We do not know if this is solely related to Title 42, but it is evident there are many more migrants here than normal,” said Miguel Barrera, a field coordinator at the International Rescue Committee in Tapachula, a city near Mexico’s southern border.

According to Mexico’s National Institute for Migration, in the state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala, about 30,000 visas were issued to migrants for humanitarian reasons between April 2 and May 3. This is more than triple the monthly average for the first three months of the year.

The visas allow migrants to move around the country, pay for bus tickets and flights, and get to the border with the United States.

Many migrants, particularly from countries such as Haiti and Venezuela that are experiencing a humanitarian crisis, have long received these documents from the Mexican government.

However, local humanitarian organizations report that the number of visas issued by the government has increased dramatically in the last month. Migration authorities have instructed undocumented migrants to begin the visa process in a park on the outskirts of Tapachula instead of arresting them, as had previously been the norm.

“I saw two news stories online saying to come here for visas,” said Moroni Padilla, 42, from El Salvador. “Sometimes you don’t know if you can trust what you hear, but I had to come see for myself.”

The post Data Shows Mexico Allowing High Number Of Migrants To Travel To US Border appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Jamaica was awarded the Destination Resilience Award for its efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). In addition, the island was recognized for its collaborative and partnership approach.

“It is a pleasure to recognize my home country with this destination resilience award as it validates the countless hours and effort that went into the recovery through our public and private sector partners to ensure the survival of tourism,” CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig said.

Jamaica established a recovery task force with its Ministry of Tourism at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic allowed the country to reopen to international tourists in June 2020, and the borders have remained open since then.

​Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett accepted the award on behalf of the country, stating that the health and safety measures taken to control the spread of the virus have contributed to the long-term revitalization of tourism.

“This award is for my entire tourism team and all our private and public sector partners who immediately saw the need to keep the lifeblood of the country open,” Bartlett said. “From the minds and hard work of the team, Jamaica was first out of the blocks on the road to recovery.

In the previous month, Jamaica reported its most successful winter tourism season in history, indicating a promising outlook for the travel industry’s continued growth in the coming years.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said that the country welcomed 1.18 million visitors between January and March 2023, marking an increase of 94.4% compared to the same period in 2022, during the commencement of Jamaica’s Sectoral Debate in Parliament.

The post Jamaica’s Tourism Industry Receives Award For Its Resilience And Sustainability Efforts appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The top 10 destinations for combined trips on JetBlue Vacations are:

• Punta Cana
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Cancun, Mexico
• Aruba
• Nassau, Bahamas 
• Orlando, Florida
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Curaçao
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

JetBlue Vacations also notes in its study that passengers are not only making more bookings but also staying longer, with the typical bundled trip lasting 6.5 nights. In addition, interest in and searches for package vacations are up 32% from the previous year. The results also show that travelers prefer all-inclusive resorts over stand-alone hotels.

“As we head into the busy summer travel period, we encourage travelers to book early to secure the best deals and availability,” JetBlue Travel Products’ President, Andres Barry, said in a statement.

In addition, travelers have the option to add extras such as theme park tickets or car rentals. Airlines often advertise these deals and explain how you can save by combining these travel packages.

This data is released at the same time as information from other tourism companies predicting a record-breaking summer travel season. Recently, Delta reported that more than 75% of seats on its summer overseas flights were already booked.

Vacation alternatives with customer incentives are also offered by other airlines, such as Delta, United, and Southwest.

The post 10 Best Beach Destinations For Americans This Summer, According to JetBlue appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The average cost of a round trip airfare to Europe has gone up to $1,167, compared to last year’s cost of $850, while airfares to Asia have surged to an average of $1,817 for a round trip ticket, as opposed to just $917 in the summer of 2020, during the pandemic.

The cost of hotel bookings has also increased significantly. The most sought-after destination, New York City, is 51% more expensive than last year and now costs an average of $361. Other popular cities, such as Miami and Las Vegas, also saw average nightly rates rise 33% (to $204 per night) and 23% (to $154 per night), respectively.

Travelers may find some relief in the cost of car rentals, as prices have dropped since last summer. In Orlando, Florida, the average daily rate for a five-day rental has decreased by 35% to $27. Similarly, in Las Vegas, the average daily rate for a four-day rental has decreased by 26% to $34 per day.

The report suggests that travelers who act quickly may still be able to find some deals for summer getaways.

“If you haven’t booked summer plans yet, you’ll want to do so as soon as possible. Prices are expected to rise in the coming weeks. Now is the sweet spot for getting a good deal,” Hopper’s Chief Economist Haley Berg said in a statement. 

Berg says travelers could save an average of 17% on domestic flights if they flew during the week, and also advises them to postpone their summer travel plans and wait for the fall season. According to Berg, you can get significant discounts of up to 30% off peak prices for travel to Europe during the off-season from September to November.

The travel industry is anticipating a record-breaking summer season. A recent report by travel insurance company Allianz predicts that travel to Europe during the summer will increase by 55% compared to the same period last year.

The post Traveling This Summer? This Is What Is Gonna Cost You appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Protests erupted throughout Peru in early December 2022. People’s anger over inequality and rising prices, especially in the country’s impoverished rural areas, is a major reason for the rallies. 

The trigger was the Peruvian Congress’s decision to remove former President Pedro Castillo from office. Castillo had attempted to illegally dissolve Congress in order to retain control prior to an impeachment vote. He was subsequently taken into custody and is still there.

Dina Boluarte, Castillo’s vice president, took over as president after his imprisonment. CNN reports that protesters are demanding new elections, Boluarte’s resignation, a new constitution, and Castillo’s release. They are also now demanding accountability for the damage and deaths caused by security forces during the demonstrations.

Latest Safety Updates and News from PERU:

May 10 – Peru’s overall advisory level has decreased according to the U.S. State Department 

Peru’s alert level was downgraded to level 2, urging travelers to “exercise increased caution,” according to the government. The change is due to a decrease in crime and civil unrest in certain parts of the country. The stabilization of the country creates a favorable environment for tourists. This improvement in security allows visitors to fully enjoy Peru’s natural beauty and its famous cultural and recreational sites, such as the famous Machu Picchu.

Despite the fact that the country’s general warning level has dropped, travel advisories still list the following as places to “not travel to:”

• Due to criminality, the region along the Colombia-Peru border in Loreto. 
• Due to crime and terrorism, the Valley of the Apurmac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes parts of the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin. 
• due to civil turmoil, the Puno region, which includes the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, and the Apurimac Region.

April 6 – Authorities have renewed state of emergency advisories until April 19

The state of emergency in the La Libertad Department has been extended by the officials through at least April 19. The departments of Amazonas and Tanca were originally included in the La Libertad state of emergency, but since the extension only applies to La Libertad, those departments’ emergency declarations have been allowed to expire. As of right now, the following places are still in a state of emergency:

• “Padre Abad Province, Ucayali Department: Through at least March 30
• Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna departments: Through at least April 5
• Ica Department: Through at least April 12
• Pan-American Highway, the Central Highway, the South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor, and the South Interoceanic Highway Corridor: Through at least April 14
• Condorcanqui and Imaza and Aramango districts, Amazonas Department: Through at least April 19
• La Libertad Department: Through at least April 19”

Some constitutional rights are suspended during states of emergency, and the military forces are authorized to conduct law-enforcement functions such as protest policing. All security activities in Puno Department have been delegated to the armed forces. Troops deployed under emergency declarations have primarily concentrated on securing airports and other vital infrastructure.

March 7 – Machu Picchu has reopened amidst protests 

After nearly three months of political protests that shifted abruptly towards the capital, Peru’s culture ministry has reopened Machu Picchu to the public.

As demonstrators damaged local train lines, highways, and airport access, government officials shut down the tourist destination. As a result, about 400 tourists were flown from the scene and relocated from the landmark.

Demonstrators protesting Castillo’s removal from the presidency have blocked roads and halted airport operations in the weeks thereafter, leading to deadly violence that has claimed nearly 60 lives. The protesters and many of Castillo’s supporters in the nation’s capital are calling for Boularte to resign and for Congress to call early elections.

Is Peru Safe To Travel Now?

The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in Lima, Cusco, Puno and Callao provinces. Although it does not directly affect tourists, the state of emergency suspends certain constitutional rights and gives the police and military more powers to monitor and suppress protests.

In addition, many foreign governments have issued travel warnings. The United States Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel warning, which means that Americans should reconsider traveling to Peru.

The U.S. Embassy in Peru has advised Americans to stay safe by:

• Keeping away from crowds, protests, and demonstrations
• Avoid interfering with barriers.
• Follow any directions issued by local authorities or police.
• Keep an eye out for media updates and advisories.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates from the United States Embassy in Lima.

Update Archives:

February 16: Peru’s ‘racist bias’ drove lethal police response to protests, Amnesty says / Theguardian.com

Amnesty International found that Peru used deadly force against indigenous and campesino protesters with racial bias, leading to at least 60 deaths. In 46 possible human rights violations, 12 deaths were caused by gunfire, with all victims shot in the chest, torso, or head. The investigation covered Lima, Chincheros, Ayacucho, and Andahuaylas.

January 24 – Peru arrests 200 in Lima and closes Machu Picchu

More than 200 people were arrested by Peruvian police for allegedly entering illegally the campus of a major college in Lima, while officials in Cusco closed the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail as deadly anti-government protests spread across the country.

Cultural authorities in Cusco said in a statement that “in view of the current social situation in which our region and the country are immersed, the closure of the Inca trail network and Machu Picchu has been ordered, as of January 21 and until further notice.”

Tensions rose again Friday as police battled protesters and security forces in Lima used tear gas to disperse the crowd while flames raged in the streets. Dozens of Peruvians were injured as a re

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Dreamstar Lines, a California-based company, has developed the passenger train idea, which could be on the market as early as this year. According to the company, passengers would travel between the two cities in California “overnight by hotel train.”

To make the train a reality, Dreamstar still needs to obtain the necessary agreements. But if all goes according to plan, this would be the first overnight train to run on the route in decades, according to SFGate reported.

“We’re a different kind of service than high-speed rail,” Dreamstar founder and advisor Tom Eastmond told SFGate. “Halfway between transportation and hotel.”

The departure time for passengers would be about 10 p.m. with an estimated arrival time at the destination of 8:30 a.m. the next morning. The train has advanced technologies such as electronic ticketing and an application that allows passengers to order food and other services.

The train will have five to six sleeping cars. There will be no separate dining car, but there will be a lounge where customers can order food and drinks. According to Dreamstar, tickets will cost about $300 for a sleeping car for one person, $600 for a sleeping car for two people and $1,000 for a premium room.

Dreamline’s train will operate along the same route as Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles in roughly 35 hours, the railroad company noted. If Dreamline receives approval, the train will also stop at existing stations along the route, such as Santa Barbara, San Jose, and San Luis Obispo.

In addition to taking the train, many people choose to drive the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco because there are many places to stop. Alternatively, you can take a flight on one of the many airlines that serve the route, which takes about 1.5 hours.

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