Quarantining under the Northern Lights
Last night’s surprise Northern Lights were breathtaking. The KP index showed low activity, and it was forecast to be quite cloudy. Yet, in the middle of the night, they appeared over Reykjavik, drowning out the sporadic street lights.
In Iceland right now, you need to do a Covid test on arrival, quarantine for five days (though you are allowed to go for solitary walks) and then do a second test before traveling freely. To many, this is a good reason not to come to Iceland just yet. After all, who wants to be stuck indoors for the first five days of your holiday? If you pick the proper quarantine friendly hotel, you could be treated to the Northern Lights each night, and tranquil nature walks each day. You will still need to wait until the quarantine is over before you can hike on a glacier or discover a blue ice cave. The vast open spaces in Iceland mean solitude can be experienced inside or outside your hotel room.
This quick rundown of just three spots in Iceland will celebrate the areas themselves. These places are ideal for their Northern Lights hunting as they are for quarantine friendly day time activities.
The locations
Anything more than a half day’s drive is a little unnecessary, and if you are paying for a private taxi, then it can be a bit expensive. All you should be trying to achieve with your quarantine hotel is that it’s away from street lights and has walking options nearby with picturesque scenery. I’ve picked my three favorite spots within proximity to the airport and capital city.
1. Reykjanes Peninsula (1 hour from the airport in most directions)
2. Snaefellsnes Peninsula (2.5 hours north of the airport)
3. South coast of Iceland (starts 1.5 hours east of the airport)
The Reykjanes Peninsula
This first area is arguably the best for your quarantine. Depending on where you choose to stay, you are merely minutes away from solitude. Once you finish your five-day quarantine, you are located near the world-famous Blue Lagoon, The LAVA Tunnel, and Reykjavik itself.
No matter where you choose to sleep, you will be surrounded by a barren, volcanic landscape.
Very different from any other holiday you may have taken in the past. The lava fields that have continuously flowed over this geothermally active part of the country have many hidden treasures to reveal on a walk. The multicolored rock types, sharp and jagged shapes, and the steam vents that you may encounter look more at home on Mars. You may even discover a few new lava caves far from the commercial versions that require paid entry.
To top it all off, you are treated to an unencumbered view, with the distant lights of the capital city not affect your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Some of the best displays I’ve seen were in this area.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Don’t be fooled by the similar-sounding names. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula has its unique characteristics. Namely, glacier scarred mountains, broken sea cliffs, and black sand beaches to keep you amused during the day.
My thoughts on this area are to pick a spot as close to the shore as you can. Then the vertiginous walks along the sea cliffs with cracks and holes dotted around the path are right on your doorstep. To watch the turbulent waves smash against the rocks from the comfort of your hotel room is quite therapeutic as well.
Arnarstapi in the southwest of the peninsula is a particularly great spot. It boasts black sand beaches, moss-covered lava fields, basalt columned sea cliffs, and the acclaimed Snæfellsjökull volcano. This area is the setting of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. You will understand why when you acquaint yourself with the site.
South coast of Iceland
This ‘area’ is a little harder to define as it covers a 300km coastline. Two spots that might appeal a little more than others, though, is the tiny town of Hveragerði. This town is on top of one of the most geothermally active areas in the country and plays host to the famous Reykjadalur hot river and many other hot pools.
On a chilly day, natural steam can be seen from the utility hole covers on the street as much as in the mountains surrounding it. I’ll tell you this for free, watching the Northern Lights in your private hot pool with a locally brewed Icelandic beer is hard to beat.
Another spot I would potentially suggest is near the famous Skógafoss waterfall.
If you are a Game of Thrones, Vikings, or, more recently, a Eurovision fan, then this 200ft waterfall will be quite familiar to you. You might not know that this waterfall marks the start of the famous highland trail, Laugavegur. Within minutes of walking the 300 or so stairs to get above Skógafoss and you are greeted with another waterfall. You get my point. The view from this higher vantage point is incredible, too, with the active volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, being the backdrop for many of your walks. There are other hidden waterfalls like Kvernufoss, which you can even walk behind a little lower to the ground.
To top it all off, seeing the Northern Lights dancing above one of these waterfalls is quite spectacular.
Notable mentions
There you have it. If you plan to come to Iceland while this temporary restriction is in place, then I hope you’ll agree that you won’t get bored. Oh, and Iceland has 97% coverage for cell and internet service, so Netflix will still be available in between too.
A few spots I didn’t mention above are good alternatives, too but with a few caveats. The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in the southeast is a fantastic place to hunt the Northern Lights. With icebergs clinking in the foreground and green rhythmic ribbons are floating in the background. It’s a little far away to travel on your first day, though (around 6 hours in good weather).
by Ryan Connolly
The hidden Italian hamlet of Erbonne
It was a surprise that one of our best lunches in the Lake Como area was not at a stone grotto-ed Michelin-starred restaurant or on a lakeside patio with the majestic Alps in the distance. It was a surprise that we didn’t need to get there by Vaporetto or pull up to a parking lot filled with purring Maseratis. It turns out, our pre-COVID trip to Italy was filled with surprises.
Glamorous Lake Como
Lake Como is distractingly beautiful, with much to offer from both visual and culinary perspectives. Soaring mountains plunge directly into the illustrious lake. Villages puddle neatly between valleys, and ceramic-tiled rooftops notch up the hills like bricks of red legos. Restaurants dot the perimeter of the lake, each offering breezy umbrella-ed decks from which to gaze.
Glacial Lake Como is awfully pleased with itself and has every right to be, nestled in this idyllic locale just an hour from Milan. It is no wonder it has been a retreat for aristocrats and the rich and famous since Roman times.
The lake itself offers a postcard image with each blink. Gorgeous boats (blink) alongside glitzy lakeside hamlets (blink) and swoon-worthy waterside cafes (blink). Glamorously dressed Italians, with their equally glamorous dogs in tow, teeter about (blink, blink, blink)—a snapshot of chic Italian life, all in one dreamy destination.
Daytrippin’
As glamorous as Lake Como may be, the explorer in me wondered what might lie just beyond the glam. Counterintuitively, we headed away from the lake, with nothing but our Lonely Planet guidebook and a tiny bumblebee of a car—cadmium yellow Fiat 500.
Buzzing up and around the steep hilltop villages of Lombardy offered us a chance to experience the less-touristy side of Lake Como. The rustic, the rambling, and the boutique-free side. Always chasing a view, we set off to see the fabled lakes from above. Our destination was Cima Sighignola, also known as the Balcony of Italy.
Not surprisingly, it was a challenge to get there. Roads became so narrow we were sure we were driving on sidewalks. Lanes looked so private; we confused them with driveways. Every turn had us doubting our navigation system, which often had our Fiat floating in the middle of a lake due to never-ending hairpin turns.
The Balcony of Italy
At 3120 meters above sea level, Cima Sighignola’s uninterrupted views of the lakes were worth the (gray) hair-raising turns. From our tourist-free aerie, we could see Lake Lugano, the city of Lugano, and the Swiss Alps, all at once.
We hovered there longer than we anticipated, mesmerized by the lakes’ panorama and the mountains peaks that kissed the clouds. An elderly Italian woman appeared from a small wooden shack, with a better than expected espresso. This shouldn’t have been a surprise. After all, this is Italy, a country whose self-worth is inherently coffee-based.
Population 7, 10, or 11?
Blindly following our Lonely Planet through another series of sharp switchbacks, we headed towards Erbonne, in the commune of San Fedele d’Intelvi. This pre-roman, 3000-year-old, pin-prick of a village was once a smuggler crossing between Italy and Switzerland. It was off-the-beaten-path, even by Lonely Planet standards.
We were on a mission to find Osteria del Valico, the sole restaurant of Erbonne, for the past 100 years. As of 2017, Wikipedia stated that the village of Erbonne had eleven inhabitants. Other sources claimed the population was anywhere from seven to ten. Regardless of the facts, this was a place worth finding.
The best/only lunch in town
With 50 buildings (a combination of houses and stables), what Erbonne lacks in structure makes up for in ultra-rustic beauty. Erbonne, on the edge of the Swiss border, is surrounded by layers of overlapping mountains and a verdant, green patchwork of fields.
The village has no parking. I don’t mean ‘it was hard to find a parking space.’ I mean literally, there is no parking. Not to be deterred, we left the car outside of the village and walked. Wispy, yellow grasses lined our path and created a colorful backdrop to the simple pink, red, and white homes clumped in the near distance.
Climbing roses stuck firmly to painted walls. Patches of struggling wildflowers clung to dear life on crumbling edifices. Flowers poured out of semi-neglected window boxes. In Erbonne, time seemed to stand eerily still.
Carbo-loading
Osteria del Valico was easy to find. After all, it was the only restaurant in the village. Ancient, gnarly, wisteria vines had taken permanent ownership of the osteria’s once white facade. Wooden steps, warped by time, led to the humble tavern entrance.
We were guided through the original ‘shabby chic’ dining room towards the outdoor patio. The wide, planked floors had undoubtedly seen decades of foodies pass over them. Crooked black and white photo frames, filled with patrons from days long gone, adorned the walls. Lacy curtains, a collection of vintage ladles, and a chalkboard scrawled menu made the grandmother’s closet vibe that much more charming.
From the patio, we heard musical Italian laughter from a table within—the unmistakable sounds of friends with a long, comfortable history. I had noted the large group earlier. Every known villager might have been having lunch there that day! Church bells chimed the hour in the distance. We settled in.
The house special
Lonely Planet declared that Osteria del Valico’s house specialty was pizzoccheri. Never ones to argue with our travel bible, we promptly ordered. If it was good enough for the seven, ten, or eleven, locals of Erbonne, it was good enough for us. It turned out to be one of our best dishes of the trip. Surprise!
Pizzoccheri is a buckwheat pasta (80% buckwheat flour, 20% wheat flour), along the tagliatelle lines, usually cooked with greens and cubed potatoes (carbs on top of carbs). It is layered in various cheeses, like Valtellina Casera and ground Parmigiano Reggiano, before being dressed with garlic and fried lightly in butter.
I swore I couldn’t eat it all, and I kept swearing—until I ate it all. How often do I get to have lightly fried pasta, I rationalized? Oh, and did I mention the charcuterie board piled high with Italian meats and rustic Italian bread we had already consumed? I made a mental note to cancel dinner.
A family affair
Osteria del Valico has changed locations over the years, and by 2002, had settled into a stone house on the edge of town. We met the chef/owner, his wife, and daughter, as well as a Swiss couple who had driven over for lunch from Geneva. Ahhhh, to live in Europe.
The chef, wearing a bad-ass skull patterned beret (that is, if a beret can ever be considered bad-ass), and his wife was engaging, warm, and friendly, despite the language barrier. To communicate, we attempted to find a common language. Eventually, French triumphed, as both my husband and the chef were fluent.
Found moments
Osteria del Valico has very little in the way of web presence. Aside from a few Trip Advisor comments, and a simple webpage, it is virtually off the Google grid. It is challenging to find a place like this, with simple fare and a convivial vibe, which I call a true ‘lost and found’ moment.
It’s likely true that not everyone will find this kind of day trip as exciting as we did. Not everyone gets a thrill from seeking out an alone restaurant, in a tiny village, with an unknown population, with the hope of uncovering the undiscovered. We are those people.
Exploring a combination of experiences when visiting a place with as much hype and hyperbole as Lake Como gave our trip more depth. I relished the juxtaposition of the obvious and the hidden. Both have a place in Lake Como and its bucolic surroundings. Why not have a bit of each? Chances are, you will be pleasantly surprised.
by Jamie Edwards
Five dark tourism locations
In the Netflix show Dark Tourist, the viewer is exposed to unusual sites, rituals, and ceremonies worldwide. Dark tourism is actually a genre of tourism that has been growing in the last few years. Why do tourists flock to these macabre sites? It could be that the historical significance and the story of the site are extremely intriguing to the visitor. Those in academia may be interested in these sites to understand a specific event such as Holocaust and war history.
The following five dark tourism sites are located on three continents where mass death has occurred. In Europe, we explore the Dachau Concentration Camp and the ancient city of Pompeii. In North America, we visit the very poignant 9/11 memorial and Pearl Harbor. In Asia, the site is the famous bridge in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, built over the River Kwai.
Dachau Concentration Camp
This concentration camp is located outside of Munich, Germany, where over 40,000 prisoners have died. At first, the camp was opened to hold political prisoners then functioned as a forced labor camp. It was a place where cruel medical experiments were conducted on many of the inmates. The camp also had gas chambers and a crematorium to dispose of its prisoners. A solemn feeling washes over you as soon as you set foot in the camp. Many visitors to the site were brought to tears as they explored the grounds. Dachau Concentration Camp is an important site for remembering victims of the Holocaust and World War II history. We should never forget this atrocity, so it will not be repeated.
Pompeii
Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, and the residents of Pompeii were helpless. Up until that point, they had lived a life of decadence. When you walk through Pompeii and see the homes, shops, and even the infamous brothels in the city, a visitor gets a sense of what life was like at this time. Tour guides can provide visitors with a rough timeline of events during the eruption. In some areas in the ancient city, visitors can view plaster casts of some of the residents, and you can see from their facial expressions that the last few moments of their lives were filled with fear and pain. Unlike the other sites in this blog, Pompeii’s mass death was a natural, not man-made occurrence. Today, this ancient city is visited by over two million tourists a year.
9/11 Memorial
September 11, 2001, was a horrible day that most Americans will never forget. Most people will be able to tell you exactly where they were on that day when America changed forever. This outdoor memorial located at ground zero has two wading pools where the towers formerly stood. The names of all that died in the terror attacks of 1993 and 2001 have been engraved along the pools’ outer rim. Adjacent to the property is the museum, which contains over 14,000 artifacts from that day, such as images, video and oral recordings, a damaged fire truck, and steel from the original towers. A pear tree that was recovered from the rubble a month after the attacks has been named the Survivor Tree. After some intensive care, the tree has survived and now again sits on this site.
Pearl Harbor
A visit to the Arizona Memorial on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is a sobering experience. The Japanese surprise air attack on Pearl Harbor occurred in the early morning of December 7, 1941. It was a day that President Roosevelt said will go down in infamy. Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial are visited by more than one million people each year. This site is special due to its role in triggering the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II. The USS Arizona is a permanent underwater burial for the 2,400 servicemen that perished that day. Visitors are expected to keep quiet while visiting the memorial to show respect to the dead.
The River Kwai Bridge
In Kanchanaburi, Thailand is the River Kwai Bridge, best known from the novel and the 1957 movie starring William Holden and Alec Guinness. During WWII, POWs were forced by the Imperial Japanese Army to build the ‘Death Railway.’ During the harsh conditions, an estimated 13,000 British, American and Dutch POWs and 100,000 civilians died during the construction. Adjacent to the bridge and railway is the JEATH museum. This museum contains many artifacts from the war and the construction of the bridge. Many of the POWs are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery or Donrak War Cemetery, as it is called locally.
How is it that mass death and tragedies have become tourist attractions? Today’s seasoned traveler may want a little bit more than just your typical tourist experience like a ride to the Eiffel Tower’s top or a visit to Times Square. Just as some of us love horror movies, we love exploring some places on the planet with a dark history.
While all these places have historical significance, the idea of taking a selfie at any of these locations seems disrespectful to those that had died there. It is important to remember our history, both the good and the bad. When we reflect on past tragedies, it can help us appreciate all the good in the world and empower all to celebrate life.
by Nicole Bergstrom
Travelibrium: Haunted Ireland
Ireland is inherently mysterious; the lush green island has been home to spirits, druids, and ghosts for millennia. It’s no surprise the Irish invented Halloween, with the ancient pagan tradition of Samhain. The merry music, thriving pub culture, and charming people make it a must-visit for festive travelers. Explore Ireland’s secrets amidst the splendor of its fall foliage, savor its rich food, and don’t forget to book your stay in a haunted castle. Their ghosts have some bedtime stories to tell.
Haunted Castles
Ballygally Castle is part of the deluxe Hastings Hotels group, yet its posh setting and postcard views over the Irish Sea bely its haunted past. Built in 1625 by James Shaw, he brought his young wife Isabella to start a family. Shaw, a native of Greenock, Scotland, came to Ireland in 1606 to seek his fortune. Upon hearing that his young wife bore him a daughter, Shaw became livid, hiding the child and locking Isabella in a turret. Some accounts report that rather than starve, Isabella threw herself from the window. Others say she went out looking for her beloved daughter and fell to her death. Her soul is said to walk the halls at night, sometimes appearing with phantom children. To this day, Isabella has her own room, the Ghost Room, which guests may tour but never stay overnight. Psychics who have visited Ballygally Castle often say they are surrounded by more ghosts in the hotel than guests.
Renvyle House Hotel–a four-star resort and Historic Hotel of Europe on the Atlantic Coast, west of Galway—has been reported haunted since opening to guests in 1882. Upon purchasing the estate in 1917, Oliver St. John Gogarty had no idea of the ghastly surprises that awaited. One night, awoken by the sound of thudding footsteps outside his door, he grabbed a candle to investigate. As he opened his bedroom door, a gust of wind blew the candle out. Soon after, a heavy chest was dragged in the middle of the night, barring access to another bedroom. From that point forward, the servants refused to go into several rooms of the house. So Gogarty invited fellow poet William Butler Yeats, whose wife was a famous medium, to stay. Georgia Yeats entered the haunted room alone and witnessed the ghost of a red-haired 14-year-old boy, the son of a previous owner. After Yeats died, the house’s powers are so strong that a new ghost arrived, a tall, thin specter wearing tweed–the very likeness of Yeats himself. To this day, furniture and linens are known to move about unassisted. Or make that assisted… by the supernatural.
At the southeastern tip of Ireland, Loftus Hall in County Wexford has a long and devilish history. It seems a young man on horseback asked for help after washing ashore in the rough seas off the coast. The handsome stranger enchanted the owner’s daughter, young Anne Tottenham, and she fell madly in love. One night playing parlor games, Anne dropped a card to the floor. Upon retrieving the card, she lowered her gaze and noticed that her beloved had cloven hooves instead of feet! Overcome with rage, the stranger flew away through the ceiling, leaving a gaping hole that would never be repaired. Young Anne descended quickly into madness, was locked away from prying eyes by her family, and went to an early grave. For many years family and servants reported seeing her wandering late at night in the tapestry room where she was kept. Finally, a Catholic priest tried—and failed—to exorcise the tapestry room, and some say young Anne haunts Loftus Hall to this day.
Loftus Hall Afterdark is an in-person (with masks) and live-streamed (from home) paranormal adventure, which takes place in October for Halloween. Enter if you dare. And if you really want to bring Ireland home, Loftus Hall recently went on the market, for 2.5 million euros.
Bring Haunted Ireland to You
If you can’t make it to Ireland this October, invite the Irish specters to dinner and recreate these chills in your abode. Being spooked in your own home is deliciously spine-tingling. Here is a perfect recipe for fear, fun, and a phantasmic fete. Invite your nearest and dearest mortals too–their blood-curdling screams will be your applause.
Set the Scene
Carving the jack o’ lantern is an ancient Irish Halloween tradition. Stingy Jack was a miserly, evil person who swindled the Devil out of taking his soul multiple times, only to be cast away from heaven by St. Peter. Doomed to wander the earth forever, the Devil gave him an ember from the fires of hell to light his way. Superstitious locals began carving faces into turnips and potatoes, illuminating them with candles to ward off evil spirits. In Ireland and throughout the world today, Halloween revelers place pumpkins near the door to scare away wandering spirits.
Place your pumpkin in a prominent place by the entrance to your “haunted” house and carve a few more to watch over your guests inside. For added visuals, place a small piece of dry-ice inside each jack o’ lantern and place a few drops of water on it with a straw. Watch the eerie fog billow and swirl out of the gaping eyes and mouth.
Keep the lights dim and, if possible, use only candlelight for the evening. Choose a few scented candles to evoke that fall feeling – tobacco, smoked wood, or pine blend well with the freshly-carved pumpkin scent.
Movies set the mood visually, bringing an ethereal, gothic quality to your gathering. Cue up The Lodgers (2018), shot on location at Loftus Hall and set the film on repeat. The ghostly period piece will add some extra shivers.
Gather & Toast
The ancient Irish believed that they must feed the spirits before All Saints Day, and so you must feed your spirits as well.
From Master Foodie Mara Papatheodorou, a tastes and traditions expert, and former editor at Bon Appetit.
“The sweet apple, autumn’s bountiful fruit, became the first treat. Mulled warm apple cider, spiced with cinnamon and often spiked with rum, still keeps away the October chill and makes it the perfect party drink.
Guinness--the famous Irish stout–is another sipping option. Arthur Guinness began brewing his perfected blend of roasted and malted barley, hops, yeast, and water in an abandoned Dublin warehouse in 1759, and the rest is ale history. And no Irish gathering is complete without a wee nip of whiskey or a classic hot Irish coffee infused with whiskey and topped with whipped cream.
Celtic flavors and flair stem from what the Green Isle grows. The country’s staples of carrots, potatoes, onions, and beef or lamb merge together deliciously in a hearty Irish stew, ideal as a meal to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve. Another Irish specialty is Colcannon (Gaelic for white cabbage), a traditional concoction of mashed potatoes, chopped onions, cabbage, and kale served alongside lamb chops or corned beef.
Finish your feast off with Irish Barmbrack, also known as Soul Cake, a biscuit-like cake flavored with apples and currants especially created to serve this night to soothe souls and welcome visitors. The cake often has “charms” baked into it that represent good luck or caution depending on what you get in your slice!”
Amusements
It’s time to conjure the lost souls wandering the earth! Grab a copy of Irish Ghost Stories by David Stuart Davies, choose a classic tale by Bram Stoker or Yeats, and gather close. Reading ghoulish stories aloud is a Halloween pleasure and will add a mysterious, memorable tone to your evening. Have your guests bring their own ghost stories to share as well. With any luck of the Irish, the ghost of Isabella Shaw might just be sitting among your group, listening.
Will the Cruise Industry Continue to See Mega-Ships?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent cruise history suggested Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas, slated to debut in 2022 as the company’s newest Oasis-class ship, would eventually be eclipsed as the largest cruise ship in the world.
After all, at 225,000 tons and accommodating 5,500 passengers, Oasis-class ships roughly equal the dimensions of Knut Kloster’s Phoenix World City, which in the 1980s represented a then-unimaginable expansion in cruise ship size. It didn’t seem a far leap to consider cruise ships might continue to grow ever larger.
Yet as with every other facet of travel, the coronavirus pandemic has significantly altered cruise operations now and likely into the future. Cruise lines are already shedding some ships and delaying new ship orders.
It’s possible the race to expand cruise ship scale has taken a back seat to more immediate concerns.
“I think you’re looking at an impact that will last, in practical terms, three to five years,” said Rod McLeod, retired chief marketing officer at Royal Caribbean International, regarding COVID-19’s effect on cruise operations. “That means delayed newbuilds, and I think you’re going to see orders for smaller ships,” he said.
“Will we continue to see ever-larger mega-ships?” asked McLeod. “I would be surprised. Royal Caribbean has the Quantum class [measuring 169,000 tons and accommodating 4,180 guests], and that is probably a more utilitarian class of ship for wide-ranging global operations.”
Cruise lines debuted the first 70,000-ton ships in the late 1980s, cruise lines began billing ships as the “largest-ever” in the 1990s, with the debut of ships in the. At the time, the cruise lines’ idea was to create increased space to expand shipboard amenities, facilities and services, enabling cruise vacations to better compete with land-based resorts.
But operators found consumers responded to such designations, with many happy to report to friends and relatives they had sailed aboard the “largest-ever” cruise ship. Years later, the Oasis-class ships are more than twice the size of the 70,000-ton ships some imagined the “largest-ever” cruise vessels.
Yet just as COVID-19 has suddenly forced significant changes in the nature of cruise operations, the pandemic may also provide an avenue for the eventual debut of larger ships.
“If you had asked me this question a year ago I would say we had reached a limit,” said Dr. Robert J. Kwortnik, associate professor of services marketing at Cornell University’s SC Johnson School of Business. “There were big concerns about over-tourism and really big ships in ports that couldn’t support them,” he said.
“But I have a different view of it now. For one, some of these ports and destinations have realized just how important cruise is,” said Kwortnik. “This is an example of what happens when the industry stops. It’s not a theory anymore. Some destinations may now be saying, ‘We know now we don’t need cruise,’
“But there will be plenty of others that are saying, ‘We now realize how important cruise is to our tourism market,’ Kwortnik said. “I see where some people in Venice are now upset the tourism economy has declined. So there may be less reluctance with regards to bigger ships.”
He added, “The other thing is the larger ships are so much more efficient and have better economies of scale. Royal Caribbean held a recent earnings call where Jason Liberty, the chief financial officer, said some of the newer, larger ships can break even at 30 to 40 percent occupancy,” said Kwortnik.
“I thought that was really interesting because now you look at an Oasis-class ship and say ‘We could run that at 50 percent occupancy and operate at a profit. Plus, it’s so much bigger that [operators] can social distance aboard this ship better than aboard a much smaller ship. These ships at least permit social distancing.
Of course, said Kwortnik, the hope is cruise companies won’t be compelled to build increasingly larger mega-ships solely to combat COVID-19 pandemic concerns.
“Let’s hope we get to the point we don’t have to do this anymore, but if there is an emergency where we now need to separate people, there’s just more space,” he said. “I don’t think the companies were ever thinking ‘We can socially distance better with these ships,’ but it may turn out to be a silver lining.”
And other industry experts continue to say there’s no reason to expect cruise lines to restrict the size and scope of future ships. “There’s no reason we’ve reached the limit. Limits are a figment of our imaginations,” said Stewart Chiron, a veteran Miami-based cruise retailer whose agency is known as The Cruise Guy. “
“When I got into the cruise industry 31-plus years ago, Sovereign of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world at 73,000 tons. It plateaued for almost a decade, with ships exceeding that by only 1,000 tons or so,” he said. “Now we have ships at 229,000 tons.”
Chiron added, “The size of ships is limited only by imagination, ability to fill them, and the ability of homeports and destinations to receive them.”
What’s the next step for Norwegian Air Shuttle?
The government of Norway is considering taking a stake of Norwegian Air as a measure to temporarily nationalise the air carrier while it is still unable to claw its way out of a financial trouble.
In a meeting with officials of Norway’s government, Jacob Schram, the Chief Executive of Norwegian Air, reportedly revealed that the airline would need additional financial support to survive the winter season. The meeting took place on the 28 September.
The government stated that there was an option to bail out the struggling air carrier rather than revive Scandinavian Airlines, which is already partly owned by Denmark and Sweden. The government officials considered that taking a majority of Norwegian Air stake would result in the temporary airline’s nationalisation. The long-term nationalisation of the carrier would be hardly possible as there are law-related issues with other European airlines such as Lufthansa .
The airline has already given multiple hints that it would need more financial support from the government. Earlier in September 2020, Schram warned that the state loan guarantee was not sufficient enough to get through COVID-19 crisis. The airline claimed that it would need a new rescue package despite the already-secured €285 million (NOK3 billion) state aid guarantee.
At the time, the carrier’s management was given the green light to raise €949 million (NOK 10 billion) by converting existing debts into shares, and further €28 million (NOK 300 million) to €38 million (NOK 400 million) by issuing a new public equity offering.
The management of the airline tried to receive financial injection once more on 18 August, when it asked the Swedish National Debt Office for a state credit guarantee. However, the Swedish authority rejected the request.
United Express carrier ExpressJet ceases operations
ExpressJet, one of the operators of United Express, has officially shut down operations this week. United confirmed in July that it planned to shut down one of its regional carriers, choosing to axe ExpressJet. The closure will result in nearly 3,000 employees being laid off in addition to United’s 13,000 employee furlough. CommutAir, another United Express operator, will now operate ExpressJet’s fleet and routes.
United confirmed in late August that it would be ending its contract with ExpressJet by October, choosing to consolidate operations with a single regional carrier. United was the carrier’s only client and the airline announced that it would complete its last flight on 30 September, just as CARES Act funding ran out.
Accordingly, ExpressJet’s last United Express flight landed in Houston from Memphis at 0130pm on the 30th, marking the end of the carrier, according to Forbes. Roughly 3,000 employees have been laid off due to the closure, who will not be returning to work, unlike other furloughed employees.
United’s other ERJ-145 operator, CommutAir, will now take on ExpressJet’s fleet as well as routes. Despite having the smaller ERJ fleet and a less senior pilot group, United picked CommutAir to continue its regional operations primarily due to lower costs. While this will be a boost to the carrier, demand continues to remain low for the foreseeable future.
United has cited the unprecedented drop in travel demand as the reason to cut ExpressJet’s contract. In a previous statement sent to Simple Flying, a spokesperson said that United will become a smaller carrier in the face of the pandemic, as it has been planning for a while.
Congressional payroll support officially ended on 1 October, after leaders could not reach a final deal. Despite intense efforts from airlines, funding failed to come through at the last minute, forcing thousands of furloughs. Nearly 32,000 employees are now going through the furlough process, with United accounting for 13,000 and American for the rest.
Woman Tries to Attack Gate Agent After She Was Denied Boarding
Well, the circle of naughty passengers is complete now from head to toe.
Where wearing face masks on airlines has been an issue for months now on airlines, now comes the news that a woman who was barefoot was denied boarding on an American Airlines flight last week.
And she made matters worse by lunging after gate agents.
Police say they were called to Miami International Airport by American Airlines after Brittney Mohammadi, 23, of California leapt at agents behind the counter in response to being told she could not board a flight barefoot, according to the Washington Post.
The incident is not related to anything about the coronavirus, just a long-standing policy by the airlines that you can’t board the aircraft without shoes. You know, ‘No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service’ kind of thing.
That said, there are also numerous instances where passengers have taken off their shoes during a flight, as well-chronicled by the hysterical Facebook group ‘Passenger Shaming.’
Nonetheless, Mohammadi and her boyfriend Manuel Arteaga, 26, were arrested by Miami-Dade police for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
“On Sunday, September 27, two customers were denied boarding on flight 1061 with service from Miami (MIA) to Los Angeles (LAX) after attempting to board the aircraft without shoes,” a spokesperson for American Airlines told The Washington Post via email. “After being informed of our policy, the customers became irate and one attempted to strike an American team member at the gate.”
The couple were wrestled to the ground by police outside the airport.
When asked if she knew she couldn’t board a plane without shoes, Mohammadi told a local Miami television station, “Okay, you know what? I don’t go on the airport that often.”
“Violence of any kind is not tolerated by American Airlines. We thank the Miami-Dade Police Department for their quick action to ensure the safety of our customers and team members,” an American Airlines spokesperson said.
Explore one of Egypt’s hidden treasures the White Desert
The pandemic has left each and every one of us adventure-less, but that doesn’t mean we cannot explore, discover and learn more about the beauties this world has to offer. After all this is over, all you need to do is plan your next trip to make the dream of adventure a reality.
Egypt has a lot of the hidden treasures that only few people know about. Our target is to reveal them because they are worthy of being seen at least once in a lifetime. One of these treasures is the White Desert, known for its cream color, holding massive chalk rock formations created as a result of sandstorms taking place in the area.
This geographic attraction is located north of the town of Farafra, and also around 500 kilometers away from Cairo. The White Desert is a protected national park stretching out for 300 square kilometers. The sand in the White Desert is filled with a variety of deep-black iron pyrites and other fossils. Discover the inselbergs, which are chalk towers emerging from the desert floor into a beautiful white canyon. Grand boulevards of sand run through those canyons and all of this is located on the west side of Farafra. One of the main attractions in the White Desert is the Twin Peaks which are two flat mountains with a magnificent view from the top. They are one of the most photographed sights in the desert and a popular destination.
At the very end of the White Desert, counting as the main passage into and out of Farafra depression is the Naqb As Sillim. Another few kilometers away, you can see the desert floor changing in color due to being littered with quartz crystals. Many of the rock formations are made of crystal. One of the most famous formations there is the Crystal Mountain, made entirely of quartz crystals.
Beauty found in Farafra
The White Desert is a desolate lunar landscape mesmerizing in every way. The White Desert is a result of microscopic sea creatures living there around 80 million years ago. What you can see now after the disappearance of the sea is a flat valley, interrupted by isolated conical hills due to wind erosions. You might also find fossils, including clams and sea urchins, which is an indication of the habitat it once was.
You can witness different shades and hues depending on the time of your visit. It is recommended you spend either sunset or sunrise to witness a noticeable change in color which is a magnificent sight to see. Check out the arctic appearance under a full moon as well as beauty in a star-lit night sky.
White Desert safari and camping
The White Desert is a spacious area covered in totally white soft sand, and that’s precisely why you can go on plenty of activities, including sand boarding, biking and safaris. Rovers go up and down at great speed on high dunes where the cars are going down a slope of almost 90 degrees. You can also ride your mountain bike up and down the soft dunes, but be careful with the speed.
You can also plan a camping trip to the desert, which can easily be incorporated in your tour. Spend the night in your sleeping bag on the soft sand, drink Bedouin tea with the locals and gaze at an unforgettable view of the stars, with a sure chance of seeing shooting stars all through the night. In addition to that, the silence at dusk will make all your worries and stress of day fade away.
Bahariya Oasis hot springs
At the end of your trip, don’t forget to visit some of the dozens of hot springs found in Bahariya Oasis, including the famous Valley of El Haize hot spring. The oasis is surrounded by palm trees which you can pick delicious dates from. You can take a swim in the natural springs, but be careful as there is some sedimentation on the floors that may stain your clothes, hands, and feet. It’s advised to bring some extra clothes with you when you’re there.
If you choose to visit Valley of the Haize, make sure to pay a visit to El Heiz Water Education Center. This small agricultural village is a space designed to educate engineers, farmers, youth and teachers about reducing water consumption and how to reuse it to produce food. There are many workshops and classes are held free of cost. You will surely leave having learned something new and valuable.
This trip of unforgettable sights and landscapes is waiting for you to discover it. Plan your trip to Egypt and find the beauty which lies in its wide deserts.
By Sherif Khalil
Aeromexico Resumes Service Between San Francisco and Guadalajara
Delta Air Lines and its Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) partner Aeromexico today resumed service from San Francisco International Airport to Guadalajara with three weekly flights.
San Francisco offers a fascinating past reflected in its Victorian architecture and streets built on more than 50 hills that can be explored through its legendary streetcars. San Francisco is also the headquarters of the most important technology companies in the world such as Apple and Facebook, making it an iconic place in the state of California.
Guadalajara combines its cultural heritage with the dynamism of modernity through an important diversity of industries, making it ideal for tourist activities, including the unmissable Hospicio Cabañas, located in the heart of the city’s downtown and considered part of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. It is also a suitable destination for business development, highlighting its technological innovation, thanks to several international companies that have chosen to settle in this urban area.
José Zapata, Aeromexico’s Sales Director for Mexico and JCA, said, “The resumption of this route is a result of the commitment Delta and Aeromexico have to continue connecting the United States and Mexico. Today, between both airlines, we operate approximately 30 routes in both countries, and we are applying the highest standards of health and safety for our customers and our employees.”
For his part, the Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco, Germán Ernesto Kotsiras Ralis Cumplido, said, “In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jalisco made the care and safety for people a priority. Thus, health protocols were implemented and reinforced throughout the productive chain of the sector, which together with the health indicators, allow us to advance in the gradual reactivation of tourism. For this reason, I am pleased that air connectivity is now being strengthened with the restart of the Aeromexico Guadalajara-San Francisco flight, where tourists can enjoy our local destinations, a good mariachi, tequila, and a raicilla.”
By adding this route, Delta and Aeromexico are offering service from Guadalajara to Chicago, Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento and now San Francisco.
Additionally, Mexico’s global airline highlighted that in October it will increase its international flight service by approximately 30 percent versus the month of September.
For more information, visit aeromexico.com.
United’s November Service to Add Popular Florida, Mexico and Caribbean Routes
United Airlines today announced plans to restart service on close to 30 international routes this November, in addition to strengthening U.S. domestic connections to tourism hotspots in Hawaii and Florida. In rebuilding its network, United is also bolstering service to popular leisure destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.
Even after such additions, the airline’s overall November 2020 schedule will amount to only 44 percent of what it was in November of 2019, which is still a four-point increase compared with its October schedule.
“For the month of November, we have adjusted our capacity to add flying for leisure travel to warm weather and beach destinations in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean, along with ‘visiting friends and relatives’ travel across the globe,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s vice president of International Network and Alliances. “We’re also pleased to announce that beginning this weekend, customers can purchase tickets for United’s new nonstop flights between Chicago and New Delhi, New York/Newark and Johannesburg, and between San Francisco and Bangalore.”
U.S. Domestic
United plans on flying 49 percent of its domestic schedule in comparison to November 2019. It will begin offering up to 16 daily nonstops to connect customers in Boston, Cleveland and New York/LaGuardia to sought-after Florida leisure destinations, such as Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. It will also be adding as many as 14 daily flights on 12 Western U.S. routes to Boise, Idaho; Palm Springs, California; and Bend, Oregon. November’s domestic highlights include:
—Starting new service between Washington Dulles and Key West, Florida
—Resuming service between San Francisco and Tampa, Florida
—Resuming service between Denver and Miami, Florida
—Increasing daily service between Los Angeles and Maui, Hawaii
International
United said that it intends to fly 38 percent of its international schedule in November, as compared with the same month last year, representing a six-point increase over October 2020. Part of that growth will be a resumption of 29 international routes to cities across Asia, Europe and Latin America.
TransAtlantic:
—Resuming thrice-weekly service between Denver and Frankfurt, Germany
—Increased, five-times-weekly between Houston and Frankfurt, Germany
TransPacific:
—Resuming thrice-weekly nonstop service between San Francisco and Taipei, Taiwan
—Increased, five-times-weekly service between San Francisco and Seoul, South Korea
Caribbean and Latin America:
—Restarting thrice-weekly service between Houston and Santiago, Chile
—Restarting thrice-weekly service between Houston and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
—Resuming service to seven Caribbean and Central American destinations, including Antigua, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Managua, Nassau, St. Lucia and Roatan.
—Expanding service on over 20 routes to popular beach destinations throughout Mexico, including new sew service to Acapulco and Zihuatanejo and expanded service to Cancún, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.
For more information, visit united.com.
Spirit Airlines Puts Fall Flights on Sale From $38 One-Way
Spirit Airlines is offering flights from as little as $38 one-way this fall.
The ultra-low-cost carrier’s discounted fares must be booked by October 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET for travel between October 12 and November 19, 2020, and December 3 through December 15, 2020.
The special member fares are only available to travelers enrolled in Spirit’s $9 Fare Club. Membership enrollment costs $59.95 and automatically renews each year at $69.95 unless canceled. Additional baggage charges may apply also, however, Spirit points out that $9 Fare Club members can bring more for less as they can save up to 50 percent off bags compared to paying at the airport.
The cheapest one-way fares ($38) are available on a number of notable routes including Boston-Orlando; Austin-Fort Lauderdale; Atlanta-Chicago; Dallas-Las Vegas and Tampa-Detroit. Spirit customers can also fly across the country between Philadelphia and Los Angeles for as low as $55 one-way during this autumn’s sale.
Contact your travel advisor or visit Spirit.com to filter the latest flight deals by your departure city.
Now through October 22, travelers can also score one-way flights from as low as $49 when they book with Southwest Airlines for travel between select dates October-March.
American Airlines to Increase Service to Key West
American Airlines will increase nonstop service to Key West, Florida from Charlotte, North Carolina and Dallas beginning Thursday, October 8.
The carrier will operate 19 weekly flights from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) on 76-seat Embraer E175 regional jets and 14 weekly flights from Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on 128-seat Airbus A319 planes.
The flights from CLT will include three daily flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and two each on Tuesdays and Wednesdays while American will offer two flights daily from DFW.
“North Carolina and Texas are proving to be popular hubs for visitors who want to fly into Key West,” said Richard Strickland, director of airports for the Florida Keys & Key West, in a statement. “We continue to experience strong demand for airlift into the Florida Keys for fall and winter.”
“Visitors from the mid-Atlantic and south-central regions represent some of the Keys’ strongest inbound markets,” added Stacey Mitchell, director of the Florida Keys & Key West destination marketing office. “American’s service into Key West from Dallas-Fort Worth is likely to increase demand from the West Coast, a growing market, and the Midwest, always a strong winter market for us.”
The new flights will build on American’s existing service to Key West from Miami, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The carrier currently operates 10 weekly flights from Miami International Airport (MIA); six weekly flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and two weekly flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
On Thursday, United Airlines resumed daily nonstop service to Key West from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport.
Los Angeles LAX rolls out contactless food and beverage ordering, pick-up
Travelers passing through Los Angeles International Airport can now conveniently order, pay for and pick up food and beverages from their favorite restaurants via their mobile device through the newly-expanded LAXOrderNow.com.
The collaboration between Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports (URW Airports) and Grab allows users to search, browse and order food and non-alcoholic beverages from a handful of participating restaurants throughout the airport. Travelers can also pick up their order while avoiding physical contact with other people, a key feature in the time of COVID-19.
Currently, there are more than 20 food and beverage locations on the platform, including California Pizza Kitchen (Terminal 1), SLAPFISH Modern Seafood Shack (Terminal 2) and Donburi Bistro (Terminal 5), among several others. Additional options will be added soon and plans are in the works for an in-airport, contactless delivery option as well.
There’s no need to download a mobile app, rather airport guests can use their camera app to scan one of the QR codes located throughout the airport or simply visit LAXOrderNow.com to browse and order. Credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are among the accepted forms of payment.
Users will receive updates and alerts when their order is ready for pick up at one of the designated pick up locations that are clearly marked with signs.
“LAX is leading the airport industry in developing new ways for our guests to access all the information and services they need through their mobile devices,” LAWA CEO Justin Erbacci said in a statement. “LAX Order Now is another step in creating that customized, seamless travel experience, while also keeping our guests safe with another touchless service.”
“We are excited to partner with LAWA and URW to enable contactless order and payment at LAX,” added Jeff Livney, Chief Experience Officer, Grab. “By working together with all stakeholders, LAX Order Now introduces safe, contactless commerce for guests to dine on the go while keeping safety and hygiene in mind for the entire airport community.”
Mike Salzman, EVP and Group Director for URW Airports said that “partnering to keep people safe and healthy in the airport is key to restoring confidence in travel.”
Michelin-Starred Chef Unveils New Menu at Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s Ha’ Restaurant
Chef Carlos Gaytan, the first-ever Mexican chef to be distinguished with a Michelin Star and head of Ha’, AAA Five Diamond restaurant located within Hotel Xcaret Mexico, recently revealed a change in the restaurant’s menu. As usual, Gaytan’s Ha’ promises take guests on a culinary journey of Mexico through a seven-course dinner paired with beer and wines from the Valle de Guadalupe, Aguascalientes and San Miguel de Allende regions in Mexico.
“We want to continue providing an elevated dining experience to our guests,” Gaytan said. “That is why we are focused on providing much more than a meal. We want to connect with our diners and transform their lives through culinary storytelling. Food is one of the bridges that allows tourism to connect visitors with destinations, and we are constantly striving to keep our offer updated and innovative so guests can have an authentic experience” he added.
Starting this month, Ha’s new menu will feature a variety of tasty dishes including Hamachi fritters, pea soup with honey, mascarpone and truffle, Mayan octopus with Guajillo chile marinade, Poblano chile stuffed with ratatouille served with Brie cheese fondue and whole grain mustard, escamoles (ant eggs) with pigweed and bean puree and New York steak with porcini ravioli. To satisfy guests sweet tooth, the restaurant will offer tangerine sorbet and a Marquesita, a crunchy Mexican rolled crepe.
Ha’ is Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s fine dining restaurant, and both the property and the eatery were awarded the AAA Five Diamond certificate as recognition for unparalleled service, outstanding design and impeccable standards of excellence. The restaurant has also been included in the Travellers’ Choice 2020 Awards by TripAdvisor, placing it among the top 10 percent of restaurants worldwide.
Additionally, Hotel Xcaret Mexico has revolutionized the hospitality industry by going beyond the traditional all-inclusive offering. Thanks to the hotel’s All-Fun Inclusive concept, guests can enjoy complimentary access to all parks and tours by Grupo Xcaret, transfers to and from the parks as well as to and from the airport, among other perks.
Two Hyatt Hotels open at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced October 1 that Hyatt Place Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Hyatt House Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport are officially open.
The hotels are located in Paris Nord 2 International Business Park, within close proximity to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Both hotels are professionally managed by Cycas Hospitality.
These hotels mark the first dual-branded project in France for Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands, and mark a total of twelve Hyatt hotels throughout the country. The dual-brand concept means that the hotels can share amenities with guests from both hotels, including restaurants, meeting rooms and pool areas. Guests will also have complimentary airport shuttle service.
The Hyatt Place hotel is designed with a casual atmosphere, with the modern-day traveler in mind. It features 24-hour food service, an indoor pool and gym.
The Hyatt House hotel, on the other hand, features upscale guest rooms, more space and more amenities to make guests feel at home, like the Kitchen Suites, which include full kitchens for an extended-stay option.
“We are proud to be opening our doors today to the first dual-branded Hyatt project in Europe and to see Hyatt’s select service brands expanding in France,” said Luc Vicherd, Cycas Hospitality’s regional general manager for France. “This is a prime location and we are confident that by combining these two fast-growing brands under one roof we will be best suited to service the needs of both corporate and leisure travelers. Now more than ever, guests appreciate the benefits of spacious rooms and separate places to sleep, work and relax. From the Cozy Corner sofa-sleepers offered in our Hyatt Place guestrooms, to Hyatt House apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens, having two sophisticated brands ensures our guests can choose the space that best fits their needs, whilst taking full advantage of both hotels’ wider facilities.”
World of Hyatt members can earn 500 bonus points by booking at one of these hotels. The offer is available for stays from November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021
For more information or to see a list of other participating Hyatt brand hotels, please visit WorldofHyatt.com.
Hawaiian Airlines Offering At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Hawaiian Airlines announced that travelers visiting or returning to the Hawaiian Islands from the mainland will now have the option to take the mandatory COVID-19 test from home.
Hawaiian Airlines customers can order the $150 mail-in saliva test online through Vault Health, which will help them avoid the mandatory quarantine for travelers entering the island chain if they test negative.
The test kits will be express mailed overnight to guests who will self-collect their sample with assistance from a testing supervisor in a video call. The samples are then express shipped overnight and will return the results electronically within 24 hours.
“We are excited to offer our guests at any of our U.S. mainland gateway cities a convenient way to take a pre-travel COVID-19 test that meets the state of Hawai’i’s requirements, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard and to our islands soon,” Hawaiian Airlines senior vice president Avi Mannis said.
“In addition to expanding testing availability and options, we have adopted comprehensive health and safety protocols throughout the travel journey to protect our guests, employees and community,” Mannis continued.
Travelers with a negative coronavirus test taken at a state-approved testing facility within 72 hours of departure will also be exempt from Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine upon arrival, starting on October 15.
Hawaiian Airlines’ at-home COVID-19 test option adds to the carrier’s partnership with Worksite Labs, which provides guests exclusive access to drive-through PCR testing—$90 for results within 36 hours, or $150 for day-of-travel express service.
Palladium Hotel Group Continues to Promote Safe Traveling
Many travelers are looking to get away despite the pandemic, but safety is of the utmost concern.
The Palladium Hotel Group resorts are oases where travelers can escape, relax and unwind, all while feeling safe, secure and protected from COVID-19. The company continues to make its visitors’ well-being the highest priority.
“During our 50 years of history, our highest priority has been people, and we have always striven to preserve their well-being,” said Raul Benito, chief operating officer of the hotel group. “For this reason, in these moments in which it is key to quickly adapt to the new reality that surrounds us and is necessary to generate trust, we have launched this new hygienic-sanitary protocol in collaboration with a leading company such as SGS with the aim of offering full health and safety guarantees for both our collaborators and clients so that they, in turn, can continue to enjoy a stay full of wonderful experiences.”
Through its partnership with SGS, Palladium has created protocols that ensure its 48 properties in the Americas and Europe are able to welcome travelers in a safe and healthy environment.
Palladium ensures strict adherence to new standards and compliance with new cleaning and disinfection strategies. The resorts have implemented new hygiene initiatives and are adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Protocols are overseen by the Palladium Hotel Group Global Customer Experience and Safety Council, which also ensures that each hotel is equipped with the best technology and the new disinfection systems.
Palladium also goes a step farther, in case the worst were to happen.
The hotel group is providing health insurance at many of its properties that guarantees services for any incidents that occur directly related to COVID-19.
This insurance not only provides extra peace of mind but also includes expenses for any illness arising during stays, medical transfer of patients, the extension of stays and more.
“Our guests’ safety and confidence in travel prompted us to launch this new initiative following our announcement of Palladium Hotel Group’s improved health and safety protocols, we wanted to continue innovating and providing tangible ways for our guests to have a worry-free vacation,” said Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas for Palladium Hotel Group. “We are taking every measure possible to take care of our guests and continue fostering confidence in travel,” she added.
Properties included in the insurance offer are: Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, TRS Coral Hotel and Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa in Mexico; Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa in Jamaica; Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino, Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino, Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, TRS Turquesa Hotel and TRS Cap Cana Hotel in the Dominican Republic.
MGM Resorts’ Comprehensive Meetings and Conventions Health and Safety Plan
MGM Resorts International today announced a comprehensive plan designed to facilitate the safe return of meetings and conventions at the company’s properties in Las Vegas and throughout the United States, subject to local regulations and restrictions.
MGM Resorts’ “Convene with Confidence” plan is the result of months of work with experts and builds on the company’s Seven-Point Safety Plan to provide a comprehensive approach to health and safety. This includes the option for a multi-layered health screening process using CLEAR’s Health Pass and utilizing on-site rapid, molecular COVID-19 testing that can deliver results within approximately 20 minutes.
“The health and safety of all who pass through our doors is our highest priority. Convene with Confidence represents the culmination of everything we’ve learned, cutting-edge technology and months of consultation with experts,” said MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle. “With this program, we are taking another step forward in safely providing a level of entertainment, amenities and service not seen since before the pandemic began.”
“We are thrilled to partner with MGM Resorts in implementing Health Pass to help create safer environments and a seamless experience across their venues and locations,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. “Health Pass is helping thousands of people safely return to work and helping make it possible to gather with confidence and peace of mind.”
“We are excited to provide our healthcare services to this groundbreaking initiative,” said Impact Health CEO J. Michael McNamara. “Our mission is to help people return to their lives, and Convene with Confidence will serve as a model for opening businesses and entertainment venues in a convenient and safe manner.”
The full Convene with Confidence plan can be viewed HERE.
CONVENE WITH CONFIDENCE OVERVIEW
Convene with Confidence consists of detailed protocols supported by highly trained employees to incorporate health and safety into every aspect of the convention and meeting process. Standard elements of Convene with Confidence include:
Planning: Virtual site inspections and careful pre-planning of event, meal and break times to safely optimize guest movement throughout meeting spaces. Various types of events offered include virtual, hybrid or in-person.
Arrival: Pre-registration provided in advance and digitally. Where registration desks and queuing are required, scheduling and physical distancing are implemented and clearly indicated.
Cleaning and disinfecting: High-touch points cleaned and disinfected regularly; single-use amenities disposed of daily; hand sanitizer available in high traffic areas. Mandalay Bay received accreditation by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a validation of its cleaning protocols.
Physical distancing: Facilities and floor plans adjusted to meet physical distancing requirements and evolve as needed.
Dining and Break Refresh: Various styles of meal service offered, with an extended menu of pre-packaged options, distributed by servers and attendants.
OPTIONAL: Health Pass services utilizing rapid on-site testing: MGM Resorts is partnering with biometric secure identity company CLEAR to leverage its new Health Pass technology. Health Pass is a touchless product that links verified identity with COVID-19 health insights – including a real-time health questionnaire, COVID-related test results and temperature checks – via integrated kiosks. This process was utilized in the National Hockey League’s successful return to play at the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Toronto and Edmonton.
Additionally, MGM Resorts is deploying a rapid, portable, molecular, point-of-care COVID-19 test in conjunction with Impact Health, a leading provider of healthcare services for high-profile and high-volume events. Through these partnerships, MGM Resorts is offering an optional COVID-19 testing protocol that delivers results within approximately 20 minutes and allows event organizers to create a perimeter for their events and exhibitions.
Attendees at events utilizing this optional service take part in the following protocol:
CLEAR Health Pass Protocol
—Step One: Prior to the event, attendees are asked to download the CLEAR mobile app and set up their account. Their identity is verified by uploading an identifying document and snapping a quick selfie.
—Step Two: Before entering the venue, attendees open the app, verify their identity with a selfie and answer a series of health survey questions.
—Step Three: Upon arrival at the meeting or event, attendees are met by an Impact Health professional for on-site, rapid testing, with results expected within approximately 20 minutes. Users can access these results by securely linking their testing account to their Health Pass through the app.
—Step Four: Attendees approach a kiosk, where they receive a temperature check and scan their QR code to share their health insights. Depending on their COVID-related health information and their recent test results, users are issued a red or green Health Pass on their app.
– If the result is a green Health Pass, that information, combined with their event-specific ticket or credential, grants entrance into the event or conference.
– If the result is a red Health Pass, MGM Resorts’ best-in-class response protocols are activated immediately for further testing, referral to care for the guest and consultation with local health authorities.
Throughout the process, MGM Resorts receives confirmation a user has satisfied the requirements for access with the equivalent of a red light or green light signal.
COMPANYWIDE HEALTH & SAFETY
The health and safety of employees and guests has been at the forefront of MGM Resorts’ planning since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis earlier this year. The company’s comprehensive Seven-Point Safety Plan is a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases. The company continues to evaluate and evolve its safety protocols. Key initiatives include:
—Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training
—COVID-19 testing for employees as they return to work in partnership with the local medical community
—Requirement for employees and guests to wear masks. Complimentary masks are provided as needed
—Physical distancing policies, with floor guides serving as reminders
—Installation of plexiglass barriers and other measures to reduce risk in areas where physical distancing presents challenges
—Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors
—Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App, allowing hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
—HVAC systems programmed to recycle up to 100 percent outside fresh air and up to 12 air cycles per hour
—Requirement of Guestroom Attendants to wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and to change gloves between guestrooms
—In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers are utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
—Digital menus available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets
—To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests receive text message notification when their tables are ready
For more information, visit mgmresorts.com.
New Data Says Many Americans Would Take ‘Flight to Nowhere’
The ‘Flight to Nowhere’ is becoming a phenomenon.
As we previously wrote, the idea of getting on a plane with no destination, flying for several hours, and then returning to the same airport is gaining traction worldwide. In fact, Australia’s Qantas Airlines recently offered such a flight and it sold out in 10 minutes.
Qantas, Taiwan’s EVA, Singapore Airlines and Japan’s ANA have all either run flights to nowhere or are about to.
For Qantas, the flight that left Sydney was “probably the fastest selling flight in Qantas history,” the airline’s CEO, Alan Joyce, said in a statement. “People clearly miss travel and the experience of flying. If the demand is there, we’ll definitely look at doing more of these scenic flights while we all wait for borders to open.”
But the concept of the flight to nowhere hasn’t quite taken off in the United States yet.
Maybe it should.
According to a new poll from Harris, almost two-thirds of Americans say they would be interested in taking a sightseeing flight, or flight to nowhere.
No surprise, Gen Z/Millennials and Gen X folks, at 69 percent and 73 percent, respectively, are more likely than Boomers and Seniors to take such a flight. Baby boomers and senior citizens clocked in at 60 percent in favor and 46 percent, respectively.
Of those who say they are interested in a flight to nowhere, most say they would be willing to pay $260, on average.
Those who say they are interested had their reasons. They are:
– We all need a moment of escape (53 percent)
– It would feel like a mini-vacation (52 percent)
– I need a change of scenery (44 percent)
– Satisfy my itch to travel (38 percent)
– I miss flying (28 percent)
– To offset my cabin fever (22 percent)
– To create a sense of normalcy (21 percent)
The most recent Harris Poll was conducted on September 25-28, 2020 among a nationally representative sample of 1,971 American adults.
TSA Reopening Preclearance Program to foreign airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the agencies would invite new airports to participate in the Preclearance program for the first time since 2016.
Foreign international airports must host operations to the United States, have a suitable facility for Preclearance processing and be prepared to share costs with the U.S. Government to be eligible for the program.
Interested airports may apply for Preclearance by submitting an application through the CBP website, but they will be required to coordinate closely to reach bilateral agreements between the U.S. and the host country.
Preclearance is a partnership through which governments authorize CBP to station personnel at airports to complete customs, immigration and agriculture inspections of travelers before they board flights bound for America.
“Preclearance is an excellent passenger facilitation program that complements our rigorous U.S. standards and strengthens global security through the development of key international partnerships,” TSA Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator Melanie Harvey said.
“This program is a win-win, allowing travelers to experience a streamlined approach that saves them time and frustration while reducing the burden on our domestic system,” Harvey continued.
Precleared travelers bypass CBP and TSA security inspections upon arrival in the U.S, saving valuable time as they proceed to connecting flights or their destination.
To establish Preclearance, host governments and airport operators must also implement security standards and protocols determined by the TSA. To date, CBP, TSA and their foreign partners have established 16 Preclearance airports in six countries.
“Preclearance strengthens our partnerships abroad and provides benefits to passengers, airports, governments, and airlines,” CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner William Ferrara said. “Those looking to apply will find that the process is more transparent than ever before. Over the past 70 years, Preclearance has achieved great success and we’re excited to offer this unique opportunity to our partners abroad.”
American Airlines Launches Pre-Flight COVID-19 Testing Program
American Airlines announced it is working with international governments to begin offering pre-flight COVID-19 testing for travelers flying to other countries.
Starting with Jamaica and the Bahamas, American’s pre-flight testing was designed to protect customer safety, inspire confidence in air travel and advance the aviation industry’s recovery from the impact of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The airline plans to expand the program to additional markets in the months ahead.
“The pandemic has changed our business in ways we never could have expected, but all the while, the entire American Airlines team has eagerly tackled the challenge of reimagining the way we deliver a safe, healthy and enjoyable travel experience for our customers,” American President Robert Isom said.
“Our plan for this initial phase of pre-flight testing reflects the ingenuity and care our team is putting into rebuilding confidence in air travel, and we view this as an important step in our work to accelerate an eventual recovery of demand,” Isom continued.
In Jamaica, American reached an agreement with the local government to launch an initial testing program at its Miami International Airport next month. The initial phase of testing will be for Jamaican residents traveling to their home country, with those receiving a negative result being permitted to skip the otherwise mandatory 14-day quarantine.
American also has started working with the Bahamas and other islands in the Caribbean to launch similar testing programs that would allow travel to the region. The carrier’s next international program will be with the Bahamas and is expected to launch next month.
In addition, the carrier has also started working with the government of Hawaii to develop a series of options that fit requirements for travel to the state. Starting October 15, American will begin a pre-flight COVID-19 testing program at its Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for customers traveling to Hawaii.
Waldorf Astoria Debuts New Resort in Dana Point, California
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s luxury hotel brand, announced the upcoming debut of its new resort in Dana Point, California, called the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club on September 30th.
Monarch Beach Resort is a AAA five-diamond hotel in Orange County, featuring sun-warmed beaches just sixty miles from Los Angeles. It was owned by Ohana Real Estate Investors since 2019, and the partnership is expected to be a successful one.
“The Monarch Beach Resort’s impeccable product, unmatched service standard and enviable location make it a perfect addition to the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolio. We are incredibly excited about welcoming the resort and its team members to Hilton,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton. “We are already partnering with the team at Ohana Real Estate Investors as we transition the resort management, and we look forward to welcoming guests and members to Southern California’s premier luxury destination.”
The hotel features 400 luxurious and tech-savvy guestrooms, a state-of-the-art spa, seven gourmet restaurants, an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and a private beach club.
“It’s fitting that the storied Waldorf Astoria brand is coming to Dana Point—which is one of the most iconic beachfront communities in California,” said James Cole, Ohana Real Estate Investors partner. ”The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is a welcome addition to the Ohana portfolio of luxury properties. This partnership will elevate the entire resort experience.”
For more information, please visit Hilton.com.
Introducing Travelibrium
Travelibrium
(noun) To maintain an emotional balance between travel and being at home. The ability to recreate cultural experiences elsewhere.
AirGuide Destinations is proud to bring on two amazing writers from our magazine to our website content. Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas will be creating a new place for people to bring travel home. Natalie and Greg have been writing about travel since 2011 and have contributed to HuffPost Travel, Yahoo Travel, Food52, Fathom, Red Tricycle, and many others. Based in Los Angeles & Seattle, they owned Traveler’s Bookcase in Los Angeles from 2007 to 2016. They have visited over 70 countries in the last ten years and hauled real books to every single one of them.
It is an odd time to travel, and some are more willing to travel than others. We are bringing it home to you for those who do not want to travel and want to stay home.
For October, we have a bone-chilling destination to Ireland. Stay at one of many hotels featured to get spooked or try one of the many ways to bring Ireland home to you.