Discover the Maldives in a luxury yacht
If you’re planning your next winter holiday, here are five reasons to choose the Maldives and a luxury yacht charter aboard NAWAIMAA.
You’ll never tire of ‘socially distancing’ as you cruise from one breath-taking island to the next: Reconnect with nature and explore the exotic wonders of Maldives at your own pace. Let your expert crew handle the travel plans while you try the cocktails and watch the world go by from the flybridge.
1. Stunning deserted beaches
If you’ve been dreaming of warm and sunny shores and observing pastel-colored scenery from the comfort of your very own hammock, then the Maldives is calling to you. Leave behind the urban jungle of Malé and the other inhabited islands to visit white sand beaches lapped by turquoise shores. The gentle incline into the crystal clear water makes the Maldives an ideal location for young families, and the open waters are great for water-skiing and powering through the water on the jet ski. Best of all, you’ll have it all to yourselves for days of beach games and sunbathing, and meals by candlelight beside the gentle waves.
2. Impressive wildlife
There are stories of Scuba divers and snorkelers swimming with the giant peaceful whale sharks that pass through the Indian Ocean – and this is just one possible encounter on a Maldives luxury yacht charter. Manta rays, dolphins, and turtles also grace the shallow reefs known as thilas and gilis and a thousand different species of fish – including parrotfish and clownfish – dart around the lagoons.
On land, birds, grey herons, and white terns can be seen along the shores; however, you will have the coast to yourselves.
3. Active outdoor lifestyle
The Maldives is a favorite destination for fishing and Scuba diving, and the local guides and crew of NAWAIMAA will ensure that you make the most of your time on an action-packed itinerary. Fish for your lunch at the Mulaku Atoll, learn to surf, or go for a snorkel or Scuba dive amongst the thriving corals.
The luxury yacht NAWAIMAA has plenty of outdoor space and a great collection of water toys to keep everyone active. She comes with a water slide and inflatable and towable toys that will give confidence to all ages while creating cherished memories with family and friends.
4. Luxury shopping and culture
Your luxury yacht charter doesn’t have to be spent at sea. Culture lovers and shoppers will find plenty of indulgences in Malé. Spend a couple of hours perusing the boutiques and markets, visit the old and new museums and art gallery around Sultan Park. End the afternoon with a couple of spa massage treatments to leave you feeling refreshed before an evening socializing in the bars and cafes or back on board your luxury yacht.
5. Complete privacy
With 26 atolls to cover amongst 298 km2 (that’s 115 square miles), there will be plenty of time to sit back, relax and let your Captain take you to the best locations on the charter grounds. NAWAIMAA has a flybridge Jacuzzi, plenty of sunbeds, and two choice places to dine and lounge in the shade throughout the afternoon. The air-conditioned lounge will surely beckon after a full day of swimming and playing on the white sand beaches.
The accommodation sleeps up to 10 guests across four beautiful en-suite cabins, including a full-beam master suite, a VIP stateroom, and two twin cabins with a Pullman berth.
This powerful motor yacht has a faster than average cruising speed of 20 knots and a top speed of 30 knots so that guests will spend less time in transit and more time packing in the sights, sounds, and sensations of these Indian Ocean idylls.
Make your plans for the holiday of a lifetime aboard a luxury yacht with a proven reputation with charter guests.
by Trina Howe
Avianca to restart slew of international routes from Colombia
Flights from Bogota and Medellin will connect to 16 cities, including Miami and New York.
Avianca said it will restart international flying from Colombia on Sept. 28 and gradually increase destinations while enforcing strict protocols for passengers to guard against the spread of COVID-19.
Its initial set of routes will link Bogota (BOG) and Medellin (MDE) with a total of 16 cities in Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and the U.S., starting with flights between MDE and both Miami (MIA) and New York (JFK) on Sept. 28.
Flights from BOG to six cities will follow on Oct. 1, with 10 more routes slated to begin on October 15. Some of the routes are subject to securing available slots, the airline said.
Passengers will be required to report their health status in an app before and for 14 days following their trips, the airline said. Travelers entering Colombia will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hrs. prior to boarding.
“We are very happy with the reopening of the international operation from Colombia, this will allow us to connect families and businesses and in turn reactivate the supply chain of this sector that drives thousands of Colombians,” Avianca president and CEO Anko van der Werff said.
“This start of operation implies keeping up the guard, since self-care is still key. On our side, you can be sure that the biosecurity protocols are the strictest and that the priority is to take care of our clients and our crews. This new start will be gradual, we hope to give you more good news about our network soon.”
The airline will deploy 34 aircraft—a mix of Airbus A320-family models and Boeing 787s—on the international flights.
Expansion of its network comes as the carrier moves closer to a reorganization plan under U.S. bankruptcy protection.
Sea-Tac Airport, airlines consider rapid COVID-19 testing to help get travelers back in the air
Port of Seattle officials say recent surveys show passengers would like to see rapid COVID-19 testing available at Sea-Tac Airport.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – As the holiday travel season approaches, Gov. Jay Inslee and representatives from major airlines are reassuring travelers that their health and safety are top of mind amid the coronavirus pandemic.
While domestic air travel at airports including Sea-Tac is up from the lows when COVID-19 first struck, it’s still about 70% below where it was last year. But could rapid COVID-19 testing, telling airlines and their passengers that everybody on the plane is negative, help get people back in the air?
The question was posed to leaders from Alaska and Delta Airlines and the Port of Seattle Thursday during a press conference with Inslee.
“The recent surveys that we’ve conducted with our passengers, they’re overwhelming saying that, rapid testing is something they would like to see us do at the airport,” said Lance Lyttle, managing director for the aviation division of the Port of Seattle. “That’s why we’re talking to multiple vendors, multiple service providers to see how we would actually provide that type of service.”
United Airlines announced Thursday it would be the first U.S. based airline to offer COVID-19 tests to its passengers. Starting Oct. 15, the tests will be offered at San Francisco International Airport so passengers flying to Hawaii won’t have to undergo a two week quarantine when they arrive. The cost of the test is reported at $250.
Other airlines including Germany’s Lufthansa, which like United, serves Sea-Tac Airport, is also reported to be ready to begin rolling out the rapid COVID-19 test for first class and business passengers, providing results in 15 minutes.
“Last week, the state of Hawaii announced it would allow people to come in and vacation with a COVID test. That’s a sign that things are opening up, are starting to stabilize,” said Max Tidwell, vice president of Alaska Airlines.
While the rapid test is not available on every airline yet, leaders from Alaska and Delta Airlines, and the Port of Seattle, joined Inslee Thursday to lay out the steps being taken on the ground and in the air to keep travelers and employees from getting sick.
“COVID has fundamentally changed our travel experience but one thing remains the same is how we care and prioritize safety,” said Tidwell.
Airline passengers are required to wear face masks on Alaska and Delta flights. Both airlines are also reducing capacity on flights and blocking middle seats to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Delta said it will block middle seats through Jan. 6, 2021.
So far, Delta has banned about 300 passengers from flights for not wearing face masks, according to Tony Gonchar, regional vice president for Delta Airlines. In addition, those passengers get placed on a no-fly list. Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines also started enforcing its no mask, no travel rule for all adults.
Gonchar announced Thursday that starting Oct. 1, Delta Airlines will initiate a temperature screening pilot program for travelers leaving Sea-Tac Airport. Passengers will walk by a thermal camera to check their temperature and if they have a temperature at or above 100.4, they will be placed on a no-fly restriction for 14 days. That pilot program will operate Mon.-Thurs. from 5 a.m. to noon.
Lyttle, with Port of Seattle, also spoke Thursday about the new protocols the airport has implemented to help protect passengers.
Face masks are required for travelers and employees inside the airport, and there is signage encouraging social distancing, as well as barriers between passengers and employees. The Port is also working to integrate as much touchless technology as possible to limit the number of surfaces passengers have to come in contact with. Crews are also disinfecting high touch areas on a regular basis.
Inslee said these baseline protocols like mandatory face masks, social distancing, and protective barriers are being implemented not just at Sea-Tac.
“The steps we’re taking will help protect those who need to fly,” Inslee said. “This guidance isn’t just about SeaTac – these requirements apply to airports across the state – Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities and Everett too.”
All airports in the state need to have their safety protocols in place, if they don’t already, by Oct. 1.
The airline leaders promises of safety come as several airlines are trying to recover from the economic losses due to the pandemic.
Disney Shares New Updates Coming to Polynesian Village Resort
Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort has been open since the very beginning of the park’s opening in 1971.
And although the resort has seen its fair share of renovations, Walt Disney World announced that once again the hotel will be updated in time for its 50th anniversary.
It is not expected that the hotel will lose any of its mid-20th century charm, with the biggest change being a new entryway blending into the well-loved South Seas’ vibe.
The high-pitched, thatched roof of the main entry will invoke a more open and airy design that will be highlighted with new chandeliers, dramatic lighting to create a seamless bridge between the inside and the outer grounds.
The outside gardens will receive some sprucing with more lush vegetation being added to the property. A more vibrant color scheme in geometric patterns will be added to the Monorail station located at the resort.
The guestrooms are also expected to receive a facelift, with the expectation that there will even be Moana-themed rooms.
The resort has remained closed even after the parks have reopened, and it was only recently announced that the hotel won’t see a full reopening until the summer of 2021. During the construction of the resort, the Great Ceremonial House will remain open for guests to enjoy dining and retail shops located on the property.
Velas Invites You to Fall in Love With Mexican Traditions
With all of its resorts located throughout Mexico, it’s no surprise Velas Resorts joined in on celebrating the country’s Independence Day last week. In honor of this special celebration, the company invites future visitors to learn more about the identity of this country through its fascinating stories and traditions.
The Velas Magazine recently highlighted Mexico’s independence and the heroes who forged the nation, the origin of the iconic taco, information about the national anthem, love stories, endearing legends and much more.
Taking a short walk through Mexico’s independence, Velas Resorts highlights the important faces who made a difference with their courage, including Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, José María Morelos y Pavón, Ignacio Allende, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, Juan Aldama, Agustín de Iturbide, Vicente Guerrero and Guadalupe Victoria.
Some people may be curious about how the Mexican National Anthem was composed.
This anthem is considered one of the most beautiful hymns in the world, and it originated at a difficult time in Mexico. The country had just lost almost half of its territory, so this anthem was meant to bring the population back together during a time of struggle.
Learning about the history and traditions of a destination is always more fun with a few love stories sprinkled in. Often times these stories reveal events that have marked a particular time in history. Those who are curious can visit the Velas Magazine to hear about two of the most endearing love tales.
It’s also usually always important to learn about the cuisine when discovering the cultural traditions of a destination. Selecting a Mexican staple, Velas Resorts chose to share the history behind the Mexican taco for those interested.
There aren’t too many people who can pass up a delicious taco during a vacation in Mexico, especially when it’s paired with a refreshing margarita.
Velas Resorts also shared some interesting, lesser-known facts regarding Mexico’s Independence Day. For example, the reason it’s celebrated from September 15 is because that is the date of former president Porfirio Díaz’s birthday.
Until people are ready to travel again, they can continue learning about the history and traditions of Mexico through the Velas Magazine.
When you’re ready to get your next adventure on the books, reach out to your local travel advisor.
Disney’s Aulani Resort to Begin Phased Reopening on November 1
Disney has been at the forefront of ensuring guests’ health and safety at each of their resorts and theme parks.
With Hawaii’s most recent announcement about scaling back on their mandatory quarantine, Disney revealed that they will be opening their Aulani resort at the beginning of November.
Hawaii will begin allowing travelers to bypass their mandatory quarantine as long as they provide a negative coronavirus test starting on October 15th.
Since the state’s shut-down in March, anyone traveling to the island – both locals and visitors alike – were required to quarantine for at least two weeks. However, not everyone abided by this mandate and hundreds of visitors were arrested in response.
Disney will open reopen the beloved resort while following strict guidelines from state and local authorities as well as the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Travel Association and their very own team of health and safety experts.
It can be expected that many of the guidelines Disney has set in place for their Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida will also be carried out through this property – including social distancing, the requirement of facial coverings and increased cleanliness of common areas.
The resort will no doubt be at limited capacity upon opening, but at this time no set number has been announced.
For those impatient on the resort’s reopening, Aulani has welcomed guests to take a virtual escape with their guided tour of the resort.
This news comes shortly after the exciting news that another one of Disney’s hotels, the Polynesian Village Resort, will undergo an impressive renovation.
Wyndham Goes High Impact, Low Contact with New Mobile App
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,000 hotels across approximately 90 countries, today announced the arrival of its new mobile app for iOS and Android, combining best-in-class design with personal experiences, account management, gamification and more.
Wyndham’s new mobile app prioritizes low-contact in-stay features and is slated to be the first to offer mobile check-in and checkout at nearly 6,000 economy and midscale hotels in the U.S.
Available today in both platforms’ app stores, the new app—which prioritizes low-contact in-stay features and is slated to be the first to offer mobile check-in and checkout at nearly 6,000 economy and midscale hotels in the U.S.—comes at a critical time as both travelers and hoteliers look for innovative, digital solutions to help navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
“More than ever, travelers are seeking drive-to accommodations and Wyndham offers the power of established brands that they know and trust—brands like La Quinta® by Wyndham, Days Inn® by Wyndham and Super 8® by Wyndham,” said Jessica Davidson, senior vice president, Digital, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “For everyday travelers, especially those traveling during the pandemic, this app is a game changer, delivering the features guests expect today alongside a robust foundation for the future.”
Delivering Simplicity and Innovation for the Everyday Traveler
Chief among the key offerings in the new Wyndham mobile app are features and functionality that simplify the hotel booking process while reducing direct contact between travelers and hotel staff.
—Mobile Check-In / Checkout – Available at nearly 300 hotels throughout the U.S., with plans to expand to nearly 6,000 hotels before end of year, guests can leverage mobile check-in and checkout to reduce contact between themselves and hotel staff.
—Lightning Book – Designed for road trippers and road warriors, guests can search for and book the nearest Wyndham hotel for the night in as a few as three taps. They can also see in real time their proximity from the hotel and book using Wyndham Rewards® points, should they prefer to do so.
—Digital Room Key – Coming later this year to select resorts like the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Fla. and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Rio Grande, P.R., guests may choose to receive their room key digitally via their mobile phone and use throughout the duration of their stay. Expansion to other hotels and resorts is anticipated over the next 12 months as additional locations choose to leverage and implement.
Creating an Immersive Experience
Building on the app’s core features is a fully reimagined user experience that is filled with personal touches while anticipating and adapting to users’ real-time needs based on where they are and what they want to do.
—In-Stay Mode – Open the mobile app within three days of a stay and the home screen defaults to prioritize and display information that’s of the most relevance to the guest, such as important stay details, front desk texting, local attractions, mobile check-in availability and more.
—My App Passport – Guests can track their engagements with memorable stamps, animations and more when they achieve select in-app accomplishments such as booking a stay or redeeming points. New stamps and achievements are expected to be added over time.
—Special Offers – Open the mobile app without an immediate, upcoming or current stay and guests are greeted by name along with their current Wyndham Rewards point balance, search functionality and the latest promotional offers. Guests can learn more with a single tap and register for offers just as easily.
—Account Management – Guests can make the most of their travels with simple and intuitive account management, including the ability to easily update their Wyndham Rewards member profiles and stay preferences, add preferred methods of payment, view previous and upcoming stays, check their personalized offers, purchase points and more.
Added Davidson, “Our new app could not have arrived at a more critical time. The pandemic has propelled digital adoption and travelers now expect streamlined, low-contact experiences. This app allows our thousands of franchisees to help deliver upon those expectations, while providing the easiest and fastest possible path to booking direct. It’s a win-win both for our guests and for our franchisees.”
Airline Executives Say Travelers Want Plastic Barriers on Planes
Airline industry executives revealed Thursday that passengers would be more comfortable flying during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak if carriers installed visible plastic barriers in the cabin.
According to Reuters, the plastic barriers are just one in a series of pandemic-related trends inspired by the need to instill confidence in flying again and revealed during a panel at the virtual MRO Asia-Pacific conference.
Other ideas designed to strengthen industry assurances include more private business class seating on narrow-body planes, adding touchless lavatory features and permanent conversions of passenger aircraft to freighters.
Airplane manufacturers have already started the process of studying, developing and testing disposable plastic barriers for its regional jets, but issues such as weight, flammability and impact on a potential evacuation have made it difficult.
“Modern aircraft are already equipped with excellent technology to filter the air,” Embraer business development manager Lais Port Antunes told Reuters. “The passengers should feel safe in an aircraft cabin, but they need to see actions.”
Other companies in the aviation industry have voiced support for shields between the seats to make passengers feel safer and seen a jump in interest regarding lie-flat seating and similar pod-type solutions.
On Thursday, United Airlines became the first carrier in the U.S. to offer a coronavirus testing program to passengers. Travelers flying to Hawaii from San Francisco International Airport will have the option to take rapid-response COVID-19 tests to avoid quarantine requirements beginning on October 15.
United to Become First US Airline Testing Passengers for COVID-19
United Airlines became the first carrier in the United States to offer a coronavirus testing program to passengers.
Travelers flying to Hawaii from San Francisco International Airport will have the option to take rapid-response COVID-19 tests to avoid quarantine requirements beginning on October 15.
Hawaii is also scheduled to lift a two-week quarantine requirement on arriving travelers on October 15, as long as they test negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of their departure. United passengers will be responsible for payment, but prices have not been announced yet.
The tests will be conducted in the international terminal and results will be known within about 15 minutes. Both United and Delta Air Lines have utilized rapid coronavirus tests for their crew members.
The long-term goal of the COVID-19 testing pilot program is to provide an opening for passengers to enter regions currently off-limits due to concerns regarding the ongoing viral pandemic.
“We are very interested in opening this up to other destinations,” United’s California president Janet Lamkin said.
Earlier this week, German airline Lufthansa became the first airline in the world to announce plans to start making rapid COVID-19 antigen tests available to its passengers.
The carrier is also considering opening testing centers at select airports in the U.S. and Canada.
Delta to Extend Loyalty Benefits Into 2021
Delta announced it is extending some loyalty benefits put in place this year into 2021 to allow more SkyMiles Members the opportunity to use the benefits they earned but were not able to this year because of COVID-19.
All SkyMiles Members will have any change or cancellation fees waived for flights booked from March 2020 through to the end of this year. Cancellation or changes made to flights purchased using miles will no longer result in the loss of those miles.
Delta SkyMiles American Express Members will also have various benefits extended to Dec. 31, 2021, depending on their membership level. Delta Skyclub Memberships that were active as of March 1, 2020, will be extended to June 30, 2021.
“From extended loyalty benefits to improving award travel, customers now have even more flexibility for upcoming trips and more time to enjoy benefits when they’re ready to travel again,” said Sandeep Dube, Senior Vice President – Customer Engagement and Loyalty, and CEO of Delta Vacations.
“We are dedicated to ensuring customers’ health and safety during travel above all else, and these changes show how we are continuing to find new ways to be there for them as the pandemic continues.”
The airline extended flight credits and Medallion Members’ status into 2021 back in April, along with many other airlines who did the same.
Now, the airline has simplified and extended many of the benefits that would normally go unused because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These new changes will go into effect automatically over the next couple of months.
For a full list of benefits according to your SkyMiles membership level, please visit News.Delta.com.
CDC Says Thousands of Airline Passengers Possibly Exposed to Coronavirus
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests thousands of airline passengers may have been exposed to coronavirus on flights.
According to The Washington Post, around 11,000 passengers may have been exposed to COVID-19, as the CDC confirmed at least 1,600 cases of people flying while contagious with the virus.
The CDC was not able to confirm any cases of viral transmission on a plane in the United States, though. CDC spokeswoman Caitlin Shockey told the Washington Post that “an absence of cases identified or reported is not evidence that there were no cases.”
“CDC is not able to definitively determine that potential cases were associated (or not) with exposure in the air cabin or through air travel given the numerous opportunities for potential exposure associated with the entire travel journey and widespread global distribution of the virus,” Shockey continued.
Previous studies published by the CDC found the coronavirus may have also spread on planes flying in other countries, but the organization maintains viruses do not spread as easily on flights due to air circulation and filtration.
One of the most recent reports detailed a Vietnam Airlines passenger who likely spread the virus to 14 of 217 fellow travelers on a March 1 flight from London to Hanoi. Despite the relatively low risk, the CDC still claims it is still possible to contract COVID-19 on crowded flights if there is a sick passenger on board.
Austrian and SAS to resume Shanghai routes
The carriers are restoring nonstop scheduled service to mainland China for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak.
Austrian Airlines and SAS Scandinavian Airlines will fly to Shanghai again following an eight-month hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After several postponements of the resumption date, Austrian plans to operate a 1X-weekly service between Vienna (VIE) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) from Oct. 2.
The outbound flight from Austria’s capital will depart every Friday, with the return leg on Sundays. Austrian will operate the route using Boeing 767 aircraft.
“We are very pleased to be able to return to China with regular passenger flights,” Austrian board member Andreas Otto said. “A second weekly flight to Shanghai is on our wish list.”
Austrian has served VIE-PVG regularly since April 2016 and operated a 4X-weekly service using Boeing 777-200 aircraft prior to the coronavirus crisis. The Lufthansa subsidiary also previously provided 5X-weekly flights to Beijing Capital (PEK) on board Boeing 767-300s.
Meanwhile, SAS has obtained approval from the Chinese authorities to reopen its route from Copenhagen (CPH) to PVG with a weekly frequency.
With the resumption of the route, the airline said it was aiming to meet demand for business travel and air freight services between Scandinavia and China. Flights will resume on Sept. 29 using Airbus A350s.
In addition, SAS hopes to restart operations to PEK at the end of October provided that it obtains the necessary approvals.
“SAS is monitoring market developments on a weekly basis and is ready to step up its services when travel restrictions are eased and demand for travel increases again,” the carrier said in a statement.
SAS is currently flying to 75 destinations and operates up to 380 flights a day.
Finnair to temporarily restart regional services
In October, Finnair will operate about 70-80 flights a day instead of last year’s figure of more than 350.
Finnair plans to restart some domestic services, but only during the northern hemisphere winter season.
Detailed schedules have yet to be issued, but the Finnish national carrier plans to serve the provincial centers of Joensuu (JOE), Jyväskylä (JYV), Kajaani (KAJ), Kemi (KEM) and Kokkola (KOK) from Oct. 25 to March 27, 2021.
Finnair halted its flights to the five cities in April, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated travel restrictions.
Winter season flights are designed to provide vital connections serving the nation’s the tourism industry and export-orientated companies. The services will again be suspended from the start of IATA’s summer season in late March.
Some of the flights serving the cities are likely to be operated as triangular routes, allowing multiple destinations to be served efficiently on a single flight.
“We understand the importance of air connections to the provincial economy,” Finnair sales director Mikko Turtiainen said. “These flights will enable some connections during the coming winter season, while a working group considering the future of regional flights is looking for alternatives to the accessibility of the areas.
The carrier added: “Like almost all airlines, Finnair has had to cut the number of flights it offers sharply due to the decline in demand caused by the pandemic. In October, the company will operate about 70-80 flights a day instead of last year’s figure of more than 350. It is looking to increase flights on key routes on its network as travel demand recovers.”
Airport Satisfaction Is up, but Volume Is Down
Traveler satisfaction with the airport experience is up, according to the J.D. Power 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
Up sharply, in fact. And that’s a good thing, right?
Not so fast.
The respected firm noted the boost in satisfaction – a record-high score of 784 out of a 1,000-points scale – came at the expense of a significant reduction in volume since the coronavirus pandemic hit more than seven months ago.
Travelers’ ability to easily get through security checkpoints and baggage claim, and the speed with which they can obtain food and retail services at checkout, were all because of decreased volume thus leading to a better airport experience.
“Over the Labor Day weekend, airport passenger volumes climbed to 40 percent of year-ago levels as travelers slowly started to trickle back onto airplanes,” Michael Taylor, travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power, said in a statement.
“Compared to the pre-COVID-19 environment when most airports were running significantly over capacity, the lack of crowds and long lines is actually creating a very convenient experience for travelers right now. Obviously, this lower passenger volume is not sustainable for most airports. Airport managers are doing all they can to provide a safe and clean environment to facilitate a rebound in travel.”
The record score of 784 was up 22 points from a year ago. Passengers also have provided airport terminals with high marks for cleanliness, less crowding and lower noise levels—all of which are positively affected by record-low passenger volumes.
The common bond among top-ranked airports such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Dallas Love Field and Indianapolis International Airport was an open, airy experience that feels more like a well-designed shopping mall than an airport. These airports also do a good job of conveying local flavor in their passenger experience, from food and beverage offerings that feature regional specialties to design cues that evoke local color.
Many passengers also applauded airport response to COVID-19.
The 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study measures overall traveler satisfaction with mega, large and medium North American airports by examining six factors (in order of importance): terminal facilities; airport arrival/departure; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage and retail. Mega airports are those with 33 million or more passengers per year; large airports with 10 to 32.9 million passengers per year; and medium airports with 4.5 to 9.9 million passengers per year.
The study was fielded from August 2019 through July 2020.
Another Airport Deploys COVID-Sniffing Dogs
Helsinki Airport in Vantaa, Finland has become the world’s second major airport to utilize dogs to help detect passengers infected with the coronavirus.
The airport is using a trial run of the program after a study published by the University of Helsinki’s Veterinary Faculty suggested trained dogs can detect COVID-19 with close to 100 percent certainty, according to Sky News.
The airport will have 10 dogs trained by Wise Nose, a smell detection agency, with four deployed to work per shift. Finnish airport operator Finavia said in a statement.
“We are among the pioneers. As far as we know no other airport has attempted to use canine scent detection on such a large scale against COVID-19. This might be an additional step forward on the way to beating COVID-19.”
Actually, Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates introduced a similar program last month.
Sky News noted that there is no direct interaction between passengers and the dogs. Travelers will swab their skin with a wipe and put the wipe in a cup. The dog will then sniff the cup, and if one of the canines believes it has detected the scent of the virus, a passenger will be given a regular medical test for the coronavirus to confirm if the dogs are correct.
Anyone who tests positive will be sent to a separate area of the airport.
Amtrak Provides Real-Time Look at Seat Availability
To provide customers with an extra level of confidence and security while traveling, Amtrak has made a few updates to its website and mobile app. Now, when booking, customers can easily see which trains have the fewest number of seats booked. The percentage is displayed in real-time when customers search for their train.
When searching for travel, customers will see a volume percentage next to each train. This will give customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded. The percentage shown represents the proportion of seats sold based on the total number of seats on each train. These percentage numbers adjust dynamically in real-time as more passengers make reservations.
“Prioritizing health and safety, we continue to provide customers with new, innovative measures that promote physical distancing and contactless travel,” said Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn. “We have studied, analyzed and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience—from beginning to end—for the safety and health of our workforce and travelers.”
We’re limiting the number of travelers on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Families and friends traveling together will easily find seats next to each other. If traveling alone, customers may place their personal belongings on the seat next to them.
Several contact-free and convenience measures have been implemented into the Amtrak app, features include:
—Capacity indicator: When searching for travel, customers will see a volume percentage next to each route option so they can get insight into specific trains that are less crowded. The percentage displayed is available in real-time when customers search for their train. These percentage numbers adjust dynamically in real-time as more passengers make reservations.
—Seamless gate service: To reduce crowds at departure boards, Amtrak app users can receive gate and track information via push notifications at select stations. The home screen also includes gate and track information for applicable reservations (when published).
—Contact-free travel: Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app.
—Get Info at Your Fingertips: Customers can check station information, route details, service alerts and more.
This update will supplement Amtrak’s proactive efforts to deliver a new standard of travel that includes enhanced cleaning protocols, contactless amenities, social distancing on board and in stations, required face coverings and sophisticated air filtration.
For more information, visit amtrak.com.
A New Way for Travelers to Find the Perfect RV Rental
VacationRenter, a company that finds the best rentals from top sites on the web, and RVshare, the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, announced that they are partnering to expand VacationRenters RV inventory.
RVshare’s vehicles range from the modest to the most luxurious RV rentals you can find.
With over 100,000 vehicles listed, the partnership with VacationRenter will give more people the ability to choose the best rental for them on VacationRenter’s site.
“RV travel has had an unprecedented year,” said Jon Gray, CEO of RVshare.
“Due to the pandemic, travelers have turned towards RV rentals for road trips and camping staycations. With nearly 70% of travelers considering an RV trip in the next three months, partnering with VacationRenter will help us continue to achieve our mission of making RV rentals more accessible and a preferred method of travel when considering visiting a national park or camping with friends and family.”
RV rentals have risen 350 percent this year, according to VacationRenter’s Chief Operating Officer Marco del Rosario.
For more information, please visit VacationRenter.com or RVshare.com.
Back by Popular Demand: Club Med’s Winter Getaway Flash Sale Returns
Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, brings back the popular Extra Savings on Winter Getaways Flash Sale, giving travelers a second chance to save big on winter getaways. Open for bookings now through September 30, 2020, with travel dates through April 10, 2021, the flash sale offers up to 55 percent off at nine Club Med resorts throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida.
Travelers can enjoy a hassle-free all-inclusive beach getaway with unlimited land and water activities, extensive culinary options, and premium oceanfront accommodations. Plus, Club Med’s Free Cancellation Policy** offers guests a full refund should they need to cancel their stay (up to 15 days prior to the anticipated travel date) for stays on or prior to July 2, 2021.
Complete details include:
Extra Savings on Winter Getaways Flash Sale
—Booking window: Today through September 30, 2020
—Travel window: September 26, 2020, through April 10, 2021 (blackout dates apply)
—Up to 55 percent off*
—FREE room upgrades
Families, couples, and active adults looking to plan ahead for a warm-weather winter getaway will find reconnection, relaxation, and ample outdoor space at several Club Med resorts, including:
Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida: Now open. Recently named one of the top ten family resorts in the U.S. by USA TODAY 10Best’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, the resort—located in between Miami and Orlando—offers an all-inclusive getaway sans passport with a variety of activity land and water sports for all interests, like kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, pickle ball and the flying trapeze. Adults can relax by the adults-exclusive pool, on the beach that is situated alongside the St. Lucie River, or at the Club Med Spa, while kids enjoy time at the children’s clubs with unlimited land and water activities. Residents of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina receive an extra ten percent off with promo code “SANDPI” at checkout; available for booking through October 31, 2020, with select travel dates through November 20, 2020.
Club Med Cancún, Mexico: Reopening October 17. The perfect location for families looking to create new memories, the resort’s recently expanded Aguamarina family oasis area features 120 oceanfront family rooms, exhilarating water games at the dedicated family pool, and outdoor activities as part of the new Club Med Amazing Family programming. For added R-and-R, indulge in private oceanfront massages on the beach.
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Reopening October 17. On a 2,000-foot stretch of beach, Club Med Punta Cana welcomes all travelers to enjoy reconnection and relaxation through: a newly renovated Tiara Exclusive Collection space featuring 32 oceanside family suites, a dedicated infinity pool and bar, and all-day room service; the new Club Med Amazing Family program, a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities for families to bond and create memories; Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, an interactive playground with more than 25 acrobatic and artistic activities for guests of all ages; and treatments at L’OCCITANE Spa and men’s barbershop.
Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos: Reopening October 24. Nestled into Grace Bay Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor, the adults-exclusive resort offers freshly renovated accommodations including deluxe ocean-front guestrooms with balconies, a wellness center and a wine cellar overlooking the water, as well as unlimited activities like sailing, kayaking, and flying trapeze.
Additional participating resorts include Club Med La Caravelle, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean, reopening October 17, 2020, and Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic, reopening December 5, 2020.
To ensure added flexibility and peace of mind for travelers, Club Med also offers:
—**Free Cancellation Policy: For stays on or prior to July 2, 2021, guests will receive a full refund should they need to cancel their stay (up to 15 days prior to the anticipated travel date).
—Emergency Assistance Program: All guests traveling before April 30, 2021, will receive coverage for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those related to COVID-19.
—Safe Together protocols: Implemented in all of the brand’s resorts as they reopen, including those in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, these newly enhanced hygiene and safety measures were developed through recommendations from the World Health Organization, local health authorities, and the advice of an International Scientific Committee comprised of a specialized team of doctors and professors.
Full details on the above policies can be found here.
For more information, visit clubmed.us/o/flash-sale.
Enjoy Your Own Personal Guide With RIU’s Guest Info App
Information at your fingertips—that’s what everyone is looking for these days, right?
During the last six months, being able to access information on an electronic device has become crucial, as face-to-face communication was almost completely shut down.
As resorts start to re-welcome guests and travel begins to pick back up, RIU Hotels & Resorts conveniently introduced the RIU Guest Info App and RIU Check-In Online. These tools allow guests to get to the beach faster—and safer—with a contactless check-in, in addition to having all the hotel information at their fingertips.
Guests can download the RIU Guest Info App for their future stays in order to have their own personal guide during vacation. Visitors have information regarding the resort and its surroundings conveniently in the palm of their hand. By downloading the app, guests can:
—Check-in online prior to the arrival date
—Contact hotel staff to request a product or service
—View the gastronomic offers at the property
—Book spa treatments
—Use resort credits
—Explore the hotel map to learn about the various facilities
—Check out the calendar of events
—Benefit from promotions
—Learn about local, cultural offers in the area
In addition to the informative and helpful RIU Guest Info App, RIU Hotels & Resorts also rolled out a new option to check-in online. Part of the new normal and the resort’s comprehensive post-COVID-19 manual of health and safety procedures, the RIU Check-In Online is the easiest method for a seamless check-in experience.
Taking the online route allows guests to pre-register seven days to 48 hours before the day of arrival. Checking in ahead of time means more time on the beach and less time waiting in line. Due to the enhanced protocols throughout these resorts, checking in upon arrival may take longer than usual.
Travel advisors and future RIU guests can find step by step directions for the online check-in process here or the link for check-in here.
RIU hotels in Cancun have already reopened to guests, and RIU’s properties across the Caribbean continue to reopen to international visitors as well.
Contact a travel advisor to learn more or to book your future vacation at one of RIU Hotels & Resorts’ many properties.
GoldenEye Celebrates Newest Bond Film With Deluxe Packages
Boutique Jamaican resort GoldenEye is offering an “Ultimate James Bond Experience” package in recognition of the latest film in the famous spy series, which features Jamaica (among other international destinations) as a setting.
Founded by Bond author Ian Fleming, the luxury resort is offering the package in conjunction with the November 20 release of No Time to Die.
The four-night packages include accommodations in a stand-alone hut, villa or cottage with a private entrance; a cocktail party at Firefly, the former hilltop home of author Noel Coward; a bottle of Bollinger champagne (featured in several Bond films and novels); a tour of the Fleming Villa (pending availability) and daily breakfast for two, plus a complimentary welcome flask of Blackwell Rum.
The resort will also screen James Bond films outdoors for guests each Thursday this fall, leading up to the release of No Time to Die. The shows will have complimentary popcorn and cocktails including the “GoldenEye,” which features Chris Blackwell’s 007 limited edition fine Jamaican rum, and the “Scotch Bonnet Margarita,” with chilis grown at the property’s farm.
Package rates start at $2,630 per person for four nights; reservations are available through December 19, 2020.
Former British intelligence officer Fleming purchased 15 acres in Jamaica’s lush interior, naming it GoldenEye in honor of the naval operation that first brought him Jamaica. Fleming wrote each of his 14 Bond novels at the property over two decades.
The property is now owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. Fleming’s villa remains available for overnight stays. Jamaica is also featured in previous Bond films Dr. No and Live and Let Die.
Another Las Vegas Strip Resort Restricts Smoking
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is the latest resort on The Strip to crack down on smoking amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, The Cosmopolitan recently banned smoking in public walkways and resort corridors as part of a “continued effort to further protect the health and wellbeing of our guests and employees.”
As of September 11, the list of designated areas where guests are allowed to briefly remove their mask to smoke includes the casino floor while seated at a table game with plexiglass dividers; while seated at a slot machine; while seated inside the sportsbook or while seated inside of a lounge.
The new restrictions went into effect just days before MGM Resorts International announced that Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas will become the first smoke-free casino resort on The Strip when the properties reopen on September 30.
Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas guests will have a trio of designated smoking areas to choose from, including the Rideshare Zone located off of the main lobby, NoMad Porte Cochere and the Central Park Terrace located on the second floor of the convention center.
Under Nevada law, the decision to restrict or ban smoking in casinos on The Strip falls to the properties themselves.
More Domestic Villas Now Available For Travelers Seeking Privacy
Villas of Distinction is dramatically increasing its domestic portfolio to meet the rising demand for U.S. villa rentals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, the company announced that it has added more than 140 villa properties in coveted destinations throughout the U.S. Citing new research from global communications consultancy Ketchum Travel, the luxury villa rental company reports that eight in 10 Americans are willing to pay more for privacy and distancing in the time of coronavirus.
Notable additions include properties in Beverly Hills, Malibu and Hollywood, California; Big Sky, Montana; Gloucester and Beverly, Massachusetts; Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains; Hot Springs, Virginia; Marco Island, Florida; Stonington, Connecticut; Sea Islands, South Carolina and Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico with a new villa rental in Portland, Maine coming soon.
Last month, the company revealed that U.S. villa bookings were up 40 percent this year, with California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado and Florida being among the most popular domestic destinations.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are seeing an increase in requests from our travel advisor partners whose customers want to travel and are asking their advisor for a private villa within the U.S.,” Villas of Distinction’s vice president of villa product & agency relations Steve Lassman said in a statement.
“People who are not quite comfortable coming into contact with large groups of people will opt to take a staycation or a road trip, and stay in a private villa with family and friends who they know have been cautious. With our exclusive concierge service, a travel advisor can create a socially-distanced experience at the villa that will enhance the guest’s vacation,” added Lassman.
In addition to providing plenty of privacy, many of Villas of Distinction’s rental properties have adopted the Villa Rental Management Association’s cleaning standard for COVID-19 as well as a “Peace of Mind” policy for added flexibility.
Contact your travel advisor or visit VillasofDistinction.com for more information.
The Perks of Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort
Frequent all-inclusive goers are familiar with the many benefits there are when staying at one of these all-encompassing resorts. With cruises still on hold and hotels and resorts beginning to open back up, more travelers may be looking into this option for their next trip.
Palace Resorts points out some of the many perks travelers have when staying at an all-inclusive resort.
First and foremost, all of Palace Resorts’ properties boast a variety of spacious accommodations, even the standard guestrooms being the equivalent of two cruise ship cabins. Guests of these resorts have all the space they need to fully unwind and call the room home during their stay.
In addition to expansive rooms, there are several dining options throughout these properties, ranging from buffets to specialty restaurants. Guests can also indulge in 24-hour room service to satisfy their hunger at any time of day, and bottles of wine are available at no extra cost.
While Wi-Fi is not always necessary on vacation, many travelers choose to stay connected during their time away from home, and some need to work while on the road. With free Wi-Fi running throughout the properties, it’s easy for guests to stay connected to both loved ones and their work back home as needed.
Palace Resorts even invites families to take their work and school to paradise with an extended stay. With the convenience of Wi-Fi at no extra charge and designated workstations, both parents and children can get their work done while still being able to enjoy the pools and beach.
Although cruises offer a variety of excursions, there are often rules to make sure cruisers are back on time before the ship departs. Booking excursions during a resort stay is oftentimes much more leisurely. Guests can pick and choose when they’d like to explore the local area, and they can stay out and about as long as they please.
As Palace Resorts continues to re-welcome visitors, the company stands committed to the health and safety of all guests and employees. With the creation of the ‘Purely Palace’ program, the health and safety protocols go above and beyond the already stringent quality controls in place to ensure a safe stay for everyone.
Contact a travel advisor or visit www.palaceresorts.com to learn more or to get your future all-inclusive resort stay on the books.
Supporting New York’s bars, cafés and restaurants with ‘Dine in NYC’
NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, announced the launch of Dine in NYC. The digital initiative encourages those who are able to, to continue to patronize more than 200 select, currently open bars, cafés, and restaurants—located in 62 neighborhoods across all five boroughs and serving 27 distinct cuisines*—by gathering the latest information about delivery, takeout, and other offerings in one centralized hub.
The Dine in NYC initiative on NYCgo.com lists participating establishments and encourages viewers to make purchases directly through eateries when possible. It is designed to spotlight diverse takeout and delivery options across the five boroughs. Browsers can favorite businesses across neighborhoods, a small sampling of which can be found in Bloomfield, Staten Island; Boerum Hill, Brooklyn; Forest Hills, Queens; Pelham Bay, the Bronx; Tribeca, Manhattan. In the interest of pre-planning future pickups and deliveries, New Yorkers can plan for a week full of flavors; from burgers to Belgian, Indian to Italian, Korean to Laotian, Mediterranean to Mexican, and everything in between, the delicious options are vibrant.
Keeping in mind user experience, those with dietary concerns or lifestyle preferences can narrow down viable options under the filter Dietary Needs. Additionally, global foodies can look forward to future NYC visits by purchasing gift cards in anticipation of travel, under the Gift Cards filter. Additional filters include Cuisine and Location (including boroughs and neighborhoods). NYCgo.com