Lufthansa First Airline to Plan on Offering COVID-19 Testing
German airline Lufthansa plans to start making rapid COVID-19 antigen tests available to its passengers in October, Reuters reported. Speaking on September 22, a company executive said that the carrier is also considering opening testing centers at select airports in the U.S. and Canada, as they are important markets for the airline.
This could prove to be a pioneering move at a time when the travel industry’s nascent recovery seems to hinge the upcoming availability of quick-results testing, since safety concerns, coupled with the ever-changing, worldwide patchwork of COVID-19 restrictions and quarantine requirements continue to outweigh people’s motivation to travel.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) only yesterday publicly called for rapid, affordable testing to be made available to all passengers prior to their departure as an alternative to current quarantine measures.
“Quarantine measures are killing the industry’s recovery,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, according to The Washington Post. “Some 83 percent of travelers in a recent 11-market survey said that they will not travel if there is a chance of being quarantined at their destination. That is a very clear signal that this industry will not recover until we can find an alternative to quarantine.”
“The key to restoring the freedom of mobility across borders is systematic COVID-19 testing of all travelers before departure,” he continued. “This will give governments the confidence to open their borders without complicated risk models that see constant changes in the rules imposed on travel.”
Thus far, the air travel industry has largely supported the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, which, while they offer enhanced accuracy, take several days to report results. Antigen tests, however, can be processed right on site without elaborate equipment or chemical exposure and provide results in roughly 15 minutes.
Abbott Laboratories, for instance, recently received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card rapid test, which is not only affordable but also self-contained and as compact as a credit card. It was released alongside Abbott’s NAVICA mobile app, which allows users to display their results and produce proof of their negative test.
“You know that companies like Abbott or Roche are bringing these tests to the market and we are definitely looking into this,” Bjoern Becker, Lufthansa Group’s senior director for product management, ground and digital services, told reporters during a virtual call. “You will see us applying them for new products within the next few weeks in October. That’s definitely the next thing to come.”
To begin with, Lufthansa will likely make the new antigen tests available only to first-class and business class passengers, given that supplies are currently limited, said Becker.
For more information, visit lufthansa.com.
United Launches Innovative Online Map Search
United Airlines has launched a new way for travelers to see all their flight options in one place.
The airline now has Map Search, where customers can easily see, compare and shop for flights based on destination, budget and departure city on an interactive map. Travelers can also see nearby locations such as national parks, skiing and cultural destinations.
United Airlines is the first airline to introduce a tool like this feature, which is powered by Google Flight Search Technology.
“We’ve reinvented the way people search for flights and introduced something new for our customers that is simpler, provides better results and is easy to use,” said Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President for Technology and Chief Digital Officer. “Leveraging the power of Google’s Flight Search technology, we are able to provide an all-in-one solution that streamlines the search process and allows our customers to more easily find the flights that work best for them.”
The map also allows customers to apply a number of different filters to search options, including non-stop only flights, specific or flexible dates, and one-way or round-trip options.
Customers can also set preferred departure city and maximum price preferences, and they can find destinations that are popular for national parks, beaches, bars and breweries, romance, hiking and more.
“The Map Search filters were designed to highlight the destination types that are most popular with today’s traveler, including the top national park destinations served by United. The airline operates more flights to more national park destinations than any other U.S. carrier,” United noted in a statement.
The map was a direct response to customer feedback and Google and United continue to partner to enhance map features. This is part of an overall effort by United to streamline the travel process, especially in light of current travel conditions.
Earlier this month, United launched its Destination Travel Guide, another map feature that highlights destinations that are closed, partially open, or fully open for travel. It also shows quarantine restrictions and if Covid-19 tests are required.
Boeing to Introduce Ultraviolet Wand to Combat COVID-19
Boeing has teamed up with Florida-based Healthe Inc. to develop a new ultraviolet (UV) wand as part of its Confident Travel Initiative (CTI) to support the health and safety of passengers and crew amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The wand uses 222-nanometer UVC light, which research finds effectively inactivates pathogens. The new tech is expected to be available for airlines in late fall.
The UV device builds on measures already in place, including high-efficiency particulate air filters designed to trap 99.9 percent of particulates.
Resembling a carry-on suitcase, the easy-to-transport device allows airlines to pass UV light over high-touch surfaces, quickly sanitizing everywhere the light reaches. The new UV wand was found to be particularly effective in compact spaces and is capable of sanitizing a flight deck in fewer than 15 minutes.
“The UV wand is designed to be more effective than similar devices. It quickly disinfects surfaces on an airplane and further strengthens other layers of protection for passengers and crew,” said Mike Delaney, who leads Boeing’s CTI efforts, in a statement. “Boeing spent six months transforming an idea for the wand into a working model, and Healthe will now take that prototype and make it available to the world at large.”
“We are proud to be assisting Boeing as they work with their partner airlines to enhance in-cabin plane sanitization efforts. This could also benefit schools, hospitals, offices, wherever pathogens go,” added Healthe executive chairman Abe Morris. “As we ramp up deployment of our cutting-edge UVC and Far-UVC 222 light solutions across many sectors, this new commercial-grade wand will be another powerful tool in the sanitization arsenal to protect passengers against the spread of harmful viruses.”
Etihad Airways was the first to evaluate the new device, which was demonstrated on the Etihad 787-10 ecoDemonstrator airplane last month.
Baby Born on Flight Gets Lifetime Ticket
This will be one baby on board for the rest of its life.
A newborn entered the world early last week when a woman gave birth on the plane mid-flight.
And talk about worldly. The mother was from Yemen. The plane was an EgyptAir flight that departed from Cairo. It was headed to London. The pilot diverted to Munich because of the emergency.
Mother and child are doing well. In fact, EgyptAir said the baby will receive free flights for life from the airline after navigating such a wild beginning to life. Imagine? As if birth isn’t tough enough but to do it in the confined spaces of an airplane in a pressurized cabin? Maybe Mom should get free flights as well.
The woman, Hiyam Nasr Naji Daaban, reportedly went into labor mid-flight, prompting the pilot to initiate an emergency landing while in German airspace. But baby decided to make its appearance before touching down in Munich and was safely delivered on board.
Gizmodo, which first reported the story, is trying to get clarification on the “lifetime” part, however. The media outlet noted that the congratulations relayed by the pilot of the flight said the airline was ‘pleased to present the child with a free ticket for life on Munich flights.’ It’s unclear if the gift is just for EgyptAir flights back and forth to Munich or on any route that EgyptAir flies. Gizmodo is saiting for the airline to clarify.
TSA Launches Prohibited Items Week
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has kicked off Prohibited Items Week in hopes of alerting more travelers to what they can and can’t bring with them on an airplane to prevent avoidable headaches at security checkpoints.
On Monday, the agency highlighted one of the most common prohibited items travelers bring or often forget in their carry-on, firearms, which must be unloaded and stored in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage when being transported. Gun owners must also declare the weapon to the airline when checking in.
“It’s always amazing to me when I see the things people try to sneak or how often people forget they have something. Guns are a great example,” TSA Arizona spokesperson Patricia Mancha told FOX 10 Phoenix.
While TSA has reported a dramatic drop in passenger numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, officers are still seizing firearms at a higher rate than in previous years.
TSA agents found 4,432 firearms at security checkpoints across the country last year. What’s more, a vast majority, 87 percent, were discovered loaded.
“We have seen an uptick of people bringing guns to airports all over the country although we have seen a reduction in travelers,” added Mancha, who also noted that “people are getting a little creative” when it comes to concealing knives.
You can follow along all week long via the TSA Twitter account to learn more about what items are prohibited in addition to mind-boggling stats and some of the craziest things agents have uncovered.
As always, travelers are encouraged to download the MyTSA app or visit TSA.gov to see what items they can and cannot bring with them when flying.
Discover America With Amtrak Vacations’ Flash Sale
From destinations offering unforgettable sights and experiences to the breathtaking scenery of the U.S. National Parks—North America has no shortage of places to discover.
Make getting to your destination part of the journey by traveling by train. Once you board, you’ll leave the fast-paced world behind and discover the greatest way to explore our beautiful country. Get a change of scenery in 2020, or plan for an incredible 2021 with a memorable rail vacation of a lifetime. To inspire travelers to explore America, Amtrak Vacations is offering up to $500 in savings on all rail vacations with its limited-time Flash Sale.
For a limited time, travelers can save $500 per couple on any 10+ night vacation, $400 per couple on any 7-9-night vacation, or $300 per couple on any 3-6-night vacation.
Do you prefer not to fly OR drive? Amtrak Vacations offers a variety of vacations for you to choose from—from national parks to exciting city getaways—all onboard iconic Amtrak trains. Plus, you can start your next escape from any of Amtrak’s 500+ vacations. Plan to get away by calling today to take advantage of these savings by Friday, September 25, 2020. Learn more about the sale here.
We are here to help you make stress-free, informed travel decisions. Amtrak Vacations offers maximum flexibility so you can travel to any destination in North America the train goes and, on any date or length of trip. Reschedule or cancel your trip up to five days prior to departure without any change or cancellation fees. You want to explore North America. We’ve got you covered.
For more information, visit amtrakvacations.com/september-flash-sale/.
FAA’s own engineers say proposed fixes to Max aren’t enough
The union representing the Federal Aviation Administration engineers overseeing Boeing Co.’s redesign of the grounded 737 Max says the government’s proposed fixes to the plane don’t go far enough, Bloomberg reported.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents FAA engineers who review and sign off on aircraft certification, said in comments filed on Monday that the Max should have to adhere to tougher standards on cockpit alerts.
Because the plane was adapted from earlier versions, portions of its design weren’t required to meet the latest safety requirements. The union said that the proposed fixes to the jetliner are extensive and the most current regulations should apply.
The comments are significant because they suggest that at least some of the FAA’s own technical staff don’t agree on the extensive proposed revisions to the plane. A whistle-blower at Boeing Co. separately urged regulators to add additional protections to the plane.
The FAA has proposed multiple changes to the aircraft following the crashes that killed 346 people before allowing it to carry passengers again. Among the changes: The system that was driving the jet’s nose down in both accidents would no longer activate repeatedly and various steps were taken to minimize the chances it would malfunction.
The agency is also proposing to require extensive additional revisions to the plane, such as an improved flight-computer system to improve the system’s redundancy.
Before the FAA can mandate the fixes, it must sift through the comments, which totaled more than 200 as of Monday afternoon. The deadline for comments is the end of the day. The filings range from frightened consumers who say they won’t fly on a Max to highly technical white papers by engineers.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board last week said the FAA’s proposals were consistent with its recommendations on the plane issued last year, while family and friends of crash victims urged wholesale changes before the plane returns.
Boeing said in a statement that it wouldn’t respond to the comments on the FAA’s proposed fixes. The FAA said in a statement that it would “consider all comments.”
Boeing closed down 2.97% to $156.35 in New York amid broad market declines. The shares tumbled a little more than 50% this year through Sept. 18, the biggest drop on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Curtis Ewbank, a whistle-blower who has previously raised concerns about the plane’s design with congressional investigators, said in comments filed with the FAA that a proposal to mandate fixes to the jetliner didn’t address multiple hazards identified in the two fatal Max accidents and earlier incidents.
“Clearly more actions are required to revise FAA processes so that it accurately assesses airplane design and regulates in the public interest,” Ewbank said in the comments, posted on the Regulations.gov website.
Ewbank said the FAA and Boeing should do more to prohibit faulty readings from the sensor implicated in both crashes and improve the plane’s warning systems.
In addition, the agency should do a broader review of how pilots react to emergencies and do a more thorough redesign of the flight-control system, he said.
The FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency are also planning to require Boeing to adopt longer-term fixes after the aircraft’s return, some of which are similar to what Ewbank is seeking.
A consumer group that advocates for airline passengers, Travelers United, said it supported the plane’s return.
“After this thorough and unprecedented review of the plane’s safety, it is time to get the 737 Max planes in the air serving the flying public where they can enhance travel options for consumers and reduce carbon emissions and fuel burn,” wrote the group’s president, Charles Leocha.
A retired Boeing engineer who said he worked on the 737 decades ago called on the company to release more technical information about the design of the system implicated in the crashes. Robert Bogash, who said he has also been involved in accident investigations, said simpler changes to the plane, such as limiting its weight and balance, could accomplish the same thing as the automated system involved in the two crashes with less risk.
Alitalia airline offering ‘Covid-tested’ flights
(CNN) – If you could book a seat on a flight where you were guaranteed not to catch coronavirus, would you do it?
Alitalia is an airline betting that the answer to that question is “yes.”
The Italian national carrier has announced that it will trial flights between Rome and Milan where every single passenger has to confirm that they have tested negative for the virus. These flights are identified as “Covid-tested.”
There are two ways to do that: by getting tested within 72 hours of flying and bringing a negative certificate to the airport, or by getting a negative result of a rapid antigen test at the airport’s Covid testing facility. These flights will have a dedicated security line for extra safety.
And the test alone isn’t enough for a boarding pass: “Before boarding, a Ministry of Maritime, Air and Border Health (USMAF) doctor will check the validity of the certificate already held by passengers,” Alitalia explained in a statement.
Right now, this testing procedure isn’t significantly different from what many airlines are doing around the world. But labeling the flight “Covid-tested” could provide much-appreciated peace of mind to travelers who are antsy about boarding a plane amid a pandemic.
Aviation blog One Mile at a Time notes that some of these flights are already available for booking on Alitalia’s website and that they are the same price as the non-earmarked flights serving the route.
For Alitalia, the way ahead is not only about making passengers feel safe on board.
Earlier this month, Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) was recently given Europe’s first (and so far only) five-star “Anti-Covid” award from international airline ratings body Skytrax. The airline has transformed one of its parking lots into a mobile Covid testing facility, available to travelers and non-travelers alike.
It’s unclear what will happen with the “Covid-tested flights,” though. Does this mean passengers would not have to wear masks on board, or that the airline will be able to fill middle seats?
For now, this experiment remains an experiment.
Unruly anti-mask passengers disrupt Japanese airlines
Disgruntled passengers caused major delays on two recent domestic flights from Hokkaido over requests to wear face masks, underscoring the limits faced by Japanese carriers relying on voluntary measures to safeguard against the coronavirus.
A Peach Aviation flight scheduled to depart Kushiro for Osaka’s Kansai International Airport on Sept. 7 was delayed when a male passenger refused to wear a mask, demanding that the matter be put in writing. The passenger continued to shout objections after the flight took off, leading the pilot to divert the plane to Niigata Airport to remove the man. The flight reached Osaka more than two hours late.
The departure of a Hokkaido Air System flight from Okushiri Airport was similarly delayed on Sept. 12 when a passenger was removed for refusing to wear a mask.
Many airline operators in the U.S. and Europe have made masks mandatory for passengers, but Japanese carriers have been limited to relying on voluntary cooperation.
“Considering masks are not required in other public spaces [in Japan,] it’s not clear whether we can require them on planes,” said an official at a major Japanese airline.
In the case of the Hokkaido flights, the passengers were removed for failing to provide adequate explanations for refusing the mask request and remaining confrontational, putting flight safety at risk.
“A safe environment is necessary for demand to recover,” said aviation analyst Kotaro Toriumi. “A mandatory mask requirement should be considered, even if for a limited time.”
An industry group representing the country’s 19 airline operators on Friday issued guidance for passengers on its website following such incidents. In addition to calling for wearing masks in airports and on board, the Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan recommended that passengers who are unable to comply to contact staff.
“If the mask’s material is the issue, we can prepare face shields or take other steps appropriate for the situation,” said an association official.
The online guidance states that “boarding may be refused” for passengers who ignore or otherwise fail to follow the airline staff’s instructions.
Air India And Cathay Dragon Receive Hong Kong Flight Bans
Air India and Cathay Dragon have received flight bans until October 3rd from Hong Kong authorities after flying in multiple COVID-19 positive passengers. Cathay Dragon will not operate its Kuala Lumpur route due to the ban, while Air India can operate no flights. The ban comes after six passengers tested positive on an Air India flight and five did on Cathay Dragon’s Kuala Lumpur flight.
Hong Kong has been cracking down on airlines who have carried too many COVID-positive passengers early on. Under new measures, any airline which has more than five positive passengers will receive a route ban, according to the South China Morning Post. This is what occurred on two flights last Friday.Cathay Dragon received a two-week ban on its Kuala Lumpur-Hong Kong route after five passengers were found to have COVID-19. All the passengers had transited through Kuala Lumpur after taking an Air India Express flight, raising severe concerns about India’s testing efficacy.
According to the Bangkok Post, four passengers also tested positive on the same flight last week, all of whom also transited from India. The transit through Kuala Lumpur has become popular for those returning to Hong Kong due to the shortage of flights from India.
Air India has been in hot water in the last month or so, receiving bans from multiple countries. Just last week, Dubai banned Air India Express flights after the airline knowingly carried two positive passengers. Similarly, Air India was banned from August 18th to 31st from flying to Hong Kong after its previous flight had 11 positive passengers.
According to the SCMP, Hong Kong has doubts over India’s testing reliability and the authenticity of health documents. With two bans for Air India, and many transiting Indian passengers testing positive, the city might enforce even stricter testing requirements to prevent more cases.
India has been signing new travel bubble agreements to restart international flights. Notably, many East Asian countries, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and more, have been missing in these agreements. This could be due to rising COVID-19 cases in India.
India is now the second-worst affected country globally, and cases are growing rapidly, with over 90,000 every day. This poses a risk to international flights since passengers could bring in imported cases.
However, hundreds of thousands also need to fly out of India, forcing countries to place strict quarantine requirements. Flights will continue to resume, but countries might be preparing for harsher measures, such as designating select labs in India for tests.
Flydubai reinstates Maldives route
The LCC is returning to capital Malé after an absence of two-and-a-half years.
Malé, the capital of island nation the Maldives, is returning to flydubai’s network next month as the airline seeks to capture more leisure demand.
A 4X-weekly service from Dubai (DXB) to Velana International Airport (MLE) is being added, starting on Oct. 27. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The carrier began flying to Malé in January 2013 but suspended the route in February 2018 as part of a series of network changes that also saw services to Bangkok (BKK) and Dhaka (DAC) halted.
The resumption of flights to Malé increases the number of destinations in flydubai’s network to 40—around 50 fewer than before the coronavirus outbreak.
“We continue to see signs of recovery as more countries start to lift restrictions on international travel,” flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said.
“Working together, all the stakeholders in the travel industry have a role to play to safeguard travel in this new environment enabling more people to travel confidently.
“We remain agile in our operations and committed to gradually adding more flights to further support the flow of trade and tourism around the region as we look ahead to this new way of travel in the months to come.”
Flydubai has been steadily increasing its operations since July and continues to operate all-cargo flights and repatriation flights in addition to its published schedule.
The airline said the new service to the Maldives would give passengers more access to a holiday destination from Dubai and further afield, whether connecting on the LCC’s network or through its codeshare with Emirates.
The partnership between flydubai and Emirates began in autumn 2017 and some 5 million passengers took advantage of city-pair connections on the two airlines’ respective route maps in the first two years of operation.
Emirates currently offers a 6X-weekly service between DXB and MLE on board Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The route, which is expected to return to 1X-daily by late October, was previously operated up to 4X-daily prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Black Art Spaces, Galleries, and Museums in Los Angeles
While most museums and art galleries remain closed to visitors due to the ongoing pandemic, over the past several months, many of them have pivoted online, hosting digital exhibitions, Zoom openings, and live meditations and workshops. The reality is that smaller independent and private spaces—much like restaurants and stores—can not survive without us. Still, these treasured institutions continue to serve their communities as best they can, proving that art transcends physical gallery space and white walls.
If you live in Los Angeles, you may know the Underground Museum, founded in 2012, and has since become one of LA’s most vital cultural centers for Black art. The Underground is currently closed to visitors, but here we’ve highlighted other Black-owned and operated art spaces, museums, and galleries in LA to support now. Many of them are multihyphenate cultural institutions creating new systems in the art world—whether through artist representation or how their founders connect with their neighbors.
Art + Practice
The Art + Practice campus sits on nearly 20,000 square feet in South Los Angeles’s Leimert Park and functions as a gallery, a public programming space, and a community center that supports local foster youth. When artist Mark Bradford, philanthropist and art collector Eileen Harris Norton, and activist Allan DiCastro came together in 2014, they noted that at the time, it was rare to find art spaces or museums that had a strong social mission. Their goal was to be of service to the community, while also dedicating their platform to drawing awareness to foster youth in the transitional ages of eighteen to twenty-four in South LA. It’s also a space to celebrate contemporary art and artists of color in a setting that’s accessible to everyone, especially the community and artists that it serves. Currently, A + P is closed to the public. Still, the center has been digitally forward since its opening in 2015, with a robust digital events calendar and virtual educational tours and materials available to educators and school groups. This year, the theme at A + P is documentation. It has partnered with the California African American Museum on a four-part series focused on helping artists build sustainable practices through text and publishing. The exhibition, Collective Constellation: Selections from The Eileen Harris Norton Collection, was co-organized by the Hammer Museum and is online now for 3D viewing.
Crenshaw Dairy Mart
Cofounders Patrisse Cullors, Noé Olivas, and Alexandre Dorriz were in art school when they started the Crenshaw Dairy Mart in Inglewood in 2018. They would spend two years incubating the idea and getting to know their neighbors and the needs of the community before opening the doors for their inaugural exhibition in February 2020. Two weeks later, the country went into lockdown. What the three founders had in mind for the space was that it would be part artist collective and art gallery, a place guided by eight principles rooted in “ancestry, abolition, and healing” that also serves as a cultural network for the community of Inglewood. Their first exhibition focused on Measure R, a ballot measure that Cullors—also a cofounder of Black Lives Matter—worked on with multiple groups across the country to push for alternatives to incarceration. When the pandemic hit, they shut down the gallery, but Cullors, Olivas, and Dorriz immediately set up the Care Not Cages relief fund for incarcerated artists who are among those disproportionately affected by the outbreak. They also partnered with artist Lauren Halsey to distribute art-supply kits alongside produce boxes in South LA and Watts through Halsey’s Summaeverythang community program. This work—whether it’s paying for the artwork of incarcerated artists or providing a place for education, liberation, and activism—has been the product of listening and looking at the history of their community, explain the founders. Their practice is deeply committed to repatriating, so any resources that come into the Crenshaw Dairy Mart go back into other organizations in Inglewood, and every opportunity is equitable. To see the works of the six currently incarcerated artists from the Care Not Cages program, visit the online exhibition at Gallery Platform LA.
California African American Museum
Across from the University of Southern California off the Metro Expo Line is the California African American Museum, the first state-supported museum for African American history, art, and culture in California and across the American West. CAAM, founded in 1977 and opened in 1981, is home to five galleries, a research library, and a sculpture court. As one of LA’s most important hubs for learning about and preserving the richness of African American history, a museum is an excellent place for kids as well as historians and scholars (more than 6,000 books and research materials are available for public browsing). Though CAAM is temporarily closed, recent exhibitions have focused on cultivating a younger generation of visitors with the showing of contemporary artists, including Sula Bermúdez-Silverman, whose work examines her genetic data and personal history of being a woman of Afro–Puerto Rican and Jewish descent.
Dominique Gallery
Dominique Clayton was eight months pregnant with her third child when she opened her gallery in West Adams, but it didn’t exactly take off, she says. That was back in 2015. Clayton is an arts manager (her current position is with the Broad), a curator, and a writer, and she wanted to create a space that was as much for the artists as it was for the public. This next iteration, located in a storefront on a stretch of West Adams Boulevard, is both a gallery and an arts incubator for emerging BIPOC and female artists. Clayton maintains a small artist roster and places emphasis on the gallery’s digital presence. Amid the ongoing pandemic, a rotating online exhibition exclusively on Artsy featuring six artists (Khidr Joseph and Kelsey Arrington are two of our favorites in the show, titled Spotlight), which runs from July 24 to October 15. In December, Clayton is participating in the Prizm Art Fair, the only Black-owned art fair taking place during Miami Art Week.
Superposition
When artist and curator Storm Ascher was a senior in college, moving from studio to studio, trying to balance work and life between LA, Miami, and New York. The theme of Ascher’s first open call for her pop-up show was superposition—the idea of being split between different identities or feeling torn. And after several pop-ups, she decided to make Superposition permanent—that is, she turned her pop-up into a traveling art gallery with a socially conscious model, which she launched in 2018 after graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York. For artists, Ascher says, Superposition is meant to be a place that can exist in many different facets of their life and identity, while also dismantling the perception that a permanent space is needed to show quality art. She works primarily with emerging artists of color who are of the diaspora and focuses on intersectionality. She saw the need to change the current model of representation. Knowing that artists—including herself—were forced to move around either because of their lifestyle or being priced out of their studios. When she worked in galleries, Ascher would sit at a desk, she says, showing million-dollar pieces to one or two people a day. That’s valuable real estate, she thought, that could be going toward housing or other public services (her undergraduate thesis focused on how arts districts gentrify low-income neighborhoods). Superposition hosted an offsite pop-up as part of Frieze Los Angeles with an exhibit that included the work of Cameroon-born Ludovic Nkoth. Their paintings explore his visions of Africa after moving to the US at the age of thirteen, and John Rivas, a first-generation American whose collages and paintings tell the story of his Salvadoran ancestors. This September, Ascher is celebrating her gallery’s second anniversary at the Reform Club Amagansett in the Hamptons with a series of rotating exhibits featuring fifteen artists, available for viewing by appointment.
Article courtesy of goop.com
Alaska Airlines Expands ‘Sun and Snow’ Strategy
Alaska Airlines is expanding its winter offerings via its ‘Sun and Snow’ strategy with five new routes from Los Angeles International and Palm Springs International airports, the carrier announced today.
Alaska will begin daily nonstop service on Dec. 17 between Los Angeles and Cancun, Mexico, as well as to the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno, Nevada.
Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular getaways, and Reno is the gateway to Lake Tahoe and its endless possibilities, particularly skiing in the winter. Lake Tahoe was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. These additions build on Alaska’s intra-West and transborder route network from Los Angeles.
On the same date, the airline is adding daily nonstop service between Palm Springs and Reno, Boise, Idaho and San Jose, California. Tickets are now on sale at alaskaair.com.
“As demand for leisure travel returns, and for those ready to fly the coop, we’re excited to offer even more nonstop routes this winter,” Brett Catlin, Alaska’s managing director of capacity planning and alliances, said in a statement. “We’ve long offered nonstop flights to some of the most popular vacation destinations from Southern California, and we continue to see demand for our unique low fare, high-quality experience.”
The daily flights between Los Angeles-Reno and Palm Springs-San Jose will be year-round. The flights between Los Angeles-Cancun, Palm Springs-Boise and Palm Springs-Reno are part of the airline’s seasonal schedule from Dec. 17 through April 12, 2021.
Alaska is also increasing the frequency of service on certain routes from Los Angeles starting Dec. 17, including Guadalajara (two daily flights), Salt Lake City (two daily flights) and Boise (three daily flights).
Alaska is continuing to build on its route map despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has shrunk demand for air travel. In July, Alaska announced seven new routes from Los Angeles to further connect its guests between Southern California and key markets around the country, including the first nonstop service from the West Coast to Fort Myers/Naples, Florida, which begins Nov. 20.
Just in time for fall travel, Alaska is also extending physical distancing on board by limiting the number of guests and blocking middle seats through Nov. 30, 2020.
Amtrak Offers ‘Buy One Get One Free’ for Acela and Northeast Regional Trains
Amtrak customers can now take advantage of its Buy One Get One Free sale on all Acela and Northeast Regional (NER) trains throughout the Northeast Corridor (NEC)—from Boston to Virginia—by booking between Monday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 30 for travel from Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Customers will need to use the discount code C333 when booking. Exchanges and full refunds are available upon customer request through September 30, 2020. Amtrak’s new, enhanced safety initiatives will continue to be in effect for customers and employees on our trains and at our stations.
Prices for the following trips, which require three days advanced purchase, are as low as:
| City Pairs | Price | City Pairs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City – Philadelphia |
NER – $56 Acela – $99 |
New York – Providence |
NER – $66 Acela – $89 |
| Philadelphia – Washington, D.C. |
NER – $56 Acela – $99 |
New York – Baltimore |
NER – $69 Acela – $129 |
| Boston – Philadelphia | NER – $69 Acela – $129 |
New York – Boston | NER – $69 Acela – $99 |
| Boston – Washington, D.C. |
NER – $104 Acela – $129 |
New York – Washington, D.C. | NER – $69 Acela – $129 |
| Norfolk, VA – New York City |
NER – $86 | Richmond, VA – Washington, D.C. |
NER – $30 |
In addition to aggressive steps to disinfect stations and trains, additional Amtrak measures deliver a New Standard of Travel by including the following:
Face Coverings: For your well-being and ours, Amtrak requires that all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose while onboard and in stations. Amtrak reserves the right to remove a customer or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak’s face covering policy.
Limiting Bookings: We are limiting bookings on most trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.
Air Quality: All of our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every four to five minutes.
Physical Distancing: Signage has been displayed at our busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high traffic areas. In addition, protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters at our busiest stations.
Advanced purchase is required at least three days prior to travel. Fares are one way (adult) and no additional discounts apply. Valid for Acela Business class seats and Northeast Regional Coach class only. The sale is not valid for travel on Sundays or Fridays. Blackout dates include Tuesday, November 24, Wednesday, November 25 and Monday, November 30.
Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all days. Once purchased, refund fees may apply but can be waived upon customer request for purchases through September 30, 2020. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Other restrictions may apply. Tickets are currently for sale and can be found, along with current schedules, on Amtrak.com and through the Amtrak app.
Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and pilot new opportunities to support personal safety. Visit Amtrak.com for more information about how Amtrak is maintaining a safe environment.
Planet Hollywood Cancun to Roll Out the Red Carpet for Guests in December
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun will be rolling out the red carpet for its guests when it makes its premiere as Planet Hollywood Resorts’ second all-inclusive resort on Dec. 15, 2020, following the debut of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica in October 2018.
But don’t let the name fool you. The new property is actually located in nearby Costa Mujeres. “As far as beach destinations in Mexico go, Cancun is always in the spotlight with its lively restaurants, high-energy nightlife and inviting white-sand beaches,” said Todd Kirlik, director of global relationships for Blue Diamond Resorts, which operates Planet Hollywood Resorts. “Just 30 minutes north of Cancun, though, Costa Mujeres sets the stage for vacation excellence with a location close enough to enjoy all Cancun has to offer, but also far enough that it delivers tranquility with an intimate atmosphere and laid-back vibe.”
Part and parcel to a vacation at Planet Hollywood Resorts is its Vacation Like a Star experience, which “revolves around our ability to anticipate the needs of guests and in turn, provide them with ‘surprise and delight’ experiences that create a unique vacation, Kirlik said.
“The Vacation like a Star experience creates a memorable vacation that acts as a stimulus to create loyal guests who will tell our stories and recommend the Planet Hollywood brand whenever given the chance,” he added. “With vegan-friendly menu items, a ‘PHit philosophy’ aimed at making each stay a holistic experience of body, mind and spirit, authentic Hollywood memorabilia and captivating entertainment, Planet Hollywood offers an upscale getaway for every lifestyle.”
In all, the resort will be equipped with 898 guestrooms and suites, 566 of which will be set in the main resort and 332 at Adult Scene, a new adults-only resort-within-a-resort concept with a private beachfront and pool area, swim-up bar and waiter service and two specialty restaurants.
“At Planet Hollywood, we pride ourselves on delivering the hottest culinary trends from around the world,” Kirlik said. “With 11 restaurants, including celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s burger joint, and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices, we are committed to giving guests memorable dining experiences that are tailored to their tastes.”
The resort will unveil several new food-and-beverage options as part of the brand’s Crave – World of Flavors program. “The new 6th Sense – Chef’s Table experience is sure to be a highlight with a personal chef and custom-crafted menu of dishes catered to guests’ own unique tastes,” said Kirlik. “Another new one, Studio Disco Bar & Lounge, will be the perfect place to live the VIP experience and dance the night away in paradise.”
The property will also feature plenty of action-packed activities and attractions, including Shipwreck Cove, Jurassic Splash Park, a FlowRider surf simulator, a nine-hole golf course, a lazy river with water myriad activities, a Stars Kids Club, a Teens Club and a movie theater.
“Planet Hollywood Cancun will also feature a first-of-its-kind, on-site adventure park, Planet Play, where adults and kids alike can have fun indoors as well,” Kirlik said. “There will be a trampoline zone, golf simulator, basketball court and arcade.”
On the health and safety front, the resort has implemented its Safety-Assured Vacations program, comprising advanced health and safety measures to protect both guests and employees from the spread of illness, Kirlik said.
Protocols include continuous cleaning and sanitizing of all public and shared spaces (pools, beaches, restaurants, lobbies, elevators, etc.), the use of advanced-grade disinfectant products, the use of hand sanitizers throughout the property, sanitization of guest touchpoints in rooms, an updated room service process, reduced capacities for restaurants and indoor facilities, physical distancing guidelines with floor markers and furniture spaced six feet apart in common spaces.
“All guests arriving to the resort will require a temperature check and sanitation of shoes, hands and baggage upon entry,” Kirlik said, adding that the property is also implementing an online pre-check-in service for safe and seamless arrival experiences.
The company is also offering All-In Medical Insurance provided by MAS Servicios, Kirlik said, which covers expenses for accidents or illnesses incurred while on vacation, including COVID-19 related illnesses.
The resort is offering a Grand Debut Offer, which provides guests who book an Entourage Suite starting at $165 per person with $500 in resort credits and with up to two kids staying free.
Choice Privileges Rewards Loyalty Members With Fall Promotion
Choice Privileges, the award-winning loyalty program from Choice Hotels International, Inc., is offering a ‘Book Two Stays, Get a $50 Gift Card’ promotion for members. Now through November 15, Choice Privileges members who check in for two separate qualifying stays at participating hotels will earn 8,000 reward points that can be redeemed for a $50 gift card with select dining, gas and shopping retailers.
“Whether teaming with us to help make an impact in the community during this unprecedented time or choosing to stay at our hotels as they return to travel, we are incredibly grateful for our more than 46 million loyal Choice Privileges members,” said Jamie Russo, vice president, loyalty programs and customer engagement, Choice Hotels.
“In addition to the number of new changes to our program that make achieving status easier and Choice Privileges points more valuable, this promotion also rewards new and existing members with the opportunity to receive a $50 gift card when they stay with us this fall—even better, these gift cards can be redeemed not just with us but at many of traveler’s favorite stores, whether they are on the road or not.”
To participate in Book Two Stays, Get a $50 Gift Card, Choice Privileges members must register for the promotion before check-out and book their travel on ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app or by calling 800.4CHOICE. Additional details on the promotion and redemption can be found at www.choicehotels.com/giftcard.
Choice Privileges, named a top hotel loyalty program by both USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards and U.S. News & World Report, announced a series of enhancements in May to help provide its members with additional flexibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Updates include reducing the number of nights required to earn elite status; pausing the expiration of loyalty points until Dec. 31, 2020; and initiating upgrades, extensions and bonuses for current elite members.
Choice Privileges membership is free, offering fast rewards, including bonus points, airline miles or credits for premium coffee and shared rides through the exclusive, one-of-a-kind, Your Extras program. For more information or to enroll in Choice Privileges, visit www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges.
Choice Hotels’ Commitment to Clean initiative and flexible cancellation policies are designed to help give guests added peace of mind when booking a Choice-branded hotel. All Choice-branded hotels are participating in Commitment to Clean, an initiative that builds upon the strong foundation of franchisees’ long-standing dedication to cleanliness with enhanced training and best practices for deep cleaning, disinfecting and social distancing.
For more information, visit choicehotels.com.
New 5-Star, Adults-Only Resort Coming to Punta Cana in February 2021
Posadas, one of Mexico’s leading hoteliers, announced on September 21 the opening of its first Live Aqua property outside of Mexico: the all-inclusive, adults-only Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana for February 2021, part of the La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana brand.
“We made the decision to adjust our opening timeline to ensure all elements are in place to offer guests the best experiences. As the first international location for the brand, we look forward to a seamless opening as we prepare to welcome guests in the new year,” explained Enrique Calderón, Chief Operating Officer of Posadas.
Located in Uvero Alto, it will feature 750 linear feet of private beaches surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Outdoor spaces, including zen gardens and relaxation zones with fountains and waterfalls, connect this resort to nature and the waters which surround it.
The beach resort will have 347 suites in a sophisticated seaside design, in seven different categories with views of either the ocean, the gardens or part of the 96,875 square feet of the resort’s vast swimming pools. Some of the suites will include private swimming pools and terraces.
Each suite offers essentials such as soaking tubs, 50” flat-screen televisions, espresso machines and aromatherapy and pillow menus to help make guests feel as luxurious as possible.
Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana will also include a signature spa and fitness center, as well as seven on-site restaurants ranging from beachfront dining to fine dining, all supervised by renowned Mexican chef Gerardo Rivera.
A stay at the resort will include Posadas’ Travel with Confidence safety, hygiene and flexibility protocols, which is currently in place across Posadas’ more than 180 hotels.
For more information about the resort, please visit LaColeccionResorts.com.
The Excellence Collection’s Enhanced Health and Safety Protocols
The Excellence Collection consists of all-inclusive luxury for adults only at Excellence Resorts, all-inclusive boutique properties for adults only at Beloved Hotels and all-inclusive amenities for both adults and families at Finest Resorts.
The company focuses on providing extraordinary moments for all guests during their stay, with everything taken care of from beginning to end. Located on some of the most pristine beaches throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, these properties have everything needed for a relaxing getaway.
As the hotels and resorts in this collection begin to re-welcome guests, though, it’s not without enhanced health and safety protocols.
General guidelines throughout the resorts include keeping a distance between staff and guests of at least six feet, the use of plastic screens and PPE when interaction does occur, no shared objects unless they have been thoroughly disinfected and no paper forms, receipts, etc.
Improved procedures have also been implemented in specific areas throughout the resorts.
For example, upon arrival at the front desk, luggage and shoes are sanitized, and guests receive a brief welcome and explanation of all new protocols. Visitors are introduced to The Excellence Collection app which allows for a fully paperless stay. The app equips guests with digital menus, dining hours, entertainment schedules and more.
As far as public areas go, there is a constant sanitizing of floors, furniture and high-touch surfaces in addition to floor markings to assure proper social distancing between guests. Touchless soap/gel dispensers are located throughout the grounds, and safety cones are available to indicate areas or objects that need disinfecting.
In the suites, housekeeping staff uses PPE and conducts daily cleaning and deep sanitizing of surfaces. Turndown service is only provided at the guest’s request.
The spas are still open, but staff wears additional PPE including a full face mask, gloves and a shield during certain treatments. Schedules have been reduced to allow for additional cleaning and disinfecting after each treatment.
For restaurants, there are currently no buffets but instead assisted buffet service. Tables and capacities have been reconfigured to allow for social distancing between guests while they dine, and tablecloths are changed between every service.
Activities and entertainment are still available for visitors’ enjoyment, but protocols such as increased distancing and a limited number of participants are in place. Activities are outdoors in well-ventilated areas, and there are currently modified schedules of events.
Contact a travel advisor or visit www.theexcellencecollection.com to learn more or to book your future stay at one of these luxury properties.
Maldives reopen to international tourists
The Maldives will re-open its borders to international tourists on 15th July 2020. Resorts, liveaboards, and hotels located at uninhabited islands will be open from that date, with guest houses and hotels located at inhabited islands opening from 1st August 2020.
The Maldives relies heavily on the tourism industry as it accounts for the largest foreign exchange earnings, making it the biggest economic contributor in the country. However, it has come to a standstill due to the stringent public health measures taken to curb the pandemic. The tourism industry has been gearing up to restart; it is set to resume in compliance with protective measures, taking into account the safety of tourists and staff working in the industry.
The guidelines for re-opening the tourism sector, “Public Health Interventions to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission in the Tourism Sector”, was also released today by the Ministry of Tourism, giving comprehensive information for all sectors across the tourism industry on their standard operating procedures, as well as important information to tourists.
According to the guidelines, tourists are not required to pay an additional fee, produce a certificate or test result indicating that it’s negative for COVID-19 before entry into the Maldives. For tourists without symptoms, there is no requirement for quarantine either. The guideline will be periodically reviewed based on further developments.
Before your travel to the Maldives
- Travelers who have a history of contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID- 19 within the past 14 days and persons who have a fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, shortness of breath within the past 14 days are advised not to travel to the Maldives.
- Regular official updates on travel to the Maldives are provided on the websites of the Ministry of Tourism (https://www.tourism.gov.mv/) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://www.foreign.gov.mv/) of the Maldives.
- All passengers should submit a health declaration card upon arrival, complete onboard the aircraft.
- As per border health and aviation procedure, if a passenger has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath on board the flight, it should be informed to the Health Protection Agency.
- Confirmed booking in a tourist establishment registered with the Ministry of Tourism before traveling is mandatory.
- Tourist resorts, liveaboard vessels, and hotels located on uninhabited islands are open for bookings starting from 15th July 2020.
- Guesthouses and hotels located on inhabited islands will open for bookings starting from 1st August 2020.
- However, guest houses and hotels located on inhabited islands will accommodate transiting passengers waiting for domestic transfers under special permits. Transit arrangements can be made through the primary facility where the stay is booked.
- Tourists are advised to directly check offers and operational status with the preferred tourist establishments on their websites and mobile applications.
- Tourists who visit the Maldives during phase 1 of opening shall book their entire stay in one registered establishment. Stays at multiple resorts and hotels are not permitted during this period. However, exemptions will be made for transit arrangements.
By Paul Johnson aluxurytravelblog.com
Yachting in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand
One of the ultimate ways to explore the beautiful New Zealand coastline is by yacht, where stunning islands over azure seas have charming seaside towns immersed in history. Here, silvery beaches line contrastingly rocky coasts, while pods of dolphins play offshore amidst a wealth of marine life. This destination delivers a wealth of experiences and the opportunity to enjoy relaxed cruising.
New Zealand’s yachting epicenter lies in the “winterless north,” where the legendary Bay of Islands provides a secluded escape, ideal for meandering on calm waters while soaking up the breath-taking scenery. Home to 144 islands, ranging from craggy islets to large inhabited isles, this area enjoys a mild climate where tropical currents traveling down from the equator ensure the water temperature is perfect for all manner of aquatic pursuits. Delivering the best Northland sailing, surfing, diving, and fishing, a cruise around the Bay of Islands offers a chance to discover some remote areas with the benefits of an abundant underwater world, cultural delights, and verdant forests teeming with natural wonders.
Paihia is a bustling town filled with a funky café culture and is the ideal yacht departure point, providing a gateway to the spectacular Bay of Islands. Nearby, the well-kept local secret of Sullivan’s Beach offers sheltered swimming with no road access but plenty of secluded anchorages for yachts to enjoy. Easily accessible nearby is one of the most famous in the Bay of Islands, Motumaire Island, an ideal spot for sunbathing and exploring. An archaeological site with the remains of a Māori fort, it is also a great place to enjoy a kayak tour where experienced guides can regale you with local stories as you paddle.
Directly opposite and a short hop across the bay, Russell is a delightful seaside town and one of the most significant locations in terms of history. Russell was New Zealand’s first seaport, the first European settlement, and held the first capital city in nearby Okiato. With beautifully conserved colonial past, the township is like stepping back in time; a stroll down the streets will lead you to Pompallier, New Zealand’s oldest surviving Roman Catholic building that has undergone award-winning restoration. Admire Christ Church, the oldest existing church in New Zealand, then hike up Maiki Hill where chief Hone Heke chopped down the British flagpole four times! This viewpoint justifies the climb with some breath-taking panoramas. The renowned Duke of Marlborough Restaurant is a prime spot, where the sunset is captivating and the wine list even more. Alternatively, sit waterfront at The Gables celebrating the best far north fare, particularly the succulent local seafood.
Worth a visit are the Māori War Canoe and Carved Meeting House, offering fascinating snippets of Māori culture. It’s a short walk from here to the local Haruru Falls – take the opportunity to see the small but wide waterfall where part of the Waitangi River feeds into a large lagoon that ebbs out towards Te Tii Marae and into the Bay of Islands. There are plenty of activities for adventure seekers, with Waitangi Mountain Bike Park at the top of the list. This family-friendly destination provides a perfect biking introduction with scenic trails for beginners. In contrast, the cross country, downhill, and jump trail networks will challenge seasoned enthusiasts looking for some adrenaline-fuelled fun. Waitangi also boasts an excellent golf course, countless opportunities for kayaking, and a choice of relaxing spas for end-of-the-day indulgence.
Set in the shelter of Wairoa Bay, the small group of Te Pahi islands saw some of New Zealand’s earliest contact between European visitors and the Māori people and, due to this cultural significance, are part of the Rangihoua Heritage Park in the Kerikeri Inlet. Take some leisure time kayaking around to Rangihou Bay, where the ornate and famous Marsden Cross can be viewed from the shore.
Sail to pretty Moturoa Island where anchorages are often frequented by pods of playful dolphins and the sunsets are legendary. Since the 1970s, the locals have eradicated pests and encouraged endemic species to flourish, making this homegrown wildlife sanctuary a haven of beauty. Just off the isle’s northeast coast are the Black Rocks, islets formed by cooling lava from volcanic eruptions over a million years ago. Creating several caves and tunnels where small fish thrive, these are fantastic snorkeling and diving grounds and excellent fishing for kingfish, kahawai, and snapper.
Neighboring Motuarohia Island (also known as Roberton Island) has an important place in Māori history. It provides a wide range of recreational activities, including an educational underwater trail for snorkellers, where you may spot a stingray nestled on the sandy bottom. Approximately a mile long, the landscape is almost split into three by two beautiful lagoons. In 1769, Motuarohia was the site of Captain Cook’s first landing onboard the Endeavour, in what is now known as Cook’s Cove. The island features several archaeological sites, including terraces, pits, and gardening lines around the central lagoon area. At the same time, the four central bays – Otupoho, Waipao, Mangahawea, and Waiwhapuku – all offer secluded anchorages. Walk up to the highest point for some stunning views.
Moturua Island is a scenic reserve, steeped in history and with lush fauna and several stunning beaches. Follow the loop trail through stretches of coastal forest and discover some remains of former WW2 military fortifications along the way. Anchoring here for the night in Honeymoon Cove is a treat with only the calls of the native kiwis and the stars above to complement the peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by several rocky islets, this is a fascinating area for marine enthusiasts to snorkel or dive at leisure. Explorers Captain Cook and Marion de Fresne visited this island, and a bottle claiming New Zealand for the French is said to be buried somewhere on Moturua!
Whether you seek isolated beaches for complete relaxation or hiking trails amidst cultural sites, the pristine island of Waewaetorea has them all. Found west of Cape Brett in the eastern Bay of Islands and only accessible by boat, this island was once called home by several Māori tribes. On a trek over the island, you can find evidence of fortified walls, moats, and palisades that the Māori built to defend themselves, together with some of the best views of Paihia, Russell, and the mainland. To add to the history trail, Captain Cook dropped anchor off Waewaetorea and traded here for freshwater and food.
Boasting exquisite anchorages like Paradise Bay, Indico Bay, and the famous Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island is the largest in the Bay of Islands. It is perfect for diving, fishing, and kayaking, together with world-class sandy beaches. If you feel active, follow the unique island walk covering the entire landscape, passing main archaeological sites, and taking in some incredible views. During summer, the bright red flowers of the Pohutukawa forest are in full bloom, making it even more attractive. Several rare island birds thrive on Urupukapuka, such as the North Island saddleback (tīeke), North Island robin (toutouwai), and whitehead (pōpokotea). At Otehei Bay, there is the unique opportunity to enjoy an immersive Māori experience where you will be greeted by a friendly Pōwhiri and waiata, before enjoying cultural workshops in flax weaving, Māori remedies, and Poi, then sampling traditional Māori food.
Cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to rugged Cape Brett, where fitness enthusiasts will relish the challenging Cape Brett Walkway, an exciting eight-hour scenic hike on a track starting in Oke Bay near the charming seaside town of Rawhiti. A popular yachting spot is close to the shoreline in sheltered Deep Water Cove inside Maunganui Bay. This protected area is renowned for spectacular marine life and superb diving. View the historic Cape Brett lighthouse perched atop the cliffs and make way to tiny Piercy or Motukōkako Island, said to be the first landing place of Tūnui-a-rangi, one of the great ocean waka that first brought the Māori to New Zealand. 150m of sheer cliffs rise majestically out the ocean with a famous 16m high hole in the southwestern tip, known as the hole in the Rock, a natural sculpture created from sea and wind erosion and an important part of Māori culture.
Nowadays, if the seas are calm and the tide is right, small boats can sail through the hole, or adventurous visitors can take a helicopter ride. Beneath Motukōkako in the underwater Cathedral Cave, you can dive down to colorful rock walls teeming with fish; at 25m, there is a fascinating boulder garden, home to marlin, sunfish, dolphins, and sharks.
Sail to the eastern coast base of Whangamumu Harbour, once a busy whaling station where visitors can take the tender ashore to walk around the remaining structures. There is an excellent walking track leading through forest trails to a waterfall and a lookout point over picturesque Te Toroa Bay. Nearby Whangaruru is an ideal disembarkation point, offering a taste of traditional New Zealand hospitality and numerous sandy beaches on which to relax after an adventure of a lifetime.
Environmental awareness and protection are very much at the beating heart of this incredible destination to preserve indigenous flora and fauna. An important initiative, Project Island Song, is working to eradicate pests and plant native seedlings, organized by the NZ Department of Conservation and local tribes. Six islands are part of this project: Waewaetorea, Moturua, Motukiekie, Okahu, Urupukapuka, and Poroporo. From planting trees in autumn and winter, weeding introduced species, or sharing biosecurity messages in summer, volunteering for Project Island Song is also a great way to see the Bay of Islands while leaving a positive mark on the environment.
By Nicholas Dean
Amazing South American photography tours
As the realistic possibility of international travel slowly and carefully comes back to life, travelers can begin to ponder the adventures to come in the not so distant future.
For those considering a dedicated photography tour, South America represents authentic experiential journeys for the beauty of its landscapes, its regions teeming with unsurpassed wildlife, and the cultural wealth of its colorful indigenous communities. Imagine yourself shooting a brilliant sunrise or sunset while discovering the genuine heart of a sacred Inca city with your camera in hand. Accompanied by a private photographer guide, ancient temples, Andean sunrises and sunsets, and Latin American street scenes can be captured through photography.
Here, we have selected not only six photo tours but six life experiences in some of the best photo-tour destinations in South America. All and all, we think these will help you frame your photography in a different light.
1. The Amazon and/or the Brazilian Pantanal
A cathedral of green teeming with exotic wildlife, the Amazon is the dreamland for world-class and amateur photographers alike. Not only is it a haven for vibrantly colored birds and acrobatic monkeys, but the reflections in the serene backwaters of the Amazon and its tributaries make for an endless variety of artistic compositions. Whether in the Amazonian rainforest of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia, you never know when mythical Pink river dolphins will pop up or a troop of Howler monkeys will appear in the forest canopy above. But make no mistake, wildlife photography in the Amazon is as tough as it gets. Though animals are everywhere, seeing them and getting close enough for a photo in poor light conditions make it frustrating. So travel here with an experienced guide specializing in photography and come prepared to learn new skills.
Added to all of this are remote indigenous communities of people who still cling to an existence that is still traditional in many ways. This human culture of people going about their lives in the deep rainforest is one incredibly special aspect that also deserves showcasing on film.
Like the Amazon, Brazil’s remarkable Pantanal wetlands is one of the world’s true natural wonders. Called Terra de Ninguem (“No Man’s Land”) by the Brazilians, the Pantanal is a vast watery wilderness — half the size of France! — harboring one of the greatest wildlife concentrations on the planet.
In fact, we think that the Pantanal is not just the best place for wildlife in Brazil but also one of the world’s best wildlife photography destinations in terms of number and quality of opportunities and subjects. Among these, the Pantanal provides photographers with the near certainty of multiple encounters with the most powerful cat in the New World: the magnificent Jaguar, which are commonly sighted lazing on Pantanal riverbanks.
2. Mainland Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
Tucked-in on the west coast of South America between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador is one of the smallest countries on the continent, yet it boasts an incredible diversity of habitats. Apart from the country’s legendary Galapagos Islands, mainland Ecuador consists of colorful Andean highlands, the sparkling Pacific coast, and the mystery-filled Ecuadorian Amazon. Supporting an amazing array of human cultures, landscapes, and wildlife, all of this makes the country a top-quality destination for a stunning photo adventure.
Discover picturesque Andean towns where you can immerse yourself in vibrantly colored indigenous markets and traditional music workshops, getting striking shots of friendly locals along the way. While these remarkable towns and cities are graced with picturesque colonial architecture and street scenes, the surrounding countryside includes an exciting mix of mile upon mile of classic cone-shaped volcanoes and train journeys through spectacular highland scenery. Meanwhile, Andean slopes and cloud forests offer photographing travelers breathtaking shots of vibrantly colored birds, plants, flowers, and frogs; and not to be outdone, the Ecuadorian Amazon provides an incomparable chance for you to return home with some of the most memorable shots you’ll ever take!
Ecuador is probably most famous for its off-shore archipelago, the Galapagos Islands, where extraordinary wildlife photography follows in the footsteps of Charles Darwin himself. This remote and stunning archipelago offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else. The wildlife displays must be seen to be believed. Being a protected reserve, the animals have no innate fear of humans and simply go about their routines while ignoring people. At the same time, these volcanic remote landscapes are stunningly beautiful, just as the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. The crystal clear water is also perfect for underwater shots of vibrantly colored tropical fish, green sea turtles, playful sea lions, and extraordinary underwater landscapes. From otherworldly wildlife to breathtaking scenery, the Galapagos is one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife photography. Whether you’re a passionate amateur or a budding professional, a dedicated photo cruise or island-hopping tour is an adventurous way to sharpen your landscape and wildlife photography skills.
3. Tierra del Fuego (Chile/Argentina) & Antarctica
The huge island territory at the southern tip of Argentina and Chile was long ago dubbed “Tierra del Fuego” (the Land of Fire). Its many fjords, channels, and glaciers make this an area of fantastic scenery, which complement the region’s rich history and culture of exploration.
Here, photographers of all kinds have great opportunities for dramatic shots of intriguing marine mammals such as Humpback whales and Commerson’s dolphins, as well as sprawling colonies of Magellanic penguin and soaring seabirds. This land of scenic peat bogs, beech forests, glistening lakes, remote beaches, and snow-capped peaks, Tierra del Fuego is so much more than a mere springboard to Antarctica.
Setting sail from Tierra del Fuego, you can, however, make your way to Antarctica – truly the last frontier on our ever-shrinking planet. This vast twelve million square kilometer region is home to even more than penguins and whales, with everything from tiny krill to enormous albatrosses and huge elephant seals. What’s more, this awesomely silent but starkly beautiful ice-encrusted world possesses some of the most magnificent scenery: picture in your mind magnificent mountain ranges extending into the horizon, towering volcanoes, and intricately formed icebergs that seem more like floating cathedrals. The photographer’s eye will immediately note that all of this is enhanced by the peculiar quality of the light that lends an ethereal beauty to the savage grandeur of this polar landscape. A place that so many travelers long to explore — but so few ever see — Antarctica is an other-worldly region that should be experienced and captured by any avid wildlife, landscape or adventure photographer at least once in their life.
4. Peru & its “lost city” of Machu Picchu
Awash with picturesque colonial towns, striking lakes and landscapes, as well as astonishing archaeological ruins, Peru is home to an incredible mix of photo opportunities. The sites you will witness and photograph throughout the country are as diverse as they are overwhelming. Keep in mind, the descendants of the Incas have interwoven threads of their culture with Spanish influences to create a rich Peruvian culture of art, architecture, and music – which can all be capture in photos. On hikes, train rides, and horseback rides, you can explore imposing mountain ranges and seemingly bottomless canyons, encounter llamas and alpacas, and meet welcoming locals in rural villages. On top of this, you can photograph urban scenes during visits to the big cities of Lima and Cusco. This all makes Peru an opportunity to discover this stunning country in a unique way, giving a good workout for your wildlife, landscape, portrait, and street photography skills.
Once you’ve got one or more of the incredible regions of Peru under your skin, make the pilgrimage visit to Machu Picchu: the highlight of nearly everyone’s Peru photo tour. Its towering mountains ensconce massive stone fortresses, which once protected the Inca from the invading Spanish.
Magnificent, Machu Picchu is the most famous lost Inca city, sitting high in the Andes in a truly spectacular setting while still retaining its air of grandeur and mystery. Nestled into a narrow saddle between two sharp peaks, this “lost city” was mysteriously abandoned more than four centuries ago. For photographers, the changes in light as the sun comes up over or goes down behind these surrounding mountains are mesmerizing. Bring Machu Picchu’s temples, sunrises and sunsets to life through a dedicated photography tour that will help you see and present the Incan city in a different light.
5. Bolivia & its Uyuni Salt Flat
For the beauty of its landscapes and the wealth of colorful indigenous communities, a photo tour in Bolivia is an authentic experiential journey to a country that offers fascinating scenes well off the beaten path. The geographically diverse landscapes create dramatic and sensational photo opportunities with immense mountains set against vast open plains and the colorful charades of this country aptly dubbed the “Rooftop of South America.” At the same time, the country’s multi-ethnic cultural diversity is captivating and impressive as the Inca legacy lives strong in the souls of the hard-working and charming Bolivian people.
All Bolivia photography tours are set among some of South America’s most starkly beautiful landscapes. However, among its camera-ready adventures to almost otherworldly landscapes, one of the country’s most spectacular photo destinations is the Salar de Uyuni salt flat. Photograph its endless expanses dotted with cactus islands and clusters of wildlife that include pink flamingos and the wild vicunas (cousins of the llama). The rugged desert wilderness, deep blue skies, and awe-inspiring Andean peaks that border these brilliantly white salt flats create a fantastic spectacle. All of this can be brought into sharp focus with the area’s pristine clear air, while reflective earth-sky sunrises and sunsets give you the chance to photograph these almost surreal scenes under ideal lighting conditions.
6. Uruguay and its historic Colonia del Sacramento
A relatively undiscovered gem in South America — compared to its giant neighbors of Brazil and Argentina — Uruguay is stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight, where it rightly belongs. For photographers especially, the country is overflowing in culture, wine, gaucho life, beaches, and much more, all crammed into one small nation that makes it both easy and fascinating to explore on a tailor-made Uruguay photo tour.
A relatively undiscovered gem in South America — compared to its giant neighbors of Brazil and Argentina — Uruguay is stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight, where it rightly belongs. For photographers especially, the country is overflowing in culture, wine, gaucho life, beaches, and much more, all crammed into one small nation that makes it both easy and fascinating to explore on a tailor-made Uruguay photo tour.
Just across the river from the Argentine capital city of Buenos Aires is the small Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento – a picture-perfect colonial hamlet that you can discover through your camera. After an hour-long ferry ride from the Buenos Aires, you’ll dock in this enchanting village to explore its old-world historic district with a local professional photographer/guide. A UNESCO-declared World Heritage site, Colonia del Sacramento is famous for its unique fusion of Portuguese and Spanish colonial influences, which make this charming city all the more photogenically fascinating. For those who make the trip, rewards will come in the form of colorful facades, vine-draped shops, and palm-fringed boardwalks set within this laid-back destination. Here, you’ll delight in simply wandering around while losing all track of time.
As you can imagine, these six South American photography tours are not only about getting shots of the spectacular destinations that this continent has to offer; these photo experiences can also be a passport to meeting new people, experiencing other cultures, and truly “seeing” sites in the way that photography compels us to visualize the world around us.
By Alfonso Tandazo
Capture the essence of Scotland hiking
From a casual stroll taking in the beauty of your surroundings to an epic, adventurous trail that tests your stamina, nothing can beat Scotland when it comes to luxurious hikes – the dramatic landscapes will take your breath away.
Given the current climate and limitations on air travel, we are being encouraged to venture outdoors and explore more of what the UK offers. A fantastic way to indulge in the beauty of the UK is by foot through utilizing some of the most incredible hiking trails scattered across our shores. To start us off, we wanted to guide you to some of Scotland’s most magical walks.
Loch hikes
Scotland is renowned for its lochs, and many have been made famous due to their attractions and well-known myths.
The Great Glen Way provides a scenic route from Fort William to Inverness, including a visit to the mystical Loch Ness. This walking adventure is 120 km and can be completed within 7-8 days, either self-guided or as a private tour.
Throughout the route, you will come across several stops for restaurants serving local delicacies, and there is plenty of accommodations if you need to put your feet up. This journey takes you from coast to coast through glens and high mountain ranges, the perfect way to take in the beauty of Scotland.
For anyone who enjoys the sight of wildlife in their natural habitats, then Loch Lomond is for you. You may even get the chance to catch a glimpse of the infamous fallow deer; this hike is a great way to get back in touch with nature!
Coastal hikes
Head to the North of Scotland, and you will come across the incredible Assynt coastline. The hike starts from an old grain mill and heads towards the unmissable and very rare, white sands of Achmelvich beach. The unique formation of the area makes it a popular route for walkers, as does the famous Suilven Mountain that towers over the coastal scene at 731m high.
Achmelvich is not only known for its beauty but also the diverse wildlife seen on its shorelines, including seals, otters, and white-tailed eagles.
Another coastal walk that is perfect for the history enthusiasts is St. Magnus Way in Orkney. The total distance of this walk is 20km and tells the story of the life and death of St. Magnus, Orkney’s patron saint. On this walk, you can discover the local Church.
Island hikes
For hiking beginners, there is a perfect one-day hike, which is just a short ferry journey away from Stromness on the island of Hoy. The Old Man of Hoy is a formation of red sandstone seen from some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs. When standing on these cliffs on a clear day, you have the incredible opportunity to view the entire stretch of Scotland’s northern coast.
For adrenaline junkies, this next hike is packed with steep inclines and rocky routes. The walk is none other than the Summer Isles on the Isle of Eigg.
The highest point on the island of Eigg reaches an astounding 393 meters tall. This island, known for its beautiful views and sights of the neighboring islands, can be seen as Skye and Ardnamurchan.
Adventure-led hikes
The Scottish National Trail is a favorite that runs the length of Scotland. The hike consists of an 864 km trek from Kirk Yetholm to Cape Wrath, and for hiking lovers, it is the best way to capture the essence of Scotland.
The trail starts straight forward but progressively becomes more challenging as you head North. On route, there are many sights to see and explore with the added option of accommodation, restaurants; a great way to discover the culture and heritage of the Scottish Towns.
Highland hikes
Lastly, to the North of Glen Coe is the mountain Beinn a’Chrulaiste’Chrulaiste. Its bulky and rounded outline makes this magnificent feature stand out on your travels. Several websites list walking trials that enable you to take in this enormous and genuinely spectacular sight.
One of the most celebrated highlands is Lochnagar, which rises above one of Scotland’s corries with an altitude of 1155m. Two routes that are by far the most popular with hiking experts are from Spittal of Glenmuick, and ”The White Mounth Munros circuit”.
By Carl O’Neill
Alternative Paris museums
The Louvre and the D’Orsay Museum are the two most famous museums in Paris, drawing record numbers of visitors in recent years. Here’s a list of a few off-the-beaten-path museums we recommend during the pandemic.
Musée Cognacq-Jay
8 Rue Elzevir, Paris 75003
Around the corner from the Musée Carnavalet is a small gem of a museum, Musée Cognacq-Jay. Ernest Cognacq was the owner of a chain of luxury department stores, Samaritaine. He and his wife, Mary-Louise Jay, were avid collectors of fine antiques, amassing an extensive collection between 1900 and 1927. When Cognacq died in 1929, he bequeathed his collection to Paris to be available for public viewing and historical purposes.
In 1990 the collection was moved to a former, large-scale townhouse constructed in 1575 for an aristocratic family. Today the museum has meticulously recreated many of the former rooms of the Cognacq-Jay family, filled with antiques, furniture, objects, lamps, chandeliers, carpets, tapestries, and artifacts, mostly from the 18th century.
Admission is free for the permanent collection.
Open 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday – Sunday.
Masks are mandatory for 11 years old +.
Musée de la Vie Romantique
16 Rue Chaptal, Paris 75009
Musée de la Vie Romantique is a delightful treasure that whisks you back to a home filled with the company of artists and writers of the late 1800s. Musée de la Vie Romantique, located below Montmartre, was the Dutch-born portrait painter Ary Scheffer. He and his daughter became noted for their Friday night salons held in their house, inviting artists, musicians, and writers from the neighborhood such as Chopin, George Sands, Liszt, Charles Dickens, Eugene Delacroix, and Franz Liszt.
Walking down a long, cobblestone path from the street, you enter into a courtyard containing three structures, two of them used as Scheffer’s ateliers, the other, his home. The ateliers host temporary exhibitions and selected works of Scheffer, and the house is decorated in period furniture and antiques, with showcases filled with George Sands jewelry collection and more of Scheffer’s paintings. There’s a lovely outdoor tea salon in the garden.
Admission is free for the permanent collection.
Open 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday – Sunday.
Masks are mandatory for 11 years old +.
Salon de Thé is open until 530 pm.
Musée Marmottan Monet
2 Rue Louis Boilly, Paris 75016
In an unassuming building across from a small park, in a quiet, upscale residential area of Paris, is a museum that has the world’s most extensive collection of Monet paintings. Musée Marmottan Monet was built as a home for businessman and art collector Paul Marmottan in the early 1900s. The museum was the beneficiary of Monet paintings in 1966, which were donated by Claude Monet’s son Michel and it now contains over 100 Monet paintings on permanent display.
Tickets can be bought online.
Open 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday – Sunday.
Masks are mandatory for 11 years old +.
by Richard Nahem
Adventure in Florida Keys and the Bahamas
Active outdoor types, those seeking sunshine and serenity, will both be enamored with the tropical Bahamas islands, and the Florida Keys made all the better when your accommodation, transport, and entertainment go with you everywhere on a luxury yacht charter.
Avoid the traffic jams and set your timetable, waking up to a different white sand beach every morning. Take a look at some of the best spots to visit in 2020 and plan for 2021.
The Florida Keys
You don’t need to go far to immerse yourself in a world of wonder – the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is world-famous for its Scuba diving and snorkeling among vibrant, thriving coral reefs in the shallows. Elliott Key near Biscayne Bay is a beautiful stop for playing with the water toys followed by lunch on the beach and a hike along the scenic trails. Miami Beach is just a short cruise away for shopping, the Bass Museum, galleries, and sensational nightlife.
The Bahamas
With so many islands to choose from, the possibilities for what you see and do are almost endless: The Abacos Islands are a popular stop for many because of their incredible snorkeling and Scuba diving sites just a few meters beneath the surface. ‘The Fly Wheel’ is home to colorful yellowtail snappers and chubs that glide through the sunlit tunnels, and Reef sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles spotted in the region. ‘The Maze’ at Scotland Cay is a complex tangle of reef home to many stunning fish species that will impress visitors of all ages. Back on land, visitors can see the endangered Abacos Parrot among the pine forest within the Abacos National Park.
Another memorable sight is the pink sand beaches along the eastern side of Harbour Island, making the perfect location for a proposal or honeymoon under vibrant skies at sunset.
When it comes to modern entertainment, Nassau is at the heart of luxury shopping in the Bahamas. Paradise Island, mainly known for its casinos, and guests can indulge in some pampering with the available spa services.
Although it’s not difficult to ‘disappear off the face of the Earth’ in the Bahamas, visitors who genuinely want to get away from the modern world should head south to the Inagua Islands. Around 80,000 flamingos live on the island, along with hummingbirds, the Bahama Parrot, and many other species besides looking majestic when captured on camera.
The yacht, Wicked, is an ideal family-sized vessel with the power and speed to take you to multiple destinations among an island chain: Spend the afternoon snorkeling, fishing on the islands and cay surrounding New Providence Island. Return to Paradise Island in time for its sensational nightlife and casinos while the crew takes care of any children in your group.
The interior offers a large comfortable space suffused with natural light, where guests can admire the changing scenery or while away time in transit with a film on the widescreen TV. On the lower deck, the accommodation sleeps up to eight guests across four en-suite cabins consisting of a Master suite, a VIP stateroom, and two twin cabins ideal for two families with children.
Outside, there’s ample room for alfresco dining, and the flybridge above comes with a bar for a steady flow of refreshments throughout any social occasion. When all you want to do is stretch out in the sunshine, the flybridge and foredeck sunbeds will prove all too tempting to relax with uninterrupted views of your piece of paradise.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to an extended break, Florida and the Bahamas offer the perfect weather and scenery to recharge and leave behind your cares.
by Trina Howes