Mexico Travel News

Published June 27, 2021

23 Micro-Destinations in Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit has 23 micro-destinations that will sweep you off your feet. Some of the most famous are Sayulita, Nuevo Vallarta, San Pancho, Bucerías, and Punta de Mita. However, there are other tiny jewels that you can’t miss, including Lo de Marcos, Chacala, Chacala, San Blas, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, or Litibú. All have beautiful beaches for the most incredible vacations.

International Travel

State Department Will Honor Expired Passports for Americans Abroad

American citizens who are currently abroad can return to the US without having to renew their passports, if it has expired, until the end of the year.

Passports that expired on or after January 1, 2021, will be honored for re-entry into the US through December 31 the State Department announced, citing delays in passport processing due to the pandemic.

Due to the pandemic, consulates and embassies around the world were forced to cut back staffing leading to an “unprecedented” backlog of passport services appointments according to the memo.

Specifically, some consulates are posting wait times of more than two months for processing passport renewals and there is still a “significant” backlog of applications.

Expired passports that will be considered OK for travel must not be damaged and must have been originally valid for 10 years. Additional criteria may still apply and Americans should check their passport status online before making final travel arrangements.

Americans Can Travel to Spain Starting June 7

Spain’s borders reopened to vaccinated travelers, including Americans, from outside the European Union on June 7. Travelers who have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine are allowed to enter Spain, no matter their country of origin.

Beginning May 24, travelers from countries outside the EU that have been deemed a low coronavirus risk such as Australia and New Zealand were able to enter Spain without presenting a negative PCR test.

The announcement comes just a few days after the EU announced that it would reopen to outside travelers who have been vaccinated and just after the bloc agreed on terms of its EU Digital COVID Certificate, a digital or paper document providing proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test if necessary.

Vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency for Travelers include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.

Seven Countries begin Using Europe’s Digital COVID Travel Pass

A few weeks ago EU leaders approved the use of a digital health certificate to make travel to Europe easier. Now, seven countries have begun using the passes in an effort to get summer tourism up and running. As of now Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Poland have approved the use of the passes, with the rest of the EU to follow suit by July first.

Cruise News

Cruising This Summer in the Mediterranean 

Holland America is excited to announce the return to cruising this summer with new Mediterranean itineraries aboard Eurodam, now in addition to the already-announced Greek Isles itineraries sailing from Piraeus (Athens), Greece. The Mediterranean voyages depart from August 15 through October 30, 2021 and range from seven to 15 days.

Plus, on select sailings, you will enjoy overnight stays in Venice, Athens, Istanbul and Rhodes. Remember, you will enjoy a 10 percent discount on the combined booking price when you book a Collectors’ Voyage of 14 to 27 days. All stateroom categories are now open for booking.

Deal of the Week

Return to the Rivers

AmaWaterways is excited to announce plans to resume sailing starting the first week of July on their newest ship in Portugal, the AmaDouro, followed by the most luxurious ship on the Danube River, the AmaMagna and their newest ship in France, the award-winning AmaKristina.

You can now sail the Rhine River onboard the brand new AmaSiena and join AmaWaterways for exclusive experiences that bring you closer to the world. For a limited time you can save up to US $2,000 per stateroom on select 2021 sailings. Reconnect, rejoice and return to AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™.

Portugal – Commencing July 3

Renowned for its rich culture, inspiring art and architecture, unspoiled natural scenery, enticing cuisine and Port wine, Portugal has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. And there’s no better way to discover its heart than from the river that breathes life into its Old-World villages and picturesque cities: the Douro. Seven-night “Flavors of Portugal & Spain” from US$2,999 per person.

Danube River – Commencing July 21

Journey through thousands of years of history, where castles were built, and kings and queens were crowned. The quintessential experience for first-time river cruisers, the Danube River has inspired countless artists and musicians for centuries. Seven-night “Blue Danube Discovery” from US$2,399 per person.

France – Commencing July 22

From the legendary wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Côtes du Rhône to historic châteaux to the exceptional worlds of artists such as Monet and Van Gogh, AmaWaterways’ river cruises on the Seine, Rhône, Saône, Garonne, and Dordogne rivers will help you discover your joie de vivre. Seven-night “Colors of Provence” from US$1,999 per person.

Rhine, Main, and Moselle Rivers – Commencing July 29

The fairytale Rhine River is renowned for its UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 historic castles line the riverbanks. 10-night “Rhine & Moselle Delights” from US$4,899 per person.

Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities and budget.

Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.