The Travel Top 10

TOURISM NEWS

New Adventures Around The World for 2024

AdventureSmith Explorations, a leader in small-ship adventure cruises, is offering an array of new Galapagos tourism packages for 2024 and 2025. These packages include trips aboard the newly launched vessels like the Cormorant II and Galapagos Angel, featuring luxurious amenities and immersive experiences. Notably, the Hermes mega-catamaran set to launch in spring 2025, will introduce unmatched luxury with features like 24/7 butler service and a spa with ocean views. For culinary enthusiasts, special departures aboard the Evolve celebrate Relais & Châteaux’s 70th anniversary with exclusive gastronomic experiences. Additionally, new itineraries from National Geographic, like the Delfina catamaran, offer intimate and educational explorations of the islands. These diverse offerings aim to cater to various interests and provide unique ways to experience the enchanting Galapagos Islands.

Tourism Malaysia introduces an enticing new venture with the launch of "Durian Tourism Packages 2024/2025," capitalizing on the burgeoning trend of culinary travel. This initiative features 62 distinct packages across 12 Malaysian states, designed by 27 local tour operators. These offerings blend the unique flavors and experiences surrounding the durian, famously dubbed the "King of Fruits," with a variety of activities suited to diverse traveler preferences. Highlights include the Jom Pi Dusun, a relaxing day trip with local durian tasting; a luxurious three-day stay in a forest chalet with Durian with Mother Nature Glamping; and the adventurous Sehari D Dusun, featuring river rafting and jungle trekking. These packages invite travelers to delve deep into Malaysian culture through the aromatic world of durians, offering everything from serene stays to action-packed escapes.

AIRLINE NEWS

Airlines Crippled By IT Isssues

A significant IT outage linked to a software update by cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike disrupted global air travel last Friday, leading to the cancellation of over 1,100 US flights and delays to more than 1,700 others. The Federal Aviation Administration clarified that the disruption was a technical issue and not a cyberattack. Major airlines, including Delta, American, Spirit, Frontier, and United, were affected, with Delta pausing its global schedule and others issuing travel waivers and refunds. Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club, described the situation as a result of outdated airline systems, some dating back to the 1970s, which are prone to such failures. He recommends using airline online portals for flight changes to avoid long wait times on calls.

Despite the flight challenges, airlines are launching new routes. Starting October 27, Aeromexico, in partnership with Delta Air Lines, will launch a daily service from Mexico City to Newark, enhancing their New York market presence by over 20%. This expansion adds Newark as a key destination alongside New York-JFK, solidifying Aeromexico and Delta’s leadership in connecting these major metro areas. The route, operated by a 737 MAX-8, promises top-tier amenities like enhanced leg space and high-speed connectivity.

Additionally, Elad Schaffer, co-founder & CEO of Faye Travel Insurance, advises travelers on the benefits of travel insurance in such scenarios. Faye's policies, for example, offer immediate reimbursements for travel inconveniences like cancellations or delays exceeding six hours, directly to travelers' mobile wallets. The company also provides 24/7 support for rebooking flights, securing overnight accommodations, or arranging alternative transportation for stranded passengers. This outage serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the aviation sector's aging IT infrastructure and the importance of robust travel insurance.

CRUISE NEWS

New Viking Cruise Options For 2024

Crewfare, a leading travel company, is launching a yearlong "Ultimate Dream Job" contest, offering an all-expenses-paid travel opportunity to the most coveted festivals and events across the U.S. The winner will enjoy top-tier festivals such as Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, prestigious food festivals in South Beach and NYC, and other unique events, with travel sponsored by United MileagePlus Exclusives. This role is designed to showcase Crewfare's new AI-powered event discovery and booking platform, Crewfare Explore, which personalizes travel experiences by matching enthusiasts with ideal events. Applications are open from July 15 to July 23, with the winner announced on July 27. Interested candidates can apply online and find more details at crewfare.com

MyRadar is launching an exhilarating contest for weather enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to chase storms alongside a professional. Coinciding with the release of the movie "Twisters," this contest allows the winner and a guest to join MyRadar's senior meteorologist, Matthew Cappucci, during the 2025 severe weather season. Entrants can win a trip that includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations for up to five nights, and a firsthand experience of storm chasing across potential tornado zones. This sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents 18 and older, with entries accepted through December 15. The winner will be announced around December 16, promising a minimum three-day adventure tailored to weather conditions, ensuring both an educational and thrilling experience. For more details and to enter, visit MyRadar's official sweepstakes page.

RTIC Outdoors, known for its premium coolers and drinkware, has partnered with NASCAR to launch an exclusive sweepstakes. Three lucky winners will get the chance to experience a special night out at Whiskey River, the private old-western town owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. This unique opportunity comes as part of The Dale Jr. Foundation's annual "Driven To Give" fundraiser. Winners and their guests will enjoy an evening filled with dinner, drinks, auctions, raffles, and a live performance by country music star Chris Janson. Note that this event is not open to the public, making it a truly exclusive experience. Interested in entering the sweepstakes? Check out the official page for more details and contest rules.

Buzz EBikes is excited to announce Ryan’s FAN-tastic Giveaway, featuring motorsports legend Ryan Newman! This special sweepstakes offers fans the chance to win an autographed Buzz Drone EBike and a personalized video message from Newman. Interested participants can enter by filling out the entry form on Buzz Bicycles’ website starting July 19 at 9 a.m. EST. The giveaway runs until August 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. No purchase is necessary, and entries are limited to one per person per day. The sweepstakes is open to residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. states and D.C., excluding Alaska and Hawaii, who are 18 years or older. For full rules and regulations, visit Buzz Bicycles' website.

STAYING IN STYLE

New Promotions For Hotels During Summer 2024, Beyond

Starting July 22, 2024, Necker Island, a top-tier private island in the British Virgin Islands, introduces new pickleball and paddle courts to its elite sports offerings. Perfectly timed with the 2024 Paris Olympics, this exclusive resort combines luxury travel with active, sports-filled itineraries. Guests can enjoy expert-led activities like sailing, kiteboarding, and tennis, including participation in the prestigious Necker Cup. Available for exclusive bookings or during select Individual Stay weeks, Necker Island offers personalized sports programs with professional coaching and world-class facilities. The stay includes all-inclusive meals, drinks, and water sports, starting at $5,650 per room per night. For an unparalleled group experience, exclusive buyouts begin at $140,000 per night. For more details, visit Necker Island’s rates page.

CitizenM, a leader in ‘affordable luxury’ hotels, is revolutionizing the sleep experience with its new "Sleep Like a Champion" campaign, aimed at enhancing rest for both athletes and travelers. Supported by a new study and developed by sleep consultant Naomi Hilliard, the campaign introduces personalized sleep guides based on guests’ sleep chronotypes. The study emphasizes creating optimal sleep environments in CitizenM rooms, utilizing features like adjustable lighting, soundproofing, and temperature controls via an in-room iPad. Highlights include settings for minimizing blue light, managing caffeine effects, and adjusting room features for individual comfort. This initiative is timely for the sports season, with the summer Olympics and Wimbledon on the horizon, ensuring guests can enjoy restorative sleep tailored to their personal patterns. To learn more or book a stay, visit citizenm.com/campaigns/sleep.

Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts in Riviera Maya are celebrating National Culinary Arts Month by infusing traditional Mayan culinary techniques into their cuisine. Guests can explore the ancient city of Coba and enjoy meals that blend authenticity and innovation at the resort’s standout restaurants. Cozumel Restaurant, found across all four properties, showcases traditional Mexican gastronomy with a focus on Mayan techniques. Tequila Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with dishes inspired by Mexican market flavors. Gourmet Ku’uk Restaurant, available at Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal and Sian Ka’an, takes a sophisticated approach to Mayan cuisine, featuring dishes like Beet Ceviche and Shrimp Mole. The resorts themselves offer a variety of experiences, from the family-friendly Bahia Principe Grand Coba to the adults-only Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an, each providing unique amenities tailored to enhance your stay in this culturally rich region.

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival, set from October 2-6, 2024, celebrates Idaho’s enduring pastoral tradition, heralded by MSN as one of the "Top Ten Fall Festivals in the World." This annual event in Ketchum honors the centuries-old practice of sheep trailing, marking the seasonal migration from mountain pastures to winter grazing lands. Festival highlights include the spectacle of the Big Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep ambling down Main Street, competitive National Qualifying Sheepdog Trials, and the culturally rich Sheep Folklife Fair that showcases traditions from Basque, Scottish, Polish, and Peruvian communities. Culinary delights are abundant with "For the Love of Lamb" tastings and the Lamb Fest, complemented by Wool Fest workshops. For those seeking relaxation amidst the festivities, Knob Hill Inn in Sun Valley offers a serene retreat with rooms starting at $359 a night, providing a perfect base to experience this unique cultural celebration.

Discover exclusive travel deals this season with enticing offers from some of the world's most renowned destinations. At the Caerula Mar Club in South Andros, Bahamas, take advantage of a pre-season early booking discount. Book between August 15 and September 30 to receive a 10% discount on stays of 3-6 nights during the fall season. This offer includes enticing perks such as an evening cruise for two, a $200 dining credit, and even a complimentary night. Further south, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa invites you to enjoy a comprehensive all-inclusive package. This includes daily meals across various restaurants, a 20% discount on spa and shop services, unlimited beverages, and a daily $25 USD resort credit. For those venturing solo, Ecoventura Sailings in the Galapagos offers a 33% discount on single cabins for select departure dates through October. These deals provide perfect opportunities for memorable escapes to stunning locales.

Goodstone Inn and Restaurant in Middleburg, Virginia, has partnered with ResortPass to offer day passes to its newly revamped pool, marking the first hotel in the area to join the service. Now, day guests can enjoy luxury amenities typically reserved for overnight visitors, including an updated bar and food menu featuring fresh ingredients from Goodstone’s own farm. The inn's pool is available from noon to 7 p.m. daily, with weekday passes priced at $35 and weekend passes at $55. This initiative opens up a slice of Goodstone’s renowned hospitality to local residents and visitors, promising relaxation and gourmet refreshments poolside.

Planning a wedding demands precision, and the quest for the ideal venue is paramount. For those desiring a mix of exclusivity and splendor, four boutique hotels across the globe offer alluring buyout packages. In Los Cabos, Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts provides a six-night full-property takeover, complete with beachside festivities and adventurous excursions. Rome's Sofitel Villa Borghese melds historical grandeur with modern luxury, offering a three-night stay that includes a ceremony in a Baroque church and a reception with high-class entertainment. Croatia's Hotel Supetar Cavtat promises a picturesque seaside setting for its three-night package, enhancing traditional Croatian hospitality with local gifts and a possible grand entrance by boat. Lastly, in Mendoza, the SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites pairs nuptial celebrations with the beauty of vineyards, providing activities like horseback riding and hot air ballooning for an unforgettable matrimonial experience.

As fall travel gains popularity, those looking to avoid crowded destinations can find solace in the vacation ownership industry, which offers spacious, resort-like accommodations across the U.S. ARDA highlights several resorts ideal for enjoying fall festivities in peace. For example, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Lake Conroe offers multi-bedroom villas perfect for family getaways in Texas. In Las Vegas, Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations presents a luxurious, crowd-free experience with promotional discounts. Additionally, destinations like Escondido, Park City, and Portland provide unique local experiences from art and nature to culinary delights, with various booking incentives. These resorts not only offer more room and amenities than traditional hotels but also allow non-owners to enjoy their facilities, making them an excellent choice for group travel this autumn.