Posts

Editor’s note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Visitors from 103 nations will no longer need to secure a visa before traveling to the Gulf country of Oman, according to reports. The new rule will allow tourists to stay in Oman visa-free for up to 10 days, Reuters reported, removing one barrier to tourism....

After a long legal battle with local regulators, Uber has won the right to continue operating in London — one of the ride-sharing company’s largest markets. The win came on Monday, Sept. 28, when Westminster Magistrates’ Court deemed Uber a “fit and proper” operator, “despite historical failings.” According to The Points Guy, Uber’s legal issues in the English capital began three years ago after Transport for London (TfL) first rejected its license application....

Editor’s note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. United Airlines is adding more than two dozen nonstop flights to Florida this fall even as the state continues to battle high case numbers of COVID-19, the carrier announced Wednesday. Starting Nov. 6, the airline will add up to 28 flights to popular Florida destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando....

If you live in a major city, where you put your favorite face mask isn’t the only thing you’ve been pondering. Between closed restaurants, the difficulty of social distancing, and the dominance of telecommuting, the pandemic has inspired many people to fantasize about buying a home in a remote area with strong Wi-Fi and finally learning how to play the banjo that’s been gathering dust in their closet. (OK, maybe that last part is just me....

One of the greatest perks of being retired is the flexibility of your time. Retirees quickly become aware of that benefit when they enjoy empty movie theaters on weekday afternoons, airfare savings on off-peak travel days, and vacations that don’t have to be taken in week-long increments. For retirees seeking the ideal place to take advantage of their flexible schedule, San Diego offers the option to be active, relaxed, entertained, educated, and more....

Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure. Upon arrival at Rosewood Mayakoba, a sprawling beach resort tucked quietly behind mangroves in a private community between bustling Cancun and Playa del Carmen, a river boat awaits to whisk you through the lagoon and straight to your secluded suite. There, your butler is waiting to give you a tour of your home-away-from-home, including your private lagoon- or ocean-view plunge pool....

If you thought the ultimate princess experience at Walt Disney World was an appointment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table, you’re now one item short. A new Florida business called Princess Carriage Rentals has begun offering strollers for rent that look exactly like tiny Cinderella carriages. Everything you need to know about going to Walt Disney World These blue-and-silver children’s coaches are as good as what Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother whipped up from a few pumpkins and mice....

It’s impossible not to fall in love with what Latin American destinations have to offer — the sunny beaches of Mexico and Brazil, the mighty Andes mountains, the vineyards of Argentina and Chile, the mesmerizing ruins of pre-Columbian times throughout the region. Latin American brands have a way of carrying that essence and translating it into colorful and original artisanal designs. And it’s not just the appealing looks and materials — many of them are keen sustainability advocates....

Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure. Some of these attractions may be currently closed, so be sure check when planning your travel dates. Even those who live in San Diego, one of the country’s most enviable places with near-perfect weather, may want a change of scenery from time to time. A few days away from the routine is healthy, and there are many great places to see within a short distance from the city....

Suburbs of Melbourne, Australia are returning to lockdown after a rise in new coronavirus cases. Fearing a second wave of COVID-19, more than 300,000 citizens of Melbourne suburbs returned to the third-strictest level of restrictions on Wednesday. Residents are not allowed to leave home except for grocery shopping, health appointments, essential work, caregiving, and daily exercise. The lockdown will last until at least July 29. “If we all stick together these next four weeks, we can regain control of that community transmission … across metropolitan Melbourne,” Victoria State premier Daniel Andrews said at a press briefing Wednesday, per Reuters....

As of October 18, vaccinated Americans can enter the United Kingdom without getting a COVID-19 test before traveling, making the entire process of booking a Great Britain excursion significantly more straightforward. Additionally, starting October 24, the day two PCR test requirement for vaccinated travelers has been altered to include the cheaper lateral flow test. If you’re one of the many travelers taking advantage of this new transatlantic flexibility and looking to explore the country’s capital, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay....

Blue World Voyages, a new company pioneering the concept of “active lifestyle cruising,” has opened advance registration for those interested in purchasing Owners Club apartments onboard its forthcoming inaugural vessel. Courtesy of Blue World Voyages The yet-to-be-named ship, currently scheduled to set sail in 2020, will spend its first season in the Mediterranean, stopping in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Montenegro. After southern Europe, future destinations include the Baltic, Scandinavia, and South America....

Getting driving directions from your GPS can actually feel like you’re talking to a friend. In honor of Pride Month, and annual Pride celebrations the world over, Waze is launching a unique experience for drivers that encourages them to live free and authentic to themselves –– thanks to Boy George. Boy George lent his voice to Waze so drivers can have a fun and thought-provoking trip, kind of like chatting with a friend over tea, only you’re with an ’80s pop icon and he’s telling you to turn left or get off the highway at the next exit....

Delta Air Lines is enhancing its COVID-19 safety protocols by doubling its pre-flight cleaning staff and committing to blocking middle seats until at least 2021. The airline will now have at least eight employees disinfect planes between flights — depending on the plane size — instead of three to five, Reuters reported on Monday. “We’ve done quite a lot of change to our turn process,” Mike Medeiros, the head of Delta’s new Global Cleanliness division, told the wire service....

Whether you’re an avid runner or a fan of power walking, bringing your fitness routine to your favorite hiking trail is a great way to get active while enjoying the beauty of nature. But, not every athletic sneaker is equipped for ragged and unpredictable terrain. To buy: amazon.com, from $50 (originally $70) The newly discounted Asics trail running shoes are renowned for their comfort that is achieved through their rearfoot gel cushioning system....

Last month, Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled its latest ship: the 3,800-passenger Norwegian Joy, which is currently plying the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Except, Joy isn’t really new at all. Built two years ago, the ship was originally designed specifically for the booming Chinese cruise market (the first such endeavor for the company). Joy enjoyed great success with short sailings out of Shanghai and Beijing — until the company announced, in July 2018, that the ship would be moving to the Pacific coast of the Americas after a $50 million overhaul....

Sure, solo getaways can be fun, but nothing beats a family vacation. According to a 2018 survey by AAA, some 88 million Americans said they planned to take a family vacation within a year. And just about everyone is into the idea of a family bonding trip. As the survey showed, 44 percent of Millennials, 39 percent of Generation X, and 32 percent of Baby Boomers said they planned to participate in a family trip in one form or another....

Right now, you’re likely sitting at home, waiting patiently until we can all find a new normal and travel to see the world again. We know that staying home is hard, especially for travelers like us. However, we also know that for now, it’s the right thing to do to protect the people we love so dearly. But, don’t worry, you can still indulge in jet-set fantasies right from home....

California Gov. Gavin Newsom closed down large swaths of the state on Monday amid rising COVID-19 cases there, walking back openings of restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and more. Newsom ordered restaurants to shut down dine-in service statewide as well as closed wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, zoos, museums, and entertainment venues like bowling alleys, according to the California government website. Additionally, all bars and breweries were told to close unless they offer food for sit-down outdoor dining....

Whether he’s writing about the Founding Fathers or the Latin American immigrant community, Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic works double as an ode to New York City, which he famously calls the “greatest city in the world” in “Hamilton.” Most recently, as part of Google Arts & Culture’s “Perspective” series, Miranda leads a virtual tour of his hometown via Google Maps, sharing his favorite spots in the city....