TRAVEL+FOOD

Restoring Tennessee Tourism

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Travel & Tourism are Vital to Restoring Tennessee’s Economy So Tennessee Tourism Launches New Campaign to Inspire Traveling Safely Statewide Amid Coronavirus

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) launched a multi-phase campaign today with a mission to raise awareness about traveling safely amid COVID-19 as travel picks up in communities across the state. The COVID-19 virus is the largest crisis to hit the travel, leisure and hospitality industries in history, shutting down almost all travel activities and threatening the security of businesses and employees the industry supports. Research shows travelers are getting out into their own communities, reconnecting with family and friends, taking road trips close to home and exploring outdoor scenic beauty where they can safely socially distance.

The department, along with its agency of record, VMLY&R, created a series of videos featuring Tennessee-produced songs like “Tired of Being Alone” by Al Gree, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” by Dolly Parton and “I Can’t Wait” by Memphis band Star & Micey.

Each video showcases outdoor scenic beauty, “outdoor venues” with music provided by the sounds of nature, road trips, and the diverse music, history and culture in Tennessee. “As we’ve seen now more than ever, tourism and hospitality are vital to Tennessee’s economic recovery and helps create jobs and fuel revenues,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “I’ve seen the devastation of this pandemic firsthand. We are ready. Our businesses and attractions are ready. I encourage travelers to safely explore, support local businesses and attractions, create family memories, discover outdoor scenic beauty, take road trips, explore rural destinations and hidden gems that make Tennessee a world-renowned destination.”

A special webpage on tnvacation.com features traveler safety information and health guidance, trip planning resources, travel updates (including attraction and restaurant re-openings), how to support local businesses, interactive and virtual experiences, a Tennessee playlist and safe trip ideas like: Spend Time Outdoors in Tennessee, Explore and Enjoy Tennessee’s Abundant Waterways, Tennessee State Parks You Should Experience, and Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in Tennessee.

This campaign is critical because travel in Tennessee has been suffering since the Coronavirus pandemic broke out globally. Research indicates:

The Tennessee Department of Revenue saw sales tax revenues for the leisure and hospitality industry decline nearly 36% in April 2020; including hotel and lodging, amusement services, bars and restaurants.

The Tennessee Department of Labor saw filings for record unemployment claims, including leisure and hospitality employees. Between March 1 and May 30, 128,465 employees filed for unemployment. This represents 37% of all leisure and hospitality employees statewide.

Travel Spending in Tennessee declined 87% in the first four weeks of April according to U.S. Travel.

U.S. Travel Association predicts the travel economy in Tennessee could see a 35%-45% decline in 2020 from 2019. Total travel expenditures in Tennessee could fall from $23.27 billion in 2019 to between $12.8 billion and $15.127 billion.

The Coronavirus pandemic is the largest crisis to hit the travel, leisure and hospitality industries in history. In the U.S., an analysis by Oxford Economics predicts a $519 billion decline in travel spending in the U.S. in 2020 will result in a total economic loss of $1.2 trillion, more than 9 times the impact of 9/11 on travel sector revenue. New analysis reveals while the economy is in the midst of a recession, the travel industry is in a depression. Overall travel industry unemployment is 51%-twice the unemployment of the worst year of the Great Depression.

View the full fact sheet here. Tourism is the state’s second largest industry, which historically broke visitation records domestically and internationally and exceeded economic impact numbers year over year. For the full report on “The Economic Impact of Travel in Tennessee” in 2018 click here.

About the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Tennessee is the home of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll-delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history and family adventure, infused with music that creates a vacation that is “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” In 2018, Tennessee’s tourism industry generated $22.02 billion in economic impact, more than $1.81 billion in state and local tax revenue and more than 189,757 tourism-related jobs. Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “tnvacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube or “Tennessee” on Snapchat.

Istanbul’s Hagia Irene

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A contemporary historic museum in the first courtyard of the Topkapı Palace near Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene is renowned not only as the first church in Istanbul but also as the birthplace of Turkish museology. Today, Hagia Irene is used as a concert hall particularly for classical music concerts, hosting doyens of music ranging from world-renowned chamber orchestras to piano and violin virtuosos.

Giants of classical music play the world’s finest notes in Hagia Irene

Having served as a concert hall since 1973, Hagia Irene is among İstanbul’s most cherished treasures with its history and splendor. Having hosted concerts by respected musicians and ensembles of classical and contemporary music including the world-renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, Mischa Maisky, Amsterdam Sinfonietta Orchestra, Yuri Bashmet, St. Petersburg Russian Chamber Philharmonic, and London Chamber Orchestra as well as American singer and songwriter Raul Midon, who was nominated for the Grammy awards with his 2018 album, Turkish ney player, composer and producer Mercan Dede, who also produced the score of the campaign film promoting Turkey’s natural beauties entitled ‘Turkish Therapy,’ one of the hottest names among classical pianist in recent times, David Fray, rising star of jazz, Karsu, world-renowned violinist and the founder of Kremerata Baltica, Gidon Kremer, and violin virtuoso Viktoria Mullova, it is ideal for a delightful end of day event surrounded by history, culture and art on the historic peninsula right next to the Topkapı Palace.

A historic magnum opus in Istanbul

Hagia Irene, which means “Peace of God” or “Holy Peace” in Greek, is noteworthy as the biggest Byzantine church that was not converted into a mosque in İstanbul. Drawn with a basilica plan as a classical Roman place of worship, Hagia Irene is comprised of narthexes and abscissas. Its main dome is carried by four colossal 35-meter high elephant feet while its central courtyard is empty, like that of the Hagia Sophia. The upper floor of the structure was designed in the shape of a big Roman cross. When it was built, Hagia Irene was not only the first church in İstanbul, but also one of the biggest structures of the Roman Empire.

Turkey’s first museology work started at Hagia Irene

During the Ahmed III era, artifacts sent from all across the Ottoman Empire were collected at Hagia Irene under two categories including Mecma-i Esliha-i Atika (Ancient Guns Collection) and Mecma-i Asar-ı Atika (Ancient Relics Collection), making the venue the birthplace of museology in Turkey. Watch an exclusive video on Hagia Irene HERE.

About Turkey

Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and Europe continents that are separated by famous Bosphorus, Turkey is a unique destination that welcomed last year about 40 million tourists. The country that has always been a hub for cultural interaction and home to varying climates inspires the visitors today with its history, nature and gastronomy that reflect the diversity of civilizations for centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Turkey has a distinctive understanding of art & fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity and its extremely dynamic shopping & entertainment life also attracts the visitors from all over the world. For more about Turkey, visit www.goturkey.com

Beau-Rivage Palace Reopens

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The Beau-Rivage Palace has announced its official reopening on June 12 following the several-month COVID-19 lockdown. The event accompanies the opening of the new Cinq Mondes spa, the result of an eight-month renovation and a new wellness concept driven by the vision of Nathalie Seiler-Hayez, Managing Director of the hotel.

With its ten acres of lakeside private gardens and five restaurants and bars, the Beau-Rivage Palace is committed to the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene measures throughout every touch point of the guest experience. This protocol guarantees the safety and well-being of guests and staff members, ensuring a successful summer for the Swiss destination hotel. The property is planning enhanced programming for the coming months, including tennis and yoga classes, rides on the Montreux steamboat, diverse children’s activities including a pâtisserie and floral workshop, and culinary events like a specialty picnic.

The new Cinq Mondes spa

Spread over 16,000 square feet, the new Cinq Mondes spa includes nine treatment rooms, a fitness room, yoga studio, two heated pools and a restaurant, all nestled in lush greenery facing Lake Geneva. New features include an expansive double suite, a reinvented relaxation room and a yoga and meditation room that can accommodate group lessons. In addition, the new spa is entirely paper-free, meaning treatment menus and paper receipts will be digitized, in an ongoing effort to maintain sustainability.

Cinq Mondes brings together a wide range of cutting-edge and ceremonial treatments inspired by great traditions of well-being from around the world. The hotel commissioned Alexandre Pierart of the Paris-based Suprem Architectures for the spa’s design. “[It is a] poetic vision of space, materials and light that invites introspection and renewal,” says Pierart of the spa. The new Cinq Mondes spa at the Beau-Rivage Palace is the first pillar of the “Wellness Experience” philosophy initiated by Nathalie Seiler-Hayez. The overall program will be introduced throughout the hotel in the following months.

For more information on the spa, visit https://www.brp.ch/en/cinq-mondes-spa/the-spa/

For more information on the Beau-Rivage Palace, visit https://www.brp.ch/en/home/

Visit Loire Valley

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Perhaps best known around the world for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc wines, the charming village of Sancerre and its surroundings in France’s Centre Val de Loire region offer so much more for travelers- from picturesque medieval stone streets and feudal castles to some of the best goat cheese in France and yes, some incredible white, red and rosé wines. Below is an itinerary for travelers to dream up their next trip to the Loire Valley, once travel restrictions are lifted.

A weekend in Sancerre should necessarily begin with a visit to the Tour des Fiefs the only remaining part of the ruined feudal castle of Sancerre from the late 14th century. From atop the tower, visitors can get the lay of the land with a 360-degree view of Sancerre, its vineyards and the surrounding areas of the Loire Valley. From there, it’s off to eat, drink and adventure around the area.

The Sancerre appellation is located along the left bank of the Loire River, with 330 wine growers stretching across 7,413 acres, where vines have been growing since ancient times. During the 12th century, the Saint-Satur Augustine monks and the ruling counts of Sancerre began to seriously cultivate the vines, particularly Pinot Noir, which was exported from the region along the Loire River. After a phylloxera outbreak destroyed most of the Pinot Noir vineyards at the end of the 19th century, the vineyards were replanted with Sauvignon Blanc grape vines, which are particularly suited to the local climate.

For a modern-day introduction to the wines of Sancerre, oenophile travelers can kick off their weekend in the region with visits to the following
sites:

Maison des Sancerre:
Visiting the visitors’ center at The Maison des Sancerre offers an entertaining and interactive introduction to the wines of Sancerre and all their unique qualities through the use of state-of-art 4-D technology.
Domaine Henri Bourgeois:
For 10 generations, the Bourgeois family has been passionately devoted to producing wines of character, while respecting the environment and the terroir. The vineyard estate, which in 2019 was recognized as the 43rd best in the world by William Reed magazine, also features a tasting space for guests to discover the best of Sancerre’s wines.

Aside from its superb wines, the Sancerre region is also beloved for its famous Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese, one of the five varieties of goat cheese produced in the Loire Valley (out of 13 produced in France). This small cylindrical goat cheese is the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol, just a few minutes from Sancerre, where it has been produced since the 16th century. Travelers can sample the cheese throughout the region, including at:

Domaine Eric Louis:
The Domaine Eric Louis, already known for its production of Sancerre wine, recently opened its own goat farm, which serves as an educational center where visitors can come and learn the art of production of Crottin de Chavignol, as well as the opportunity to taste and purchase the cheese.
Ferme des Chapotons:
At the family-run Ferme des Chapotons, visitors can not only taste and buy their Crottin de Chavignol, but can also visit the goat farm and assist with the goat milking (Monday through Saturday at 4pm), or admire them grazing in the meadow.

Outdoors Around Sancerre

Once travelers have had their fill of wine and cheese, the area around Sancerre offers a wealth of outdoor activities to keep them fit and busy until their next meal.

Canoeing and Kayaking on the Loire River:
With Canoe Evasion, visitors can explore a beautiful part of the Loire Valley by canoe or kayak, along a 5.5-mile stretch of the river from Sancerre, floating past river’s various islands, sand beaches and some of the stunning fauna and flora.
Loire by Bike:
Following the Loire River and its side channel from Belleville-sur-Loire to Saint-Satur and Sancerre, even a beginner cyclist can enjoy a smooth ride through the small valleys of Sancerre and the landscape of the Loire Valley.

Flying Over Sancerre:

In a balloon or light plane with Aeroplum:
An unforgettable way to tour Sancerre is a sunrise flight in a hot-air balloon. Travelers can enjoy the rarefied experience of soaring over Sancerre’s beautiful hills and vineyards with winemaker Sophie Rimbault in her balloon, followed by a wine tasting once back on the ground. The experience is also available via light plane.
In a biplane with Rêv D’ailes:
Visitors can also experience Sancerre from above via biplane flights of five to 20 minutes.
Traditional Boat Trip on the Loire:
A journey on a traditional boat of the Loire River, such as Le Raboliot in Saint-Satur, can be a nice way to disconnect. Captained by Sylvain Trevel, who is also a fisherman, the boat ride includes the option of sampling local Sancerre wines and cheeses, as well as the freshest fish from the river.
Explore the Remarkable Garden:
Created 30 years ago by Marie Marcat, a passionate and talented gardener, the Jardin de Marie (Marie’s Garden) is now known as “Jardin Remarquable” (The Remarkable Garden). The five-acre, naturally landscaped garden includes a rose garden (produving more than 500 varieties of roses), as well as a vegetable garden, orchard, grass garden and a pond. The garden also hosts a number of events and exhibitions through the year.

Where to Eat

Auberge Joseph Mellot:
One of the oldest restaurants in Sancerre, the Auberge Joseph Mellot has been welcoming visitors (including Claude Monet and Maréchal Juin) since 1882. Steeped in tradition and with a convivial atmosphere, the Auberge combines a love of wine and respect of terroir, with a menu that evolves with the seasons: a variety of Crottin de Chavignol in all its forms, the green lentils of Berry prepared by the chef and products from the market.
Au P’tit Goûter:
This traditional restaurant located right in the heart of the village of Chavignol is the perfect place to enjoy local products and meals based on Chavignol cheese (and other cheeses) in a warm atmosphere.

Where to Stay

Hôtel Restaurant Famille Bourgeois:
Located in the vineyards of the small village of Chavignol, the Hotel Restaurant Famille Bourgeois has 12 peaceful rooms, a gastronomic restaurant with a Michelin Plate and a more casual bistro.
Hôtel Le Panoramic:
With its breathtaking views over the Sancerre vineyards, Hotel Le Panoramic is a stone’s throw from the old town of Sancerre and famous wine villages, such as Chavignol.
B&B Le Cep en Sancerrois:
In the heart of the wine village of Sancerre, Le Cep en Sancerrois features four suites in a charming house, as well as a wellness area downstairs.

Vilnius Hot Air Balloons

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Call from the Air: Vilnius Invites Visitors With Impressive Flight of Hot Air Balloons

The hospitality professionals of the Lithuanian capital flew over the city in a hot air balloon carrying the message “Vilnius is calling”. They chose this original way to spread the word that the city is finally opening after months of quarantine. Vilnius is one of the few capitals in Europe featuring hot air balloon flights over the city. It is also recognized as one of the safest holiday destinations for a memorable post-pandemic trip.

The representatives of museums, guides, tour operators and hospitality professionals together with the mayor Remigijus Šimašius flew in a hot air balloon over the city, inviting the soon-to-come visitors to enjoy the summer in Vilnius. Their balloon carried an inviting message “Vilnius is calling.” The flight of tourism representatives coincided with the very first hot air balloon competition after the COVID-19 pandemic. Dozens of hot air balloons were a symbol of the perseverance of the tourism industry, which is starting up again with the help and support of the local people.

The balloon flight over the UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the greatest attractions for tourists as well as for locals. Balloon flights over the city are possible only in a few other European capitals.

“During the last few decades hot air balloons have become an important part of the city life,” says Mr. Šimašius. “They never stop exciting not only their passengers, but also people on the ground. Passers-by stop in the streets to watch balloons and point them out to each other and to their children.” According to the mayor, hot air balloons were chosen as a sign of hope and strength of Vilnius facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the strict health requirements, the city feels confident to open up for visitors and looks forward to another vibrant summer season.

Travellers from 26 countries are presently allowed to visit Lithuania without being subjected to 2 weeks of self-isolation. This “safe list” of countries includes Germany, Poland, France, Italy, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Malta, and Spain. The renewal of international flights and the end of the quarantine regime next week provide even more possibilities to spend holidays in Vilnius, for which the tourism industry of the city has been preparing all along.

“It’s wonderful that we can finally invite visitors to Vilnius,” said Milda Ivanauskienė, the director of MO museum featuring contemporary art. “For this season we are opening an exhibition of the BAFTA winner director Peter Greenway and his wife, multimedia artist Saskia Boddeke. We are also continuing the exhibition of the legendary director Jonas Mekas, whose works feature John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Elvis Presley and the Kennedy couple among others. It is a great time to discover Vilnius as the center of art and culture.”

Ms. Ivanauskienė was one of the guests on board of several “Vilnius is calling” hot air balloons. As was Narimantas Miežys, the director of wine bar Somm. He invited the visitors to enjoy the café culture of the Lithuanian capital. Recently, the city gave over a large part of its public spaces to local bars and cafés, becoming one huge open-air-café.

“The culture of street cafés is flourishing in Vilnius,” commented Mr. Miežys. “As soon as quarantine measures were relaxed, people came back to their favourite outdoor spaces. It is difficult to resist the temptation to have a glass of wine in the Old Town on a warm summer night.”

Having successfully contained the spread of COVID-19, Vilnius is also one of the safest destinations this summer. Compared to most European countries, Lithuania had 20 times fewer people infected by the COVID-19 and the country’s hospitals were never overwhelmed during the pandemic. The European Best Destinations organization listed Vilnius among the 20 safest cities to travel, finding it “twice as safe as most European capitals.”

Some safety measures are still in place. Face masks are no longer mandatory yet still highly recommended in indoor public spaces, personal hygiene and disinfection procedures are required in shops and restaurants and people are asked to keep a safe distance at all times.

About Go Vilnius

Go Vilnius is the official tourism and business development agency of the City of Vilnius. The agency provides visitors, investors, relocating talent, entrepreneurs and businesses with all the essential information they need to know about the Lithuanian capital. Go Vilnius offers information on everything from real estate to leisure activities in Vilnius, simplifying the process of traveling, relocating to, or investing in Vilnius.

Hot air balloon, Vilnius, Vaughn Lowery, 360 Magazine

National Park Exclusive Savings

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Availability in the National Parks this summer, up to 30 percent savings for a limited time at some lodges and resort.

“There is rare availability in the national parks this summer,” observes Betsy O’Rourke, the Chief Marketing Officer for Xanterra, the company that runs the concessions, lodging and many of the activities in national parks including Death Valley, Grand Canyon (South Rim), Zion. There are even the occasional cancellations, and thus availability of lodging in Glacier and Yellowstone.

“The fact is, people come from all over the world to experience the U.S. national parks, and with limited air travel and closed borders this year, those vacationers are not able to come, freeing up rooms in some of the greatest outdoor places on earth.” Now that parks are officially opening, for a limited time savvy travelers can book and save up to 30%

For information about what’s open, what services will be available, reservations as well as any travel guidelines in this post-quarantine world, access HERE.

For example, vacationers can stay on the south rim of the majestic Grand Canyon in the renowned and historic El Tovar hotel and receive 30 percent off for a limited time. Even the legendary Grand Canyon Railway that runs from Williams, Arizona on Route 66 to within footsteps of El Tovar and the South Rim of Grand Canyon is 30 percent off. The same is true at The Oasis in Death Valley, a true American
oasis with water bursting from the ground (the resort even has a golf course, the lowest on earth) and bask in a 30 percent savings. And Zion Lodge is also offering 30% off for a limited time.

So, pick your park, save up to 30 percent and take advantage of what nature has to offer, and rare summer openings when the skies are quiet and we’re all looking for someplace great to go that’s outdoors, beautiful and happens to be the trip of a lifetime. Visit HERE for reservations and information.

Road Trip to Luxury

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Global travel may be on hold or cancelled, but local getaways offer a drivable alternative without sacrificing the feel of a glamorous escape. On the Texas Gulf Coast, Cinnamon Shore boasts an idyllic community which combines all the resort amenities a family could want—a broad and breezy beach, luxury accommodations, gorgeous pools, great dining options, family-friendly activities— without the slog of a drive to Florida or boarding a plane.

New-found Opulence on the Texas Coast

Luxury hasn’t always been synonymous with the Texas Coast. But that changed when Cinnamon Shore was established in 2008, on the outskirts of Port Aransas, Texas. The master-planned community, nestled behind protective dunes on the Gulf Coast, now boasts almost 300 high-end beach residences that serve as second homes and vacation rentals, drawing discriminating, yet down-to-earth families who enjoy beachside luxury when they vacation.

What Sets Cinnamon Shore Apart

The epitome of the New Urbanist architectural movement, Cinnamon Shore is a walkable village that offers the charm of small-town America. Front porches lined with rockers recall the best of Southern architectural traditions, while paver sidewalks and pocket parks promote a neighborly feel. Cottage-style details — reminiscent of the grand, old estates which line the East Coast — help the new community feel rooted to the past. Great dining options, fitness classes, and a roster of activities and events year-round keep guests entertained when they’re not enjoying the beachfront.

Resort Highlights

Cinnamon Shores features easy beach access over three visually striking crossovers, as well as three community pools. The Dune Pool hosts paddleboard yoga in a palm-lined setting, Kiera’s Pool boasts an infinity edge looking to scenic Lake Gavin, and Stillwater Pool is heated year-round. The resort offers superb on-site dining options: upscale Mediterranean-style Lisabella’s Bistro; family-friendly Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, way more than a pizza parlor; and Coffee Waves, with a premium selection of java, smoothies, and breakfast fare. Extensive entertainment and activities include: Live Music concerts on an outdoor stage, Movies Under the Stars on grassy Town Center, Yoga on the Beach, Paddleboard Yoga at The Dune Pools, Pilates on the Deck around Kiera’s Pool, Beach Bonfire Set-up, Bike Rentals, Fishing Gear rentals, and more. Guests seeking a change of pace from the pools or ocean can explore the two community lakes: Lake Colby, fully stocked with a fishing pier for everyone to use, and Lake Gavin. The resort Fitness Center is a stand-alone facility with plenty of equipment accessible to all guests. Cinnamon Shores provides In-car Check-In and On-Site Property Management for quick solutions to any maintenance needs during a stay.

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump… to the Beach!

An afternoon’s drive away from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio, Cinnamon Shores is the epitome of an effortless getaway. Texans can skip the 13 to 16 hour drive to Florida beach resort towns, and instead opt for the same luxurious accommodations and beach access in-state.

Cinnamon Shore is the go-to coastal vacation spot for luxury in Texas. Nearly built-out and thriving, the development has started a quickly rising sister community just about one mile away. The resort is devoted to making the Cinnamon Shore lifestyle available to even more Texans. Work on its incredible pool complex is under way, and first homes have finished in time for summer rentals. Guests at Cinnamon Shore South have full access to all the amenities at Cinnamon Shore, nearby. In the meantime, Cinnamon Shore is a bustling, festive place for coastal getaways year-round—and we are following CDC guidance on sanitizing and social distancing.

To Learn More about Cinnamon Shores: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Knowledge is Power: The Secret to Stress-Free Travel

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Travelling is great. Whether it’s a road trip within your own borders or a transatlantic adventure, the act of getting out and exploring is something we all enjoy doing. But, before you can relax and have a care-free experience, you need to protect yourself and anyone that’s with you. Basically, the aim of travelling is to see new places, have fun, and escape the stresses of daily life. However, you can only be stress-less by getting your affairs in order before you go travelling. In today’s tech-first world, the internet has the prevention and solution to almost any problem. With this in mind, we’ve outlined the travel essentials you need to know before you pack your bags.

Know Your Flight Rights

If you’re planning a trip abroad, one of the most stressful hurdles you need to overcome is the flight. Just getting to the airport, making it through security on time, and boarding the plane are stressful enough. However, when delays strike and you’re stuck not knowing whether you’re going to fly, things get even worse. Fortunately, you’ve got rights. The team at Flightright are experts in all things travel-related. Using their 10 years’ of experience, the team not only fight for your travel rights in court (with a 99% success rate), they’re on hand to arm you with knowledge. When it comes to delays and flight cancellation compensation, their advice is evidence.

Collect proof of expenses related to your trip, alternative ticket costs and, of course, flight details. As long as you’re able to provide evidence on demand, you’re entitled to compensation of up to €600/$660 per person for delayed and cancelled flights. As you’d expect, getting something back from an airline isn’t easy. However, there are laws in place to protect you. So, by simply knowing that you’re entitled to compensation, without affecting your right to fly, you can sit and wait without any stress.

Be Sure to Insure

Although you don’t need travel insurance to claim compensation for delayed/cancelled flights, you will need it if anything else goes wrong. Medical coverage is the obvious expense you’ll need travel insurance for. However, the best policies will cover a variety of potential problems. MoneySuperMarket is just one comparison site that allows you to scan through dozens of insurance options. Perhaps the most important thing you need to consider when you’re purchasing insurance is what could go wrong. Standard policies will cover medical expense, personal liability, emergency assistance, and lost baggage.

However, what the average scheme won’t cover are things like extreme sports, pre-existing medical conditions, and natural disasters. Obviously, if you’re going skiing, this means you’ll need to take out extra cover. Additionally, if you’re going to a place that’s known for its tropical weather, such as Thailand during the stormy season (April to October), you might want to bolt on extra cover. Again, it all comes down to knowledge.

If you’re armed with the right information, you can react accordingly in all situations. What’s more, you can protect yourself from things before they go wrong. Even if you can’t stop every eventuality, you can at least be ready for them. That’s the best way to have a stress-free experience and get maximum enjoyment from your travels.

Travel Germany Virtually

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Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), partners with the German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) to invite travellers to discover the destination of Germany and virtually explore its amazing attractions and hidden gems.

Until it is safe to travel again, Wego brings the world to you in the comfort of your home. With the message ‘dream now – visit later’, this joint partnership with ‘Wego’ introduces the global campaign ‘#DiscoverGermanyFromHome’ to tomorrow’s travellers in the GCC by providing them with inspiring and informative content, virtual experiences in its 16 federal states, Spotify playlists, an interactive map, quizzes, recipes and much more to keep their interest in the destination alive until travel is resumed.

Speaking of the partnership, Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) commented: “The Gulf region is among the Top 20 of the most important source markets to Germany and the third largest source market outside Europe. Our partnership with Wego is a great opportunity to highlight that Germany ticks all boxes of the GCC travellers aiming for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping, while enjoying high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities.”

Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, said: “We are bringing the world to our users until it is safe to travel again and we’re thrilled to partner with GNTO to promote one of the most beautiful European countries. Germany entices tourists with its rich and vibrant nature and culture; it’s a must see destination for everyone.”

Access the virtual tour here.

MGM Prepares For Reopening

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MGM Resorts announces summer reopening of Luxor, Mandalay Bay, and Aria resorts following strong opening weekend in Las Vegas

On the heels of reopening its first three Las Vegas properties, MGM Resorts International announced it will add several of its resorts in the weeks ahead. Luxor and The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay Place will reopen on June 25 at 10 am. They will be followed by ARIA at 10 am PST, and Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons Las Vegas at 11 am PST on July 1st.

“It was exciting and emotional to see the energy in Las Vegas last week as we welcomed back our employees and reopened our doors to guests for the first time in months,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ Acting CEO and President. “Our guests are having a great time and are thrilled to be back in the city they love. We are eager to get more of our employees back to work and enhance the Las Vegas experience with additional resorts.”

Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons Las Vegas and ARIA join Bellagio, MGM Grand and New York-New York, which opened earlier this month and Excalibur which is expected to open on June 11th.

Guests can take advantage of pool areas and fine dining with some amenities being limited at this time. For a full listing of amenities available at MGM Resorts properties and to make reservations, please visit their website. Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests; valet parking will not be operational at this time.

MGM Resorts’ comprehensive “Seven-Point Safety Plan,” reflects a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases. The full plan can be reviewed here. The company will continue to evaluate and evolve its safety protocols. Key initiatives include:

Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19
specific training
COVID-19 testing offered for employees as they return to work in partnership with the local medical community
Employees will be required to wear masks; Guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks, and in some settings where physical distancing is more difficult and/or barriers do not exist, will be required to do so. Examples of where masks will be required include salons, table games where physical barriers are not in place and elevators, if riding with guests outside of their travel group. Masks will be provided, free of charge
A physical distancing policy will be implemented, with floor guides serving as reminders
For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks
Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors
Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App allows hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
Guestroom Attendants wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms
In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers are utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
Digital menus are available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets
To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests will receive text message notification when their tables are ready
MGM has compiled its own internal team and processes to respond if a guest or employee tests positive for COVID-19. We ask that if a guest tests positive after visiting one of our properties, they alert us through a special email address. We will immediately report any positive test results to the local health department and assist with contact tracing to support the health department investigators.

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