Two Cents Tuesday for December 1

Here is the transcript from this week’s episode!

Hey everyone this is Kelly, and I’m here with your Two-cents Tuesday: Travel News in 2 minutes!

Walt Disney World has recently signed a deal with Brightline that would add a train station in the Disney Springs area. While plans have already been in place for an extension from Miami to Orlando, the addition of a Walt Disney World station will open up more transportation opportunities for guests traveling to this area. Tentative completion date could be as early as 2022!

At this year’s IAAPA meeting, Josh D’Amaro presented many exciting updates for the Disney Parks around the world. IAAPA stands for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Josh discussed details about the new Star Wars Galactic StarCruiser hotel, which will be a 2-night, immersive, all-inclusive experience. He also confirmed a 2021 opening for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and announced some fun new attractions at other Disney Parks around the Globe.

The Maldives has just announced a loyalty program for travelers! The three-tiered program awards points for travel based on frequency and length of stay. This gorgeous destination has increased in popularity, and it is now reopened to US travelers. 

Delta has announced quarantine free flights to Rome from Atlanta, giving hope to travelers wanting to go abroad. Travelers would need to test negative prior to travel, and would need to meet certain requirements for entry due to European Union Restrictions. More information will be forthcoming!

As previously reported, travel to Mexico still remains popular among American travelers due to its strict safety measures and lack of testing requirements. Prices with the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales have been low -- If you are considering a Spring Break trip, this is a perfect time to book. You can even take advantage of great prices with our hosted group trip to the Fives Beachfront in late March. Check out our blog for details!

Hawai’i continues to tighten and refine restrictions for travelers. Negative covid19 test results are a requirement within 72 hours prior to travel. Travelers who do not receive negative test results prior to departure MUST quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, regardless of whether or not negative results are received after arrival. Remember that only certain testing centers are permitted. Click here for the full link.

That’s it for your Two-cents Tuesday! I’ll see you next week.

Two-Cents Tuesday for November 17

Here is this week’s transcript!

Hey everyone this is Kelly, and I’m here with your Two-cents Tuesday: Travel News in 2 minutes!

Christmas is in full swing at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! This is still a popular travel destination for families. And right now, all of the seasonal decorations are creating such a festive atmosphere! The new “character cavalcades” have begun to include seasonal floats and characters, spreading holiday joy in what has been a tough year. 

Speaking of Theme Parks, Universal Orlando Resort is offering a fantastic ticket deal! You can buy two days of tickets and get 3 free if you purchase a multi-day ticket! Combined with an onsite hotel stay, this can be a perfect family getaway. Enjoy exploring Hogwarts, take a ride through New York with Jimmy Fallon, or experience some “Minion Mayhem” during your visit.  The ticket must be used in full by August 31, 2021, and these specially priced tickets are available for a limited time only.

New Hampshire residents have cause for celebration! Now instead of a mandatory 14 day quarantine after travel to a restricted area, residents can quarantine for 7 days, and then take a covid test on Day 7. If the results are negative, no further quarantine is required. This is great news for those wanting to travel!

On the international travel scene, there are many great Black Friday sales happening even now for All-Inclusive resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean. Mexico is still a hot destination for our travelers, and with many safety protocols in place, it’s a perfect place to socially distance yourself. If you want to escape the winter blues, this is a great time to plan an all-inclusive getaway! 

Cruise Line sales remain strong as people await the green light to take to the seas. Some cruise lines, including Celebrity, have even begun announcing “all inclusive” packages! Royal Caribbean has launched a “Volunteer of the Seas” form, and they are gauging interest for cruisers who want to be among the first to take the “test cruises”. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Click here for the link!

That’s it for your Two-cents Tuesday! I’ll see you next week.

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Two Cents Tuesday Vol. 1

Here is the transcript of your Two-cents Tuesday: Travel News in 2 minutes!

Great news for NY residents! Governor Cuomo has changed the travel restrictions! Now residents can test out of quarantine on day 4 after returning home from out-of-state locations! Once negative results have been received, you are set! This replaces the mandatory two-week quarantine that was formerly in place. Get those suitcases ready!

Hawaii re-opened its doors for travel on Oct. 15. There are stringent travel requirements, including a negative covid test 72 hours prior to arrival from an approved testing site and the use of the Hawaii Safe Travels app. Masks are required in public spaces on the islands. But we are excited that paradise is open once again!

Within the US, many states, including FL, do not require a negative covid test to travel. Theme parks including Walt Disney World in FL and Universal Orlando are open for business, and there are many protocols in place to protect health and safety. Physical distancing, mandatory masks, and temperature checks are just some of the ways safety is being put first.

Mexico is proving to be a popular destination amongst travelers, with no covid testing required! There are lots of great deals at beautiful resorts. With much of the country open and operational, this is a great international destination.

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is welcoming visitors with no testing required, although they are randomly selecting arriving guests for onsite testing. Jamaica is permitting travel with a negative test dated 7 days prior to arrival. 

Recently, the CDC lifted the no sail ban for cruise ships. Although they are still not permitted to sail with passengers during the initial phase, this allows cruise lines to test out their new protocols with crew members first. This is a big step in the right direction! We will keep you updated as things progress.

That’s it for your Two-Cents Tuesday - for more information, contact your Upon A Star Agent!