Monday, March 18, 2024

Egypt Becomes Latest Host Of FIFA's New Friendly Series

Egypt became the fifth country to be selected as host of a new series of friendly games introduced by FIFA to allow teams from different confederations to play each other, the world soccer governing body said on Monday.

The pilot phase was expanded to feature 24 national teams, who will play across three continents, FIFA said in a statement.

The Egypt edition -- which will take place from March 22-26 -- will also include Croatia, Tunisia and New Zealand.

Egypt will host New Zealand in the opening game on Friday, which will also mark the inauguration of a new 92,000-capacity stadium that the country has built in a new administrative capital, 45 km (28 miles) east of Cairo.

Named Egypt Stadium, the venue is the second biggest in Africa, behind South Africa's 94,000-seater Soccer City.

Tunisia will face Croatia in the other game, with the winners playing each other in the second match.

Although there are no trophies or prize money, the series is designed to benefit national teams that do not have the opportunity to play teams from other confederations, with FIFA set to cover travel costs.

Algeria, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka will simultaneously host other editions this month, although formats will differ.

Reporting by Hatem Maher Editing by Christian Radnedge, Reuters

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Ethiopian Airlines Increases To 14 Flights A Week From Israel

Cheering Israel: the national airline of Ethiopia adds two weekly flights to its flight schedule from Israel and increases the frequency to 14 weekly flights on the Tel Aviv-Addis Ababa route.

Ethiopian Airlines continues to be loyal to Israel and the Israeli passenger, and is increasing its operations in the country. The company, which resumed its flight operations from Israel at the beginning of the year, announced the addition of two new weekly flights on the Tel Aviv-Addis Ababa route, thus effectively increasing the route to 14 weekly flights in total.

The daily flights will take off from Tel Aviv every day at 01:40 at night and land in Addis Ababa at 07:00. The other flights will take off from Israel on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and return on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Ethiopian Airlines offers convenient connections for Israelis who wish to fly to the Far East and the African continent, through connection flights to a variety of destinations, via Addis Ababa.

https://itn.co.il/top-stories/

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Travelore News: China Airlines Launches Direct Flights From Seattle To Taipei With Exclusive Presale Promotion.

China Airlines is thrilled to announce a momentous occasion for travelers departing from Seattle. Beginning July 15, 2024, travelers will have the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey with the introduction of five direct flights per week to Taipei and back. This new Seattle-to-Taipei route offers yet another convenient option for those connecting to the rest of Asia. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, China Airlines is offering an exclusive presale promotion available now until March 31st, 2024.

Travelers have the opportunity to benefit from a significant up to 21% discount on either one-way or round-trip tickets for flights departing from Seattle to Taipei (Flight CI021) when booked within this promotional period. Additionally, Dynasty Flyer Program Club Members are eligible to receive up to an additional 6,600 bonus miles per leg upon completing their trip. For further details, please refer to the official page for terms and conditions.

Headquartered in Taiwan and serving as the leading airline connecting North American travelers to destinations across Asia, China Airlines is dedicated to providing safety, comfort, and convenience to every traveler. More than simply an airline, it serves as a gateway to unforgettable experiences. The launch of the new route from Seattle to Taipei exemplifies this commitment, offering travelers a seamless and enriching travel experience that reflects the airline's dedication to excellence.

With the introduction of the new Seattle (SEA) schedule complementing existing routes, passengers now have even more convenient options to choose from. Departures are available from key cities such as Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), San Francisco (SFO), New York City (NYC), and Vancouver (YVR), making travel to Taipei and beyond smoother than ever. This extensive flight network underscores China Airlines' dedication to providing passengers with convenient and inclusive travel options.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore Asia's wonders while enjoying substantial savings. Book your flights now and get ready for the experience of a lifetime! Your journey with China Airlines awaits.

For more information and to take advantage of these exclusive offers, please visit https://www.china-airlines.com/en-us/noa_20240308_seatpe

Friday, March 15, 2024

A Danish Hippie Oasis Has Fought Drug Sales For Years. Now, Locals Want To Tear Up The Whole Street

The inhabitants of Copenhagen’s freewheeling Christiania neighborhood plan to dig up the aptly named Pusher Street, in their latest attempt to stop illegal hashish sales which have led to deadly gang turf wars and sometimes violent confrontations with the police.

Residents of the hippie enclave are calling for volunteers to help dig up the street on April 6, the Berlingske newspaper wrote Thursday. All are welcome, and participants can take home one of its cobblestones as a souvenir.

It is yet unclear what will replace the street.

The residents are fighting to preserve Christiania’s reputation as a “free-wheeling society” made up of political idealists and aging hippies. For years, hash has been sold openly in Christiania from roadside stalls, among buildings painted in psychedelic colors. But inhabitants say that feuding gangs, not them, control the trade and the survival of their community hinges on ending it.

The neighborhood has been a world apart from the rest of Copenhagen since 1973, when hippies squatted at a derelict naval base and set up a community dedicated to the flower-power ideals popular at the time: free cannabis, limited government influence, no cars and no police.

After more than four decades of locking horns with authorities, they were given control over their homes when the state sold the 84-acre (24-hectare) enclave for 85.4 million kroner ($12.5 million) to a foundation owned by its inhabitants. There are nearly 700 adults and about 150 children living in the community today, and it’s one of the Danish capital’s biggest tourist attractions.

The “Christianites” have made several attempts to close the hashish market in the roughly 100 meter (328 foot)-long street. Police say the trade, worth millions, is controlled by the Hells Angels and the outlawed Loyal to Family.

Authorities tolerated hashish sales in Christiania until 2004, when police started to crack down. To preempt police raids, residents took down hash booths, but trading soon came back. Last year, they brought heavy machinery to tear down the market but masked men stopped them.

In the past month, Christiania has worked with local authorities to make plan that includes ending the drug trade and replacing it with other activities.

The social and housing ministry said that it was “an important prerequisite to get rid of the organized hashish trade” before Christiania can get 14.3 million kroner ($2.1 million) earmarked for the work.

A 30-year-old man who was selling drugs was shot and killed, and four others injured, in August; in 2022, a man selling hashish from one of the street’s booths was shot dead. The previous year, a man was shot and killed at the entrance to the same street.

Last year, the mayor of Copenhagen urged foreigners not to buy hashish there because of the deadly shootings.

BY JAN M. OLSEN

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Twenty-Four Great Reasons To Visit Nayarit, Mexico This Spring

Mexico’s State of Nayarit has long been a favorite for beach travelers, but few tourists are fully aware of all that this unique part of Mexico has to offer.

While Nayarit is indeed blessed with one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country, it is also a region steeped in ancient history, arts and culture, and gastronomy. It provides unparalleled wellness experiences and is a champion of environmental and social sustainability. Add to that adventure-packed outdoor experiences, national parks, and more Magical Towns than any other state in Mexico.

If you’re looking for the next great adventure in Mexico, read on to discover why 2024 is the year to experience the State of Nayarit.

1.Wellness

The beautiful jungle-covered mountains, crashing Pacific coastline, and abundance of wildlife sets the ideal backdrop for a wellness journey. Whether it's an indulgent treatment at a world-class spa in Punta de Mita, a multi-day yoga retreat in Sayulita, or an ancient healing ritual rooted in centuries of indigenous tradition, Nayarit has everything travelers need to embark on a wellness journey.

2.Sustainability

A leader in environmental preservation, Nayarit's tourism growth is focused on sustainability. Nayarit is a member of the Hotel Basics initiative of the World Travel and Tourism Council, which seeks to take an important step towards the care of natural environments and respect for the communities. Hotels must work under sustainability criteria, such as reducing energy and water consumption, reducing carbon emissions, protecting the environment, and contributing positively to the environment and its communities.

3.Gastronomy

Nayarit's wealth is not only determined by its natural beauty. Its gastronomy is part of what makes this state unique. Dishes like Pescado Zarandeado and Chicharron de Pescado can trace their roots back to pre-Hispanic times. Also native to Nayarit is Tlaxtihuilli, a seafood soup that uses shrimp, corn, and guajillo chiles. Don’t forget to sample the raicilla, a highly potent spirit made from the agave plant, similar to tequila and mezcal.

4.Indigenous Culture

Travelers who want to learn more about the indigenous communities of Nayarit can head to the Sierra del Nayar, a region of Nayarit characterized by mountain ranges, jungles, and native communities that have kept their traditions and customs alive. The groups that settled in the Sierra del Nayar are the Coras, Huicholes, Tepehuanos, and Mexicaneros.

A visit to the community of El Nayar is the best place to learn about these communities. The main ethnic groups here are the Cora and Huichol and their Holy Week has been designated an Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO. The event features men painted in body paint from head to toe, fighting ritual battles with wooden swords, dancing, feasting, and much more.

5.Wildlife

The natural beauty and wildlife of Nayarit is unparalleled, from marine life to migratory birds, jungle wildcats, and beyond. So much of the state is protected in Natural Reserves where its wildlife can thrive. Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, for example, located just five miles from Punta de Mita, is home to a diverse number of endemic species, while Sierra de Vallejo is home to the Santuario del Jaguar, a nearly 5,000-acreprotected area known for its jaguar population.

6.Coffee

Coffee culture is more than just a trend in Nayarit — it's a way of life. Some of the best organic coffee in the world is grown in the state. The warm, humid climate, volcanic mountain soil, and high altitude make Nayarit one of the best coffee producers in Mexico. Not only is it possible to sip a great cup of coffee, but visitors can tour the coffee plantations. Grupo Terruño Nayarita is a business that organizes the small farms of sustainable coffee production in the state. The group consists of nearly 400 local producers.

7.Magical Towns

Nayarit is blessed with nine Magical Towns —the most for one state in the country. The Magical Towns of Mexico, or Pueblos Magicos, is a government-granted designation given to towns or villages in Mexico that best exemplify aspects of culture, history, tradition, art, food, nature, and beyond. These recognized places have something unique to them that helps to tell the story of the soul of Mexico. Nayarit's Magical Towns include Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, Mexcaltitán, Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río,San Blas, and Puerto Balleto (Islas Marías).

8.National Parks

Nayarit is home to three of Mexico's National Parks. The first is Islas Marietas National Park, an archipelago five miles from Punta de Mita made up of two islands, two islets, and several rocky shallows home to endemic and migratory marine and bird life. La Tovara National Park, located in San Blas, is a habitat of estuary and freshwater springs, with canals surrounded by mangroves, vegetation, and brilliant orchids and bromeliads. Finally, Isla Isabel National Park is a virgin coastal paradise known for its panoramic Pacific Ocean views, sea-facing cliffs, and rolling mountains.

9.History

The capital of Nayarit is Tepic, a city whose rich legacy can be seen through its architecture, museums, and traditions. Tepic was founded in 1531 as the capital of the Kingdom of New Galicia, a region that was made up of central, northern, and western Mexico. A visit to Tepic starts downtown in the Plaza de Armas and its Purisima Concepcion Cathedral, built between 1804 and 1896. You will also find the Cruz del Zacate Temple and the Government Palace, which houses murals from Jose Luis Soto. Museums in Tepic include the Regional Museum of Nayarit, as well as the Juan Escutia House-Museum, located in the 18th-century birthplace of this national Mexican hero — among many other museums dedicated to art, archaeology, and history.

10.Adventure Tourism

Nayarit's landscape is the perfect playground for adventure enthusiasts. From epic surf breaks along the Pacific Coast, to hiking, biking, and zip lining, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure to explore in the state. Other fun things to do in Nayarit include rappelling, ATV off-road adventure tours, or a guided backcountry eco-adventure tour aboard a4×4 Mercedes Benz jeep.

11.Luxury

The luxury landscape of Nayarit is one of the most exclusive in Mexico. Luxe legends like Punta Mita have been home to brands like Four Seasons and St. Regis for decades. Up the coastline, the newer, dreamy, elegant Mandarina development has a One&Only resort. Coming soon, Nayarit is expecting a Rosewood Hotel and a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Nayarit has dozens of boho-chic boutique hotels all up the coastline, as well, particularly in Punta de Mita, Sayulita, and San Pancho.

12.Low-key Living

The overall vibe of Nayarit is to take a step back, embrace the present, and get in touch with nature. You won't find late-night clubs with thumping music, or raucous party bars. Instead, the lifestyle in Nayarit is about toes-in-the-sand dining, cultural connections, or deep dives into history.

13.Beaches

It's impossible to talk about Nayarit and not mention its spectacular beaches. From Nuevo Nayarit up to the border with Sinaloa, the coastline is blessed with some of the best beaches in Mexico. Towns like Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, San Pancho, Lo de Marcos, Guayabitos, and San Blas — also known as the Riviera Nayarit — have been drawing sun worshippers, surfers, and beachcombers for decades.

14. Art

Central to Nayarit is the Huichol, or Wixáritari, community. Their artistic traditions are deeply rooted in spirituality, represented through spectacular beadwork. The Huichol artwork takes inspiration from symbolism and the balance of opposites, like the relationship between light and dark or the rainy and dry seasons. You can find Huichol art in galleries and gift shops throughout Nayarit, particularly in the mountain communities as well as the coastal towns and villages.

15.Surfing

With such a stellar coastline comes ample opportunity for world-class surfing. There are seven different surf “breaks” circling the Punta Mita southern peninsula alone, from Anclote to Sayulita. These provide surfers of all skill levels with many options — from zippy reefs to perfect point breaks. Other incredible surf breaks can be found further north in Chacala and San Blas.

16.Crafts/Artisans

Part of the Huichol tradition is creating beautiful crafts. Artisans across the state specialize in a few key crafts that have become integral to the Huichol culture. The Tzicuri, or "God's Eye," is one of the most iconic, symbolizing protection over children. The weave of five interconnected diamonds is seen as a symbol of power and protection. Similarly, the Nerikate are ritual tools rooted in spirituality, made with yarn or beads on large wooden canvases. They represent divine revelation. Finally, Nayarit is known for its alebrijes, vibrant and cheerful surrealistic folk art sculptures that usually take the form of animals.

17.Cultural Capital

Surrounding Tepic are majestic mountains, which hold many of the state's secrets, from its adventure and ecotourism offerings to its Magical Towns and native communities. The town of Amatlán de Cañas, for example, feels paused in time. Surrounded by mountains and sliced by rocky canyons, this town is known for its historic temples. Another at tractionnear Tepic is the Los Toriles archaeological site, home to 93 historics tructures, including a pyramid dedicated to the Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl.

18.Islands

Nayarit is home to some of the most unique islands in Mexico. Islas Marietas National Park, for example, is a protected land home to rich wildlife. Mexcaltitan is a Magical Town island known for its canals that have earned the nickname, "Venice of Mexico." Further out to sea are Islas Marias, a former federal prison now a protected natural environment.

19.Golf

Exclusivity and luxury set the tone for the nine golf courses in the state, designed by legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Jim Lipe, Percy Clifford, and Robert Von Hagge & Baril. Thesetop-tier golf courses feature spectacular views over the Bay of Banderas and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the beautiful beaches and mountain rainforests of the Sierra Madres.

20. A growing wine scene21.Fashion boutiques

Since its early days, Sayulita has been setting fashion trends for the boho chic crowd along the Riviera Nayarit. Back before Calle Delfin was even paved, it was peppered with funky clothing and jewelry shops. Today, all of Sayulita is essentially an open-air shopper's paradise with an incredible selection of jewelry, clothing, surf wear, swimsuits, pottery, textiles, and souvenirs. On the heels of Sayulita is San Pancho, whose fashion scene is slowly growing to match the offerings and style of its neighbor.

21.Fashion boutiques

Since its early days, Sayulita has been setting fashion trends for the boho chic crowd along the Riviera Nayarit. Back before Calle Delfin was even paved, it was peppered with funky clothing and jewelry shops. Today, all of Sayulita is essentially an open-air shopper's paradise with an incredible selection of jewelry, clothing, surf wear, swimsuits, pottery, textiles, and souvenirs. On the heels of Sayulita is San Pancho, whose fashion scene is slowly growing to match the offerings and style of its neighbor.
22.Islas Marias

Islas Marias is a true story of transformation and repurposing to create something beautiful. About 80 miles off the coast of San Blas is a string of islands that was once home to one of the most infamous federal prisons in Mexico. Today, however, it is one of UNESCO's natural protected areas and a center for environmental tourism. Accessible only by boat, the protected islands are home to a cultural center, hiking trails, wildlife, and the Pueblo Magico of Puerto Balleto.

23.Festival Gourmet

Nayarit is part of Mexico's explosive culinary scene. This extends far beyond local dishes and casual beach fare — it's part of an elite gourmet gastronomy experience. Each year, Nayarit is one of the hosts of Festival Gourmet International, a world-class food festival spread across dozens of restaurants bringing roughly 75 chefs, events, and thousands of foodies to Riviera Nayarit, Tepic, and Puerto Vallarta.

24.Ease of Access

Nayarit is one of the easiest states to reach from the U.S. and Canada. Visitors to Nayarit can fly into Puerto Vallarta and drive up the coastline. For interior visits to Nayarit, travelers can fly into Guadalajara or Tepic. In 2023 Aeromexico launched its first route between Mexico City and Tepic.

NAYARIT is a state in western Mexico, between the forested mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Pacific Ocean. It’s more than beaches, however. There are also mountains, volcanos, freshwater lagoons, colonial towns and indigenous people from ethnic groups such as the Coras, Huicholes, Tepehuanos and Mexicaneros. All of whom welcome visitors to buy their crafts and share in their festivities. This area is known as Valle Nayarit. Riviera Nayarit, with its 192 miles of coastline, is home to the colonial city of San Blas, whose 16th-century San Basilio Fort once protected the area from pirates. Just to the south are the surf-friendly beaches of Matanchén Bay, while to the north is the island of Mexcaltián, considered the cradle of Aztec civilization.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

U.S. Virgin Islands Announces The Performance Line-Up For St. Thomas Carnival Village Featuring Shaggy, Sizzla, Patrice Roberts, And Machel Montano

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals today announces the performance line-up for the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village.

The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.

"The anticipation around this year's St. Thomas Carnival is at an all-time high, and the Village night performers reflect the continued influence and growth of our territory's three carnivals," exclaims USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.

Adam O, Rudy Live, Temisha, Karnage, Blind Earz, VIO International, and Spectrum Band are among the performers who will take center stage to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"Every year, our goal is to pay homage to the vast Virgin Islands and Caribbean culture that is at the cornerstone of these annual celebrations for natives and visitors alike," added USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull.

Haitian kompa band VAYB and Dominican salsa orchestra Chiquito Team Band will provide a cross-cultural immersion of sound, highlighting the diverse musical interests of Virgin Islands residents. Rounding out the village are a few first-time performers in the territory, including TeeJay, Jada Kingdom, and Kollision Band, and returning favorites Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, and Grandmasters.
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This year, the Division of Festivals will host its first Kids Night Out Village Night, with activities including the Toddlers Derby, Best Dressed Doll, and performances by TMK and OTB.

For more information about the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival, visit https://www.instagram.com/usvifestivals/.
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For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Travelore Tips: These Airports Are No Longer Asking TSA PreCheck Passengers To Show ID

If you have TSA PreCheck and you're flying through one of these airports, getting through security could soon be even quicker for you.
United Airlines is offering a touchless ID program. Angela Lang/CNET

Getting through an airport from baggage check to your gate can sometimes be a lengthy process, and it can be especially frustrating when you're strapped for time. A new feature available at some airports and through a couple of airlines may be of significant help if you're a TSA PreCheck traveler.

A small set of airlines and airports are letting TSA PreCheck passengers use a touchless ID program when checking bags and walking through the PreCheck lines. Instead of showing ID, travelers' faces will be scanned using the Transportation Security Administration's facial recognition technology.

We'll tell you below which airports and airlines are offering the touchless ID option. Interested in other technologies the TSA is working on? Check out these security pods the administration showed off at CES this year.

Which airports are participating?

Right now, there's a small number of airports participating in the touchless ID program for TSA PreCheck passengers. Here's what they are.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

In the future, American Airlines will have its own touchless ID program.

Which airlines are offering the touchless ID option?

Only two airlines are currently offering a touchless ID option when going through airport security. Here's what they are.

United Airlines: TSA PreCheck passengers can choose the airline's Touchless ID program when flying through the above airports. This means they won't have to show a boarding pass or a driver's license. Instead, customers can use their faces as identification to go through TSA PreCheck lines and when checking their bags at the entrance.

When checking a bag, TSA PreCheck customers should look for a shortcut kiosk where they can drop off their bags. Their photo will be taken at this kiosk and a tag for their luggage will be printed. Their photo will also be taken at the TSA PreCheck security checkpoint.

The Points Guy says before May 2024, you may still be required to show a physical form of ID, so be prepared.

Delta Airlines: TSA PreCheck passengers can use Delta's Digital ID option to fly without showing their ID. This option uses the customer's saved passport information to match the photo taken at the security checkpoint.

Delta also offers touchless ID while dropping off bags, and the option is available at multiple airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), as well as the airports mentioned above.

How to get TSA PreCheck and use the touchless ID option

You'll first need to apply to join the TSA PreCheck program. Approval for that could take up to 60 days, but the TSA says it generally only takes three to five days.

For United, you'll need to upload your passport and your Known Traveler Number to the United app. When checking in for the flight, you can select facial scan as your form of ID and give United permission to scan your face.

For Delta, you'll opt in using the Fly Delta app by uploading your passport and KTN. During check-in when you look at your boarding pass, you should see a green button that says Digital ID.

Katie Teague