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Travelore Editorial: The Coronavirus And Returning To Our Travels And Regular Day-To-Day Loves

By Allen Barkus, Publisher.

The travel and hospitality industry is facing the largest challenges in our lifetimes. I believe we will recover and possibly come back, with patience, stronger than ever. In my over 40 years experience in travel writing and in business in general I have observed that those who survive in the down times are the ones that most benefit when we emerge in recovery. I was personally traveling a week after 9/11 when airports had armed guards and people were afraid to travel.

The most important thing now for us is personal self care. As a senior yoga teacher since 2004 focusing on healing I've learned how moving forward with our lives with positive actions, physical and emotional, can have a huge long term benefit. I am fortunate to live in a suburban area with gardens to work in and safely walk. If you do not have that level of freedom of movement I encourage you to do what ever activities that bring you joy; ideally movement/exercise, intellectual stimulation, and healthy eating. Please also keep in touch with family and friends via phone, texts, and video chatting; especially the elderly.

Before you know it we will be ready to resume our regular day-to-day loves. I expect there will be
some alterations we will make including continuing to wear masks and honoring social distancing until effective vaccines and treatments are widely available. Apple and Goggle are developing an app
able to allow us to identify and track people with positive diagnoses, which should also be interesting.  Supermarkets are now considering widespread temperature checks before entering, also something I can foresee at restaurants and airports too to build consumer confidence as our economies restart up.

One of the things we suggest to jump start the travel and cruise industry is doing quick testing, offering travel travel health insurance, supplemental life insurance, and trip interruption coverage covering hotel and return flights if any Caronavirus issue occurs.

Allen Barkus has been actively writing for the Travelore Report for over 40 years, originated by his Father Ted in 1971.  He has been teaching Ashtanga Healing Therapy since 2004, https://www.ashtangabyallen.com/

Not Ready To Fly This Summer? United, American Extend Waivers For Free Changes, Cancellations

With summer travel plans in jeopardy as the coronavirus crisis drags on, major U.S. airlines are allowing travelers to change or cancel their tickets without paying a hefty change fee.

United Airlines moved first Tuesday, becoming the first major U.S. airline to extend its coronavirus travel waivers to cover flights through the end of the year. 

The waiver applies to travelers holding tickets bought before March 3.Travelers who booked, say, a summer flight from New York to Los Angeles or Europe last fall, can change their flight to another date or cancel their trip and receive an electronic travel credit, all without paying ticket change fees that start at $200 a person.

The new fee waiver policy does not cover travelers who bought or will buy tickets between March 3 and April 30. United already offers them a fee-free change for travel into next year.

Until Tuesday, United's change fee waiver for tickets bought before the coronavirus outbreak deepened only applied to travelers with flights through May 31. That meant passengers who voluntarily canceled summer, fall and even holiday flights they booked well in advance had to pay a change fee when they redeemed their travel credit.

There is a catch to United's new policy: travelers must make a decision and change or cancel their flight by April 30. (Travelers due to fly before May 31 don't have to meet this deadline.) 

"Many customers' previous plans for travel, including summer vacations, conferences and events have changed or are uncertain due to the COVID-19 outbreak,'' the airline said in a statement.  "To help with the uncertainty around their future travel, customers who wish to change their dates of travel can do so without paying a change fee.''

Late Tuesday, American Airlines said it was extending its change-fee waiver for travel through Sept. 30 for tickets purchased prior to April 7. The previous waiver only covered flights through May 31, which excludes the busy summer travel season.

Unlike United, American ticket holders don't have a deadline to decide whether to change or cancel their ticket,

Like United, American has a separate fee-change waiver for travelers who bought tickets more recently.

At United and American, travelers who change their ticket to another date will pay any applicable fare difference. And those who cancel their trips will not receive a refund unless it's a refundable ticket. They will receive a voucher for the value of the ticket.

Cancel or change your ticket now? Or wait?

Some travel experts, including Scott Keyes of Scott's Cheap Flights, have been advising travelers who want a cash refund to hold off on canceling their flights until the last minute in hopes the airline cancels it first or makes a significant change to the flight times. In those cases, travelers are entitled to a cash refund instead of just a travel voucher or credit, which airlines are pushing as they try to conserve cash.

Pro tip: Don't rush to cancel that ticket. Here's why

The U.S. Department of Aviation last week warned airlines that they must provide a prompt refund in those cases, even during the unprecedented coronavirus crisis. United has been heavily criticized for not offering refunds to those with canceled flights or big schedule changes. Earlier this week, a passenger filed a class-action lawsuit against United for not providing a refund.

Check which waivers apply to your flights before making any decisions

Airlines have been issuing – and extending – a variety of waivers since coronavirus outbreak began in January.

Last week, United and Delta extended the expiration date of travel credits to two years.

By Dawn Gilbertson

USA TODAY

For Your Post Coronaviris Travels: New Henequén Cultural Experience with Private Helicopter to Merida Available this Summer & Beyond at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

   Guests staying at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya this summer and beyond can embark on a journey back in time by exploring a historic Yucatan landmark with the resort’s new Henequén Experience.

The adventure begins with a private helicopter ride to the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, a revived hacienda built in the late 1800s located just outside of the Yucatan’s vibrant capital, Merida. Over the course of three and a half hours, guests will dive into the deep-rooted history behind the henequen plant, known for transforming the Yucatan economy and cultural landscape in the 19^th century. While on property, guests will also tour the hacienda’s surrounding plantation on a carriage pulled by mules, stop and swim in the Dzul Ha, a Yucatan freshwater cenote, and more.

Upon return to Grand Velas Riviera Maya, travelers will partake in the resort’s signature ancestral beverage tasting featuring Mexico’s ancient liquors like bacanora, sotol, tuxca, and pox. Following, guests will enjoy a private dinner in the resort’s Mayan restaurant, Chaká, which offers modern Yucatecan dishes inspired by the region’s traditional cuisine. Standout menu items include tender leaves on papaya with piloncillo honey, toasted seeds, fresh tomatoes, sour orange vinaigrette with Xtabentun, short rib "Pibil Style," sausage Risotto from Valladolid, Huitlacoche Salbute, Cochinita juice, cream cheese "Gallo Azul", semi-bitter cocoa crumble, caramel ice cream, and more.

Accommodations are offered in the resort’s tranquil Zen Grand Suites, which boast private terraces and overlooking the sacred jungle landscape, fully stocked mini-bars, Jacuzzi tubs, Nespresso coffee makers, 24-hour concierge service, and more.

The four-night Henequen Tour Experience costs $3,488 USD per person for 2 people. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more.  The experience is available from April 26 until December 18, 2020. Blackout dates are from Nov 21 to 28, 2020. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive. Guests can choose accommodations among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle and mangroves. All 539 suites are more than 1,100 sq. ft., with balconies and some with private plunge pools. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world-renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Included on Forbes Travel Guide’s list of The World’s Most Luxurious Spas, SE Spa is known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step Water Ceremony. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids’ Clubs and Teens’ Club; and Baby Concierge. The resort offers more than 46,660 square feet of indoor meeting space plus outdoor areas for events. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com. 

17 Sweet Travel Destinations For Chocolate Lovers, Wonderful Places To Consider After Travel Restrictions For Coronavirus Are Lifted.

1

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Gary Burke via Getty Images

Home to The Hershey Co., this destination in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, features Hershey's Chocolate World factory store and tour, Hersheypark theme park, The Hotel Hershey and its "chocolate spa," and many other attractions for lovers of all things chocolate.

2

St. Lucia

FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images

The Caribbean island of St. Lucia is a popular chocolate tourism destination with its cocoa farms, chocolate-themed hotels, chocolate heritage month and more.

3

Barcelona, Spain

Museu de la Xocolata

Barcelona is a great city for chocolate lovers. In addition to the delicious cocoa cuisine (shoutout to churros dipped in chocolate), there are also chocolate walking tours and the famous Museu de la Xocolata, which covers the history and production of chocolate and houses impressive chocolate sculptures.

4

Switzerland

AGF via Getty Images

Switzerland is an obvious chocolate travel destination. Many of its famous chocolate brands offer on-site factory tours to visitors wanting to learn more about the production (and try some samples). Popular tours include Maison Cailler in Broc, Läderach in Bilten and Camille Bloch in Courtelary.

5

Bariloche, Argentina

Christian Ender via Getty Images

San Carlos de Bariloche, aka Bariloche, is a town in Patagonia famous for its Alpine architecture and chocolate production. Many chocolate shops and cafes, including the popular Mamuschka, line Mitre Street.

6

Vienna, Austria

ullstein bild via Getty Images

Vienna boasts a rich cultural history that includes the invention of Sachertorte, a delicious chocolate cake that's become an Austrian staple. You can sample this sweet treat at a variety of spots, including Demel pastry shop and Hotel Sacher.

7

Oaxaca, Mexico

Phil Clarke Hill via Getty Images

There are ample places where cacao lovers can taste delicious chocolate throughout Mexico, but the best destination is probably the Oaxaca area. Although it's not a major growing region, Oaxaca's gastronomical history centers largely on cacao. Popular specialties include champurrado (a hot chocolate drink) and mole sauce prepared with chocolate.

8

Brussels, Belgium

ullstein bild via Getty Images

Visiting the source of Belgian chocolate is another obvious move in the world of choco-travel. Brussels is home to the Choc-Story museum, as well as famous chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Mary, Wittamer and Godiva.

9

Birmingham, England

PAUL ELLIS via Getty Images

In 1824, John Cadbury began selling tea, coffee and drinking chocolate in Birmingham, England, and over time his business grew into the confectionary brand we know as Cadbury. Today, visitors to Birmingham can check out Cadbury World to learn about the history of the company, shop in the world's largest Cadbury store, sample Cadbury treats and participate in a variety of chocolate-themed activities.

10

Ecuador

RODRIGO BUENDIA via Getty Images

Ecuador produces world-renowned chocolate, and tourists can take farm and factory tours. Pacari Chocolate in Quito and the Guayas province-based Chchukululu offer popular tours.

11

Cologne, Germany

picture alliance via Getty Images

If you find yourself in Germany, consider checking out The Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum aka The Chocolate Museum in Cologne. The scenic museum presents the global history of cocoa and a look at contemporary chocolate production, as well as a popular cafe and shop.

12

San Francisco

Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images

Although the factory is no longer there, Ghirardelli Square still features a popular ice cream and chocolate shop from the brand. Visitors to San Francisco can also tour the Dandelion Chocolate factory and sample artisanal chocolates and cocoa treats throughout the city (special shoutout to Fog City News).

13

Vietnam

HOANG DINH NAM via Getty Images

Vietnamese chocolate has been described as "unlike any other." Tourists with a sweet tooth can explore the offerings from Marou or Azzan, which both offer tours.

14

Paris

Richard Bord via Getty Images

If you time your Paris visit right, you can experience the annual Salon du Chocolat trade fair, which includes fun events like a chocolate fashion show. Paris also has world-class chocolate offerings throughout the year, like the amazing chocolat chaud at Angelina and chocolatiers like La Maison du Chocolat and Jean-Paul Hévin .

15

Peru

Fotoholica Press via Getty Images

Peru has "ChocoMuseos" in Cusco and Lima, as well as popular chocolatiers like Roselen, and cacao jungle tours.

16

Ghana

Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images

Ghana is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, so the Ghana Tourism Authority recently launched its Cocoa Ecotourism Initiative to promote cocoa farms as a tourist attraction. Indeed, travelers can take tours to learn about the history and current practice of cocoa production in the country.

17

Tuscany, Italy

Amedei

Although Tuscany is probably best known for its wine, the region also has a lot to offer to chocolate fans. The so-called Chocolate Valley is a triangle between Pisa, Prato and Pistoia that boasts many small chocolate manufacturers, including Amedei.

Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chocolate-travel-destinations_l_5db342ace4b05df62ebebfec

Royal Caribbean Group Extends "Cruise with Confidence" Policy Through September 1, Cancellations Up To 48 Hours Prior To Sailing With Full Credit.

To address expanding global travel restrictions and provide peace of mind in guest travel planning, Royal Caribbean Group is extending its “Cruise with Confidence” cancellation policy through Sept. 1, 2020. The updated policy enhances planning flexibility by allowing cancellations up to 48 hours prior to sailing for any reason. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of choice in 2020 or 2021.

“Guests are reacting positively to our ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy,” says company chairman and CEO Richard Fain, “because it enables them to make informed decisions and to better manage complicated travel plans during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.”
The extension applies to both new and existing cruise bookings. In addition to easing concerns of booked guests, Fain says the policy enhances consumer confidence to schedule new bookings, knowing last-minute travel adjustments will incur no penalty.

“We want our guests to feel they can safely keep their existing cruise bookings or schedule new sailings,” says Fain, “because this policy gives them more freedom and flexibility.”
The policy applies to all cruises with sailing dates on or before Sept. 1, 2020, and applies to the company’s global brands Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara. For individual brand policy details and for information on the Silversea policy, please visit the respective brand websites: Azamara: www.azamara.com/cruise-with-confidence, Celebrity: www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-with-confidence, Royal Caribbean: www.loyaltoyoualways.com/service/cruisewithconfidence1/ and Silversea: www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

Travelore Tips To Help Armchair Travelers Satisfy Their Wanderlust From The Comfort And Safety Of Home

As the coronavirus outbreak grounds global adventurers, we’ve gathered a few ideas to help reluctant armchair travelers satisfy their wanderlust from the comfort and safety of home.

Tip 1: Revisit favorite vacation settings through books and movies.

• Leading Irish tour operator CIE Tours has hit “pause” on its guided vacations, but Ireland’s rich literary legacy will keep travelers endlessly inspired until they can visit again. C.S. Lewis based much of his fantasy land in “The Chronicles of Narnia” on County Down’s Mourne Mountains, while James Joyce captured Dublin life in “Ulysses” and “Dubliners.” Film buffs can revel in spectacular Irish scenery in movies from “The Quiet Man,” set in Connemara, to “The Secret of Roan Inish,” filmed in rugged Donegal.
  
• Fans of Pebble Beach Resorts and the central California coast will recognize iconic backdrops like Cypress Point and 17 Mile Drive in Hitchcock’s classic thriller “Vertigo.” Both landmarks are also captured, along with shots of Pebble Beach Golf Links and The Lodge at Pebble Beach, in the original “Parent Trap” (1961). Binge-watch both seasons of HBO’s “Big Little Lies” for familiar sights of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel Highlands and Big Sur.
• Six towns in Westchester County, New York—Tarrytown, Irvington, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Ardsley and White Plains—serve as backdrops in the 2016 movie adaptation of “The Girl on the Train.” Westchester landmarks like John Jay Homestead and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation were also featured in the Robert De Niro-Billy Crystal crime comedy “Analyze That.” And 2020 is the perfect time to revisit Westchester native Washington Irving’s beloved tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” on the 200^th anniversary of its publication.

• The Adirondack setting of Lake Placid’s Whiteface Lodge has long inspired artists and writers and “The Adirondack Reader,” edited by Paul Jamieson, celebrates four centuries of the best from the region. Local resident Russell Banks has set several of his novels in the area, including “Cloudsplitter,” a fictionalized account of abolitionist John Brown.

Tip 2: Travel the world via online simulations and livestreams.

• That bucket-list golf vacation is temporarily benched, but golfers can still play the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links via an online simulation. Or, they can just soak up the scenery at the 18^th hole—the most famous finishing hole in golf—thanks to a  live cam that captures the crashing surf and spectacular mountain backdrop.
  
• A  collection of webcams at Westchester County’s Wolf Conservation Center (South Salem, NY) invites virtual visitors to witness the private lives of "Ambassador" wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr and Nikai, and seven elusive packs of critically endangered red and Mexican gray wolves. Earthcam ranked the collection among the 25 Most Interesting Webcams in 2018.
  
• Also in Westchester, the world-class Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (Katonah, NY) has adapted its spring schedule of concerts from a live to virtual audience. Coming up in April are composer-pianist  Vijay Iyer, jazz pianist  Aaron Diehl, and composer-pianist  Conrad Tao. All three livestreams will be hosted, free of charge, on Caramoor’s YouTube channel.
  
• Until CIE Tours can take them there again, would-be travelers to Europe can virtually hop the pond to view some of Europe’s most famous sites, from the  Trevi Fountain in Rome to Scotland’s  Loch Ness.
  

Tip 3:  Buy a gift card now to enjoy later in person at your favorite vacation retreat.

• Gift cards for Scottsdale, Arizona’s  Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa come in $50-$600 increments and can be redeemed throughout the resort, from its signature restaurant, elements, to world-class Sanctuary Spa.
  
• Pebble Beach Resorts gift cards, starting at $25, can be applied to lodging, green fees, food and beverage, spa treatments, and merchandise and apparel at any of the legendary California resort’s shops and online.
  
• The all-suite Adirondack-style Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York, offers gift cards ($25 minimum) redeemable for resort merchandise, spa treatments and other services and room accommodations.
  
• Buy a Marriott gift card, ranging from $25 to $2,000, and enjoy an all-suite beachfront getaway at Florida’s  Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa when the world is once again open to travel.