Dear Travel Industry: Here Are 3 Ways You Can Address Vaccine Equity Now

Eric Hunsperger  / Flickr

Vaccine equity continues to fragment the industry’s recovery, but tourism big stakeholders as well as organizations have ways to act now. Eric Hunsperger / Flickr

Skift Take: By remaining silent on vaccine equity, the travel industry’s big players are as accountable as vaccine-hoarding governments for a deepening tourism divide. Intrepid Travel is setting an example — will others follow?

— Lebawit Lily Girma

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Norwegian Air Sees Spike in July Travelers Amidst Uncertain Prospects

Alan Wilson  / WikiMedia

A Norwegian Air Boeing 737-8 flying in Norway. The airline saw its aircraft in operation more than double to 33. Alan Wilson / WikiMedia

Skift Take: The travel recovery is completely dependent on traveler confidence, vaccine availability and easing of travel restrictions. Will all this be enough to turn things around for Norwegian or will the pandemic and competition prove to be too much?

— Ruthy Muñoz

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MGM Resorts Aiming to Be Online Gaming Leader Using Real Estate Proceeds

Hermann Luyken  / Wikimedia

MGM Resorts International roared back to profitability thanks to leisure traveler flocking back to Las Vegas casinos. Hermann Luyken / Wikimedia

Skift Take: Don’t call it leaving Las Vegas so much as MGM Resorts taking advantage of inflated real estate prices to get into your pocket, by way of the increasingly lucrative online gaming business.

— Cameron Sperance

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U.S. Developing Plan to Mandate Foreign Visitors Be Fully Vaccinated

N i c o l a  / Flicrk

U.S. airports might soon welcome large numbers of international travelers. N i c o l a / Flicrk

Skift Take: The travel industry should be encouraged that the U.S. government is hammering out a plan to require full vaccination for foreign visitors. Not only will it set a good example, and encourage vaxx naysayers, but the easing of travel restrictions would then follow.

— Rashaad Jorden

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Best Alternative Honeymoon Destinations 

You’ve made it official, and now’s the moment to take a break and spend quality time together. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime destination or you just want to relax on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the options are endless. Of course, you’ve seen the honeymoon brochures of couples holding hands at sunset in some of the most popular honeymoon locations around the world. But if you feel like something different is what you need, then look below for the best alternative honeymoon destinations.

When planning your honeymoon, it’s essential to consider the type of experience you’re looking for. For example, whether you’re after poolside lounging, visiting museums and galleries or some adventure activities, make sure to plan accordingly and look for the ideal destinations for your interests.

1. Martinique 

The Caribbean is a one-of-a-kind destination. The mix of French and Creole culture, lush green landscapes and white sand beaches is as appealing as it gets. And while it’s not the most popular island, Martinique offers all that you need for an unforgettable honeymoon experience – the beaches, mountains, water sports, nightlife and beautiful accommodations to suit every taste. It’s also quite reasonably priced compared to other Caribbean island vacation costs, so it will not put a major hole in your pocket. 

If you want to spend time somewhere surrounded by natural beauty, then Martinique is the place for you. With a coastline of beaches and crystal-clear water next to lush forests with rivers that flow through them as well as mountains made from volcanoes, it’s hard to beat this island paradise. And there are also secluded boutique hotels scattered among the mountains and right on the beaches that are absolutely perfect for a romantic getaway. 

 

2. Roatan

Leave your worries behind and spend a honeymoon on Roatan. This tropical island that is a part of Honduras is perfect for celebrating the most important day of your life with the one you love, while staying far away from outside distractions and stresses. With an accessible location only a short distance away by plane or boat from the mainland and nearby islands such as Utila (a great spot for diving), this Caribbean paradise will be nothing short of unforgettable.

Roatan is a Caribbean Island with unparalleled white sand beaches and perfect diving spots. In addition, you will find rainforest hillsides full of people that have preserved their unique culture, including the Garifunas, descendants of African slaves who settled on Roatan in centuries past. In addition, the wonderful variety of wildlife that inhabits this island and its surrounding waters will be an added bonus.

 

3. Cornwall

Escape to North Cornwall and get away from the chaos of everyday life while on a truly magical honeymoon. Begin your day with alfresco breakfast on the deck, and relish the stunning views of the Camel Estuary and rolling countryside as the sweet songs of the local birds fill the air around you. Then, head off on an excursion and explore nearby Cornish towns such as Rock, Polzeath and Port Isaac. Spend marvelous evenings cooking up a feast on a fire pit BBQ while watching the sunset from the comfort of your hot tub, all before laying down under the stars that sparkle like diamonds in the night sky.

Furthermore, if you and your spouse are foodies, we think St. Ives could be the place for you. First on the list is Alba, where you will get an artsy British seafood menu served in a former lifeboat along the coast, complete with a side of harbor views. For a more chilled-out feast, head to Porthminster Beach Café nestled below picturesque Porthminster Bay. It has everything from classic fish and chips to vegan pies. If you’re searching for a unique adventure, head over to Glaze Beach, a hidden cove with a tightrope walk and abseiling spots.

4. Moorea 

Moorea’s most breathtaking sights are scattered all over the island. Whether you’re after honeymoon adventures or want to escape and enjoy some tropical seclusion, it’s a place for romantic getaways. Just a short distance across the sea from Tahiti lies this tiny treasure trove at the heart of the French Polynesian Islands. Bora Bora’s little sister, it’s a land of pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise water, lush mango and banana trees, as well as natural pools that the gorgeous ocean has carved out. 

On this romantic island, super luxury Moorea accommodation such as over-water bungalows come at a more reasonable price than the more remote Bora Bora. As it’s only a 10-minute flight or 1-hour ferry ride from Papeete, the accessibility of beautiful Moorea makes it an attractive stop-over on your way to or from Bora Bora. Besides, you will have an unforgettable time on your overwater vacation. You can relax, watch the underwater life from a glass floor or even swim underwater yourself. This will be one island you will never want to leave.

 

5. Ishigaki

Who can resist the beauty of Japan’s Yaeyama Islands and their breathtaking coral reefs? You may have never heard about Ishigaki Island, but it’s an island worth exploring for a rewarding snorkeling adventure. Even more, Ishigaki is a small island, making it easy to explore it all. It’s also no secret that this place has some excellent food, with local, and yummy, Yaeyama soba noodles being one of the main options.

The location of this archipelago lies between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. On its south side, there is a volcano known as Mt. Takachiho, which you can climb in order to enjoy some spectacular views over the island and of other volcano craters, some of which have smoking peaks. Once back down at sea level, you can ride a glass-bottom boat to explore the nearby coral reefs, while surrounded by the blue sea and lush green mountains. And the best part is that this island is not usually very crowded, allowing you to enjoy a unique destination without much hassle at all.

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Best Adventure Travel Destinations for Animals Lovers

For animal lovers, traveling the world while spending some time among furry friends is like a piece of heaven. Thankfully, there are so many destinations that will allow you to interact with your favorite animals. Of course, as an animal lover, you don’t want to visit places that exploit animals or force them to work in stressful conditions. Therefore, you must choose those places that will only allow you to interact with animals in a natural environment and not subject them to any form of exploitation or torture. 

If you’re an animal lover and you’re planning to embark on a fun adventure, check out these adventure travel destinations for animal lovers. From cozying up with the gorillas in Rwanda to exploring the Galapagos Islands, these adventures are perfect for animal lovers of all kinds. 

1. Rwanda 

Seeing the mountain gorillas in Rwanda is a dream for many animal lovers. Rwanda has a diverse ecosystem with a wide variety of wildlife spread across volcanoes, mountainous forests and plains. But the most popular of these are the mountain gorillas. These primates mostly live in the Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of the country, and there are around ten groups of mountain gorillas in the area. About 10% of the revenue earned from gorilla treks goes to the conservation of these beautiful creatures. So, by joining these treks, you are directly contributing to the protection of the gorillas.

Seeing the gorillas up close in their natural habitat is such a wonderful experience. If you are a diehard animal lover, this is one of those wildlife encounters that you should experience at least once in your life. Sure, trekking is not always an easy feat but with a group of rangers to guide you, you’ll be able to brave through the dense and slippery jungle. Also, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, adding to the appeal of this destination.

 

2. Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for animal lovers who want to experience the rare opportunity to pet elephants or witness tigers up-close. Unfortunately, most of these places don’t give value to animal welfare. Some of them keep the animals captive, while others have subjected them to torture. As an animal lover, you should avoid visiting these kinds of places. So where should you go instead?

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a true elephant sanctuary that serves as a shelter for abused and orphaned elephants. Here, the elephants can roam freely and play with each other. They offer tours that give visitors a chance to see the elephants in their natural habitat and in a manner that contributes to their welfare rather than abuse. The Wildlife Friends Foundation in Petchaburi is another destination that’s worth a visit for animal lovers. This foundation is dedicated to educating the public about animal welfare and provide awareness about animal abuse. They also give visitors a chance to volunteer for the foundation, which is a great opportunity for animal lovers.

 

3. Botswana 

Botswana is one of the most popular destinations in Africa for animal lovers. Here, you will find an abundance of nature parks and habitats in which wildlife is free to live and roam. To make the most of your visit, consider taking part in an elephant safari that offers the most ultimate wildlife experience. For instance, the luxury Botswanan elephant trail safari is a 10-day wildlife experience that follows the route of the elephants as they make their way to Linyanti from Kalahari. You will also have the opportunity to spend some time with the San Bushmen, an indigenous group in Botswana with a vast knowledge of the Kalahari Game Reserve.

Another interesting way to discover the wildlife of Botswana is to paddle a canoe along the remote Selinda Spillway that links the Okavango Delta to Linyanti and Kwando rivers. During your journey, you’ll come across a variety of wildlife, including herds of buffalo and elephants, as they head towards the river’s edge to drink.

4. Greenland

More and more adventure-seekers are discovering Greenland, one of the most isolated places on Earth. And if you’re an animal lover, then Greenland is even more interesting to visit. The island’s massive arctic landscape offers endless opportunities for animal lovers seeking a unique wildlife experience. 

Dog sledding is one of the most exciting ways to experience Greenland’s unique environment while providing a great adrenaline rush for adventure-seekers. For thousands of years, dog sledding was the only mode of transport in Greenland. Today, only a few Greenlanders use dog sleeping, and mainly for fishing or hunting. If you want to experience dog sledding in Greenland, schedule your visit between December and April. But if you come here in summer, there’s only one place where you can experience dog sledding, and that’s on Disko Island. 

Whale watching among the icebergs is another activity for animal lovers to experience in Greenland, in the island’s Arctic Riviera. During summer, pods of whales can be seen along the island’s iceberg-filled fjords. You can witness different kinds of whales up-close, such as humpback, fin whales, and minke whales. 

 

5. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands is the ultimate dream destination for many animal lovers. Here, you will have an exciting opportunity for close-up encounters with a wide variety of wildlife, including iguanas, Galapagos snakes, fur seals, and giant tortoises. The best way to experience the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is to book a cruise-based tour of the region that offers walking excursions on the islands you visit.

Such cruise-based tours, such as those offered by Rainforest Cruises, provides better wildlife coverage compared to doing it on your own and usually includes a visit to several different islands, including remote areas within the National Park. You will also have the opportunity to partake in kayaking and snorkeling, offering a different perspective as you observe the vast amounts of marine life that the Galapagos is known for.

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