The British Virgin Islands (BVI) will reopen its borders to international visitors beginning December 1, premier and minister of finance Andrew A. Fahie said Monday, under a phased plan launched earlier, designed to address the COVID-19 pandemic.The territory is among several Caribbean destinations that continue to reopen borders to international visitors and adjust internal health and safety protocols as they seek to restart critical tourism activity following the COVID-19 outbreak.Although Fahie said the territory will “reopen in the safest way possible using science and technology as a guide,” he did not outline details of health and safety protocols the territory will require of international visitors. Fahie made the announcement during a “BVILOVE” tourism campaign event, said officials in a statement. MORE Destination & Tourism Instead, Fahie said BVI officials are “vigorously preparing for the re-opening of the Territory to welcome back tourists among others.” He added, “The territory has two full months to prepare and we as a people must get it right and we must get it done by all working together, both the government and the private sector.”Groups including BVI citizens and permanent residents were permitted to return to the territory on June 2 and under the first phase of the reopening plan. On September 1, work permit holders; retirees, homeowners, students and others with residency permits could return.Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Stint Maarten this past week relaxed entry requirements, widening the window during which proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test must be submitted from three to five days. The dual-nation territory also reopened the border between the Dutch and French sides of the island, which had been closed to visitors since September 1. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Formerly an epicenter of infection during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, New York State is now among the choosiest in the nation about whom it will allow to enter its borders without restrictions.In a joint effort with its Tri-State neighbors, New Jersey and Connecticut, enacted in June, New York has maintained a running list of U.S. states from which inbound visitors are required to complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, regardless of their method of travel. The criteria to determine high-risk states is a positive testing rate higher than ten in every 100,000 residents or a testing positivity rates of higher than ten percent, each measured on a seven-day, rolling average.As of this morning, per an announcement made by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office, Arizona, Nevada, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Wyoming have surpassed the threshold and been added to New York’s quarantine travel restrictions list. All except Wyoming had already made the list previously but dropped off once their COVID-19 case rates decreased sufficiently. The list has now swollen to 35 total U.S. states and territories. As of September 22, these are as follows: Trending Now AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaGuamIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMinnesotaMissouriMississippiMontanaNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNevadaOklahomaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWisconsinWest VirginiaWyomingAn updated list can always be found on the New York State website. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Astrotourism—a term that captures a type of travel that primarily revolves around stargazing purposes or to visits to astronomical facilities, like observatories—is abundant in Chile. The South American country is considered the best place in the world to observe the wonders of the night sky and peer into outer space, due to many areas having the cleanest and clearest air quality and because it enjoys good weather almost all year round (roughly 300 nights annually).The optimal conditions here also result from the low amount of dust particles, an ideal level of humidity and Chile’s dry geography and high elevation. The north part of the country also has little to no light pollution, which makes it a perfect place to install telescopes to aid the work of international scientists seeking to unlock the mysteries of the universe. In fact, Northern Chile boasts over 40 percent of the world’s astronomic observation centers, a figure that’s expected to climb to 60 percent within the coming decade.MORE Destination & Tourism Amateur astronomy enthusiasts find Chile’s vast night skies just as fascinating as the professionals do, which has recently fueled public interest and encouraged the country’s relevant government organizations to develop and expand upon its Astrotourism offerings.Because observation of the stars, planets and other celestial bodies also occupied an important place in Chile’s native, pre-Columbian cultures, there has also been a movement to combine astronomy programs with historical education. The proposition seeks to promote “Ethnic Astrotourism” (also called, Archeological Astronomy) to help tourists understand past Andean peoples’ connection to the stars, which extended so far as to influence even their social structure. This form of cosmovision was developed centuries ago by the “Likan Antay” or Atacama people.Tour guides in the Atacama region are versed in this field and operate a number of Ethnic Astrotourism programs for tourists, and many companies also offer guided tours that focus on Astro-photography, led by experienced photographers to help guests capture some of the most astounding images of the galaxy that can be captured from down on Earth.Chile is home to some of the largest and most important astronomic observatories in the entire world, such as the ALMA Observatory’s radio-telescope (Atacama Large Millimeter Array), the Paranal Observatory and, soon, Paranal’s newest ELT (Extremely Large Telescope) which will make the observatory the largest optic astronomic center on the globe.Visiting the observatories during the day is free, although there is a limited capacity for bookings, which is part of the reason why planning at least a month in advance is recommended when scheduling an Astrotourism trip to Chile. PHOTO: ALMA ESO in Chile. (photo via Turismo Chile) Scientific centers that open their doors to the public include:Alarkapin Observatory, located in San Pedro de Atacama, offers opportunities for telescopic observation, as well as night walks and lessons led by experts during solstices and equinoxes.ALMA Observatory, located at 16,400 feet above sea level on the road to San Pedro de Atacama, opens to visitors every Saturday, but (for security reasons) only for tours in controlled rooms and facilities where the astronomers work and live.Cerro Tololo, located In Coquimbo in the Elqui Valley (a region that has been nicknamed “the Star Capital”), in an Inter-American observatory.Collowara Observatory, located close to Andacollo, is one of Chile’s most modern research centers. It features different-sized telescopes, as well as conference rooms for screening audiovisual content. It also hosts various activities, including theme dinners and horseback riding in the area.Cruz del Sur Observatory, located south of La Serena, has four domes outfitted with 12- to 16-inch telescopes available for viewing different areas of the night sky.Gemini Observatory, located near Cerro Totolo and the Elqui Valley offers tours every Friday year-round.Inca de Oro Observatory, located 62 miles from Copiapó, offers visits Monday through Saturday, starting at 9:00 p.m.La Silla Observatory, located towards the outskirts of the Atacama Region, is open to visitors every Saturday.Mamalluca Observatory, located northwest of Vicuña, in the middle of the amazing skies of the Elqui Valley. Visitor tours here include transportation, an introductory talk, plain-sight observation, and big and small telescopes.Pangue Observatory, located in Vicuña in the Elqui Valley, is home to Chile’s largest public telescope, which measures 25 inches long. Others include the Cancana in Cochiguaz, the Cielo Sur in Pisco del Elqui and the Cerro Mayu Observatory, 16 miles from La Serena.Paniri Caur Observatory, located in Chiu Chiu near Antofagasta, offers tours that include an introductory talk, classic and Andean constellation gazing and the use of 14-inch telescopes for observations.Paranal Observatory, located south of Antofagasta, contains some of the world’s most advanced optic instruments.Pocuro Astronomic Observatory, located in the Aconcagua Valley, houses the largest telescope in the area.Tagua Tagua Astronomic Center, located near San Vicente de Tagua Tagua, offers talks and observations with different-sized telescopes, along with wine tasting and gastronomy.Yepun Astronomic Observatory, located on Chile’s southernmost tip on the shore of the Lanalhue Lake, offers astronomic observation sessions throughout the year, but, because they’re dependent upon weather conditions, visits can only be confirmed a week in advance. PHOTO: Cerro Calán Observatory in Santiago. (photo via Chile) In Santiago:Andean Astronomic Observatory, located just outside of Chile’s capital city of Santiago, also treats visitors to tours that feature talks, short films, observation using telescopes and binoculars and Astro-photography demos.National Astronomic Observatory, located on Calán Hill, offers guided visits from September to May (except in February), subject to weather conditions.Roan Jasé Observatory, located in the Cajón del Maipo, offers astronomic tours, that include day and night observations with different-sized telescopes. Tours combine classic astronomy with Mapuche cosmovision elements.Pailalén Astronomic Observatory, also located in the Cajón del Maipo, offers tours that encompass talks, star recognition and telescope observation. In addition, there’s a restaurant, a café and wine tasting available on site. For more information, visit chile.travel/en/. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Mexico is one of the destinations continuing to attract visitors in the time of coronavirus, according to new insight from online travel agency CheapCaribbean.One of the most accessible and few international destinations Americans can travel to with limited COVID-19 restrictions, Mexico now makes up 70 percent of CheapCaribbean's bookings, signaling a 20 percent rise since the pandemic began.The OTA has also noticed a significant increase in last-minute bookings, with more travelers looking to make reservations within 30 days of their stay to give themselves more flexibility as coronavirus restrictions change. Trending Now CheapCaribbean is also seeing more travelers booking extended stays with the ability to take their work and school with them. As of August 2020, stays of 14 or more nights are up 12 percent year-over-year, the OTA reports.Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of CheapCaribbean's 2021 bookings are from travelers who postposed their trip this year due to COVID-19. By comparison, the same percentage (65 percent) of 2020 bookings are for new trips.While perhaps riskier, those traveling prior to the end of 2020 are taking advantage of low rates at properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean.According to CheapCaribbean, properties like Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa and Secrets Maroma Beach are experiencing steady demand amid the pandemic. Let's block ads! (Why?)

The doors are gradually reopening for Americans in terms of the international destinations they can travel to amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While a majority of the world's countries remain closed to U.S. travelers, some of the planet's most coveted settings have given the green light just in time for shoulder season. Here are some of the most coveted places that Americans can visit right now.  Let's block ads! (Why?)

Now Aruba is getting in on the ‘workation’ phenomenon.The Caribbean island is inviting employees to come and work remotely from the idyllic destination, according to Travel + Leisure, as many businesses are still having staff work from home during the coronavirus pandemic.As part of Aruba Tourism Authority’s new “One Happy Workation” program, visitors can stay for up to three months. “We recognize the desire to travel safely and have noticed a rising trend of visitors in Aruba extending their stays, so we knew the appetite for longer trips was growing,” Sanju Luidens, the CMO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, told Travel + Leisure.MORE Destination & Tourism “With many Americans working remotely, we curated the best workation experiences and deals to make it easier to not only work from paradise but also experience living like a local. With Aruba’s perfect location under the hurricane belt, our ‘One happy island’ comes with peace of mind that sunny, warm weather is practically guaranteed.”It’s the latest offer to truly work remotely in what has become an interesting trend in travel – and that includes children who are attending school virtually.Visitors can stay from one week to 90 days, just as long as they are working for a company or person completely outside of Aruba. While the program does not require any visas, those who come are not permitted to work for a person or company in Aruba.Aruba hotels are offering packages that include reduced rates, complimentary WiFi and even all-inclusive options. Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces on the island, including in shops and on tour buses. Restaurants are open, but bars, rum shops and nightclubs remain closed. Hotel bars, however, have been allowed to open for hotel guests only. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Now, six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, folks stuck at home are keeping their wanderlust alive by browsing the internet in search of the destination where they’ll be heading once things return to “normal.” Visa application and processing firm ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was curious as to which areas of the globe had become most popular for those dreaming of post-pandemic vacations. It tapped into the power of the Google Keyword Planner tool to discover the most-searched-for countries among users who input such search terms as “Flights to X” and “Holidays in X.” Compiled from data pulled in August 2020, the following are the top ten hottest countries being researched online among potential tourists. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Ladies and gentlemen, the bar is open again in Las Vegas!After a six-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, all bars, hotel bars, taprooms, wineries, pubs, distilleries and breweries can reopen at midnight on Sunday, Sept. 20.All visitors and employees must abide by reopening rules, which include a limited capacity inside the bar, face masks and social distancing. Nevada's COVID-19 Mitigation and Management Task Force on Thursday unanimously voted to allow drinking businesses throughout the Las Vegas Valley to reopen, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. Trending Now It was welcome news in a city that might be dry outside in 100-degree heat but certainly isn’t dry inside its establishments. The rest of Las Vegas, including restaurants, hotels and casinos, opened earlier this summer, but bars were still on the no-go list of Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak.Nightclubs and other live entertainment, such as house residencies for musical acts, continue to remain closed. Both are a driving force of the Vegas economy, with high ticket prices for shows and the famed Las Vegas nightclub scene, where bottle service can cost between $350 and $575 per bottle – and usually a mandate of one bottle per every three people in your party.Sisolak did say, however, that he will review previous coronavirus directives including a 50-person cap on public gatherings and a 50 percent capacity limit at businesses including casinos.Bars were shut down in March by Sisolak in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. They were allowed to open on June 30, a little less than a month after hotels and casinos opened, but were quickly shut down again on July 27. Let's block ads! (Why?)

It's beginning to look a lot like autumn, and with that comes beautiful fall foliage. Those looking to escape to a stunning autumn destination close to home with ample biking opportunities will find this slideshow filled with inspiration for the next season's journey. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Thailand’s plan for reopening its borders to visitors is beginning to come into view.The country, which closed its borders at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, is looking to allow visitors to return provided they quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, according to a report in Travel + Leisure.Thailand is making 90-day visas available to travelers under a long-stay tourism bid for foreigners. Those who are approved for the visa will undergo a 14-day quarantine, which they can choose to do at a number of luxury properties in Bangkok. MORE Destination & Tourism Visitors on these visas must also book accommodations for their full 90-day stay, and the visa could possibly be extended for two more 90-day stays for a total of 270 days, or approximately nine months. They must also show proof of health and travel insurance.Once the quarantine period is over, travelers can go wherever they want around Thailand.Those interested in the visa can apply with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. There are a limited number of visas available, and the cost will be around $65.Thailand worked hard to defeat the spread of the virus early on, and the country launched a safety certification program to identify tourism entities that meet Covid-19 health standards.Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Certification Program was announced in May and is provided for businesses, including restaurants; hotels and accommodation providers; convention centers; recreation and tourist attractions; tourist transport vehicle providers; travel agents; tour operators; health spas and beauty parlors; department stores and shopping centers; sports stadiums for tourism; theaters and souvenir shops and other retailers. Let's block ads! (Why?)