Hi ,

Since I last sent a travel news update the travel industry has begun to roar back!

Azamara, one of my favorite cruise lines, reported bookings in March exceeded the bookings for March 2 years ago, before the pandemic began. Right now this brand is offering some race-horse deals if you want to travel in late fall (I wouldn't recommend trying Europe before then). 60% off second guest, gratuities, beverage package on more than 150 of their cruises. Here's 2 I think are great values right now.

• 12 night Greece Intensive in October starting at $8960 for two guests in a veranda stateroom. (Ocean window views and inside cabins are less expensive.)
• 10 night Italy Intensive in October starting at $7390 for two guests in a veranda stateroom, from Rome to Venice.

Just two of MANY!

My email inbox has been full of requests from people who are ready to go! I don't get the "let's go to Mexico or the Caribbean right now" crowd calling me as much as people looking to book for late fall 2021 or for anytime in 2022. But it's certainly possible to take a trip over the border if you just can't wait to go. Be aware of testing requirements both before you leave the US and before you come back into the US - it doesn't matter that you are vaccinated, you still must test as it stands right now. My advice is let me help you pick an upscale resort if you're wanting to go because I am getting reports of mid-level resorts being short of housekeeping, servers, and reception staff right now. This does NOT make for a pleasant experience. I have one solid recommendation in the Dominican Republic, several of my travel advisor friends have personally been there in the last few weeks.

Car trips

If you're looking to book a home away from home somewhere in the US anytime this year we need to hop on that right now. Bookings in the US are sky-high in demand as many people are vacationing state-side this year. I can help you find a home for a week or longer stay in the mountains, for instance. But they are booking up quickly - Florida is almost impossible and the rates have gone up by a third! Several good tour operators have very nice packages for various US cities and National Parks and these are GOOD value - they get bulk packaging prices and pass that along to you.

Train Trips

The current demand for train travel in the US hasn't helped prices any - they are very healthy right now! Having said that, seeing the Rockies or traveling by train up the California coast means no driving for you and lots more sightseeing. I can help you arrange sleeper cars and tours on legendary US routes. This is something I personally want to do one of these days - I've been on trains all over Europe but not so much in the US.

Vaccinations and International Travel

More cruise lines and tour operators are requiring that travelers be vaccinated, and I anticipate that this will continue for the remainder of 2021 at least. They are still in the minority but I see more TO's joining the "must be vaccinated" list every day. Why? Because I think they realize that when foreign countries (especially Europe) are ready to welcome US citizens on their soil again these countries will be requiring vaccinations for a long time to come. Otherwise, you won't get past immigration. I expect this will be the case in the United Kingdom and France at the least. So tour operators and cruise lines are just trying to get prepared for taking travelers to these places.

If you want to go in 2022 let's book now. Prices are going nowhere but up, and flights will be going higher, as well. Travel advisors are talking about this daily in our online forums.

• Pick your trip
• Let's get it booked and deposited
• Cover with trip insurance

That's it for now. Bill and I are leaving on a car trip tomorrow for the first time in 15 months! I'll keep you posted how it goes.

Sue Painter

sue@travelchangeslife.com

941-720-1842