Greetings!
The Colors of Fall
With the arrival of the Autumnal Equinox, many of us begin anticipating cooler temperatures and the riot of Fall colors. Some may have experienced a New England changing of the leaves cruise from New York or Boston into the Canadian Provinces. There is another way to consider—Amtrak. Its Ethan Allen Express travels from New York to central Vermont in about 5 hours. An extension of 2.5 hours brings the train to Burlington. Similarly, the Vermonter and the Downeaster out of Boston provide additional routes for the leaf-peepers.
For a truly unique experience, try New Hampshire’s world-famous Mount Washington Cog Railway. The world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, it ascends the highest peak in the Northeast at an average gradient of 25%, and at some points approaching 38%. The train takes passengers all the way to the summit of Mount Washington at 6,288 ft, offering unparalleled views across the Presidential range of the White Mountains, and from Quebec to the Atlantic Ocean.
Intrigued? Call us so we call make all the arrangements for you.
Speaking of trains, look for an announcement next month on a 2023 Rocky Mountaineer vacation experience!!!
As we reported last month, the relaxation of Covid-19 protocols is continuing. Canada has just announced that it is set to drop the vaccine requirement at the border. The official announcement was set for September 30, so it may be effective before you receive the newsletter. Those of us who have wrestled with the ArriveCAN app will be delighted to learn that the app will now be optional. Canada will also end the random Covid-19 testing for inbound travelers.
On this note, Celestyal Cruises announced the upcoming removal of its Covid-19 vaccination, proof of recovery and pre-departure testing requirements for all guests. It is effective on sailings commencing on or after March 2, 2023 unless required by local regulations.
In addition, Barbados has removed all Covid-19 protocols. Effective now, there will be no testing requirements for entering Barbados regardless of vaccination status.
We also promised to reveal our experiences on our adventure to Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Not one of those countries required proof of being vaccinated. We did not provide any documentation of our status until our flight home where Air France requested that we upload our vaccination cards prior to our flights. Clients who returned home on other airlines did not have to provide any documentation. However, our group tour operator did require proof of vaccination for Oberammergau and the river cruise.
We believe the world is rapidly moving past the need for any requirements, but you may rely on us to provide you with the latest and greatest regarding Covid-19 protocols wherever you choose to travel.
Folks, this is a great time to visit Europe. The Euro and the Pound Sterling (GBP) are at near record lows against the US Dollar. If you have ever considered visiting the Christmas Markets by land or by river cruise, this may be the most cost-effective time to enjoy that experience.
So, Where in the World Do You Want to Go?
Betty & Frank Villani
