Travel Briefs
Swiss express aerial gondola
On Dec. 5, 2020, in Switzerland, the Eiger Express aerial gondola began service, taking passengers from the Grindelwald terminal, at the foot of the Jungfrau, 1,800 meters away to the Eiger Glacier Station, in 15 minutes.
New Tokyo cruise port
The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, on the Daiba waterfront, welcomed its first cruise ship on Sept. 10.
MDs required on cruises
The US Congress passed a law in December 2020 requiring all cruise ships to have a registered medical doctor on board at all times.
World’s largest fountain, in Dubai
The Palm Fountain, on the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was named the world’s largest fountain by Guinness World Records when it began operating on Oct. 23.
‘Dogs only’ on US flights
The US Department of Transportation made a ruling on Dec. 2 that the only service animals to be allowed on planes are dogs.
Dibs with Exodus Travels
“Dateless Departures” were introduced by Exodus Travels (Toronto, ON, Canada; 844/227-9087, www.exodustravels.com) on Dec. 3. Travelers who reserve a tour to a country are guaranteed a spot in the first Exodus tour group to go there once that country reopens its borders.
easyJet bin change
Low-cost European airline easyJet (www.easyjet.com) will begin limiting access to their overhead luggage bins on Feb. 10. Starting on that date, only passengers paying for a more expensive ticket will be allowed bin space for their carry-on luggage.
Observatory in Ireland
Budding astronomers visiting Ireland will have a chance to view the stars through a 14-inch telescope at the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory (155 Davagh Rd., Omagh, Ireland; phone +353 28 8676 0681, omdarksky.com). Opened in October 2020, the telescope has automatic guide and lock-on features, s
Delta COVID travel map
Delta Air Lines has added an interactive world map to its Fly Delta smartphone app, free on Apple and Android. The map gives up-to-date information on entry requirements in regard to COVID-19 for each country in the world.
Tasmania self-drive website
For anyone interested in driving around the Australian island of Tasmania, the website Lap of Tasmania (www.lapoftasmania.com.au) can help in planning an itinerary and booking lodging and a rental car.
New Thailand visa
A new Thailand tourist visa was introduced on Nov. 23 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To apply, a traveler needs to fill out a visa application form and a health declaration form, both available from Thai consulates (visit thaiembdc.org for a link to the consulate nearest you).
‘Million Stars’ Swiss hotels
Visitors to Switzerland can book a room in any of 50-plus “Million Stars” hotels. In varying environments around the country, each of the “hotels” (each actually one double-bed accommodation) must meet certain star-gazing criteria to be considered a Million Stars hotel.
UAE-Israel flight
The first-ever commercial passenger flight between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which was also the first flight to Israel from any of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries, occurred on Oct. 19 with an Emirates flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi.
COVID-19 ‘Green Zones’ in Israel
Israel is creating “Green Zones” — areas that require a negative COVID-19 test result to enter — in tourist spots around the country.
Cruising returns to US
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) moved to allow some cruise ships to dock in US ports as of Oct. 31, upon the expiration of the last no-sail order. Sailings will begin with a series of “test” cruises, to ensure that ships will be able to meet requirements for testing and safety.
Jamaica health insurance
The Caribbean island country of Jamaica introduced compulsory health insurance for all foreign visitors, called Jamaica Cares, on Nov. 1. The insurance will cost $40 per person and cover up to $50,000 in medical expenses in Jamaica.
Tokyo train viaduct shopping center
Located under a 100-year-old elevated train viaduct in Tokyo between Yura kucho and Shimbashi stations, near the Imperial Palace, visitors will find the Hibiya Okuroji (Hidden Alley) shopping center.
Animal rides ended at Giza
After videos of animal mistreatment in Egypt’s Giza archaeological area, which encompasses the pyramids and Sphinx, caused international outcry, the country’s tourism ministry announced that it would ban camel, horse and donkey riding around the complex.
New metro in Pakistan
The only metro train in all of Pakistan began operating in the city of Lahore on Oct. 25. The 17-mile line runs east-west and has 26 stations. It is expected to carry roughly 250,000 passengers a day. The fare is PKR40 (near 25¢) per trip.
Haiti Voudo museum
At Haiti’s Bureau d’Ethnologie (2 angle rue Magny et Oswald Durand, Port-au-Prince), visitors are immersed in the religion and ritual of Voudo, seeing artifacts, art and photographs of Voudo practices in the country. Signs are in Haitian French only.