10 of our best-selling river cruise itineraries, listed below in no particular order.
On these vacations, you'll glide along scenic and historic waterways on an intimate and comfortable vessel, enjoying river-view staterooms, superb dining and personalized service. Daily excursions ashore and onboard entertainment and enrichment activities also are generally included in the upfront rate.
Rhine Getaway, 8 days with Viking River Cruises -- On a route between Amsterdam and Basel, you'll visit 700-year-old Marksburg Castle, the Alsatian city of Strasbourg and Rudesheim's Drosselgasse, a cobblestone lane lined by taverns, shops and restaurants.
Charms of the South, 9 days with American Queen Voyages -- Travelers cruise the lower Mississippi River on a modern-day paddle wheeler, learning about Vicksburg's role in the Civil War and visiting 19th-century mansions in Natchez.
Burgundy & Provence, 8 days with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises -- A cruise of France's Saone and Rhone rivers reveals Roman ruins, a 14th-century papal palace and the culinary treasures of Lyon.
Melodies of the Danube, 8 days with AmaWaterways -- This trip starts in Budapest, where you'll take in the views from the Fisherman's Bastion. See St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna and enjoy a hike up to Bratislava Castle in Slovakia.
Paris to Normandy, 8 days with Avalon Waterways -- Tailor this French cruise to your interests: In Vernon, tour Monet's Giverny or 18th-century Chateau de Bizy, and while in Caudebec, choose a trip to D-Day landing beaches or a "Taste of Normandy" culinary excursion.
Secrets of the Douro, 8 days with Emerald Cruises -- Sail Portugal's Douro River in a region known for its port wine production. Enjoy dinner at a local wine estate and also cross into Spain to visit Salamanca, a lively university city.
Columbia & Snake Rivers, 8 days with American Cruise Lines -- Discover the Pacific Northwest's rugged beauty, particularly along the Columbia River Gorge, and visit Mount St. Helens and sites associated with explorers Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery.
Gems of the Danube, 8 days with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours -- Guests can choose from a variety of included excursions on this itinerary. In Vienna, tour opulent Schonbrunn Palace or journey to the city's acclaimed wine region. In Nuremberg, visit World War II sites or sample beer in the city's underground cellars.
Grand European Tour, 15 days with Viking River Cruises -- See the sights along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers on a panoramic sailing between Amsterdam and Budapest. Guided tours reveal the history and culture of Vienna, Regensburg, Cologne and more.
Romantic Rhine, 8 days with Avalon Waterways -- Classic highlights of this itinerary include the picturesque Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg Castle and Strasbourg's pedestrian-friendly old quarter. You'll also visit whimsical spots like a museum devoted to mechanical musical instruments.
Enforcement of Mexico Customs Regulations on Electronics
9/19/2024 2:24:12 PM Link | | Add comment
Effective immediately, please be aware of the following guidelines concerning the import of electronic devices for travelers to Mexico. Each traveler is permitted to bring ONE portable computing device (e.g., laptop, notebook, or iPad) without incurring an import fee.
If passengers bring multiple devices, such as a laptop and an iPad, each will be treated as a separate item, which may result in additional fees.
Allowed Items:
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1 laptop or similar portable computing device (e.g., iPad)
Limited Items:
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Up to 3 cell phones
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1 GPS
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2 cameras
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1 pair of binoculars
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4 fishing poles
Exceeding these limits may result in customs duties starting at 19% of the item's estimated value, with some cases reporting fees as high as 200%.
10 NEW Beach Resorts!
5/14/2024 11:20:39 AM Link | | Add comment
Nearly all of these properties are all-inclusive, which means the upfront price covers accommodations, meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, entertainment, activities and nonmotorized water sports.
Secrets Tides Punta Cana (5 stars) Dominican Republic -- Situated on a palm-studded beach, this no-kids haven features two infinity pools, three hot tubs and an array of dining options that include Mexican, Italian and fusion specialty restaurants. Preferred Club accommodations come with access to an exclusive lounge and a dedicated pool and swim-up bar. Opened January 2024.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai (5 stars), Playa del Carmen, Mexico -- This luxury hotel is located on a 620-acre nature reserve and boasts North America's largest penthouse suite. Designed to minimize its environmental footprint, it features a biologist-led sustainability program to preserve the local flora and fauna. Guests can enjoy a lagoon-sized pool with floating cabanas, white-sand beaches, three restaurants, two bars, a yoga deck and cenote-inspired spa. Several rooms and suites feature a private plunge pool and an ocean-view terrace. This hotel is not all-inclusive. Opened February 2024.
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres (5 stars), Cancun, Mexico -- Nestled on an expansive stretch of beach 12 miles north of Cancun, this no-kids getaway offers plenty of opportunities for romance and relaxation. There are two infinity pools, two outdoor hot tubs, a jungle-inspired pool, nine restaurants and seven bars. Culinary activities like kitchen tours, cooking classes and tequila and wine tastings are also available. Opened February 2024.
Dreams Estrella Del Mar Mazatlan (4.5 stars), Mexico -- This beachfront resort is part of the 900-acre Estrella Del Mar gated community that also houses an 18-hole golf course. It has 350 rooms including swim-out suites and a separate adults-only section. Multiple pools, a water park, a lazy river, a spa and a wellness center are among the amenities here. The Explorer's Club provides activities for kids ages 3 to 12, while the Core Zone for teens offers a dedicated lounge. Opened April 2024.
Sandals St. Vincent (5 stars), Canouan Island, St. Vincent & The Grenadines -- Sitting on 50 acres and its own private cove, this couples-only retreat is surrounded by mountains and rainforest. The unique accommodations include two-story overwater villas with butler service, an overwater day bed and stairs that lead directly into the ocean. The resort has 11 restaurants, five bars, four pools and access to hobie cats, paddleboards, kayaks and scuba diving equipment. Opened March 2024.
Royalton CHIC Antigua (5 stars), St. John's, Antigua -- This no-kids resort offers seven restaurants, five bars, a spa, beachfront pools for relaxation and activity pools featuring DJs. Savor fresh seafood at Pescari, the island's only overwater restaurant, while enjoying live performances by the CHIC Angels. Among the 235 rooms and suites are three types of overwater bungalows, each with a swim-out infinity pool, overwater hammock and glass floors offering views of the ocean below. Opened April 2024.
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island (5 stars), Cancun, Mexico -- Guests will find a relaxed, casual vibe at this no-kids, all-suite property. Nestled between Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, this resort features 11 restaurants, six bars and three pools, including the longest rooftop pool in Cancun. Kick back and enjoy music by the pool, or take part in hands-on classes in Spanish, painting, pottery or macrame. Other activities include live performances, karaoke, fashion shows and theme nights. Opened April 2024.
Riu Palace Aquarelle (4.5 stars), Montego Bay, Jamaica -- This family-friendly retreat features more than 700 rooms, four outdoor pools, a children's pool with waterslides, the Splash World water park and activities such as beach volleyball, paddle surfing, kayaking, diving and catamaran sailing. Many dining venues are available, from live cooking stations and buffets to restaurants serving Japanese, Italian or Jamaican fare. Opened May 2024.
Princess Grand Jamaica (5 stars), Negril, Jamaica -- Situated on Green Island near Negril, this beachfront resort offers three pools, an aquatic park and activities like kayaking, snorkeling and water polo. Accommodations include family rooms with boat-shaped bunk beds, swim-out suites and master suites with butler service. Enjoy local and international cuisine at nine restaurants, or grab a quick bite at a food truck by the beach or pool. Opening June 2024.
Princess Senses the Mangrove (4.5 stars), Negril, Jamaica -- Guests at this no-kids retreat can access all of the amenities at the neighboring Princess Grand Jamaica above, as well as five additional restaurants, seven bars, a solarium and sky infinity pool. The property features fourteen overwater villas, each with glass flooring and a private infinity pool. Opening June 2024.Dreaming of going to Alaska?
12/27/2023 10:12:30 AM Link | | Add comment
Is this the year to experience the incomparable natural beauty and majesty of Alaska? Right now, it's prime booking season for Alaska Cruises and Alaska Cruise and Land Tours. If you want to explore this spectacular region on a cruise, I recommend that you call us as soon as possible to get the itinerary, ship, cabin type and departure date you desire -- especially if you require a stateroom that accommodates three or more people or a passenger with special needs, or if you need two adjacent or adjoining cabins or more than four cabins on a single sailing.
Itinerary
There are two types of itineraries for Alaska cruises: Inside Passage cruises that typically sail round trip from Vancouver, Seattle or San Francisco; and Gulf of Alaska cruises that sail one way between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier (gateways to Anchorage and the interior city of Fairbanks). The Gulf of Alaska cruises include several days in the Inside Passage.
The round-trip cruises offer two advantages: 1) There are many flights daily into, and out of, Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco, and 2) They require less expensive airfare because no long flight to (or from) Anchorage or Fairbanks is involved.
Air into (and out of) Anchorage and Fairbanks is quite limited and flights fill early with cruise and cruise and land tour passengers, which makes it more risky to wait for a last-minute deal on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise.
The biggest advantage of one-way cruises is that they allow the opportunity to explore the interior of Alaska on a pre- or post-cruise land tour. Between one-third and one-half of all Alaska cruisers extend their cruise with a tour of inland Alaska (out of Anchorage or Fairbanks) or British Columbia or the Canadian Rockies (out of Vancouver).
If you are leaning toward one of these cruise and land tours, keep in mind that tour buses, railcars and lodges in Alaska are very limited in supply and can sell out early. We recommend booking soon to ensure availability.
Weather
Alaska weather is delightfully unpredictable, but in general, you'll find the warmest temperatures in July and August, when average highs are in the low to mid-60s. Precipitation can rise a bit in late August and early September, but I personally would not avoid that time for that reason.
One of my fondest Alaska memories is of sipping coffee on the cabin balcony as the scenery melted away and the ship slowed to a crawl in dense fog in the Inside Passage, its foghorn echoing off the mountains on either side, warning fishermen of our approach. On another day, we hiked a trail to an alpine lake for a canoe ride to the face of a glacier, in a driving rain. Invigorating does not begin to describe it. Weather is part of the experience in Alaska.
Wildlife
Wildlife is one of the big attractions of Alaska, and different species are active at various times during the cruising season. Humpback and killer whales are seen throughout the summer in large sounds and straits along the coast as they migrate between their winter homes in the south and their summer homes in the north. Brown and black bears can be spotted in grassy tidal flats starting in May and near salmon streams and berry patches in July and August. Moose and caribou begin calving in May, so look for cow moose and their young near thickets along roadsides and rivers in May and June.
Bald eagles are plentiful and can be viewed at the water's edge through the summer, particularly near salmon-spawning streams. Tufted puffins and other seabirds begin nesting colonies on coastal islands in May. Shorebird-watching is popular in August and September as various species begin their migrations south for the winter.
Harbor seals are visible throughout the season and can be seen with their pups on and around the icebergs of Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay during the month of June. Sea lions start to become visible in September.
Fishermen will be happy to know that at least one variety of salmon -- the prized king salmon -- runs from May through August. Late May through June is the best time for saltwater king salmon fishing, and July through August is best for freshwater king salmon fishing. Sockeye (red) salmon fill freshwater streams and rivers on their spawning run from late June through July.
Saltwater fishing for chum and pink salmon is best in July and August, and freshwater fishing for these species is at its peak in August. Coho (silver) salmon can be found in saltwater areas from late July through early September and are abundant in freshwater areas during September and October. Halibut is most plentiful in saltwater areas from late June through August.
Passports
Passports are required for all travelers who enter or re-enter the U.S. by air from any other country, which means that U.S. citizens and residents who fly back to the U.S. from Vancouver or any other Canadian city after an Alaska cruise or cruise and land tour are required to have a valid passport.
Passports also are required for anyone who enters or re-enters the U.S. by land or by sea. There are a few exceptions to the passport requirement pertaining to land and sea border crossings.
First, U.S. citizens on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port and travel to destinations in Canada (and select other countries) are able to re-enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship other than a passport, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Passports are required for cruises that begin in one U.S. port and end in another.
So, U.S. citizens on cruises that sail round trip from Seattle or San Francisco are not required to have a passport. U.S. citizens who drive to Vancouver for a round-trip Alaska cruise or who cruise one way between Vancouver and an Alaskan port (such as Whittier or Seward) do need a passport.
Next, children under the age of 16 who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings. In lieu of a passport, children are able to use a birth certificate as proof of citizenship for entry into the U.S. by land or by sea. Children entering or re-entering the U.S. by air still are required to have a valid passport.
Finally, a lower-cost alternative to the passport, called a passport card, is acceptable for entries into the U.S. by land or sea. Compared to passports, which cost $165 for first-time applicants ($135 for children), passport cards cost $65 ($50 for children). The passport card is not acceptable for air travel.
Several cruise lines require a passport for all sailings, regardless of destination or port of departure. They include these companies that offer Alaska cruises: Cunard, Hurtigruten, Oceania, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea.
Even in cases where a passport is not required, we recommend that passengers have them anyway. This is because, while highly unlikely, an emergency could arise in which a U.S. citizen needed to disembark early and fly home from Canada, and a passport would be required for that flight.
Passports are required for citizens of all other countries for any Alaska cruise or cruise and land tour.
Top Resorts in Punta Cana
2/18/2022 11:42:47 AM Link | | Add comment
The best-selling resorts in the Dominican Republic. Each one is all-inclusive, which means the upfront price includes accommodations, meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, entertainment, activities and nonmotorized water sports.
The Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable resort destinations in the Caribbean. Snorkelers and divers explore coral reefs and shipwrecks, fishing enthusiasts compete for marlin and sailfish and golfers are drawn to courses designed by legends of the game.
But most come to the Dominican Republic simply to enjoy its broad, sandy stretches. For that, many vacationers check into the resorts of Punta Cana, such as the five top sellers listed below.
Dreams Punta Cana (4.5 stars) -- This resort boasts one of the largest free-form pools in the Dominican Republic. Lodging options include swimout suites with direct access to the pool and connecting rooms for groups needing more space. The Explorer's Club provides activities for kids ages 3 to 12, while the Core Zone for teens offers a dedicated lounge.
Barcelo Bavaro Palace (5 stars) -- Head to the beach for swimming or kayaking; the calm water is protected by a coral reef. This resort offers 11 restaurants, a water park, a mini-golf course, an 18-hole course designed by P.B. Dye and an escape room. The kids club organizes supervised activities for children, and older kids can gravitate to their own nightclub for dancing and DJ music.
Ocean El Faro (5 stars) -- This Spanish colonial-style property features 10 restaurants, 13 bars, four swimming pools, a lazy river, a family area with a water park, beach activities, a bowling alley and the Daisy Club for kids ages 4 to 12. A no-kids section called El Beso is home to two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi and an exclusive restaurant among other amenities.
Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana (5 stars) -- Creative amenities at this beach retreat reflect the company's rock 'n' roll spirit. "The Sound of Your Stay" provides Fender guitars with in-room video lessons, DJ equipment and free playlists, while the "Music Lab Experience" helps you form your own band or mix tracks.
Hotel Riu Republica (4.5 stars) -- This no-kids resort offers eight pools with swim-up bars, the Splash Water World park and complimentary windsurfing and snorkeling. There are evening shows, a nightclub and several restaurants, including Italian, Asian and steakhouse options. Some suites have a Jacuzzi on the terrace.12 new all-inclusive beach resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean
10/5/2021 9:58:36 AM Link | | Add comment
Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana (5 stars), Dominican Republic -- This no-kids resort offers a sophisticated and modern setting. Head to the Feel Harmony Spa for therapeutic specialty treatments, join a spin class at the fitness center or go for a dip at one of the hotel's seven pools. Opened February 2021.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (5 stars), Playa del Carmen, Mexico -- The highlight of Nickelodeon's first resort in Mexico is Aqua Nick, a six-acre water park featuring a lazy river, a faster-paced adventure river and over 20 water slides. Guests will also enjoy "gourmet inclusive" experiences at six restaurants and three bars. Opened July 2021.
Hotel Xcaret Arte (5 stars), Playa del Carmen, Mexico -- Featuring 900 suites, seven restaurants and multiple pools, this kids-free retreat pays tribute to great Mexican artists. Guests are encouraged to explore and engage in Mexican culture through activities like a weaving workshop, dance classes and cooking lessons. The resort offers the "All-Fun Inclusive" experience, where the upfront price includes unlimited access to the seven nature parks of Grupo Xcaret. Opened July 2021.
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf and Secrets Bahia Mita Surf (5 stars), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico -- These sister resorts are set on the beaches of Banderas Bay and surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. Family-friendly Dreams offers five swimming pools, water slides and theme parties. Secrets is a no-kids haven, pampering guests with 24-hour room service, pool and beach wait service and elegant all-suite accommodations. It features an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a luxury cenote-inspired spa. Opened August 2021.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera (5 stars), Mexico -- All of the accommodations at this 444-room, no-kids hotel feature walk-in rainfall showers and private balconies or terraces overlooking the Pacific coast. Relax at one of two infinity pools, grab a drink at a cocktail bar or enjoy the oceanfront Eforea Spa. The resort also boasts 26,000 square feet of event space. Opened August 2021.
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun (5 stars), Mexico -- Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and a lagoon, this property offers nine pools, an oceanfront water park and a two-story spa. Participate in a wine tasting, dance to live music and indulge in delicious meals and drinks at the 17 restaurants and bars on site. Opened September 2021.
Hilton Cancun (5 stars), Mexico -- 12 restaurants, three bars, two infinity pools and a kids' pool area and water park are highlights of this hotel. Sip a cool beverage poolside, take a yoga class or indulge in sweet treats at the Ice Cream and Churros Shop. Scheduled to open November 2021.
Breathless Cancun Soul (5 stars), Mexico -- Two rooftop infinity pools, swim-up bars and a variety of trendy dining venues amid a kids-free setting are top draws of this property. Enjoy high-energy events and themed parties hosted by live DJs, take in a tequila tasting or participate in water sports like windsurfing and sailing. Scheduled to open December 2021.
Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos (5 stars), Mexico -- This intimate boutique hotel has just 60 rooms, all boasting ocean views and private terraces. Guests can sign up for a complimentary wellness or fitness consultation, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment, join a yoga session or take a culinary class. Scheduled to open December 2021.
Secrets Impression Moxche Playa Del Carmen (5 stars), Mexico -- This no-kids retreat offers activities like snorkeling, archery, tennis and dance and cocktail-making classes. Enjoy 24-hour concierge and room service, seven heated pools and three man-made cenotes; Preferred Club guests have exclusive access to a rooftop pool. Scheduled to open February 2022.Some of the top attractions of river cruises around the world
5/13/2021 2:41:26 PM Link | | Add comment
Mississippi River cruises glide through America's heartland, stopping in dynamic cities and picturesque river towns. Guided sightseeing can include landmarks such as Oak Alley, a beautifully restored mansion known for its canopy of 300-year-old oak trees, and the French Quarter, New Orleans' oldest and most famous neighborhood.
Columbia River cruises reveal the rugged beauty of America's Pacific Northwest. Excursions might include a hike among the towering cascades of Multnomah Falls, a trip to volcanic Mount St. Helens or a look at the workings of the Bonneville Dam, a National Historic Site.
Danube River cruises sail into Old World cities like Budapest, which is divided by the river, and Vienna, where sightseeing excursions take in St. Stephen's Cathedral, the opera house and the avenue known as the Ringstrasse. The Danube converges with the Ilz and the Inn rivers in the German city of Passau. Perched on a river bluff, 900-year-old Melk Abbey in Austria is another highlight.
Rhine River cruises navigate the Rhine Gorge, a scenic stretch of the river dotted with castles and vineyards. Among them are Castle Marksburg, above the town of Braubach near Koblenz, and Castle Katz in St. Goarshausen. Many itineraries stop in Strasbourg in France's Alsace region, where the attractive Petite France district is a favorite spot for a stroll.
You can visit festive outdoor Christmas markets in towns along the Danube and Rhine on departures in late November and December. Sausages sizzle on grills, carolers sing and vendors' booths are decorated with evergreen garlands and white lights.
Seine River voyages start with sightseeing in Paris and travel west to visit Giverny (former home of artist Claude Monet), D-Day landing sites in Normandy and the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.
Saone River cruises meander through France's Burgundy region, where passengers can learn about the region's wine industry in Chalon-sur-Saone and see the Hospices of Beaune, a 15th-century hospital complex famous for its intricately detailed, colorful roofs. In Tournus, passengers spend time at St. Philibert Abbey, a Romanesque church.
The Rhone River runs through France's Provence region to the Mediterranean coast; Rhone cruises usually are combined with Saone sailings. Ships call at the walled city of Avignon for visits to a 14th-century papal palace and at Lyon to see its Roman remains and Old Town.
Douro River trips sail through the grape-growing regions of Portugal. Itineraries typically spend time in the city of Porto, a longtime center for the port wine trade, and at the Baroque-style Mateus Palace and gardens in Vila Real.
In spring, the tulip fields of Holland brim with colorful blooms. View them on a "tulip time" river cruise, which includes a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, where 7 million bulbs are planted annually. These sailings take place in March and April and also sail to ports in Belgium.
Nile River cruises are incorporated into longer land tours that nearly always include excursions to the Sphinx and the Pyramids at Giza. On your cruise, you'll encounter some of Egypt's most famous antiquities, such as the massive Luxor Temple, built more than 3,000 years ago.
Mekong River cruises travel through Cambodia and Vietnam. Attractions include Tonle Sap Lake, known for its rich birdlife and fishing villages, and the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. Many departures also incorporate Angkor Wat, a 12th-century complex of ornate stone structures.
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FBI Toxicology Tests Find US Tourists Deaths in Dominican Republic Consistent With Natural Causes
10/18/2019 8:48:58 AM Link | | Add comment
The results of toxicology tests performed on tourists who died in the Dominican Republic in separate incidents this year are “consistent with natural causes,” according to media reports in the US and the Dominican Republic.
The FBI, which opened an investigation into the deaths this summer after Dominican authorities concluded the incidents were due to natural causes, delivered its report to Dominican authorities and the victims’ families as early as September, according to reports from Fox News and the Dominican Today website.
“The results of additional extensive toxicological tests conducted to date have been consistent with the findings of local authorities (Dominican Republic),” reads a statement from the Office of Consular Affairs of the State Department as reported by Fox News. “Our condolences are with the families during this difficult time.”
The Fox report adds the FBI “handed over that information to the families of the people who died and Dominican Authorities on September 16.”
The Dominican Republic attorney general's office postponed a scheduled September 30 news conference on the findings, saying the office had received “incomplete” results from the FBI. Dominican Ministry of Tourism personnel did not respond immediately to TravelPulse.com’s request for comment.
In the wake of the tourist deaths and resulting questions regarding traveler safety and security in the Dominican Republic, travel agency groups and resort operators have sought to reassure consumers about the country’s safety.
The country lost 100,000 visitors between January and September of this year compared to 2018, blaming the decline on sensational media reports of the “unrelated” deaths.
In conjunction with the Apple Leisure Group, travAllianceMedia has established www.travFACTS.org, a website designed to analyze and correct erroneous media reports that could be damaging to tourist destinations worldwide.
