Travel

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has roiled international markets and added uncertainty to Europe's travel outlook, just as the EU began relaxing Covid protocols with high hopes for a return to normalcy this summer.  While suppliers said the conflict has so far not caused any significant impact on bookings, they are prepared to alter their Eastern Europe and Russia itineraries.  Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CFO Mark Kempa said during the company's Feb. 24 earnings call that while NCLH has so far not seen any cancellations, the line was preparing for various outcomes.  "We are looking at alternative ports as we speak," he said. "Worst case scenario, if we're not able to call on St. Petersburg or the surrounding areas, there's plenty of other ports in that Scandinavian region that we have the ability to call on. Not a huge impact, obviously a bit disappointing because that is a premier port. But there are viable, very attractive...

Editor's Note — Coronavirus cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you're fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on February 10. (CNN) — If you're planning to travel to Amsterdam, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic. The basics Amsterdam is slowly emerging from its third lockdown since the start of the pandemic, with restrictions lifting across the Netherlands. The Dutch government first introduced a strict lockdown throughout the entire country in December 2020, following a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases. A few weeks later, the Netherlands' first night time curfew since World War II was brought in, leading to rioting in Amsterdam and other major cities. The country's latest strict lockdown commenced in December 2021 due to yet another increase in coronavirus infect...

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will be in Geneva this week for high-level talks focused on the restart of tourism as restrictions on travel are eased in many parts of the world. UNWTO last undertook an official visit to the home city of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, just one day before COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic. Now, as Switzerland joins growing numbers of countries in lifting or easing travel restrictions, UNWTO is back in Geneva for a week of meetings with key partners. On Tuesday (22 February) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili will meet with WHO Director-General Dr. Thedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss shared actions and priorities as the world begins opening up again. The two UN agencies will discuss the need for the continued easing of restrictions, having repeatedly warned against their ineffectiveness and the damage that blanket bans on mobility can have on economic and social wellbeing. Talks will...

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Arkansas governor activates National Guard troops. Dallas schools announce closures. More than 1,200 flights canceled for Thursday. The second of two winter storms in as many days is bringing snow from the West into the Central and Southern Plains, shutting down interstates, closing schools and prompting hundreds of flight cancellations. The system has been named Winter Storm Oaklee by The Weather Channel. It comes on the heels of Winter Storm Nancy, which closed portions of three interstates in Minnesota and North Dakota Tuesday and brought snow and ice from the Upper Plains to the Midwest. (MORE: The Latest Winter Storm Forecast ) Here's a look at what happened Wednesday as Winter Storm Oaklee continued to trek across a wide swath of the U.S. Arkansas Governor Activates National Guard About 90 Guard members and 32 vehicles deployed across the state to assist with weather-related traffic issues, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced. "Please stay off the roads if you can," the g...

Silver Dollar City Silver Dollar City's parent company Herschend Enterprises is bringing a new attraction to the Ozarks. PINK Adventure Tours will open March 15 with off-road driving tours near Baird Mountain and Table Rock Lake, according to a news release. PINK Adventure Tours take customers on tours in their signature pink Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The PINK Adventure Tours in Branson will be offered throughout the day, with additional tour times at sunset so guests can experience the picturesque colors. "I am beyond excited for folks of all ages to get off the beaten path for a wild ride with PINK — Branson's off-road adventure tours," said John Fitzgibbons III, PINK Adventure Tours president, in a news release. "Guests will enjoy a rugged climb to the top of one of Taney County's highest peaks and experience the wild, hidden and natural gems that make the region that I personally call home so special."&n...

What countries have you visited that are relatively inexpensive? Share in the comments below. Disclaimer: This article was written to provide travel recommendations or suggestions; however, it's important to keep in mind your own health, community health, and COVID-19 exposure risk.