Category Archives: Private Islands

Dreaming of getting back out there and exploring the world again? A new Netflix travel show might just be the inspiration you need!

The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, premiering on the streaming service on June 18, takes viewers inside some of the wildest homes that are available to rent around the world. Think: the best of the best on Airbnb, Vrbo and more.

The trailer for the show, above, dropped Wednesday morning and gives viewers a peek at the adventures that await as the three hosts, Million Dollar Listing New York's Luis D. Ortiz and content creators Megan Batoon and Jo Franco, bounce around between affordable treehouses, exclusive private islands, gourmet food-focused getaways and so much more.

RELATED: Peek at Mindy Kaling's Actual Airbnb Wishlist With 'Luxurious' Retreats in Calif., Texas & More!

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"Prior to filming the show, when I traveled for work, I only stayed in hotels," Batoon, who also hosts the comedy podcast Just a Tip with Megan Batoon, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "This experience opened my eyes to all of the gems around the world and showed me that the stay could be the destination."

Netflix

She adds: "All three hosts are so different, and it was such a pleasure to not only see the world, but see it in three distinct ways through each of our eyes."

In addition to the properties themselves, the show will also focus on the different experiences that the vacation rentals offer from high-thrill activities to unique transportation to interacting with the locals that you may not get at a traditional hotel.

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RELATED VIDEO: The Bachelor Mansion Is Now Available to Rent on Airbnb for $6,000 a Night See Inside!

"The beauty about staying in our vacation rentals is that it's not just about the house, it's about what you get access to by staying in the house," Franco, who is the CEO of Shut Up and Go, an online community of travelers, explains in the trailer.

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The hosts also aim to show viewers the options that are available at every budget while also giving a peek at the most luxurious stays out there, because sometimes it's fun to dream!

Be sure to watch through the trailer to see the most "extra" splurge that Ortiz, who knows the life of luxury from his work as a real estate agent, surprises his other costars with.

The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals premieres on Netflix on Friday, June 18.

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WATCH: This New Netflix Series Takes You Inside the World's Most Amazing Vacation Home Rentals - Yahoo Entertainment

Its unlikely that everyone in the United States will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

But while vaccinations will continue to be a personal choice, there may be circumstances when people need to provide proof of vaccination.

Neither state officials nor the federal government currently require vaccination against any disease, and the Biden administration is on record opposing mandatory vaccination of private citizens or even requirements that people be compelled to carry a vaccination passport or similar credentials.

Private companies, however, can and are requiring proof of vaccination such as presenting an original copy of their CDC vaccination record to take part in certain activities.

They arent necessarily the only ones either.

Heres a look at some situations when people might be needed to provide proof theyve been vaccinated.

Teachers, law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and transportation workers are among the professionals most likely to face vaccination mandates in the workplace, according to Sharona Hoffman, JD, co-director of The Law-Medicine Center at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

We seem to be moving toward the honor system now, Hoffman told Healthline. Im seeing a lot of employers offering incentives [such as gift cards or other rewards for getting vaccinated] rather than imposing requirements.

Some employers with workers who come in close contact with the public may want to impose mandatory vaccination requirements which generally are legal to limit liability exposure.

Even in healthcare I dont see strict mandates, Hoffman said.

However, she notes, that could change if a surge in COVID-19 cases results from relaxed masking and physical distancing requirements.

Lawmakers in a number of states have introduced legislation that would bar employers from requiring employees to get vaccinated or punishing those who refuse.

Every U.S. state requires certain vaccinations to attend K12 schools, typically against diseases such as polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, tetanus, and whooping cough.

Of these states, 44 allow religious exemptions to childhood vaccination and 15 allow exemptions for personal, moral, or other beliefs.

No state currently requires COVID-19 vaccination for children to attend school. But with the vaccine recently approved for use among children ages 12 and older, that could change.

A significant number of colleges and universities are requiring students who want to attend in-person classes in the fall to be vaccinated. That includes everything from Ivy League schools such as Brown and Harvard to smaller schools like Wofford College in South Carolina and every school in the State University of New York system.

Travel to certain parts of the world has long required vaccination against diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Now, COVID-19 vaccination has become the passport to be able to visit some countries.

Some travel destinations, such as Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Israel, and Iceland, have made proof of vaccination a requirement for international travelers.

Others, such as Greece, Grenada, Nepal, and Romania, have eased or waived COVID-19 testing requirements and quarantine mandates for vaccinated visitors.

Even before the pandemic, the cruise industry struggled with the public perception that their floating vessels were plagued with infectious diseases. It certainly didnt help when some of the earliest outbreaks of COVID-19 took place aboard cruise ships.

Cruising has been one of the slower sectors of the travel industry to come back post-pandemic, and cruise lines such as Azamara, Celebrity, Crystal, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar have made vaccination mandatory for passengers.

One of the most difficult aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the near-total ban on hospital visitation, resulting in untold thousands of people dying separated from their families and loved ones.

Providence Medical Group, a healthcare provider in Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, is launching a pilot program to allow vaccinated people to visit cancer patients.

With safety as a primary concern, some patients who need medical care now have the option to tread this difficult treatment journey with a care companion, which is of immense relief to not only the patient but for family members and supporting medical staff too, Dr. Eve Cunningham, chief medical officer for partnerships and incubations at Providence Medical Group, told Healthline.

I think that moving forward, vaccine certificates should be mandated at any senior care center or elderly communities to make sure they are safe, Stephan Baldwin, founder of Assisted Living Center, a company providing information and marketing services to more than 19,000 senior communities across the United States, told Healthline.

Vaccine certificates should be required not only for COVID but any other virus that represents a threat to seniors, he said. These certificates could function just like vaccine passports that could grant entrance to zones where most people over a certain age live.

A May 2021 survey found that 57 percent of respondents in the United States believe that proof of vaccination should be required to attend sporting events.

While many event venues are still operating at reduced capacity, some are allowing larger crowds.

Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, for example, is still requiring masks to be worn at games but has set aside a special section for vaccinated fans.

Fans attending the recent NFL draft in Cleveland were required to provide proof of vaccination.

Erie County officials in New York will require fans of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres to be vaccinated if they want to attend games in person.

Using vaccination as an incentive, California is allowing greater attendance for concerts and indoor sporting events if venues require guests to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test.

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Where Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Is Required - Healthline

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - Mackinac Islands popular Sip n Sail Cruises kicked off the 2021 season with an expanded lineup, including a fun Its 5 oclock Somewhere trip and another focused on the Straits of Mackinacs fascinating history.

Most peoples visits to Mackinac Island are bookended by quick ferry trips. But if youre not getting out on the water during your vacation, youre missing a chance to see the island and the surrounding Straits area from a whole new perspective, said Andrew Doud, who co-owns Sip n Sail with Arnold Freight CEO Veronica Dobrowolski.

Guests have been stepping aboard the 81-foot Isle Royale Queen III and tooling around the islands waters for more than five years. The cruises - sometimes a handful each day in the summer - are all built around themes. Many feature live music. All offer beverage service from a fully-stocked bar.

Doud said this years new Its 5 oclock Somewhere cruise offers a fun twist on an early evening trip out on the water. Live music plays and the bar is open as the boat heads out under the Mackinac Bridge before looping back to the island on this 90-minute trip.

The half dozen new history trips, too, are designed with a little local star power. They are to be narrated by Phil Porter, who recently retired as director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. These family-friendly cruises will cover Mackinacs history from its time as a Native American settlement through its foreign-flag occupations, its commercial fishing era, and into todays resort culture. Porter will also talk about what lies beneath.

Phil will do the history of the shipwrecks that are out there, and where theyre at. This is going to be really exciting, said Doud, who also owns Douds Market and is co-owner of The Mackinac House.

Last years mid-morning cruises featuring Bloody Marys, mimosas and other cocktails were a big hit, so youll find them on the schedule again this year in different forms. The Easy Like Sunday Mornin cruises offer smooth music and some great views. A perfect way to start your Sunday, the description reads. Your captain will take you on a relaxing cruise. Some points of interest on your cruise will be Arch Rock, British Landing and a shoreline tour of the West Bluff featuring the famous Grand Hotel and concluding with a tour of the harbor.

The summer lineup also has special cruises featuring Michigan craft beer, at least one for bourbon enthusiasts, and of course, a steady serving of the fan-favorite sunset cruises.

To see the entire summer schedule and ticket prices, see Sip n Sails website here.

The Isle Royale Queen III can also be booked for private charters. The boat has enough room to comfortably host everything from wedding parties to retirement celebrations, company events or family reunions, Doud said. For pricing and details, check the website here.

The Isle Royale Queen III is 81 feet long and has been plying The Great Lakes for decades. Photo provided by Sip n' Sail.

QUEEN OF THE GREAT LAKES

The Isle Royale Queen III has been riding three of the Great Lakes since 1960, and started out a bit smaller than her current length - and with a slightly different name.

In the late 1950s, Ward Grosnik of Copper Harbor contracted with the T.D. Vinette Boat Company in Escanaba to build the Isle Royale Queen II. He wanted a big ferry boat that could carry passengers across Lake Superior to Isle Royale National Park, a remote island that sits closer to the lakes Canadian side.

The 57-foot Isle Royale Queen II went into service in 1960. It could carry 57 people, and a couple tons of cargo - usually canoes, camping gear and other provisions for adventurers set to explore the island.

In 1971, the ferry business was sold to Donald Kilpela Sr. When he could not find a new passenger ship, he hired naval architect Timothy Graul, from Sturgeon Bay, Wis., to lengthen the Queen II. Vinette Boat Company was tapped again to handle the expansion. When she was finished, the 81-foot-long ferry could carry 100 passengers and cut through the water at a faster, smoother clip.

In 1989, the improved ship was renamed the Isle Royale Queen III. She did trips out of Copper Harbor until 2004, when she was replaced by a larger ferry. The Queen III then was used to carry passengers on Lake Michigan between Menominee, Mi., and Wisconsins Door Peninsula for the next several years.

In 2010, the Queen IIIs cabins and upper deck were refurbished so passengers could enjoy the scenery topside. Her home ports after that were Marquette and now Mackinac Island.

Headed to Mackinac Island? Here are some fun tips to guide your stay:

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Welcome to The Lawn, new picture-perfect Mackinac Island spot for food, fun

Cabanas and weekend brunch, 8 new things at Mackinac Islands Grand Hotel in 2021

Mackinac Islands Mission Point has 2021 special packages for romance, adventure, celebrations

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Mackinac Islands Sip n Sail boat offers new cruises, including 5 oclock Somewhere - MLive.com

When it comes to North Carolina summers, finding the best Outer Banks vacation rental is the place to startespecially because the Airbnbs and Vrbos spread from northern Duck to southern Hatteras Island often book up a year in advance. It makes sense that the barrier islands are so beloved: they're home to incredible Atlantic surfing, impressive fishing, wild horses, kayaking in the sound, sandy beaches, and more. Whether you're looking for a peaceful oceanfront home with a private pool, a colorful destination for a girls' getaway weekend, or a pet-friendly spot for a family vacation, we've pulled together the 11 best Outer Banks vacation rentals across the islands.

While we have not stayed in every rental featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on a rating of 4.8 or higher, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.

All products featured on Cond Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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The Best Outer Banks Vacation Rentals 2021, from Beachfront Bungalows to Family-Friendly Retreats - Cond Nast Traveler

If you're planning to travel to the Maldives here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The basics

The Maldives reopened borders to all travelers from all countries on July 15, 2020. The primary exception to this is the tightly packed capital city of Mal, which is off-limits to visitors as it has been the source of the majority of the country's coronavirus cases.

What's on offer

This is the couples' destination to end all others -- luxury hotels set on private islands, with rooms cantilevered over the water, just in case a walk to the beach is too much effort.

Who can go

All visitors can travel to the Maldives at present, as long as they have proof of a negative Covid test.

There were over 140 resorts and over 330 guesthouses open and serving international visitors as of late February.

The destination has launched a loyalty program that rewards regular visitors with points based on the frequency and duration of their trips. Those who rack up lots of points will be bumped up to various elite status levels that offer advantages including hotel discounts.

What are the restrictions?

All arrivals other than Maldives citizens and those who are fully vaccinated must present a certificate of a negative PCR test carried out within the 96 hours prior to departure, clearly showing the name and address of the laboratory, as well as the date of the sample taken.

The result must be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form which must be submitted online within the 24 hours prior to arrival. Visitors are asked to download the national contact tracing app, TraceEkee, and use it during their journey.

Tourists are allowed to split stays between hotels. However, if you spend more than 48 hours in the Greater Mal area, you must take another PCR test before moving elsewhere.

Since the discovery of the new UK variant in late December, all travelers arriving from the UK, including transiting passengers, must undergo a 10-day quarantine.

From April 20, fully vaccinated tourists are not required to submit a negative PCR test on arrival or adhere to any quarantine restrictions provided they present proof that their second dose of a vaccine recognized by the World Health Organization was administered at least two weeks prior to travel.

Those who are arriving to work in health facilities, day care centers, schools and residential care services are required to present a negative PCR test on arrival regardless of their vaccination status.

Travelers visiting an island where 60% of the population (including tourist resort/guesthouse and hotel islands) are fully vaccinated will be exempt from quarantine measures.

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What's the Covid situation?

The Maldives has reported a total of 29,052 coronavirus cases and 72 deaths as of April 28.

The country began its roll-out of the India-made AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine on February 1. Hospitality workers were included in the first round of citizens to get vaccinated. Over 380,000 people in the Maldives had received their first dose of the vaccine as of April 28.

Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, the Maldivian Minister of Tourism, has confirmed that the Maldives is developing a "Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation" scheme named "3V" that would allow visitors to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on arrival.

The program won't go ahead until the country's entire population, estimated at just under 550,000, has been fully vaccinated.

What can visitors expect?

The Maldives are selling themselves as a destination offering a "normal" vacation, thanks to the isolation of most hotels and the fact that the vast majority of visitors stay in-resort rather than venture out.

This means that while locals are subject to restrictions, those going to and from the airport are exempt. Split stays between different hotels are allowed, if the hotels meet government requirements. Requests for split stays must be made to the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel.

Expect also for your resort to have some rules -- especially a temperature check on arrival, and masks to be worn indoors. As most items in shops must be shipped to the Maldives, some things can get pricey -- you should bring things like masks and hand sanitizer with you to avoid spending while on the island chain.

Useful links:

Our recent coverage

Wondering what it's like to visit right now? Read this piece, which details the pandemic vacation experience.

If you're planning your trip, check out our list of the best dining experiences. And meet the Maldives' "barefoot pilots." And if a travel bubble is what you want, you're in luck -- the Waldorf Astoria Maldives has just revealed its latest property, a Maldivian private island called Ithaafushi, available for a cool $80,000 a night.

CNN's Julia Buckley, Tamara Hardingham-Gill and Lilit Marcus contributed to this report

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Traveling to the Maldives during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go - Gwinnettdailypost.com

The pandemic has exposed the worst features of our rotten system, With almost 30 lakh active cases and under reported deaths we as a nation are in a mess of our own creation.

If one goes by the report published by Dainik Bhaskar on the deaths in Indore and if those figures are extrapolated on pan India basis with some margin of error the figures of dead would be very very high and mind-blowing.

The media is already awash with heartbreaking images, data and stories showing the failure of the countrys health system in the face of surging infections and deaths. The problem areas in Indias health system have been developing for many years, but we preferred not to see those and shoved them under the carpet, perhaps, Not knowing that a crisis is just brewing round the corner. We even did not take the warnings of First Wave seriously and rather became arrogant.

Only the rich have right to live; Indias health care system.

After decades of under-investment in healthcare and preventive health, India has one of the most privatised health care systems in the world. As a consequence, healthcare costs are not only cause of poverty but also have sandwiched the people between the defunct public sector and the profit-focused private health care shops.

When countries like Vietnam, South Korea, China have successfully contained Covid-19 with fewer deaths, Indias thousands are struggling to find a hospital bed with oxygen supply, are gasping for breath and have died an ignominious death without adequate medical care.

Appallingly, the super-rich have taken advantage of the crisis. When the Covid-19 pandemic initially hit India, it resulted in adversely impacting the earnings of common man. According to non-profit rights group report Oxfam.

Indias 100 billionaires have seen their fortunes increase by Rs 12,97,822 crore since March last year which is enough to give every one of the 138 million poorest Indians a cheque for Rs 94,045 each.

In contrast, daily wage labourers and migrant workers suffered severely due to the pandemic after the nationwide lockdown was announced.

This is a worldwide phenomena. The worlds billionaires increased their wealth from $8 trillion to $10 trillion since March20. In Ireland, the richest 300 have increased their fortunes to 93 billion. These ultra-rich can retreat to their yachts, private islands and mansions for safety, and if needed can quickly access the best of healthcare or are using their substantial political influence to ensure business interests and profit predominate, even during this pandemic illustrating again how backward and unjust society is.

Similarly, As the common man in India struggles to access basic healthcare facilities during the second Covid-19 wave, Reportedly, the wealthy families are fleeing the country. The ultra-rich Indians have successfully managed to distance themselves from the growing health crisis and a majority of them have managed to flee the country arranging private jets to Europe, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean islands, according to a Bloomberg report. The report says -Most of these families are spending at least Rs 1.5 million (over Rs 10 lakh) to book private jets to flee the country. Some are even paying private jet operators for the return leg of the flight if the plane has no bookings, according to the CEO of a private jet firm quoted in the Bloomberg report.

For a country that has almost 85 % population earning approx 10000/-20000/ month, Forget buying a plane ticket, they are struggling to get a bed and oxygen in the hospitals. The affluent and those with Political connections on the other hand comfortably move into a Hospital at short notice.

All this clearly indicates that if the first wave of the pandemichad widened the income gap, the second wave has just exposed it. A Pew Research report from 2021 suggested that Indias poor populationhas doubled from 6 crore to 13.4 crore after the first wave of the pandemic.

The indications are very clear now, the pandemic in its second wave has entered the rural areas and with the monsoons nearby if the farmers are not taken care of we may have a famine-like situation. And the inflation, particularly the Food inflation may just go out of control.

What is needed to be done?

So, we have an urgent problem at hand and the pandemic has compounded the injustices and inequalities. The working class, the poor and the oppressed will continue to die because of government inaction, or more accurately, willful criminal neglect. An economic slump triggered by the pandemic, but caused by deeper contradictions inherent in the capitalist system will also make poverty, oppression, and inequality much worse.

Working-class and young people are fighting for their lives and dying in thousands.

At this stage, passing the buck and blaming China for this biological warfare or to blame the Climate Change or desecration of mother nature or Promised oxygen generation plants not set up or Govt failed to shore up the manufacturing capabilities of vaccines or arrange it through imports or the state governments did not learn from one years experience is not going to serve any purpose, as we have a serious problem whose solution has to be found. We can sort all this out in the next elections.

The scientists have already warned of impending third wave and there are already 5 variants of the virus floating around and on top of that barely 10% of our population has been vaccinated. At the current rate of vaccination, which is about 2.2 million doses administered per day, only 30 percent of the eligible population will be vaccinated fully by the end of this year. If India wants to cover at least 80 percent of its eligible population, i.e., 80 percent of the population above 18 years of age by the end of this year, then it must increase its vaccination rate by about 100 million doses/month

So, in view of this colossal gap, we may even have a Fourth and the fifth wave and the virus would have at least by then have 10 variants.

We need to get organised and mobilised now to break once and for all with this ruinous system that is destroying us.

The suggested course of action.

A famous quote of H L Mencken need to be always kept in mind while dealing with people ; The average man does not want to be free. he simply wants to be safe. So, act ruthlessly in times of crisis and save the lives of the people. This Strategy TTQT must be followed ruthlessly for at least a year plus and vaccination of atleast 80% population by the end of year will only help us all to bring the corona menace under control. The masses are suffering and frustration is brewing.

Views expressed above are the author's own.

END OF ARTICLE

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Pandemic, where are we heading to? - The Times of India Blog

This article is reprinted by permission from The Escape Home, a newsletter for second homeowners and those who want to be. Subscribe here. 2021. All rights reserved.

First, what is glamping? Glamping is outdoor camping and connecting with nature but with more amenities than traditional camping. Theres an element of glamour with the addition of connected bathrooms, comfortable beds and wood-burning stoves.

The data: Glamping has grown nearly 300% among first-timers since the pandemic took hold of the U.S last March. In 2019, approximately 1.2 million newbies began their experience glamping, according to the 2021 North American Camping Report, conducted annually by Kampgrounds of America. That number skyrocketed to over 4.7 million in 2020. And more than 50% of first-time campers and those with children say they want to have a glamping experience in 2021.

Glampings growth is fastest in the dense northeastern part of the U.S., according to Acumen Research and Consulting. Many people who traditionally favored five-star hotels with views of nature want to leave the lobbies and shared elevators behind for wide open spaces.

Have you already booked your summer travel? If youre hoping for a traditional vacation rental think the Jersey Shore or Cape Cod its possible you may be too late. Hot spots for May are nearly completely booked, and whats left is going for a premium.

Enter glamping: Thanks to numerous online booking sites, there is now a greater availability of private, well-situated and relatively unused land open for leisure travelers looking for some peace and quiet and the added benefit of a nearby bathroom.

According to CHM Government Services, as of December 2020, private-sector campgrounds make up over 53% of the campground supply in the U.S. Of the approximately 13,900 privately operated campgrounds and RV parks in the U.S., the states with the highest concentration of establishments are California (8%), Texas (6.7%) and New York (5.6%).

From safari tents to yurts, to tipis and conestoga wagons, there are many setups that potential glampers can choose from. The one thing they all have in common? Already pitched tents and bedding!

Here are some sites to make your search easier. You wont break a sweat because glamping.

Perhaps the most well-known destination for booking glamping sites, Hipcamp, also known as the Airbnb of the camping world, was founded by now-CEO Alyssa Ravasio back in 2013 after one of her camping trips. During the trip, she noticed that there were such great waves along the coast, but her preliminary research hadnt told her about the possibility of surfing at the site, so, as a surfer herself, she was extremely frustrated.

If you have tried booking camping sites recently, you may have had trouble because of the complicated, convoluted state websites that make it frustratingly difficult to acquire spots at the national parks, many of which are free, open to the public and highly coveted.

Traditional-style campsites also tend to lack amenities (or occasionally surprise you with additional amenities, but thats rare) and its hard to be certain what to expect since the websites arent always informative enough.

Thats where Hipcamp comes in. With efficiency and customer satisfaction in mind, the platform was created to provide people with the most information and easiest access to booking. Travelers can filter out locations by those that allow pets, have campfires, water and toilets available or are near lakes or beaches.

For hosts, this site easily allows people to list their private property for rental space, which can be a great source of additional income.

This particular booking site is unique in that it also provides hosts with the ability to set up a Tentrr Signature, or an all-inclusive Tentrr glamping site. These hosts then become listed as a Partner Site on Tentrr. On the other hand, locations where travelers still have to bring their own tent and gear are listed as Backcountry Sites.

As of 2020, Tentrr Signature constituted 70% of the 860 sites Tentrr rents out and made up 90% of its bookings. Turns out not having to lug around heavy equipment and the ability to sleep on a comfortable mattress are enough to convince a lot of people to go glamping.

Founded by Michael DAgostino, a former New York Stock Exchange managing director, Tentrr strikes a deal with private landowners, as per TechCrunch. The landowners pay for the installation of the everything-in-a-box set up and earn 80% of the revenue. Tentrr provides the Adirondak chairs and outdoor sun shower for 20% of the revenue.

Tentrrs site offers customers the option to partake in nearby activities such as rock climbing, water skiing, biking and access to farmers markets and wineries.

With more than 12,500 locations outfitted with log cabins, cabins and luxury domes, GlampingHub is another site that a budding glamper can look to for inspiration. Founded in 2013 by Ruben Martinez, also the founder of the American Glamping Association, GlampingHub pays special attention to what it calls sustainable tourism.

Essentially, a lot of the locations they partner with are eco-friendly, use sustainable construction and serve locally sourced meals.

Besides the usual filters of being pet-friendly and offering wi-fi, this site specifically filters out their locations based on the type of glamping they provide, from tree houses to igloos to private islands, all listed under the Truly Unique. Dont worry, though, if you arent so interested in living in a cave, caboose or caravan for a night, there are the more plain vanilla, options of staying in a cabin or villa.

Feeling apprehensive about glamping because its one letter off from camping and youre used to the luxury lifestyle afforded by five-star hotels and resorts?

Leila Narisetti, 19, felt the same way. Until she realized what exactly glamping entailed.

I was used to the fabulous destination vacations my mom planned since her birthday and my sisters birthdays were within days of each other in the summer. I was very wary of anything outdoorsy since I hate bugs, she said. But, the glamping in the Hudson Valley was great because we had a huge tent, king sized bed, sofa bed, wi-fi, wood-burning stove, attached bath, marshmallows by the fire and a big breakfast every morning.

The only downside? A frog that hung out near the bathroom.

I stared him down every night.

This article is reprinted by permission from The Escape Home, a newsletter for second homeowners and those who want to be. Subscribe here. 2021. All rights reserved.

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Heres how to book a glamorous spot to go glamping - MarketWatch

"Eease into the groove" Cook Island businesses ask Kiwis for patience and to enjoy the restart. Photo / Supplied, Koka Lagoon Cruises

Next Monday, the first jets full of quarantine-free travellers will touch down at Rarotonga airport. The Cook Islands hold a timeless appeal for Kiwi holidaymakers but, following a year of closed borders, some things have changed.

Here are some of the top Cook Islands travel operators and experiences on the Islands on what we can expect from the restart.

Kre e roa atu ana!

One of the most popular day trips on the island of Rarotonga is the day trip into the Muri Lagoon.

Operators Koka Lagoon say they are gearing up ready for the bubble to open next week.

"We are looking forward to coming out of hibernation, it's a strange feeling," said manager Serena Hunter. "Our crew are excited about getting back on the water and entertaining."

While the bookings have been steady, the Koka Lagoon cruises are cautiously optimistic about numbers.

"We are already fielding booking requests for June/July so it may start off a little slowly on the bubble opening next week but it looks like it will pick up from there.

"The cruises for locals during the border closure were few and far between so [the crew] are looking forward to being back on the job."

Part of the restart has involved training and Covid safety procedures, which are familiar following a year of pandemic precautions but a sign that the Cook Islands have not escaped the need for physical distancing and disinfection regimes.

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Koka Lagoon Cruises asks guests to bring their own snorkel gear where possible, but has freshly disinfected masks and breathing pieces available to borrow.

"Our crew along with other industry employees undertook Kia Orana Plus training workshops held by CI Tourism to help prepare for the border opening, and being prepared and health and safety procedures," she said.

"We are so fortunate to have this bubble with New Zealand who have been at the forefront of Covid preparedness and response and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our shores."

For a full day out snorkelling on the lagoon, with a seafood barbecue book at kokalagooncruises.com

The Ariki Adventures run the unique sea-scooter safaris and paddleboard outings on the East coast of Rarotonga. Their electric-powered motors were an instant hit with visitors when first introduced, and are used to propel them through the water and closer to wild life.

Business owner Kave has said it's been a great feeling to have bookings come in again.

Tours will be running from 17 May though in smaller groups, with more modest numbers.

"We forgot what it was like. We've had to turn off so much stuff, now it's a matter of kick starting the bookings and all that sort of things. So, we're looking forward to it," he said.

One of the more surprising outcomes of the pause in operations is the noticeable increase in sea life around the island's lagoons, says Kave.

"In our heyday we were running some big numbers. But over the past year the environment has changed. We've seen a lot more marine life within and on the outside of the lagoon.

"We're running smaller tour sizes to lessen our impact on the environment. We'll be focused on running tours that are good not just for tourists but the sea life as well," he said.

While the bookings are "slow but steady," Ariki Adventures are looking to the winter holidays to bring in more visitors.

"Certainly things are picking up from June onwards. Lots of bookings are coming through for the July School holidays, which is great.

"It's important for us that July Period. We've been kept alive by the government with a subsidy but that finishes at the end of June. We've got to make sure we're all ready."

With regards to what New Zealanders can expect, he asks visitors to have patience and enjoy this historic moment for the Cook Islands.

"I think an important point to note is that we ask Kiwis to be patient with us as we rebuild. We have lost a lot of our workforce to NZ in search of employment and businesses like ours have been in hibernation for a while," says Kave.

"Give businesses time to ease into the groove."

The inter-island plane service Air Rarotonga is still serving the more remote and exotic Cook Islands, though on a limited schedule.

"We are currently adjusting our flight schedules and packages to meet the welcomed increase in demand," says the airline.

While Air Rarotonga aims to add more services through June, the popular Aitutaki day trip is running every Wednesday.

To get some idea of the rich collection of atolls which make up the Cook Islands, the trip is a must do.

The trip is a 10-hours stop on the sandy lagoon island of Aitutaki. The Aitutaki tour departs Rarotonga Airport at 8 am and returning by 5.30 pm, with hotel transport from $493pp.

Packages and flights to other destinations such as jungle-clad Atiu or the reef-bordered Mauke are yet to be restarted, though the airline plans to announce these soon.

Scenic flights are also available to book from Rarotonga Airport.

There is also increased flexibility for bookings made with the airline, should you not be able to make your trip.

"To give you peace of mind, in the event of border restrictions and disruptions, changes can be made free of charge, refundable tickets can be fully refunded, and credits can be issued for non-refundable tickets," says a spokesperson for the airline.

"We can't wait to welcome you Kiwis back."

aitutakidaytour.com

Popular stops for tourists looking for a taste of Cook Islands culture, for the past 13 months the island markets on Rarotonga have been catering to locals.

On the north of the Island, Punanga Nui Market is open Mondays to Saturday, with the main market on Saturdays.

While the focus has recently been more on food and local produce, you'll still be able to pick up traditional souvenirs such as cook island black pearls or a Rito hat.facebook.com/PunangaNuiMarket

When attending the markets, make sure you keep on top of contact tracing. Download the CookSafe+ app and switch Bluetooth on.

On the East coast of Rarotonga, the Muri Night Market is getting ready to reopen.

"We would love to open full time when we are able," said market owner Tu Purua. It had been "hard without tourists," he said.

"It will take time for things to get back into the swing of things here with vendors etc," however the market will soon be announcing a reopening date.

Tara Crocombe who is a managing director for three luxury-end resorts, including Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, says they are up and ready for borders to open.

Catering for the local Cook Island market she says the resorts "served over a thousand meals a day during the busy Easter period, so we are more than ready for the return of the Kiwi and Aussie visitors."

The resorts are hoping for a wider travel bubble with Australia to start soon, not only to open travel to Australian visitors, but to allow Australian airlines to return to the islands."Getting airlift back to pre-COVID levels will be critical to the long-term recovery needed after more than a year of border closures as our tourism industry generates over 85 per cent of the Cook Islands economy," said Crocombe.

Currently welcoming seven services a week from Auckland, pre-pandemic Rarotonga International Airport saw 30 services a week, from JetStar and Virgin Australia alongside Air New Zealand.

"Given the Trans-Tasman travel bubble, we hope that we will be able to welcome back Australian visitors to the Cook Islands shortly thereafter."

Crocombe was also hopeful that the plans for a "Pacifika Air" carrier from Christchurch might eventually materialize in some form to "add more critical marketing and air lift capacity to the Cook Islands overall mix."

On Monday, the New Zealand CAA said Pasifika Air's operator's certificate application is currently on hold.

Many New Zealanders hoping to stay locally and in B&Bs may find that there are sadly, fewer rooms to rent in the Cooks.

"There have been a few homes that were renting short term that have moved to long term," said Liana Scott, president of the Tourism Industry Council.

"These therefore would come out of the market pool until perhaps next year. Unfortunately they just could not hold on any longer and had financial obligations that needed to be met."

However, Scott said many of the operators had successfully managed to pivot to local-needs, providing services like swimming lessons to Cook islanders.

She said the Islands is "abuzz" with the news of quarantine-free travel.

"Yes, the economy has taken a massive hit, but the positivity in its people always seems to shine through."

For more information on the quarantine-free travel bubble between Auckland and Rarotonga, visit the Cook Islands Travel website: cookislands.travel/nzfaq

Read the rest here:

Rarotonga bubble ready: Cook Islands' advice to Kiwi visitors - New Zealand Herald

From France to Greece, Europe's top tourist destinations are gearing up to welcome visitors back this summer after the coronavirus pandemic wrecked last year's season.

The European Commission is working on a "Digital Green Pass" that would provide proof of vaccination and Covid test results, with the aim of making travel easier for people in the European Union and abroad.

The pass may be available from June, but countries are already getting ready for tourists.

Here is a look at the latest situation:

- France -

France was the world's top tourist destination before the pandemic in 2019 with 90 million visitors.

The government launched a multi-million-euro campaign on Tuesday to woo tourists.

Restrictions are gradually being lifted, with France's famous cafe terraces set to reopen on May 19 along with shops, museums and theatres.

Indoor spaces in restaurants and cafes will be allowed to reopen on June 9 with a near total return to normal by the end of the month.

But new restrictions could be imposed if cases exceed 400 infections per 100,000 inhabitants.

- Greece -

Athens last month lifted a seven-day quarantine period for travellers from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

It reopened outdoor cafes and restaurants before France, on May 3.

Now it is hoping to make its idyllic islands Covid-free by giving them priority in the vaccination campaign, giving jabs to their entire adult population earlier than the rest of Greece.

Private beaches reopened Saturday and museums will follow suit on May 14. Outdoor cinemas will do so from May 21 although with reduced capacity and theatres will do the same from May 28.

Cruise ships and passengers will also be welcome at Greek ports, a boon as tourism is worth a 20 percent slice of Greece's GDP, according to the World Trade and Tourism Council (WTTC).

- Spain -

Spain was the second top tourist destination in the world afer France in 2019, with 83.5 million visitors. Visits crumbled by 77 percent last year.

Story continues

Tourism represents 14.1 percent of Spain's economic activity.

Madrid has been a relative refuge for European tourists as bars, museums, restaurants and theatres have been left open since last June. Visitors only need to show a negative virus test over the previous 72 hours.

As of last Sunday, Spaniards can travel outside their region and the country's curfew has been lifted save for the Balearic Islands and Valencia region pending a judicial green light.

- Italy -

Italy plans to introduce its own Covid pass later this month ahead of the EU which will allow travel to every region of the country.

The certificate will be given to people who can show they were vaccinated or previously had Covid-19, or tested negative for the coronavirus.

The document will be available to people outside the EU, said Tourism Minister Massimo Garavaglia.

"The US and Britain represent 30 percent of foreign arrivals in Italy. They are tourists who spend a lot," he said.

Cruises have resumed in Italian ports while bars and restaurants can serve people outside again.

Italy welcomed 64.5 million foreign visitors in 2019, according to the World Tourism Organization.

- Malta -

The Mediterranean island of Malta, which received 2.8 million tourists in 2019, is to offer the first 38,000 visitors 200 euros ($243) towards a minimum three-night hotel stay.

The sum must be spent in the country and will be increased by 10 percent for trips to the isle of Gozo.

Malta may demand that visitors be vaccinated or show a negative Covid test before arrival if Covid-19 is not under control in their country of origin.

Read the original:

Europe woos tourists with cash, cafes and Covid-free islands - Yahoo Singapore News

Michaela Chesin, Banner Staff| Wicked Local

PROVINCETOWN At one pointmanyyears ago, the town-owned almshouse on Alden Streetrequireda large parking lot,and so did a bankat the corner of Commercial and Winthrop streets.

Today, though,in this notoriously compact town,thoseparking lotshavebecome divorced from their original usesand are now part of a rising trendinprivate parking spaces.

This week,aprivateparking spacebehindthe old bankison the market for$89,000.

Anotherprivate spaceat the former almshouse and also the former council on aging and public works building ispriced at$79,000.

Fiveprivatespacesin a single lot locatedfartheraway fromdowntownarepriced at$45,000each.

Theres always several on the market, real estate agent Michael Minore said.

Based on the private parking spaces Minore has sold, residents wanted an additional space for their home, or businesses want a spot for their offices.Hes representing the seller for the $45,000 spaces.

Sometimes they move quickly and sometimes they take a while, he said.

During Principal Assessor Scott Fahles tenure, the highest price for a single parking spacehas been$90,000, which sold last year.In 2017, a tandem space two cars next to each other sold for $140,000, the highest for a tandemin recent years, Fahle said.

Provincetown and Nantucket are the two CapeandIslandstownsto see the rise in privatelysoldparking spaces, Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors Chief Executive Officer Ryan Castle said. That is mostly due to the lack of residences providing on-site parking, Castle said.

Private parking spaces sellat a premiumin cities like Boston and Cambridge, and have existed in Provincetown sinceat least2014,Fahlesaid.

In total, there are 122 deeded parking easements in town spaces not tiedtoa specific housing and business unit, according to town assessing records. Ninety-sixare single spaces and 26 are tandem,according to the records.

Thefiveparking spaces priced at $45,000eachare cheaper than other options because theres less density in that corridor oftown, Minore said.Properties closer to Commercial Streettend to becondominiumswith no on-siteparking, which is why the other two parking spaces currentlyon the market have a premium value, Minore said.

The private parking spaces areinaddition toa handful of other parking options in town. Some property owners offer rented parking spaces. There are private parking lots, where anyone can park forafee.There are alsothe1,066 public parking spacesowned by thetown.

The public parking brings in about $2 million in revenue each summer, andis used tooffsetproperty taxes and pay for capital improvements to the parking lots and parking system, Town Treasurer Alexander Williamssaid.

During the summer season, aresident can buy an annualpublicparking permit forbetween$55to$150, dependingon whethertheywant to park closeto Commercial Street and MacMillan Pier.A visitor, too,can parknearest to Commercial Street for $3.50 an hour, orat a lower hour ratefarther away.

Joel Harms and Bradley Horner bought aprivateparking spaceearlylast yearbecausetheirEast Endhomeon Commercial Streetdidnt come with parking.They had tried to buy a space for a while, Harms said.

Its important to have a spot on that end of town, especially during the [summer] season, Harms, who is a real estate agent, said. There are not many public parking lots on the East End, he said.

Its crazy spending that type of money for a parking spot but in that particular pocket of town, you really dont have a choice, Harms said.

Then inAugust of last year, Harms and Horner sold their house in a bundle with the private parking spot.

We only had the spot a few months before the house sold, Harms said. While it wasnt the intention to sell the house once parking was obtained, it did help with the sale, he said.

These daystheparkingspaces are being sold at higher rates than ever before, Fahle, the town assessor,said.

I am assuming itsa function of the overall real estate market that Provincetown is in the middle of,hesaid.

Many of the parking spaces are sold in combination with a condominium, even thosespacesthat are listed on the market independently, Fahlesaid.

They inflate the condo price, include the parking space and there you go, its a bundle, hesaid.

That bundling of a residence with an off-site parking spacepresents adifficulty for the assessors office,because theresno independent sales data on the spaceitself,Fahle said.

This year, the assessor's office lowered the assessed property valueforasingle parkingspacefrom $60,000 to $37,000. The 38% decrease came afteranevaluation ofthe easements withthelittlemarketdata available, Fahle said.

I know some people buy them to have them because theres such a limited amount. I know some people buy them because they want to someday package them for resale of their condo. Theres a lot of reasons, Fahle said.

The real estateagentsfor thetwo higher pricesparkingspaces currently on the marketsaidtheycould not discuss the listingsdue to client confidentiality.

Onecaveatexists, Fahle said.The use of a private parking spacecan belimiting.

Options such as parkingan RV or a small house on wheelsin the spacewouldbebasedonlyon what is allowed in the propertys master deed,Fahle said.

Its not one of those open-ended thingswell, alright, Iown aspace. I can do what I want with it, he said.

More:

Private parking spaces in Provincetown near $100K each in densest parts of town - Wicked Local