Travel Briefs

January 2021 issue

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.

The information includes what you need to take with you before boarding your flight and what procedures you can expect once you reach your destination. This can include COVID-19 testing, quarantining and more.

January 2021 issue

‘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. It further ruled that “emotional support animals” are not a category of service animal, which they defined as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.”

Unusual emotional-support animals on planes, such as pigs, peacocks, ducks and others, have made news in the last few years. After some animals displayed bad behavior during flights, such as aggression and not being...

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January 2021 issue

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.

The UAE signed an accord with Israel on Sept. 15 recognizing it as a country. Citizens of the two countries, along with Bahrain, which recognized Israel in an agreement also ratified on Sept. 15, now may travel to each other’s nations. Before the accord, Israeli passports were not accepted as...

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January 2021 issue

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, so viewers can focus on spectacular astronomical objects.

At the observatory, open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and 11-9 Fri.-Sat., visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, including virtual-reality experiences. Entry €5 (near $6). Anyone wanting to look through the telescope must book a...

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January 2021 issue

‘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. The “room” must offer unimpeded views of the sky, which means being entirely outside, under a glass roof or surrounded by a clear pod.

A stay at a Million Stars hotel can be booked July through October, depending on the location and type of accommodation. Only a single overnight...

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January 2021 issue

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.

Dateless Departure purchasers also will benefit from virtual pre-trip briefings with tour leaders, health experts and local guides, and they will be joined by a professional photographer on the trip.

If a traveler is unable to meet the schedule of the first trip, which Exodus estimates...

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January 2021 issue

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. Travelers can choose a 7-, 10- or 14-day trip or a specialized trip (foodie, nature, luxury, etc.). Each trip guide includes suggestions for enhancing or extending certain sections.

January 2021 issue

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.

The first areas designated Green Zones, created on Nov. 18, were two clusters of hotels along the Dead Sea and another in the resort area of Eilat on the Red Sea. To enter them, a visitor must prove he took a test within the previous 48 hours. Alternatively, rapid-response tests will be available at entry points. Testing is free for anyone with a hotel reservation.

According to reports, anyone who tests positive will...

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