ADMITTEDLY, this is LONG but important.  It’s more expensive ever to be a traveler, and that’s not just about airfare or hotel prices. In the past 12 months, several destinations have announced tax tourists coming into their cities, ports, or regions, aimed at balancing the need for tourism to boost economies with the interests of the local people, environment, and infrastructure. The taxes come as an anti-tourism sentiment starts growing in some destinations in Europe, most notably Spain, which saw locals burst into anti-tourism protests in several cities over the last few weeks with locals blaming mass tourism for the rising cost of living. 
Here are some of the most notable tourist taxes announced in just the past 12 months (list is updating as more are announced):
Aruba Sustainability Fee: Aruba launched a $20 sustainability fee for air passengers flying into Aruba at the beginning of July. All visitors aged 8 and older must now pay through the country’s Embarkation & Disembarkation (ED) Card platform before airline check-in. The funds are being used to “upgrade the existing sewage water treatment plants and infrastructure as well as building a new, larger one to handle future demand,” according to Aruba Tourism Authority. 
Baja California Sur’s Tourist Tax : Mexico’s Baja California Sur is set to charge international travelers a mandatory $25 visitor tax, a fee that had been voluntary, starting in October.
Bali’s Tourist Tax: Starting this past February, Bali started charging all inbound foreign tourists a new tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah (around ($9.60 USD or $12.90 CAD). Bali’s tax included children headed not just to Bali, but also its surrounding areas, and applied to all ways of travel (land, cruise, or air).Bali said the taxes would go towards “protecting the nature of Bali,” including the environment and the culture on the islands.
Barcelona Cruise Tax: Currently, Barcelona charges a 7 euro (around $7.60) fee for all inbound cruise passengers, but that could soon increase. In June, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni said that the plan is to “substantially [increase] the tax for stopover cruise passengers,” meaning passengers who are in the city for less than 12 hours. 
Barcelona Tourist Tax:  Barcelona has been charging a tourist tax since 2012, which will increase starting in October. Starting then, visitors to Barcelona will have to pay a 4 euro fee on top of the regional tourist tax. The tax is added to hotel bills and doesn’t need to be paid ahead of time.
Galapagos:  Entry FeeStarting Aug. 1, 2024, the entry fee to Galapagos National Park is doubling to $200. There is a reduced fee for children under 12.
Greece’s Climate Tax: Announced in January, Greece is now charging a new climate tax for tourists that it said will fund disaster recovery projects in the country. The tax replaced a previously existing tourist tax.
The climate tax is added to the payment for stays at any type of accommodation, including all villas, hotels, and rentals. The standard tax, charged during the off-season, ranges from 50 cents to 4 euros per night ($.54 to $4.34). The new climate tax for high season depends on the type of accommodation and reaches up to 10 euros ($10.85) per night for stays at 5-star hotels. 
Lisbon Tourist and Cruise Tax:  Authorities in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, recently approved an increase in its tourist tax that will go into effect in September—starting then, tourists heading into the city will have to pay a 4 euros fee, up from 2 euros.
At the same time, Lisbon is increasing tax on cruise ship passengers, doubling it from 1 euro to 2 euros, also in September.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas said in July that the increases are coming because of the need to balance “the externalities of tourism” with the quality of life for locals.
New Zealand Cruise Tax Increase:  In July 2024, the New Zealand government took aim at the cruise industry, with a hefty hike on border processing fees for cruise ship guests that amounts to an 88% increase.Starting Dec. 1 the processing fee per cruise ship passenger will go from NZ$11.48 to NZ$21.54.
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and the New Zealand Cruise Association have hit back, both at the staggering increase and the government’s lack of notice to the industry.
Quintana Roo Cruise Tax:  While not live yet, Mexico’s Quintana Roo will start charging a $5 tax to all passengers arriving via cruise ship starting in 2025. According to Quintana Roo, the funds collected will be held in a disaster relief fund.
Quintana Roo Tourist Tax:  Quintana Roo’s cruise passenger tax might not be live yet, but its foreign visitor tax for other travelers has been live since April 2021. All visitors aged 4 and up are required to pay the tax, which is around $10 to $11 per person.
The tax can be paid either at kiosks at the arrival airport, or online via Visitax.
U.S. Virgin Islands Cruise Tax for Royal Caribbean:  In October 2023, the USVI launched a new tax of $5 per passenger on all Royal Caribbean Group brands docking at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas. This includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.
According to the Virgin Islands Consortium, the Capital Cost Recovery Charge (CCRC) goes towards funding “significant capital improvement projects” at the terminal. These include the construction of a third cruise ship pier.
Venice’s Day Tripper Tax:  Venice just wrapped up its day-tripper tax pilot program, which charged day-trippers coming into the city a tax of 5 euros ($5.45) from April through July 2024. In total, Venice collected 2.2 million euros ($2.4 million) from the tax. While it didn’t seem to do so much to curb overtourism, the expectation is that the city will look to install the tax permanently.
Venice also limited the size of tourist groups at the end of 2023, in another effort to curb tourism

"Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping Devices): It is illegal for travelers to bring electronic cigarettes (vaping devices) and all vaping solutions to Mexico. Customs will confiscate vaping devices and solutions and travelers could be fined or arrested. Avoid delays and possible sanctions by not taking these items to Mexico. "

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html

BURGUNDY WINE COUNTRY & CHATEAUS
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In my business, we see lots of special places. And the destinations at the top of our list all have a few things in common. Natural beauty, culture (with a small 'c'), a welcoming touch of humanity...and a kicker.
I'm writing to let you know that we have found a real gem in France, in the very heart of Burgundy. Prices range for a group of up to 12 plus there are Mini Meet Times of the year where smaller groups can meet together, making new friends and stay in this luxury 16th century Manor House, you can still experience and enjoy all that a larger group w. Tours are arranged throughout the area to see and experience wineries and so much more. Join in a diverse group of fellow wine and food enthusiasts to enjoy this unique Burgundian experience. Air and car rental are separate and we can help with that as well. Book now for 2025, there is some limited availability for August thru October of 2024, The Domaine de Cromey, sitting among the vines in a peaceful valley to the south of Beaune, is a luxury sixteenth-century manor house estate dedicated to the food, wine and beauty of Burgundy. With six en-suite air-conditioned rooms, in a compound around a courtyard within acres of a walled park, the Domaine de Cromey offers discreet comfort and quiet sophistication in a tranquil setting from a bygone era.
Cromey ticks all the boxes. Rolling hills and pastoral calm. The legacy of history from the Romans to the great Dukes of Burgundy. Masterful cuisine from the estate's kitchens. Private chefs, luxury tours, attentive personal service.  And the kicker, of course: the finest wines in the world:   Burgundy.
Cromey is hands-down the best way to visit Burgundy and to explore the world of Burgundy wine.
We can help to get you there. www.epictraveljourneys.com
and fill out our contact form. Merci beaucoup!

#burgundywine #frenchchateau #winetoursfrance #cookingclassesinfrance #luxurytours

Shoes on the Danube in Budapest.  History does not need to ever repeat itself, , however, when we read about Ukraine and Russia plus Israel and Hamas--the on going problems are on our minds.  Someone recently was on a river cruise and noted the Shoes on the Danube.  When you are in Budapest it behooves everyone to take the time to drop by this area on the Danube and think about History and the World today.  I don't know the person who wrote this, but I've been there and kick myself for not writing about the circumstances and people myself.  So, when you take your next River Cruise on the Danube - no matter which Company you go with, keep this in mind--it's not a tour but walkable from all areas where the ships dock. It is not far from the Hungarian Parliament building, sit sixty pairs of old-fashioned shoes, the type people wore in the 1940s, belonging to men, women and children. This story is so relevant even though it happened 80 years ago, that despite its dark past, it needs to be retold. May it never happen again.

In the winter of 1944-45, with the continued persecution of Jews everywhere, particularly in Europe, those with the dreaded gold star attached to their clothing were rounded up and brought to the edge of the Danube River… the river that dissects Buda and Pest (Budapest) to be killed. Women, men, children. It mattered not. These victims were either shot or tied together, and thrown into the frigid water. Before that happened, they were ordered to remove their shoes at the river’s edge. Many were unaware until it was happening, just why they were being mandated thusly. Soon, horrifically, it became clear. Although their lives were apparently worthless to their captors, their shoes held value. 

The Shoes On The Danube Promenade, featuring 60 pairs of iron shoes (men, women, children) sits just a short distance from the Parliament Building and is a grim reminder of the baseless slaughter of thousands of innocent people. The Danube River became known as The Jewish Cemetery.

In 2005 the memorial was placed at the river’s edge. It is a reminder to all of us as we come to pay our respects, that these shoes are not a photo opportunity. They are an invitation to truly reflect on who each pair of shoes might have represented. Who might have worn these shoes? A music teacher? A construction worker? A young student? In a different time and place, could it be me?

These memorials we see on our travels hold history. They tell us a story if we are only listening.

#myvikingstory #budapest #kadlin #capitalsofeasterneurope

Travel to Mexico has gotten more popular, don't wait to book your Vacation.  People are also worried about seaweed - this may  help somewhat. It is still a great time to head to Cancun (the 7 shape towards the top); Costa Mujeres (above that) ; Even Better on Isla Mujeres (the island at the top); Playa Del Carmen area and one side of Cozumel!  Please remember that this changes from day to day and hour to hour so don't let it stop you from travel.

Also keep in mind a LOT of the Riviera Maya are installing (or have installed) sargassum barriers to keep the majority of it from reaching the beaches, and are cleaning the beaches as quickly as possible 

Viva la Mexico!!

Ah, river cruising - the perfect antidote to the crowded, impersonal experience of a typical ocean cruise. If you're craving a more intimate, immersive way to see the world, then a river cruise should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
Why Consider a River Cruise?
River cruises offer a completely different vibe from their oceangoing counterparts. With smaller, boutique-style ships that carry far fewer passengers, you'll enjoy a much more personalized experience. The pace is slower, allowing you to really soak in the sights and culture of the regions you're visiting.
You'll dock right in the heart of cities and towns, so you can easily step off the ship and start exploring. No more long rides from the port to your destination - with a river cruise, the journey is the destination. You'll have the chance to wander charming cobblestone streets, visit local markets, and interact with the friendly residents who call these riverside communities home.
How River Cruises Differ from Ocean Cruises
Beyond the intimate, immersive experience, river cruises also differ from ocean cruises in a few key ways:

• Smaller Ships: River cruise ships typically hold between 100-200 passengers, compared to the massive 3,000+ capacity of ocean liners.


• Closer to Shore: Ocean cruises tend to spend a lot of time out at sea, while river cruises keep you in closer proximity to land, allowing for more time exploring onshore.


• Included Excursions: Many river cruise lines include guided shore excursions in the price of your ticket, so you can dive deeper into the local culture without any added costs.

Suggested River Cruises to Try
With so many amazing rivers to explore around the world, it's tough to narrow it down. But if I had to recommend a few river cruise experiences to put on your radar, I'd suggest:

1. The Danube River: Cruise through the heart of Europe, taking in the stunning architecture and rich history of cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Regensburg.


2. The Nile River: Sail along the legendary Nile, uncovering the ancient wonders of Egypt as you go.


3. The Seine River: Glide through the French countryside, stopping to explore the charming villages and world-renowned vineyards of Normandy.

Ready for your river cruise? Contact us at [email protected] or call us at (541) 622-8284