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📬️ In Today’s Email

WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP

1] US State Department renews travel warnings on Mexico
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for Americans planning to travel to Mexico for spring break due to an increase in crime and COVID-19 cases. After 4 Americans were kidnapped, two of which were killed, while the remaining two are back in the U.S.

The Mexican government has increased security measures in response to the recent kidnappings. Warnings have been issued for states like Quintana Roo where Cancun is located and Baja California Sur where Los Cabos is. The State Department has also given “do not travel” warnings for Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Zacatecas.

“The travel advisory for Tamaulipas state remains at level four -- do not travel.
We encourage Americans to heed that advice,” Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department, said on Tuesday.

2] Zombies Rising in USA
"Tranq" or xylazine, is on the rise as a recreational drug in the USA. Xylazine, which is commonly used as a sedative for animals, has been linked to severe side effects such as skin rotting and zombie-like symptoms in humans. xylazine-related overdoses have increased significantly in several states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.
There were over 6,500 xylazine overdose deaths in the United States in 2021, an increase of nearly 50% from the previous year.

3] Japan’s Resurgence of Tourism
Japan is experiencing a resurgence of tourism, as well as a boost in consumer sentiment. The increase in visitors is attributed to the country's effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has given travelers confidence in the safety of travel to Japan.

the Japanese government is planning to launch a new tourism campaign to further promote travel within the country. The positive developments in tourism and consumer sentiment are seen as a welcome development for the Japanese economy, which has been struggling due to the pandemic. The increased demand for travel is also expected to provide a much-needed boost to the country's hospitality and tourism industries.

COVID-19 WATCH

1. "Germany Takes Bold Step in Reopening Society by Removing Most COVID-19 Measures” READ

2. "US to Relax COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Chinese Visitors” READ

TRAVEL MEME of the Week

💡 TIPS FOR TRAVEL

1. Choose the right suitcase - The bigger the suitcase, the more you’ll want to fill it. Figure out the nature of your travel, the duration of stays, then shortlist items accordingly.

2. Stay organized with Packing Cubes - You are going to save a lot of time while unpacking, & repacking. No need to rummage through to find what you need. They help keep your belongings neatly stored & conveniently organized.

3. Use the Pillowcase hack - Stuff clothes in the zippered pillowcase, then cover it with the regular pillowcase. A lot of travelers don’t know this, now you have more room in your bag for other items, you’ve got a pillow to sleep with on your flight, & you got to bring those 10 extra outfits you swear you’re actually going to wear.

SPOTLIGHT SELECTS

Nestled in Central America, this "rich coast” is popular among backpackers & expats, alike. Plenty of adventures to choose from like climbing the most active volcanoes, traversing through dense rainforests, walking along the vast sandy coastlines, discovering huge waterfalls. etc

1. FOR THE CULTURE - San Jose, 
Coffee tours, learn the entire process of costa rican coffee.

2. FOR THE ADVENTURE - Monteverde, 
for a hike in forests. Activities for zipline through or skywalk across are available.

3. FOR THE CUISINE - Gallo pinto 
is a popular dish made with leftover white rice and black beans combined with finely chopped onion, red pepper, and cilantro and seasoned with Salsa Lizano.
Ordering - “Quiero un gallo pinto por favor”

TRAVEL & BEYOND

1. Festivals - India celebrated Holi, the festival of colors on 8th of March along with.. International Womens Day coming on the same day

2. Champions league - Bayern claimed a 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain F.C. on Wednesday

3. Chris rock answers the slap, in a new netflix special selective outrage.

4. The Moon Phase TikTok trend involves users showcasing the different phases of the moon using different props and creative effects. Here’s how to play

GUESS THE PLACE

Which country is known as the land of rivers ?
(Answer revealed in next issue)

- A - - - A - - - H

Hint - 10 letters, think South Asia.

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