Hawaii opens its doors to vacationers. However, there are still several protocols that tourists need to follow.

On 15 October, Hawaii started providing visitors an easier alternative. Instead of requiring tourists to undergo a 14-day quarantine, would-be visitors must undergo testing, at least 72 hours before mainland departure, proving that they are free from the COVID-19 virus. Although this new Safe Travels protocol was supposed to start on the first day of September, the State of Hawaii had to suspend the program due to the sudden spike in cases. Yet, does Hawaii really want visitors now?

“I want people to come if they are fully prepared to test, know that they are healthy and are prepared to wear a mask,” mentions Lt Gov Josh Green, one of the leaders of the program. “If they do all those things, we are excited to resume our relationship with old friends,” he continues. He adds, however, that “…we are very mindful of risk, and we’re just trying to begin the process of a healthy restoration of our economy. We are not pushing for any large numbers. We just want to begin to kind of shake off the rust.”

To participate in the program—and to be given the chance to enter the state, all would-be visitors are required to undergo testing. This is a mandatory protocol that includes testing children who are aged 5 and above. Aside from the tests being done at least 72 hours before leaving the mainland, they should also be undertaken by accredited testing centers or health care agencies.

Green advises travelers to consult their chosen accredited testers regarding their own testing protocols. He mentions that some of these testing centers do not provide testing for children. Some merely offer COVID-19 tests to children who are 12 years old and above.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 home testing kits from Hawaiian Airlines can also be used for testing purposes. Vault Health mentions that children can do their saliva-based COVID-19 test, as well. Big airline companies that provide Hawaii flights also offer travelers the option to take the test at the accredited clinics or have them done at the airports. They can also opt to do the home tests, as well.

A few of these airlines provide faster test results, too. For a fee of $250, United Airlines offers rapid testing at the San Francisco International Airport. For this kind of test, results are provided in a few minutes. Travelers can also obtain the tests from Walgreens and CVS.

However, the tests may only allow travelers to enter Hawaii. Traveling between islands may require vacationers to undergo additional COVID-19 tests, though. This is a protocol that applies not only to tourists but to Hawaiians, as well. They will also need to do the necessary 14-day quarantine each time they reach a new island.

Additionally, a second COVID-19 test may be requested from visitors, four days after arriving in Hawaii. This allows the government to make sure that visitors are, indeed, negative from the virus. Records suggest that 1 out of 1000 visitors are known to have come up positive during the retesting.

If you want to get away for a relaxing Mexican vacation, there’s no better place to do it than Valle De Guadalupe.

Known as the “Napa Valley” of Mexico, Valle De Guadalupe is situated in the northern part of Baja California, just a short trip from Tijuana. If you live in Southern California, it’s the perfect place for a weekend trip, but people from all over should consider it as a vacation destination.

Today, we’re going to talk about 5 unforgettable things you need to experience in Valle De Guadalupe. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the beach or visit some world-class wineries, Valle De Guadalupe has got you covered.

1. Let Your Inner Wine Lover Out

The main reason Valle De Guadalupe is such a popular tourist destination is becuase of its nickname – the “Napa Valley” of Mexico. It’s one of the largest producers of world-class wine in the world (the Baja California region produces 70% of Mexico’s wine), so oenophiles flock from all around to visit the amazing wineries in the region, take tours, and even visit museums.

There’s no shortage of wine tours available to keep you busy for your entire stay, if that’s what you’re looking for. The wineries range from small family owned establishments to world-renowned wine brands, so you’ll be able to experience the full breadth of the Mexican wine industry.

2. Try Some World-Class Restaurants

Where there’s wine, there’s usually fine dining, so you won’t be surprised to find some of the best restaurants in Mexico in Valle De Guadalupe. The best thing to do is get some research done ahead of your trip and pick the restaurants you want to try, becuase you won’t be able to visit them all.

If you want to play it by ear, you might benefit from asking some of the locals where they eat. There’s no better way to experience Baja California than by doing as the locals do.

3. Enjoy An Excursion Through the Country Side

Once you’ve got your fill of great food and wine, you might want to see some of the natural beauty that surrounds the area. Fortunately, there are a couple of unforgettable sightseeing options available to you.

Fans of offroading will enjoy both the ATV or Moto Tour of Valle De Guadalupe. These allow you to experience a fun jaunt through the countryside with a trained guide. Just remember to go before you’ve had too much to drink.

Another important aspect to consider when preparing to go on an atv trip is maintenance. Take your atv into an atv repair shop to make sure it is in tip top shape before going out. There’s not much worse than getting out on the trail, sometimes miles out, and having engine trouble.

4. Or Fly Over It

If you’re not an offroad lover, then you’ve still got one amazing sightseeing option. Try out a hot air balloon ride over the valley and you’ll be treated to some truly unbelieveable views of the town and the surrounding country side, which is covered in expansive wineries. This is a serious bucket list experience.

Enjoy Your Trip to Valle De Guadalupe

So, why not make Valle De Guadalupe your next vacation destination. Not only will you be able to cross a few things off your bucket list, like taking a hot air balloon ride or visiting a tiny Mexican winery, but you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the natural beauty as well. There’s enough to do for a longer vacation, but it’s close enough for a weekender as well, which is what makes this Mexican Napa Valley so special.

If you enjoyed this post, come back again for more on travel, food, and wine.

Portugal bags the “world’s longest pedestrian bridge” title as the structure got completed in July 2020.

Designed by Itecons, a Portuguese studio, the bridge took around three years to get completed. In July 2020, the structure was finally finished. The beautiful edifice is located at Geopark’s eastern part. It is close to the villages of Canelas, Espiunga, and Alvarenga. It is also near the Paiva Walkways and the Vau and Areinho river beaches.

According to the Arouca Municipality local council’s statement, “This bridge aims at targeting the interest of different types of people: engineering lovers, nature connoisseurs, people who are fond of extreme experiences.”

Arouca Bridge Spans 1700 Feet

To date, the Arouca 516 stole the “longest pedestrian bridge” title, spanning far longer than the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge located in Switzerland that measures 1,621 feet. The Switzerland bridge offers breathtaking views of the famous Weishorn, Matterhorn, and Bernese Alps.

In contrast, the Arouca bridge measures 1700 feet. It provides visitors with an enthralling view of green, verdant mountains below. The bridge’s floor allows people to look through, as well. Because it’s a hanging bridge, however, people who are afraid of heights may find the experience scary and dangerous as the bridge sways depending on the movements made by the pedestrians and the wind.

In the United States, SkyBridge of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is considered the longest pedestrian bridge in the country. Stretching 680 feet, it spans across a valley in the Great Smoky Mountains. This bridge was opened to the public in May 2019. However, it was briefly closed in June 2020 when a visitor accidentally cracked the floor as he attempted to do a baseball-style slide that damaged part of the bridge’s glass panels.

No Opening Date Yet

The Portugal bridge’s opening date has not been announced yet. Tickets have not been provided yet either. However, expectant visitors are waiting for the local council’s opening announcement as the new Portuguese bridge offers tourists, travelers, and adventurers with another destination to look forward to.

Lengthy Pedestrian Bridges in the World

Various hanging, pedestrian bridges are found all around the world. These bridges are typically used to connect different land masses, specifically in places disconnected by huge bodies of water or areas where no nearby roads are found. They provide people with the convenient means to travel from one place to another.

These lengthy pedestrian bridges, however, are normally used to enjoy the breathtaking experience, especially for thrill-seekers, of remaining suspended in the air while taking in the gorgeous views bestowed by such heights.

Aside from the lengthy footbridges found in Portugal, Switzerland, and the United States, other long pedestrian bridges are Russia’s Sochi SkyBridge, France’s Aiguille du Midi Bridge, the Philippines’ Tigbao Hanging Bridge, Malaysia’s Taman Negara National Park Bridge, Canada’s Capilano Suspension Bridge, Nepal’s Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Spain’s El Caminito Del Rey, Germany’s Marienbrucke, Northern Ireland’s Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Japan’s Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Grand Suspension Bridge. Like the Arouca 516, these bridges are popular tourist attractions, as well.