Travel News You Can Use
By Judy Newell July 11, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

International News

Burma alert updated

On June 9, the State Department updated its Travel Alert on Burma (Myanmar). The alert advises Americans to defer nonessential travel to the Irrawaddy Delta region of the country.

The Burmese government has restricted access to this area for all but authorized relief workers. 

The environment in Rangoon, Burma’s most populous city, and other areas outside of the Irrawaddy Delta has gradually improved. Electrical power and water supply have been restored in most areas and markets are now operating normally. The harder-hit Irrawaddy Delta region is still without many basic necessities and the risks of disease outbreaks remain high.

Travel alert for Zimbabwe

The US State Department issued a Travel Alert indicating safety and security concerns in Zimbabwe and advising US citizens to consider relocating if necessary to ensure their security during the upcoming election period. The department continues to recommend deferral of all nonessential travel to Zimbabwe at this time. 

Foreign visitors should be particularly cautious when using still, video or telephone cameras in any urban setting, or in the vicinity of any political activity, as this could be construed by Zimbabwean authorities as presenting oneself as an accredited journalist, a crime punishable by arrest, incarceration and/or deportation. American citizens in Zimbabwe should register with the US Embassy. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling (888) 407-4747 in the US or (202) 501-4444 outside the US and Canada. 


Hotels

Hilton launches new pet program

Hilton Hotels and Resorts plan to welcome dogs and cats into hotels in the Americas by this summer. Later plans are to roll out its Pet Friendly program to various hotels in its international portfolio.

Each pet-friendly room is loaded with amenities designed exclusively for Hilton by artist William Wegman (best known for his photographs of Weimaraner dogs). The Hilton Pet Friendly collection will include a stain-, water- and microbial-resistant pet bed, as well as food and water bowls with placemat, and an exclusive pet amenity kit complete with dog waste clean-up bags and treats. 

Participating Hiltons will also offer pet concierge service with information about local dog runs, veterinarian offices and pet boutiques. A select amount of Pet Friendly rooms will be designated in each participating Hilton hotel and, along with the standard room cleaning procedures, the rooms will undergo a deep cleaning—including carpets, drapery and all upholstered furniture— after each pet guest has checked out. All Pet Friendly rooms will feature a special door hanger alerting hotel staff to the furry guest within. 

When will Mexico’s hotels recognize this trend?

Judy Newell, a writer and travel industry executive, heads the custom tour company Perfect Journeys that specializes in luxury and adventure travel. Contact her with comments or suggestions at JudyNewell_03@msn.com  or go to her website www.PerfectJourneys.net.