September 21, 2007, Travel News You Can Use, By Judy Newell

Archaeologists in Mexico City have their fingers crossed, hoping that an excavation now underway contains a royal Aztec tomb. If it does, this will be the first tomb of an Aztec ruler ever uncovered.

The underground chambers are thought to contain the remains of Ahuizotl (Ah-WEE-zoh-tul), the last Aztec ruler to complete his reign before the Spanish Conquest. They lie 15 feet below ground, just off Mexico City’s central plaza or zócalo. Archaeologists uncovered a monolith at the site last October and imaging equipment detected rooms beneath the stone that could be burial chambers. Nearly a year after the initial discovery, archaeologists are still waiting. The entryway to the tomb is flooded with water, making excavation slow and painstaking. And engineers are still grappling with removal of the monolith, which must be completed before the chambers underneath can be explored.

This is the first time archaeologists have been able to excavate in the zócalo area. It’s known that the Aztecs cremated and buried their rulers there. But because the Spanish built their own city atop the Aztec center, excavating hasn’t been allowed, as it would destroy Spanish colonial buildings that are historically valuable in their own right. A 1985 earthquake damaged one colonial building so severely that it was torn down, giving experts the opportunity to check what lay beneath it.

If Ahuizotl’s tomb is found, it will be a major coup for Mexican archaeology. His tomb is likely to provide valuable information not only about Aztec royalty, but also about the empire itself at the height of its power.

Cancun’s Élan Resort offers 40% off fall stays

Cancun’s Élan Resort & Spa is offering savings of up to 40 percent off on fall stays. From now through December 20, 2007, a deluxe room for two at this all-inclusive resort is only US$300. That price includes all meals and beverages, round-trip airport transfers, nightly entertainment, unlimited exercise classes, use of the fitness center, sauna and steam rooms, tennis courts and equipment, water sports equipment, beach and pool lounges and towels.

The resort also provides a half-hour “Élan massage” and covers all hotel taxes and service charges. The deluxe room goes up to US$500 on December 21 and will be US$450 from January 3 to March 28, 2008.

Canada has warned the US that the deadline for the requirement of passports at land crossings is unrealistic. A document was sent to US officials asking that seniors be exempted because they pose a low security risk and may not be able to afford passports because of limited financial resources.

They should be allowed into the US with a government-issued ID and proof of citizenship.

This concession has already been made for children 15 and under. The document also stresses that the US does not give enough time for either country to process requests for passports or produce new alternative documents for travelers. The new requirements are due to go into effect no later than July 2008. About 85 percent of all border crossings by Canadians are by land but fewer than 60 percent of those have passports. About 90 percent who travel by air have passports.

American veterans of the Vietnam War probably never thought they’d see the day. Vietnam is jumping onto the international travel scene with a bang and suddenly winning all kinds of accolades for best new hotels, lavish spa resorts, etc.

Tour companies are falling all over themselves to get guests to Vietnam. In fact, it may be the hottest emerging international travel destination right now, period.

If you have a hankering for the exotic you are in luck because in July—I kid you not—the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail was launched. Running from north to south, the trail currently includes seven stops, tying together Vietnam’s best courses and resorts. It features the famed Dalat Palace Golf Club, a mile-high gem and the only wall-to-wall bent grass course in Southeast Asia. It was laid out in the 1920s for Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam.

Europeans, Australians, Singaporeans and Hong Kongers have long flocked here for the country’s tropical climes, its thousand-mile coastline and affordability. You can expect gorgeous settings and wonderful hotels in Vietnam—all with a lot of bang for the devaluating American travel buck.

Vatican Airlines to bring pilgrims to Israel

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has cut a marketing deal with Vatican Airlines to bring pilgrims to Israel. The flights will be marketed to young religious Italians and it is expected the flights will bring thousands of pilgrims to Israel in the coming months. The Ministry has put together some attractive tours covering classic holy Christian sites as well as resorts in Tel Aviv and a visit to the Dead Sea. Tours will cost about 10% less than other tours.

China poised to take over as global gambling leader

Las Vegas long has been the capital of hedonistic excess, but the city might meet its match with the opening of the Venetian Macao Resort, the world’s biggest casino. The 3,000-suite project is one of 14 hotels the US operator, Las Vegas Sands Corp., is building in Macao. The new construction, estimated at $10 billion to $12 billion, also is among a number of new gambling complexes in Macao.

Macau is the only place in gambling-mad China where casinos are legal. If the Venetian succeeds according to analyst estimates, it will help double Macau’s annual gaming income to $13.7 billion by 2010.

Cruise News

Mariner to voyage around South America

Royal Caribbean announced the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship will make a 46-night voyage around South America to get to its new home port on the West Coast. Mariner will begin the journey Jan. 4, 2009. “Mariner will offer a remarkable experience for vacationers as they visit the must-see destinations of South America,” said Alice Norsworthy of Royal Caribbean International.

Sources: ARTA, OSSN, USA Today, Mexico Insider, Modern Agent

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 .