Presently June 2022 Travel News
June 2022 Travel News and Tips – festivities and beauty in all forms plus flip flops, barefoot dances, and wind-tousled hair …
June 2022 is the first of the summer months and with it brings festivities and beauty in all forms. From Royal celebrations, Father’s Day (Sunday June 19), Juneteenth (Sunday June 19, USA), Pride Month to Summer Solstice, summer flowers and longer days for BBQ evenings. The beauty of June is to be found in the simple pleasures of flip flops, sunbathing on luxury catamaran or sand in between your toes on a vast stretch of golden or white sandy beaches. Blowing bubbles with our kids, water fountains and let’s not forget the soft serves!
As wonderful as the month of June is and we are feeling the higher temperatures and humidity of the season in London already, the heatwave has come a lot sooner than expected — it is a worrying sign of climate change that calls for everything we could do to save our Earth.
However, the Southern Hemisphere enjoys the changing colours of the season as it moves from autumn to winter. With Winter Solstice on either June 20 or 21 marking the shortest daylight hours. With cooler and fresher days, the countries in the Southern Hemisphere are a haven for those who want to escape the humidity of the Northern Hemisphere.
The month of June also tells us that these beautiful long days are gone before you know it — and soon, you shall be in the second half of the year.
Related reading: Read about the origins of June, birthstone, birthflowers, myths, legends, traditions, celebrations, superstitions along with rhymes, quotes and sayings — Presently June 2021
Welcome to Presently June 2022, our monthly e-column
1 | JUNE 2022 AND LONDON UK
June had never looked more beautiful than it does now in London! With Union Jacks and floral colours everywhere you go in London, the charming city London is amazingly beautiful.
In the United Kingdom, June 2022 began with the 4-day bank holiday weekend (Thursday June 2 to Friday June 5, 2022) to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The long weekend offered many opportunities for us to come together to celebrate the unprecedented anniversary as well as to travel abroad or enjoy a staycation.
If you are considering travels in the coming months, you may find the following travel news useful.
2 | JUNE 2022 TRAVEL NEWS | COUNTRIES WELCOMING VISITORS
As summer gets underway, travel seems to return to some normalcy with more countries loosening their Covid-19 restrictions.
2.1 | UNITED STATES
As of June 12, 2022, all travel restrictions to and within the United States have been lifted. Travellers are no longer required to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. The rules as to mask wearing are not definitive at present. For example, New York City airports such as JFK still require mask wearing indoors. Some airlines may also require mask wearing during flights. Therefore, please check for the latest guidelines offered by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as regards mask wearing during flights and in public transportation.
Travelling to the USA as a Visitor
Non US citizens or non Green Card holders travelling to the USA requires that you get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. An ESTA is valid for 2 years and allows for multiple entries. Apply for your ESTA via iVisa for instant delivery or from the official website of the US Customs and Border Protection.
NB: An ESTA does not entitle you to automatic entry to the USA. You will need to go through border control at point of arrival.
Our Best Selling Activities in the USA
Outdoor and nature activities in the USA are presently popular. You may want to give the following activities a go for best experiences:
1 | Tour aboard the Boston Duck
Climb aboard a unique amphibious vehicle and discover Boston on land and on water in one non-stop journey. The World War II-style “Duck” takes you along historic streets and into the Charles River on an 80-minute tour of the city. Check availability on the Boston Duck Tour.
2 | Sightseeing Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park
Experience the difference a local guide can make — join a 3-hour small group guided tour and discover the must-see sites such as Thor’s Hammer, the Cathedral and the Natural Bridge Walk along with stone amphitheaters among towering hoodoos. Learn about the flora, fauna, history, and geology of this uniquely beautiful landscape. Check availability and book your space in this highly recommended and popular tour.
3 | Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
The Everglades National Park is a diverse landscape providing crucial habitats for rare and endangered species. Take a ride on an airboat, which is designed to operate well in shallow water and marshlands and view alligators, turtles, and even the elusive Florida panther. Book your experience of the Everglades National Park.
4 | NYC Summit One Vanderbilt
Immerse in a multi-sensory art experience at every turn and enjoy vantage points of New York from the open-air terrace and indoor lounge, perched nearly 1,100 feet above Manhattan. Learn more and book your immersive experience either by day or by night for unique timeless memories.
5 | Cruise around Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take a 60-minute boat ride and sail within 100 metres of the world’s most famous monument, the Statue of Liberty. Cruise under the Brooklyn Bridge and over to Ellis Island. Enjoy views of Lower Manhattan from both the east and the west sides along with views of the iconic Freedom Tower. Check availability on this best selling activity for New York City.
6 | From Page: Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Explore, marvel and capture many photos of the two most famous natural formations in the world. The Lower Antelope Canyon is where the “pillars of light gleam through the cathedral-like canyon ceiling” affords plenty of picture opportunities.
Later, the tour takes you to the mighty Colorado River for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, where the river meanders around rocks creating a horse-shoe loop — views much loved by travellers. Enjoy a visit to these two attractions in half a day guided activity.
2.2 | CANADA
Canada is open to vaccinated travellers only. You do not have to provide a pre-arrival positive test. However, masks may be required in some outdoor and indoor venues.
2.3 | EUROPE
Vaccinations and pre arrival testing requirements have been removed by most European countries. Local mask mandate may still be in place in some outdoor and indoor venues.
France, Spain and Portugal still require unvaccinated travellers to have a negative entry test.
Related read: Guide to Seville Travel – Santa Cruz Neighbourhood, Triana, Bohemian Seville, Plaza Espana, Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral and more…
The Netherlands still bans unvaccinated travellers to its country.
Related read: The Complete Guide to Amsterdam – Amsterdam Bucket List, Where to Stay, Dutch Culture Food, Surinamese Cuisine, Best Transport options from Airport to City Centre, and more…
OUR BEST SELLING ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE
1 | FRANCE: Catamaran Cruise in Cannes
Set sail aboard a modern catamaran across the Bay of Cannes from the old port of Quai Laubeuf. Head towards the Île Sainte-Marguerite and to islands of the Lérins Islands group, or make your way over to the Corniche d’Or to moor either between the islands or in a cove along the Esterel Massif. Get some time to swim and snorkel in the Mediterranean Sea (masks and snorkels provided). Learn more about this activity and book your timeless experience in Cannes.
2 | PARIS: Eiffel Tour Direct Access to Summit by Elevator
For this activity, you shall meet the greeter to collect your entry tickets to Eiffel Tower Summit, 2nd Floor Eiffel Tower, 1st Floor Eiffel Tour and Eiffel Tower entry ticket. Access to Eiffel Tower Summit is by elevator. Check availability and book your Eiffel Tower experience before your travels.
3 | LONDON: Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio with Transfer
Go on a magical full day trip to the Warner Brothers Studio from Central London. Dive into the wizarding world of Harry Potter and experience Platform 9 ¾, ride the Hogwarts Express as well as step onto the famous cobblestones of Diagon Alley, featuring the shopfronts of Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Flourish and Blotts, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. Check availability on this best selling activity and reserve your experience to avoid disappointment.
4 | LONDON: Tower of London and the Crown Jewels Exhibition
Explore the Tower of London at your own pace. Built by William the Conqueror in 1086 castle – a secure fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison. Spot the ravens that live on the premises and find out why they are known as the guardians of the Tower. See the memorial dedicated to those who were executed on the castle grounds. Visit Beauchamp Tower, White Tower, the torture chamber and the magnificent collection of Crown Jewels. No visit to London is complete without a visit to the Tower of London.
5 | HUNGARY (Budapest): Evening Sightseeing Cruise along the River Danube
Enjoy a 1-hour evening sightseeing cruise on the historic Danube River and sail between the Buda and Pest sides of magical Budapest. During the cruise you will see the majestic Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, and the Buda Castle on the hill, amongst others. The cruise will circle Margaret Island. By far the most magical sight is of the Budapest Parliament Building, glowing in gold and surreal. Audio guides in 30-languages are available. Reserve your experience of an Evening Cruise on the Danube.
Related read: Castle Hill Budapest | 30 Top Things to do in Budapest | Szentendre in One Day
2.3 | MEXICO
Mexico welcomes all travellers and does not have any entry restrictions.
2.4 | AUSTRALIA
If you are fully vaccinated, you can travel to Australia. Pre arrival tests are no longer required but you may be required to undertake tests when travelling interstate within the country.
2.5 | NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is still closed to non essential travellers but plans to relax its rules to international travellers as from July 2022. Fully vaccinated travellers with a pre departure negative test could visit New Zealand at this time.
2.6 | ASIAN COUNTRIES
Entry to most of the Asian countries for non-essential travel is relatively strict. In most cases, travellers are required to be fully vaccinated and have a negative pre arrival test.
The Philippines are open but require a negative pre arrival test.
Japan is still closed to tourists.
Related read: For countries already welcoming visitors, please refer to the previously written Presently series on Travel News 2022.
3 | How is Summer Solstice Celebrated in UK
The Summer Solstice is a popular event celebrated at the world famous neolithic monument, Stonehenge, Wiltshire. Thousands gather from the night before to watch the first sunrise on the longest day in summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The Stonehenge sunrise on 21 June 2022 over the Heel Stone is watched and celebrated just as it was 5000 years ago.
Stonehenge is one of the oldest and most mysterious landmarks in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year. If you wish to experience the Summer Solstice event at Stonehenge in June 2022, contact the official website of English Heritage who manages the event and Stonehenge for Summer Solstice Open Access Information.
Important Note: At time of writing, Rail Strikes are scheduled for June 21, 23 and 25 in the UK which means travellers journey across the country will be severely affected. If you are planning on experiencing Summer Solstice at Stonehenge and/or visit Stonehenge during this time, you are best to reach the destination by car.
Recommended related read: Complete Guide to Visiting Stonehenge – A Sophisticated Architecture Not to Miss (information on how to get to Stonehenge along with a little history included)
TRAVEL OFFERS FOR JUNE 2022
An all inclusive holiday is still the trend this summer with our trusted partners coming up with great offers for single, couples, family and group travels. Look up the following providers:
Related read: 10 Benefits of Package Holiday You will Love to Know
Catch up with all travel guides and tips so far written in Timeless Travel Steps
finally … June 2022 Travel News
There are virtually no restrictions these days in travelling domestically and travelling abroad is becoming easier. Masking mandates might still be present in some places and it is worth checking prior to travel. As we continue to explore more, remember to always travel consciously, safely and make small changes that add up to big differences to save Earth, our Home.
As the newly radiant sun steps forth from spring time , wrapping us in warmth and brilliant days, the sky blazes in blue with the drifting of the birdsong and steady buzz of young bees along with summertime pollen. With blooms just as pretty as they are, playing begins from the youngest to old, smiles, laughter and jokes run free. Out comes flip flops, barefoot dances, and wind-tousled hair. Jazz begins in the way we walk, eyes dance upon meeting — so whatever we do, let us make the most of the here and now of what the glorious month of June 2022 offers.
Until next time,
Georgina xoxo
June 2022
