FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Destinations Entice Visitors by Subsidizing Post-COVID-19 Travel

by Angelique Platas

Jun 22, 2020

Madeira, Portugal © Paulgrecaud | Dreamstime.com

Daily

Slowly, but surely, countries around the world are beginning to open back up to international visitors. The immense blow the global economy and tourism industry took due to the pandemic forced hard-hit destinations to offer creative and alluring ways to bring travelers back — some are even enticing their own citizens to holiday at home and boost the local economy.

Those itching to get out and about, feeding their wanderlust as soon as possible, can take advantage of these travel incentives around the world.

First Come, First Serve
While admittedly not the most welcoming approach to attracting tourism, but one of the safest, Madeira is offering free COVID-19 tests to visitors when its borders open to international tourists July 1. The Portuguese island will welcome visitors presenting negative for COVID-19 on arrival, or 72 hours prior to departure. The tests will be paid for by the Madeira government.

One of the first countries to reopen for international visitors, Iceland will also offer free COVID-19 testing for all arrivals. Just keep in mind, guests testing positive for COVID-19 will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

New Forms of Insurance
While the risk of contracting COVID-19 anywhere at any time is still a real threat, having some travel insurance is key for travelers — Cyprus is offering a safety net — sort of. The island’s government is wooing travelers by offering to cover accommodations, food and medical (while in quarantine) for tourists who contract COVID-19 while visiting.

Scratch Italy’s Back, They Scratch Yours
One of the hardest hit nations by the pandemic, Italy lost $1.1 billion on March and April tourism alone. In order to get some of those much-needed tourism dollars back, Sicily is utilizing a multimillion-dollar fund to draw in visitors, including promotional flight discounts, lower hotel rates and vouchers for tourists to use in the near future.

South of the Border
Hotels and resorts across Cozumel, Cancun and Grand Costa Maya are enticing travelers to come back to Mexico with buy-two-get-two-free options. The new campaign is targeting travelers who want to be among the first back at the newly opened resorts and hotels by offering discounts on rental cars, free nights for kids and deals at golf courses and theme parks.

Domestic Benefits
Catch up with the thrills and summer fun you might’ve missed earlier in the season with buy-two-days-get-two-days-free tickets from Universal Orlando in Florida. This is a limited offer and comes with important safety guidelines.

Staycations
For would-be summer travelers in sought-after destinations like Switzerland and Japan, residents are being enticed to stay home and support the local economies.

In an effort to reignite domestic tourism, Switzerland is working on a billion-dollar “Switzerland First” tourism recovery program, offering citizens $200 vouchers to spend on domestic hospitality.

In Japan, government officials could offer residents up to $184 a day in vouchers to stay and play domestically, as the country is still closed to international travelers.

Side note: The World Travel and Tourism Council offers these #SafeTravels tips for anyone embarking on travel.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
September 2026
Sep 20, 2026

Celebrity Reflection Launches 13 New Spaces

Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Reflection transforms Caribbean cruising with 13 new spaces, launching in March 2027. From a three-story Grand Plaza entertainment hub to two first-to-fleet experience concepts, these new spaces raise the bar for premium Caribbean cruising.

Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect

JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!

September 2026
Sep 19, 2026

Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces

Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its all-new Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck aboard Seven Seas Prestige, introducing a new era of open-air relaxation and active luxury.

September 2026
Sep 17, 2026

High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture

It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.

An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments

On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

eFlyer Deals
Sep 16, 2026

New Capital One Venture Card Offer

This month, Capital One introduces a new and limited-time welcome offer for new Venture cardholders. Eligible cardholders receive a one-time $300 Capital One Travel Stays Credit that can be applied toward eligible hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel.

What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?

You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?

Airlines
Sep 16, 2026

Department of Transportation Reveals Airlines Most Likely to Mishandle Luggage, Experience Flight Disruptions

The Department of Transportation recently released its August 2026 Air Travel Consumer Report with Global World & Travel. The report revealed flight delays; mishandled luggage, wheelchairs and scooters; and other incidents.