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The world’s most scenic golf courses

For many, a beautiful golf course is the last thing they need to improve their golf game. It’s enough trouble remembering to keep your head down, left elbow in, and knees bent without also being distracted by all the incredible scenery around you. Whether your golf game is Tiger status or leaves something to be desired, we don’t think you’ll mind the “distractions” on these courses. From the stark opal fields of the Australian Outback to the icy hazards of Greenland’s Ummannaq, these courses might not help your handicap, but they’ll certainly be a memorable day on the links. These are the most scenic golf courses in the world.

1. Le Touessrok Golf Course, Port Louis District, Mauritius

Photo: photofort 77/Shutterstock

Pretty much everything about the island of Mauritius is visually stunning, and Le Touessrok Golf Course is no exception. This 19-hole course on the east coast of Mauritius can only be reached by a golf boat shuttle from its private jetty or by scenic helicopter ride. The course lies on the beautiful Ile aux Cerfs, and its holes sit alongside the island’s preserved tropical flora and fauna. As you play, you’ll find yourself moving among the island’s unique topography, including volcanic rock outcroppings, lakes, and gullies. All holes have ocean views. Unsurprisingly, it’s been recognized as the top course in the world to play at least once in your lifetime by Golf World magazine.

2. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Photo: Yevgen Belich/Shutterstock

Don’t worry, this course does not live up to its name. You won’t have to be kidnapped and dragged here to give this place a try. It’s scenic enough to be the centerpiece of a special trip to New Zealand. Located in Hawke’s Bay on the North Island — New Zealand’s wine country — Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is built on a ridge-and-valley landscape and has sweeping views of the ocean from atop dramatic cliffs. Host of the PGA Tour’s Kiwi Challenge in 2008 and 2009, Cape Kidnappers has fairways perched 460 feet above the sea, holes with views of the sea, and deep ravines that present more of a hazard than a typical sandtrap.

3. El Camaleón at the Fairmont Mayakoba, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Photo:
Mayakoba Golf

El Camaleón at the Fairmont Mayakoba is one of the most otherworldly golf courses in North America. This course in Mexico certainly lives up to its name, taking on many forms and spanning a variety of incredibly diverse ecosystems, including the Mayan jungle, mangrove wetlands, and a tropical beach. When you play this course, you’ll be golfing alongside miles of freshwater canals surrounded by mangrove trees and limestone walls. Two holes in particular have unobstructed views of the Caribbean. The hazards on this course aren’t just typical sandtraps, either, but natural elements of the environment like cenotes (sinkholes) and the canals themselves.

4. Lofoten Links, Gimsøysand, Norway

Photo: Radomir Rezny/Shutterstock

Located on the stunning Lofoten Archipelago of Norway, the 18-hole Lofoten Links has unobstructed views of the ocean. Indeed, the water serves as an obstacle to many holes themselves, and sandy beaches act as natural sand bunkers. Given the course’s northerly latitude, it’s one of the only places where you can play a round under the midnight sun, or even catch a glimpse of the northern lights. The archipelago itself is full of white sand beaches, small fishing villages, and wildlife like puffins, eagles, whales, and moose — so there’s plenty of reason to stick around once you’re done playing.

5. Coober Pedy Open Fields Golf Club, Australia

Photo: mark higgins/Shutterstock

Using the term “green” at any point during your golfing experience at Coober Pedy Open Fields Golf Club probably wouldn’t be strictly accurate. Open since 1976, this unique course spans the desert flats of Coober Pedy in Australia’s barren Outback. The greens aren’t green at all but black with white fairway, and if you’re lucky, you might even find an opal while you’re looking for your lost ball. Truly one of the most unusual courses in the world, you’ll be using a piece of artificial grass to tee off (instead of a real tee), and the putting greens are actually oiled down sand called “scrapes.” It also happens to be the only course in the world with reciprocal rights to the famous Royal and Ancient Golf of St. Andrews, meaning members of Coober Pedy are permitted to play at the exclusive St. Andrews course.

6. The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula, Wanning Hainan, South China

Photo: The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula/Shutterstock

China might not strike you as a beach destination (or a golf destination, for that matter), but The Dunes combines both. On the southeastern shore of Hainan Island, between Haikou and Sanya, the Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula is a tropical paradise that will make you think you took a wrong turn and ended up in Hawaii. The 36-hole course on the South China Sea features natural rock outcroppings, beachside holes, and sand dunes sloping into tricky bunkers. The fifth hole is particularly picturesque, as you’ll find yourself staring straight out across the western bay before moving on to enjoy the sea views and dramatic rock formations.

7. Uummannaq Golf Course, Greenland

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Uummannaq has the distinction of being Greenland’s first golf course, as well as the northernmost course in the world. Home of the World Snow Golf Championships since 1997, the Uummannaq course changes every year due to the shifting ice and changing climate, and golfers use red balls to contrast with the color of snow. Each March a nine-hold course is set up across a field of fjords and icebergs, and players with a handicap of up to 36 are invited to play. You still have to worry about hazards, but in Greenland those hazards are hypothermia and polar bears.

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How to travel to Hawaii during COVID

For months, anyone wanting to visit Hawaii needed to quarantine for two weeks on arrival. Hawaii’s caution was understandable — a state with a council dedicated to non-native plants and animals knows well the havoc that invasive entities can spell for an island, and few things are more invasive than COVID-19.

But mandatory 14-day quarantines upon arrival was a big burden for many visitors. Eager to welcome more travelers to their slice of paradise ahead of the winter season, Hawaii has now eased restrictions. But you still need to prove you are COVID-19 free before travel and need to be easy to locate should a health development require it. Here is what you need to know to travel to Hawaii.

You can travel to Hawaii with a negative COVID-19 test result

As of October 15, anyone from the US mainland and from Japan can travel to Hawaii provided they receive negative results on a COVID-19 test completed within 72 hours before their travel to Hawaii. That test must be the more sensitive PCR test.

You should know that Hawaii only accepts test results from an approved list of laboratories, pharmacies, and multiple airlines that fly to Hawaii. If your test result is not from one of those providers, it will not be accepted. Test results must be uploaded into a personal profile you create through Hawaii’s Safe Travels program. More on the below.

As in the mainland United States, foreign nationals from CDC-restricted countries are not permitted to enter Hawaii at this time.

What is the Hawaii Safe Travels program?

Hawaii launched the Safe Travels program to keep track of travelers and their health status. If you want to fly to Hawaii, you should create an account in Hawaii’s Safe Travels online portal. Then, fill out a travel questionnaire, including all minors as additional travelers on the same account.

Before traveling, you need to take a COVID-19 test. That test should take place 72 hours before your last leg of travel into Hawaii. Once you have your negative COVID-19 test results, log back into your Safe Travels account and upload your test results. Once Hawaii has verified those results, your account will show you as having a negative COVID-19 test result. Considering that tourists elsewhere have falsified test results, the caution is understandable. At this point, you’ll be asked to upload a photo of yourself; a selfie is fine.

Twenty-four hours before you are set to travel, you’ll receive a health questionnaire. Log into your Safe Travels account to answer a few questions about how you are feeling now, any fevers, and so on. If your answers are satisfactory, you’ll receive a personal QR code. Print it out or send it to your phone, as it will ease the travel process.

Note: Be sure that the name on the results of your COVID-19 test matches the name on your travel identification and your Safe Travels profile.

If you choose not to create a profile in the Hawaii Safe Travels program, you can still fly to the island — assuming you aren’t sick — but you will have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival and receive daily check-ins from health authorities. If you break that quarantine, you could be fined as much as $5,000 or even wind up in jail.

What happens when I arrive?

In addition to getting the green light to travel through the Safe Travels program, visitors to Hawaii still need to pass temperature checks upon arrival. You will have to show your photo identification and a QR code — either on your phone or printed on paper. You might as well have the QR code on your mobile as you should have it charged and ready for use. Officials at the airport may want to verify that they can reach you and may place a test call to your phone.

Lastly, depending on the island you are traveling to, you may need to follow up with another COVID-19 test. Also, if you plan to visit more than one island on your trip to Hawaii, you may be required to take a mandatory test again to visit the next island.

Can I travel to every Hawaiian island?

Oahu — Travelers landing in Honolulu (either from outside the state of Hawaii or from another island) who had a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before travel do not need to take an additional covid test upon arrival.

Maui — Travelers to Maui must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before traveling there. So if you landed on Oahu and spent a few days there, you will have to retest before traveling to Maui. You are also encouraged to voluntarily test 72 hours after arriving on the island.

Kauai — Travelers to Kauai must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before traveling there. You are not required to take a test on arrival. However, if you do take a voluntary test three days after arriving, you will receive a $150 gift certificate from a local business on the island.

Island of Hawaii — Travelers to the Big Island from outside the state must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before traveling there. They are also required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival, which is offered for free at the airport.

Travelers to the Big island from another Hawaiian island must either have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before traveling or can go into quarantine upon arriving on the Big Island. They may break quarantine to take a test but must go back into quarantine until they receive a negative test result.

Lanai — Lanai imposed stay-at-home orders to its residents on October 27, and tourism travel to the island is currently on hold.

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Chameleon spotted in Madagascar

A chameleon species lost for 100 years has recently been spotted in Madagascar. On Friday, October 30, 2020, researchers from Madagascar and Germany said that they had discovered several living specimens of Voeltzkow’s chameleon while on an expedition in the northwest portion of the island nation. The team was led by scientists from the Munich State Zoological Collection (SNSB-ZSM), who determined after genetic analysis that the species was closely related to the Labord’s chameleon.

Both species of chameleon only live during the rainy season, and die after a few short months during which they hatch, grow at record speed, mate, fight with rivals, and lay their eggs. They are therefore very difficult to spot for researchers and their habitats are hard to access in poor weather conditions.

During the expedition, the team of scientists found female specimens for the very first time, and noticed that they displayed bright colors when pregnant, stressed, or during encounters with males.

Female and male Voeltzkow chameleons. (Photo: Kathrin Glaw, SNSB – Zoological State Collection Munich)

“Fortunately, for all we know, the Voeltzkow chameleon is not in acute danger of extinction,” says Dr. David Prötzel, also a member of the expedition team, “because its range is probably still relatively large.” That said, the species’ habitat is at risk due to the threat of deforestation in Madagascar.

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The post A chameleon not seen for 100 years just resurfaced in Madagascar appeared first on Matador Network.

Countries accepting US tourists

As much as winter is about bundling up at home, the holiday season also signifies travel. Any other year, travelers would have booked their end-of-year trips months ago, eager to experience a white Christmas in Vienna or ring in the new year at the Sydney Opera House. With the travel restrictions currently in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the prospect of closing out 2020 in Austria or Australia is slim to none for Americans. Luckily, all hope is not lost for US travelers. Dozens of countries around the world are welcoming Americans right now — and the following destinations aren’t even requiring a two-week quarantine. These are the best options for US tourists itching to get abroad this winter.

North America
Caribbean
Central America
South America
Europe
Asia and the Middle East
Oceania
Africa



North America
Mexico

Photo: Rubi Rodriguez Martinez/Shutterstock

Technically, the US has banned all nonessential cross-border travel between the US and Mexico, and this restriction will remain in place until at least November 21. But there’s a loophole that allows US citizens to travel freely and legally to Mexico: While the US closed its borders to Mexico, Mexico never technically closed its borders to US citizens, and US citizens returning from an international trip are still allowed to reenter the country.

Mexico does not require a negative COVID-19 test for entry, though travelers should prepare to face health screenings, temperature checks, and thermographic cameras at the airport. Passengers without COVID-19 symptoms will not be required to quarantine for any period of time; those exhibiting symptoms may be asked to quarantine or return home. Before traveling Mexico, note that each state is at a different stage in its reopening process. Each Mexican state falls into the red, orange, yellow, or green category, which dictates what’s open and at what capacity. The updated list of states and their color designations is available online.

Caribbean
Curaçao

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Curaçao is currently welcoming American tourists from just three states: New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Residents of these states will be asked to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before traveling and fill out an online immigration card and Passenger Locator Card within 48 hours of departure. You’ll have to show a state-issued ID to prove you reside in one of the three approved states. Other states will likely be permitted as time passes, according to their respective public health situations.

Grenada

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To enter Grenada, you must show a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days of departure and have a hotel booked for a minimum of at least five days so you can quarantine. On day four of your trip, you can take another PCR test, and if you test negative you’ll be allowed to leave the property and move freely around the island. If you choose not to take a PCR test, you’ll have to remain at the hotel for the duration of your visit. You’re also required to fill out several travel forms, including acceptance of the Waiver Of Liability Agreement. You’re also asked to download a contact tracing app, though the app isn’t available to iPhone users yet (they are exempt from this requirement).

US Virgin Islands

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The US Virgin Islands requires visitors to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of arrival. You can also show the results of a positive antibody test taken within the previous four months. If you don’t have a test result, you’ll be required to quarantine for 14 days or the duration of your stay. You can take a test on the island to leave quarantine early.

Antigua and Barbuda

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All US travelers arriving to Antigua and Barbuda must complete a Health Declaration Form upon arrival, a traveler accommodation form, and complete a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days of arrival. Passengers should also expect to pay for an additional COVID-19 test upon arrival if authorities determine it’s necessary. No quarantine is needed unless you’re arriving by sea, in which case a 14-day self-isolation period is required until a negative test can be produced.

St. Lucia

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Like most other Caribbean islands, visitors to St. Lucia are required to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within seven days and complete a travel registration form. They must also have confirmed reservations at a COVID-certified accommodation, a list of which is available online. Health screenings will be carried out at the airport. Those without symptoms must take a taxi to their lodging and are required to remain on the hotel or resort grounds during their stay with the exception of water-based activities arranged by the hotel.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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US citizens must fill out a pre-arrival travel form, as well as show a negative COVID-test taken within the five days prior to departure. You must also have proof of paid accommodation in an approved facility and quarantine there for five days. Between day four and five of quarantine, another test must be taken. All travelers are asked to track their temperature for two weeks and report any concerning signs.

Jamaica

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Visitors to Jamaica must present negative results of a COVID-19 test taken within 10 days of their arrival to the island. All passengers must also complete a Travel Authorization screening form to be submitted for approval between two and five days before departure. Travelers must also take a test upon arrival and quarantine at their lodging while awaiting the results. Some properties operate within the “resilient corridor” — with hospitality workers specially trained in COVID-19 protocols, and those guests will be free to move about the corridor upon receiving a negative test. All others must quarantine for the full 14 days regardless of their test result.

Additionally, as part of the Jamaica Cares program, travelers are required to pay a $40 health insurance fee to cover emergency medical treatment while on the island.

St. Barts

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St. Barts is open to US visitors but requires travelers older than 11 to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. If you’re staying longer than a week, you must take a second test on the eighth night of your trip at your own expense (around $155). If you choose not to take a test, or you test positive, you’ll be expected to quarantine on the island for 14 days.

Bermuda

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To enter Bermuda, US travelers are required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure and complete the Bermuda travel authorization form online that comes with a $75 fee. Upon arrival, visitors will undergo mandatory temperature checks, another COVID-19 test at the airport, and must quarantine until results are ready.

St. Martin

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Travelers over the age 10 arriving in St. Martin are required to fill out a health declaration form and have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of travel. You’re also asked to bring a thermometer, mask, hand sanitizer, and have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. US travelers specifically are asked to monitor their body temperature and any flu-like symptoms for the first 14 days of their trip.

Bahamas

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US citizens can enter the Bahamas as long as they’ve submitted a Travel Health Visa Application online. The application requires a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days before arrival. Applications take approximately 72 hours to process, and you must submit the final confirmation document upon arrival in the Bahamas. Tourists are also asked to download the HubbCat Monitoring Platform app to their phone, which will allow the government to conduct contact tracing. Since November 1, a negative PCR test has been sufficient to skip quarantine, though a rapid antigen test is also required upon arrival and another one four days later.

Dominican Republic

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No COVID-19 test is required to enter the Dominican Republic, but since September 15, rapid tests have been randomly administered to travelers upon arrival. Those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be targeted for testing. Through the end of 2020, the Dominican Republic will provide free emergency travel assistance to tourists staying at hotels, covering the expense of testing, lodging, and flight change penalties in the event of an infection during the trip. A curfew is currently in place Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. More details can be found online.

Aruba

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Aruba is only allowing residents of half the US states — those considered low risk — to enter with a negative PCR test taken between 12 and 72 hours before departure. The high-risk states have to upload test results online or take one at the airport upon arrival for $75 and quarantine for 24 hours while awaiting results. All incoming visitors must complete an Embarkation/Disembarkation card and purchase mandatory Aruba Visitors Insurance covering up to $75,000 in expenses should they test positive during their stay. The updated list of high-risk states can be found online.

Barbados

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Since the US is considered a high-risk country by the government of Barbados, US citizens must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival and fill out an immigration and customs form online. Incoming passengers will also undergo health screenings at the airport. All travelers will be asked to self-isolate at their pre-approved hotel, resort, or villa, and then get retested four to five days after the first negative test. If that test is negative they will be allowed to move freely about the island.

Puerto Rico

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Visitors to Puerto Rico should present the results of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. If you’re still awaiting results, you should quarantine for 14 days. Those arriving without a test will be required to quarantine for 14 days. An online travel declaration form is also required before entry.

Turks and Caicos

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To travel to Turks and Caicos, you must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of travel and have insurance covering any COVID-19-related costs you may incur. All passengers must also complete the online Travel Authorization Form before boarding their flight. Upon arrival, travelers should expect a health officer to take biological samples by swabbing or other means at the airport. No quarantine is required for those who test negative.

Dominica

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The US is on Dominica’s “red list” of high-risk countries, but that doesn’t mean US citizens can’t visit. US travelers are required to fill out an online health questionnaire and show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 24 to 72 hours before arrival. Upon landing, travelers will be given a rapid test at the airport and must quarantine (even if negative) at a government-sanctioned quarantine facility for five days. After five days, another test will be given.

Central America
Belize

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Belize reopened to tourists from the US on October 1, as long as visitors book a hotel compliant with the country’s Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program. Hotels in the program have implemented health and safety measures deemed acceptable and necessary to keep everyone safe. Visitors must also download the Belize Health App at least three days before boarding the flight for the purpose of contact tracing (you’ll be asked to check in the app daily) and present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

El Salvador

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El Salvador reopened its international airport on September 19, 2020. A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure is required, and as long as you fulfill this requirement no quarantine is necessary.

Costa Rica

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Last month, Costa Rica removed all COVID-19 test requirements for entry, which were previously required for US citizens since August 2020. Under the new protocol, visitors will have to fill out an online health form and purchase travel insurance covering accommodation and medical expenses in case quarantine becomes necessary.

Honduras

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US citizens can enter Honduras with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Those who have symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with a confirmed case within the past 14 days, or have traveled to a country with confirmed cases may be isolated in a medical center or the traveler’s residence for 14 days. Some curfews and movement restrictions are also in place, and the details are available online.

Panama

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Panama opened to all international tourists, including those from the US, on October 12. The country requires incoming passengers to fill out an electronic affidavit before checking into their flight and present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. You can also choose to take a rapid test upon arrival at your own expense ($50). If the rapid test is positive, however, you must quarantine for seven days at a hotel in Panama at the government’s expense. To start filling out the affidavit, visit the Panama Digital platform.

South America
Brazil

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Although Brazil has been assigned a Level 4 travel advisory (Do Not Travel) by the US Department of State, Brazil is open to US tourists traveling by air. The country does not require a negative COVID-19 test, quarantine, or health insurance.

Ecuador

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Americans are allowed to enter Ecuador quarantine-free as long as they have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 10 days before entering the country. Those who don’t have a test can take one at their own expense at the airport upon arrival, though you must quarantine while you await your test result. Those wanting to visit the Galápagos Islands must show a negative PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before entering the Galápagos province.

Colombia

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As of October 1, all incoming passengers to Colombia must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before departing. They must also complete Migracion Colombia’s Check-Mig immigration form. As long as you fulfill these two requirements, you won’t be expected to quarantine.

Bolivia

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Although land, river, and lake borders remain closed, Bolivia’s air borders are open for commercial flights. US tourists will be allowed into the country with no quarantine as long as they submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within seven days of departure. Expect health screening procedures, including temperature checks, at airports, and if you’re found to have a temperature exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be evaluated by the airport medical unit. Entry rules are expected to change without notice, so make sure to stay up to date.

Guyana

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French Guyana’s international airports opened on October 12 to international flights. To enter, you must complete a Passenger Locator Form at least 48 hours before your arrival and have a copy of your negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of your departure. If the results are more than 72 hours old, you will be tested at the airport at your own expense and then required to wait for the results at a government-approved facility or at the airport itself. Results are usually available within 24 hours. Approval must be granted before your flight. Keep in mind that a curfew is in place from 9:00 PM until 4:00 AM every night.

Europe
Croatia

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Croatia is one of the only countries in the EU allowing US tourists to visit. All you have to do is present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, with a result no more than 48 hours old, and have proof of accommodation. Without a test you’ll have to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense, or for one week if you take a test within seven days of entering the country. Before arriving you’ll also have to fill out an online travel form with a confirmed hotel or accommodation booking.

North Macedonia

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North Macedonia is welcoming US citizens with no testing or quarantine restrictions.

Serbia

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Serbia is welcoming US citizens with no testing or quarantine restrictions, though all foreigners entering from Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia are required to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours.

Albania

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Albania is welcoming US citizens with no testing or quarantine restrictions, though travelers can expect health screenings at the airport upon arrival.

Belarus

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Belarus is welcoming US citizens with no testing or quarantine restrictions.

Asia and the Middle East
Maldives

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These paradisiacal islands in the Indian Ocean have been open to international tourism since mid-July, with no quarantine requirements. As long as you present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival, you’ll be free to enter the Maldives. The only catch is that you need to have a confirmed booking from a tourist facility for your on-arrival visa, and you can only stay at one tourist facility through the entirety of your stay. Temperature checks and other screening measures will take place at the airport. Random PCR tests may be conducted on inbound travelers.

Nepal

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Just in time for the fall trekking season, Nepal is welcoming international visitors who intend to trek or climb one of the country’s peaks. To enter Nepal, travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. They must also provide the details of their itinerary, hire a local outfitting company, and show proof of health insurance covering COVID-19 treatment. Even with the negative COVID-19 test, you’re required to quarantine for one week at a hotel in Kathmandu upon arrival, and then take another test before being allowed to embark on your climbing adventures. This is the first stage of Nepal’s phased reopening, and restrictions are likely to either relax or tighten depending on the public health situation and the virus’ rate of transmission.

Turkey

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Unlike many other countries, Turkey is opening its borders without even requiring a negative COVID-19 test. Upon arrival, travelers are asked to complete an information form and will be screened for COVID-19. If you show symptoms of COVID-19 at the airport a test will be administered, but otherwise US citizens can enter the country quarantine-free. If you do test positive upon arrival, you will be referred to a private hospital. Turkey’s entry requirements are among the lightest in the world right now for international travel.

United Arab Emirates

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The UAE is open to US citizens, with tourist visas being issued in all Emirates on arrival. Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of departure is required before flying to the UAE. Travelers need to have international medical travel insurance before they fly to the UAE. If arriving in the UAE via Dubai, travelers will undergo medical screening and must present a completed health declaration form and a quarantine undertaking form. Travelers may also be tested upon arrival at the airport. Before leaving the airport, travelers are required to download the COVID-19 DXB app for contact tracing. Those arriving in Abu Dhabi are required to wear a GPS bracelet for 14 days and must take COVID-19 PCR test on the sixth day if they are staying six days or more.

Oceania
French Polynesia

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Flights to French Polynesia are currently limited to the Faa’a Airport in Papeete on the island of Tahiti. All travelers, including US citizens, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken three days prior to departure. Travelers will also need to register their accommodation and travel plans with the French Polynesian registration website three days prior to arrival. Travelers staying longer than four days will be required to take a second test during their stay, the details of which will be organized on arrival in Papeete.

Africa
1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo

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All travelers 11 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days of departure to the DRC. This same age group must also take a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival — it costs $45. Quarantine is required until negative test results are received, usually within 24 hours. Travelers must also provide a World Health Organization (WHO) card with proof of yellow fever vaccination.

To exit the DRC, travelers 11 and older must present negative COVID-19 test results taken within three days of departure — the cost of this test is $30. In certain situations, you may be required to quarantine at a government-nominated hotel for up to a week. Visit INRBCOVID.com for registering and paying for testing before you start traveling.

2. Egypt

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US citizens over the age of six must have paper copies of negative test results (not digital), taken within 96 hours of departure for Egypt. Proof of health insurance is also required. Expect health screening procedures in place at airports and at other various ports of entry. Though it has been so in the past, US citizens do not need to quarantine as of early November 2020. Most businesses in Egypt — including restaurants and bars — are operating at 50 percent capacity. Masks are required on public transit.

3. Kenya

Photo: Paul Hampton/Shutterstock

US citizens must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test and pass a standard health check — temperature, flu symptoms, etc. — in order to enter Kenya with ease. Those with symptoms will be referred for a secondary assessment by Port Health staff. Visitors from California, Florida, and Texas must quarantine for 14 days at either a government-designated facility or at their Kenyan residence, regardless of health.

4. Namibia

Photo: Fabio Lamanna/Shutterstock

Americans are allowed into Namibia with negative PCR test results taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. Those with negative test results more than three days old are asked to quarantine for a week at their hotel. Travel insurance, a completed health declaration form, and a completed health surveillance form are required. Note: Most land borders are closed for tourism purposes.

6. Rwanda

Photo: Petr Klabal/Shutterstock

To enter Rwanda, travelers must have a negative COVID-19 certificate from a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within five days prior to your flight. RDTs (Rapid Diagnostic Tests) are not accepted. You are required to take a second PCR test at the airport and quarantine at your hotel until negative results are received, usually within 24 hours.

You must have negative COVID-19 test results taken within the past 72 hours to enter any of the country’s national parks. Private test centers have been set up; the cost is $50.

7. Uganda

Photo: GUDKOV ANDREY/Shutterstock

For entry into Uganda, travelers must have negative PCR COVID-19 test results from within 72 hours. Upon arrival, visitors undergo health screenings, and those who show symptoms will be transferred to an isolation center. To exit the country, you must also have negative PCR test results from within 72 hours of departure. An additional health screening will take place prior to boarding. Masks and social distancing are enforced in all airports.

To enter the country’s national parks, travelers will be required to undergo temperature screenings, wear face masks, and sanitize their hands. Social distancing will also be enforced — visitors must stay 6.5 feet away from each other and a minimum of 32 feet away from primates they may encounter in the parks.

Tanzania

Photo: Manamana/Shutterstock

COVID-19 restrictions are light in Tanzania compared to the other African nations currently accepting American tourists. International visitors must complete a health surveillance form and undergo a screening, usually a temperature check and a possible COVID-19 test. Do remember, though, that while 68 countries can visit Tanzania visa-free, US citizens must obtain their visa at the airport or in advance for a fee of $100.

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Self-driving electric ferries

A zero-emission, self-driving electric ferry is coming to the Norwegian city of Trondheim. Launching next year, the ferry works like an elevator, with passengers on each side of the city’s canal able to press a button and summon the boat to pick them up.

The boat charges while it waits at the dock, can fit up to 12 passengers (including bicycles), and makes the crossing in just 60 seconds versus a 15-minute walk. In Trondheim, the autonomous, electric ferry ride will be a free service.

Since the “Zeabuz” ferries don’t have a crew, they will be equipped with cameras to scan for obstacles and a navigation system to monitor the boat’s speed and position.

Photo: Zeabus

Autonomous boats like the Zeabuz are considered the future of sustainable alternatives to land travel and could be used in large cities like Paris, London, and New York City. They make ferries more energy and cost-effective, and since they don’t require a crew, there’s more space for passengers.

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US creates the most plastic waste

A new study published in the journal Science Advances on October 30, 2020, found that the US is responsible for as much as five times more plastic pollution than previously thought, making the nation the biggest plastic waste producer in the world.

In 2016 alone, the study found, the United States contributed 42 million metric tons of plastic waste into the global ecosystem — twice as much as what India produced then. Though Asian countries including China, Thailand, and India were generally considered to be the biggest plastic polluters, the study proves conclusively that the United States, in fact, tops the list, followed by the UK, South Korea, and Germany.

“In 2016, the United States generated the largest amount of plastic waste of any country in the world (42.0 Mt). Between 0.14 and 0.41 Mt of this waste was illegally dumped in the United States, and 0.15 to 0.99 Mt was inadequately managed in countries that imported materials collected in the United States for recycling,” the study explains.

The study’s findings show that plastic waste exported from the US for recycling or disposal (usually to Asia or Africa in countries like Bangladesh, Laos, Ethiopia, and Senegal) was not previously accounted for, and thus the amount of US-consumed plastic polluting the environment is as much five times greater than estimated in the past. The research also shows that Americans are using more plastic than ever before.

“The US is 4% of the world’s population, yet it produces 17% of its plastic waste,” said Nick Mallos at the Ocean Conservancy and one of the study authors.

Part of the problem stems from misconceptions around the recyclability of plastic. Though some single-use plastics are recyclable, those stained with foods or otherwise tarnished by non-recyclable matter cannot be recycled, and thus end up pulled from recycling centers. “Only 9 percent of US plastic waste was recycled in 2016,” The Guardian reports.

2016 is the most recent year in which data about plastic pollution are available; however, China’s decision in 2018 to stop importing plastic waste from the US brought the matter to the attention of more American consumers. The Guardian reports that Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Indonesia have imposed their own restrictions regarding the import of waste from other countries. Since then, multiple jurisdictions and states have enacted or passed plastic bag bans, including New Jersey and New York.

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Spain to test flying taxis

Ubers and taxis are great, but you still have to contend with traffic to get to your destination. The best way to avoid traffic is to take the air, and Spain is on top of that. Enaire, Spain’s air navigation authority, just announced plans to start launching flying taxis in Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela starting in 2022.

Enaire’s director-general Ángel Luis Arias said in an online conference, “We need to move urban mobility into the third dimension: airspace. And we need to do it as efficiently and sustainably as we can.”

In this case, that means using flying taxis to move people around urban areas.

He went on to say, “Enaire, in its capacity as a public company of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, is willing to fulfill its duties to attract and help any private sector companies or public organisations that are interested in allowing Spain to position itself at the forefront of the development and operation of this new sector.”

Two EU-funded projects are underway to demonstrate the use of air taxis in Europe, the first of which will take place in Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela in 2022. If successful, the air taxis could revolutionize transportation.

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Positive sustainability news Nov

This is The Climate Win, the most positive sustainability news around the world every week.

On October 11, the Australian state of South Australia powered itself entirely on solar power for a full hour. This may not seem like a significant accomplishment, particularly considering that there are 8,760 hours in a full calendar year. But it marked a global first. It was the first time an officially governed area as massive as South Australia — the state measures nearly 380,000 square miles, with a population over 1.7 million — has run entirely on solar for a full hour.

If you follow this column regularly, you’re accustomed to coverage of the economics of sustainability. And economically speaking, the news keeps getting better. The International Energy Agency released its annual report, the World Energy Outlook 2020, in October with a bombshell finding: Solar power is now officially the cheapest form of energy in the world.

This is because solar farms are now cheaper to build than other forms of power plants. Because they cost less to build and install, solar farms can be scaled more easily and thus drive down the cost of energy produced and sold to users. Other technological developments, like increased battery storage technology, will only amplify this effect in the coming years.

Of course, only 2 percent of global power came from solar in 2019. The report notes that global sustainability policies need to be increased and enforced in order to speed the decline in fossil fuel use by 2040. As a global society, we still have a long way to go to decarbonize our power systems and meet the targets of the Paris agreement — but cheap and plentiful solar energy is the best way to make that happen.

More climate wins this week

Amtrak unveiled its new high-speed, low-polluting train cars for its Acela line along the country’s northeast corridor. The new fleet will cut the line’s carbon footprint down nearly 50 percent while also cutting down the commute time for its riders — pushing transit speed from 150 to 160 miles per hour. On the inside, the cars will feature wifi and USB ports as well as enhanced dining and beverage options. The new cars come into service in 2021.

Arizona is upping its clean power pledge to 100 percent carbon-free by 2050, according to a report in the Arizona Republic. The plan, tentatively approved in a vote by the state’s utility regulators, also requires the state to generate half of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2035. The report noted that when officially approved by regulators, the plan would likely spur a rush of investment in renewable energy development in the state.

Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia released a Memorandum of Understanding last week stating that the three states will work together to develop offshore wind power projects. In addition to providing power for the three states, the memorandum notes the economic benefits of job creation throughout the region.

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Where can Americans travel in Africa

THE novel coronavirus’s 15 minutes of fame are far from over. Areas across the world — and the US — are spiking yet again, and local and federal policies are stopping and starting like a faulty radiator. But life does what life does best: It goes on.

While travel — and international travel especially — is a definite risk, certain countries are opening back up to US citizens, with various protocols in place from temperature checks at airports to mandatory two-week quarantines. Travel to Africa is still severely limited, but the following countries are open to Americans, and the below outlines what to expect for COVID-19 restrictions. Travel, too, goes on.

1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Photo: Marian Galovic/Shutterstock

All travelers 11 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days of departure to the DRC. This same age group must also take a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival — it costs $45. Quarantine is required until negative test results are received, usually within 24 hours. Travelers must also provide a World Health Organization (WHO) card with proof of yellow fever vaccination.

To exit the DRC, travelers 11 and older must present negative COVID-19 test results taken within three days of departure — the cost of this test is $30. In certain situations, you may be required to quarantine at a government-nominated hotel for up to a week. Visit INRBCOVID.com for registering and paying for testing before you start traveling.

2. Egypt

Photo: Kanuman/Shutterstock

US citizens over the age of six must have paper copies of negative test results (not digital), taken within 96 hours of departure for Egypt. Proof of health insurance is also required. Expect health screening procedures in place at airports and at other various ports of entry. Though it has been so in the past, US citizens do not need to quarantine as of early November 2020.

Most businesses in Egypt — including restaurants and bars — are operating at 50 percent capacity. Masks are required on public transit.

3. Kenya

Photo: pornpoj/Shutterstock

US citizens must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test and pass a standard health check — temperature, flu symptoms, etc. — in order to enter the country with ease; those with symptoms will be referred for a secondary assessment by Port Health staff. Visitors from California, Florida, and Texas must quarantine for 14 days at either a government-designated facility or at their Kenyan residence, regardless of health.

4. Namibia

Photo: Fabio Lamanna/Shutterstock

Americans are allowed into Namibia with negative PCR test results taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. Those with negative test results more than three days old are asked to quarantine for a week at their hotel. Travel insurance, a completed health declaration form, and a completed health surveillance form are required.

Note: Most land borders are closed for tourism purposes.

5. Tanzania

Photo: Volodymyr Burdiak/Shutterstock

COVID-19 restrictions are lightest in Tanzania: International visitors must complete a health surveillance form and undergo screening, usually a temperature check and a possible COVID-19 test. Masks are required in public spaces and social distancing is enforced.

6. Rwanda

Photo: Petr Klabal/Shutterstock

To enter Rwanda, you must have a negative COVID-19 certificate from a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within five days prior to your flight. RDTs (Rapid Diagnostic Tests) are not accepted. You are required to take a second PCR test at the airport and quarantine at your hotel until negative results are received, usually within 24 hours.

You must have negative COVID-19 test results taken within the past 72 hours to enter any of the country’s national parks. Private test centers have been set up; the cost is $50.

7. Uganda

Photo: GUDKOV ANDREY/Shutterstock

For entry into Uganda, you must have negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test results from within the past 72 hours. Upon arrival, visitors undergo health screenings — those who show symptoms will be transferred to an isolation center.

To exit the country, you must have negative PCR test results from within 72 hours of departure. An additional health screening will take place prior to boarding. Masks and social distancing are enforced in all airports.

To enter the country’s national parks, travelers will undergo temperature screening and will be required to wear a face mask and wash/sanitize their hands. Social distancing will also be enforced — visitors must stay 6.5 feet away from each other and a minimum of 32 feet away from primates they may encounter in the parks.

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Best ancient ruins in winter

No matter where you travel in the world, visiting ancient ruins is often one of the most memorable parts of the experience. There’s something transcendent about glimpsing a place that was once filled with people probably a lot like you, with their own plans and worries, but living millennia ago. In winter, seeing some of the world’s most magnificent ancient structures is even more dazzling. Snowfall and fewer crowds present them in an entirely different hue. Grab your parka and your snow boots because these famous historical sites are stunning with a dash of snow.

1. The Roman Coliseum and Roman Forum, Italy

Photo: Kristina Nemsakova/Shutterstock

There’s something about old Roman lore that makes a blanket of white snow seem totally appropriate. The Roman Coliseum and nearby Roman Forum have endured nearly 2,000 years of empire and wars, so even the depths of winter fail to hinder their glory. The Roman Forum was constructed in 203 AD as a tribute to the ancient Romans defeat of the Parthians, and its revered dominance among Rome’s historic sites attract visitors year-round — but far fewer in winter than in summer. The Roman Coliseum, opened in 80 AD as the largest amphitheater in the Roman World, kicked off 100 days of revelry to commemorate its status as the social hub of ancient Rome, and its global fame today marks it as the most renowned architectural achievement of the Roman Empire.

2. Ani ruins, Turkey

Photo: Kursad Ozaksel/Shutterstock

These ruins are what remain of the ancient capital city of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom. The ruins, located in Turkey’s far east, near the border with modern-day Armenia, date to at least the fifth century. The city’s population was attacked and brutally murdered in 1064 by the Seljuk Empire, marking the end of its dominance as a major regional capital and economic hub. The long shadows cast during the colder months evoke the area’s turbulent history in a way that the summer sunshine never quite can. With the surrounding mountains and open space covered in the white of winter, the snow cover helps the ruins recover the image of their former glory. Visitors can charter a day tour via bus from the nearby Turkish city of Kars to include a guided tour of the ruins overlooking an expansive canyon carved by the Akhurian River below, as well as the old city of Kars.

3. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Photo: Colin D. Young/Shutterstock

Mesa Verde National Park’s famed Cliff Dwelling is one of the most photographed sites in what is now Colorado, historically the land of the Anasazi. Add snow and you actually have a unique shot for your social media channels. With snow approaching its base, the view of the ruin site from the overlook offers a glimpse into how the dwelling’s inhabitants survived the area’s often harsh winters. A winter trip to Mesa Verde, accessible from the nearby town of Durango, is incomplete without heading up Chapin Mesa to Coyote Village, which didn’t benefit from the safety of a cliff overhang but gives an up-close look into Anasazi architecture.

4. Great Wall, China

Photo: HelloRF Zcool/Shutterstock

The Great Wall of China is among the most iconic historic structures anywhere on the planet and, according to legend, the only one viewable from space (though NASA isn’t quite sure about this). While you may never have the chance to determine whether or not that’s true, you can see the wall in all its snow-covered glory in winter. There are far fewer people hiking the wall’s grounds during this season, meaning you won’t have to jostle for prime selfie positioning and can spend more time taking in the views without being pushed along. To visit the wall in winter, travel to Beijing and book an organized tour to Badaling, Jinshanling, Juyongguan, or Mutianyu.

5. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

Photo: Chaco Culture National Historical Park/Facebook

Chaco Canyon, in what is now northwestern New Mexico, was for more than 2,000 years a hotbed of ancestral Puebloan culture and activity. The primary and most popular site inside Chaco Culture National Historical Park is Pueblo Bonito, which was made up of a collection of special halls called kivas, rooms, and multi-story dwellings called “great houses.” Originally inhabited between the ninth and 13th centuries, the structures were where the Chacoan people held religious ceremonies and gatherings. The area was a major social and economic center for the Chacoans, peaking in the 11th century. Also worth a winter visit is the nearby Aztec Ruins National Monument outside the town of Aztec.

6. Newgrange, Ireland

Photo: MNStudio/Shutterstock

You likely won’t find Newgrange covered in snow. Rather, its primary wintertime draw is the winter solstice. Each year on the day of the solstice, the sun rises in alignment with what’s called a “roof box” and fills the inner chamber with rays of sunshine, a rare occurrence of natural lighting in an enclosed — and technically underground — space. Solstice morning crowds book well in advance through a lottery, but even if you don’t win a ticket to the celebration, stop by later in the day for a tour inside the chamber. The experience is nearly as magical. Often, guests bring traditional instruments to ring inside the chamber, and on-site tour guides explain the significance of each part within the cathedral-in-the-green, built by the Tuatha Dé Danann for their king around 3200 BC.

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