Nepal landslides close Annapurna and Manang trails in peak trekking season
Heavy rain triggered about 46 landslides along the route to Tatopani. The Manang region and the Annapurna Circuit are badly affected, and an avalanche has cut the Thorong area. Some trails remain closed.
Social media reports contradict each other, so advisors should get routing, rerouting and refund or insurance terms from operators and local outfitters or tourism boards. Don't rely on social posts.
The Manaslu Circuit is reportedly open. Operators may move groups to Manaslu, Langtang or the newly opened Jugal Himal, which could tighten availability and push up prices on those alternatives. Clients booked on the Annapurna side this autumn should hear from you before they hear from the news.
Ecuador: UK advises against all but essential travel to coastal provinces and the Colombian border
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces and to areas within 20km of the Colombian border. A 60-day state of emergency, in force from Sept. 15, covers 8 provinces including Pichincha, home to Quito. Curfews apply in four provinces.
Travel insurance for UK clients may be invalidated if they travel against the advice. Check cover and supplier flexibility policies before clients depart.
Quito stopovers and Galápagos itineraries routed through Guayaquil need contingency plans. The Guayaquil airside transit exemption matters for connections, so confirm how each client's routing uses it.
Peru votes today: check transfer plans for Cusco and the Inca Trail
Peru holds local elections today, Oct. 4. The FCDO says crowds and occasional protests around polling stations are possible in the days after. That could affect Cusco, Machu Picchu and Inca Trail transfers.
The all-but-essential-travel warnings still cover the VRAEM and the Loreto/Colombia border, which matters for Amazon itineraries.
Advisors with clients travelling this week should ask operators for their contingency plans and confirm transfer timings.
Intrepid stacks an extra 20% off child pricing, advisor bookings only
Intrepid is adding 20% off child pricing on top of the 20% already built into its Family trips. The offer is available only through travel advisors, which gives you a price edge over consumer direct booking.
It applies to bookings made in October for departures between Jan. 1 and Dec. 17, 2027, on all Family trips except Malaysia. The booking window closes at the end of the month.
Costa Rica and Morocco family itineraries are the obvious ones to pitch now.