Pandemic travel news: the latest information on Omicron restrictions

By Laquita F. Craven Last updated Dec 4, 2021

(CNN) – Well. It was good as long as it lasted, eh?

This week we’ve all gotten to know the Greek alphabet a little bit as the Omicron variant has wreaked havoc on travel plans everywhere.

Here are the latest developments to know over the past seven days:

Travel restrictions are now a crazy game of Whac-A-Mole

Just when you thought it was safe to take to the skies again, the variant of the coronavirus also known as B.1.1.529 showed up and the trips suddenly got very complicated again. We followed the country by country restrictions.

Fiji reopened to tourism

It wasn’t all closures this week, however. Wednesday, the Pacific Island of Fiji has reopened its borders to international travelers for the first time in nearly two years. Tourism represents 40% of the island’s economy, and now that 90% of the population is vaccinated, it is resuming its activities.

Elsewhere, the land border between Singapore and Malaysia reopened to those vaccinated on November 29.

English pub goers were snowed in for three days

More than 60 people were trapped by snow at England’s Tan Hill Inn, the tallest pub in the UK, after Storm Arwen hit the country. They were taken there for three nights, but remained in good spirits with plenty of food, drink, and even entertainment, in the form of a band of Oasis covers.

If you’re worried about getting stuck in harsh weather conditions yourself, let’s face it, sets of “Wonderwall” aren’t for everyone – CNN has put together some wilderness survival tips as part of our Life series, But Better. If you ever need to make head protection with underwear and fishing gear, We have what you need. You can also consult our specific blizzard tips.

(Some) Christmas markets continue

There is nothing like GlÃ¼hwein to dispel sadness. A number of well-known party markets have been canceled this year, but CNN Travel has rolled out this overview of those who are still moving forward.

Buying a cheap house in Italy has its pitfalls, but can be worth it

An ever-growing number of Italian towns and villages offer the possibility of buying houses for as little as one euro thanks to innovative regeneration programs.

However, it’s not just about sipping Chianti in the garden – these buildings are usually run down and need a lot of care and attention to bring them back to life.

When it comes to giving advice on this subject, no one is better placed than those who have done it themselves. CNN Travel collaborator Silvia Marchetti spoke to three groups of buyers who have taken the plunge.

Poland and Niger are now classified as ‘very high’ risk travel to the United States

As usual there were a lot of climbers this week. Join a group of Southern African countries as new additions to the Tier 4 highest risk list – you know those – are Niger, Poland, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago.

Five destinations have gone from level 4 to level 3: they are Bermuda, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, Guyana and Saint Lucia.

And now for the dumplings

Take a break from the worries of the world by thinking about dumplings, those hot, plump little pockets of joy. We have gathered no less than 35 of our pasty favorites of the whole world.

Hail to all Queen Riri

The singer was honored in a larger ceremony marking Barbados’ new status as a republic.

The Caribbean island of Barbados severed ties with the British monarchy this week and finally became a republic. Prime Minister Mia Mottley is the country’s first female leader, while newly appointed Sandra Mason is the country’s first president. To complete the all-female triumvirate, one of the republic’s first acts was to designate world superstar Rihanna as its national hero.

In case you missed it

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It was the first time that the winner at the top of the list.

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It has been 30 years since the international pioneer Pan Am made his last flight.

But that’s what the future of first class travel is might look like.

“Baby dragons” have been found under Europe.

CNN’s Karla Cripps, Jack Guy, Tamara Hardingham-Gill, Marnie Hunter, Silvia Marchetti, Lilit Marcus, Barry Neild and Kristen Rogers contributed to this report.