Alaska Airlines ups Mexico service with new routes to La Paz and Monterrey

Alaska Airlines is bolstering its footprint in Mexico with two new nonstop flights launching for the winter season.

In November, the Seattle-based carrier will launch service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to La Paz International Airport (LAP). With up to three weekly round trips, Alaska said it will be the only U.S. airline to serve La Paz, the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. The city sits about 100 miles north of the popular Los Cabos resort area.

Then, in February, Alaska will begin daily nonstop flights from LAX to Monterrey International Airport (MTY), joining a handful of other airlines serving the city from the U.S.

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Route details

Here are the details on the two new routes Alaska will launch:

  • LAX-LAP — launches Nov. 20, operates two to three times weekly
  • LAX-MTY — launches Feb. 13, 2025; operates daily

Both routes will be operated with Embraer E175 aircraft, which feature 12 seats in first class, 16 in Alaska’s Premium class, and 48 seats in the main cabin.

Monterrey service

In launching service to Monterrey, Alaska will join a handful of U.S. and Mexican carriers that operate nonstop service from that city to the U.S.

The “Big Three” U.S. carriers (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines) all operate flights from Monterrey to their hubs. There’s also a nonstop on Aeromexico to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the home base of its joint-venture partner Delta.

And Mexican low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus operates flights to close to a dozen U.S. cities from Monterrey, per Cirium.

La Paz service

Though this La Paz service is novel for Alaska, it’s technically flown to the city before.

Alaska most recently flew to the city in 2013 and prior, with its regional affiliate Horizon Air operating a Dash 8 turboprop aircraft at the time, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

An Alaska De Havilland Dash 8-400 in 2021 in Santa Rosa, California. BING GUAN/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

Located on the east side of the southern Baja California peninsula, La Paz is close to a 2 1/2-hour drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), the busiest airport in the region.

The city is set on the water, and is home to a few hotels you can book on points — including one property that just opened and another that will soon.

Travelers with IHG One Rewards points may want to consider the 115-room Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortes, which opened in January and features a spa, infinity pool, beach club and two restaurants. It’s part of the Hotel Indigo brand’s fast global expansion.

Meanwhile, the 90-room Perla La Paz is set to join Hilton’s Tapestry Collection following a $10 million renovation of the property, which dates back to the 1940s. The hotel should open in January, according to Hilton’s booking channels.

Bottom line

With these two flights, Alaska will offer service to a total of 10 Mexico destinations from LAX in February, at the height of the winter season.

Alaska’s Mexico route map from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as of February 2025. CIRIUM

The carrier specifically noted the strong interest in warm-weather destinations during the winter months as a rationale for these launches.

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Best summer cruises to beat the heat: Check out these 5 cooler-weather destinations

Every time summer nears, I brace myself for sweltering days when I sweat just walking to my car and sticky nights when mosquitoes attack. So, as I plan my cruises for next summer (since options for this year are scarce), the last place I’m thinking of going is somewhere even warmer and stickier.

If you’re in the same boat — er, cruise ship — I’ll share the destinations I’m considering. Some are known for cold-weather cruises year-round; others are experiencing winter when we here in the U.S. are dealing with oppressive heat.

Here are five summer cruise destinations that are ideal for escaping to cooler climes.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

Alaska

A harbor seal lying on a piece of floating ice in Alaska
A harbor seal lying on a piece of floating ice in Alaska. BRETT MONROE GARNER/GETTY IMAGES

Although the weather in Alaska can vary day by day and stretch into the 90s in summertime, you’ll generally find temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s, even during the hottest months.

Alaska can be cumbersome to navigate if you’re planning to visit multiple locations, but cruises provide an excellent way to explore the 49th state. Depending on the itinerary, you can enjoy a hike in the serene Tongass National Forest, surrounded by conifers that keep the area cool; book a salmon fishing excursion to take advantage of the brisk morning weather on the water; or pull on a sweatshirt and head out on deck to enjoy chilly breezes as you sail past glaciers on sea days.

If you still need convincing, several lines offer pre- and post-cruise land tours that you can tack onto one-way Alaska voyages. Extend your trip, and stay at properties that put you in view of snowcapped Denali, the highest mountain in North America, or the charming town of Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory, where the Klondike and Yukon rivers meet. Plus, beginning in mid-August, you can try to catch a glimpse of the glowing, mysterious northern lights.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

The Arctic

A cruise ship docked in the Lofoten Islands in the Arctic
A cruise ship docked in the Lofoten Islands in the Arctic. MARCO BOTTIGELLI/GETTY IMAGES

Imagine glaciers so compact they look bright blue; when they calve, the chunks are pure enough to bring back on board your ship to use in cocktails. As you pull your hat down over your ears, you look to your right and catch seals lazing on a nearby iceberg in hopes of snagging some lunch.

The Arctic cruise season runs from May to November, making summer a great time to venture north — so far north, in fact, that you’ll cross into the Arctic Circle. How would you like to soak in an outdoor hot tub as your ship positions itself just a couple of hundred miles from the literal top of the world or wake up to find yourself in the middle of an ice field that will take your breath away?

Cruises to the northern polar region range in length from a week to two weeks and often include ports in Norway’s Svalbard, as well as Greenland and Arctic Canada. These voyages are prime for bucket-list activities like polar bear spotting and, of course, polar plunges, where passengers jump off the sides of their vessels into waters with temperatures around 28 or 29 degrees. Instead of baking on a beach in the Caribbean, you’ll be diving into your own private slice of near-freezing ocean.

Related: The best Arctic cruise itineraries, from someone who has tried them all

Australia and New Zealand

A cruise ship sailing past the Sydney Opera House in Australia
Silversea’s Silver Muse sailing past the Sydney Opera House in Australia. SILVERSEA CRUISES

If you miss winter so much, why not go back to it? Seasons in the Northern and Southern hemispheres are opposite; if you visit Australia and New Zealand during June, July and August, the region will be experiencing winter. Temperatures in Australia during those months range from the high 40s to the low 60s. You won’t have to pack for blizzard conditions, but you also won’t have to worry about intense heat.

Australia and New Zealand cruises range from weeklong voyages that sail exclusively around Australia to two-week sailings that depart from Australia and sail to New Zealand and back. Some sailings even include islands in the South Pacific. Super-long cruises, such as round-Asia and world cruises, might also call in ports Down Under.

In Australia, check out the winter night market in Melbourne. Water babies have plenty to enjoy, too; divers won’t want to miss out on excursions to the Great Barrier Reef during this time of year. If New Zealand makes up the bulk of your itinerary, perhaps you’d like to do a wine tasting in one of the perfectly chilled cellars in Picton. Or, if you’re a “Lord of the Rings” fan, visit the hobbit holes in Tauranga.

Northern Europe

Tivoli Gardens at night in Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens at night. WALTER BIBIKOW/GETTY IMAGES

The air in Scandinavia is just different. It’s crisp, clean and fresh in a way you won’t experience anywhere else, and it stays on the cool side year-round (think: mid-60s to mid-70s), even in summer.

Take advantage of the weather by visiting Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens amusement park (one of the oldest in the world), or learn about Denmark’s history at Den Gamle By, an open-air museum in Aarhus. Pull up a chair at a cafe in Sweden’s Gothenburg to try one of its famous cinnamon buns, or check out the Vasa Museum in Stockholm to see a nearly intact Viking ship.

And let’s not forget about Iceland, which has seen a surge in popularity among travelers over the last few years. The jumping-off point for these sailings is usually Reykjavik, where temperatures hover in the mid-50s during summertime. For a fun way to spend the day, head to the Blue Lagoon for a soak in the relaxing heated waters. Make your way to the botanical gardens, or enjoy whale watching if your ship calls on Akureyri.

Related: Best European cruises: Ships that stand out across the pond

The Norwegian fjords

Cruise ships in Geirangerfjord, Norway.
Cruise ships in Geirangerfjord, Norway. PETER ADAMS/GETTY IMAGES

For one of the most scenic itineraries ever, book a Norwegian fjords cruise. Take a tour of Norway’s bustling Oslo, stroll Bergen’s iconic Bryggen shops and take your pick of excellent fish restaurants in Tromso.

However, you’ll want to hold your breath for Geirangerfjord, where huge mountains striped with cascading waterfalls rise up on either side of your ship as it sails in to dock in the fishing village of the same name. Be sure to make your way to the top for phenomenal photos — and to enjoy average summer high temperatures in the mid-60s.

Bottom line

If you’re someone who hates the heat, a sailing to a cool-weather destination might be for you when the thermometer readings start to climb.

Whether you keep it domestic with an Alaska voyage or venture farther afield to Australia, where the seasons are flipped, you’ll find plenty of options for summer cruises to keep you cool.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Park Hyatt Marrakech finally gets its long-awaited debut

Park Hyatt is making a much-hyped debut in Morocco.

The property officially opened this week after a soft opening phase at the beginning of this year. The debut is more than a decade in the making, as the 19-acre resort was first announced in 2008 with a planned opening for 2011 … only to see that slip over the years to, well, this year. But good things come to World of Hyatt members who wait.

PARK HYATT MARRAKECH

“As a key market in our regional growth strategy, we are delighted to open Morocco’s first Park Hyatt hotel in Marrakech. The property has been a highly anticipated addition to our portfolio as Morocco receives a resurgence of interest as a top-tier cultural destination among travel connoisseurs,” Javier Águila, Hyatt’s group president for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, said in a statement.

“Offering a wealth of new experiences across the arts, culture, and gastronomy, alongside the area’s historic and ancient treasures, Park Hyatt Marrakech provides guests an enviable opportunity to discover the beauty of the Red City through this modern sanctuary of timeless luxury,” Águila continued.

PARK HYATT MARRAKECH

Park Hyatt Marrakech is located at the base of the Atlas Mountains, about 5.5 miles from the city’s historic Medina district, and is the first resort to open in the Al Maaden Golf resort.

The Imaad Rahmouni-designed resort leans into a modern take on Arab-Berber heritage in its architecture and design, which is also mindful of the property’s surrounding natural beauty — so expect plenty of expansive windows to soak in the views of the Atlas Mountains and nearby Mount Toubkal.

PARK HYATT MARRAKECH

The hotel’s 130 residential-style guest rooms and suites feature traditionally woven Berber carpets and modern works of art. Overall, there are more than 700 works of art designed specifically for Park Hyatt Marrakech by artists from Senegal, Morocco, Benin, Spain, France, Italy and Japan.

Spaciousness appears to be the name of the game when it comes to the chic accommodations. Outdoor terraces and soaking tubs are standard features in Park Hyatt Marrakech’s guest rooms.

Splurge on a suite for added features like walk-in closets, more entertaining space and, in larger suites, an en suite hammam. A three-bedroom duplex suite even features a fitness room, a hairdressing station and a private kitchen.

PARK HYATT MARRAKECH

Dining options will include Tfaya, an Arab-esque brasserie from Moroccan chef Issam Rhachi. Le Pavillion is the resort’s all-day restaurant, while the Park Hyatt brand’s mainstay, The Living Room, offers bar bites and cocktails.

But the real showstopper has a wellness wow factor: The more than 23,000-square-foot Spa Park Hyatt Marrakech utilizes products from brands like Sodashi and Nectarome. Guests will also have access to a hair salon, a fitness center, an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool.

PARK HYATT MARRAKECH

Park Hyatt Marrakech is part of a gradual expansion for the Park Hyatt brand in Africa, where there is already Park Hyatt Zanzibar and Park Hyatt Johannesburg is slated to open next year.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our discerning Park Hyatt guests to Marrakech,” Pascal Leprou, general manager of Park Hyatt Marrakech, said in a statement. “True to the brand promise, we have created a refined home-away-from-home that unlocks unparalleled enrichment for guests, while upholding and honoring Moroccan traditions. The result is an intimate sanctuary of exceptional and magical surroundings for the curious and adventurous traveler.”

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6 tips to prepare before extended trips abroad

Last year, my husband’s job afforded us the opportunity to live in Zurich for the summer. It was our first time doing something like this, and it was an eye-opening experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, delicious food and, of course, some challenges. 

With remote work becoming more prevalent, many families are considering similar extended stays abroad. The chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, explore different settings and create lasting memories can be hard to pass up. 

As we prepare to embark on our second summer abroad in Europe, I’ve compiled a list of essential things to consider before an extended international trip, especially when you have kids in tow. Here’s a guide to ensure your adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Get travel insurance

PEKIC/GETTY IMAGES

One of the most critical preparations you can make is securing travel insurance that covers both routine and urgent care. This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids like I am. 

Over a long period away, there are bound to be bumps, bruises and the occasional virus. Travel insurance that includes coverage for these minor but frequent issues can save you a lot of stress and money. 

It’s essential to research plans that offer comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits and emergency care. Look for policies that cover outpatient care, prescription medications and hospital stays. This way, you’re prepared for anything, from a scraped knee at the park to a fever in the middle of the night. 

Luckily, we didn’t have an incident last year, but given that our son is prone to getting strep, it gives us peace of mind that our travel insurance would cover the visit to a local clinic.

As with any type of insurance, before you purchase a policy, be sure to read what is covered and what is excluded, adhere to any time limitations (some policies will only cover trips up to 30, 45 or 90 days) and check that it includes any benefits you think you might need in case of an emergency.

Manage your mail

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Managing your mail while away for a long time is another crucial aspect to consider. You don’t want to return home to a mountain of letters and packages, or, worse, miss important correspondence while you’re away. 

There are a couple of ways to handle this: You can have your mail held at the post office or forwarded to a trusted friend or family member. 

Last summer, we opted to forward mail to my sister’s house. She kept us updated on anything urgent and even opened a few letters for us to handle immediately. We’ll be doing the same again this year. 

The United States Postal Service also lets you sign up for a scanning service to see the mail you receive so you can stay on top of any significant items. Another option is to have your mail come to your home as usual and have someone check it for you. 

Whatever you decide, make a plan. It’s a small step that can prevent a lot of hassle and ensure you don’t miss anything important while enjoying your time abroad.

Research housing options

MILKO/GETTY IMAGES

Securing suitable housing is a top priority, especially if you’re planning an extended stay. Start your search early to find a place that fits your family’s needs and budget. 

Last year, we got an Airbnb just outside of central Zurich. It was still within walking distance of grocery stores and public transportation, so we didn’t have to rent a car. This location was perfect for us because it offered convenience and a taste of local life. 

When choosing accommodations, consider your priorities: Proximity to public transport, availability of grocery stores, parks for the kids and a sense of community could all be top criteria for you. Also think about specifics like whether fast Wi-Fi or air conditioning is included.

Websites like Airbnb and HomeAway and local real estate agents can be valuable resources when it comes to selecting a location. This year, we’re returning to the same rental because it felt like home away from home. 

Ensure you have all documentation up to date

Person traveling with suitcase
D3SIGN/GETTY IMAGES

Before packing your bags, ensure all your legal and documentation requirements are in order. This includes passports, visas, any other necessary permits and whether your passport needs to be valid for a certain number of months post-arrival. Check the expiration dates on your family’s passports, and apply for renewals if needed. 

Additionally, some countries require specific vaccinations or health certificates, so be sure to check those requirements well in advance. 

Some countries also impose time limits on foreigners’ stays. In Switzerland, for instance, you can only stay for at most 90 days in any 180-day period, so make sure you’re aware of any similar regulations in your destination. 

Last year, even though I thought I had plenty of time to renew my passports, wait times were longer than usual. So, my renewed passport arrived a day before we were supposed to leave, which taught us the importance of triple-checking all documentation. Ensuring your paperwork is in order can prevent unexpected interruptions to your trip.

Have a financial plan

MILAN MARKOVIC/GETTY IMAGES

Financial planning is key to a stress-free stay abroad. Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions. Research the cost of living in your destination to budget accordingly, too. 

Given the strength of the Swiss franc, a stay in Switzerland can get expensive quickly. Last year, we experienced a bit of sticker shock at places like the grocery store. So, this year, we’re better prepared with a more detailed budget. 

Additionally, look into getting a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees to save on extra costs that can quickly add up. Additionally, make sure any bills you need to pay are set up on auto-pay or that you get a digital version.  

Choose the right mobile plan

Looking for Directions
SOLSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES

Staying connected with loved ones back home is important, especially on longer trips. Set up an international phone plan or consider using apps like WhatsApp, Skype or Zoom for free or inexpensive communication. We switched our cellphone plans before last summer to new plans with unlimited international data so we could maintain our numbers without incurring high costs. Alternatively, you could opt for a short-term international phone or SIM card that might be cheaper than purchasing a temporary international plan with your current carrier. 

Plan ahead and keep these tips in mind to increase your odds of having everything go smoothly while abroad. That way, you can concentrate on the experience itself. From nailing down the right insurance to sorting out your mail, every little detail helps turn your summer abroad into a fantastic adventure for the whole family.