PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — We’re dipping into the viewer mailbag, answering some travel questions on this week’s “Now Boarding.”
Many people are asking about spring break travel.
Is Rocky Point safe and open?
Rocky Point, or Puerto Penasco, is affectionately known as “Arizona’s Beach.” It suffered a major financial blow in December when the Lukeville Port of Entry abruptly closed for a month, cutting off the route from the Valley.
There are no major safety warnings for Rocky Point to be aware of. The hotels and businesses still haven’t recovered, and Rocky Point’s beaches and restaurants haven’t been as busy.
Border wait times are usually just a few minutes, and you can always check them on the Customs and Border Protection website.
So, yes, Rocky Point is open, meaning you could be on the beach in less than four hours from the Valley.
Is it too late to find a deal for spring break?
Prices are high whether you’re looking to fly or drive. In Sedona, for example, it’s difficult to find a hotel for under $400 a night on weekends in March.
Rocky Point is one of a few options if you’re looking for a deal.
On rental sites like Airbnb, you’ll find discounted rates for many condos and homes, which would normally be sold out in March.
You can find three- or four-bedroom condos and homes for around $400 per night. Divided among friends or family members, each of whom gets their own bedroom, that’s a pretty good deal.
The month of March is normally one of the busiest of the year, as Rocky Point welcomes big spring break crowds. This year, you still have rental options at reduced rates.
What happened at Havasupai?
People from around the world who’d landed permits for the waterfalls near the Grand Canyon found out: the Tribe’s website contractor again sold too many. It’s unclear how many people this impacted (for the second year in a row).
The mess isn’t over. The cancellations only went out to people with permits for the Havasupai campground. Another round will go out to people with lodge reservations on Friday, March 1. They’ll be given the option to get a refund or to try and reschedule.
Is it true that commercial jets broke the sound barrier?
Technically, no, but several flights flew 800mph or faster last weekend, thanks to near-record high-level winds.
The winds reached 265mph off the East Coast, at 34,000 feet, which is where commercial jets fly.
The winds helped propel a few 777s and 787s to 800mph for part of their flights. Normally, they cruise at around 500mph to 575mph.
A flight from Philadelphia to Doha reached 842mph!
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