European countries live strong protests over measures against covid-19 1:25
(CNN) -
Good.
It was good while it lasted, right?
This week we all got a little more familiar with the Greek alphabet as the omicron variant wreaked havoc on travel plans everywhere.
These are the latest developments you should be aware of from the last seven days:
Travel restrictions are now a crazy game by Whac-A-Mole
Just when you thought it was safe to get back on the air, the variant of the coronavirus also known as B.1.1.529 appeared and traveling suddenly became very complicated again.
We have tracked restrictions on a country-by-country basis.
For details on Germany's national blockade, see here.
And here's what you need to know about the new US travel rules.
We also have things to consider if you are trying to plan an international trip right now.
And then there is the question of whether travel bans work.
The World Health Organization does not think so.
Fiji reopened to tourism
Fiji reopened to tourism
However, they weren't all closings this week.
On Wednesday, the Pacific island of Fiji reopened its borders to international travelers for the first time in nearly two years.
Tourism accounts for 40% of the island's economy, and now that 90% of the population is vaccinated, it is getting back into business.
advertising
Elsewhere, the Singapore-Malaysia land border was reopened for vaccinated people on November 29.
English pub goers were trapped for three days
More than 60 people were trapped in the snow at England's Tan Hill Inn, the UK's tallest pub, after Storm Arwen hit the country.
They were stuck there for three nights, but kept in a good mood with plenty of food, drink, and even entertainment, in the form of an Oasis cover band.
If you're worried about getting stuck in harsh weather (let's face it, the endless rounds of "Wonderwall" aren't for everyone), CNN has put together some wilderness survival tips as part of our Life, But Better series.
If you ever need to make head protection out of underwear and fishing gear, we've got you covered.
Or you can take a look at our snow storm specific tips.
(Some) Christmas markets keep going
Some Christmas markets are open
There is nothing like Glühwein to dispel sadness.
Several well-known holiday markets have been canceled this year, but CNN Travel has put together this roundup of the ones that are still going on.
US President Joe Biden was there for the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Washington on December 2, the day after the Rockefeller tree lights were turned on in New York, but Londoners criticized the appearance. somewhat scruffy from her town tree that appeared in Trafalgar Square on November 30.
However, at least the London tree won't give anyone nightmares, unlike this Canadian spinning-eyed creation with distinct "Squid Game" vibes.
Poland and Niger are now in the US 'very high' risk travel category.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their weekly travel recommendation update.
As usual, there were a lot of climbers this week.
Joining a bunch of southern African countries as new additions to the Tier 4 highest risk list, you know, are Niger, Poland, Papua New Guinea, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Five destinations dropped from Level 4 to Level 3: Bermuda, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, Guyana and Saint Lucia.
And now, the dumplings
Take a break from the worries of the world and turn your mind to dumplings, those hot little pockets of joy.
We've rounded up no less than 35 of our favorite pasties from around the world.
All hail Queen Riri
The Caribbean island of Barbados cut its ties with the British monarchy this week and eventually became a republic.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley is the country's first female leader, while the newly appointed Sandra Mason is the country's first president.
To complete the women's triumvirate, one of the republic's first acts was to designate world superstar Rihanna as a national hero.
CNN's Karla Cripps, Jack Guy, Tamara Hardingham-Gill, Marnie Hunter, Silvia Marchetti, Lilit Marcus, Barry Neild and Kristen Rogers contributed to this report.
omicron
