Sunday Spontaneity Flight 10:03:21
Argentina and Japan loosening restrictions, Disney World kicks off its 50th Anniversary, and the "Scream" house is available on Airbnb.
I am the queen of putting things off to the very last minute (hence, the birth of Sunday Spontaneity… and hence for this newsletter going out at 11 pm ET time lol).
For those of you who are new here, Sunday Spontaneity started as an Instagram account in 2019 and was created to share my love for travel with the world — specifically last-minute, spontaneous travel for the next weekend that left little room for nerves/second-guessing. There’s something wonderful about just doing it, and going with the flow with little to no plans figured out.
Obviously, we’re living in different times now where we need to check restrictions and guidelines that seem to be updated by the minute. You technically can book a flight leaving in five days, but since accommodations/reservations need to be made in advance more than ever before and logistics are more complicated, it’s not as easy as it used to be.
That’s why I transformed Sunday Spontaneity from a weekend guide into a resource for staying in the know about big travel news and trends happening in the world, plus things to do in your own backyard when you know you’re staying put. Spontaneity looks a bit different these days, but who says there’s a time stamp on it?
Travel News
Argentina and Japan will loosen entry restrictions for visitors: On Nov. 1, fully vaccinated visitors will be able to travel to Argentina if they are able to present a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arriving in the country. Japan also announced that it will loosen entry restrictions in Nov., knocking their 14-day quarantine down to 10, which will be complete after getting a negative PCR test.
Australia to reopen country borders to citizens after 18 months: Another country making news this week is Australia, which is ending its international travel ban after 1.5 years — but only for its vaccinated citizens and permanent residents. While reopening plans for additional international travelers remain fairly unknown, the news is a step in the right direction.
Disney World kicks off its 50th Anniversary Celebration: This past Friday, Disney World in Orlando officially kicked off its 50th Anniversary Celebration by premiering new attractions, nighttime spectaculars, and food and beverage offerings across its four parks. Additionally, a handful of Disney World resorts underwent renovations with reimagined rooms, like The Contemporary that transformed some of its accommodations with a “The Incredibles” theme.
Fun and/or Bizarre Trends
Malta offers a year-long program for remote workers: The island country of Malta, located off the coast of Sicily, is inviting WFHers to apply for a year-long program that lets you work from its shores. The Nomad Residence Permit is looking for applicants who are fully vaccinated, can provide proof they are able to work remotely, are located in a non-European Union country (like the U.S.), and are employed for a company outside of Malta.
The “Scream” House will become available on Airbnb: If staying in a home with a haunted past is your thing, mark your calendars for Oct. 12 so you can book the “Scream” house on Airbnb. Complete with knife marks on the garage doors, a phone line to communicate with Ghostface, and a VHS viewing of the iconic film, what’s a better way to celebrate spooky season?
Things to do Next Weekend
New York
Sat., Oct. 9: Fall Outdoor Picnic & Live Music at The Pound Ridge Nursery (Pound Ridge): Celebrate fall at this event filled with tasty bites, live music, and scenic surroundings. Pre-order your picnic food and choose from a pulled pork sandwich, wood-fired Margherita pizza, spicy fried chicken sandwich, and a chopped salad, plus separate meals for kids.
Cost: $25 for adults, $12 for kids
Sat., Oct 9: Colombia Carnaval Party 2021 (Manhattan): Come to this all-night party that celebrates Barranquilla culture. Dance to the music of Columbian artists and watch live performances that will keep the party going into the early morning hours.
Cost: Tickets start at $32
Connecticut
Sat, Oct. 9: Docktoberfest (Branford): Head to Stony Creek Brewery for their own version of Oktoberfest. In addition to plenty of beer, there will be live music, German bites, and activities. Each ticket includes two free beers and a stein you can take home.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Sun., Oct. 10: Spirits of Milford Ghost Walk (Milford): Take this 1.15-mile loop around downtown Milford to learn about the ghostly encounters that have occurred in town over the years. This 90-minute evening tour will walk you past historic homes and the Milford cemetery by lantern.
Cost: $18 per ticket
New Jersey
Sat., Oct. 9: Harvest Festival (Monroe): Come celebrate Autumn Lake Winery as they get their grapes ready for harvest. Activities include drinking wine, taking a tour of their winery, enjoying live entertainment, and taking in the surrounding fall foliage.
Cost: $15 per ticket
Sat., Oct. 9 - Sun., Oct. 10: Stafford Fall Wine Festival: (Stafford Township): Continuing with the theme of wine, because why not, this Jersey Shore festival is celebrating its 9th year of offering samples from local wineries. While vino is the star of the show, there will also be local crafters and food vendors to round out the event. Each attendee also gets a wine glass to use for sampling and save as a souvenir.
Cost: $20 per ticket
Pennsylvania
Sun., Oct. 10: OUT AF: The OutFest Day Party (Philadelphia): Dance the day away at this event supporting the LGBTQ+ community, putting QTPOC at the center of the celebration. There will be a lineup of pop-up performances and live entertainment, twerking and voguing contests, and plenty of food and drink options.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Sun., Oct. 10: Wake-Up HIIT Cardio Class with Paris Fit Studios (Philadelphia): Squeeze in a free workout bright and early. This one-hour HIIT class is taking place at Brandywine Park in University City, so make sure you bring sunscreen in addition to a towel, mat, and water.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sat., Oct. 9: Mindful Movement + Expressive Writing: This wellness workshop begins with a 30-minute breath-focused Pilates workout, followed by a 30-minute journaling portion that is meant to spark creativity and self-awareness.
Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
Friday, Oct. 8: Bird, Bee and Butterfly Gardening: Now that peak gardening season is behind us, it’s time to prepare your plants for the cold to come and spring in the near future. The workshop includes tips on seasonal sheltering and breeding, among other things.
Cost: Free
A final thought:
I read this interesting piece from a writer who prefers to spend time on a cruise ship vs. her hometown in North Carolina during COVID times — talk about a headline that makes you click. It also turns the idea of what is “safe” on its head when it comes to how we think about travel during the pandemic. Do you find yourself feeling safer while traveling, for one reason or another (perhaps more COVID tests)? Just some food for thought as we continue to move through these weird times.
Travel Boldly (& Safely), friends x