What you need to know about the latest omicron travel restrictions

(CNN) – Good. It was good as long as it lasted, right? This week we all got a little familiar with the Greek alphabet as the omicron variant wreaked havoc on travel plans everywhere.

Here are the latest developments you should be aware of from the past seven days:

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

Just when you thought it was safe to hit the airwaves again, the variant of the coronavirus also known as B.1.1.529 popped up and traveling suddenly got very complicated again. We have followed the restrictions country by country.

For more 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’re trying to plan an international trip right now. And then there is the question of whether the travel bans are working. The World Health Organization doesn’t think so.

Fiji reopened to tourism

However, they weren’t all closed this week. On Wednesday, the Pacific island of Fiji 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 Singapore-Malaysia land border was reopened to those vaccinated on November 29.

English pub goers trapped for three days

More than 60 people have been trapped in the snow at Tan Hill Inn in England, the tallest pub in the UK, after Storm Arwen hit the country. They got stuck there for three nights, but stayed in good spirits 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 conditions (let’s face it, the endless “Wonderwall” series isn’t for everyone), CNN has put together some wilderness survival tips as part of our Life series. , But Better. If you ever need to protect your head with underwear and fishing gear, we have it covered. Or you can take a look at our specific tips for snowstorms.

(Some) Christmas markets continue

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 those that are still ongoing.

US President Joe Biden was in attendance for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington on December 2, the day after the Rockefeller Tree Lights were lit in New York City, but Londoners criticized the appearance some little scruffy of his city tree that appeared in Trafalgar Square on November 30th.

However, at least the London Tree won’t give anyone nightmares, unlike this spinning-eyed Canadian creation with distinct “Squid Game” vibes.

Poland and Niger are now included in the category of “very high” risk travel to the United States.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released their weekly travel recommendations update.

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

Five destinations went 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 focus on the dumplings, those hot little pockets of joy. We have gathered no less than 35 of our favorite pâtés from everyone.

Hail to all Queen Riri

The Caribbean island of Barbados severed 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 newly appointed Sandra Mason is the country’s first president. To complete the female triumvirate, one of the republic’s first acts was to designate world superstar Rihanna as the 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.