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This Colonial City Has Been Voted The Most Beautiful In Mexico
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One of Mexico’s colonial cities has just been named ‘the most beautiful’ in the country, beating household names like Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and even the wider Mayan Riviera to the number one spot. The honor was bestowed by Mexico’s own Travel Awards, and it’s fair to say many were surprised with how voting went.

Mexico’s fame as the King of Tourism may be almost exclusively attributed to its Caribbean hubs and a plethora of well-preserved pre-Columbian settlements. While Mexico’s Mayan World is still largely responsible for the country’s record-breaking numbers, yet another facet of its multicultural appeal is emerging as an equally-powerful attraction.

Namely, Mexico’s colonial era cities, that are among some of the first European settlements in the Americas, with one in particular eclipsing all others in beauty and charm:

Mexico’s Beauty Lies In Its Multicultural Past

Mexico Travel Awards is a yearly event where the nation’s top tourism authorities gather to celebrate achievements across different sectors of the industry, such as the most outstanding and best performing municipalities. In any case, there is one trophy not based purely on broken records and booking trends.

This year, 20 municipalities were nominated for the title of Mexico’s Most Beautiful, including San Miguel de Allende, a Neo-Gothic/Baroque fusion that has been rediscovered by the American audience in recent months, Merida, the Yucatan state’s number one city, and of course, Mexico City, the vibrant, sprawling mess of a capital.

Despite being strong contenders, none of them took the award home in the end. Mexico’s crown jewel turns out to be the unsung Guanajuato City, the capital of its namesake state and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Americas – even before Spain’s path got intertwined with pre-Columbian Mexico’s.

Much like the aforementioned San Miguel, Guanajuato is famous around the world for nearly-intact colonial monuments, though on a much larger scale. Its Old Town, or Ciudad vieja district has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site all the way back in 1988, not only due to its architectural wonders, but the History it carries.

The Rising Trend Of ‘Colonial’ Tourism

Guanajuato was founded by Spaniards on the site of other native American settlements in the mid-16th century, and served at one point as the world’s top silver exporter before turning its back to the Empire and joining the fight for an independent Mexico. Naturally, this turbulent, yet fascinating past has been engraved in the city’s urban landscape.

It is composed of a maze of narrow winding streets lined with colorful traditional houses resembling those found in Iberian Europe – Spain and Portugal – and it is dotted with Baroque gems, including the Valenciana Temple and the most easily recognized landmark, the Saint Francis church, featuring its iconic bright yellow hue.

Although it is not as huge as Cancun or its main rival Mexico City yet, Guanajuato is surely becoming more popular every year. The state itself, which carries the same name, has witnessed a steady increase in arrival figures from 2007 to 2018 culminating in 956,000+ yearly visitors. However, that was years before Mexico’s Renaissance had officially begun.

This year, eight to nine million visitors are expected, a sharp increase from 2018’s figures, just shy of the millionth landmark. This proves Guanajuato has a key role to play in promoting Mexico as a diverse destination, and a world capital for culture acknowledged for more than just its pristine beaches and luxury all-inclusives.

What Other Cities Made The List?

The top 4 most voted cities, excluding Guanajuato, were:
1. Mexico City
2. Queretaro
3. Morelia
4. Monterrey
The Mexico Travel Awards is, in fact, a tourist-voted award, proving Guanajuato is indeed the most appealing city out of all the twenty surveyed. Other than being lauded for its architectural grandeur and contribution to History, it has been described as a ‘culturally rich city with numerous museums, theaters, music venues and festivals‘.

All of the top five cities have one thing in common: they have managed to retain their Spanish-era allure, in spite of the turning of the centuries and the overwhelming wave of industrialization that spread across North America throughout the 20th, and early 21st centuries, tearing down everything ancient standing on its path.

Direct Flights To Guanajuato From the U.S.

As for accessibility, the Bajio International Airport is the closest airport to Guanajuato, serving both the state capital and its neighbor Leon. Direct flights from the U.S. are available from the airports below:
- Chicago (O’Hare and Midway)
- Houston (George Bush Intercontinental)
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Los Angeles International
- Oakland International
- Sacramento International
- Fresno Yosemite International
- San Jose International
- San Antonio International
- Kansas City International
- Las Vegas (Harry Reid)*
*This route has since been suspended

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 13, 2022
New Maya Train Will Make Cancun More Popular Than Ever
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Cancun has consistently broken tourism records nearly every month this year, and the trend isn’t slowing. However, an ambitious project is underway that will take tourism in the area to heights never before seen, The Maya Train. A sprawling 1500 km (≈932 mi) long railway will connect Cancun to the entire Yucatán Peninsula, allowing travelers access to over 190 tourist attractions and a total of 5 Mexican states. There will be 18 stops along the route, and the train will travel at a top speed of 160 km/h (≈100 mph).

What It Means For Cancun & Travelers

Although Cancun needs no help bringing in more tourists, The Maya Train will undoubtedly ramp up tourism in the area. With a direct connection to the train right from Cancun International Airport, travel to other areas will be easier and faster than it’s ever been. For instance, the first three stops out of the Cancun airport station will be Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Incidentally, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are two more areas that have been breaking records. The new Maya Train will offer travelers an easier and faster way to reach these highly sought areas. As a result, Cancun International Airport should expect even more record-breaking in its future. Currently, it takes 1.5 hours to drive 118 km (≈73 mi) from Cancun Airport to Tulum. The Maya Train will connect Cancun to Tulum with a 110 km rail section with two stops in between.

Image Courtesy Of: Google Maps

Speed and Comfort

With a top speed of 160 km/hr and an assumption of 5 minutes at each of the two stops in between, travelers will still reach Tulum in under an hour. More specifically, it would take about 51 minutes. Aside from the significant time savings, the journey itself will be much more comfortable. The Maya Train will feature large comfortable seats, train cars that offer dining experiences, and even cabins with a place to lie down for those taking the train long distances.

Image Courtesy Of: Alstrom Maya Train Project

For Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, The Maya Train means they can each expect their visitor counts to grow exponentially. Easier access to these already-popular areas will make them more enticing to travelers looking to experience something new in the region. The adventurous traveler could plan an entire trip around the 18 stops along the route and utilize the cabins with resting areas for long-distance legs.

Image Courtesy Of: Alstrom Maya Train Project

When Can Travelers Expect To Ride The Maya Train?

Due to environmental concerns over section 5 of the railroad track, which connects Cancun with Tulum, the project was temporarily halted. However, work on the section has started again, and tourists can expect to be able to ride The Maya Train by the end of 2023.

What’s Along The Route?

There will be many opportunities for tourists to explore more of the peninsula. Indeed, there will be access to nearly 200 tourist attractions along the route. Access to 5 Mexican states in the area will also make it easier for locals to connect with bigger cities. The 18 stops planned for The Maya Train are below, with four stops of particular interest to tourists bolded.
1. Palenque, Chiapas
2. Boca del Cerro, Tabasco
3. El Triunfo, Tabasco
4. Escárcega, Campeche
5. Xpujil, Campeche
6. San Francisco de Campeche, Campeche
7. Merida Aeropuerto, Yucatan
8. Izamal, Yucatan
9. Chichen Itza, Yucatan
10. Valladolid, Yucatan
11. Nuevo Xcan, Quintana Roo
12. Cancun Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo
13. Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo
14. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
15. Tulum Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo
16. Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo 
17. Bacalar, Quintana Roo
18. Chetumal Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo 
Planned Maya Train Route

Travelers will have easy access to various activities and attractions along the route. Historical sites will now be a quick train ride away rather than a lengthy taxi ride. Travelers will be able to explore more independently with ease rather than feeling the need to book a guided tour. Some of the sites that will become more accessible along the route include:
- Mayan Ruins in the National Park of Palenque
- Mayan sites of Izamal
- The Chichén Itzá Ruins (TikTok Below)
- Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
- The Xibalba Cenote
@drewhacks i love that dog at the end 🇲🇽 welcome to Chichén Itzá! #mexico #travel #drewhacks ♬ original sound – DrewHacks

The Bottom Line

The Maya Train is a massive project that will benefit tourists and locals throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Areas already majorly popular such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, will all see increased visitor counts due to how accessible the train will make these locations to all travelers. The train will open up the region to a whole new kind of traveler who may have passed on the area before its introduction. It will also give the travelers who come back every year a brand new way to see more of this beautiful slice of the world.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 13, 2022
Women Have Had It With ‘ManSpreading’ On Flights As Man’s Sitting Position Goes Viral

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“Manspreading” on planes and other forms of public transportation has been the hot topic of discussion this past week. The issue was brought to light again from this recent Reddit post that went viral of a plane passenger being wedged into her seat as her seatmate’s leg inched its way into her legroom space. To clarify, the action of someone spreading their legs (many would say needlessly) in such a way that takes up the space of another person is often referred to as manspreading.

Under the username u/deilyk, she posted a picture on the subreddit “Mildly Infuriated” with the caption “At least it was a short flight”. The post quickly circulated and has seen almost two thousand comments so far, with other Redditors chiming in to share their own personal stories.

Mildly infuriated is right.

Redditors Share Solutions & Other ‘Manspreading’ Stories

Some Redditors on the page shared their stories, thoughts, and even solutions to this occurrence that seems to happen all too often.

Whether it be their experiences of being next to passengers who use their shoulder as a travel pillow or thrust their leg out to invade a fellow travelers seat space, lots of people have something to say on the topic. And, it seems like the act of ‘manspreading’ isn’t limited to a particular gender.

One Redditor, under the username Federal_Novel_9010, shared a story of a woman taking up too much space next to her on a flight from D.C. to New York: “Was on an Accela from DC to NYC and this woman next to me kept doing this. I would just shove her foot back over with mine.”

While many were swift to share personal accounts, others asked questions and provided some potential solutions to these kinds of problems when on a plane.

The Picture That Has Reddit Up In Arms

One Redditor suggested to just ask nicely, and then take action: “‘Could you move your foot please?’ If they don’t, then put your foot on top of their foot. If they wanna be in your space, they can deal with your feet.” Another user even suggested the following: “Use your words. ‘Excuse me, please move your foot.’”

The Reddit post also showed that not everyone feels the need to take up extra space on a plane, even if they are larger in stature. This particular user shared their experience when traveling: “I’m a big dude and I suffer on airplanes because I put other people’s comfort before mine. I’ll turn my wide shoulders at the expense of my back being sore for days after.”

Others on the subreddit made similar comments, saying that they would not take up another passenger’s space and stay inside their allotted space.

So, is the action of manspreading the work of an ‘unruly passenger’, or, is it simply something that can be dealt with on a personal one-on-one basis on the ground (or up in the air)?

‘Manspreading’: A Modern History

The topic of manspreading was first thrust into our post-modern online world back in 2013 via Tumblr. OxfordDictionaries.com then added manspreading as an official word in 2015 and the term has been routinely used ever since. But, many who’ve personally observed and have been subjected to it can attest that this action has been around for much longer.

This video published in 2017 by The Cut outlines how manspreading actually dates back hundreds of years.

The issue became so big that many cities in Europe officially banned the action on public transportation, including Madrid and Paris in 2017. In 2014, the U.S. cities of New York and Seattle issued poster campaigns on their public transportation system to encourage awareness and respect for fellow commuters.

While many would argue that the manspread is inevitable if someone is comparatively larger and would feel more comfortable spreading their legs out when sitting next to another person, there are ways to avoid it.

As some comments in the viral Reddit post noted – it’s not the size that matters, it’s what you do with it. Feeling entitled to take that extra space sometimes results in others being left in the dark, or in this particular case, nudged into your middle seat on a plane.

Final Thoughts

As a traveler, what are your thoughts on the topic? Have you been subjected to it? Does having this topic up for debate mean that we’ve gone too far? Or, is this actually just the minimum that we as a collective society can do to remind people to “hey, please respect my space”?

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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September 12, 2022
This Is The Safest Country To Travel In Latin America
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Safety remains a primary concern for Americans traveling in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in places where neither local customs, nor the language feel familiar and scamming culture is widespread. However, there is one country where risks aren’t as high, and that has been deemed the safest to travel in Latin America.

The geopolitical group remains a major tourist destination as a whole: whether it’s a beach getaway closer to home in Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, or a prolonged city break in the Wonderful City of Rio, in Brazil, Latin America is full of wonders and beautiful off path places ready to be discovered.

On the downside, those visiting these countries are usually advised to be more ‘cautious’ as crime rates are usually high.

What Are Some Of The World’s Safest Destinations?

This year’s edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) ranked 163 independent countries and territories based on their ‘level of peacefulness’. The study makes use of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from ‘highly respected sources’ and takes into account three main ‘domains’ in measuring peace:
- The level of ‘Societal Safety and Security’
- The extent of any ‘Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict’
- The degree of Militarization
These factors contribute directly to the perception of tourism safety – when locals themselves feel crime levels in their home cities are low, visitors have no reason to worry themselves. As expected, the safest continent with the highest score of safety markers remains Europe, headed by the insular nation of Iceland, the most peaceful in the world.

Iceland is one of the few counties to have secured the nearly unattainable blue badge from the U.S. Department of State, meaning it is placed at the lowest possible Level 1 Travel Advisory. Touring Iceland, Americans should ‘exercise normal precautions’. Other countries in the top ten include New Zealand, in the runner-up slot, Ireland, Denmark and Austria.

Image by IPE Global Peace Index

Conversely, the countries with the lowest scores this year are Afghanistan, having held the title for five consecutive years now, Yemen, Syria, Russia, largely due to its aggressive campaign against neighboring Ukraine, and South Sudan. In sum, the ‘State of Peace’ across different countries has been classified according to the categorization below:
- Very high (Dark green)
- High (Light green)
- Medium (Yellow)
- Low (Orange)
- Very low (Red)
- Not included (Gray)
And The Most Peaceful Latin American Country This Year Is…

Out of 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries, only four achieved at least a ‘light green’ certification, those being Chile, Uruguay, Panama and the highest-peaking Costa Rica. With an overall safety score of 1.732, up 0.017 points from last year’s index, Costa Rica is officially the safest destination within the collective.

In the global ranking, it is the 38th most peaceful country, beating other American competitors like Mexico and even United States by a large margin. To draw a comparison, these North American giants are ranked 129th and 137th, respectively, being assigned an ‘orange’, or ‘low safety’ badge.

The U.S. and Mexico share this sub-optimal status with nations like Brazil, Turkey, Colombia and Israel.

Back to Costa Rica, it sits behind only Canada (12th globally) in the Americas, charting 26 slots lower. In Central America, it is the country where Americans will feel the most secure – this is part of the reason why it has become so popular among young backpackers in recent months, being crowned a regional tourism leader.

This year’s GPI does note there has been a ‘deterioration’ in peacefulness, attributed to an increase in violent demonstration, importation of weapons, rising crime rates and political instability, but Costa Rica maintains a good score both on the Militarization and Ongoing Conflict fronts, faring a lot better than its counterparts in that respect.

What You Should Know Ahead Of Visiting Costa Rica

Currently, there are no Covid entry requirements for Americans traveling to Costa Rica. They are allowed to enter regardless of being vaccinated and no pre-departure testing rule, or post-arrival testing/quarantine applies. It is one of a handful of Latin American countries where these restrictions have been axed for good.

The U.S. Department of State advises Americans to exercise ‘increased caution‘ in Costa Rica, the exact same advice applying to a number of traditionally safe European and North American destinations. The entity specifically lists pickpocketing and theft as ‘common crimes‘, though the vast majority of visits to Costa Rica are completely trouble-free.

The U.K. Home Office, an equivalent to the U.S. Department of State, notes Costa Rica has a ‘low murder rate‘ than its neighbors’, despite being high compared to the United Kingdom. Even then, tourists should maintain the ‘same level of personal security awareness’ as in Britain, where theft of personal items and mugging is also a problem.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 12, 2022
7 Things Travelers Need To Know About Visiting Las Vegas This Fall

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Las Vegas is the number 1 destination for American travelers this fall and the travel industry knows it. Breeze Airways recently launched 8 new non-stop flights from different cities in the US to Sin City, and just a few weeks ago Frontier Airlines also announced 5 new routes with promotional rates starting at just $69.

More travelers are interested in visiting this fascinating destination that has so much to offer, from fascinating buildings and casinos to amazing landscapes and outdoor activities.

Las Vegas can please all kinds of tastes and interests and is the happiest city to vacation in the U.S. in 2022. If you are traveling to Las Vegas this fall, here’s what you should know:

Beware Of Hidden Hotel Fees

This year’s Las Vegas hotels’ hidden fees are higher than ever. These extra charges —written in fine print— range from $40 to $80 per night and can be excused as “benefits” or “perks” that are usually included in other hotels like internet services or parking spots.

Before booking a room, make sure you understand all fees included or search for hotels without resort fees. The room might look cheaper in comparison to other options on popular platforms like Booking.com, but at the end of the booking process, when these fees are added, it might actually be the most expensive room in the market. Read carefully!

Consider Weather

The extreme summer heat has been extending to September, just a couple of days ago, Las Vegas peaked at 110 degrees. However, forecasts say it will cool down, and a few storms will occur. If you are traveling to Vegas soon, consider clothing for rain and hot weather.

Some travelers believe that the best time to visit Las Vegas is between September and November because the extreme heat is gone. The best weather sets in October—temperatures range from 89°F to 75°F— and November—from 74°F to 61°F.

Don’t Miss Unique Fall Events

There are many important and unique events in Vegas, like Adele’s Vegas Show at Caesars Palace which will finally start on November 18. Of course, Las Vegas offers events and shows for all tastes.

Travelers also can visit traditional casinos and museums like Madame Tussauds or the Illumination, but there are seasonal or once-in-a-lifetime events that might be worth the shot. Visitors can see upcoming events at Visit Las Vegas, Las Vegas Calendars, or Eventbrite.

Las Vegas Is Not Cheap

You don’t have to lose money on bad bets in the casino to realize that your budget might not be as sufficient as you thought. Travelers will encounter expensive hotels, expensive hidden fees, expensive meals, expensive shows, expensive gambling, and expensive shopping, especially on the Strip.

Try Simple Ways To Save Money

This is a city of opportunities and visitors can avoid spending money on tourist locations to save a few bucks and also prefer low-budget and yet unique things to do in Vegas like visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens—or even getting last-minute tickets for shows. Also, traditional saving strategies like avoiding holidays, using reward points, and comparing rates are always useful.

Enjoy Nature

You have the perfect weather to make the most out of outdoor activities during fall. Las Vegas has so much more to offer than casinos and night shows. Without the extreme summer heat and still away from the freezing desert winter, it’s the perfect opportunity to go for a hike—there are great routes at the Valley of Fire State Park—, go kayaking, and if you are not that sportif, maybe a helicopter tour around the Grand Canyon?

Make Reservations For The Things You Don’t Want To Miss

If there is a show, conference, restaurant, museum, Grand Canyon tour, or activity you absolutely want to do while in Vegas, make that reservation asap! Tickets usually sold out fast for the most popular shows and iconic restaurants are typically full. You might save money by finding alternatives like last-minute tickets, but you risk missing what’s important to you.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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September 11, 2022
United Threatens To Pull Out Of JFK This Fall If Demands Are Not Met

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For the first time since 2015, when it axed all flights over a five-year hiatus, citing heavy losses, United Airlines is threatening to pull out of New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) once again, unless its demands are met. This would mean all routes operated by the airline from the hub would be unceremoniously dropped.

After two relatively quiet years, JFK has made a strong comeback as one of the East Coast’s leading airports. Demand may have been significantly lower at the peak of the crisis, but now that it’s now soared back up to pre-pandemic levels, or even above, all major American carriers are in a race to secure as many slots as possible.

Having snatched slots others had temporarily ceded, United is now being backed into a corner:

Why Is United Threatening To Pull Out Of JFK?

Having dropped JFK in order to focus on its Newark operations all the way back in 2015, United at last returned to the airport in early 2021 at a time when flight frequency was limited and other full service airlines, like Delta and American, had distributed their slots. For a moment, it seemed things were running smoothly:

United added a couple of strategic routes out of JFK as part of their original offer, with domestic flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and had been preparing for further expansion in the lead up to the third yearly quarter. And then, of course, pandemic trends shifted and competitors returned en masse to claim their rightful place.

After all, United’s were only temporary, for as long as demand was reduced. That is clearly not the case anymore, as air traffic is so congested it prompted the return of the world’s largest passenger plane to New York a couple of months ago. With all the other big players back in the game, United may need to step down a second time.

Unless, of course, it gets in the FAA’s good graces.

What Are United’s Demands Exactly?

According to the airline, who issued a letter in light of the situation, ‘the reason is simple’ – United cannot serve JFK ‘effectively’ compared to other ‘larger’ airlines and their ‘more attractive’ flight times: ‘for example, JetBlue currently flies to Los Angeles fix times more often from JFK than United does and American flies there more than four times as frequently’.

Notwithstanding the clear disadvantage – L.A. is one of only two destinations on the company’s flight map out of JFK – it is refusing to go down without a fight, asking the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to allow it to increase capacity in the hub. United officials claim this has remained unchanged for 14 years, despite JFK’s infrastructure upgrades.

These include widened runways that gave the airport ‘room to grow’, yet United was never able to benefit from them, being being constantly on the lookout for slot openings during their time at JFK. However, if the FAA is willing to grant them an interim multi-season allocation, they will for sure provide customers with ‘a more competitive JFK offering’.

Should negotiations fail and additional allocations are not secured for multiple seasons, the letter explicitly states that they will need to suspend service at JFK at the end of October. This is further proof United’s glorious post-Covid comeback isn’t going 100% as planned, especially after they were forced to slash 17 domestic routes due to worker shortages.

As for the FAA, it commented they must ‘consider airspace capacity and runway capacity to assess how changes would affect flights at nearby airports’. The agency reiterates there is a due process to be observed in awarding an airline additional slots at one of America’s most important airports, implying that fairness must be taken into account.

The FAA Doesn’t Seem To Be In A Rush To Settle The Matter

Judging by their response to United’s threat of pulling out almost immediately, it does’t seem like the FAA is willing to speed up the process. To put it simply, there is an actual high risk United might leave JFK, for good this time. Should United exit JFK, New York-based travelers will still be able to fly with the airline from La Guardia and Newark Liberty.

Newark is a United hub, from where it is set to operate more than 12,000 round-trip journeys this month alone. One way or another, New York customers will continue having access to the airline. It may not have the upper hand at JFK, but 69% of flights departing from Newark are United, which might be leading the FAA to wonder:

Is increased frequency out of JFK truly needed at this point in time?

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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September 11, 2022
These Are All The U.S. and Canadian Cities Flying Directly To Punta Cana This Winter
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Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic’s pride and joy and welcomes travelers from all over the world every year. This year has seen a strong uptake in visitors after two years of lockdowns, and the country has consistently broken tourism records this summer. Punta Cana is a popular destination for travelers who want to stay at an all-inclusive resort, especially over the winter. Punta Cana’s world-class beaches and year-round warm weather make for a perfect winter getaway.

To aid with winter trip planning, Travel Off Path has compiled an extensive list of every U.S. and Canadian city with direct flights to Punta Cana this winter.

Each city below offers a direct flight to Punta Cana between December 2022 and March 2023. Airlines that fly each route are listed, as well as the days of the week they operate. For an extra planning tool, we’ve also listed some example fares from a few U.S. and Canadian cities at the end of this article.

U.S. Cities Flying Direct To Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Flight Time: 2 hr 17
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  JetBlue: M | T | W |Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  Southwest: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  Spirit: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Miami (MIA)
- Flight Time: 2 hr 31
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  American: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Orlando (MCO)
- Flight Time: 2 hr 46
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Frontier: T | Th | Fr | Su
  
  Spririt: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Charlotte (CLT)
- Flight Time: 3 hr 22
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  American Airlines: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Atlanta (ATL)
- Flight Time: 3 hr 23
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Delta: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  Frontier: M | W | Fr | Sa
Washington (IAD)
- Flight Time: 3 hr 46
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  United: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Philadelphia (PHL)
- Flight Time: 3 hr 54
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  American: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Baltimore (BWI)
- Flight Time: 3 hr 55
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Southwest: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
New York City (JFK)
- Flight Time: 3 hr 55
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Delta: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  JetBlue: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  American: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
New York (EWR)
- Flight Time: 3 hr 57
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  JetBlue: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  United: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Houston (IAH)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 05
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  United: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Cleveland (CLE)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 13
- Airlines & Service Days:
Austin (AUS)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 18
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  JetBlue: M | W | Fr | Sa | Su
Detroit (DTW)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 20
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Delta: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Chicago (MDW)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 20
- Airlines & Service Days:
Chicago (ORD)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 30
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Frontier: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  United: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
St. Louis (STL)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 23
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Frontier: M | W | Fr | Sa
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 25
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  American: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Boston (BOS)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 29
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Delta: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Minneapolis (MSP)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 56
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Sun Country: M | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  Delta: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Canadian Cities Flying Direct To Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

London (YXU)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 05
- Airlines & Service Days:
Hamilton (YHM)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 20
- Airlines & Service Days:
Toronto (YYZ)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 20
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  WestJet: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  Air Transat: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  Air Canada: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Halifax (YHZ)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 30
- Airlines & Service Days:
Montreal (YUL)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 30
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Air Canada: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
  
  Air Transat: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Quebec City (YQB)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 35
- Airlines & Service Days:
  
  Air Transat: M | T | Th | Fr | Su
Moncton (YQM)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 35
- Airlines & Service Days:
Ottawa (YOW)
- Flight Time: 4 hr 40
- Airlines & Service Days:
Calgary (YYC)
- Flight Time: 6 hr 40
- Airlines & Service Days:
Example Fares

Knowing which cities fly direct to Punta Cana is useful. Still, pricing is nearly always one of the determining factors for trip planning. To help with trip planning, we’ve included several sample fares below. Only fares that included a carry-on were considered, and all prices were found using Google Flights.

Toronto (YYZ) to Punta Cana (PUJ)

Note: Price fluctuates from December to March but rarely exceeds $300. February and March show more favorable rates, closer to $254.

New York City (JFK) to Punta Cana (PUJ)

Note: Price fluctuates from December to March, but deals can be found consistently for under $200.

Maimi (MIA) to Punta Cana (PUJ)

Note: Price fluctuates from December to March, but deals can be found consistently for under $200.

Chicago (ORD) to Punta Cana (PUJ)

Note: Price fluctuates considerably from December to March, sometimes exceeding $500.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 10, 2022
Canada Finishes Summer With The 2 Worst Airports In The World For Flight Delays
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Canada has had a rough relationship with travel this summer and just finished off the season with two of its airports ranking as the worst in the world for flight delays. The overwhelming increase in flight demand this summer has strained the aviation sector all over the globe, but Canada was hit especially hard. Staff shortages have led to all manner of chaos this summer. Cancellations, delays, and lost luggage have become the norm, and travelers have had to accept this as their new reality. Problems are so rampant that only 1 out of 5 travelers in June made it to their destinations without issue.

With the new reality of rampant flight disruptions, travelers may find it helpful to avoid airports and airlines experiencing the worst delays. Currently, Toronto Pearson International and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport rank as the 1^st and 2^nd worst airports worldwide for flight delays. Both airports performed quite poorly, with nearly half of their total flights from May 27^th to September 5^th being delayed.

To make things worse, Canada also claimed another spot in the top 10 worst airports in the world for delays. Vancouver International Airport was the 10^th worst airport in the world for flight delays this summer.

Airport Stats

#1 Worst Airport In The World:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport – 51.9% of Flights Delayed
#2 Worst Airport In The World:
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – 47.8% of Flights Delayed
Special Mention, #10 Worst Airport In The World:
- Vancouver International Airport – 37.8% of Flights Delayed
Canadian Travel Troubles

Canada certainly separates itself from the rest of the world for having immense amounts of flight delays this summer. Claiming 3 out of 10 slots for the top 10 worst airports in the world for flight delays is certainly a way to stand out, but it isn’t the only way Canada has drawn attention this summer. As the rest of the world began to open back up by shedding pandemic-era restrictions, Canada drew attention by becoming the only country in the world to add travel restrictions in July.

Having already separated themselves from much of the world by continuing to bar non-vaccinated visitors, they reinstated a random Covid testing policy. One of the benefits of being vaccinated that many travelers from other countries enjoy is being able to travel without having to take a Covid test. However, Canada’s strict border rules continue to punish travelers regardless of their vaccination status. Interestingly, Travel Off Path recently reported that the province of Ontario ended its requirement for residents to quarantine for five days after testing positive. Therefore, this begs the question, are Canada’s travel restrictions even reliable at this point?

Canadian Airports Claiming More Chaos

In July, Travel Off Path reported Toronto Pearson was the worst airport worldwide for delays, a title it still claims. However, neither Montreal-Trudeau International Airport nor Vancouver International Airport made the top 10 in that instance. Summer has not favored Canada as it now claims three slots out of the top 10. Canada has had an especially turbulent summer compared to the rest of the world. The full list of the ten worst airports in the world for flight delays over the summer is as follows:

1) Toronto Pearson International Airport – 51.9% of Flights Delayed

2) Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – 47.8% of Flights Delayed

3) Frankfurt International Airport: 44.5% – Flights Delayed

4) Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon) – 43% of Flights Delayed

5) London Gatwick Airport: 42% – Flights Delayed

6) Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – 41.6% of Flights Delayed

7) Munich International Airport – 40.1% of Flights Delayed

8) Manchester Airport – 39% of Flights Delayed

9) Athens International Airport – 38.5% of Flights Delayed

10) Vancouver International Airport – 37.8% of Flights Delayed

Will It Get Better?

Time will tell whether or not Canada can get things under control, but travelers should be prepared for more delays as summer comes to a close. Air Canada recently reported that its operations are improving, but Canadians may still have reason to worry. The data in this article looked at flights from the end of May to September 5^th, and peak travel chaos was witnessed during June and July. So, if things were improving, surely August would show better results? Unfortunately, singling out August doesn’t do much for Canada’s benefit.
- In August, Toronto Pearson had 51.8% of its flights delayed, almost identical to the percentage of delays from the entire summer.
- Montreal-Trudeau International had 51% of its flights delayed in August, performing worse than it did compared to the whole summer.
- Vancouver International Airport also performed worse in July than it did compared to the entire summer, with 38.4% of its flights delayed.
Air Canada themselves say that they are showing improvements. However, they have to deal with these three airports regardless of their own attempts to improve.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

↓ Join the community ↓

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 10, 2022
Apple’s New iPhone 14 Will Pose A Problem For American Travelers
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This week, Apple finally unveiled its long anticipated iPhone 14, and like every other year, it includes camera updates and strengthened safety measures. However, one tiny detail missing this year may pose a big problem for travelers that are avid iPhone customers: the new smartphone does not have Apple’s signature SIM card tray.

When traveling, American tourists generally prefer buying a local SIM as opposed to activating international roaming, reason being fees for data usage abroad can be eye-watering. With previous iPhones, buying a data package and inserting a new temporary SIM was an incredibly smooth process, so long as a pin needle was at hand.

Now, Apple has made SIM swapping slightly more complicated:

What’s Wrong With Apple’s New iPhone?

Image by Apple

During its Far Out event, Apple finally presented to the public its new iPhone series, comprising four new smartphone models: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and its flagship iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. In case you’re interested in tech specs, you can find more information about each model on the company’s website, but there’s one thing that affects travelers directly:

The product has lost their physical SIM tray and buyers are expected to take out an eSIM data plan instead. While this shouldn’t be an impediment within the U.S., with T&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all offering the service, accessing data in foreign countries where the technology isn’t widely diffused may prove more difficult from now.

When traveling internationally, especially remote or off path destinations, it is extremely difficult to find kiosks selling digital data packages. Usually, tourists are required to remove their own SIM and insert a secondary, albeit temporary one. They’re usually pre-paid as well, meaning the sharing of personal information is minimal and there’s little bureaucracy involved.

Once the standard iPhone 14 debuts, the SIM-swapping process is due to change significantly. That is because some destinations may not have eSIM packages designed for tourists, or even have eSIMs at all. This shouldn’t be a problem in North America or Europe, but this might become a thorn on the side of those heading to less developed nations:

eSIMs Are Not Widely Available In Some Major Destinations Yet

In Brazil, for instance, eSIMs are in theory sold by the country’s three main data providers, VIVO, Claro and TIM, though in reality, finding stores where they’re offered is challenging at the very least. In Brazil’s case, eSIMs are routinely available on a contract-basis only, or staff may not even be familiar with the product, let alone be able to assist visitors.

In other Latin American hotspots, such as Argentina and Colombia, pre-paid eSIMs can be purchased directly from internet providers such as Movistar, though it is a well-known fact not all stores across these countries commercialize the product. Additionally, countless nations across Asia and Africa are yet to launch them.

Based on Apple’s official list of countries whose carriers support eSIM carrier activation, traveling with an iPhone 14 shouldn’t be a problem in:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria*
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Brazil*
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French West Indies
- Germany
- Greece
- Guam
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Turkyie (Turkey)
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vietnam
*Under EU roaming rules, customers can use data freely within the entire European Zone, which includes European Union countries, Schengen Area members, and other third partners such as Serbia and Montenegro, though different rules may apply to pre-paid SIMs.

**It is worth noting that, although certain countries are listed, eSIMs may be difficult to find, as is the case in Brazil.

Alternatively, iPhone users can resort to ‘worldwide’ eSIMs, international data packages that are valid across the entire globe, such as Airalo, AirSIM, GigSKY, Flexiroam and others. Travelers are usually required to download an app, choose their destination and product, install the SIM and activate it upon landing.

We do not know, at this point, how well these global packages work, or how fast and reliable they are compared to local providers.

Apple’s Move Is Received With Mixed Reactions On Twitter

Naturally, frequent travelers decried Apple’s move, with dozens taking to Twitter to express concern the transition period from ‘physical to digital’ will be rough:

I’m sorry I can’t get over this. So first it was the headphone jack, Apple just made that a thing and it was a big pain for a bit. Now no SIM card so if you’re traveling, you’re forced to pay for international roaming on your eSIM from US carriers?! #AppleEvent

— Joshua Vergara (@jvtechtea) September 7, 2022

No physical SIM anymore on iPhone 14 – only eSIM. This will hurt people like me who travel internationally and swap SIM cards. How does @Apple force such unilateral decisions on its customers no one asked for? I know no body would listen but I still would like to express.

— Siddharth Manu सिद्धार्थ मनु سِدھّارتھ مَنوُ (@sidmanu) September 7, 2022

Regarding this eSim thing in iPhone 14, seems like it would negatively impact my India travel routine, where I buy SIM cards for cheap from street vendors to avoid the bureaucracy and days-long delays of going to a carrier store 🤔

— Grad Student Woodford 🇺🇦 (@chd) September 8, 2022

What if you want to travel outside the USA with your eSim iPhone 14 to a country where it doesn’t work for example Ghana? #iPhone14 #eSIM

— 𝓐𝓱𝓮𝓷𝓴𝓪𝓷 🌹🦋🥂❤️ (@ahen_kan) September 8, 2022

As can be seen above, travelers are worried they will not be able to activate eSIMs as easily as simply purchasing a local SIM from regular kiosks at their destination, with one Twitter user drawing attention to the fact that, in India, the process of buying a data package from a carrier store can be ‘days long’ and ‘bureaucratic’.

Two Ways You Can Still Have A Physical SIM Card While Upgrading Your iPhone

Apple’s iPhone 14 may lack many deem an essential characteristic, but it does allow up to eight eSIMs simultaneously. Even then, if you’re looking to upgrade your phone this year, yet still avoid being restricted to eSIMs only, you have two options:
- Purchasing an iPhone 14 outside the U.S., as it is the only country where Apple scrapped the trays*
- Opting instead for last year’s iPhone 13 or 13 Pro range which features a SIM card tray, giving customers more flexibility
*In an interview with PC Mag, Avi Greengart, Techsponential’s lead analyst stated that the ‘rationale’ for keeping the SIM slot in non-U.S. markets, particularly Europe, is the ‘sheer number of people using prepaid SIMs’. This may be due to the high volume of cross-border travel and facilitated international links within the continent.

It remains to be seen how well-tolerated these new iPhones will be in the context of international travel, though we will surely find out soon.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Caribbean Destinations With No Restrictions This Fall & Winter

Cancun Vs. Punta Cana: Which Is The Best All Inclusive Destination?

Americans Will Need To Complete New Travel Form To Visit Jamaica

This Is The Only Country In South America That Has Dropped All Travel Restrictions

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

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Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 9, 2022
Caribbean Destinations With No Restrictions This Fall & Winter
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With colder weather shortly setting in, travelers are eagerly planning their Caribbean escapes for this coming fall and winter. In order to make planning easier, Travel Off Path has gone through each Caribbean destination to see which are 100% restriction free for travelers. In short, this means travelers will not need to take tests, show proof of vaccine, or quarantine on arrival. All the countries listed below are open and operating like before the pandemic, making for the ultimate stress-free vacation.

Travelers should also be aware of the requirements of their own countries and any countries they may need to transit between. Unless otherwise stated, each country listed is open to U.S. and Canadian citizens. Travelers from other countries are likely free to travel as well but should verify on official sites. For convenience, links have been provided to each country’s site for current travel regulations.

Caribbean Countries That Are 100% Restriction Free
- Antigua and Barbuda
  
  Restrictions Lifted August 29^th, 2022
- Aruba
  
  Restrictions Lifted March 19^th, 2022
- Bonaire
  
  Restrictions Lifted June 1^st, 2022
- The British Virgin Islands
- Cancun & Riviera Maya (Mexico)
- Cayman
- Curacao
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Saba
  
  Protocol Site
  
  Restrictions Lifted May 1^st, 2022
  
  Travelers transiting through St. Maarten are required to fill out the country’s Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS), regardless of vaccination status.
- St. Eustatius
  
  Protocol Site
  
  Restrictions Lifted May 11^th, 2022
  
  Travelers transiting through St. Maarten are required to fill out the country’s Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS), regardless of vaccination status.
- Saint Lucia
- St. Barthélemy
  
  Protocol Site
  
  Restrictions Lifted August 1^st, 2022
  
  Travelers transiting through St. Maarten are required to fill out the country’s Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS), regardless of vaccination status.
- St. Kitts & Nevis
- Trinidad and Tobago
- USVI OPEN
Caribbean Countries That Are Almost Restriction Free
- Puerto Rico
  
  Only entirely open to American citizens. International travelers will have to show proof of vaccination.
  
  Restrictions Lifted June 12^th, 2022
- Dominican Republic
  
  The only measure still in place is potential random testing upon landing.
  
  Restrictions Lifted April 23^rd, 2022
Where Are Travelers Headed?

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica was recently named the leading destination in the Caribbean and is also considered one of the best vacation spots for this fall and winter. Additionally, one of Jamaica’s tourist hotspots, Montego Bay, is regarded as the trendiest destination for 2022, and its airport is considered the best airport to fly into the Caribbean. Its vast selection of all-inclusive resorts also makes it a great destination to call home for a week or two this winter.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is another favorite for Americans traveling this fall and winter. Consequently, a recent report stated that Cancun ranks #1 for U.S. travelers this fall. In response, Cancun has added 38% (9.2 million total) more available airline seats than there were in 2019 in order to accommodate the surge in interest. Mexico was also one of the first destinations to remove all Covid requirements, and it seems to be paying off this year as travelers begin to get out there again after two years of restrictions.

A Word Of Caution

The worst days of the pandemic seem to be behind us, but that doesn’t mean these countries couldn’t change their policies. In fact, Germany recently announced that they would be reinstating their mask mandate for the winter. Always check travel requirements before heading off to your destination. Covid protocols, visa requirements, and other travel rules could all affect your trip, so it’s essential to double-check before heading to the airport.

Finally, after ensuring everything is in order, jet off to one of these beautiful Caribbean destinations this fall and winter for a vacation you won’t forget!

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

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Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 9, 2022