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Why Airport Lounges Are Worth It– Especially This Year

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If You’re Unsure About The Value Of Airport Lounges, Read On

Airports are a nightmare at the best of times, but this year’s chaos is unprecedented. If you’ve fought your way through the security line, ventured the length and breadth of the departures lounges, and tried to work next to a screaming baby, you may have glanced longingly at one of the airport lounges dotted around the airport.

Once seen as a symbol of luxury and inaccessible to the masses, lounges are springing up everywhere. Some airports have well over ten lounges, with many accessible to anyone willing to pay.

But are they worth the hype? We say, without a doubt, yes. At least in most cases. Here’s why you should consider getting lounge access on your next trip, especially this year.

1.      They’re a much-needed dose of peace

The biggest benefit of any lounge, even a busy one, is the peace they offer. Departure lounges are chaotic. The worst of every human comes out in an airport, and fusing that with a long travel day, hunger, money, and impatience is never a good environment to be in before your flight.

Even if a lounge is a little busier, most make the effort to offer comfortable seating, further away from other passengers than the uncomfortable pews clustered around the departure gates. The people in the lounge are there for the same reason, peace, so there’s almost no chance of someone blaring their music, shouting down their phone, and even the parents with the crying kid are far more apathetic to the setting.

Relaxing before a flight is a luxury you should experience at least once.

2.      There’s free food

Do we have to say much more? Many of the lounges are buffet style, so you can dig in as much as you’d like. Think about it, the more you eat, the further that entry fee goes.

But don’t be the person who drinks too much free booze. They don’t get let back in.

3.      It might actually save you money

Depending on your travel day habits, paying for a lounge might actually end up cheaper than spending a few hours in the terminal.

If you’re on a long connection, you might be tempted to grab lunch, maybe a snack and a drink later, and of course, the obligatory airport alcoholic beverage, which can quickly rack up a bill. Airport food was inflated long before everything else was. Many lounges offer free food and even alcohol, which could end up a steal for you. If you have to pay $25 for a lounge stay, you’ve seriously upgraded for at least the same cost.

4.      Working is far easier

If you’re traveling for work, a lounge should be a no-brainer. Even if you’ve prepared yourself with a fully charged laptop, departure lounge wifi can be brutal, your concentration levels have to be amazing, and you’re going to be working from your lap.

Lounges usually have work space, so you can get the feeling of a desk setup and almost always offer free wifi that functions separately from the outside connection. Taking a business call is possible in some, and even if you’re still stuck with your knees for a desk, at least you’re probably sitting on a nice comfy sofa.

5.      If you’re a regular traveler you’re missing out

If you travel more than four or five times a year, you’re probably losing money. If it’s international travel, you’re definitely losing money. A combination of food and snack costs over the course of a year comfortably adds up to the cost of a subscription to a lounge app.

Priority Pass, one of the most comprehensive apps, has memberships starting at $99 and gives the user access to a multitude of lounges usually unavailable to most or at a higher price point. If you’re hopping on a flight every week, the full membership is still worth it in experience alone.

Airlines with membership programs also offer some amazing options, so if you’re loyal to a certain carrier, check out what they have available.

6.      It could literally be free

Many credit cards, especially airline cards, include access to their lounges when flying with the same carrier. If you’re not taking advantage of this brilliant opportunity, you’re missing out. If you don’t have a card that grants you access to lounges, take a look at a few that offer the benefit. These will typically have fees, but if you’re already paying for another card with similar costs, it might be worth the switch.

Capital One, Chase, and Amex all have their own lounges dotted around the world for their top customers. The Amex Platinum Card, for example, offers free access for every cardholder at their Centurion lounges, which are often some of the best. It also grants free access to Priority Pass, so if there’s no Centurion, you’re still covered.

When is it not useful?

It’s all fine and well pushing you to pay for a lounge, but it’s just as important to know when it’s not worth it.

If you just really need some peace, go for it. But if you’re on a short domestic flight, you’re not flying often, and you’re unlikely to be eating very much during your time in the airport, just suck it up and give it a miss.

It’s great to have a comfortable place to hang out, but is it really worth $25 before your two hour flight home? Just hang on and get into bed.

Read More:

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Flight Delayed? Here Are 10 Ways To Pass The Time

What To Do If Your Flight Is Delayed Or Canceled

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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August 24, 2022
The Cayman Islands Return To Normal Entry Requirements Dropping All Restrictions
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Last Updated 21 mins ago

American sunseekers, this is the moment you’ve been patiently waiting for. The Cayman Islands, one of the hottest cruise ports and leading destinations of the Caribbean has just dropped all entry requirements. Heading into the fall, the islands will no longer require visitors to present health-related documentation, finally reinstating pre-Covid normality.

For two and half a years, the famous archipelago applied some of the strictest rules in all of the Americas, barring unvaccinated visitors while requiring those able to produce a vaccination certificate to apply for authorization in advance. Naturally, these self-imposed barriers have been hampering the recovery of tourism.

Fortunately, as of this week these have all been lifted:

Cayman Fully Reopens For Tourism After Two And Half Years

For the first time since Covid was declared an emergency, the Government of the Cayman Islands has decided to rescind all regulations that have kept a large number of tourists from coming back to their favorite vacation spot. Beginning August 24, all will once again be allowed to enter free of scrutiny and strict border checks, including unvaccinated Americans.

This makes the British Overseas Territory the latest Caribbean destination to return to their pre-pandemic travel guidelines, in a list that includes all of America’s top rated sunny breaks. Prior to the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Belize and countless others opened up for tourism, moving away from the harsh zero-Covid approach.

Now, visiting Grand Cayman, or any other destination within the territory will feel like it was in 2019:
- No pre-departure testing
- No mandatory pre-arrival registration form
- No vaccination certificate required
- No booster certificate required
- No post-arrival testing
- No state-regulated quarantine
Whether they are arriving by sea or air, visitors will be able to step into the sun and enjoy their hard-earned break in paradise stress-free. As the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism confirms, starting this Wednesday, all American travelers are now permitted to cross the border simply by bringing a valid passport, ‘without the need of any additional documents’.

Although travel insurance is also not mandatory, we cannot stress enough the importance of carrying a valid insurance policy when flying abroad, especially now that U.S. airlines are failing to meet their targets and cancelations are widespread. Trust us, you don’t want to be left stranded in Cayman if your flight back is axed at the very last minute.

Find out more about travel insurance here.

What Has Changed Following The Latest Update?

Before the update, U.S. citizens and any other foreigners flying to Grand Cayman had to seek permission beforehand. The so-called ‘Travel Certificate’, which served as proof for Cayman border authorities that a traveler had been pre-screened and deemed fit for travel, could be easily obtained through an online portal – that is, if you were vaccinated.

Those who were not had their applications routinely turned down, unless they were a British Overseas Territory citizen linked to the Cayman Islands, or someone with close ties to local residents. Additionally, the few allowed to board a Cayman-bound flight or vessel had to present a negative test and later isolate at their accommodation, or home, for 7 full days.

The quarantine did not apply to vaccinated travelers, though they were still subject to the pre-arrival testing rule up until June 30. These regulations made the territory an outlier in the Caribbean, as a majority of countries in the region accepted Covid is no longer a disruptive disease and ceased to restrict tourism in return.

At last, Cayman has joined what we’re dubbing the Freedom Club.

What About Masks?

Similarly to the border restrictions, the Cayman Government has scrapped mandatory mask usage all across the islands. Since June 30, visitors have not been expected to wear face coverings in any indoor or outdoor settings, including:
- Beaches
- Clubs and entertainment venues
- Restaurants
- Leisure centers
- Public transportation
It is worth noting private establishments may still enforce mask usage.

The Cayman Islands are a collective of 3 small islands part of the British Commonwealth in the Western Caribbean. The largest of them, Grand Cayman, is the main entry point and a home to world-renowned resort brands, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Heights and Margaritaville. On the other hand, Little Cayman is popular among nature enthusiasts for its diverse nature, marine life and water sports.

Read More:

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Tourists Arriving In Cancun Will Automatically Get 180 Days In Mexico

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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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August 24, 2022
These Are The Top 5 Most Visited Destinations In Mexico By Americans

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Without a question, Mexico is America’s favorite vacation spot. U.S. citizens comprise the vast majority of foreigners visiting the tourism-dependent country, and are behind its rebound following the Covid crisis. Now, the top 5 cities Americans love the most in Mexico have been revealed, and while old classics featured, the list includes other surprises as well.

Between January and May 2022, Mexico reported a 65.8% increase in American arrivals compared to last year’s figures. In total, 5 million and 530 thousand more tourists traveled south of the border this year so far, and that number is likely to keep rising now that social curbs have been dropped and the U.S. no longer requires testing for returning citizens.

The whole of Mexico is brimming with tourists, but the cities with the largest concentrations, according to official data provider Datatur, are the following:

5. Guadalajara

State: Jalisco

Official U.S. Travel Advice: Reconsider Travel

Famous for: History, Architecture, Museums

The home of tequila and the traditional mariachi music, Guadalajara is the fifth busiest entry point into Mexico this year. So far, an extra 430,087 international visitors have chosen the lively inland metropolis as their destination this year, 58.7% more than 2021. Why, you may be wondering? It may not have a beach, but in Guadalajara there is certainly no shortage of cultural attractions to be appreciated.

The historical downtown area is comprised of countless historical landmarks, such as the 16th century Guadalajara Cathedral, one of the first European-built churches in the territory, the Hospicio Cabanas, simply the oldest orphanage in the Americas, the gorgeous Degollado Theater, famous for its neoclassical architecture, and many more.

4. Puerto Vallarta

State: Jalisco

Official U.S. Travel Advice: Reconsider Travel

Famous for: Nightlife, Luxury resorts, Beaches

Puerto Vallarta has been named the Friendliest City in the World, and strolling the streets of the picturesque Old Town area, where Mexican hospitality can be truly experienced, and a myriad of different, welcoming bars and entertainment venues line the seafront, we have absolutely no reason to question that status.

This year, though, Vallarta has attained popularity more as a primary destination, as opposed to a mere cruise port part of a wider itinerary. 775,430 more tourists have flown specifically into Puerto Vallarta International Airport this year, up until May, 136.6% more than last year, proving the city’s potential as a major international destination is being unleashed.

3. Los Cabos

State: Baja California

Official U.S. Travel Advice: Reconsider Travel

Famous for: Marine life, Nature, Outdoor activities

Los Cabos comes out third in terms of international arrivals, even though it already surpasses the Riviera Maya in terms of year-on-year growth. Up until May, an additional 929,988 tourists arrived via Los Cabos International Airport, 67.8% more than 2021. On top of that, the Los Cabos Tourism Trust (Fiturca) notes that 22% more Americans have made it to the Pacific Gem this year.

This makes Los Cabos one of the trendiest destinations in Mexico for U.S. passport holders right now, mainly due to the rave reviews it gets – over 93% of visitors report a pleasant experience – the quality of the beaches, among some of the cleanest in the country, and its world-renowned golf courses.

2. Mexico City

State: Mexico City

Official U.S. Travel Advice: Exercise Increased Caution

Famous for: Aztec monuments, Mayan ruins, Museums

Mexico City, the country’s capital and main financial center, takes the runner-up slot with a 129.2% increase over 2021, or an extra 1,578,039 tourists. Short-term visitors are not the only ones enamored of the metropolis: it is quickly turning into a new haven for digital nomads, due to its high affordability and cultural offers.

Some of the top sights in Mexico City include Templo Mayor, the 13th-century Aztec Temple that leaves Historians wonderstruck to this day, the baroque wonder that is the Metropolitan Cathedral, built by Mexico’s Spanish conquerors, and the National Palace, where emblematic art by Mexico’s beloved painter Diego Rivera can be found.

1. Cancun

State: Quintana Roo

Official U.S. Travel Advice: Exercise Increased Caution

Famous for: Pristine beaches, Luxurious stays, Live entertainment

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cancun is America’s favorite destination in all of Mexico. This year, the Caribbean jewel posted a 100.8% growth, or namely an a further 4,009,729 arrivals compared to the same period in 2021. Despite the slower rebound, compared to others on this same list, it remains a definitive winner in overall numbers.

Even the excessive sargassum landfall could not keep Americans away during the low season. A vast majority of them still dreams of a week-long sunny break in the luxurious Zona Hotelera, and judging by this other recent study published by Tripadvisor, Cancun’s hard-earned crown will not be snatched anytime soon.

If you’re visiting any of the above locations in the near future, or other states in Mexico, make sure you check the latest travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State by accessing this link.

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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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August 23, 2022
Tourists Arriving In Cancun Will Automatically Get 180 Days In Mexico

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Unpredictable Stay Lengths Will Disappear As Pilot Program Is Tested In Cancun

Tourists arriving in Cancun will now automatically receive 180 days to stay in Mexico, after a frustrating piece of paperwork was removed from the immigration process. The news will be a breath of fresh air for Digital Nomads, in particular, who utilize long stays.

The decision has been made to drop the FMM or Forma Multipla Migratoria in the Cancun airport. It should be noted that only Cancun International Airport is piloting the program, so anyone visiting through other airports in Mexico will still be expected to abide by the old protocol and may receive far less than the 180 days. It may be expanded if the Cancun trial goes well and no problems arise.

For years, the Mexican immigration department used the FMM, to help regulate the tourists entering the country. The system was a frustrating one and could add an hour or more to the immigration process. Although there was an option for tourists to fill the form out online, this often was futile, and those tourists ended up taking longer.

Passengers on planes were typically given the form on the plane to begin filling out, but as many had already filled it online, they assumed they didn’t need to, helping create further backlogs in the immigration line after they were turned back by officers.

As the airports continue to fight massive lines and wait times, the new rules will hopefully alleviate some of the pressure and ease the process for tourists.

Under the FMM system, tourists were left at the mercy of the immigration officer as to how long a stay they received. In years prior to Covid, 180 days was an expected allotment of time, but unexplained reasons during the pandemic saw the officers becoming far more specific in their decisions.

Even if a tourist explained they wanted to stay for a month or more, the decision was left to the officer, and a random amount of days could be scrawled at the top of the paper. As no explicit announcement was made regarding the change in stance, many tourists barely registered the number of days given and would often overstay.

One of our own writers traveled into the country via Mexico City, unaware of the rule changes. He was given 32 days, while his partner was given 13. Neither of them was aware of the number of days offered until they were denied boarding a bus as one of them had overstayed.

There was also the issue of keeping ahold of the FMM itself. Visitors were expected to keep the form and offer it upon exiting the country. If evidence of an overstay was found, they would be denied entry to the departures area and sent to pay a fine. Although this is fairly normal for immigration documents, the FMM itself was a tiny piece of paper, barely the size of a passport page, and easily lost. Many accidentally threw it away thinking it was a receipt, or just misplaced it.

But the developments in Cancun mean those are now a thing of the past. Instead of a form, online or otherwise, visitors will now receive a stamp on arrival, streamlining the process and giving clarity to the length of time tourists can stay in the country.

The new process is available for most countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, but a few select countries like Brazil, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela, will not be offered 180 days. Instead, they will receive 30 days and still need to fill out the FMM before being admitted to the country.

Digital Nomads will be extremely happy about the news, as extending stays can be a complicated process in Mexico. Cities like Tulum and Mexico City are now seen as major hubs for remote workers, and having a guarantee of six months can make a huge difference in planning for them.

Regardless of the new process, tourists should still ensure they have any supporting documents as to how long they intend to stay, where they are living, and what the purpose of their stay is, as immigration officers still have the ability to question and deny anyone trying to enter the country.

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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August 23, 2022
U.S. Airlines With The Most Delays And Cancellations This Month
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Air travel in the United States has been rough this summer. Overwhelming travel demand has strained a short-staffed aviation industry, leading to delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. Travelers have been eager to regain their freedom after years of pandemic-era regulations have decimated the travel industry. Unfortunately, airlines and airports were not prepared, and flights have suffered. The big question on everyone’s minds this summer has been, “will my travel plans be disrupted?“

This question is still noteworthy as we transition into the fall. To help answer it, we have determined the U.S. airlines with the most delays and cancellations this month. Using data from FlightAware, we ranked airlines’ performance from August 1^st through August 19^th. For this article, only mainline passenger airlines with a market cap of $1 Billion or greater were considered. These include; Southwest, American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Alaska, Frontier, and Allegiant.

Overall Flights Stats

To understand where each airline’s performance lies, it’s important to look at the averages across all nine airlines.
- Total Scheduled Flights: 307,745
- Total Cancelled Flights: 6,150
- Percentage of Flights Cancelled: 2%
- Total Delayed Flights: 78,912
- Percentage of Flights Delayed: 26.2%
- Average Delay Time: 51 minutes
Top 5 U.S. Airlines With The Most Delays This Month
- JetBlue Airways – 34.9% of Flights Delayed (6,540 Total), 62 Minute Average Delay
- Southwest Airlines – 34.9% of Flights Delayed (26,788 Total), 42 Minute Average Delay
- Allegiant Air – 32.9% of Flights Delayed (2,252 Total), 51 Minute Average Delay
- Frontier Airlines – 28% of Flights Delayed (2,611 Total), 59 Minute Average Delay
- American Airlines – 24.9% of Flights Delayed (14,900 Total), 54 Minute Average Delay
JetBlue and Southwest had the same percentage of delays. Still, JetBlue’s average delay time was worse than Southwest’s, leading to its ranking as number one. If you are the passenger stuck with a delay, that extra 20 minutes will matter much more to you than the airline’s total delays.

Have Delays Improved?

Compared to July, delays have improved for most of the airlines listed. In July, the top 5 airlines were the same culprits as above, in a slightly different order. The only airlines that did not improve over July’s percentages were Southwest and Frontier. Southwest got worse by 2.9%, but Frontier’s percentage remained consistent at 28%.

While the improvement may give hope that we are moving beyond the travel chaos of summer, the more likely reason is that there have simply been fewer flights than there were in July. In July, there were 479,362 total flights across the nine carriers explored; 55.7% more than we have seen so far in August. However, we still have over a week left in August, so time will tell if the improvements hold.

As travel demand eases, the pressure on the short-staffed aviation industry will lessen. With fewer chances for error, airlines are likely to handle their operations better. Travelers should keep in mind, however, that the system is still struggling. Improvements should be taken with a grain of salt, and travelers should still take precautions going into the fall. Showing up to the airport extra early, avoiding a checked bag if possible, and knowing their passenger rights are all essential steps to ensure a smooth journey.

Top 5 U.S. Airlines With The Most Cancellations This Month
1. American Airlines – 3.5% of Flights Cancelled (2,157 Total)
2. Southwest Airlines – 2.5% of Flights Cancelled (1,978 Total)
3. United Airlines – 2.0% of Flights Cancelled (909 Total)
4. JetBlue Airways – 1.8% of Flights Cancelled (342 Total)
5. Allegiant Air – 0.9% of Flights Cancelled (65 Total)
American, Southwest, and JetBlue have worsened compared to July by about 1%, 1.1%, and .4%, respectively. United and Allegiant have both improved by .4% each.

Surprising Top Performers For Flights

The best-performing airlines for cancellations and delays may surprise you. Out of the nine carriers, Spirit Airlines was the best performing airline for delays, with an 18.1% flight delay rate (2,609 total). Their average delay time was 53 minutes, which is only two minutes more than the average of all the airlines combined. Alaska Airlines was the best-performing airline regarding cancellations, with a .4% flight cancellation rate (63 total).

The aviation industry has been hectic this year. It will likely continue running into operational issues in the coming months, as the core problem of short-staffing remains. As demand eases into the shoulder season, the chaos may temporarily subside. However, until airlines and the aviation industry overall can recover their staffing, travelers should expect disruptions.

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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August 22, 2022
US Government Launching Platform That Will Enable Passengers To Compare Airline Services
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Last Updated 43 mins ago

With the ongoing chaos affecting air travel lately, have you ever wondered which airline would be ‘safer’ to book with, based on what benefits they offer in the event of a delay or cancelation? Pretty soon, the U.S. Government will launch an online platform enabling Americans to do just that, and make better informed decisions when planning a trip.

As the world reopened following Covid and millions flocked into airports, especially after the U.S. dropped the controversial inbound testing requirement, industry operators finally realized, perhaps a little too late, they were not prepared for dealing with a pent-up travel demand amid a crippling worker shortage and other operational issues.

Consequently, throughout summer, thousands of flights were either axed or did not depart as scheduled, with some carriers even blatantly denying customers refunds. Now, the Government is finally stepping in:

Buttigieg Wants To Increase Customer Protection Amid The Travel Chaos

After being personally affected by the spate of cancelations dragging down the aviation sector’s recovery, U.S. Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg decided to take matters into his own hands and called out airlines out on their behavior. According to Buttigieg himself, this flight cancelation wave is ‘unacceptable’ and carriers should take responsibility.

Reuters reports that the Transport Secretary sent a letter of reprimand to airline executives, from those on a regional level all the way to the top of the chain, warning the U.S. Government is mulling over a new set of laws that would ‘expand the rights of airline passengers‘. In essence, Buttigieg wants travelers to be able to access:
- Clear information concerning an airline’s flight cancelation policies
- Food vouchers when flights are delayed for 3 hours or more
- Lodging when staying at the airport overnight due to delays within an airline’s control
Should any such law be implemented, this would be a landmark event in U.S. aviation History. At present, U.S. carriers are not required to provide passengers with complimentary meals, or hotel rooms, when unable to fulfill their own schedule. Despite not being legally bound to do so, a majority of them offers compensation out of common decency.

This does not change the fact that this isn’t a right, and thus, it can be refused at an airlines’ discretion. That’s a scary thought, and Buttigieg agrees air passengers need more protection urgently. This year, roughly 24 per cent of flights operated by U.S. carriers were delayed, giving rise to concerns airlines could eventually cease honoring their part of the deal.

A deal that does not exist in paper, for that matter. Additionally, the Transport Secretary has confirmed the U.S. Government is launching a new dashboard on September 2, right before Labor Day weekend, allowing Americans to verify how exactly each carrier plans on reimbursing their cancelation costs in a worst-case scenario:

All We Know So Far About The New Interactive Platform Launching

As Buttigieg shared, the ‘interactive’ dashboard would compile ‘easy-to-read’, comparative information on the services every large U.S. airline provide upon delaying or canceling a flight in a single online venue. He has not shared in detail how the information will be displayed, or how exactly users can go about viewing it.

All we know so far is it will be based off ‘airlines’ customer service plans’, since Buttigieg expressly told CEOs on his letter that this is their opportunity to ensure their Customer Service Plan ‘guarantees adequate amenities and services’ to help passengers through inconveniences. Interestingly, as far as we’re concerned, this is the first initiative of the sort by the Government.

Previously, airlines were able to operate free from Washington’s watchful gaze, though their current underperformance has led to increased scrutiny. The fact that the Transport Secretary is actively advocating for passenger rights, as well as debuting a promising comparative dashboard, are both indications the Government is siding with customers for once.

It remains to be seen whether the novelty will live up to expectations, and actually prove useful with time. This is the first time we hear of a national government gathering data to assist citizens in planning trips, and certainly an unusual move for the Department of Transportation. What’s more: Washington is not alone in its clash against the aviation giants.

North of the border, Ottawa had a few tricks up its sleeve as well:

North American Governments Come To Their Citizens’ Aid

The Canadian Government drafted its own laws requiring airlines to refund passengers in the event of any cancelation, including those outside their control, after Canada came under fire for being, at the time, an epicenter for the summer travel chaos. Of course, Washington has not gone as far, yet, but it is certainly closing in on what’s a poorly-regulated market.

Lastly, Buttigieg is developing other rules that would require carriers to refund travelers when their baggage is delayed or lost, and prohibit them from charging extra when families request to sit together in planes. Besides the interactive dashboard, coming this September, the remaining proposals are just that: proposals.

They need to be appraised and they may either be enshrined into law, or completely discarded. We will keep you updated once more information is shared by the Department of Transport.

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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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August 22, 2022
Los Cabos And Cancun At Level 2 Travel Advisory Heading Into The Fall
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Last Updated 7 mins ago

Heading south of the border this fall?

You may have seen the U.S. Department of State has issued updated travel advisories for each individual Mexican destination this fall. While security risks in places like Puerto Vallarta are considered high enough to warrant a Level 3 badge, meaning Americans should ‘reconsider travel‘ due to crime and even kidnapping risks, others like Cabo and Cancun remained at a much safer Level 2.

Mexico is the number one destination for Americans going abroad. Boasting a pristine coastline extending for miles on end, some of the best preserved pre-Columbian sites in all of the Americas, and home to one of the world’s richest, and most diverse cuisine, it definitely deserves its hard-earned title of King of Tourism.

On the downside, its recent run-ins with the law have been a cause for concern, particularly among first-time visitors. Luckily, that’s not the case with America’s favorites Cabo and Cancun:

Is Mexico A Safe Place To Visit?

Before anything else, we should probably point out Mexic is pretty safe to visit. There is a reason the country has been smashing tourism records lately, with Los Cabos even outpacing majority of beach destinations in the wider region in terms of tourism growth. Yes, crime can occur, but in any tourist setting, chances are slim.

Although we cannot disregard the warnings coming from the United States Government, seeing that they are official and data-informed, we should note an ‘increased risk’ of crime is merely that: a risk. It does not mean it will happen, or that it will affect Americans in Mexico. In fact, the vast majority of them will experience a trouble-free vacation.

Tourists Should Exercise Increased Caution Visiting Cabo And Cancun

That being said, the U.S. has nevertheless granted a Level 2 status to the Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo states, of which Los Cabos and Cancun are a part of. In simpler terms, these destinations are not under a particularly high threat of crime, or are turf war hotspots, like other Level 3, or even Level 4 ‘No Travel’ cities.

As per the department’s statement, U.S. citizens should only ‘exercise increase caution’ in the region due to crime, a warning that, in reality, applies to every single major international destination. Unlike in the states of Jalisco or Sinaloa, there are currently ‘no restriction’ on travel for U.S. Government employees based in Baja California Sur, or even tourists.

Similarly, Quintana Roo – and the Riviera Maya on an extent – has not been blacklisted by the department, featuring on the same Level 2 list as Cabo. All of the Mexican Caribbean’s consolidated stars, namely Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and Chetumal are not deemed seriously dangerous for tourists.

The advisory mentions ‘criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations‘, but then again, this same advice could be replicated for numerous countries, including the U.S., where pick-pocketing and illicit activities have long posed a problem (especially in New York, L.A., and other large cities).

Naturally, minor incidents cannot be ruled out, and while this is far from being exclusive to Cabo or Cancun, like anywhere else, visitors must not let their guards down when flying abroad. In fact, maintaining a high level of situational awareness is key to a stress-free vacation in the Riviera Maya and Cabo’s Pacific Coast.

Essentially, Americans must observe all of these rules:
- Avoid walking after dark in poorly-lit pedestrian zones
- Refrain from visiting by yourself peripheral districts of Cancun or Cabo that do not normally receive a lot of tourists
- ‘Promptly depart’ from areas where dangerous events are unfolding, however rare
- Constantly checking the U.S. Department of State web-page for all the latest updates on travel to Cancun
*Personally, we would recommend not flashing jewelry or other expensive belongings that may attract thieves

Bottomline

Realistically, tourists should not feel as if they have a target on their backs traveling in Cabo or Cancun. At the same time, exercising caution when abroad, whether it’s Mexico or elsewhere, is of paramount importance. In Mexico specifically, violent incidents are not directed at visitors, but they can still be injured finding themselves in the wrong place, wrong time.

At the same time, you probably risk getting robbed strolling alone after sundown in New York, as well. Sod’s law.

Once again, the occasions in which tourists are harmed, or witness acts of violence, are incredibly rare. Additionally, the Mexican Government takes tourism very seriously, and has clamped down on crime lately by deploying more police to tourist areas and ensuring Americans feel safe when vacationing in Cabo or Cancun.

In comparison, tourists should ‘reconsider travel’ to Puerto Vallarta and the whole state of Jalisco, which has been placed under the Level 3 listing, only one step short of being blacklisted by the Federal Government. In essence, despite these warnings, the states of Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo are considered much safer for travel than Jalisco, for example.

Visiting Mexico soon?
- Follow the official advice and plan your itinerary accordingly, making sure you cross out blacklisted regions
- Pre-book transfers between the airport and your hotel, or in between municipalities, in order to avoid Mexico’s infamous taxi scams
- Call 911, Mexico’s national emergency number whenever in need, especially when finding yourself in a dangerous situation
- Of course, don’t forget to enjoy your sunny getaway!
Read More:

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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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August 21, 2022
Princess Cruises Announces New Bids For Cabin Upgrades And Norwegian Launches 40% Off Sale

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Two major cruise companies have been applying different strategies to stay competitive in the cruise market and here’s what travelers should know.

Princess Cruises —the American cruise line owned by the Carnival Corporation— just introduced a new bidding program. The company will allow guests to bid for cabin upgrades on selected cruise ships starting September 6.

Norwegian Cruise Line, on the other hand, is currently offering 40% off all cruises and fly-cruises until August 22. The offer applies for all accommodations and includes routes like the Canary Islands from November 2022, inactive since 2017.

Both companies are offering great deals for cruise lovers, but there are a few details travelers should consider.

Princess New Bidding Program

A few weeks ago, Princess Cruises announced 47 itineraries for 2023 and 2024 and now the company is offering passengers the possibility to travel more comfortably with a new bidding system.

The new bidding program will allow guests to upgrade to a cabin with an ocean view, a balcony, a deluxe balcony, a mini-suite, or a full suite. Depending on their budget, travelers will get to submit an offer from a certain price point.

John Padgett, Princess President, said: “Upgrading is a popular request from our guests and we’re pleased to deliver a process that lets them improve their stateroom category by making an offer that fits their budget and lifestyle.”

According to the information shared by Cruise Hive, guests will receive an email with an invitation to participate. Bids will be priced per person, but the stateroom will be available for two guests. After sending their bids, participants will receive another email informing if their bid has been accepted and they get the upgrade or if it was denied and they just stay at their original stateroom.

The new stateroom upgrade system will be implemented on five cruises that sail from the US first: Regal Princess, Ruby Princess, Caribbean Princess, Discovery Princess, and Enchanted Princess. By October, Princess Cruise Line expects to apply this system to all of its fleets.

The company is making its cruise experience more pleasant for travelers and finding strategies to create more inclusive programs. The cruise line also recently updated COVID-19 protocols and has removed vaccine requirements for most itineraries.

Norwegian’s 40% Discount

Travelers must act fast if they want to take advantage of this promotion. Those who have been thinking about sailing could have a great opportunity to book an itinerary at a great price. Norwegian’s 40% discount applies for all destinations until next Monday.

The company has also included its “Free at Sea” upgrade package —which costs around $175— and offers travelers great advantages like free wifi, free guided tours, unlimited drinks, and more.

Norwegian Cruise currently has itineraries in Alaska, across the Caribbean, and the Mediterranian Sea. The vessel Norwegian Sun currently has 8 to 14 days itineraries that include the Canaries and stops at Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Norwegian Prima, another great ship from this cruise line, has itineraries in 2023 that include transatlantic sailing from New York to Reykjavik, Iceland.

The cruise line is also offering travelers airfare credit, up to $300 per person on selected routes in Europe. All these promotions will be available until next Monday.

Competitive Cruise Lines

Travelers must decide which promotion is a better fit for their travel plans. And while the cruise industry seems to be going “back to normal” with fewer COVID-19 restrictions and more sailing routes available, Princes Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have also recently canceled sailings.

Just a few days ago, Princess Cruises canceled 11 itineraries due to staff shortage, labeled “labor challenges” by the company. And this week, Norwegian Cruise Line canceled sailings planned for 2023 and 2024 due to supply chain delays. Both companies have offered compensation for customers, but might be an important factor to consider when choosing a cruise line service and promotion.

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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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August 21, 2022
Cancun Ranked Most Popular Destination For Americans This Fall

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Cancun is calling, once again.

TripAdvisor released its fall travel index this week and the verdict is in: Mexico ranks #1 for U.S. travelers this fall, with Cancun being the top destination of choice for 2022.

While Cancun broke records for its number of international arrivals over the pandemic, things don’t seem to be slowing down for Cancun. With pristine beaches, plenty of all-inclusive getaway opportunities, festivals galore, great food, a huge party scene, and so much more, tourists can’t seem to get enough of Cancun.

In this post, we’ll go through what to look forward to when visiting Cancun for the fall season 2022.

Fall Is The Ideal Season To Travel To Cancun

Visiting Cancun during the fall months (October-December) means that you’ll have escaped the intense heat (well, more intense than usual) of the summer months. Instead, you’ll be treated with evening breezes and mild morning temperatures.

Just be aware that October is typically the tail end of the hurricane season which is most of late August and September, so you might encounter some bits of rain or stormy weather.

October Marks The End Of ‘Sargassum Season’

One of the biggest environmental issues in the Caribbean over the past years is the record-breaking amounts of sargassum that have been appearing on beaches in Cancun and the nearby regions.

If you visit Cancun this fall, you won’t have to worry about it as much. The high season for sargassum (typically) begins in March and lasts until September, so you can hope for sargassum-free beaches on your October trip to Cancun.

According to some of the most extensive research on the subject, sargassum appears to be the result of lots of factors including warming water temperatures and over-nutrified water from a growing human nitrogen footprint.

All-Inclusives That Will Make You Swoon

Cancun’s majestic ‘Hotel Zone’ and the surrounding area is where you can find some of the most top notch beaches in the world. And, it’s also where you can pamper yourself at some of Mexico’s most stylish all-inclusive resorts.

Large hotel chains have been adding new all-inclusive hotels to the area over the past few years, so luxury tourists definitely won’t be starved for choice when it comes to picking their perfect getaway.

Some all-inclusive resorts to look forward to in Cancun include the Hotel Riu Palace Kukulkan and the Hotel Riu Latino, which are scheduled to open to guests this fall. These resorts are located on some of the most exclusive areas of Cancun, so you’ll only be sharing these breathtaking private beach views with the other hotel guests.

Festivals Are Coming To Cancun For Fall 2022

The much-anticipated annual Just for Laughs Escapes festival in Cancun is set for the first week of November, so get ready for three full days of comedy in paradise.

Festival goers can chill out poolside watching one of the daytime performances, see some of their favorite comics at the Kukulkan Theater, and dance all night long at the after hours beach parties. Headliners and performers include Craig Robinson, Pete Holmes, Rachel Feinstein, Annie Lederman, and Jeff Ross.

What To Do In The Riviera Maya: Day Trips Galore

Cancun is the beginning of the beautiful Mayan Riviera.

From the hotel zone in Cancun, to Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and beyond, this strip of land is not only filled with powdery, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, but plenty of day trips and excursion opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.

If you’re looking for some excursions, start with the MUSA, an underwater conservation museum where you can snorkel or dive amongst sculptures and some local marine life. Or, you can opt for a glass-bottom boat tour of the area!

The MUSA is just one of the many tours you can book during your Cancun trip. There’s also cenotes, historical ruins from the Mayan kingdom, scuba diving in Cozumel, and boat tours to gorgeous islands nearby.

With so much to see and do, what’s not to love about Cancun?

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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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August 20, 2022
Los Cabos Becoming The New Cancun As Popularity With Americans Tourists Soars
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Ever since it opened up for tourism following Covid, being one of the first in the Western Hemisphere to do so, Mexico has been smashing arrival records. Its numerous beach hotspots are now some of the world’s most sought after vacations, and while Cancun has seen a notorious, albeit expected surge, it is bowing out as another promising destination takes center stage: the up-and-coming Pacific gem of Los Cabos.

For years, Mexico’s Caribbean coast had been at the forefront of the country’s tourism campaign, and judging by its pristine nature and vast cultural wealth, we can certainly understand the appeal. However, from the moment restrictions were dropped and flight frequency increased, Cancun – and the wider Caribbean – did not bounce back as fiercely as this other competitor.

That’s not to say it’s doing bad – it is surely smashing records – but wait until you see Los Cabos’ numbers:

Los Cabos Is The Hottest Destination In Mexico Right Now

According to the Los Cabos Tourism Trust (Fiturca), the influx of both domestic and international tourists in the region has far exceeded earlier expectations for the first semester, being now 24% higher than they were compared to 2019. In total, that translates into more than 2 million arrivals, or roughly 7.8% of all Mexican air traffic overall.

From January to May 2022, Mexico welcomed 25.4 million tourists, a 25.9% increase over previous years, and a truly phenomenal comeback for the Latin American hub when other countries like Canada and Australia, who opted for a hard-stance pandemic approach, continue suffering heavy losses – even after loosening curbs, which Australia did perhaps too little too late.

Back to Los Cabos, accounting for nearly 8% still doesn’t comprise a clear majority, but this is where things get really interesting. It is is yet to see an overwhelming wave of tourists other places like Cancun, Tulum, and even Mexico City normally deal with during the peak travel season, but it is growing, and doing so at an abnormally fast rate – much faster than Cancun even.

Its figures may be far lower at present, but compared to the saturated Cancun, which posted a laudable, yet more moderate 10% increase over 2019 figures, at least up until July, Los Cabos’ recovery so far is proving much more solid (and stronger). Keeping the momentum, it should be on track one day to possibly beat Cancun as the top Mexican destination.

Who Is Behind Los Cabos’ Surprising Success?

Of course, the Caribbean’s reigning queen will be a hard one to overthrow, but it’s also a fact that Los Cabos is closing on her, holding the potential to outpace other racers by year’s end. Of course, Americans play a huge part in making Los Cabos such a hot topic right now. 22% more of them have visited in 2022 versus 2019.

Out of those, 23% hail from Los Angeles, 16% from Dallas and 14.7% from Phoenix. Lastly, Fiturca mentions private jet operations in the area have been skyrocketing as well, up to 81% more than the pre-pandemic era. Before eyebrows are raised, flying private is actually way more affordable than many here think.

This newfound success isn’t attributed solely to international visitors, either: more Mexicans are being drawn to this trendy hub, up 34% from 2019 (as per Fiturca). Mexico City residents, including both Mexicans and American expats living in the metropolis, make up precisely half the sum, with Tijuana trailing behind at 19.1%, Guadalajara at 13.5%, and the rest of Mexico at 17.4%.

Elsewhere in the hospitality sector, hotel room occupancy reached 75% in Los Cabos, 54% more than 2019, proving the municipality’s world-class resorts and luxury accommodations are now rivaling Cancun’s once-untouchable Hotel Zone. Taking these data into account, and its rising popularity among Americans, what makes Los Cabos so great in the end?

Los Cabos Is The Quintessential Mexico Combo

Worry not: we have taken it upon ourselves to list a few of the main reasons:
- 93% of visitors report a positive experience vacationing here
- Los Cabos has some of the cleanest beaches in all of Mexico
- As it is not located in the ever-warmer Caribbean, its coastline is not usually blanketed by dreaded sargassum seaweed
- The local Cabo del Sol golf course was named best in the country
- It is particularly popular among LGBTQ+ travelers for being a diversity friendly and inclusive destination
We don’t know about you, but these are all good enough reasons to make Cabo our next winter getaway. How about you?

Read More:

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Frontier Announces 5 New Non Stop Flights To International Destinations Starting At $69

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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August 20, 2022