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Southwest Eliminates Flight Credit Expirations: What Travelers Need To Know
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Passengers who fly Southwest Airlines are in for much more freedom when their trip doesn’t work out as planned. Travelers who need to change or cancel their plans with Southwest have not had to pay any fees to do so for some time. Even travelers who book a non-refundable fare can cancel; they will simply receive a flight credit rather than a refund. The only downside to this was that the flight credit expired after one year, until now. Southwest announced on Thursday that there would no longer be an expiration date for customer’s flight credits, effective immediately.

Flexibility Is King

For Southwest, flexibility for their customers has always been a priority. For years the company has set itself apart by allowing customers to check two bags with no additional fees and allowing passengers to change or cancel their flight up to ten minutes before departure. “Flight credits don’t expire aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our Customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like Bags fly free, just like No change fees, just like Points don’t expire—they’re a first-in-our-industry combination of differentiators that only Southwest offers,” said Southwest CEO Bob Jordan in a press release.

Flight Credits Don’t Expire

The new ‘flight credits don’t expire’ policy was implemented as soon as it was announced. Any flight credits that were not already expired by July 28^th, 2022, will be included in the new policy. The airline is going to work on its technology systems later this year in order to remove expiration dates from flight credits completely. Until then, customers will see an expiration date of December 31^st, 2040, on their flight credits.

Why The Change?

Southwest has been working on overhauling the passenger experience since its announcement in May that it would be spending two billion dollars on a transformation plan. In May, the airline promised to deliver on several fronts, including:
- Adding fast Wi-Fi to every plane
- Adding charging capabilities to every seat
- Making overhead bins larger
- Introduce their new Wanna Get Away Plus fare category
- Enhance onboard entertainment
- Add new self-service options for customers to use
According to Senior Vice President Ryan Green, the airline never intended to stop there. The company says they are constantly looking for ways to improve on items customers care about most. The flexibility to cancel up to ten minutes before a flight and receive a credit that will never expire is undoubtedly high on the list for most travelers. Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Being able to cancel a trip without worrying about monetary loss or expiring credits is a huge stress reliever for many.

Nearly 50% of travelers said that flexible cancellation and rebooking policies were a significant factor in their travel plans for 2022, and Southwest seems to have heard them loud and clear. Southwest is now the only major airline in the United States that offers flight credits with no expiration date. If Covid has proven anything, it’s that travelers should always be prepared for plans to change. This newest policy update from Southwest ensures that travelers will have no problems changing plans for any reason.

What It Means For Travelers

To sum it up in one word, flexibility. Southwest was already one of the most flexible airlines in the U.S. to fly when it came to rebooking or canceling, and now they might be the most flexible. Airbnb host canceled on you at the last minute? Now you can cancel your flight without ever losing your credit. Another benefit to credits that never expire is that travelers looking for the best deal can now virtually guarantee they will get it. Notice that the fare went down in price substantially for an upcoming trip? Now you can cancel your flight, rebook at the lower rate, and save your credit indefinitely for a future trip.

Southwest has certainly been listening to customers, and its latest move to get rid of flight credit expirations is just one example of how it aims to continue adding flexibility and simplicity to its business model. Travelers can rest assured knowing their bookings with Southwest offer the best flexibility of any major U.S. airline.

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July 30, 2022
United Airlines Adding New Flights To 3 European Capitals
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Not even the latest woes affecting the aviation sector can stop United Airlines from fulfilling its ambitious post-Covid goals. In response to the current travel surge, the carrier is adding flights to 3 more European capitals, providing Americans with easier links to some of the world’s top city breaks.

After Europe’s busiest airports, including London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol, curbed the number of daily departures in order reduce air traffic congestion, it seemed unlikely United would be able to increase flight frequency and unleash its true potential. England and Holland may be off the table, for now, but most of Europe isn’t.

Here is everything you need to know about United’s latest move:

Travel Chaos Won’t Stop United From Expanding Further

United is having a busy 2022. Having launched 5 brand new flight routes in late April, and experiencing a strong rebound, curtailed only by the industry’s own staffing issues, they continue expanding into markets where demand is higher. That includes freedom-loving Europe, a vast continent of 44 countries where only a handful still have restrictions in place.

Interestingly, United is launching service exclusively to three European countries that removed all of their health-related travel rules. Starting May 2023, New Jersey/Newark-based travelers will be able to fly nonstop to Prague, Czech Republic, and Stockholm, Sweden. Additionally, Washingtonians are benefiting from a new air bridge to Berlin, Germany.

These three flights were meant to launch as early as this year, but due to the industry-wide setbacks, they were pushed back until 2023. Once they finally open simultaneously on May 25, frequency will be daily, making Newark-Prague, Newark-Stockholm, and Washington-Berlin some of United’s busiest routes.

Details are as follows:

Newark to Prague
- Outbound departs Newark daily at 18:05, arriving to Prague the next morning at 08:25 (8h20)
- Returning flights leave Prague every day at 10:10, landing in Newark 13:25 local time, same calendar date (9h15)
- Operated on a B767-300ERs
- 214 seats available – 30 Polaris, 46 Economy Plus, 138 Regular Economy
Newark to Stockholm
- Outbound takes off 17:15 local time, landing in Stockholm 07:25 the next day (8h10)
- Returning flights depart from Stockholm Arlanda at 9:10, arriving back to Newark at 11:55 (8h45)
- Operated on a B757-200ERs
- 169 seats available – 45 Economy Plus, 108 Economy
Washington-Dulles to Berlin
- Outbound scheduled for departure 17:45 daily, touching down at 8:20 the following day (8h35)
- On the way back, flights depart at 11:10, landing in Newark 14:30 (9h20)
- Operated on a B767-400ERs
- 240 seats available – 39 Polaris, 70 Economy Plus, 131 Economy
Why Prague, Stockholm And Berlin?

Why these specific destinations, one might wonder? To begin with, The Czech Republic is a strategic market for United. The carrier had inaugurated a seasonal service between Newark and Prague all the way back in June 2019, though its follow-up year obviously did not go ahead as planned due to the pandemic.

With capacity at 84% for the first season, the Newark-Prague link proved extremely successful for United, especially in August of that year, when 88% of seats were sold. As reported by Simple Flying, the booking data at the time suggested six in ten Prague-bound passengers traveling from the U.S. departed from Newark.

It should come as no surprise, then, that the service is being reinstated in time for summer 2023. Similarly, Stockholm is a seasonal route currently on hold due to Covid. In 2019, capacity was estimated at 86% with 36,472 tickets sold. As for the uncharted territory that is the Dulles-Berlin route, there are high expectations.

Berlin may be Germany’s capital, but it is home to its third busiest airport only. Usually, Americans arriving in Germany land in Frankfurt, the nation’s centrally-located financial center. Despite the obvious lack of a nonstop service, in 2019, Washington arrivals had become Berlin’s sixth-largest customers, proving there is a whole market to be explored.

It Will Be A Tough Pick Between These 3 Capitals

Prague is one of Europe’s prettiest capital cities. Its cityscape, dominated by the impressive medieval Prague Castle and the picturesque Charles Bridge, has been the subject of many artists and a filming location for countless films, the latest being Netflix’s The Gray Man. Once in Czechia, visitors are also free to explore lesser-known destinations in the country.

Those include Cesky Krumlov, a quaint town built alongside the scenic Vltava River where one of Europe’s most famous castles can be found, dating back to the 13th century, and the Gothic open-air museum that is Brno, the second largest city. Even better: as a Central European nation, the Czech Republic has direct links to numerous other destinations.

Train travel is much trendier now that airports are in turmoil, and Prague has multiple rail lines connecting it to cities in Germany, including Berlin and Dresden, Bratislava in Slovakia, Budapest in Hungary and many more. As for Berlin, it is a capital reborn after the last World War and the fall of the wall that kept it divided for nearly 30 years.

Famous for its modernist, post-War architecture that contrasts vividly against its medieval heritage, it features some of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. Here, visitors can learn of the country’s dark past visiting the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, see remnants of the Berlin Wall, and marvel at the neoclassical wonder that is the Brandenburg Gate.

Last but not least, Stockholm is a treasure waiting to be rediscovered as well: a world-class city that is at the heart of Scandinavia, it has been a sought-after destination for centuries due to its ochre-colored Old Town and small interconnected islets. Fortunately, Sweden is open for tourism with no travel restrictions – much like Czechia and Germany.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Croatia Is The Most Sought-After Destination In Europe Right Now

Study Reveals 5 Destinations In Europe Where You Actually Get Good Bang For Your Buck

Travel Between 3 Iconic European Cities For Less Than $30 – Here’s How To Do It

WHO Urges Europe To Reinstate Covid Restrictions

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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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July 29, 2022
CDC Adds 6 More Countries To High Risk List Amid New Covid Wave
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Last Updated 5 hours ago

While it may have seemed like the darker days of Covid were behind us, the silent threat remains very much real, as several countries battle a new potentially disruptive wave. The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shortened to CDC, is keeping track of the developments, and has now added a further 6 countries to its Level 3 ‘High Risk’ list.

Effectively, the list comprises destinations where the average Covid case count exceeds 100 per 100,000 population, signalling the virus is in active circulation and infection/complication risks are higher. As part of the new Level 3 batch, we have:
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Poland
- Fiji
- Bangladesh
The unlucky six are now part of a collective of 121 ‘risky’ nations:

Covid Is Making A Comeback Now That The Cold Is Approaching

After a summer of few Covid updates, other than the odd country removing entry requirements, a new Omicron offshoot called BA.5 is leaving a trail of disaster behind it. Particularly among overly conservative countries, that have grown wary of sharp Covid upticks, restrictions that had been dropped in the lead up to summer are now returning.

In South Korea, tourists are again subject to on-arrival testing and subsequent isolation until a negative result is issued, making the Asian hub the first major destination to respond this fiercely to the new wave. Additionally, the overly cautious Cyprus and Qatar have reinstated mask mandates they had scrapped only a few weeks prior.

Over in North America, the situation isn’t much better, as Canada has not only extended its strict border regime, but resumed random testing at airports. Like virtually everywhere else, cases are again rising in Canada, seriously threatening the tourism industry’s future. After all, the country is known to be super strict when it comes to pandemic management, and new waves could delay its full reopening indefinitely.

The United States has not completely abandoned its Covid protocols either. Despite lifting the much-criticized inbound testing regime for returning Americans, the country continues to require a valid vaccination certificate of foreigners, and viral trends remain markedly important for the CDC’s assessment of what makes a country safe, or unsafe for travel.

Earlier this week, the health body included a number of popular vacation hotspots, including Colombia and Paraguay, on its Level 3 listing. To be honest, we weren’t expecting any other countries to lose their ‘safe’ statuses this soon, but surprisingly, more demotions are due. Should the CDC continue moving at this speed, there won’t be many Level 1 or Level 2 countries left.

6 More Countries Are Downgraded To Level 3 Status

This time, it’s Central America‘s rising stars El Salvador and Honduras, Europe’s incredibly underrated Bosnia and Herzegovina and Poland, the paradise archipelago of Fiji, and the South Asian country of Bangladesh getting the downgrade. In all of these regions, cases have hit an average higher than 100 per 100,000 population, earning them a Level 3 stamp.

When traveling to the aforementioned six nations, Americans are advised to:
- Get vaccinated, even if their country of destination does not require a Covid certificate as proof of entry
- Ensure their vaccination cards are updated with all the required booster doses
- When suffering from low immunity, check with their private clinician whether their upcoming trip should be going ahead, taking into account the volatile scenario
- Wear face masks in all indoor spaces to prevent Covid infection and protect others, including inside planes and public transport
- When unvaccinated, avoid travel to Level 3 destinations due to the higher risk of developing a more serious course of Covid
They are now only one slot below Level 4, or the Special Circumstances list, reserved for nations where new dangerous variants have been identified and/or the epidemiological scenario is dire. As we have reported previously, cases tripled in Europe in the previous six weeks, proving Covid is as unpredictable as it once was, despite containment efforts.

Are CDC Travel Health Warnings Still Useful?

Despite the CDC’s ruling, most of the affected countries have little to no Covid regulations in place. The latter applies to Poland, where pandemic-related curbs ceased applying as soon as March. Although it is posting higher infection numbers compared to earlier weeks, it has not changed its lax approach yet (unlike fellow EU member Cyprus).

Demand is high, too. Judging by the current air traffic and the generalized chaos observed in a majority of airports, that could last up to another year, Covid is no longer a primary concern for travelers. However, as an official health entity, the CDC list should still be taken into consideration. In the very least, they are an indication of potential travel curbs to come.

How, exactly? Well, now that they are classed as ‘High Risk’ destinations and Covid is bound to spread much quicker in the colder fall and winter months, both Germany and Ireland are mulling over re-introducing face masks. In sum, these health warnings are non-binding, but they help us predict which countries might clamp down on tourism.

Other popular destinations in Level 3 include:
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- The United Kingdom
Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

U.S. State Department Issues 16 New Travel Advisory Updates

How To Get Compensation For Delays And Cancelations From Major U.S. Airlines

Amsterdam No Longer Wants Travelers To Connect Through Its Major Airport

Top 10 Destinations In Mexico Where People Feel Unsafe

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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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July 29, 2022
Most Popular U.S. Cities For Digital Nomads, According To Airbnb
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Last Updated 14 mins ago

As remote work becomes more prevalent, many people are beginning to blend work with travel. The number of digital nomads is steadily increasing, and companies like Airbnb have benefited. The company says that many travelers have been living in an Airbnb for entire seasons at a time, with about 20% of guests in 2021 reporting that they were working remotely during their stay. Airbnb says the trend has continued into the first quarter of 2022 and has announced the five most popular U.S. cities for digital nomads this year.

1) Los Angeles, California

As the second most populated city in the U.S., Los Angeles is known for being a city of dreamers and is called home by people from all over the world. It’s an excellent city to settle into for a while and offers great options for digital nomads.

Some benefits of Los Angeles as a digital nomad include:
- Fast internet all over the city. For those using Airbnb, the internet is also likely included.
- There are plenty of cafes with internet and coworking spaces to work out of.
- You’ll never run out of new things to do and try.
2) New York, New York

New York City is the second most popular city for digital nomads and is the most populated city in the United States. For those just getting started as a digital nomad, the big apple can be a tall order as it has one of the highest costs of living in the world. However, for those who can afford it, New York City can be a great place to call home for a time as a digital nomad.

Some benefits of New York as a digital nomad include:
- Endless coffee shops with fast internet and loads of coworking spaces to choose from.
- There is so much to do in this city you’ll have trouble crossing everything off your list.
- You won’t need a car. New York City is very well connected, and public transportation is everywhere.
3) San Francisco, California

San Francisco is the third most popular choice for digital nomads, according to Airbnb. Following the theme of the first two cities on the list, San Francisco is also an expensive city. The average rent in the city is nearly $3,400, so digital nomads should prepare for higher costs. Still, there are benefits to the area.

Some benefits of San Francisco as a digital nomad include:
- Networking. As the home of global technology, San Franciso is a great place to meet other like-minded people using the internet to leverage their careers.
- The weather is incredible all year long. Winter is mild, and summer hovers in the mid-70s.
- It’s easy to explore. Public transport is thriving in the city, and those with a bicycle can quickly get around due to the city’s extensive bike lanes.
4) Houston, Texas

Houston is the fourth most popular choice for digital nomads this year and the fourth most populous city in the United States. The city covers a lot of ground and is fairly car-dependent regarding transportation. Digital nomads may find it challenging to get around without one. However, digital nomads are still flocking to the city.

Some benefits of Houston as a digital nomad include:
- It’s a big city but it is more affordable than many others. It had the second lowest cost of living compared to other populous U.S. metro areas in quarter one of 2022.
- There is always something going on. Concerts, sporting events, museums, and shows are constantly being put on. Entertainment will never be in short supply.
5) Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the fifth most popular choice for digital nomads for 2022. As the home of the world’s first Starbucks, it goes without saying there are endless options for coffee shops to work out of. There are plenty of transportation options in the city, and there really isn’t much need to have a car.

Some benefits of Seattle as a digital nomad include:
- Close to nature. Seattle is an excellent city choice for those who like to get away from the city to refresh for a day, with Olympic National Park in close proximity.
- There is no shortage of coworking spaces in the city for those who need more structure.
As digital nomads continue to change the fabric of work culture, it’s likely that Airbnb and other accommodations companies will work to attract them. Airbnb recently announced their own “live and work anywhere initiative,” allowing their employees to work remotely from anywhere without any change in pay. Hopefully, other companies will introduce similar programs for those interested in the digital nomad lifestyle.

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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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July 28, 2022
Amsterdam No Longer Wants Travelers To Connect Through Its Major Airport

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Last Updated 11 hours ago

How The Netherlands Shift Might Affect Your Travel Around Europe

The Netherlands is set to transform its air travel sector in the wake of the announcement that Schiphol Airport will be operating under a cap from 2023. The decision is multi-faceted, attempting to tackle both climate change and a shift from the airport’s reputation as a transfer hub.

Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands’ busiest airport and one of the busiest in the world, announced last month that it would begin capping the number of flights flying to and from the hub. The figure released suggested that no more than 440 thousand flights a year would be allowed to leave from Schiphol.

The move is mainly geared at climate change, and the figure corresponds to an approximate twenty percent decrease in the airport’s pre-pandemic figures and is a first for any major airport in the world. The decision was met with celebration from environmental activists but frustration by several airlines and other airports who will now feel pressure to react in a similar manner.

In a direct manner, passengers may be affected by sudden rising costs as the supply decreases, but the decision is also part of a broader change in direction from the Dutch Government.

Schiphol is known for its calculated role as a connection hub airport. Millions of passengers move through the airport every year, attracted by comparatively low costs and high connectivity. Recent figures place it as one of the most connected airports in the world.

Many travelers purposely reroute their travel through Schiphol instead of taking direct flights from their home airports or routing through other major airports that are often more expensive. The UK, in particular, uses the Dutch hub as a cheap alternative to Heathrow, owing to its close proximity to the country. A tourist traveling from a city like Newcastle in the north of England would see far more value in a cheap flight across the channel than dealing with Heathrow.

KLM, the largest airline presence at Schiphol, says this position is now untenable in light of the caps.

It appears the move was a government-wide plan, as country officials have already raised the flight tax for the Netherlands. Schiphol took similar measures and increased taxes for the airlines themselves, putting more pressure on airlines to avoid cheap routes and maximize the type of flight they offer. One member of parliament said of the taxes, “Through these measures, you know that Schiphol will no longer be a cheap island.”

How quickly changes are likely to be seen is hard to tell, but regular travelers who often utilize Schiphol should anticipate a shift in its connectivity, especially for cheaper short-distance flights around Western Europe or for longer-haul flights connecting through the airport.

The airport is also currently operating under a separate, unrelated cap owing to the travel chaos seen across the world. Again, Schiphol’s hub reputation has made the problems more acute, with massive lines, significant delays, and baggage problems forcing the airport’s hand. American Airlines even made the decision to stop operating in Schiphol Airport until the problems lessen.

It joins Heathrow, Gatwick, and Frankfurt in capping summer flights in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on handling staff while they attempt to fill positions vacated during the pandemic. The cap being brought in 2023 will be a larger one.

Although Schiphol is the first major airport to change its policies so drastically for environmental reasons, changes are being seen across the industry. In 2021, France took the bold step of banning short-haul flights if a bus or train was available as an alternative.

Under the rule, any flight where someone could get a bus or train to the destination in two and a half hours or under was no longer allowed. Other countries are mulling similar rules but will most likely wait until the industry has settled into a more typical routine once again.

Routes between 3000km and 5000km are generally viewed as the best for the environment.

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July 28, 2022
Use This Instagram Trick To Knock Up To 75% Off Your Next Hotel Stay

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Last Updated 48 mins ago

As travel costs continue to rise across the aviation and hospitality sectors, saving money on vacation is more important than ever. Comparison sites like Expedia or Kayak are great tools, but it may be time to try a new one, social media. After all, nearly everyone has some form of social media these days, so it only makes sense to utilize it when looking at travel options. Using Instagram, travelers can regularly save 30-50% on hotel bookings, with occasional discounts of up to 75%.

What’s The Secret?

The secret is one simple direct message to the @Hotel Instagram account. Travelers can send @Hotel a message with the word “hotel” in it, and they will almost instantly receive a reply from a bot asking for their email address. Once given, an email will be sent with a unique link from tripscout, the company behind this unique booking technique. The email asks that you don’t share the link, instead asking that users recommend sending a direct message to the @Hotel account.

Does This Really Work?

Regular savings of 30-50% off sounds too good to be true, and usually, when it sounds too good to be true, it is. And if it is true, what sort of properties would be offering these kinds of deals? Are they even properties worth staying in? A few sample properties were researched and compared to booking.com’s current rates to answer these questions. Surprisingly, there genuinely are some incredible deals to be had!

Courtesy Of: Tripscout & Booking.com

The Test: July 27^th – July 29^th, One Room, Two Adults

The Results:

               4-Star Paris Hotel: Novotel Marne-la-Vallée Noisy-le-Grand

                              With tripscout: $147.40

                              Without tripscout: $329.00

               5-Star Paris Hotel: Hôtel Alfred Sommier

                              With tripscout: $582.16

                              Without tripscout: $1,265.00

Image Courtesy Of: Hôtel Alfred Sommier

The numbers speak for themselves; some serious deals are lurking on the other side of one direct message on Instagram. Even better, the properties are ones that travelers actually want to stay in. A five-star hotel in Paris for $683 off? Yes, please!

So It Works, But How?

According to tripscout, they can offer these highly discounted rates because of the private nature of the deals. Remember that email that asked you not to share the link provided? Do your fellow travelers a favor and take that to heart. By using private direct messages and links, tripscout can continue offering heavy discounts on beautiful properties worldwide. Publicly, hotels and travel companies typically display one price, or comparable prices, across platforms. Privately, it’s a whole different story.

Hotels gain online presence by signing contracts with major online agencies, such as booking.com, prohibiting them from offering lower rates on competitors’ websites. The minimum nightly rate is often higher than it truly needs to be in order to cover the costs of commissions to the agencies. That’s where Instagram comes in.

By offering discounted rates through private links, hotels can make sure to fill all their rooms without breaking their contracts. After all, a room that stays empty because it costs $632 a night isn’t helping the hotel make any money. By privately offering that same room at $291 a night, they can make sure to fill all their rooms while still advertising their higher rate for those who aren’t in the know.

Trip Research

Still, when researching for an upcoming trip, travelers should continue to utilize multiple platforms when hunting for the lowest price. Just because some incredible examples were found above doesn’t mean that this Instagram trick is going to get you the best deal 100% of the time. The service is still relatively new, having just launched on June 2^nd, 2022, so there may still be some bumps in the road for @Hotel and tripscout. For now, however, this simple Instagram trick seems to be a promising way to save some serious cash when looking for a place to stay during your next vacation.

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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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July 27, 2022
U.S. State Department Issues 16 New Travel Advisory Updates
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Last Updated 12 hours ago

The U.S. State Department has just issued a further 16 more new travel advisory updates. Posted on the Department of State’s travel advisory website just yesterday, the new travel advisories are the latest of several updates already this month, as the State Department and embassies around the world work around the clock to ensure that American travelers are kept in the loop and can make informed decisions regarding their travel plans.

Featuring a wide range of countries spanning several continents, yesterday’s travel advisories prove that even after the pandemic, there are still plenty of other things that travelers need to be wary of when traveling abroad. Here’s a look at which countries were affected by yesterday’s latest round of travel advisory updates, plus a reminder of what travel advisories are and the role they should play in any traveler’s trips abroad.

Travel Advisory Updates – Information For Travelers

Travel advisory updates are the State Departments way of keeping travelers up to date with issues they may encounter on their trips abroad. Every country in the world has a travel advisory page, regardless of its popularity, which contains concise, up to date information about security threats and concerns not just in the country as a whole, but often in specific regions where appropriate. A wide range of different issues are covered, ranging from everyday issues such as high crime rates to more pressing matters such as civil unrest and terrorism. Following the pandemic, travel advisories also contain an update from the CDC on the level of Covid-19 in each destination.

Travel advisories come in four different levels, each one indicating the severity of the risk travelers will face in that country. Level 1 travel advisories – the least severe warning – advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions,” whilst Level 4 – the most severe warning level – tells travelers “do not travel” to that destination. Despite the strict wording on the different levels, travel advisories do not have the power to prevent a traveler from heading to a certain destination, though they do provide travelers with the information required to make the decision of whether or not to travel in the first place.

Latest Travel Advisories – What Travelers Should Know

Yesterday’s travel advisory updates saw a further 7 countries issued with Level 1 travel advisories, bringing the total number of Level 1 countries up to 81. Those 7 countries and their CDC-determined Covid-19 levels are:

Angola (low Covid-19 level), Comoros (low Covid-19 level), Dominica (unknown Covid-19 level), Equatorial Guinea (low Covid-19 level), Fiji (high Covid-19 level), Poland (high Covid-19 level) and Togo (moderate Covid-19 level).

There were also five additions to the Level 2 category, which advises travelers to exercise increased caution. They are as follows:
- Bangladesh: exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Low level of Covid-19.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to terrorism and land mines. High level of Covid-19.
- India: exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Moderate level of Covid-19.
- Laos: exercise increased caution to Laos due to civil unrest. Unknown level of Covid-19
- Philippines: exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Moderate level of Covid-19.
Four countries were awarded Level 3 travel advisories, which asks travelers to reconsider travel. El Salvador, which has a moderate level of Covid-19, was deemed to be Level 3 due to its high levels of crime. That was also the case for Honduras, which also has a high level of Covid-19 according to the CDC. Travelers are also asked to reconsider travel to moderate Covid-19-level Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. Those with travel plans involving Moldova (moderate level of Covid-19) are also asked to reconsider them, due to the country’s close proximity to the conflict in Ukraine.

The latest round of travel advisory updates saw no countries awarded the most severe Level 4 update – but that doesn’t mean that things can’t change quickly. In addition to making sure they read the travel advisory page for their destinations this summer, travelers should also ensure they purchase a good travel insurance policy to ensure they are covered in the event that something does go wrong.

Read More:

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Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

TikTok Study Reveals Most Popular Travel Destinations

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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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July 27, 2022
These Are The 10 Worst Destinations In The U.S. For Mosquitos This Summer
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Last Updated 3 mins ago

Travelers often don’t even need to leave their own backyard to know that mosquitos are one of nature’s most frustrating inventions. In particularly bad areas, you’ve often already been bitten four or five times before noticing. Usually, mosquitos are just an annoyance, but they can also spread diseases like Zika and malaria. In the United States, only about 12 out of 200 different types of mosquitos can spread germs and illnesses, according to the CDC. However, whether avoiding a minor nuisance or germs, it’s helpful to know where you can expect mosquitos to be prevalent. Below are the top 10 worst U.S. destinations for mosquitos this summer, according to an analysis by pest control company Orkin.

1) Los Angeles, CA

               Mosquito Season: All Year

Los Angeles has now claimed the top spot on Orkin’s list for two years in a row. The city’s temperate year-round climate means they nearly always have mosquitos around, but the worst time for mosquitos runs from June to November in Los Angeles.

2) Chicago, IL

               Mosquito Season: April – October

Chicago ranks as the second worst city for Mosquitos, moving up from its previous position in fifth place. Mosquito season in Chicago typically begins in April, worsens during summer, and tapers off in Autumn.

3) New York, NY

               Mosquito Season: April – October

New York also moved up in the ranks by three slots this year and is now the third worst destination in the U.S. for mosquitos. Mosquito season in the big apple runs from April through October, and most mosquitos in the city pose no harm of disease. The city has taken notice of its increase of annual pests and even sprayed larvicide from a helicopter over uninhabited parts of the city to curb their prevalence this year.

4) Washington, DC

               Mosquito Season: March – September

D.C. has improved its ranking over its third place rating from last year and is now the fourth worst destination in the U.S. for mosquitos. The capital’s mosquito season runs from late March to early September, and West Nile virus has been found in D.C. mosquitos. However, other diseases such as Zika and Dengue fever have not.

5) Atlanta, GA

               Mosquito Season: March – October

Atlanta improved by three slots this year and is now the fifth worst destination for mosquitos this summer. Several diseases spread in the Georgia mosquito population, but the West Nile virus was detected in Atlanta just this past week. Mosquitos start to come out in March and leave in October, but they are most prevalent during summer.

6) Dallas, TX

               Mosquito Season: February – November

Dallas improved its ranking by two slots this year but is still the sixth worst destination for mosquitos in the States. Summer months are the worst for mosquitos, and the season can begin as early as February in warmer years and last all the way until November.

7) Detroit, MI

               Mosquito Season: March – November

Detroit has ranked as the seventh worst destination for mosquitos for two years in a row. Mosquito season in Detroit can begin as early as late March and last into November. The West Nile Virus has also been detected in the population in the past.

8) San Francisco, CA

               Mosquito Season: All Year

San Francisco had a massive jump of 34 slots over the last year, giving it a new designation as the 8^th worst U.S. destination for mosquitos this summer. At the time of this writing, there have been five total human cases of West Nile virus in California this year, and none were in San Francisco. Given its temperate climate, San Francisco’s mosquito season runs all year, peaking from September to November.

9) Miami, FL

               Mosquito Season: All Year

Miami moved down the list one slot to become 2022’s 9^th worst destination for Mosquitos this summer. Many diseases are found in the mosquito population here, and The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County just issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after a confirmed case of Dengue fever of a resident. Mosquitos are around all year but peak in summer.

10) Philadelphia, PA

               Mosquito Season: April – October

Philadelphia jumped in the ranks by two slots over the last year, making it break the top 10. The city announced last month that it had detected the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitos of the season and recently sprayed larvicide to lower the mosquito population. Mosquito season here typically runs from April to October.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Pants and long sleeves that are loose-fitting will make it more difficult for mosquitos to bite you.
- Repellent that contains DEET will help keep mosquitos away.
- Eliminating standing water will help ensure you aren’t supplying a breeding ground for mosquitos.
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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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July 26, 2022
Unlimited Stays Around The World For $105 Per Year, With One Caveat
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Last Updated 27 mins ago

Ask any traveler what their highest costs for a trip are, and they will likely respond with two things, flights and accommodations. Depending on what type of property you are booking, prices can vary quite a bit. A hostel dorm bed may only cost you $15 a night, while a 4-star hotel across the street would cost you $200 a night. However, did you know that it’s possible to travel with unlimited stays all over the world for only $105 per year? But, there’s a catch. While away, you have to be willing to open your home to other travelers using the same service.

How Does It Work?

For starters, several different platforms provide access to a home exchange. One of the oldest, HomeLink, will be the one explored in this article. However, several others include Third Home, Home Exchange, Love Home Swap, and People Like Us.

Your First Exchange
- For HomeLink, users list their home either as a full-fledged member or a free trial member.
- The listings are similar to what you would see on a platform like Airbnb, with pictures of the home, descriptions of the property and area, and house rules.
- Along with the listing, you will choose destinations you are interested in and when you are interested in going.
- Once your home is listed, the service will match you with other members who are interested in your area.
- Once you’ve found a property of interest, you can reach out to the member who owns the listing.
- Finalize dates, arrival and departure days, and other details with the other member, then fill out an Exchange Agreement Form.
Once complete, the only thing left to do is prepare your home for guests and go on your trip! It may seem like a bit more prep work than a typical vacation. Still, you can rest assured knowing that the other members you are exchanging with have prepared their homes just as thoughtfully for your arrival. HomeLink offers a guide for ensuring your home exchanges go smoothly and everyone has a good experience.

What Does It Cost?

HomeLink charges $105 per year for access to its platform. If you know you will take full advantage of the service, you can buy multiple years of membership for a discounted rate. For those who own more than one property, you can list as many as you like. For those who think the membership price is steep, below is a cost comparison for some perspective.

Image Courtesy Of: HomeLink

Say you want to spend a week in London. Currently, there is a lovely 3 bedroom flat in Southwark listed on HomeLink. Best of all, the members are open to all destinations and all dates, meaning it’s very likely you could work out an excellent exchange. If not, there are many other properties available in London. A quick search on booking.com shows that for a one-week August stay, the cheapest property in Southwark would cost almost $800 and would only provide 2 bunk beds in dorm-style rooms. There is a clear winner here, and it is possible with HomeLink and other home exchange providers.

Where Can Travelers Go?

All over the world! When looking for different locations to vacation, the only limiting factor will be whether or not travelers match with someone interested in visiting their home. However, when looking through the listings, many members are open to exploring any destination. Below is a list of every country HomeLink currently operates in.

Image Courtesy Of: HomeLink

Is It Worth It For Travelers?

Suppose you plan to use the service even just once a year. In that case, you will save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars per year on travel accommodations costs. Plus, not all benefits are monetary. One thing that makes Airbnb such a popular choice is that it comes with the benefit of travelers feeling like they are living like a local for the duration of their stay. When you exchange homes, travelers are living as locally as you can.

If you are willing to have guests stay in your home while on holiday, home exchange services may be your gateway to unique stays worldwide for just $105 a year.

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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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July 26, 2022
TikTok Study Reveals Most Popular Travel Destinations
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Last Updated 16 mins ago

A recent TikTok study published this month has revealed which are the most popular travel destinations in the world right now. Social media has long since had a significant impact on the way we travel and which destinations are considered to be the most en trend and “must-visit” – and TikTok, despite being a more recent global phenomenon than other more established platforms, is front and centre of gauging the demands of the millions of travelers in our post-pandemic world.

Spanning five different continents and billions of views, the top 20 list, compiled by the luggage storage company Bounce, features some of the more typical favorite destinations that travelers have been loving for decades, in addition to some more left-field choices that may come as a surprise. Here’s a look at the world’s most popular travel destinations according to TikTok, plus a look at how the study was completed.

TikTok Travel Survey

The study, called the TikTok Travel Index, determined the popularity of each of the locations in the study by calculating the total view counts for a range of destinations around the world. Bounce collated the total use of hashtags containing each destination’s name, in addition to other alternative hashtags that were used where appropriate, such as #NYC or #LA. Each of the total view counts found by Bounce are accurate as of May 17th, 2021, making the finding up to date and relevant to the present day.

Most Popular Travel Destinations – Information For Travelers

Taking the top spot as the most popular travel destination on the platform is New York City – the first of five destinations in the US to feature on the list’s top 20. Whilst the attractions of New York City need no introduction, travelers couldn’t get enough of the city on TikTok, as it attracted more than 216 billion views – way ahead of the competition. Home to stunning cityscapes, some of the world’s best restaurants and top social media aesthetic-suiting backdrops such as Central Park, travelers couldn’t get enough of New York City, which will be bracing itself for an army of cell phone-toting travelers this summer and beyond.

Coming in as the world’s second most popular travel destination according to TikTok is Dubai. The TikTok friendly mega city, famed for its luxurious hotels, opulent malls and countless top-class attractions, attracted a whopping 37 billion views as social media users fantasized about days spent hopping across the man-made Palm islands, sampling its gold-crusted steaks and basking in the region’s hot climate.

The third most popular international travel destination on the platform is Istanbul. Somewhat of a surprise in the list, pipping much more established destinations such as Paris, London and Hawaii to a place on the podium, Istanbul garnered almost 17 billion views on the platform. Whether wooed by its sprawling markets, Islamic architecture or activities such as hot air ballooning, travelers reveled in any content based on the Turkish city, which is fast establishing itself as a must-visit destination.

The rest of the top 10 was fairly predictable. London was a close fourth place, attracting 13.9 billion views on the platform, with the photogenic destinations Barcelona and Paris relatively close behind with 12.6 billion and 11.2 billion views respectively. Mumbai was somewhat of a surprise in 7th place, with the Indian mega-city attracting 9.6 billion curious views, whilst the charms of the North America destinations Hawaii, Miami and Toronto sealed their places in the TikTok top 10 with 9.4 billion, 9.1 billion and 8.4 billion views.

The rest of the top 20 is as follows:
- Los Angeles, US (7.5 billion views)
- Bali, Indonesia (6.4 billion views)
- Chicago, US (6.4 billion views)
- Kerala, India (6.2 billion views)
- Berlin, Germany (5.7 billion views)
- Sydney, Australia (5.1 billion views)
- Melbourne, Australia (4.7 billion views)
- Madrid, Spain (4.3 billion views)
- Delhi, India (4.2 billion views)
- Medellin, Colombia (4.1 billion views)
Read More:

Top 10 Destinations Americans Are Most Likely To Get Sick

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

These Are The Top Hotel Brands In North America According To Travelers

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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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July 25, 2022