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Airlines Rally Together Against Testing Rule To Enter U.S.

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Several different airlines across the country have rallied together in an effort to fight against the Covid-19 testing rule that’s currently required to enter the country via air. Despite several countries around the world either considerably easing or removing their Covid-19 related entry requirements, the U.S. has yet to do so. Even though its nearby neighbors Canada and Mexico do not requiring testing, the U.S. has stood firm on the rule and airlines in the country are not happy.

With all signs pointing towards a busy summer of travel – despite the issues the industry is facing – as it stands it will be American travelers returning home who’ll be out of luck and out of pocket regarding the current testing rules. Here’s a look at what the airlines have had to say about the current Covid-19 testing rules, why they feel they have to go and what steps they’ve taken to get them changed.

Airlines Challenge Testing Requirements – Information For Travelers

According to the CDC, travelers who are flying into the United States – regardless of their vaccination status or their citizenship – must take a viral Covid-19 viral test no more than 1 day before their flight. Alternatively, travelers may also show proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the form of a positive test result taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that they are cleared to travel.

Whereas once this was the norm in countries across the world at the height of the pandemic, many countries have now removed such a requirement – leaving the United States in the travel dark ages when it comes to entry requirements. However, major airlines across the country are fighting to get the rule overturned to make entry into the country much easier for travelers.

The United States’ testing rules were described by American Airlines Chief Executive Robert Isom as “nonsensical” – and he has a point. Isom pointed out the fact that the Boston Red Sox baseball team flew to Toronto to play a game, yet rode a bus home to avoid the testing requirements, with those who cross the land border not needing to take a Covid-19 test like those who fly into the US.

Isom, who pleaded his case with politicians during the week, also highlighted the negative impact that the rule was having on US tourism. Currently, international travel figures in the US are down 14% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with Americans worried about testing positive and becoming stranded abroad. He also stated that 75% of the countries currently served by American do not have testing requirements.

Delta were also amongst the airlines criticizing the current policy, with Chief Executive Ed Bastian highlighting the fact that 44 of 50 countries the airline serves do not require testing. Bastian stated that removing the policy would result in a travel boom. He said:

“We know it will help induce and incent travelers to go abroad, bring more commerce in, more business in so hopefully they will get it done soon.”

Airlines for America, a trade association and lobbying group that represents major North American airlines, also met with a deputy White House Covid-19 coordinator Tuesday in a bid to try and get the testing rules reversed. Whilst the government hasn’t yet given any indication that the requirement will be dropped, travelers will be hoping that the constant pressure on all sides will lead to changes sooner rather than later.

Read More:

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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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June 5, 2022
Worried About Canceled Flights? Amtrak Has Boosted Its Summer Rail Schedule
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If Memorial Day weekend was anything to go by, travelers hoping for a smooth air journey this summer could be set to come into some turbulence. Throw in the high gas fees that make road trips uncomfortably expensive, and travelers look likely to be stuck for a cheap and convenient way to travel around the US this summer. Fortunately for travelers however, Amtrak is boosting its summer rail schedule, giving them plenty of ways to get around and places to visit this summer.

Considered by many to be the most romantic form of transport, rail travel is often overlooked despite being quicker than car journeys, cheaper than air travel and providing some stunning scenery along the way. Here’s a look at how Amtrak has boosted their summer travel schedule.

Amtrak Boosts Summer Frequencies

Amtrak’s increase of its summer rail routes is already underway, with the company ramping its Northeast Regional operations to 79% of their pre-pandemic totals at the start of May. That means that travelers can now look forward to:
- 13 roundtrips per weekday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 9 roundtrips every Saturday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 14 roundtrips every Sunday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
New York and Washington D.C. are amongst the country’s most popular destinations, and so the boost in frequencies is bound to be welcomed by travelers. However, that’s not the only route getting a bump. Amtrak has also added the following:
- 8 roundtrips per weekday and Saturdays between Boston and New York City, and 9 on Sundays.
- 10 roundtrips per weekday between Philadelphia and New York City, including a new early morning departure arriving in New York City by 7:15 AM
- The full restoration of the Amtrak Hartford Line between New Haven and Springfield, with seven roundtrips per weekday
Amtrak’s Acela train class – the company’s flagship high speed rail service that offers a more luxurious experience – will also see more frequencies resume than at any time during the pandemic. Routes include:
- 10 roundtrips per weekday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 4 roundtrips every Saturday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 6 roundtrips every Sunday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 9 roundtrips per weekday between Boston and New York City
- 3 roundtrips every Saturday between Boston and New York City
- 4 roundtrips every Sunday between Boston and New York City
As well as ensuring travelers are highly connected along the East Coast, Amtrak has also restarted daily service for several of its long distance routes that take travelers through the length and breadth of the country. These include:
- California Zephyr – a route between Chicago and San Francisco
- Empire Builder – a route between Washington state and Chicago
- Lake Shore Limited – a route between Chicago and New York
- Southwest Chief – a route between Chicago and Los Angeles
All this has been made possible partly due to the efforts Amtrak has gone through to hire new staff. Whilst airlines are currently going through a staffing crisis, with a lack of pilots, ground staff and flight crew causing flights to be cancelled or delayed, Amtrak – which was recently named the best company for graduates to work at – has hired more than 1,500 new staff over the last year, allowing them to boost the frequency of their journeys and add on additional routes for travelers – not to mention minimizing the risk of delays or cancellations.

Speaking about the boosted network, Stephen Gardner, CEO at Amtrak, said:

“Thanks to our dedicated existing employees and newly-hired staff, we are thrilled to expand our scheduled service just in time to meet customers’ rising demand for travel this summer.”

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but switching out a flight for a rail journey could well save some travel related tears this summer and provide a journey to remember along the way.

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June 5, 2022
Top 6 Off The Beaten Path Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park was America’s first National Park and set the groundwork for the subsequent national parks to be named as such. This well-loved national treasure sees millions of visitors a year, meaning that many of the best-known spots tend to get crowded. This list looks at 6 slightly more off-the-beaten-path things to do in Yellowstone that may be a little less busy.

1. Check Out Fairy Falls Trail

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone’s most well-known thermal features (after Old Faithful, that is), and Fairy Falls Trail is a fun, slightly lesser-known way to see it. Instead of traversing the boardwalks that weave around the colorful hot spring, you’ll head out on a 5.4-mile hike that takes you past a gorgeous viewpoint of the hot spring and ends at the titular Fairy Falls. Fairy Falls itself is a 200ft tall waterfall that cascades into The trail heads past several smaller hot springs as well, making it a great way to get to see some little-known thermal features in the park. The trail typically opens in late May, depending on wildlife activity in the area, and remains open until the end of the summer season.

2. Go Boating

If you’re looking for a unique way to see more of the park, consider exploring by water. Several locations in the park, including Lewis and Yellowstone Lake, welcome boaters and those looking to enjoy similar forms of recreation, including paddleboarding. The boating season typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of October. If you don’t have a boat of your own, rentals are also available from Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

3. Explore Norris Geyser Basin

Here’s another great option for those looking to see some of the stunning thermal features the park offers besides Old Faithful. Norris Geyser Basin is one of the six main geyser basins within the park and is home to several unique features that make it worth a visit. Steamboat Geyser, for example, is noted as one of the largest geysers in the world, erupting upwards of 300ft of water. Steamboat Geyser’s eruptions are far from as regular as Old Faithful’s, but the basin is home to several other beautiful springs that make it worth the visit even if you don’t get to see the geyser erupt.

4. Go On A Trail Ride

Here’s another way to see normal parts of the park in a more unique way. Horseback riding offers a fun, memorable, and one-of-a-kind way to explore the park. Several private groups are licensed to operate in Yellowstone, such as Adventures Outfitting, which offers trail rides in a couple of areas within the park. This is also a pretty family-friendly option. Several of the groups have options for a wide variety of age ranges, including children. Typically, no experience is necessary for trail rides as well.

5. Camp In The Backcountry

Here’s an option for the wilderness savvy readers – camping in the Yellowstone backcountry. This is truly off the beaten pathway to see more of America’s first national park. There are a wide variety of backcountry trips. Shorter trips, such as the hike out to Shoshone Geyser Basin (approximately 8 miles) can be done in a day. However, many choose to camp at one of the backcountry sites in the area to allow more time to explore. The park also has options for longer backpacking trips lasting several days. If you are wanting to camp in the backcountry, permits are required for any overnight stays. Additionally, make sure you’re fully informed and have plenty of applicable experience for your chosen adventure, as even popular spots in the park have spotty reception and are fairly remote should help be needed.

6. Check Out Mystic Falls Trail

Here’s an option for those looking for a pretty and beginner-friendly hike in Yellowstone. Mystic Falls Trail is 2.4-miles, though some opt to continue past the falls. Thi will add an additional 1.5 miles on to reach an overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin. This trail isn’t nearly as popular as spots like the Old Faithful area. However, can still get a fair amount of foot traffic during the afternoon. Those looking for a little more quietness may want to consider heading out early.

Read More:

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June 4, 2022
This Is How Much You Will Pay In Gas For Your U.S. Summer Road Trip

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The 2022 fuel crisis is taking its toll on American travelers. After two years of enduring major economic challenges resulting from Covid, families are now faced with an unprecedented surge in gas prices that is affecting their vacation plans. In other words, traveling is getting more expensive, especially for those driving long distances this summer.

While there is little we can do concretely, in the short term, about U.S. dependency on foreign oil, there are online tools we can use to calculate costs and help fulfill our travel plans. We have already introduced you to a travel sheet that makes finding cheaper flights easier – now, we will show you how to estimate fuel prices for your upcoming road trip.

After all, knowing how much you will likely spend in gas for your drive to the beach in advance makes budget planning a lot easier:

Step 1

Start by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy’s Trip Calculator official website. On the first page, you will be expected to specify what kind of car you will use for traveling. As any experienced driver will know, depending on vehicle type, manufacturer and other factors, the amount of fuel needed, and thus price, can vary dramatically.

As the Honda Accord has been named one of the most popular cars in the U.S. in 2022, we will use in our simulation. When calculating your own costs, you are free to select the most suitable option based on Year, Make, Model, and other specifications. Identifying the exact model of the car is paramount for calculation of costs.

On the next page, which is still part of Step 1, you will be directed to a page where you can visualize the selected vehicle, add more, or then edit information. As we are running a test, we have opted for the popular 2022 Honda Accord, 1.5 L, 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Turbo, Regular model, which will later influence fuel estimates.

Step 2

On Step 2, you can enter more details of your trip, such as starting point, any intermediate stops you are planning to make, and of course, destination. With our 2022 Honda Accord, we will be ‘driving’ from the small city of Santa Rosa, California, to the metropolitan Los Angeles. They are both two of the top rated domestic destinations for Americans this year.

As the Santa Rosa-Los Angeles route is a 428 mile drive, lasting about 6 hours and 43 minutes, we will add a stopover for refreshments in the picturesque Kettleman City, located halfway to Los Angeles. Having informed the route, we will then click on the ‘Calculate the Trip’ button, which can be found beneath the Trip Planner.

Traveling between these cities on a 2022 Honda Accord, on June 2, 2022, we would be expected to pay USD 59.02 in fuel. Other important information can be seen here, such as the amount of city driving – in this case, 55%, or more than half of the joruney – and even directions and a detailed map powered by Google.

Per gallon, that is USD 4.49, somewhat cheaper than the current national average of USD 4.71 as of June 2. Still, California has been one of the most heavily affected states during the fuel crisis, with current estimates indicating customers should expect to pay USD 6.21 per gallon, on average, when driving in the Golden State.

Driving Is Getting More Expensive Than Flying

For other longer routes, travelers can expect to pay anywhere between USD 100 and USD 150 on fuel only. Driving a 2022 Honda Accord from Chicago to New York City, for example, will cost you $107.33 in fuel. That is noticeably more expensive than many one-way flight, low cost flight tickets to a number of U.S. destinations.

Again, these results are based on vehicle selection, departure point and destination. Users can edit vehicles ‘to personalize the MPG’ and access more accurate fuel prices, as well as visualize the best possible routes. Whatever the destination is, one thing is for certain: roadtrips in the U.S. have inevitably got costlier, and prices could continue fluctuating for months to come.

What Is Behind The 2022 Fuel Crisis?

Speaking to The Guardian, Shore Capital analyst Craig Howie states that there are ‘various factors at play‘ that influence the rise in fuel prices. Among them, a ‘stretching demand’ as more people take to the road after Covid, concerns regarding Russian oil imports in the wake of its invasion of neighboring Ukraine, and even ‘lower refinery runs’ in China, that is yet to reopen.

As a result, flight prices, which are heavily affected by the cost of jet fuel, have been rising exponentially. Leading the way among airlines, United is taking more aggressive action to cap airfares amid the fuel surge, in a move that could help make air travel more affordable again. Gas station customers, on the other hand, have taken the brunt of it with more volatile prices.

For that reason, travelers will have to get more creative to try and mitigate the impacts of the current crisis when travelling this summer – either by using the new Wyndham road trip planning app, or deciding on a destination based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Trip Calculator.

For more inspiration, check out these 5 epic road trips you can take in the U.S. for summer 2022.

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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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June 4, 2022
Potential Tropical Storm Alex Could Wreak Havoc On Florida Travel This Weekend
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Tropical storm warnings for the weekend have been issued by the National Hurricane Center in the United States for the central and southern regions of the Florida peninsula, Cuba, and The Bahamas.

Up to 20 inches of rain and sustained winds of 39 miles per hour are expected to affect Florida from Friday through Sunday morning, with a 90% probability of turning into Tropical Storm Alex, the first tropical storm of the season.

According to the agency, heavy rains and thunderstorms are already taking place in the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico —which includes top destinations for travelers like Cancun— as a consequence of Hurricane Agatha, downgraded into a tropical storm after landfall on Monday.

The National Hurricane Center stated: “The system is expected to develop a well-defined center and become a tropical storm later today, and some slight strengthening is possible while it approaches Florida”.

Tropical Storm Alex —a name previously used for other tropical cyclones across the world— would be the first of the season 2022. A few days ago, the government of the United States issued travel warnings for US citizens about hurricane season in the Caribbean.

A few hours ago, the National Hurricane Center posted on Twitter: “Potential Tropical Cyclone One could produce coastal flooding of 1-3 ft above normally dry ground along with parts of the southwestern coast of Florida and the Florida Keys.”

Over 10 million people in the region will be affected and should take precautions for flooding and gusty winds as well —which are expected to reach 40mps and more. Miami, Key West, and Fort Myers will be the main areas affected this Friday and Saturday.

CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said: “Whether the storm organizes or not, a significant flood event is possible across south Florida and the Keys.” Within the next few hours, experts and local authorities will be sharing more details about the storm’s progress. Travelers and US citizens in the area must stay alert.

Forecast For The Weekend And Warnings In Florida

It is hard to predict exactly how the storm will develop within the next few hours, but there’s already a timeline and a path predicted for this storm, and heavy rain in the area is certain.

On Thursday, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said: “There is still some variability on how this system will track, but heavy precipitation capable of scattered to numerous flash flooding is certainly plausible through southern Florida and into the Keys.”

The bulletin shared by the National Hurricane Center showed tropical storm warnings issued for Florida and specifically mentioned:
- Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas.
- Florida Bay.
- West coast of Florida south of the Middle of Longboat Key to Card Sound Bridge.
- East coast of Florida south of the Volusia/Brevard County Line to Card Sound Bridge.
- Lake Okeechobee.
According to Abc News, from 5 to 15 inches of rain and winds from 40 to 55 mps are forecasted for most of South Florida. This is the timeline expected for the weekend and the projected path, as the Weather Channel informed:
- Friday: Heavy rains in South Florida. The main areas affected will be Miami, Sarasota, Melbourne, West Palm Beach, Dry Tortuga, Florida Bay, Lake Okeechobee, and the Florida Keys.
- Saturday: The storm will be expected in southwest Florida in the morning and should head east by night. One or two isolated tornadoes could also develop in south Florida.
- Sunday: With reduced strength, the storm will reach the Southeast U.S. coast, with strong winds, and can develop dangerous currents across the coast. By night, the storm will move away from the East Coast, into the open Atlantic.
Those interested in traveling to South Florida during the weekend might have to reconsider and all those already in the area should pay close attention to the news and official announcements from authorities. Now that hurricane season has started, travelers must carefully plan their trips.

Read More:

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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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June 3, 2022
Travel Industry Continues Pressing U.S. Government For Removal Of Pre-Departure Testing

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The U.S. travel industry – including the nation’s major airline carriers – has once again urged the American government to remove the pre-departure testing requirement for vaccinated travelers entering the country.

On May 31, representatives from the travel industry met with members of the White House to discuss the matter – in an attempt to have the pre-departure testing requirement removed for fully vaccinated international travelers wanting to enter the United States of America.

And, not only are those in America’s travel industry arguing that the pre-departure testing requirement is a deterrent to those looking to visit the country, but they also claim it is harming the nation’s economy.

The President and CEO of Airlines for America echoed this in a statement – following yesterday’s meeting – by saying: “Quite frankly, the only impact the pre-departure testing requirement is having is a chilling effect on an already fragile economy here in the U.S.”

Major U.S. Airlines Believe Removing The Pre-Departure Testing Requirements Will See More Tourists Enter The Country

The biggest airlines in the U.S. are calling for the Biden administration to remove the pre-departure testing requirements for international visitors – as they argue that this is likely to be acting as a deterrent to those considering visiting the U.S. for tourism purposes.

And, there is no doubt that this could well be the case – especially with the number of international travelers to the States still more than 10 percent below pre-pandemic levels.

This is in contrast to its neighboring country, Mexico – which has had zero covid-related entry requirements for months, and is on the verge of seeing a return to pre-pandemic tourist numbers.

The nation is expecting as many as 40 million international visitors to enter its doors this year.

This Is Not The First Time That The U.S. Government Has Been Urged To Remove The Pre-Departure Testing Requirement

A few weeks ago we reported that more than 260 companies had signed a letter addressed to the Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, asking for the White House to remove the covid testing measures for fully vaccinated visitors arriving into the United States.

The letter had been signed by the nation’s largest airline companies – including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest – as well as major companies from the travel industry such as Hilton, Marriott and Disney.

The U.S. Is One Of The Few Nations That Still Requires Travelers To Undergo Pre-Arrival Testing

Just over a month ago we reported that the United States of America was one of the only few nations that still requires travelers – in particular those who are vaccinated – to undergo pre-departure testing for Covid-19 before being able to enter the country.

And, the fact that the nation still requires fully vaccinated travelers to undertake a Covid-19 test prior to their departure to the U.S. is sure to come as a surprise – especially as more and more countries around the world are removing ALL of their Covid-related entry requirements.

In the last few days and weeks we have seen some of the most popular destinations for tourists – including the likes of Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Vietnam – having removed all of their entry requirements, following in the footsteps of the many countries that had previously done so.

It will therefore not come as a surprise that the U.S. travel industry continues to push for the removal of the pre-departure testing requirements – in particular for those who have received their full Covid-19 vaccination.

You can keep up to date with the latest travel requirements for international visitors wanting to enter the U.S. by clicking here.

Read more:

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June 3, 2022
U.S. State Department Issues 13 New Travel Advisories For June
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The US State Department has issued 13 new travel advisories for June. The latest updates, which were uploaded onto the State Department’s website on May 31st, provide information that aims to keep American travelers safe and well informed ahead of their travels. These most recent updates feature a range of countries which are located in regions that are bound to be amongst the most popular with American travelers this summer, such as Europe and the Caribbean.

With travel this summer expected to rival pre-pandemic figures, travel advisories are bound to play an important pre-travel role for those jetting off around the world this year. Here’s a look at which countries were affected in the most recent updates, plus a recap of what the travel advisory system is and how it helps American travelers.

Travel Advisories – An Explanation For Travelers

The State Department’s travel advisories are helpful updates that provide information to travelers about destinations around the world. Each update assigns a risk level to a destination, with Level 1 being the lowest risk level and Level 4 being the highest risk level. Warnings are updated frequently as and when they are needed, reflecting the ever changing risks such as crime, terrorism and health concerns that are present in each destination.

Along with a warning from the State Department, each travel advisory update also contains information from the CDC on the level of Covid-19 in each destination, allowing travelers to know what they may be getting themselves into if they do decide to travel. Whilst they play an important role in keeping travelers informed about real and current threats they may face and should always be consulted, they have no legal power to prevent travel – meaning the decision to travel is ultimately down to the traveler.

Recent Travel Advisory Updates – What Travelers Should Know

The latest travel advisories to be posted featured updates from all four warning levels. The Level 1 updates are as follows:
- St. Kitts and Nevis – exercise normal precautions. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19
- Anguilla – exercise normal precautions. CDC indicates a high level of Covid-19
- Kuwait – exercise normal precautions, travelers should not visit the border region with Iraq. CDC indicates a low level of Covid-19
The Level 2 updates are:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – exercise increased caution due to terrorism and land mines. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19
- Dominican Republic – travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19
- Tunisia – exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism. The country also has several no-go regions. CDC indicates a moderate level of Covid-19
- Turks and Caicos Islands – exercise increased caution due to crime. CDC indicates a high level of Covid-19
Level 3 travel advisories carry a warning that travelers should reconsider travel to these destinations. The recent Level 3 updates are:
- Guyana – risk of crime. Covid-19 level is moderate according to CDC
- Jamaica – risk of crime, with several areas travelers should not travel to. According to the the CDC, Jamaica has a high level of Covid-19
- Mauritania – risk of both terrorism and crime. The country’s Covid-19 level is low according to the CDC
- Poland – travelers should reconsider their trips to Poland due to its Covid-19 related restrictions. It has moderate levels of Covid-19 according to the CDC
Finally, two countries were awarded Level 4 warnings. These warnings explicitly tell travelers “Do Not Travel” to the destinations in question. The Level 4 warnings are as follows:
- Burma (Myanmar) – do not travel due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. CDC indicates a low level of Covid-19
- Moldova – do not travel due to armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine, and the unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government. Moderate level of Covid-19 according to the CDC
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June 2, 2022
Top 10 Beaches In The U.S. According to ‘Dr. Beach’

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Stephen Leatherman, the famous American geoscientist popularly known as Dr. Beach has recently shared the 2022 Top 10 Beach List. The scientist has been reviewing and rating beaches for the past three decades and his results have been very popular across media.

Dr. Beach considers 50 criteria —which include sand softness, water temperature, number of sunny days, water color, access, public safety, and more— to evaluate 650 public beaches in the United States.

This year’s number 1 beach is Ocracoke’s Lifeguarded Beach in North Carolina. It was ranked third place last year and made it to the top in 2022. This beach is located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore area.

Regarding this year’s beach winner and the area in which it is located, Leatherman said to CNN: “I like this area because it has the three things that you must have to make a great beach: clean sand, clean water, and beach safety.”

Access to Ocracoke isn’t that obvious, travelers must take a ferry service or boat or private plane. The island hosts some of the “wildest” beaches, but according to the expert, the journey is worth it.

North Carolina hosts two of the best beaches and so does Hawaii. But here’s the complete list of the top 10 beaches in the United States and what travelers must know about them:

1. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Travelers must consider that they can’t access it by car, but this public getaway —once the home of the Blackbeard the pirate— will give its guests a great beach experience. Dr. Beach recommends families with children go before summer since surf dominates during summer.

2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida

Access to this beach is also tricky, travelers must take a pedestrian ferry boat, a long walk from Clearwater beach, or a private boat. Caladesi’s white and soft sand —made of crystalline quartz— and its sparkling clear waters will win any traveler’s heart.

3. Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, New York

This beach is on the south shore of Long Island and offers visitors hundreds of yards to enjoy. Coopers Beach is backed by sand dunes covered with green grass and travelers will also get to see extravagant mansions. Food services are available here and it’s easy to access by car.

4. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle

This long barrier island is far away from urban areas and connects visitors with nature on its 2,023 acres. This “serene” beach will allow travelers to disconnect and enjoy a beautiful beach.

5. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Travelers will find this beach right at the end of Waikiki Beach, far from large crowds —can be included as one of the off-the-beaten-path things to do in Hawaii— and it is the widest beach in the area.

6. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, North Carolina

Known as one of the best spots for surfing in the U.S. Atlantic coast, this beach offers unique waves that can add fun to traveler’s vacations. Leatherman recommends to walk to Cape Point till a long sand spit, where travelers can see waves coming from both directions.

7. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

This place has been described as an “oasis” in Southern California. It has subtropical vegetation and a “unique Mediterranean climate” that will relax all visitors. Famous people —from kings to famous actors— have stayed at the Hotel del Coronado, an iconic local landmark.

8. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

These five pocket beaches are part of a resort but include public access. Wailea Beach has white coral sand and it’s perfect for snorkeling when the ocean is calm.

9. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Right at the end of Kiawah Island, nature-lovers will find Beachwalker Park. It’s a great place to take canoes, kayaks, paddles, and even bicycles. There is a lot to see, explore and enjoy.

10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This beach offers fascinating views and travelers can access it by bike or shuttle buses. On sunny days water gets a little warmer, but travelers must stay aware of red flags for white sharks.

Read More:

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June 2, 2022
Turkey Removes All Entry Requirements
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Last Updated 5 mins ago

After months of imposing stricter entry rules in response to Covid, Turkey is finally removing all health requirements for international arrivals. This means that, starting June 1, tourists will no longer be expected to present Covid certificates arriving at Turkey’s borders, as pandemic-related measures have been officially nullified.

The cross-continental nation, which hosts Europe’s largest metropolis (Istanbul), and some of Western Asia’s most memorable natural landmarks, will welcome visitors restriction-free for the first time in two years. Although it had progressively eased rules throughout 2021, it always stopped short of announcing a full-scale reopening… Until now.

Turkey Welcomes All Travelers Again

As confirmed by the Interior Ministry, undergoing tests for Covid will no longer be expected of any foreigners visiting Turkey starting June 1. Previously, those who did not present a vaccination certificate upon crossing the border were required to have a negative PCR 72 hours before entry, or a Rapid Antigen Test within 48 hours.

On top of that, being in possession of a vaccination certificate will no longer be a prerequisite for entry into the country for the vaccinated, as all Covid certificates have officially ceased being relevant travel documents. Now, both the vaccinated, and the unvaccinated, are treated the exact same way for entry purposes.

Although visa rules for certain nationalities are still in place, Turkey is open to all regardless of immunization status:
- No vaccination passes are required
- No pre-departure testing is demanded
- No post-arrival testing mandates are in place
- No quarantine orders are issued upon arrival
Vaccinated travelers had been previously exempt from the testing requirement, one of Turkey’s last standing sanitary barriers against Covid. However, with both vaccination and testing rules gone, Turkey has effectively reinstated its pre-pandemic state of normality, when visitors only had to worry about carrying a valid passport.

Masks Are Gone As Of This Week

According to the Interior Ministry, anti-Covid measures are determined on ‘global developments’ and infection trends, explaining Turkey’s once-harsh border protocols. Considering that the vast majority of Europe is open, and the world has started to move on from Covid, Turkish authorities saw it was time to lift curbs altogether.

On top of abolishing its travel rules, Turkey scrapped mandatory mask usage – with the usual exceptions. While facial coverings will continue being enforced in hospitals, where vulnerable populations are at a higher risk of experiencing severe forms of Covid, they are no longer necessary in all other settings, including public transport.

As of June 1, tourists are again free to travel Istanbul’s extensive transportation system, which includes scenic ferry rides, without face masks, or fear of being rebuked for opting not to wear one. Similarly, mask wearing has become voluntary in flights within Turkey, which are the preferred mode of travel for tourists once inside the country.

Infections in Turkey now account for only 1% of the February 8 peak, when over 100,000 new cases were recorded in a single day – and they are falling even further. The favorable epidemiological scenario even led President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who adopted tougher stances in the past, to argue that Covid is ‘no longer a global threat‘.

Why Visit Turkey In 2022?

Turkey is one of the most fascinating countries on Earth. Straddling the natural border between Europe and Asia, with the Northern part of Istanbul being its most notorious European asset, the ancient country is closely linked to other regional superpowers, having been an integral part of several empires throughout the centuries.

Here, tourists can find numerous landmarks that have shaped History as we know it, including:
- The magnificent Hagia Sophia Mosque
- The Walls of Constantinople, Istanbul’s former name
- The Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya
- The Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara, the country’s capital
- Ephesus, where parts of the Bible were written
- Aspendos, the best preserved Roman theater
- Cappadocia, a historical region famous for its cave houses
- The Ancient city of Troy, located on the Dardanelles Strait
Additionally, due to the Turkish Lira’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar, Turkey makes for a more budget-friendly destination when compared to other European hotspots, like the neighboring Greece or Cyprus. In fact its beach town Marmaris has just been named the most affordable summer destination in Europe this year.

Do I Need A Visa For Turkey?

American citizens need an E-Visa in order to enter Turkey, which can be easily obtained online prior to departure. After payment of the visa fee, which varies depending on nationality, it is usually delivered via electronic means within 24 hours of applying. Once granted, the visa allows Americans a 90-day stay as tourists.

Canadians are also required to obtain an E-Visa prior to visiting, while British citizens and most citizens of the European Union can visit Turkey simply by presenting a passport – and, in specific cases like France, even just National Identity Cards. For more information on visa rules that apply to specific nationalities, please visit this page.

Read More:

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June 1, 2022
Americans Visiting Ireland This Summer Risk Facing Severe Travel Disruption

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Covid may have subsided, but traveling Europe in the upcoming months will not come without its own subset of challenges. In fact, Americans visiting Ireland this summer now risk facing severe travel disruption, as the nation’s busiest international airport in Dublin tries to strike a delicate balance between higher travel demand and staff shortages.

After two years of unusually quiet departure lounges, the pandemic’s long-term impacts on the travel industry are only now being felt. Although London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International also reported delays, proving Dublin Airport is not alone, it’s the latter that took the brunt of it, as more than 1,000 passengers have missed their flights in a single day.

Here is how it all went down:

How Bad Is The Situation At Dublin Airport?

After Covid, travelers have begun to turn up at the airport earlier than usual – sometimes many hours in advance – to ensure they will board their flights on time. While long lines had been a common sight at Dublin Airport over the weekend, it was yesterday, on May 30, that the situation turned truly dire, as even early showers were not guaranteed boarding.

Since Friday, there have been numerous reports on news outlets, and social media, of people who missed their flights despite arriving to Dublin Airport 3 to 4 hours in advance. The Irish Times tells of a family who showed up early at the airport at 7:58 am for a 10:45 am flight, but after two hours in line had only gotten as far as the front door of the terminal.

Customer Rebeca Boughton said ‘no information was provided to passengers queuing outside the terminal building’, and people started pushing through trying to make their flights in time. Most of the time, to no avail. Once she made it inside, Mrs Boughton learned that the check-in desk was already closed and her flight delayed until noon.

Dublin Airport Descends Into Chaos

Another couple from County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland, also got the airport ‘several hours in advance‘ and still missed their 7:45 am flight to Italy: ‘we arrived at the closing gate at 7:40 am, and our plane was outside, but they wouldn’t let us through the gates’. According to the interviewee, they were among 36 passengers that were not allowed to board.

The person added they ‘pleaded’ at the gate to be let in, and then peeked out the window to see airport staff removing cases from the plane. Even after arguing and despite passengers being visibly distressed, it was ‘no good’ as they were still barred from boarding. The passenger has deemed the situation a ‘bad advertisement for Ireland‘.

An American family has also had had their plans ruined amid the chaos, spending over 11 hours at the airport on Sunday. Bonnie Radintz, who voiced her family’s grievances, detailed they had already missed a flight earlier that day, despite showing up on time, and were forced to walk 4 km in Terminal 2 in lengthy passenger lines with no end in sight.

Mrs Radintz, who was flying home to Minneapolis that day, said her family received ‘no water, vouchers or any form of communication’ regarding their new (delayed) flight. Interestingly, other passengers waiting outside the terminals to get in also complained of a ‘lack of communication from airport authorities’.

What Is Behind The Crisis?

According to the DAA, which stands for Dublin Airport Authority, the recent chaos at the airport can be blamed on a number of factors, ranging from a shortage of staff and unexpected absences yesterday, to several passengers turning up early. As reported by RTE, more than 1,000 people missed their flights following Sunday’s disruptions.

Other reports note that 1,000 airport workers have left their jobs since September 2020, after the DAA offered staff ‘voluntary severance’ due to the low travel demand at the time, including 248 security screening workers. The move has led to shortages in the Republic of Ireland’s two biggest airports, Dublin and Cork.

As Kevin Cullinane, a spokesperson for the DAA noted, Dublin Airport ‘clearly didn’t have enough security lanes open due to resourcing challenges’. He added that, due to staff constraints, any absence can critically impact the airport’s ability to operate lanes, as became evident on Sunday.

Airport Authorities Had No Clue About The Scale Of The Problem Until It Was Too Late

Even though there was trouble brewing as early as Saturday, airport authorities did not become aware of the scale of the problem until it was too late. Cullinane shared ‘the challenges the airport faced began at about 4:30 local time on Sunday’, and despite their best efforts to balance an increase in passengers and fewer staff, the system was ‘overwhelmed’.

What’s worse: this might not be a one-off, with Cullinane tellings RTE the airport is operating on ‘very fine margins’ and ‘running to the max’ of available staff. This means Americans flying to Ireland this summer are very likely to experience travel disruption in some level, such as excessively long wait lines, delays or cancellations.

Although more travel woes were already expected in Europe this summer, as a majority of airports in the continent are battling shortages, Dublin Airport’s recent fiasco proves how quickly, and unexpectedly, the situation can deteriorate even further. After having let thousands of passengers down, Dublin Airport expects an extra 370 officers to be hired by July.

Eddie Wilson, CEO at Ryanair, Ieland’s low-cost carrier, has urged the government to deploy the army to airports. Wilson believes one of the biggest issues at the airport today is that aspiring workers need to be security cleared before they can assume their posts. As he argues, army officers already have security clearance and could help ease the pressure.

What Is The Risk Of Experiencing Travel Disruption When Visiting Ireland?

With several American carriers announcing new flights to Ireland this summer, in response to a growing demand for overseas travel, there is always a risk your flight could be delayed, or even cancelled, taking into account Dublin Airport’s current resources, which are limited. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting which flights will be axed and which will not.

Ireland may be open for all Americans, irrespective of vaccination status and with no testing or quarantine in place, but this does not mean travelers should not be prepared for their plans to change, or completely scrap the Covid-era contingency measures. Now, it’s cancelled flights they need to worry about, and they will become more and more frequent as summer approaches.

With that in mind, we recommend you to always purchase travel insurance covering cancellation costs before flying, in order to be better prepared when faced with adverse events. Additionally, travelers are now advised to exercise increased caution when visiting Europe due to the new monkeypox outbreaks in several parts of the continent, including Ireland.

Read More:

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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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June 1, 2022