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Large Crowds Return To Las Vegas As Casinos Post Near Record Numbers

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Large crowds of tourists have returned to Las Vegas – with the city’s casinos reporting near record numbers.

With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic having had a major impact on the tourism industry worldwide, Las Vegas was no exception to this – with the 26th-most populous city in the U.S. having seen its world-renowned ‘Las Vegas’ strip resembling nothing but a ghost town for months on end.

And, there is no doubt that the city suffered greatly from the ongoing lockdowns and business closures that were brought about due to the Covid-19 pandemic – with financial losses having been recorded in the billions and billions of dollars.

However, fast forward to this present time – and the contrast could not be any greater.

The Number Of Visitors To Las Vegas Has Increased By Nearly 50%

Compared to the last year, March, 2021, the number of visitors to Las Vegas increased by a near 50% in the month just gone – with more than 3.3 million visitors having made their way to the Nevada state city – according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

And, there is no doubt as to why so many people are now heading to Vegas – with the city offering so much for visitors.

Whether you’re looking to do something adventurous or ‘out of the box’, wanting to party the night away at some of the world’s most famous bars and nightclubs – or looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy – Las Vegas really does have it all.

The city even offers some more ‘unusual’ attractions for those looking for something a little ‘different’ from the usual mainstream entertainment.

Casinos In Vegas Are Reporting Near Record Numbers

With the huge numbers of tourists – once again stepping foot onto the city’s iconic Las Vegas Strip – the city’s casinos are undoubtedly reaping the rewards, with the state of Nevada’s Gaming Control Board reporting a near 27% increase on takings compared to March last year (2021).

In fact, the $1.35 billion that the state’s casinos took last month was just short of the record amount of revenue recorded in a single month – which currently stands at $1.36 billion (July 2021).

Visitors To Vegas Can Expect Long Queues And Waiting Times

Of Course, with large numbers of tourists comes long queues – and therefore for those looking to head to Vegas right now will have to prepare themselves for potentially significant waiting times upon their arrival into the city, as well as throughout the duration of their stay.

The city’s airport – Harry Reid International Airport – recently reported near pre-pandemic figures, with close to 4.3 million visitors having passed through its doors last month (March).

Hotels in the city, which is infamously known as ‘Sin City’, are also experiencing an influx in bookings – with more than 80% of rooms reportedly being occupied.

And, with U.S. airlines continuing to add new direct Vegas-bound flights to their schedules, we are likely to see these numbers grow – especially with the city once again playing host to some of the world’s best and biggest shows and conventions on the planet.

One Of The City’s Major Casino Resorts Has Recently Reopened

Just last month we reported that one of the most famous casino resorts in Las Vegas – The Palms Casino Resort – was due to reopen its doors from the end of last month (27 April).

Although not located on the Las Vegas strip itself, there is no doubt that the resort will attract a huge number of visitors – with many wanting to check out its newly renovated property, which comes following new ownership and a $600 million refurbishment.

Read more:

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May 11, 2022
Marriott Now Offers Short Term Rentals Competing With Airbnb

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Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel company is now offering private homes for rental, directly competing with Airbnb.

The short-term rental market has seen an incredible uptake in demand over the past years and Marriott International is now offering a new service that is meant to break into the short rental market.

The service is called Homes & Villas which has already 60,000 properties at its disposal. Travelers will be able to select private homes and villas in around 75 countries.

These properties range from unique collections of private homes, beachfront bungalows, sprawling villas, grand chateaus, cozy cabins, ski chalets, and characterful townhouses, flats, apartments, to penthouses.

Homes & Villas even hosts castles on their website.

A major difference between Homes & Villas and other home rental companies.

Homes & Villas, unlike other short-term rental companies, works with select professional home management companies to ensure that the properties are of the highest standards.

With most traditional home rental companies, properties are directly listed by the homeowner themselves, enabling almost anyone to list their property.

Working only with select professional home management companies, Marriott is ensuring exceptional standards across their properties.

Loyalty Rewards Program.

Another big benefit Homes & Villas has over Airbnb is that travelers will be able to accumulate and redeem Marriott points. Being able to provide a unique rental experience in an upscale home while also giving consumers a chance to earn and redeem points is a huge win for Marriott International.

People naturally want to feel included and appreciated and being part of a loyalty rewards program is a great way to ensure consumer satisfaction.

The cost of it all.

Although Marriott is targeting upscale, high-end properties with its new rental service, the prices do not only have to necessarily reflect that. Many of the properties on the site go for $700 to $1000 a night, but you can find beautiful apartments and homes for under $200 a night.

In Barcelona, you can find a 2-bedroom apartment for $171 a night. Miami offers 1-bedroom apartments for as low as $161 a night. You can enjoy Paris for as low as $120 for a one-bedroom flat.

If Homes & Villas is proving one thing already it’s that good taste doesn’t always equate to high cost.

An Obvious Downside.

As good as this new service offered by Marriott International may be for travelers across the globe, there is one startling downside to the rental company.

Homes & Villas does not offer a very generous cancellation policy. If there is one thing we’ve all learned over the past 2 years is that nothing is guaranteed, and unforeseen things happen all the time.

Vacations unfortunately don’t always happen. Flights get canceled, people fall ill, and trips ultimately don’t always come to fruition.

In a world full of uncertainty, traveling needs to remain flexible, and unfortunately, after reviewing Homes & Villas’ cancellation policies, I can’t help but realize that its cancellation policy is not kind to unforeseen circumstances.

In fact, it has one of the worst cancellation policies I have ever seen.

You can only really get a refund on a property you’ve booked if you cancel within 48 hours of booking. After that, you’re no longer eligible for a refund.

This seems like a major downside to this service.

Bottom Line

Ultimately Marriott International expanding its operation into the short-term rental market is great news for travelers. A market with multiple players and plentiful options means competitive prices for consumers.

Individuals will be able to decide for themselves what accommodation suits them best for their next vacation.

READ MORE:

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Airbnb Blocks Short Stays For Users With No Reviews Over Summer Holidays

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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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May 10, 2022
United Will Suspend 7 Important International Flights For June
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If you’re booked with United to fly to Brazil, Europe, Hawaii or Japan this summer, you may want to double check the status of your flight, as the airline has just suspended 7 of its most important international flights for June. Citing aircraft shortages, it has had to double back and revise its ambitious post-Covid relaunch plan to avoid greater disruption.

In sum, United is yet to receive full clearance on both its 52 Boeing 777-200s and 777-200ERs, which have been undergoing maintenance since February 2021, when engine components rained down on suburban Denver. Although no one was injured, both on board and on ground, the incident led the engines, which are powered by P&W – Pratt & Whitney, to be recalled.

Although United hoped to bring back the repaired P&W 777s in May, just in time for the airline’s largest transatlantic expansion in its History, maintenance is taking longer than expected:

Flights To Hawaii, Sao Paulo, Geneva, Dublin All Axed Temporarily

According to Cirium, United had planned on gradually reintroducing the P&W fleet from May 13, ahead of the launch of its brand new international flight routes. Unfortunately, that date has been now pushed back to May 26, which simply does not provide the necessary time for the airline to have enough P&W engines back in the field to fulfill its June Schedule.

As a result of the unforeseen circumstances, it will be suspending the following incredibly popular flight routes through June:
- New York-Newark (EWR) – Maui (OGG)
- New York-Newark (EWR) – Honolulu (HNL)
- New York-Newark (EWR) – Tokyo, Japan (NRT)
- Washington Dulles (IAD) – Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU)
- Washington Dulles (IAD) – Geneva, Switzerland (GVA)
- Washington Dulles (IAD) – Honolulu (HNL)
- Washington Dulles (IAD) – Dublin, Ireland (DUB)*
*Flights between Washington Dulles and Dublin are only suspended between June 4 through June 30.

On top of the suspensions, which are set to throw the travel plans of thousands into turmoil, United is also axing the Newark-Stockholm route through the end of its current schedule. To put it simply, the carrier will not be resuming its seasonal service to Stockholm, Sweden this year. Previously, flights were expected to run from May 26 through the end of October.

Not all of these flights were operated by the 777s, though a lack of engines has forced United to move the available fleet around to protect other equally important routes. For now, the recently-announced brand new international flights to Jordan, The Azores in Portugal, Norway and Spain’s leading paradise islands are still going as planned.

A Big Blow To United’s Ambitious Summer Relaunch Plan

The news will certainly come as a shock to a majority of United customers, who have been planning their long-anticipated international summer vacation for months. With the exception of Japan, one of the last countries in Asia still banning foreign visitors, all other destinations on the list are open for tourism and experiencing extremely high demand.

Brazil has removed pre-departure testing for vaccinated Americans, and both European destinations affected – Ireland and Switzerland – have already fully returned to their pre-Covid entry guidelines. This means both the vaccinated, and the unvaccinated, can enter Ireland and Switzerland restriction-free.

As for Sweden, which has had service suspended for the season altogether, it famously became the 22nd country to remove all entry requirements, further adding to the woes of United customers who looked forward to benefit from this country’s relaxed Covid approach over summer. Except for Sweden, there is still a silver lining for the remaining routes.

Issuing a statement after the reshuffle, United assured customers it will restore the suspended services from July. Confirming the latest adjustments have been caused by aircraft shortage, the airline promised passengers the affected flight routes will be resumed, and they ‘look forward to bringing back this flying soon’.

United has reiterated it continues to fly to all impacted cities via other hubs, bar Stockholm, which is Scandinavian Airline’s base, a Star Alliance partner. If you were planning on flying United to Hawaii, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Geneva or Dublin this summer, make sure you check the status of your reservation on the booking app, or contact the airline for rebooking options or further assistance.

Covid May Have Subsided, But Now Travelers Have Other Concerns

If you thought you could put all your travel worries to rest seeing that Covid has finally subsided, well, think again. With the current reopening trend, which saw numerous countries opening their borders following two years of strict closures, and millions eager to take to the skies again, airlines have been struggling to cope with an unprecedented demand for travel.

Over the last few weeks, we have reported extensively on staff shortages in the industry, which have led popular carriers like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines to trim down their own schedules, and even some travelers to experience extremely long delays at the UK border.

While United’s recent reshuffle does not seem to be driven by staffing constraints specifically, this setback is part of an industry-wide struggle to meet renewed travel demands in the wake of the world’s fast-paced reopening. Over the next few months, travelers are advised to check airline updates on the daily and revise their travel plans accordingly should their flights be canceled.

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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May 10, 2022
Cancun Expecting Its Worst Seaweed Season In 5 Years

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Cancun is expecting its worst seaweed season in five years – with record amounts of Sargassum expected to be washed ashore along its coastline and beaches.

With Mexico’s Navy Secretary, José Ojeda, having recently described the situation as “alarming” – the nation’s officials are bracing themselves for what could be the largest amount of the seaweed-like algae seen on beaches in the Mexican tourist hotspot of Cancun, since 2018.

And, with Cancun having recently been ranked as the most popular destination for American travelers, the news that the city could soon be experiencing record amounts of sargassum smothering its beaches could be catastrophic.

What Is Sargassum?

Sargassum is a type of seaweed that is brown in color and stringy with regards to its feel and texture.

It is often found in large amounts – and due to it not becoming attached to the seafloor – it constantly floats on top of the sea, which is why it gets continually washed up onto the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.

Although sargassum is not toxic for humans, it can cause a considerable stench when present in large amounts along the coastline – with its bad smell being comparable to that of rotten eggs.

You can find out a bit more about Sargassum by clicking here.

The Mexican Navy Has Already Removed Record Amounts Of Seaweed

Not that long ago, Mexico’s Navy Minister announced that the nation’s navy had already removed 97 tons of sargassum from its seas – with more than 9,000 of the seaweed being cleared from the country’s beaches.

How Much More Sargassum Is Expected?

It has since been reported that a further 32,000 tons of sargassum is being monitored not that far from the coast of Quintana Roo – which is a Mexican state located on the Yucatán Peninsula.

And, this is why Cancun is bracing itself for an overwhelming amount of the algae – which is expected to appear in its largest amount since 2018 – which saw the Mexican Caribbean experience its worst encounter with Sargassum – which completely covered its beautiful white sand beaches.

One Of Mexico’s Most Popular Beaches Was Recently Closed Due To Sargassum

Just a matter of weeks ago we reported that one of the most popular beaches in the coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen – El Recodo – had been closed due to an accumulation of Sargassum along its coast.

And, the news came following the announcement that local authorities in the area were to create seaweed barriers in the popular tourist hotspot of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

How Does Mexico Plan To Deal With The Large Amounts Of Sargassum?

With Cancun having already seen an 83% recovery in its tourism figures – since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – at the end of last year (2021), the first few months of 2022 has seen Cancun welcome even more tourists.

Therefore, with the nation becoming ever-popular amongst international travelers, the authorities inside the country are implementing measures to try and cope with the battle against sargassum.

At this moment in time, Mexico’s navy is operating 11 boats in the worst-hit areas – which have the capability of collecting sargassum before it reaches the nation’s shores and beaches.

However, it has recently been reported that the amount of sargassum being collected by these vessels at present is in fact less than the amount that they were able to collect in previous years.

In 2020, the navy was reported to have collected 4% of the seaweed-like algae before it reached the Mexican shores – with the remaining 96% having to be cleared from the nation’s beaches.

So far this year, though, authorities are said to have only managed to collect up to 1% of the Sargassum from the sea – with almost all of it being washed ashore the coastline.

Hotels Are Also Helping To Clear The Beaches

As well as Mexico’s Navy working hard to battle the nation’s sargassum problem, hotels in the local area are also doing their part to help.

Some resorts have been using machinery such as tractors to sweep away the sargassum from the beaches close to their accommodation, whereas hotels that do not have such resources are adopting a more ‘manual’ approach – with workers using rakes to clear away the algae.

Read more:

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Mexico Adding Seaweed Barriers To Popular Tourist Hotspots Including Cancun And Playa Del Carmen

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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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May 9, 2022
260 Companies Urge Biden To Remove Testing Requirement To Enter U.S.

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The letter was signed by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hilton, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Disney, and other relevant businesses and organizations in the travel industry

Over 260 companies from the tourism industry made an urgent call on Thursday to the Biden administration to remove covid testing measures for vaccinated travelers to enter the United States.

Businesses and organizations in the US Travel Association sent a letter to the White House addressed to Dr. Ashish Jha, COVID-19 Response Coordinator. The main request states: “We encourage the Administration to expeditiously terminate the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers.”

In the document, the parties involved explained that the country is at a new stage, that there is a stronger immunity in the population, and that all COVID-19 measures need to change too. They mentioned that people are going back to work, school, and other normal activities, demonstrating that there is a new healthier reality.

The tourism industry in the US counts on international travelers for its recovery, and while the COVID-19 test is still mandatory to enter the country —even for vaccinated travelers— there will be an obstacle to succeeding in that process.

This was also addressed in the letter: “Given the slow economic recovery of the business and international travel sectors, and in light of medical advancements and the improved public health metrics in the U.S., we encourage you to immediately remove the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers.”

The letter was signed by large and relevant corporations in the industry such as American Airlines, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Universal Parks and Resorts, Hilton, Marriott International, and Expedia Group. National associations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, and Cruise Lines International Association were also involved, as well as airports and other small and mid-sized businesses.

The Biden Administration has already made changes in other pandemic-related measures and provided alternatives like the free at-home test—that does not work for travel or entering the US— delivered a few months ago. The Tourism Industry expects a response regarding the request for the removal of the entry test soon and so do travelers.

Will This Letter Make A Change?

It is not the first time the US Travel Association addressed the Biden Administration for urgent changes on travel measures related to the COVID-19. Last year, the president of the institution, Roger Dow, also requested new measures for the “Next Great Chapter” for the recovery of the industry, only this time the request is more precise.

In the new letter, presented on May 5, requesting the removal of the COVID-19 test for vaccinated travelers, the organizations also presented data and other strong arguments, such as the economic costs of maintaining this measure.

According to the information provided in the document, compared to 2019 business travel spending was still below 56%, and international travel spending was 78% down.

Foreign governments with similar vaccinations and infection rates —like Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom— that have eliminated testing for international travelers we also considered as references in the statement. And they added: “Further, since the federal government does not require negative tests for entry at our land-border ports of entry with Canada and Mexico, it no longer makes sense to keep a pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement in place for vaccinated inbound international air travelers to the U.S.”

Businesses and organizations insisted that international travel is safer now and that the testing mandate is no longer necessary. The Washington Post reported a few weeks ago that the last government statement said by White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients in a briefing was: “There are no plans to change the international travel requirements at this point”.

The Travel Industry is currently expecting a response to the letter and within the next few days we’ll see if the US Government considers the request.

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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May 9, 2022
This Major U.S. Airline Plans To Offer Free Wifi

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One of America’s largest airline carriers is offering FREE WiFi to all passengers on board some of its flights – up until 10 June.

Having begun the trial just a few days ago (4 May), Southwest Airlines – which is the world’s largest low-cost carrier – is currently offering free WiFi on board a number of its Boeing 737 airplanes.

The trial is part of a test for new hardware – which has recently been installed on 40 of the airline’s fleet – to see if it can cope with large numbers of users at one time, as well as provide faster internet to all passengers that connect to it.

Which Flights Are Offering Free WiFi?

As just mentioned, the trial of free WiFi is currently taking place on board 40 of Southwest’s Boeing 737 planes – with these aircrafts operating flights throughout the western part of the United States.

Will You Be Able To Stream Netflix Using The FREE WiFi?

Passengers that are on board any of Southwest’s flights that are part of the Free WiFi trial will be able to “stream, browse, and engage on the internet,” according to Southwest’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Customer Relations, Tony Roach.

So, it does look like passengers will be able to stream their latest Netflix or HBO series whilst cruising at 30,000 feet in the air.

The airline’s current offering of WiFi – which is available on board Southwest’s WiFi-enabled aircrafts at a cost of $8 – does not allow passengers to stream movies and content from websites such as Netflix, HBO Max, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

This is due to the airline’s WiFi blocking access to high-bandwidth websites, applications and video conferencing services.

How Long Will The Trial Last For?

The trial is set to last for six weeks, with all passengers on board the 40 flights – that has the new WiFi hardware installed – being able to connect to the WiFi at no cost.

The trial began on 4 May and will continue up until 10 June.

Is Free WiFi Available On All Southwest Flights?

At this moment in time, no.

However, it could well be in the near future – especially if the newly installed hardware on some of Southwest’s airplanes can cope with large numbers of users at one time.

The airline does currently offer WiFi to all passengers on board its flights at a cost of $8 per passenger to use it – with the service being free to connect to for Southwest’s A-List Preferred Members.

Will Southwest Be Offering FREE WiFi On Board All Of Its Flights In The Future?

At this moment in time, this is unknown.

However, if the trial is a success then it could be that in the future all Southwest passengers will be able to connect to FREE WiFi – which would allow them to stream their favorite movie or TV series whilst flying high in the sky.

Speaking about the airline’s trial of their upgraded WiFi, Southwest’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Customer Relations, Tony Roach, explained the company’s vision:

“Our goal is to evaluate how the new hardware improves performance while delivering a reliable internet experience used by a large volume of Customers.”

Do Any Other Of The Major Airlines In The U.S. Offer Free WiFi?

Right now, only one of America’s major airlines – JetBlue – offers free WiFi to all passengers on board any of its flights.

However, just a month ago we reported that five airlines in the U.S. had lowered the cost of their onboard WiFi services.

And, just last week it was revealed that Hawaiian Airlines will become the first major airline to provide Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service to passengers on board its flights from next year.

Read more:

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Southwest Adds New Routes And Frequencies To Top 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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May 8, 2022
Interrail Announces Half Price Unlimited Europe Travel Passes
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To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Interrail is offering 50% off all rail travel passes until May 10. For many backpackers and tourists, Interrail passes are the cheapest, most efficient, and fastest way to explore Europe without breaking the bank.

Interrail will offer the flash sale until Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 11.59 pm UK time.

Travelers can use digital passes now and start them at any time in the next 11 months. And although most of Europe has lifted its COVID-19 restrictions—travelers can buy now and wait until next year to use their half-price rail passes.

The Details Of The Special Offer

Interrail is offering a 50% discount on all continuous global passes until Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 11.59pm. These passes allow unlimited travel for one, two, or three months on the national railways of 33 European nations, including:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Great Britain
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Montenegro
- The Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
The Current Offers:
- 1 month pass: €335
- 2 month pass: €366
- 3 month pass: €451
Travelers can pay slightly extra and travel via first class. For example, the 3-month pass costs €601 instead of €451 for three months continuous travel around Europe.

Travelers can buy the passes now via the Interrail website and can immediately begin using the passes. However, travelers can opt for a paper copy of the pass if they’re uncertain about technology.

The Interrail mobile app, however, offers:
- Free, instant delivery to the application.
- A free replacement if travelers lose or break their phones.
- No need for travelers to select their travel dates until they begin traveling.
Important tip: Flash sale passes are not refundable or exchangeable and cannot be purchased in combination with Plus.

What Does The Interrail Pass Cover?

The Interrail pass is a train ticket that allows travelers to board most trains in Europe. Travelers will enjoy access to 40 railway and ferry companies in 33 European nations. What’s more, travelers can board most trains by simply showing the rail pass to staff at the train station.

Some train companies require travelers to purchase additional seat reservations—such as the Eurostar from London to Mainland Europe. You can check out the Interrail reservation service here.

Who Can Travel With Interrail?

European citizens and non-European citizens who are official legal residents—including British travelers (despite Brexit)—can use the Interrail pass. Non-European travelers, however, can’t use the Interrail pass.

But don’t worry: there are other options for American tourists, and we’ll go over the options below.

Eurail passes are popular for non-European visitors; they work just like the Interrail passes.

Alternatively, American tourists can travel within Europe via bus. There are some very affordable bus companies—such as Flixbus—offering extremely affordable prices continent-wide.

Or, American travelers can fly around Europe with the various budget airlines. These include Ryanair, Easyjet, and Wizz Air. If travelers book in advance, such as one month before their trip, they can find extremely affordable flights around Europe. Airline tickets can be as low as $5 or $10, but of course you’ll want to see what they charge for things like baggage and seat selection before you book.

The COVID-19 Situation In Europe

Most of Europe has dropped COVID-19 restrictions—including entry requirements and internal COVID-19 restrictions. Although some nations still require travelers to wear masks indoors.

Vaccine passports were widespread around Europe in 2021, including in France and Italy, but most of Europe has ended vaccine passports to enter indoor events or venues.

Final Thoughts

The Interrail pass at half price is an incredible offer. With freedom of movement returning to Europe and the summer months approaching, there’s never been a better time to buy the pass and explore the great continent.

Read More:

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May 8, 2022
Montego Bay, Jamaica Named As One Of The Top Destinations For Americans

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The Jamaican city of Montego Bay has been named as one of the top destinations for American travelers to visit this summer.

Famed for its white-sand beaches, laid back way of life, and a whole host of water-based activities, Montego Bay has long since been a favorite for travelers from North America – and with Jamaica recently removing its Covid-19 related entry requirements, that status looks set to grow even further this summer.

Here’s a closer look at why Montego Bay has been named one of the top destinations for American travelers this summer, what type of things travelers can look forward to experiencing in the city, and which other destinations around the world are also considered to be the most in-demand destinations for Americans this summer.

Montego Bay A Top Destination – Information For Travelers

Prior to Covid-19 putting travel plans on hold for the best part of two years now, Montego Bay was amongst the most popular destinations in the world. The year 2019 saw as many as 4.2 million travelers visit Jamaica, with the country proving popular with both air and cruise passengers before the pandemic put a serious dent in the total number of arrivals. This year however, with restrictions eased and travel appetites restored, that figure could be set to rise once again.

A recent study has shown that Montego Bay is one of the top destinations for American travelers this year. According to the Top 10 Summer Destinations review by insurance giants Allianz Partners, Montego Bay is the fourth most popular international summer destination for travelers in 2022, behind the likes of Cancun in first place, San José del Cabo in second, and Oranjestad (Aruba) in third.

Allianz Partners analyzed more than 1,175,000 flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length to generate their findings. Unsurprisingly, the countries featured on the list have recently relaxed their entry requirements, making travel much more appealing. Jamaica lifted its Covid-19 entry restrictions in mid-April, making trips to Montego Bay much easier for travelers.

Once in Montego Bay, travelers are unlikely to regret their decision to travel there for summer. The city has a surfeit of world-class beaches, with Doctor’s Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Sandals Montego Bay Beach amongst the best – but with the destination in such high demand, travelers should get down there early in order to secure a top spot on the sand. Once there, travelers can look forward to a wide range of water sports to keep themselves busy – or they can simply choose to unwind in paradise.

Yet Montego Bay is far more than just its admittedly amazing beaches. Nature lovers can swap sand for the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village, try the topography of Cockpit Country or ride the Martha Brae River if that’s more their thing. After working up an appetite, few can resist indulging in some fiery jerk chicken or sampling some of the country’s famous patties, such can be found in abundance.

Travelers should have no problem reaching Montego Bay either, with recent months having seen several routes added to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Frontier was the most recent US airline to do so, with flights from Tampa recently added to their roster, but American, JetBlue and Southwest have also recently increased US-Montego Bay connectivity recently as well.

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May 7, 2022
Florida Is Seeing Its Worse Flights Delays In Years Causing Frustration For Travelers

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Federal Aviation Authorities Are Working On Solutions To Fix The Mass Flight Delays In Florida

If you are traveling to Florida, pack large amounts of patience in your bags. Now that pandemic restrictions have been eased, more airlines are expanding their flight services and more travelers are eager to go on vacations. As a result, air traffic is busier than ever, especially in Florida.

There are different factors jamming up the skies: more airlines resuming flight services, new low-cost airlines adding services—Avelo recently opened its third base in Orlando—, private jets, space launches, thunderstorms, staff shortages, and soon hurricane season. Florida’s air traffic is facing a terrible gridlock and it’s becoming a huge problem affecting thousands of travelers.

Last weekend thunderstorms in Florida and technology issues were the main reasons why over 10,000 flights were canceled or delayed. Local and national authorities are working together to find solutions to meeting air traffic demands, which have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that they are working on fixing the aviation system.

The situation is already troubling many travelers. Thousands of passengers that have been affected by recent delays and flight cancellations have had to pay extra for meals, hotels, and transportation alternatives.

Federal Aviation Administration’s Solution

One of the main solutions the FAA—responsible for the traffic control system across the United States— finds essential is to increase staffing in Florida to improve traffic flow.

In a statement, the agency said: “Because representatives said Florida operations will continue increasing past 2019 levels, the FAA will immediately increase the number of authorized staff at Jacksonville Center and evaluate other Florida facilities.”

The FAA held a “productive” two-day meeting with industry members, including airlines, aviation groups, and unions, to discuss the issues and the possible solutions. Airlines executives will continue to expand services in the region due to high demand, so the solution is to optimize the system and hire more air traffic controllers for the Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center.

Other factors discussed were weather conditions, space launches, and military exercises that usually translate into airspace closures, stopping airlines from flying and delivering services on time.

The FAA promised to work on alternatives: “The agency will also work with stakeholders to develop a playbook to keep aircraft moving safely when weather, space launches or other events constrain capacity.” And added: “The FAA will increase the ability for airlines to keep aircraft moving during these events by using alternate routes and altitudes when possible.”

The agency also assured that authorities will be meeting with airlines throughout the summer to improve services and guarantee continuous plane flow.

Members of the industry are feeling hopeful. Barry Biffle, Frontier Chief Executive Officer, said on a conference call that the current situation of the traffic control is “an unsustainable thing” and added: “We’re really excited that the FAA is stepping in knee-deep on this.”

Travelers Love Florida

According to data shared on CNBC, Florida hit a record of 118 million domestic visitors last year. Americans have been finding ways to travel to the Sunshine State, including hiring private jets during the pandemic.

Peter Maestrales, chief executive officer of charter broker Airstream Jets, said to Bloomberg: “Palm Beach was typically a pretty quiet airport, now it’s unbelievable the departure delays, and just the amount of aircraft parked on the tarmac out there.”

Compared to 2019—before the pandemic— now services to West Palm Beach have increased by 132%, Tampa by 107%, and Miami by 113% according to FAA data. Travelers are eager to visit these coastal cities and the trend suggests that these numbers will keep going up.

Travelers visiting Florida in the following weeks should bear in mind that delays and flight cancellations might still happen, but feel hopeful that local authorities and the industry members are already working on solutions.

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May 7, 2022
Dominican Republic Breaks All Time Record For The Most Tourist Arrivals

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The Dominican Republic recently broke its all time record for the highest number of tourist arrivals into the country. The Caribbean nation, which has long since been a favorite destination for travelers from the US and Canada, welcomed a record-breaking number of travelers into the country last month in the wake of the global pandemic.

With the country recently having removed all of its Covid-19 related entry requirements, the record could well be broken again throughout the summer. Here’s a closer look at all of the details of the country’s record-breaking tourism month, plus a recap of recently-added new flight routes to the Dominican Republic that are set to make travel to the country even more accessible.

Record-Breaking Travel – Information For Travelers

Whilst the pandemic might have changed many things about the way we travel, some things have remained the same – and the popularity of the Dominican Republic is one of them. The sixth most popular international destination for Americans in 2019 and recently revealed as the fifth most in-demand destination for Americans this year, the island’s stunning beaches, top hospitality and close proximity to the US has proved irresistible once more for travelers in 2022.

Last month, the Dominican Republic welcomed 626,000 travelers, marking the first time the island had received more than 600,000 travelers in a calendar month and representing a 91% increase compared to April 2021. Most travelers arrived by plane, but a sizable contingent of 129,000 cruise ship passengers also visited the country, with the return of the cruise industry warmly welcomed across the Caribbean after months of inactivity and uncertainty. American travelers were the most popular, representing 40% of all arrivals, but plenty of Canadian travelers have also been taking the trip down south.

The record is looking increasingly like it will be broken again this year. Not only has the Dominican Republic recently removed all of its Covid-19 restrictions – making it more appealing to travelers – but the ongoing renovation of Punta Cana airport will see the country able to cope with the increased demand it is currently facing. Around 60% of April’s arrivals entered through Punta Cana airport, whilst the capital’s Las Américas International Airport welcomed 23% of the country’s visitors.

Huge traveler numbers may spell costly hotel bookings, but with plenty of worthy places to visit in the country, finding the right hotel shouldn’t prove too difficult. More and more destinations in the Dominican Republic are being connected with the US, with Frontier launching new flights from Tampa to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo that will start from the end of June. March also saw American Airlines add flights between Miami and Samaná, whilst the low-cost Canadian airline Swoop also added flights between Toronto and Punta Cana. With these new additions on top of existing flight routes, North American travelers have plenty of options when it comes to visiting the Dominican Republic.

Travelers looking for something different can also visit the Dominican Republic on a range of different cruises. Top cruise companies Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival each include stops in the Dominican Republic on a variety of different cruise options, ranging from 7 nights to ten nights.

Speaking about the record-breaking month, David Callado, the Dominican tourism minister, said:

“The recovery of international travel is a reality. We’ve done it again. The recorded growth in April is an achievement without precedents. It’s the best April in the history of tourism in our country.”

Impressively, the country is welcoming record numbers whilst keeping standards high, with 93% of all travelers stating they would recommend the island to others or visit it again. With such figures reported despite the huge crowds, high hotel rates and packed beaches, the country looks set to enjoy greater traveler numbers for the foreseeable future.

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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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May 6, 2022