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Popular Playa Del Carmen Beach To Remain Closed To Tourists Due To Seaweed

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`Sargassum seaweed continues to accumulate along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with a number of beaches in the area battling an excessive landfall. Playa El Recodo, one of the most popular beaches in Playa Del Carmen, is one of those greatly affected, with local authorities announcing the natural attraction will remain off-limits temporarily.

Recently, Mexico has quickly started adding seaweed barriers to popular destinations around Quintana Roo, including Playa Del Carmen, in a desperate attempt to save other beaches from meeting the same fate.

El Recodo Most Affected Beach In Playa Del Carmen

While several tourist hotspots up and down Quintana Roo have all been affected by seaweed to some extent, it’s Playa Del Carmen that’s been making the headlines lately, as the natural phenomenon intensifies in the area.

In fact, local authorities have just announced that El Recodo beach, one of the top-rated in the resort town, will be closed for visitors and sunseekers for the whole of the upcoming Easter holidays, and until the cleaning work has been finished.

Currently, the Sargassum removal has been carried out daily, though the overwhelming volume of seaweed has led Playa Del Carmen officials to determine ‘it is not in a condition to be used by bathers‘.

Despite the town’s best efforts in preventing similar closures, it cannot completely avoid the arrival of seaweed, as temperatures rise and the algae reproduce on a larger scale. In late March, as much as 80 tonnes of seaweed were collected from beaches in Playa Del Carmen, and the situation has remained dramatic since.

Playa Del Carmen Ramping Up Cleaning At Popular Beaches

Zofemat, the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone, which oversees natural phenomena in the area, has sent both workers and more machinery have been deployed to clean the beach, but decided not to re-open it to bathers for the time being.

Playa El Recodo features the iconic sandy beaches and crystal clear waters that are characteristic of the Mexican Caribbean, which makes its closure ahead of the highly-anticipated Eastern weekend all the more troubling.

Besides Playa El Recodo, the equally popular Punta Esmeralda beach will also remain closed to tourists, in order to allow the local dunes to regenerate and mitigate impacts on the color of the water.

Even though it received its first seaweed barrier as soon as early April, and ahead of other neighboring destinations, Playa Del Carmen has not managed to completely thwart the threat to its busy tourism season, with vacationers arriving for Mexico’s Semana Santa now having fewer beaches to choose from.

As reported by La Jornada Maya, over 200 workers have joined the Zofemat brigade in collecting Sargassum from the beaches. Other measures have also been taken, including the recruitment of several researchers, academics and scientists to assist the local government in managing the crisis.

Is Seaweed Dangerous To Bathers?

It is worth noting Sargassum is not particularly dangerous to beachgoers, unless they are swimming in seaweed-infested deep waters, as people have been known to get entangled in them and subsequently drowning.

Usually, it simply leaves beaches with a more unpleasant ‘polluted’ look, although its reproduction, which leads to accumulation on beaches, is a natural process attributed to a warmer water temperature. As they are bound to become hotter in the upcoming months, this will continue being a concern for tourists visiting the coastline of Mexico.

Local Ecology And Environment Secretary, Efraín Villanueva, has confirmed several sea vessels have been positioned strategically in the area to speed up cleaning, and a further 9-thousand meter barrier will be installed around the beach, on top of the already installed 2,700 meters.

Additionally, 4 tractors with sweepers will make sure any Sargassum that does reach the sandbanks is cleared, besides the usual monitoring of the Oceanographic Institute of the Gulf and the Caribbean Sea.

Is Mexico’s Tourism Season Under Threat?

Besides seaweed, the US Department of State also published a map detailing Mexican states Americans should avoid.

While Quintana Roo, which houses Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, and many others was not classed as a particularly dangerous destination, US authorities now urge Americans to ‘exercise an increased degree of caution’ when traveling to the state.

An increase in crime in tourist zones is the main reason behind the revised travel advisory, and the seaweed itself, as previously stated, does not present a particular health threat to tourists. It should also not affect tourism in Quintana Roo, as destinations like Cancun are already sold out for the Easter period.

In spite of recent setbacks, Mexico has been increasing policing in beaches across the Riviera Maya lately, and taking other measures to ensure arrivals feel safe and have the best possible experience during their breaks.

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April 16, 2022
Masks On Flights Remain Mandatory For At Least Another 2 Weeks

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The US government announced on Wednesday that all transportation networks will be extending the mask mandate requirement for planes, trains, buses, and public transportation until at least May 3, 2022.

Travelers especially were expecting to see the end of this rule, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had already extended this mandate several times and this time it was supposed to end on April 18.

According to the information shared on NPR’s news portal, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through a spokesperson, explained the precaution: “In order to assess the potential impact the rise of cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, and health care system capacity.”

It has already been confirmed that the TSA will also comply with the government’s decision by extending the face-covering requirement for at least two more weeks.

Some travelers might feel frustrated, particularly those who have seen that many airlines have removed the mask measure and that other countries have dropped this rule. However, the US government and local authorities believe that this measure is still necessary, especially considering that COVID cases have increased by around 25% in the past two weeks in several parts of the U.S.

Why The US Government Extended The Mask Mandate

Unfortunately, the omicron subvariant —which now represents 85% of COVID cases in the US— has been spreading quickly across the country. The director of the Center for Public Health Law and Policy at Arizona State University, James Hodge, said these past two weeks have shown that measures must be considered carefully.

Hodge also added: “If we pull this mask mandate, we will have extended numbers of infections — that’s not responsible and that’s counter to the public’s health.”

Local authorities and government agencies have considered a more responsible measure to maintain the passengers wearing face coverings. The TSA also said in a statement: “Since early April 2022, there have been increases in the 7-day moving average of Covid-19 cases in the United States. … TSA will continue to coordinate closely with CDC and communicate any changes to this requirement with the public.”

Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary, during an event in Indiana said on Wednesday: “We have to make sure whatever we do is responsible from a public health perspective. On one hand, we’re in better shape than ever before thanks to the vaccinations that have taken place and the boosters people have got. On the other hand, we have these variants that emerged and we need to keep a close eye on them. So my hope is we are on a path forward, ultimately, leading us out of these mandates.”

Also, an official of Biden’s administration shared with CNN that the government had decided to extend the measure to gather more information and understanding of the variant and the current situation.

Travelers And Airlines Must Comply

Despite being against this measure, travelers must remember that the TSA can fine passengers who refuse to wear face coverings. Those who don’t comply with the measures will be sanctioned, and fines can cost from $500 to $3,000 for repeat offenders.

The mask mandate has been controversial for months and some airlines aren’t happy with the extension of the requirement. The industry group Airlines for America requested the government to remove this requirement in a letter, arguing that the measure is no longer coherent considering the current public health context.

The executives wrote: “It makes no sense that people are still required to wear masks on airplanes, yet are allowed to congregate in crowded restaurants, schools and at sporting events without masks, despite none of these venues having the protective air filtration system that aircraft do.”

It is evident how the mask mandate has polarized opinions across the US, and unruly passengers’ behavior related to this has been a trend in incidents reported by the Federal Aviation Administration. Passengers against the measure insist that it should be an option. The debate will remain for the moment, and within two weeks the government will announce whether or not they have reconsidered the mandate.

Read More:

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April 15, 2022
Jamaica Removes All Entry Requirements For Tourists
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After more than two years of countless updates to its entry requirements and travel warnings, Jamaica is fully reopening to all travelers without restrictions.

Set to come into effect on Friday, April 15, 2022, Jamaica has decided to lift its pre-departure Covid test requirements for travelers. The pre-departure test was the last remaining Covid-related entry requirement in place for international arrivals to Jamaica.

As a result, the Caribbean island nation will be the latest country to lift all of its Covid health-related entry restrictions for international tourists.

Pre-Departure Testing Requirement Scrapped

Jamaica’s current travel restrictions state that all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative Covid test result (antigen or PCR) no later than 3 days from travel prior to boarding their flight. This requirement will be dropped for all travelers from tomorrow, April 15th, regardless of vaccination status.

Entry Restrictions For Jamaica: Update For Travelers

As of April 15, all tourists can enter Jamaica with:
- No pre-flight testing requirement
- No on arrival or post-arrival testing for Jamaica
- No proof of vaccination is required for entry
- No quarantines
- No countries banned due to case numbers or variants
Jamaica’s Indoor Mask Mandate Also Being Dropped April 15th

Internal health restrictions are also being dropped throughout the Caribbean island nation. On the same day that the pre-departure testing requirement will be removed, Jamaica’s ongoing mask mandate for public indoor spaces will also be dropped for tourists and locals alike.

The current measures were put in place on March 18 under an official Public Health Enforcement Measures Covid-19 Order, which included the pre-flight testing and face mask requirement. The other measures included in the Order will remain in place for the time being, according to local reports. They are:
- All persons who test positive for Covid while in Jamaica (local or tourist) must self-isolate at their accommodation until they’ve recovered.
- Giving the protection of identity for persons who might test positive for Covid.
- Owners and operators of businesses (hotels, restaurants, tour agencies), places of worship, educational institutions, etc, are required to ensure the health of all patrons by making sure hand washing/hand sanitizing stations are available upon entry.
Officials want to remind everyone that while the reported Covid case numbers in Jamaica are low at this time, the issue of new variants and the potential for case numbers to increase continues to be a reality.

Jamaica Began Easing Travel Restrictions In March 2022

Following the omicron wave and a peak in cases, Jamaica began relaxing some of its entry restrictions for travelers just last month.

From March 1st, the restrictions that were eased included the travel authorization form required to be filled out before departure to Jamaica as well as any quarantine requirements. The maximum attendance for large events was also raised from 50 to 100 persons.

Visa-Free Entry For Travelers Around The World

Jamaica is a well-known and beloved vacation spot with US and Canadian tourists any time of year.

On top of travel restrictions being scrapped, visitors from over 100 countries including the US, Canada, and the UK can enter Jamaica visa-free. New flight routes from the US to popular tourist destinations in Jamaica have also been added this year, making travel to the island much more accessible.

CDC Lowers Advisory For Jamaica

Just this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered their health risk advisory for Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica was moved down to a Level 1: Low-Risk category due to a very low daily case average of 26 reported cases.

The US State Department lowered its risk warning for Jamaica last month, putting the island nation at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel status.

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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April 15, 2022
Americans Flying To The UK Risk Long Delays At Border And Flight Cancellations

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Americans visiting the United Kingdom this summer could be faced with a number of adversities both before and/or soon upon landing, as both UK-based airlines and the country’s immigration services struggle with staff shortages which have led to major disruption.

Much like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines across the pond, British carriers have been suffering from Covid-related absences. Besides revised schedules and multiple cancellations, the fact that the UK Border Force is severely understaffed will only add to the woes of UK-bound travelers.

Dozens Of Flights Cancelled Ahead Of Easter

Again citing a temporary reduction in staff as a result of Covid isolation guidelines, multiple flights were axed at British airports this week, throwing the travel plans of many into turmoil. Flag bearer British Airways and low-cost carrier EasyJet were among the most affected.

On April 13, a total of 70 flights were canceled between the two, with customers flying via London Heathrow and London Gatwick, notoriously the UK’s two busiest hubs, taking the brunt of it. Seeing that both Heathrow and Gatwick are the main gateways into Britain, visitors are advised to make contingency plans.

One of the best ways American travelers can minimize disruption brought about by flight cancellations or positive Covid tests while abroad is by purchasing travel insurance in advance. On this post, you can find out all you need to know about travel insurance that covers Covid and how exactly you can benefit from it.

Unfortunately, it seems exercising a higher degree of caution will continue to be the norm, as Johan Lundgren, EasyJet’s chief executive, reveals the company has seen staff absence rates of 20% in ‘some cases’. This left the airline no option but to cancel a number of flights.

More worryingly, Lundgren stated processing delays in security checks for new crew were ‘also contributing to flight cancellations’, signalling other entities in the aviation sector may also be dealing with a huge backlog of work.

Staff Shortages Behind Wave Of UK Flight Cancellations

Lundgren’s concerns seem to corroborate Kully Sandhu’s statement to BBC Radio 4, the managing director of Aviation Recruitment Network Limited. According to Sandhu, ‘it is going to take at least the next 12 months for the industry vacancy-wise to settle down’.

To put it simply, despite its recent reopening, vacations in Great Britain may not be completely hassle-free for a while still, as a wave of cancellations sweeps across airports.

Despite the turbulent period, EasyJet has still flown 94% of its scheduled flights in the seven days leading up to April 12, or ‘four times higher than this time last year’.

On the other hand, Lucy Moreton, from the Immigration Services Union, warned that Border Force was “catastrophically under-staffed“, as high Covid rates translate into more absent officers, adding that it takes nearly a whole year to fully train new ones.

In an interview with the BBC, Moreton reiterated that the Border Force is failing to attract enough candidates to fill the vacancies, warning of a challenging summer ahead, as restrictions ease and people begin flying again.

While Americans visiting Britain usually enjoy smooth, fast-track entry, as U.S. citizens are eligible to use eGates when crossing the border, understaffing may still lead to longer waiting in lines.

Like Mexico did some weeks ago, in this case, due to record arrival figures, we expect the UK government to detail how the impacts of Covid on airports will be mitigated.

What Measures Has The UK Taken To Mitigate The Delays?

So far, cash incentives have been offered for those willing to work extra shifts in Heathrow, Britain’s number one airport. Staff from other airports, including in Scotland and Northern Ireland have also been flown to London to help fill in the gaps.

In light of the recent events, Heathrow has assured the public new recruits can start working between three to six months following training and security checks, and that 1,000 new security officers are expected to assume their roles by summer.

The UK Home Office, which oversees border activities, also reaffirmed their ‘number one priority is to maintain a secure border’. Accordingly, they will be deploying additional staff ‘to help minimize queuing times for passengers.

In the meantime, travelers are warned of ‘congestion in check-in areas at peak times’.

As Europe sets out on a reopening path, with some nations scrapping all existing Covid measures, more and more tourists are returning to its shores for their yearly breaks. A favorite among Americans, the UK is no exception, having removed all internal restrictions and welcoming all travelers again, without restrictive entry rules.

For more news on travel to Europe, please visit this link.

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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April 14, 2022
Chile Removes Entry Requirements on April 14
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Chilean authorities announced on Tuesday that starting on Thursday, April 14th, international travelers will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a PCR test to enter.

This means that travelers from all nations, regardless of vaccination status, can once again enter Chile test-free and quarantine-free.

After this announcement, Chile became the 31st country in the World to remove most entry requirements, just one day after Greece announced dropping COVID-related demands, and the second country in South America, right after Argentina.

According to the information shared on the Chilean news website Diario Financiero, the undersecretary of Public Health, Cristóbal Cuadrado, explained that travelers without a complete vaccination series certificate approved by Chilean authorities will be allowed to enter the country, but will not get a health card that is required to do certain activities such as enter specific restaurants or bars.

Covid tests will not be required either, but some passengers might be asked to take one, Cuadrado said that non-resident tourists could be randomly selected upon arrival for a mandatory test.

The Chilean government also recently announced that they will open land borders starting on May 1, and starting on April 14th masks will no longer be required outdoors. However, face coverings will still be required in regions like Arica, Tarapacá, and Isla de Pascua.

Chile has been consistent in prioritizing very strict rules for travelers, but has been easing measures within the past few days. The Chilean population represents one most successful inoculation cases in the World as 93,58% of the population has at least two vaccination doses.

What Travelers Must Know Before Traveling to Chile

Now that Chile removed its most strict travel rules and joined the list of countries without COVID entry requirements, more tourists —especially hikers and nature lovers— will be interested in visiting this fascinating destination.

Those traveling across Latin America, will now be able to include Chile as part of their route, and they can enter through the main land borders between Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, or by air through international airports.

There are still a few requirements US and Canadian travelers must consider prior to arrival. The International airport—Arturo Merino Benítez— in Santiago, Chile’s capital, recently shared valuable information for travelers on Instagram. These are the main considerations for travelers starting on April 14:
- Passengers must fill out the C19 form, an affidavit for travelers, prior to arrival.
- A PCR test will not be required upon arrival
- The validation of vaccination certificates will be optional, those who don’t do it won’t get access to the local “Pase de Movilidad”, a virtual health certificate to enter certain establishments and perform certain activities. (more about this below)
- Random COVID tests could be performed, those who test positive must be isolated for 7 days.
- Proof of travel health insurance is still required, specifically a policy that includes medical coverage in the case of covid-19 infection.
Pase de Movibilidad – The Vaccine Passport Program Inside Chile

While proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Chile, they still have a pretty robust internal vaccine passport program in effect. Travelers will need to validate their vaccine certificates so they can access the Pase de Movibilidad app to enter indoor dining, domestic travel, cinemas, and theatres, organized tours, and large events like concerts or sports games.

It’s not an easy approval either. Travelers who want to validate their vaccination certificates —must have at least 3 doses— validated by the Chilean Ministry of Health, have to create an account at the site mevacuno.gob.cl, fill out the form of manual verification, and attach images of the ID document and a profile picture. Once submitted, they will get a response via email within 48 to 72 hours.

In addition to these considerations, travelers must stay up to date with recent announcements since local alert levels might change depending on the increase of covid cases and authorities’ criteria.

It in unkown when the Chilean government might retire the Pase de Movibilidad program, as they just recently created the booster shot requirement weeks ago.

Fewer restrictions, more travel

Not being required to take a PCR test 72 hours before entering Chile is great news for many travelers, as PCR-type tests can be expensive, and since they are used less than antigens in 2022, harder to find.

Also, since the travel considerations are similar for land entry, starting in May, travelers visiting Argentina can now easily include Chile in their itineraries.

As these neighboring countries remove covid restrictions and open borders, more adventurers will find it easier to tour Patagonia, see Chilean and Argentinian glaciers and also have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Torres del Paine and the Fits Roy in the same journey.

The Metropolitan region also has plenty of entertainment for travelers and the coastal cities have beautiful landscapes and delicious food.

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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April 14, 2022
A Massive Casino Resort is Reopening its Doors in Las Vegas

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Mark your calendar people! The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas is set to open on April 27th after being closed for over 2 years due to Covid-19’s crippling effects, ongoing pandemic restrictions, and a recent renovation.

A city that saw 19 million visitors in 2019 alone, is finally returning to its former glory, and the Palms Casino Resort will play a crucial role in that.

The property, which is not located on the strip, but rather just over a mile away, will open its doors once again on April 27. What changed? A lot. For once, the resort took on new ownership under San Manuel, Palms will be the first Las Vegas property to be owned and operated by a Native American tribe.

Another thing travelers can look forward to is a huge renovation that cost over $600 million. Now although many upgrades and changes have been made, much of the property’s unique décor remained untouched. Still, the resort is said to be impeccable.

A remodeled casino floor will have a new game layout that includes slot machines, table games, and more. The layout will resemble spacious “pods” of slots that will enable guests to mingle with friends if they so choose to while giving others plenty of room for social distancing.

Travelers will find themselves with new games and a brand new sportsbook, as well as a new rewards program that travelers can take full advantage of.

If you’re not big on gaming, don’t worry, there are plenty of other upgrades that you can benefit from. The resort currently has 14 movie theaters. Yes, you read that correctly, 14 of them. Now if you’ve been to the Palms Casino Resort in the past you may think to yourself that that in itself is not necessarily new. However, all theaters have been “completely redone” with new reclining seats, and a remodeled lobby.

Restaurants such as Scotch 80 Prime, Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon, and Send Noodles will return. In addition to those staple venues, guests will be able to try out a new casual dining option called: Serano Vista Café. American cuisine that resembles a gastro-pub.

Renovations of the Palms began in 2019 and while travelers will be able to indulge themselves with the endless perks the resort has to offer, some parts of the Palms won’t be done just yet.

General Manager Kiser Murphey noted that the property is a work in progress. The iconic Ghostbar, as well as the Pearl Theater, are both expected to reopen this summer.

Travelers can choose between 2 towers and 766 hotel rooms and suites, with bookings available starting as soon as April 28.

Beyond the standard rooms, the Palms will feature several very high-end suites like the Hardwood Suite. This suite has its own black-and-white basketball court, as well as the Kingpin Suite, which welcomes guests to go bowling right in the living room!

If all that sounds a little extravagant, wait until you see the price tags that come with those suites.

The Kingpin Suite is available for $15,000 per night while nightly rates for the Hardwood start at $20,000.

If those rates are a little out of your budget, a great alternative would be the “Ivory King” room. This 440 square feet beauty will set you back around $289 on a Friday or Saturday night.

If even that is a little too much, consider booking during the week when you can find rates as low as $79 per day.

The property will celebrate its reopening with a fireworks show on April 27 and travelers can look forward to a mask-less vacation. The State of Nevada has lifted the mask mandate statewide.

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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April 13, 2022
This Unknown Law Requires Airlines To Refund Americans On All Canceled Flights
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Currently, throughout the U.S. a massive number of flights are being delayed or canceled, with most airlines citing pilot shortages and bad weather as the reason.

Not only are flight cancellations extremely difficult for passengers to deal with, as they usually happen at the very last minute, but trying to get compensated can be equally as frustrating. So how do customers get a refund and not a dreaded travel voucher? Below we’ll go into detail about what the aviation consumer protection laws say and how they’ll get money back in your pocket.

The Law States Airlines Must Refund Passengers For Canceled Flights

What most passengers aren’t aware of is all American-based airlines are required to refund the passenger in the event of a flight cancellation, no matter the reason, and regardless if a refundable-type ticket has been booked or not.

The U.S Department of Transportation states that consumers are entitled to a full refund, not a voucher, if the airline cancels their flight and they no longer want to travel. On their aviation consumer protection page, the government posted the following policy all airlines have to abide by

“Am I Entitled to a Refund?
In the following situations, consumers are entitled to a refund of the ticket price and/or associated fees.
- Canceled Flight – A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline canceled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel.”
There are other situations where a customer is entitled to a full refund, including being unwillingly downgraded to a lower class of fare and a significant change or delay.

This means an airline must refund you if your flight has been canceled due to:
- pilot or staffing shortages
- bad weather
- mechanical issues
- security concerns
- computer glitches
- or any other reason
Due to regulations in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the refund must be given even if the passenger books a non-refundable ticket.

So let’s say for example you purchased a basic-economy, non-refundable ticket and the flight was canceled due to not having enough flight crew. If your travel plans have been so badly affected that you no longer wish to travel, and you want a refund, that’s exactly what you’re entitled to by law.

How To Get A Refund For A Cancelled Flight

Now you know you’re entitled to a refund, what is the best way to actually get your money back?

Let me preface this by saying airlines aren’t going to make this a seamless ultra-smooth process. As a business, they are going to try and keep as much cash as they can and will usually start by offering vouchers instead of refunds. Many customers aren’t aware that they are even entitled to a refund in the first place, so when an airline says “Okay, sorry about the canceled flight, we’ll issue you a voucher right now”, they just unwittingly accept it.

To start your process for a refund, the U.S. Department of Transportation states you should submit your request in writing. This could be in the form of an email, submission form on the airline’s website, or even with an online chat agent.

Most likely, the airline will offer you a voucher as a first line of defense. Politely decline the voucher and once again state your intention to receive your refund. If an airline still declines your request, you can file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation here

Step by step, the process should look like this:
- Start an email, message, or chat thread with your airline
- Provide them with data like your confirmation code, flight number, etc
- State you want a refund due to their cancellation of your flight
- Decline offers for vouchers or travel credits, stating you no longer wish to travel
- Open up a formal compliant if needed
Some airlines have been known to process refunds over the phone, but of course, you have to be ready for those excruciating hold times.

How fast are refunds from airlines processed?

It’s no surprise that airlines are going to take a hot minute to process your refund, which is again another reason why some succumb to an instant voucher. While the U.S. Department of Transportation states it must be processed within a ‘prompt’ timeline, the airline’s definition of prompt is anything but. If you paid with a credit card, you can expect your refund in about 7 business days. If you paid with cash, bump that up to around 20 business days.

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April 13, 2022
New Cruise Ship Celebrity Beyond Launching This Month

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Cruise industry giant Celebrity Cruises is set to launch the newest addition to its fleet, the Celebrity Beyond. Later this month, the Beyond will set sail on the first of several different itineraries that have been programmed for the next few years. Beyond will become the third Edge-class cruise ship in Celebrity’s fleet, joining Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, with a fourth expected late next year.

The launch of the new ship is set to be a moment to celebrate for Celebrity Cruises and cruise enthusiasts alike, serving as a source of good news at the end of what has been a period of turbulence and uncertainty for the industry as a whole.

Here’s a closer look at Celebrity Beyond, including what features guests can look forward to onboard, what makes the new cruise ship stand out, and where it will be sailing first.

Celebrity Beyond Launching – What Travelers Should Know

Following its initial order back in 2016 and the beginning of its construction in November of last year, Celebrity Beyond is now finally ready to get out on the open seas later this month. The Edge class cruise ship was formally accepted into the Celebrity fleet during the week after delivery from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, in a celebration that saw the new ship’s 1,400-strong crew and its captain, Kate McCue, welcome it into the family.

Beyond may be the latest Edge class ship, but it is the longest, coming in at 20 meters longer than the first two ships in the class with its length of 327m and width of 39m. The Beyond uses all of its space, boasting a double occupancy figure of 3,260, with 1,646 cabins spread across its 16 decks. As well as having plenty of luxury private spaces for guests to enjoy, the new ship also has the same type of high-quality shared spaces, services, and amenities on board that have helped to put Celebrity on the map.

Expertly crafted by engineers and architects, Beyond offers guests a taste of innovation and luxury at every corner. From its top-class lounging and first-class offerings at the ship’s Retreat area to its Michelin-inspired menus, luxury retail offerings, and stellar onboard entertainment choices, Celebrity is set to live up to its name and offer all of its guests the star treatment and red carpet treatment they signed up for.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo – the CEO and President of Celebrity Cruises – praised the new ship’s design, and claimed it fit in with the type of experiences that travelers were looking for in 2022. “With its innovative offerings that reach far beyond expectations from some of today’s most talented designers, artists and creative minds, we believe that Beyond speaks to the growing trend of people seeking new luxury experiences that are personalized, effortless and meaningful.”

Lutoff-Perlo also addressed the growing demand for travel, adding:

“We are seeing a continued desire to travel as business steadily increases, and we see Beyond leading the cruise industry into the next era of luxury. We are more than ready to welcome our guests onboard and show them just how incredible this ship is!”

Beyond will kick things off with its inaugural 10-night tour of Western Europe from April 27th, where it will depart from Southampton, UKK, visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona, Spain. The Beyond will continue to go on several European tours until October, when it will embark upon a series of tours of the Caribbean. More details of Beyond’s upcoming tours and information on how to book can be found here.

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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April 12, 2022
Will The U.S. Airline Mask Mandate End Soon?

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Two words that have polarized this country like no other may soon be something of the past. Well at least at international airports, where millions of Americans will find themselves this summer, eager to travel. I am of course talking about ‘mask mandates’.

On April 18 the federal mask mandate for public transportation is due to expire. Now if this news sounds all too familiar to you, it’s because it is. The federal mask mandate has been extended by President Biden numerous times. In fact, in the past year alone, the mask mandate has been extended on 3 separate occasions.

For the last 2 years frustration, anger, and confusion have been building up for many Americans in the skies. Uncooperative passengers have made air travel a living hell for pilots, flight attendants, and fellow travelers alike. From delayed flights to full-blown cancellations, airlines have seen it all in these past 2 years.

Just earlier this year a London-bound flight had to return to Miami all over a rebellious passenger who refused to comply with the flight attendant and didn’t want to wear a mask.

We’ve seen these events unfold all over the country. Now you can agree with wearing a mask on public transportation or not, but it is undeniably wreaking havoc in the travel world. And U.S. airlines have had enough of it.

Airlines have been pushing the Biden White House to let the mandate, which applies to planes, airports, buses, and transit hubs, expire on April 18.

Airlines aren’t alone with the idea of eliminating the federal mask mandate either. The flight attendants union of Southwest Airlines is urging Biden to let the mask mandate fade into the abyss.

The union sent an open letter to President Biden, pledging with him to let the mandate expire. You can’t blame flight attendants for wanting their job to become less dangerous and unpredictable.

Last year was the worst on record for unruly airplane passenger behavior in the United States, according to Federal Aviation Administration data. A staggering 5,981 reports of unruly passengers were logged by the FAA as of December 31. Of those, 4,290 nearly 72% were mask-related incidents.

Flight attendants didn’t sign up for this kind of behavior, nor did the family sitting in row 20 who just want to get from point A to point B as painless and quick as possible.

Mask mandates have become the most contentious issue of the past years. And airlines, which are already dealing with anxious passengers, are feeling it the most.

With such a great amount of pressure from both sides of the political aisle, corporations, unions, and voters, the question remains whether or not Biden will give in to their demands.

There is currently no indication of if the Biden administration will extend the rule. Most industry experts believe that the federal mask mandate will in fact end on April 18.

What would that mean for domestic and international travel? Well, individuals would of course still have the option to wear a mask on planes, trains, and buses, if they want to. The big difference would be that airport and airline staff wouldn’t be able to force people to wear a mask anymore.

I know that some readers may be ecstatic about the very idea of no more masks on planes, but remember, federal mask mandates only apply in the United States.

On your trip to Greece this summer, be sure to pack a mask. Once you arrive at your international destination, the rules of that government supersede all U.S. rules and regulations.

So, while perhaps you won’t have to wear a mask at LAX airport very soon, you could still be obligated to wear a mask once you arrive in Barcelona.

Over the next few days, we will see what Biden has planned out for the Mask Mandate. All indications however are pointing in the direction of air travel without a mask.

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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April 12, 2022
Top 10 Off The Beaten Path Things To Do In Hawaii In 2022

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The Hawaiian Islands have been subject to various travel restrictions for both domestic and international travelers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as of March 25th, 2022, all restrictions for domestic travelers have been removed, while international travelers have to meet general, but easy enough, U.S. requirements. If you’re looking for things to do on these beautiful islands, here are 10 off the beaten path suggestions that go beyond the typical beaches and bars.

1. Hulihe’e Palace (Oahu)

Learn more about the history of Hawaii by visiting Hulihe’e Palace. This historic building was once a summer home used by the Hawaiian monarchy. Nowadays, it’s a museum showcasing various artifacts.

2. Visit Kahuku Farms (Oahu)

Try some of the various goods such as fresh fruit, delicious acai bowls, and homemade pizza offered at this family-owned farm. Visiting Kahuku Farms is a great way to enjoy and support a locally owned business as well as have a relaxing excursion.

3. Hike Wai’anapanapa State Park (Maui)

If you’re looking to explore some of the gorgeous landscapes that make up Maui, consider spending an afternoon at Wai’anapanapa State Park. This beautiful park is home to several hiking trails, as well as black sand beaches and lava tubes.

4. Check Out The Mermaid Caves (Oahu)

These sea caves have long been considered a hidden gem in Oahu. Located along Zablan Beach, this is a great way to add a fun excursion to your vacation. To make sure you have the best time seeing the caves visit when the tide is low and they are most accessible. The areas surrounding them can also be rocky, so water shoes are recommended.

5. Explore The Garden Of The Gods (Lanai)

This stunning rock garden is about 40 minutes outside Lanai city, and is a great spot to see a unique side of the Hawaiian islands. Unlike the tropical landscape that makes up many popular places to visit, the Garden of the Gods features an otherworldly display of rock towers and formations.

6. Check The Glass Beach (Kauai)

This beach is far from your average sandy, or rocky, shore. This small but unique beach is known for being dotted with sea glass. While this likely won’t be your first choice if you’re looking to spend an afternoon lounging in the sun, it is a great spot to explore and find some dazzling polished glass. Unfortunately, there isn’t quite as much sea glass as there formerly was due to visitors taking pieces home with them, but this is still an interesting spot to check out.

7. Visit Lanai Cat Sanctuary (Lanai)

Here’s a great option for all the cat lovers out there! Lanai Cat Sanctuary started in 2004 as a rescue operation seeking to help Lanai street cats. Since then, the sanctuary has expanded massively, and now provides hundreds of cats a place to live. If this heart-warming backstory isn’t great enough, you can also visit the sanctuary and all the cute cats that call it home. The sanctuary doesn’t require appointments to visit.

8. Tour Kazumura Cave (The Big Island)

This lava tube was discovered somewhat recently, but already boasts an interesting claim to fame: it’s the longest known lava tube. Guided tours through the cave are offered, and are a great way to add a little adventure to your trip.

9. Explore Kaumana Caves (The Big Island)

Here’s another option if the various caves dotting the Hawaiian islands interest you. Head over to Kaumana Caves State Park to explore part of a lava tube! Visitors will descend into the cave via a metal ladder and can look forward to checking out parts of the cave. It should be noted that portions of the cave run under private property, limiting the area that is open to the general public, but visiting is still a unique experience regardless. If you do decide to check out Kaumana Caves, make sure to bring a strong flashlight as well as sturdy shoes. Phone flashlights typically won’t be bright enough to provide enough light beyond the entrance.

10. Nakalele Blowhole (Maui)

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, consider heading out to see Nakalele Blowhole. This stunning and fun natural feature is caused by water being forced through an underwater cave, creating a geyser-like display. The hike to reach the blowhole isn’t long – a little over a mile round trip – but it is rocky and rough in several areas. If you do decide to check out this memorable feature, you’ll likely want to wear some sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

Read More:

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Top 7 Hotels in the Hawaiian Islands in 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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April 11, 2022