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What’s It Like Traveling To Canada Right Now
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Since Canada simplified entry rules for tourists as of April 1^st, the nation looks to recover over two years of lost tourism, finally welcoming back visitors with fewer restrictions. As both the rules at the border and local mandates, such as mask-wearing, have been loosening – Canada expects to welcome more foreign arrivals this spring – especially American neighbors from the south.

This article will take a look at Canada’s most recent entry rules, what local restrictions are like in some of the most visited areas, and what foreign tourists can expect this spring.

Canada’s Updated (and easier!) Entry Requirements

Yes, foreign international tourists are welcome to enter Canada, but with a few rules in place.

As of April 1, 2022, the government of Canada removed the requirement for fully vaccinated arrivals to show proof of a negative pre-flight test, either a 1-day antigen or a 72-hour PCR test. Yes, all foreign arrivals will have to be vaccinated in order to enter Canada, only Canadian citizens or residents are permitted to return home unvaccinated.

Here is what tourists can expect when entering Canada this spring
- Download and fill out the ArriveCan app within 72 hours of arrival in Canada
- Upload proof of being fully vaccinated to the app
- Know there is a possibility of being randomly selected for a PCR test on arrival
Tourists should be aware of two things from the above list
1. if they are randomly selected for testing at land border crossings or in airports, they do not have to quarantine while waiting for results of their test.
2. The ArriveCan app will ask if the traveler has a 14-day quarantine plan, should their arrival test be positive.
What’s considered fully vaccinated? The definition of fully vaccinated in Canada means you’ve received the full course of your dose (2 for Pfizer, Moderna, etc, and 1 for J&J) at least 14 days before entering. At this time, Canada does not require a booster and does not have an expiry timeline on the first full course.

Canada’s Inter-Provincial Travel Rules

While there are no current restrictions on traveling from one province to another, foreign visitors might be surprised to learn that all passengers must show proof of vaccination to get on a plane, train, bus, or ferry, even domestically. Canada is one of the only countries in the world with such a mandate, and it’s been in place since October 2021 with no news of being removed.

Since all tourists must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada anyway, this rule won’t really hinder any domestic travel plans, but it’s good for visitors to be aware of the rule so they can show up prepared. Bring your proof of vaccination with you, and be ready to show it, in almost every situation of transportation.

Mask Rules Across Canada

Most provinces and municipalities have removed indoor mask mandates throughout the entire country.

Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Manitoba have all removed their indoor mask mandates. However, a rule to wear a mask on public transit, or in high-risk health care settings (like a retirement home for example) may still be in place.

Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut still have some sort of indoor mask mandate in place.

Foreign tourists should be aware that the official government site states all international tourists should wear a mask indoors, regardless of local mandate removals, for their first 14-days inside the country.

Vaccine Passports inside Canada

Throughout the second half of 2021 and into the start of 2022, many provinces within Canada were requiring patrons of cinemas, restaurants, shopping centers, and many other indoor spaces to show proof of vaccination to enter.

As of April 2022, almost all internal vaccine passport programs have been scrapped. Again, foreign tourists still have to be fully vaccinated to enter the country, but the removal of the checkpoints to enter stores and eateries makes for a much easier vacation.

Traveling to and from Canada

As of April 2022, there are now more flight routes in operation to and from Canada than the country has seen since 2019. Major Canadian airlines WestJet and Air Canada have very successfully reinstated popular international routes, and have even added new ones due to higher than expected demand. Other international airlines have also started increasing the number of flights to Canada, especially since the easier test-free entry rules recently came into place.

International tourists will not have an issue finding many flight paths to and from Canada.

Cruise ship travel just returned to Canada in April 2022, with the first ship docking in Victoria, BC on April 9th.

Occupancy Rates

Hotels in Canada, while just starting to recover, still have much lower occupancy rates than in 2019. Many cities are still ranging in a 20% to 45% lower occupancy rate in 2022 than in the same month period in 2019.

This is good news for tourists who want to see top tourist cities in Canada without the record number of crowds in pre-pandemic years.

Is Canada welcoming to foreign tourists right now?

Yes, international tourists are now being encouraged to visit Canada.

However, throughout 2020 and 2021, the majority of Canadians were very pro border rules, pro-vaccine passports, pro masks, and at times, quite anti-travel. Early on in the pandemic, travelers were widely perceived as being irresponsible and were not welcomed by many outside the tourism industry. Now with the government having officially removed most border and internal rules, the majority of Canadians are once again ready to accept foreign visitors and travel abroad themselves.

Tourism providers and tourism-based industries have been vocal with a pre-travel message over the past few years and have been advocating on the safe return of tourism to Canada is possible and very greatly needed. Not only those in the tourism industry, but also small business owners and entrepreneurs, are very keen to see a rebound in tourism from coast to coast.

Read More:

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U.S. State Department Lowers Travel Advisory Risk For Canada

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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
Delta Cancels Flights To These Five Cities This Fall

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Delta has recently revealed that it has officially canceled flights to five cities across the US, with the cancellations in question starting this Fall. The most recent casualties of the post-pandemic cull of non-essential routes, Delta’s announcement makes it simply the latest in a long, growing list of airlines the world over that have moved to trim their overall route offerings in recent months, as airlines continue to scale back their operations and prioritize their services on the back of a tough period for the aviation industry.

Yet whilst Delta, which is the third-largest airline in the US, may be set to cut routes, the airline has also recently announced some additions to its overall flight roster. Here’s a closer look at which routes are set to be affected by Delta’s latest route trimming announcements, plus a recap of the new flight offerings that have emerged from the airline in recent months.

Delta Cut Routes – Information for Travelers

Like it has been for most businesses around the world, the pandemic has been particularly tough on the aviation industry. Between Covid-19 related pilot shortages and travelers following advice to stay home, several air routes that were not amongst the most popular or profitable have been slashed by airlines across the country, with just 80% of the flight routes available in 2019 now available for travelers to take this year.

Even major airlines like Delta have been forced to make cuts, as this week’s announcement shows. Delta revealed that they will be cutting flights to five cities throughout the month of September. The cities set to be affected by the route cuts are Albany, Rochester and Syracuse in New York, in addition to flights to Providence, Rhode Island and Houston, Texas.

From September 6th, Delta will no longer be operating flights from its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub airport to Albany and Rochester, with flights from Minneapolis to Syracuse, also being cut from September 12th. Not only will this cut the airline’s connectivity with New York, but it will force regular flyers of the route to take the flight with Delta’s competitors, which could see them incur some lengthy connection times in comparison to Delta’s.

Delta will also be cutting its flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Providence, Rhode Island from September 5th in what could be another blow to regulars of the route. Fortunately for travelers, there is still the option of flying from Minneapolis directly to Providence with Sun Country Airlines, which operates four direct flights between the two airports per week. The airline’s fifth and final route cancellation will be between John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in New York and Houston, Texas from September 12th.

As is the case with many regional airport flight route cuts, the decision has been largely made due to lack of demand. A spokesperson for the airline said “We continue to monitor and adjust our flight schedules and route network based on customer demand,” which suggests more route cuts could be on the cards in the future.

However, it hasn’t all been cuts coming out of Delta, with the airline recently having announced a series of new, exciting routes for travelers to take advantage of. Already this year, Delta revealed it would be adding more flights between the US and Hawaii starting in November, in addition to several new transatlantic flights for those looking to go a bit further this summer.

Read More:

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New Airline Connecting Canada To The United States And Mexico

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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 10, 2022
New Summer Travel Cheat Sheet To Help US Travelers Buy Cheap Flights
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Have you been searching for the best flight prices for your summer vacations? The American online travel giant Expedia has been analyzing recent data on their web search and discovered that US travelers have been planning their summer vacations even before spring break and Easter vacations.

According to the information shared by Expedia in a press release, there has been a recent spike in interest in these top destinations for the months of June, July, and August:
- Singapore: searches increased by 60%
- Houston: searches increased by 55%
- Bali: searches increased by 35%
- Washington D.C: searches increased by 35%
The results show that travelers are interested in near locations as well as more exotic places. Considering that there is a high demand for travel this year, Expedia has published a cheat sheet with tips and relevant data to help travelers get the cheapest fares and get the most out of their summer vacations.

Christie Hudson, Senior Public Relations Manager for Expedia, said: “People are ready to make their summer vacations happen no matter what”. The manager also added: “With many travel restrictions easing over the past month, travelers have been inspired to dust off their bucket lists and get a jumpstart on planning. Prices are already reflecting that pent-up demand, so timing is going to be key for getting the best deal.”

The travel company has published the most popular destinations for summer 2022, the best times to travel to get cheaper prices, a list of places tourists can visit for less than $350 roundtrip, and valuable tips for booking.

Trending Destinations For Summer 2022

Based on spikes in flight searches, Expedia shared the summer hotspots classified in three categories:

Best Times to Travel and destinations under $350

Expedia also analyzed prices for the summer season and shared a few conclusions. The cheapest month to fly is August, with nearly 10% lower ticket prices compared to June and July.

Those looking for cheap tickets can avoid July 1st, since the travel company disclosed that this is the most expensive day to fly, prior to the 4th of July holiday. Prices are 25% higher than the average summer months during those days.

Regarding destinations with roundtrip tickets under $350, Expedia shared an interest list. The top destinations travelers can visit for less than that amount in the United States and Canada are Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, Tampa, San, Antonio, Houston, Austin, Providence, Myrtle Beach, Kelowna, Nashville, New Orleans, and Charleston.

Booking Tips

One of the main recommendations the travel brand gives customers is: “Book early and book smart”. This advice may sound simple, but considering many factors —personal and even pandemic related (it is hard to predict with so many travel restrictions changing)— travelers are waiting to book their next airplane tickets and will probably pay more.

Expedia recommends its users apply “free cancellation” filters when searching and avoid buying saver fares or restrictive basic economy tickets. The travel company also encourages travelers to consider flexible dates, choose weekdays over weekends and avoid holidays to save more money.

Booking flights, hotels, and car rentals —bundle promotions— might also help save a few dollars, as well as considering memberships and loyalty programs.

Read More:

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Colombia Continues To Grow In Popularity With American Travelers

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 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 10, 2022
Royal Caribbean Cruises Welcome Back Self-Service Buffets

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Royal Caribbean Cruises have brought back the self-service option to its buffets on board its ships – with passengers now able to once again serve food themselves.

Just as the entire tourism industry has been affected greatly by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the cruise world is certainly no different – with cruise ships in the U.S. having been subject to suspensions and restrictions for the last two years.

With the operations of all cruise lines having originally been suspended at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – back in March 2020 – all U.S. cruise companies were forced to cancel their cruises for the remainder of that year.

And, it was not until June – last year (2021) – that cruises began to operate, with Royal Caribbean actually becoming the first to get approval to restart ‘test’ cruises from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, once cruises were once again allowed to set sail, things were far from ‘normal’ – with cruises having to adhere to new guidelines issued by the CDC.

Buffets Were Never Removed From Royal Caribbean Cruises

Although cruise companies have had to adhere to somewhat strict guidelines – including vaccine requirements of its staff and passengers, as well as social distancing measures – Royal Caribbean Cruises never actually removed buffets from their catering options.

The Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, Richard Fain, had previously announced that his cruise company’s buffets would instead “evolve”.

And, indeed they did – with passengers no longer serving themselves, but instead being served food from the buffet by cruise ship staff.

This measure was taken to prevent the same food utensils being handled by many people – which would increase the risk of transmitting Covid-19.

Self-Service Buffets Are Now Back On Board

Having reported at the end of last month (31 March) that the CDC had removed all of its travel advisories for cruise ships – Royal Caribbean Cruise line has now brought back the self-service option for its onboard buffets.

Since last week (2 April), passengers have once again been able to serve themselves at buffet on board Royal Caribbean cruises – with the company providing a statement to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com confirming the news:

“On cruises departing on or after April 2, 2022, Royal Caribbean International will bring back self-service dining in guest-favorite venues on board, including the Windjammer Marketplace, Solarium Bistro, and at private destinations.”

“Grab-and-go dishes and single serving portions will continue as a permanent offering – they have become popular options, and keeping them is among the top requests from our guests.”

What Are Other Cruise Lines Doing With Their Self-Service Buffets?

Other major cruise companies – such as the likes of Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line – have been offering the self-service option at the buffets on board their ships since last year.

Disney cruises also announced last week that they were bringing back self-service buffets on their ships, as well as removing the requirement to wear a face mask when in any indoor areas onboard.

Royal Caribbean Celebrates Keel Laying Of New Mega Cruise Ship

To celebrate the construction of its new mega cruise ship – Icon of the Seas – a keel-laying ceremony was held in Finland, at the Meyer Turku Oy shipyard last week.

The ship will be able to host 5,600 passengers at one time – and will measure at a whopping 200,000 gross tons in weight.

Set to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Icon of the Seas is expected to set sail in 2023.

And, this follows the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas – which took place last month (March) – with the vessel currently holding the title of being the world’s largest cruise ship.

Read more:

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Royal Caribbean Launches Hotel Booking Platform With Reduced Room Rates

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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 9, 2022
5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In Africa Open For Tourism
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Still relatively unexplored by Westerners, Africa is perhaps the most underrated continent in the world. From its Pacific to Indian Coasts, the cradle of humanity is brimming with culture and ready to be re-discovered following two years Covid.

Unlike several well-known destinations in Asia or the Caribbean, which still impose stricter travel rules, others in Africa, which are just as paradisiac, are welcoming U.S. travelers with open arms and very simple entry requirements.

Here you will find 5 off the beaten path destinations in the African continent which are currently open for American, Canadian, and British visitors, whether testing or vaccination is needed for entry, and most importantly: what these unheard-of countries have to offer.

Cape Verde

Looking for spotless beaches with the clearest of waters, luxury resorts that are much more affordable than similar beach retreats in the Maldives or Cancun, and a warm tropical climate all year-round? Cape Verde might be that dream destination you never knew you needed.

An archipelago off the Western coast of Africa, this country is steeped in History, owing its dual European-African identity to its strong links to Portugal, and featuring several island getaways vacationers can pick from, including the tourist hotspots of Sal and Boa Vista.

Covid Entry Requirements For Cape Verde

When it comes to Covid entry requirements, Cape Verde is noticeably one of the easiest countries to visit in the African continent right now. In order to enter, Americans need to fill out a Travel Form in advance and present only one of the following documents:
- A vaccination certificate certifying full immunization with all required doses of an approved vaccination scheme;
- A recovery letter dated no earlier than 90 days prior to departure;
- A negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of flying;
- A negative Rapid Antigen test result obtained 48 hours before flying.
Once in Cape Verde, other than regular temperature checks at the airport, visitors are not required to undergo further testing or observe quarantine, being able to enjoy their time in the sun worries-free. On the other hand, presenting Covid documents may be necessary for inter-island travel.

Mozambique

Like Cape Verde, Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony and a nation boasting incredible wildlife, beaches, and marine parks. Straddling the Indian Ocean coast, this hidden gem is just as intriguing as its neighbor South Africa, but without the usual crowds of tourists.

Here you can visit the Quirimbas Archipelago, comprising 250km of coral islands, explore the impressive ruins of Ibo, an island owing much of its History to the Portuguese colonial period, or then just relax at quieter beaches such as Tofo.

Covid Entry Requirements For Mozambique

While Mozambique does not require proof of vaccination to enter, it also does not differentiate between existing categories of travelers, expecting all incoming passengers to present proof of a negative PCR test, issued up to 72 hours prior to travel.

U.S. citizens also require a visa to visit Mozambique, which is issued upon arrival. Travelers are advised to contact Mozambican authorities in order to obtain more information on visa fees, which may vary depending on the duration of their stay. In summary, they must carry:
- A negative PCR test result issued up to 72 hours prior to traveling;
- A return ticket;
- An accommodation booking.
Despite the availability of visas on arrival, the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique advises Americans to obtain their visas in advance from the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, noting that some ‘U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not having obtained the proper type of visa in advance’.

Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago country in the Indian ocean, off the Eastern coast of Africa, and one of the most developed nations in the whole continent. Its small capital, Victoria, offers a more relaxed city break, while the Morne Seychellois National Park allows visitors to get back in touch with nature.

Boat trips are also a common activity across the Seychellois islands, which are famous for water activities and some of the most beautiful secret beaches in Africa. When visiting, travelers are likely to land in Mahé, the main island, and the country’s most important hub.

Covid Entry Requirements For Seychelles

As of March 15, 2022, fully vaccinated visitors no longer need to take Covid tests before traveling to Seychelles. If more than six months have passed since completion of a primary vaccination scheme, they must have received a booster in order to continue being eligible to bypass testing.`

Other travelers are also welcome, though they may have to undergo testing prior to flying, especially those who are unvaccinated and have not had Covid in the year preceding travel. Generally, travelers must select one of the Covid proofs of entry below:
- A vaccination certificate dated less than 6 months;
- A booster dose;
- A recovery certificate dated less than a year prior to travel;
- A negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel;
- A negative Rapid Antigen test in under 24 hours.
Tanzania

Tanzania is yet another surprising destination in Southeastern Africa, cornered between snowy peaks to the North, the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to the West, Mozambique to the South, and the Indian Ocean to the East.

It is home to the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in all of Africa, and the autonomous island of Zanzibar, which features the UNESCO-listed Stone City. Classical African safaris and wildlife observation are also popular activities among visitors.

Covid Entry Requirements For Tanzania

Tanzania is open for tourism.

Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid are exempt from all kinds of testing before and after arrival to Tanzania, but they must be able to present a valid certificate with a readable QR code upon landing. This means U.S. citizens who only hold a physical CDC card may face further challenges.

Alternatively, those who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate can enter by presenting either a negative RT-PCR or NAAT test result. The test must be performed within 72 hours of departure and presented at the border upon landing. Thus, Americans are advised to hold either a:
- Digital vaccination certificate with a QR code; or a
- Negative PCR or NAAT test result performed 72 hours prior to flying.
São Tomé and Principe

An island-country located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Principe has been made famous for its striking nature, which includes unique rock formations and an abundance of rainforests. As another former colony of Portugal, its cities also feature traditional Portuguese architecture.

Beach lovers will also inevitably fall in love with the country, which boasts miles of pristine coastline. Some of its most famous attractions are the Rolas Island, a small island with turquoise water beaches, the Cão Grande peak, which is a major national landmark, and the Blue Lagoon.

Covid Entry Requirements For São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Principe has some of the easiest Covid entry requirements on this list. All are welcome irrespective of vaccination status, though all travelers must undergo testing prior to departure. Once through the border, Americans are free to explore the islands unrestricted.

In sum, they must present a single document:
- A negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of traveling.
Whether it’s unexpected beach breaks, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the Saharan drylands, or city-hopping across different nations, there is surely no shortage of landmarks to be visited in Africa.

As more countries in this continent reopen for tourism, Americans are advised to follow official CDC guidance ahead of making travel plans, and ensure they are covered for any Covid-related eventualities while abroad.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

5 Alternatives to the Classic African Safari Trip

10 Non Stop International Flight Routes You Can Take From The U.S. This Year

U.S. State Department Issues 28 New Travel Advisories

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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 9, 2022
What It’s Like Traveling In Europe Right Now

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Europe is a popular destination for American tourists. It’s home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world like the Eiffel Tower, The Roman Coliseum, The Brandenburg Gate, and more. As popular as Europe is for tourism, it has been very hard for Americans to enter the continent for the last couple of years due to strict COVID restrictions. Finally, it seems like Europe is opening up to full capacity with a few caveats. Some countries are a bit more relaxed than others and it’s not always clear what rules you have to follow where.

Let’s run through a few European countries that have vastly different COVID and travel restrictions, even though they might be neighbors…

Austria

Make sure you have your KN95/FFP2 mask ready when you visit Austria because they strictly observe their masking rules. Masks are still required everywhere in Austria and it’s very rare to see this rule not followed. Proof of vaccination is required to eat anywhere (even outside). The good news is, the CDC white card is accepted but expect a few strange looks from waiters while they decipher the handwritten proof. Entry into Austria is a breeze if you’re vaccinated, if you are not…there are stringent testing rules that apply. You can find out more here.

Restaurants, bars, and cafes are open throughout the country with limited restrictions in place as far as capacity. Austria still feels like it is very much in the midst of a pandemic.

Slovenia

Slovenia was one of the first countries in Europe to drop all of its entry requirements. At the time this was unheard of for the continent. This makes entering Slovenia feel like it was before the pandemic. Masking is still technically required on transit but not 100% observed. Overall, traveling through Slovenia feels much like it did before the pandemic.

Germany

If you take the above two examples and combined them…you get Germany. As of this past Friday, masks are no longer required anywhere but the public continues to wear them. In fact, large activism groups and NGOs have come out against the repealing of the mask mandate, citing some of the surges caused by the new variant.

Besides the gray area surrounding masks, Germany is largely finished with pandemic restrictions. Proof of vaccination is no longer required anywhere and large events are being allowed to take place again. Entering the country can be tricky if you are unvaccinated though as you’ll need to prove that you have a reason to visit.

Croatia

The above three countries are all located within the Schengen Area. Meaning that once you’re in one of them, you can enter the rest without going through border control. Think of driving from state to state in the U.S. Now let’s take a look at a country outside of this visa area.

Croatia has been an interesting example of pandemic rules. The country was one of the first to reopen to Americans in the summer of 2020. It became a hotspot for tourism of all kinds because of the diversity of destinations within the country. Whether you want a beach vacation or to explore a picturesque European city, Croatia has it all.

Entry into Croatia has been simple throughout the pandemic and currently. If you are vaccinated, you can just walk in. If you’re not vaccinated, they require a negative test. Once inside the country, everything is pretty much back to normal. Masks are still required, but not always worn and all restaurants are opened to full capacity.

A Busy Summer

To summarize, Europe is opening up. Maybe at different paces, but all moving in the same direction. This summer is shaping up to be a huge tourism season for the continent and the relaxing of these requirements is making it possible. If you plan on visiting Europe this summer, book soon or you might find yourself paying some hefty prices.

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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 8, 2022
Travelers May Need Proof of €100 Spending Money Per Day In Spain And France
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If travelers wish to visit the European Union and have a non-EU passport, there can be some obstacles. Getting the Schengen Visa—depending on where you come from—can be a challenging process, but there are additional steps any foreigner may need to take before traveling.

Unknown to many, travelers visiting from third countries (countries outside the EU) may have to prove they have 100 Euros per day of spending money to enter EU nations like Spain and France.

For many travelers, this isn’t an issue; for budget travelers, this could cause some problems.

What Does EU Law Suggest?

According to EU law on entry from third countries, travelers from non-Schengen and non-EU nations technically need to show proof of financial support for their entire stay in the Schengen Zone.

The EU calls this ‘means of subsistence.’ Travelers can prove their means of subsistence in the following ways:
- Cash
- Credit card
- Bank statements
- Proof of employment
- Proof of prepaid accommodation
- Payslips
Individual EU nations decide how much this requirement needs to be; it varies from nation to nation.

Border guards don’t ask each traveler for means of subsistence every single time, as that would substantially slow down border crossing queues, but travelers should be aware that any non-EU tourist could be randomly asked to show proof of funds for entry.

Spain’s Entry Requirements

Travelers from third countries will need to show they have enough funds to cover 100 Euros per day in Spain. Spain has decided the amount of funds travelers should present must be 10% of the minimum inter-professional gross wage or the legal equivalent in third-country currency multiplied by the number of days a traveler wishes to spend in the country.

The EUR-Lex notes said: “Foreigners who intend to enter the national territory must continue to prove that they have a minimum amount of €100 per person per day, those they intend to stay in Spain with a minimum of €900 or its legal equivalent in foreign currency, provided that they are required by the officials in charge of carrying out the control of entry into Spanish territory and under the terms established in the aforementioned Order,”

France’s Entry Requirements

France will also continue to require travelers to prove they have over 100 Euros per day.

For example, the French authorities suggest travelers must prove they have a minimum of 120 Euros per day if the traveler doesn’t have evidence of prepaid accommodation. However, the amount decreases to only 65 Euros per day if the traveler has prepaid for the accommodation.

Moreover, France will allow budget travelers—if they prove they are staying in cheaper accommodation—to show proof of only 32.25 Euros per day. That will be a relief to many backpackers looking to visit France on a budget.

What About Other EU Nations?

The rules vary depending on the country:
- Belgium – Belgium has two ways of proving means of subsistence. If travelers stay in hotels, they need to prove they have 95 Euros per day; if travelers stay in cheaper accommodation—such as hostels—they must prove they have 45 Euros per day.
- Germany – Germany is more straightforward than some EU nations; they require travelers to prove they have 45 Euros per day.
- Netherlands – Similarly to Germany, the Netherlands makes it straightforward. Travelers must prove they have a minimum of 34 Euros per day.
- Italy – Italy, however, isn’t as simple. If travelers stay for up to 5 days, they must prove a fixed sum of 269.60 Euros. If travelers stay between 6 to 10 days, they must prove they have 44.93 Euros per day. And if travelers stay between 11 and 20 days, they must show a fixed sum of 51.64 Euros and proof of 36.67 Euros per day.
- Austria – Austria is an outlier in Europe. They review means of subsistence on a case-by-case basis. Of course, this may cause some uncertainty.
- Denmark – Denmark requires travelers to prove they have around 67 Euros per day of spending money. If travelers are staying in budget hotels or hostels, this drops to 47 Euros per day.
- Finland – Finland requires far less proof of funds compared to many EU nations; travelers only need to prove they have 30 Euros of spending money per day.
- Latvia – Latvia only requires proof of 14 Euros of spending money per day.
- Sweden – Sweden requires travelers to prove they have around 48 Euros of spending money per day.
The strictest financial entry requirements for third countries are in Spain and France. On the contrary, the rules are much more lenient in Germany and the Netherlands.

Either way, entering the Schengen Zone for non-EU citizens continues to be more challenging than visiting many non-EU nations. Any tourist visiting Europe this spring and summer should be aware that proof of funds may be asked for and show up to the border prepared. Starting in 2023 ETIAS will officially launch, creating another step for non-EU travelers visiting many European nations.

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April 8, 2022
These U.S. Airports Have The Longest Wait Times At Security

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Do you know how long you are going to wait at the airport? You will now! A new report shared by Bounce, a luggage storage app, shows which airports give the longest and shortest wait times at security.

For travelers, the wait time at airports can affect their travel experience, and having data about selected airports can help them make better decisions when visiting certain cities.

The study analyzed data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection Airport to determine the average waiting time at the main airports in the United States.

Some of these airports with long wait lines are even among the top 10 airports in the world, but focusing only on security time might show different results.

The luggage company explained that they considered data from March 2021 to March 2021. Time estimates vary depending on many factors, but here’s what the statistics have shown.

US Airports With Longest Wait Times

These lists combine passport control and security wait times. It’s important that travelers also consider that luggage and other exceptional circumstances can increase these time estimates.

The longest wait time: Miami International Airport

According to the analysis, travelers will have to wait an average of 46 minutes and 57 seconds to go through security and passport revision. The longest wait process is security where passengers usually wait almost 25 minutes and also about 22 minutes at passport control.

Miami International Airport handles many international flights and is the main flight connection for those visiting the United States from Latin America and the Caribbean. Bounce suggested that this is probably why security controls take longer than in other airports.

The second-longest wait time: Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport

Another airport in Florida takes the unfortunate long wait award. At these airports, travelers wait 46 minutes and 41 seconds. The time to go through security takes on average 18 minutes and 18 seconds, and the passport control wait time is 28 minutes and 23 seconds.

This airport controls fewer international flights, compared to the Miami International Airport, but remains very busy. According to the data shared, this airport handles over 700 daily flights.

Third longest wait time: San Francisco International Airport

The next airport with the longest wait time is across the country. Passengers usually wait 45 minutes and 56 seconds to have their passports checked and pass TSA control. Security wait is nearly 28 minutes and passport control wait is 18 minutes.

It is expected that one of the busiest airports in the United States ranks on this list. After Los Angeles International Airport, this airport is the busiest in California, and also serves as a getaway to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

US Airports With The Shortest Wait Times

It’s important to highlight also those airports that make travel smoother and that might be considered by travelers in a rush. This is what Bounce’s report shows:

The shortest wait time: Raleigh–Durham International Airport

Passengers could transit to this airport for as short as 16 minutes and 9 seconds in total. On average, it takes travelers only 10 minutes to wait at the TSA checkpoint and about 6 minutes to go through passport control.

The second shortest wait time: Baltimore/Washington International Airport

At this airport, passengers wait less than 20 minutes, exactly 19 minutes and 14 seconds. According to the information shared, it could be a good option to consider this airport instead of the Washington Dulles International Airport since travelers might save up to 13 minutes in security wait.

The third shortest wait time: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

At this airport in North Carolina travelers wait less than 20 minutes. It takes on average 9 minutes and 54 seconds on security wait time and 9 minutes and 20 seconds on passport control. A surprising result, considering that this airport is transited by 50 million passengers every year.

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April 7, 2022
10 Non Stop International Flight Routes You Can Take From The U.S. This Year

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Traveler demand is increasing and airlines are ramping up flights to destinations around the world. Ready for some inspiration?

Here are ten international flight routes from the U.S. you can take this year.

New York To Cartagena

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s hottest travel destinations (literally and figuratively) and it’s now even more accessible with the launching of Avianca’s direct flight route between New York’s JFK Airport and the Caribbean city of Cartagena.

In less than five hours from New York City, you can be exploring Cartagena’s colorful Old Town, the backstreets of Getsemani, and feasting on empanadas from a streetside food cart as you watch the sunset over this beautiful port city.

The flag carrier also resumed flight services from Miami on March 27.

Dallas Fort-Worth To Melbourne

After two years of minimal flight activity, Australian airline Qantas recently announced some new international flight routes as the island-nation begins to reopen its borders to tourists. The new flights include an inaugural route from Melbourne to Dallas Fort-Worth, which is scheduled to launch in December of this year.

Starting April 17th, fully vaccinated travelers to Australia will no longer need to show a negative Covid test result pre-departure. So, if you have your heart set on Australia’s southeast coast, Qantas is ramping up flight services between Los Angeles and Melbourne.

San Diego To Munich

On March 30th, German airline Lufthansa launched a direct, long-haul inaugural route between San Diego International Airport and the Bavarian city of Munich.

This route replaced the one between Frankfurt and San Diego, which had to pause services in March 2020. Flights are currently scheduled five times per week. Flying to Munich gives you easy access to the rest of Germany and it’s just a short car ride to the Austrian countryside, so start planning your adventure to the German Alps!

Austin To Amsterdam

KLM’s new flight routes between Austin, Texas and Amsterdam have finally launched. Flight services began on March 28 and the route is currently running three times a week.

This new international route is one in a slew of new transatlantic flight routes announced recently by major American and European airlines.

These two cultural cities have so much to offer travelers. And since The Netherlands removed all Covid-related travel restrictions this month, it will undoubtedly be a busy summer in the Dutch capital.

Seattle To Istanbul

It was announced earlier this week that Turkish Airlines will be launching an inaugural flight route between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Istanbul. Set to launch on May 27th, this will be a long-haul flight as well as the 12th US city with direct services on Turkish Airlines.

Flights will operate four times per week on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

New York To Milan

Get ready to fly to Italy’s stylish city in the lap of luxury. European boutique airline, La Compagnie, just launched a new international flight route between Newark Airport and Milan. La Compagnie is an exclusively business class airline, and other flight services include New York-Paris and New York-Nice routes.

This new international flight route will offer travelers a menu of Italian food and drink developed by expert chefs, as well as boutique amenity kits featuring products from local Italian skin care companies. Flights depart five times per week from Thursday to Monday.

Boston To London

If your heart is set on visiting England this summer, know that you will soon be able to get there on a budget from the East Coast.

Just announced this week, low-cost airline JetBlue will be launching flights from Boston Logan International Airport to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports this summer. The Boston to London Gatwick route is scheduled to launch on June 19 and Boston to Heathrow set for August 22.

Los Angeles (Burbank) To Edmonton

As an alternative airport to the always-busy LAX, Los Angeles’ Burbank Airport is ramping up flight services for international travel, and that includes flights to major cities in Canada.

That being said, Canadian ultra low-cost airline Swoop announced it would be increasing flight routes both internationally and domestically this past year. One of the newest international flight routes set to launch by the airline is between Los Angeles Burbank and Edmonton International Airport. Thrice weekly flight services will begin on June 23rd, allowing southern Californians an easy budget option to visit Alberta’s capital city.

Orlando To Edinburgh

First of its kind on Virgin Atlantic, travelers can swap the humidity for the highlands and haggis on the new Orlando to Edinburgh nonstop flight.

This new, seasonal summer route launched on March 30th and flight operations are available two times a week from the US. Departures from Orlando are scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays and flights from Edinburgh to Orlando are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Los Angeles To Barcelona

More transatlantic flights from the West Coast are ramping up in 2022, this time with low-cost airline LEVEL. The airline’s summer flight schedule this year includes a direct route between Los Angeles International Airport and Barcelona. Flight departures from LAX to the Catalan city are currently scheduled three days a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The itinerary will expand to also include Wednesdays starting on June 1st.

This new route is currently the only nonstop flight from the US West Coast to Barcelona.

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 7, 2022
Top 8 Outdoor Adventures in New Mexico This Spring

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Marked by gorgeous desert landscapes and equally beautiful sunsets, New Mexico offers no shortage of things to do outdoors. While temperatures can soar during the peak of summer, they are often nearly perfect for exploring in the spring – typically in the 70-80 degree Fahrenheit range for April through late May, before trending upwards in June. If you’re looking to take advantage of the cooler weather and see what this desert state has to offer, here are 8 great suggestions.

1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park lives up to its name! This national park is home to over 100 caves, many of which you can explore. Two of the trails through the caves allow visitors to wander at their own pace, while others are accessible by joining a ranger-guided tour. Due to COVID-19, reservations are currently required to visit the caves. Face masks are currently only optional even inside the caves, though.

2. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Soar over the stunning desert landscapes of New Mexico with a hot air balloon ride. This could be a fun group outing or a highly memorable date idea for a couple. Groups such as World Balloon not only offer balloon flights, but also champagne along with your trip. Tickets can be booked for World Balloon in advance online.

3. Gila Cliff Dwellings

Experience a piece of history firsthand by visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings. These dwellings were used as shelter by the Mogollon people from the late 1200s to the early 13th century. Today, the remnants of the shelters stand empty and can be visited by heading over to the aptly named Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument.

4. Sandia Peak Tramway

This one’s probably not great for those with a fear of heights, but if you’re looking to enjoy views of the New Mexico scenery, an aerial tram ride is a great way to achieve this. The tram was recently closed for annual maintenance but is scheduled to reopen on April 6th, making this a great option for those planning a trip in the near future. Currently, passengers over two years of age are required to wear a mask while in the tram car, regardless of vaccination status.

5. Float The Rio Grande River

For those who are considering this sort of adventure for the first time, there are several groups that offer guided experiences such as New Mexico River Adventures. Such groups often also offer a variety of packages. New Mexico River Adventures, for example, offers both whitewater rafting tours as well scenic river kayak trips. If you’re feeling you’re ready to venture out on your own, there are also several locations that are great for both day trips and overnight kayaking trips.

6. Go On A Ghost Tour

If you’re in the mood for a spooky adventure, consider checking out ABQTours’ History and Ghost Tour. This haunted tour may not be in a remote area like some other suggestions on this list – you’ll head traverse parts of Albuquerque – but it is all memorable fun. You can look forward to not only hearing about the ghosts that supposedly haunt the various street and buildings of Albuquerque but also learning some about the more down-to-earth history of the area.

7. San Antonio Hot Springs

New Mexico’s desert landscape may not be the first place you associate with hot springs, but it actually is home to quite a few. One such spot is San Antonio hot springs. Located in the Santa Fe National Forest, these springs are a great way to relax.

8. White Sands National Park

While this national park may look like a remote, almost alien landscape, it’s actually only a few hours’ drive from Santa Fe. The national park lives up to its name by featuring expanses of glistening white sands, and is a great place for hiking, camping, and photography.

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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 6, 2022