Tag: Alert

US Embassy Issues New Travel Alert For Dominican Republic
[ad_1]
There’s a reason the Dominican Republic breaks tourism records year after year — it’s one of the most beautiful paradises in close reach to Americans ready to live it up on Spring Break, burn through PTO come summertime, and escape the dwindling temps during fall and winter.

That said, the U.S. Embassy has just issued a new travel alert for the Dominican Republic, and the reason may not be what you expect…

Boasting captivating culture, world-class resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and underrated cuisine, there are few places to kick back or turn up at your leisure than the D.R.

The entire crew at Travel Off Path ventures off to the Dominican Republic any chance we get, whether it be following the crowds to Punta Cana or checking out the latest up-and-comers, such as Miches.

However, there’s also an aspect of this Caribbean hotspot that travelers need to know before setting their minds to “Vacation Mode”, and it’s become significant enough to trigger a new travel alert straight from the US Embassy.

Peeling Back The Layer Of Underlying Issues

Let’s not pretend the US isn’t full of its own problems. In the same breath, let’s also not overlook the safety concerns of traveling abroad to quite literally anywhere, as accidents can happen anywhere at any time.

While it’s true that a vast majority of tourists make it back home unscathed no matter the destination, the US Embassy felt it was necessary to issue a new travel alert regarding the importance of obtaining travel insurance to better protect yourself on your trip — and there have certainly been horror stories coming out of the D.R. in recent years.

I think it’s safe to say we’re all sick of talking about the dark days of the pandemic, right?

However, around this time, there were numerous reports of strange illnesses (and even deaths) at luxe resorts, though it was later determined no foul play occurred.

Regardless of circumstance, these situations are impossible to predict, making insurance-free travel a roll of the dice.

There’s also the aspect of the Dominican’s driving hazards. In fact, one insurance company ‘across the pond’ claims their data shows “the Dominican Republic has the highest road fatality rate in the world, with nearly 67 deaths per 100,000 people”.

Infrastructure can be lacking in some areas, including major cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago.

Not to mention, there are oftentimes shortages of emergency personnel, and the main reason for the US State Department’s Level 2 advisory is due to ‘violent crime’.

All of these factors tallied up mean one thing — travel insurance is a must for your Dominican vacay.

Better safe than sorry, no?

Popular comedian Sam Morril once said about his dating life, “I’m like the Dominican Republic, I’m great for like 5 days, and then they’re like, ‘Oh, you have some problems that I was not aware of’”.

Ouch. The truth hurts sometimes, but he’s got a valid point.

While you can’t help his Hinge matches, you can ensure (err, insure?) you’re protected if you-know-what were to hit the fan.

As The Dominican Surges, More Travelers Explore Beyond Punta Cana

As a first-time visitor to Punta Cana last summer, I gotta say it’s hard to imagine this popular resort town not feeling like a safe haven.

With a fruitful expat community and modern amenities, chances are you won’t encounter any danger here beyond an upset stomach (always pack Pepto!).

However, what’s become increasingly obvious in recent years is how travelers are scratching their wanderlust itch, venturing into new territory — and this is where some risk comes into play.

Say you want to check out one of the D.R.’s new vacation hotspots, Samana. That’s a 4-hour shuttle ride from Santo Domingo, much of which consists of winding roads through “no man’s land”.

When you arrive, there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as waterfall hikes. Slip on a wet rock without insurance? That’s a big oops!

Why The US Embassy Is Urging Americans to Obtain Insurance

One hugely important reason the Embassy is urging American travelers to obtain insurance is the simple fact that Dominican medical care requires upfront payment (even in emergencies).

A car wreck or slip n’ fall would be a bad time to write an I.O.U.

Here are some common coverages for travel insurance:
- Hospital visit coverage
- Cancelled flights
- Lost luggage
- Medical evacuation
Many plans offer 24/7 assistance in English, making the tedious process much less of a headache.

The bottom line is the Dominican Republic can be an excellent place to vacation, but it’s important to know the risks.

The reality is you may never use your policy, but when you do, having the right coverage can quite literally be a lifesaver.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit

Subscribe To Our Latest Posts

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
[ad_2]

Source link
September 4, 2025
Hidden Gem Alert! This Carolina Mountain Town Offers Untamed Beauty & Fewer Crowds
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 1 hour ago

Charlotte may be the most popular gateway into North Carolina, but there are so many other towns you’ll be exuberantly ‘taking your shirt off and spinning it around like a helicopter’ for Petey Pablo-style!

Okay, let’s not do that actually.

What you can do is avoid Asheville’s crowds this fall by taking in the glorious sites of one lesser-known mountain town boasting untamed beauty and down-home charm.

While the trendy city of Cary has claimed the crown of NC’s new tourism hotspot, the lovely town of Hendersonville, just north of where the Carolinas meet, is the ultimate blissful escape to enjoy the state’s endless fall splendor.

Explore Henderson’s Down-Home Downtown District

You can say what you want about the South, but its famed hospitality is the real deal and seems to increase the more charming the town may be.

While places like Asheville are great to visit, seeing fewer Starbucks and more authentic mom-and-pop shops is undeniably more enticing, like a classic soda fountain like Mike’s on Main.

Downtown Hendersonville offers a surprising variety of local eateries, from savory Italian to southern home cooking, like the top-rated Daddy D’s Suber Soulfood. One recent patron exclaimed, “We love this place! Every time we are in the area, we make sure to add Daddy D’s to our itinerary.”

The old-timey streets are lined with delightful boutique shops, and there are a ton of museums to check out, like the Henderson County Heritage Museum, set inside a beautiful historic courthouse rivaling the looks of many state Capitol buildings.

The most captivating museum, however, may be Historic Johnson Farm.

Although set on the outskirts of town, this former tobacco farm boasts a mix of outdoor sublimity with an intriguing history.

Open year-round and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, take a hike through scenic forests and go on guided tours of the 10 historic 19th-century homes on-site for only $10.

Get Outside! Hendersonville Is Made For Exploring

Visiting Hendersonville, you can’t help but notice the town’s ambient mountains closing you in.

Don’t fret; however, this is no escape room; the popular Blue Ridge Mountains will welcome you with open arms.

Whether taking the picturesque back roads or going for a tranquil hike, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a sight to behold, particularly in the fall.

In the neighboring town of Laurel Park, Jump Off Rock is inarguably the most popular natural site offering a handful of hiking trails, but nothing too strenuous.

Just don’t take the name too seriously as Jump Off’s peak is 3,100 feet high hence the epic views of vibrant treetops and mountainous terrain.

You might be surprised by what else Hendersonville and the surrounding region have to offer – gorgeous waterfalls.

Hendersonville makes for a great base to explore North Carolina’s hidden gems away from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte and flannel-wearing hipster crowds of Asheville.

Beyond the small cityscape lies DuPont State Recreational Forest, home to more than a dozen waterfalls, but these are 5 of the most popular:
- Triple Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Grassy Creek Falls
- High Falls
- Hooker Falls
As fun as North Carolina is to visit, the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) has posted some rules visitors should know before arriving, including:
- Avoid climbing on rocks or waterfalls
- Avoid swimming or wading less than 300′ upstream of waterfalls
- Avoid jumping, sliding or diving from waterfalls
- Drones are not permitted
Savor The Fall Flavor

While your tastebuds will be fully satisfied visiting Downtown Hendersonville, there’s some other seasonal goodies visitors should be aware of.

If you’re the road trip type (who wouldn’t be in this area?), then set your sights for Chimney Rock Road where you’ll find apple orchards and pumpkin patches serving up all the fall delights, like Granddad’s Apples, fun for the whole family.

But the grown-ups may want to level up their fall game. Nearby is Saint Paul Mountain Farms, acting as both a vineyard and orchard, where they produce local wines, hard ciders, among other adult beverages.

The most notable name, however, is located just 10 miles from downtown. That would be Sierra Nevada’s Tasting Room, a popular beer brand serving over 20 selections, plus a ‘farm-to-table’ restaurant.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
[ad_2]

Source link
September 21, 2024
Cancun Alert: Travelers Being Warned About Arriving With Too Many Electronics
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 25 mins ago

Are you planning a trip to Cancun? Then take a pause before you pack your suitcase!

You can bring as many swimsuits, garish Hawaiian shirts, and pairs of flip-flops as you like.

But don’t pack more than one laptop!

Travelers to Cancun are now being warned about arriving at the destination with too many electronics.

Here’s why and what you need to know.

How Many Electronics Can I Travel With?

There are no restrictions on the amounts of laptops (or other electronics) you can carry when you leave the U.S.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) American travelers can pack any number of electronics in either their carry-on or their checked-in baggage.

This is also true for Canadian travelers, who also don’t have any limitations on the amount of electronics they can travel with.

But departure rules are one thing, and arrival rules are a whole different kettle of fish!

Mexico has very strict electronics limits that you need to be aware of if you’re visiting the country, especially if you’re landing in Cancun.

For example, you can only arrive in Mexico with one laptop without being taxed, according to Mexico’s SAT (Servicio de Administracion Tributaria).

And there are other limits you need to be aware of too!

On the subject of electronics, you’ll be taxed if you arrive in Mexico with more than:
- 2 cameras and camcorders
- 3 cellphones or other wireless devices
- 1 GPS
- 1 laptop, notebook, or other portable computer
- 5 laser discs, 10 DVDs, 30 CDs, 3 software packs and 5 storage units for any electronic device.
- 1 portable audio recorder, audio player, or audio recorder and player, or 1 portable DVD player.
What Happens If You Have More Than These Amounts?

Modern travel is an electronic-heavy experience.

When I travel I’m inevitably carrying my iPhone, camera, laptop, and my kindle. My husband carries the same.

Even our kids carry their own kindles and gaming devices!

So what happens if you want to carry your everyday electronics with you when you arrive in Cancun?

The short answer is you’ll need to open your wallet!

Some tourists have reported being charged nearly $200 to ‘import’ their own electronic devices into Mexico with them, even for a short vacation.

The tax you’ll pay is based on the value of the additional item or items that are above the duty-free amount you can bring in, which is why there is no exact figure for this available.

You’ll pay a 19% duty on the estimated value over the duty-free amount: if you’re carrying a brand new MacBook Pro, then this could cost you as much as $400!

Can you just say no? If you refuse to pay the tax, any electronic devices considered over the import limit can be confiscated.

The problem is that this policy isn’t universally enforced: some people are reporting that they are being fined considerable sums for carrying their own devices, while others are entering Cancun with more than one laptop with no problem at all.

And the interpretation of each customs officer can be different too: some see a laptop and an iPad as 2 laptops or portable computer devices and will tax you accordingly, for example.

What’s The Solution?

When I flew into Cancun in May I decided not to take any chances: I just left my laptop at home!

I often carry my youngest son’s bags (containing his electronics) through the airport as well as my own, and having to explain the abundance of electronic devices this would usually mean I was carrying just seemed like far too much hassle.

If you don’t really need your laptop while you relax on the beach, then this might be the safest stance to take.

But for digital nomads, workcation travelers, content creators, and anyone else who travels with electronics and is dependent on them for their livelihood, tread lightly!

Some digital nomads consider this to be a stealth tax on digital nomads in Mexico, and you’ll need to consider whether you can live without your extra devices (or whether you can afford the fee to import them) before you travel.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
[ad_2]

Source link
September 12, 2024
U.S. Issues New Travel Security Alert For Colombia
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 1 second ago

Colombia has long held an iffy reputation for travelers. On one hand, it’s an amazing destination to visit.

On the other hand, many travelers have claimed they feel the need to keep their head on a swivel in certain areas.

Some of the more popular cities to visit are Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena to name a select few. The U.S. Embassy just issued a nationwide security alert this morning for all travelers in Colombia.

While the U.S. Embassy surely has intel we don’t possess, travelers can dive into our in-depth report regarding the safety aspect of Medellin here.

New Security Alert

Tragically, it has been reported from November 1 – December 31, 2023 8 U.S. tourists lost their lives by being duped by criminals.

There are a variety of ways tourists are targeted in Colombia. So much so, there is a common saying in Colombia that tourists should know.

‘No Dar Papaya’ translates to ‘don’t give papaya’. Essentially, do your best to not stand out and make yourself a target.

Keep valuables out of plain sight while going about your day, and stick to tourist-friendly neighborhoods.

Advice from the U.S. Embassy:
- Never physically resist a robbery attempt – your life is always more valuable than possessions
- Trust your intuition – if something feels off, stick to your gut
- Tell someone you trust of your plans when going out
A Fatal Scam

Colombia is no stranger to crime and the U.S. Embassy is most certainly aware. So why the sudden change in tone?

It’s quite alarming to lose 8 lives in such a short span. Medellin, in particular, has become a hotspot for U.S. tourists for its affordable costs and year-round splendid weather, among other digital nomad perks.

The world is a beautiful place, but there are bad apples everywhere. The same goes for Medellin as well as the rest of the country.

With digital nomadism and solo travel being so popular, the road can get lonely at times. With our phones glued to our hips, the easy thing to do is get on dating apps, as they are now universal.

It’s no longer a societal taboo to meet up with strangers, or even ride with them, but perhaps the latest scam will raise red flags again.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogota is sounding the alarm on dating apps in Colombia as U.S. travelers are being duped far worse than your typical ‘catfish’.

Lured in to meeting in a public place as most dates go, as the night goes on, victims were lead away from public view and assaulted, drugged, robbed and even killed in some instances.

Not all 8 reported deaths have been attributed to dating apps, but “several” have been linked.

How To Remain Vigilant Dating In Colombia

Other than keeping a heightened sense of awareness, the Embassy notes you should be one step ahead if you sense you’re on a date from hell.

Staying in public view is key as violent crimes typically take place in isolation, such as residences and hotel rooms.

When possible, inform the concierge of your hotel or residence of a visitor and ask them to obtain valid identification beforehand if you have a new visitor.

Sedatives have been used, so it’s important to keep an eye on what you’re drinking and keep your phone within reach, as electronics are a commonly stolen item.

Uptick In Crime

According to the Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin, crime against foreigners increased 200 percent toward the end of 2023 when compared to 2022 data.

That’s a big jump that raises eyebrows. What’s even more concerning is many deaths deemed ‘violent’ were U.S. citizens in 2023.

With the latest alert, it appears these unfortunate trends are carrying over into 2024, with the dating app scam becoming the most prevalent tactic.

Here is the kicker – the U.S. Embassy admits crime often goes unreported due to victim embarrassment. While Medellin is the hotspot for crimes against tourists, with the Embassy’s knowledge of unreported crimes, they felt it was necessary to issue an alert for the whole country with Medellin, Bogota, and Cartagena being highlighted.

Read More:

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans Starting At $10 Per Week

How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
[ad_2]

Source link
January 12, 2024
U.S. Issues New Emergency Travel Alert For This Popular Latin American Country

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 1 second ago

In a major turn of events, the United States has issued an emergency travel alert for Ecuador, an increasingly popular country that in recent years has become a trendy spot for nature-based getaways and cultural tourism in Latin America, thanks to its unspoiled nature and colonial heritage.

In case you haven’t been following the news in the last couple of days, peace in Ecuador has sadly been disappeared following numerous prison riots, which have led to a surge in crimes across the typically tranquil nation. Travelers will need to follow all government orders and adhere to the advice in the latest alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador.

Now, U.S. citizens who are visiting soon, should they opt to go ahead with their travel plans, will be subject to strict new orders.

What Is Happening In Ecuador Right Now?

It all started when the Ecuadorian Government confirmed that, on January 7, Adolfo Macias, the leader of a powerful criminal organization who had been jailed on a 34-year sentence, had escaped prison on the day he was rumored to be transferred to a maximum-security facility.

There have been simultaneous criminal attacks across cities, jailbreaks, and even armed men storming into live TV studios.

As Guillhaume Long, the former Foreign Minister has stated, Ecuador may have had an issue with crime for years, having ended 2023 rated among the worse in Latin America, but following last weekend’s mayhem, the situation has ‘spiraled out of control’.

It didn’t end there:

In a coordinated attack on January 8, only a day later, prisoners in at least six other correctional facilities across Ecuador rebelled against authorities and seized power, with as many as 150 guards and staff taken hostage and 39 inmates breaking free of a prison in Riobamba alone.

The situation keeps deteriorating quickly, as by January 9, violence quickly spilled onto the streets, with at least five explosions in ‘several cities’.

Though there have been no injuries or casualties reported for those, the overall picture is rather grim, and what’s worse, fast-evolving.

@bnnbreaking #BNNEcuador Reports. U.S. Diplomat Expresses Grave Concern over Ecuador’s Escalating Violence. #Escalating #Violence #Concern #Ecuador #US ♬ original sound – BNN Breaking

Government officials have counted as many as 30 different attacks since Macias went missing last Sunday, but no exact links have yet been established, nor has the inmate been tracked down yet.

We understand it may be confusing, and there is a lot going on, but this is clear: due to drug trafficking and turf wars, violence in Ecuador has risen tremendously compared to previous years, and even recent weeks, and the state of unrest could be prolonged further.

What Has Been The Government’s Response?

Based on Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s statements, civil distress could worsen, as he will ‘not negotiate’ with the parties responsible for the latest episode.

Noboa elaborated by saying the violence is ‘a reaction’ to the Government’s proposal to build a high-security prison for jailed gang leaders, but that has not been fully established, either.

In response, on January 8 the President a nationwide State of Emergency, set to last 60 days.

Travelers In The Country Are Subject To A Nighttime Curfew

This includes a national curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. directly impacting nighttime services across tourist destinations like Quito, the capital and cultural heart, Cuenca, the colonial gem, Guayaquil, the gateway to the Pacific, and many more.

There is no way of knowing when, or where crime will happen, or when or how an armed conflict will erupt, but if we’re to trust the President’s statement, it most certainly will, as military action will take place, and anti-Government forces will react.

Taking this information into account, it’s no surprise the U.S. Embassy has now issued an emergency alert for Americans in, or who are planning on traveling to Ecuador.

What Is The U.S. Government Saying?

The U.S. Department of State acknowledges the seriousness of the situation, noting that schools in Ecuador will operate virtually through January 12, and even remote work is being recommended ‘wherever possible’.

So far, Ecuador is yet to be demoted from Level 2 to 3 in the Travel Advisory listing, meaning the U.S. still does not discourage Americans from traveling, but seeing that usually happens with some delay, and it’s almost a given the country will be hit with a ‘Reconsider Travel’ advice at some point down the line.

Unless, of course, order is suddenly reinstated. For now, that looks unlikely.

While the advisory isn’t updated, the alert warns Americans to keep up to date with official communications from the government of Ecuador pertaining to the State of Emergency, ‘monitor credible media sources’ for information on ‘threats and violent activity’, and review Washington’s own safety advice.

How Does This Affect Tourists?

Ecuador has not shut down, and tourist services, hotels, and tourist attractions continue to operate normally, except they must adhere to the nighttime curfew.

Other than the threat of violence, the major immediate impact on the tourism scene is the theoretical halting of all nightlife across Ecuador.

In the medium to long term, there is no way of knowing how Ecuador will suffer from a potential eventual drop in tourism revenue.

After all, as charming and picturesque as it is, we wouldn’t be the first ones to book a flight out to Quito anytime soon, not until the dust settles and there is more information available.

For those who still intend to visit, flights to and from Ecuador continue to operate normally without changes in schedule or time, so far, as the curfew provides an exception for a number of essential workers, as well as individuals traveling via airports during curfew hours.

Read More:

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans Starting At $10 Per Week

How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

[ad_2]

Source link

January 11, 2024
TSA Issues New Alert For Travelers To Follow These 10 Steps

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 10 mins ago

The next few weeks are notorious for being one of the busiest times of the year when it comes to air travel – and experts at the Transport Security Administration (TSA) are predicting airports to be even busier this year than last.

While TSA Administrator David Pekoske says the TSA is prepared to handle the surge in passengers during the winter holiday season, there are plenty of things we as travelers can do to help everyone’s journey run more smoothly.

In a bid to speed up the airport security experience and reduce traveling stress, the TSA has released a list of 10 steps travelers should follow.

While some points may seem obvious to seasoned travelers, it’s always worth checking in to see what the latest advice is because things can change quickly.

Packing Preparation

Before you get anywhere near the airport, you need to pack.

The TSA recommends beginning your packing with an empty bag so you don’t end up accidentally bringing items you didn’t intend to.

It also pays to check the “What Can I Bring?” section of the TSA website to make sure your bag is all good.

Get To The Airport Earlier Than Usual

This may seem super obvious, but you’d be amazed how you can reduce traveling stress by arriving earlier than you normally would when the airport is busy.

The TSA’s official advice is to arrive 2 hours before your flight, but there’s no harm in getting there a bit before that if you can spare it.

Have Your ID Ready

No one wants to be that person fumbling around in their bag or pockets for their ID when they finally get to the front of the queue.

Make sure you have the correct ID for your journey and have it in your hand when you’re in the screening line, says the TSA.

Advice On Wrapped Gifts

Got that snow globe for your Great Aunty Irma? How about the latest footballer’s autobiography for Dad? Traveling with gifts is super common at this time of year.

Sometimes, those items may need to be inspected, so you can make life easier for yourself by transporting any gifts unwrapped or by having them in gift bags or boxes that can easily be opened to be checked if required.

Firearms Foresight

If you are traveling with a firearm, you must ensure it is unloaded and packed in the correct kind of lockable hard case.

You must also declare the firearm at the ticket counter.

New Screening Technology

How you are screened varies from airport to airport, with new technology being implemented all the time.

The latest technology is Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, which can view your bags in 3D.

The main benefit of CT is that you don’t need to remove liquids or laptops from bags – so be aware of which lane you’re in and what technology is being used.

Time To Consider TSA PreCheck

Imagine waiting for just five minutes or less at the airport checkpoint.

That dream can be a reality if you sign up for TSA PreCheck – a system that allows you a much faster checking experience at the airport and costs just $70 for a five-year duration.

The PreCheck is becoming more popular with travelers and has 15 million members and counting.

Call Ahead If You Need Support

If you have a disability or you’re traveling with someone who does, you can call the TSA Cares helpline to help cater for any additional needs.

The number is 855-787-2227, but make sure you call at least 72 hours before your journey.

If In Doubt, Ask TSA

If you are unsure about anything to do with your flight, the best thing to do is contact the TSA directly.

You can text a question to 275-872 or contact them via the handle @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter) or on Facebook Messenger.

Follow TSO Guidance

It might seem like a lot of rules, but they all exist to help keep us safe while traveling.

Listen to Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and obey their requests.

And remember, that no matter how stressed you are, TSOs are human beings just trying to do their jobs – give ‘em a smile, it’s the holidays!

Read More:

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

[ad_2]

Source link

December 21, 2023