Tag: Cheaper

Want a Cheaper, More Authentic European Trip? This Quiz Finds Your Perfect ‘Second-City’
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London, Paris, Rome. These iconic capitals are rightfully on every traveler’s bucket list, promising world-class art, history, and vibrant city life. But what if we told you that some of Europe’s most rewarding, authentic, and often cheaper travel experiences are found just a little off the beaten path?

Smart travelers are increasingly looking beyond the obvious.

They’re seeking out Europe’s “second cities”—the second-largest urban centers in each country—and for good reason. A recent in-depth study by Radical Storage analyzed 44 European countries, comparing their largest cities to their second-largest, and the findings are a game-changer for anyone planning a European escape.

The takeaway? In 10 of the 44 European countries analyzed, the second city actually offered a better tourist experience than the capital.

Not only that, but in 28 of 44 cases, the second city was significantly more affordable. This isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s about discovering genuine local culture, fewer crowds, and a refreshingly unique perspective on a country you thought you knew.

Why The ‘Second City’ Is The Smart Choice

Think about it: while capital cities often have the highest concentration of famous landmarks, they also come with peak tourist prices, congested streets, and an atmosphere sometimes diluted by the sheer volume of visitors. Second cities, on the other hand, often retain a stronger local identity, a more relaxed pace, and a palpable sense of discovery for the traveler.

The study looked at five crucial categories: accommodation, food, shopping, culture & local attractions, and accessibility. While Barcelona (Spain’s second city) might offer a vast array of attractions comparable to a capital, Novi Sad (Serbia’s second city) shines with exceptionally high-quality restaurants and attractions at incredibly affordable prices.

This isn’t about ditching the classics forever, but about broadening your horizons and recognizing that “second-best” often means “best-kept secret.”

Discover Your Perfect European ‘Second City’

Are you a hardcore history buff, a devoted foodie, or someone who lives for retail therapy and a buzzing urban scene? Do you dream of well-connected hubs or prefer the rugged charm of the Balkans or the mystique of the Caucasus? And is it the sheer variety of options or the assured quality of fewer, more authentic experiences that truly excites you?

To help you cut through the data and find your ideal European “second city” adventure, we’ve teamed up with the insights from this comprehensive study to create a brand-new interactive quiz.

It’s fast, fun, and designed to pinpoint the destination that perfectly matches your travel priorities. Take the quiz and check out the list of top 10 best second cities below.

No matter your preference, there’s a second city waiting to surprise and delight you. From the ancient charm of Kutaisi to the architectural wonders of Brno, Europe’s overlooked gems offer a richness that rivals —and sometimes surpasses —those of their larger counterparts.

Ready to stop following the crowds and start traveling smarter?

Take our quick quiz below and uncover the European ‘second city’ that’s meant for you.

We’ll tell you exactly why it’s a perfect fit and what makes it such an incredible destination, setting you on a path to a truly memorable trip.

What’s your main travel goal?

🏛️

Culture & Attractions

I want to see famous sites and immerse myself in history.

🍲

Food & Drink

My trip is centered around amazing and affordable meals.

🛍️

Shopping & Vibe

I want to hit the shops and experience the city’s energy.

What’s your ideal location?

✈️

Well-Connected Hub

Easy to get to, with lots of famous landmarks.

🏞️

The Balkans

I’m looking for a more off-the-beaten-path vibe.

🏔️

The Caucasus

I want a truly unique and historic hidden gem.

What’s your priority?

⭐

Quality over Quantity

I prefer fewer, but highly-rated, authentic experiences.

🗺️

Variety is Everything

I want a huge number of options for things to do and see.

The top 10 Second Cities in Europe
- Novi Sad, Serbia
- Barcelona, Spain
- Gyumri, Armenia
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kutaisi, Georgia
- Kaunas, Lithuania
- Brno, Czechia
- Porto, Portugal
- Graz, Austria
So which one did you get? Let us know in the comments!

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September 15, 2025
Why Hotels Are Cheaper Than Airbnb In Most Destinations, According To New Report

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Airbnb has been getting a bad rap recently. In 2021, Barcelona became the first European city to effectively ban Airbnb. A cascade of cities and even counties followed.

Then, earlier this month, New York followed suit by banning booking service platforms like Airbnb from offering short-term unregistered rentals in the city.

And to add insult to injury, now a new report from Which? has found that Airbnb’s aren’t actually any cheaper than hotels in most destinations anyway.

The study found that a one-bedroom short-term let from a platform such as Airbnb is more expensive than a hotel room in 38 of the 50 destinations surveyed.

This might come as a surprise to many because when they first launched, private rental sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo offered a cheaper alternative to booking a hotel in many in-demand cities.

These are the destinations where the differences were the biggest:

Big Savings In Capital Cities

Hotels were cheaper than Airbnb in every capital city included in the investigation.

The following 7 capital cities are a clear example of this:

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Amsterdam is $224. The average price of a hotel room is $143.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Singapore is $174. The average price of a hotel room is $100.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Greater London is $200. The average price of a hotel room is $126.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Dubai is $157. The average price of a hotel room is $87.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Barcelona is $172. The average price of a hotel room is $116.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Hong Kong is $121. The average price of a hotel room is $65.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in San Fransisco is $201. The average price of a hotel room is $157.

New York, New York

Because the effective banning of Airbnb in New York has been such a big media focus in the past couple of months, the study also looked at the costs of hotels versus Airbnb in New York City.

It found that not only were Airbnb’s in the city more expensive than equivalent hotel rooms but also that many New York options still listed on the site are actually illegal.

You are no longer allowed to rent out a whole home for less than 30 days in New York. This means that the only legal Airbnb options in the city are those where the owner resides in the property and where the property is officially registered for short-term rental.

This change is expected to drive up nightly rates in the city further.

The trend of banning Airbnb and other short-term rental sites is only set to continue. From October 1 Scotland will also introduce a restrictive licensing scheme for short-term lets, for example.

Are Hotel Rooms Really Better?

When asked to respond to the study, Airbnb said “This data is wrong and based on flawed methodology” because private lets generally have more space than hotel rooms.

And it is worth mentioning that when you book an Airbnb, you will typically have more space than a hotel room. But this isn’t always the case.

You will also often have a kitchen or cooking facilities, which means you could save money in the long run if you compare the costs of eating out with the costs of cooking for yourself.

It is ideal if you enjoy cooking for yourself on vacation but not important if you feel eating out is part of the fun of the trip.

Finally, the Which? study concludes that a bigger Airbnb may still be better value for a group as the cost of a larger let is often cheaper than the combined cost of several hotel rooms. Many families also prefer the space and flexibility offered by Airbnb.

But in terms of cost alone, in most cases, a hotel room will be cheaper than an Airbnb rental.

Read More:

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September 19, 2023
Why It Just Got Cheaper To Explore This Popular European Country

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There’s nothing quite like exploring a new country and discovering its hidden gems for yourself.

One of the best ways to do that, especially in Europe, is by rail. It’s usually quick, comfortable, more environmentally friendly than flying, and affordable.

And it just got even cheaper in one of Europe’s most popular countries for American travelers and digital nomads – Portugal.

The Iberian country has just launched a new unlimited monthly rail pass that costs just €49, which works out to about $53 at the time of writing.

Introduced by the national rail company Comboios de Portugal, the National Train Pass covers all journeys on regional trains throughout the country except for inter-regional and urban trains.

The tickets can be purchased from any Comboios de Portugal ticket office, and you will need photo identification to buy one.

Where Can You Explore?

The regional train network in Portugal will allow you to see a lot of the country with this rail pass.

It connects major cities such as the capital Lisbon and Porto in the north, as well as many locations along the rugged and beautiful west coast such as São Martinho do Porto and Aveiro.

There is also a regional train line along the south coast Algarve region taking in popular destinations such as Lagos and Faro.

The Algarve regional line can only be accessed by rail on the Intercidades line from Lisbon, which you will need a different ticket for in addition to the National Train Pass.

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You can, however, reach the far north of Portugal on the regional network, making this ticket a great value-for-money method of seeing the best of this sun-drenched nation.

The full regional map is available on the Comboios de Portugal website.

Why Portugal Is Amazing, Especially In The Fall

Vibrant port cities full of history and culture, stunning sunny beaches, and impressive rugged and rocky cliffs – Portugal has a lot to offer the curious traveler.

In the capital city Lisbon, you will find imposing castles and towers such as Castelo de São Jorge and Torre de Belém, as well as the impressive viewing point Elevador de Santa Justa.

The streets here are alive with the hustle and bustle and the odors of delicious coffees and Portuguese custard tarts known as pastel de natas.

It’s an intoxicating city that also has a very lively nightlife, particularly in the Bairro Alto district.

To the north, the city of Porto has a more artsy vibe with street art, sculptures, and museums the order of the day. It’s also the birthplace of fortified wine Port, which is one of the nation’s most famous exports.

Down in the south you will find the Algarve, one of Europe’s favorite holiday destinations.

A long coastline of beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, the Algarve is one of the best places to visit in fall, thanks to fewer tourists being around and the warm and pleasant temperatures that linger on long into November.

Ocean temperatures around the country remain relatively warm during Fall, particularly in this southern region.

There are also plenty of festivals and events still happening around the country during the Fall, including the Feria de São Mateus in the hilltop town of Viseu in September and the two-week-long National Horse Fair in Golega in November.

A Haven For Digital Nomads

Not only does Portugal have a solid digital nomad visa program with four separate types that can be applied for, it is also regarded as one of the best countries in the world for remote workers.

The country is known for being a cheap place to visit and live, with hotels and Airbnb rentals offering good value.

To attain the Portuguese digital nomad visa, you must earn a minimum income of €3,040 per month (about $3,300).

You can apply for one of four visas depending on how long you intend to stay in the country, but the Short-Term Work Visa is the quickest and easiest for those who only wish to stay in the country temporarily.

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August 15, 2023
This Lesser-Known Central American Country Is A Cheaper, Less Crowded Alternative To Costa Rica
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Costa Rica is the main entry point for Americans country-hopping in Central America.

Most famous for its abundant nature and stunning vistas, it is surely worth exploring, but the recent price surges and fast-paced development have begun to scare off crowd-wary, budget travelers.

Fortunately, the subcontinent is home to a number of other tropical spots that are not only just as incredible but yet to be tarnished by mass tourism or gentrification.

Interestingly, their lack of notoriety is mostly owed to poor promotion.

That is the case with Honduras, a lesser-known Central American country that is both cheaper and less crowded than Costa Rica:

Is This The Most Underrated Country In Central America?

Honduras is of the least-crowded travel destinations in Central America, having hosted only 1.91 million tourists in 2022.

In comparison, Costa Rica has registered 2.3 million foreign guests, while El Salvador raced ahead with 2.5 million.

Despite the relatively weaker performance when paired with the competition, Honduras has achieved a 131.4% increase in tourism since 2021, as verified by the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT), indicating it is getting trendier every passing year.

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It’s already surpassed 2019 levels of tourism by 16.6%. With that being said, a majority of foreigners only visit Honduras as cruise passengers (49.4%).

The number of air arrivals trails behind, with foreign guests landing at airports comprising 25.3% of all tourists, also behind land border crossings (25.7%).

In a way, we could infer the number of tourists who travel to Honduras as a primary destination is remarkably low: only 480,166 people arrived by air in 2022, against 1.43 million who would be visiting border areas from neighboring countries, or cruising by the Honduran coast.

Taking these data into account, is Honduras indeed a day trip, or is it a seriously underrated, stand-alone Central American destination that deserves more of your attention?

Honduras Is An Incredibly Diverse Country

Honduras is one of Central America’s most mysterious states, sharing borders with other gems like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua while not being landlocked: its North opens up to the Gulf of Honduras, an inlet of the Caribbean Sea.

Like many of its neighbors, Honduras has a rich and diverse history dating back at least two millennia.

At the apex of the pre-Columbian civilizations, it was settled by the Ancient Mayans, who mastered the arts of trading and farming in the region.

Its relevance as a trading hub would be reinforced during the Spanish conquest when it sat at the busiest colonial routes linking settlements in both North and South America.

As part of the Mayan and Hispanic worlds, it is jam-packed with ancient ruins and colorful, European-style settlements.

Last year, Travel Off Path named it the fourth best country for visiting Mayan ruins in acknowledgment of the numerous archaeological parks and well-preserved temples and pyramids located within its national territory.

Despite having the largest expanse of Mayan monuments out of any Central American country, totaling over 4,000 complexes, only 26 are open for visitation.

This includes Copan, a Mayan city founded in the 5th century AD.

Other than its ancient heritage, the Honduran landscape is complete with verdant hills (where Spanish-built cobblestone towns full of charms, such as Gracias and Yuscaran, are nestled), roaring waterfalls hidden by thick green foliage, and even white sand beaches bounded by turquoise waters.

Beaches Galore And Hugely Affordable

Straddling the isthmus linking the Pacific to the Caribbean seas, Honduras has an enviable 500 miles of coastline and a handful of resort islands replete with unspoiled swimming spots.

The top three offshore paradises are Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja.

Sitting some 30 miles away from the North coast and belonging to the Bay Islands group, they boast some truly spectacular natural scenery, other than being a popular migration spot for exotic species of birds and sea mammals.

As the biggest island, Roatán is also the best developed, hosting several five-star boutique hotels and guesthouses, with overnight stays selling at competitive rates.

Its main attraction is the Roatán Barrier Reef, simply the second-largest coral reef in the world.

And the best thing about it is: Honduras is hugely affordable.

With a cost of living index estimated at 38.8 out of 100 by Numbeo, budget travelers will find it is one of the cheapest countries in Central America, with significantly lower prices for accommodation.

Costa Rica, on the other hand, has a living index of 48.8, the most expensive in the region. Although the infrastructure is inferior, and the political situation is not as stable, Honduras is still relatively safe for American tourists.

Caution remains urged, particularly in major urban cities like the capital city of Tegucigalpa. Other than the Gracias a Dios Department, where travel is strongly discouraged due to the risk of crime and kidnapping, general safety advice applies:
- Maintain a high level of situational awareness
- Avoid walking alone in poorly-lit, non-touristy areas at night
- Never attempt to physically resist robbery attempts
- Be vigilant withdrawing cash from banks or ATMs
- Do not display signs of wealth unnecessarily, including using expensive smartphones in public, or while stopped in traffic
Honduras Is Fully Open For Tourism

Honduras is open for tourism restriction-free. This means American citizens, and any other foreign visitors, are permitted entry without having to disclose their vaccination status nor undergo testing or health screening prior to flying.

Americans can remain in Honduras, and the wider Central America-4 Border Control Zone, for 3 months. This means they can travel around Honduras and onwards to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua without undergoing further passport control for 90 days.

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April 30, 2023
These Mexican Caribbean Spots Are Cheaper And Have Fewer Crowds This Season
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The Mexican Caribbean, especially the ever-busy Cancun and Tulum, are not known for being particularly affordable or even relaxing to visit, depending on accommodation choice, with the intense party scene and thousands of beachgoers fighting for the perfect spot in the sun. Luckily, there are a handful of unfrequented resort towns that are not only less crowded but significantly cheaper for tourists.

Now that Americans are no longer subject to strict health checks flying abroad, a record number of them are heading south of the border for their yearly break, smashing records established in the pre-crisis years. The renewed demand is certainly great news for tourism, but on the flip side, both mass tourism and prices have increased in the state of Quintana Roo as a result.

Interestingly, despite its extensive Caribbean coast, tourists usually restrict their movements to Northern Quintana Roo — where Cancun is — only:

This Is Why Southern Quintana Roo Is Ignored By Foreigners

The Mayan Riviera is the top destination for U.S. citizens vacationing in Mexico. Home to sandy beaches, teal-colored waters, ancient pyramids, and a well-developed resort zone, it is an absolute leader in booking trends within the country, registering up to 30 million guests throughout 2022, more than entire countries would have in the same period.

Because of its status as a well-connected hub and arguably the best-equipped airport in the region, Cancun International has the highest percentage of arrivals: it offers links not only to the city of Cancun itself but numerous other smaller towns in the vicinity, such as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and the insular municipality of Isla Mujeres.

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In short, it is the main gateway to Mexico’s most popular coastal zone, but it doesn’t serve the entire state of Quintana Roo (QR). In fact, the regional capital of Chetumal is located 236 miles south, and while it does have an international airport, it is not nearly as well connected as the Northern competitor:

The only scheduled flights currently depart from Mexico City.

The South Is Harder To Reach, But It’s A Lot More Quaint

Southern Quintana Roo is undoubtedly more challenging to reach, but it also means it sees only a small fraction of Cancun’s overwhelming passenger numbers, in spite of being incredibly more affordable and straddling the same pristine coastline. If you’re looking to escape the North’s crowds and widespread scamming, this is the place to be.

3 Of The Top Destinations To Visit In Southern Quintana Roo

Chetumal, The Small State Capital

A medium-sized city, Chetumal is known for its lively social scene, modern waterfront, and Chetumal Bay, a sanctuary where local wildlife can be spotted, such as crocodiles and turtles. Additionally, it sits at the crossroads of Central and North America, where several well-preserved Mayan ruins that have not yet been swarmed by disrespectful tourists are hidden.

Bacalar, A Beautiful Lakeside Town

Within driving distance of Chetumal, you will find the charming, quintessentially Mexican town of Bacalar. It’s not on the coast, but it sits on the shores of a crystal-clear lake lined with family-owned restaurants and cute boutique hotels with a jungle aesthetic. Here, smelly seaweed and overpriced taxis are definitely not a concern.

Mahahual, An Authentic Mexican Coastal Village

Similarly, the fishing village of Mahahual, home to a limited number of resorts and development sites, is rising to prominence as a more quaint, cleaner alternative to Tulum. It lacks the latter’s cacophony, Instagram hordes, and potholes, with white, soft sandy beaches that will feel actually soothing to lounge by.

All three will be a lot quieter and potentially much cheaper to travel to this season. The proof is in the numbers: according to Bertha Medina Núñez de Cáceres, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Services in Central and Southern Quintana Roo, occupancy in Chetumal, Bacalar and Mahahual are expected to reach between 30% to 35% only.

Demand For Southern Quintana Roo Has Dropped, And It’s Great News For Budget Travelers

Calling it the ‘January drop’, Cáceres notes destinations in the southern part of the state could see a 60% drop in occupancy compared to December when 90% of rooms were booked. In other words, only 1,700 rooms across 270 hotels in Othón P. Blanco and Bacalar are expecting guests in early winter, as Americans and Canadians flock to Cancun instead.

Due to a decrease in demand, tourists can expect more competitive prices vacationing South of Cancun, as Chetumal and neighboring destinations compete with the more powerful North. Hotel Casa Hormiga, one of the select five-star offers in Lake Bacalar, has room rates as low as USD $1406 for a week.

In comparison, all-inclusives in Tulum average USD $3000 or above for the same period. There may be fewer flight options to Southern QR, but it is certainly a fair trade-off when you’re saving thousands of dollars on accommodation and other daily expenses while experiencing a truly authentic side of Mexico.

Once the new Maya Train launches this December, the South’s connectivity problem will be a thing of the past: this scenic railway journey will link all the main tourist sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, which Quintana Roo is a part of, including the southernmost tip of the state. For now, visitors have only three options to get there:
- Flying (connecting through Mexico City)
- Taking public transport (shuttles and inter-municipal buses)
- Arranging private transfers
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January 14, 2023
TSA PreCheck Just Got Cheaper, Here’s A Recap Of The Benefits
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Speeding up security screening at the airport in the United States just got cheaper! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently announced that the enrollment fee for the program TSA PreCheck has been reduced.

According to the information presented by the agency, passengers interested in applying for the TSA PreCheck program will now pay $78 instead of $85 for the five-year membership. And those who want to renew their membership are required to pay $70 through the online process—the renewal fee stays the same.

The update arrives right before the busy holiday season. TSA Administrator David Pekoske said: “For individuals and families with plans to fly this holiday season, now is the time to enroll or renew in TSA PreCheck.”

At the worst airport for TSA security wait times—like Miami International Airport where the average wait time is almost 25 minutes—, travelers can save a lot of time and reach their destinations more comfortably. The data shared by the TSA indicates that during September this year 93% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes at airport security checkpoints.

This program can help travelers reduce stress and avoid missing flights while waiting in long TSA lines that are frequent despite the new technology implemented. If you are unsure about whether you should enroll for TSA Pre-check or not, here you’ll find more details of the program and a recap of its benefits and advantages:

TSA PreCheck Benefits

The TSA Pre-check program allows travelers to go through special security lines at more than 200 airports in the United States along with over 85 participating airlines. As Pekoske said: “TSA PreCheck offers significant benefits to those who meet its enrollment standards – less physical contact, fewer items on the conveyor belt, and faster screening.”

To enroll in the program for the first time, U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents can request an appointment at one of the enrollment centers nationwide —there are over 500— where they will be interviewed and will have to provide biometric and biographic information. Once the interview is over, travelers should receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within less than a week. With the KTN customers get identified and allowed to use the special fast lanes.

These are the main benefits:
- Go through special and faster TSA security lines in more than 200 airports. The average wait time is less than 5 minutes.
- You do not need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and you can keep electronics and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in your bag.
- The membership lasts 5 years, once the traveler is enrolled, they can easily renew online.
- Some airlines and credit cards offer discounts or even offer customers the service for free. For example, United Airlines allows customers in their frequent flier program to use United MileagePlus to cover the application fee.
- Children 12 and under can join parents or guardians in special TSA PreCheck lines.
Even for travelers who only travel a couple of times a year, it’s a great opportunity to ease the travel experience and avoid long wait times. And certain citizens could already have access to this benefit through their banks or frequent flyer membership programs.

TSA Pre-Check Alternatives

There are other programs that can also speed up the travel experience like Global Entry and Clear. But these can be a little more expensive.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection that already includes the TSA PreCheck program and adds an extra perk: faster U.S. customs screening. It’s also a great alternative, especially for travelers who enjoy visiting distant lands—not ideal for those traveling only within the U.S. This service cost $100 for five years.

Clear, on the other side, has an annual membership that costs $189. This service does not include TSA PreCheck, is available in over 60 airports and it offers travelers an ultrafast airport security screening since it uses only eyes and fingertips to identify travelers. Clear also recently launched a free service to skip TSA lines using a reservation system at certain airports.

Is $78 Worth It For TSA- Pre Check?

The newly reduced $78 fee for a 5-year membership works out to be just $15.60 per year, which is a very affordable way to clear security faster. If you fly even 2 times per year, that’s only $6.30 per visit. Those who fly more than 6 times a year, the membership works out to just cents per visit, making it super valueable.

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November 7, 2022
Uber Is Bringing Carpool Rides Back To The U.S. For Cheaper Transportation Options
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Now that millions of Americans are thinking twice about traveling this summer, due to the crippling price hikes for both fuel and flight tickets, Uber is relaunching an old feature many thought had been permanently removed – and one that may help travelers on a budget save money on short trips. Uber Pool is official back, with a few twists.

The Covid-induced inflation and its long-term impacts have changed the travel landscape abruptly in the last couple of months. We went from post-pandemic excitement to a full blown fuel and aviation crisis in only a matter of weeks, pushing up the price of travel and casting doubts on the long-anticipated economic recovery.

Fortunately, Uber is doing its part in easing the burden currently shared by all travelers:

Taking An Uber In 2022 Is About To Become Much Cheaper

Two years after having suspended the Pool feature, as a result of the conflicting Covid regulations across different countries, and the need for social distancing, Uber is bringing it back under a new name: UberX Share. Besides the rebrand, the service provider has also made some major upgrades to the feature.

Between 2019 and 2022, Uber fares rose by a staggering 45 per cent, as confirmed by Bloomberg, largely due to the rising cost of fuel in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even though the tragic events in Europe are an ocean away from the States, the embargo on Russian oil is hitting Americans in the pocket.

Under the current circumstances, filling up a car can easily cost over $100 in several U.S. states, affecting both drivers and customers relying on platforms such as Uber. With the return of the Uber carpool – re-titled UberX Share – passengers will be able to share a ride with other commuters to save on cash, making trips much more accessible again.

Uber Pool 2.0 Has Some Major Improvements Over The Original

Starting this summer, riders will be able to ‘Share a Ride, Get Savings‘: in simpler terms, they will be entitled to an ‘upfront discount’ when choosing to travel with UberX Share, or up to 20% off the fare when succeeding in matching with a co-rider on the way. Taking an Uber to and from the airport has never been easier – or cheaper.

Besides the discount, Uber is guaranteeing drivers will ‘Stay on Schedule’. Unlike the extinct Pool, UberX Share will only match co-riders traveling on the same route, allowing both drivers and passengers to optimize their time, and preventing the dreaded pickup, drop-off delays associated with carpooling.

Additionally, UberX Share drivers are being instructed to arrive no more than 8 minutes later than their UberX counterparts, further improving service reliability for the summer season. While there is no way of predicting whether a flight will be axed or not amid the ongoing travel chaos, one thing is for certain: your Uber driver will be there.

Besides the aforementioned improvements on co-rider matching and wait times, UberX Share will be limited to two passengers at a time. You read that right: no more sharing the car sandwhiched between three other strangers all heading in completely different directions. With this update, Uber rides are set to become a lot more comfortable.

Lastly, by improving the carpooling experience and fixing a few of Uber Pool’s most common errors, the company promises to match ‘more people in fewer cars faster’. Coupled with the discounts, this will help lower fares drastically, as less fuel will be required and gas emissions per passenger will be curtailed.

Where Is UberX Share Available?

So far, only a handful of cities in the U.S. have the feature available at the time this article was written. However, as summer rolls in and more travelers hit the road, more spots across America will be getting the long-awaited upgrade as well. For now, only commuters residing in the following cities can use UberX Share:
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Phoenix
- Indianapolis
- Portland
- Pittsburgh
For more updates on the UberX Share rollout, including new launch dates in specific cities, please refer to the Uber Newsroom.

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June 22, 2022
Traveling Internationally This Summer May Be Cheaper Than Domestic Trips

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Last Updated 8 hours ago

A recent study has revealed that jetting off on an international trip this summer could actually be cheaper than heading away on a domestic vacation. The study is bound to come as a big surprise for travelers, having heard for several months about how expensive flight tickets and hotel stays are at present – but it could well have travelers scrambling to find their passports and book a trip overseas for the coming few months.

Having been made possible by a range of different factors, the study shows that an affordable international vacation isn’t just a thing of the past like many think it is right now, but a feature of travel today as well. Here’s which destinations the study claims American travelers can save money by visiting this summer – plus a look at which other international destinations represent good value for money at present.

International Travel Not Always Extortionate

Despite frequent news stories telling travelers otherwise, international travel doesn’t have to break the bank – or at least that’s what a recent travel study is telling us. A study carried out by the travel booking platform Hopper found that several top destinations for American travelers could be well within budget – and, in many cases, even cheaper than going on a domestic staycation.

The reason why? The strength of the dollar compared to other currencies. Today, one US dollar can purchase ~0.94 Euros, making it one of the few occasions that the two currencies have almost reached parity – all whilst flights and hotel in the US are rising in price. In layman’s terms, that means a traveler’s budget in Europe will stretch 15% further than last summer and 6% further than at this time in 2019 thanks to the strength of the dollar – which will more than help offset the expensive air fare.

The survey also reveals that whilst flight tickets have generally risen across the board, that isn’t the case for every destination. Despite a general increase of almost 15% for international flights and more than 30% for domestic air travel compared to 2019, there are some destinations in Europe that have actually seen their ticket prices fall over the past few years.

Airfare to Portugal has fallen by 11% compared to 2019, with tickets to Croatia also falling 8.4% over the same period. Other countries, such as Ireland and Greece will cost more or less the same they paid for back in 2019, with airfare increases below 1%. Outside of the EU, key countries to target for cheap vacations include Chile, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, where both flight prices have fallen and the dollar is performing well against the local currency.

Despite low overall price rises, travel to Europe can still be expensive for travelers. Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are cheaper, and have also seen a much lower rise in airfare prices compared to domestic flights and flights to Europe, meaning that trips to top destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are even more attractive now than they were before.

The study also offered some general money saving tips both before and during a vacation. These included ordering currency from a bank before a trip to get the best exchange rate and, when abroad, paying in the local currency where possible to get the best exchange rate and price. Travel abroad may still cost a penny – but it may now cost less than you were previously expecting.

Read More:

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↓ Join the community ↓

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

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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June 14, 2022