Tag: Check

  • 10 Underrated U.S. Destinations To Check Out This Spring 

    10 Underrated U.S. Destinations To Check Out This Spring 

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    The United States is lucky to have such a wealth of destinations to visit. It seems that you could travel within America for your whole life and still never see all there is to offer. From mountains, cities, seas, deserts, and everything in between — the U.S. really has something for everyone in terms of travel destinations.

    Buffalo New York Building with spring blooming trees

    While the more popular spots always receive a record number of visitors, why not head to a lesser-known destination for your next trip? Visiting one of these underrated places this spring or summer can save you money and the headache of dealing with jam-packed crowds. So pack the car and head to one of these 10 Underrated U.S. Destinations To Check Out This Spring.

    Buffalo, New York 

    If you have read about Buffalo in any headlines recently, it was likely for the massive amounts of snow that winter usually brings to this western New York city. With a location along the shores of Lake Erie, the lake-effect snowstorms are one reason Buffalo is not a destination that is suggested in winter. However, the rest of the year is a lovely time to visit this underrated gem, with spring, summer, and fall all bringing moderate temperatures and sunny skies.

    buffalo new york skyline

    Not only is a visit to Niagara Falls an easy day trip, but the wineries that surround western New York and the nearby Finger Lakes are also reasons to make Buffalo a good base for exploring the area. Full of art deco architecture, and charming neighborhoods such as Elmwood Village, there is a lot to explore in Buffalo. A visit in July can also land you right in the middle of the largest 2-day food festival in the country, a huge draw for any foodies out there. 

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    harbor and skyline of buffalo new york

    Tulsa, Oklahoma 

    Known as the world’s largest small town, there are many reasons to visit Oklahoma’s second-largest city of Tulsa. A city rich in history, both good and bad, Tulsa played an important part in both the oil boom, but is also known for the race riots that shook this area of the country in the past. Tulsa is a city that looks forward to a bright future while trying to reckon with its tumultuous past.

    tulsa oklahoma park in spring

    It doesn’t hurt that the famous Route 66 runs right through the middle of the city, with iconic landmarks and signs dotting the sides of the street. A fabulous art museum, a world-class recreational park, shopping, bars, restaurant districts, and numerous other activities can be found here. Tulsa’s location makes the weather favorable nearly year-round as well, meaning you can enjoy the many offerings of the city in any weather. 

    nightfall over the city of tulsa oklahoma

    Traverse City, Michigan 

    The small town of Traverse City is nestled on the northwest edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and looks out over the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay.  While spring can be a bit chilly still, the town is starting to awaken after a long winter, and the buzz can be felt on each street corner. This charming small town is best enjoyed between May and October when visitors can enjoy swimming, beaches, and water sports.

    Festivals such as the Traverse City Film Festival and the National Cherry Festival are popular events here in the summertime, so if you are looking to avoid crowds, check the dates for these major events. Fall is another time of year that visitors love this area for the foliage and that autumn fresh air. 

    sunset behind lake in traverse city Michigan

    San Luis Obispo, California

    If a town has been named “the happiest place in America”, you know it must be doing something right, and it seems San Luis Obispo definitely has. Located along the California coast, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this small college town has a rich history, not to mention lots to do. It’s a perfect year-round destination, with wineries and breweries, hiking trails, art galleries, and more.

    To really make a trip out of it, you could board the Pacific Surfliner train and ride along the southern California coast until you reach San Luis Obispo, stopping at many small towns before you reach your destination. 

    sea and coast at san luis obispo California

    Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, ND

    While there is no shortage of national parks in America to enjoy, some are more popular than others. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an underrated location that is known to be one of the most scenic drives in the country, with stunning views, wildlife, and the possibility to see the Northern Lights at certain times of the year.

    If you are one of the many National Park fans who like to take advantage of the days that you can visit for free, then this destination can prove to be very budget friendly if you plan in advance. 

    bison crossing the road at theodore rosevelt National park

    Tacoma, Washington 

    This Pacific Northwest city is known to be a cheaper alternative to its more well-known northern neighbor, Seattle. People love Tacoma because of its rich cultural arts scene and the many free festivals and concerts that take place in the warmer weather.

    Tacoma also has a light rail that makes traveling around the city a breeze, and speaking of breeze, Tacoma is closer than Seattle to some of the big outdoor draws in the area. Reaching Olympic national park and Mount Rainer from Tacoma should not take you more than an hour, allowing you to explore the natural beauty by day and still get back in time for a nice dinner at one of the many restaurants in the trendy North End. 

    skyline lit up at night in tacoma washington

    Branson, Missouri

    If you have been to Branson, you might question its addition to an underrated destination list, as it’s not exactly a secret amongst travelers in the midwest. However, it seems outside of the surrounding area, Branson is a bit unknown. Branson offers so much for everyone who visits, with one main draw being its very family-friendly appeal, with many attractions for all ages, not to mention the absolutely adorable Silver Dollar City amusement park.

    There are numerous live shows and museums to take in, from Dolly Parton’s Stampede to the Titanic Museum. In addition to the fast-paced entertainment, Branson is an outdoor lover’s dream, and fishing, hiking, and boating are all popular here as well. 

    train and station in branson missouri

    Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

    This midwest university town is full of independent thinkers, and budding innovators and artists make up a large percentage of the population. Some refer to Eau Claire as the indie capital of the midwest, and after a visit, you can see why. Lounge along the beautiful riverfront, take in the music and local bands that play year-round, visit the museums and enjoy the rich history of the area. Located only 90 miles east of Minneapolis, Eau Claire makes a great addition to this underrated destination list. 

    bridge and town of eau claire

    Provo, Utah  

    Located only 45 minutes to the south of the much more famous Salt Lake City, Provo is an underrated destination for people looking to experience some of the beauty of Utah, without the big city prices. A recent addition to Provo is the immersive experience park of Evermore, a true highlight for fans of sci-fi.

    Provo’s downtown is full of restaurants and cafes to try out, museums to visit, and nature trails to bike or hike. Not to mention Provo Canyon, Provo River, and Rock Canyon are here for you to explore as well. 

    historic main street in provo utah

    Ouachita Forest and Mountains, Arkansas and Oklahoma 

    The Ouachita National forest is actually in both Oklahoma and Arkansas, and the picturesque area features lakes, rolling hills, and plentiful opportunities for adventure. The mountain range is unique in that it runs east to west, whereas the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains run north and south.

    The scenery, the hot springs, the fishing, and the wildlife are all big draws for this area. The city of Hot Springs is the main hub in this area, and the downtown holds restaurants, bars, shopping, and all the small-town vibes you could ask for. 

    ouachita mountains and forest

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  • These Are The Top 6 Attractions To Check Out In The Caribbean

    These Are The Top 6 Attractions To Check Out In The Caribbean

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    Many vacationers jet off to the Caribbean in search of relaxation and warm sun. While most visitors are happy to spend the majority of their time lounging on the beach or sipping cocktails by the pool, there is so much more to explore.

    the rocks meet the sky and sea at Arikok National Park in Aruba

    The islands that make up the Caribbean are home to stunning landscapes and beautiful cultures and are rich in history. With so many incredible attractions in the Caribbean, it can be hard to know where to start. To make that easier, USA Today has just released its rankings of the top-rated attractions in the Caribbean.

    6. Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua

    Nelson’s Dockyard National Park in Antigua is 15 square miles of scenic views, historic sites, and fun activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy over 12 miles of hiking trails that meander past beaches and ruins. History buffs can learn about the UNESCO-listed Naval Dockyard and the unique environment that made it ideal for repairing British Navy ships during the 18th century.

    • Entry fee: $8
    • What visitors love most: beautiful views, interesting history, and amenities, including shops, restaurants, and a beautiful pub.
    A view of the harbor from Nelson's Dockyard Park in Antigua

    5. Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica

    Is there any better way to get out and enjoy nature than by climbing up a waterfall? Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s most popular spots attracting visitors who come to experience the unique waterfalls and the beautiful surrounding scenery. Visitors can hire a guide to lead them up the 960ft falls or watch from the decks overlooking the waters.

    • Entry fee: $25
    • What visitors love most: the feeling of accomplishment after an adventurous climb up the falls and having photographers and videographers do the photo-taking for you.

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    Waters flow down Dunn's River Falls a top attraction in Ocho Rios Jamaica in the Caribbean

    4. Shete Boka National Park, Curaçao

    Shete Boka National Park stretches 6 miles along Curaçao’s rugged north coast and provides both stunning natural landscapes and vital protection for sea turtles. In fact, the park was established to safeguard Curaçao’s sea turtle nesting areas and is a popular research site during nesting season (May – December). Some lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of baby turtles making a break for the sea or see more mature turtles swimming nearby.

    • Entry fee: $10
    • What visitors love most: the sea turtles, of course, but also Boka Tabla, an underground cave where visitors can get a different perspective of the huge waves that crash ashore
    A visitor watches a wave crash at Shete Boka National Park, Curacao, one of the caribbean's top attractions

    3. St. Maarten 12 Metre Regatta, St. Maarten

    Ever wanted to race a sailing yacht in the America’s Cup? Well, this is the next best thing.

    St. Maarten’s 12 Metre Racing excursions allow everyday people to take part in thrilling head-to-head races on authentic America’s Cup race boats. Visitors can join in and help sail or sit back and take it all in.

    Ticket cost: $90/adult, $65/under 17s

    What visitors love most: exhilarating outing, impressive crew, and boats, a great way to try something new

    2. Arikok National Park, Aruba

    Nearly 20% of Aruba is contained within Arikok National Park. Visitors will find a rugged coastline, cave paintings, and historical adobe houses. Most of the inlets and trails in the park are uncrowded, with one exception. The park’s most popular attraction is the Natural Pool, also known as Conchi – a calm swimming hole surrounded by coastal rocks and rough seas.

    Entry fee: $15/adult, free for under 17s

    What visitors love most: good variety of hiking trails, impressive trees, and cacti, no crowds, incredible viewpoints, informative park rangers

    One of the top attractions in the Caribbean is Arikik National Park

    1.     Belmont Estate, Grenada

    Chocolate lovers rejoice. Grenada’s Belmont Estate is part chocolate factory, part organic farm, and part heritage site. Local owners have transformed the estate from a 17th Century plantation with an oppressive past into a thriving agri-tourism business that supports the environment and local community.

    Visitors to Belmont Estate can get involved with the chocolate-making process, enjoy a three-course chocolate-themed lunch, and meet the farm’s friendly goats and learn about goat cheese making.

    Entry fee: guided tours start at $6

    What visitors love most: delicious chocolates and cheese, great tour guides, beautiful grounds

    @growingupwithoutborders How cool is that at the @ Belmont Estate you can dance on Cacao 🤩🍫🤪 Learning so much thanks to @Pure Grenada #puregrenada #grenada #caribbean #belmontestate #chocolate #cacao #chocolatetea #southerncaribbean #cruise #travel #experience #yummy #delicious #yum #discover #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #foodie #attraction ♬ Chocolate (Choco Choco) – DJ Party

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  • Travel Is Normal Again, But You Still Need To Check 5 Things Before You Fly

    Travel Is Normal Again, But You Still Need To Check 5 Things Before You Fly

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    Over the past year, the world has finally opened up again, and travelers have been eager to get back out there. Now that travel is back, many people have been hopping on flights like it’s 2019 again without a care in the world.

    But just because most countries are fully open again without COVID-related hoops to jump through doesn’t mean there aren’t still things you need to double-check before you travel.

    Below are five important things that, if not checked beforehand, could result in travelers being denied entry into a country and sent back home on the next flight out.

    Woman Below Airplane

    1. Entry Requirements

    More than 130 countries have removed all entry requirements and are fully back to pre-pandemic entry rules, but a few destinations still have some requirements in place.

    Some destinations still ban unvaccinated travelers from entering the country. Other countries may require a negative COVID test for unvaccinated and vaccinated travelers, while some places still have widely-followed mask mandates and other internal restrictions in place.

    Although most countries are now restriction-free, it’s still important to research your destination before your trip to make sure you won’t be scrambling to get a COVID test or face irritating travel restrictions.

    Woman Holding COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card

    2. Visa Requirements

    If you have a U.S. or Canadian passport, visas are not always top of mind, as you are lucky enough to get access to over 180 countries visa-free or with a simple visa on arrival.

    However, there are still some nations that require travelers, even those with strong passports, to obtain a visa before reaching the border.

    For example, Americans need advance visas for several popular tourist destinations, including Australia, Egypt, and Vietnam. While most of these countries have straightforward online application processes, this is something important to check in advance.

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    Travel Visa

    3. Travel Insurance

    During the pandemic, many travelers purchased travel insurance because they were fearful of having massive trip interruptions, cancellations, or becoming ill while traveling.

    But as the world opened up, people stopped covering their trips.

    While the chaos of 2020 and 2021 is in the rearview mirror now, every traveler should still be purchasing travel insurance to protect their trips from a myriad of unexpected non-pandemic-related issues.

    Travel insurance covers injury and illness, lost luggage, trip cancellations, flight delays, and much more.

    Travel Insurance Policy

    4. Onward Ticket

    Some countries require you to show proof that you will, in fact, be leaving and not staying forever. If you’ve booked a simple round-trip itinerary, then showing proof of onward travel is easy. You can just show your round-trip plane ticket at immigration and be good to go.

    But not everyone books a round-trip itinerary. If you’ll be departing out of a different country than the one you’re entering, be sure you can show proof of your one-way flight to the other country, train booking, bus ticket, or another form of transportation.

    For backpackers who may not have yet planned out the next leg of their trip, a common workaround to this onward travel requirement is booking a fully refundable ticket and then cancelling it.

    Boarding pass in smartphone. Woman holding phone in airport with mobile ticket on screen. Modern travelling technology and easy access to aeroplane. Terminal and timetable in the blurred background.

    5. Passport Expiry Date

    Did you know some countries won’t let you in if your passport is getting close to its expiration date? Dozens of countries have passport expiry rules, with many of them requiring that your passport is valid for at least 6 more months in order to enter the country. Other countries have a 3-month or 4-month requirement.

    So if your passport is expiring any time soon, it’s worth researching the requirements for the destination you’re visiting in advance. The U.S. government recommends renewing your passport at least nine months in advance, and keep in mind that it can take 6 to 9 weeks to renew your passport.

    us passport airport

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  • Why You Need To Check Your Next Rental Car For Damage More Carefully

    Why You Need To Check Your Next Rental Car For Damage More Carefully

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    New Survey Suggests We Need To Be Much More Thorough Before Checking Out With A Vehicle 

    Renting a car can be an excellent way of gaining a little extra independence on a vacation. Forgoing the tour buses, keeping to your own schedule, and the ability to make unplanned stops can transform a trip. But it’s important to remember that we’re often still at the mercy of the rental centers.

    rental car inspection

    Unfortunately, a new survey suggests that we need to be even more careful than we thought when dealing with hiring companies, especially during the checking-out process. According to the survey, recorded by iCarhireinsurance.com, almost a fifth of all car hirers find existing damage to the vehicle not listed on the check-out sheet.

    For those unaccustomed to renting a car, just before receiving the keys and driving off, customers are typically shown around the vehicle by an employee. The worker should have a checkout sheet with any known damage to the car records clearly. This could be anything from a small chip in the paint to broken handles inside the car. The customer can check the sheet and compare the damage as they go to ensure there isn’t anything else not listed.

    rental car with view

    This is important for the customer, as any problems seen when they return the car that are not listed on the checkout sheet may be attributed to them. This could mean charges, insurance, claims, and even legal action in the worst cases.

    According to the survey, around a quarter of car hire customers only check for major damage instead of thoroughly inspecting the vehicle, while 43% don’t list any of the damage they see. In some instances, people have reported damage but not listed it on the checkout sheet. If a different employee deals with the customer upon their return, liability becomes hard to prove. 

    rental car inspection

    It is strongly advised that anyone hiring a car check the vehicle completely, comparing all damage to the checkout sheet and ensuring that everything is listed. It’s also strongly recommended that customers take photos or video of the car both at pickup and return. Having as much evidence as possible is always beneficial should a case emerge down the line. Just under 10% of customers have been able to prove they were not liable for damage by using photos or videos taken of the vehicle.

    rental car keys

    Older generations are generally better at being more thorough. The figure for checking the car rises to 61% for over 55s, while those renting cars under the age of 34 are only doing so a shocking 27% of the time.

    A worrying statistic that may foster distrust in the car rental industry is that 13% of those surveyed said an employee had told them they didn’t need to list any damage to the car on the checkout sheet, and a further 17% were able to return their car without an inspection as an employee was not available.

    rental offices

    Never return your rental without having it checked first. If circumstances arise where it is not possible, as for it to be noted that no inspection was given but take pictures and video of the vehicle. Evidence is always key.

    Over ten percent of those surveyed said they had received unexpected charges on their card after returning the vehicle, while others were charged large sums of money for seemingly small cosmetic damages. 

    rentsal agreement

    Insurance goes a long way in these situations. Most car rental companies will offer insurance throughout the rental, but it’s often cheaper and safer to buy third-party insurance that has more coverage. These are often cheaper than those offered by the rental companies and can cover damage on often missed spots like the windshield or tires.

    signing rental form

    Make sure on your next rental that you check everything before leaving the lot. It could save you a lot of money and hassle when you return.

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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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  • Don’t Check A Bag Right Now! Here’s What You Can Bring In Your Carry-On

    Don’t Check A Bag Right Now! Here’s What You Can Bring In Your Carry-On

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    If you’re desperate to scratch that travel itch now that Covid has finally retreated, and a majority of countries have reopened, you probably noticed that the current travel landscape is looking dramatically different from the pre-pandemic years – and we’re not talking about health regulations or reinforced personal hygiene inside the aircraft.

    Female Traveler Packing For A Trip As She Lists Up Missing Items, International Travel Concept

    All around the globe, airlines have been hit with a wave of flight delays, cancellations, and other logistical problems that are shaking the aviation industry to its core. As we have seen in a number of cases over the last couple of weeks, checking in days in advance, or even showing up has long ceased being a protective measure against disruption.

    Now, travelers are being advised to travel prepared for the worst, and that includes arriving to their final destination without their bags:

    Not Checking In Bags Is The Secret To A Stress-Free Vacation

    Traveler Packing Hand Sanitizer In A Small Purse

    Now that airlines are delaying more flights than ever before, and the situation on the ground is not much better, with handlers making a mess out of luggage shipping, any attempt to reduce disruption is valid. That means packing just enough clothes for a trip or, in other words, carrying cabin luggage only.

    By avoiding the chaotic check in counters and heading straight to security instead, with only their carry-on in hand, travelers are able to reduce their own wait times significantly, both during departure and after arrival, and eliminate the risks of being deprived of personal items when they are most needed.

    Upset Woman After Realizing Her Baggage Is Lost, Travel Disruption

    Luckily, some airlines allow you to bring a reasonable amount of items on board, without paying an extra fee. Expressly, it is possible for most non-Basic fare customers to bring a complimentary carry-on, along with a small backpack or purse, at no extra cost, though size rules still apply and they may vary – even if only slightly:

    Full Service Airlines

    Concept Image Of United Airlines Aircraft At The Airport Runway
    • United Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta
    • American Airlines
    • JetBlue
    • Hawaiian Airlines
    • Air Canada
    • WestJet
    • Lufthansa
    • KLM
    • British Airways
    • Air France

    As a general rule among full service airlines, the carry-on bag must be 22” x 13” x 9”, or 45 linear inches including wheels and handle. An additional personal item (e.g. a laptop case, a purse or a small backpack) can also be carried, as long as it fits underneath the seat in front or, in some cases, the overhead compartment.

    Having said this, select carriers may have specific rules, such as:

    Passengers Walking Inside Terminal At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, United States

    United Airlines

    When booking a Basic Economy fare ticket, United customers are not allowed to bring a carry-on on board, being restricted to traveling with a personal item only unless they add extra bags. The personal item must be sized 9” x 10” x 17” or less. This rule does not apply to Economy, Economy Plus, or Business Class passengers.

    Air France

    Air France has a much more generous bag policy. Those flying Economy may take one hand luggage and one personal item free of charge, while other Premium Economy, Business or First Class ticket holders can bring two carry-on bags, as well as a personal item. Air France’s hand bag dimensions are 21.6” x 13.7” x 9.8”.

    Young Female traveler Waiting to Pass Through Security Check At The Airport

    JetBlue

    While all JetBlue fares include a personal item, only the Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra and Mint fares allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag on board. Those flying on the Blue Basic fare will need to pay $65 extra when approaching the gate with more luggage. More information can be found on the airline’s website.

    WestJet

    WestJet permits every guest with a ‘confirmed seat’ to travel with both a carry-on and a personal item at no additional costs, though their baggage dimensions are somewhat different from other airlines: carry-on bags must be sized 21” x 9” x 15” and personal items 16” x 6” x 13”. Varying fees apply at the gate when this size limit isn’t respected.

    These airlines normally include a checked in bag for free, but then again, that is not the point here. When booking flights with these airlines, travelers are advised to double check their ticket fare and baggage allowance. In any case, you will also be allowed to bring duty free purchases in the cabin, in a separate bag, regardless of fare.

    Low Cost Airlines

    Smiling Female Traveler Boarding An Aircraft
    • Spirit
    • Frontier
    • Swoop
    • Sunwing
    • Ryan Air
    • EastJet
    • Vueling

    Low cost airlines are a bit trickier to navigate when you’re looking to bring a carry-on with you on a journey. As their main goal is to maximize profit by selling as many tickets at the lowest possible fare, checked bags and in-flight services are either limited or come at a cost. Even then, carry-on bags are either free, or can be added for a small fee:

    Here are some examples:

    Happy Young Woman Checking Her Phone While She Proceeds To The Boarding Gate At An International Airport

    Sunwing

    Each passenger flying with Sunwing is permitted one carry-on item and another personal item on board. The former cannot exceed 5 kg, or 11 lbs, and a 9” x 16” x 20” dimension must be observed, and the latter must be sized 9” x 11” x 5” or smaller. Unless included in the ticket fare additional checked bags must be purchased.

    Frontier

    Frontier, on the other hand, charges a fee for carry-on luggage, starting at $35 for those who pre-book it, and $60 at the check in counter. The maximum weight is 35 lbs and the following dimensions, or smaller, are required: 10” depth x 16” width x 24” height. A comprehensive list of Frontier baggage fees can be found here.

    Passengers Pictured Inside An Aircraft As Air Crew Walks Down The Corridor

    Ryanair

    Indisputably the most popular European low cost carrier, Ryanair allows carry-on bags on board sized 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm from only 6 euros (or $6.16 at the current rate). Customers are allowed to pack up to 10 kg when adding a bag. On top of that, the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags offer allows both a carry-on, a personal item, and a further 10 kg check in bag.

    EasyJet

    With EasyJet, everyone can bring one small cabin bag on board sized 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm weighing up to 15 kg. However, it is important that passengers are able to fit it under the seat in front. Those booked on Up Front or Extra Legroom seats can bring a second, large cabin bag that fits in the overhead compartment (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm).

    A majority of these carriers have pretty decent luggage policies in place, even at the lowest possible fare level, including small fees for additional bags and other add-ons. The most obvious exception here is Sunwing, which only allows a 11 lb carry-on when most carry-on bags already weigh between 5 lbs to 8 lbs completely empty.

    Some Packing Tips For Traveling Light

    Airport Staff Checking In Bag By Placing A Flight Tag On The Side Handle

    We know that downsizing is not always easy, particularly when it comes to packing for a week-long trip abroad. Whether it’s unpredictable weather or accidental spills, it’s always best to carry an extra pair of shirts for emergencies. While bringing a 23 kg bag may feel like the safer bet here, more isn’t always better.

    Believe it or not, you can actually fit a lot into a carry-on, especially when following these simple, but extremely effective packing tips:

    • Rolling clothes instead of folding them
    • Picking items that can be used interchangeably for more outfit options*
    • Using space-saving vacuum storage bags
    • Putting socks, underwear, and other smaller objects inside shoes

    *Planning daily outfits in advance, as opposed to deciding what to wear on the spot, also helps you pack smarter when traveling light.

    Young Female Traveler Walking Down A Street In Spain, Solo Travel Concept

    The Liquid Issue

    According to TSA guidelines for carry-on luggage, liquids must be transported in travel-size containers that contain no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters of any substance. Furthermore, each passenger is limited to ‘one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols‘, such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, other beauty products in liquid form etc.

    Europe has similar restrictions, where a maximum capacity of 1 liter, in containers of up to 100 ml each per passenger has been established – though some airports in the continent have even scrapped liquid rules following the introduction of a new screening technology. Despite the good news, this is yet to be replicated in most international hubs.

    Traveler Holding Up A Face Mask As They Pack Luggage Ahead Of International Travel

    While other airports don’t catch up, the best tips for ensuring your liquids fall within the accepted limit are:

    • Opting for travel-sized liquid cosmetics, such as foundation
    • Packing bar soap and shampoo whenever possible
    • Considering what full size products can be purchased at your final destination instead

    Bottom Line

    Backpacker Resting His Head Against His Own Backpack While Sitting On The Floor Of An Airport

    As baggage handlers are overwhelmed with an influx of air traffic, especially now that the U.S. has lifted its inbound testing rule for Americans, opening the travel ‘floodgates’, passengers are facing a veiled, but very real threat of losing their bags during an international trip. In sum, checking bags is the last thing you want to do traveling this year.

    According to Paul Stewart, the managing director of shipping company My Baggage, hundreds of passengers across the UK are being separated from their baggage for hours (sometimes days), due to some airlines’ inability to manage higher passenger numbers. It goes without saying that a missed bag is no minor inconvenience.

    Air Passengers Waiting In Line With Their Bags

    Many travelers carefully select outfits they plan on using while on vacation, and although that is not advisable, even carry valuable personal belongings in their hold luggage. Unfortunately, retrieving a luggage that’s been lost in the mail is no easy feat either: as Stewart claims, it may take weeks before an airlines sends the customer’s belongings via courier.

    By the time the luggage finally finds its way to the owner, it is likely vacation plans will have been ruined. When traveling, we may often plan for emergency expenses, but shopping for a whole new rack of clothes for the entire time you’ll be abroad for will not cost a negligible 100 dollars extra – it will have a debilitating impact on travel savings.

    Young Female Traveler Looking Upset While Sat At The Kerb At An International Airport Or Train Station Pickup And Dropoff Point

    Besides the most obvious – getting insured for lost luggage – dropping the excess weight is a simple solution for dodging these major travel woes. Now that cancellations are rampant and numerous airlines are experiencing delays or re-routing flights, downsizing bags and keeping all your belongings within reach is truly the best option moving forward.

    Read More:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Complete Guide To Canadian Airlines and the Destinations they Fly

    Delta May Offer You $10,000 Dollars To Get Off An Overbooked Flight

    Canada’s Strict Border And Vaccine Rules Are Preventing Americans From Visiting

    Skip The TSA Line For Free At These Airports With Advanced Reservation

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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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