The Jamaican city of Montego Bay has been named as one of the top destinations for American travelers to visit this summer.
Famed for its white-sand beaches, laid back way of life, and a whole host of water-based activities, Montego Bay has long since been a favorite for travelers from North America – and with Jamaica recently removing its Covid-19 related entry requirements, that status looks set to grow even further this summer.
Here’s a closer look at why Montego Bay has been named one of the top destinations for American travelers this summer, what type of things travelers can look forward to experiencing in the city, and which other destinations around the world are also considered to be the most in-demand destinations for Americans this summer.
Montego Bay A Top Destination – Information For Travelers
Prior to Covid-19 putting travel plans on hold for the best part of two years now, Montego Bay was amongst the most popular destinations in the world. The year 2019 saw as many as 4.2 million travelers visit Jamaica, with the country proving popular with both air and cruise passengers before the pandemic put a serious dent in the total number of arrivals. This year however, with restrictions eased and travel appetites restored, that figure could be set to rise once again.
A recent study has shown that Montego Bay is one of the top destinations for American travelers this year. According to the Top 10 Summer Destinations review by insurance giants Allianz Partners, Montego Bay is the fourth most popular international summer destination for travelers in 2022, behind the likes of Cancun in first place, San José del Cabo in second, and Oranjestad (Aruba) in third.
Allianz Partners analyzed more than 1,175,000 flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length to generate their findings. Unsurprisingly, the countries featured on the list have recently relaxed their entry requirements, making travel much more appealing. Jamaica lifted its Covid-19 entry restrictions in mid-April, making trips to Montego Bay much easier for travelers.
Once in Montego Bay, travelers are unlikely to regret their decision to travel there for summer. The city has a surfeit of world-class beaches, with Doctor’s Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Sandals Montego Bay Beach amongst the best – but with the destination in such high demand, travelers should get down there early in order to secure a top spot on the sand. Once there, travelers can look forward to a wide range of water sports to keep themselves busy – or they can simply choose to unwind in paradise.
Yet Montego Bay is far more than just its admittedly amazing beaches. Nature lovers can swap sand for the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village, try the topography of Cockpit Country or ride the Martha Brae River if that’s more their thing. After working up an appetite, few can resist indulging in some fiery jerk chicken or sampling some of the country’s famous patties, such can be found in abundance.
Travelers should have no problem reaching Montego Bay either, with recent months having seen several routes added to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Frontier was the most recent US airline to do so, with flights from Tampa recently added to their roster, but American, JetBlue and Southwest have also recently increased US-Montego Bay connectivity recently as well.
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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
Still relatively unexplored by Westerners, Africa is perhaps the most underrated continent in the world. From its Pacific to Indian Coasts, the cradle of humanity is brimming with culture and ready to be re-discovered following two years Covid.
Unlike several well-known destinations in Asia or the Caribbean, which still impose stricter travel rules, others in Africa, which are just as paradisiac, are welcoming U.S. travelers with open arms and very simple entry requirements.
Here you will find 5 off the beaten path destinations in the African continent which are currently open for American, Canadian, and British visitors, whether testing or vaccination is needed for entry, and most importantly: what these unheard-of countries have to offer.
Cape Verde
Looking for spotless beaches with the clearest of waters, luxury resorts that are much more affordable than similar beach retreats in the Maldives or Cancun, and a warm tropical climate all year-round? Cape Verde might be that dream destination you never knew you needed.
An archipelago off the Western coast of Africa, this country is steeped in History, owing its dual European-African identity to its strong links to Portugal, and featuring several island getaways vacationers can pick from, including the tourist hotspots of Sal and Boa Vista.
Covid Entry Requirements For Cape Verde
When it comes to Covid entry requirements, Cape Verde is noticeably one of the easiest countries to visit in the African continent right now. In order to enter, Americans need to fill out a Travel Form in advance and present only one of the following documents:
A vaccination certificate certifying full immunization with all required doses of an approved vaccination scheme;
A recovery letter dated no earlier than 90 days prior to departure;
A negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of flying;
A negative Rapid Antigen test result obtained 48 hours before flying.
Once in Cape Verde, other than regular temperature checks at the airport, visitors are not required to undergo further testing or observe quarantine, being able to enjoy their time in the sun worries-free. On the other hand, presenting Covid documents may be necessary for inter-island travel.
Mozambique
Like Cape Verde, Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony and a nation boasting incredible wildlife, beaches, and marine parks. Straddling the Indian Ocean coast, this hidden gem is just as intriguing as its neighbor South Africa, but without the usual crowds of tourists.
Here you can visit the Quirimbas Archipelago, comprising 250km of coral islands, explore the impressive ruins of Ibo, an island owing much of its History to the Portuguese colonial period, or then just relax at quieter beaches such as Tofo.
Covid Entry Requirements For Mozambique
While Mozambique does not require proof of vaccination to enter, it also does not differentiate between existing categories of travelers, expecting all incoming passengers to present proof of a negative PCR test, issued up to 72 hours prior to travel.
U.S. citizens also require a visa to visit Mozambique, which is issued upon arrival. Travelers are advised to contact Mozambican authorities in order to obtain more information on visa fees, which may vary depending on the duration of their stay. In summary, they must carry:
A negative PCR test result issued up to 72 hours prior to traveling;
A return ticket;
An accommodation booking.
Despite the availability of visas on arrival, the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique advises Americans to obtain their visas in advance from the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, noting that some ‘U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not having obtained the proper type of visa in advance’.
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago country in the Indian ocean, off the Eastern coast of Africa, and one of the most developed nations in the whole continent. Its small capital, Victoria, offers a more relaxed city break, while the Morne Seychellois National Park allows visitors to get back in touch with nature.
Boat trips are also a common activity across the Seychellois islands, which are famous for water activities and some of the most beautiful secret beaches in Africa. When visiting, travelers are likely to land in Mahé, the main island, and the country’s most important hub.
Covid Entry Requirements For Seychelles
As of March 15, 2022, fully vaccinated visitors no longer need to take Covid tests before traveling to Seychelles. If more than six months have passed since completion of a primary vaccination scheme, they must have received a booster in order to continue being eligible to bypass testing.`
Other travelers are also welcome, though they may have to undergo testing prior to flying, especially those who are unvaccinated and have not had Covid in the year preceding travel. Generally, travelers must select one of the Covid proofs of entry below:
A vaccination certificate dated less than 6 months;
A booster dose;
A recovery certificate dated less than a year prior to travel;
A negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel;
A negative Rapid Antigen test in under 24 hours.
Tanzania
Tanzania is yet another surprising destination in Southeastern Africa, cornered between snowy peaks to the North, the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to the West, Mozambique to the South, and the Indian Ocean to the East.
It is home to the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in all of Africa, and the autonomous island of Zanzibar, which features the UNESCO-listed Stone City. Classical African safaris and wildlife observation are also popular activities among visitors.
Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid are exempt from all kinds of testing before and after arrival to Tanzania, but they must be able to present a valid certificate with a readable QR code upon landing. This means U.S. citizens who only hold a physical CDC card may face further challenges.
Alternatively, those who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate can enter by presenting either a negative RT-PCR or NAAT test result. The test must be performed within 72 hours of departure and presented at the border upon landing. Thus, Americans are advised to hold either a:
Digital vaccination certificate with a QR code; or a
Negative PCR or NAAT test result performed 72 hours prior to flying.
São Tomé and Principe
An island-country located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Principe has been made famous for its striking nature, which includes unique rock formations and an abundance of rainforests. As another former colony of Portugal, its cities also feature traditional Portuguese architecture.
Beach lovers will also inevitably fall in love with the country, which boasts miles of pristine coastline. Some of its most famous attractions are the Rolas Island, a small island with turquoise water beaches, the Cão Grande peak, which is a major national landmark, and the Blue Lagoon.
Covid Entry Requirements For São Tomé and Principe
São Tomé and Principe has some of the easiest Covid entry requirements on this list. All are welcome irrespective of vaccination status, though all travelers must undergo testing prior to departure. Once through the border, Americans are free to explore the islands unrestricted.
In sum, they must present a single document:
A negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of traveling.
Whether it’s unexpected beach breaks, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the Saharan drylands, or city-hopping across different nations, there is surely no shortage of landmarks to be visited in Africa.
As more countries in this continent reopen for tourism, Americans are advised to follow official CDC guidance ahead of making travel plans, and ensure they are covered for any Covid-related eventualities while abroad.
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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
Frequent travelers from both airlines will soon see more benefits in services, flight services, and points redemptions options
The American low-cost airline JetBlue and the Arab state-owned flag carrier Qatar Airways recently announced in a press release an expansion of their partnership to serve 182 destinations.
The new alliance will connect travelers to JetBlue’s network of 100 destinations in North America and the Caribbean, and Qatar’s international network of 82 counties. Both companies will be sharing codes in additional markets soon.
During the following months, client members of the frequent flier programs of both airlines will soon see benefits in services and rewards, including more connections, marketing opportunities, and flight schedules availability.
Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s chief executive officer, talked about the successful existing partnership and its expansion: “For more than a decade Qatar Airways has been an excellent partner, consistently delivering an elevated customer experience that aligns extremely well with the JetBlue brand and the expectations of our customers.” And added: “Now, as we look to our next decade together, the enhancements and plans for growth announced today will put Qatar Airways on track to be our largest internationally-based partner.”
The carriers will focus on developing a plan for the integration of more airside transfer options connecting to New York’s airport, the John F. Kennedy International Airport.
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “The enhanced partnership between Qatar Airways and JetBlue is a further encouraging sign for the recovery of the aviation industry.”
He also expressed his contentment and expectations about this expansion: “We have focused on growing our partnerships with leading airlines such as JetBlue by bringing significant benefits to our passengers through an expanded global network. Both airlines have a strong commitment to excellence in customer experience and innovation, ensuring this closer relationship is a very positive step for our joint customers.”
This strengthening of alliances comes right after the recovery of air travel. Both carriers foresee a busy market, more travelers wishing to explore the world and the airlines expect to be prepared to satisfy their customers’ travel needs and requests.
More Benefits For Frequent Travelers
Qatar’s Hamad International Airport in Doha has been named the best airport in the world in 2021 by the aviation rating company Skytrax and is one of the main travel destinations and connections JetBlue travelers currently enjoy as benefits of the partnership.
From Doha, JetBlue travelers can choose from more than 80 destinations in South Asia, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa. Qatar frequent flyers can also take advantage of New York connections and travel to more than 60 destinations available in JetBlue’s network —in the United States, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean, to popular destinations like Aruba, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Guatemala, Miami, Las Vegas, Atlanta—, including the recently added direct flights to Puerto Vallarta and London.
The carriers’ loyalty programs allow travelers to currently enjoy benefits like accruing TrueBlue points or Privilege Club Avios. The companies expect to allow frequent flyers to redeem those accumulated points on either JetBlue or Qatar Airways flights.
US travelers will be able to choose not only their preferred destination but also air travel service. Skytrax also awarded Qatar Airlines the title ‘Airline of the Year’ and has recognized its outstanding service and comfort, highlighting also the carrier’s seats, catering service, and lounges.
JetBlue is also the 6th largest airline in the United States and has been recognized for the comfort of its fleet. The company is known for its coach’s ample legroom, entertainment service, wifi on board, and customer service.
Both companies’ individual developments and services enhancement will also benefit travelers. Qatar Airways has also partnered with tech companies like WiseTech Global, and recently announced a software optimization for their direct ebooking service. JetBlue, on the other hand, has recently expanded services in New York, offering over 5,000 new jobs, as part of the carrier’s pandemic recovery plan.
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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
COVID-19 restrictions are shrinking worldwide. This week, more destinations have ended COVID-19 restrictions.
Here are some of the best stories for travelers from this week:
The Cayman Islands Allow Cruise Ships Once Again
After two years of zero cruise ships, the Cayman Islands have allowed cruise ships to return from March 21, 2022. The island group confirmed they’ve been busy creating different procedures all cruise lines will need to follow.
The islands will begin welcoming cruise ships through a Phase 1 system, such as a maximum of 75,000 passengers on vessels and a maximum capacity of 40% per ship. If Phase 1 is successful, the islands will remove the cruise ship capacity limit.
The Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism—Honorary Kenneth Bryan—stated: “The PACT Administration does not take the decision to reintroduce cruise tourism lightly; the fact remains that while the pandemic persists, all travel, whether by air or sea, presents a certain degree of risk,”
“However, as we are seeing with stayover arrivals, our Island’s high vaccination rate, coupled with having the right safety protocols in place, is allowing our tourism industry to recover.”
South Africa Removes Testing For Vaccinated Tourists
South Africa has scrapped testing requirements for all vaccinated tourists. Prior to this announcement, all travelers—regardless of vaccination—had to take tests before arrival. However, unvaccinated arrivals still have to take a PCR test 72 hours before departure.
Children under five don’t have to follow the testing guidelines. Although entry restrictions are easing, South Africa still has some internal COVID-19 restrictions, such as mandatory masks in certain areas. Canada, The Netherlands, and the Maldives all recently removed pre-departure testing.
EasyJet Removes Masks On Many European Flights
Many airlines are now removing the use of mandatory masks on flights, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and TUI. EasyJet has joined the list and become the 7th airline to scrap mandatory masks on flights.
The new rules will apply to all UK domestic flights; they’ll also apply to flights to Iceland, Denmark, and Hungary. EasyJet said they would: “not mandate customers and crew to wear masks onboard the flight”
“Any customers or crew who wish to continue wearing a mask will of course have their personal choice respected. As a pan-European airline operating between over 30 countries, we must continue to ensure that we and our customers follow the legal requirements of all the countries we fly to,” they added.
Hawaii Stops Safe Travels Program March 25
Hawaii was one of the last U.S. states to remove COVID-19 restrictions. However, as of tomorrow, Hawaii will finally end all entry requirements for all American domestic tourists. Hawaii was the only remaining U.S. state to implement a quarantine system.
However, international travelers will have to wait for Hawaii to scrap entry requirements. Governor Ige said: “It is important to remember that we’re talking about domestic travel only, this does not apply to international travelers which have different requirements set by the federal government. It’s also equally important to note that all Safe Travels requirements must be met by incoming domestic passengers prior to March 25.”
The Netherlands Scraps Almost All Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions
After two years of relatively strict COVID-10 restrictions, The Netherlands has joined its European neighbors in scrapping most restrictions.
People who enter the Netherlands from other EU nations no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative test, or proof of recovery. The nation has also removed mandatory masks on public transport.
Singapore Scraps Quarantine For All Vaccinated Tourists
Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien, said the nation’s “fight against COVID-19 has reached a major turning point,” with fully vaccinated tourists from all countries welcome to visit in April.
The nation will also lift its outdoor mask mandate, and groups of up to ten people can meet again.
India Restores 5 Year Visas For All Travelers And 10 Year Visas For U.S. Travelers
The Indian government has restored its 5-year tourist E-visa, which they suspended in March 2020. India will restart its ten-year visa for U.S. tourists. They will also allow Japanese tourists to apply for a ten-year tourist visa.
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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
