Tag: Increasingly

  • This Surprising Bucket List Destination Is Becoming Increasingly Popular For Solo Travelers

    This Surprising Bucket List Destination Is Becoming Increasingly Popular For Solo Travelers

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    Some places seem beyond reach, but as the travel industry continues to grow, it becomes easier to visit our dream destinations.

    Many of us may have a “bucket list” of places to visit before we kick the bucket. Hopefully, you started before fate made that decision like Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, but age is just a number, right?

    penguins in Antarctica

    Unlike us humans, venturing off to new exciting places is what never gets old. One surprising bucket list destination that seems impossible to visit is actually becoming increasingly popular.

    In fact, solo travelers have been chomping at the bit to go with a 36% increase in flight searches. Even more so for adventures seeking the cruise route with a surge of 333% in searches to this jaw-dropping natural wonder.

    With solo travel being one of the top trends in travel right now, more people are packing up alone and ready to see more of the world.

    Welcome To The Bottom Of The World

    solo kayaker in Antarctica

    Antarctica doesn’t even seem real, does it? It’s not like we go to the airport and see it on the flight board as a possible destination.

    It seems like it’s just a desolate white smear at the bottom of a globe, yet it is indeed real and more reachable than you’d think.

    Sure, some Google search data showing a surge in popularity may simply be curiosity. One thing is for sure – Antarctica is gaining attention.

    So many questions arise with an unknown destination of this magnitude. Is there anywhere to stay? Will I freeze to death? Where do I stay? Is there an airport? Will my life turn into a Titanic sequel?

    The answer: Leave it to the experts. You just decide if you want to arrive by cruise or air.

    Antarctica Cruises

    cruise ship Antarctica

    It doesn’t get more off-the-grid than the bottom of the world. There are no all-inclusive resorts with swim-up bars here, but the astounding, untouched nature will have you forgetting about poolside Mai Tais.

    There are a variety of cruises that will take you to Antarctica. However, some may go with plans B, C, and D of Iceland, Faroe Islands, and Greenland as alternatives after discovering the prices.

    Travelers should be prepared in advance to give AMEX a call to increase their limits because you may practically be buying a new car.

    Most options vary from $10,000 to upwards of $25,000 depending on various factors. Some depart from Chile, while the majority leave from Argentina.

    beautiful landscape of Antarctica

    Antarctica Flights

    Another way to reach Antarctica is by air. Far more convenient than cruises as you can touch down to King George Island in as little as 2 hours from Punta Arenas, Chile.

    The folks at Swoop – an Antarctic travel agency – have provided a guide to make expectations easier to understand.

    Let’s be real, though – there’s no Spirit Airlines for Antarctica. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny no matter your method of transport.

    There are also options to fly in and cruise back for those wanting to experience both.

    plane on king George island

    Reasons To Visit

    Beyond bragging to your friends you went to one of the most bucket-list-worthy destinations on Earth, the main reason to go is you’ll make lifelong memories for doing so.

    There is no place on the planet as untouched as Antarctica. Tourists are only allowed so far in. Those who do touch land will be limited.

    According to Jeremy Clubb, the Founder of Antarctica Cruises, many solo travelers are seeking unique experiences in far-out places.

    ice formations in Antartica

    Antarctica checks off those 2 boxes and many more. Those concerned with sustainable travel will be enthralled to be in one of the top places to become more educated about our planet.

    Others may have been inspired by documentaries to splurge on this once-in-a-lifetime getaway. There is definitely a luxury factor taking play too, as the latest cruise vessels have been updated to tackle glaciers and freezing conditions while you sit in comfort.

    But most importantly, the natural sights you see here you may never witness again like this. Seeing penguins, whales, and seals here isn’t the same as the zoo, a whale tour, or a packed beach.

    It’s just you, a select few lucky tourists, and untamed nature with some of the most stunning landscapes imaginable as a backdrop.

    arch of ice in Antarctica

    Read More:

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  • Travelers Are Being Warned Not To Fall For These Increasingly Common Scams In Cancun And Cabo

    Travelers Are Being Warned Not To Fall For These Increasingly Common Scams In Cancun And Cabo

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    As travelers continue to flock to Mexico’s finest coastlines, two of them are seeing increasingly common scams.

    Cancun and Cabo tourists are being warned not to become victims when booking their dreamy beach getaway.

    These scams range from hotel fraud to beggars. Travelers need to be vigilant and not allow themselves to fall for fraudulent activity.

    People on the beach in Cancun

    With so many people vacationing in Mexico this year, without proper knowledge, it can be easy to become a victim.

    While the following scams have become commonplace in Cancun and Cabo, they can happen anywhere.

    Here is what travelers should know:

    Cabo’s Fake Listings

    According to Good Morning America, Cabo has been targeted as a destination with an influx of fake hotel listings.

    Fraudulent sites are accepting payments for hotels that are not open yet or may not even exist at all.

    resort in Cabo at night

    Scammers are using the names of hotels currently being built and listing them as if they are open for business.

    Travelers are falling for this scam since there are articles about the new resorts, but not doing quite enough research before booking.

    A little extra digging online will go a long way! It’s not just fancy hotels and resorts either. It’s also vacation rentals.

    Airbnb and other big-name platforms tend to be safe for bookings. If a website doesn’t sound familiar, it is best to do more research before going any further in the booking process.

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

    lounge chairs at resort pool in Cabo

    Especially if a “host” reaches out for advance payment such as credit card, Venmo, PayPal, or any type of wire transfer. That’s the ultimate red flag.

    Be Wary Of ATM Use In Cancun

    Travelers should always be wary of ATM scams no matter where they are in their travels. Unfortunately for Cancun tourists, ATM scams have become more popular as of late.

    It’s always best to use an ATM at a bank when possible, as these are far less likely to be tampered with.

    There have been increased reports of skimming devices, which steal confidential information from debit cards. But these are most often when the ATM is not inside a bank.

    traveler using atm on sidewalk

    Travelers should know not all ATMs are not operated by banks. Ones that are run by small businesses tend to have an exchange rate not as friendly for your wallet.

    It’s also wise to never use an ATM after dark unless absolutely necessary. You never know who is watching.

    Unwanted Friends In Cancun

    Many come to Cancun to relax at one of its many luxurious resorts, but everyone needs a night out too!

    Travelers might stumble upon one of the most common scams when enjoying a night out on the town and running into some friendly people at a bar or nightclub.

    group of friends at nightclub

    Perhaps a little too friendly. After a few drinks, your new friends will encourage you to go somewhere else with them.

    Everyone is having a good time, so why not barhop across town, right? The problem is your new friends at the new bar will keep the drinks flowing until a bill arrives with some extra zeros in the total.

    Congrats, you have just been scammed by your new friends with extremely inflated prices! All without a chance to look at the menu.

    Help! I Lost My Passport!

    Common in Cancun right now, the “robbed tourist” scheme targets tourists to pull at their heartstrings.

    u.s. embassy

    Someone will approach an obvious traveler begging for help because they lost their wallet, passport, or both.

    Instead of going to the nearest embassy like any traveler should, they will beg for financial help, hoping to gain the trust of a fellow traveler.

    Rather than assist them financially, it’s best to point them in the right direction of the embassy, as this is the proper protocol for this situation if it is indeed a real scenario.

    Can Taxis Be Trusted?

    white taxi in Cancun

    There has been ongoing Taxi vs. Uber battles in Mexico for years. Taxis also do not have the best reputation for honesty and trust, just about anywhere from the classic “my meter is broken” trick to what is not being reported in Cancun of inflated prices at the last minute.

    What will generally happen is you think you are agreeing to a ride for 100 pesos (roughly $5), but when it comes time to pay at the end of the ride, the driver demands $100 USD.

    Big difference! Travelers should know that no ride should be anywhere in this ballpark for pricing.

    Haggling for pricing and confirming a clear understanding is the best option before taking off to your destination.

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

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