Tag: Launching

New Train Launching From London To This Stunning Storybook Town
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Want to explore the UK without the crowds? We at Travel Off Path know just the place!

London is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic cities, beaming with timeless marvels.

In fact, it’s so captivating that many travelers skip over much of the UK’s charming getaways as they’re magnetized to London’s bright lights and famous landmarks.

But, there’s a new train set to change that ideal, as a storybook town you’ve likely never heard of before is so much easier to reach.

Boasting storybook streetscapes with astounding castles and the aesthetics of a cobbled village like a medieval maze, plan ahead and mark your calendars for Spring 2026 for Lumo’s new route to Stirling, Scotland.

Depart London Euston To One Of Scotland’s Best Kept Secrets

Just about everything can be overpriced in London to the point you wonder how people make a living.

Grabbing $9 pints and $20 fish and chips from a local pub doesn’t have to be the case for leaving the city.

To do so, you’ll want to head to London Euston, described in proper rail-speak as the ‘southern terminus’ of the West Coast Main Line.

It’s known more for being a gateway to England’s overshadowed cities like Birmingham and Manchester, but in this case, it’s time to escape the city grind in favor of Scotland’s historic delights.

Located within walking distance from the London Zoo and The Regent’s Park, Euston is centrally located, making for an excellent escape route when prices and/or crowds push you too far.

Arrive in Stirling (With Some Awesome Hidden Gems Along The Way!)

Stirling is truly magical in fall, but to take Lumo’s new route, you’ll have to wait until spring — a time when this lesser-known stunner is set to be put on the map.

Opening May 1, 2026, Culture Night will be one of the town’s most festive nights of the year, offering a nighttime cultural takeover through music, dance, comedy, art, crafts, and literature showcased through multiple facets, such as museums and galleries.

Though there’s no official launch date for the train, our sources confirm ‘as early as Spring 2026′ to hopefully line up perfectly with this event.

Otherwise, you can stick to the classics and still have a grand ol’ time flipping the pages back through a pastime era, where Stirling Castle was the key to Scotland’s throne and church bells of the Holy Rude echoed down below to one of the UK’s most vibrant Old Towns — all still standing the test of time and open to visit.

Of course, a visit to such a storied city wouldn’t be right without stepping foot into a traditional pub to grab a local pint.

The Settle Inn is Stirling’s ‘oldest alehouse’, holding rave reviews and reasonable prices for such a popular community staple.

Plus, you might want to be a little loosey-goosey visiting some of Stirling’s grim attractions like the Beheading Stone, a literal chopping block for treasonous citizens, dating back to medieval times.

In the same realm, Old Town’s history boasts far more than what you see today. A guided ghost tour provides a deep dive into the city’s darker past with chilling tales of witch trials and grisly public executions.

But, how about some happy news?

Not only will this route stop in Stirling as the last stop, but there are 10 more delightful towns on the docket:
- London Euston
- Milton Keynes
- Nuneaton
- Crewe
- Preston
- Carlisle
- Lockerbie
- Motherwell
- Whifflet
- Greenfaulds
- Larbert
- Stirling
What To Know About Lumo

Lumo is an all-electric, budget rail carrier. Some might say it’s the “Ryanair of rails” for England.

You know — no first-class seating, bare bones amenities, tight luggage rules, etc.

That being said, travelers do appreciate ample legroom, food cart service, wifi, and power outlets.

Given its low prices, Lumo is a far cry from what you might expect out of London, but the new London-Stirling route has yet to go on sale since there’s no official launch date.

Sam Sears

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

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September 24, 2025
JetBlue Launching New Flights To 7 Stunning International Destinations This Fall

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If adventure is calling your name this fall, JetBlue has answered the call!

America’s hippest airline (sorry Spirit, bankruptcy isn’t cool) is set to launch new flights to 7 stunning international destinations in the coming months.

Here at Travel Off Path, there’s nothing we love more than making use of our passports. Letting our most prized possession collect dust in any season just isn’t acceptable in our eyes.

All of us here have exciting trips coming up, but even so, we’re a little envious of South Floridians who get to take advantage of these new flights, especially with JetBlue’s celebratory $113 promotional fares that surely won’t last long.

That being said, it’s time to whip out your credit card and get ready to choose from these 7 thrilling sun-drenched getaways launching soon.

3 New Flights To Caribbean Islands

We’ve all seen it 👆— the iconic photos of planes landing in what seems like arm’s reach over vibrant St. Maarten shores.

JetBlue already flies to St. Maarten, but not from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), the airport set to welcome all 7 of the airline’s new flights, according to their latest announcement.

First up is St. Maarten, one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. This Dutch territory is renowned as one of the Caribbean’s most postcard-worthy destinations for an epic beach vacation, boasting pristine shores and lagoons.

Falling slightly behind in the fastest-growing department is another Dutch Caribbean paradise — the gorgeous island of Aruba.

Beyond funny accents, you’ll find gleaming white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class resorts, plus the opportunity to snap selfies with flamingos.

JetBlue will launch a new flight here too, in addition to the ritzy resort-laden island, Grand Cayman, the largest and most sought-after of the Cayman Islands.

Inaugural flights to St. Maarten, Aruba, and Grand Cayman are all slated for take-off December 4, 2025.

2 New Flights To Vibrant Colombian Cities

If you want to mix more rich culture with your dreamy beach days, Colombia is just the place.

While travelers have been flocking to Medellin smack dab in the middle of the country, don’t let this inland haven of expats and nomads deter you from exploring Colombia’s vibrant coast, especially as cheaply as they are to visit.

First up is Cartagena, Colombia’s most renowned coastal city on the Caribbean side. Modern meets old-school with beautiful beaches (including nearby towns) and UNESCO-protected streets to explore, where grabbing a coffee is a must from one of many cafes lining the cobbled maze of roadways.

Second is Cali. This inland city can easily be considered Medellin 2.0 for its affordability and mild year-round climate, though it’s more steeply ingrained in culture, being known as the country’s “Salsa Capital”.

JetBlue’s new flight to Cali has yet to officially be scheduled, as there are some bureaucratic hurdles to clear before serving this city for the first time ever, but the route to Cartagena will also launch on December 4, 2025.

2 New Flights To Astounding Central American Destinations

Costa Rica has seen a mixed bag of reviews with tourism numbers dropping, which can certainly be attributed to numerous safety concerns reported over the last 6 months or so, including a US Embassy-issued security alert regarding the country’s main airport in San Jose.

Well, we don’t know if that deterred JetBlue from flying here, but it’s not stopping them from flying to Costa Rica’s alternative airport, Liberia (Guanacaste), which is is the more luxurious side of the country.

Viewed as the easiest gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, you’ll find a plethora of luxe resorts, picturesque beach towns, and lush nature to wander with an array of wildlife sightings.

On the flip side of luxury is Honduras, a country largely overlooked (and somewhat undeveloped) for tourism, yet those who visit actually compare it as a more affordable, up-and-coming “Costa Rica” given its cheap prices across the board and seemingly untouched nature and magnetizing culture.

I, for one, had the chance to visit last year and particularly fell in love with the town of Copan Ruinas, home to immaculately preserved Mayan ruins and an easy bus ride from San Pedro Sula, where JetBlue will also soon fly from Fort Lauderdale.

New routes to the latter and Liberia are set to launch December 4, 2025 as well.

Sam Sears

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

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September 12, 2025
New Ultra-Cheap Flights Launching From U.S. To This Trendy Caribbean Paradise
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Already thinking of your next sun-drenched Caribbean getaway this winter? Before you go ahead and spend hundreds of dollars on those ‘irresistible’ round-trip flights that are, in fact, not as cheap as they could be, you’ll want to hear this one out:

From November 15, Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s new budget carrier, will start ultra-affordable direct flights from Chicago to Punta Cana.

Home to postcard white-sand beaches hugged by teal seas, world-class resorts, and a lively entertainment district peppered with restaurants and nightclubs, it is one of the trendiest destinations in the Tropics, and it’s never been cheaper to get to:

At Last… Arajet Is Coming To Chicago!

You might not have come across Arajet in your flight searches before, but that’s because they’re a new airline launched in 2022, and until recently, they operated to and from select hubs across the Americas.

It has grown significantly since its launch, and by 2025, it will already serve destinations such as Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), and even San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico.

Arajet isn’t exactly known for its top-notch service, comfy flying experience, and wide range of onboard amenities, but what they do excel at is their unbeatable prices. That is, if you’re flying at the lowest possible fare, with carry-on only.

From Miami, round-trip tickets average only $196 flying to Punta Cana (PUJ), and from Newark (EWR) to Santo Domingo, the culture-loaded capital of the Dominican Republic, you can expect to pay roughly $208 both ways.

Given their low-cost appeal, it was about time they finally debuted in the Midwest market:

$234 Roundtrip Fares Going To Punta Cana

From November 15, Arajet service will begin between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Punta Cana, with base round-trip fares currently estimated at $234 (without extras).

We’re sure this might increase as time goes on, but for now, the predicted frequency is three-times-weekly flights, with the operation days as follows:
- From Punta Cana (PUJ): Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- From Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Outbound flights departing from Chicago have a listed departure of 10:27 A.M. from ORD, arriving to PUJ at 5:12 P.M. for a total flight time of 4h45.

Meanwhile, return flights from PUJ are expected to depart at 5:47 A.M. (who here’s an early bird?), touching down back in ORD at 8:57 A.M. just in time for breakfast at Berghoff Cafe in Terminal 1.

What To Expect Flying Arajet

When it comes to Arajet’s bag allowance, you should know it uses the common low-cost carrier structure:
- ‘Base’ fare: personal item only, with no free carry-on or checked luggage
- ‘Comfort’: larger carry allowance or one checked baggage, depending on route
- ‘Extra’: checked baggage, priority boarding, and add-ons you’d typically have to pay for are included
As of now, the average fares for the Comfort and Extra fares from Chicago to Punta Cana haven’t been formally disclosed, but based on Arajet’s historical pricing, we can expect Comfort to start at approximately $253 and Extra at $269.

Once again, these are estimates, and final prices depend on seat availability, seasonal demand, and other factors.

Either way, there’s no denying Arajet will be a stone in American and United’s shoes, and perhaps even Frontier’s, once they enter the Chicago market.

With American Airlines, the cheapest round-trip tickets going to Punta Cana from O’Hare are $328. With United, that’s an even pricier $348, and with Frontier, they average $328.

Prepare For Your Punta Cana Getaway

If you’re flying to Punta Cana this winter, make sure you prepare in advance with our newly-launched, free-to-use Traveler Tools.

Use our TOP Entry Requirement Checker to verify whether there are any visa or digital entry permit restrictions imposed on Americans, and the (already popular) Travel Advisory Check, to stay on the loop about security updates at your destination.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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September 2, 2025
These 2 Hugely Popular Asian Countries Are Launching Digital Nomad Visas But There’s A Catch

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Asia is becoming increasingly popular for digital nomads looking to embrace new cultures while taking advantage of lower crime rates and lower costs of living.

There are currently more than 35 million digital nomads working around the world, and that number is only growing.

Many governments are keen to attract digital nomads and the benefits often bring to their economies. These 2 hugely popular Asian countries are joining many others and launching digital nomad visas.

But there’s a catch:

Digital Nomad Visa In Japan

Japan has long been a popular destination for digital nomads drawn to its unique blend of modern living and culture.

In response to this Japan has finally introduced its own digital nomad visa and the program is expected to start by the end of March.

Applicants from 49 countries, including the U.S., will be eligible to apply for the visa, and you can use this both if you’re a remote worker or if you’re self-employed.

But this isn’t a digital nomad visa that will work for everyone.

The big catch is that to be eligible for the six-month visa for digital nomads you will need to have an annual income of 10 million yen ($68,300) or more, which excludes a huge percentage of digital nomads who aren’t earning enough to be eligible for the visa.

You will also need to have your own private medical insurance in place, though visa applicants can travel with their spouses and dependent children.

Contrary to popular belief, Japan isn’t an expensive country to live in, and the cost of living isn’t as high as you might think. One report found that the average cost of living in Japan is 46% less expensive than the average cost of living in the U.S.

With that in mind it is surprising that the earning threshold for the new digital nomad visa is so high. And no doubt disappointing for those would-be nomads in Japan who don’t meet the earning threshold.

Digital Nomad Visa In South Korea

South Korea is soaring in popularity with travelers and has also announced plans to launch its own digital nomad visa.

The South Korean digital nomad visa will allow nomads to stay in the country for up to 2 years which is 4 times longer than the Japanese visa.

Just like the Japanese digital nomad visa the main drawback of the Korean digital nomad visa is the prohibitively high income requirements nomads will have to prove they meet.

Each nomad will need to prove they earn an annual income of over 84.96 million won ($65,000) to be eligible for this visa.

That figure is a whopping 2 times the gross national income per capita with the cost of living in South Korea being lower than the cost of living in the U.S.

Again, these figures are both surprising and disappointing to those digital nomads who don’t meet the earning requirements.

Other requirements for this new visa include having private health insurance as well as written proof of your employment status and a clean criminal record check.

Why Japan And Korea?

Japan and Korea are the two most popular tourist destinations in Asia right now. Both boast areas of outstanding natural beauty, rich historical attractions, and appealing modern cultures.

From Korean K Pop to Japanese Manga, both cultures have entered the zeitgeist in the U.S. and their pop culture is what attracts so many younger tourists and digital nomads.

For digital nomads, both countries are incredibly safe and convenient and boast high-speed internet connections. They are affordable, clean, and dynamic.

Tokyo was revealed to be 2023’s fastest-growing destination in the world for digital nomads experiencing a 369% increase in nomads in the country with Korea coming close behind.

U.S. travelers can stay in both Japan and Korea for up to 90 days (or 3 months) with a regular tourist visa, so if you don’t meet the high-income requirements to secure a digital nomad and stay on a longer-term basis, then both destinations are still well worth visiting and exploring in the shorter term as part of your digital nomad adventure.

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February 5, 2024
These Are 3 New Sleeper Trains Launching In Europe For 2024

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Long gone are the days when we spend a heaping amount of money on short-haul plane rides under 3 hours.

In today’s day and age, travelers are looking for ease of travel on a budget. To keep up with the wants and needs of tourists, this travel trend is making that possible.

Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up in the morning and you’ve arrived at your next spot overnight? Train travel has always been a popular way to hop from city to city in Europe, but now there are 3 new routes launching… and we’re here for it all!

More and more travelers are looking for impactful ways to become sustainable tourists in today’s world, and train travel certainly solves that problem.

BUT, this type of travel isn’t for those who want something quick. Most European train journeys are definitely on the shorter side; however, long-distance travel across countries typically includes an overnight journey.

Train travel no longer consists of tight cabins and stuffy conditions… These new trains are setting the bar high for wanderers. Think comfy cabins for solo travelers, multiple fare options to choose from, and enough space to fit everything needed on your trip.

Vienna to Hamburg

Run by Austrian rail company ÖBB, the Nightjet Sleeper Train is a modern update on the past sleeper trains under this company. Only launching in December, there’s still many unknowns, but what we do know is that this route will get you from Vienna to Hamburg overnight.

Ideal for solo female travelers, the new model offers mini cabins with lockable doors. Believe it or not, most sleeper trains don’t have this option, but the Nightjet provides ease of mind for those who seek out the safety of a lockable cabin.

With varying fares depending on your journey and comfort level, prices fluctuate from $44 to $125 per person. Travelers can expect a sheet, blanket, and pillow in their cabins, along with some storage space and portable USB outlets.

Paris to Berlin

ÖBB heard the buzz around train travel… And they delivered! Along with the launch of its Vienna to Hamburg route, the company also has a Paris to Berlin route owned by Nightjet.

Trains will depart from Paris and make stops along the way to Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Erfurt, and Berlin Südkreuz before reaching Berlin’s main train station.

Taking off from Paris at 7:12pm and arriving in Berlin by 8:26am, you’ll be in your new city before you can say Sleeper Train. For now, the train will run 3 times a week, but come autumn there will be daily service options for travelers.

Brussels to Prague

If two European routes weren’t enough, there’s a third! With a set launch date of March 25, 2024, Rail start-up European Sleeper has announced their Brussels to Prague option.

An extension of the Brussels to Berlin ride, the train will have a few noteworthy stops along the way, including: Antwerp, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Berlin. While official prices haven’t yet been announced, the company will be accepting interrail tickets – so get reserving!

While these are a handful of the new launches in Europe, there are more exciting announcements across the train world. Driven by the climate crisis, countries across the EU are shelling out in an effort to provide sustainable options for tourists.

With new designs, comfort, and safety in mind for those possibly traveling alone, Sleepers are back in action and we’re all about it. Arguably more modern than past models, these trains offer a slick way for travelers to hop around Europe in a sustainable way.

Overall, “trains emit on average six times less emissions per person, per mile than planes.” So, if you want to travel this year and reduce your carbon footprint, this is a viable option! Though not always the fastest and most convenient choice, in the long run it’s worth it.

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January 26, 2024
Spain Is Launching A Digital Nomad Visa In 2023 – Find Out If You’re Eligible
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After teasing it for months, Spain is looking set to finally write into law its long-awaited Startup Act in early 2023, opening a new migration route for foreign workers who might fancy a move to the country, including digital nomads. While it doesn’t carry this particular name, the new regulation is, in effect, an equivalent to a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).

This year, several countries in Europe began opening up to nomads, including the tourist hotspots of Greece, Italy, Croatia and Albania, who all have the advantage of being located in the continent’s sunny south, and a pleasant, temperate climate year-round. Spain, on the other hand, had been the only missing piece on this wider Mediterranean puzzle.

Luckily for nomads enamored with the Iberian nation, they will soon be able to stay longer than 3 months, as long as some requirements are met:

Are You Eligible For Spain’s DNV?

Spain’s Startup Act had been making the rounds for years before a final draft was finally adopted in late 2021, triggering a ratification process that saw long debates, and multiple delays as the Spanish Parliament sought to perfect it. Now, it has passed the ‘lower’ House of Government, and should finally enter into force in January 2023. But what does this mean?

The Ley de Startups will allow foreigners from outside Spain and the European Economic Area to apply for a residence visa on the basis of being a remote worker, either self employed, or an employee in a non-Spanish company registered outside Spain. That’s the sum of it, but there are other requirements that are worth going over:

For instance, unlike employees, self-employed nomads are allowed to offer their services to Spanish companies, but only partially, with up to 20% of all declared income originating from within Spain. There is a reason for that: this law is being approved in order to attract foreign investment without taking jobs away from locals, which leads us to the next item.

There are, of course, income requirements to be met. According to law firm Global Citizen Solutions, visa applicants must earn at least twice the amount the average worker in Spain is paid. This means having at least €2100 (or USD2207.78 at the current conversion rate) of ‘verifiable income’ monthly, though the actual financial threshold could be even higher.

Global Citizen Solutions suggests a round figure – €3000 – but this is yet to be confirmed by Spanish authorities. While it is certainly more bureaucratic, and harder to obtain than a developing country’s DNV, Spain’s new visa is bound to be a hit, seeing that the coastal city of Valencia has just been named the best destination for expats worldwide.

A Summary Of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

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

As for the duration of the visa itself, it is still up to speculation, though other DNVs issued by Spain’s EU counterparts range between one and two years, and they are usually renewable for more years once the initial period has elapsed. We are not able to verify these information right now, seeing that the visa is yet to be launched, but Global Citizen Solutions reiterates that:
- First and foremost, European citizens are not eligible: they can already live and work from Spain requirement-free*
- Applicants cannot be employed by a company based in Spain
- Self-employed nomads can only have 20% of their income originating from Spanish sources
- Nomads cannot have been residents in Spain in the past five years
- They must have had a stable source of income for at least one year ahead of submitting their application
- They must present a clean criminal record
- Applicants who have been refused entry to Spain and the wider Schengen Area are not eligible to apply
- Health insurance is mandatory throughout the entirety of their stay in Spanish territory
- Proof of accommodation in Spain is required (short-term rentals are generally accepted)
*If you’re an American, but hold a second EU, EFTA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) or Swiss nationality, you do not need visas to move to Spain

A DNV Visa For Spain Is A Free Pass To The Whole Of Europe

Spain is also an expensive country to live in, so it’s understandable they would expect nomads to earn well above the minimum wage. After all, the whole point of nomad visas is to attract self-sufficient entrepreneurs with enough money to positively impact local communities, without increasing the burden on an already-stretched public sector.

Perhaps the best thing about applying for a DNV in an EU member – or rather, a Schengen Area state – is the fact that it grants the visa holder unlimited access to all 27 countries in the border-free zone. In other words, once your DNV is approved, you have a free pass to travel most of Europe without worrying about overstaying and being punished for it.

As a common rule, Americans can only remain in Spain, and on an extent, the territories of the European countries applying the Schengen acquis, for only 90 days in every 180-day period. Once those three months are used up within any six months, they are required to exit the area, and are unable to return to any of the 27 members for a further 90 days.

If traveling Europe as you work remotely is your goal, then a Digital Nomad Visa, be it Spain, or Greece, or Portugal, or any country participating in Schengen, could prove extremely useful to you. We do not know at this point, however, whether visa holders will be required to maintain a residence in Spain specifically for a certain number of months every year.

Top Destinations To Work Remotely From Spain

Some of the top destinations to consider when moving to Spain are:
- Valencia, an often overlooked coastal gem with a growing population of American and British expats
- Gran Canaria and Tenerife, two ‘workcation’ hubs in the Canaries that have partnered with AirBnB recently to attract more digital nomads
- Barcelona, the historical capital of the autonomous Catalonia, where La Sagrada Familia and countless works by Gaudi can be found
- Seville, the largest city in Andalusia and one of Spain’s most culturally-charged, home to La Giralda and the landmark Plaza de Espana
- Formentera, the smaller of the Balearic islands and Ibiza’s smaller, southern neighbor, packed with marine parks and pristine beaches
- Bilbao, a vibrant metropolis in Northern Spain, more specifically Basque Country, famous for its world-class museums and colorful Old Quarter
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December 13, 2022
5 New Flights To The Dominican Republic Are Launching From The U.S. And Canada
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Now that most of the Caribbean has reopened, the Dominican Republic (DR) is eager to welcome visitors. In response to the surging demand, low cost carriers are launching a total of five new flight flights to the insular nation in the high season from the U.S. and Canada, making it a lot easier for North Americans to escape the cold winter months.

The DR had always been a beach hotspot in the years preceding the health crisis, but it truly found its fame and made a name for itself in the post-pandemic era, after a a record number of tourist arrivals was recorded. To put it simply, it is hotter than ever before and we can expect flight frequencies to increase further.

So far, this is all we know about the new flight routes:

Frontier, Swoop And Air Century Adding DR Flights This Winter

Both the U.S. Frontier and Canada’s Swoop were the main beneficiaries of an agreement struck between the DR’s Civil Aeronautics Board, shortened to JAC in Spanish, and five other airlines, allowing for the inauguration of new flights to the island. Besides the popular North American operators, Condor, Neos and Air Century nabbed a slice of the market.

In total, the deal has green-lit a 13 new international routes into the Dominican Republic, due to start between November 2022 and January 2023. Naturally, we will focus mostly on Frontier and Swoop only, as they will serve the North American market exclusively, though the Dominican-based Air Century has been allotted U.S. flights as well.

Let’s Start With Frontier

Frontier already offers an air bridge between a number of cities and Punta Cana, the DR’s leading beach destination, namely:
- Chicago (Chicago O’Hare)
- Cleveland (Cleveland Hopkins International)
- Miami International
- Orlando International
- Philadelphia International
Additionally, seasonal flights depart to Punta Cana from Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson), St. Louis Lambert International, and outside of the mainland U.S., Puerto Rico. Having established a strong presence in the island’s easternmost tip, the carrier’s top executives have now set their eyes on Santo Domingo, the fast-developing capital.

More specifically, they have requested that the DR authorities modify their ‘Operating Permit’, which would allow them to expand service to Santo Domingo, adding a brand new route from Tampa International (TPA). Moreover, the Florida hub could be getting its own Punta Cana flights, should Frontier’s request get approved.

These routes will launch on November 5, 2022, once the Airbus A320neo with a 186-seat capacity takes to the skies. They are the latest major announcement coming from Frontier regarding winter travel, as up until now, the company seemed to focus on domestic routes – Phoenix, for instance, is set to host ten new flights to other U.S. hubs.

Air Century Looks For A Place In The American Market

While it surely isn’t as popular, at least in the American market, the DR’s own Air Century is introducing seven new international flights from the island – two of those are Tampa and Miami-bound. Pretty soon, Tampa residents will be able to choose whether their airline of preference, be it American or Dominican.

Whether a new fare war is about to start remains to be seen, though one thing is for certain: it’s the customers who will come out as winners either way. As for Miami, Air Century is planning to initiate service from the Southern Californian city to the aforementioned Punta Cana and Santo Domingo – exact schedules and frequency are yet to be outlined.

Hamilton To Punta Cana Flights Debuting Soon

Lastly, Canada’s Swoop has reasons to celebrate after obtaining authorization to fly the Hamilton International (YHM)-Punta Cana route. Official details include:
- Operations will begin between January 11 and April 26, 2023
- Flight frequency is once a week, every Wednesday
- Tickets could be as cheap as CAN$199 one-way at the lowest fare level
Regarding the third item, price estimates have not been released yet, but we can assume they won’t be much more expensive than the ones we’ve seen for Toronto-Punta Cana, or CAN$199 on select dates. It is Swoop’s only other DR product, and a route where the carrier has deployed a 737-800 with a seating capacity of 174 – 162 Economy and 12 Business.

This gives us some indication as to where we’re headed with the future Hamilton flights.

The Five New Routes

In sum, the new five routes to the Dominican Republic from the U.S. and Canada are:
- Tampa-Santo Domingo (Frontier)
- Tampa-Punta Cana (Frontier, Air Century)
- Miami-Santo Domingo (Air Century)
- Miami-Punta Cana (Air Century)
- Hamilton, Canada-Punta Cana (Swoop)
Elsewhere, Dusseldorf International in Germany is getting its own La Romana flights, complementing an existing-service to Puerto Plata and Punta Cana; Italy’s Neos, on the other hand, is flying to the DR from Rome Fiumicino and Verona International – again, to La Romana, Europe’s favorite entry point into the Caribbean gem.

The JAC has also confirmed availability for a whopping 61 new international routes, proving the Dominican Republic is growing rapidly as a destination. As of now, no airlines have claimed those.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 20, 2022
New High Tech Sleeper Trains Launching Soon In Europe’s Top Destinations
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With the generalized chaos affecting airports in Europe, the popularity of trains in the continent has soared to new heights. After countries like Germany and Spain slashed fares to promoted train ridership this summer, a new trend started emerging: that of overnight journeys, and now there’s even a new high tech sleeper train launching.

Unlike in North America, where companies like Amtrak were on the brink of bankruptcy due to low demand for rail links, and have only recently experienced a powerful comeback, trains are an inherent part of the wider European experience, with some routes being attractions in their own right and actively sought out by visitors.

Now, Europe is taking it up a notch by unveiling its brand new night trains, set to travel across all of its major destinations. Paris, Budapest, Milan, Vienna, you name it:

Here’s Everything We Know So Far About The Launch

Naturally, Europe has had the upper hand in responding to the train tourism surge: unlike in places like Mexico where this mode of transport is being re-introduced decades later, the Old World never ceased investing in railway, which has remained an important aspect of inter-European connectivity – even after air travel became widespread.

Now, it is banking on sleeper trains to assert its dominance in the market. More specifically, we’re witnessing the relaunch of a number of night routes that had, up until this year, been largely overshadowed by low cost, short-distance flights. As it appears, contrary to popular belief, the appeal of long luxury train rides has not faded in the slightest.

Austrian national rail company OBB has just confirmed its new NightJets are debuting next year – a generation of posh-looking, high tech trains built to maximize comfort during overnight journeys. Believe it or not, OBB’s new pan-European express even has the potential to surpass flight bookings.

Meet NightJet – Europe’s Shiny High-Speed Overnight Express

The new NightJet trains will be comprised of seven carriages:
- Two are standard seats
- Two sleeping cars able to house two travelers in each compartment
- Three further sleeping cars with four-passenger suites, as well as mini-cabins for those traveling solo and seeking more privacy
The most exciting addition, perhaps, are the new minisuites ‘at couchette prices’. These have been teased exclusively by Mark Smith, the Man in Seat 61, who had a sneak peak into the train ahead of its official launch:
They will be able to carry 254 passengers – more seats than most short-haul planes offer, including those used by Europe’s famous ultra low cost carrier Ryanair, most commonly a Boeing 737-800 with an 189-seat configuration. Additionally, the NightJet will travel at a speed of 143 miles per hour, covering longer distances in a much shorter timespan.

What Are The NightJet’s Strongest Assets?

Keeping it short, speed and amenities.

To draw a comparison, Trenitalia’s flagship Frecciarossa, Italy’s renowned high-speed trains among Europe’s best, can reach up to 186 miles per hour – only moderately faster than the NightJet. The latter is set to rival Europe’s historic, yet prohibitively-priced Venice Simplon-Orient Express, carrying passengers from Western Europe all the way to Istanbul in Turkey.

While they will obviously not be as upscale as the Orient Express, an unparalleled icon synonymous with Old World opulence, the NightJet trains are seeing some major upgrades compared to other long-distance, cross-border service around Europe:

Berths are expected to feature wireless phone charging and mood lighting

The sleeper car compartments will have their own toilets and showers

Couchette and sleeper coaches include breakfast

Trains are equipped with air conditioner, an absolute essential during Europe’s hot summer months*

*Temperature can be controlled individually in each compartment

When And Where Is It Launching?

The updated NightJets are set to make their big debut in summer 2023, and so far, service has been confirmed across 25 destinations in 8 countries:

Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck)

Switzerland (Zurich, Basel)

Germany (Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Munich)

Italy (Florence, Rome, Verona, Lake Garda, Milan, Venice, Bologna)

Belgium (Brussels)

France (Paris, Strasbourg)

Croatia (Zagreb, Split)

Sweden (Stockholm)

Fares for summer 2023 are yet to be announced, though they can go as low as €29,90 at present.

Recently, we published an article on Europe’s popular train pass enabling Americans to travel 33 countries for less than $200. We don’t know, as of yet, whether these can be validated on future NightJet journeys, as further details such as ticket fares and discount eligibility are yet to be outlined. For more information, please refer to the company’s FAQs page.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 15, 2022
US Government Launching Platform That Will Enable Passengers To Compare Airline Services
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With the ongoing chaos affecting air travel lately, have you ever wondered which airline would be ‘safer’ to book with, based on what benefits they offer in the event of a delay or cancelation? Pretty soon, the U.S. Government will launch an online platform enabling Americans to do just that, and make better informed decisions when planning a trip.

As the world reopened following Covid and millions flocked into airports, especially after the U.S. dropped the controversial inbound testing requirement, industry operators finally realized, perhaps a little too late, they were not prepared for dealing with a pent-up travel demand amid a crippling worker shortage and other operational issues.

Consequently, throughout summer, thousands of flights were either axed or did not depart as scheduled, with some carriers even blatantly denying customers refunds. Now, the Government is finally stepping in:

Buttigieg Wants To Increase Customer Protection Amid The Travel Chaos

After being personally affected by the spate of cancelations dragging down the aviation sector’s recovery, U.S. Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg decided to take matters into his own hands and called out airlines out on their behavior. According to Buttigieg himself, this flight cancelation wave is ‘unacceptable’ and carriers should take responsibility.

Reuters reports that the Transport Secretary sent a letter of reprimand to airline executives, from those on a regional level all the way to the top of the chain, warning the U.S. Government is mulling over a new set of laws that would ‘expand the rights of airline passengers‘. In essence, Buttigieg wants travelers to be able to access:
- Clear information concerning an airline’s flight cancelation policies
- Food vouchers when flights are delayed for 3 hours or more
- Lodging when staying at the airport overnight due to delays within an airline’s control
Should any such law be implemented, this would be a landmark event in U.S. aviation History. At present, U.S. carriers are not required to provide passengers with complimentary meals, or hotel rooms, when unable to fulfill their own schedule. Despite not being legally bound to do so, a majority of them offers compensation out of common decency.

This does not change the fact that this isn’t a right, and thus, it can be refused at an airlines’ discretion. That’s a scary thought, and Buttigieg agrees air passengers need more protection urgently. This year, roughly 24 per cent of flights operated by U.S. carriers were delayed, giving rise to concerns airlines could eventually cease honoring their part of the deal.

A deal that does not exist in paper, for that matter. Additionally, the Transport Secretary has confirmed the U.S. Government is launching a new dashboard on September 2, right before Labor Day weekend, allowing Americans to verify how exactly each carrier plans on reimbursing their cancelation costs in a worst-case scenario:

All We Know So Far About The New Interactive Platform Launching

As Buttigieg shared, the ‘interactive’ dashboard would compile ‘easy-to-read’, comparative information on the services every large U.S. airline provide upon delaying or canceling a flight in a single online venue. He has not shared in detail how the information will be displayed, or how exactly users can go about viewing it.

All we know so far is it will be based off ‘airlines’ customer service plans’, since Buttigieg expressly told CEOs on his letter that this is their opportunity to ensure their Customer Service Plan ‘guarantees adequate amenities and services’ to help passengers through inconveniences. Interestingly, as far as we’re concerned, this is the first initiative of the sort by the Government.

Previously, airlines were able to operate free from Washington’s watchful gaze, though their current underperformance has led to increased scrutiny. The fact that the Transport Secretary is actively advocating for passenger rights, as well as debuting a promising comparative dashboard, are both indications the Government is siding with customers for once.

It remains to be seen whether the novelty will live up to expectations, and actually prove useful with time. This is the first time we hear of a national government gathering data to assist citizens in planning trips, and certainly an unusual move for the Department of Transportation. What’s more: Washington is not alone in its clash against the aviation giants.

North of the border, Ottawa had a few tricks up its sleeve as well:

North American Governments Come To Their Citizens’ Aid

The Canadian Government drafted its own laws requiring airlines to refund passengers in the event of any cancelation, including those outside their control, after Canada came under fire for being, at the time, an epicenter for the summer travel chaos. Of course, Washington has not gone as far, yet, but it is certainly closing in on what’s a poorly-regulated market.

Lastly, Buttigieg is developing other rules that would require carriers to refund travelers when their baggage is delayed or lost, and prohibit them from charging extra when families request to sit together in planes. Besides the interactive dashboard, coming this September, the remaining proposals are just that: proposals.

They need to be appraised and they may either be enshrined into law, or completely discarded. We will keep you updated once more information is shared by the Department of Transport.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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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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August 22, 2022
New Cruise Ship Celebrity Beyond Launching This Month

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Cruise industry giant Celebrity Cruises is set to launch the newest addition to its fleet, the Celebrity Beyond. Later this month, the Beyond will set sail on the first of several different itineraries that have been programmed for the next few years. Beyond will become the third Edge-class cruise ship in Celebrity’s fleet, joining Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, with a fourth expected late next year.

The launch of the new ship is set to be a moment to celebrate for Celebrity Cruises and cruise enthusiasts alike, serving as a source of good news at the end of what has been a period of turbulence and uncertainty for the industry as a whole.

Here’s a closer look at Celebrity Beyond, including what features guests can look forward to onboard, what makes the new cruise ship stand out, and where it will be sailing first.

Celebrity Beyond Launching – What Travelers Should Know

Following its initial order back in 2016 and the beginning of its construction in November of last year, Celebrity Beyond is now finally ready to get out on the open seas later this month. The Edge class cruise ship was formally accepted into the Celebrity fleet during the week after delivery from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, in a celebration that saw the new ship’s 1,400-strong crew and its captain, Kate McCue, welcome it into the family.

Beyond may be the latest Edge class ship, but it is the longest, coming in at 20 meters longer than the first two ships in the class with its length of 327m and width of 39m. The Beyond uses all of its space, boasting a double occupancy figure of 3,260, with 1,646 cabins spread across its 16 decks. As well as having plenty of luxury private spaces for guests to enjoy, the new ship also has the same type of high-quality shared spaces, services, and amenities on board that have helped to put Celebrity on the map.

Expertly crafted by engineers and architects, Beyond offers guests a taste of innovation and luxury at every corner. From its top-class lounging and first-class offerings at the ship’s Retreat area to its Michelin-inspired menus, luxury retail offerings, and stellar onboard entertainment choices, Celebrity is set to live up to its name and offer all of its guests the star treatment and red carpet treatment they signed up for.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo – the CEO and President of Celebrity Cruises – praised the new ship’s design, and claimed it fit in with the type of experiences that travelers were looking for in 2022. “With its innovative offerings that reach far beyond expectations from some of today’s most talented designers, artists and creative minds, we believe that Beyond speaks to the growing trend of people seeking new luxury experiences that are personalized, effortless and meaningful.”

Lutoff-Perlo also addressed the growing demand for travel, adding:

“We are seeing a continued desire to travel as business steadily increases, and we see Beyond leading the cruise industry into the next era of luxury. We are more than ready to welcome our guests onboard and show them just how incredible this ship is!”

Beyond will kick things off with its inaugural 10-night tour of Western Europe from April 27th, where it will depart from Southampton, UKK, visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona, Spain. The Beyond will continue to go on several European tours until October, when it will embark upon a series of tours of the Caribbean. More details of Beyond’s upcoming tours and information on how to book can be found here.

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April 12, 2022