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Why This Major U.S. City Is One Of My Favorite Destinations For Solo Travel
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More often than not, big cities hold a bad reputation amongst most solo travelers due to their immense populations – but what if this was actually an advantage?

While it’s important to exercise caution anywhere in the world, sometimes more people = a greater chance to meet others while traveling alone.

There’s nothing worse as a solo traveler than walking around desolate streets at night, but in the city that never sleeps, that’s never an issue!

There are of course a few parts of the city I’d personally avoid, but for the most part people will always be around, and police presence is high (which provides a level of comfort).

I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions as I pulled up to the concrete jungle for the umpteenth time. New York is a creative escape, a bustling metropolis, and believe it or not, one of the best cities in the U.S. for solo travel – here’s why.

A Hotel Made for Solo Travelers

During my time in the Big Apple, I had the pleasure of staying at the Moxy Hotel, Times Square. With 5 hotels scattered throughout the city (each with their own unique charm and selling point), they really are the perfect place to situate yourself if you’re traveling alone.

The playful soul and innovative designs of the brand are evident upon arrival. The friendly hotel staff is ready for all guests, with a quick and smooth check-in process. If you think the chandelier in the lobby area is fun, wait until you see the rooms!

The standard room layouts seem to have been created with solo travelers in mind. Compact, quaint, and easily accessible, everything is organized in a studio-apartment-type fashion. Other room types are made for accommodating all, with bunk beds and sleeping arrangements for bigger groups.
Make your way to the second floor to find 2 of the reasons that make this city-based hotel perfect for those traveling alone.

Bar Moxy and Legasea are located right inside the Moxy, making it easy to sit at either bar, eat, and chat the night away with fellow travelers or a few locals. (If you visit soon, there’s even a morning breakfast pop-up by Cafe D’Avignon!)

For sweeping city views, head on up to the rooftop bar that is Magic Hour. The eccentric bar is often decorated with seasonal surprises (and even features a rotating seating area. Brunch, lunch, or dinner are sure to be a good time up here – with a couple decorative cocktails on the side of course.

It really is the ideal spot to base yourself in New York if you’re looking to be in the hustle and bustle.

Judgement-Free Zone

As a Brit living in the U.S., I often struggle with being a ‘tourist in my own country.’ Unlike Europe, where solo travelers are a dime a dozen, the U.S. hasn’t fully caught onto the solo travel trend quite as much just yet.

While it’s certainly more prevalent than in the past, hostels and dining alone still aren’t super common in all places. A city where anything goes, New York really has it all. With diverse neighborhoods, cultures, and people, you’ll never feel out of place here.

In a city where it’s very common to see Power Rangers or Cowboys strolling through Times Square, do you think anyone would really judge you for eating a meal alone?

It’s pretty normal here to come across people from all walks of life, various countries, expats, New York locals, and plenty of solo travelers – so you won’t be short of new friends to meet!

Diverse Neighborhoods For All

One of my favorite things about New York is the neighborhoods within the city and how different they each are. Luxurious brownstones and tree-lined streets to quirky areas with thrift stores.

East Village & Lower East Side: Best for foodie lovers

Chelsea: Best for LGBTIQ+ travelers

Upper East Side: best for museums

Chinatown: Best for budget travelers

Williamsburg: Best for music culture

Manhattan: Best if you want to be in the bustle of it all

Greenwich & West Village: Best to see famous movie sets

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November 6, 2023
6 Reasons Why This Central American Country Is About To Become A Major Tourism Destination

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When you think of Central America, you most likely think of Costa Rica, El Salvador, or even Panama.

But there’s one less well-known Central American destination that could be about to become a whole lot more popular over the coming months and years.

Situated south of Mexico’s Quintana Roo state with Guatemala to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Belize is a world of ancient history, stunning mountains, lush forests, and gorgeous coastline that can rival anything in the Caribbean.

It has a lot to offer, so we have examined 6 reasons why we think Belize could be about to become a much more popular option for American travelers.

It’s Easier Than Ever To Get There

A recent report has revealed that several major airlines are opening up new routes or expanding existing ones to this often-overlooked Central American nation.

The report explains that travelers can reach Belize directly from Seattle and Los Angeles via Alaska Airlines, from Miami, Charlotte, and Dallas with American Airlines, from Atlanta and Minneapolis with Delta, from New York JFK with Jet Blue, and from Houston and Denver with Southwest Airlines.

This focus of attention from major airlines on Belize makes it easier than ever to find either a direct or connecting flight to the country at an affordable price.

Rich Mayan History

While Mexico may be the first place that comes to mind when you think of visiting relics of ancient Central American civilizations such as the Maya, Belize has its own rich and fascinating Mayan history.

Many of the temples you can visit are located in the west of the country near the border with Guatemala.

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Highlights include El Pilar, a site that is still being excavated in the present day; Cahal Pech, which provides amazing views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley; and Xunantunich, which features an imposing 130-foot-tall pyramid.

Less Discovered Caribbean Coast

As well as providing Mayan ruins you can visit without the crowds of its Mexican counterparts, Belize has a stunning stretch of coastline on the Caribbean Sea with a similar vibe.

While the coast itself is perfect for relaxing in the sun for several days, many of the tiny islands off the coast are the real jewels in the crown.

Koko King is the ideal place for a Caribbean beach party, while Turneffe Atoll is a pristine marine reserve with some of the world’s best saltwater fly fishing.

This whole area is also well-known for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, which just proves how crystal clear and beautiful its waters are.

Affordable And You Can Use U.S. Dollar

While Belize is a little more expensive than some of its Central American neighbors, it is still a very affordable place to visit for travelers.

You can make it through a trip to Belize with an average daily cost of between $75 and $125, according to Lonely Planet.

Belize uses its own dollar, but the U.S. dollar is also widely accepted in the country. At the time of writing, one Belize dollar is worth about 50 cents U.S., making the conversion easy.

It’s not unusual to pay for something in U.S. dollars and receive the change in Belize dollars.

No Visa Required

One nice thing about Belize is that it isn’t too strict on visas for entry.

American citizens can enter and stay in Belize for up to 30 days without any kind of visa.

You can then extend that stay by visiting an immigration office and applying for a Belize Visitor’s Permit Extension. Often you will require proof of your intent to depart the country.

Belize offers similar visa-less entry to nationals of Canada and many European nations too.

Combine With A Trip To Mexico

Belize’s unique location and relatively small size mean you can easily tag on a few days visiting it while on a longer trip to Mexico.

The Mexican beach resort of Chetumal is right on the border with Belize, so you could quite easily enjoy a slow meander down the coast of Quintana Roo and then on into Belize, crossing the land border.

If you already have plans to visit this super popular part of Mexico, then venturing a little further south to escape the crowds could make Belize very appealing.

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September 2, 2023
Book Your Trip To Cancun Before March To Avoid This Major Problem

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If you’re on the fence about booking that trip to Cancun now as opposed to later, in the low season, you may want to think about booking now. Whether it’s high prices holding you back or limited offers, we should remind you now is the best time to travel if you want to avoid a major problem. Beginning in March, sargassum seaweed will begin washing ashore again, and this time, the volume could be overwhelming.

Every year, the microorganism infamously batters the Caribbean coast, tarnishing the pristine nature of its white sand crescents and ruining the Mexican beach experience. Stepping over the smelly deposits as they make their way to a not-so-blue sea, painted a darker shade by the brown algae, is every traveler’s worst nightmare.

Based on the latest data, those heading to Cancun in the near future might want to bring their flights forward by a few weeks to be on the safe side:

Sargassum Season Will Be Worse This Year

After battling the phenomenon for most of 2022, Cancun – and the wider Riviera Maya – is currently enjoying a sargassum-free winter. As local specialists have affirmed, winter is the perfect time to visit the region due to the strong winds blowing from the north that help keep the seaweed at bay, in spite of the warm temperatures known to boost its spread.

Regrettably, the winds are fast-changing, and sargassum levels are bound to increase dramatically come spring. According to the newest report issued by Zofemat – an acronym for Zona Federal Maritimo Terrestre – 2023 will see a collection of algae equal to, or even higher than last year’s, with every major destination on the Riviera Maya likely to feel the impact.

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This is particularly worrying, seeing that, throughout 2022, around 37,000 tons had made landfall. As stated by Lourdes Várguez Ocampo, director of Zofemaet, the numbers up to December 31 were already exceedingly high, and expecting further occurrences, preparations for the upcoming ‘intense’ sargassum season are underway at this stage.

What Can Travelers Expect Flying To Cancun After March?

In early 2022, the situation was so critical a popular beach in Playa del Carmen, a small resort town south of Cancun, was closed while cleaning was carried out. Beaches were still not completely shielded, and cleaners were routinely seen working round the clock to remove the excess seaweed. This year, they’re better equipped:

The Government has invested heavily in new machinery to divert it, but despite their best efforts, Carmen is again battling a seaweed surge as early as January. Luckily, the sargassum arriving right now is reddish and lighter in nature, ‘easier to harvest’. From March, however, tourists should expect a return of the brown, foul-smelling version.

Playa del Carmen may be bearing the brunt of it, but neighboring hotspots like Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and of course, Cancun, are also set for record levels in spring. With this in mind, Ocampo notes the Quintana Roo Administration has budgeted 40 million Mexican pesos for a wide range of anti-seaweed measures.

These may include sargassum barriers, ‘sandbonis’, and the so-called ‘sargaboats’, which collect the invasive microorganism before it makes it to land. Authorities are going above and beyond what is required to ensure vacationers do not face any kind of disruption, such as closed beaches, but it’s hard to say this far in advance whether that will be enough.

Quintana Roo Takes Tourism Very Seriously

One thing is clear: Quintana Roo takes tourism very seriously. Besides cordoning off the coast to maintain beaches in their pristine nature, the Government is adding new security forces to tourist spots in Tulum and deploying the National Guard to the soon-to-be-launched Maya Train to protect visitors from crime.

While Mexico can always crack down harder on violence, there’s only so much they can do when it comes to sargassum, especially when sea temperatures keep rising, the main factor behind algae reproduction. Every year it gets worse, and the four-month cycle for sargassum-free sunny breaks in the Mexican Caribbean keeps getting shorter.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether traveling now and paying more for perfectly clean beaches and a turquoise-colored ocean is a trade-off you’re willing to go with. Alternatively, you could consider exploring this lesser-known destination in southern Quintana Roo that’s recently earned the nickname of ‘New Tulum’, and where seaweed is definitely not an issue.

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January 13, 2023
You Can Buy Now And Pay Later With These Major Airlines, Here’s How
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Imagine this: you’ve found an enticing flight deal for your dream destination, but you don’t have the funds currently in your account. You’ll need to wait until your next paycheck – but by this time, the deal would have passed. If this sounds familiar and you’re looking to give the credit card a break, there are other options to purchase flights with several airlines that could offer you a better interest rate.

Uplift is an option for travelers that provides a buy now, pay later option, with some loans collecting zero interest if you qualify. It allows you to spread the cost of your purchase over fixed monthly payments that you agree to with no late fees or prepayment penalties. The application is straightforward and only takes a few minutes, unlike the approval processes known with some credit cards.

Uplift has partnered with a variety of airlines for a buy now, pay later option and recently just added Emirates to its portfolio. Beyond flights, it can also be used on purchases from accommodations to cruises, tourist packages, and retail.

Which Major Airlines Offer Buy Now, Pay Later With Uplift?
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Airlines
- Emirates
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
You can see the full list of other airlines here.

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How Does It Work?

Once you’ve found a flight with one of the participating airlines above, you go through the booking process as you would normally if you were paying for a flight. When you reach the payment screen, the airline will give you the option to select Uplift as a payment option, where you will then fill out a few personal details (like your mobile number, date of birth, if you are a U.S. resident, and your Social Security Number).

Uplift will then provide your payback rate, which can range from 0% to 36%, based on things like your credit history, purchase amount, current loan activity, and more. You will also be presented with different payment plans that work with your budget and timeline, which varies from 3 months to 2 years.

Once you choose the plan that works for you, you will be able to complete the payment. You can arrange automatic payments with the plan to ensure that you are never late or miss a payment, while Uplift also sends emails and texts to remind you.

Will Uplift Affect My Credit Score?

For both U.S. and Canadian residents, Uplift uses a “soft” credit check to verify your identity and determine your credit history, which doesn’t affect your credit score. For Canadian residents, once you submit the application, the soft credit inquiry is updated to a hard credit inquiry, which could affect your credit score.

Uplift also reports your payments to the credit bureaus, so if you are late on payments, this will impact your credit score. It also means you can build credit if your payments are on time.

Who Can Qualify For Uplift
- Be a resident of the U.S. or Canada
- Be aged 18 years and over
- Have a valid U.S. number
- Can submit a few personal details
What If My Flight Circumstances Change?

If you have a change of plans and decide to cancel your flight, the process works just as if you paid with your own funds. You will need to arrange for a refund with the airline and find out what their cancellation policy is (you can get a full refund within the first 24 hours on all U.S. flights).

If the airline allows you to get a refund, Uplift will apply the full refund amount to your account balance within ten days of receiving the funds from the airline. If you are not eligible for a refund, you will still be responsible for repaying the payment in full.

How Does It Differ From Credit Cards

Some credit cards will charge interest on interest, while Uplift charges simple interest, which is only on the principal amount and it has no additional fees. Unlike credit card statements, the amount you need to repay with interest is very clear, and it makes it easier to predict your payments (some credit cards also have a plan it option, but you should check the fine print on what the interest rate is to compare). You can also pay off an Uplift loan early without incurring prepayment penalties.

Keep in mind that since you are taking out a loan, you won’t earn rewards, points, or miles as you would with using a credit card, and certain credit cards also offer additional benefits, such as trip insurance, delayed/lost baggage protection and trip delay per diem.

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid additional fees is the money you already have, but Uplift provides an option for travelers when you need it.

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November 21, 2022
Amsterdam No Longer Wants Travelers To Connect Through Its Major Airport

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How The Netherlands Shift Might Affect Your Travel Around Europe

The Netherlands is set to transform its air travel sector in the wake of the announcement that Schiphol Airport will be operating under a cap from 2023. The decision is multi-faceted, attempting to tackle both climate change and a shift from the airport’s reputation as a transfer hub.

Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands’ busiest airport and one of the busiest in the world, announced last month that it would begin capping the number of flights flying to and from the hub. The figure released suggested that no more than 440 thousand flights a year would be allowed to leave from Schiphol.

The move is mainly geared at climate change, and the figure corresponds to an approximate twenty percent decrease in the airport’s pre-pandemic figures and is a first for any major airport in the world. The decision was met with celebration from environmental activists but frustration by several airlines and other airports who will now feel pressure to react in a similar manner.

In a direct manner, passengers may be affected by sudden rising costs as the supply decreases, but the decision is also part of a broader change in direction from the Dutch Government.

Schiphol is known for its calculated role as a connection hub airport. Millions of passengers move through the airport every year, attracted by comparatively low costs and high connectivity. Recent figures place it as one of the most connected airports in the world.

Many travelers purposely reroute their travel through Schiphol instead of taking direct flights from their home airports or routing through other major airports that are often more expensive. The UK, in particular, uses the Dutch hub as a cheap alternative to Heathrow, owing to its close proximity to the country. A tourist traveling from a city like Newcastle in the north of England would see far more value in a cheap flight across the channel than dealing with Heathrow.

KLM, the largest airline presence at Schiphol, says this position is now untenable in light of the caps.

It appears the move was a government-wide plan, as country officials have already raised the flight tax for the Netherlands. Schiphol took similar measures and increased taxes for the airlines themselves, putting more pressure on airlines to avoid cheap routes and maximize the type of flight they offer. One member of parliament said of the taxes, “Through these measures, you know that Schiphol will no longer be a cheap island.”

How quickly changes are likely to be seen is hard to tell, but regular travelers who often utilize Schiphol should anticipate a shift in its connectivity, especially for cheaper short-distance flights around Western Europe or for longer-haul flights connecting through the airport.

The airport is also currently operating under a separate, unrelated cap owing to the travel chaos seen across the world. Again, Schiphol’s hub reputation has made the problems more acute, with massive lines, significant delays, and baggage problems forcing the airport’s hand. American Airlines even made the decision to stop operating in Schiphol Airport until the problems lessen.

It joins Heathrow, Gatwick, and Frankfurt in capping summer flights in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on handling staff while they attempt to fill positions vacated during the pandemic. The cap being brought in 2023 will be a larger one.

Although Schiphol is the first major airport to change its policies so drastically for environmental reasons, changes are being seen across the industry. In 2021, France took the bold step of banning short-haul flights if a bus or train was available as an alternative.

Under the rule, any flight where someone could get a bus or train to the destination in two and a half hours or under was no longer allowed. Other countries are mulling similar rules but will most likely wait until the industry has settled into a more typical routine once again.

Routes between 3000km and 5000km are generally viewed as the best for the environment.

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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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July 28, 2022
New Tourist Train Connecting Cancun To Major Tourism Destinations Will Launch Next Year
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Maya Train Set To Connect The Yucatan Peninsula Like Never Before

An exciting new railway system is set to be unveiled in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in 2023 after the government removed roadblocks surrounding its development. The controversial project will connect the popular hub of Cancun with countless towns, cities, and sites around the region like never before.

Cancun, along with the likes of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is an incredibly popular destination for sun-seeking vacationers but suffers from a lack of connectivity with the wealth of cultural attractions in its surrounding area. The vast majority of visitors to the region have their sights set on an all-inclusive resort in the hotel zone and rarely venture out unless on an organized tour.

The new railway project, The Maya Train, is set to change all that. The sprawling 948-mile line will connect Cancun with the entire peninsula with ease, offering tourists and residents alike the chance to explore the region with independence, transforming the landscape for the industry. The line will pass through the states of Quintana Roo, Yucutan, Chiapas, Campeche, and Tabasco.

If estimates are correct, tourists will now be connected with as many as 190 individual cultural sites, archeological zones, or tourist attractions. 46 Mayan sites will be accessible, as well as 14 of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” which are villages or towns noted for their cultural significance or beauty.

The final product will be a large loop with two offshoots to reach destinations slightly further out and will feature twenty individual train stations at strategic points around the peninsula.

Tourists can expect the typical big names to all have their own station. Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos, all the major beach destinations, will be connected along their short strip of the Mexican Caribbean coast, opening the opportunity for resort loyalists to try a quick trip to another town with ease.

More exciting is the new kind of travel experience it will provide regular visitors and new ones alike. Cancun is generally avoided by cultural tourists due to the lack of historic sites in the immediate vicinity and the emphasis on luxury and resort life. When the system is completed, travelers will now be able to visit the likes of Merida, recently named one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Merida highlights a drastically different experience from the beachside resorts, offering a chance to try more local food, understand the colonial history of the area, and move at a different pace than the hotel zones.

There’s also a stop for the world-famous Mayan ruin, Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world. Previously, if visitors to Cancun or Tulum had intended to visit the site, the easiest way would have been to book an organized tour or rent a car. The train simplifies the accessibility issues of visiting, adding to the value of a stay anywhere in the peninsula.

Other interesting stops on the line include often neglected Quintana Roo capital Chetumal and several other lesser-known inland towns.

The project hasn’t been without its controversies, however, and dissenters have successfully stalled its construction several times. Environmentalists and historians have scorned the seemingly rushed development of the Maya Train. Many claim the construction in some areas is bulldozing through valuable undiscovered Mayan archeology zones, destroying pieces of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Those protecting the environment are concerned about underground caverns and cenotes that will be destroyed in the process. Many of these caves were also sacred places for the Mayan civilization and could also be valuable archeology sites. Others have highlighted the destruction of rainforest areas in the region.

Mexico’s government is often accused for cutting corners for financial benefit, and it appears to have wrangled its way around any further roadblocks by declaring the project a “National Security Project,” which grants it priority over some of the cultural discrepancies that have been brought to light.

If all goes to plan, the train linee should be functional by the end of 2023, although it is likely it may be extended into 2024 along with Tulum’s new airport.

A full list of the intended Maya Train Stations are listed below:
- Palenque
- Tenosique
- Balancan
- Escárcega
- San Francisco de Campeche
- Mérida, Izamal
- Chichén Itzá
- Valladolid
- Cobá
- Cancún
- Puerto Morelos
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto
- Bacalar
- Calakmul
- El Triunfo
- Boca Del Cerro
- Xpujil
- Nuevo Xsan
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July 21, 2022
Airbnb Makes Major Updates To Platform And Adds New Features For Travelers
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The platform now includes a category feature and a split house function

The American Company Airbnb recently made major updates to its platform. Now, every user who visits the official website, will find a six minutes film where Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO, explains the new features and shows travelers a new lifestyle.

On Wednesday, Chesky announced “the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade”, during the company’s virtual summer event, which includes a new search function called “categories”, a new feature called “split homes”, and new travel insurance for guests called “AirCover”. The website and app have been redesigned to showcase the company’s new strategy.

These recent updates allow travelers to expand experiences and discover new exotic locations adapted to their needs and lifestyles. According to the information shared in a press release, Airbnb is adapting to what travelers and remote workers currently need.

Chesky explained the reasons for the new features: “First, people are more flexible about where they live and work, so we’ve designed a new way to search with Airbnb Categories. Second, people are taking longer trips, so we created Split Stays to give you more options by splitting your trip between two homes. And third, we’re introducing AirCover for guests, giving you the confidence to book knowing that Airbnb’s got your back.”

Since last year, the company has been making updates and optimizing services— they made 150 upgrades in 2021— to adapt to the pandemic and satisfy customers. Despite its struggles, the changes have worked and Airbnb’s future is looking brighter. Their business model is currently being adopted by other companies in the travel industry: Marriott is now offering short-term rentals to reach similar audiences

More About Airbnb 2022 Summer Release

Airbnb reported an increase in bookings for summer 2022 of 80% compared to the summer of 2019. The company also noticed different behaviors: longer stays from travelers who work remote and interest in different travel experiences.

Airbnb considers that a new travel era has begun. “We think people are ready to dream again,” said Chesky. The CEO also added: “A lot of people have been sequestered at home for two years. Many people haven’t taken that big trip for the first time. And so we want to encourage people to get out of their house and venture into this big world.”

Here are more details about the new features:
- Airbnb Categories: the new redesign now shows 56 categories of unique homes—from tiny houses to a yellow submarine treehouse— to match users’ interests and help them discover new fascinating listings.
For this feature, the company selected 6 million homes across the world that offer guests special experiences. Travelers will be able to choose their preferred unique homes from categories like “castles”, “caves”, “farms”, homes with “amazing pools”, “mansions”, and even “OMG”.
- Split Homes: Considering that travelers are choosing longer stays, this new feature allows guests to split a trip between two different houses in the same area.
Split stays can be also combined with 14 categories so that travelers can have similar homes or preferred activities. For example, a guest can split stays and find two homes near the coast to surf in different locations in the same region.
- AirCover: This new insurance offers four different types of protection. A booking protection guarantee that finds a guest a similar home in case the host cancels a reservation within 30 days of check-in, a check-in guarantee that finds solutions in case a guest can’t check into the home, a get-what-you-booked guarantee that offers guests alternatives in case the home doesn’t look as advertised, and a 24 hours safety line if a guest doesn’t feel safe in one of the listings.
The new redesign and features of the Airbnb 2022 Summer Release are already live for users in the United States and will be visible from other countries throughout the week. The company created a page where travelers can learn more about the new updates.

Read More:

Marriott Now Offers Short Term Rentals Competing With Airbnb

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

Airbnb Will No Longer Offer Refunds For Covid-Related Cancelations

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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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May 14, 2022
This Major U.S. Airline Plans To Offer Free Wifi

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One of America’s largest airline carriers is offering FREE WiFi to all passengers on board some of its flights – up until 10 June.

Having begun the trial just a few days ago (4 May), Southwest Airlines – which is the world’s largest low-cost carrier – is currently offering free WiFi on board a number of its Boeing 737 airplanes.

The trial is part of a test for new hardware – which has recently been installed on 40 of the airline’s fleet – to see if it can cope with large numbers of users at one time, as well as provide faster internet to all passengers that connect to it.

Which Flights Are Offering Free WiFi?

As just mentioned, the trial of free WiFi is currently taking place on board 40 of Southwest’s Boeing 737 planes – with these aircrafts operating flights throughout the western part of the United States.

Will You Be Able To Stream Netflix Using The FREE WiFi?

Passengers that are on board any of Southwest’s flights that are part of the Free WiFi trial will be able to “stream, browse, and engage on the internet,” according to Southwest’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Customer Relations, Tony Roach.

So, it does look like passengers will be able to stream their latest Netflix or HBO series whilst cruising at 30,000 feet in the air.

The airline’s current offering of WiFi – which is available on board Southwest’s WiFi-enabled aircrafts at a cost of $8 – does not allow passengers to stream movies and content from websites such as Netflix, HBO Max, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

This is due to the airline’s WiFi blocking access to high-bandwidth websites, applications and video conferencing services.

How Long Will The Trial Last For?

The trial is set to last for six weeks, with all passengers on board the 40 flights – that has the new WiFi hardware installed – being able to connect to the WiFi at no cost.

The trial began on 4 May and will continue up until 10 June.

Is Free WiFi Available On All Southwest Flights?

At this moment in time, no.

However, it could well be in the near future – especially if the newly installed hardware on some of Southwest’s airplanes can cope with large numbers of users at one time.

The airline does currently offer WiFi to all passengers on board its flights at a cost of $8 per passenger to use it – with the service being free to connect to for Southwest’s A-List Preferred Members.

Will Southwest Be Offering FREE WiFi On Board All Of Its Flights In The Future?

At this moment in time, this is unknown.

However, if the trial is a success then it could be that in the future all Southwest passengers will be able to connect to FREE WiFi – which would allow them to stream their favorite movie or TV series whilst flying high in the sky.

Speaking about the airline’s trial of their upgraded WiFi, Southwest’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Customer Relations, Tony Roach, explained the company’s vision:

“Our goal is to evaluate how the new hardware improves performance while delivering a reliable internet experience used by a large volume of Customers.”

Do Any Other Of The Major Airlines In The U.S. Offer Free WiFi?

Right now, only one of America’s major airlines – JetBlue – offers free WiFi to all passengers on board any of its flights.

However, just a month ago we reported that five airlines in the U.S. had lowered the cost of their onboard WiFi services.

And, just last week it was revealed that Hawaiian Airlines will become the first major airline to provide Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service to passengers on board its flights from next year.

Read more:

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First Major Airline Will Provide Elon Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi For Free

These 5 Airlines Have Lowered The Cost Of Wi-Fi

Southwest Adds New Routes And Frequencies To Top Destinations

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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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May 8, 2022
Travelers Will Have To Make A Reservation To Visit Major Hawaii Attraction
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Last Updated 9 hours ago

Starting on May 12, tourists will need to book their visit online to enter the park

Last Monday, The State of Hawai’i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced that reservations will be required to visit the iconic Diamond Head State Monument, known as Lē’ahi to natives. The new system will become effective on May 12, 2022.

According to the information shared on the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ website, the system will start taking reservations on April 28 and can be made up to 14 days in advance.

The measure only applies to tourists, local citizens with a Hawai’i State Driver’s License or ID, will not have to book or pay to visit the park. However, they must consider parking availability.

The main reason to implement a reservation system and charge an entry fee is very similar to the one that made Venice implement a similar system: too many travelers crowding the space at the same time. The entrance fee for non-Hawaiian residents is $5, children under 3 years old do not pay.

In the press release, John De Fries, Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) president and CEO, stated: “This new reservation system will be instrumental in managing visitor capacity within Lēʻahi and protecting its natural environment and cultural sites, improving the experience for everyone and allowing us to be better stewards of this special place.”

De Fries also insisted on the importance of sharing this new requirement: “We are urging visitors to plan ahead when booking their trips and become familiarized with the new process.”

Now that Hawaii has ended all covid restrictions, more travelers will be visiting this beautiful destination. It’s just important that they stay up to date with local rules— such as the reservation requirement to visit the Diamond Head— to make the most out of their visit.

What You Must Know Before Visiting The Diamond Head

Exploring the iconic volcanic formation—created by an eruption around 300,000 years ago— represents one of the most popular and exotic activities to do in Hawaii. The Diamond Head Monument extends to 475 acres and offers tourists stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. The place also hosts rich history and cultural local traditions.

It is evident why thousands of tourists want to visit this crater while in Hawaii. According to data shared on US Today, in 2019, before the pandemic, about 6,000 people visited the park in just one day! The new restriction wants to control and reduce the impact of visitors to this natural monument.

Besides making an online reservation prior to arrival, travelers should know the basic information and main recommendations:
- The park is open every day from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, and entry gates close at 6:00 pm.
- It is not open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
- Hawaiian residents do not pay an entry fee.
- Tourists must make a reservation and pay $5, they only accept credit cards.
- Residents do not pay for parking, tourists do. Non-residents must pay $10 per vehicle. Commercial vehicles must make reservations, and rates change depending on passengers’ seats per vehicle.
- No pets are allowed, except service animals.
- The park offers access to those with disabilities on the crater floor.
- The hiking trail is considered easy but it is steep and uneven, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip.
- Audio tours are available, a great option for those who want to learn more about military history, geography, plant and animal life, and more.
- Wear good walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bring water to stay hydrated.
The Diamond Head is definitely a great activity to include while visiting Hawaii. However, travelers must stay informed and learn about all the options also available on these gorgeous islands, and remember that there are many off-the-beaten-path things to do at this destination such as visiting taking a hike at the Wai’anapanapa State Park or exploring The Mermaid Caves in Oahu.

Read More:

Top 10 Off The Beaten Path Things To Do In Hawaii In 2022

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

United Launches 5 New Non-Stop Flights To Amazing Destinations

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

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Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

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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May 2, 2022