Tag: Number

Turkiye Is The Number One Leisure Destination In The Middle East – Here’s Why Travelers Love It

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 1 second ago

Turkiye is becoming trendier by the minute now that international travel has resumed and its borders are open restriction-free, so much so that it’s been now named the number one leisure destination in the Middle East, surpassing tourism hotspots like the UAE and Qatar.

According to India-based travel technology firm Rategain, international arrivals in the Middle East will be 15 percent higher during summer 2023 than the peak year of 2019. Surprisingly, Turkiye is the driving force behind this recovery, not the Persian Gulf with its futuristic skyscrapers.

But how did Turkiye get here, and why is a growing number of travelers choosing to spend their vacations there? We may have the answer:

Turkiye Has A Vast Cultural Wealth

A cross-continental giant straddling both Europe and the Anatolian Peninsula, the Westernmost portion of Asia, enriched by millennia upon millennia of History, and at the meeting point of civilizations, Turkiye is a one-of-a-kind nation.

It is home to some of the most exciting city breaks out there, including Istanbul, where world-renowned sights, such as the Hagia Sophia, an Ancient Roman cathedral-turned-mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, and Suleymaniye Mosque are all located.

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

On the Aegean Coast of Turkiye, tourists will find fast-growing resort zones, from the bustling metropolis that is Izmir, best known for its landmark Ottoman-era clock, to the smaller, more exclusive beach destination of Bodrum, where a medieval castle and a picturesque Old Town await them.

All along the coast, from the upper Aegean to the East Mediterranean, where the trendy Antalya sits, there are numerous historical ruins, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and virgin-sand beaches to be explored.

Whether it’s the ruins of a biblical Ephesus, where the Gospel of John was reportedly written, the flowing thermal springs that cascade down the calcium steps of Pamukkale, or the turquoise waters of Fethiye, the Turkish coast is a mix of Ancient World and outstanding natural beauty.

The Black Sea region is also not to be overlooked, boasting an overdevelopment-free coast dotted with quaint cobblestone villages and lesser-known swimming spots, like the scenic Sinop, a rich Greco-Roman heritage, and even mountain retreats and alpine peaks (think Trabzon).

Inland, the fairy chimneys, a swarm of hot air balloons, and underground cities of Cappadocia dominate the landscape, while Eastern Turkiye, close to the borders with Georgia and Armenia, is known for its traditionalism and indigenous Anatolian culture.

As you can see, there is a lot to do and see in Turkiye to inspire not only one, but several visits, but its vast cultural wealth is not the only reason why tourists love it.

Turkiye Remains Affordable Compared To Most Of The Middle East

Despite the soaring inflation and rising prices of recent years, Turkiye is still incredibly affordable by both Western and Middle Eastern standards.

The already-cited Bodrum has been named the third cheapest Mediterranean destination this year, while the financial hub that is Ankara, Turkiye’s seriously underrated capital city, has been crowned the most affordable city for digital nomads worldwide.

As the country’s cultural capital and leading destination, Istanbul is easily one of Turkiye’s most expensive cities.

Even then, it may be 57.1% less expensive than New York, if data shared by Numbeo is to be considered, with meals at inexpensive restaurants averaging only USD $7.17, according to Numbeo contributors.

Turkiye is a bargain, and it doesn’t surprise us it’s on track to become one of the busiest summer destinations in the post-pandemic scene.

Turkiye Outpaces All Middle Eastern Destinations In Recovery Trends

As confirmed by Rategain, the Middle East (led by Turkiye) is outpacing all travel markets in recovery rates for the April-June quarter, indicating a strong summer season ahead. More specifically, the firm attributes Turkiye’s success to its friendliness and open border policy.

Unlike the Western World, it has not enacted barriers for Russian visitors, and this year, the number of arrivals from Russia jumped by more than 100 percent compared to 2022. They are not the only ones favoring budget-friendly Turkey over an overpriced Europe:

Americans and Brits are flying to the country in droves, with American arrivals up a whopping 61% in the post-crisis era. Thanks to the wider availability of transcontinental flights linking the U.S. and Turkiye, those numbers are set to climb even further.

Currently, there are three daily nonstop flights on average connecting New York’s JFK, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. to Istanbul, while at least four flights depart weekly from Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston – and more keep getting added.

Turkiye’s figures for the current quarter sit 40 to 50 percent above last year’s, as it is set to surpass the already historical year of 2022 when up to 44.5 million tourists were registered. Rategain reiterates the surge in demand for leisure travel is driven by travelers from the U.S. and Europe.

20 to 30 percent of searches for overnight stays in the broader Middle East are conducted by U.S. travelers, as confirmed by the report.

Other than Turkey, other Middle Eastern destinations* trending right now are Egypt, on the Maghreb subdivision of North Africa, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

*As defined by the report. It is worth noting Middle East is not a continent but a geopolitical term often used in reference to countries located in the Westernmost part of Asia, which would then include the State of Israel, or in some instances, the Turkic-Arab World.

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

↓ Join Our Community ↓

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

[ad_2]

Source link

May 11, 2023
Cancun Has The Highest Number Of Clean Beaches In Mexico Despite Overtourism
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 1 hour ago

Cancun is a highly sought-after international destination that sees millions upon millions of tourists arriving all-year round. Its massive popularity would lead you to think the quality of local beaches is decreasing dramatically – after all, more tourists generally result in more waste and, subsequently, beach pollution. That is shockingly not the case, as Cancun has, in fact, the highest number of clean beaches in all of Mexico.

Overtourism is one of the biggest threats facing Cancun, but local authorities have risen to the challenge and are not only encouraging Americans to visit but keeping the city safe and all of its popular swimming areas spotless. Crowding risks aside, the oceans bordering Cancun and the wider Riviera Maya are as beautiful and crystal-clear as ever.

You don’t have to believe us. The proof is in the numbers:

No Other Coastal City In Mexico Has More Blue Flag Beaches

As reported by our sister website, The Cancun Sun, no other coastal destination in Mexico has more ‘Blue Flag’ beaches than Cancun. The status, which is the highest a natural landmark within this category can achieve, is only awarded to those with the best quality standards and environmental controls, also serving as an unofficial ‘safe for tourism’ badge.

A huge part of Cancun’s global fame has always been attributed to its pearl-white sands and warm, turquoise-colored seas, though the city’s visible transformation in light of mass tourism has been an ongoing concern for environmentalists. They are often critical of the Government’s development plans, particularly the upcoming Tren Maya, and have shown skepticism at their promises to protect the surrounding nature.

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

As it turns out, their apprehensiveness is unfounded, at least when it comes to the preservation of marine life, after seven beaches in Cancun were awarded a Blue Flag certificate at an event recently held by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Playa Delfines. This proves the city has managed to maintain the beachfront perfectly clean in spite of the overwhelming number of visitors.

Cancun Authorities Want To Keep Tourists Coming Back

Officially, Cancun outnumbers Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, its partners in the triad of Mexico’s world-class destinations, as well as any other beach hub when it comes to Blue Flag beaches. For months on end, authorities have worked around the clock to ensure the Pearl of the Caribbean wouldn’t lose its sparkle amid the landfall of sargassum and a rise in crime.

This year, the Quintana Roo Government has surely stepped up its game when it comes to improving the tourist experience. Over the summer, 300 army soldiers were deployed to keep visitors safe, despite the fact that violent incidents occur almost exclusively in suburban areas, while beach cleaners worked tirelessly throughout the fall to manually remove the dreaded seaweed.

Few destinations value tourism as much as Cancun does, a quality recognized by Joaquín Díaz Ríos, head of the FEE. According to Ríos himself, Cancun is Mexico’s ‘Blue Flag capital’, meaning it has passed all the cleanliness, safety, and water quality tests with flying colors. More specifically, the below spots have attained the honor:
- Del Nino
- Las Perlas
- Chach Mool
- Ballenas
- Marlín
- Delfines
- Coral
Additionally, three private beaches were certified ‘Blue’: Fiesta Americana Condesa’s, Hotel Live Aqua’s, and Iberostar’s.

Overtourism Major Threat To Blue Flag Status Moving Forward

This will undoubtedly prove challenging, considering Cancun is close to selling out for the peak season, with occupancy reaching 95% and packed beaches equal littering. In preparation for the phenomenon, more than 150 full-time cleaners have been hired to ensure beaches look pristine at all times, on top of increased surveillance by patrol units.

Winter is fast approaching, and you can certainly expect the Pearl of the Mayan Riviera to get busier by the minute. This may involve waiting longer in line arriving at the airport, finding it more difficult to arrange a hotel transfer unless you have pre-booked one ahead of traveling, and even staying in a sub-optimal location far from the trendy Hotel Zone due to low room availability.

Remember: if overtouristed destinations are not a big turn-off for you and a Blue Flag-certified Cancun remains your dream getaway, you should be booking that vacation package right away before rooms and airplane seats sell out. Other destinations in Mexico close to being booked up this winter are Playa Del Carmen, south of Cancun, and the insular municipality of Isla Mujeres.

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

↓ Join Our Community ↓

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
[ad_2]

Source link
November 23, 2022
Central America Beats Europe To Become The Number One Destination For Solo Travel

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 1 min ago

Now that the pandemic has changed the way we perceived the world, and even our travel behaviors, some unexpected trends are gaining traction. Solo travel is undeniably one of them, with individual bookings leading industry sales as more people feel encouraged to explore new destinations by themselves (and create their own memories).

For years, Europe held the title of ‘Tourism Capital’ of the world, due to its well-developed hostel and backpacking scene, as well as excellent transportation links, which makes country-hopping an easy feat. As the Old Continent reopens, many expected it to reclaim that title after being stuck in a two-year loop of travel restrictions.

Surprisingly, its solo travel hegemony may have been challenged… By the most unlikely of tourist destinations:

Bookings For Solo Trips In Central America Are Soaring

According to new information shared by Hostelword, a booking platform specialized in hostels and affordable stays, the massively underrated Central America has surpassed Europe in hostel bookings for the first time since the company started collecting booking data, all the way back in 1999 when it was founded.

As the experts at Hostelworld confirm, Central America (and Mexico) are rising in popularity in the post-pandemic world, even more so than Europe’s leading tourist destinations like France and Spain. More specifically, Central America bookings are up 40% since 2019, and this can largely be attributed to solo female travelers.

For years, the enigmatic world south of Mexico, and north of South America had been ignored by tourists, particularly young women who had safety concerns regarding travel in the region. More often than not, the US Department of State issues stark travel advisories for Latin American countries, usually citing crime and violence.

As official travel guidance, they should be taken seriously, but we cannot discount the fact that travelers now want to see the world for themselves, and they have grown more and more independent in their own risk assessments. The recent data provides undeniable evidence of that, with some of Central America’s rising stars topping rankings for solo travel – regardless of advisories.

Countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala have all made it to Hostelworld’s latest Top 10 Trending Destinations For Solo Female Travelers list. As suspected, Mexico is a leader in new bookings, with guest numbers up 79 per cent, while Costa Rica trails behind at 60 per cent, and Guatemala rounds the Central American/Mexico top 3 with a 55 per cent increase.

What Makes Central America Such An Appealing Destination For Backpackers?

While these destinations were already incredibly popular prior to 2022, they were not necessarily seen as solo travel hubs, especially due to the lack of a strong hostel culture in the European model. Additionally, connectivity between Central American countries has always been a big barrier – one that Europe managed to overcome ages ago with its successful Schengen Area.

Central America countries may not be as integrated as their European rivals, but recent projects have been announced with the sole purpose of easing obstacles for travel between neighboring nations. This includes new tourism routes across the Mayan World and increased flight frequency between capital cities.

On top of that, the continent’s central strip is incredibly affordable compared to traditional tourist epicenters in Europe: the aforementioned Guatemala has ranked as the least expensive country for solo travelers in Central America, with average daily expenses at USD 39,00 – still 29.68% cheaper than the cheapest city in Spain.

Europe may offer a myriad of options for long-term, solo travelers on a budget, but even then, it can be ridiculously expensive compared to Central America. Seeing that prices are going up further due to the ongoing crisis, and the nearby war in Ukraine, it should come as no surprise that backpackers are looking elsewhere for new life-changing experiences.

Moreover, Europe may have the highest concentration of castles, picturesque Old Towns and History spanning millennia, but it simply cannot beat Central America’s nature. Based on Hostelworld’s March 2022 Solo Travel survey, 74 per cent of solo adventurers said their priority when traveling is ‘looking for nature’ and ‘natural world experiences’.

Indisputably, it is home to some of the world’s most bio-diverse lands, where travelers can find tropical forests, unspoiled Pacific and Caribbean beaches, unique wildlife, and countless scenic hiking trails. Lastly, these countries’ more relaxed visa regimes usually allow for short or longer stays without the bureaucracy associated with lengthy visa applications.

When traveling on a US, Canadian, British or EU passport, backpackers generally do not need visas at all for Central America.

Bottom Line

Solo travel is here to stay, and it seems like the Americas might be the new hotspot for backpackers, finally unseating mighty Europe after years, maybe decades of dominance. Be that as it may, we would like to reiterate solo travel does not come without its risks, particularly at a time when travel disruption is rampant.

If you are going on a solo trip, make sure you get insured for delays and cancellations ahead of flying: some of the best insurance providers, including HeyMondo and Safety Wing, offer pretty affordable (and comprehensive) policies. Lastly, make sure you check all Covid entry requirements that may still be in place at your final destination.

For more solo travel stories like this one, make sure you visit this link.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Mexico Authorities Partner With AirBnB To Provide Safer Vacation Rentals For Tourists

These Airlines Will Give Free Hotels And Attractions For Travelers On A Layover

These 3 Countries Just Made It Easier To Visit

Mexico Fails U.S. Airspace Safety Review as Airport Saturation Continues

↓ Join the community ↓

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

[ad_2]

Source link

July 7, 2022
Record Number Of Direct Flights Happening Between The U.S. And Greece This Summer
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 1 hour ago

Do you fancy a trip to Greece this summer? It just became far easier for Americans. Delta Airlines is teaming up with Greek carrier SKY Express to offer tourists connections across Greece and Cyprus.

The new partnership—which began on May 19, 2022—will allow tourists to fly on Delta airlines direct flights to Athens, Greece, before connecting to 34 famous places.

These places include:
- Mykonos
- Santorini
- Crete
- Corfu
Delta also offers a record number of direct flights from the United States to Athens—including direct flights to Athens from NYC, Boston, and Atlanta.

The Statement From The Airlines

Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president of alliances, said: “Greece is one of the most sought-after destinations this summer for American travelers, and with trade and tourism flows increasing between our countries, Delta’s partnership with SKY express gives our customers more versatility when it comes to planning the perfect Greek getaway,”

“Customers will be able to hold a single Delta ticket and check their bags from North America all the way to their final destination, providing customers with a seamless service to some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean,” he added.

SKY Express operates A320neo and ATR 72600 aircraft. Delta said this “suited to the geographical environment of the Greek islands.”

In addition, Yiannis Lidakis, the commercial director of SKY express, said: “With one of the youngest fleets and an unrivaled network, this arrangement with Delta will allow customers across the U.S. to connect to the magical charm of the Greek islands,”

Which U.S Airports Will Delta Fly From?

Delta will have regular flights to Greece from Atlanta, Boston, New York-JFK, etc. As a result, U.S. tourists can fly directly to Greece instead of flying to another destination in Europe, such as the United Kingdom, then connecting to Greece.

However, the connecting flights offered by Delta and SKY Express to popular Greek island resorts from Athens are superb for U.S. tourists.

As most Greek islands don’t have international airports—even some popular ones—it can be a headache traveling to the Greek islands from outside Europe. During COVID-19 and the subsequent lack of flights, it sometimes took Americans three flights to visit Santorini and Mykonos.

This news takes away much of the stress of visiting Greece’s beautiful islands

What Are Greece’s Entry Requirements?

Greece has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements. Therefore, U.S. travelers can visit the nation without testing, mandatory quarantine, proof of vaccination, and passenger locator forms.

Greece has also removed its mask mandate and all other internal restrictions. Greece is completely back to normal for U.S. visitors.

Although Greece reopened its borders in 2020, entry restrictions were still challenging for two years. Until recently, the nation also had a mandatory vaccine passport for almost all indoor venues, which made Greece highly challenging for unvaccinated tourists.

Other Airlines Who Fly Directly To Greece

Thankfully, Delta Airlines isn’t the only airline offering direct flights to Greece this summer.

These airlines also offer direct flights from the United States to Greece:
- Emirates: Emirates will fly directly to Athens from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) this summer. The total flight time will be 9 hours and 10 minutes. Travelers can then arrange their transportation to the islands.
- American Airlines: American Airlines will fly directly to Athens from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) this summer. The total flight time will be 10 hours and 20 minutes. American Airlines will also fly directly to Athens from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) this summer, with a total flight time of 9 hours and 30 minutes.
- Air Canada: Canadians can fly directly from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Athens this summer. The total flight time is 9 hours.
- United Airlines: United Airlines will fly directly to Athens from Dulles International Airport (IAD) this summer. The total flight time is 9 hours and 45 minutes.
Final Thoughts

Greece is one of the best destinations for Americans in 2021. As the nation grows in popularity, more and more flights from North America are heading to Greece directly.

Stay tuned for more information on flights to Europe this summer!

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

These 5 Airlines Have Lowered The Cost Of Wi-Fi

United Launches New Ultra-Fast Bag Check-In Under 1 Minute

New Direct Flights From the U.S. To Norway Launching This Summer

Travel Demand is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels and What it Means To You This Summer

↓ Join the community ↓

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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
[ad_2]

Source link
May 27, 2022