Last-minute trips are one of the biggest travel trends of 2023.
According to the 2023 Travel Trends Report from the travel booking website Hopper, travelers are spending 30% less time planning trips compared to 2019.
Travelers are planning trips just 5 weeks in advance, compared to almost 7 weeks in advance for pre-pandemic trips.
And when it comes to actually booking trips, travelers are doing it just 3 weeks in advance.
So how can you save money on last-minute trips this year when everything from hotel prices to airfare has skyrocketed in 2023?
Here are six savvy tips to help you score a good deal on last-minute travel:
1. Be Flexible On Travel Dates
One of the best ways to save money on last-minute travel is to be flexible with your travel dates. Departing mid-week is an especially good way to save money on airfare.
According to data from Hopper, travelers who fly mid-week can save an average of $90 on domestic flights and over $140 on international flights.
Another big way to save money is by avoiding Saturday night hotel stays. This is often the most expensive night at hotels, and avoiding it can help travelers save 25% off their nightly rate, according to Hopper’s report.
Checking out on a Saturday morning isn’t ideal if you were hoping to make the most out of the weekend, but it’s a big way you can save money overall.
3. Be Flexible On Destination
If you don’t have your heart set on one particular destination, being flexible about where you go is a great way to save money.
The “Everywhere Search” feature on Skyscanner allows you to search flights to all destinations from your home city so you can see the cheapest options. You can also do something similar on Google Flights by clicking the “Explore Destinations” button after you put in your home city for departure.
4. Opt For City Breaks
Last-minute airfare to big cities in the United States is often cheaper than you might expect. For example, the average airfare to Miami is $264, and to Las Vegas it’s $298.
Compare that to West Yellowstone ($772) or Martha’s Vineyard ($375) and you can see that a city break works out to be cheaper than visiting a national park or beach town destination.
5. Find Last-Minute Hotel Deals
Hotels that still have room inventory a few days in advance often offer great last-minute deals as an attempt to fill their rooms.
Websites like Hotwire and Hotels.com are worth checking for last-minute hotel deals. It’s possible to score great prices that just aren’t available weeks or months in advance… but be careful if you’re traveling during a destination’s peak season because last-minute deals may not be available, and hotels can even be fully sold out!
6. Combine Work And Travel
“Workations” that combine work and travel have become extremely popular in recent years as more employees have the ability to work remotely or in a hybrid environment.
According to Hopper, 77% of travelers plan to tack on work to the beginning or end of a vacation this year. If you can work remotely during part of your trip, it makes it easier to depart mid-week and get better deals on flights and hotels.
Other Ways To Save Money On Travel This Year
Looking for more ways to save money on travel this year?
If you’ve been planning a trip to Disney World, Orlando this year, one of Disney World’s executives has just shared some of the best tips for saving money for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
For the past 15 months, Disney World has been celebrating its 50th anniversary, with many of its festivities continuing up until March 31, 2023. With less than 3 months left of its celebration plans, the attraction has announced a list of savings to entice visitors to its many resorts after the official celebrations conclude.
2023 is still an important year for Walt Disney, as the entertainment company will be marking its 100th anniversary since being founded in 1923. The celebrations will be mainly focused at Disneyland Resort, but will eventually move to Disney World later in the year.
There are plenty of reasons to add Disney World to your 2023 destination list, from its latest attraction Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to popular favorites like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the revived Fantasmic!
Highlights coming to Disney World in 2023 will also include Tron Lightcycle Run, one of the fastest new rides, and a new family-style barbecue restaurant called Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land.
Keep in mind that the cost to visit Disney World will vary based on which of the four parks you want to visit. Animal Kingdom is the lowest-priced park costing between $109 and $159, while Magic Kingdom is the most expensive park, costing between $124 and $189, and it’s best to reserve your tickets as soon as possible.
Lesley Harris, Communications Manager at Walt Disney World Resort has offered some of the best ways to save this year (and also don’t forget to check out our other tips for saving money here):
Save Up To 25% On Rooms At Select Disney Resort Hotels
If you want your magical stay to extend into the evening and beyond, a stay at one of Disney’s Resort hotels will give you the same friendly service and storytelling as its theme parks. Disney is offering the following discounts during select time periods on a limited number of its rooms.
April 10 through July 10, 2023: save up to 25% on stays at 15 select Disney Resort hotels during most nights
March 1 through March 31, 2023: save up to 20% at select 15 Disney Resort hotels during most nights
Resorts include: Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Additional discounts also apply to other Disney Resort hotels during certain dates. You can see the full list of resorts and savings here.
$750 Dining Promo Card With Special Offer
Guests visiting Disney World who book a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day vacation package at either a Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort with a theme park ticket will receive up to a $750 Dining promo card ($150 Per Room, Per Night).
The dining card can be redeemed across the resorts, from the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park to Satu’li Canteen, a fast-casual restaurant at Pandora – The World of Avatar. The gifted dollar value is dependent on which Disney Resort hotel that you stay at, and ranges from $50 to $150 per room, per night, for a maximum of 5 nights.
The offer is only available for guests booking between the following dates:
July 1 to July 10, 2023
August 1 to September 14, 2023.
You can see the full list of resorts that the dining promo card applies to here.
Spend Extra Time In Parks With Disney Resort Hotel Stays
Guests who stay at a Disney Resort hotel also receive special perks and additional time in the parks, such as a 30-minute early entry ahead of the public, while Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort guests get to enjoy extended evening hours on special evenings across select parks.
Busy planning your winter getaway? You may want to rethink your purchase if you are considering buying a basic economy fare. Though it can be tempting to opt for the basic fare to save some money, you may actually be doing the opposite.
Even if you are still able to save after navigating some common pitfalls of economy fare prices, it may not be worth the amount saved due to the many reasons why economy fares can be more than just a financial headache.
Read on to see why booking a basic economy fare may not be the best decision.
Economy Fares Charge For Carry-On Luggage — If They Allow Them At All
We are all for traveling light, but traveling with just a personal item is a bit of a stretch. Maybe you could make it work for a quick weekend trip to a warm destination, but packing everything for your trip into a personal item can be extremely limiting.
Some basic economy fares might let you bring a carry-on, but you’ll have to pay extra. However, many basic economy fares don’t allow you to bring a carry-on item at all, regardless of whether you are willing to pay for it. For instance, United doesn’t allow basic economy fares to bring a carry-on for most flights. Trans-Pacific, Trans-Atlantic, and flights to South America are the only flights it allows basic economy flyers to bring a carry-on.
Jetting off to the Caribbean? You’re out of luck.
No Flexibility Can Mean No Savings
One of the nice things that came about from the pandemic was the increased flexibility when it came to changing flights. However, those days are fading, and airlines are no longer allowing flexibility with basic economy fares.
For example, JetBlue doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees for most of its fares — except its basic economy fare, Blue Basic. Travelers who purchased a Blue Basic fare have to pay a $100 to $200 change/cancellation fee, depending on the route.
For a more concrete example, we looked at a fare for a round-trip flight from the Caribbean island of Grenada to New York City. For just $50 more, you could bring a carry-on, select your seat, and know that if plans need to change, you won’t be stuck with the extra cost of a change fee.
Imagine you’d bought a Blue Basic fare and needed to change your flight. You would be on the hook for at least $100, more than the cost of upgrading to a Blue fare! You’d have spent more money in the end, making the basic economy savings useless.
Regarding cancellations and basic economy tickets, travelers should still be aware of the 24-hour rule. By law, airlines must give a refund for the cost of a flight if you cancel within 24 hours of the purchase.
Lack Of Savings Isn’t The Only Reason Basic Economy May Not Be Worth It
While inadvertently paying more for a basic economy fare would be unfortunate, money isn’t the only reason basic economy fares may not be worth it. After all, travel is often for leisure or escaping the day-to-day, so why add stress and discomfort to the experience in an effort to save $50? This leads us directly to our next point…
If They Are Cheaper, It’s Usually Not By Much
Airlines created basic economy fares so that they would show up as the lowest price in a search. After adding luggage, seat selections, and other add-ons, the cost of a basic economy can be almost equal to (and, in rare cases, greater than) the cost of a normal economy ticket.
In the prior example, you can see that the cost difference between Blue Basic and Blue is minimal. With a small $50 price difference, is it worth the added discomfort and stress that comes with being unable to pick your seat and having no flexibility?
You Can’t Pick Your Seat
We’ve touched on this already, but it is certainly worth repeating. With most basic economy fares, you can’t pick your seat assignment. If you are even able to select a seat, it will cost you, and fees can add up quickly, especially if you aren’t flying direct, as you’ll have to pay for a seat on each leg of the flight.
While this may not be the worst thing for a 2 or 3-hour flight, a Trans-Atlantic flight with a bad seat can be extremely uncomfortable. Is it worth saving a little bit of money if it means you get split up from your travel party and stuck between two strangers in the middle seat?
If you’re traveling with your partner, friends, or even with your children, choosing a basic economy fare will mean you cannot choose to sit together.
Travel Off Path recently spoke with an American Airlines flight attendant who informed us that sometimes families will get split up with parents on one side of the plane and children on the other. Once boarding is complete, flight attendants can try to accommodate to sit families closer together. However, if the flight is full, families are at the mercy of strangers’ willingness to switch.
You May Not Be Earning Miles
While this varies from airline to airline, many basic economy tickets don’t earn you frequent flyer miles. For instance, Delta Air Lines doesn’t count basic economy tickets towards mileage earnings. And while other airlines may allow mileage earnings, they can be limited.
For example, JetBlue allows for mileage earnings with its Blue Basic fare. However, the earning amount is reduced to 1/3 of its other fares.
You’ll Be The Last One To Board
Some may not mind being the last to board, and some travelers may even prefer it. However, this can become an issue if you have a carry-on (which you’ve likely paid extra for if flying basic). If you are the last to board, that also means you are the last to find a place in the overhead bins for your luggage. If there is no room left, you’ll have to gate-check your bag.
When It Might Make Sense To Book An Economy Fare
Basic economy fares may not be the best for most use cases. Still, there are certain instances where it might make sense to book a basic economy ticket. If any combination of the following applies, it may be worth considering a basic economy ticket, despite its drawbacks.
You are traveling very light and don’t need a checked bag, or perhaps even a carry-on in some instances.
If your plans are completely set in stone, and you see minimal chance of needing to cancel or change your flights.
If the price jump to a normal economy ticket is substantial.
You need the absolute lowest price possible.
In most cases, it’s probably best to opt for the normal economy ticket. You’ll get more flexibility, better seating arrangements, a carry-on bag, and added peace of mind. However, basic economy works for some travelers under certain circumstances. Just make sure you know the true cost of either decision, financially and logistically.
Why VPNs Should Always Be In Your Travel Tool Arsenal
If you’re a regular traveler, you probably have a list of tips and tricks you’ve picked up along the way. From tried and tested tactics to essential equipment, there are a number of ways to help ease the travel process.
But there’s one you might have overlooked unless you’ve been to a certain few countries where it’s almost a prerequisite to even function there. Once you discover it, the benefits continue to pile up, and you’ll almost never travel anywhere without ensuring you’ve got one on all your devices. So after you’ve read this article, make sure you download a VPN.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a genius piece of multipurpose tech that can provide online safety, flexibility, and some helpful workarounds when using the internet.
Short for “Virtual Private Network,” it’s not a physical device you purchase but an app that can be installed on your phone or laptop. To keep it as simple as possible, a VPN helps keep you safe online by routing your computer’s IP address to a separate router. The VPN encrypts your data as you connect to a network and disguises your IP address.
What does this mean for me?
In short, it means you’re now able to browse the internet securely. Hackers, governments, and any other malicious parties will be unable to track or steal data from your internet usage. At the most basic level, it’s an added layer of security for you and your data, including credit card details, saved passwords, sensitive information, and anything else you browse.
Why is this helpful for travel?
It’s Keeping You Secure
We often find ourselves carefree when traveling. Whether we’re posted up in a cute cafe in Paris or lounging at a beach club in Bali, we rarely think about the prospect of cyber security. The reality is, as many as a quarter of tourists have had their data breached while on public wifi.
Public wifi, like those found in cafes and restaurants, is often insecure. Having a password doesn’t make them safe networks, and being logged in on them poses a risk. Opting to use a VPN when using public wifi protects you from any potential hackers seeking to take advantage of an unwitting victim.
Make it a habit to have a VPN installed on your devices so that when you’re logging in at Starbucks, you can surf the web or your socials in confidence. This is especially helpful for digital nomads who spend a lot of time on their laptops in public places.
It Unlocks Entertainment
Picture the scenario: You’ve been out exploring ruins all day, you’ve eaten your weight in pasta, and all you’d like to do is relax in your hotel with a glass of wine and the most recent episode of your favorite tv show. But to your dismay, Italian Netflix doesn’t stream your show, and the platform it is available on costs money.
Your VPN can bypass this. Most VPN services come with the option to be routed to a server in a range of countries. If your show is on the American version of Netflix, Amazon, HBO, or any other platform, the VPN will allow your computer to appear as if it’s in one of those countries, giving you access to all the content you usually enjoy. Of course, at home, it also lets you check out what other countries have access to. If a movie is unavailable in your country, see if it’s streaming on a UK provider and kick back.
Many platforms are fighting back against VPNs and can often tell if someone is using one. If this happens, close your browser, change the VPN, clear your cache and cookies, then try again. One will usually work.
Bypass Country Blocks
China is known for the Great Wall. In the hacking world, it’s known for its Great Firewall. Most Western social media sites and entertainment platforms are blocked in the country, and some other countries use similar tactics.
That means you’ll not be posting any stories of the Forbidden City to your Instagram until you’re home. A VPN can often give you access to these while in China or a more restrictive country, so if you typically keep in touch using one of your social media apps, you won’t be too isolated. Do be careful with this in some areas, however. It’s never a certainty how some places will respond to the use of a VPN.
Book Cheaper Flights
Ever been to a country and checked flight prices to find that the cost of the same flight you booked before is significantly lower? That’s because currencies and other factors all impact the rates.
Using a VPN can let you book flights in a local currency or somewhere with fewer taxes. Boot up the VPN, check prices in one country, clear your cache, and repeat the process with a few more, noting down the prices each time. Once you’ve got a few prices, pick the cheapest and log back into that country again. Easy savings.
Which to buy?
There are loads of VPNs out there, and most require no technical ability to understand or use. Among the most popular are NordVPN, Express VPN, CyberGhost, and a host of many others. Sift through, check the prices, and decide which is best for you. Typically, a monthly subscription lets you put the VPN on several devices, so your phone, laptop, and tablet can all be protected.
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
After the pandemic, travel became a necessity and an urgent matter for millions of people worldwide. Now, the industry is having a hard time meeting the needs of tourists and passengers.
The current global crisis and uncertainty about the future are making travelers think carefully about their next destination and be more careful with money.
But where should American travelers go? What’s the smart move? According to a recent report published by Squaremouth, the answer is: away from the United States.
The document states: “The average cost of a domestic trip is roughly $500 more than an international trip.”
The travel insurance comparison company analyzed data provingthat domestic travel can be more expensive than international travel and shared relevant insights for travelers:
U.S. Travel Is Expensive
It’s not only Squaremouth’s report. Recent news stories have also demonstrated that domestic travel can be more expensive than international travel.
Top destinations in the United States have become very expensive. This year,flights to New York have soared through the roof and a few domestic flights to this destination have even doubled their price.
In Las Vegas,Resorts and hotels keep hiding andincreasing absurd fees, charging travelers for many basic services —like minibar use or internet connection— and making stays more expensive than in previous years. And Hawaii has the most expensive hotels in the United States.
But there’s no need to panic. According to the information analyzed by Squaremouth, the good news is that despite the current global state, the average trip cost in the US has decreased this 2022, compared to the previous three years. Vacations are a little less expensive than before.
These were the average trip costs in the United States shared:
In 2019: Around $6,000.
In 2020: Around $5,800.
In 2022: Around $5,300.
However, the study shows that even if domestic trip costs have decreased this year, international travel to some fascinating destinations can be cheaper.
Top International Destinations For American Travelers
Squaremouth.com also shared its “Live Travel Insurance Data”, a comparison engine, that shows travel trends and recent costs.
Megan Moncrief, Chief Marketing Officer at the company explained more about this tool: “Squaremouth Analytics studies data from thousands of travel insurance policies on a daily basis. Our team dissects this data to identify real-time changes and trends in the industry and to understand the major concerns for today’s consumers and how they are responding to the current travel market.”
Considering the last 90 days, these are America’s favorite international destinations and the average trip cost:
Italy: $5,900.
Mexico: $2,868.
Israel:$2,519.
France: $4,598.
Philippines: $1,737.
Canada: $3,046.
Spain: $4,387.
United Kingdom: $4,331.
Germany: $4,294.
Fascinating and trendy destinations like Mexico and the Philippines are considerably cheaper than domestic travel. Other places mentioned in the study did not rank in the top 10 but are also interesting for travelers —like Costa Rica and the Turks and Caicos Islands— and less expensive.
The report also showed that other countries that US travelers also enjoy visiting can be very expensive. For example, a trip to Greece costs Americans around $7,600.
More Travel Recommendations
When it comes to choosing a destination, there are many factors considered in the decision-making process. Those who cannot travel abroad can benefit from relevant information online to reduce costs.
People considering traveling by car can avoid the most expensive cities to rent a car like Spokane or Portland or prefer airports with the cheapest fares like Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport or Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Considering the best times to book flights is also valuable.
Those traveling abroad can reduce vacation costs even more by visiting cities that offer a great cultural experience but also low-priced hotels and restaurants or where US dollars can reach further.
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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
Let’s be real for a sec, airports are in absolute shambles right now, so how can we get from point A to point B without flying? The U.S. has a decent rail system and sleeper trains may just be the answer.
Whether it’s domestic or international travel, flights are being delayed or simply unceremoniously canceled as a general rule, and passengers are being warned to expect the worst, including no help at all from understaffed airlines. Way to go when we’ve had two years of Covid and travel confidence had already hit an all-time low…
Even though most would agree Covid is yesterday’s news – there are of course exceptions – the days of widespread travel disruption, especially in the United States, have not yet been overcome. Maybe it is time, then, we look at alternatives to flying, which may not be as fast, but have become much more efficient and reliable means of travel than planes.
Instead of booking that flight from New York to the Sunshine State, only to have it canceled last minute and your entire vacation plans ruined, have you ever considered, perhaps, taking a sleeper train instead? Before you put a frown on, allow us to explain how they might just save your summer, and why you could be actually saving some time traveling:
Taking A Sleeper Train Might Might Get You Faster To Your Destination Than Flying
All of America’s most popular carriers, and most notably Allegiant Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest, have put travelers through misery lately as they fail to fulfill their flight programs – at times, providing no substantial compensation to affected passengers and leaving them to fend for themselves. In the current volatile scenario, you get to pick one out of two options:
Either playing Russian Roulette with flights and risking a night at the airport without comfort, possibly no complimentary meals, and zero assurance your flight will leave as promised… Or you could hop on an Amtrak train instead, where you’ll get your own room, travel stress-free and (probably) arrive earlier, even though it is, only technically, the longer route to take.
Believe it or not, sleeper trains might even get you faster to your destination than most airlines these days. As reports of delays quickly spread across the industry, air passengers are learning the hard way they must prepare for long wait times at the airport in case their flight does not depart as scheduled – or even on the same calendar date.
While those flying abroad from the U.S. have little room to maneuver, as there are only a handful of countries you can travel to without flying, there are several summer destinations within the country that are easily accessible by rail. By the way, have we mentioned already train journeys can be incredibly scenic?
Here are five of the most popular sleeper trains you can use for travel this summer:
5 Sleeping Train Routes You Could Take
NYC – Chicago
Are you planning a city break in either New York City or Chicago this summer? Maybe Amtrak’s Cardinal Train is the right pick for you: it offers service between these two cities, via Washington D.C., three times a week, and although the journey takes 28 hours, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will not want to miss.
This route has some of the most amazing scenery in the Eastern U.S., views of the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains, Shenandoah Valley, the Ohio River and so much more. Even better: you will be swapping sitting on the airport floor during excruciatingly long hours for a private room and complimentary food.
Image by Amtrak Vacations via the Amtrak Vacations official website
Pros:
Despite the longer journey you will definitely arrive on time
Additional bags can only be added at a cost of $20 each
Oversize luggage is charged starting from $20
NYC – Miami
If you’re heading to the Sunshine State this season, Amtrak has two train lines operating on this route. First, there’s the historic Silver Meteor, introduced all the way back in 1939 and calling at several vacation destinations along the way, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, Savannah, Jacksonville and Orlando.
The duration of the trip is 28 hours, and there is surely no shortage of breathtaking sights. The second option, the Silver Star, follows a similar trajectory, with a few more stops in North Carolina and Tampa. Even before the aviation crisis, this Eastern Coast tour was already considered a bucket list item for many, so what better time to tick it off the list than now?
The Silver Meteor/Silver Star train adventure is a landmark trip
Guests have access to a dedicated Sleeping Car attendant
New towels and linens available
Turndown service
Bedrooms feature a sofa and armchair by day, and upper and lower berths by night
Meals included in the ticket price
Cons:
This trip lasts longer than a day
Not ideal for travelers who feel uncomfortable in small spaces (room length is 7’1” – 7’6”, width 6’6” – 6’8”)
Roomette and bedroom prices may increase in the high season
St. Louis – Nola
Summer in New Orleans may be excessively hot and humid, but that is not keeping domestic tourists from flocking into the city’s old historical quarter, where a blend of French, African and American cultures dominate the scene. Luckily, those traveling from St. Louis can completely avoid the flight chaos by taking a 16-hour train instead.
Because rooms start at $350 one-way, fares may be more expensive than an Economy Southwest ticket ($161), but we would still not place our trust in them when they ranked among the worst airlines for flight delays recently. After all, a cancellation does not involve only flights: there are additional costs incurred, such as emergency hotel bookings and extra meals.
About as expensive as an airline Business Class seat
Access to private shower facilities
Cons:
46% more expensive than the cheapest flight tickets on this route
There is a short 26 minute transfer in Carbondale, IL
Bedroom availability may be limited during peak dates
Chicago to L.A. (Via Texas)
Going East to West this season? If you’re not on a super tight schedule, you can easily book one of Amtrak’s hotel on wheels that will get you from Chicago to Los Angeles, via Texas, in 65 hours. You may think we’re crazy for suggesting a 3-day journey, but have you actually checked out the perks of a Texas Eagle train vacay?
It is a double decker train with a lower level for showers, bathrooms and sleeping facilities, and an upper level for just one thing: sightseeing. You can either slowly make your way to L.A. as you gaze out the window, whooshing past Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso and the like, or you can arrange tickets to get off sooner at any of the line’s 9 stops.
Pros:
It serves not only Los Angeles, but basically the whole state of Texas
Meals and coffee are included at sleeping accommodations
Tickets are cheaper when traveling between Chicago and Dallas, Forth Worth Or San Antonio
Cons:
Not the most affordable option on this list, with roomette prices starting at $600 one-way
Although 4G coverage is generally good throughout the trip, the train has no WiFi of its own
L.A. to Seattle
There are many perks to traveling by rail, but one of them is surely seeing natural wonders as opposed to a sea of clouds. Luckily, if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the iconic Cascade Mountain Range, as you travel up the Pacific Coastline on your way from Los Angeles to Seattle, then you should maybe consider Amtrak’s picturesque Coast Starlight route.
It is the West Coast’s answer to the East’s Silver Meteor, boasting numerous beach views and city stops along the way. As Amtrak states, passengers can get off and back on the train again whenever it pleases them, but they will need to ‘book each leg of the trip separately‘. Fortunately, there are both one-way and multi-city options.
Pros:
Multi-city tickets can be purchased
Rooms start at only $432, equal to or cheaper than most Business Class flight tickets
Meals and coffee are available for free for Sleeper Car guests
Cons:
The direct route between L.A. and Seattle takes 35 hours
Despite good 4G coverage for the most part, there is no WiFi
You can find all of Amtrak’s train routes in the map below (please open the image on a new tab for better visualization):
As you may have noticed, sleeper trains are not meant for travelers who are in rush. If you’ve got somewhere to be ASAP, then flying may be considered, even though there are no guarantees at this point you’ll depart on time. In that case, we strongly suggest you purchase travel insurance covering cancellations, and make contingency plans.
However, if you’re not following a strict itinerary, especially when you’re a digital nomad or solo traveler wanting to take it nice and slow now that the travel world is in turmoil, long train rides may be worth the investment. On top of being more reliable than most airlines, trains are also much better for the environment.
The staffing issues affecting the aviation sector will not be solved for months to come, and now that some airlines’ percentage of flight disruption is rising above 30%, resulting in thousands of passengers stranded and/or separated from their luggage, we can safely state train travel is about to see a much-needed resurgence.
Plus, who wouldn’t prefer waiting long hours from the comfort of their own berth, free snacks in hand, watching beautiful landscapes from the window and, on top of that, having a precise arrival time? Otherwise, passengers will probably find themselves calling customer service incessantly from a tumultuous airport, desperately trying to rebook a flight that may not be available for days.
We’re not sure about you, but we’ll go with the former any day.
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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
Low exchange rates have always been a tempting reason for travelers to visit a destination. The cost of souvenirs, hotel stays, restaurants, and even splurging on a private tour doesn’t hit as hard when your home currency in a foreign country gives you more bang for your buck.
And as the exchange rate between the Euro and USD hit a new low in recent months – the lowest it’s been in over 5 years – American travelers have a chance to save during a trip to Europe this summer.
USD-Euro Conversion Rate Forecast For 2022
According to a report in Yahoo Finance, this new low doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. The US dollar already jumped to 1.04 for 1 euro from 1.05 earlier this week, and some financial experts are predicting that the value of the euro will continue to drop until it’s at par with the US dollar by the end of the year.
What does this mean when it comes to travel? It means that things will be a little easier for budgeting an upcoming trip to Europe.
Travel Is More Open (And More Expensive) Than It’s Been In Two Years
The low euro/USD exchange rate comes as good news for US travelers looking to take a Europe trip this summer.
With flight prices for international and domestic trips rising around the world, not to mention the US inflation rate being at an almost 40-year high, budgeting for that much-needed summer adventure this year may seem a little more complicated.
Just as travel bounced back, in some ways it seems less accessible.
As travel restrictions are being lifted throughout most of the continent, it’s the easiest it’s been for American travelers to visit Europe in over two years since the start of the pandemic.
From scrapping those ongoing entry requirements to removing mask mandates in outdoor as well as indoor public spaces (including flights in Europe), travelers can prepare for a much more stress-free travel experience when it comes to the technical side of things.
Travel To Europe On The Cheap In 2022
Over the past few years, the USD/euro exchange rate has typically averaged at around 1.20. Higher exchange rates can really add up for your daily expenses. Whether it’s booking your last-minute hotel stay in Rome, a train trip from Germany to France, or breakfast at a local cafe in Paris, a steep exchange rate during the euro and the dollar can hit hard when reviewing your travel budget.
As the euro and US dollar inches to being at par, US travelers can save almost 20% on their vacation to Europe in 2022. On top of choosing a more affordable European destination this year to combat the rising flight prices and inflation, the low exchange rate is another opportunity for travelers to stay on budget.
Average Prices In Western Europe In 2022:
To give travelers a rough estimate on how much the low exchange rate can impact their vacation, here’s a look at the average prices of goods in France and Spain.
Remember that this exchange rate counts for countries in Europe where the euro is the main form of currency (this includes the countries of Sweden, Denmark, Croatia, Czechia, Norway, and Poland, for instance).
Loaf of bread: 0.91 euro Cappuccino: 1.65 euros Local beer: 3 euros Bottle of soda: 1.78 euros Bus: 1.40 euros Taxi: 3.50 euros to start and 1.70 per extra mile
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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
