Tag: Summer

These Are The Top U.S. Attractions This Summer According To Google Searches
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As the world reopens, restrictions vanish, and attractions fully reopen—Americans are visiting their favorite destinations despite rising gas costs and increased flight prices.

And according to Google, these destinations are the top-searched destinations in summer 2022 for Americans:

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park and is perhaps America’s most splendid. It was the most searched destination among Americans this summer.

Yellowstone National Park stretches over 3,472 square miles—with the highest peak at 11,358 feet. The park is so vast it’s bigger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined. In 2019, over 4 million tourists visited the national park.

Yellowstone National Park is also home to 67 species of mammals, 285 species of birds, 5 species of amphibians, and 16 species of fish.

Best Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
- Hike to the Old Faithful Observation Point
- Visit the Upper Geyser Basin and Geyser Hill
- Marvel at the Fairy Falls
Opening Times:

Entry Fees:
- Private non-commercial vehicle – $35 (valid for 7 days)
- Motorcycle – $30 (valid for 7 days)
- Single entry – $20 (valid for 7 days)
- Annual pass – $70 (valid for 365 days)
2. The Glacier National Park

The second most searched destination for Americans in the summer of 2022 is the Glacier National Park. Located within the incredible Rocky Mountains—often referred to as The Rockies—the Glacier National Park spans 1,583 square miles.

Furthermore, the Glacier National Park is notorious for its incredible hiking trails. Popular trails include the Grinnell Glacier Trail, Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars, Highline Trail: Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet, the Hidden Lake Trail, and the Iceberg Lake Trail.

There are currently—although the number is decreasing—26 glaciers in the Glacier National Park. The largest glacier is the Blackfoot Glacier. However, the 25 other glaciers are stunning. The national park remains incredibly popular; it attracted 3.05 million visitors in 2019.

Best Things To Do In Glacier National Park
- Visit Grinnell Glacier
- Walk around Lake McDonald
- Drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road
Opening Times:

Entry Fees:
- Private vehicle entrance fee – $35
- Individual entrance fee – $20
- Motorcycle entrance fee – $30
- Annual pass – $70
3. Disney World

After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Disney World is open without restrictions.

Disney had a mask mandate at its theme parks for almost two years. But masks are now optional at Disney World. In addition, travelers don’t need to be fully vaccinated to enter Disney World.

However, Disney World suggests travelers presenting symptoms of COVID-19—such as fever, chills, fatigue, aches, shortness of breath, and congestion—should not enter the theme park.

Best Things To Do At Disney World
- Ride on Space Mountain
- Enjoy views on Thunder Mountain
- Go on the Pirates of the Caribbean indoor cruise
Opening Times:
- Magic Kingdom Park – 9 am to 11 pm
- EPCOT – 8 am to 8 pm
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 8.30 am to 9 pm
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – 8 am to 8 pm
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 10 am to 6 pm
Entry Fees:
- 1 Park Per Day Ticket – $109 per ticket
- Park Hopper Option – $169 per ticket
- Park Hopper Plus Option – $194 per ticket
4. Lake Tahoe

Americans seeking a peaceful summer vacation should look no further than Lake Tahoe. The extensive freshwater lake is within the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake is over 2 million years old, and experts have tested the water as 99.994% pure.

If you’re looking for gorgeous beaches but don’t fancy heading to Florida, California, or Mexico, Lake Tahoe is an excellent spot.

The lake receives around 15 million visitors yearly, making it one of the most popular destinations in the United States. It’s not hard to see why!

Best Things To Do At Lake Tahoe
- Visit Emerald Bay
- Hike at South Lake Tahoe
- Enjoy the Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise
Opening Times:
- Sand Harbor – open 365 days a year between 7:00 AM and one hour after sunset.
- Spooner Lake – open from sunrise to sunset each day.
- Cave Rock – open from sunrise to sunset each day.
Entry Fees:
- Sand Harbor, Spooner Lake, and Cave Rock – $10.00 for Nevadans and $15.00 for everyone else.
5. Hershey Park

Last but not least, Hershey Park is the 5th most searched destination in the United States in the summer of 2022. Situated in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey Park is a family theme park 95 miles west of Philadelphia.

In addition, the theme park includes an impressive 121 acres of outdoor activities mixed with green spaces, shady trees, and gorgeous summer sunshine.

The park also has a zoo, museum, 13 roller coasters, 15 water attractions, and 26 children’s rides.

Best Things To Do At Hershey Park
- Explore the Hershey Gardens
- Visit Chocolate World
- Ride on Laff Trakk
Opening Times:
- 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays or 11 am to 8 pm on weekends
Entry Fees:
- 1-Day Ticket (Ages 9 – 61) – $56.95
- 1-Day Ticket (Ages 3-8 / 62+) – $54.95
- 2-Day Ticket (Ages 9 – 61) – $49 per day
- 2-Day Ticket Junior & Senior (Ages 3-8 / 62+) – $48 per day
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June 6, 2022
Worried About Canceled Flights? Amtrak Has Boosted Its Summer Rail Schedule
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If Memorial Day weekend was anything to go by, travelers hoping for a smooth air journey this summer could be set to come into some turbulence. Throw in the high gas fees that make road trips uncomfortably expensive, and travelers look likely to be stuck for a cheap and convenient way to travel around the US this summer. Fortunately for travelers however, Amtrak is boosting its summer rail schedule, giving them plenty of ways to get around and places to visit this summer.

Considered by many to be the most romantic form of transport, rail travel is often overlooked despite being quicker than car journeys, cheaper than air travel and providing some stunning scenery along the way. Here’s a look at how Amtrak has boosted their summer travel schedule.

Amtrak Boosts Summer Frequencies

Amtrak’s increase of its summer rail routes is already underway, with the company ramping its Northeast Regional operations to 79% of their pre-pandemic totals at the start of May. That means that travelers can now look forward to:
- 13 roundtrips per weekday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 9 roundtrips every Saturday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 14 roundtrips every Sunday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
New York and Washington D.C. are amongst the country’s most popular destinations, and so the boost in frequencies is bound to be welcomed by travelers. However, that’s not the only route getting a bump. Amtrak has also added the following:
- 8 roundtrips per weekday and Saturdays between Boston and New York City, and 9 on Sundays.
- 10 roundtrips per weekday between Philadelphia and New York City, including a new early morning departure arriving in New York City by 7:15 AM
- The full restoration of the Amtrak Hartford Line between New Haven and Springfield, with seven roundtrips per weekday
Amtrak’s Acela train class – the company’s flagship high speed rail service that offers a more luxurious experience – will also see more frequencies resume than at any time during the pandemic. Routes include:
- 10 roundtrips per weekday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 4 roundtrips every Saturday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 6 roundtrips every Sunday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 9 roundtrips per weekday between Boston and New York City
- 3 roundtrips every Saturday between Boston and New York City
- 4 roundtrips every Sunday between Boston and New York City
As well as ensuring travelers are highly connected along the East Coast, Amtrak has also restarted daily service for several of its long distance routes that take travelers through the length and breadth of the country. These include:
- California Zephyr – a route between Chicago and San Francisco
- Empire Builder – a route between Washington state and Chicago
- Lake Shore Limited – a route between Chicago and New York
- Southwest Chief – a route between Chicago and Los Angeles
All this has been made possible partly due to the efforts Amtrak has gone through to hire new staff. Whilst airlines are currently going through a staffing crisis, with a lack of pilots, ground staff and flight crew causing flights to be cancelled or delayed, Amtrak – which was recently named the best company for graduates to work at – has hired more than 1,500 new staff over the last year, allowing them to boost the frequency of their journeys and add on additional routes for travelers – not to mention minimizing the risk of delays or cancellations.

Speaking about the boosted network, Stephen Gardner, CEO at Amtrak, said:

“Thanks to our dedicated existing employees and newly-hired staff, we are thrilled to expand our scheduled service just in time to meet customers’ rising demand for travel this summer.”

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but switching out a flight for a rail journey could well save some travel related tears this summer and provide a journey to remember along the way.

Read More:

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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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June 5, 2022
This Is How Much You Will Pay In Gas For Your U.S. Summer Road Trip

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The 2022 fuel crisis is taking its toll on American travelers. After two years of enduring major economic challenges resulting from Covid, families are now faced with an unprecedented surge in gas prices that is affecting their vacation plans. In other words, traveling is getting more expensive, especially for those driving long distances this summer.

While there is little we can do concretely, in the short term, about U.S. dependency on foreign oil, there are online tools we can use to calculate costs and help fulfill our travel plans. We have already introduced you to a travel sheet that makes finding cheaper flights easier – now, we will show you how to estimate fuel prices for your upcoming road trip.

After all, knowing how much you will likely spend in gas for your drive to the beach in advance makes budget planning a lot easier:

Step 1

Start by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy’s Trip Calculator official website. On the first page, you will be expected to specify what kind of car you will use for traveling. As any experienced driver will know, depending on vehicle type, manufacturer and other factors, the amount of fuel needed, and thus price, can vary dramatically.

As the Honda Accord has been named one of the most popular cars in the U.S. in 2022, we will use in our simulation. When calculating your own costs, you are free to select the most suitable option based on Year, Make, Model, and other specifications. Identifying the exact model of the car is paramount for calculation of costs.

On the next page, which is still part of Step 1, you will be directed to a page where you can visualize the selected vehicle, add more, or then edit information. As we are running a test, we have opted for the popular 2022 Honda Accord, 1.5 L, 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Turbo, Regular model, which will later influence fuel estimates.

Step 2

On Step 2, you can enter more details of your trip, such as starting point, any intermediate stops you are planning to make, and of course, destination. With our 2022 Honda Accord, we will be ‘driving’ from the small city of Santa Rosa, California, to the metropolitan Los Angeles. They are both two of the top rated domestic destinations for Americans this year.

As the Santa Rosa-Los Angeles route is a 428 mile drive, lasting about 6 hours and 43 minutes, we will add a stopover for refreshments in the picturesque Kettleman City, located halfway to Los Angeles. Having informed the route, we will then click on the ‘Calculate the Trip’ button, which can be found beneath the Trip Planner.

Traveling between these cities on a 2022 Honda Accord, on June 2, 2022, we would be expected to pay USD 59.02 in fuel. Other important information can be seen here, such as the amount of city driving – in this case, 55%, or more than half of the joruney – and even directions and a detailed map powered by Google.

Per gallon, that is USD 4.49, somewhat cheaper than the current national average of USD 4.71 as of June 2. Still, California has been one of the most heavily affected states during the fuel crisis, with current estimates indicating customers should expect to pay USD 6.21 per gallon, on average, when driving in the Golden State.

Driving Is Getting More Expensive Than Flying

For other longer routes, travelers can expect to pay anywhere between USD 100 and USD 150 on fuel only. Driving a 2022 Honda Accord from Chicago to New York City, for example, will cost you $107.33 in fuel. That is noticeably more expensive than many one-way flight, low cost flight tickets to a number of U.S. destinations.

Again, these results are based on vehicle selection, departure point and destination. Users can edit vehicles ‘to personalize the MPG’ and access more accurate fuel prices, as well as visualize the best possible routes. Whatever the destination is, one thing is for certain: roadtrips in the U.S. have inevitably got costlier, and prices could continue fluctuating for months to come.

What Is Behind The 2022 Fuel Crisis?

Speaking to The Guardian, Shore Capital analyst Craig Howie states that there are ‘various factors at play‘ that influence the rise in fuel prices. Among them, a ‘stretching demand’ as more people take to the road after Covid, concerns regarding Russian oil imports in the wake of its invasion of neighboring Ukraine, and even ‘lower refinery runs’ in China, that is yet to reopen.

As a result, flight prices, which are heavily affected by the cost of jet fuel, have been rising exponentially. Leading the way among airlines, United is taking more aggressive action to cap airfares amid the fuel surge, in a move that could help make air travel more affordable again. Gas station customers, on the other hand, have taken the brunt of it with more volatile prices.

For that reason, travelers will have to get more creative to try and mitigate the impacts of the current crisis when travelling this summer – either by using the new Wyndham road trip planning app, or deciding on a destination based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Trip Calculator.

For more inspiration, check out these 5 epic road trips you can take in the U.S. for summer 2022.

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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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June 4, 2022
Americans Visiting Ireland This Summer Risk Facing Severe Travel Disruption

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Covid may have subsided, but traveling Europe in the upcoming months will not come without its own subset of challenges. In fact, Americans visiting Ireland this summer now risk facing severe travel disruption, as the nation’s busiest international airport in Dublin tries to strike a delicate balance between higher travel demand and staff shortages.

After two years of unusually quiet departure lounges, the pandemic’s long-term impacts on the travel industry are only now being felt. Although London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International also reported delays, proving Dublin Airport is not alone, it’s the latter that took the brunt of it, as more than 1,000 passengers have missed their flights in a single day.

Here is how it all went down:

How Bad Is The Situation At Dublin Airport?

After Covid, travelers have begun to turn up at the airport earlier than usual – sometimes many hours in advance – to ensure they will board their flights on time. While long lines had been a common sight at Dublin Airport over the weekend, it was yesterday, on May 30, that the situation turned truly dire, as even early showers were not guaranteed boarding.

Since Friday, there have been numerous reports on news outlets, and social media, of people who missed their flights despite arriving to Dublin Airport 3 to 4 hours in advance. The Irish Times tells of a family who showed up early at the airport at 7:58 am for a 10:45 am flight, but after two hours in line had only gotten as far as the front door of the terminal.

Customer Rebeca Boughton said ‘no information was provided to passengers queuing outside the terminal building’, and people started pushing through trying to make their flights in time. Most of the time, to no avail. Once she made it inside, Mrs Boughton learned that the check-in desk was already closed and her flight delayed until noon.

Dublin Airport Descends Into Chaos

Another couple from County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland, also got the airport ‘several hours in advance‘ and still missed their 7:45 am flight to Italy: ‘we arrived at the closing gate at 7:40 am, and our plane was outside, but they wouldn’t let us through the gates’. According to the interviewee, they were among 36 passengers that were not allowed to board.

The person added they ‘pleaded’ at the gate to be let in, and then peeked out the window to see airport staff removing cases from the plane. Even after arguing and despite passengers being visibly distressed, it was ‘no good’ as they were still barred from boarding. The passenger has deemed the situation a ‘bad advertisement for Ireland‘.

An American family has also had had their plans ruined amid the chaos, spending over 11 hours at the airport on Sunday. Bonnie Radintz, who voiced her family’s grievances, detailed they had already missed a flight earlier that day, despite showing up on time, and were forced to walk 4 km in Terminal 2 in lengthy passenger lines with no end in sight.

Mrs Radintz, who was flying home to Minneapolis that day, said her family received ‘no water, vouchers or any form of communication’ regarding their new (delayed) flight. Interestingly, other passengers waiting outside the terminals to get in also complained of a ‘lack of communication from airport authorities’.

What Is Behind The Crisis?

According to the DAA, which stands for Dublin Airport Authority, the recent chaos at the airport can be blamed on a number of factors, ranging from a shortage of staff and unexpected absences yesterday, to several passengers turning up early. As reported by RTE, more than 1,000 people missed their flights following Sunday’s disruptions.

Other reports note that 1,000 airport workers have left their jobs since September 2020, after the DAA offered staff ‘voluntary severance’ due to the low travel demand at the time, including 248 security screening workers. The move has led to shortages in the Republic of Ireland’s two biggest airports, Dublin and Cork.

As Kevin Cullinane, a spokesperson for the DAA noted, Dublin Airport ‘clearly didn’t have enough security lanes open due to resourcing challenges’. He added that, due to staff constraints, any absence can critically impact the airport’s ability to operate lanes, as became evident on Sunday.

Airport Authorities Had No Clue About The Scale Of The Problem Until It Was Too Late

Even though there was trouble brewing as early as Saturday, airport authorities did not become aware of the scale of the problem until it was too late. Cullinane shared ‘the challenges the airport faced began at about 4:30 local time on Sunday’, and despite their best efforts to balance an increase in passengers and fewer staff, the system was ‘overwhelmed’.

What’s worse: this might not be a one-off, with Cullinane tellings RTE the airport is operating on ‘very fine margins’ and ‘running to the max’ of available staff. This means Americans flying to Ireland this summer are very likely to experience travel disruption in some level, such as excessively long wait lines, delays or cancellations.

Although more travel woes were already expected in Europe this summer, as a majority of airports in the continent are battling shortages, Dublin Airport’s recent fiasco proves how quickly, and unexpectedly, the situation can deteriorate even further. After having let thousands of passengers down, Dublin Airport expects an extra 370 officers to be hired by July.

Eddie Wilson, CEO at Ryanair, Ieland’s low-cost carrier, has urged the government to deploy the army to airports. Wilson believes one of the biggest issues at the airport today is that aspiring workers need to be security cleared before they can assume their posts. As he argues, army officers already have security clearance and could help ease the pressure.

What Is The Risk Of Experiencing Travel Disruption When Visiting Ireland?

With several American carriers announcing new flights to Ireland this summer, in response to a growing demand for overseas travel, there is always a risk your flight could be delayed, or even cancelled, taking into account Dublin Airport’s current resources, which are limited. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting which flights will be axed and which will not.

Ireland may be open for all Americans, irrespective of vaccination status and with no testing or quarantine in place, but this does not mean travelers should not be prepared for their plans to change, or completely scrap the Covid-era contingency measures. Now, it’s cancelled flights they need to worry about, and they will become more and more frequent as summer approaches.

With that in mind, we recommend you to always purchase travel insurance covering cancellation costs before flying, in order to be better prepared when faced with adverse events. Additionally, travelers are now advised to exercise increased caution when visiting Europe due to the new monkeypox outbreaks in several parts of the continent, including Ireland.

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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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June 1, 2022
Record Number Of Direct Flights Happening Between The U.S. And Greece This Summer
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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!

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May 27, 2022
Travel Demand is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels and What it Means To You This Summer
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People across the globe are eager to travel this summer, and for the first time since the start of the pandemic, global leisure and business flights have risen to levels not seen since 2019.

Airfares rose nearly 19 percent from March to April, according to recent Labor Department data, the largest month-over-month increase for plane tickets on record, and are up 33 percent from last year.

After over two years of restrictions on where to travel, people are booking new and different itineraries. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s third-annual travel report reveals several significant travel recovery trends, including:
- Today’s Traveler: For the first time since the pandemic, business flight bookings have exceeded 2019 levels, a key milestone in the recovery.
- Top destinations: Destinations are evolving as people have started booking travel farther from home. Long-haul leisure travel shot up to just -7% below pre-pandemic levels by the end of April.
- Modes of travel: Throughout 2021, traveling by car was the preferred mode of transportation but now buses, cruises, and trains are seeing an uptick in bookings.
- Consumer spending while traveling: Travelers are returning to spending on experiences over things. Travel budgets have shifted toward restaurants, bars, and recreational activities.
Travel demand is back

There is a tremendous amount of demand for travel and with that demand comes rising costs. Roughly 90 percent of U.S. travelers plan to take a trip in the next six months, and 35 percent expect to travel more this summer than last, according to data from the U.S. Travel Association.

The global travel and hospitality industry saw millions of jobs lost at the height of the pandemic as travel was nearly haltered altogether.

With large numbers of Americans taking trips for the first time since the start of the pandemic this summer, airlines, and hotels often don’t have the capacity to meet demand, driving prices even higher.

What does this mean for travelers this Summer?

People who are planning on traveling over the next few months will undoubtedly feel that demand – with long security lines, packed airports and planes, crowded attractions, and hefty price tags.

Airfare costs

Airlines predict that U.S. airports will process 3 million travelers on a single day for the first time ever this summer. Airfares skyrocketed in recent months as summer flights quickly sold out.

Record-breaking fuel costs, propelled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that spiked global oil prices. That is another reason why airline tickets have gone up even more.

Major airlines cut down on their spring and summer schedules to mitigate the impact of higher fuel costs and avoid a repeat of high-profile delays and cancellations that left travelers stranded last year.

So travelers will have fewer flights to choose from, fewer seats to select from, with higher price tags attached to them.

Long waits at airports

The next time you’re at the airport, expect to be waiting for quite a bit. Airlines and airport security staff are simply outnumbered by all the increased travel demand. This means long wait times at airports and gates.

People traveling this summer should do the best they can to prepare for these long lines by arriving early, having all their documents in order, and submitting Covid documentation to airlines before arriving at the airport.

How long will this all last?

Whether travel demand will remain robust throughout the year — or whether travelers will take a last summer hurrah before tightening their purse strings — is yet to be seen.

People have traditionally spent less on travel following rises in energy and food costs and with a global recession looming over our heads, many people may cut down their travel spending after the summer.

Only time will tell.

READ MORE:

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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 21, 2022
Top Domestic U.S. Destinations For Travelers This Summer Revealed
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Last Updated 12 mins ago

A recent study has revealed the top domestic destinations in the US for travelers to visit this coming summer. With the cost of both international air travel and hotel bookings abroad reaching expensive new highs over the past few weeks, domestic travel around the US is the perfect way to enjoy a great trip without having to worry too much about how to afford it – and there’s still so much that destinations at home have to offer travelers.

Whether heading to big cities or charming towns, or to breaks by the beach or in the country, travelers in the US are blessed to have so many options on their doorsteps – and so many different ways of reaching them. Here’s a look at which destinations made the cut to be crowned some of the top options for travelers this summer, plus a closer look into how the list was curated.

Top Domestic Destinations – Information For Travelers

The study into which domestic destinations are the best for US travelers this summer was conducted by the personal finance company WalletHub. The company developed a ranking system that took into account a range of different metrics such as travel costs, the attractions a destination has to offer, what the weather will be like, the safety of the destination and how expensive it is.

The study was wide-ranging in its scope, with a total of 100 of the largest metro areas in the US being assessed across the 43 different metrics in order to determine which destination is the top one for travelers this summer. Once the study was complete, it was the metropolitan area of Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford in Florida that came out in first place – just one of several destinations in Florida to feature in the top 20 of the list.

Orlando took the top spot with a score of 69.97 according to WalletHub’s index. The city’s impressive range of activities – notably Disney World and Universal Studios – saw it take top spot when ranked on activities alone, whilst it also performed strongly in the safety and attractions metric. Other Florida destinations that performed well included Tampa in third place, Miami-Fort Lauderdale in 11th and Jacksonville in 14th spot.

For travelers looking to save on travel expenses, Santa Rosa in California was judged to be the destination with the lowest costs and fewest hassles, with Cincinnati, Ohio and Minneapolis, Minnesota close behind. In terms of saving money when you get there, McCallen, Texas was found to be the cheapest destination, with Tulsa, Oklahoma and Augusta, Georgia the second and third cheapest respectively.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was Honolulu that came top when it came to the best weather – making it the perfect destination for travelers looking for a beach getaway. The survey found that Chicago was the top destination in terms of attractions, with Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, and San Francisco also cited as cities with a lot to offer, making them ideal spots for those who like to get out and about and seize the day on their vacations.

The top 10 destinations are as follows:
1. Orland, Florida
2. Washington D.C.
3. Tampa, Florida
4. Austin, Texas
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
6. Los Angeles, California
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
8. Minneapolis, Minnesota
9. Cincinnati, Ohio
10. San Antonio, Texas
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May 20, 2022
Travelers Will Face Mass Flight Disruptions Across Europe This Summer

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Sounds familiar?

If you’re traveling to Europe for summer 2022, you should be prepared for long delays – and even potential cancellations – as a new wave of flight disruptions is set to sweep across the continent. This time around, a new Covid variant is not to blame, or at least not directly.

If you have been following all the latest Travel Off Path updates, you may have noticed pandemic reports are becoming fewer and fewer every day, as more countries drop all restrictions and fully return to normal ahead of the highly-anticipated tourist season.

In fact, over 65% of Europe is now open without any Covid curbs in place. On the other hand, staff shortages and a lack of trained personnel seems to have become widespread across the aviation industry, with Europe being poised to face its most chaotic summer in years:

Two Thirds Of Europe To Be Hit With Delays During The Tourist Season

As evidenced on a research released by the European Airports Association (ACI Europe), 66 per cent, or virtually two-thirds of European airports currently foresee delays over summer. Additionally, more than one third expect operations to be affected as a result of staffing constraints, both during summer and well into winter.

As Covid finally subsides, the industry has begun to feel the painful effects of a two year-long pause, which may prove as damaging as the virus itself. While demand was generally being met throughout the pandemic, in spite of the usual setbacks, more passengers are now transiting international airports and transatlantic travel is booming again.

In short, airlines and airports were not ready for such a quick and unexpected rebound, having made a considerable portion of staff redundant over the pandemic. As demand has increased dramatically, they are in turn severely understaffed and struggling to recruit more personnel in time for fulfilling their duties to customers.

Inevitably, this unfortunate scenario has led to flight schedules being trimmed down, and even long delays at border control. Recently, the UK was the first European nation plagued by reports of extremely lengthy waiting times at its outer borders, with tourists waiting in line for hours on end until they are through security.

As Lucy Moreton, a spokesperson for the Immigration Services Union puts it, the UK Border Force is ‘catastrophically understaffed’. Even though new officers are being trained, the process can take up to a whole year, suggesting the infamously long delays could be experienced for months to come.

Poland Has Just Narrowly Averted A Mass Wave Of Flight Cancellations – For Now

In continental Europe, Poland also narrowly averted a spate of flight cancellations following renewed demands from air traffic controllers regarding pay and safety conditions. As airports in Europe cope with a surprising surge in travel, available staff could be working longer hours overseeing operations.

In Poland, over 130 controllers planned to resign at the end of April, in a move that would lead to mass flight cancellations across all of Europe, as several Polish airports are among the continent’s busiest hubs. While this was successfully avoided once a deal was struck, it is an indication the industry may not be fully prepared to deal with the fallout of Covid in the long-term.

Being only the 23rd country to fully scrap entry restrictions, and thus having high hopes for summer, Poland managed to avoid what would have been a true pre-season catastrophe, but will other European nations be as lucky?

For now, it seems likely this is a Europe-wide trend, with Amsterdam’s Schiphol also currently struggling with shortages, while TUI Airways has recently announced it will cut catering on short-haul flights in Europe due to limited staff.

Authorities Urged To Speed Up Security Clearance To Avoid Summer Of Chaos

As a result, several European airports teamed up with ACI Europe and ASA (Airport Services Association) in urging European authorities to speed up security clearance to new employees. In a statement, they claimed current training and security clearance requirements have made it ‘impossible to quickly adapt and deploy additional staff’.

Even though they concede there is ‘no quick and easy fix‘, reducing the waiting period from recruitment to deployment, which currently takes roughly 16 weeks, would allow airports to better prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Both ACI Europe and ASA are also pleading with airlines to ‘reduce traffic peaks’ and return unused slots ‘as early as possible’.

At the same time, we have all seen what lack of intensive training, or faster security clearance for air traffic controllers with the sole purpose of meeting higher travel demand can lead to, suggesting there is no simple solution for this complex situation.

Sadly, there is no way of knowing for certain which flights, or airports, will be most affected until summer is in full swing. If you have a trip to Europe coming soon, and would like to minimize any risks of facing financial burdens following a potential travel disruption, then we seriously advise you to take out travel insurance before flying.

Luckily, we have a whole article detailing some of the best, and most comprehensive insurance policies out there, including both Covid coverage and financial compensation in the event of a flight cancellation. You can read more on the topic clicking here.

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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 13, 2022
How Travelers Should Prepare For Busy Airports This Summer

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As summer 2022 approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for substantial travel numbers. They believe passenger volumes may even exceed that of 2019 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The TSA’s Statement

TSA Administrator, David Pekoske, said: “Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints show that people are traveling again, and TSA is ready for their return. Our airport security checkpoints include 47,500 highly-trained security professionals and new technologies that enhance security and reduce physical contact,”

“We continue to recruit, retain, train, and equip a highly-skilled workforce, and we work continuously with our airport and airline partners to anticipate and prepare for higher traffic patterns.”

On May 10, six airports and airline partners joined a media roundtable at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to talk about their operational preparedness for the anticipated summer season. They discussed key changes implemented to ensure secure, healthy, and safe travel.

Recently, the TSA has enhanced security at airport screening checkpoints. They deployed two new technologies: Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners to improve identification verification.

In some airports, they’ve added digital identification verification at the Travel Document Checker podium. Both of these additions boost security and reduce physical contact at airports.

The CT units provide TSA officers with a 3D image of a passenger’s bag. As a result, they won’t need to check passengers’ bags as much, meaning fewer waiting times for passengers this summer.

The TSA is currently installing the CT units at Billings Logan International Airport, Albany International Airport in New York, Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina.

Travel Tips From The TSA

The TSA has provided all U.S. travelers with some tips to get through the busy summer travel period. These include:

1. Face Masks Are Optional, But Recommended:

The TSA says the CDC still recommends face masks for passengers aged two or older in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs.

The U.S. government recently dropped the mask mandate on public transport. Therefore, travelers don’t legally have to wear masks on public transport – but airlines and the TSA recommend doing so for safety reasons.

2. Pack Smart; Start With Empty Bags

Airline passengers who pack empty bags are less likely to bring illegal items through the TSA checkpoint, according to the TSA. They suggest checking the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov to see which items are prohibited.

3. Know Before You Go

According to the TSA, airports, like highways, have construction delays and high traffic surges. The TSA recommends that all travelers: “plan to arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check-in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate.”

The TSA also suggests all travelers have a valid ID card ready and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less. However, they say that hand sanitizer has an exemption because it has a 12-ounce temporary limit in carry-on baggage.

4. Contact The TSA For Help

Finally, the TSA recommends all Americans contact the TSA if they have any questions about traveling this summer.

They say travelers can “get help by tweeting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT.”

The TSA also adds: “You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.”

In Summary

Although 2022 is likely going to be a busy summer for travel, if you follow the tips in this article—you should have no issues with your summer vacation.

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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 12, 2022
Summer Travel 2022: 5 Epic Road Trips In The U.S. To Take This Year

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Still worried about confusing international travel rules? There’s always a solution. Why not head out on the open road and take a drive through the U.S. this summer?

From underrated national parks to the most scenic drives in California, here are some adventurous summer road trip ideas for 2022 in the U.S. that won’t break the bank.

Indianapolis To Milwaukee

You can start this summer road trip in the Hoosier State and drive north to Milwaukee or do it the other way around. Either way, this 4-hour road trip will give you the quintessential Midwest experience (and lots of amazing views) along the way.

With the warm weather approaching, there’s no better time than to explore Indiana’s capital city. For a perfect day in Indy, head to downtown Indianapolis where you can walk along the picturesque canal in the White River State Park before sitting down for a sunset dinner at one of the many patios.

While not as popular as neighboring Chicago, Milwaukee has so much to offer travelers. The city also makes for a great road trip destination, especially during the summer months. Catch a baseball game and sample some fresh brews at one of the many breweries in the downtown area.

There are also a bunch of interesting pit stops worth taking on this road trip. Take a break in the little town of Justice, Illinois and visit the world’s largest stained glass window (it’s in the Guinness Book of World Records!) and the world’s first-ever Mcdonald’s.

Las Vegas To Great Basin National Park

This summer road trip mixes outdoor adventures with the glitz and glamor of the big city. To start this road trip, fly into Las Vegas for a few days of fun before heading to one of the most underrated national parks in the western US.

Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is a 4.5-hour drive northeast of Vegas just by the border with Utah. The park gets amazing reviews and offers camping, great trails, peaks, and even cave tours. Plan a few nights camping here and you’ll get some of the best stargazing experiences of your life.

New Hampshire White Mountains

Looking for more cheap travel inspiration? Head towards the east coast to New Hampshire and discover the beauty of the White Mountains. The weather is perfect this time of year, making New Hampshire one of the best states for an epic summer road trip.

Take a drive along Highway 112, where you can take your time to explore the beautiful northeast region of the “Live Free or Die” State before entering the White Mountain National Forest. You and your road trip buddies can spend at least 4-5 days here chasing waterfalls, swimming in lakes, camping, and so much more. If you don’t feel like roughing it, there are plenty of country cabin stays and hotels in and around the forest.

Central California Road Trip – Morro Bay To Big Sur

Nestled between Los Angeles County and a few hours drive south of bustling San Francisco is the sunny region of Central California. For many explorers, this region is the heartland of the Golden State. Why not plan a west coast road trip here this summer and discover why.

Start your road trip in beautiful Morro Bay and eventually make your way up to Big Sur by driving along the iconic Highway 1. If you have a few extra days on your road trip itinerary and want to explore a bit inland, head to Paso Robles, one of the most underrated wine regions in California.

Some of the most picturesque parts of the epic California coastline can be found here on this road trip (seriously, though), so take your time and enjoy the ride.

Kansas City To Omaha

Get more acquainted with the Heartland on this quick and fun summer road trip from Kansas City to Omaha. The trip is less than 3 hours in total, which will give you plenty of time to make stops at the little towns along the way.

Spend at least a few days in Kansas City, exploring its many museums and markets before heading over to Omaha. On a sunny summer day, the Overland Park is a great spot to explore for some outdoor fun in the heart of the city.

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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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April 25, 2022