Tag: Time

Why Fall Is The Best Time To Book Your Trip To New York City

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With travel prices expected to rise for the winter vacation months and the shoulder season upon us, it looks like the fall is the best time to book your next adventure, whether it be international or domestic. And for all of you wanting to visit New York City now that the summer tourists have left, there’s a bunch of reasons why you should starting planning your trip in the near future.

Here are some of the perks and best reasons why the fall months are the perfect time to book your trip to New York City.

Best Time To Book Your Flight To New York City

If you’re worried about a big spike in flight prices for the last few months of 2022, from analyzing the trends it looks like October is currently the cheapest month to book that trip to New York City.

We checked out the latest flight prices on Skyscanner, did a search for the “Cheapest Month” for flights from cities across the U.S. to New York and October came up as the best month.

We reported last month that New York City was the most expensive city for air travel in the U.S., but those prices are now dropping.

If you want to plan a December trip to New York City, we also recommend booking that flight in October to lock in the best price. New York City during the holidays is nothing short of magical, so know there are still ways to find the best prices for that trip.

And according to Hopper’s Fall Shoulder Season guide, flight prices will be the cheapest when booked 3-6 weeks before your scheduled departure. This rule currently applies to booking domestic trips in the U.S. The average posted in Hopper’s guide on flights to New York City is $212, down $138 dollars compared to this summer.

So if you want to head to New York City for the holidays, check prices in early October (and set up a price alert!) to start the booking process. Price alerts can help you predict when the best window for booking is according to the price trends, and you’ll be able to grab that flight deal before prices rise again.

Hotel Prices Drop During November

For hotels, a lot of prices will drop by end of October and through November, because it marks the end of the high season (or the beginning of the low season, depending on how you look at it!). Hotel prices will go way up for the last two weeks of December and into January, so try and lock those prices before they spike.

Visiting New York in November means that you might see the first snow, wander around without all the big crowds, and experience get the tail end of the fall colors.

Train Travel To New York

Another great reason to book (and travel) to New York City during the fall months is to experience the foliage. On top of air travel, on the ground travel is ramping up to New York, with Amtrak recently adding routes from Canada as well as this New England city.

A bonus about booking your trip to New York in October is that the summer rush is over, New Yorkers are heading back to the city from the countryside and things are getting back to New York time. With the summer tourists gone, you can enjoy the fall months with locals and experience the fall foliage.

As of the time of writing, the Amtrak strike will not affect train routes to New York City.

New York City Travel Tips You Didn’t Think You Needed

Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you visit New York:

Broadway doesn’t have to be expensive: You don’t have to spend big $$ to see a Broadway show! Broadway is back big time and 2022 has seen some amazing shows so far. And, seeing these performances on the cheap has never been easier.

The TKTS discount booth just reopened at Lincoln Center, which is where you can stand in line to get half-off Broadway tickets the day of the show. There’s also TodayTix, a handy app where you can book same-day Broadway tickets and even apply for the lottery to get cheap tickets.

Don’t take Ubers everywhere: Getting around by ride-share apps like Uber might seem like the quickest way to get around New York City. But if you’re in town for more than a few days, consider traveling around by subway. The New York City MetroCard is just over $30 for 7 days of unlimited travel on the MTA, so you can get around all 5 boroughs for a week for the same price of about two Uber rides.

Booking your hotel for shoulder season, and last-minute: When looking for the best hotel deals, it’s always a good idea to check third-party sites like booking.com as they post cheap last-minute hotel deals for any destinations.

There’s a TON of free things to do in New York: Check beforehand for any events like free museum days before your trip so you can make your itinerary as budget-friendly as possible. There’s also so many free things to do in the city that are worth checking out. The fall months is also a great time for walking around, and one of the best ways to explore New York is on foot.

Discover the city’s walk-in restaurants: Some of the best eats in New York City don’t require a reservation. Here’s a great article on the best walk-in restaurants in New York City.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Travel Off Path’s Best Deals Of The Week For Your Next Trip

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

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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September 19, 2022
This One Travel Hack Can Save You Time, Money, and Worry

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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

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September 4, 2022
Canada And Australia Tourism Suffering As Many Countries Setting All Time Arrival Records

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The world has finally started to reopen this year, leading to some of the most intense travel demand ever seen. It’s made for a chaotic travel season, but it’s also meant that many countries and destinations are breaking tourism records. Croatia, Greece, Austria, Los Cabos, Cancun, and many other areas are smashing previous arrival records from before the pandemic. However, not all countries see the same tourism growth. Specifically, Canadian and Australian tourist arrivals are still much lower than pre-pandemic levels.

How Bad Is It?

Canada and Australia are both far below their pre-pandemic visitor counts, but Australia is the worst. Travel data shows Australian arrivals down by 65% when compared to pre-pandemic levels. Likewise, Canada is down by 31% compared to pre-pandemic levels when combining international air arrivals and land arrivals from the United States.

What’s The Hold-Up?

Many countries around the world began dropping all Covid requirements as early as March in order to bolster tourism efforts. Canada and Australia were much more cautious in their approach. Both countries have had some of the harshest rules and regulations regarding Covid. The countries only recently started to ease requirements. Australia is now completely reopen but has only been that way for about a month. The country dropped all of its Covid entry requirements in early July, making it one of the slowest tourist destinations to do so.

Canada is worse regarding entry requirements and lagging far behind the most developed countries, as it still has several strict rules in place. Unvaccinated travelers still cannot visit Canada without compelling reasons, such as a death in the family. However, even if unvaccinated travelers can gain entry to Canada, they will be subject to Covid testing and a mandatory 14-day quarantine. As other countries completely strip away all Covid rules, Canada’s approach seems draconian. Especially after the continued loosening of guidelines from the CDC.

Canadian Travel Woes

As if the strict measures weren’t bad enough, Canada has hit several other bumps on the road to tourism recovery. Most notably, Toronto Pearson International Airport is currently the worst airport in the world for flight delays. Between May 26^th and July 19^th, Pearson had 52.5% of their scheduled flights delayed. Travelers are aware of how bad delays and cancellations have been this summer, but Toronto Pearson takes the cake. If Covid entry requirements weren’t holding travelers off from a trip to Canada, the state of its largest airport certainly might be.

Another significant roadblock for travel to Canada is the ArriveCAN app. The app was initially intended to serve as a Covid-19 screening app for travelers to prove their vaccination status before arrival. Non-compliant travelers were subject to delays, a quarantine, or even a $5000 CAD fine. The app has received criticism for privacy concerns and numerous bugs that have made its use frustrating for travelers.

Recently the app glitched out and told vaccinated travelers that they had to quarantine or face a $5000 CAD fine. Many travelers are unaware of the app or may not even have a smartphone. This leads to further delays at border control as short-staffed border control workers have to take time away to walk travelers through the app.

The Bottom Line

Canada and Australia had some of the strictest responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and have been slow to ease Covid-era requirements. When compared to countries like Greece, which doesn’t even require travelers to quarantine after testing positive, Canada and Australia’s responses look especially harsh. Although Australia has reopened completely and Canada is partially open, travelers have not felt comfortable going back to these destinations.

Travelers may have lost trust in these destinations and fear getting caught up in the mix of freshly implemented travel restrictions on holiday. While many tourist destinations around the world continue to outpace previous arrival records, it looks like Canada and Australia will be waiting a long time for their recovery.

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

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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August 18, 2022
Travel The World With Free Room And Board For Those Willing To Give Their Time
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Have you ever wished you could travel the world and experience new things without spending a fortune doing it? It’s a common dream among travel lovers, and it can be a reality if you are willing to give some of your time. Using the app or website, Worldpackers, travelers are able to find experiences all over the world that allow them to volunteer some of their time in exchange for food and accommodation. Typical experiences call for about 25 hours a week of volunteer time and offer one to three meals a day, plus a place to stay.

What Kind Of Experiences Are There?

Many hosts on Worldpackers offer more than just room and board; some of the work you can sign up for is an experience in and of itself! For instance, some of the opportunities available include:
- Gardening
- Party promoting
- Animal care
- Bartending
- Photography
- Painting
- Handyman work
- Many, many more
How does 25 hours a week of drawing and painting on the walls of a social hostel in Portugal sound? Perks include three meals a day, a free place to stay, free parties to attend, discounts on drinks and tours, free laundry, and three days off a week to explore.

Or how about helping out with content creation for a summer camp in Spain for 25 hours a week with most afternoons free, two days off a week, three meals a day, and a free place to stay?

These are just two of the many experiences available in over 140 countries.

Image Courtesy Of: Worldpackers

How Does It Work?

When looking for a place to volunteer, it’s good to make a favorites list so that you have some options to choose from. Once you’ve narrowed it down, you’ll be able to apply to the volunteer slot and reach out to the host. All you need to do is tell them which dates you would like to begin and end your trip. Many of the more popular experiences tend to fill up, so it is good to try to stand out when you reach out and have a well-thought-out profile on Worldpackers. Once you are accepted, your host will send a confirmation. All there is left to do now is meet at the agreed-upon location and date!

How Free is Free?

While Worldpackers is an excellent way to travel the world on a budget, the service does charge an annual membership fee. It isn’t exorbitant and is currently $49.00 per year for a solo traveler and $59.00 per year for couples or a pair of friends. Worldpackers charges this fee in order to support their service, verify hosts and volunteers, and offer an included insurance in case of any mix-ups along the way.

Other costs to look out for when using the service are experiences that don’t include all meals. While not a dealbreaker, food costs can certainly add up while traveling if you aren’t careful. If choosing an opportunity that only provides breakfast, for instance, expenses can eat into the savings offered by using Worldpackers. Some experiences also charge an additional fee when staying, though it is usually only 5 to 15 dollars a day, depending on the experience.

Is It Worth It?

Monetarily, Worldpackers is an excellent way to cut down on costs while traveling all over the world. However, not all costs are financial. Exchanging your time, skills, and energy for food and accommodation may not be worth it for those looking to go on a relaxing luxury vacation.

For those looking for interesting life experiences who don’t mind putting some work in while they travel, Worldpackers may be an excellent way to see more of the world. Hosts welcome volunteers all the time and make an effort to make the experience one that you won’t forget, and the other like-minded volunteers you meet along the way may turn into lifelong friends.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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July 20, 2022
This Beach Area In Mexico Is The World’s Hidden Gem According To Time
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At last, Time Magazine has revealed its yearly list of the World’s Top 50 Greatest Places. While some old classics have unsurprisingly made the list, such as Miami, Istanbul and Bali, a couple of up-and-coming destinations were also featured, including a beach strip in Mexico that attained the coveted title of World’s Hidden Gem. On this post, you will learn why this destination has been awarded the honor, what makes it special, and where exactly you should go based on your own travel preferences.

Although Cancun and the wider Riviera Maya get all the international recognition, this spot has equally stunning beaches. It runs for nearly 200 miles up Mexico’s Pacific coastline, nestled between the historical San Blas port and Banderas Bay, where countless natural landmarks and picturesque seaside towns can be found.

Mexico’s Next Cancun Is Ready o Be Discovered

In compiling the list, Time accepted nominations from their international network of ‘correspondents and contributors’, with a particular focus on ‘new and exciting experiences‘. Each destination was then granted a unique title, such as Seoul, named ‘The Smartest City’, or Nairobi, deemed a ‘Cultural Metropolis’.

As an off path travel blog, we couldn’t help but gravitate towards 2022’s ‘Hidden Gem’ – or namely, the absolutely stunning Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, that does not get half as many tourists as the ultra-packed Ca n cun or Tulum, though it is definitely growing in popularity. As Time Magazine points out, Nayarit is home to the Pacific’s ‘most unspoiled tropical beauty’.

Mexico has always been a vacation hotspot, and its relaxed attitude towards Covid have now crowned it the unnoficial ‘King of Tourism‘. This year alone, 40 million visitors are expected, superseding major tourism powerhouses, such as Spain and France, whose weaker-than-expected rebound is attributed to stricter health regulations.

Mexico has been open to tourism from the get go, long before vaccination certificates were introduced for travel and all of these European countries started dropping curbs. This bold move is now being acknowledged, with Time adding country’s rising star as one of the top picks on its revered yearly travel list.

What Are Some Of Nayarit’s Strongest Assets?

As the publication details, the ’emerald forests’ of Sierra Madre and the clear blue Pacific Ocean are two of Nayarit’s strongest assets, as well as its extensive list of luxury hotels that are either open for the season, or will launch soon. The best thing is: it doesn’t matter which hotel you’ll be staying, you’re never too far from the ocean.

Time specifically mentions the all-inclusive haven of Susurros del Corazon, an Auberge Resorts, scheduled to open this November. Additionally, the magazine lists the all-inclusive, adults-only Naviva resort as one of the reasons why the Nayarit Riviera is the ultimate vacation destination. In fact, it might as well become the next Cancun, especially now that safety concerns are widespread across the Riviera Maya.

On top of that, the beaches in Nuevo Vallarta, the gateway into Nayarit, have been named the third best in all of Mexico, beating the crowded Playa Delfines in Cancun and Cabo’s Medano Beach. Snorkeling and horseback riding tours are among some of the other best rated activities tourists can undertake in the region.

Where To Visit In Riviera Nayarit?

The Riviera Nayarit is divided into five sections:
- Bahia de Banderas
- Southern Nayarit
- Jaltemba Bay
- Central Nayarit
- Northern Nayarit
Bahia de Banderas is home to Nuevo Vallarta and all of the most popular hotels, including several golf courses and family-friendly beaches. Southern Nayarit, on the other hand, is the furthest point from the main urban centers, and where various secret beaches and small Mexican towns are ready to be discovered.

If you’re looking for more classic Mexican cityscapes, with all the vibrant colors and Instagrammable streets, then you should head instead to Jaltemba Bay, especially the towns of Rincon de Guayabitos and La Peñita. Central Nayarit is for the countryside, animal sanctuaries and outdoor tourism; lastly, Northern Nayarit is where Mexico’s colonial past is displayed in both architecture and customs.

San Blas, in the Northern section of the Riviera, is renowned for its Spanish-era architecture, 18th century ruins, museums and the landmark Las Ilitas cliffs, a must-see for all who visit the state. As you can see, the Riviera Nayarit truly has it all, from culture to beach retreats, and it is really no wonder Time Magazine has named it 2022’s Hidden Gem. Luckily, several American Airlines offer direct flights there.

When vacationing in the Riviera Nayarit, tourists can either fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), located in the neighboring Jalisco and providing easy access to the small state of Nayarit, or the Tepic International Airport (TPQ). A full list of airlines serving both airports can be found here.

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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July 15, 2022
Flight Delayed? Here Are 10 Ways To Pass The Time

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With travel ramping up to pre-pandemic levels for summer 2022, so have flight delays across the US. Since May, US air travelers have experienced an increase in flight delays by approximately 25% compared to last year. While the delays and cancellations are due to a myriad of factors, they also don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. What’s a stranded traveler to do?

To make those dreaded flight delays a little more bearable, here are some easy and fun ways to pass the time at the airport.

Hit Up The Lounge

This may seem like an obvious one, but don’t rule out the option to check in at the airport lounge if you’re flight is delayed by a few hours or more. Whether you’re a frequent flyer with lounge access already or are thinking about splurging on a day pass, airport lounges can really help ease the stress of travel delays.

Before your trip, we recommended checking the lounge amenities of where you’ll be flying out of so that you can gauge if your splurge will be worth it. Many lounges come with free food, drink, showers, nap pods (!), workout equipment, and even a spa – a stay here is practically a vacation in itself.

Catch Up On Your Podcasts

Addicted to podcasts? Who isn’t nowadays. In case of a flight delay the next time you travel, make sure you download the latest episodes of some of your favorite podcasts to your phone before setting off to the airport so that you’ll have plenty of entertainment to fill those hours at the airport.

Chill Out

Sometimes there’s really nothing you can do about a flight delay, so might as well make the most of it. So, why not use this time to pause from your busy life? Once you’ve gone through security, find a restaurant or coffee shop to relax at in your terminal and take a beat.

Research Your Trip

Another major part of travel is trip planning, and unless you’re a travel wizard, there’s probably some aspects of your trip that you haven’t researched yet. A great way to be productive at the airport in case of a big delay is to research your destination.

Look up the do’s and don’ts section in your guidebook and inform yourself about the local culture and customs and read up on any hidden gems to be found that can make your trip that much more meaningful.

Work

There’s no better time than an airport delay to start taking care of those daunting work tasks you’ve been putting off. Stay on top of the game by getting ahead of those emails and other important work things as you relax in your airport terminal before your flight.

Remember, if you plan on using your laptop, phone, or tablet at the airport make sure you have a VPN installed beforehand. Airport WiFi is public, so a VPN will help to hide your IP address from potential hackers.

Browse The Duty Free

You don’t need to spend big money if you don’t have the budget, but it’s always fun to window shop at the airport. Duty Free shops are also a great place to find big brands without the tax added on, so if you need to replenish that bottle of perfume or cologne, the airport is the place to do it.

Play A Card Game

Pack a deck of cards with you on your next trip and bring back this lost art in case of an airport delay. Set up camp with your travel buddies near your gate or find an available table and enjoy a few hours of classic, quality time playing a new card game.

Work Out

What better time to get your step count up than when you have a few hours to kill and plenty of walking space? It’s super important to keep moving when you can while traveling, especially before a long plane ride. Use your flight delay time to wander the airport and even do some lunges and squats while you’re at it.

For some tips, check out these ideas for simple exercises to do at the airport.

Journal

In transit is one of the best times to reflect on life’s larger questions. In case of an airport delay, take out your journal and start writing down your thoughts. Journaling is a great way to calm your mind, so you’ll board your flight practically stress-free and ready for the adventure ahead.

Check Out The Airport Art

Lots of airport revamps mean a better passenger experience, and many new spaces in airports are being built to keep travelers inspired. For instance, LaGuardia’s most recent upgrade in Terminal C features work by local NY artists that is definitely worth a look.

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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July 13, 2022
Amtrak Resumes Services To Canada For The First Time Since 2020

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The American railroad company, Amtrak, announced on Monday that it will be resuming its international train services with routes to Canada, in alliance with the Canadian corporation VIA Rail Canada. The company had stopped these services since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

Amtrak is now offering services with the Maple Leaf trains between New York City and Toronto. They will also resume services to Montreal and Vancouver soon but will announce details at a later time.

Chief Commercial Officer Roger Harris, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President, Marketing and Revenue, said: “Amtrak is delighted to welcome passengers back on board the Maple Leaf, connecting New York City and upstate New York with Toronto and Ontario.”

And added: “On board the Maple Leaf, customers can experience some of the best views in the country through the beautiful Hudson River Valley, New York’s wine country, and the incredible gorges of the Finger Lakes region, before crossing the US/Canadian border near the dramatic spectacle of Niagara Falls.”

Travelers now have more train travel options. A few weeks ago, Amtrak also announced new routes from New York, with wonderful city escapes for tourists and new yorkers.

About Amtrak Services And Tickets To Canada

For the first time since 2020, the first northbound Maple Leaf train departed from New York at 7:16 am this Monday 27 and arrived in Toronto at 7:43 pm. From the other side, the first southbound Maple Leaf train departed from Canada’s Toronto Union Station (TWO) at 8:20 am and arrived at New York Penn Station (NYP) in the night, at 9:55 p.m.

Travelers can buy the tickets at Amtrak’s website, app, desk, and kiosks, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Canadian travelers can also buy tickets at ViaRail.ca or by calling 1-888-VIA-RAIL.

The new route will take travelers through beautiful landscapes with large and comfortable seats and valuable amenities. All the international trains include free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use the phone at all times —there is no “airplane mode” limitation—, a cafe car, Business Class seats, and the possibility to travel with small pets.

It is an exciting opportunity, especially for new yorkers and Canadians who want to explore new destinations. Marie Therese Dominguez, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner, said: “The return of this vital rail connection is welcome news not just for passengers who love to travel, but for countless businesses across New York State and Canada who make it possible for visitors to experience the best of what every locality has to offer.”

Michael Acosta, VIA Rail’s Senior Director, Commercial Affairs, also added: “After two years of pandemic, people are eager to travel again this summer, and the Maple Leaf experience allows passengers on both sides of the border to book a beautiful vacation and travel beyond Toronto on VIA Rail trains that can connect them right across Canada.”

What Travelers Must Know About Entry Requirements

Train travel is a great alternative for those who prefer to avoid planes or more eco-friendly options. This new route will allow Canadians and Americans to connect more and enjoy a restored service, especially during summer. However, travelers must stay up to day with their documentation and comply with all entry requirements from both nations.

At the moment, to enter the US, non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated with approved COVID-19 vaccines. To enter Canada, non-canadians must also be fully vaccinated, wear masks —in Canadian stations and on the train while traveling through Canada— and use the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours prior to arrival.

More details about travel and entry requirements are provided by Amtrak on its Crossing the US-Canadian Border page. Travelers should also revise Canada’s official travel site and the US Department’s Travel Advisories and Information site. Staying up to date with COVID-19 entry requirements is crucial since these are constantly changing.

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 30, 2022
Dominican Republic Breaks All Time Record For The Most Tourist Arrivals

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The Dominican Republic recently broke its all time record for the highest number of tourist arrivals into the country. The Caribbean nation, which has long since been a favorite destination for travelers from the US and Canada, welcomed a record-breaking number of travelers into the country last month in the wake of the global pandemic.

With the country recently having removed all of its Covid-19 related entry requirements, the record could well be broken again throughout the summer. Here’s a closer look at all of the details of the country’s record-breaking tourism month, plus a recap of recently-added new flight routes to the Dominican Republic that are set to make travel to the country even more accessible.

Record-Breaking Travel – Information For Travelers

Whilst the pandemic might have changed many things about the way we travel, some things have remained the same – and the popularity of the Dominican Republic is one of them. The sixth most popular international destination for Americans in 2019 and recently revealed as the fifth most in-demand destination for Americans this year, the island’s stunning beaches, top hospitality and close proximity to the US has proved irresistible once more for travelers in 2022.

Last month, the Dominican Republic welcomed 626,000 travelers, marking the first time the island had received more than 600,000 travelers in a calendar month and representing a 91% increase compared to April 2021. Most travelers arrived by plane, but a sizable contingent of 129,000 cruise ship passengers also visited the country, with the return of the cruise industry warmly welcomed across the Caribbean after months of inactivity and uncertainty. American travelers were the most popular, representing 40% of all arrivals, but plenty of Canadian travelers have also been taking the trip down south.

The record is looking increasingly like it will be broken again this year. Not only has the Dominican Republic recently removed all of its Covid-19 restrictions – making it more appealing to travelers – but the ongoing renovation of Punta Cana airport will see the country able to cope with the increased demand it is currently facing. Around 60% of April’s arrivals entered through Punta Cana airport, whilst the capital’s Las Américas International Airport welcomed 23% of the country’s visitors.

Huge traveler numbers may spell costly hotel bookings, but with plenty of worthy places to visit in the country, finding the right hotel shouldn’t prove too difficult. More and more destinations in the Dominican Republic are being connected with the US, with Frontier launching new flights from Tampa to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo that will start from the end of June. March also saw American Airlines add flights between Miami and Samaná, whilst the low-cost Canadian airline Swoop also added flights between Toronto and Punta Cana. With these new additions on top of existing flight routes, North American travelers have plenty of options when it comes to visiting the Dominican Republic.

Travelers looking for something different can also visit the Dominican Republic on a range of different cruises. Top cruise companies Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival each include stops in the Dominican Republic on a variety of different cruise options, ranging from 7 nights to ten nights.

Speaking about the record-breaking month, David Callado, the Dominican tourism minister, said:

“The recovery of international travel is a reality. We’ve done it again. The recorded growth in April is an achievement without precedents. It’s the best April in the history of tourism in our country.”

Impressively, the country is welcoming record numbers whilst keeping standards high, with 93% of all travelers stating they would recommend the island to others or visit it again. With such figures reported despite the huge crowds, high hotel rates and packed beaches, the country looks set to enjoy greater traveler numbers for the foreseeable future.

Read More:

Dominican Republic Officially Removes All Entry Requirements

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

Hawaii Faces Overtourism With Maui Planning To Limit Number of Tourists

↓ Join the community ↓

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

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

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 6, 2022