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These Are The Top 6 U.S. Destinations This Summer, According To USA Today
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Summer is approaching, and many Americans are starting to plan their summer trips.

The media and even airlines are warning customers that this summer will be a difficult one for the U.S. air travel industry, and issues such as delays, cancellations, and understaffing will most likely impact summer flight plans.

Because of this, many Americans are choosing a road trip this summer, and luckily there are endless destinations throughout the United States to choose from.

As part of their “Readers Choice 10 Best” awards, USA Today has awarded the top places for a summer vacation in the U.S. this year.

Travel experts and editors compiled a shortlist of nominees, and the top locations were selected via a reader vote.

With locations from Alabama to Connecticut and many places in between, the list offers some great options for everyone’s tastes.

These Are The Top 6 U.S. Destinations This Summer:

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

This idyllic island’s main selling point is one that makes it very unique; there are no cars here.

You cannot drive here, nobody here has a car for personal use, and people therefore bike, walk, or even get around via horse-drawn carriages. Mackinac is a favored summer destination by many, and visitors love to visit the historic forts and explore some of Michigan’s oldest houses.

The thriving main streets offer numerous great dining options, and shoppers love to browse the many boutiques as well. Mackinac has been a holiday destination since the 19th century, and after a visit, you can see not too much has changed around this quaint island.

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2. Mobile, Alabama

Alabama’s oldest city is known for being the home of America’s original Mardi Gras.

Visitors here can enjoy many museums, water sports, and great nightlife. With an up-and-coming food scene, Mobile charms visitors with its history, with visitors citing the Mobile Carnival Museum and the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail as favorites to visit.

Being a port city, there are actually no beaches within Mobile’s city limits; however, those who are willing to drive for about 40 minutes can find the nearest one at Dauphin Island.

3. Door County, Wisconsin

If you’ve never heard of Door County, start Googling the photos and prepare to be blown away by how beautiful it is.

This lakeside vacation destination offers some serious nature, with 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan.

Tons of water activities from skiing to scuba are on offer here, even giving people a chance to dive among shipwrecks. It’s not all about the lake, though.

The several charming towns here are also worth visiting for their food and drink scene, as well as shopping and sampling homegrown local treats.

4. Mystic, Connecticut

For a town that most people know from the beloved 80s film “Mystic Pizza”, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that it’s now becoming a top U.S. destination for its food scene.

Mystic is a charming seaside New England village full of fun things to do, especially in the summer.

Take a sailboat ride, explore the quaint downtown shopping and restaurant options, and explore some nature and wildlife.

Or you could check out some of the town’s museums, the Denison Homestead Museum being a popular choice.

5. Chicago, Illinois

The largest city on this list, Chicago in the summertime is just so iconic.

Walk around and explore Navy Pier and Millennium Park, capture your photos with the famous bean sculpture, take in a baseball game, and take a boat ride on the vast Lake Michigan.

A summertime visit to the Windy City also allows visitors to explore some of the nearby beaches, perfect for cooling off after a walking (shopping and eating) tour of downtown.

6. Hocking Hills, Ohio

You can find this area of natural beauty in Southeastern Ohio, as a part of the Allegheny Plateau. Hocking Hills is great for nature lovers as well as outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Explore the deep gorges, rock formations, cliffs, and waterfalls, and head back to your cozy cabin in the state park when you are done adventuring.

This popular Ohio State Park is reachable in just under an hour from Columbus, making it an easy day trip if you don’t have the time to stay overnight.

To finish off the winners for USA Today’s Best Summer Travel Destinations we have the following locations:
- No. 7: Crystal River, Florida
- No. 8: Asheville, North Carolina
- No. 9: Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, New York
- No. 10: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
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May 2, 2023
The 10 Best Events In The United States This Year According To USA Today

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Last Updated 60 mins ago

With the warm weather approaching, one thing on many people’s minds is that it’s nearly festival season again.

From multi-day sleeping-in-tents festivals to more laid-back food truck rodeos, there seems to be an ever-expanding array of events across America to spend your summer days exploring.

Are you a foodie who can’t travel to some far-flung destination? Then these food festivals can help you awaken your taste buds closer to home. Perhaps you are looking for some culture but can’t get abroad at the moment; good thing there are many cultural events in the U.S. to help expand your mind this summer.

It’s estimated that around 32 million people attend a U.S. music festival each year, and with air travel showing signs that it will be a nightmare this summer, what better way to enjoy your free time than by wandering around some of these top-rated best events close to home?

Here Are Some Of The Top Rated Events In The U.S., According To USA Today:

City Food Festivals

1. Taste of Buffalo – Buffalo, New York

To start off the list, we have a big one, the biggest in fact of all of America. Taste of Buffalo is the largest two-day food festival in the U.S. and now attracts almost half a million visitors each year.

Come and try the classic hometown hero, the famous Buffalo wings -but don’t you dare try to dip them in ranch! This is blue cheese territory my friends. Taste of Buffalo runs July 8th and 9th this year, so get your tickets early.

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2. Queens Night Market – Queens, New York

Featuring up to 100 independent vendors, who sell everything from food, art, and other unique merchandise, this open-air night market is a staple for this neighborhood.

2023 brings the Queen’s Night Market’s 8th season, and the weekly event is a great way to try a variety of food from all around the world.

@pictureperfectluis Let’s see how much food we can get for $20 at Queens Night Market #newyorkcityeats #newyorkfoodies #queensnightmarket #nyctop3 #thingstodoinnewyork #nycfoodies ♬ What You Know – Two Door Cinema Club

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the best city food festivals all around the country.

Specialty Food Festivals

1. Picklesburg – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This fan-favorite food festival takes place in the charming streets of Pittsburgh and celebrates the beloved pickle.

Come for the famous pickleback shots (trust me, just try it) and stay for all things pickle-flavored. The 2023 event is planned to take place the weekend of July 21st – July 23rd and is worth the trip.

2. Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, Illinois

This 4-day event is for anyone who is a fan of Chicago’s BBQ, beer, and country music. This year’s music lineup includes popular acts such as Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, and Zac Brown Band.

The 2023 dates are July 13-16, and this event fills up, so plan ahead!

All of the top 10 best specialty food festivals in the U.S. can be found here.

Music Festivals

1. Made In America – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jay Z’s beloved Made In America festival takes place along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia and features some major music acts.

Past events have had artists such as Tyler, the Creator and Bad Bunny, and more big names. In addition to music, food trucks come to cater to the hungry crowds.

Check out their official website for ticket and date information for upcoming events.

2. FloydFest – Floyd, Virginia

You can find this quirky festival located along Virginia’s heritage music trail, known as the Crooked Road.

This festival in the Blue Ridge Mountains features music from bluegrass to reggae and also chances to get into nature with hiking and mountain biking.

While the 2023 FloydFest is uncertain due to location issues, the festival is now way over. They have promised to be back and better than ever in 2024.

3. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion – Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia

Celebrating the rich musical heritage of the area, this festival is all about Appalachian music.

Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum while you are here, and enjoy this festival along the Tennessee/Virginia border from September 8-10th this year.

Be sure to check out all of the winners for the favorite music festival in America and get some inspiration for your 2023 travel plans.

Film Festival

1. Out On Film – Atlanta, Georgia

This 11-day film festival showcases LGBTQ work and features many documentaries highlighting the issues that they face.

One of the first of its kind, the Out on Film Festival 2023 dates are September 21 until October 1st.

2. Washington West Film Festival – Reston, Virginia

This Virginia festival is all about giving back to the community and celebrating indie filmmakers at the same time.

All proceeds are donated, and the event does draw some top names, so make sure to get your tickets early. October 12 -16th are the dates for this year’s event.

To see the full list of the top 20 favorite film festivals across the United States, you can check it out here.

Cultural Festival

1. National Cherry Blossom Festival – Washington, D.C.

Here’s one festival you can check out right now, as it runs March 20th – April 16th this year.

A beloved symbol in the National Capital, this festival celebrates the blossoming of the cherry trees with a parade and many events. This event also highlights Japanese culture as well.

2. Kutztown Folk Festival – Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Tucked away in Pennsylvania Dutch region, this nine-day festival celebrates the heritage and culture of this area.

Highlights include the largest quilt sale in America, and this year’s event is scheduled for July 1st through the 9th.

The United States has no shortage of cultural festivals, and many tend to fly under the radar. Check out these favorites for some opportunities to learn more about various cultures and experience the fun.

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April 6, 2023
The End Of Tulum’s Party Scene? New Noise Control Law Starts Today

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Last Updated 4 mins ago

In an effort to address growing noise complaints, Tulum City Council will put into place new noise control laws in the city’s Coastal Zone beginning today, November 1st, 2022. These new laws are in addition to measures introduced in late September and are an attempt to reign in Tulum’s party scene that has rapidly grown over the past several years.

Once a quiet beach destination largely unknown to foreigners, Tulum has seen an explosion in tourism in recent years, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic (and no doubt also because of its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere). While much of the world shut its borders to international travelers, Mexico remained open and thus attracted many visitors who might have gone elsewhere.

In addition, with popular party destinations like Bali and Thailand out of reach, young party seekers head to Tulum in droves, and the local businesses have responded. Visitors are now inundated with choices when it comes to parties, raves, and festivals, but that all could be coming to an end with the introduction of these new laws.

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While Tulum has proved to be an inviting destination for partygoers, they aren’t the only type of tourist. Long popular with families, couples, and adventurers seeking a bit of Mexican paradise, the growth of the party scene has been an unwelcome change for many.

Hotels constantly receive complaints from guests who are disturbed by loud, late-night parties. In response, the local government, businesses, and leaders in the tourism industry have worked together to agree on measures that seek to bring back some peace to Tulum.

On September 23^rd, 2022, the Tulum City Council implemented rules that prohibited bars and clubs from playing loud music after midnight. The Council’s attempts to expand on these restrictions and further control the party scene go into effect today with the implementation of additional laws.

According to the Cancun Sun, beginning today, there are three new elements of the town’s noise control measures. From 1:00 am onwards, noise levels must be kept below 65 decibels. For reference, the CDC has determined that a normal conversation is usually held at 60 decibels, and washing machines and dishwashers typically run at 70 decibels.

The CDC also notes that the maximum volume of loud entertainment venues is between 105-110 decibels and can lead to hearing loss in less than five minutes.

The second and third components of the new restrictions have to do with getting patrons out of establishments after a certain hour. Firstly, bars and clubs must stop all sales of food and alcohol by 1:00 am. This commonly used tactic encourages customers to leave on their own once sustenance is no longer available.

For those who don’t take the hint and leave on their own, the City Council’s final restriction will force them out, as bars and clubs must fully close by 1:30 am.

At a meeting at Tulum’s City Hall in September, Tulum’s Mayor, Marciano Dzul Caamal, explained that businesses would be fined or shut down if they refuse to comply with the new regulations. The measures come as welcome news to many of the area’s businesses who have to manage complaints from tourists who are not in the mood for a party.

Carla Andrade Piedras, Director of the Tulum Hotel Association, told the Mexico Daily Post, “Without a doubt, this benefits the destination. Historically, Tulum was created for honeymooners, people looking to relax, rest, and for adventure tourism. It was not a party destination.”

Will these new measures spell the end for Tulum’s epic party scene? Time will tell, but it is worth noting that the noise control laws apply only to the Coastal Zone and the main tourist area of Tulum. But with other party hot spots now trending amongst international travelers, it is possible that Tulum’s days as a party paradise could be coming to an end.

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November 1, 2022
These 3 Asian Countries Ease Entry Requirements Starting Today
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Last Updated 6 hours ago

From today, 1 April, three popular tourist destinations in Asia – Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – are easing their entry requirements for international visitors.

Starting today (1 April) Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are making it easier for travelers to enter for tourism purposes.

And, the news will certainly be welcomed by those looking to explore all that these truly fascinating – and culturally-filled – nations have to offer.

Let’s take a closer look at how each of these three hugely popular tourist hotspots are now making it easier for travelers to enter.

Malaysia

Having reported just a few weeks ago that Malaysia had announced it would finally reopen its borders for tourists from 1 April, it is actually now happening – with the nation once again beginning to welcome visitors through its doors.

Whether you are looking to experience some island life by visiting the likes of Langkawi – or wanting to get up, close and personal with the tallest twin towers on the planet – Malaysia definitely offers something for everyone.

For fully vaccinated travelers, entry to Malaysia is now possible by adhering to the following entry requirements:
- present proof of full vaccination – having received a ‘full dose’ of one of the following vaccines: CanSinoBio; Janssen; AstraZeneca; Moderna; Pfizer; Sinopharm; Sinovac; or Sputnik V
- show a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate – travelers must have taken the test no more than 48 hours before their departure
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival – which is at the expense of all travelers
- obtain travel insurance – which includes coverage of up to MYR 84,200 (US$20,000) for any Covid-19 medical expenses
- download the MySejahtera mobile application – and complete the pre-departure form on the app before arriving into Malaysia.
For visitors heading to the state of Sarawak, there is an additional requirement to complete an eHealth declaration form.

Those that have recently been infected with Covid-19 are exempt from having to present a negative PCR test result on arrival if they have a recovery certificate that has been issued no less than 11 days before departure – or no more than 60 days prior to arrival.

Travelers that are unvaccinated – or not fully vaccinated – are also able to enter Malaysia, however, they will need to undergo quarantine at their own expense, as well as adhere to the same entry requirements as listed above for fully vaccinated visitors.

Singapore

Just last week we reported that Singapore was simplifying its entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers – and now the news rules have come into effect.

You can check out how to be considered fully vaccinated by clicking here.

Here are the new entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers wanting to visit Singapore:
- show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19
- present a negative Covid-19 PCR or Antigen-Rapid test result – with your test needing to be taken no longer than 48 hours prior to your arrival
- obtain Covid-19 travel insurance – which includes coverage of Covid-19 medical expenses and has a minimum coverage of $30,000 Singaporean dollars
- complete an online healthcare declaration form.
At this present time if you are not fully vaccinated you are unable to enter Singapore for tourism purposes – and must therefore have an ‘exceptional reason’ to be granted permission for entry.

Only unvaccinated citizens of the country – along with those who have a permanent residency in Singapore – are allowed entry, with a requirement for both to undergo 7-day quarantine and Covid-19 testing.

Thailand

Thailand is now allowing fully vaccinated travelers – from all nations – to enter the country without the need to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test.

For those that have received their full vaccination, entry to the country is now possible by:
- registering for a Thailand Pass – which must be obtained before departure
- showing proof of your full vaccination against Covid-19 or valid proof of recovery from Covid
- booking a ‘Test & Go’ SHA Extra+ or Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel
- undertaking a Covid-19 PCR test at your SHA Extra+ or AQ hotel, as well as self-testing yourself with an ATK test (provided by your hotel) on day 5 after your arrival
- Obtaining travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000.
Individuals that are under the age of 18 – but are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult – do not need to show proof of vaccination.

Instead of opting for Thailand’s ‘Test & Go’ program, fully vaccinated travelers can instead choose to enter the country using one of the nation’s ‘Sandbox’ options.

If you are unvaccinated you are able to enter Thailand for tourism purposes – however – you will be required to adhere to the following entry requirements:
- register for a Thailand Pass – which must be obtained before departure
- book 5 nights at an AQ hotel – which has been reduced from 10 nights
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test on day 1 of your arrival – and undergo another PCR test on day 5
- install an ‘alert’ application onto your mobile device – and have it turned on at all times as a Covid-19 precautionary measure.
Read more:

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Vietnam Now Has The Easiest Entry Requirements In Southeast Asia

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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 1, 2022