Tag: Tourists

Tourists Are Still Flocking To Hawaii Despite Soaring Prices – Here’s Why It’s More Popular Than Ever
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The cost of travel has increased exponentially this year, influenced by the economic crisis and the pent-up demand resulting from two years of pandemic management. Interestingly, several destinations continued reporting record revenues: one of them is Hawaii, a place tourists continue flocking into despite soaring prices.

Hawaii’s latest visitor numbers are incredibly close to reaching pre-pandemic levels, proving the population’s perceived drop of buying power has not influenced the tropical state’s performance on the tourism front. In fact, it received nearly one million visitors in July only, securing the status of America’s favorite domestic beach destination.

Taking into account the volatile scenario and the financial hurdles facing a majority of travelers, why is the ultra-expensive Hawaii still so attractive?

Hawaii Outpaces Other U.S. Destinations In Tourism Recovery

In the pre-pandemic years, Hawaii used to attract more tourism revenue than the busy hotspots of Cambodia, Brazil and Costa Rica combined. While arrivals notably reached historic lows in the turbulent years of 2020 and 2021, judging by its latest numbers, which signal a 92.4 per cent recovery compared to 2019, the Aloha State is now reclaiming its prestige.

July’s figures account for the highest volume of visitors the islands have received since January 2020, when the virus erupted and tough measures were brought in to curb its dissemination, including the closure of external Hawaiian borders. In total, $1.94 billion in tourist dollars were spent last month, 14.3 percent more than July 2019.

While we do not have access to data confirming this, this could be a reflection of the rise in costs, especially flight tickets and hotels, seeing that a full tourism recovery has not been achieved yet. Nevertheless, more than 90% of Hawaii’s once-shunned tourists are back, and inflated fares do not seem to be a huge concern here.

In July, hotel prices in the U.S. reached another historical peak of $159.08 on average per night, according to STR, or 17.5 per cent more than July 2019. Some destinations were particularly affected, such as Miami, where a sharp 50 per cent increase was observed. Hawaii’s was lower at a more moderate 36.1 per cent – still, it was far above the national average.

This Is How Much A Hotel In Hawaii Will Cost You In 2022

When visiting Hawaii in general, mainland Americans can expect to pay roughly $413.57 nightly, though some individual islands, like Oahu, may offer cheaper rates (17.9 increase only). Additionally, Hawaiian authorities have increased the controversial tourist tax, now 39.3 per cent higher than it used to be in 2019.

These latest hikes, placing Hawaii on a list of destinations openly discouraging budget travelers from returning, have not had a detrimental effect on the state’s growing popularity. The government reports a hotel occupancy rate of 81.5 per cent, a negligible 3.8 points lower than pre-Covid 2019. On top of that, Hawaii is already fighting overtourism only five months after reopening.

To draw a comparison, occupancy rates for the whole of the U.S. were actually down to 69.6 per cent in July following a 70 per cent peak in June, its most successful month since early 2020 – even then, significantly lower than Hawaii’s 81.5 points. In simpler terms, the Pacific retreat is more popular than it ever was.

So yes, it’s true travel demand is at its peak, notwithstanding inflation, but why Hawaii specifically?

The Answer Lies With Hawaii’s Natural Assets And Diversity

As asserted in a study conducted by booking platform Hostelworld on current solo travel trends, 74% of respondents claimed their primary goal when traveling now that the darker days of Covid are past is ‘natural world experiences’. This is partly why Central America is experiencing a boom in tourism lately, alongside other sub-regions where nature exists in abundance.

There is no state like Hawaii in the whole of the United States: an archipelago of 137 volcanic islands spanning close to 1,500 miles, this Pacific treasure is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful, and naturally diverse ecoparks, as well as a few of the world’s top-rated beaches and outdoor activities.

All of the six main Hawaiian islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molojai, Lanai, Mahui and the eponymous Hawaii – have their own distinct vibe and offer visitors unique experiences, be it luxury all-inclusives, nature retreats, or just pure beach relaxation. Of course, Hawaii is famous for its shiny blue ocean and white-sand beaches, rivaling those of popular sunny breaks like Cancun and The Dominican Republic.

Furthermore, the Westernmost state has been recognized by CNN as a trendy fall destination, with writers mentioning the rich marine life found here, whale watching and other open sea attractions. Other travel experts have also listed it as the perfect ‘babymoon‘ destination, surfing capital of the world, an LGBTQ+ haven – especially Oahu – and countless other accolades and titles.

In sum, there is a Hawaii island for every traveler profile:
- Youngsters
- Honeymooners
- Babymooners/families
- LGBTQ+ travelers of all ages
Having dropped all of its Covid restrictions, including mandatory mask wearing in public spaces, and rescinding travel rules applying to those coming from other U.S. destinations, the state is one of the most welcoming destinations in the Western World right now, making it even more appealing among restriction-wary Americans… even if that means they’ll be paying a higher price for one week in paradise.

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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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September 6, 2022
Random Testing On Arrival In Canada Could Force Tourists To Quarantine
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Although a majority of the Western World has dropped all of their entry requirements already, tourists visiting Canada still risk being sent to quarantine when randomly selected for testing on-arrival and given a positive Covid result – even if no longer infectious. Whether you’re vaccinated or recovered, Canada makes no distinction.

From the onset of the pandemic, the North American country has resorted to countless measures to curb the viral spread. Among the most controversial ones, unvaccinated Canadians were, for a period of time, unable to board flights in Canada, and most foreigners, Americans included, were routinely turned away at the border.

These stricter rules have been relaxed and the world has moved on, but Canada still hasn’t fully let its guard down and continues barring international travel:

Canada’s Strict Border Rules Keeps Punishing Tourists Regardless Of Vaccination Status

It’s September 2022, and tourists, Canadian expats and business travelers can enter Canada once more. The country is no longer completely sealed off from the rest of the world, as it had been throughout 2020, and with each passing month, cross-border connectivity with the United States gets stronger – be it more flights, or reinstated railway links.

On the downside, Ottawa lawmakers have shown a firm reluctance in easing Canada’s much criticized travel rules – rules many deem outdated and unjustified by science. Yes, non-Canadians can visit for non-essential purposes, but they must tick a number of boxes to be eligible for travel. Among those there is a requirement to be fully vaccinated.

On top of that, they must submit personal information and agree to being tested on arrival. The policy, briefly paused at the peak of the summer travel chaos, was quickly reinforced as soon as congestion eased. While not all are subject to testing, those who do get picked must comply, and must test at an off-site location, no longer located in the arrival hall.

Interestingly, once their testing is conducted, tourists are not required to isolate while waiting for their results. If positive, they will be contacted by authorities and expected to isolate for 10 full days from the date of issue, regardless of having been allowed to walk freely at first, and irrespective of holding a vaccine certificate or recent recovery proof.

Are Canada’s Travel Rules Even Consistent At This Point?

To further add to the confusion, the province of Ontario, of which Toronto is a part of, has recently ended a five-day quarantine requirement residents faced when testing positive for Covid. Evidently, this goes against the federal resolution and the ten-day isolation period still applying to some tourists landing in Ontario.

The apparent inconsistency has been noted by visitors: as reported by Global News Canada, a San Francisco-based traveler was recently selected for testing upon arrival at Toronto Pearson Airport, soon after the program’s resumption. The result was allegedly delayed for ‘several’ days, until she contacted the lab for further information.

She was then ‘shocked’ to find out it came back positive and she needed to isolate for 10 days from that date. The San Franciscan assumed it was a ‘typo’, considering she and her partner had recovered from the disease recently and had voluntarily isolated for twelve days ahead of traveling. This mounted up to nothing, as a quarantine order was still issued.

The woman, Mrs Denise Chenier, had received a booster dose and reportedly obtained negative rapid antigen tests at their final destination in Thunder Bay while waiting for the official results, suggesting the detailed PCR test picked up a former infection. Prior to that, she had already spent a number of days in Canada quarantine-free.

Mrs Chenier is not the only complying American having their vacation plans ruined by the testing policy: roughly 1 in 20 travelers are affected, with both vaccinated and unvaccinated U.S. citizens facing mandatory isolation when failing to obtain a negative PCR. For that reason, having persistent viral levels is still a concern, at least in Canada.

The Problem With False Positives

Nearly three years into the pandemic, now we know PCR tests may pick up both current and recent infections, even if the patient has already recovered. In some cases, the viral load remains high for weeks or months after the disease has subsided; this can lead to the so-called ‘false’ positives, and in Mrs Chenier’s case, or an arguably unnecessary 10-day quarantine.

Ottawa is aware of these problems, but continues defending PCR usage as the ‘gold standard’ for detecting the virus. Conversely, yet another infectious disease specialist, Colin Furness of the University of Toronto, has rebuked the Canadian Government’s decision, joining a growing list of experts calling for these hurdles to be removed.

‘You’re shooting at a dartboard with a blindfold on‘, argues Mr Furness, in light of the recent data showing fully vaccinated, or recovered individuals who are perfectly healthy and non-infectious may still be required to quarantine when issued false positives. He believes the ‘current plan’ is not at all effective in doing disease surveillance, nor transmission control.

Besides the obstacles facing the tourism sector, these random tests are partly to blame for Canadian airports’ tarnished reputation as some of the worst for delays in the world. With an average 5,000 people being marked for testing each day, bottlenecks at the border have become more common, as well as agitation and other incidents.

What Are The Rules For Entering Canada Right Now?

This is the criteria for being eligible for travel to Canada today:
- Non-Canadians must be fully vaccinated*
- They must have no Covid symptoms upon boarding
- All travelers must download the ArriveCAN app, where they must upload their personal information, including proof of vaccination
- Pre-departure tests are no longer required, but random on-arrival tests are taking place
- Masks are required on all Canada-bound flights, trains, and other cross-border service
*Recovered individuals may be eligible to enter when presenting proof of at least one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or at least two doses of another Covid vaccine accepted by Canada, alongside their recovery certificate issued within the last year

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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 2, 2022
Tourists Arriving In Cancun Will Automatically Get 180 Days In Mexico

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Unpredictable Stay Lengths Will Disappear As Pilot Program Is Tested In Cancun

Tourists arriving in Cancun will now automatically receive 180 days to stay in Mexico, after a frustrating piece of paperwork was removed from the immigration process. The news will be a breath of fresh air for Digital Nomads, in particular, who utilize long stays.

The decision has been made to drop the FMM or Forma Multipla Migratoria in the Cancun airport. It should be noted that only Cancun International Airport is piloting the program, so anyone visiting through other airports in Mexico will still be expected to abide by the old protocol and may receive far less than the 180 days. It may be expanded if the Cancun trial goes well and no problems arise.

For years, the Mexican immigration department used the FMM, to help regulate the tourists entering the country. The system was a frustrating one and could add an hour or more to the immigration process. Although there was an option for tourists to fill the form out online, this often was futile, and those tourists ended up taking longer.

Passengers on planes were typically given the form on the plane to begin filling out, but as many had already filled it online, they assumed they didn’t need to, helping create further backlogs in the immigration line after they were turned back by officers.

As the airports continue to fight massive lines and wait times, the new rules will hopefully alleviate some of the pressure and ease the process for tourists.

Under the FMM system, tourists were left at the mercy of the immigration officer as to how long a stay they received. In years prior to Covid, 180 days was an expected allotment of time, but unexplained reasons during the pandemic saw the officers becoming far more specific in their decisions.

Even if a tourist explained they wanted to stay for a month or more, the decision was left to the officer, and a random amount of days could be scrawled at the top of the paper. As no explicit announcement was made regarding the change in stance, many tourists barely registered the number of days given and would often overstay.

One of our own writers traveled into the country via Mexico City, unaware of the rule changes. He was given 32 days, while his partner was given 13. Neither of them was aware of the number of days offered until they were denied boarding a bus as one of them had overstayed.

There was also the issue of keeping ahold of the FMM itself. Visitors were expected to keep the form and offer it upon exiting the country. If evidence of an overstay was found, they would be denied entry to the departures area and sent to pay a fine. Although this is fairly normal for immigration documents, the FMM itself was a tiny piece of paper, barely the size of a passport page, and easily lost. Many accidentally threw it away thinking it was a receipt, or just misplaced it.

But the developments in Cancun mean those are now a thing of the past. Instead of a form, online or otherwise, visitors will now receive a stamp on arrival, streamlining the process and giving clarity to the length of time tourists can stay in the country.

The new process is available for most countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, but a few select countries like Brazil, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela, will not be offered 180 days. Instead, they will receive 30 days and still need to fill out the FMM before being admitted to the country.

Digital Nomads will be extremely happy about the news, as extending stays can be a complicated process in Mexico. Cities like Tulum and Mexico City are now seen as major hubs for remote workers, and having a guarantee of six months can make a huge difference in planning for them.

Regardless of the new process, tourists should still ensure they have any supporting documents as to how long they intend to stay, where they are living, and what the purpose of their stay is, as immigration officers still have the ability to question and deny anyone trying to enter the country.

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 23, 2022
Los Cabos Becoming The New Cancun As Popularity With Americans Tourists Soars
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Ever since it opened up for tourism following Covid, being one of the first in the Western Hemisphere to do so, Mexico has been smashing arrival records. Its numerous beach hotspots are now some of the world’s most sought after vacations, and while Cancun has seen a notorious, albeit expected surge, it is bowing out as another promising destination takes center stage: the up-and-coming Pacific gem of Los Cabos.

For years, Mexico’s Caribbean coast had been at the forefront of the country’s tourism campaign, and judging by its pristine nature and vast cultural wealth, we can certainly understand the appeal. However, from the moment restrictions were dropped and flight frequency increased, Cancun – and the wider Caribbean – did not bounce back as fiercely as this other competitor.

That’s not to say it’s doing bad – it is surely smashing records – but wait until you see Los Cabos’ numbers:

Los Cabos Is The Hottest Destination In Mexico Right Now

According to the Los Cabos Tourism Trust (Fiturca), the influx of both domestic and international tourists in the region has far exceeded earlier expectations for the first semester, being now 24% higher than they were compared to 2019. In total, that translates into more than 2 million arrivals, or roughly 7.8% of all Mexican air traffic overall.

From January to May 2022, Mexico welcomed 25.4 million tourists, a 25.9% increase over previous years, and a truly phenomenal comeback for the Latin American hub when other countries like Canada and Australia, who opted for a hard-stance pandemic approach, continue suffering heavy losses – even after loosening curbs, which Australia did perhaps too little too late.

Back to Los Cabos, accounting for nearly 8% still doesn’t comprise a clear majority, but this is where things get really interesting. It is is yet to see an overwhelming wave of tourists other places like Cancun, Tulum, and even Mexico City normally deal with during the peak travel season, but it is growing, and doing so at an abnormally fast rate – much faster than Cancun even.

Its figures may be far lower at present, but compared to the saturated Cancun, which posted a laudable, yet more moderate 10% increase over 2019 figures, at least up until July, Los Cabos’ recovery so far is proving much more solid (and stronger). Keeping the momentum, it should be on track one day to possibly beat Cancun as the top Mexican destination.

Who Is Behind Los Cabos’ Surprising Success?

Of course, the Caribbean’s reigning queen will be a hard one to overthrow, but it’s also a fact that Los Cabos is closing on her, holding the potential to outpace other racers by year’s end. Of course, Americans play a huge part in making Los Cabos such a hot topic right now. 22% more of them have visited in 2022 versus 2019.

Out of those, 23% hail from Los Angeles, 16% from Dallas and 14.7% from Phoenix. Lastly, Fiturca mentions private jet operations in the area have been skyrocketing as well, up to 81% more than the pre-pandemic era. Before eyebrows are raised, flying private is actually way more affordable than many here think.

This newfound success isn’t attributed solely to international visitors, either: more Mexicans are being drawn to this trendy hub, up 34% from 2019 (as per Fiturca). Mexico City residents, including both Mexicans and American expats living in the metropolis, make up precisely half the sum, with Tijuana trailing behind at 19.1%, Guadalajara at 13.5%, and the rest of Mexico at 17.4%.

Elsewhere in the hospitality sector, hotel room occupancy reached 75% in Los Cabos, 54% more than 2019, proving the municipality’s world-class resorts and luxury accommodations are now rivaling Cancun’s once-untouchable Hotel Zone. Taking these data into account, and its rising popularity among Americans, what makes Los Cabos so great in the end?

Los Cabos Is The Quintessential Mexico Combo

Worry not: we have taken it upon ourselves to list a few of the main reasons:
- 93% of visitors report a positive experience vacationing here
- Los Cabos has some of the cleanest beaches in all of Mexico
- As it is not located in the ever-warmer Caribbean, its coastline is not usually blanketed by dreaded sargassum seaweed
- The local Cabo del Sol golf course was named best in the country
- It is particularly popular among LGBTQ+ travelers for being a diversity friendly and inclusive destination
We don’t know about you, but these are all good enough reasons to make Cabo our next winter getaway. How about you?

Read More:

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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 20, 2022
These European Hotspots Are Limiting Tourists Due to Overtourism

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Tourism and travel have made an astonishing return over the past few months. Crippled to it’s core by a global pandemic, tourism around the world grinded to a complete halt for 2 years. Now with an overwhelming amount of tourists visiting European hotspots, countries are taking steps to limit the number of visitors and prevent overtourism.

With the successful help of vaccination efforts around the globe, dozens of countries have loosened entry restrictions, some nations have even taken a ‘post-covid’ approach and learned to live with the virus – removing entry restrictions entirely.

People more than ever are willing and eager to travel, and many destinations are feeling the pressure. The numbers are so high in fact that popular vacation spots in Europe are unable to manage the number of tourists that they receive.

Marseille initiates a permit system.

Marseille located in southern France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. Filled with beautiful beaches and romantic quaint streets, Marseille is often considered the heart of the French Rivera.

This port city has been hit by over tourism for a while now, in recent years however it has gotten a lot worse. Now the city is trying to make a change.

The famous Calanque de Sugiton and beach nearby will now require visitors to apply for an online pass prior to arriving. Visitors will have the chance to make an online reservation up to 3 days prior and at 6pm the night before, the registration will be closed.

City officials will be patrolling the area and doing spot checks to ensure visitors are compliant with the new policy.

Daily numbers for visitors will be restricted to 400 people and one person can only visit the site 8 times for the duration of the summer.

This new approach will go into effect from the end of June all the way until the end of August.

Amalfi Coast to implement alternate plate restriction.

A few hundred miles away the Amalfi Coast is implementing their own rules to combat excessive tourism.

Local officials are beginning a new system that alternates who can access the famous 35-kilometer road between Vietri sul Mae and Positano.

On odd number days, only cars with odd number ending license plates are allowed to drive on the road. On even number days, cars with even number ending license plates can take to the famous street.

This new policy will run from the middle of June, all the way through the end of September 2022.

10am to 6pm on weekends, as well as during the Easter Holy week holiday.

However, residents of the region are exempt. So are public buses and taxis.

This isn’t the first-time officials in Europe have tried to combat over tourism.

Venice who at the height of summer receives up to 150,000 tourists per day has stopped cruise ships from docking in its ports because the city could not sustain the number of tourists it was receiving.

Local businesses were overrun with tourists, the canals overfilled, and locals were outnumbered 50 to 1.

The dangers of overtourism

Overtourism can wreak havoc on local municipals and the people that reside there. From hour-long traffic lanes, high cost of living and too many people in a limited space will always create challenges.

Europe has some of the most visited countries in the world; from Spain, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. everyone of these countries has their own challenges with over tourism.

One thing is for sure, restrictions on over tourism needs to be at the forefront of these nations in order to preserve the quality of life for locals and their surrounding environment.

READ MORE:

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June 21, 2022
These Are The The Top 3 Destinations In Mexico For American Tourists This Summer
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It seems Mexico’s friendly attitude to tourists throughout Covid will not be forgotten anytime soon. Even though other countries are open for travel again, it’s the freedom-loving Mayan heartland, where tourism has been allowed without interruptions throughout the whole pandemic, that continues to attract a record number of visitors.

As a result, three Mexican cities now feature on Allianz Travel Top 10 International Summer Destinations, the most out of any country listed. In fact, Mexico claims the top two entirely to itself, asserting its status as the King of Tourism – a title that will not be challenged anytime soon, despite Aruba, Jamaica, and the like all being back in the game.

Ready to find out which Mexican cities have won the hearts of the nation? Here are Mexico’s 3 top destinations for American tourists this summer:

Puerto Vallarta, Pacific Coast

Puerto Vallarta is arguably the Mexican Pacific Coast’s crown jewel, where the country’s best nightlife can be found, as well as countless sandy beaches and natural landmarks within close proximity to major urban centers. It is not only a summer, but a year-round favorite for vacationers, and ranks at number six on Allianz’ annual summer travel picks.

Up 3 slots since last year’s ranking, when it had already broken into the top 10 charting at a respectable number 9, Puerto Vallarta keeps growing in popularity among U.S. travelers, particularly due to the recent connection boost between the Mexican hub and several U.S. cities, and the the State of Jalisco’s unparalleled tourist offer.

With Covid being treated as endemic in Mexico, and Vallarta tourists no longer expected to follow pandemic-era regulations, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, the city is poised to climb even higher on future lists. According to Allianz, it is already Mexico’s third busiest summer destination for American travelers.

San Jose del Cabo, Pacific Coast

Number two on Allianz’ list for yet another year, San Jose del Cabo has been a permanent feature on the bucket list of millions due to its vast collection of clear water beaches and picturesque, colonial-style architecture. Additionally, it is one of a handful of places in Mexico where History and sightseeing lovers converge with laid-back beachgoers.

Cabo truly has it all: from world-renowned art galleries and Spanish-era missionary churches, to beautiful nature reserves where bird-spotting activities are widely promoted and, of course, miles-long sandy beach strips adorning the coast. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Mexico’s rich past, or simply enjoy a day in the sun, this is the place to go.

Luckily, despite being a major entry point for Americans visiting Mexico, the Los Cabos International Airport serving San Jose has not experienced the same level of saturation seen in Mexico City, or Cancun Airport’s longer wait times. It is also only two and a half hours away flying from most cities in the Southern U.S., making it an ideal summer break.

Cancun, The Caribbean

Claiming the coveted spot of America’s preferred vacay for the sixth year in a row, Cancun is further widening the gap between itself and all other Mexican, and non-Mexican destinations on Allianz’ list. Out of Mexico’s expected 40 million visitors this year, a sizable portion of Americans have selected Cancun as their destination for 2022.

According to Cirium, one of the world’s largest provider of data on aviation, there are currently 831 weekly flight routes between the U.S. and Cancun International, making it by far Mexico’s busiest – and most loved – summer destination. Now that a beach close to Cancun has been named the best in all of Mexico, we expect these impressive numbers to rise even higher.

Cancun is widely recognized as the gateway to the Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, dotted with white sand beaches and Mayan ruins of inestimable cultural relevance. Cancun International serves not only Cancun, but several small resort towns around the metropolis, such as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres off the mainland.

What Other International Destinations Are On The List?

This year’s Allianz Top 10 International Summer Destinations list is available in full below:
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
3. Oranjestad, Aruba
4. Montego Bay, Jamaica
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
7. Nassau, The Bahamas
8. Liberia, Costa Rica
9. Providenciales Island, Turks & Caicos
10. Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
But how has Allianz been able to establish that? In sum, researchers looked at data from over a million trips to be taken by their own customers over the summer season, especially those who purchased an Allianz Partners travel insurance between 5 and 8 days. Unsurprisingly, Mexico came out ahead of all other competitors with the most planned itineraries.

For the restriction-wary, all of the destinations above are welcoming American tourists with no health-related requirements, with the exception of Nassau in The Bahamas and Providenciales Island in Turks & Caicos. Those two countries require travelers to be fully vaccinated, or present a negative Covid as valid proof of entry when unvaccinated.

Read More:

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Mexico’s New Mayan Train Project Suspended

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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 20, 2022
These Are The Top 5 Countries Most Eager To Welcome Tourists Back After Covid
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Spoiler… 3 of them are in the Caribbean.

International travel has been severely affected by the Covid pandemic. While travelers could roam the world freely before the virus emerged, the last two years have been a succession of travel bans, complex entry requirements and strict testing regimes that virtually suspended tourism. Luckily, now that Covid is under control, countries are finally reopening.

Even though some economies may have not been severely affected by the crisis, as not all countries’ revenues are mainly based off of travel, others felt the pinch particularly hard. These states, where tourism makes up a large portion of their GDP, have been some of the first to reopen and accept visitors – even prior to vaccines being introduced.

Based on a study conducted by Bounce, we rounded up the Top 5 countries most reliant on international tourism, and that are now eager to welcome tourists back after Covid:

5. The Bahamas

The Bahamas ranks at number 5 on the list of places that depend on tourism the most, according to a recent study conducted by travel experts at the Bounce luggage story app. According to the experts, it is only beaten by two other destinations in terms of tourism employment, with over 26% of the country’s workforce being in the sector.

On top of that, tourism accounts for roughly 19% of the archipelago’s GDP, proving the influx of tourist dollars is vital to The Bahamas. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that these paradise islands eased entry requirements recently, making it much easier for Americans and other foreigners to visit after the Omicron variant subsided.

With the revised rules, all tourists are welcome irrespective of immunization, having to fulfill one simple requirement:
- Present a negative Covid test result (PCR or Rapid Antigen) issued up to 72 hours before arrival.
4. The Seychelles

A French-speaking archipelago off the coast of Eastern Africa, the Seychelles is a surprising destination where clear water beaches can be found against the scenic backdrop of African nature. Similarly to The Bahamas, this tiny country owes much of its GDP to tourist money, which totals nearly 26% of their economy.

It is also open for tourism, and unlike the first entry on this list, vaccinated foreigners can travel to the Seychelles without undergoing a pre-departure Covid test. The unvaccinated are also welcome, as long as they present either a recent recovery certificate, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a Rapid Antigen test issued under 24 hours.

Once inside the country, tourists can enjoy more freedoms, such as:
- No post-arrival tests
- No state-ordered quarantines
- No Covid screening when visiting tourist sites
3. Aruba

With tourism contributing to nearly 30% of local employment rates, Aruba is one of the Caribbean nations most devoted to developing tourism. In fact, the sector’s participation in its GDP is capped at 27.64%, only slightly higher than The Seychelles. Nevertheless, Aruba has decided to go a step further and removed all entry requirements recently.

Recognizing the need for a tourism revival, the Dutch outpost scrapped all health-related travel protocols, returning to a pre-2020 state of normality much earlier than other Caribbean hotspots that would only follow suit weeks later. As of March, 2022, Aruba’s pristine beaches and traditional colonial-era towns are once again open to avid explorers.

In summary:
- No mandatory vaccination passports
- No pre-departure tests, regardless of Covid vaccination
- No post-arrival tests
- No mandatory quarantine
- All nationalities are welcome
2. British Virgin Islands

Second on the list of countries most eager to welcome back visitors, the British Virgin Islands are heavily dependent on the dollar. With nearly 33% of GDP being linked to traveler expenses, and a tourism-based economy, the Caribbean archipelago has remained open for visitation throughout the crisis, albeit with strict protocols.

Some groups are pushing for a wider reopening, especially now that international travel demand has surged, but the British Virgin Islands Administration has remained conservative in regards to pandemic management. They may well acknowledge that tourism is important, but some entry requirements remain in place.

Essentially, all arrivals must present a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen test, including:
- A vaccination certificate to be exempt from post-arrival testing
- Travel insurance covering Covid infection and any treatment costs
Unvaccinated travelers are exempt from further testing and quarantine, while the non-immunized remain subject to undergoing a post-arrival Rapid Antigen test at a cost of $50. Those who test positive are then required to quarantine for a full week; those who do not are free to enjoy their beach time as soon as they leave the airport.

The British Virgin Islands are proof that, even though they are now looking to increase revenue after Covid was controlled in the vast majority of the Western World, this does not necessarily mean a full lifting of restrictions. Fortunately for unvaccinated sunseekers, these 5 other Caribbean nations have reopened.

1. The Maldives

Leading the rank, The Maldives has a tourism contribution to its GDP at almost 39%, with the Bounce study finding that tourists bring in more than a billion US dollars into the country annually. It is far, by far and away, the nation the most excited now that Covid is becoming less of a global emergency.

Earlier this year, The Maldives became the 15th country to drop all Covid curbs, meaning vacationers are again welcome under 2019 entry rules. Along with Aruba, this island-nation is one of two destinations on this list where Covid is effectively being treated as an endemic disease: there are absolutely no health documentation required when traveling.

As of March 14, the below apply to all travelers regardless of country of departure or immunization status:
- No vaccination certificates
- No pre-departure testing
- No post-arrival testing
- No quarantine
- No mandatory health insurance
To learn more about which countries have already reopened and which ones still have entry rules in place, make sure you follow all the latest Travel Off Path updates.

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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 12, 2022
U.S. To Increase ESTA Fee For Incoming Tourists
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U.S. Issues First ESTA Price Increase Since 2015

The United States is increasing the cost of the ESTA waiver visa for incoming tourists. There have been rumors of a price increase for several months, but the final rule is effective from May 20, 2022.

The ESTA is an online system whereby nonimmigrant visitors planning to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain an electronic travel authorization before traveling to the United States.

The New ESTA Price

The Department of Homeland Security will increase the price of the ESTA from $14 to $21. The Federal Register announced the increased fee—which contains a $4 operational fee—in a recent statement.

The Department of Homeland Security said the travel promotion part of the charge was rising from $10 to $17. The additional $7 of the ESTA fee will support Brand USA. They are a public-private organization created to promote the United States as a tourism destination.

The new fee will begin on May 26, 2022.

It’s the first increase since 2015, and it will continue until 2027.

What Is The ESTA?

The ESTA is an automated system that judges the eligibility of travelers to the U.S.A under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application contains biographic information and answers which help the Department of Homeland Security decide upon a traveler’s eligibility.

All travelers must submit their ESTA application before traveling to the United States. However, the Department of Homeland Security recommends travelers apply for an ESTA way before their journey begins.

Some travelers wait until the last minute, witness delays in approval, and have to postpone their trip. Travelers can avoid this by sorting their ESTA out early.

Travelers from the following nations can apply for an ESTA visa:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- The United Kingdom
FAQ Questions About The ESTA

What Do I Need For An ESTA?
- Travelers must have an E-passport to apply for an ESTA visa; this rule started on April 1, 2016.
- In addition, the passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page.
An E-passport includes an embedded electronic chip, which enables U.S. border officials to identify the ESTA. If you have an E-passport—which most travelers do in 2022—you’ll see a unique international symbol on the front cover.

How Do I Apply For The ESTA?

Travelers should visit the ESTA website to apply for the ESTA. Travelers don’t need to visit their local U.S. embassy or consulate; it’s a completely web-based system.

Is The ESTA Waiver A Visa?

No. Travelers with an approved ESTA don’t have a visa. Travelers with valid visas don’t need to apply for an ESTA.

Who Needs To Apply For An ESTA?

All nations of eligible ESTA countries (as listed above) can apply for an ESTA to travel to the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

How Does It Take For The ESTA To Be Approved?

It can take up to 72 hours for your ESTA to be approved. If there are problems with your application, it may take longer.

That’s why we recommend you apply for an ESTA as soon as you book your trip to the United States. Sometimes, your ESTA may be approved within minutes, but you shouldn’t risk it.

Final Thoughts

Despite the small price increase, the ESTA remains an excellent way for tourists to enter the United States with little stress.

Read More:

Top Domestic U.S. Destinations For Travelers This Summer Revealed

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10 Countries In Asia Plan On Introducing A Vaccine Passport For Travel

↓ Join the community ↓

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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May 24, 2022
Israel Removes All Entry Requirements For Tourists
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Israel has become the latest nation to drop all COVID-19 entry requirements. The nation’s ministry of health said on Tuesday (May 17th) that they would ease the entry rules on Saturday, May 21st.

The director of the Israel Government Tourist Office in London, Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, said: “This is the news we have been waiting for, for more than two years.”

“It has been our highest priority to make the process of entering Israel the easiest it can be while responsibly looking after our passengers’ health and safety.”

“With Israel joining many other countries in dropping all Covid restrictions, I am hopeful the travel industry has now reached a crucial milestone in this post-pandemic world.”

Israel’s New Entry Requirements

All travelers—regardless of their vaccination status—can enter Israel from May 21st without showing proof of vaccination, testing, and mandatory quarantine. However, travelers still need to complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before travel, as they did before the pandemic.

Until Saturday, May 21, arrivals will have to continue to provide evidence of a negative PCR test or antigen test for COVID-19 when arriving by land, air, and sea; this also extends to any cruises departing from Israel.

In addition, all travelers landing at Ben Gurion Airport must take a test, which travelers must pay for. After the test, travelers must quarantine for 24 hours until they get the test results. These requirements will stay until May 21.

The Israel Government Tourist Office said cases have “dropped to a number low enough where it is safe enough to relax restrictions further”.

In summary, from May 21, travelers entering Israel no longer need:
- Proof of vaccination
- Proof of testing
- To undergo mandatory quarantine
- Proof of recovery
Therefore, Israel joins the growing list of nations back to 2019 pre-covid normality.

Israel’s Internal COVID-19 Restrictions

Although Israel is scrapping all COVID-19 entry requirements, there are still COVID-19 internal restrictions. These include:
- Social distancing and health regulations when traveling to the airport.
- Mask wearing in places with “high contagion potential” (hospitals, senior living facilities, and air travel.)
- If travelers show symptoms and test positive for COVID-19 after arrival, they must self-isolate for 5 days. Travelers may only leave self-isolation after testing on the fourth and fifth day—regardless of whether their symptoms have decreased.
However, Israel has ended its indoor mask mandate.

Israel’s ministry of health has also committed to continuing updates in the event of any further changes to the COVID-19 guidelines.

The COVID-19 Situation In Israel

Israel is currently recording its lowest number of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started. The current nationwide 7-day case average is 2,167. That’s down from a 7-day case average of 101,905 in January 2022.

The Top 3 Things to do in Israel
1. Visit Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the largest city in Israel. With over four million people, the city offers countless attractions, a cosmopolitan vibe, and plenty of beaches
1. Explore The Dead Sea
Jordan and Israel share the Dead Sea. Its shores are the lowest point on earth; as a result, the water is salty enough that swimmers can float on the water without sinking.
1. Explore Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities. With a history dating back 5,000 years, many people refer to Jerusalem as ‘the Holy City.’ It’s an important place for three of the world’s major religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

The Global Reopening

Although the United States hasn’t removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, including proof of vaccination and testing, many nations worldwide have now returned to normality. Austria and Vietnam removed all COVID-19 entry requirements yesterday.

You can check which nations are ba c k to normal here.

Read More:

U.S. State Department Is Warning Travelers About Long Wait Times For Passports

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Check Your Passport Expiry Date As It Could Cost You Your Vacation

↓ Join the community ↓

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

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

Additional sources: ttgmedia
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May 17, 2022
Thailand Removes All Testing Requirements For Vaccinated Tourists

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Thailand Significantly Eases Entry Requirements and Ends ‘Test and Go’ Program Thailand has taken a monumental step back to normality as the nation eases entry COVID-19 entry requirements. Despite reopening for tourism in 2020—albeit with the controversial Sandbox Schemes—Thailand’s entry requirements have remained strict, especially compared with Western nations. Thailand hopes easing entry requirements will attract …

The post Thailand Removes All Testing Requirements For Vaccinated Tourists appeared first on Travel Off Path .

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April 23, 2022