Tag: Travel

New York Is The Most Expensive U.S. City For Air Travel Right Now

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 5 mins ago

Flight costs have soared through the roof since the world reopened for tourism. In the U.S., a pent-up travel demand has pushed prices up the highest, with the airfare inflation being attributed to a handful of destinations only. One of them is New York, named by TravelPerk the most expensive city for air travel right now.

The data compiled by the travel management company proves that the issues facing the aviation sector at present are not merely operational, or exclusively related to staffing shortages. These can also be traced back to fuel costs and the global economic recession, that is making flying increasingly expensive, particularly at major airports.

Like New York:

Fares For Some New York Routes Are Up By As Much As 62 Per Cent

According to TravelPerk, travel costs in the Eastern U.S. have ‘increased the most’ in the second quarter, being the highest within the States, and on an extent, among the main global destinations. More specifically, the city of New York occupies the entire top three for most expensive airfares during the April 1st-June 30th period.

To put it simply, flying into and out of New York has never been costlier, whether it’s domestic or international routes. Fares for the ever-busy New York-Paris route has registered a staggering 62 per cent increase, the steepest rise on the list, while New York-Amsterdam is up a more moderate 36 per cent compared to the first quarter.

Domestically, flights from New York to San Francisco on the West Coast ‘nearly doubled’, indicating affordable air travel is seriously under threat, in Europe and beyond, for as long as the worldwide economic upheaval continues. The dire prospect has led even United to directly call out the American Government on their foreign policy strategy.

Namely, the country’s dependence on foreign oil, which has done Americans no favor after Russia started a violent campaign against its neighbor Ukraine, seriously disrupting the global supply chains. After all, Russia is the second largest oil producer, and the sanctions enacted against it have forced countries to seek alternatives elsewhere – at a cost.

August And September May Be The Best Months To Visit New York

Commenting on the data, TravelPerk Chief Revenue Officer JC Taunay-Bucalo confirmed inflated airfares in locations such as New York are directly linked to ‘increased fuel costs, a shortage of labor and disruptions to the global economy’. In more dispiriting news, Taunay-Bucalo expects this upward trend to remain for the rest of the year.

Comparatively, there may be some ‘relief’ for travelers who were unable to fly during the summer due to the prohibitive costs. Amid the oscillating prices, August and September may actually be the best months to travel, when fares should drop significantly, albeit temporarily, ahead of new hikes forecast for November and December.

Expensive tickets are not the only thing making vacationers reconsider New York as their destination, or even a connecting hub: TravelPerk has found that accommodation in the city has ‘some of the highest levels of inflation‘ for the second yearly quarter, at 49 per cent. On the bright side, it doesn’t beat Chicago, up 77 per cent, or even Boston, up 63 per cent.

This is still no consolation, seeing that these ‘modest’ hotel fares are coupled with cripplingly overpriced flights. Some other international routes where pronounced rates were observed include Berlin-London (43 per cent), London-Berlin (42 per cent), London-New York (35 per cent), and Sao Paulo-Amsterdam (28 per cent).

The West Coast Manages To Avoid The Steep Airfare Rises

Interestingly, San Francisco, one of the Western U.S.’s busiest airports, has not been hit as hard. Hotels in the city have seen a 22 per cent increase in hotel costs, besides having the ‘lower’ airfare inflation rates, quarter-over-quarter, in stark contrast with New York’s towering figures. In fact, San Francisco flights to London are down 4 per cent.

As air travel becomes marred by exorbitant costs and widespread disruption, passengers may want to consider other (somewhat) cheaper means of transport, including the railway. Luckily for you, on this article, we have already rounded up five of the most incredible train journeys in North America, including the scenic New York to Chicago Cardinal Train.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Top 7 Destinations For Solo Travelers In The U.S.

Top 7 Boutique Hotels In San Francisco

These U.S. Airlines Had The Most Delays And Cancelations In July

Here’s How You Can Travel 33 Countries In Europe By Train For Less Than $200

↓ 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

[ad_2]

Source link

August 7, 2022
Here’s How You Can Travel 33 Countries In Europe By Train For Less Than $200
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 28 mins ago

Are you going on an Euro backpacking trip anytime soon?

You may want to reconsider whatever itinerary you have planned, as we have just come across an irresistible deal that will make your travels much simpler. Instead of multiple, ultra-expensive flights that will likely get delayed in the end, how about booking a single train ticket enabling you to travel across 33 countries for a whole month, or longer, for less than $200?

The Eurail Pass is a Europe-wide initiative aimed at boosting train ridership at a time when carbon emissions are rising, especially after the resumption of international flights, and strengthening connectivity within the continent. Essentially, pass holders are allowed to hop on and off trains as many times as they wish, within a pre-determined period of time, as per existing fare rules.

Pretty exciting, right? Here’s everything you need to know about the increasingly popular ‘Europe train pass’:

Travel All Of Europe With A Single Ticket

Known as the Eurail Pass, this ticket grants unrestricted travel to 33 countries within the European region, including both European Union (EU) and non-EU member states, such as Turkey and Serbia. In sum, it grants its holders the right to hop on any train of their liking for a number of days within a specific timeframe (e.g. 7 days within 1 month).

Effectively, it is a pretty good deal for backpackers visiting Europe for longer, as it allows them to travel the continent with a single pass, as opposed to booking separate tickets for each section of their trip. There’s more: if you’re a young traveler, aged 12 to 27, you get a 25% discount off the fare, regardless of the longevity of the pass.

This means you may be eligible for a minimum of 4 days of unlimited travel within Europe for only $188.

Train Travel Is The Way Forward

If there is one trend picking up momentum now that the aviation industry has descended into chaos is long-distance train travel. Originally a transport modality that only a niche of travelers used, either for environmental concerns or for the scenic views, trains are getting more and more affordable now that flight prices have gone through the roof.

The crisis is hitting some countries harder than others, particularly in Europe, where a number of airports have been forced to cap the number of daily flights due to the overwhelming demand, mostly to no avail. Luckily, unlike the Americas, Europe has a well-developed rail system offering links between multiple cross-border destinations.

Surpirisngly, many Americans are not aware the Eurail Pass exists, but one of the best ways to travel Europe is booking this multi-journey ticket valid between one to three months, or the exact amount of time tourists are normally allowed to stay in Europe. Needless to say, train travel is the way forward.

What Are The Eurail Fares And Validity?

Eurail Pass Fares

Unlimited Travel Days Within 1 To 2 Months

12-27 years
- 4 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $188 (2nd class) / $250 (1st class)
- 5 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $215 (2nd class) / $287 (1st class)
- 7 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $255 (2nd class) / $341 (1st class)
- 10 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $306 (2nd class) / $408 (1st class)
- 15 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $376 (2nd class) / $502 (1st class)
28-59 years
- 4 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $250 (2nd class) / $334 (1st class)
- 5 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $287 (2nd class) / $383 (1st class)
- 7 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $341 (2nd class) / $454 (1st class)
- 10 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $408 (2nd class) / $544 (1st class)
- 15 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $502 (2nd class) / $669 (1st class)
60+ years
- 4 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $225 (2nd class) / $300 (1st class)
- 5 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $258 (2nd class) / $344 (1st class)
- 7 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $307 (2nd class) / $408 (1st class)
- 10 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $367 (2nd class) / $490 (1st class)
- 15 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $452 (2nd class) / $602 (1st class)
Continuous Travel

12-27 years
- 15 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $338 (2nd class) / $451 (1st class)
- 22 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $396 (2nd class) / $527 (1st class)
28-59 years
- 15 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $451 (2nd class) / $601 (1st class)
- 22 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $527 (2nd class) / $702 (1st class)
60+ years
- 15 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $406 (2nd class) / $540 (1st class)
- 22 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $474 (2nd class) / $632 (1st class)
Monthly Tickets

12-27 years
- 1 month of unlimited travel – $503 (2nd class) / $682 (1st class)
- 2 months of unlimited travel – $558 (2nd class) / $744 (1st class)
- 3 months of unlimited travel – $689 (2nd class) / $918 (1st class)
28-59 years
- 1 month of unlimited travel – $682 (2nd class) / $909 (1st class)
- 2 months of unlimited travel – $744 (2nd class) / $993 (1st class)
- 3 months of unlimited travel – $918 (2nd class) / $1224 (1st class)
60+ years
- 1 month of unlimited travel – $614 (2nd class) / $819 (1st class)
- 2 months of unlimited travel – $670 (2nd class) / $894 (1st class)
- 3 months of unlimited travel – $827 (2nd class) / $1102 (1st class)
Image by SJ via www.sj.se/en

If you are traveling within a single European country, there is a separate Eurail One Country Pass that can be purchased. Unlike the standard Eurail Pass, prices vary among countries. In Italy, for instance, they start at $107 for 3 days of unlimited travel within 1 month, though it can be as expensive as $326 for a 5-day pass.

What Countries Are Included In The Pass?

A total of 33 European countries participate in the Eurail scheme. Those are:

Map of European countries where Eurail Passes are valid, highlighted in green. Image by Eurail via the Eurail official website.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece (including islands)
- Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)
- Hungary
- Italy
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg*
- The Netherlands*
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain*
- Sweden
- Turkey
*Only these countries still have Covid entry requirements in place. If you’re flying into Europe via Luxembourg, The Netherlands or Spain, make sure you carry valid health documentation. This may include a mandatory vaccination certificate and/or negative test issued prior to departure.

Eurail passes are also valid for bus and ferry journeys in select locations, such as Spain, where AML, Balearia and Grimaldi Ferry Lines are included. In Sweden, some of the participating ferry operators are Finnlines, Fjord Line, Stena Line and Viking Line, among others. Tourists can find the complete list of participating transport operators on this link.

How Do I Buy And Use An Eurail Pass?

In order to be eligible to buy an Eurail Pass, you must fulfill two simple requirements:

*This does not mean Europeans are barred from traveling by train without limits – they are simply required to apply for the Interrail Pass instead, which works just like the Eurail.

Tickets can be purchased via the official website, where tourists will be expected to create an account, providing details such as age, nationality and country of residence (for eligibility purposes). They will also be required to select the exact duration of their pass. The process is quite straightforward and the product is delivered directly to their Eurail account.

The pass can also be sent by post, in paper form, to their home in the U.S., Canada, or other locations ahead of their flight to Europe. Personally, we would recommend sticking to the online ticket as it is delivered within seconds of buying, and you won’t risk your mail getting lost, or damaging the actual ticket during your travels.

Once they have the Eurail Pass in hands, Americans are free to explore the whole of Europe by train, North to South, East to West and Central, according to their pre-selected number of travel days. It is worth noting it may be necessary to make a free seat reservation on some routes in advance, or at the station prior to departure.

This applies mostly to high-speed and night trains, where seating availability may be limited. Using the pass is super easy as well: if you’re carrying a paper ticket, you’ll need to have an official ‘activate’ it before your first trip, preferably at larger train stations such as Paris Gare du Nord, London’s King Cross, or Amsterdam Centraal. Activation includes getting a stamp indicating the ‘start and end day’ of the pass.

Alternatively, e-pass holders can simply activate it themselves after ordering from the official website. Lastly, it is of utmost importance that all Eurail customers manually fill in their travel diary, which is usually attached to their paper ticket or their online booking, detailing their departure station, departure time and destination for each trip.

In case they don’t keep a record of their traveling in the Eurail diary, including online, their pass will not be considered ‘valid’ by staff, and fines may incur. For more information on how to use the pass and fill in the correct travel information, travelers are advised to contact Eurail or qualified staff at stations. Once the Pass is validated ahead of the inaugural trip, the ‘clock’ starts running.

What Are Some Of The Recommended Train Journeys?
- The Highlands of Scotland, where incredible natural scenery can be found, including the mystical Loch Ness and Great Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis
- The night train from Vienna to Budapest, famous for being one of the most scenic train rides in Europe
- The dreamy Turkey trip between Ankara, Turkey’s capital, to the historical Kars, with breahtaking views o the Anatoliann highlands
- The relaxing 7-hour journey from Paris to Milan with the world-class Frecciarossa, passing through the idyllic French countryside
- The Glacier or Bernina Express, traveling through the majestic Swiss Alps into Northern Italy
↓ 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
[ad_2]

Source link
August 3, 2022
U.S. State Department Issues 16 New Travel Advisory Updates
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 12 hours ago

The U.S. State Department has just issued a further 16 more new travel advisory updates. Posted on the Department of State’s travel advisory website just yesterday, the new travel advisories are the latest of several updates already this month, as the State Department and embassies around the world work around the clock to ensure that American travelers are kept in the loop and can make informed decisions regarding their travel plans.

Featuring a wide range of countries spanning several continents, yesterday’s travel advisories prove that even after the pandemic, there are still plenty of other things that travelers need to be wary of when traveling abroad. Here’s a look at which countries were affected by yesterday’s latest round of travel advisory updates, plus a reminder of what travel advisories are and the role they should play in any traveler’s trips abroad.

Travel Advisory Updates – Information For Travelers

Travel advisory updates are the State Departments way of keeping travelers up to date with issues they may encounter on their trips abroad. Every country in the world has a travel advisory page, regardless of its popularity, which contains concise, up to date information about security threats and concerns not just in the country as a whole, but often in specific regions where appropriate. A wide range of different issues are covered, ranging from everyday issues such as high crime rates to more pressing matters such as civil unrest and terrorism. Following the pandemic, travel advisories also contain an update from the CDC on the level of Covid-19 in each destination.

Travel advisories come in four different levels, each one indicating the severity of the risk travelers will face in that country. Level 1 travel advisories – the least severe warning – advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions,” whilst Level 4 – the most severe warning level – tells travelers “do not travel” to that destination. Despite the strict wording on the different levels, travel advisories do not have the power to prevent a traveler from heading to a certain destination, though they do provide travelers with the information required to make the decision of whether or not to travel in the first place.

Latest Travel Advisories – What Travelers Should Know

Yesterday’s travel advisory updates saw a further 7 countries issued with Level 1 travel advisories, bringing the total number of Level 1 countries up to 81. Those 7 countries and their CDC-determined Covid-19 levels are:

Angola (low Covid-19 level), Comoros (low Covid-19 level), Dominica (unknown Covid-19 level), Equatorial Guinea (low Covid-19 level), Fiji (high Covid-19 level), Poland (high Covid-19 level) and Togo (moderate Covid-19 level).

There were also five additions to the Level 2 category, which advises travelers to exercise increased caution. They are as follows:
- Bangladesh: exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Low level of Covid-19.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to terrorism and land mines. High level of Covid-19.
- India: exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Moderate level of Covid-19.
- Laos: exercise increased caution to Laos due to civil unrest. Unknown level of Covid-19
- Philippines: exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Moderate level of Covid-19.
Four countries were awarded Level 3 travel advisories, which asks travelers to reconsider travel. El Salvador, which has a moderate level of Covid-19, was deemed to be Level 3 due to its high levels of crime. That was also the case for Honduras, which also has a high level of Covid-19 according to the CDC. Travelers are also asked to reconsider travel to moderate Covid-19-level Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. Those with travel plans involving Moldova (moderate level of Covid-19) are also asked to reconsider them, due to the country’s close proximity to the conflict in Ukraine.

The latest round of travel advisory updates saw no countries awarded the most severe Level 4 update – but that doesn’t mean that things can’t change quickly. In addition to making sure they read the travel advisory page for their destinations this summer, travelers should also ensure they purchase a good travel insurance policy to ensure they are covered in the event that something does go wrong.

Read More:

Top 5 U.S. Airports With The Cheapest Airfares

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

TikTok Study Reveals Most Popular Travel Destinations

↓ 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
[ad_2]

Source link
July 27, 2022
TikTok Study Reveals Most Popular Travel Destinations
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 16 mins ago

A recent TikTok study published this month has revealed which are the most popular travel destinations in the world right now. Social media has long since had a significant impact on the way we travel and which destinations are considered to be the most en trend and “must-visit” – and TikTok, despite being a more recent global phenomenon than other more established platforms, is front and centre of gauging the demands of the millions of travelers in our post-pandemic world.

Spanning five different continents and billions of views, the top 20 list, compiled by the luggage storage company Bounce, features some of the more typical favorite destinations that travelers have been loving for decades, in addition to some more left-field choices that may come as a surprise. Here’s a look at the world’s most popular travel destinations according to TikTok, plus a look at how the study was completed.

TikTok Travel Survey

The study, called the TikTok Travel Index, determined the popularity of each of the locations in the study by calculating the total view counts for a range of destinations around the world. Bounce collated the total use of hashtags containing each destination’s name, in addition to other alternative hashtags that were used where appropriate, such as #NYC or #LA. Each of the total view counts found by Bounce are accurate as of May 17th, 2021, making the finding up to date and relevant to the present day.

Most Popular Travel Destinations – Information For Travelers

Taking the top spot as the most popular travel destination on the platform is New York City – the first of five destinations in the US to feature on the list’s top 20. Whilst the attractions of New York City need no introduction, travelers couldn’t get enough of the city on TikTok, as it attracted more than 216 billion views – way ahead of the competition. Home to stunning cityscapes, some of the world’s best restaurants and top social media aesthetic-suiting backdrops such as Central Park, travelers couldn’t get enough of New York City, which will be bracing itself for an army of cell phone-toting travelers this summer and beyond.

Coming in as the world’s second most popular travel destination according to TikTok is Dubai. The TikTok friendly mega city, famed for its luxurious hotels, opulent malls and countless top-class attractions, attracted a whopping 37 billion views as social media users fantasized about days spent hopping across the man-made Palm islands, sampling its gold-crusted steaks and basking in the region’s hot climate.

The third most popular international travel destination on the platform is Istanbul. Somewhat of a surprise in the list, pipping much more established destinations such as Paris, London and Hawaii to a place on the podium, Istanbul garnered almost 17 billion views on the platform. Whether wooed by its sprawling markets, Islamic architecture or activities such as hot air ballooning, travelers reveled in any content based on the Turkish city, which is fast establishing itself as a must-visit destination.

The rest of the top 10 was fairly predictable. London was a close fourth place, attracting 13.9 billion views on the platform, with the photogenic destinations Barcelona and Paris relatively close behind with 12.6 billion and 11.2 billion views respectively. Mumbai was somewhat of a surprise in 7th place, with the Indian mega-city attracting 9.6 billion curious views, whilst the charms of the North America destinations Hawaii, Miami and Toronto sealed their places in the TikTok top 10 with 9.4 billion, 9.1 billion and 8.4 billion views.

The rest of the top 20 is as follows:
- Los Angeles, US (7.5 billion views)
- Bali, Indonesia (6.4 billion views)
- Chicago, US (6.4 billion views)
- Kerala, India (6.2 billion views)
- Berlin, Germany (5.7 billion views)
- Sydney, Australia (5.1 billion views)
- Melbourne, Australia (4.7 billion views)
- Madrid, Spain (4.3 billion views)
- Delhi, India (4.2 billion views)
- Medellin, Colombia (4.1 billion views)
Read More:

Top 10 Destinations Americans Are Most Likely To Get Sick

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

These Are The Top Hotel Brands In North America According To Travelers

↓ 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
[ad_2]

Source link
July 25, 2022
Air Canada and United Expand Travel Connections Between Canada And The U.S.
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 8 hours ago

Air Canada and United Airlines recently announced that they would be working together to expand their alliance and bring more benefits to their customers. Both companies agreed on providing more flight options and optimizing travel schedules for passengers in the transborder market.

The airlines will connect 38 codeshare destinations in the United States and eight in Canada, extending both carrier’s networks. The new connections will be accessible to customers through the carriers’ websites and apps.

Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada, said: “United is a world-class airline and we are pleased to significantly expand our well-established partnership to further enhance the customer journey between Canada and the U.S. by offering more choice, greater convenience, and an improved airport experience.”

And added: “This agreement marks a new phase in our evolving relationship that will speed the recovery from the pandemic and strengthen both carriers. It will also enable us to optimize our hubs and schedules and to broaden our global network connectivity to maintain our leadership in the market.”

According to the information shared in the press release, this alliance expansion will offer more benefits for frequent travelers memberships of both companies’ programs, Aeroplan and MileagePlus, and also regular customers.

It’s great news for American and Canadian travelers. Besides offering a greater flight variety, both carriers commit to improving services. United Airlines has recently ranked well among the best in-flight economy experience in the US, this extended alliance might improve both carriers’ services.

Benefits For Travelers

Now that the travel industry has been recovering and interest in travel has peaked across the globe, Air Canada and United Airlines expect to build stronger networks and provide more attractive services for travelers.

Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United, said: “As international travel continues to recover, this expanded partnership will provide an enhanced experience for all transborder travel.”

These are a few of the main benefits of the alliance expansion mentioned by the carriers in the announcement:
- Travelers searching for flights between the United States and Canada will find more options, more access to each airline’s seat inventory, and more convenient schedules.
- Members of the frequent flyer loyalty programs —Aeroplan and MileagePlus— will have more accrual and redemption options and also improved services.
- The airlines expect that this year travelers will be able to connect to 46 transborder codeshare destinations with more than 400 daily frequencies.
The carriers have also agreed to work together to improve customer policies and advance their sustainability objectives.

In 2019 the transborder market between the United States and Canada was the second largest international passenger air transportation market—measured by seats— across the globe.

The carrier expects the market to return to pre-pandemic levels, but it is yet to be seen. It might take a little longer than other destinations considering that Canada brought back random COVID-19 testing at airports just a few days ago and foreigners are still required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and download the ArriveCan app to enter Canadian territory.

More Alliances

United Airlines and Air Canada are both members of Star Alliance and the Lufthansa Group and have been expanding their networks, especially now that travelers are eager to explore the world.

A few months ago, Air Canada announced a new partnership with the Mexican airline Aeromar to provide more travel opportunities for Canadian and Mexican travelers. Mexico is one of Canadian travelers’ favorite vacation destination.

United Airlines, on the other hand, has also invested in transatlantic expansions. The carrier restored an abandoned connection —paused for six years— and recently announced that will be resuming routes to Norway.

And, in September, travelers will be able to take a non-stop flight from New York -Newark—where United opened its largest and most incredible club lounge— to Norway.

Read More:

Canada Is The Only Country In The World Adding Travel Restrictions

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

These Are The Airlines With The Best In-Flight Economy Experience In The U.S.

↓ 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
[ad_2]

Source link
July 25, 2022
Germany’s Busiest Airport Is The Latest To Add Flight Limits To Combat Travel Chaos

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 7 hours ago

Shortly after Amsterdam and London’s airports announced they would add a capacity cap in order to help air traffic operators cope with the surging travel demand, Germany’s busiest airport has announced it will be joining them in limiting daily flights. If you’re due to fly via Frankfurt International in the coming weeks, we advise you to check your flight status ASAP.

Since summer started, European airports have been under severe pressure as passenger numbers skyrocket unexpectedly, at a time when staffing constraint is widespread, directly impacting operations and resulting in other operational issues. Now, yet another airport, one of Europe’s best equipped, has reached a tipping point:

Europe’s Summer Of Travel Chaos Has No End In Sight

The lifting of Covid rules has opened the travel floodgates after they remained shut for the better part of two years. Travelers again have unrestricted access to the world’s top tourist destinations, from the sunny Caribbean to the History-packed Europe. One major downside? The industry wasn’t at all prepared for what turned out to be its busiest summer in years.

It seems like the mass redundancies both airlines and airports resorted to at the peak of the pandemic has come to bite them. Even though confidence in travel has been reinstated and millions of people are now looking forward to flying again, there simply isn’t enough pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers and even border officers to manage the unprecedented influx of passengers.

As a result, two thirds of European airports are experiencing some kind of disruption, whether it’s multiple flights delayed or cancelled or logistical challenges. Not even Europe’s busiest hubs, which were supposed to be better prepared for such events, have come out unscathed. They are, in fact, among some of the worst for delays in the whole continent.

This is why Frankfurt has been forced to take urgent action. Since July 19, Germany’s main international airport has a new flight limit in place. The number of take-offs and landings is limited to 88 per hour, meaning airlines will not be allowed to increase frequency on Frankfurt routes for the time being, and will be forced to trim down their schedule with immediate effect.

To put it simply, a series of cancellations is due.

Frankfurt Hopes The Hourly Cap Will Help Stabilize The Situation

Jens Ritter, Lufthansa’s CEO, praised the move, stating that Frankfurt Airport still suffered from reduced staff and resources even after an increase in capacity for ground handling services, and multiple schedule reductions. Flight cancellations will, of course, be a byproduct of that, but that is a price the airport is willing to pay to normalize the situation.

Those will help ‘stabilize’ things and contribute to an ‘even reduction’, in Ritter’s words, with the revised flight schedule better reflecting the new reality. Right now, passengers traveling into or out of Frankfurt International are advised to check their flights have not been axed, or changed to a later time or date, following the introduction of the hourly cap.

Not all airlines will be happy with Frankfurt’s short-term solution to the problem, though. Just last week, Emirates publicly rebuked a similar decision by London Heathrow, being one of several major airlines whose summer plans were disregarded after a 100,000-daily flights limit started being enforced.

Emirates defiantly opposed Heathrow, stating it planned to operate as scheduled and calling the airport ‘unreasonable’. The rhetoric has since changed, and the UAE’s flag carrier have agreed to cooperate over the next couple of weeks in smoothing operations, but the news coming from Frankfurt will surely not go down well with them – or any other more critical airlines, for that matter.

So far, no major carrier has rebelled against this new flight limit. Additionally, as things stand, Frankfurt is enjoying its busiest month since Covid was declared a pandemic: in July, a total of 5 million passengers used it for travel, still 24.1 per cent lower than pre-pandemic figures, but a whopping 181 per cent increase year over year.

Flying Abroad This Summer? You Better Get Insured

Worried about cancelled flights? You can always get insured ahead of traveling. We may not be able to predict which routes will be cut and which will not, but we can minimize our own risks of being left with no compensation, or without assistance if we’re affected.

You can find out more about comprehensive insurance policies covering flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage, Covid and other health-related concerns clicking here.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

This Is Europe’s Most Reliable Airline Right Now

U.S. Dollar & Euro Hit Parity But It Wont Save You Much On Your Next Vacation

Americans are Waiting Months for Passport Renewals as Travel Demand Skyrockets

Don’t Book Those Flight Tickets Just Yet – Wait Until Summer’s Over

↓ 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

[ad_2]

Source link

July 22, 2022
Travel The World With Free Room And Board For Those Willing To Give Their Time
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 51 seconds ago

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.

↓ 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
[ad_2]

Source link
July 20, 2022
These Are The Best 5 Cities In Mexico According to Travel And Leisure

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 4 mins ago

The American travel magazine Travel + Leisure has recently shared The World’s Best Awards 2022, the results of a survey performed by editors and the research firm M&RR. Mexico stood out earning great reviews and recommendations.

This fascinating country earned the award of best destination 2022 and the government’s efforts to improve the tourist experience have been paying off. According to data collected, travelers are now visiting Mexico more than they did before the pandemic started.

Travel + Leisure’s readers shared experiences, voted, and ranked the top destinations in this country. Many factors were considered, like cultural experiences, history, restaurants, infrastructure, art, food, hotels, transportation, and travelers’ personal anecdotes.

Surprisingly, the Mexican cities with the best recommendations from travelers and experts are not coastal cities. For this ranking, more elements besides beautiful beaches were considered and trendy destinations like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta didn’t make the cut.

Here are the 5 best cities in Mexico according to Travel + Leisure, and a brief description of what travelers should know about these interesting destinations:

1. Oaxaca: Mexico’s Food Capital

This fascinating city is located in the south of Mexico and offers travelers unique and exotic experiences. It earned first place with a score of 92.96 because of its art, delicious food and drinks, welcoming indigenous cultures, and its great variety of attractions.

Readers highlighted culinary experiences like tasting the seven types of mole—a traditional sauce— and the impressive diversity of mezcal and cocktails. This city is known as Mexico’s food capital and hosts wonderful places to eat, but also interesting ancient culture and spectacular traditional art.

2. San Miguel de Allende: Unique architecture

This beautiful colonial city earned second place and a score of 91.77. San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico and travelers will find fascinating Spanish architecture in this destination: from neo-gothic churches to temples from the 18th century.

Those looking for an authentic Mexican experience can find it here. Travelers will find traditional festivals with folklore music and dances, old stores, beautiful local art, and of course delicious food and even trendy wine experiences. It has also gained popularity for bachelorette parties and as an attractive among American expats.

3. Mexico City: The Charming capital

Mexico’s capital has been offering travelers vibrant experiences. The largest city in North America has it all: great restaurants, fascinating museums, beautiful parks, spectacular landmarks unique attractions, and friendly people. It scored 90.90 in the survey.

Mexico City has been gaining popularity and last year it was considered among the top 10 best cities in the world. From visiting Frida Kahlo’s house to exploring the Aztec ruins to eating delicious tacos in the bohemian district of Roma, there are so many things travelers can do!

4. Mérida: A Colorful Experience

This colorful destination offers travelers the opportunity to visit ancient temples, admire the local colonial architecture, and taste delicious traditional meals. This city in Yucatan is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico and also got a great score in the survey: 90.90.

In Mérida, travelers can learn about Mayan culture and historical events and also visit nearby beaches like Progreso in the Yucatan peninsula. The city’s main market —which dates back to the 19th century— offers visitors great local goods and local festivals can also be fascinating experiences for tourists.

5. Guadalajara: Where Modernity and History Combine

This large metropolis, located in western Mexico, is popularly known for its tequila, the famous mariachis, and its recent technological development. Guadalajara is a major tech hub in Latin America, has become an international center of business, and also a capital of culture, the most important film festival in Latin America takes place in this city.

Travelers from all over the world can enjoy this fascinating city. Visitors can explore its modern infrastructures but also the historic center with colonial buildings and neoclassical architecture.

Read More:

5 Ways Mexico Has Improved The Tourist Experience For American Travelers

Mexico Government Confirms Mayan Train Will Launch From Cancun In 2023

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

↓ 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

[ad_2]

Source link

July 14, 2022
8 Tips for Navigating Travel Chaos and Flight Delays This Summer
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 1 hour ago

Traveling has probably never been more challenging than it is this summer. Unprecedented demand for air travel fueled by low staffing across the aviation industry has made flying a challenge for even the most seasoned traveler.

If you’re going to travel this summer, there are ways however to limit the amount of frustration and headaches you have to deal with. Here are 8 tips for navigating through travel chaos and flight delays this summer.

8 Ways to navigate through travel chaos and flight delays this summer.

Tip #1: Spend extra time researching.

Low prices and deals are hard to find on the surface, but if you dig deep, you’ll still find some deals.

-Use Google Flights to research cheap flight paths.

-Check your hotel across all hotel booking platforms to ensure you’re getting the lowest price.

-In some instances, you may even be better off booking with the hotel directly. Booking directly with the hotel will sometimes give you access to better deals and discounts.

-When booking with airlines, be sure to select reputable airlines that have a strong on-time departure percentage and a low cancellation rate.

Here are 4 airlines that are your best bet for avoiding flight delays:
- Delta: Only 19% of its flights were delayed in May and 21% faced a delay in June.
- United Airlines: May and June saw just 23% of the airline’s total flights delayed.
- Spirit Airlines: 80% on-time performance.
- Alaska Airlines: 81% on-time performance.
Here are 3 airlines that have had the most delays in recent months:
- Allegiant: 39% of their flights have been delayed.
- JetBlue: #2 airline with the most delays. 36% of JetBlue’s flights have been delayed.
- Southwest Airlines: This airline has had 29 of its flights delayed.
If your trip allows you to select to travel with an airline that has a lower cancellation and delay rate than another airline, it is recommended that you book with that airline in order to minimize the chances of having your trip disrupted.

Tip #2: Get travel insurance (seriously).

No one thinks they need travel insurance until they are the ones with the canceled flight, lost luggage, or delayed flight. Travel insurance is oftentimes more than affordable and can completely alleviate unnecessary problems travel disruption can cause.

Be sure to get travel insurance that covers things like:

– Delayed flights.

– Cancelled itineraries.

– Lost or delayed baggage.

– Or even if you get sick right before the trip and can’t go.

Tip #3: Give yourself extra time.

-There are going to be lines, delays, waits, and lots of frustrating moments, so add extra hours or days

into your itinerary and plan for delays ahead of time.

– Get to the airport extra early.

– Try and fly in a day or two in advance, in case the flight is canceled last minute and you need to rebook.

Tip #4: Take the earliest flight the day that you fly.

If you are traveling by plane and are going to a destination that offers multiple daily flights, try and book the earliest flight of the day. In case you encounter any delay or cancellation, you’ll have a greater chance to get rebooked on another flight.

-According to data gathered by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the best time to fly is between 6 and 7 a.m.

-Delay times only get worse as the day goes on, though. For every hour later you depart, you can expect an extra minute of delays, FiveThirtyEight reports.

-Delay times hit a peak between 6 and 7 p.m. (reaching up to 20.7 minutes on average!), and they remain above 20 minutes through 9 p.m.

Tip #5: Pack carry-on only.

If you’re planning on going on a summer trip this year, try to avoid checking in any luggage. Airlines all over the world are struggling with delays and cancellations. The last thing you want when your flight is canceled is to wait hours to reclaim your luggage.

-Each airline has its carry-on luggage rule, some are a lot stricter than others, be sure to check with your airline and when booking with an airline, ensure that you are allowed to bring on a carry-on bag with you.

– A rolling carry-on luggage and backpack (personal item) will be your best chance to bring on the most amount of items onto the plane without having to check a bag in.

-Pay for priority boarding so you can ensure that you can fit your items into the overhead compartment.

-Boarding at the end or with a basic fair ticket often means your carry-on items will automatically be checked in due to the lack of space.

Tip #6: If you have to check in a bag, be smart about it.

If you can’t pack a carry-on, get super smart about your checked luggage.

-Don’t wait until the last minute to check in your luggage. The earlier, the better.

-Keep all your valuables such as medicine, travel documents, electronics, and valuables with you.

-Get travel insurance that covers lost or delayed luggage.

-Many credit card companies will reimburse you for lost luggage. Contact your credit card company.

-Lock your luggage.

-Tag your bag and make it stand out so you can easily recognize it.

Tip #7: Check on the status of your flights

– Every day leading up to your flight, and then every hour on the day of your flight, keep checking the status. Anywhere from 10%-40% of flights in North America are being canceled or delayed so far this summer, so there is a good chance your itinerary may be impacted last minute.

– Download the airline app. They usually update these apps faster than they update the airline gate/counter

– Check the flight # on Flight Aware. This is another site where airline updates will commonly show before the gate agent is even aware.

Tip #8: Know your rights if your flight is canceled or your luggage is lost.

-Act fast: Open up a lost/delayed luggage claim as soon as you realize your luggage is missing.

-If you paid a fee to check your luggage, you are entitled to a refund in most cases.

-Check coverage and track expenses. Some airlines will reimburse you for any expenses incurred during the process of reclaiming your luggage.

-Have the luggage sent to your final destination and directly to your place of accommodation.

– Travelers in the U.S. need to be sure to know their rights, Airlines have to refund you your ticket in the event of a cancellation.

– Airlines also have to compensate you if your flight is overbooked.

Bottom line:

The travel industry is going to take another few months in order to rebound from the 2-year-long pandemic. Airlines and airports across the globe have to replenish their staff to meet travel demand. Ultimately things will go back to normal, it’s just a matter of time.

Until then, do the best you can do to minimize the chaos you’ll undoubtedly experience at airports.

READ MORE:

These Are The Last 5 Countries in Europe With Travel Restrictions

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

↓ 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
[ad_2]

Source link
July 12, 2022
These Are The 3 U.S. Airlines With The Most Delays Amid Travel Chaos

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 5 hours ago

It has been a chaotic summer for airports and airlines, with thousands of canceled flights, routes being cut, and some airports even capping daily flights. Pent-up demand from two years of Covid has collided with short-staffed airlines to create a perfect storm of travel chaos. Based on data from Cirium, an analytics company focused on aviation, the three U.S. airlines that have had the most delays in the past month are Allegiant Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines.

The data was collected between June 4^th and July 3^rd and measured the percentage of flights with on-time performance for ten different airlines based in North America. Allegiant Airlines had 39% of their flights delayed, JetBlue had 36%, and Southwest Airlines had 29%. In this case, higher percentage indicates worse performance, meaning Allegiant was the U.S. airline with the most delays for the period measured.

Allegiant: #1 Airline With The Most Delays

Allegiant Airlines was the most affected airline with 39% of their flights delayed. Drew Wells, Senior Vice President of Revenue at Allegiant, stated in a press release that the company saw a rise in Covid cases in mid-May, which resulted in a string of flight cancellations due to a reduction in crew members available to fly. And while Covid has undoubtedly played a role in cancellations, the airline has also had to be forced to make cancellations due to a labor shortage. “Earlier this year, due to market conditions, including industry-wide staffing shortages and high fuel prices, we proactively made some capacity reductions to our summer schedule,” said Allegiant in a statement regarding cancellations of flights to Mesa, Arizona.

JetBlue: #2 Airline With The Most Delays

JetBlue struggled with delays and nearly had the same percentage canceled as Allegiant with a total of 36% of JetBlue’s flights delayed. JetBlue has also seen issues with staffing, a trend that seems to be hitting almost all industries. In April, the airline announced that it would be cutting its summer schedule by more than 10% of its originally planned flights. In the press release, JetBlue states that their training facility in Orlando is operating at max capacity and that having a solid in-flow of pilots is a focus.

The company has had trouble attracting and retaining pilots, and the pilot union leadership at JetBlue even issued a vote of no confidence on April 25^th for the executive overseeing system operations and airports. Captain Chris Kenney, the chair of the JetBlue unit at the Air Line Pilots Association, said in a statement that the union is seeing disruption in operations at all levels. He went on to say that while customers’ flights are being canceled, JetBlue pilots are also feeling the pain and spend hours on hold with the airline to figure out if they even have a place to sleep for the night.

Southwest Airlines: #3 Airline With The Most Delays

Southwest performed better than Allegiant and JetBlue, but still had 29% of their flights delayed. Southwest made headlines a few weeks ago when nearly 1,300 demonstrators with the Southwest Airline Pilots Association (SWAPA) protested at the Dallas Love Field Airport. The pilots were protesting for more stable scheduling and updated contracts. Captain Case Murray, SWAPA President, stated that the company’s pilots are getting sick of saying ‘I’m sorry’ on every flight. With constant delays and even cancellations, the pilots are not able to operate their flights.

The airline cut almost 20,000 flights from its summer schedule to deal with the surge in travel demand. The company also increased its hiring plans, aiming to hire 10,000 new workers by the end of the year. Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan stated on April 28^th that he was “cautiously optimistic” of the company’s ability to operate the flight schedules for the rest of the year after the cuts. The latest data shows he was right to be cautious.

Traveling This Summer

Those planning to travel this summer should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. While cancellations and delays have run rampant, not all travelers have seen their itineraries ruined. Knowing your passenger rights, being prepared to stay an extra night or two at your destination, and staying positive amid the chaos are some of the best ways to make it through this chaotic summer travel season.

↓ 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

[ad_2]

Source link

July 9, 2022