Top destinations for American travelers such as Canada, Costa Rica, France, and the United Kingdom are on Level 3
A few weeks ago the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States changed its travel advisory levels. “Level 4 Special Circumstances/Do Not Travel”, which used to be the highest risk category is now restricted for extreme cases such as health care infrastructure collapse or if a new COVID-19 variant emerges.
Level 3 is currently called “COVID-19 High” and it is the highest risk category, the destinations on this level are not recommended for travelers. A country is assigned to this level when there have been over 100 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people over the last 28 days. At the moment there are 109 countries in this category, including the British Virgin Islands, a destination added last Monday.
If travelers visit high-risk locations on level 3, they should have their vaccines up to date. CDC considers that those who visit destinations in this category are more likely to get sick from COVID-19, especially without vaccinations or with a weakened immune system.
Despite the ease of travel restrictions worldwide and new routes and services offered by airlines, some popular destinations for American travelers are of high risk. According to the CDC, these top destinations are still on Level 3:
Aruba
Belgium
Canada
Costa Rica
Cuba
France
Germany
Greece
Italy
Portugal
Spain
The United Kingdom
The United States is not included in this list but it is also in red color in the map provided by the CDC.
Other Destinations On Level 3
Travelers should stay up to date with travel restrictions and the CDC recommendations. To see all countries included in the list of each category, they must visit the COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination page. But here’s a good summary of the most visited locations.
Perhaps Europe is the continent with the most popular countries for travelers included in the list. The CDC considered these countries of high risk: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, The Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
In the Caribbean, these islands have high levels of COVID-19 according to the information provided by the CDC: Aruba, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, and Dominica.
In North America, Canada and the United States are also marked as high risk. In Central America, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama; and in the south, the CDC has warned about Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay.
Australia and New Zealand were also flagged as dangerous and, according to the agency, adventurous travelers visiting attractive destinations in Asia should stay cautious before visiting Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, or Vietnam, also included on level 3.
CDC’s Recommendations
Even though many airlines removed the mask mandate and many countries removed covid–related travel restrictions, the CDC still urges travelers to wear masks during flights, stay up to date with covid vaccines —including boosters—, and consider the destination’s specific travel recommendations.
At the moment, almost 25 countries are in “Level 2: Covid-19 Moderate” —which means 50 to 100 covid cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days. In this category are included attractive destinations such as Mexico, The Bahamas, Fiji, and Paraguay.
Those who prefer to follow the agency’s advice can visit destinations on “Level 1: COVID-19 Low”, which includes countries with 50 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people. There are over 50 countries on this list, including attractive destinations like Colombia, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and India.
The level categories represent a dynamic system that is constantly changing and being updated depending on recent information related to each destination. Revising CDC’s updates and detailed information on a country is a good strategy for travelers who will be visiting foreign countries and want to stay safe.
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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
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Interrail is offering 50% off all rail travel passes until May 10. For many backpackers and tourists, Interrail passes are the cheapest, most efficient, and fastest way to explore Europe without breaking the bank.
Interrail will offer the flash sale until Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 11.59 pm UK time.
Travelers can use digital passes now and start them at any time in the next 11 months. And although most of Europe has lifted its COVID-19 restrictions—travelers can buy now and wait until next year to use their half-price rail passes.
The Details Of The Special Offer
Interrail is offering a 50% discount on all continuous global passes until Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 11.59pm. These passes allow unlimited travel for one, two, or three months on the national railways of 33 European nations, including:
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Great Britain
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Montenegro
The Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
The Current Offers:
1 month pass: €335
2 month pass: €366
3 month pass: €451
Travelers can pay slightly extra and travel via first class. For example, the 3-month pass costs €601 instead of €451 for three months continuous travel around Europe.
Travelers can buy the passes now via the Interrail website and can immediately begin using the passes. However, travelers can opt for a paper copy of the pass if they’re uncertain about technology.
The Interrail mobile app, however, offers:
Free, instant delivery to the application.
A free replacement if travelers lose or break their phones.
No need for travelers to select their travel dates until they begin traveling.
Important tip: Flash sale passes are not refundable or exchangeable and cannot be purchased in combination with Plus.
What Does The Interrail Pass Cover?
The Interrail pass is a train ticket that allows travelers to board most trains in Europe. Travelers will enjoy access to 40 railway and ferry companies in 33 European nations. What’s more, travelers can board most trains by simply showing the rail pass to staff at the train station.
Some train companies require travelers to purchase additional seat reservations—such as the Eurostar from London to Mainland Europe. You can check out the Interrail reservation service here.
Who Can Travel With Interrail?
European citizens and non-European citizens who are official legal residents—including British travelers (despite Brexit)—can use the Interrail pass. Non-European travelers, however, can’t use the Interrail pass.
But don’t worry: there are other options for American tourists, and we’ll go over the options below.
Eurail passes are popular for non-European visitors; they work just like the Interrail passes.
Alternatively, American tourists can travel within Europe via bus. There are some very affordable bus companies—such as Flixbus—offering extremely affordable prices continent-wide.
Or, American travelers can fly around Europe with the various budget airlines. These include Ryanair, Easyjet, and Wizz Air. If travelers book in advance, such as one month before their trip, they can find extremely affordable flights around Europe. Airline tickets can be as low as $5 or $10, but of course you’ll want to see what they charge for things like baggage and seat selection before you book.
The COVID-19 Situation In Europe
Most of Europe has dropped COVID-19 restrictions—including entry requirements and internal COVID-19 restrictions. Although some nations still require travelers to wear masks indoors.
Vaccine passports were widespread around Europe in 2021, including in France and Italy, but most of Europe has ended vaccine passports to enter indoor events or venues.
Final Thoughts
The Interrail pass at half price is an incredible offer. With freedom of movement returning to Europe and the summer months approaching, there’s never been a better time to buy the pass and explore the great continent.
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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
The CDC has moved Mexico down from its ‘high risk’ for COVID-19 to ‘moderate risk’ as COVID-19 cases drop in Mexico. In addition, the CDC has also decreased the risk of traveling to Belize and Antigua and Barbuda—two other popular destinations for Americans.
Mexico remains one of the best destinations for North American tourists. With zero entry requirements and rapidly declining COVID-19 cases, tourists can have an incredible time.
The CDC Decreases Mexico’s Health Rating
The CDC has moved Mexico to a ‘Level 2: Moderate Risk’ health rating from a ‘Level 3: High Risk’ health rating due to decreasing COVID-19 cases. The current 7-day case average in Mexico is 8,251; that’s down from 35,201 at its peak in January 2022.
Currently, there are no entry requirements to visit Mexico. The nation became the 2nd country worldwide—after El Salvador—to scrap all COVID-19 entry requirements back in January 2022.
Mexico also, contrary to most of the world, remained open for tourism throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been an excellent destination in the previous two years and this news continues the trend.
Mexico has also ended the warning system for COVID-19 and started treating the virus as endemic. Therefore, from April 25, the country has stopped issuing new Covid advisories and ceased recommending health measures.
The Mexican government will give all 32 states ‘green status’ in accordance with the country’s new approach to Covid management. However, travelers still have to wear face coverings in indoor venues in popular destinations like Cancun.
What Are The CDC’s Health Ratings?
The CDC rates nations based on their COVID-19 risk level. Recently, however, the CDC overhauled its rating system.
The ‘Level 3: High Risk’ category is now the highest. After that, the CDC issues the ‘Level 2: Moderate risk’ and ‘Level 1: Low Risk.’
The Level 4 rating—which had over 100 nations in March—is now reserved for special circumstances only. There are no nations on the current Level 4 rating.
The CDC doesn’t state travelers can’t visit ‘High Risk’ destinations; they suggest all U.S. citizens should be fully vaccinated before traveling there. However, the CDC advises against all international travel, regardless of the destination, if travelers aren’t fully vaccinated.
CNN Medical Analyst, Dr. Leana Wen, said we’ve moved into “a phase in the pandemic where people need to make their own decisions based on their medical circumstances as well as their risk tolerance when it comes to contracting Covid-19,”
This is how the CDC breaks down its current rating system:
Level 3 High – between 100-500 new cases over the past 28 days per 100,000 population
Level 2 Moderate between – 50-99 new cases over the past 28 days per 100,000 population
Level 1 Low – fewer than 50 new cases over the past 28 days per 100,000 population
What About Other Nations?
Mexico wasn’t the only nation to receive some good news from the CDC this week.
They also moved Antigua and Barbuda and Belize to the ‘Level 2: Moderate Risk’ health rating. However, the CDC moved Taiwan to its ‘Level 2: Moderate Risk’ health rating after staying at ‘Level 1: Low Risk’ for the entire pandemic.
However, the CDC still issues high-risk warnings to many European nations, including the following popular destinations for North American tourists:
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
The Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
United Kingdom
Other popular nations with a ‘High Risk’ warning include:
Brazil
Canada
Costa Rica
Malaysia
South Korea
Thailand
The CDC also added Botswana and Indonesia to its “Level 1: Covid-19 Low Risk” health rating.
Indonesia, thanks to the beautiful island of Bali, is a popular spot for American tourists and is now allowing foreign visitors to enter.
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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
A new survey has revealed which countries Americans believe are the safest for travelers. Whilst travel advisories do a great job in keeping travelers informed about which countries are safe to travel in and what risks travelers might face in those countries, nothing really captures the vibe of how safe or dangerous a destination feels quite like hearing it straight from the traveler’s mouth – and that’s exactly where the latest travel safety survey took their information from.
Published by travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, the survey shows the perceived safety level of destinations around the world from the eyes of American travelers – and it could make for illuminating reading ahead of the much-anticipated, potentially record-breaking summer of travel this year.
Here’s a look at the results of the survey, plus a look at what entry requirements of the top countries on the list.
Survey Reveals Safest Destinations – Information For Travelers
The survey carried out by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, called the 2022 “State of Travel Insurance Report”, was conducted in September 2021. The insurance company asked more than 1,500 Americans about their perceptions of the safety of different countries, taking into account not only traditional safety worries such as crime, terrorism, transportation, and health, but also the safety of travelers who are female, LGBTQ, or people of color.
According to American travelers who were surveyed, these ten countries are deemed to be the safest to travel to in 2022:
Canada (Score: 71.94)
Iceland (Score: 70.88)
Sweden (Score: 70.42)
Japan (Score: 68.58)
Ireland (Score: 66.75)
Switzerland (Score: 66.01)
South Korea (Score: 65.84)
Thailand (Score: 65.81)
New Zealand (Score: 65.27)
Australia (Score: 65.18)
According to the President of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Carol Mueller, this year’s survey saw a notable shift in terms of what travelers deem to be their primary safety concerns.
Whereas once terrorism and violent crime were amongst a traveler’s biggest worries, this year’s survey reflected the situation around the world, with travelers supposedly most concerned about their freedom of movement and staying free from disease.
Entry to the top spot, Canada, is relatively simple for vaccinated travelers, with testing now removed, but unvaccinated travelers remain unable to enter for tourism purposes.
Iceland, which took the second spot, is easier to enter, with the country having removed all of its Covid-19 related restrictions back in February. That means both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are able to enter without any barriers. Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland to have removed all of their testing and vaccination requirements.
Here are the entry requirements for the rest of the top 10:
At present, only fully vaccinated travelers may enter Australia, but they can do so without needing to take a test beforehand. Find out more here
All travelers to South Korea must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight, whilst there is a mandatory 7-day quarantine upon entry for travelers who are unvaccinated
Thailand has recently removed both its pre-departure and on-arrival testing requirements. However, travel insurance with a coverage of $10,000 is needed, as is registration for the Thailand Pass
At present, only vaccinated visitors from visa waiver countries, and visitors from other countries who already hold a valid visitor visa can enter New Zealand and self-test on arrival. Further border restriction easing will take place throughout the year
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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
Still worried about confusing international travel rules? There’s always a solution. Why not head out on the open road and take a drive through the U.S. this summer?
From underrated national parks to the most scenic drives in California, here are some adventurous summer road trip ideas for 2022 in the U.S. that won’t break the bank.
Indianapolis To Milwaukee
You can start this summer road trip in the Hoosier State and drive north to Milwaukee or do it the other way around. Either way, this 4-hour road trip will give you the quintessential Midwest experience (and lots of amazing views) along the way.
With the warm weather approaching, there’s no better time than to explore Indiana’s capital city. For a perfect day in Indy, head to downtown Indianapolis where you can walk along the picturesque canal in the White River State Park before sitting down for a sunset dinner at one of the many patios.
While not as popular as neighboring Chicago, Milwaukee has so much to offer travelers. The city also makes for a great road trip destination, especially during the summer months. Catch a baseball game and sample some fresh brews at one of the many breweries in the downtown area.
There are also a bunch of interesting pit stops worth taking on this road trip. Take a break in the little town of Justice, Illinois and visit the world’s largest stained glass window (it’s in the Guinness Book of World Records!) and the world’s first-ever Mcdonald’s.
Las Vegas To Great Basin National Park
This summer road trip mixes outdoor adventures with the glitz and glamor of the big city. To start this road trip, fly into Las Vegas for a few days of fun before heading to one of the most underrated national parks in the western US.
Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is a 4.5-hour drive northeast of Vegas just by the border with Utah. The park gets amazing reviews and offers camping, great trails, peaks, and even cave tours. Plan a few nights camping here and you’ll get some of the best stargazing experiences of your life.
New Hampshire White Mountains
Looking for more cheap travel inspiration? Head towards the east coast to New Hampshire and discover the beauty of the White Mountains. The weather is perfect this time of year, making New Hampshire one of the best states for an epic summer road trip.
Take a drive along Highway 112, where you can take your time to explore the beautiful northeast region of the “Live Free or Die” State before entering the White Mountain National Forest. You and your road trip buddies can spend at least 4-5 days here chasing waterfalls, swimming in lakes, camping, and so much more. If you don’t feel like roughing it, there are plenty of country cabin stays and hotels in and around the forest.
Central California Road Trip – Morro Bay To Big Sur
Nestled between Los Angeles County and a few hours drive south of bustling San Francisco is the sunny region of Central California. For many explorers, this region is the heartland of the Golden State. Why not plan a west coast road trip here this summer and discover why.
Start your road trip in beautiful Morro Bay and eventually make your way up to Big Sur by driving along the iconic Highway 1. If you have a few extra days on your road trip itinerary and want to explore a bit inland, head to Paso Robles, one of the most underrated wine regions in California.
Some of the most picturesque parts of the epic California coastline can be found here on this road trip (seriously, though), so take your time and enjoy the ride.
Kansas City To Omaha
Get more acquainted with the Heartland on this quick and fun summer road trip from Kansas City to Omaha. The trip is less than 3 hours in total, which will give you plenty of time to make stops at the little towns along the way.
Spend at least a few days in Kansas City, exploring its many museums and markets before heading over to Omaha. On a sunny summer day, the Overland Park is a great spot to explore for some outdoor fun in the heart of the city.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Travel subscriptions are becoming popular with airline and hotel brands, but what exactly is a travel subscription? While that can be a complex question to answer, we’re going to dive into the topic and how they can benefit travelers.
On the macro level, a travel subscription involves paying a monthly fee in exchange for a premium service provided by a travel company, but each travel subscription offers something a little different to its customers. With the U.S. dropping its travel mask mandate and travel booming again, let’s look at some of the travel subscriptions that are available to you now!
The Alaska Airlines Flight Pass
Alaska Airlines recently started offering a subscription flight service called flight pass. The Pass costs a fixed monthly rate of $49 to $550 (depending on the package you choose) and a yearlong commitment, Flight pass subscribers can take up to 24 round trips, depending on the plan, among 16 airports in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
With the $49 plan, subscribers can book one round-trip main cabin flight every two months for one penny plus about $15 in fees. At the moment, the flights need to be two and from the 16 listed airports, but could expand in the future.
What could be the benefit of a flight pass like this? Well, if you’re someone who travels often, then you know that the price of airline tickets fluctuates on a daily basis, sometimes skyrocketing out of nowhere and leaving you stuck. The flight pass price is locked in for your 1-year commitment. For example, if your roundtrip ticket from Sacramento to San Diego shot up to $300 overnight, you’d still be paying the $49 per month subscription.
Be Right Back Travel
Be Right Back kind of works like a travel agent for European destinations. You pay a monthly fee that is calculated after you answer a few questions about trip duration, preferred hotel rating, flight origins, etc. Then the service will ask you a few questions about your travel preferences, places you want to visit, and places you definitely don’t want to visit. An agent from their service then get’s to work on booking you a trip. You actually don’t know where you are going or your trip itinerary until two weeks before your travel date.
The Luxury Side Of Travel Subscriptions
On the other side of the price spectrum, the luxury travel platform Inspirato offers a subscription service for vacation rentals and high-end hotels starting at $2,500 per month. The pass offers travelers the freedom to book any destination included with their pass, and assists them with booking excursions, dinners, and other luxury amenities that a traveler could want.
For those wanting a premium luxury flight subscription, FlightXO starts at $595 per year and offers travelers access to private charter flights at a discount. Their memberships go up to a whopping $1000/m.
At The Airport
Another type of travel subscription focuses on your experience at the airport. TSA Pre-Check allows you to skip the line at the airport, leave your liquids in your carry-on, not take out your laptop, or take off your shoes. . TSA Pre-Check costs just $85 every FIVE years.
Credit Cards can also act as a subscription service. For example, the United Explorer card is $95 per year and comes with perks like airport lounge passes, miles for each purchase, payment for Pre-Check, and more.
New to many U.S. airports is the service CLEAR, which costs $15 per month and lets you fly through security, jumping the normal lines. Their expansion now has them in over 50+ airports and stadiums in the U.S., with more locations coming.
Are Travel Subscriptions worth it?
Well now that we have a basic understanding of the travel subscriptions available, are they worth it? Well, that really depends on the type of traveler you are. The Alaska Flight Pass could be useful to you if you travel across the west coast often. Be Right Back could be a fun idea for the free-spirited who are up for anything. Inspirato is an interesting concept for people who can afford it. It will be really interesting to see what other companies hop on the travel subscription trend.
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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
Have you been searching for the best flight prices for your summer vacations? The American online travel giant Expedia has been analyzing recent data on their web search and discovered that US travelers have been planning their summer vacations even before spring break and Easter vacations.
According to the information shared by Expedia in a press release, there has been a recent spike in interest in these top destinations for the months of June, July, and August:
Singapore: searches increased by 60%
Houston: searches increased by 55%
Bali: searches increased by 35%
Washington D.C: searches increased by 35%
The results show that travelers are interested in near locations as well as more exotic places. Considering that there is a high demand for travel this year, Expedia has published a cheat sheet with tips and relevant data to help travelers get the cheapest fares and get the most out of their summer vacations.
Christie Hudson, Senior Public Relations Manager for Expedia, said: “People are ready to make their summer vacations happen no matter what”. The manager also added: “With many travel restrictions easing over the past month, travelers have been inspired to dust off their bucket lists and get a jumpstart on planning. Prices are already reflecting that pent-up demand, so timing is going to be key for getting the best deal.”
The travel company has published the most popular destinations for summer 2022, the best times to travel to get cheaper prices, a list of places tourists can visit for less than $350 roundtrip, and valuable tips for booking.
Trending Destinations For Summer 2022
Based on spikes in flight searches, Expedia shared the summer hotspots classified in three categories:
Best Times to Travel and destinations under $350
Expedia also analyzed prices for the summer season and shared a few conclusions. The cheapest month to fly is August, with nearly 10% lower ticket prices compared to June and July.
Those looking for cheap tickets can avoid July 1st, since the travel company disclosed that this is the most expensive day to fly, prior to the 4th of July holiday. Prices are 25% higher than the average summer months during those days.
Regarding destinations with roundtrip tickets under $350, Expedia shared an interest list. The top destinations travelers can visit for less than that amount in the United States and Canada are Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, Tampa, San, Antonio, Houston, Austin, Providence, Myrtle Beach, Kelowna, Nashville, New Orleans, and Charleston.
Booking Tips
One of the main recommendations the travel brand gives customers is: “Book early and book smart”. This advice may sound simple, but considering many factors —personal and even pandemic related (it is hard to predict with so many travel restrictions changing)— travelers are waiting to book their next airplane tickets and will probably pay more.
Expedia recommends its users apply “free cancellation” filters when searching and avoid buying saver fares or restrictive basic economy tickets. The travel company also encourages travelers to consider flexible dates, choose weekdays over weekends and avoid holidays to save more money.
Booking flights, hotels, and car rentals —bundle promotions— might also help save a few dollars, as well as considering memberships and loyalty programs.
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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
There’s no denying that for the last few years traveling has been somewhat challenging – especially in comparison to pre-pandemic days – with practically every nation on the planet having an extensive list of entry requirements for visitors.
However, with much of the world having entered – or at least beginning to enter – the endemic stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is becoming much easier for international travelers to enter countries for tourism purposes.
Throughout this article we are going to take a look at 12 cities to visit this summer – from countries in Europe, as well as Central and South America – that have removed all of their covid-related entry requirements.
And, on top of that, some countries have even gotten rid of all of their internal restrictions as well.
Yes, you heard right. The below cities can now be visited with ZERO entry requirements or travel restrictions.
This means…
NO Covid-19 testing – either pre-departure or on arrival
NO need to show proof of vaccination – both when entering the country or traveling around internally
NO quarantine requirements
that nationals from ALL countries can now enter.
These cities are also in countries that no longer have a requirement to present vaccine passports to enter public places – such as bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
And, in most of them, there are also no longer enforced rules when it comes to wearing face masks in public.
So, basically, you can now visit – and enjoy – all that these wonderful and fascinating cities have to offer, restriction-free.
Mendoza, Argentina
Famous for its warm and sunny weather, a wide variety of fine dining options – and of course, its Malbec and selection of other red wines – the city of Mendoza is a city not-to-be-missed when visiting Argentina.
Located in Argentina’s Cuyo region, Mendoza is situated in a picturesque setting – with its tree-lined and leafy streets, as well as its mix of both modern and art deco style architecture.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Parque Provincial Aconcagua
Mendoza River
Bodega Tierras Altas
Parque General San Martin
Bodega Roberto Bonfanti
And, for all the wine lovers out there, Mendoza offers the opportunity to take a bike tour around its world-renowned wineries.
San José, Costa Rica
Not only is San José Costa Rica’s capital city – but it is also the nation’s largest, with it being located right in the center of the country.
Although most travelers would arrive in San José before heading off to other destinations inside the country, the city itself is not one to be missed – as it offers visitors some of the very best Costa Rican nightlife options.
And, for those who enjoy checking out the local architecture, San José will certainly not disappoint – with its beautifully constructed Victorian-style buildings.
If cafe-hopping is one of your favorite pastimes, then the Swedish city of Gothenburg might be the perfect option for you.
Situated on the west side of the country – off the nation’s Göta älv river – Gothenburg is home to some of Europe’s finest cafes and shops.
The city also boasts numerous historical sites – which can be explored by foot whilst taking in its beautiful Dutch-style waterways and leafy surroundings.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Southern Gothenburg Archipelago
Botanical Garden
Liseberg amusement park
Volvo Museum
Haga
Copenhagen, Denmark
Known as one of the happiest cities in the world, Denmark’s Capital – Copenhagen – offers so much for visitors to enjoy.
With many iconic sites to visit, as well as being an easy-to-explore city by bicycle, the Danish capital certainly has a charm that will not go unnoticed.
The city also boasts some of Europe’s finest eating and drinking options for travelers – with some of the best Scandinavian restaurants located there.
Copenhagen is also a great choice for those who enjoy beer-tasting – with the city playing home to breweries and bars, which offer some of the planet’s very best when it comes to pilsner and craft beer.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Tivoli Gardens
Nyhavn
Rosenborg Castle
Christiansborg Palace
Frederiksberg Slot
Riga, Latvia
Featuring a beautiful Old Town – which offers a wide variety of entertainment to suit the needs of all travelers – the Latvian capital of Riga is certainly a city worth checking out.
Situated right at the mouth of the River Daugava, Latvia is a great choice for travelers that enjoy visiting museums, concert halls, artistic architecture – as well as those who seek a good night out.
The city’s Livu Square – which can get extremely busy and lively – boasts many cafes, bars and nightclubs – with live music also taking place on a daily basis.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Vecriga (Old City Riga)
House of the Blackheads
Riga Central Market
Riga Cathedral
Riga Motormuseum
Cork, Ireland
Known as the ‘foodie capital’ of Ireland, the city of Cork is certainly going to be favored by those who enjoy sampling a variety of fresh seafood and different cheeses – as well as those who have a sweet tooth, and enjoy a bite of homemade chocolate.
All of the above can be found in the city’s famous English Market – which dates back to the 18th century.
Cork is a great city to partake in a tour – with there being so much to take in for travelers, including some beautifully-characteristic seaside towns, as well as multiple historical sites and art galleries to check out.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
The English Market
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland
Cork Butter Museum
St. Patrick’s Street
Shandon Bells & Tower St. Anne’s Church
St. George’s, Grenada
Being the capital city of the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada, St. George’s is home to the historical 18th-century Fort George – where visitors can take in breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings.
And, for those who have an interest in history, the Grenada National Museum is also located in St. George’s – which was built in the late 1700s.
There are also a selection of half and full-day tours that can be enjoyed in – and around – the city of St. George’s.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Fort George
The Diamond Chocolate Factory
Rum Distilleries Tour
Snorkeling Trip to Underwater Sculpture Park
Half or Full-day Island Tour
Oaxaca, Mexico
Being the capital – and biggest city of the Mexican state of Oaxaca – Oaxaca City is a fascinating place to explore for those seeking something that is a bit more ‘off the beaten path’.
Featuring stunningly-beautiful churches – and offering museum enthusiasts the opportunity to learn so much about this truly fascinating Mexican city – Oaxaca is certainly not to be missed when heading to Mexico.
And, although Oaxaca’s nightlife may not be quite as lively as popular tourist hotspots – such as Cancun and Tijuana – there are a sufficient number of trendy bars to enjoy some late-night entertainment at.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
Templo de Santo Domingo church and cathedral in Oaxaca city Oaxaca Mexico
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Pécs, Hungary
Situated close to the border of Croatia, Pécs is an ancient city in the southern region of Hungary.
Famous for being home to some of Hungary’s most iconic architectural landmarks – including the Pécs Cathedral and Mosque of Pasha Qasim – Pécs is, without doubt, a great choice for those who enjoy learning about a city’s history and culture.
Pécs is around three hours from the nation’s capital – Budapest – where visitors can take a relaxing and comfortable train journey directly to this calm city.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Pécs Cathedral
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
Early Christian Mausoleum
Zsolnay Museum
Gallery of Modern Hungarian Art
Bucharest, Romania
Located in the south of the country, Bucharest is the capital city – and commercial hub – of Romania.
With its rich history, Bucharest is certainly an interesting choice when it comes to European cities – with it playing home to the world’s biggest parliamentary building, the Palace of Parliament.
While a bustling – but also entertaining – city, Bucharest offers a lively nightlife scene, with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and even rooftop bars to explore.
And, there’s no doubt that Bucharest is also a great choice when it comes to traveling on a budget – especially compared to other cities in Western Europe – with Romania being known as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the region.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Muzeul Naţional al Satului “Dimitrie Gusti”
Palace of Parliament
Herăstrau Park
Lipscani (Old Town)
Ceaușescu Mansion
Kraków, Poland
Kraków – situated in the south, and bordering Czech Republic – is Poland’s second-largest city.
It also has what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful old towns – known as Stare Miasto – that you are likely to come across.
Here you will find luscious parks, a wide variety of traditional Polish eateries, accommodation – as well as the truly fascinating Wawel Royal Castle, which hosts a museum and cathedral.
Kraków’s old town also features a main square – Rynek Główny – which holds the title of being Europe’s largest medieval marketplace.
You will also find a selection of entertainment spots to spend the evening time – with a variety of pubs, craft beer bars and venues playing live jazz music.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
Rynek Główny (Main Square)
Wawel Royal Castle
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
St. Mary’s Basilica
Kazimierz The Former Jewish District
Bath, United Kingdom
Being the county of Somerset’s biggest city, Bath is situated in the valley of the River Avon in the United Kingdom.
Taking its name from the Roman-built baths, which feature in the city, Bath is one of the most beautifully-picturesque places in England.
With it only being a 90-minute train journey from the country’s capital – London – Bath features in the Unesco World Heritage’s list of ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’.
Visitors to the city can enjoy a soothing and relaxing walk through its canal towpath – which is also a great spot for those looking for a great cycle route.
And, if you are looking to take a walk in some beautiful grounds, you can do so at the visually-beautiful historical Royal Victoria Park – which originally opened in 1830.
Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:
The Roman Baths
Thermae Bath Spa
Bath Abbey
Pulteney Bridge
Royal Crescent
While the above list of 12 cities gives eager travelers some great ideas of restriction-free places to explore this summer, you can make your own ‘a la carte’ itinerary by choosing cities in the below countries that have no entry rules.
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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
Travelers have been warned to reconsider travel, the government is concerned about crimes and kidnappings in the region
The U.S. Department of State issued a new travel warning for US citizens visiting Tijuana and Baja California. The update comes after recent cases of kidnapping and violence in the region.
The amendment has been made just two weeks after the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States announced that it lowered travel advisory for Mexico from “Level 4: Do not travel”, to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”.
The government is concerned about rising crime and recent kidnappings which include homicide cases and violent aggressions. The official publication states: “Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.”
Many Americans have been traveling in the past few weeks to Tijuana also for cheaper gas prices, as Los Angeles Times reported. Those visiting the region, even for a short period of time, should stay aware and follow the State Department’s recommendations.
Risks For Travelers In Tijuana
According to the information shared by the US Department, the highest concern is addressed to non-tourist areas of Tijuana, where a high number of homicides have been reported recently. The government explained that most homicides have been targeted, but bystanders can be injured or even killed in territorial disputes between criminal organizations.
It has also been disclosed that citizens and lawful permanent residents in the United States have been victims of kidnapping.
The president of Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce, Jorge Macías Jiménez, has made declarations to Fox 5, after the US Government shared this update: “The warning is mostly for areas where tourists wouldn’t go in the first place, it won’t harm tourism or the commercial sector.”
Macías Jimenez considers that the warning shouldn’t frighten tourists and said: “I do advise people to use caution since there are areas where criminal disputes sometimes result in injuries or even death of bystanders, but that’s only if you venture into non-tourist areas.”
Travel Considerations And Recommendations
The US Department of State also shared recommendations and advice and requested US government employees to adhere to the restrictions. These are the current considerations regarding Baja California:
Avoid Mexicali Valley: the agency urges Americans to avoid this area due to the “heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions”.
Travelers can use Highways 2 and 2D —during daylight hours— to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rios Colorado. Also during the daytime, visitors can use Highways 1, 8, and 5.
Reconsider Travel to Baja California: the government urges US citizens to especially avoid non-tourist areas.
Travelers must read and understand the information published on the government’s official website when visiting Mexico. General Mexico Travel recommendations include:
Do not transit between cities during nighttime. Travelers shouldn’t hail taxis on the street, it is better to rely on dispatched vehicles, app-based services and regulated taxi stands.
Avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
Do not travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas states due to crime and kidnapping.
Reconsider travel to Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico, Morelos, Nayarit, Sonora, and Zacatecas states due to crime and kidnapping.
Increase caution when traveling to Aguas Calientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tlaxcal, and Veracruz states and Mexico city due to crime and kidnapping.
Review the US Embassy’s, CDC, and Crime and Safety Reports’s webpages regarding Mexico.
Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, casinos, or nightclubs.
Keep family and traveling companions informed of the location and travel plans.
Follow the US Department of State and the US Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
Avoid wearing watches or jewelry, since these are considered signs of wealth.
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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
COVID-19 restrictions are shrinking worldwide. This week, more destinations have ended COVID-19 restrictions.
Here are some of the best stories for travelers from this week:
The Cayman Islands Allow Cruise Ships Once Again
After two years of zero cruise ships, the Cayman Islands have allowed cruise ships to return from March 21, 2022. The island group confirmed they’ve been busy creating different procedures all cruise lines will need to follow.
The islands will begin welcoming cruise ships through a Phase 1 system, such as a maximum of 75,000 passengers on vessels and a maximum capacity of 40% per ship. If Phase 1 is successful, the islands will remove the cruise ship capacity limit.
The Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism—Honorary Kenneth Bryan—stated: “The PACT Administration does not take the decision to reintroduce cruise tourism lightly; the fact remains that while the pandemic persists, all travel, whether by air or sea, presents a certain degree of risk,”
“However, as we are seeing with stayover arrivals, our Island’s high vaccination rate, coupled with having the right safety protocols in place, is allowing our tourism industry to recover.”
South Africa Removes Testing For Vaccinated Tourists
South Africa has scrapped testing requirements for all vaccinated tourists. Prior to this announcement, all travelers—regardless of vaccination—had to take tests before arrival. However, unvaccinated arrivals still have to take a PCR test 72 hours before departure.
Children under five don’t have to follow the testing guidelines. Although entry restrictions are easing, South Africa still has some internal COVID-19 restrictions, such as mandatory masks in certain areas. Canada, The Netherlands, and the Maldives all recently removed pre-departure testing.
EasyJet Removes Masks On Many European Flights
Many airlines are now removing the use of mandatory masks on flights, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and TUI. EasyJet has joined the list and become the 7th airline to scrap mandatory masks on flights.
The new rules will apply to all UK domestic flights; they’ll also apply to flights to Iceland, Denmark, and Hungary. EasyJet said they would: “not mandate customers and crew to wear masks onboard the flight”
“Any customers or crew who wish to continue wearing a mask will of course have their personal choice respected. As a pan-European airline operating between over 30 countries, we must continue to ensure that we and our customers follow the legal requirements of all the countries we fly to,” they added.
Hawaii Stops Safe Travels Program March 25
Hawaii was one of the last U.S. states to remove COVID-19 restrictions. However, as of tomorrow, Hawaii will finally end all entry requirements for all American domestic tourists. Hawaii was the only remaining U.S. state to implement a quarantine system.
However, international travelers will have to wait for Hawaii to scrap entry requirements. Governor Ige said: “It is important to remember that we’re talking about domestic travel only, this does not apply to international travelers which have different requirements set by the federal government. It’s also equally important to note that all Safe Travels requirements must be met by incoming domestic passengers prior to March 25.”
The Netherlands Scraps Almost All Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions
After two years of relatively strict COVID-10 restrictions, The Netherlands has joined its European neighbors in scrapping most restrictions.
People who enter the Netherlands from other EU nations no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative test, or proof of recovery. The nation has also removed mandatory masks on public transport.
Singapore Scraps Quarantine For All Vaccinated Tourists
Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien, said the nation’s “fight against COVID-19 has reached a major turning point,” with fully vaccinated tourists from all countries welcome to visit in April.
The nation will also lift its outdoor mask mandate, and groups of up to ten people can meet again.
India Restores 5 Year Visas For All Travelers And 10 Year Visas For U.S. Travelers
The Indian government has restored its 5-year tourist E-visa, which they suspended in March 2020. India will restart its ten-year visa for U.S. tourists. They will also allow Japanese tourists to apply for a ten-year tourist visa.
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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
