If you thought COVID tests and traveler entry requirements were long over, you were thinking too soon because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just announced today that as of January 5, any traveler from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and regions Hong Kong, and Macau will need a negative COVID test before boarding flights to the U.S.
This news comes on the heels of reports that China’s COVID case numbers are surging, with hospitals being overwhelmed with not having enough ER staff or beds to meet the demand of cases. China has been rolling back many of its strictest rules such as mass testing, lockdowns, and mandatory quarantines in the past month and announced earlier this week that it would be removing the requirement for overseas travelers to quarantine upon arrival. This move came as a surprise to some since the country has been struggling to contain the virus and has traditionally followed a Zero-Covid approach.
China has stopped reporting daily data on infections pointing to a lack of reliability over the data, but it has been estimated by a UK-based health data firm that the country is averaging around 5,000 deaths and more than one million infections per day.
Countries have pointed to new variants and slowing the spread of the virus as their reasoning for reinstating travel testing again, with the CDC pointing out that variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are continuing to show up in countries around the world. The CDC explains that China has been specifically targeted due to its “reduced testing and case reporting” and that “minimal sharing of viral genomic sequence data could delay the identification of new variants of concern if they arise,” according to a CDC press release.
Following the CDC’s announcement, Italy revealed a few hours later it would require all passengers from China to provide a negative COVID test. Italy had been testing passengers arriving from China this week and had found almost 50% of passengers had tested positive on a flight to Milan.
Earlier this week, India announced that it would require travelers to have a negative COVID test before boarding, while Japan and Taiwan have implemented testing upon arrival, and Malaysia has increased tracking and surveillance measures.
Italy’s Health Minister Orazio Schillaci reflected a similar sentiment saying “the measure is essential to ensure surveillance and detection of possible variants of the virus in order to protect the Italian population.”
Starting on January 5, passengers with direct flights from the PRC, as well as passengers using South Korea’s Incheon International Airport, and Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport as transits to the U.S. will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test if they have been in PRC for the past 10 days. This is regardless of nationality and vaccination status.
The CDC will also be expanding its Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance program (TGS), where it will test for new and rare variants with nasal swabs from voluntary passengers arriving at international U.S. airports. The program is currently in place at 5 major airports and is now being added to Los Angeles and Seattle, where collectively, it will test approximately 500 flights from 30 different countries per week to determine any new variants.
As the world continues to monitor the COVID situation closely, certain areas are taking precautionary measures to curb the spread, such as bringing back mask mandates. Los Cabos has created mask mandates for indoor public settings and transportation, while other officials in cities like New York and Los Angeles are calling again for mask wearing in public spaces.
An immense winter storm is sweeping the U.S. and will bring record-low temperatures to many across the country. This will be a serious issue for travelers heading off to their Christmas destinations, as President Biden has just issued a ‘leave now’ warning to those with travel plans. Blizzard conditions will put travel plans at risk for those in the Great Plains and the Midwest, so any travelers who can leave early should do so. Otherwise, their trips may have to be canceled.
Some areas already feel the effects of the winter storm, such as Minneapolis-St. Paul airport in Minnesota who reported receiving 7.4 inches of snow in 24 hours, a record for the airport. As the storm progresses, more areas in the region will see travel and daily life disrupted. According to the National Weather Service, a “Powerful winter storm [will] produce widespread disruptive and potentially crippling impacts across the central and eastern United States,” and “Record-breaking cold and life-threatening wind chills over the Great Plains [will] overspread the eastern half of the Nation by Friday.”
The storm is expected to cause significant travel disruptions, hence Biden’s latest warning. According to the President, the White House has tried to contact 26 governors in affected areas to offer federal assistance after meeting with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
According to the NWS, areas across the Interior Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest will be especially affected. 1-2” per hour snowfall rates are expected, and wind gusts of over 50 miles per hour will create extremely low to near-zero visibility conditions. As a result, land and air travel will be impossible at times going into the weekend, so travelers who are still able to get to their destinations before feeling the effects of the storm should leave as soon as possible, per the President’s warning.
According to the NWS, “The combination of heavy snow and strong wind gusts could lead to significant infrastructure impacts, including scattered tree damage and power outages.” The expected intensity of the cold will make conditions for those without power even more dangerous. If travelers are unable to get out ahead of the storm, it is advisable to have supplies on hand to make it through a few days without power. A heat source, food, and water should be on hand if power is lost.
That being said, if the storm is already affecting your area or your intended destination’s area, travelers are advised to stay home and shelter in place. If travelers ignore this advice and try to get through the storm in their vehicles, they risk becoming stranded in their cars, which would be one of the most dangerous situations they could put themselves in amid life-threatening cold temperatures.
Travelers are advised to follow the advice of the NWS and local authorities. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel advice and storm conditions, check the official website of the National Weather Service.
Need inspiration for where to travel in 2023? Here are some of the top trending travel destinations for next year!
With more than 150 countries back to normal with no travel restrictions, including vaccine or Covid testing requirements, it’s safe to say that the world has opened up once again.
Although some of the destinations on this list still have Covid-related entry requirements in place, that may change in 2023.
And even with restrictions in place, tourism is beginning to recover in these sought-after destinations, many of which were fully closed to all travelers for over two years.
In order to enter the country, travelers will either need three doses of a Covid vaccine or take a pre-arrival Covid test. While masks are not legally required in Japan, the majority of the population still voluntarily wears them in almost all circumstances.
However, travelers who don’t mind these restrictions will be able to explore the vibrant city of Tokyo and all it has to offer once again.
2. Bali
Bali has reopened for vaccinated travelers only after extremely strict closures and entry requirements for over two years.
This island paradise in Indonesia is known for being a digital nomad hotspot with plenty of trendy cafes and coworking spots.
It also attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery and sights, from lush terraced rice fields to laidback beaches to stunning temples.
After some of the strictest lockdowns and closures in the world, Australia finally reopened to international tourists and dropped all entry requirements in July.
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is one of the top trending destinations for 2023 now that the country has reopened.
The best time to visit Sydney for pleasant weather is February to May, making early 2023 the perfect time to plan a visit.
4. Seoul
Seoul, South Korea is a bustling mega-city that is one of the best destinations in Asia to visit.
This city is known for its great food, nightlife, entertainment, and shopping. There are also many cultural sites in Seoul to check out, including temples and museums, making it a great destination for any kind of traveler.
However, despite removing its outdoor mask mandate in September, South Korea still has an indoor mask mandate in place until at least March 2023. If it’s actually removed in March, then Seoul will be a great destination to visit next year once things are finally back to normal.
5. Rio De Janeiro
Brazil has been back and forth on Covid restrictions, and as of December 2022 still requires proof of vaccination or a negative Covid in order to enter.
The country also reinstated a mask mandate in December in some locations, including airplanes and airports.
Despite the lingering restrictions, travelers have been eager to explore the vibrant city of Rio De Janeiro, which will once again host one of the best Carnival celebrations in the world in February 2023.
6. Málaga
Málaga, Spain is known for being one of the best destinations in southern Spain, with great beaches and nightlife, as well as food and culture.
Although it gets extremely crowded in the summer months, Málaga is a great place to visit any time of year. It’s a popular winter sun destination in Europe, and although it might be a little too cold for a dip in the ocean, you can certainly enjoy sunbathing and pleasant weather here, even during the winter and spring.
Now that Spain has finally dropped all travel restrictions as of October 2022 (one of the last countries in Europe to do so), it’s at the top of the list for many travelers.
Traveling to gather with the family for the holidays can be stressful and pricey in the United States, especially near Christmas and new year’s eve. For those planning to travel by train or bus, a recent study revealed the best dates to travel in the upcoming days.
Wanderu—a ground and air travel metasearch engine— gathered data and the company published a report with insights on the cheapest days to travel and when to catch the best last-minute deals.
There are different strategies that Americans can use to get the best prices. According to the information shared by KSL.com, Polina Raygorodskaya, CEO at Wanderu, explained: “Traveling on alternate days is one reliable method to avoid inflation’s worst impacts.” And added: “The other strategy is to book as early as possible, as prices will only go up as the holidays get close.”
Here’s valuable information for American travelers who are interested in planning a bus or train trip for the holidays:
Best Dates To Travel For Christmas
The prices vary depending on the travel method and the dates. According to the study, the cheapest prices before Christmas are on weekdays. Those who can travel on Monday 19, Tuesday 20 or Wednesday 21can save up to 12% on bus tickets and 23% on train tickets.
And there’s a date to avoid before the holiday, the most expensive day to travel is Friday 23, and tickets can also be a little pricey on December 18, 22, 26, and 27. Travelers who enjoy a little rush or can only gather at the very last minute can also get cheaper tickets on December 24 and 25.
Returning home after Christmas can be less expensive by bus, those returning by train should wait a few days. The best return date for train travel is December 29. Maybe one luxurious bus route could be worth the shot.
Best Dates To Travel For New Year’s Eve
Train and bus travel behavior change a little more around New Year’s Eve. Travelers will get the cheapest bus prices on December 28 and 29, before New Year’s Eve, and the cheapest train seats on December 29 and 31. Travel on January 1, 2023, will be a little pricey for both transportation methods.
Traveling on the holiday itself is a good idea to save money, but probably a risky strategy depending on the location, weather conditions, and unexpected events. According to the study, in general, this year travelers will be paying more for bus and train tickets compared to 2021.
Best Last-Minute Deals
Planning ahead is probably one of the best strategies to save money. However, anyone can change their minds about where to spend the holidays, even just a few days or hours before, and actually find good deals.
In Wanderu’s report, it is explained that certain bus carriers add more vehicles at the last minute when all seats are booked, this is an opportunity for spontaneous travelers to score a cheap ticket since prices tend to go up when there are just a few seats left.
When it comes to train travel, it is not possible to find those last-minute extra vehicles. Amtrak is constantly announcing sales and promotions for customers to book in advance and when they include more itineraries for the holidays these are usually announced months ahead. Ticket prices increase closer to the date of travel, so once a traveler has made up their mind about where to spend the holidays and wants to travel by train, should book as soon as possible.
For those interested in saving more, between these two services, buses are usually cheaper than trains. Depending on the route, the train can double or triple the bus ticket price. For example, the average train fare from New York to Washington DC is $116 while the average bus fare is $31. It’s always wise to research and compare prices.
The Travel Experts at Fodor’s have released their “Go List” for 2023, highlighting destinations across the globe that are sure to offer impactful travel experiences. Travel pushes us beyond our comfort zones to try new things and meet new people. In its purest form, travel can reshape our thoughts about the world for the better.
For that reason, we’ve highlighted 10 destinations from this year’s “Go List” that will undoubtedly leave travelers feeling they’ve expanded their horizons and brought more than just souvenirs home with them.
Fodor’s also recently released a “No List,” highlighting destinations they believe travelers should pass on for the coming year, covered here. The “No List” isn’t meant to reflect poorly on the destinations but rather give the areas a chance to lessen the impacts of overtourism.
However, the following 10 destinations are on the “Go List” and are definitely worth exploring in 2023!
Bacalar, Mexico
Bacalar is a small town in Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. The town is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos and is steeped in historical significance and beauty. While it doesn’t lie directly on the ocean like some of its more frequented neighbors like Tulum or Chetumal, it has direct access to Lake Bacalar, one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Known as the Lake of the Seven Colors, Lake Bacalar is an incredible place to swim and take in the natural beauty of Bacalar.
The perfect blend of nature and history, Mariposa Grove is home to some of the oldest living things on Earth, giant sequoia trees. Some are even estimated to be over 3,000 years old! Mariposa Grove is one of the most popular things to do in Yosemite National Park and can be reached via shuttle bus or by hiking a 4-mile loop. For a unique take on the area, travelers can even ride to the Grove on horseback.
Crete, Greece
Crete is a beautiful and temperate destination in the summer and winter. Home to gorgeous beaches like Agios Nikolaos, stunning clifftop villages, and wine and food that’s to die for, Crete is an excellent alternative to the over-touristed Santorini. History lovers will feel right at home in Crete, as it is home to relics from one of the oldest civilizations known, the Minoans, who lived on the island from around 3000 to 1100 BCE.
Wadi Shab, Oman
Wadi Shab offers incredible views and is a gorge with clear water, hidden caves, and unique rock pools just outside Muscat, Oman. To get to the main trail, you’ll have to cross a small river for about $2.50 USD, which takes under a minute. Once across, a hike through a true desert oasis awaits. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, and definitely don’t forget a camera!
Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Puerto Iguazu lies on the border of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, and is home to an extensive collection of waterfalls called Iguazu that falls within Iguazú National Park. Home to 275 waterfalls, Iguazú National Park is the main attraction frequented by visitors to Puerto Iguazu. The best time to visit is August and September, when the falls have the highest water levers, and the weather is great for hiking the park.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Pearl of the Far East, Ho Chi Minh City, is a perfect place to make your first stop on a tour of Vietnam. Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh will entertain you with its delicious food, vibrant nightlife, and charming, chaotic atmosphere. As the country’s largest city, it can feel hectic but in an energetic and thrilling way.
Ghent, Belgium
Brussels seems to get all the attention when travelers think of Belgium, but Ghent is a worthy destination all on its own. The best time to visit for a unique experience is in July when Ghent has a 10-day celebration that takes over every street corner. Plays, workshops, markets, concerts, and more can be found all over the city, and there’s no time or room to be bored.
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya is a popular day trip from the country’s capital of Bangkok. However, Ayutthaya is a worthy destination in its own right and certainly worth a stay of at least two days. It will be hard to see everything there is to see with any less time, and there is plenty worth seeing! Gorgeous temples like Wat Mahathat, bustling markets like Chao Phrom, and fascinating museums like Chao Sam Phraya will leave you with plenty to see and do for a few days in Ayutthaya.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is a nature lover’s dream. Gorgeous beaches give way to stunning coral gardens at Mnemba Island, allowing snorkelers and divers to explore the beautiful scenery below. For those that prefer to stay above water, Chwaka Bay National Park offers one of the best monkey-viewing opportunities in Africa. Tired of exploring? Head to Bwejuu beach for an afternoon of relaxation.
Curaçao
Curaçao is the perfect Caribbean island to visit all year round, as it lies below the hurricane belt. The island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is apparent in its unique architecture. Divers love the island, as it is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Many of the resorts on the island are near coral reefs, meaning you can explore the world below right from the beach. For the ultimate relaxing getaway, travelers can book a stay at one of the island’s all-inclusives.
The world has so many experiences to offer all kinds of travelers that sometimes it is hard to choose. There are places, things, and activities you didn’t even know existed. Luckily for ambitious travelers searching for new challenges or life-changing moments, there’s a new exciting list with amazing ideas and travel experiences.
Experts from the New York Times have organized a debate to choose the 25 must-have travel experiences and invited a jury composed of writers Pico Iyer and Aatish Taseer, landscape photographer Victoria Sambunaris, chef and food scientist David Zilber, and architect Toshiko Mori.
From 55 ideas, experts chose 25 —encouraging travelers to do their own research and consider safety prior to travel— that should be unforgettable and appealing to different kinds of travelers. Are you ready to add more items to your bucket list? At Travel Off Path, we have considered these 7 experiences to be some of the most interesting for our readers:
Spotting the aurora borealis in Norway
This impressive phenomenon, also known as “the northern lights,” will amaze any lucky traveler who gets to see them. It’s one of the most special experiences for winter travel, and Norway is the best destination in the world to admire this impressive natural show.
Eating Delicious Food In Crete
Visiting Crete, the largest Greek island, is already a magical experience. Here travelers will find some of the warmest beaches in Europe during winter, beautiful landscapes, and delicious Mediterranean food. Experts at the New York Times recommend the restaurant Ntounias, hosted by chef Stelios Trilyrakis, considered to have the most authentic and tasty local food. Zilber said: “The island itself is one of the oldest continually inhabited civilizations in all of Europe. It has a crazy history, and just going there and eating this food, the way that he cooks it, it’s so honest.”
Oases do exist, and the best ones are in Oman. This country has been highlighted by experts to be a great destination in the Middle East, Mori said: “It’s absolutely gorgeous, the air is clear, the food is great, and the climate is wonderful. It’s so easy for people to go here, yet Dubai takes all the tourists”. Here travelers will find many desert valleys called wadis, and the best one is Wadi Bani Khalid. It takes a three-hour drive to visit it from Muscat, the capital.
Hike The Kumano Hongu Taisha In Japan
Japan’s southern peninsula offers travelers fascinating ocean views and dense forests. The tranquility and beauty of the hike of the Kumano Kodo attract millions of travelers every year for spiritual experiences at the impressive and ancient network of trails. Mori said: “It’s arduous, and that makes it a strange spiritual experience unlike anything else.”
Eat Delicious Mexican Food In Oaxaca
If you love Mexican culture and food, you must visit Oaxaca! This region has been gaining popularity for its culinary experiences. Oaxaca city has fascinating restaurants where tourists can taste the best moles, quesillo, tacos, and local barbecue. Taseer explained more about what makes this experience so unique, especially at restaurants like Levadura de la Olla: “Besides the food being wonderful, it seemed like a real break from the sort of fine dining you find elsewhere.”
Drive The Pan-American Highway
For a life-changing road trip experience, the experts recommend the Panamerican Highway. This impressive route goes from Argentina to Alaska, around 19,000 miles, crossing 14 countries and only interrupted by the Darién forest between Panama and Colombia. It crosses deserts, forests, colonial cities, and lakes and goes near beaches and volcanoes.
Visit The Atacama Desert In Chile
If you want to feel like you are walking on Mars, you must visit this impressive desert in the north of Chile. Tourists will get to see flamingos near salt lakes, perfectly shaped volcanoes, and the most amazing starry nights. Mori said: “You can have an amazing time looking at stars, and it’s incredibly dry, so the atmosphere is very different. A truly visceral experience.”
The U.S. Department of State is currently recommending against travel to six states in Mexico, giving them a Level Four – Do Not Travel travel advisory.
Seven additional states in Mexico have been given a Level Three – Reconsider Travel warning.
These travel advisories may give Americans pause when considering whether or not to plan a trip to Mexico.
But should Americans actually be concerned about these travel warnings and avoid travel to Mexico?
Here’s what you need to know about the current travel advisories for Mexico:
“Do Not Travel” Advisories for Mexico
It’s important to note that a Level Four – Do Not Travel alert is not a travel restriction. It just means that the U.S. Department of State strongly recommends against travel to a specific destination.
However, Americans are still free to travel to these places.
Currently, the U.S. Department of State suggests avoiding all travel to six Mexican states: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.
While there are certainly areas in each state that Americans would want to avoid, these are places that tourists would not be visiting in the first place.
Applying a broad “Do Not Travel” warning to entire states ignores that there are many places within these states that are very safe and offer lots of tourist value.
For example, although the entire state of Sinaloa is designated as Level Four – Do Not Travel “due to crime and kidnapping” threats, there are a number of places in Sinaloa, like Mazatlán, that are very safe and beautiful.
Similarly, Acapulco and Zihuatanejo in Guerrero, the monarch butterfly reserve in Michoacán, and Colima city in Colima are safe for tourists to visit.
“Reconsider Travel” Advisories For Mexico
Like with Level Four – Do Not Travel alerts, a Level Three – Reconsider Travel alert from the U.S. Department of State is not a restriction but rather a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to certain places.
In Mexico, seven states currently fall under a “Reconsider Travel” alert, including several that are extremely popular with tourists, like Baja California and Guanajuato.
If American travelers were to “reconsider travel” to these places, they might miss the stunning beauty of the colorful city of Guanajuato or the magnificent beaches of Cabo, which was recently ranked as the best destination in Mexico.
Once again, these travel advisories lack nuance and are overly cautious regarding destinations that are completely safe for tourists to visit.
Should Americans Worry About U.S. Travel Alerts For Mexico?
According to Kashlee Kucheran, founder of Travel Off Path and long-time Mexico expat, the answer is no:
“I feel that the U.S. Department of State has unfairly placed a Level Four – Do Not Travel advisory on the entire state of Sinaloa, including the touristic city of Mazatlán, which definitely does not deserve such a harsh warning.
I’ve been living in Mazatlán for four years now, and I personally feel much safer here than I do in the majority of the United States. Crime in general, but especially against tourists, in Mazatlán is almost nonexistent. The people here are extremely polite, welcoming to foreigners, and very interested in a peaceful, happy life.”
While it’s always important to exercise caution and take basic safety precautions while traveling in Mexico or anywhere else in the world, Americans should not be scared off from visiting worthwhile destinations just because of U.S. Department of State travel alerts.
Travel Off Path has always been a source of news and travel information that is written by travelers, for travelers. Travel is in our blood. Between all of our writers and staff, we’ve visited almost every country in the world.
As the new year approaches, travelers are eagerly planning their trips for 2023, and we at Travel Off Path are no exception.
We wanted to do something a bit different in this article, so we asked our staff what the top destination they wish to visit in 2023 is so that we could share it with you.
Many “top destinations” articles across the internet simply report search data from booking platforms or are sponsored lists. For our Top Destinations Of 2023, we wanted to share the most wish-listed destinations of our well-traveled staff.
When the question “What is the destination you most want to visit in 2023” was sent out, we were not surprised to find out that many of us couldn’t pick just one! After all, we are all traveling all the time, so why limit ourselves?
With that in mind, read on to find out the destinations we are dreaming about most for next year!
Kashlee Kucheran, CEO
Mexico
“There are so many cultural and historical experiences beyond the normal resort vacation that travelers need to see for themselves. You could spend 10 years exploring Mexico and not even scratch the surface of what it has to offer. For anyone thinking Mexico is just all-inclusives, I beg you to look closer.”
-Kashlee
Albania
“Albania truly has all the best of what Europe has to offer for a fraction of the price and with a much safer and more welcoming environment. It’s a wonderful gem, mostly unknown to westerners, and one that deserves to be top of your 2023 destination list.”
-Kashlee
Turkey
“Turkey is a sensational country filled with Bucket List experiences. Everything from bustling cities to quiet seaside towns awaits, with amazing food, language, and weather. If you want the seaside, try Izmikr, Kas, and Bodrum. For cities, you can’t go wrong with Istanbul and Ankara.”
-Kashlee
Trevor Kucheran, Director
Mexico
“Mexico is the ultimate destination. It has the landscapes of the entire world, all located in just one country. Mountains, deserts, rivers, jungles, and oceans. One day you could be surfing in Puerto Escondido; the next day, you could be in a cozy snow-covered cabin in Durango.
As far as Tourism is concerned, Mexico is the king. With incredible beachfront cities like Cancun and Cabo, visitors will never be disappointed with their vacations.
For digital nomads and slow travelers, Mexico has dozens of charming and affordable towns and cities with an incredible quality of life brimming with culture. For the last decade, it’s always been my number one choice, and I feel like my love for Mexico is just beginning.”
-Trevor
Tyler Fox, Managing Editor
Having the freedom to work from anywhere comes with serious advantages… and temptations. Temptations like packing it all up and moving to another country! My top destinations for 2023 are all areas I would like to explore more to see if I would like to live there long-term.
Istanbul, Turkey
“Istanbul has always seemed like a fascinating destination, and I can’t wait to see it for myself. One of my favorite things to do while traveling is explore the historical attractions in the area, and Istanbul is filled to the brim with them. The Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern are all musts during my trip.”
-Tyler
Tirana, Albania
“Tirana is a place I would love to check out. Albania’s digital nomad visa is definitely something that I’ve considered, and I’m very curious to see what life would be like in the capital city. Also, Tirana seems like an excellent place to call home base, especially because Americans can stay for up to a year without a visa.”
-Tyler
Mexico
“Whenever we write about Mexico, I want to book the next flight out! I’ve been before, but there is so much more to the country than a resort stay in the Riviera Maya. Cancun, Tulum, Bacalar, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Los Cabos, La Paz… Mexico has so many destinations, and I want to see them all!
The people I’ve met at conferences who are from Mexico were some of the nicest people there, and they are another big reason for me wanting to see more of the country.”
-Tyler
Vinicius Costa – Senior Writer
Sofia, Bulgaria
“Serving as capital to one of Europe’s less visited and most mysterious countries, Sofia is Bulgaria’s financial and cultural center, where communist-era monuments and far more ancient Romanesque ruins are constantly battling for dominance in an incongruent, yet beautiful cityscape. It is also one of the continent’s oldest cities, making it an ideal destination for Historophiles.”
-Vinicius
São Paulo, Brazil
“A largely overlooked metropolitan behemoth, Latin America’s largest city may not be necessarily famous for its collection of historic landmarks, which is understandably limited, but it truly shines as a foodie destination and a diverse, multicultural hub. Here, you will see Japanese, Jew, Arab, Lithuanian, Polish and Italian neighborhoods clumped together, still retaining their ethnic character and cuisine – just to name a few – and perhaps Brazil’s most vibrant nightlife and social scene.”
-Vinicius
Istanbul, Turkey / Turkiye
“One of the most mystical cities on the planet, Istanbul’s greatness knows no borders: it has districts in Europe and Asia, with the former’s imperial Balkan charm often overlapping with the latter’s Anatolian-oriental flair. As Philip Mansel puts it, it is the “city of the world’s desire” with views to be admired for days.”
-Vinicius
Andrea Miliani – Travel Writer
Italy
“Call me a romantic, but Italy has that unique, flirty charm that you won’t find in another country. I am especially interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations I haven’t visited before, like Cinque Terre and Elba Island—where my ancestors are from. That mix of fascinating historical architecture, delicious gastronomy, and stunning landscapes that you find in Italy make it a wonderful travel experience for anyone.”
-Andrea
Albania
“I’m so curious about Albania! This destination became very popular this year, and the videos and photos are truly impressive. The beaches have spectacular turquoise waters, the Albanian Alps seem to have amazing trails, and the museums look very interesting. I want to visit while it’s still affordable and before it gets too popular.”
-Andrea
Laura Taylor – Travel Writer
Yellowstone National Park
“Yellowstone is one of my absolute favorite places in the world – with the rainbows, bubbling hot springs, herds of bison roaming free, and seemingly endless expanses of wilderness, it’s always felt magical to me. There are also so many things to do and see there (and in the border communities, like catching a movie at the IMAX theatre over in West Yellowstone!), I feel like it never gets old.”
-Laura
Megan Gibbons – Travel Writer
Georgia
“Over the past year, I have volunteered with a group that helps asylum seekers and refugees in my community. Through this work, I have gotten to know so many kind, brave, and resilient families from all over the world and have been exposed to cultures I didn’t know much about before. So my top choice of places I’d like to visit in 2023 is inspired by an amazing group of women who have shown me the beauty of their culture – the country of Georgia. Georgia is my top pick for three specific reasons: the people, the land, and the food (my favorite reason for travel).
The Georgian families I have come to know are so kind and hospitable that I’d imagine traveling to their country would be a very welcoming experience. When we talk about Georgia, they all light up and excitedly explain how beautiful of a country it is, and the photos I’ve seen are stunning. And finally, after a few very special home-cooked Georgian meals, I have come to the conclusion that Georgian food should be as popular and well-known as Italian food. It is absolutely delicious and truly unique. I look forward to eating my way through Georgia in 2023.”
-Megan
Nicolin Collingridge – Travel Writer
El Salvador
“With waves from a surfer’s dream, epic volcanoes to climb, and a fascinating history to absorb, this country often gets overlooked compared to the larger countries in Central America (which means fewer tourist crowds). Every person I’ve spoken to has only sung this country’s praises, so I can’t wait to see what everyone is talking about in 2023.”
-Nicolin
Dale Peterson – Travel Writer
Nicaragua
“Nicaragua is a diverse country with many adventurous things to do. Great beaches for surfing, outdoor activities like volcano hikes and volcano boarding, and exploring colonial cities like León and Granada are reasons I’m hoping to visit Nicaragua in 2023.”
Deciding where to travel for your next trip is already overwhelming. With endless countries to choose from and guides listing hundreds of top destinations to check out, how do you narrow it down? Expedia delved into a chunk of its data on upcoming travel trends and was able to spot one global mindset in common… Travelers are turning to TV Shows to get their travel inspiration.
Dubbed the “set effect,” 39% of global travelers have booked a trip to places featured in a popular TV show or movie, while two-thirds have considered it. Advice from family and friends topped streaming services, but only by 2%.
Can you guess what shows are sending everyone traveling? We’ve chosen the most popular shows based on the trending TV destinations shared by Expedia but let us know any others you think in the comments.
New Zealand
It’s hard to picture any other place in the world that could mimic the fantasy world of Tolkien’s fictional Middle-Earth. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power debuted on Prime Video on September 1 this year, and it’s bound to reignite the tourism curiosity that The Hobbit trilogy sparked.
Tourism New Zealand has claimed that New Zealand has been the most successful country to benefit from movie tourism in a decade. Tourism New Zealand says nearly one in five visitors still cite the Lord of the Rings trilogy as the reason they travel to New Zealand, even two decades after the first film was released.
Most of the filming took place in over 150 natural locations across sweeping landscapes near towns, rivers, national parks, and mountains in both the North and South islands. The most popular scenes include Tongariro National Park, which was the main setting for the land of Mordor.
You can climb Mount Doom, otherwise known as Mount Ngauruhoe, in a five to six-hour return hike. There is also a Hobbiton Movie set tour, which has been recreated in one of the original filming locations near the town of Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island.
There’s one TV show that has reinvigorated people’s love affair with the Royal Family, and that’s Netflix’s The Crown. For those preferring more of a Jane Austen-romantic vibe, Bridgerton also captivated audiences with its bright and cheery sets.
With 3000 English estates and many of these being turned into tourist attractions, visitors can either expand their historical knowledge of aristocratic families or hope to meet a modern-day Lord. Stately homes have become a popular attraction for Great Britain and are usually very grand, with elaborate architecture and stunning landscaped gardens.
Meanwhile, Harry Potter continues to bring fans to popular TV locations, even a decade on. Just recently, the National Trust Pembrokeshire in Wales came out with a statement to ask Potterheads to stop leaving items such as socks and other trinkets at the fictional grave site of Dobby at Freshwater West Beach. Fans still travel to this beach 12 years on, leaving behind items such as socks to pay tribute to Dobby becoming a “free elf,” but these items started to pose a risk to the wildlife since they can enter the marine environment.
Hawaii
HBO’s The White Lotus won multiple Emmys, and although you may not want to live out the same experience as the plot, you can’t help having resort envy for its filming location in Hawaii. Filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, this luxury resort isn’t for the budget-minded since rooms start at around $1,000 per night. Situated along the stunning Wailea coastline, this resort is one of five hotels within the town and features world-class oceanfront views, lavish service, and incredible amenities with three pools, a spa, and dining under the stars, minus the questionable hotel managers.
Wailea is known for its five crescent-shaped beaches, which offer excellent snorkeling and sunsets, and its luxurious resort community spans 1,500 acres of land. The town also features three pristine 18-hole golf courses, but tourism in Hawaii has come under scrutiny in recent times due to its water scarcity and imbalanced allocation of water restrictions between locals and resorts.
Paris
Paris doesn’t need a TV show or movie to inspire new visitors, but a romantic comedy television series with flawless fashion and glamorized Parisian experiences come as a free tourism campaign for the city of lights. Emily in Paris follows an upbeat Chicago marketing executive who gets transferred to a French agency, where the city plays the central character.
The show takes viewers on a tour around the city from locations with the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower to cobble-stoned streets and Beaux-arts bridges like Pont Alexandre III. Special highlights include the rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, where Emily’s apartment, her frequented bakery, and her love interest’s restaurant are all within close distance, the grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg, the legendary opera house Palais Garnier, and Paris’ oldest and most iconic restaurant, Le Grand Véfour.
New York
New York ranks second as the most popular city for filming and also boasts Central Park as the most-filmed location in the world, which has been featured in over 500 movie credits. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly one TV show or movie that drives the most crowds, but you can’t go past the highly anticipated Sex and the City reboot, which aired back in December 2021 and continues to feature the city as a main character and Carrie Bradshaw’s best friend.
From Carrie’s apartment steps in the Upper West Side to the shopping streets of SoHo, ladies’ brunches at trendy restaurants like the East Pole restaurant, and trips to the Whitney Museum, this ten-episode series takes viewers on a tour around the city featuring the most delicious eateries, quintessential streets, and night spots. If the city wasn’t magical enough, it dazzles even further ahead of Christmas time.
Over the past year, the world has finally opened up again, and travelers have been eager to get back out there. Now that travel is back, many people have been hopping on flights like it’s 2019 again without a care in the world.
But just because most countries are fully open again without COVID-related hoops to jump through doesn’t mean there aren’t still things you need to double-check before you travel.
Below are five important things that, if not checked beforehand, could result in travelers being denied entry into a country and sent back home on the next flight out.
1. Entry Requirements
More than 130 countries have removed all entry requirements and are fully back to pre-pandemic entry rules, but a few destinations still have some requirements in place.
Some destinations still ban unvaccinated travelers from entering the country. Other countries may require a negative COVID test for unvaccinated and vaccinated travelers, while some places still have widely-followed mask mandates and other internal restrictions in place.
Although most countries are now restriction-free, it’s still important to research your destination before your trip to make sure you won’t be scrambling to get a COVID test or face irritating travel restrictions.
2. Visa Requirements
If you have a U.S. or Canadian passport, visas are not always top of mind, as you are lucky enough to get access to over 180 countries visa-free or with a simple visa on arrival.
However, there are still some nations that require travelers, even those with strong passports, to obtain a visa before reaching the border.
For example, Americans need advance visas for several popular tourist destinations, including Australia, Egypt, and Vietnam. While most of these countries have straightforward online application processes, this is something important to check in advance.
During the pandemic, many travelers purchased travel insurance because they were fearful of having massive trip interruptions, cancellations, or becoming ill while traveling.
But as the world opened up, people stopped covering their trips.
While the chaos of 2020 and 2021 is in the rearview mirror now, every traveler should still be purchasing travel insurance to protect their trips from a myriad of unexpected non-pandemic-related issues.
Travel insurance covers injury and illness, lost luggage, trip cancellations, flight delays, and much more.
4. Onward Ticket
Some countries require you to show proof that you will, in fact, be leaving and not staying forever. If you’ve booked a simple round-trip itinerary, then showing proof of onward travel is easy. You can just show your round-trip plane ticket at immigration and be good to go.
But not everyone books a round-trip itinerary. If you’ll be departing out of a different country than the one you’re entering, be sure you can show proof of your one-way flight to the other country, train booking, bus ticket, or another form of transportation.
For backpackers who may not have yet planned out the next leg of their trip, a common workaround to this onward travel requirement is booking a fully refundable ticket and then cancelling it.
5. Passport Expiry Date
Did you know some countries won’t let you in if your passport is getting close to its expiration date? Dozens of countries have passport expiry rules, with many of them requiring that your passport is valid for at least 6 more months in order to enter the country. Other countries have a 3-month or 4-month requirement.
So if your passport is expiring any time soon, it’s worth researching the requirements for the destination you’re visiting in advance. The U.S. government recommends renewing your passport at least nine months in advance, and keep in mind that it can take 6 to 9 weeks to renew your passport.
