Tag: Travel

Do Not Travel To These Destinations In 2023, According To The U.S. State Department
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Planning your vacation for 2023? Many travelers are eagerly planning out their getaways for next year as they plan out how to use their refreshed vacation time. As we head into the end of the year, there are currently over 15 destinations you shouldn’t travel to, at least according to the U.S. State Department.

When planning your 2023 vacations, it may be worth considering the risks if any of your planned destinations are on the U.S. State Department’s Level 4: Do Not Travel list.

One thing we should point out before digging into the countries on the Level 4 list is that this is simply the State Department’s recommendation. Just because a country is on the Level 4 list doesn’t mean that you can’t travel there; it just means that the State Department recommends that you don’t travel there.

The decision whether or not to travel to an area listed should be considered extensively, and each traveler should decide what is best for themselves.

Below, we have listed all the current destinations that are considered Level 4, their reasons for being included on the list, and a few reasons why some travelers still choose to visit.**

**To be clear, we are not saying travelers should ignore the State Department’s advice; we are simply highlighting some of the reasons travelers choose to do so.**

Mexico… Sort Of

It’s no secret that destinations like Cancun, Tulum, and Los Cabos top the lists of American travelers’ favorite destinations. As such, it may alarm travelers to find Mexico on this list. However, the State Department treats Mexico a bit differently than the rest of the countries on its list.

Namely, Mexico is assessed on a state-by-state basis rather than looking at the country as a whole. This makes sense, as Mexico is quite extensive, and safety varies broadly based on location within the country.

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Below are the Mexican states that are on the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 Do Not Travel List. Included with each state is their reasoning for being on the list, as well as exceptions within the state:
- Colima State
  
  Exception: Tourist areas and port areas in Manzanillo
- Guerrero State
  
  Exception: Downtown tourist areas of Taxco
- Michoacan state
  
  Exceptions: Lazaro Cardenas city center and port, Morelia
- Sinaloa state
  
  Exceptions: Mazatlan’s Zona Dorada and historic town center
- Tamaulipas state
- Zacatecas state
  
  Exception: Zacatecas City proper
When looking at the rest of the list of Mexican states, travelers will notice that nearly every state in Mexico is listed at a Level 2: Exercise Increase Caution When Traveling or higher.

However, this should be taken with a grain of salt for travelers heading to Mexico for vacation. Those visiting Mexico to stay at a resort and enjoy a week or two in the sun are extremely unlikely to fall victim to a crime, especially if they plan on sticking to their resort and reputable tourist outings.

Israel… Sort Of

Similar to Mexico, Israel gets a special classification on the State Department’s site. In Israel’s case, there are certain areas that are classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel, while the rest of the country is classified as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The State Department says travelers should not travel to Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict and classifies it as a Level 4 area.

Why Some Still Visit: Many travelers choose to visit Israel for a trip to the Old City of Jerusalem, steeped in history. A visit to Israel is filled with ancient history not found anywhere else in the world.

Afghanistan

The State Department says you should not travel to Afghanistan due to armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. The U.S. embassy closed in August 2021, and the U.S. government is unable to provide help to citizens in the country should they be unjustly detained or worse.

Why Some Still Visit: Historical sites in Bamiyan Valley or Band-e-Amir National Park are popular choices for locals and visitors alike.

Haiti

Sharing half of an island with one of The Dominican Republic, a popular tourist destination, Haiti is considered unsafe for travel by the U.S. State Department. The reasons cited are crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Recently, on October 7^th, 2022, the State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency government employees from the area, as well as family members of U.S. government employees, showing that they consider the country a legitimate risk to employees’ safety.

Why Some Still Visit: Haiti is often visited for many of the same reasons other Caribbean destinations are, including beautiful beaches like Cadras beach, nature escapes like Bassin Bleu falls, and exclusive small islands of the mainland like Amiga Island.

Yemen

Yemen is considered an unsafe destination, and there is an active civil war going on in the country. The U.S. embassy ceased operations in 2015. As such, the U.S. is unable to provide emergency services to citizens in the country. Landmines, kidnapping, armed conflict, health risks, terrorism, and civil unrest are all cited as reasons the State Department recommends travelers avoid going to Yemen.

Why Some Still Visit: Though the country is not recommended for travel, it is still home to an UNESCO world heritage site, The Old City of Sanaa, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Venezuela

Venezuela rarely gets any good press. Additionally, the State Department’s reasoning for putting it on its Level 4 list doesn’t give it a good look either. Terrorism, wrongful detentions, poor health infrastructure, civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping are all cited reasons why travelers are recommended to avoid going to Venezuela.

Why Some Still Visit: Locals to the area and travelers who don’t heed the State Department’s advice enjoy visiting the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls, and El Ávila National Park, accessible from Caracas by cable car.

Syria

Syria is not recommended for travel due to kidnapping, risk of unjust detention, armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest. The U.S. embassy hasn’t operated in the country since 2012. As a result, the U.S. is unable to provide emergency services to citizens in the country.

Why Some Still Visit: Home to ancient ruins, castles, and mosques, Syria is full of history. Like Yemen, it is home to one of the oldest cities in the world, the Old City of Damascus.

Sudan

Sudan is not recommended for travel due to kidnapping, terrorism, armed conflict, crime, and civil unrest.

Why Some Still Visit: Ancient ruins like the Meroe Pyramids or the Gebel Barkal are a popular choice for travelers who choose to go to Sudan, and the country is home to two Marine National Parks, which have extremely diverse habitats.

South Sudan

South Sudan is listed as a Level 4 country due to armed conflict, crime, and kidnapping.

Why Some Still Visit: Nature lovers flock to Boma National park. The popular park is home to one of the largest mammal migrations on the planet.

Somalia

Somalia is a level 4 country due to kidnapping, health issues, crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and piracy.

Why Some Still Visit: Laas Geel, outside Hargeisa, is home to some of the oldest cave paintings in the region. Depictions of cattle with their shepherds adorn the ancient walls.

North Korea

The State Department recommends travelers avoid North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention in the country. The U.S. cannot provide emergency services to its citizens in North Korea because it does not have any diplomatic relations with the country. Tourism in North Korea is extremely strict, and travelers can only see the country on a guided tour. They will only be alone when in their hotel room and when entering the country.

Why Some Still Visit: Most people who travel to North Korea do so out of curiosity more than anything else, hoping to glimpse what life is like in the country.

Libya

Libya is a Level 4 country due to kidnapping, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and armed conflict.

Why Some Still Visit: The country is home to many ancient sites from both the Greek and Roman eras, such as Cyrene, an ancient Greek city, and Leptis Magna, an ancient Roman city. There are also many opportunities for tours in the Sahara Desert.

Iraq

Iraq is on the list for no travel due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to help U.S. citizens.

Why Some Still Visit: Iraq is home to many ancient ruins and buildings and is full of historical sites like the Erbil Citadel and the Ziggurat of UR.

Iran

Iran is a Level 4 country due to kidnapping and the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens.

Why Some Still Visit: This country is home to some truly stunning architecture, like Golestan Palace or Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, both displaying captivating colors and mosaics.

Burma (Myanmar)

Burma is on the list for no travel due to armed conflict, civil unrest, areas with landmines, wrongful detentions, and inadequate healthcare resources.

Why Some Still Visit: The country is home to countless temples, pagodas, and monasteries, and one of the most unique ways to see them is by taking a hot air balloon ride over the city of Bagan.

Russia

The State Department says travelers should avoid travel to Russia due to its “unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces.” They also cite harassment against U.S. citizens, arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights in and out of Russia, terrorism, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist citizens in the country.

Why Some Still Visit: Many travelers head to Russia for its unique architecture. Russia is home to many interesting buildings, but one of the most famous is certainly Saint Basil’s Cathedral.

Mali

Mali is a Level 4 country due to kidnapping, crime, and terrorism.

Why Some Still Visit: The Great Mosque of Djenne, Boucle du Baoule National Park, and Djinguereber Mosquea are all reasons people visit Mali despite its place on the State Department’s list.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is a Level 4 country due to kidnapping, civil unrest, crime, and the Embassy’s limited ability to help citizens in the country.

Why Some Still Visit: Visitors head to the Central African Republic to get a unique glimpse at nature. Visiting the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park, and Les Chutes de Boali provides unique views of natural landscapes and the animals that call them home.

Burkina Faso

The State Department lists Burkina Faso as a Level 4 country due to kidnapping, terrorism, and crime.

Why Some Still Visit: Like the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso is a place for nature lovers. The Reserve de Nazinga, Les Cascades de Banfora, and Mare aux Hippopotamus are all popular areas for viewing wildlife and natural scenery.

Belarus

Belarus is a Level 4 country due to the risk of detention, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and the buildup of Russian military along its border with Ukraine.

Why Some Still Visit: Belarus hasn’t really marketed itself as a tourist destination for most of its existence, and travelers heading here can look at soviet-era buildings, tour Belarussian castles, and visit one of the country’s many lakes.

Ukraine

Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to the ongoing invasion of Russia. However, for those brave enough to visit, the country did launch war tourism opportunities recently.

Why Some Still Visit: Ukraine has a lot of natural beauty to explore, like the largest canyon in Europe, and it is also home to many UNESCO world heritage sites like the wooden churches of the Carpathian region

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November 14, 2022

The Best Black Friday Travel Deals For 2022

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Last Updated 26 mins ago

Travel Off Path has found the best Black Friday deals for 2022, so you don’t have to!

Black Friday brings a host of deals across a variety of areas, and the travel industry is no exception! We will be updating this list daily as we approach Black Friday 2022 to showcase this year’s best Black Friday deals.

Check out our summary table below; for more information about a particular sale, click its sale name.

Name	Sale Details
Turks & Caicos	20% off a stay at Blue Haven Resort or Alexandra Resort in Turks and Caicos
The Opal Collection	Up To 50% off 22 different Opal Collection properties
B Hotels & Resorts	40% off stays in locations like Fort Lauderdale, Lake Buena Vista, and the Florida Keys
Luxury All Inclusives In Mexico	These 4 luxury all Inclusives in Mexico are offering 10% off as well as a range of other benefits like free all-inclusive stays for kids.
Hawaii Getaways	Several Hawaii hotels are offering up to 35% off for Black Friday this year.

Turks & Caicos

The Deal: Guests will receive 20% off their stay at either Blue Haven Resort or Alexandra Resort on the stunning islands of Turks and Caicos.

The Catch: Only valid for trips between May 1, 2023 and December 20, 2023. Minimum stay requirement of 5 nights. Introductory rates are $600/night for Alexandra and $728/night for Blue Haven and are all-inclusive for 2 guests.

Links To Deal: Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven Resort

How To Score The Deal: Must book between midnight in the following window: Midnight November 24th — midnight November 28th, 2022.

Discount Code: No discount code is required, deal automatically applies at checkout.

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The Opal Collection

The Deal: Save up to 50% at 22 different Opal Collection properties, an exclusive collection of luxury resorts and hotels spanning Maine to the Florida Keys.

The Catch: The sale Sale starts at midnight on November 28, 2022 and only lasts 72 hours!

Links To Deal: Opal Collection Offers

Discount Code: No discount code is required, deal automatically applies at checkout.

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B Hotels & Resorts

The Deal: Travelers can enjoy 40% off stays of 2 nights or more at the following properties for stays through June 30th, 2023.

B Ocean Resort – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
B Resort & Spa – Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Banana Bay Resort & Marina – Marthon, Florida

Banana Bay resort — Image Courtesy Of: Banana Bay

The Catch: Travel must be booked between November 14th and November 30th for travel dates through June 30th, 2023.

Links To Deal: Book Here For This Deal

Discount Code: BCYBER

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Luxury All Inclusives In Mexico

The Deal: The following properties are each offering 10% off all-inclusive stays, and each one has some unique offerings included for Black Friday this year.

Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos

Garza Blanca Los Cabos — Image Courtesy Of: TAFER

Deal Details:

10% off all-inclusive stays that are booked from now through 11/22.
Complimentary airport transportation
Free all-inclusive stays for children
Complimentary electric bike tour of Los Cabos’ beaches.
Valid for travel through 12/22/2023
Link To Deal

Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun

Garza Blanca Cancun — Image Courtesy Of: TAFER

Deal Details:

10% off all-inclusive stays that are booked from now through 11/22.
15% off spa treatments from Spa Imagine
Free all-inclusive stays for up to 2 children
Family-friendly water tours and an aqua park are included free of charge.
Valid for travel through 12/22/2023
Link To Deal

Garza Blanca Preserve Puerto Vallarta

Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta — Image Courtesy Of: TAFER

Deal Details:

10% off all-inclusive stays that are booked from now through 11/22.
Free all-inclusive stays for children
Complimentary kayak tours and movies under the stars.
Valid for travel through 12/22/2023
Link To Deal

Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta

Deal Details:

10% off all-inclusive stays that are booked from now through 11/28.
Complimentary bird-watching tours
Complimentary oceanfront water paddle yoga
Valid for travel through 1/3/2024
Link To Deal

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Hawaii Getaways

The Deal: Several Hawaiian hotels are offering up to 30% off for your next Hawaiian getaway. Each property and its corresponding deal and requirements are listed below.

Alohilani Resort | Waikiki, Oahu

Deal Details:

35% off stays that are booked from now between 11/21 and 12/2 valid for stays between 12/1/22 and 6/30/23.
Late checkout included
Complimentary beach activity rentals, including surfboards, umbrellas, and snorkels.
No minimum stay required
Link To Deal

Twin Fin | Waikiki, Oahu

Waikiki Hotel Hawaii — Image Courtesy Of: Twin Fin

Deal Details:

30% off stays that are booked from now between 11/21 and 12/2 valid for stays between 12/1/22 and 6/30/23.
Link To Deal

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows | Lahaina, Maui

Deal Details:

30% off stays that are booked from now between 11/21 and 12/2 valid for stays between 12/1/22 and 5/31/23.
Link To Deal
Discount Code: BLKFRI22

Back To Table

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November 14, 2022

Here’s Why Travel Experts Say Don’t Book Flights On Your Mobile Phone

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The cost of travel has skyrocketed this year. After two years of a confusing pandemic, the rise in travel demand and low availability of staff resulted in inflated airfares across the board, but as travel experts have noted, those who are booking flights on their mobile phones are being hit the hardest, being more susceptible to paying more.

This is a particularly worrying statement, seeing that in the current climate, up to 48% of adults aged 20-40 in the United States shop on their phones – a far higher number than the global average of 34%. The data, obtained from a survey of 3,250 American customers carried out by Klarna, is precisely what has analysts concerned:

The Hidden Dangers Of Drip Pricing When Shopping For Flights

Drip pricing is a term employed in the industry to refer to the infamous add-on fees on flights. While a much cheaper ticket fare is usually displayed on the initial page, this is generally a ‘starting price’, or merely the seat itself: hold luggage, in-flight entertainment, meals and seat selection all come at an additional, and usually crippling, price.

During the purchasing process, as the customer proceeds in ticking boxes, adding their travel essentials or customizing their trip, the cost begins increasing dramatically. In fact, adding luggage on some flights can be more expensive than a standard Economy seat. Interestingly, heavy phone usage may be a contributing factor to the overcharging of some.

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Pymnts.com, a website dedicated to analyzing the role of payments in new tech, the majority of travel service purchases were made on a mobile device in February 2022. As proved by Pymnts.com, more than half (51.4%) of travel purchases in the U.S. were made on mobile in February of this year.

The data comprises the month of February alone, but we’re guessing the trend hasn’t reversed based on the record-breaking profits some airlines are reporting, and the role of mobiles. As early as 2021, a study conducted by Marketing Science confirmed shoppers are induced to make ‘suboptimal’ choices in ‘drip-pricing situations’.

Travelers Are Less Likely To Compare Flight Prices In Drip-Pricing Situations

They observed travelers usually compare initial prices between competing carriers as opposed to the final price, which is higher most of the time. Regarding this phenomenon, Shelle Santana, a co-author in the study and Assistant Professor of Marketing at Bentley University, stated companies adopting the ‘drip pricing’ strategy usually come out winning.

‘The initial price is almost always lower than a competitor’s all-in price‘, Santana was quoted saying, alluding to the never-ending battle between low-cost, drip-priced airlines and other full service ones: ‘But once they start to add on amenities such as a checked bag, seat options, etc., that different in price (across firms) diminishes and sometimes reverses.’

As Santana puts it, shopping on the phone influences customers to accept whatever extra charge has been applied to the original product, as re-starting the entire process, a decision that usually entails losing all information provided, or opening up a new tab to find cheaper options, is perceived as time-consuming and a bigger hassle (in a small screen).

Booking flights can take several long minutes, as you add your name, personal information, passport details and make selections, so giving up halfway through over the cost of ‘add-ons’, under the notion there is no way to circumvent them, and that full-service airlines are always the costlier pick, is discouraging for many.

Customers End Up Paying More Finalizing Purchases On Their Mobiles

The researchers were surprised to learn that, even after the final price had risen, customers buying tickets on their phones were extremely ‘unwilling’ to compare different providers: ‘consumers perceive high search costs associated with starting their decision process over, and they think they will save less money than they actually will’, added Santana.

Just think for a sec: how many times have you switched between apps when booking a trip? There is the airline’s own app to account for, then there’s either Booking.com or AirBnB when it comes to accommodation, the calendar app, where you’ll need to check your own availability, and of course, flight-search tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner, among others.

That is a lot of tabs active on your phone browser simultaneously, and no matter how fast you are with your fingers, the chances of overlooking relevant information, or even forgetting that you had a secondary tab for comparison open in the first place is substantially higher. On larger screens, the decision-making process tends to be more comfortable.

In being comfortable, it may help shoppers think clearly before reaching for their wallets. There is an even earlier study to corroborate this: back in 2018, the Journal of Marketing analyzed customer behavior from more than one million sessions on a shopping website, and their results inform us those who concluded purchases from their phones paid higher fees.

Additionally, the higher conversion rate was far more noticeable with higher-priced products, a category comprising flight tickets. Concluding, Santana advised her fellow travelers to ‘always shop for travel on a desktop’: ‘I like to have several tabs open at once and toggle between them to make sure I understand price differences and drivers across firms‘.

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November 8, 2022
Americans’ 5 Worst Travel Fears And How To Avoid Them
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Travel is fun, scary, exhilarating, freeing, and intimidating all at once. It’s no wonder Americans have a list of commonly held fears when it comes to traveling! In particular, 5 specific fears capture the imaginations of Americans, and we’ve broken them down below.

According to a recent study, the fears below plague the minds of would-be American travelers more than any others. To help alleviate your worries, Travel Off Path has come up with tips to combat each of them. Thus, ensuring your next trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Having To Stay In A Poor Hotel/Accommodation

Travelers From Study Concerned: 62%

We’ve all been there. Planning the perfect vacation requires looking at hundreds of hotels, scouring the reviews for any red flags, and ensuring it fits the trip budget. It’s high stakes when searching for accommodations because none of us want to spend a large sum of money on a sub-par stay.

However, there are ways to avoid the gloom of poor accommodation. Here are a few tips to make sure your next hotel or vacation rental is a winner:
- Stick With What You Know – Do you have a hotel brand you regularly stay with that has consistently lived up to expectations? If so, it may be a good idea to stick with that brand if you are unsure about comparable accommodations. Also, check reviews on multiple sites to make sure they all match up, like booking.com, hotels.com, etc.
- Ask Around – There is no better resource than the ones you already have. Asking friends and family for their recommendations is a great way to ensure you end up in a good hotel or vacation rental. Friends and family won’t lie to you; if they say it’s a good stay, it probably is.
- Saving Money Isn’t Always Worth It – Don’t always opt for the cheapest hotel; it often won’t be worth it in the end. A few extra dollars in your pocket isn’t always worth the hassle of staying in a place that isn’t up to your standards.
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Getting Separated From Travel Companion

Travelers From Study Concerned: 66%

Have you ever been in an unfamiliar place with a friend or partner and suddenly realized you don’t know where they are? It can be quite a shock and is one of travelers’ most significant worries. Often, your companion hasn’t wandered off too far, but it can still be disconcerting. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to make sure you don’t wind up in this situation.
- Book Together – Even if you are traveling with a friend and want to keep the financial aspects of the trip separate, it can be helpful to book your airline tickets and tours together. This ensures that one of you won’t get bumped from a flight or have their spot in the tour canceled since you booked as a group.
- Stay Away From Basic Economy – Travel Off Path recently listed many reasons why an economy ticket may not be worth it. Here is another one: there is no rule stating that an airline must seat you with others on your booking if you opt for the basic economy fare. You could wind up on opposite sides of the plane, making it easier to lose track of each other in the chaos of customs and immigration.
- Buy A Local Sim Card – Depending on your phone plan, you may not have reliable service when you land. Getting a local sim card with voice and data included will ensure that you and your travel companions can keep in constant contact without relying on spotty phone service.
- Travel With The Right Partner – Traveling is exhilarating, chaotic, and eye-opening. Make sure the person you choose to share the experience with is supportive and reliable and shares your values.
Getting Sick While Abroad

Travelers From Study Concerned: 61%

Every traveler’s worst nightmare is coming down with a severe illness in a foreign country. Not only are you away from the comforts of your own home and those that support you, but you are in an environment that makes it difficult to know your next steps.

Where is the urgent care? Who do you call for the care you need? Is it going to cost you a fortune? Once again, you can take a few steps to ensure that if the worst does happen, you will have a plan and be protected.
- Have Top Notch Travel Insurance – The best travel insurance will come to your rescue in the event of a medical incident abroad. Travel insuran ce can help with so much more than just medical issues, but this is undoubtedly one of the best reasons to make sure you get a good policy before your next trip. Check here for Travel Off Path’s top 5 recommended travel insurance plans.
- You Are What You Eat – When traveling abroad, you must be aware of what you eat and drink. We don’t just mean avoiding street food, either. Your body isn’t used to what the locals eat, so be careful when consuming foods you aren’t used to.
- Get Enough Rest – We know you’re on vacation; you can catch up on sleep when you’re home, right? While that may be the case, your health definitely takes a hit without adequate rest.
Fun Fact: 81% of US tourists have taken the risk of going to a destination without travel insurance. Of those, 71% regret it.

Getting Scammed Or Pickpocketed

Travelers From Study Concerned: 51%

Anyone who has traveled to another country has probably found themselves absentmindedly checking their back pocket or purse to ensure their wallet is right where they left it. An unfortunate fact of being a tourist in a foreign country is that it often paints a target on your back for would-be pickpockets and thieves. Losing your cash and credit cards while abroad would be a severe inconvenience, and many travelers are worried about it, rightfully so. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t fall victim to a scam or pickpocketing:
- Don’t wear your wallet in your back pocket, as this is a common place for pickpockets to look. Similarly, don’t leave your wallet loose in your purse with a large opening for pickpockets to explore.
- Split up your cards, cash, and IDs. Make sure you lock up some extra credit cards and cash in your hotel for safekeeping in case of a pickpocketing incident.
- Be extra aware when walking through crowded areas, especially tourist hotspots, since they are known to be filled with pickpockets.
- Exercise caution when strangers give attention. Be suspicious if someone is capturing your attention and there isn’t an apparent reason why. They are likely trying to distract you while they, or an accomplice, pickpocket you.
Losing Luggage Or Having Luggage Stolen

Travelers From Study Concerned: 59%

We’ve all wondered what we would do if we made it to our final destinations and our checked bags didn’t. Common practice is to pack a bit of what you need for a day or two in your carry-on just in case the checked bag doesn’t make it. While it is best to avoid a checked bag altogether, there are several things you can do to minimize your chances of lost luggage:
- Unique Baggage – Making your luggage different from everyone else’s can help ensure your luggage isn’t confused with someone else’s.
- Smart Tags – Adding things like Apple Air Tags to your baggage can help you keep tabs on your luggage. Then, if it goes missing, you can aid in tracking down your bags.
- Arrive Early – Allowing plenty of time between your arrival at the airport and your plane’s departure time will help ensure there is plenty of time for your checked bag to make it from check-in to the aircraft.
- Make Sure To Change Old Tags – Don’t leave old luggage tags on your bags, as it can confuse baggage handlers and disrupt your bag’s transit.
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November 8, 2022
Top 5 Travel Trends For 2023 And How They Will Change Your Next Trip

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Travel is finally back, and the industry is making a rapid recovery after being forced to shut down due to government restrictions. However, many aspects of the travel landscape have changed over the past few years, with new trends and ways of travel emerging.

These are the top travel trends that will change the way you travel in 2023 and beyond, according to the results of a survey conducted by booking engine Booking.com.

During the pandemic, many people re-evaluated and re-prioritized what’s important to them in life, and that includes travel.

While most of the world was accessible due to government restrictions in 2020 and 2021, this year has finally seen a true resurgence in travel as more countries around the world drop all COVID-related travel restrictions.

Booking.com surveyed more than 24,000 travelers, identifying the following trends for 2023 as travel continues to be reimagined.

1. Off-Grid Travel

It’s no surprise that off-grid experiences are one of the top trends for 2023. Many travelers are ready to disconnect from the constant distraction of their devices and get back to nature.

Nearly 60% of travelers surveyed are looking for vacations that allow them to escape reality and totally unplug. A similar number responded that they are even interested in learning survival skills on their off-grid vacation, like building a fire or foraging for food.

Camping will continue to grow in popularity, along with guided eco-tours and luxury “glamping” experiences.

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2. Cultural Experiences

More travelers than ever are ready to experience new cultures and experiences on their 2023 travels.

Rather than kicking back at an all-inclusive resort, nearly three-quarters of U.S. travelers want to be pushed out of their comfort zone on their next trip, with many saying they want to experience new cultures, food, and languages, and travel to underrated destinations around the world.

Next year will be a great time to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world with burgeoning tourism industries.

3. Nostalgic Travel

Out of 24,000 travelers surveyed, 90% said they are interested in nostalgic getaways, making this one of the top travel trends of 2023.

What does nostalgic travel look like? More than 60% of travelers are interested in visiting theme parks like Disney World, whose rapidly growing demographic of adult fans love visiting the parks of their childhood memories (or starting a new tradition as adults.)

More than half of travelers are also interested in “family reunion” trips and multi-generational trips, which is no surprise given the importance of spending time with family after many were kept apart for so long.

4. Wellness Retreats

Wellness travel is a niche within the industry that is experiencing explosive growth.

Nearly half of travelers are interested in getaways that focus on mindfulness and meditation next year, while others are interested in retreats that focus on health or spirituality.

Wellness getaways that are restorative for the mind, body, and spirit are one of the biggest trends for 2023 and beyond. Rather than coming back from a vacation feeling worn out and exhausted from trying to do as much as possible, wellness getaways allow you to come home feeling refreshed.

5. Bucket List Trips

Finally, travelers are prepared to splurge on their bucket list trips in 2023. Many people have realized that life is too short to put off those dream destinations for “someday” and are ready to make their travel dreams a reality now.

Close to half of travelers admitted they are willing to spend more to maximize their vacation and make sure every experience is worth it.

But they’re going about it in a budget-savvy way: Two-thirds of travelers said they will focus on travel hacking, deals, and timing to get the most bang for their buck, while even more said that budget is an important consideration when planning travel.

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November 4, 2022
Find The Best Place To Stay With This Viral TikTok Travel Hack

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Want to find the perfect place to stay on your next trip? Try this useful TikTok hack recommended by a travel expert!

TikTok user Jessica Tsoi created a viral video sharing her unique strategy for planning your next trip.

The popular video platform has had a large impact on the travel industry. Users share videos on travel hacks for everything, from saving money on airline fees to the best way to choose a destination for your next trip.

TikTok has also helped certain destinations skyrocket in popularity after being showcased on the app. It’s a great resource for travel planning and finding inspiration for your next trip.

And in the case of Tsoi’s video, it will help you find the perfect place to stay on your trip.

What’s The Viral TikTok Hack?

Normally, travelers decide on a destination, book a hotel or Airbnb, and then start planning an itinerary of attractions, sights, and restaurants.

However, the problem with this is that the accommodation they booked may not actually be close to any of the things they want to do. Just because a hotel is top-rated or claims to be in a good location, it doesn’t actually mean it’s close to most of the traveler’s interests.

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In her video, Tsoi recommends reverse-engineering your trip instead.

“It has come to my attention that not everyone plans a trip this way. And ever since I started doing this, I can’t look back,” says Tsoi, a frequent traveler who shares travel vlogs on her TikTok account.

Rather than booking a place to stay first, Tsoi suggests using Google My Maps to build out your itinerary first.

@jessicawantsanap The best (practical) way to plan a trip! #planningatrip #tripplanning #travel #traveltiktok #travelplanner #travelplanning #hotels #airbnb #googlemaps #googlemymaps #maps #wheretostay #travellife #realistic #realtalk #practical #practicalplanner #20s #twenties #mid20s #midtwenties #sf #bayarea #tips #advice #advicetiktok ♬ I Ain’t Worried – OneRepublic

This free tool from Google allows you to create your own custom map and drop a pin on locations you want to visit.

Tsoi even suggests going a step further by grouping your pins together and color-coding them based on attractions you want to visit, restaurants you want to try, and transportation options you will use.

Once you’ve done this, you can save your custom map and narrow down the best location to stay based on where the most pins are clustered on your map.

Tsoi also recommends doing a Google search for the best areas to stay in the destination you’re visiting and comparing that to your own map.

Then you can go to a hotel booking engine like Expedia or Hotels.com and zoom in to a particular area, filtering your search results to only show hotels within that zone.

You will see all the hotels available for your target area on your specific dates, and you can further filter by star rating, review score, price, amenities, and more.

What’s The Benefit Of Following This Trick?

Planning your trip this way has several benefits.

First, it allows you to find a place to stay in an area that’s actually close to the things you want to do so you can avoid having to pay for taxis, take a long public transportation journey, or walk for miles just to reach the places you want to go every day.

It also helps you avoid overpaying for a hotel that claims to be in a great location but may not actually be centrally located. It also lets you avoid booking a hotel just based on brand name and not your actual convenience.

Plotting out your itinerary using Google Maps also helps you familiarize yourself with your destination before you go, making things easier and faster once you arrive.

By following this easy TikTok travel hack, you can make planning your next trip a breeze and find the perfect place to stay based on your own custom itinerary.

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November 1, 2022
Americans Still Flocking To Mexico Despite U.S. Travel Advisories

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Not even the gloomy travel advisories issued by the United States authorities have been able to slow down what’s been an incredible recovery journey for Mexico’s tourism sector. In spite of reports of violence and gang activity across major tourist destinations like Cancun, Americans keep flocking into the country in record numbers.

And it’s time we understood why this keeps happening.

For years on end, Mexico has incessantly battled organized crime, particularly in states like Colima and Guerrero, where clashes between the police force and gangs have been known to occur. These drug cartels have long been a concern of the Mexican Government, and the never-ending war on drugs played into the stereotype that Mexico was ‘unsafe’ to travel to.

Past tense. That may be no longer, as more Americans come to realize things are not nearly as bad as the media usually portrays it:

How Unsafe Is Mexico In Reality?

Throughout this year, we have been extensively covering U.S. travel advisories for Mexico and what they mean for tourists. Whether it’s your usual Riviera Maya hubs, such as the aforementioned Cancun and Tulum, or off-path locations like San Miguel de Allende, we have kept track of all safety concerns and developments on the tourism front.

If you have been following our Mexico coverage closely, you might have picked up on a noteworthy trend lately: no matter how many discouraging travel warnings the U.S. Department of State issues – and trust us, there have been quite a few – a majority of Americans are not at all fazed. In fact, they are expected to head to the Mexican Caribbean en masse this winter.

As far back as 2019, we have worked tirelessly to deconstruct the idea that Mexico is unsafe and that, perhaps, crime levels are comparable to those of the United States. Yes, there can be the occasional shooting, and absolutely, gang activity is a recurring problem, but then again, this is the case in any large metropolitan area.

It is surely not exclusive to Mexico City or Cancun: one could argue a quick glance at Chicago’s latest gun violence figures should be enough for foreign entities to class the Illinois city a no-go zone. Why, then, is Mexico the only one getting all the bad press and scrutiny, especially when incidents take place randomly and affect a negligible number of tourists?

Kidnapping Alert Based On A Single Kidnapping Case

For example, the U.S. Department of State has added ‘kidnapping’ risks to their Quintana Roo advisory, when the state has only reported a single kidnapping case since the year started. While no such occurrence should be taken lightly, and we do acknowledge tourists can sporadically be a target, this is hardly common enough to warrant an official warning.

Previously, anti-kidnapping organization Alto al Secuestro wrongfully claimed Cancun’s was 0.302 per 100,000 inhabitants – again, wrongfully, so even those figures had been exacerbated. To draw a comparison with a fellow sunny destination, the Miami-Dane county kidnapping rate is 0.36 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.

The only difference between Miami and Cancun? One of them sits on the southern side of the border.

Being aware of this issue, the Mexican Government went as far as asking the U.S. to stop featuring tourist spots in travel advisories without a strict set of criteria, though with each passing month, the States authorities’ relevance as a source of information for U.S. citizens going abroad wanes critically. The proof is in the numbers:

As the Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco confirms, the travel alerts ‘have not affected the arrival of foreigners at the moment‘. During a promotional trip to Canada, where he presented Mexico’s brand new tourist offer, the ‘magical’ colonial towns, and the upcoming Tren Maya, Mr. Torruco spoke candidly about his expectations for the sector moving forward.

Mexico Tourism Is Booming In Spite Of Gloomy Advisories

He expressly stated Mexican tourism is in ‘full recovery’, and that by year’s end, it should welcome 42.3 million visitors, only 6% fewer than the record year of 2019. ‘For now, the issue of travel alerts from the United States so far is not affecting tourism in Mexico, which is why international tourism continues to increase‘, Mr. Torruco added.

From January to August 2022, 13,757,000 million tourists landed in Mexico, 64.7% more than the same period in the previous calendar year. Out of those, the United States continues to be Mexico’s most important market by a large margin: out of nearly 14 million arrivals, 8,925,000 of those were Americans (Canadians and Colombians round up the top three).

Referring to security specifically, which continues to be a prime concern for visitors, largely due to the constant influx of negative news concerning Mexico, Torruco declares these have been ‘throwing up’ a series of problems that have already been ‘overcome’. From our understanding of this statement, the Secretary may be referring to the unjust classification of Mexico as unsafe.

‘The National Guard was created’, continued Mr. Torruco, ‘with special training, with more sophisticated equipment, and we are already beginning to see a downward trend in many of the crimes.‘ Indeed, security has been tightened across all major tourist locations, and of course Cancun, where the sight of beach patrols has become more common.

No Country Takes Tourist Safety More Seriously Than Mexico

Travel Off Path has published an entire article detailing five ways in which Mexico has improved the tourist experience for Americans visiting, and that includes deploying more police to keep cities risk-free and tackling taxi scams. Tourists really needn’t worry: Mexico is on top of things, or as the Secretary puts it himself, they are ‘on the right track’.

The U.S. Department of State is a respected branch of the American Government, and one of its aims is to inform American citizens about the risks of traveling to certain places to the best of their abilities. This does not mean their methodology regarding risk assessment is always up to date or that it always accurately reflects the situation on the ground.

After all, they did include ‘kidnapping’ as a specific risk for those traveling to the Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located, when only one case has been documented so far in 2022. When in doubt, remember most visits to Mexico are trouble-free and that Mexico itself currently has a zero-tolerance approach to crime.

They are America’s favorite travel destination, after all, and it’s surely in their best interest to keep it that way.

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October 14, 2022
The Netherlands Drops All Entry Requirements And Travel Restrictions
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Effective September 17^th, 2022, the Dutch Government has made the decision to get rid of all Covid-19 travel restrictions and requirements. This decision applies to all travelers, including those traveling into the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area. The Netherlands kept their Covid protocols for travelers in place much longer than the majority of European countries. However, as of September 17^th, the country has officially taken its name off the list of the last European countries that still have entry requirements.

Currently, Spain is the last major European country with entry requirements still in place. As other long-time holdouts like the Netherlands drop their final remaining protocols, perhaps Spain will soon follow.

Who Is Most Affected? What Does This Mean For Travelers?

Until recently, the Netherlands had a complete ban on unvaccinated travelers from countries like America or Canada. As a result, this decision directly affects unvaccinated travelers from both countries. Before this decision, Americans and Canadians had to be fully vaccinated in order to visit the Netherlands. Visitors from EU/Schengen countries were allowed to enter the Netherlands without restrictions. Still, the country did not let up on protocols for any other travelers.

September 17^th’s decision means that unvaccinated travelers from all countries, including Americans and Canadians, will be able to enter the Netherlands without proof of vaccination or evidence of a negative Covid test. The country does not have any mask requirements in place, and all venues are open and operating normally. Traveling to the Netherlands now will offer an experience much like before the pandemic turned the world upside down.

Travel Chaos, Know Before You Go

This news will likely pique travelers’ interest, and some may be ready to book their next ticket out. Most travelers who visit the Netherlands go to the nation’s capital, Amsterdam. Indeed, the city was ranked as the 26^th most popular city in the world in 2019 when it welcomed 8.84 million tourists. Many people wanted to visit Amsterdam this summer even when the vaccine requirement was still in place. Unfortunately, the city’s airport was woefully underprepared. As a result, Amsterdam was the European capital of travel chaos this summer.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport had a rough summer, and it doesn’t look like it will get much better for travelers interested in visiting this fall. The airport announced on Friday, September 16^th, that it would reduce daily passenger counts by 18% through the end of October due to its labor shortage. The airport is one of the busiest in the world and is a significant transfer hub for many major airlines. However, the country recently made the decision to cut flights by almost 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels in an effort to combat climate change and get away from its “transfer hub” reputation.

An Odd Decision

Amsterdam is a city filled with beautiful canals, 16^th-century architecture, and of course – bikes. There are plenty of different things to do. Still, for many, the first thought after hearing about Amsterdam is of Marijuana. Famed for its lax rules regarding cannabis consumption well before most other countries in the world, Amsterdam has long been regarded as a haven for cannabis enthusiasts. Indeed, as much as 30% of all tourists that visit Amsterdam visit one of its coffee shops with the sole intention of purchasing cannabis, and it’s big business for the area.

That is why a recent push by the city’s Mayor may come as a surprise. The Mayor, Femke Halsema, intends to make cannabis purchases in the city a residents-only privilege. The plan has yet to be implemented. Still, travelers visiting with cannabis as one of their main reasons should keep an eye on the news to ensure they remain unaffected. This isn’t a set-in-stone change but is something being seriously considered – making it worth keeping tabs on.

Getting There

American travelers interested in visiting Amsterdam can fly direct from 20 U.S. cities, while Canadians can fly direct from 5. Travelers from both countries should be weary when flying back, as Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has had extremely long lines this summer. Go to the airport much earlier than you would have in the past, and try to avoid checking a bag if possible.

Travelers flying to Amsterdam from Canada should be extra careful if they fly out of Toronto Pearson or Montreal Trudeau airports. Both were recently ranked as the first and second worst airports in the world for flight delays.

U.S. Cities That Fly Non-Stop To Amsterdam
- Boston (BOS)
- New York (EWR)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- New York City (JFK)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Washington (IAD)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Miami (MIA)
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Austin (AUS)
- Houston (IAH)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Portland (PDX)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
Canadian Cities That Fly Non-Stop To Amsterdam
- Montreal (YUL)
- Toronto (YYZ)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Edmonton (YEG)
- Vancouver (YVR)
This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 18, 2022
These Are The Countries In Latin America With No Travel Restrictions This Fall
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It may seem as if the world has already moved on from Covid at this point, but in reality, some of the most popular destinations continue enacting entry rules and delaying the resumption of normal tourism. As we have detailed before, on our side of the pond, the list can be quite extensive, especially if you’re looking to explore Latin America heading into the fall. Luckily, there are countries in the region that have scrapped all Covid rules already and are eager to host Americans again.

On this article, you will find out which ones exactly.

Latin America has been abandoning its harsh anti-Covid policies this year after struggling with repeated viral surges for two and a half years, becoming at one point the world’s hotspot for infections. In fact, there was zero coordination throughout most of the crisis, with countries like Brazil and Colombia remaining relatively open for tourism while others like Chile and Argentina shut down borders completely.

Fortunately, the situation is changing, albeit slowly, and there is a clear reopening trend being observed now that Covid has subsided:

Americans Can Travel Requirement-Free To These Latin American Countries

Latin America is a personal favorite among Americans going abroad. Whether it’s the crystal clear beaches of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, on its northernmost edge, or Argentina’s deep south, where our civilization meets the vast wilderness of the Antarctica continent, this geopolitical region is full of both natural and man-made wonders.

It is also struggling to fully resume tourist now that Covid and its offspring have been largely contained. A majority of countries belonging to the group are yet to reinstate their pre-pandemic normality, in stark contrast with Europe, where only three destinations continue enforcing border rules (including the Netherlands, where unvaccinated Americans are banning from entering).

In spite of relying heavily on tourist dollars, Latin American nations have opted for a tougher approach, with Brazil only recently opening up to non-immunized travelers, though they are still required to get tested ahead of flying. Similarly, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras all follow the ‘vaccine or test’ model.

Generally, Americans must produce a valid vaccination certificate, in most cases with a WHO-backed vaccine, or alternatively, when unvaccinated, be able to present a negative Covid test issued up to a day, 48 or 72 hours (depending on the rules at their destination) when crossing the border. Considering how far we’ve come regarding Covid, it sounds pretty obsolete, right?

But it is the truth: most of Latin America has not returned to their pre-2020 state of normality. On the other hand, these select few Latin American countries below have been welcoming Americans irrespective of vaccination status:
1. Argentina
2. Cuba
3. Costa Rica
4. Dominican Republic
5. El Salvador
6. Overseas territories of France in the Americas: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)*
7. Panama
8. Guatemala
9. Mexico
*French Guiana is an integral part of France, but it is included on this list seeing that it is located in the American continent and it is a territory where a Latin language (in this case, French) is spoken.

The list includes restriction-free destinations in all of the Americas, be it North, Central, South, or insular nations, as long as a Latin language is spoken.

Less Than 10 Latin American Countries Have Reopened Fully

We define as Latin American all those countries where a language originating from Latin, such as the widely-spoken Spanish, Portuguese or French, are official languages. This definition is merely based on Language, hence, it does not include nations where English, Dutch, or any Western Germanic and thus non-Latin languages are spoken, even when they are located geographically in Central or South America (ex. Suriname).

As can bee seen above, only nine nations and/or regions in Latin America have lifted all of their Covid curbs, including the French Guiana, an overseas territory of France bordering Brazil. In all six, Americans are no longer required to present any health-related documentation, nor experience bureaucratic hurdles when traveling.

In sum, U.S. citizens visiting Argentina, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, any and all French territories in the Americas (or Metropolitan France over in Europe), Panama, Guatemala and Mexico are not subject to:
- Vaccine requirements
- Mandatory entry forms
- Pre-departure tests
- Post-arrival tests
- Post-arrival quarantine
If you’re a Latin America enthusiast and have opted not to get the shot, or you’re simply looking to avoid Covid mandates altogether even if you’re immunized, then these are the best picks. Additionally, Americans have unrestricted entry to Spanish-speaking Puerto Rico, which may not have lifted all Covid curbs, reflecting the mainland U.S., but has axed all Covid regulations affecting incoming U.S. tourists prior to departure.

Of course, Puerto Rico isn’t available as a fully open destination for non-American citizens, as they must observe entry rules for the United States as a whole. Up until now, the Americas’ number one economy has refused to announce an official reopening date, and has maintained a vaccine requirement in place, applying to all foreigners.

What Are The Best Latin American Destinations For Travel This Fall?
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Argentina
Some of the top destinations to visit in restriction-free Latin America include Costa Rica, where several natural landmarks can be found, including tropical forests, volcanoes, picturesque lakes and waterfalls; of course, Mexico remains a trendy vacay for Americans going south of the border this year.

Guanajuato, one of its colonial cities, has just been named ‘the most beautiful‘ in the entire country, at the same time that the charming, equally-historical San Miguel de Allende experiences a surge in bookings. This proves Mexico continues to be at the top of its game when it comes to tourism reinvention, as it looks to diversify its offer amid the tropical storm warnings issued for the coasts.

Lastly, there is Argentina, the only country in South America that welcomes Americans without Covid entry requirements. The home of tango, History icons like Evita, stunning cities like Buenos Aires and Mendoza, and guarding the gateway to the world’s edge, namely the frosty Ushuaia, it can be an incredible fall destination.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Argentina Wants To Become Digital Nomad’s Top Destination in Latin America

Top Destinations In The World Depending On How Old You Are

Travelers Are Still Required To Pay Tourist Tax When Visiting Cancun

The 8 Most Challenging Things About Traveling In South America

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 17, 2022
This Is The Safest Country To Travel In Latin America
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Safety remains a primary concern for Americans traveling in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in places where neither local customs, nor the language feel familiar and scamming culture is widespread. However, there is one country where risks aren’t as high, and that has been deemed the safest to travel in Latin America.

The geopolitical group remains a major tourist destination as a whole: whether it’s a beach getaway closer to home in Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, or a prolonged city break in the Wonderful City of Rio, in Brazil, Latin America is full of wonders and beautiful off path places ready to be discovered.

On the downside, those visiting these countries are usually advised to be more ‘cautious’ as crime rates are usually high.

What Are Some Of The World’s Safest Destinations?

This year’s edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) ranked 163 independent countries and territories based on their ‘level of peacefulness’. The study makes use of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from ‘highly respected sources’ and takes into account three main ‘domains’ in measuring peace:
- The level of ‘Societal Safety and Security’
- The extent of any ‘Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict’
- The degree of Militarization
These factors contribute directly to the perception of tourism safety – when locals themselves feel crime levels in their home cities are low, visitors have no reason to worry themselves. As expected, the safest continent with the highest score of safety markers remains Europe, headed by the insular nation of Iceland, the most peaceful in the world.

Iceland is one of the few counties to have secured the nearly unattainable blue badge from the U.S. Department of State, meaning it is placed at the lowest possible Level 1 Travel Advisory. Touring Iceland, Americans should ‘exercise normal precautions’. Other countries in the top ten include New Zealand, in the runner-up slot, Ireland, Denmark and Austria.

Image by IPE Global Peace Index

Conversely, the countries with the lowest scores this year are Afghanistan, having held the title for five consecutive years now, Yemen, Syria, Russia, largely due to its aggressive campaign against neighboring Ukraine, and South Sudan. In sum, the ‘State of Peace’ across different countries has been classified according to the categorization below:
- Very high (Dark green)
- High (Light green)
- Medium (Yellow)
- Low (Orange)
- Very low (Red)
- Not included (Gray)
And The Most Peaceful Latin American Country This Year Is…

Out of 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries, only four achieved at least a ‘light green’ certification, those being Chile, Uruguay, Panama and the highest-peaking Costa Rica. With an overall safety score of 1.732, up 0.017 points from last year’s index, Costa Rica is officially the safest destination within the collective.

In the global ranking, it is the 38th most peaceful country, beating other American competitors like Mexico and even United States by a large margin. To draw a comparison, these North American giants are ranked 129th and 137th, respectively, being assigned an ‘orange’, or ‘low safety’ badge.

The U.S. and Mexico share this sub-optimal status with nations like Brazil, Turkey, Colombia and Israel.

Back to Costa Rica, it sits behind only Canada (12th globally) in the Americas, charting 26 slots lower. In Central America, it is the country where Americans will feel the most secure – this is part of the reason why it has become so popular among young backpackers in recent months, being crowned a regional tourism leader.

This year’s GPI does note there has been a ‘deterioration’ in peacefulness, attributed to an increase in violent demonstration, importation of weapons, rising crime rates and political instability, but Costa Rica maintains a good score both on the Militarization and Ongoing Conflict fronts, faring a lot better than its counterparts in that respect.

What You Should Know Ahead Of Visiting Costa Rica

Currently, there are no Covid entry requirements for Americans traveling to Costa Rica. They are allowed to enter regardless of being vaccinated and no pre-departure testing rule, or post-arrival testing/quarantine applies. It is one of a handful of Latin American countries where these restrictions have been axed for good.

The U.S. Department of State advises Americans to exercise ‘increased caution‘ in Costa Rica, the exact same advice applying to a number of traditionally safe European and North American destinations. The entity specifically lists pickpocketing and theft as ‘common crimes‘, though the vast majority of visits to Costa Rica are completely trouble-free.

The U.K. Home Office, an equivalent to the U.S. Department of State, notes Costa Rica has a ‘low murder rate‘ than its neighbors’, despite being high compared to the United Kingdom. Even then, tourists should maintain the ‘same level of personal security awareness’ as in Britain, where theft of personal items and mugging is also a problem.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Costa Rica Officially Launches New Digital Nomad Visa With Simple Process

New Tourism Route To Launch Between The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Panama

Caribbean Destinations With No Restrictions This Fall & Winter

Top 10 Off The Beaten Path Sun Destinations For U.S. Travelers This Winter

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 12, 2022