More travelers are interested in visiting this fascinating destination that has so much to offer, from fascinating buildings and casinos to amazing landscapes and outdoor activities.
This year’s Las Vegas hotels’ hidden fees are higher than ever. These extra charges —written in fine print— range from $40 to $80 per night and can be excused as “benefits” or “perks” that are usually included in other hotels like internet services or parking spots.
Before booking a room, make sure you understand all fees included or search for hotels without resort fees. The room might look cheaper in comparison to other options on popular platforms like Booking.com, but at the end of the booking process, when these fees are added, it might actually be the most expensive room in the market. Read carefully!
Consider Weather
The extreme summer heat has been extending to September, just a couple of days ago, Las Vegas peaked at 110 degrees. However, forecasts say it will cool down, and a few storms will occur. If you are traveling to Vegas soon, consider clothing for rain and hot weather.
Some travelers believe that the best time to visit Las Vegas is between September and November because the extreme heat is gone. The best weather sets in October—temperatures range from 89°F to 75°F— and November—from 74°F to 61°F.
Don’t Miss Unique Fall Events
There are many important and unique events in Vegas, like Adele’s Vegas Show at Caesars Palace which will finally start on November 18. Of course, Las Vegas offers events and shows for all tastes.
Travelers also can visit traditional casinos and museums like Madame Tussauds or the Illumination, but there are seasonal or once-in-a-lifetime events that might be worth the shot. Visitors can see upcoming events at Visit Las Vegas, Las Vegas Calendars, or Eventbrite.
Las Vegas Is Not Cheap
You don’t have to lose money on bad bets in the casino to realize that your budget might not be as sufficient as you thought. Travelers will encounter expensive hotels, expensive hidden fees, expensive meals, expensive shows, expensive gambling, and expensive shopping, especially on the Strip.
Try Simple Ways To Save Money
This is a city of opportunities and visitors can avoid spending money on tourist locations to save a few bucks and also prefer low-budget and yet unique things to do in Vegas like visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens—or even getting last-minute tickets for shows. Also, traditional saving strategies like avoiding holidays, using reward points, and comparing rates are always useful.
Enjoy Nature
You have the perfect weather to make the most out of outdoor activities during fall. Las Vegas has so much more to offer than casinos and night shows. Without the extreme summer heat and still away from the freezing desert winter, it’s the perfect opportunity to go for a hike—there are great routes at the Valley of Fire State Park—, go kayaking, and if you are not that sportif, maybe a helicopter tour around the Grand Canyon?
Make Reservations For The Things You Don’t Want To Miss
If there is a show, conference, restaurant, museum, Grand Canyon tour, or activity you absolutely want to do while in Vegas, make that reservation asap! Tickets usually sold out fast for the most popular shows and iconic restaurants are typically full. You might save money by finding alternatives like last-minute tickets, but you risk missing what’s important to you.
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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
This week, Apple finally unveiled its long anticipated iPhone 14, and like every other year, it includes camera updates and strengthened safety measures. However, one tiny detail missing this year may pose a big problem for travelers that are avid iPhone customers: the new smartphone does not have Apple’s signature SIM card tray.
When traveling, American tourists generally prefer buying a local SIM as opposed to activating international roaming, reason being fees for data usage abroad can be eye-watering. With previous iPhones, buying a data package and inserting a new temporary SIM was an incredibly smooth process, so long as a pin needle was at hand.
Now, Apple has made SIM swapping slightly more complicated:
During its Far Out event, Apple finally presented to the public its new iPhone series, comprising four new smartphone models: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and its flagship iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. In case you’re interested in tech specs, you can find more information about each model on the company’s website, but there’s one thing that affects travelers directly:
The product has lost their physical SIM tray and buyers are expected to take out an eSIM data plan instead. While this shouldn’t be an impediment within the U.S., with T&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all offering the service, accessing data in foreign countries where the technology isn’t widely diffused may prove more difficult from now.
When traveling internationally, especially remote or off path destinations, it is extremely difficult to find kiosks selling digital data packages. Usually, tourists are required to remove their own SIM and insert a secondary, albeit temporary one. They’re usually pre-paid as well, meaning the sharing of personal information is minimal and there’s little bureaucracy involved.
Once the standard iPhone 14 debuts, the SIM-swapping process is due to change significantly. That is because some destinations may not have eSIM packages designed for tourists, or even have eSIMs at all. This shouldn’t be a problem in North America or Europe, but this might become a thorn on the side of those heading to less developed nations:
eSIMs Are Not Widely Available In Some Major Destinations Yet
In Brazil, for instance, eSIMs are in theory sold by the country’s three main data providers, VIVO, Claro and TIM, though in reality, finding stores where they’re offered is challenging at the very least. In Brazil’s case, eSIMs are routinely available on a contract-basis only, or staff may not even be familiar with the product, let alone be able to assist visitors.
In other Latin American hotspots, such as Argentina and Colombia, pre-paid eSIMs can be purchased directly from internet providers such as Movistar, though it is a well-known fact not all stores across these countries commercialize the product. Additionally, countless nations across Asia and Africa are yet to launch them.
Based on Apple’s official list of countries whose carriers support eSIM carrier activation, traveling with an iPhone 14 shouldn’t be a problem in:
Albania
Armenia
Argentina
Australia
Austria*
Bahamas
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Brazil*
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Estonia
Finland
France
French West Indies
Germany
Greece
Guam
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkyie (Turkey)
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Vietnam
*Under EU roaming rules, customers can use data freely within the entire European Zone, which includes European Union countries, Schengen Area members, and other third partners such as Serbia and Montenegro, though different rules may apply to pre-paid SIMs.
**It is worth noting that, although certain countries are listed, eSIMs may be difficult to find, as is the case in Brazil.
Alternatively, iPhone users can resort to ‘worldwide’ eSIMs, international data packages that are valid across the entire globe, such as Airalo, AirSIM, GigSKY, Flexiroam and others. Travelers are usually required to download an app, choose their destination and product, install the SIM and activate it upon landing.
We do not know, at this point, how well these global packages work, or how fast and reliable they are compared to local providers.
Apple’s Move Is Received With Mixed Reactions On Twitter
Naturally, frequent travelers decried Apple’s move, with dozens taking to Twitter to express concern the transition period from ‘physical to digital’ will be rough:
I’m sorry I can’t get over this. So first it was the headphone jack, Apple just made that a thing and it was a big pain for a bit. Now no SIM card so if you’re traveling, you’re forced to pay for international roaming on your eSIM from US carriers?! #AppleEvent
No physical SIM anymore on iPhone 14 – only eSIM. This will hurt people like me who travel internationally and swap SIM cards. How does @Apple force such unilateral decisions on its customers no one asked for? I know no body would listen but I still would like to express.
— Siddharth Manu सिद्धार्थ मनु سِدھّارتھ مَنوُ (@sidmanu) September 7, 2022
Regarding this eSim thing in iPhone 14, seems like it would negatively impact my India travel routine, where I buy SIM cards for cheap from street vendors to avoid the bureaucracy and days-long delays of going to a carrier store 🤔
As can be seen above, travelers are worried they will not be able to activate eSIMs as easily as simply purchasing a local SIM from regular kiosks at their destination, with one Twitter user drawing attention to the fact that, in India, the process of buying a data package from a carrier store can be ‘days long’ and ‘bureaucratic’.
Two Ways You Can Still Have A Physical SIM Card While Upgrading Your iPhone
Apple’s iPhone 14 may lack many deem an essential characteristic, but it does allow up to eight eSIMs simultaneously. Even then, if you’re looking to upgrade your phone this year, yet still avoid being restricted to eSIMs only, you have two options:
Purchasing an iPhone 14 outside the U.S., as it is the only country where Apple scrapped the trays*
Opting instead for last year’s iPhone 13 or 13 Pro range which features a SIM card tray, giving customers more flexibility
*In an interview with PC Mag, Avi Greengart, Techsponential’s lead analyst stated that the ‘rationale’ for keeping the SIM slot in non-U.S. markets, particularly Europe, is the ‘sheer number of people using prepaid SIMs’. This may be due to the high volume of cross-border travel and facilitated international links within the continent.
It remains to be seen how well-tolerated these new iPhones will be in the context of international travel, though we will surely find out soon.
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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
Want to chase waterfalls in Jamaica? Relax in the latest luxurious resort in Turks and Caicos? Discover hidden gems in Central America? Whatever your tastes, these sunny vacation destinations are the perfect choice for travelers looking to get a little off the beaten path this winter season.
Antigua, Guatemala
Why not spend your next winter vacation exploring a new destination? Filled with history, good food, and nature escapes galore, Antigua in Guatemala has lots in store for travelers.
Winter months in Guatemala means the dry season, so you’ll get sunny days and a warm-cool climate with highs of 75 degrees. With the Agua Volcano serving as a backdrop for the Old Town and the bright yellow Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua is arguably one of the most picturesque towns in Central America. Start your trip by spending a few days wandering the Old Town before heading out to explore the countryside.
Top things to do:
Lake Atitlan: An overnight trip to Guatemala’s scenic Lake Atitlan is the perfect city escape.
Hike Volcano Pacaya: Hike a guide to summit the nearby Volcano Pacaya, and you’ll be treated to some roasted marshmallow treats at the end.
Getting there: The best way to get to Antigua is to take a direct flight to Guatemala City and then take an airport taxi (make sure it’s an official airport taxi; expect to pay around $40 USD one-way) to take you from the airport to Antigua, which is about 40 minutes away from the airport.
Cartagena, Colombia
It’s no secret that Cartagena is one of Colombia’s hottest travel destinations, so take a trip here and find out what all the fuss is about (and be prepared to be impressed).
A city that offers a warm sea breeze and old town strolls, Cartagena is a destination for culture seekers. After checking out the museums and shops in Cartagena’s Old Town, unwind and cure those winter blues with sunset mojitos and dancing the night away. It may just be what the doctor ordered.
Top things to do:
Rooftop salsa class: Check out AirBnB experiences for this amazing salsa class in Cartagena’s Getsemani neighborhood.
Catamaran sailing tour to the Rosario Islands: An exhilarating city getaway.
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Located in the northwest of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla is a great alternative to San Juan for travelers. Come here for a perfect winter getaway to experience some of Puerto Rico’s best beaches and amazing water sports, all without having to leave the U.S.
Top things to do:
Crash Boat beach: One of Puerto Rico’s top beaches, this is a must-do.
Punta Borinquen Golf Club: Beautiful course with coastal views to boot.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste is your answer to those looking for that dry heat during the winter months. Costa Rica‘s beaches, once rugged and undiscovered by tourism, are now bustling places. There is still some calm to be found along the north of the Guanacaste coast, where you’ll be treated to the bold Pacific waves, peaceful beaches for those morning walks, and a unique tico way of life.
Top things to do:
Playa Samara: This chilled-out surf town is the perfect winter recluse if you want to learn to surf.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park: Explore waterfalls, a lake, and gorgeous hiking trails.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Sure, we all know Punta Cana, but have you considered Puerto Plata for a winter escape? Located along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata you’ll be treated to pristine and peaceful beaches where you can explore the city and get a sense of local life. Here, there are great hotels and resort options to choose from as well as tours to nearby attractions, so you can curate your winter vacation your way.
Top things to do:
Stroll the Malecon: Wander from Long Beach to Acapulco Beach.
Book a safari tour: A day trip for the whole family to see Puerto Plata’s gorgeous landscape.
Mazatlan, Mexico
Get a little off the beaten path in Mexico and head to Mazatlan this winter, the perfect port city where you can mix play, luxury, and culture all under the Mexican sun. Mazatlan’s 13 mile-long Malecon is great for wandering day or evening and taking in the Pacific breeze and the city views. For some luxury and relaxation, Mazatlan has a ton of budget-friendly boutique hotels where you can chill poolside or hit up the on-site spa. To take in some culture, Old Malecon is filled with historical buildings to explore on a sunny afternoon.
Top things to do:
Parque Natural Faro Mazatlan: A free attraction, you can hike up the highest lighthouse in the Americas and be rewarded with epic views.
Playa Brujas: Beautiful beach in the north of town for surfing and boogie boarding.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios is the adventure capital of Jamaica. It’s for those you want to mix beach chilling and exciting excursions where you’ll get your hands dirty and your heart full. Book a hotel by the beach for some relaxation and then plan excursions with some local guides to explore the countryside. And before you know it, you’ll be planning your next trip back.
Top things to do:
Ocho Rios is the adventure capital of Jamaica. It’s for those you want to mix beach chilling and exciting excursions where you’ll get your hands dirty and your heart full. Book a hotel by the beach for some relaxation and then plan excursions with some local guides to explore the countryside. And before you know it, you’ll be planning your next trip back.
Top things to do:
Dunn’s River Falls & Park: Beautiful waterfall just outside of town.
River tubing tour: There are so many tours in Ocho Rios that will take you on a tubing adventure down the White River.
Turks and Caicos
For those who want to go beyond your basic resort vacation and try something new for their winter vacation. It has all the beauty that the Caribbean offers, plus that something more. Turks and Caicos has been working hard to boost tourism and there are so many more options for travelers. From gorgeous public beaches to resort islands to a weekly famous fish fry, there’s so much to see and do.
Top things to do:
Catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour
Kiteboarding: Hit up Long Bay Beach for the perfect kiteboarding spot.
Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Another U.S. territory on this winter vacation list, Saint Thomas is a dream. You can visit without having to renew your passport, and it’s an easy getaway from East Coast cities. In less than four hours from New England, you can be enjoying some warm winter sun without having to cross any international borders.
Saint Thomas is world-renowned for its clear waters which make for ideal snorkeling opportunities, where you can strap on your snorkeling gear and discover what’s under the sea.
Top things to do:
Hit the beach: Chill out at Magens Bay for beautiful views, swimming, and kayaking.
Snorkeling: Secret Harbour and Brewers Bay are some of the best spots for snorkeling.
Trinidad and Tobago
A bungalow by a secluded beach perhaps? Trinidad and Tobago is the place to do it and a little more off the beaten path for a winter getaway. January is the perfect time to visit, as the temperatures are at a comfortable 85 degrees throughout the day. From all of the friendly people and affordable accommodation options, Trinidad and Tobago is a great choice for a laid-back Caribbean vacation.
Top things to do:
Pigeon Point Beach: One of Tobago’s most popular beaches.
Tour of the Argyle Waterfalls: Hire a guide to help you navigate and get to know the local flora and fauna.
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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
With summer coming to a close and fall on its way, travelers are eager to plan their autumn trips. Fall travel may not see the same demand as summer, but the financial benefits make it worth it for many. Travelers looking to save can take advantage of the fact that flight prices tend to lower once the summer travel season ends. Luckily, Expedia has announced several destinations offering the most savings for travelers looking to get away this fall.
Expedia looked at average prices for round-trip flights and/or accommodation rates when assembling their list of fall travel deals. Rates were compared between two different periods: between June 1st and August 30th, 2022, and between September 6th and November 15th, 2022. In doing so, they were able to find the destinations that offered the most significant savings for fall when compared to summer prices.
Fly Direct (to SEA) From: New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), and 89 more U.S. Cities
Fall Travel Tips
According to Expedia, travelers can do several other things to save more this fall. If possible, travelers should plan their vacations for the week of September 26th if they are planning to stay in the United States. Average ticket prices are predicted to be nearly half off compared to summer fares for this week, making it the best time to fly off for your fall vacation.
If you are planning to jet off to another country, your best week for travel will be the week of October 10th. Ticket prices will be about 20% less than they were over the summer, and the crowds won’t be a problem. In both cases, flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday will offer the best fares.
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
Ever since the world reopened, flight tickets and hotel fares have seen unprecedented hikes, making international travel a lot more expensive. This can partly be attributed to inflation, a pent up travel demand and the global economic upheaval, but multiple destinations shoulder some of the blame by openly discouraging budget travelers from returning.
Tourism may be back with a vengeance now that Covid has tailed off, but overall, the travel landscape is looking a lot different than it was in 2019. Flight deals are now much harder to find, and the concept of tourist taxation and entry fees, once restricted to only a handful of hotspots, is getting increasingly common.
One way or another, the upward trend has left the entire Economy Class wondering: are we even welcome at all?
First, Let’s Start With Airlines
This is hardly news, but the pandemic has permanently altered the travel industry and the way tourism is conducted. After grinding to a halt for the better part of two years, the sector is still dealing with the economic fallout from the crisis. To put it simply, both aviation and the hospitality sectors are in need of a revenue boost to ride out the storm.
While some perished already in the early days of Covid, namely Italy’s former flag carrier Alitalia, other airlines are banking heavily on a surging travel demand to stave off another year of heavy losses, or even worse, bankruptcy. The aggressive profit-driven approach has resulted in jaw-dropping fare increases, particularly on popular routes.
To give an example, Paris to New York flights are now up by a staggering 62%, driven by fuel costs, the ongoing air traffic congestion, and capacity caps imposed by a number of European airports, which in turn reduce seat availability and leads carriers to pass exorbitant costs down to customers. Judging by these recent estimates, even popular winter getaways are now under threat. Goodbye, Cancun?
We hate to break it to you, but yes, low cost travel is disappearing, particularly in Europe, where these changes are already being felt. As Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO has stated, the ultra-cheap tickets that made international travel accessible to millions of travelers for years are no longer sustainable. Instead, passengers should expect to pay 50% more in the near future.
According to Benedict Bradley, a Thematic Analyst at GlobalData, ‘the rising ticket prices will only compound the current cost-of-living crisis, and those already struggling could be priced outof the travel market‘. Bradley adds that high-end travelers will not necessarily be affected, but that ‘others will have to reconsider’ their vacations in the future.
These Hotspots Are Responding By Turning Into ‘High Quality’ Tourism Hubs
Airlines are not alone in their blatant shunning of economy travelers: a growing number of destinations previously perceived as budget-friendly are looking to reinvent themselves in the post-Covid era. One of them is Thailand, a nation that has repeatedly insisted it will not pick up where it left off as a backpacker haven.
Pretty soon, Thailand will have two levels of pricing, one for tourists, another for locals, besides introducing a controversial entry fee. The Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reportedly advised tourism operators to should focus on selling ‘premium’ experiences, as opposed to attracting ‘budget-conscious’ travelers.
Over in Oceania, New Zealand is also clamping down on low cost explorers, with Stuart Nash, the Tourism Minister, saying his country’s promotional efforts are now focused on big spenders. Backpackers will still be welcome, but not those who ‘put on Facebook how they can travel around our country on $10 a day eating two-minute noodles‘.
In Europe, a continent that has historically struggled with overtourism, a league of 23 European cities has urged the European Union to curtail short term rentals in a bid to disperse the crowds. More specifically, in France, visitors now need to prearrange their trip months in advance, and pay higher fees, in order to secure slots while visiting the country’s top tourist attractions.
And The List Goes On…
The city of Venice, in Italy, went a step further, set to be the first to establish a ticketing system for day-trippers, on top of an existing visitor tax, which can be as much as 35 euros for a one-week stay, per person. Closer to home, even Maui is restricting access to low and middle-income groups, by limiting the operation of affordable rental platforms, such as AirBnBs, leaving travelers no option but the island’s pricey luxury hotels.
Other countries considering a ‘backpacker ban’ include Fiji, a South Pacific archipelago, and Bali, Indonesia. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs, has been quoted saying the country ‘aims for quality tourism’, and they won’t allow backpackers to enter as easily once the country has fully reopened.
What Can Travelers Do To Reduce Costs While Traveling From Now On?
One thing all of the aforementioned have in common, in spite of the different set of measures? They are clearly targeting low cost travel by raising visitor expenses. Coupled with the surge in ticket prices, these measures have the potential to suppress affordable tourism. Moving forward, we strongly encourage travelers to:
Plan international trips months in advance in order to avoid paying extortionate prices, both on flights and accommodation
Have proof of funds available, as some destinations like France and Spain are requiring visitors to have a minimum daily sum
Whenever possible, opt for alternative transportation that does not involve flying, such as trains or ride-sharing apps
Purchase travel insurance ahead in order to be protected from the costs of last-minute cancelations and unforeseen delays
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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
Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka) is also known as Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital city of Oaxaca state in Mexico. The city is steeped in history that starts along those cobblestone roads of Centro and into the narrow streets of the city where boutique cafes, restaurants, art galleries, inviting parks, and dimly lit mezcalerias are lurking around just about every corner.
Oaxaca’s unique climate (subtropical highland climate at an over 5,000 ft elevation, just fyi) makes for some amazing food, with some of its cuisine’s key ingredients coming from the nearby Sierra Madre mountains.
In this guide, you’ll find useful travel tips for Oaxaca, like:
How much should you budget for travel?
Dos and don’ts
What are the top experiences and things to do in Oaxaca
How safe is it?
Ready to get to know more about this fascinating destination? Here are the top 10 things you need to know before visiting Oaxaca, Mexico.
How Hard Is It on the Wallet?
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
When it comes to GDP per state in Mexico, Oaxaca is on the lower end, ranking 20th overall just above Yucatan and Chiapas. More than a decade ago, Oaxaca was known for being uber cheap for tourists but those days are unfortunately long gone.
While Oaxaca is getting more expensive, it’s still cheaper for tourists than destinations like Mexico City, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta. So I’m giving it a 2.5/5 when it comes to the affordability scale. Here’s a little breakdown of what to expect when it comes to prices and cost of living in Oaxaca:
Food: Food prices in Oaxaca, as with so many other travel destinations, can really vary. A meal for two on a fancy rooftop restaurant in the heart of Centro will set you back about 500 pesos, and your morning latte will be priced at about 50 pesos.
If you want to cook at home, fruits and veggies in the market will typically be plentiful and priced lower than in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Here’s an overview of the latest costs in 2022.
Accommodation: In Oaxaca, you can still snag a hostel bed for 200 pesos per night (plus 16% VAT). A double room in a hotel in the center of town has an average price of 2,000 pesos (100 USD) per night.
If you’re renting monthly (and traveling with an average budget) don’t pay more than 8,000 pesos per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Local prices are still cheaper, but an influx of tourists and expats has led to a rise in housing prices in Oaxaca.
Transportation: Oaxaca de Juarez is pretty much a walking city, so if you’re in and around Centro and have the ability to do so, the best way to get around is on foot. Public buses to get you to different parts of the city cost about 8 pesos (less than 50 cents USD).
If you want to flag down a taxi, fares start at around 40 pesos.
Gas prices are pretty comparable with the rate in the U.S. and Canada, at around 22 pesos (a little over 1 USD) per liter or 1/4 gallon.
How Is It as a Foreigner?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Oaxacans are friendly and outgoing. They are courteous and polite, and expect the same from everyone else. So wander the streets with a good attitude, practice your Spanish, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
So many foreigners from all over the world have a great experience here and that’s why they keep returning.
Customs and Culture: Do’s and Don’ts in Oaxaca
Oaxaca de Juarez doesn’t really have any strict cultural etiquette for tourists to abide by compared to other destinations. But if you’re visiting this beautiful city, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
Don’t join protests
DO learn and practice your Spanish! Greet strangers on the street with a friendly buenas dias.
DO accept food when offered by a local in any sort of hospitality situation, as it’s considered impolite not to accept this kind gesture.
DO try as much mole as possible!
Top Trending Things to Do in Oaxaca
From the top sights in the city to excursions outside of town, here are the top things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez in 2022.
Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca: These are the botanical gardens located right behind the main cathedral in Oaxaca Centro. Come early to join a guided group tour showcasing some of the region’s most impressive native plants.
Hierve el Agua: This is that gorgeous pic you’ve probably seen on Instagram of the floating pool. Located just over 40 miles outside of the city, Hierve el Agua is a series of cliffs and rock formations with mineral build up. Tourists can visit the natural and artificial pools on-site that offer gorgeous views of the surrounding valley.
Monte Alban: Telling the story of the Zapotec, Mixtec, and Olmec empires, Monte Alban is an archeological site just outside of Oaxaca city that consists of a plaza and a series of tombs, palaces, and stone carvings. The site dates back to 500 B.C.E. Get a taxi early in the morning to be there by the time the park gates open at 8 a.m. You won’t find much shade here, so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
How Safe Is It?
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Traveling in Oaxaca is generally safe for tourists. Over the past few years however, there have been more reports of petty crimes and muggings. To stay safe, it’s not recommended to walk around the large public markets flashing any expensive belongings, as this can easily make you a target. Oaxaca rates much higher on the safety scale compared to other parts of Mexico.
I personally felt safe as a solo female traveler in Oaxaca and had no issues as I took normal precautions as one would in any city.
Travel Insurance Tips for Your Trip:
Getting a travel insurance package is always a good idea when going on any type of trip. If you’re heading out soon, you can get yourself covered (and, at a super low cost!) with the right health insurance just in case you get sick or if your travel stuff gets stolen or lost at some point during your travels to Oaxaca.
Local Eats and Drink in Oaxaca
Now, here’s where the fun really begins. After being featured in so many Netflix shows like Street Food: Latin America (remember Dona Vale?) and Somebody Feed Phil, more tourists than ever before are booking flights to Oaxaca to try some of Mexico’s best food.
From moles to memelas and mezcal and more, you could eat your way ’round Oaxaca five times over and still be coming back for more. Here are some of the highlights:
Tlayudas: This is probably one of the main foods you can find that’s unique to Oaxaca. A tlayuda is a large, crispy and crunchy tortilla topped with everything from meat, cheese (in Oaxaca, it’s quesillo), and fried veggies. The base sauce is typically a refried beans and lard.
Memelas: Memelas are smaller and thicker corn tortillas that can be found at street food stands and mercados throughout Oaxaca. The tortilla is first spread with lard before being topped with a mole sauce, cheese, avocados, beans, and meat if you desire. Seriously delicious.
Mezcal: Oaxaca’s libation of choice (that seems to be trending just about everywhere else, too), made from agave plants from the nearby valley. While this is a trendy drink, be mindful of where mezcal comes from and how it’s made.
Chapulines: Toasted grasshoppers that are seasoned with chili, salt, and lime. You’ll find bowls of these popular crunchy snacks just about everywhere in Oaxaca, and they might even make an appearance in your cocktail (if you order it, of course).
Cocoa: Oaxaca is a big producer of cocoa and coffee beans. At a local market or restaurant, ask for a hot chocolate Oaxaqueño served with pan de muerto (yolk bread).
For more info, here’s my list of some of the best places to eat in Oaxaca where tourists can sample great food and drink.
What Are the Top Apps to Use in Oaxaca?
These apps will come in handy for your next trip to Oaxaca.
Rappi: Mexico’s top food delivery app. While going out to eat in Oaxaca is a big part of the foodie experience, these app might come in handy on a rainy day.
WhatsApp: Use this app for messaging and connecting with local businesses and traveler groups to help you better explore the city.
Duolingo: You can practice your Spanish using this fun language game app on your flight!
DiDi: Uber doesn’t work in Oaxaca, so the go-to ride share app is DiDi. But, most tourists prefer taxis (just ask them to turn on the meter) to get around the city.
How’s the WiFi?
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
You can get by using the WiFi in Oaxaca. The average speed is 6 Mbps, and most hotels, cafes, and restaurants will have free WiFi for guests.
If you are working remotely while visiting Oaxaca, there are a few co-working spaces available in the city.
What Are the Best Cultural Experiences?
One of the best ways to experience Oaxaca is through its food, and one of the best ways to do that is by taking a cooking class during your visit.
Luis, the owner and operator of NomadCook, runs a few boutique cooking classes in Oaxaca. His passion for food and culture is infectious, and he puts his philosophy into practice with his cooking classes. Whether you want to learn how to make vegan moles or tortillas from scratch, there’s a class for you.
Another top cultural experience in Oaxaca is to take a street food tour. Get to know the city like a local with this tour led by local experts, you’ll show you some of the best dishes of the city and teach you about their history.
How Long Can I Stay?
Mexico’s visa-free program for tourists applies to passport holders from 67 nations, which include the United States, Canada, and the U.K. You can check out the official government visa page for the latest info.
Typically, incoming tourists will get a 180 days in Mexico which will be written on their FMM (immigration) card that they have to fill out and get stamped upon arrival.
So, there you have it – an intro guide to traveling to Oaxaca. From the delicious food to incredible sights, there are so many reasons to love this city and why it’s such a unique destination in Mexico.
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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
Get lost in Old Town, sample streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til dawn before heading off on a boat tour to explore the bay and nearby islands…these are just some of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.
A gorgeous and historic coastal city along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, in Cartagena you’ll be at a crossroads between the Caribbean and South America. Many travelers use it as an introduction to South America before heading east along the coast or down to the bustling destinations of Medellin or Bogota (or perhaps a quick jaunt to Ecuador or Peru?).
We’ve covered all the basics for traveling to Cartagena in this post, including:
Travel budget
Top cultural experiences in Cartagena
How fast is the WiFi?
Best local eats and drink
Ready to prep and plan for your adventure to Latin America? Here are the top 10 things you need to know before visiting Cartagena, Colombia.
How Hard Is It on the Wallet?
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
Cartagena, Colombia ranks right in the middle when it comes to budget-friendly cities for travelers. Setting your travel budget will depend on what kind of excursions you want to do and where you want to stay.
For starters, staying in the middle of the historic Old Town is more expensive than the nearby neighborhood of Getsemani. Sit-down restaurants in the Old Town will also be much more on par with U.S. and Western Europe prices than other areas of the city.
Cartagena also gets a 2.5 instead of a 2 because it’s one of the pricier destinations for travelers in Colombia. If you live like a local in Bogota or Medellin, or even Santa Marta, you’ll notice that prices there are much cheaper. Also, note that the local currency is COP (Colombian pesos). Here’s a little breakdown of what to expect for costs in Cartagena, Colombia:
Accommodation: Hostels in Cartagena can still be found on the cheap for less than 50,000 COP (11 USD) per night. The city is also filled with luxury hotels, and prices are currently around 650,000 COP (150 USD) per night.
Food: Some of Cartagena’s top street foods like meat skewers and empanadas only cost about a dollar or two (higher if you’re in Old Town). Lunch or dinner at a non-touristy restaurant will set you back about 13,000 COP per person (3-4 USD). Breakfast in Cartagena can be found for cheaper, and plan to spend less than $4 on a plate of eggs, arepa, and coffee (or chocolate completo, most likely). If you want to be fancy, expect to pay about 100,000 COP for a two or three-course dinner for two.
Transportation and tours: Cartagena is pretty walkable so you don’t need to worry much about transportation costs if you’re sticking to the city. The airport is also super close to town, and a taxi ride there will set you back about 13,000 COP (about $3 USD – make sure to have exact change in pesos, though!).
If you want to get the best price on a tour, our recommendation is to head to a hotel or hostel in Getsemani and ask all about them at their information deck. You can do everything from book a private boat tour of the bay, charter a yacht to some nearby islands (a few hours off the coast), and so much more. Expect to pay about $100 per person (if you’re in a group of 4 people) to charter a boat.
Are the Locals Friendly?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Colombians are lovely and welcoming, and with some knowledge of Spanish you’ll probably find yourself chatting away with just about everyone you meet during your trip.
For reference, the website Nomadlist rates Cartagena as “great” when it comes to friendliness towards foreigners. As with any destination, some knowledge of the culture and language (complete with a big smile) can go a long way.
Basic Dos and Don’ts
Each city in Colombia is unique, so your dos and don’ts list will be a little different depending on whether you’re in Bogota or a Caribbean area like Cartagena. Especially if you’re visiting Cartagena for the first time, here’s some things to keep in mind:
Don’t drink the tap water.
Don’t leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. This is known in Colombia as “offering up papaya”.
Don’t walk around alone at night. Old Town will be a little safer for travelers because most areas are well-lit and there’s plenty of bars and nightclubs open at all hours. If you do venture off, always make sure that you’re in a group and use a ride share app (much better than a taxi at night) to get from where you are to your hotel.
Don’t just casually ask locals about Pablo Escobar. This one goes from a huge pet peeve to an outright no-no: Colombians don’t want to hear about what you think of Pablo Escobar or talk about him at all. The country is working hard to change its reputation, so help them out a little by not bringing up the past and be happy that you’ve been welcomed in their beautiful country.
Don’t say you can’t dance. In Colombia, not dancing is really not an option. A city like Cartagena is filled with culture and dance is at the heart of it, so it’s best just to feel the rhythm and go with the flow.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the cultural etiquette for travelers to Cartagena, but it’s a start. Make sure to read up on more dos and don’ts before your trip.
Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena
Landed in Cartagena and ready to explore? Here are the top things to do in 2022.
Charter a yacht to nearby islands: Book a boat and an expert tour guide to explore some islands in the Caribbean that are a day trip away from the shores of Cartagena. Top picks include the Rosario Islands and Isla Grande.
Sunset tour: You can have your very own private tour guide organize a walking tour of Cartagena’s most picturesque spots in town. Enjoy some snacks, drinks, take the best pictures for golden hour, all before ending the day by the city wall to watch one of the most glorious sunsets in the Caribbean.
Walking tours: Traveling on a budget? There are a few free or low-cost walking tours you can join in Cartagena. Take advantage of the free walking tour of Cartagena’s beautiful Old Town that’s been a hit with tourists for over eight years now. Another popular tour is a walking tour of Getsemani and San Diego neighborhoods, where you can check out funky murals and some of Cartagena’s best street art.
How Safe Is It?
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Cartagena has a much higher safety index compared to other cities in Colombia. Currently, the city rates at a 82 while Bogota is at a 46, nearby Barranquilla at 47, and Medellin at 46. But, there are still some things to be aware of when you visit Cartagena.
Pickpockets can be common, especially in touristy areas and if you’re visibly carrying valuable items (note the “don’t offer papaya” rule).
Watch out if you go out clubbing, because there are stories of people being drugged and then mugged. Western males between the ages of 30-45 are typically the target, and instances have even been known to occur in broad daylight, so make sure to keep your wits about you.
Travel insurance is always a good idea when going on any type of trip. Get yourself covered (and, at a super low cost!) with the right health insurance just in case you get sick or if your travel stuff gets stolen or lost at some point during your travels to Cartagena.
Local Eats and Drink in Cartagena, Colombia
With mouth-watering arepas and coffee for breakfast, fresh tropical fruits throughout the day, and all kinds of local dishes to sample for dinner, you will eat well in Cartagena. Here are the highlights:
Cazuela de Mariscos: Cartagena is by the sea, after all, so some of the city’s best dishes are seafood-related. This local dish is a seafood stew brewed in coconut milk.
Ceviche: Try this local favorite Cartagena style, which is served with coconut milk and sour cream.
Posta Negra: This uber-local dish is one of the city’s most beloved meals, which consists of beef eye rounds roasted in everything from Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and even coca-cola.
Cartagena also has an impressive amount of international foods, so if you want to ease into things at the start of your trip (or splurge on a meal), there are plenty of cute cafes and restaurants in the city that serve pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, and other comfort foods.
What Are the Best Apps to Use in Cartagena?
It might be handy to download these apps to your phone before your trip to Cartagena:
Tappsi: Colombia’s alternative to Uber. This local taxi app that will allow you to safely hail a ride using your phone.
WhatsApp: This is the main messenger app preferred across Latin America, so download it if you haven’t already.
Google Translate: If you need help with translation when taking a ride share or checking into your hotel.
Babbel: A great language app for learning Spanish!
How’s the WiFi?
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
The WiFi signal doesn’t run super quick inside the walled city of Cartagena, but it’s decent. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. The average speed in Cartagena 5 Mbps. If you need an internet break for the afternoon, here are some cafes in Cartagena with good WiFi.
What Are the Top Cultural Experiences in Cartagena?
Cartagena is a city filled with culture so you can plenty of choice when it comes to unforgettable experiences. Here are some top picks:
Salsa lessons (with a view, to boot): This amazing experience in Cartagena gets you moving and shaking like a local. A true cultural encounter!
Food tour: Are you a foodie who also happens to be a book nerd? This tour will be perfect for you! Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one of Colombia’s most beloved writers, and this food tour integrates some local dishes enjoyed by the characters in his books.
Coffee tour: Cartagena is home to some amazing coffee houses and they are a great way to get to know Colombia’s iconic brew. There are a few local cafes in Getsemani that offer coffee experiences that are definitely worth checking out.
How Long Can I Stay?
Travelers from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and more can visit Colombia for leisure without applying for a tourist visa beforehand. You can typically stay for up to 90 days for your first visit.
If you want to stay in Colombia longer, you can request to extend your stay at the local immigration authority. The current policy allows for up to 180 days in one calendar year.
See what all the buzz is about and why Cartagena is an amazing destination in Colombia for your travel radar. With so much beauty to discover, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t plan a visit to Cartagena sooner!
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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
Spain’s latest rules about the use of air conditioning in public spaces could have the millions of travelers that visit the country each year in a sweat. Famed amongst other reasons for its warm, sunny climate and idyllic beaches, Spain’s hot weather is one of its main attractions, with travelers escaping their colder climes to enjoy the sun, sea and sand that have made it one of Europe’s most popular destinations for travelers.
However, curbs on air conditioning usage aren’t the only recent changes that travelers will have to contend with in Spain. The country has also put controls on the use of heaters – for those rare weeks that shorts and sandals aren’t suitable in the country – as well as introducing a series of strange rules regarding beach behaviour that could be a bit of a minefield for travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about the country’s new air conditioning restrictions, plus a recap of other local rules it would be handy for travelers to know.
Spain’s New Air Conditioning Rules – Information For Travelers
For many travelers in Europe and beyond, trips to Spain are a buzzword for fun in the sun, a destination that’s rarely likely to disappoint for sun-seekers and beach bums alike. Parts of Spain that are a hit with travelers, such as Seville, Murcia and Granada, have average daily temperatures in the 90s during the hotter months of the year – temperatures that send travelers running for the respite of the air conditioning unit. However, that could all be set to change.
According to new measures brought in by the Spanish government, the air conditioning in public buildings in Spain will no longer be allowed to be set lower than 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit) in the summer, leaving travelers with no choice but to ensure the sticky situation. The move has been made with energy saving in mind, along with the desire to reduce the country’s use of gas from Russia, in line with policies from the European Union.
Whilst travelers will be relieved that the air conditioning restrictions won’t affect them in their hotel rooms, bars or restaurants, they’re sti likely to feel the heat in various different places, such as shops, cinemas, shopping centers, cultural spaces, public transport, airports and stations. Metro systems in places like Barcelona and Madrid can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but peak times at 81 degrees could well be unbearable for travelers.
The country has made several other changes in a bid to further reduce their energy consumption. Public spaces are now forbidden to set their heating systems above 19 degree Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) – meaning travelers may want to pack a scarf and an extra sweater in the cold winter months, particularly in the more frost-inclined North of the country. Businesses have also been told to switch off their storefront lights after 10PM and to keep their doors closed.
However, the proposed changes have been met with fierce opposition. Coming so soon after touristic industries were decimated by Covid-19, there are those who feel such changes send the wrong messages to travelers. Madrid’s regional leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso tweeted that Madrid would not comply with the changes, adding that the proposed changes “generate insecurity and scare away tourism and consumption.” The limits on air conditioning and heating usage are set to run from now until November 1st, 2023, and it remains to be seen if others will fight them.
Spain is also home to several local laws that travelers would be better off knowing before heading to the country. In the likes of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, travelers can be fined US $266 for wearing bikinis or going topless outside beaches, whilst going nude at non-nudist beaches could see travelers slapped with a fine of around US $800. Travelers can also be fined for using shampoo on beaches, sleeping on beaches or having a BBQ on the sand.
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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
Beginning today, August 1st 2022, France has officially ended all Covid restrictions for international travelers. As the country reopens completely, travelers will no longer need to test before arrival.
Travelers will also not need to present proof of recovery from Covid-19 and will not require proof that they have been vaccinated. Travelers will no longer need to have a ‘compelling reason’ for entering the country and can come and go like they could before the pandemic.
This is excellent news for travelers hoping to spend a lovely holiday in France. Hopefully, this will be the definitive end to all Covid restrictions in the country.
Though France has ended all Covid restrictions starting today, the French government still retains the right to activate “emergency brake” measures for up to two months in the event of a new variant or significant increase in cases. This “emergency brake” contingency is valid until January 31st, 2023. After the 31st, the government cannot reintroduce measures without parliamentary approval.
An Open France & Europe
France’s decision to end all Covid restrictions is one more step toward all major European destinations being restriction free. The Netherlands and Spain are the last remaining major destinations in Europe that still have Covid protocols in place. Both of which still require proof of vaccination for passengers from certain countries.
The world is easing into normality after two years of extra travel protocols. As it does, travelers are sure to seek out countries that have fully rescinded their Covid protocols. Testing costs, the extra time spent in line, and the general hassle of restrictions have been obstacles for many travelers. Countries that still have them in place are likely to see fewer tourists than those without restrictions.
Travel Is Easier, For The Most Part
While travel will be easier without Covid restrictions, travelers should be wary of delays plaguing airports in France. For instance, between July 1st and July 10th, Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris only had 38% of its flights operate on time. This has become the new normal when flying, it seems. Staffing shortages and increased demand have put a lot of pressure on the aviation industry.
Avoiding The Chaos
It should be noted that Orly Field Airport (ORY), also in Paris, had 79% of its flights operate on time during the same period between July 1st and July 10th. If given a choice, travelers will be more likely to have a smooth experience by flying into ORY. The difference between airports can significantly impact travel, making it essential to know which European airports are the best for avoiding flight delays.
Another way travelers visiting France can avoid long lines is by taking advantage of fast-track entry when coming into the country. France now allows certain non-EU nationalities to come into the country by taking advantage of their Parafe Electronic Gates. The gates allow travelers to cross into France without speaking to a border agent. The most significant benefit to this process is the decreased wait times, as the lines are typically shorter and faster. Travelers hailing from the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other countries are now allowed to use the system.
Travelers Love France
France, and Paris especially, has always been a highly sought destination by tourists. Recently, a TikTok survey revealed that Paris was the 6th most viewed destination on the platform, with 11.2 billion views as of May 17th, 2021. Airlines have noticed the increased interest, and France’s French Bee Airline recently announced $281 nonstop flights from Miami to Paris to take advantage of the destination’s popularity. The flights will begin this December and will operate three times per week.
A Post Covid World
As France, Europe, and the rest of the world continues to open up without restrictions, travelers are more eager than ever to return to the way things were before the pandemic. Though staffing shortages and supply chain issues still hinder some aspects of travel, the scrapping of restrictions is making travel easier for all parties. Travelers, staff, airports, and airlines will benefit as the world continues to reopen.
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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
Beginning this August, Airbnb will be changing its host cancelation fee structure in to crack down on hosts who cancel reservations at the last minute. Airbnb has grown to be a wildly popular platform over the last decade, and it continues to offer affordable, unique, and diverse accommodations not found anywhere else. When it works, it works, but sometimes the unexpected can happen.
Bookings made months in advance that were considered a done deal have been canceled by the host, leaving travelers scrambling to find accommodation for their trips. Sometimes the reasoning is understandable enough, such as downed powerlines or unexpected damage to the property. However, sometimes the reason is outright unfair. Some hosts list the same property twice at different rates and cancel the booking for the person who reserved the lower rate.
Why Airbnb Is Making The Change
Until recently, the only penalty hosts faced when canceling a booking was a $50 to $100 fee, dependent on how close to the reservation the host canceled. This fee is excruciatingly low compared to how much hosts can make if they list a property more than once or find other ways to “resell” the reservation at a higher rate.
Consider the following:
A host has a single property they list on Airbnb for $100 per night. This is low enough they can nearly guarantee a booking. Now they list the same property again, either on Airbnb or another platform, for $250 per night. Why? Sometimes you catch a big fish where you least expect it. The property may not be worth $250 per night, but the host hopes to get lucky. Now, imagine you reserved the Airbnb months ahead of an upcoming trip. However, three days before you’re ready to leave, the higher-priced listing gets booked. What do you think the host will do? They will recoup the minuscule fee incurred in a single night, so of course they will cancel your reservation!
The New Standard
The problem was getting out of hand, with 41.1% of scams affecting Airbnb users falling into the “Multiple Listings Scam” category in 2021. Understandably, Airbnb has decided this needs to stop. When hosts cancel at the last minute, the travelers affected lose all confidence in the platform. They will very likely advise everyone they know to avoid using Airbnb. For this reason, Airbnb will be updating its host cancellation policy beginning on August 22nd, 2022.
Beginning this August, the minimum cancelation fee will be $50, and the maximum fee will be $1000. The fee imposed will be dependent upon how close to the reservation the host cancels. Here is the breakdown:
If Cancelled:
30 days ahead of check-in: 10% of Reservation Cost
Less than 30 days but more than 48 hours before check-in: 25% of Reservation Cost
Less than 48 hours before check-in: 50% of Reservation Cost
What It Means For Travelers
Travelers will likely reap the benefits of this necessary change. Firstly, host cancellations are more likely to decrease overall. In the case of the multiple listing example above, a fee of $1000 would greatly diminish any additional profit the host would gain by double listing the property. Knowing this, the host is less likely to double-list the property in the first place.
Additionally, travelers are likely to receive more support from Airbnb when things still don’t pan out as intended. Before the change, Airbnb would try to help travelers find similar accommodations. The company would their original deposit to a new booking. However, no similar properties were often available at the same price point. This forced travelers to either stay in sub-par accommodations, stay further out from their originally intended area, or cancel their trip and receive a refund.
Time will tell whether the change effectively lowers the incidence of host cancellations, but the future looks promising. Airbnb is a unique alternative to traditional bookings such as hotels, and this new change is sure to inspire more confidence in the platform moving forward.
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