Tag: Travelers

Travelers Will Have To Make A Reservation To Visit Major Hawaii Attraction
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Starting on May 12, tourists will need to book their visit online to enter the park

Last Monday, The State of Hawai’i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced that reservations will be required to visit the iconic Diamond Head State Monument, known as Lē’ahi to natives. The new system will become effective on May 12, 2022.

According to the information shared on the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ website, the system will start taking reservations on April 28 and can be made up to 14 days in advance.

The measure only applies to tourists, local citizens with a Hawai’i State Driver’s License or ID, will not have to book or pay to visit the park. However, they must consider parking availability.

The main reason to implement a reservation system and charge an entry fee is very similar to the one that made Venice implement a similar system: too many travelers crowding the space at the same time. The entrance fee for non-Hawaiian residents is $5, children under 3 years old do not pay.

In the press release, John De Fries, Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) president and CEO, stated: “This new reservation system will be instrumental in managing visitor capacity within Lēʻahi and protecting its natural environment and cultural sites, improving the experience for everyone and allowing us to be better stewards of this special place.”

De Fries also insisted on the importance of sharing this new requirement: “We are urging visitors to plan ahead when booking their trips and become familiarized with the new process.”

Now that Hawaii has ended all covid restrictions, more travelers will be visiting this beautiful destination. It’s just important that they stay up to date with local rules— such as the reservation requirement to visit the Diamond Head— to make the most out of their visit.

What You Must Know Before Visiting The Diamond Head

Exploring the iconic volcanic formation—created by an eruption around 300,000 years ago— represents one of the most popular and exotic activities to do in Hawaii. The Diamond Head Monument extends to 475 acres and offers tourists stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. The place also hosts rich history and cultural local traditions.

It is evident why thousands of tourists want to visit this crater while in Hawaii. According to data shared on US Today, in 2019, before the pandemic, about 6,000 people visited the park in just one day! The new restriction wants to control and reduce the impact of visitors to this natural monument.

Besides making an online reservation prior to arrival, travelers should know the basic information and main recommendations:
- The park is open every day from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, and entry gates close at 6:00 pm.
- It is not open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
- Hawaiian residents do not pay an entry fee.
- Tourists must make a reservation and pay $5, they only accept credit cards.
- Residents do not pay for parking, tourists do. Non-residents must pay $10 per vehicle. Commercial vehicles must make reservations, and rates change depending on passengers’ seats per vehicle.
- No pets are allowed, except service animals.
- The park offers access to those with disabilities on the crater floor.
- The hiking trail is considered easy but it is steep and uneven, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip.
- Audio tours are available, a great option for those who want to learn more about military history, geography, plant and animal life, and more.
- Wear good walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bring water to stay hydrated.
The Diamond Head is definitely a great activity to include while visiting Hawaii. However, travelers must stay informed and learn about all the options also available on these gorgeous islands, and remember that there are many off-the-beaten-path things to do at this destination such as visiting taking a hike at the Wai’anapanapa State Park or exploring The Mermaid Caves in Oahu.

Read More:

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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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May 2, 2022
The Most Recent Changes In Southeast Asia Travelers Need To Know For May
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A hugely popular part of the world for both backpackers and luxury holidaymakers alike, Southeast Asia has struggled over the past couple of years as its once-strict entry requirements decimated the levels of tourism that the region had grown accustomed to.

Today however, the situation is markedly different from how it was at the start of the pandemic, with various entry restrictions being lifted across Southeast Asia on an almost weekly basis.

Now, travel to Southeast Asia is now more accessible than it has been at any other point over the last two years, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers alike, with many of these changes just happening in May.

Here’s a look at the most recent changes to the entry requirements of various Southeast Asian nations, plus an overview of the current entry restrictions and requirements that travelers should know for other countries in the region.

Malaysia

Malaysia is another Southeast Asian country that is set to make several changes to its entry requirements from May 1st. From May 1st, Malaysia will:
- Remove both pre-departure and on-arrival Covid-19 test requirements for vaccinated travelers
- Remove all social distancing requirements
- Remove its outdoor mask mandate
- Remove the Covid-19 insurance requirement
- Remove the need to check-in to premises with the MySejahtera app
Travelers who are not fully vaccinated will be required to take an RT-PCR test two days before departure and a supervised RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival, as well as quarantine for five days. Nightclubs are set to be able to reopen from May 15th.

Thailand

Thailand’s entry requirements have changed a lot over the past few months, and next month will see them face their most significant easing yet. From May 1st:
- Vaccinated travelers will no longer need to take a test upon arrival
- Vaccinated travelers will not need to pre-book a hotel for their first night
- The mandatory travel insurance coverage amount will be lowered to $10,000 for all travelers
From May 1st, unvaccinated travelers face two options.

Those who do not take a test before departure will be required to register for a Thailand Pass with a 5-day quarantine hotel booking. After these five days of quarantine, they will need to take a PCR test on Day 5 in order to be able to leave.

Alternatively, those who upload proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system will be allowed to enter and move freely – like vaccinated travelers.

All travelers must still apply for the Thailand Pass in order to be able to enter the country.

Singapore

Just this week, Singapore altered its entry restrictions so that fully vaccinated travelers will no longer need to undergo any Covid-19 testing to enter Singapore. With on-arrival testing already removed, that means travelers can now enter Singapore completely test-free. That means that the only requirements remaining for travelers visiting Singapore are:
- show proof of their vaccination status – which can be verified online prior to traveling
- complete an online SG Arrival Card prior to departure
- download the TraceTogether application
- purchase travel insurance which covers any Covid-19 medical expenses.
Unvaccinated travelers are currently unable to enter Singapore.

Cambodia

Cambodia removed its testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers in March, meaning that vaccinated travelers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can now enter without any Covid-19 testing or quarantine requirements. Easy!

Whilst unvaccinated travelers may still enter, they will need to quarantine for 7 days upon arrival into the country – with the location designated by the Cambodian Ministry of Health – and must undergo a Covid-19 PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers must prove they hold $2000 in cash to cover any quarantine expenses.

Bali

Travelers to Bali above the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated. A PCR test must be taken 48 hours before departure, as well as upon arrival into Bali. Mandatory insurance is required, along with a return ticket and, of course, the correct visa type where necessary. Fully-vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine.

Want to know what it’s currently like to visit Bali right now? One of our writers entered a few days ago and is giving readers an on-the-ground glimpse.

Vietnam

Vietnam boasts some of the easiest entry requirements in Southeast Asia. The country does not require visitors to present a Covid-19 vaccine certificate, or certificate showing proof of recovery when entering the country. In order to enter, travelers must either:
- take a Covid-19 RT-PCR or RT-LAMP test no more than three days (72 hours) prior to departure, OR;
- take a Covid-19 rapid antigen test no more than one day (24 hours) prior to departure.
Travelers must also purchase health insurance that covers Covid-19 medical expenses.

Philippines

To enter the Philippines, travelers must take either an RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of departing from their country of origin or a laboratory-administered antigen/ART test taken 24 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Travelers must also fill out the e-Health Declaration Card online and register for the health pass, as well as have travel insurance with a minimum coverage amount of U.S.$35,000. Travelers must also be vaccinated against Covid-19, with valid proof of vaccination.

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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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April 29, 2022
Malaysia Removes All Testing For Vaccinated Travelers
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Malaysia has removed all of its Covid-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors entering the country – from May 1.

Other mandatory requirements for travelers – some of which also apply to Malaysian residents – are also being removed from the same date.

What Are The Current Entry Requirements For Vaccinated Travelers Entering Malaysia?

Since reopening for tourism at the beginning of this month – April – fully vaccinated visitors have been able to enter Malaysia by adhering to the following entry requirements:
- present proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 – with visitors required to upload the details of their vaccination to the MySafeTravel website
- download and register your details on the Malaysian government’s MySejahtera application
- complete a digital pre-departure form on the MySejahtera application
- purchase travel health insurance – which must cover you for up to US$20,000 for any medical costs relating to Covid-19
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test within 48 hours prior to traveling to Malaysia – with a requirement to upload your test results to the MySejahtera application
- undertake a professional Covid-19 Rapid-Antigen test within 24 hours of arriving in Malaysia.
And, inside the country, all travelers – along with Malaysian nationals and residents – are currently required to check themselves in when entering public places – which includes shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and all forms of public transport.

This is done using the MySehajtera application.

Malaysia Is Removing Most Of Its Covid-Related Entry Requirements For Vaccinated Travelers – From 1 May

In just a matter of days – starting on 1 May – entry to Malaysia for fully vaccinated travelers is set to become extremely simple, with only the following entry requirements remaining:
- show proof of full vaccination – including uploading your details to the MySafeTravel website
- download and register your details on the Malaysian government’s MySejahtera application
- complete a digital pre-departure form on the MySejahtera application.
Therefore, there is no longer the requirement to undertake any testing for Covid-19 – both prior to your departure and upon arrival.

You can find out how Malaysia defines an individual as being ‘fully vaccinated’ against Covid-19 by clicking here.

The same entry requirements also apply to individuals under the age of 12 – whether the child has received their full Covid vaccination or not – as well as those who have recovered from Covid-19 within 6 to 60 days prior to their planned departure to Malaysia.

The requirement to constantly check in – using the MySejahtera app – to indoor public areas, such as shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and all forms of public transport, will also no longer be mandatory.

What About The Entry Requirements For Unvaccinated Visitors – Are These Set To Change?

For visitors who have not received their full vaccination against Covid-19, there is still a requirement for such travelers to undertake a professional PCR or Rapid-Antigen test within two days of their departure to Malaysia.

The requirement for unvaccinated visitors to undertake a professional Rapid-Antigen test within 24 hours of their arrival will also remain – along with the mandatory 5-day quarantine, which also requires further Covid-19 testing on day 4 or 5.

The need to download and register on the MySejhatera application – as well as the requirement to complete a digital pre-departure – also remains mandatory for unvaccinated visitors.

There is, however – as is the case for fully vaccinated travelers – no longer a mandatory requirement for unvaccinated individuals to purchase Covid-related travel health insurance prior to entering Malaysia.

Outdoor Mask Mandate And Other Internal Covid-Related Restrictions Are Set To Be Removed

From 1 May, Malaysia’s mandatory outdoor mask mandate will cease to exist – with people only required to wear a face covering when inside indoor public areas, including all forms of public transport.

On the same day, those that are unvaccinated will once again be allowed to enter restaurants, as well as shopping malls – and physical distancing measures will also be removed.

And, the mandatory requirement for everyone to scan a QR code – in order to check in – upon entry to public places will no longer be enforced, and instead become optional for individuals.

Malaysia Joins Other Southeast Asian Nations In Removing Testing For Vaccinated Travelers

Malaysia has followed the likes of neighboring countries – Thailand and Singapore – who are also removing ALL testing requirements for vaccinated travelers. Travel to the entire South East region is now becoming the easiest it’s been over the past two years

Read more:

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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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April 28, 2022
New Summer Travel Cheat Sheet To Help US Travelers Buy Cheap Flights
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Have you been searching for the best flight prices for your summer vacations? The American online travel giant Expedia has been analyzing recent data on their web search and discovered that US travelers have been planning their summer vacations even before spring break and Easter vacations.

According to the information shared by Expedia in a press release, there has been a recent spike in interest in these top destinations for the months of June, July, and August:
- Singapore: searches increased by 60%
- Houston: searches increased by 55%
- Bali: searches increased by 35%
- Washington D.C: searches increased by 35%
The results show that travelers are interested in near locations as well as more exotic places. Considering that there is a high demand for travel this year, Expedia has published a cheat sheet with tips and relevant data to help travelers get the cheapest fares and get the most out of their summer vacations.

Christie Hudson, Senior Public Relations Manager for Expedia, said: “People are ready to make their summer vacations happen no matter what”. The manager also added: “With many travel restrictions easing over the past month, travelers have been inspired to dust off their bucket lists and get a jumpstart on planning. Prices are already reflecting that pent-up demand, so timing is going to be key for getting the best deal.”

The travel company has published the most popular destinations for summer 2022, the best times to travel to get cheaper prices, a list of places tourists can visit for less than $350 roundtrip, and valuable tips for booking.

Trending Destinations For Summer 2022

Based on spikes in flight searches, Expedia shared the summer hotspots classified in three categories:

Best Times to Travel and destinations under $350

Expedia also analyzed prices for the summer season and shared a few conclusions. The cheapest month to fly is August, with nearly 10% lower ticket prices compared to June and July.

Those looking for cheap tickets can avoid July 1st, since the travel company disclosed that this is the most expensive day to fly, prior to the 4th of July holiday. Prices are 25% higher than the average summer months during those days.

Regarding destinations with roundtrip tickets under $350, Expedia shared an interest list. The top destinations travelers can visit for less than that amount in the United States and Canada are Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, Tampa, San, Antonio, Houston, Austin, Providence, Myrtle Beach, Kelowna, Nashville, New Orleans, and Charleston.

Booking Tips

One of the main recommendations the travel brand gives customers is: “Book early and book smart”. This advice may sound simple, but considering many factors —personal and even pandemic related (it is hard to predict with so many travel restrictions changing)— travelers are waiting to book their next airplane tickets and will probably pay more.

Expedia recommends its users apply “free cancellation” filters when searching and avoid buying saver fares or restrictive basic economy tickets. The travel company also encourages travelers to consider flexible dates, choose weekdays over weekends and avoid holidays to save more money.

Booking flights, hotels, and car rentals —bundle promotions— might also help save a few dollars, as well as considering memberships and loyalty programs.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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April 10, 2022
Travelers May Need Proof of €100 Spending Money Per Day In Spain And France
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If travelers wish to visit the European Union and have a non-EU passport, there can be some obstacles. Getting the Schengen Visa—depending on where you come from—can be a challenging process, but there are additional steps any foreigner may need to take before traveling.

Unknown to many, travelers visiting from third countries (countries outside the EU) may have to prove they have 100 Euros per day of spending money to enter EU nations like Spain and France.

For many travelers, this isn’t an issue; for budget travelers, this could cause some problems.

What Does EU Law Suggest?

According to EU law on entry from third countries, travelers from non-Schengen and non-EU nations technically need to show proof of financial support for their entire stay in the Schengen Zone.

The EU calls this ‘means of subsistence.’ Travelers can prove their means of subsistence in the following ways:
- Cash
- Credit card
- Bank statements
- Proof of employment
- Proof of prepaid accommodation
- Payslips
Individual EU nations decide how much this requirement needs to be; it varies from nation to nation.

Border guards don’t ask each traveler for means of subsistence every single time, as that would substantially slow down border crossing queues, but travelers should be aware that any non-EU tourist could be randomly asked to show proof of funds for entry.

Spain’s Entry Requirements

Travelers from third countries will need to show they have enough funds to cover 100 Euros per day in Spain. Spain has decided the amount of funds travelers should present must be 10% of the minimum inter-professional gross wage or the legal equivalent in third-country currency multiplied by the number of days a traveler wishes to spend in the country.

The EUR-Lex notes said: “Foreigners who intend to enter the national territory must continue to prove that they have a minimum amount of €100 per person per day, those they intend to stay in Spain with a minimum of €900 or its legal equivalent in foreign currency, provided that they are required by the officials in charge of carrying out the control of entry into Spanish territory and under the terms established in the aforementioned Order,”

France’s Entry Requirements

France will also continue to require travelers to prove they have over 100 Euros per day.

For example, the French authorities suggest travelers must prove they have a minimum of 120 Euros per day if the traveler doesn’t have evidence of prepaid accommodation. However, the amount decreases to only 65 Euros per day if the traveler has prepaid for the accommodation.

Moreover, France will allow budget travelers—if they prove they are staying in cheaper accommodation—to show proof of only 32.25 Euros per day. That will be a relief to many backpackers looking to visit France on a budget.

What About Other EU Nations?

The rules vary depending on the country:
- Belgium – Belgium has two ways of proving means of subsistence. If travelers stay in hotels, they need to prove they have 95 Euros per day; if travelers stay in cheaper accommodation—such as hostels—they must prove they have 45 Euros per day.
- Germany – Germany is more straightforward than some EU nations; they require travelers to prove they have 45 Euros per day.
- Netherlands – Similarly to Germany, the Netherlands makes it straightforward. Travelers must prove they have a minimum of 34 Euros per day.
- Italy – Italy, however, isn’t as simple. If travelers stay for up to 5 days, they must prove a fixed sum of 269.60 Euros. If travelers stay between 6 to 10 days, they must prove they have 44.93 Euros per day. And if travelers stay between 11 and 20 days, they must show a fixed sum of 51.64 Euros and proof of 36.67 Euros per day.
- Austria – Austria is an outlier in Europe. They review means of subsistence on a case-by-case basis. Of course, this may cause some uncertainty.
- Denmark – Denmark requires travelers to prove they have around 67 Euros per day of spending money. If travelers are staying in budget hotels or hostels, this drops to 47 Euros per day.
- Finland – Finland requires far less proof of funds compared to many EU nations; travelers only need to prove they have 30 Euros of spending money per day.
- Latvia – Latvia only requires proof of 14 Euros of spending money per day.
- Sweden – Sweden requires travelers to prove they have around 48 Euros of spending money per day.
The strictest financial entry requirements for third countries are in Spain and France. On the contrary, the rules are much more lenient in Germany and the Netherlands.

Either way, entering the Schengen Zone for non-EU citizens continues to be more challenging than visiting many non-EU nations. Any tourist visiting Europe this spring and summer should be aware that proof of funds may be asked for and show up to the border prepared. Starting in 2023 ETIAS will officially launch, creating another step for non-EU travelers visiting many European nations.

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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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April 8, 2022
Oceania Cruises Adds Cabins For Solo Travelers, Expands Eco-Friendly Tours

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A total of 56 Solo Oceanview Staterooms will be available on four vessels, starting in September this year

Oceania Cruises recently announced in a press release on Wednesday the addition of dozens of dedicated staterooms for solo travelers.

The cruise line also disclosed the debut of “Go Green” and “Beyond Blueprints”, shore excursion series.

As the solo travel trend continues to grow, Oceania Cruises — Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd— sees great potential in these independant travelers. Starting in a few months, four company vessels will include 14 solo oceanview staterooms. A total of 56 staterooms for independent explorers.

The new architectural design will be first seen on deck 6 aboard the Regatta on September 25, then on Nautica on September 26, and on Insignia and Sirena on October 1 this year.

Howard Sherman, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises, explained more about this decision: “One of the greatest factors in Oceania Cruises’ success is that we not only listen to the feedback our guests and travel partners provide, we act on it. Our guests and travel partners wanted more options for solo travelers and more diverse tour offerings, and we are delighted to deliver.”

Oceania Cruises is digging deeper into its customers’ needs, and going beyond providing a luxurious cruise service, the possibility to explore impressive destinations worldwide —including around the world cruises—, and outstanding culinary experiences.

Now, the company includes solo travelers’ cabins, environmentally respectful tours, and thoughtful excursions that allow visitors to connect more with the culture, nature, and environment of the destinations visited.

The Solo Oceanview Staterooms

The idea to offer solo travelers their own cabin has been on Oceania Cruises’ plans for some time now. The company first experimented to offer this service on their Vista vessel earlier this year, and the result was a great success. After that sell-out triumph, the cruise line decided to implement it on more ships.

The new staterooms have been created bearing in mind a solo traveler’s needs: to feel comfortable, relaxed, and taken care of. The cabins have been carefully designed, including soothing tones, luxurious furnishing, artwork, a refrigerated minibar, ample storage space, and a convenient Tranquility Bed.

Sherman said: “These new single-occupancy staterooms are ideal for guests seeking the joy of traveling solo while experiencing all the comfort, cuisine, and destination expertise that Oceania Cruises is renowned for.”

The prices for these new single-occupancy cabins have not been revealed yet. According to the information shared by the cruise line, the new oceanview staterooms will be available for reservations within a few days, on April 11, for sailings beginning in September.

Go Green And Beyond Blueprints Tours

Oceania Cruises will be offering over 150 Go Green tours across different countries and destinations, to allow travelers the possibility to engage with residents and local businesses who have developed projects to conserve and sustain the environment.

These tours promise to be entertaining, educational, and life-changing. The cruise line shared a few examples of what their customers can expect. One of the Go Green tours takes place in Bordeaux, France, and travelers will be able to visit the Château de La Dauphine, a biodynamic and organic vineyard that has improved its wine quality by respecting the cycles of nature —including the moon and planets movements— and applies pesticide-free agricultural methods.

From visiting a sanctuary for sloths in Costa Rica to a fascinating hike at the Bach Ma National Park in Vietnam, the Go Green tours are designed to please different interests and provide a great variety of experiences.
The Beyond Blueprints tours, on the other hand, will focus on “the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks” and include in-depth encounters. Travelers will be able to choose from 10 tours in Europe which include The Royal Library in Copenhagen, Denmark; La Villa Méditerranée and MUCEM Marseille, France; and the Equinor office building and the Munchmuseet in Oslo, Norway.

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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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April 3, 2022
Southwest Airlines Launches New Fare Class With Various Benefits For Travelers
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Southwest Airlines will add a fourth category fare to attract more business travelers and revenue this year.

The new fare will cost slightly more than Southwest Airlines’ cheapest tickets but below the airline’s top two fare categories. Southwest Airlines hopes the fare will offer more flexibility to travelers.

The airline will call the new fare category “Wanna Get Away Plus.” It will sit above the “Wanna Get Away” fares, and it will go on sale in the second quarter.

It’s Southwest’s first major fare change in 15 years.

The Details Of The New Fare Class

The “Wanna Get Away Plus” fares will allow travelers to make same-day changes to their tickets without paying the difference in fares that the lowest tier demands. Customers who select the new fare class—or classes above the fare class—will earn 33% more frequent flyer miles than the lowest tier.

Passengers can transfer flight credits to another RapidRewards member, a new feature for the airline.

Passengers also have the option to check two bags for free.

The new fare class is the latest effort by the airline to boost revenue after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline hopes it will help to bring back pre-pandemic passenger levels to Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines hinted at the fresh changes before Christmas, but they didn’t give any details. The new fare class is among various moves—including a brand new credit card deal with Chase Bank—that the Texas-based airline hopes will boost revenue by over $1 billion to $1.5 billion next year.

However, executives refused to comment on how much more “Wanna Get Away Plus” seats will cost compared to their cheaper alternative. But they said it would vary by flight.

In recent years, various airlines—such as Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines—have rolled out no-frills basic economy tickets. These tickets don’t include perks that were once free, such as advanced seat selection.

The Current State Of U.S. Airlines

Air travel demand—especially for domestic travel in the United States—and growing fuel prices from the increasing energy crisis have already pushed up fares. Unfortunately, airfares in the Department of Labor’s inflation index rose 12.7% last month from a year ago. However, the overall consumer price index rose 7.9%.

In February, bookings by both number and value on U.S. airline websites surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time. As a result, many of the cheap flight deals during the COVID-19 pandemic are over.

The Current Travel Rules In the U.S. Airlines

Although U.S air travel is coming back to pre-pandemic levels, airlines haven’t removed all COVID-19 restrictions. There’s still a mask mandate on all U.S. airlines until at least April 18, 2022.

However, in a letter sent to U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday, leaders of various major U.S. airlines demanded the government end the mask mandate along with the testing requirement for all incoming travelers to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of departure.

Various major airline heads signed the letter, including:
- Ed Bastian: Delta Airlines CEO
- Scott Kirby: United Airlines CEO
- Gary Kelly: Southwest Airlines executive chairman
- Robin Hayes: JetBlue Airways CEO
- Ben Minicucci: Alaska Airlines CEO
- Peter Ingram: Hawaiian Airlines CEO
- Robin Hayes: JetBlue Airways CEO
The airlines wrote: “At the outset, we voluntarily implemented policies and procedures — mandating face coverings; requiring passenger health acknowledgments and contact tracing information; and enhancing cleaning protocols – to form a multi-layered approach to mitigate risk and prioritize the wellbeing of passengers and employees,”

“However, much has changed since these measures were imposed and they no longer make sense in the current public health context.”

The airlines hope the U.S. will end the mask mandate in April and U.S. air travel will return to full normality.

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March 26, 2022
Fully Vaccinated U.S. Travelers Can Now Enter The Netherlands Without Testing
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Last Updated 7 hours ago

The Dutch government has announced that from today – 23 March – fully vaccinated travelers from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom will be able enter the Netherlands without having to present a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival.

And, for nationals – of countries from within the EU or Schengen zone – the entry rules have been made even easier, with there now being no requirement to show proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19, or a need to present a negative test on arrival.

What Were The Previous Entry Requirements For U.S. and Non-EU Travelers?

Prior to this relaxing of Covid-19 entry requirements, fully vaccinated travelers – from nations that are not part of the European Union or Schengen zone – were required to present:
- a negative PCR test result (taken no more than 48 hours before departure)
- a negative antigen test result (taken no more than 24 hours before departure).
There was no need to quarantine, however, with such a requirement being lifted for American travelers on 25 February.

What Are The New Entry Requirements For Fully Vaccinated U.S. Citizens Wanting To Visit The Netherlands?

With there no longer being a requirement for travelers to take a Covid-19 test – although all travelers are ‘advised’ to self-test upon arrival, as well as on day 5 after arrival – U.S. citizens that have been fully vaccinated are able to enter the Netherlands by just:

The same rules apply to travelers from Canada and the United Kingdom.

How Do You Qualify As Being Fully Vaccinated?

In order to be considered ‘fully vaccinated’ by the Dutch authorities, you must have received your final vaccine dose no more than 270 days before your arrival into the Netherlands.

However, if you have received a booster dose your proof of vaccination is considered to be valid indefinitely.

Can Unvaccinated U.S. Travelers Currently Visit The Netherlands?

The simple answer is ‘yes’ – and the same answer applies to Canadian and British travelers.

However, an EU entry ban is currently in effect for nationals that are not from countries within the EU or Schengen zone. In order to be exempt to the ban – citizens that do not come from a country within the EU and Schengen zone need to:
- travel to the Netherlands from a ‘safe’ country
- show proof that they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19
- show proof that they have recently recovered from Covid-19.
There are also other reasons for exemption – which can be found here.

From today – 23 March – visitors will be able to present a positive Covid-19 antigen test result as proof of recovery, with a positive PCR test result having previously been required.

Face Masks On Public Transport And Pre-Admission Testing For Large Public Events No Longer Required

Although face masks will still be required when on an airplane – and in the departure lounge of airports – the Dutch government has announced that they will no longer need to be worn when using public transport in the country. This includes when traveling by taxi, bus, and ferry.

There is also no longer a requirement to take a pre-admission Covid-19 test before visiting nightclubs – or attending a public event – with a capacity of more than 500 people.

This now means that you are no longer required to present a coronavirus entry pass in order to enter any public venue inside the country.

The Netherlands is not the first country to relax its entry requirements for travelers – with 11 nations, so far this month, having removed all of their Covid-19 entry requirements.

Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

55 Countries Vaccinated Americans Can Enter Test Free

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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March 24, 2022