Tag: Visiting

Antalya, Turkey: Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting
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Antalya isn’t just a city – it’s a region along most of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast that is quickly becoming everyone’s favorite playground. For starters, the region’s seaside location makes for mild winters (but expect lots of rain) and warm, balmy summers.

With Antalya’s (relatively) lower cost of living and lots to see and do, now is the time to consider booking a trip here. Plus, it’s much easier to visit since Turkey removed all of its Covid-related entry requirements last month. Want to find out more about visiting Antalya? This guide will cover all of the important topics for travelers, such as:
- Must-know culture and customs in Antalya
- The costs and budget for travelers
- How the WiFi is in Antalya
- Top things to do for travelers
Here are the top 10 things you need to know before visiting Antalya, Turkey.

How Hard Is It on the Wallet?

Rating: 2 out of 5.

The latest stats show that Antalya, Turkey is currently in the top 7% of the cheapest places to live. Salaries average at less than $400 per month after taxes, so prices at the local level will still be cheap.

A big reason for this is that the Turkish lira, the local currency, is currently at an all-time low. Here’s a little breakdown of the costs you can expect on a visit to Antalya:

Housing: Cheapest place to rent out of the places we’ve covered so far. Ready for this? A one-bedroom rental costs go for less than $200 USD (around 3,400 Turkish lira) per month! If you really look around, you can maybe get even cheaper. Staying at a hotel along the coast will be a little higher, especially if it’s only a one or two-day stay. According to Nomadlist, hotels cost an average of $50 per night.

Food: Coffee for less than $1, beer for less than $2, and you can get a delicious meal at a sit-down restaurant for less than $5 easily. A romantic dinner out will set you back about $10 (or less). Tipping is a little less too, and you should add about 7% of the total bill for a tip. So if it’s a 50 lira bill, throw a few extra lira in there.

Transportation: Public transportation is cheap in Antalya! To use public transport, you can buy a AntalyaKart card for 11.50 tl ($0.66). A single ride on the bus or tram is about 5 tl (30 cents!).

How Friendly Are the Locals?

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Turkish people are notoriously friendly, hospitable, and helpful to strangers.

Antalya is a pretty international city and while some places throughout the country are more conservative than others, Antalya definitely leans on the more progressive side.

Because of the big international scene, you’ll find that the locals are even more welcoming to foreigners here in Antalya. Turks are also very curious, so don’t get offended if you’re asked more personal questions about your salary, job, and age.

Customs And Culture: Do’s and Don’ts

This part of the list is an important one! There are a lot of little local quirks to be aware of before visiting Turkey, so here’s a little breakdown of the top do’s and don’ts in Antalya:
- The cheek kiss: it’s common for people to kiss on each cheek when greeting each other. If you’re not comfortable, it’s okay to go with a handshake.
- Always accept food if you’re at a locals house.
- Dress modestly, especially in temples (women must cover their heads when visiting a mosque).
- Respect the traditional culture and don’t overdo it with the PDA.
- Respect the elders.
- Take off your shoes before entering a local’s house (same goes for all temples).
You really don’t want to do these. Here’s a list of things that are illegal in Turkey. Also please know that while Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, women don’t need to cover their hair in most situations except when in a mosque.

Top Trending Things to Do in Antalya

Here are the hottest things to do right now in Antalya, Turkey.

A walking tour of the Old Town, visiting the ancient Roman ruins (some of the best in the country!) and exploring beautiful canyons and caves nearby are some of the top things to do in Antalya right now. You can book a tour with an experienced local guide (all guides must be certified in Turkey) and have an unforgettable day immersed in the region’s history and nature.

Highlights are definitely the Damlatas cave, the ancient Greco-Roman city of Perge that dates back to 3000 BCE, and a tour of this natural pool which you can find on AirBnB.

And did we mention that Antalya is home to some amazing beaches? Don’t forget to plan a few beach days on your trip here. Some of the top spots are Konyaalti Plahari beach, Cleopatra, Lara, and Patara (just to name a few).

How Safe Is It?

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Safety is relative, and we are giving Antalya a 4/5 rating because it depends on who you’re talking to. In general, Antalya is safe for travelers, as locals are very welcoming and eager to show foreigners their country. There are still some things to be aware of, however, just like when traveling anywhere else in the world.

Some websites for nomads have reported lots of political conflict in recent years, so always be careful when traveling here in Antalya. The same goes for women and LGBTQ travelers.

While homosexuality isn’t illegal in Turkey (in fact, it was one of the first countries to legalize it back in 1858), it’s still super important that you are aware of the traditions here. The party areas like in Kaleiçi (Antalya’s Old Town district) is the place to go if you want to find more diverse groups of people but it’s still important to keep your wits about you throughout your trip.

Numbeo has reported that overall crime in Antalya (more petty crime) has increased over the past 3 years, and Antalya also ranks low when it comes to freedom of speech.

Travel Insurance Tips for Your Trip:

Travel insurance is always a good idea when going on any type of trip. Get yourself covered (at a super low cost) with the right health insurance in case you can really sick or if your belongings get stolen or lost at some point.

Local Eats and Drink

Indulging in delicious and unique Turkish food is another reason why travelers love Antalya. Start your day with a Turkish coffee with some coastal views, a tea in the afternoon (and into the evening). For a nightcap, test your tastebuds with a shot of raki, the local Turkish drink made with distilled aniseed and grapes.

Because Antalya is a seaside destination, be sure to samples lots of fish dishes during your trip. Fried fish is typically served with a tahini paste, lemon, oil, salt, and garlic. For lunch, try a Turkish piyaz salad (like a pilaf) and a warm slice of börek (cheesy bread) in the mornings.

What Are the Top Apps to Use in Antalya?

To make things easier for you on your trip, here’s a list of the best apps to use in Antalya, Turkey.
- Uber and the local BiTaksi app, popular for ride shares to get around the region.
- WhatsApp for all types of communication.
- Sesli Sözlük: Learn some basic Turkish phrases with this handy language app.
- Yemeksepeti is currently the most popular food delivery app in Turkey and Cyprus.
How’s The WiFi?

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The WiFi situation in Antalya is good but not great. Make sure to get a local SIM card and consider booking a few days at a co-working space if you’ll be needing more dependable internet, but people are able to get by on Antalya’s 4G WiFi.

The average speed in Antalya is currently 7 Mbps, and there’s lots of free WiFi in the city.

What Are the Best Cultural Experiences?

Looking for the ultimate cultural experience? There are so many in Antalya. Start by heading to one of the famous Turkish baths for a day of relaxation, book a cooking class and learn how to cook some delicious dishes with the pros, and get outdoorsy on one of Antalya’s most epic hike – the Lycian Way. Pilgrims from all over the world head here to conquer this hike, so it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How Long Can I Stay?

Most travelers will need to apply for an eVisa before traveling to Turkey. You can apply online to get your tourist visa that will give you up to 90 days in the country. The process is super easy and it only takes a few minutes to fill out the form online.

While some countries only get 30 days, passport holders from the US, Canada, the UK, and a number of other countries get 90 days. If you want to stay longer in Turkey, you can inquire at a local immigration office upon arrival.

So there you have it, a rundown of what to know before visiting Antalya. This region has so much to offer travelers, so if you’re looking for a change from Europe, consider a trip here and you won’t be disappointed.

Read More:

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5 Reasons Why Antalya Is The Perfect Summer Destination For 2022

These Are The Last 5 Countries in Europe With Travel Restrictions

Tips For Navigating Travel Chaos And Flight Delays This Summer

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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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July 13, 2022
Bali: Top 10 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting
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A tiny island with a big heart, booming tourism, and lots to discover – who doesn’t love Bali?

If you haven’t traveled to Bali (yet), or are planning to sometime soon, we’ve put together this guide on the top things travelers need to know before visiting this Indonesian island that’s also known as the “island of the gods.”

Whether you’re looking to plan a two-week getaway to Bali or stay for a while as a digital nomad, keep this guide that’s filled with insider tips that are important to know when visiting Bali. This post has travel tips such as:
- How the WiFi is in Bali
- Important customs to follow
- How much to budget for your trip
- The trendiest things to do in 2022
Here are the top 10 things travelers need to know before visiting Bali.

How hard is it on the wallet?

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Bali is more expensive than other parts of Indonesia, and it’s one of the relatively more expensive places to travel to in Southeast Asia, but compared to Europe or North America, it’s a dream!

For long-stay tourists, the cost of living in Bali is that it will vary depending on where you’re staying. According to the website Nomadlist, the average monthly cost of living in Canggu is around $1,500 USD per month. Ubud is just a little less at $1,376 per month on average. If you head north to the town of Lovina, costs will be much lower. It depends on where you want to visit and what you want to experience in Bali. Let’s break down the costs to give you a better idea.

Hotels: A mid-range hotel (sometimes with a pool) can range between $25-50 or more per night. If you want to stay longer in Bali, there’s a possibility to rent a villa and this will help cut some costs in the longer term.

Food: A local meal can be found for less than $4, and you can also splurge at a beach-side restaurant on a $20 meal (appetizers included).

Transportation: Being an island, the main way to get around in Bali is by motorbike. A scooter rental will set you back anywhere between $40-70 per month, and daily rentals shouldn’t cost you more than $5.

How Friendly Are The Locals In Bali?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

In general, Balinese people are friendly, open, and welcoming people. Their traditional culture and way of life means that there are lots of customs and etiquette to abide by, but travelers to the region typically feel safe and welcomed on the island.

This is a tricky thing to generalize because everyone’s travel experience is different. But if you are respectful to the locals you will be given the same treatment right back, which is similar to most places around the world.

That being said, the expat and traveler community in Bali is very tight, so you can easily make friends with other travelers here.

Bali Customs & Culture

This is probably the most important section on our list! Bali is a sacred island with lots of customs that locals live by every day. While there’s been a massive influx of travelers and expats arriving on the island for decades now, the Balinese try to preserve their culture. 87% of the people in Bali currently identify as Hindu and it’s also the only place in Indonesia where the population is predominantly practicing Hindus.

Here’s a rundown of the top customs and etiquette practices to follow when visiting Bali:
- Don’t point at anyone.
- Don’t touch the head of a local (so, like, don’t go patting random kids on the head even if they are super cute).
- Take off your shoes when entering a local’s home.
- Don’t let your foot soles show while sitting.
- Don’t cross your arms or put your hands on your tips (these are seen as aggressive postures).
- Be mindful of the offerings on the ground and don’t crush them.
- Don’t engage in a political discussion or activity, especially with any locals (you might be in the clear, but it is much more serious for the locals).
Temple etiquette:

Temples are superfluous in Bali, so following the right protocol when visiting a temple is super important.
- Take off your shoes before entering.
- Dress modestly. Keep your shoulders and legs covered.
- Put on a sarong to cover your legs when entering a temple.
- According to religious teachings, women on their periods can’t enter any temples or other sacred places of worship.
Top Trending Things To Do In Bali

The Monkey Forest Sanctuary: You’ve probably seen it on Instagram, and it’s also a must-do when visiting Bali. After visiting Monkey Forest, you can easily fill your days in Bali enjoying the island’s many beautiful beaches and temples. Some of the most notable temples are Gunung Kawi Temple near Ubud and Pura Lempuyang Luhur, which is located along the eastern tip of the island.

If you want to get a little under-the-radar, the West Bali National Park covers an area of over 70 square miles and serves as a sanctuary for over 100 species of birds, endangered plants, marine life, and so much more. Guides are available for hire at the park’s entrance, and most of the nearby hotels also arrange tours of the park.

Is Bali Safe For Travelers?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Bali consistently rates as a safe destination for international travelers. Reported muggings and other crimes are relatively rare, but it’s still important to exercise a normal amount of caution when traveling.

The biggest safety issues that most travelers experience in Bali is actually with transportation. Bali is filled with narrow, winding roads that aren’t great for walking and can be tricky when driving a scooter. Make sure to be careful when walking along a main road and when driving a motorbike because lots of accidents do occur, especially among tourists.

Bali is also a safe destination for women travelers. Just make sure to respect the local customs and don’t dress too immodestly when venturing outside of the beach or pool area. Walking around during the day you won’t have any issues, but make sure to have your wits about you if you find yourself wandering at night.

Mount Agung, an active volcano on the island, has been sputtering throughout these past few years. While smoke and ash have halted flights and dissuaded tourists from coming at times, the danger has not reached the hotel zones.

Travel insurance tips for your trip:

Remember, travel insurance is always a good idea when going on any type of trip. Get yourself covered (at a super low cost) with the right health insurance in case of a motorbike accident or if your belongings get stolen or lost at some point during your trip.

Local Eats In Bali

While some cafes in Bali can do a pretty good smoothie bowl, that’s surprisingly not the main dish on the island.

When it comes to local Balinese food, indulge yourself in a mouth-watering satay (meat or veggie meat on a stick with a spicy peanut buttery sauce), Lawar (finely chopped meat and vegetables mixed with shredded coconut), and of course, Nasi Goreng (fried rice, Indo style). Nasi means rice in Bahasa Indonesia, one of Bali’s two main languages. So, it’s safe to say that you’ll never pass a market in Bali or the rest of Indonesia without seeing some sort of Nasi dish.

What Are The Best Apps For Bali?

Grab is the Southeast Asian version of Uber, and this app is essential when visiting Bali. Use Grab to find a motorbike taxi to take you to your destination.

Very popular in Bali, Go-Jek is your all-in-one ride share and delivery app. This app has a handy list of restaurants and grocery stores and you can order anything for delivery straight to your door.

Insider tip: Travelers should be aware that in some cities of Bali, only local taxis are allowed. Make sure to ask an experienced traveler or local before requesting a ride share because the driver might not be allowed to enter the area.

For messaging, WhatsApp is the main app used on the island. If you haven’t already, download this app to your phone before your trip.

How’s The WiFi Situation?

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Especially amongst the digital nomad community, Bali is well-known for its buzzing coffee shops and co-working spaces with excellent WiFi (and strong coffee to boot). That being said, the WiFi connection in Bali depends on where you are on the island.

According to Nomadlist, the average WiFi speed in Bali is 6 mgps. In general, the towns on the southern tip get much stronger connections than towns in the north.

If you really need a strong WiFi connection, consider investing in a pocket WiFi for your trip. Check with local providers XL, Telkomsel, and Smartfen and inquire about their pocket WiFi rentals.

What Are Some Of The Top Experiences?

From fire dances at sunset to sunrise hikes on volcanoes, Bali is filled with unforgettable experiences. And now that the island has finally reopened to international travelers, it’s time to get out there and enjoy them all.

If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, there are plenty of tours available where you can hike up to the scenic Mount Batur with a group and with the help of a guide. For some culture, head to Uluwatu Temple and check out a local Kecak Dance performance at sunset. Or, check out this Ubud secret waterfalls & Instagram tour on Airbnb.

How Long Can I Stay?

Indonesia’s visa-on-arrival program allows tourists from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and a number of other nations to visit the country for 30 days, and this includes Bali. While there have been reports of tourists in the past extending their visa multiple times, this is no longer allowed.

According to the latest guidance, your 30-day visa can only be extended once, which would give you 2 months in total in Bali.

Whether you’re a surfer always in search of the best waves, a backpacker on a mid-range budget, or a vagabond with a laptop and a yoga mat (or somewhere in between) Bali is a great place to relax, unwind, and learn about one of the world’s most fascinating and historic cultures.

And with the new 5-year digital nomad visa in the works, there might just be another reason to plan a longer trip to Bali in the near future.

Read More:

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Ultimate Bali Travel Guide – Complete Insider Tips

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The Bali Sun- Daily Local News in English

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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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June 25, 2022
American Travelers Will Have Fast Track Entry When Visiting France This Summer
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Last Updated 55 mins ago

Traveling abroad for summer 2022 will be much more challenging than initially expected, as countries struggle to keep up with a rising travel demand and staff shortages. Still, some destinations are better prepared than others, and are even simplifying entry for foreigners. This is the case with France, where Americans now enjoy fast track entry.

Although many travelers are not even aware of this, France allows a number of foreign nationals to cross its borders without thorough checks – including U.S. citizens. While this policy has been around for some time, it was not until recently that it gained traction, as airports in Europe become overwhelmingly busy post-Covid:

Americans Can Enter France Without Speaking To A Border Agent

If you’re a regular traveler in the Old Continent, you may be familiar with the layout of European airports. Usually when landing in Europe, passengers have to stand in one out of two lines: the Europeans’ or the third country nationals’. Anyone who does not hold a passport from an European Union (EU) or EU-associated country is considered a third country national.

Naturally, U.S., Canada, Australia and UK passport holders are all considered third country nationals, as they are not EU citizens. With the exception of Brits, who only left the EU recently, these travelers had been for years subject to long wait times until speaking to a border agent, who would then assess whether they would be allowed into France or not.

This is a very common procedure when traveling abroad, as it is a border agent’s job to verify the intentions of a traveler when visiting a country, and whether they meet certain criteria, including financial requirements. As EU citizens have the right to move freely in Europe, they are not subject to these checks and have always been eligible to use eGates.

In France, they are part of an automated border control system called Parafe, which helps French authorities keep track of border crossings to and from France from outside the borderless Schengen Area. These ‘Eletronic Gates’ ensure faster entry when crossing EU borders, as passengers simply have to scan their passport to be allowed in.

Surprisingly, France now allows select non-EU nationalities to scan their way into the country. In order to benefit from Parafe, and cross into France without speaking to a border agent first, travelers must simply be aged 18 years and older, and hold a valid biometric passport from one of the below countries:
- EU nations
- EEA nations (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway)
- Switzerland
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
This means that, even though they are not Europeans, Americans can still use eGates traveling to France at designated entry poins. More specifically, they are eligible for fast-track entry in 7 international airports, including the busy Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly, which both serve Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and Nice.

U.S. passport holders can also use automated eGates on at least 4 of France’s international train stations, mainly on United Kingdom-France routes. Those are Gare du Nord, in Paris, St Pancras International, on the British side of the border, the Terminal de Coquelles in France, and the Folkstone Terminal in England.

How To Use An eGate In 4 Quick Steps

When using an eGate, travelers are advsied to follow these steps:
- Remove glasses, scarves, hats and face masks
- Place the passport photo page on the electronic reader
- Stand on the footprints indicated on the floor
- Look at the camera in front of you until the facial recognition process is complete
If you’re successful, after a minute or two, the gates of France – and Europe on an extent – will open for you.

Despite More Relaxed Entry Controls, Schengen Area Rules Have Not Changed

Even though Americans are now guaranteed faster entry into France, this does not mean the rule is replicated in other European countries. With the exception of the UK, which also allows U.S. citizens to use eGates, we still have not heard of other European nations granting Americans (and Canadians on an extent) the privilege.

Whenever traveling to France, Americans are again reminded that, even though they may no longer be required to see a border officer at specific entry points, they can only remain in the country (and the Schengen Area as a whole) for 90 days out of every 180-day period. For that purpose, the Parafe system will keep a record of both entry and exit dates.

When caught overstaying, depending on the length of the illegal stay, Americans risk being fined, detained, or even banned from traveling to Europe for a few years. Any visit to the Schengen Area, which include France and 25 other countries, however short, counts towards your 90-days-out-of-every-180 limit.

If in doubt, always use the official Schengen Calculator.

Is France Open For Tourism Right Now?

Right now, France is open to Americans holding a valid Covid certification, and mainly those who are fully immunized. It is not yet part of the group of European countries that have completely removed entry requirements ahead of summer, but it has progressively eased restrictions over the last few months.

Once in France, travelers are no longer required to wear face coverings indoors or outdoors, including in planes, and the Covid-era Pass sanitaire, France’s controversial vaccine passport, is also not in use. Right now, your main concern traveling to France is the rapid spread of monkeypox and the increasing risk of travel disruption due to understaffed airports.

Read More:

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These Are Your Top Underrated Summer Travel Destinations In Europe For 2022

Americans Flying To The UK Risk Long Delays At Border And Flight Cancellations

The Top 5 Most Affordable Summer Destinations In Europe For 2022

Hotel Prices Across Europe Surging To Record Highs

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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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June 8, 2022
Americans Visiting Ireland This Summer Risk Facing Severe Travel Disruption

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Last Updated 13 hours ago

Covid may have subsided, but traveling Europe in the upcoming months will not come without its own subset of challenges. In fact, Americans visiting Ireland this summer now risk facing severe travel disruption, as the nation’s busiest international airport in Dublin tries to strike a delicate balance between higher travel demand and staff shortages.

After two years of unusually quiet departure lounges, the pandemic’s long-term impacts on the travel industry are only now being felt. Although London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International also reported delays, proving Dublin Airport is not alone, it’s the latter that took the brunt of it, as more than 1,000 passengers have missed their flights in a single day.

Here is how it all went down:

How Bad Is The Situation At Dublin Airport?

After Covid, travelers have begun to turn up at the airport earlier than usual – sometimes many hours in advance – to ensure they will board their flights on time. While long lines had been a common sight at Dublin Airport over the weekend, it was yesterday, on May 30, that the situation turned truly dire, as even early showers were not guaranteed boarding.

Since Friday, there have been numerous reports on news outlets, and social media, of people who missed their flights despite arriving to Dublin Airport 3 to 4 hours in advance. The Irish Times tells of a family who showed up early at the airport at 7:58 am for a 10:45 am flight, but after two hours in line had only gotten as far as the front door of the terminal.

Customer Rebeca Boughton said ‘no information was provided to passengers queuing outside the terminal building’, and people started pushing through trying to make their flights in time. Most of the time, to no avail. Once she made it inside, Mrs Boughton learned that the check-in desk was already closed and her flight delayed until noon.

Dublin Airport Descends Into Chaos

Another couple from County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland, also got the airport ‘several hours in advance‘ and still missed their 7:45 am flight to Italy: ‘we arrived at the closing gate at 7:40 am, and our plane was outside, but they wouldn’t let us through the gates’. According to the interviewee, they were among 36 passengers that were not allowed to board.

The person added they ‘pleaded’ at the gate to be let in, and then peeked out the window to see airport staff removing cases from the plane. Even after arguing and despite passengers being visibly distressed, it was ‘no good’ as they were still barred from boarding. The passenger has deemed the situation a ‘bad advertisement for Ireland‘.

An American family has also had had their plans ruined amid the chaos, spending over 11 hours at the airport on Sunday. Bonnie Radintz, who voiced her family’s grievances, detailed they had already missed a flight earlier that day, despite showing up on time, and were forced to walk 4 km in Terminal 2 in lengthy passenger lines with no end in sight.

Mrs Radintz, who was flying home to Minneapolis that day, said her family received ‘no water, vouchers or any form of communication’ regarding their new (delayed) flight. Interestingly, other passengers waiting outside the terminals to get in also complained of a ‘lack of communication from airport authorities’.

What Is Behind The Crisis?

According to the DAA, which stands for Dublin Airport Authority, the recent chaos at the airport can be blamed on a number of factors, ranging from a shortage of staff and unexpected absences yesterday, to several passengers turning up early. As reported by RTE, more than 1,000 people missed their flights following Sunday’s disruptions.

Other reports note that 1,000 airport workers have left their jobs since September 2020, after the DAA offered staff ‘voluntary severance’ due to the low travel demand at the time, including 248 security screening workers. The move has led to shortages in the Republic of Ireland’s two biggest airports, Dublin and Cork.

As Kevin Cullinane, a spokesperson for the DAA noted, Dublin Airport ‘clearly didn’t have enough security lanes open due to resourcing challenges’. He added that, due to staff constraints, any absence can critically impact the airport’s ability to operate lanes, as became evident on Sunday.

Airport Authorities Had No Clue About The Scale Of The Problem Until It Was Too Late

Even though there was trouble brewing as early as Saturday, airport authorities did not become aware of the scale of the problem until it was too late. Cullinane shared ‘the challenges the airport faced began at about 4:30 local time on Sunday’, and despite their best efforts to balance an increase in passengers and fewer staff, the system was ‘overwhelmed’.

What’s worse: this might not be a one-off, with Cullinane tellings RTE the airport is operating on ‘very fine margins’ and ‘running to the max’ of available staff. This means Americans flying to Ireland this summer are very likely to experience travel disruption in some level, such as excessively long wait lines, delays or cancellations.

Although more travel woes were already expected in Europe this summer, as a majority of airports in the continent are battling shortages, Dublin Airport’s recent fiasco proves how quickly, and unexpectedly, the situation can deteriorate even further. After having let thousands of passengers down, Dublin Airport expects an extra 370 officers to be hired by July.

Eddie Wilson, CEO at Ryanair, Ieland’s low-cost carrier, has urged the government to deploy the army to airports. Wilson believes one of the biggest issues at the airport today is that aspiring workers need to be security cleared before they can assume their posts. As he argues, army officers already have security clearance and could help ease the pressure.

What Is The Risk Of Experiencing Travel Disruption When Visiting Ireland?

With several American carriers announcing new flights to Ireland this summer, in response to a growing demand for overseas travel, there is always a risk your flight could be delayed, or even cancelled, taking into account Dublin Airport’s current resources, which are limited. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting which flights will be axed and which will not.

Ireland may be open for all Americans, irrespective of vaccination status and with no testing or quarantine in place, but this does not mean travelers should not be prepared for their plans to change, or completely scrap the Covid-era contingency measures. Now, it’s cancelled flights they need to worry about, and they will become more and more frequent as summer approaches.

With that in mind, we recommend you to always purchase travel insurance covering cancellation costs before flying, in order to be better prepared when faced with adverse events. Additionally, travelers are now advised to exercise increased caution when visiting Europe due to the new monkeypox outbreaks in several parts of the continent, including Ireland.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Top 10 Places To Visit On Your Trip To Ireland

JetBlue, Alaska Airlines To Cut Several Flights This Summer Due To Staff Shortages

These Are Your Top Underrated Summer Travel Destinations In Europe For 2022

American Airlines Announces New Flights But Cuts Several Long Haul Routes

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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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June 1, 2022