Tag: World

Why These 5 Beaches Are The Best In The World On TikTok Right Now

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With temperatures dropping to record lows in large swathes of the U.S., Americans are looking for warmer places to be this season, where they can bury their feet in the sand and bask in the sunshine. It should come as no surprise, then, that these 5 stunning beaches are currently trending on TikTok, amassing hundreds of millions of views.

As the fastest-growing social media platform right now, TikTok is a great tool for tracking the latest travel trends, learning new travel hacks that will help you save money while traveling, and even uncovering the ugly truth about some of the world’s most popular destinations aesthetic-obsessed ‘Insta-influencers’ would never dare add to their perfect grid.

It also gives us an idea of which sunny locations youngsters are flocking into – and most importantly, why:

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5 – Waikiki Beach, Hawaii (U.S.)

An upscale neighborhood straddling the pristine coast of Honolulu, the largest city in O’ahu, Waikiki is dotted with high-rise properties, tourist complexes, and world-class restaurants ranking among the island’s finest. Its main attraction, however, has to be the man-made Waikiki Beach, watched 43.7 million times on TikTok.

When you picture Hawaii’s long stretches of sand sandwiched between turquoise waters and tree-flanked promenades, it’s probably this beach that comes to mind. Other than sunbathing, TikTok users are particularly enthusiastic about Waikiki’s diverse tourist offer, ranging from surf lessons and snorkeling to beachfront events for all ages.

@alyssamarchioni Aloha Waikiki☀️ #waikikibeach #hawaii #vacation #beach #oahu #oahuhawaii #travel #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – Alyssa Marchioni

4 – Vũng Tàu Beach, Vietnam

Vũng Tàu is a quaint fishing town in Vietnam’s Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province. Due to its close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City – the legendary Saigon – it makes for an amazing weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the regional capital. Arriving at the bay, visitors are greeted by breathtaking views of a long sandy coast with imposing green peaks as a backdrop.

Besides being the ideal place for relaxing and soaking up the sun, viral TikToks show Vũng Tàu as a charming settlement filled with French-styled buildings dating back to the colonial era and historical neighborhoods offering a glimpse into life on the Thai coast. Overall, clips filmed here have collectively hit 61.9 million views on the app.

@linhdoan.112 Vượt lười thành công edit nốt phần 2. Clip này sẽ là 2 ngày cuối ở Vũng Tàu nên có hơi dài, các bác nhớ coi hết nha! #linhdoanriviu #vungtau #dulichvietnam #xuhuong #trending #fypシ ♬ original sound – Linh Đoàn

3 – Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam

Yet another Vietnamese gem was acknowledged as a distinguished beach right now. Contrary to Vũng Tàu, however, Nha Trang is anything but bucolic: it is a well-developed resort city known not only for crystal clear waters, but a lively social scene. Due to its cosmopolitan appeal and stunning nature, no beach site in Vietnam ranks higher on TikTok.

It curves along the famous Tran Phu Street, embellished by a scenic promenade lined with five-star hotels and traditional eateries serving freshly-caught seafood. Rounding out the top three, it has garnered up to 64.9 million views. Needless to say, Vietnam as a whole is one of the trendiest destinations in Southeast Asia right now.

@mtripsvietnam Sixsense Ninh Vân Bay – Nha Trang #LearnOnTikTok #travel #vietnam #nhatrang #trending #foryou #foryoupage #xuhuong #sixsenses #dulich ♬ Lone Ranger – Rachel Platten

2 – Pattaya Beach, Thailand

Thailand’s most iconic beach, Pattaya, is highly sought-after both for leisure, encompassing lounging zones and bars, and water sports. Although the central section directly faces the modern development zone and gets overwhelmingly busy in the peak season, the northern part is usually quieter, with a greater sense of seclusion (and less visual pollution).

On TikTok, it is the second trendiest natural attraction, nearly topping the charts with 128.5 million views. Pattaya itself is a center for the culture of the sorts, home to the temple-packed Buddha Hill and the wooden-built Sanctuary of Truth, a prime example of Thai architecture, a museum still undergoing constriction featuring an opulent interior and tall spires.

@carisiosajean Beach must to visit in Pattaya🏝☀️🌊#pattayacity #pattayabeach #thailand #fypシ ♬ Asian style warm tropical house – Future Oriented Triad

1 – Bondi Beach, Australia

In line with AirBnB, which recently added this coastal hub to their list of five destinations expecting to surge in popularity in 2023, the top viral beach content on TikTok is Bondi Beach, a white sand crescent with a distinct laid-back vibe in Sydney, Australia. So far, it has hit 445.8 million views across all TikTok posts, easily claiming the top spot on the list.

Perfect blood-red sunsets, big waves, and a bright blue ocean: it does tick all the boxes. Walking the beach at weekends, especially Saturdays, tourists will find food stalls selling fish and chips and other local produce, as well as beach markets. At certain times of the year, Bondi also houses film and sand sculpture festivals.

@erikaraquel_ Mini vlog from a sunday afternoon at Bondi Beach, Australia 🇦🇺💛 highly recommend going to north bondi at sunset and having a boogie 🕺 #surfergirl #surfgiellife #beachlifestyle #bondibeachsydney #bondilife #bondibeach #bondivlog #dayinthelifeminivlog #erikawhite #erikawhitesurf #beachvlogger #beachminivlog #sydneyaustralia #bondiicebergpool ♬ Au Revoir – Sweet After Tears

Read more about the latest TikTok travel trends here.

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January 12, 2023
Top Ways To Save Money At Disney World This Year According To One Of Their Executives
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If you’ve been planning a trip to Disney World, Orlando this year, one of Disney World’s executives has just shared some of the best tips for saving money for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

For the past 15 months, Disney World has been celebrating its 50^th anniversary, with many of its festivities continuing up until March 31, 2023. With less than 3 months left of its celebration plans, the attraction has announced a list of savings to entice visitors to its many resorts after the official celebrations conclude.

2023 is still an important year for Walt Disney, as the entertainment company will be marking its 100th anniversary since being founded in 1923. The celebrations will be mainly focused at Disneyland Resort, but will eventually move to Disney World later in the year.

There are plenty of reasons to add Disney World to your 2023 destination list, from its latest attraction Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to popular favorites like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the revived Fantasmic!

Highlights coming to Disney World in 2023 will also include Tron Lightcycle Run, one of the fastest new rides, and a new family-style barbecue restaurant called Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land.

Keep in mind that the cost to visit Disney World will vary based on which of the four parks you want to visit. Animal Kingdom is the lowest-priced park costing between $109 and $159, while Magic Kingdom is the most expensive park, costing between $124 and $189, and it’s best to reserve your tickets as soon as possible.

Lesley Harris, Communications Manager at Walt Disney World Resort has offered some of the best ways to save this year (and also don’t forget to check out our other tips for saving money here):

Save Up To 25% On Rooms At Select Disney Resort Hotels

If you want your magical stay to extend into the evening and beyond, a stay at one of Disney’s Resort hotels will give you the same friendly service and storytelling as its theme parks. Disney is offering the following discounts during select time periods on a limited number of its rooms.
- April 10 through July 10, 2023: save up to 25% on stays at 15 select Disney Resort hotels during most nights
- March 1 through March 31, 2023: save up to 20% at select 15 Disney Resort hotels during most nights
- Resorts include: Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Additional discounts also apply to other Disney Resort hotels during certain dates. You can see the full list of resorts and savings here.

$750 Dining Promo Card With Special Offer

Guests visiting Disney World who book a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day vacation package at either a Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort with a theme park ticket will receive up to a $750 Dining promo card ($150 Per Room, Per Night).

The dining card can be redeemed across the resorts, from the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park to Satu’li Canteen, a fast-casual restaurant at Pandora – The World of Avatar. The gifted dollar value is dependent on which Disney Resort hotel that you stay at, and ranges from $50 to $150 per room, per night, for a maximum of 5 nights.

The offer is only available for guests booking between the following dates:
- July 1 to July 10, 2023
- August 1 to September 14, 2023.
You can see the full list of resorts that the dining promo card applies to here.

Spend Extra Time In Parks With Disney Resort Hotel Stays

Guests who stay at a Disney Resort hotel also receive special perks and additional time in the parks, such as a 30-minute early entry ahead of the public, while Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort guests get to enjoy extended evening hours on special evenings across select parks.

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January 8, 2023
These 8 Airlines Are Rated The Safest In The World
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The last thing anyone wants to worry about when traveling is whether or not they will make it safely to their destination. However, the truth is that traveling does come with risks. Therefore, when planning a vacation there are plenty of things tourists can do to minimize those risks. One easy thing travelers can do is choose a safe airline. Luckily, there are resources to help determine which airlines are the safest to fly with.

AirlineRatings.com has released its annual ranking of the safest airlines in the world. Since 2013, AirlineRatings.com has monitored and assessed the safety, in-flight product, and COVID compliance of the top 385 airlines. The rankings are compiled by the website’s editorial team.

To determine which airlines are deemed “safest” experts look at metrics including:
- Number of crashes over the past 5 years
- Serious incidents over the past 2 years
- Audits from within the industry
- The average age of the aircraft fleet
- Evaluation of pilot training programs
- COVID protocols
Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas explained how “all airlines have incidents every day and many are aircraft or engine manufacture issues, not airline operational problems. It is the way the flight crew handles these incidents that determines a good airline from an unsafe one.”

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8. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is the only U.S.-based airline to crack the top 8. The airline has been in operation for 90 years and has over 44 million customers annually. Alaska Airlines has the 7^th largest fleet in the U.S. with 329 aircraft in operation. Those planes whisk passengers to 120 destinations across 5 countries. Recently, the airline made headlines for two new programs – they are the first U.S. carrier to issue electronic bag tags, and recently formed a partnership that allows customers to earn miles when they travel with Lyft.

7. Emirates

Dubai-based Emirates is often considered one of the best airlines in the world. With 152 destinations across six continents, it typically serves 19 million passengers each year. In 2022 the airline announced an investment of over 2 billion U.S. dollars for onboard improvements. Those upgrades include new menus, specialized training for cabin crew, and upgraded cabin interiors.

6. TAP Air Portugal

Passengers who choose to fly with TAP Air Portugal will not only be flying on one of the safest airlines, but they’ll also be eligible for a free city layover. Travelers can stay for up to 5 days in Lisbon or Porto when their flights connect through one of those cities.

5. Singapore Airlines

Last year, Singapore Airlines gained another superlative from AirlineRatings. In July, the airline was deemed the 5^th best airline in the world. After looking at innovation, comfort, service, and safety, experts determined Singapore Airlines to be among the best in the world.

4. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is no stranger to accolades. The Middle Eastern airline has been named “Airline of the Year” for 7 of the past 12 years at the World Airline Awards and is known for its exceptional business class. Passengers who fly with Qatar Airways and have a minimum transit time of 12 hours can book a hotel at a deep discount (starting at $14/night). Tourists who want to explore the small country of Qatar can opt to stay for up to 4 nights at no extra cost.

3. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s second-largest airline (after Emirates), was ranked the 3^rd best airline by AirlineRatings in 2022. The airline is consistently recognized for pushing the envelope. They were the first airline to vaccinate all of its crew and has been recognized for innovative solutions to reduce its environmental impact.

2. Air New Zealand

Auckland-based Air New Zealand has dropped a spot. Last year they were ranked as the safest airline in the world by AirlineRatings, but come in second this year. Air New Zealand flies to 18 countries including to Los Angeles and San Francisco in the U.S.

1. Qantas

Australia’s flag carrier Qantas has officially been ranked as the safest airline in the world. Qantas is the world’s oldest continuously operating airline means that it is also the world’s most experienced airline. All that experience has served them well – they’ve had no fatal crashes in over 70 years.

Where Are All The U.S. Airlines?

While Alaska Airlines is the only U.S.-based carrier in the top 8, that doesn’t mean other U.S. airlines aren’t safe. AirlineRatings has said that the margins between carriers in the top 20 are very slim, meaning that all airlines in the top 20 are very safe. U.S. airlines that are in the top 20 include Hawaiian Airlines (#12), Southwest (#13), Delta (#14), American (#15), and United (#20). Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines were the only U.S. carriers on 2021’s list.

Top 20 Safest Low-Cost Airlines

In addition to ranking the top airlines, AirlineRatings.com also compiles a list of the safest low-cost airlines. Rather than a ranked list, the top 20 safest low-cost airlines are presented in alphabetical order. 2022’s safest low-cost airlines were:
- Air Arabia
- Air Asia Group
- Allegiant
- Air Baltic
- Easyjet
- FlyDubai
- Frontier
- Jetstar Group
- Jetblue
- Indigo
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Southwest
- Spicejet
- Spirit
- Vueling
- Vietjet
- Volaris
- Westjet
- Wizz
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January 5, 2023
These 3 Small Town In Spain Were Ranked The Best Villages To Visit In The World
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The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recently unveiled its list of best villages to visit around the world, based not only on their quaintness and charm, but also social and environmental sustainability. Interestingly, 3 small towns in Spain are among those listed, recognized for their sheer beauty, medieval History and inestimable cultural value.

This year, demand for travel to Spain soared to new heights, especially after it reopened for international travel, restriction-free. For the first time, however, it’s the lesser-known destinations that are gaining the most traction as millions of sun-seeking Americans journey across the pond in search of their idyllic Mediterranean getaway.

If the buzzing crowds and energetic atmosphere of cities like Barcelona and Madrid are not for you, this is where you should be heading instead:

Rupit, Catalonia

Rupit is a gorgeous rustic gem in the heart of Catalonia, one of the autonomous provinces of Spain with a regional identity so strong it could be its own nation. The stone-built Old Town, which dates back to the 12th century and has been left virtually unspoiled amid the country’s rapid 20th century urbanization, is easily the main point of interest.

Having grown out of the fortified gates of a hilltop castle, the village blends naturally with the mountainous scenery and craggy surroundings. It’s almost as if the ancient houses, dating back at least 500 years, and the winding cobblestone streets that lead to secret passageways and tiny plazoletas rise naturally out of the rock formations.

Rupit is definitely not on everyone’s radar, or plagued by overdevelopment, and being a short two-hour drive north of Barcelona, it makes for a perfect day trip idea, especially for those looking to escape the Instagram hordes cramming into every possible Game of Thrones filming location in Girona, or the overpriced beach towns lining Costa Brava.

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Alquezar, Aragon

If you consider yourself an outdoorsy person, you should definitely make Alquezar a priority on your next travel itinerary. Located in a bucolic setting at the foot of the Pyrenees, it acts as a gateway to an area of truly outstanding natural beauty. Hiking spots, nature trails, a meandering stream and sweeping mountain views: it truly has it all.

The most popular pastime among visitors to Alquezar is tracing the path beginning in the Monchiriguel Fountain, in the center of town, and ending in the La Fuente canyon. Along the walk, they will find crystal clear mountain springs, old waterwheels and historical bridges arching over the turquoise-colored River Vero.

On top of that, visitors are free to stroll picturesque streets lined with medieval monuments and traditional family-owned Aragonese shops, deeply embedded in tradition, explore Alquezar Castle, originally built by the Arab conquerors of the Iberian Peninsula, and admire the architectural splendor of the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor.

Guadalupe, Extremadura

Guadalupe is a 1,822-people strong community nestled in the hinterlands of the Extremadura region, straddling the Spanish border with Portugal. A remarkable little town famous for its traditional architecture, it is the proud home of the imposing 14th century Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe, one of Spain’s finest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For History aficionados, the monastery is a must-see landmark: is the exact spot where Christopher Columbus made his first pilgrimage after ‘discovering’ the Americas in 1492, thanking the heavens for the achievement. His love for Guadaloupe is well-documented: he went as far as naming a Caribbean island in its honor.

Besides being a culturally and religiously important site, Guadeloupe is often used as a base for travelers exploring the wider province of Caceres. Other regional attractions include the Monfrague National Park, a sought-after hotspot in the birdwatching community, and Trujillo, a heavily fortified town packed with medieval and Renaissance buildings.

Spain Has The Most Entries Out Of Any Country On The List

The director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London was quoted saying they were ‘delighted’ the three Spanish villages were acknowledged as distinguished tourism hubs, especially now that the nation is expanding its promotional efforts to under-visited towns: ‘we aim to promote community-led tourism across Spain and are thrilled at the international recognition‘.

A total of 136 villages were submitted for consideration, with each UN member state allowed to nominate up to three candidates. This means all three of Spain’s submissions – Rupit, Alquezar and Guadalupe – made it to the final list, more than any other country. The full list of 32 destinations feature other beautiful villages in Switzerland, Italy, China and Vietnam.

The UNWTO’s best tourism villages for 2022 are the following:
- Zell am See, Austria
- Wagrain, Austria
- Puqueldón, Chile
- Dazhai, China
- Jingzhu, China
- Choachí, Colombia
- Aguarico, Ecuador
- Angochagua, Ecuador
- Mulu Ecovillage, Ethiopia
- Mestia, Georgia
- Kfar Kama, Israel
- Sauris-Zahre, Italy
- Isola del Giglio, Italy
- Umm Qais, Jordan
- Creel, Mexico
- El Fuerte, Mexico
- Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
- Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
- Lamas, Peru
- Raqchi, Peru
- Castelo Novo, Portugal
- Pyeongsa-ri, South Korea
- Rasinari, Romania
- Al’Ula Old Town, Saudi Arabia
- Bohinj, Slovenia
- Rupit, Spain
- Alquézar, Spain
- Guadalupe, Spain
- Murten, Switzerland
- Andermatt, Switzerland
- Birgi, Türkiye
- Thái Hải, Vietnam
The UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated toruism can be a ‘true gamechanger’ for rural communities, creating more jobs, supporting hard-hit businesses in the wake of the Covid crisis, and ‘keeping traditions alive‘. For Pololikashvili, the list showcases the ‘power’ of the sector in driving ‘economic diversification’ outside large urban centers.

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January 1, 2023
The Most Expensive Destinations In The World Will Shock You

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When you think of the most expensive cities, destinations such as New York, London, Geneva, and Zurich typically come to mind, but you might be surprised that according to Squaremonth, a travel insurance comparison website – these cities don’t even make the top ten.

Squaremouth analyzed its data from thousands of travel insurance policy sales to determine which countries were the most expensive destinations to insure, and they’re not what you think. Squaremouth found that travelers spent 44% more on the 25 most expensive destinations compared to any other country, while the average trip cost to these destinations was over $11,000, almost three times more than the average traveler spent this year.

The below destinations represent the countries that had the highest trip cost amount.

10. Monaco

Average Trip Cost: $10,247.35

A playground for the rich and famous, Monaco has developed a reputation for being extravagant and not a destination you want to visit on a budget. Accommodation ranges from mid-range and expensive, with an average night at a luxury hotel setting you back almost $800.

9. Central African Republic

Average Trip Cost: $10,651.98

Central African Republic is considered one of the poorest countries in Africa, with very low tourism due to its troubled history. The U.S Travel Advisory classifies this county at its highest travel advisory level, Level 4 – Do Not Travel, due to its civil unrest and election-related violence. Since the country has not been set up for tourists, traveling around the country can be logistically difficult, with organized pre-paid packages being the best (and most expensive) way to see it.

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8. Kenya

Average Trip Cost: $11,574.77

Kenya has a more developed tourism industry than its African neighbors, so prices can add up, especially when choosing safaris that cater to a luxury crowd. These stunning lodges typically attract wealthy and older tourist demographics offering elaborate accommodations to get close and personal with Africa’s wildlife.

7. Marshall Islands

Average Trip Cost: $12,405.38

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, flights to this island don’t come cheap. The island is popular for vacation packages that bundle all-inclusive resorts or hotels with flights and therefore require a higher down payment. Otherwise, accommodation and getting around are relatively cheap, with taxis costing $1.28 per kilometer.

6. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Average Trip Cost: $12,874.45

These remote islands located in the southern Atlantic Ocean are part of the British Overseas territory and are one of the most visited locations in Antarctica. Since the area is quite isolated, visitors must arrive by sea and have a visitor permit. The most popular way to see this destination is via a cruise ship or yacht, which can come at a substantial price.

5. Tanzania

Average Trip Cost: $13,244.88

Safaris are considered quite costly in Tanzania due to the park entrance fees that are a lot more expensive than other parks in Africa. Accommodation prices are high, with double rooms inside parks coming at around $600-800 per night, but there are still plenty of other attractions to explore.

4. Zimbabwe

Average Trip Cost: $14,393.87

Locations in Africa have developed a good reputation for offering luxury as close to its wildlife as possible, and Zimbabwe is another country that has developed a premium tourist scene to meet this demand. The most luxurious lodges in Zimbabwe offer exclusivity, privacy, large space, and impeccable service to justify the hefty price tag.

3. Antarctica

Average Trip Cost: $17,730.93

With the average cruise cost to Antarctica sitting around $8,000 per person and luxury voyages exceeding $15,000, it’s easy to understand why this is one of the most expensive destinations to visit. Due to its distance, Antarctica is likely a place you would only do once in a lifetime, so travelers don’t mind splurging for something special – but just make sure you’re choosing an operator that is conscious of its footprint on the area.

2. Botswana

Average Trip Cost: $17,753.80

Botswana is considered the safari dream and is one of the most popular and safest destinations that people think of when they’re planning their safari. You can see from the destinations in the top ten list that nearly half are from African nations, which are popular for their unique safaris. Botswana’s top-end camps can set you back around $2,000 a night on average.

1. Congo

Average Individual Trip Cost: $32,420.00

Similarly to the Central African Republic, Congo is not a country that has been set up for tourism, with not enough adequate infrastructure to allow tourists to move around easily. From cars that need constant repairs to high fuel prices, high taxes, and expensive accommodations, planes, and boats; only a select few with a healthy budget can visit.

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December 21, 2022
These Are The 7 Most Dangerous Countries In The World To Drive
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Data interpreters hired by The Swiftest have ranked the top 7 most dangerous countries to drive, based on the latest road traffic statistics compiled across the world’s most-visited destinations. Interestingly, the least safe of them all is one of America’s favorite sunny hotspots, set to host a record number of tourists this winter.

A majority of destinations in the Western World have an excellent network of buses and trains, allowing visitors to reach all of the most popular hotspots without having to drive, or even fly, but a far greater number in the Global South relies on underfunded public transportation, and poorly-planned road systems to ensure the movement of people.

In certain locations, renting a car is the only viable option, but driving in a paradise island, as scenic as it may be, does not come without risks:

The Most Dangerous Country For Driving Is A Highly Sought-After Caribbean Retreat

In order to compile their list, The Swiftest compared ‘seven different factors’ for 50 of the world’s leading destinations, reflecting a country’s social well-being, infrastructure and safety. All factors were calculated based on the rate of occurrence of select adverse events per 100.000 residents, gathered from widely accepted official sources.

The rates for homicide, for instance, were extracted from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, while road traffic fatality data are attributed to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest estimates. In assessing road safety, the company adopted a grading system from A+ to F – A+ being the safest, F the ‘deadliest’.

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In total, seven countries were graded ‘F’, led by one of America’s favorite Caribbean retreats:
1. Dominican Republic – 64.6 per 100.000 inhabitants
2. Saudi Arabia – 35.9
3. Thailand – 32.2
4. Vietnam – 30.6
5. Malaysia – 22.5
6. Iran – 21.5
7. South Africa – 22.2
Traffic Related Fatalities Are Surprisingly Common In The Dominican Republic

With a lead of 28.7 points, the Dominican Republic (DR) is the most dangerous country for driving, being named by WHO the worst for traffic accidents per inhabitant in the world. According to the entity, the leading cause of death in people aged 15 to 29 in the DR is fatal car collisions, surpassing figures for at least three underdeveloped African countries.

In the DR, the annual deaths related to traffic average 3,000, a higher rate than those of Zimbabwe, Liberia and Eritrea, and even Venezuela, a fellow Latin American partner. None of these are enlisted by The Swiftest, as their focus is popular tourist destinations. Due to the their low, or unavailable tourism figures, they do not feature here.

Other countries on the list include the trendy Saudi Arabia, an overtouristed Thailand, Vietnam, ranking at number four for traffic-related deaths in spite of its status as one of the safest Southeast Asian countries to visit – at least when it comes to violence and petty crimes – and South Africa, where the death rate is 22.2 per 100.000 inhabitants.

Safety Tips For Driving In The Dominican Republic

Although most foreign visitors to the DR will not leave their point of entry, be it La Romana, Puerto Plata or the luxurious hub of Punta Cana, those who do wish to explore more off path gems in the Hispaniola nation must take their chances in local buses, which may have limited frequency, or not arrive on time, or of course, arrange private transportation.

The country allows Americans to rent a car in the country upon presentation of a valid state-issued driver’s license, yet these rules must be respected in order to avoid run-ins with the local police:
- Driving on the right-hand side of the road
- Ensuring that all passengers wear seat belts for the duration of the journey
- Keeping blood alcohol levels below 0.10%
- Not using a mobile phone when driving, unless the car is equipped with a hands-free system
Pretty standard advice, and in general, renting cars in the DR is perfectly safe as long as it’s a reliable car rental company. Checking Google reviews in advance, as well as contacting your travel agent ahead of booking is advised. Nevertheless, Americans should be cautious when driving on some of the busiest roads, such as the Autovia del Este.

The Autovia connects the capital city of Santo Domingo to Punta Cana and the touristy East coast, and heavy traffic is expected over the winter period. Getting insured for accidents is still the smartest thing to do when traveling to the Dominican Republic, especially if you’re planning on driving between different cities.

What Are The Safest Countries For Driving?

Among those countries graded ‘A+’ or ‘A’, or the safest to drive, we have:
1. Singapore – 2.1 deaths per 100.000 people
2. Switzerland – 2.3
3. Ireland/ Sweden – 3.1
4. United Kingdom – 3.2
5. Japan – 3.6
6. Denmark – 3.7
7. Germany – 3.8
8. Israel / Spain – 3.9
9. Netherlands – 4.0
10. Australia / Austria – 4.9
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December 12, 2022
Canada Finishes Summer With The 2 Worst Airports In The World For Flight Delays
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Canada has had a rough relationship with travel this summer and just finished off the season with two of its airports ranking as the worst in the world for flight delays. The overwhelming increase in flight demand this summer has strained the aviation sector all over the globe, but Canada was hit especially hard. Staff shortages have led to all manner of chaos this summer. Cancellations, delays, and lost luggage have become the norm, and travelers have had to accept this as their new reality. Problems are so rampant that only 1 out of 5 travelers in June made it to their destinations without issue.

With the new reality of rampant flight disruptions, travelers may find it helpful to avoid airports and airlines experiencing the worst delays. Currently, Toronto Pearson International and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport rank as the 1^st and 2^nd worst airports worldwide for flight delays. Both airports performed quite poorly, with nearly half of their total flights from May 27^th to September 5^th being delayed.

To make things worse, Canada also claimed another spot in the top 10 worst airports in the world for delays. Vancouver International Airport was the 10^th worst airport in the world for flight delays this summer.

Airport Stats

#1 Worst Airport In The World:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport – 51.9% of Flights Delayed
#2 Worst Airport In The World:
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – 47.8% of Flights Delayed
Special Mention, #10 Worst Airport In The World:
- Vancouver International Airport – 37.8% of Flights Delayed
Canadian Travel Troubles

Canada certainly separates itself from the rest of the world for having immense amounts of flight delays this summer. Claiming 3 out of 10 slots for the top 10 worst airports in the world for flight delays is certainly a way to stand out, but it isn’t the only way Canada has drawn attention this summer. As the rest of the world began to open back up by shedding pandemic-era restrictions, Canada drew attention by becoming the only country in the world to add travel restrictions in July.

Having already separated themselves from much of the world by continuing to bar non-vaccinated visitors, they reinstated a random Covid testing policy. One of the benefits of being vaccinated that many travelers from other countries enjoy is being able to travel without having to take a Covid test. However, Canada’s strict border rules continue to punish travelers regardless of their vaccination status. Interestingly, Travel Off Path recently reported that the province of Ontario ended its requirement for residents to quarantine for five days after testing positive. Therefore, this begs the question, are Canada’s travel restrictions even reliable at this point?

Canadian Airports Claiming More Chaos

In July, Travel Off Path reported Toronto Pearson was the worst airport worldwide for delays, a title it still claims. However, neither Montreal-Trudeau International Airport nor Vancouver International Airport made the top 10 in that instance. Summer has not favored Canada as it now claims three slots out of the top 10. Canada has had an especially turbulent summer compared to the rest of the world. The full list of the ten worst airports in the world for flight delays over the summer is as follows:

1) Toronto Pearson International Airport – 51.9% of Flights Delayed

2) Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – 47.8% of Flights Delayed

3) Frankfurt International Airport: 44.5% – Flights Delayed

4) Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon) – 43% of Flights Delayed

5) London Gatwick Airport: 42% – Flights Delayed

6) Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – 41.6% of Flights Delayed

7) Munich International Airport – 40.1% of Flights Delayed

8) Manchester Airport – 39% of Flights Delayed

9) Athens International Airport – 38.5% of Flights Delayed

10) Vancouver International Airport – 37.8% of Flights Delayed

Will It Get Better?

Time will tell whether or not Canada can get things under control, but travelers should be prepared for more delays as summer comes to a close. Air Canada recently reported that its operations are improving, but Canadians may still have reason to worry. The data in this article looked at flights from the end of May to September 5^th, and peak travel chaos was witnessed during June and July. So, if things were improving, surely August would show better results? Unfortunately, singling out August doesn’t do much for Canada’s benefit.
- In August, Toronto Pearson had 51.8% of its flights delayed, almost identical to the percentage of delays from the entire summer.
- Montreal-Trudeau International had 51% of its flights delayed in August, performing worse than it did compared to the whole summer.
- Vancouver International Airport also performed worse in July than it did compared to the entire summer, with 38.4% of its flights delayed.
Air Canada themselves say that they are showing improvements. However, they have to deal with these three airports regardless of their own attempts to improve.

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

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 10, 2022
These Are The Top Destinations In The Caribbean For 2022 According To World Travel Awards

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A few days ago, one of the most prestigious organizations in the travel industry, the International Travel Awards—considered the Oscars of the travel industry— announced the winners for 2022 for the Caribbean and the Americas.

On September 1, the international Ceremony organized by Golden Tree Events Dubai was celebrated along with the finest brands in the Americas and the Caribbeans in Jamaica, one of the most awarded destinations in the Caribbean.

The International Travel Awards includes an extensive program and recognizes top destinations, attractions, hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, and tour programs. After the red carpet evening, prices and plaques were offered to the winners and the top destinations were announced.

The organization considers four main categories for these awards: Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The next ceremony for the Middle East awards will take place in Jordan.

Here’s a list of the top destinations in the Caribbean and their recognition.

Caribbean’s leading Destination: Jamaica

Jamaica earned multiple awards during the ceremony, including being the leading destination in the Caribbean. This country is offering travelers a fantastic vacation experience. Montego Bay, a beautiful city in the north, has also been considered one of the best destinations for American travelers according to a study by Allianz Partners a few months ago.

Leading Beach Destination 2022: Turks & Caicos Islands

The beautiful archipelago Turks & Caicos Islands earned the award of the best beach destination. Beachgoers fall in love with world-famous beaches with pristine waters and white sands like Grace Bay Beach.

Leading Honeymoon Destination 2022: Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers newlyweds the perfect honeymoon experience. Lovers can stay at the many resorts with special programs for their guests, and enjoy the lovely beaches, tours, and unique activities like soaking in the volcanic mud baths of Soufrière.

Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination 2022: Turks & Caicos Islands

According to the World Travel Awards, anyone can fall in love at Turks & Caicos islands. This destination won as the most romantic, competing against other spectacular Caribbean islands like Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and The Bahamas.

Leading Cruise Destinations 2022: Jamaica

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruises offer routes to Jamaica and stop at top destinations like Montego Bay and Falmouth, allowing travelers to experience wonderful excursions.

Leading Cultural Destination 2022: Cuba

Cuba has won as a cultural destination this year. This island in the Caribbean offers travelers unique salsa dancing experiences and special architecture and gastronomy. This country won against destinations like Puerto Rico, Martinique, and Barbados.

Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2022: The Bahamas

The Bahamas islands are offering travelers the best luxury experience in the Caribbean according to the World Travel Awards. Top resorts and hotels like the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton offer travelers special services in the Caribbean and visitors can also book ultra lux yacht experiences, private beaches, and world-class spas.

Caribbean’s Leading Dive Destination: St.Kitts

Those who enjoy scuba diving and exploring the Caribbean to the deepest must add St.Kitts to their bucket list. The islands offer a great variety of experiences from reef diving to cave diving to wreck dives. Professional and accredited operators will show visitors the wonders of the Caribbean sea.

Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022: Jamaica

And another award goes to Jamaica. The island has also been recognized for its nature, there’s a reason why it is known as the ‘Land Of Wood and Water’. Besides the stunning beaches, travelers will find fascinating waterfalls, beautiful mountains, spectacular botanic gardens, and impressive wildlife.

Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2022: Saint Lucia

The perfect honeymoon destination has also been recognized as the best adventure destination this year. Saint Lucia offers a great variety of outdoor experiences: horse riding, bike riding, hiking, trekking, canopy, aerial tram rides, and so much more. It seems impossible to get bored.

Read More:

American Airlines And Air Canada Relaunching Nonstop Flights To Cozumel This Fall

7 Tips To Travel Stress Free During Your Fall Trip To Mexico

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

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

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

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September 4, 2022
Tickets Continue To Sell Out To World Famous Machu Picchu
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Machu Picchu, the fascinating structure created by the Inca Empire in Peru, South America, attracts travelers from all over the world.

This Inca citadel was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in South America. Still, travelers must carefully study local rules before visiting.

A few months ago, Peruvian authorities reopened access for tourists without any COVID-19-related restrictions, but with a daily limit number of tourists still in place since 2019.

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture just announced the expansion of the number of visitors per day because tickets until mid-august were already sold-out. The number changed from 4,044 visitors per day to 5,044.

The visitors limit had already been increased just a few days ago, on July 17, from 3,044 to 4,044. But it wasn’t enough for the current demand. The decision for a second expansion this month was taken after over 800 tourists were denied access to Machu Picchu and around 1,000 tourists and locals protested.

According to local authorities, this expansion shouldn’t affect the preservation of the Peruvian Historic Sanctuary and they shared a statement on Facebook: “This decision took into consideration the conservation of the property to avoid irreparable damage that compromises its outstanding universal value, following the recommendations that UNESCO issues to the Peruvian State.”

Machu Picchu Entry Limit

The decision to adopt an admission capacity has been taken to protect the environment and the historic structures.

The “Lost City of the Incas”, as Machu Picchu is also known, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and its popularity has only increased during the past few years. Local authorities worry about damage caused by visitors and over-tourism.

In 2019, when the new entry limit measure began, the daily limit was 2,500 tourists. The number has been constantly increasing ever since to adapt to visitors’ needs.

Still, tourists have sneaked past security or damaged structures—like a few tourists from Argentina, Brasil, Chile, and France did in 2020— and have even been deported from Peru.

During the pandemic, fewer travelers visited Machu Picchu, but now that travel is going back to pre-pandemic levels, Peruvian authorities must negotiate and satisfy demand while also protecting their sanctuary.

Concerns about overtourism have been reported all over the world. Other destinations like Venice in Italy and natural monuments like the Diamond Head State Monument in Hawaii are also restricting tourist entry.

What Travelers Should Know

Those interested in visiting Machu Picchu must take precautions and consider local rules and conditions. Here are a few recommendations and relevant information for travelers:
- Book your ticket online as soon as possible. Be careful, there are scam pages, opt for the official site.
- Each basic adult ticket cost 152 soles, around 38 US dollars (prices change depending on tour options selected and currency fluctuation). Children and students pay less.
- Beware of altitude illness. Machu Picchu is located at 7,970 ft, on a high mountain. Travelers can get sick if they don’t climb gradually. The CDC has relevant official information travelers can read.
- Prepare your route. Transportation is limited, there are three main ways to access the Inca citadel: the Inca Trail, by train, and through Hydroelectric. Travelers must consider their physical conditions, especially for the Inca Trail and the Hydroelectric alternative, and also prepare baggage accordingly.
- Consider the best times to travel. According to travelers’ recommendations, the best period to visit Machu Picchu is from April to October when it is usually dry and clear —although crowded in July and August. During January and February is usually rainy and travelers might not be allowed to visit the sanctuary.
- Bring proper clothing and water. The best strategy is to bring lightweight layers and also a rain jacket, even if it looks sunny, the weather frequently changes. Sun protection is highly recommended as well.
Read More:

Most Affordable U.S. & Canadian Cities For Long-Term Airbnb Stays

El Salvador: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

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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 31, 2022
Unlimited Stays Around The World For $105 Per Year, With One Caveat
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Ask any traveler what their highest costs for a trip are, and they will likely respond with two things, flights and accommodations. Depending on what type of property you are booking, prices can vary quite a bit. A hostel dorm bed may only cost you $15 a night, while a 4-star hotel across the street would cost you $200 a night. However, did you know that it’s possible to travel with unlimited stays all over the world for only $105 per year? But, there’s a catch. While away, you have to be willing to open your home to other travelers using the same service.

How Does It Work?

For starters, several different platforms provide access to a home exchange. One of the oldest, HomeLink, will be the one explored in this article. However, several others include Third Home, Home Exchange, Love Home Swap, and People Like Us.

Your First Exchange
- For HomeLink, users list their home either as a full-fledged member or a free trial member.
- The listings are similar to what you would see on a platform like Airbnb, with pictures of the home, descriptions of the property and area, and house rules.
- Along with the listing, you will choose destinations you are interested in and when you are interested in going.
- Once your home is listed, the service will match you with other members who are interested in your area.
- Once you’ve found a property of interest, you can reach out to the member who owns the listing.
- Finalize dates, arrival and departure days, and other details with the other member, then fill out an Exchange Agreement Form.
Once complete, the only thing left to do is prepare your home for guests and go on your trip! It may seem like a bit more prep work than a typical vacation. Still, you can rest assured knowing that the other members you are exchanging with have prepared their homes just as thoughtfully for your arrival. HomeLink offers a guide for ensuring your home exchanges go smoothly and everyone has a good experience.

What Does It Cost?

HomeLink charges $105 per year for access to its platform. If you know you will take full advantage of the service, you can buy multiple years of membership for a discounted rate. For those who own more than one property, you can list as many as you like. For those who think the membership price is steep, below is a cost comparison for some perspective.

Image Courtesy Of: HomeLink

Say you want to spend a week in London. Currently, there is a lovely 3 bedroom flat in Southwark listed on HomeLink. Best of all, the members are open to all destinations and all dates, meaning it’s very likely you could work out an excellent exchange. If not, there are many other properties available in London. A quick search on booking.com shows that for a one-week August stay, the cheapest property in Southwark would cost almost $800 and would only provide 2 bunk beds in dorm-style rooms. There is a clear winner here, and it is possible with HomeLink and other home exchange providers.

Where Can Travelers Go?

All over the world! When looking for different locations to vacation, the only limiting factor will be whether or not travelers match with someone interested in visiting their home. However, when looking through the listings, many members are open to exploring any destination. Below is a list of every country HomeLink currently operates in.

Image Courtesy Of: HomeLink

Is It Worth It For Travelers?

Suppose you plan to use the service even just once a year. In that case, you will save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars per year on travel accommodations costs. Plus, not all benefits are monetary. One thing that makes Airbnb such a popular choice is that it comes with the benefit of travelers feeling like they are living like a local for the duration of their stay. When you exchange homes, travelers are living as locally as you can.

If you are willing to have guests stay in your home while on holiday, home exchange services may be your gateway to unique stays worldwide for just $105 a year.

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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 26, 2022