Tag: World

Travel The World With Free Room And Board For Those Willing To Give Their Time
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Have you ever wished you could travel the world and experience new things without spending a fortune doing it? It’s a common dream among travel lovers, and it can be a reality if you are willing to give some of your time. Using the app or website, Worldpackers, travelers are able to find experiences all over the world that allow them to volunteer some of their time in exchange for food and accommodation. Typical experiences call for about 25 hours a week of volunteer time and offer one to three meals a day, plus a place to stay.

What Kind Of Experiences Are There?

Many hosts on Worldpackers offer more than just room and board; some of the work you can sign up for is an experience in and of itself! For instance, some of the opportunities available include:
- Gardening
- Party promoting
- Animal care
- Bartending
- Photography
- Painting
- Handyman work
- Many, many more
How does 25 hours a week of drawing and painting on the walls of a social hostel in Portugal sound? Perks include three meals a day, a free place to stay, free parties to attend, discounts on drinks and tours, free laundry, and three days off a week to explore.

Or how about helping out with content creation for a summer camp in Spain for 25 hours a week with most afternoons free, two days off a week, three meals a day, and a free place to stay?

These are just two of the many experiences available in over 140 countries.

Image Courtesy Of: Worldpackers

How Does It Work?

When looking for a place to volunteer, it’s good to make a favorites list so that you have some options to choose from. Once you’ve narrowed it down, you’ll be able to apply to the volunteer slot and reach out to the host. All you need to do is tell them which dates you would like to begin and end your trip. Many of the more popular experiences tend to fill up, so it is good to try to stand out when you reach out and have a well-thought-out profile on Worldpackers. Once you are accepted, your host will send a confirmation. All there is left to do now is meet at the agreed-upon location and date!

How Free is Free?

While Worldpackers is an excellent way to travel the world on a budget, the service does charge an annual membership fee. It isn’t exorbitant and is currently $49.00 per year for a solo traveler and $59.00 per year for couples or a pair of friends. Worldpackers charges this fee in order to support their service, verify hosts and volunteers, and offer an included insurance in case of any mix-ups along the way.

Other costs to look out for when using the service are experiences that don’t include all meals. While not a dealbreaker, food costs can certainly add up while traveling if you aren’t careful. If choosing an opportunity that only provides breakfast, for instance, expenses can eat into the savings offered by using Worldpackers. Some experiences also charge an additional fee when staying, though it is usually only 5 to 15 dollars a day, depending on the experience.

Is It Worth It?

Monetarily, Worldpackers is an excellent way to cut down on costs while traveling all over the world. However, not all costs are financial. Exchanging your time, skills, and energy for food and accommodation may not be worth it for those looking to go on a relaxing luxury vacation.

For those looking for interesting life experiences who don’t mind putting some work in while they travel, Worldpackers may be an excellent way to see more of the world. Hosts welcome volunteers all the time and make an effort to make the experience one that you won’t forget, and the other like-minded volunteers you meet along the way may turn into lifelong friends.

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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 20, 2022
The Best Cities In The World According To Timeout May Surprise You
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When most people think of the best cities in the world, they likely picture some of the most well-known cities like Paris, London, New York, or LA. However, after a massive survey of over 20,000 city residents around the globe, the best cities in the world, according to Timeout, may surprise you. Not just because they aren’t the most well-known or the first to come to mind, but because several are known, but not for reasons that would point to them being the best. So, what are the best cities in the world according to Timeout?

1) Edinburgh, Scotland

According to the 2022 Time Out Index, the best city in the world is Edinburgh, Scotland. With all this beautiful European city has to offer, it isn’t surprising that it secured the top spot. Some of the city’s attractive qualities include:
- Incredible views and history dash the streets of this highly walkable city.
- Independent shops are everywhere, offering unique merchandise you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
- Edinburgh offers a progressive feel and welcomes everyone, with 88% of residents reporting that expressing who you are in Edinburgh is effortless.
2) Chicago, Illinois

A surprising second-place city due to a high-crime stigma, Chicago is often mistaken for the murder capital of the United States. In reality, Chicago was 10^th on the list of cities with the most murders in 2022, with 24 per 100,000 people. In general, Chicago is a very safe city to visit, with high crime rates mostly restricted to specific neighborhoods. Below are some of the things that draw people to Chicago:
- The Food! Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is an absolute must when visiting this city, and Chicago-style hot dogs line the streets from vendors throughout the city.
- Iconic art and culture. Art galleries are all over the city, and shows are constantly taking place.
- Thriving nightlife. Whether you’re into happy hours, dinners, bars, or nightclubs, Chicago offers something for everyone looking for entertainment after the sun goes down.
3) Medellín, Colombia

Another surprise on this year’s list, Medellín used to be known as the most dangerous city in the world. When many people think of the city, they picture Pablo Escobar and crime. However, much has changed in the past 30 years, and Medellín is now generally considered safe. Here are some of the top reasons people visit:
- The weather is almost perfect, with year-round averages of 72°F (22°C).
- Medellín offers exceptional value for your money, with some hostels costing less than $10 per night.
- Like Chicago, the nightlife is flourishing. Whether looking for a relaxed drink or a bass-fueled dance party, there is evening entertainment to suit every traveler.
4) Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is the second-largest city in Scotland and was voted the friendliest in the Time Out Index for 2022. The people are kind, and the city is brimming with things to do. People love Glasgow for many reasons, including:

5) Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Respondents to the Time Out Index voted Amsterdam the easiest place on earth to ‘express who you are’ and awarded it second place for progressiveness. Unsurprisingly, it is the best city in the world for bicyclists and is also extremely walkable. Here are some of the reasons people love this famous European city:
- The nightlife is unlikely to disappoint. With countless nightclubs throughout the city and a closing time of 4 a.m. on the weekends, Amsterdam offers partygoers endless opportunities to dance to their heart’s content.
- Coffeeshop culture. Amsterdam and Marijuana are two words that go hand in hand in many people’s minds. The city has over 160 coffeeshops to enjoy. Recently, the city proposed banning tourists from its coffeeshops, but for now, visitors are still allowed.
The five cities above each offer visitors unique experiences they won’t find elsewhere. Each has a unique blend of culture, commerce, and charm that has earned them the top 5 spots for the best cities in the world, according to Timeout. Below are the top 20 cities on Timeout’s list of 53 best countries.

Top 20 Best Cities of the World List
1. Edinburgh
2. Chicago
3. Medellín
4. Glasgow
5. Amsterdam
6. Prague
7. Marrakech
8. Berlin
9. Montreal
10. Copenhagen
11. Cape Town
12. Madrid
13. Manchester
14. Mumbai
15. Melbourne
16. Taipei
17. London
18. Porto
19. Lyon
20. New York
For a complete list of all 53 of the best cities in the world according to Timeout, see their website.

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July 14, 2022
Canadian Airlines And Airports Now Have The Worst Delays In The World

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Although hopes were high for the first restriction-free travel season, the current chaos seen at airports is making two years of Covid look more and more like a mild disturbance. Flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage reports and emergency re-routing due to air traffic congestion are now widespread across the industry.

No matter how seasoned a traveler is, or how early they check in and arrive at the airport, there is now a risk they may miss their flight anyway, as wait lines get bigger and security staff struggle to keep up with the endless flow of people. Even though the entire word is facing this travel misery, there is one country being hit much harder than others.

On top of handling the stratospheric passenger numbers, a challenge on its own now that staff is limited, this nation’s tale of woe can be largely attributed to one thing: the Covid regulations they continue to enforce at their outer borders, and that only increase bureaucracy and make delays far worse.

Welcome to Canada, the land of the f… Flight delays?

Is Canada The Last Country You Want To Be Traveling To Now?

If you’re one of our avid readers, you might have noticed Canada has featured a lot on Travel Off Path lately, and for all the wrong reasons. While other countries are now being praised for relaxing restrictions and emerging from a two-year state of emergency, Canada is one of a select few in the Western World where Covid travel regulations still apply.

Besides the most obvious consequence – lost revenue and the devastation of the tourism sector – another problem arising from these strict border policies are the airport delays. Currently, in order to enter Canada, passengers must present a vaccine certificate, unless exempt, and download the ArriveCan app.

It may sound like two simple requirements, but Canadian authorities have been known to thoroughly check that incoming passengers are complying with health measures, even subjecting them to random testing on arrival. Inevitably, these policies have hampered the industry’s full recovery, and it seems like it’s only making airport delays worse.

According to Canada’s Conservative Party, during the July 1 weekend, passengers transiting Canadian airports suffered more flight delays than others in ‘nearly any other country in the world’. The opposing has repeatedly called for the Trudeau Administration to drop the remaining rules, seen as a major contributor to this travel chaos.

In their latest tweet addressed to the Government, the Conservatives were the ones to (ironically) urge the Liberals to ‘axe’ the ArriveCan app and eliminate ‘unscientific’ mandates. The party believes that, by removing these barriers to travel, Canada’s economy will return to ‘pre-pandemic normal’ and the disruptions will ease.

Travel Disruptions May Not Be Exclusive To Canada, But Hard Rules Are Certainly Not Helping

To be fair to the Canadian Government, this alarming spate of delays is not a Canadian-exclusive concern. Numerous countries in Europe, including those that have dropped all Covid rules, have been struggling just the same, as the travel floodgates open and the lack of staff forces airlines to scale back operations.

That being said, none of these countries’ flag carriers have announced they are axing over 9000 flights this summer, or are recording tourist figures far below 2019 levels. Canada’s travel industry is hanging by a thread due to the the country’s self-inflicted, crippling restrictions, and the longer this goes on, the harder it will be for travel to fully resume.

Even after the mass cancelling of flights, which provoked the ire of hundreds of thousands of Canadians, Air Canada and Toronto’s Pearson Airport stubbornly ranked as the worst for flight delays worldwide on June 26. As reported by The Canadian Press, 65 per cent of Air Canada’s flights arrived late.

In fact, the top three reveal has only served to tarnish Canada’s reputation as a global hub: all spots were claimed by Canadian carriers. Montreal-based Jazz Aviation was allocated in the runner-up slot, narrowly followed by Air Canada Rouge, with a large percentage of flights landing late – at times, much later – than originally scheduled.

When it comes to airports, Canada’s busiest airport Pearson, serving Toronto, was the only one to have more than half of all flight departures delayed. The North American country also saw a second airport chart inside the top ten, as Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau was ranked the tenth worst airport for flight disruptions right now.

What Are My Rights When My Flight Is Canceled?

The origin of the crisis can be traced back to the travel resurgence now that Covid is largely under control and staffing issues at airports: the perfect recipe for disaster. Faced with criticism, Canada’s Government has reacted and recently announced all canceled flights in Canada will be refunded regardless of reason.

The new regulation aims to appease customers who might be feeling anxious regarding travel this summer, or are even reconsidering flying due to the volatile scenario and the horror stories coming out of airports. Regretfully, as it is yet to come into effect, passengers have remained at the mercy of understaffed airlines.

As per the ‘Long Delay and Flight Cancellation Notice‘, under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (shortened APPR), if an Air Canada flight is delayed for three hours or more, or canceled, passengers have a right to be compensated. This includes food and drink in ‘reasonable quantities’ and free accommodation.

Will My Rights As A Passenger Be Respected?

Even though Air Canada is legally bound to offer refunds for long delays or cancellations, this rule has reportedly not been followed. In a viral video posted to TikTok, a frustrated customer (identified as @lala.haze) details her stressful experience with the airline following a six-hour delay, only to have her flight cancelled.

According to the TikTok user, she then proceeded to call the airline. In her own words, after no help was provided at the front desk, she waited on hold for ‘over six hours’ until being rebooked on a flight leaving in the morning. Hotel and food expenses were not covered by Air Canada and the passenger faced a further 4 hour delay the next day.

The cherry on top? Her luggage reportedly didn’t make the next flight, and only $10 were offered as compensation. In the comment section, others shared their own Air Canada stories, ranging from equally bad experiences to more satisfactory ones. The airline has not offered a comment on this particular case.

Travel Insurance Is Key

Covid may have dwindled, but the pandemic-era unpredictability is still very much present. With all the havoc being wreaked in the travel world, we strongly advise you to get insured for delays, cancellations and lost luggage ahead of boarding your next flight. You can read more about Travel Insurance for 2022 here.

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July 8, 2022
This Theme Park Is Rated Best In The World According To Trip Advisor

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Siam Park, a popular waterpark in Spain, has been ranked as the best theme park in the world by Tripadvisor. The park has won a Traveler’s Choice Award designating it as not only the world’s best waterpark, but also the best amusement park overall. Siam Park has held the title of the world’s best waterpark for eight years in a row, but 2022 is the first time that the park has been designated as the best amusement park overall.

Tripadvisor gives its Traveler’s Choice Awards based on ratings given by visitors, making it clear that Siam Park is a popular choice for vacationers from all over the globe. The park was designed by Christoph Kiessling, who took inspiration from Thailand. When roaming the park, guests are met with Thai-style buildings, a floating market, Thai food, and streams teaming with tropical fish.

Siam Park is located in Tenerife, Spain, which is one of the warmest Canary islands in the winter, making it an ideal getaway any time of the year. And just in case guests show up on a day that happens to be on the cooler side, the park keeps its water heated to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius). Upon entry, guests are welcomed by the resident park sea lions. The park is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and the best time to show up is opening time before the crowds arrive. For travelers heading to the park for the first time, buying a ticket ahead of time is recommended and will save time when entering the park.

The park has many attractions that will suit everyone, from adrenaline junkies to families with small children. The Lost City is a section of the park designed for kids and even has a specific area for infants. Beach chairs are set along the edges of the Lost City for parents to keep an eye on their little ones while relaxing. Another area specifically for kids is Sawasdee, which includes four small-scale versions of the park’s more popular slides.

For the thrill-seekers, the Tower of Power is undoubtedly the most adrenaline-filled attraction in the park. The slide has a height of roughly 90 feet and features a near-vertical drop that propels guests to nearly 50 miles per hour. The end of the descent takes guests through the middle of an aquarium filled with sharks and stingrays. After surviving the shark encounter, guests can head to Singha, a 780-foot-long water rollercoaster that reaches speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

After chasing thrills on the park’s many slides, guests can wind down at the Mai Thai River, the park’s lazy river. There are two routes to take on the river, with the main one lasting about thirty minutes. If desired, a faster route that goes through a tunnel under the shark aquarium can be taken. Once the lazy river has washed away the last bits of adrenaline left from the slides, guests can head to the Wave Palace to enjoy the waves that can reach up to roughly 10 feet to get their hearts racing again.

There is a multitude of experiences to fill the day at Siam Park, and guests of all ages are welcome. Lockers are available for rent, with small lockers starting at 3 euros. Action cameras are allowed for guests who like to document their travels, but only if wearing a chest strap attachment. Flip-flops are not permitted on rides, but water shoes are acceptable and can be purchased in the Floating Market shops. For those who run cold despite the heated water and warm temperatures of Tenerife, wetsuits are available for purchase and rent for 25 Euros and 5 Euros, respectively.

With its stunning décor, thrilling rides, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Siam Park has continuously been rated as the world’s best waterpark. With the newest accolade of being named the world’s best amusement park overall, it will surely continue to grow in popularity.

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June 26, 2022
These Are The Top 5 Best Experiences In The World According To TripAdvisor
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The extremely popular online travel company website, TripAdvisor, has just revealed their top 5 best experiences in the world for 2022.

Let’s take a look at which experiences made it into the top 5 – thanks to their consistently high ratings and reviews uploaded by travelers to the TripAdvisor website during the last twelve months.

5. Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area (Tierra Verde, Florida, U.S.)

For those that enjoy kayaking, this clear kayak tour of the Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area – in Tierra Verde, Florida, U.S. – is sure to be one that you will never forget.

In fact, this tour was at the top of the list when it came to the ‘best experiences’ in the U.S. last year (2021) – which echoes just how ‘special’ this tour really is.

So, what does the tour include?

Let’s take a look at some of the things that visitors can expect from this two to two and a half hour long kayaking tour:
- a clear kayak – which can accommodate up to 2 people
- useful facts and information from your tour guide throughout the tour – including some unique facts about the areas that you paddle your way through, as well as information on the local wildlife and marine life and much, much more
- the opportunity to experience the local marine life and plant life – with it possible to see with your very own eyes, the likes of manatees, dolphins, pelicans and potentially many more species of marine life
- the opportunity to explore Florida’s natural mangroves – with there even being a possibility that you will go inside one of the mangrove’s tunnels (tide permitting)
- time spent paddling through the beautiful clear blue waters to the Shell Key Preserve – where you will get to experience a stunning beach and sandbars
- the opportunity to get up close to some of the local wildlife – with it even possible to spot some of the native coastal birds flying around the area.
4. Natural Pool & Indian Cave Jeep Safari (Aruba)

This four and a half hour jeep safari will stop at the following sights:
- Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations, northeast of Hooiberg Aruba
- Arikok National Park
- Natural Pool, Windward Coast, Noord Aruba
Throughout the safari you are sure to be in awe of the stunning scenery that the coastline of Aruba has to offer – with an opportunity to discover just how beautiful this country really is.

You will also have the opportunity on this safari to:
- discover some of the nation’s landscapes that have been forged by volcanic rock formation
- catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife residing in the Arikok National Park
- visit the Dos Playa Beach – which boasts two coves in pure nature
- visit the fascinating Fountein Garden at the Arikok National Park
- swim and snorkel at the natural pool on the Windward Coast.
This tour is sure to be one that you will never forget – with the safari allowing visitors to access parts of the country that would be somewhat challenging to visit by yourself.

3. Tour of North Shore (70%) and Sightseeing (30%) (Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.)

Taking the number three spot when it comes to the ‘best experiences’ of 2022 is the spectacular tour of the north shore of Honolulu, in the U.S. state of Hawaii.

Those that enjoy swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding are sure to not be disappointed by this tour – with it possible to choose from all of these activities during the first part of the tour.

And, if that wasn’t enough, tour goers will also have the opportunity to experience some of Hawaii’s most stunning and jaw-droppingly beautiful sights – which is where filming of some of the world’s biggest movies, such as Jurassic Park and Jumanji took place.

During the tour you will also get to visit as much as 80% of the island of Oahu – whilst being provided with an array of information from your guide throughout the tour – so that you can find out everything you need to know about the island.

The tour has in fact been ranked as the number one tour in Honolulu throughout the last four years – which is no mean feat considering that there are currently 480 tours available to choose from in the city.

2. Red Dunes Quad Bike, Sandsurg, Camels & BBQ at Al Khayma (Dubai, UAE)

This is a great activity for adrenaline-seeking travelers visiting Dubai in the United Arab Emirates – as you will get to partake in a variety of desert pursuits during this 6 hour-long experience.

During this tour of the nation’s red sand dunes, it is possible to partake in the following activities:
- quad biking through the red dunes
- camel riding and feeding
- sandboarding down the red dunes.
Those that partake in this Dubai desert experience will also have the opportunity to try on some traditional Arabian costumes, get a henna tattoo, watch a variety of live shows in the middle of the desert and much much more.

And, if that wasn’t enough, you will also be able to enjoy some traditional Arabic food with the experience package including a barbecue buffet.

1. Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise – Live Guide – from Anne Frank House (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Claiming the number one spot when it comes to the best experiences in the world for 2022 is the Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise.

And, there is no doubt that the experience is worthy of its title – with visitors able to take in so much during the one-hour long cruise, including the world-renowned Ann Frank House, as well as:
- the Jordaan – which features narrow canals and streets, as well as a variety of unique dutch pubs and eateries
- the Houseboat Museum – which provides visitors with the opportunity to experience what life on board a houseboat in the canals of Amsterdam is really like
- Leiden Square – a busy and lively area, which is one of the city’s main squares
- Rijskmuseum – the national museum of the Netherlands
- De Duif – an architecturally-beautiful church on the Prinsengracht
- and much much more – you can view a full list of everything that you are likely to pass during the cruise by clicking here.
During this fascinating cruise – which operates using electrically-powered boats – guests will be able to relax with a drink courtesy of the on-board bar whilst soaking up all that the city’s Unesco Heritage listed Canals have to offer.

There is no doubt that this cruise down the Amsterdam canals is likely to be at the top of your list of highlights when visiting the Dutch capital, as it truly is the best possible way to take in the city’s most famous monuments and memorials, and soak up some true Dutch culture.

Read more:

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June 15, 2022
Eastern Europe Is Now The Most Restriction Free Area Of The World
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Being the first collective of nations to bar tourism in the wake of Covid, Europe is ironically paving the way for the reinstatement of international travel and pushing for pre-pandemic normality. More than half of the continent has dropped Covid entry requirements, and along its Eastern front, the Balkans have become the most-restriction free area in the world.

Especially after major setbacks like Omicron, the continent’s barriers were put up high and complex travel rules made it virtually impossible for many to visit. Even though the Balkans have always had a more relaxed approach to Covid, with countries like Croatia and Albania for the best part, the whole peninsula has now decided to abolish entry curbs fully.

These are wonderful news, considering that navigating Covid rules while crossing the Balkans’ borders was extremely challenging before:

What Are The Balkans?

Geographically, the Balkans are a peninsula in Eastern Europe comprising 12 countries. 9 of those are located almost entirely in the peninsula, including Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Also included are parts of Slovenia and Romania, the Greek mainland, and European Turkey.

Politically, the term ‘The Balkans’ traditionally refers to modern states that were once aligned with Post-War Communism, including those that were once part of a wider, now-defunct country called Yugoslavia (Croatia, BiH, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Slovenia), and then Albania, Romania, and Bulgaria.

The Balkans Are Open For Travel

Irrespective of what definition of the Balkans you use – whether it’s the purely geographical or political – this region is entirely open for tourism, irrespective of nationality or vaccination status. From the castle-dotted, alpine peaks of Westernmost Slovenia, to Easternmost Turkey’s vibrant metropolises, the Balkans have no restrictions in place whatsoever.

Even though other European countries have also reopened, some in the West have staunchly refused to drop all rules. That is the case with France and Portugal, which still require at least one type of Covid certification from a majority of travelers. As it is open, and geographically being a group of 12 states, the Balkans are officially the freest region in the world for travelers right now.

As can be seen on IATA’s Covid-19 Travel Regulations Map, the Balkan Freedom Bubble, as we are dubbing it, is clearly the easiest zone to country-hop at the moment:

IATA Covid 19 Travel Regulations Map – Source: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

Crossing Borders In The Balkans Is As Easy As Ever

Even if you have your heart set on visiting a single country, such as Croatia, it is very likely you will end up crossing a border or two. As Balkan states are tiny, in most cases you will be passing through other countries to reach your final destination, which makes country-hopping across the peninsula super easy – especially when driving.

For example, when using Dubrovnik as your entry point into the Balkans, you will likely pass through a section of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach other hotspots in Croatia, such as Split or Zadar. That is because Bosnia’s only access to the sea separates Dubrovnik from the rest of Croatia’s coast by a 9 km stretch.

While this may sound exciting for those looking to tick off as many countries as possible, crossings in the region can be a very unpleasant experience when there is traffic. During Covid it was a big hassle, as each Balkan country had set out their own entry guidelines: being allowed into Croatia did not necessarily mean you would be granted entry into Bosnia.

Now, the whole peninsula has re-established pre-pandemic entry guidelines, and you are free to travel the Balkan countries extensively without having to worry about testing for Covid prior to a border crossing, or even presenting a vaccine pass. Traveling from Croatia to Bosnia, then Croatia again, ending up in Slovenia or vice-versa is as easy as ever.

All Are Welcome Irrespective Of Covid Status

In sum, there are:
- No pre-departure tests, irrespective of vaccination
- No vaccination requirements
- No recovery letter for the unvaccinated
- No post-arrival tests
- No mandatory quarantine
- No other health-related entry requirement
Countries that have at least a part of their territory in the Balkans, and that are open for travel are the following:
- Albania (100% in the Balkans)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (100%)
- Bulgaria (100%)
- Kosovo (100%)
- Montenegro (100%)
- North Macedonia (100%)
- Greece (83.7%)
- Serbia (65.8%)
- Croatia (42.4%)
- Slovenia (24.7%)
- Romania (4.6%)
- Turkey (3%)
- Italy (0.1%)*
*Italy, yet another country that has removed all entry requirements recently, also has 0.1% of its territory in the Balkan Peninsula.

Even though all of the above countries are again welcoming tourists, we advise you to read more on the History of the Balkans and plan your trip accordingly, as some countries – particularly Serbia and Kosovo – still have unresolved conflicts that may affect travelers. The definition of ‘Balkans’ used on this article has been mostly the geographical one.

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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June 9, 2022
Walt Disney World Scraps Mask Requirement Across Parks
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Last Updated 5 hours ago

As Covid retreats and different countries move towards treating the virus as an endemic disease, several public and private entities have also started rolling back pandemic-era mandates. Now, it’s Walt Disney World’s turn to scrap mandatory mask usage across its parks.

The popular holiday destination, which attracts millions of visitors every year, has been tilting back and forth with restrictions over the last two years, as it struggled to keep up with both statewide curbs in Florida and mandates at a national level.

Although it initially removed the mask requirement only for vaccinated parkgoers, now the land of fairytales is dropping the rule altogether:

Visitors No Longer Required To Wear Face Coverings

Disney World has been moving away from its stricter Covid policies, which generally involved mask wearing and social distancing. Back in November 2021, park authorities even considered requiring all staff to get vaccinated against Covid, though those plans never came to fruition.

Following months of enforcing mask usage only among unvaccinated guests, after those who are fully immunized became exempt from wearing them as soon as February, Walt Disney World has since April 18 officially abolished masks for all, irrespective of vaccination status.

This means those who are planning to visit the parks in the upcoming weeks or over summer will no longer need to pack extra face masks, wear them indoors at restaurants or public transportation, when going on rides, or outdoor spaces.

Visiting Disney is again like it once was prior to March 2020.

Does This Apply Only To The Florida Parks?

Besides the lifting of the mask requirement, visitors will also be allowed to be closer to their childhood heroes, as meet-and-greets with iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the princesses are due to return to all Disney parks and attractions in the US. They include:
- Disneyland
- Walt Disney World
- Disney Cruises
- Aulani Resort in Hawaii
Prior to April, in order to protect its staff, Disney clamped down on face-to-face meets. Hugs, signing, and all forms of close up interactions between staff working as Disney characters and guests have also either been forbidden or strongly discouraged.

This all changes as of April 2022.

Other Companies Are Also Dropping Their Mask Mandates

The news follows the overturning of the federal mask mandate by a Florida judge earlier this week, who deemed the CDC had ‘overstepped its authority’ on the matter. The judge’s decision has been noted to influence airlines to relax their own mask policies, including Delta and United Airlines.

The judge’s ruling might also have encouraged Disney to change its stance on masks, as the company had been juggling both state and federal requirements, and dissatisfied customers who strongly opposed mask mandates.

Similarly to Disney, others such as Uber and `Lyft have also recently lifted their mask rules for both drivers and riders, adding to the list of US-based companies that are now returning to a pre-pandemic state of normality, and allowing customers to assess their own Covid risks.

Despite having joined the overall reopening trend, which has seen a number of destinations in Europe and beyond removing all Covid rules, Disney World has stated they will be ‘making adjustments to these measures, which may continue to change at any time without notice’.

This could mean a state of fewer restrictions (e.g. no masks, no social distancing, no vaccine passes or testing) is conditioned upon the maintenance of a favorable epidemiological scenario.

On their website, park authorities also encourage people to get vaccinated prior to visiting.

Though Optional, Unvaccinated Guests Are Still Advised To Wear Face Masks

While all guests are welcome to stroll the parks maskless, Disney continues to recommend mask usage for those who are not fully vaccinated, mainly in indoor venues and ‘enclosed public transportation’ in the vicinities. It is worth remarking that, despite the recommendation, masks have become optional.

For more information on available packages, restrictions that may still be in place across the parks and resorts, and what visitors can expect when going on a Disney vacation, we advise our readers to access this page, where they can follow more updates and plan their trips accordingly.

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

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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 22, 2022
Be Prepared As This Airport Has Returned To Being The Busiest In The World

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Travelers flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) should make sure they are fully prepared as the airport recently reclaimed its crown as the busiest airport in the world.

Whilst the airport, which serves as the primary hub of airline giant Delta, may still be some way from the passenger totals it saw in 2019, recent figures have shown a significant improvement in the number of travelers passing through its doors – and that figure is expected to rise further still this summer as the demand for travel continues to grow.

Here’s a look at how the airport won the title of being the world’s busiest airport once more, and how travelers flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport can better prepare themselves for a smooth experience from arrival to departure.

World’s Busiest Airport – Information For Travelers

Air travel is on the up once more, with airports around the world reporting a total of 4.5 billion passengers in 2021. This is a significant rise when compared to 2020’s figures – the year that the pandemic first caused major disruptions to travel around the world. The world’s top ten airlines – eight of which are located within the US – handled around 10% of the global air traffic in 2021, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport busier than any other airport.

After losing out on the crown in 2020 to China’s Guangzhou airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is now back on top. The airport saw more than 75 million passengers in 2021 – a figure that is 76.4% higher than the totals it reported back in 2020, which is an impressive bounce back to form. Yet whilst the figure may be high by pandemic standards, it is still some distance away from the totals it recorded back in 2019.

In 2019 – the most recent year that was unaffected by the pandemic – more than 110 million passengers flew from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is around 32% more than the current totals it is reporting. As more and more countries continue to ease their travel restrictions and more routes are being restored and added to airlines’ networks, hitting pre-pandemic travel figures looks like a strong possibility this summer.

Yet with various different Covid-19 related disruptions afflicting the industry, including crew, pilot and staff shortages, travel this summer from a busy airport such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport could be set to get messy – which is why it’s now more important than ever for travelers to ensure they are well prepared for their trips.

Time management is key to ensuring trips get off to the best start. By setting off early towards the airport, not only can you hope to beat traffic on the way in, but you should beat the check-in and security queues too – not to mention buying yourself enough time to prepare for the worst.

If it’s been a while, it may even be worth re-reading the airline’s baggage policies to make sure you’re not over your weight limit or packing anything you shouldn’t be, with hold-ups in the check-in line or baggage screening the last thing you want before starting your vacation.

In light of the current situation in the aviation industry, it may also be worth keeping an eye out for any delays or cancellations – and keeping up to date with the airline’s cancellation or rebooking policies to avoid having to make any rash decisions.

Finally, whilst the number of restriction-free countries around the world may be growing, it’s still extremely important to ensure you take the time to double-check the entry restrictions for a country – and ensure you have all the relevant documentation to hand when you get to the airport. Don’t be the traveler who needs to find a last-minute Covid-19 test or needs to fill in a health declaration whilst in the queue.

Read More:

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↓ 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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April 20, 2022