There’s a new monthly pass for digital nomads that’s generating a lot of buzz right now — but is it really worth the hype?
Landing, a furnished apartment rental platform that specializes in mid-term stays, has just announced its new Nomad Pass for $1,495 per month.
The pass includes unlimited access to furnished apartments plus unlimited free flights on Frontier Airlines with the inclusion of a GoWild! Pass.
But is this deal actually too good to be true?
Here’s what you need to know about the Nomad Pass, and whether or not it’s actually worth it.
What Does The Nomad Pass Include?
The Nomad Pass includes access to Landing’s 20,000+ fully furnished apartments across more than 375 cities in the United States.
These apartments are modern, stylish, and fully equipped. WiFi and utilities are included, so you can move right in and start working.
Included in the $1,495 Nomad Pass is a Frontier GoWild! Pass, a value of over $599. These passes were introduced in 2022 and allow unlimited flights on Frontier — but with lots of caveats.
So is this actually a good deal?
Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Nomad Pass.
Who The Nomad Pass Is For
The Nomad Pass might be worth it for digital nomads and remote workers who are extremely flexible with where they stay and don’t mind having a lot of uncertainty in their plans (see the cons below for more details on why this is important!)
One of the major benefits of the Nomad Pass is that you get access to high-quality furnished apartments with WiFi and utilities included for just $1,495 a month.
This is much cheaper than any decent apartment in most major U.S. cities, and Landing has properties in top digital nomad cities like Chicago, Denver, Austin, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, and more.
If you’re okay with moving around a lot, the Nomad Pass could be a viable option for living in lots of cool U.S. cities and trying out different neighborhoods.
You can also get some good mileage out of the included Frontier GoWild! Pass, although it does come with numerous restrictions (more on that below.)
So who shouldn’t get the Nomad Pass? Here’s why it may not be as great of a deal as it sounds like…
Why The Nomad Pass Isn’t Worth It
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Nomad Pass is that you will be part of Landing’s “Standby” membership.
So while you have unlimited access to their 20,000+ apartments, you can be “bumped” at any time if a standard member decides to book that apartment.
You’ll only get 3 days’ notice if you’re being bumped, and while Landing will help you find an available apartment in their inventory, you might be left scrambling to move into the next place quickly.
This is a major con because even for digital nomads who are on the move frequently, having to potentially move every 3 days and not being able to maintain a consistent schedule can make life difficult.
Also, the Frontier GoWild! Pass comes with similar catches.
There are a number of blackout dates, you still have to pay taxes and fees (so the flights aren’t really free), and you can only book flights one day in advance.
These factors make planning ahead very challenging since you have no guarantee of where you’ll be staying in a week or where you can fly to next, until the very last minute.
And finally, there will only be 1,000 Nomad Passes available at first, meaning it will be nearly impossible to even obtain one of these elusive passes.
What do you think? Are you the type of person who could handle this much uncertainty? Let us know in the comments below!
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Digital nomadism is more than just a trend; it’s a movement redefining how and where we travel.
Since 2020, the amount of digital nomads has skyrocketed, in large part due to the newfound fully remote options for traditional jobs that were office-based 9-to-5 roles pre-pandemic.
With over 35 million digital nomads globally, travel-friendly online work is drawing adventurers to visit or even live in so-called “digital nomad hotspots” all over the world.
At the crossroads between Europe and Asia lies one such popular digital nomad destination: the legendary Istanbul.
Here, east meets west and tradition meets modernity. Digital nomads flock to Istanbul for the depth of culture amid modern convenience.
With so many unique neighborhoods and an inexhaustible list of amazing things to see, many location-independent travelers choose to spend extended time in this Turkish megacity.
Remote work powered by Turkish coffee with views of the Bosphorus sounds spectacular; but does the reality live up to the hype?
In some ways, Istanbul is a digital nomad mecca. However, there are a few serious pitfalls that make it less than ideal for remote work.
Here are the pros and cons of traveling to Istanbul as a digital nomad:
The Turkish Take on Café Culture
We’ve all heard about the national obsession with Turkish tea, but that doesn’t stop Istanbul from boasting some of the best coffee culture in the world.
Trendy neighborhoods like Moda and Cihangir are home to three to ten coffee shops per block, most of which are well-suited for getting work done.
These are some great Istanbul cafes for digital nomads:
Walter’s Coffee – A Breaking Bad-themed cafe designed for remote work, with outlets at every table and outstanding third wave coffee. Don’t leave without one of their decadent brownies either!
Journey Lounge – Journey’s second floor for a hidden work zone is great for a long work day, since their menu from breakfast to dinner is spectacular.
Kava Coffee Home and Kava Coffee Roasting – This trendy light-filled space has work-friendly individual seating in modern two-story spaces at both locations. Try a Chemex and buttery goodies from their bakery.
Cuma – The light and airy interior has lots of spacious sturdy tables well-suited for working.
Story Coffee & Food – A top pick for a working brunch and seasonal specialty lattes.
Tiyop – This plant-filled oasis has a sprawling communal table in the back that’s perfect for plugging in. Plus, it’s conveniently located near the main tourist sites in Galata.
Curve Cukurcuma – A hidden gem with wi-ifi as strong as its espresso, but limited seating.
Cafes in Istanbul are hubs for the thriving young professional and creative scene. Most coffee shops are open from morning until nearly midnight, since going out for coffee and tea is a critical component of the local social fabric.
There are so many amazing cafes to work from in the city that it almost makes up for the slim pickings of short-term coworking spaces – but not quite.
Unfortunately, most of Istanbul’s coworking spaces only offer monthly or yearly memberships and lack drop-in rates, making it nearly impossible to pop into an office space on a shorter remote working trip here.
If digital nomads are planning to stay longer than a month, they might have better luck. But even on a longer-term membership, a lot of spaces – for example, IDEA Kadikoy – require an application process with a waiting period and seem to be limited to mostly locals in the tech industry.
Digital nomads are limited to a 90-day tourist visa to see the whole country, so it could be tricky to stay in Istanbul long enough for these extended coworking memberships. Turkey does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. Since the start of 2023, the temporary residency visa has also become nearly impossible to acquire or renew for online workers.
The two primary exceptions to the long-term membership coworking requirement are Impact Hub, which offers 1-10 day packages, and Daire, which charges $5/hour for a pre-reserved hot desk.
Both are located about 30 minutes north of Galata by metro, which means up to an hour commute with changes for digital nomads staying in Kadiköy, Fatih, or other popular neighborhoods.
Divided City
The fingers of the Bosphorus divide the city into three main zones and make getting around a hassle.
This so-called “Golden Horn” separates Beyoğlu (including Karaköy and Galata) in the north from Fatih and Eminonü in the south. It also draws the line between Europe and Asia, with Kadıköy and Üsküdar to the east.
While commuting by ferry looks cinematic, it’s also super slow. Most of the time, getting around Istanbul means an hour underground on the metro, not enjoying the sea or strolling spice-lined streets.
The metro also doesn’t connect the Asian side very well, which means you’re waiting on vintage trams to chug along hills and get you somewhere near your destination or taking city buses through epic traffic.
On the upside, public transport is super affordable in Istanbul. Ferry, metro, bus, and tram rides all cost less than $0.80. A reloadable Istanbulkart can be purchased in all metro and ferry stations and some bus stops for about $2.
Endless Exploration
While it can be a drag to get around Istanbul, the tradeoff is that the city is so huge and diverse that you’ll always have something to see.
Digital nomads could spend weeks in Istanbul visiting a different neighborhood and working from a different café every day.
Explore the Hagia Sophia on your lunch break, or take a cruise on the Bosphorus after work. There are plenty of amazing cultural and historical sites, so you’ll definitely never be bored traveling and working online in Istanbul.
Pricy Data
Digital nomads value staying connected while out and about. Mobile data also usually doubles as backup Wi-Fi for critical work tasks.
Unfortunately, SIM card prices in Istanbul have tripled over the past few years. A short-term tourist SIM currently starts at 5-20G plans for $40-55. This means that a remote worker visiting Istanbul for a few days will pay the same price for data as someone who’s staying for a few weeks.
Turkish carriers also often throttle data speeds, even on ‘unlimited’ packages. On the upside, unlimited Whatsapp messaging is usually included.
Great International Access
A key feature of a great digital nomad city is convenient international access.
With Istanbul’s mega-hub airport, remote workers can hop around Europe and Asia without breaking a sweat. The city’s new airport metro stops also make getting to and from your flight easier than ever.
Nomads can snag flights to European destinations like Venice, Budapest, Paris, Barcelona, and Athens for $50-100. Trips to Gulf destinations like Dubai are dirt cheap, while popular Asian destinations like Thailand and the Maldives can be reached for under $200.
Istanbul also offers an overnight express train to Sofia, Bulgaria. From there, travelers can connect onward to the European rail network.
Accommodation Struggles
While travelers on workations might base from a hotel, long-term digital nomads often prefer to rent an apartment for a week or month. Unfortunately, that’s tricky in Istanbul these days.
First, Booking.com is blocked inside of Turkey, so anyone trying to book accommodation after arriving in the country will need to use a VPN.
Second, Airbnb prices have ballooned to reflect the housing shortage in the city these days. Rental sites offer very few entire apartments and list mostly private rooms in shared apartments. (Bear in mind that some Airbnb hosts in Istanbul actually sleep in the living room of the apartment and omit this information from the listing.)
As of summer 2023, digital nomads can expect to pay $150-200/week or $500-600/month for a room, and roughly double for a private apartment. While it might not seem expensive compared to U.S. prices, rents are out of proportion to the general cost of living.
Inflation, currency instability, an influx of Russian tenants, and a rapidly changing housing market mean the accommodation situation in Istanbul is subject to frequent changes, making travel to Istanbul a bit less predictable for digital nomads.
It’s true that Istanbul has a few kinks to work out for remote workers. While it may not quite live up to the hype, this Turkish megacity is still a must-see for travelers and digital nomads alike.
Are you planning a trip to Europe this summer? Here’s what you need to know about the Eurail Pass and whether or not it’s worth it for travelers.
The Eurail Pass allows you to travel between 33 European countries by train for one price.
There are various passes available based on different durations and how many days you plan to travel by train within a given timeframe.
For example, you can purchase an unlimited one-month Eurail Pass or a cheaper Eurail Pass that allows you to travel for seven days within one month.
So how can you determine if the Eurail Pass is worth it or not?
Here are some important things to know before you buy the Eurail Pass!
How Much Does It Cost?
There are many different passes available. You can see all the prices on the Eurail website, but here’s a sampling of the costs for the most popular Global Passes:
Fifteen days within two months: $565
Seven days within one month: $384
One month unlimited: $767
Fifteen days unlimited: $507
These passes allow unlimited train travel within 33 European countries.
However, if you are only traveling to one country in Europe, you can purchase a One Country Pass that covers intercity train travel within that country.
The unlimited pass typically only makes sense if you’ll be traveling every one or two days. Otherwise, the passes that allow for a certain number of travel days within a given timeframe are a better value.
Youth And Senior Discounts Available
The Eurail Pass offers a discount for youth travelers and senior travelers, which can make the pass a really good deal.
For youths aged 27 and under and seniors aged 60 and older, you’ll get a 25% discount on your Eurail Pass.
This means that a Eurail Pass that allows you to travel seven days within one month would only cost $288 for youths and seniors, as opposed to $384 at the regular adult price.
Extra Fees May Apply
The Eurail Pass allows for unlimited train travel within 33 European countries, but it’s important to note that additional reservation fees may apply.
These fees typically only apply to high-speed trains and night trains and can range from around €10 to €20 (approximately $11 to $22 USD.)
If you plan to take lots of high-speed trains and night trains, you’ll want to factor in these extra fees to determine if it still makes financial sense to buy the Eurail Pass.
Consider Your Itinerary
Another important thing to do before buying a Eurail Pass is to consider your itinerary.
Eurail Passes offer the best value and make the most sense for travelers who plan to visit several different countries that are all close to one another.
If you’re planning to hop all over Europe, a Eurail Pass doesn’t make as much sense because you’ll end up spending a lot more time in transit than if you just flew.
Is The Eurail Pass A Good Value?
The Eurail Pass is not necessarily the most budget-friendly option for traveling around Europe.
However, it can be a good value depending on how you use it (for example, if you can avoid paying additional fees for high-speed trains and night trains.)
It can also be a good value in countries where purchasing individual train tickets is extremely expensive, like Switzerland.
If you qualify for the youth or senior discount, it can definitely be worth it.
Additionally, traveling by train in Europe is more scenic, comfortable, and less stressful than flying. So even if it doesn’t save you much money, the convenience and more enjoyable experience may be worth it to you.
Travel to Mexico is more popular than ever before. In 2022 alone, more than 20 million international tourists visited Mexico, with over 13 million coming from the United States. So what are the best Mexican towns that are under the radar?
With the majority of visitors flocking to the popular resort areas of Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, it is not surprising that those areas are frequently at capacity and full of tourists.
But Mexico is so much more than tourist-centered beach towns and all-inclusive hotels. If you are interested in exploring more of Mexico and don’t know where to start, why not try one of these culturally rich under the radar Mexican towns this year?
Guanajuato City
Guanajuato City is a vibrant, artsy, colonial city in central Mexico, about 5 hours from Mexico City. It has long been a popular destination for Mexicans and has recently been gaining popularity with international tourists. Packed with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, Guanajuato City is begging visitors to wander and explore.
Visitors to Guanajuato City enjoy snapping romantic photos in the Alley of the Kiss, taking in the sights during a walk down Calle de Sopeña, and exploring the old mining tunnels under the city. Tourists who enjoy the darker side of life have options too. Popular dark tourist sites include the Museum of the Mummies and the haunted Calle del Truco.
Pátzcuaro
The charming colonial town of Pátzcuaro in the state of Michoacan is a popular Day of the Dead destination for domestic and international tourists. Each day, artisans, greengrocers, and food vendors set up fantastic markets throughout the town. Additionally, visitors can shop in Casa de los Once Patios and buy snacks and souvenirs straight from the producers.
Lake Patzcuaro and its picturesque Janitzio Island are just north of the town center and are popular day trips for visitors. The island is topped with a giant statue of Jose Maria Morelos, a revolutionary hero whose likeness you can climb up and take in spectacular views of the surrounding lake and towns.
Comitán de Dominguez
Comitán is one of four Pueblos Mágicos in Chiapas, and it is one that truly lives up to its reputation. Packed with museums, incredible food, and a colorful and welcoming town center, Comitán is a great place to visit. Its location in southern Chiapas also makes it a great base for exploring other nearby sights.
Visitors who spend time in Comitán rave about the food at the many street vendors and restaurants throughout the town. The museums are also popular with tourists and are a great way to learn more about the region’s culture and history. Most popular is Dr. Belisario Dominquez’s Home Museum, which tells the story of its famous past resident and town hero.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Just a 2-hour drive north of Comitán is the city of San Cristobal de las Casas. This medium-sized city is home to some well-preserved colonial architecture and offers a diverse array of activities. From city sightseeing to exploring beautiful nature, San Christobal has it all.
Fit visitors enjoy the 100-step climb to quaint Guadalupe Church, where they have views of the entire city. Also popular with adventure seekers is El Arcotete park, with beautiful hiking trails, caves, and a river to explore. Additionally, nature lovers enjoy visits to the botanical gardens, where they can learn all about the plants native to the area.
Tepoztlán
46 miles south of Mexico City is the mountain town of Tepoztlán. Located in a gorgeous alpine setting 5,380 feet above sea level, this diverse and welcoming town is worth a visit. Its beautiful natural environment is known as a place for healing and rejuvenation, making it a great place to reset and recharge.
Visitors love the food and artisan markets in Tepoztlán in the town’s colonial center. Also popular is a visit to Piramide del Tepozteco, a nearby Aztec archaeological site that overlooks the valley. But one of the main reasons many visit the town is for its renowned health, well-being, and alternative therapies, including massage, Reiki, and Temazcal, an Aztec steam bath therapy.
Campeche City
Located on the opposite side of the Yucatan Peninsula from Cancun, UNESCO-listed Campeche City is a great place to explore. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, this city is full of rich history and nightlife and is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The city’s old town is a rainbow of colors, making it a photographer’s delight.
Many of the city’s historic homes have been converted into boutique hotels which are very popular with visitors looking for unique accommodations. Tourists also rave about the nightlife in Campeche with its lively bars and open-air salsa parties.
eSIMs. When they first came out, they were deemed to be the next best technological advancement that would change the way we used our mobile devices, but they’ve taken a lot longer to gain popularity. Reports of complications and an incapability to pair an eSIM with certain phone devices phone carriers’ hesitation to make it simpler to move to other networks.
Although major phone providers in the U.S. have created international roaming plans, these may not always cut it for the type of speed and coverage you’re looking for.
Currently, phone providers prefer to promote postpaid plans that include international roaming add-ons, such as T-Mobile’s Magenta plan for $75 per month or Verizon’s International Plan for $100 per month, while AT&T offers $10 add-on international day passes to select plans. These plans connect to specified local networks when you’re in the country, but these may not always offer the best coverage.
If you don’t have an international plan included in your service, you might receive the nasty surprise of high roaming bills if you forgot to turn off data roaming on your phone ahead of your trip.
While some countries offer easy and cheap processes for getting traditional SIM cards, others can be a little more complicated if you haven’t done your research. This is where eSIMs can come in handy as an alternative to finding physical SIM cards while traveling, where language barriers and sim card set-ups have proven difficult for some people.
What Is An eSIM?
eSIMs are digital sim cards that replace the need for a physical plastic card in the back of your mobile phone. The chip, which is still embedded in your handset, allows you to still activate a cellular plan from a carrier without the need for the traditional chip. You’re allowed to install multiple eSIMs depending on your device and model (up to 8 on certain iPhones), which means if you’re taking a multi-country trip, you’re able to install different eSIM plans for each country.
eSIMS can be purchased from service providers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Xfinity Mobile for your national plans, but if you are traveling internationally, you will need to purchase your eSIM from a store that offers international coverage, such as Airalo or Holafly.
Quick To Install From Your Phone: the eSIM is relatively easy to purchase from online stores. You just need to choose the plan that suits you and then set it up in the backend of your device’s settings with a QR code. This allows you to avoid finding traditional sim cards in person and setting them up via their website or over the phone, where you can sometimes run into language barriers and have complications with the setup.
Avoid High Roaming Bills From Your Local Provider: since you can select the amount you want to put on your eSIM card, there won’t be any surprises on what your bill comes to, and you can track how much money you have left from the apps. eSIM stores offer variable pricing plans that range depending on the duration and data size that you need. Airalo offers plans from $6 – $35 per month, while Holafly gives a choice of $19 – $64 plans per month.
You Can Keep Your U.S. Carrier As Your Primary Network: since you can keep your U.S. sim card in your phone, you can alter between networks and use your U.S. phone number and data service as your primary network if you prefer. This is helpful if you have an international roaming plan, but there might be some locations without strong signals, so you can change to a different local provider using the eSIM.
You Can Purchase Multiple eSIMs For Different Countries: with eSIM online stores boasting data plans across 190+ countries, it enables you to switch to different networks if you are planning to visit multiple countries.
What Are The Disadvantages Of International eSIMs
Not Compatible With All Phones: the latest Apple iPhones are all compatible with the eSIM, but anything before the Phone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR are not. Samsung has a select few devices compatible, but if you have a Samsung S20/S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G version from the U.S., these will not work. You can find the full list of the compatible devices here, but make sure you check the fine print since compatibility is also dependent on which country you purchased the phone, and not all countries support eSIMs yet.
Issues With Installation: most eSIMs cannot be reinstalled, which means if there are any problems during the download process, you won’t be able to try again. Unlike removing the plastic sim card and placing it back again, once you remove the international eSIM, you won’t be able to install it again.
Most International eSIM Plans Provide Data Only: most of the eSIM plans only offer data, so you won’t be able to make phone calls or send SMS text messages using the network. You will need to rely on WiFi calls and text messaging instead.
Mixed Reviews: international eSIM providers have received very mixed reviews and seem to be dependent on compatibility with certain devices or the installation process. Airalo reviews have ranged from people calling it “a scam” to “superb service,” so make sure you check with your current phone provider and device that you will be able to use an international eSIM, as this will impact your experience.
Digital nomad visas have been popping up all around the world in recent years, luring remote workers with promises of being able to live and work in a foreign country for an extended amount of time. A number of Caribbean countries have begun offering digital nomad visas, which offer an attractive proposition to applicants: the ability to live in paradise and work remotely while sipping a cold drink on the beach.
But which Caribbean digital nomad visas are actually worth it? Some offer better terms than others. Here’s what to know about digital nomad visas in the Caribbean:
What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visas are visas designed to allow applicants to live and work in a foreign country.
Typically, digital nomad visas require that applicants are self-employed or work remotely for an employer based outside the country. They offer an easy and cost-effective pathway for digital nomads to live and work in another country for a specific period of time.
The best digital nomad visas have a simple, affordable application process and don’t place too many requirements on applicants.
Digital nomad visas with high earning requirements, expensive application fees, and other red tape aren’t as great of an option as they might seem at first glance.
With many Caribbean countries offering digital nomad visas, these are some of the best (and worst) options based on factors like minimum earning requirements, application fees, livability, and more.
The Southern Caribbean island of Curaçao offers a digital nomad visa called @Home in Curaçao.
With this program, remote workers can live and work in Curaçao for up to 6 months, with the possibility of extending for an additional 6 months.
This is an attractive digital nomad visa because it has no minimum income requirements (however, you do need to have “proof of solvency”) and an application fee of just $294. Curaçao is also one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean.
Grenada
The island of Grenada offers an attractive digital nomad visa program with comparatively low earning requirements.
Applicants will need to prove that they have earnings of at least $37,000 per year to qualify, as well as pay a $1,500 application fee. The visa lasts for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending it for an additional 12 months.
Grenada has a lower cost of living compared to many other Caribbean countries and is cheaper than the United States.
Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp is a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in Barbados for up to 12 months.
Applicants must demonstrate that they earn $50,000 per year and pay a $1,000 application fee. Although this is steep, it’s lower than many other Caribbean digital nomad visas, and Barbados has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to its neighbors.
Antigua & Barbuda
Similar to Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda offers a digital nomad visa that requires applicants to earn at least $50,000 a year and pay a $1,500 application fee.
This visa is valid for up to 2 years, making it a good option for remote workers who want to relocate for a longer amount of time.
Caribbean Digital Nomad Visas To Avoid
Not every digital nomad visa offered by a Caribbean country is as easy to obtain. These digital nomad visas come with much higher minimum earnings requirements and other drawbacks:
Cayman Islands: Their Global Citizen Concierge Program requires minimum annual earnings of $100,000 a year, making it inaccessible for many. The Cayman Islands also have a high cost of living.
Montserrat: Montserrat is a very tiny and isolated island with a population of just 5,900. The Montserrat Remote Work Stamp requires annual earnings of $70,000.
Dominica: Although Dominica is a very beautiful and relatively affordable island, the minimum earning requirement of $70,000 per year makes this inaccessible to many applicants.
Frontier Airlines just released the details of its GoWild! Pass, a new all-you-can-fly annual subscription. For just $599, the GoWild! Pass lets you fly an unlimited number of flights to any of Frontier’s destinations in the United States, including Puerto Rico, for a whole year.
Frontier is a popular low-cost airline in the United States, and they’ve generated a lot of buzz with this announcement.
But is the GoWild! Pass actually worth it?
Here’s everything you need to know about this new flight subscription and whether it’s worth the $599 price tag or not.
What To Know About The Frontier GoWild! Pass
The GoWild! Pass offers travelers unlimited flights on Frontier Airlines flights within the United States.
Right now, the pass is priced at $599, but this is a special introductory price that won’t last long. The normal cost of the pass (and the annual renewal rate) is $1,999.
If you want to lock in the current $599 price, you’ll want to purchase the pass as soon as possible.
Flights Must Be Booked The Day Before Departure
This is one really important thing to note. With the GoWild! Pass, you can only book flights the day before departure.
Flights will come available to be booked one day in advance, and that’s as early as you’ll be able to confirm your flight.
Although the GoWild! Pass allows you to fly on over 300 days out of the year, there are a significant number of blackout dates.
In 2023, flights cannot be booked for the following dates: May 25, 26, 29; June 29, 30; July 1-5, 8, 9; August 31; September 1, 4; October 5, 6, 9; November 18, 22, 24-27; December 16, 17, 22-24, 26-31.
You Still Have To Pay Taxes And Fees
While the GoWild! Pass is only $599 and you’ll only pay a fare of $0.01 per flight that you book, you’re still responsible for the full amount of taxes and fees on your fare.
How much will taxes and fees be on Frontier flights booked with the annual pass? According to an inquiry from The Points Guy, these will start at $14.60 per flight for flights booked with the GoWild! Pass.
It Only Covers Flights In The United States
Frontier is known for its low-cost routes that connect cities in the United States with destinations like Mexico, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
But unfortunately, you won’t be able to jet off the to islands with the Frontier GoWild! Pass.
It’s limited to destinations in the United States only (however, this does include Puerto Rico).
So Is The GoWild! Pass Really Worth It?
The Frontier GoWild! Pass is worth it for some travelers, but certainly not everyone.
It mostly makes sense for frequent flyers who have the ability to book last-minute flights.
Barry Biffle, the CEO of Frontier Airlines, stated, “If you’re thinking about traveling at least once a month, this makes sense for you. If you’re willing to travel once a week, this is a no-brainer.”
For people who only fly once or twice a year, the GoWild! Pass definitely does not make sense, and you’d be better off purchasing individual tickets.
However, for frequent travelers with a lot of flexibility (such as remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees), the GoWild! Pass can be worth it.
It’s also worth noting that this only applies to the current introductory price of $599 per year.
Once the price is increased to $1,999, it will be really hard to justify the Frontier GoWild! Pass as a worthwhile purchase for anyone.
But right now, it’s possible to make the most out of the pass for one year. Since you can cancel at any time, the GoWild! Pass could be a great way to save money if you plan to travel a lot in 2023.
If You’re Unsure About The Value Of Airport Lounges, Read On
Airports are a nightmare at the best of times, but this year’s chaos is unprecedented. If you’ve fought your way through the security line, ventured the length and breadth of the departures lounges, and tried to work next to a screaming baby, you may have glanced longingly at one of the airport lounges dotted around the airport.
Once seen as a symbol of luxury and inaccessible to the masses, lounges are springing up everywhere. Some airports have well over ten lounges, with many accessible to anyone willing to pay.
But are they worth the hype? We say, without a doubt, yes. At least in most cases. Here’s why you should consider getting lounge access on your next trip, especially this year.
1. They’re a much-needed dose of peace
The biggest benefit of any lounge, even a busy one, is the peace they offer. Departure lounges are chaotic. The worst of every human comes out in an airport, and fusing that with a long travel day, hunger, money, and impatience is never a good environment to be in before your flight.
Even if a lounge is a little busier, most make the effort to offer comfortable seating, further away from other passengers than the uncomfortable pews clustered around the departure gates. The people in the lounge are there for the same reason, peace, so there’s almost no chance of someone blaring their music, shouting down their phone, and even the parents with the crying kid are far more apathetic to the setting.
Relaxing before a flight is a luxury you should experience at least once.
2. There’s free food
Do we have to say much more? Many of the lounges are buffet style, so you can dig in as much as you’d like. Think about it, the more you eat, the further that entry fee goes.
But don’t be the person who drinks too much free booze. They don’t get let back in.
3. It might actually save you money
Depending on your travel day habits, paying for a lounge might actually end up cheaper than spending a few hours in the terminal.
If you’re on a long connection, you might be tempted to grab lunch, maybe a snack and a drink later, and of course, the obligatory airport alcoholic beverage, which can quickly rack up a bill. Airport food was inflated long before everything else was. Many lounges offer free food and even alcohol, which could end up a steal for you. If you have to pay $25 for a lounge stay, you’ve seriously upgraded for at least the same cost.
4. Working is far easier
If you’re traveling for work, a lounge should be a no-brainer. Even if you’ve prepared yourself with a fully charged laptop, departure lounge wifi can be brutal, your concentration levels have to be amazing, and you’re going to be working from your lap.
Lounges usually have work space, so you can get the feeling of a desk setup and almost always offer free wifi that functions separately from the outside connection. Taking a business call is possible in some, and even if you’re still stuck with your knees for a desk, at least you’re probably sitting on a nice comfy sofa.
5. If you’re a regular traveler you’re missing out
If you travel more than four or five times a year, you’re probably losing money. If it’s international travel, you’re definitely losing money. A combination of food and snack costs over the course of a year comfortably adds up to the cost of a subscription to a lounge app.
Priority Pass, one of the most comprehensive apps, has memberships starting at $99 and gives the user access to a multitude of lounges usually unavailable to most or at a higher price point. If you’re hopping on a flight every week, the full membership is still worth it in experience alone.
Airlines with membership programs also offer some amazing options, so if you’re loyal to a certain carrier, check out what they have available.
6. It could literally be free
Many credit cards, especially airline cards, include access to their lounges when flying with the same carrier. If you’re not taking advantage of this brilliant opportunity, you’re missing out. If you don’t have a card that grants you access to lounges, take a look at a few that offer the benefit. These will typically have fees, but if you’re already paying for another card with similar costs, it might be worth the switch.
Capital One, Chase, and Amex all have their own lounges dotted around the world for their top customers. The Amex Platinum Card, for example, offers free access for every cardholder at their Centurion lounges, which are often some of the best. It also grants free access to Priority Pass, so if there’s no Centurion, you’re still covered.
When is it not useful?
It’s all fine and well pushing you to pay for a lounge, but it’s just as important to know when it’s not worth it.
If you just really need some peace, go for it. But if you’re on a short domestic flight, you’re not flying often, and you’re unlikely to be eating very much during your time in the airport, just suck it up and give it a miss.
It’s great to have a comfortable place to hang out, but is it really worth $25 before your two hour flight home? Just hang on and get into bed.
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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
Whether you want to fly in style on Delta Air Line’s latest eco-friendly airbus or experience the “French-style art of travel” on Air France starting this fall, these 4 new business and first-class seats look so luxurious that they will be worth the splurge.
Air France’s New Business Class Seats For Long-Haul Flights
Air France recently revealed its latest business class seats on 12 of its Boeing-777-300 fleet. Travelers will be able to enjoy the redesigned cabin on certain long-haul flights with the French airline, including a direct flight from Paris’s CDG Airport and New York’s JFK Airport come September.
Some of the luxuries on board will include meals created by French Michelin-starred chefs, a personal 17-inch high-def TV screen complete with noise reducing headphones, WiFi, and a bluetooth connection in case you want to connect any of your devices on board.
The redesigned seats in this new business class cabin will follow the 3 “F”s: full flat, full access, full privacy. Much to any long-haul travelers delight, these new full flat seats are designed to recline to make a two-meter long bed. For an easy bathroom break, all seats also have direct access to the aisle.
And sliding doors, but of course! In what is perhaps the most innovative new design on board, these upgraded seats will each come with a personalized sliding door to ensure optimal privacy for all cabin passengers.
Fly First-Class On Delta’s Latest Airbus
Delta Air Lines latest airbus took to the skies this month and is 20% more fuel-efficient than previous models. And, the new Airbus a321neo (neo: new engine option) comes with a new and stylish first-class cabin that makes for a tempting upgrade.
This new first-class experience on Delta features 20 seats made with memory foam and come with winged headrests. Passengers can purchase satellite WiFi streaming at $5/device or enjoy the in-flight entertainment on their personal 10-inch screens.
The airline’s new premium cabins will also offer travelers a bit of indulgence with their eco-conscious amenity kits by the socially conscious brand Someone Somewhere. Kits come with an eye mask and sustainability-focused products such as a lip balm, hand cream, and a bamboo toothbrush.
At the time, the only flight on this fleet is between San Francisco International and Boston Logan Airport. Beginning July 11, flights on the airbus will expand to Boston-San Diego and Boston-Denver, with select trips between Boston-Seattle starting July 20.
KLM Reveals Latest Business Class Seats On Boeing 777
This week, Dutch Airline KLM revealed plans for its restored business class cabins on its Boeing 777 aircraft.
Similar to Air France’s updated business class seats, the KLM model will also have fully reclining seats, full access to the aisle, as well as the innovative sliding doors to give passengers full privacy.
The seats will be offered on all of KLM’s 777-300E and 777-200 international business class flights. And on top of a revamped business class experience, a new Premium Comfort class will be added to the aircraft. KLM’s upgraded fleet are scheduled to launch in 2023.
Finnair’s New Business Class Seats For Long-Haul Passengers
Enjoy Nordic culture in the clouds. Finnair’s latest business class experience for long-haul flights features new Collins’ Air Lounge seats with a contoured shell design for maximum movement and space. When you need to rest, the seat can turn into a lay-flat bed complete with a mattress pad. And of course, the textiles and amenity kits offered on board are exclusive from Finnish luxury designer Marimekko.
Just launched this week, travelers on Finnair can enjoy a Nordic-inspired signature cocktail on board called “Northern Blush.” The upgraded meals on board the flight offer local, international, as well as Nordic flavors served on chinaware from local Finnish company littala.
The roll out of Finnair’s renewed business class cabins for long-haul flights will continue throughout 2022 and into next 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
