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Europe Delays Introduction Of Tourist Fee For Another Year

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Last Updated 39 mins ago

Here we go again.

More than six years since it unveiled its plan to launch a U.S.-style Travel Authorization scheme, which many now deem a ‘tourist fee’, Europe has decided to push back the date – once again – on top of multiple previous postponements dating back to 2020. Instead of early 2023, the so-called ETIAS will now be operational only from November 2023.

For more than half a decade, the European Union has mulled over the introduction of the measure, set to tighten rules for travel into the bloc. Currently, Americans, Canadians and many other non-EU citizens only need valid passports visiting the continent. Once the ETIAS are launched, they will need to apply for an additional online permit in advance.

Why, then, has the roll-out been so slow? More importantly, will the ETIAS ever be launched at all?

How Does The Travel Authorization Work?

While it was set to debut as early as January 2023, the ETIAS launch date has now been moved to November. In fact, it won’t be an official requirement in 2023 at all: a six-month grace period will be observed, meaning Americans won’t need to formally apply for a Travel Authorization possibly until May 2024.

According to ETIAS Visa, a platform specialized in Europe and ETIAS News, the European Commission has chosen November as the definitive date for the roll-out, though it will be gradual. As noted above, applying for an ETIAS will not be mandatory until after six months have elapsed from the implementation date.

Application will possibly involve filling out an online form, with details such as full name, nationality, age, as well as truthfully answering questions pertaining to character, immigration, and criminal records. It may sound burdensome, but it is an incredibly straightforward process, usually taking a few minutes to complete.

Of course, travelers who are curious to find out how the new EU ‘e-permit’ works are more than welcome to request their first ETIAS in November. As ETIAS Visa reports, the Travel Authorization will remain active for 3 years from issuance, or it may be rendered invalid sooner if the permit holder’s passport expires before that. Of course, it will not be free.

Much like the U.S., which only recently doubled the fee for its own Travel Authorization, Europe expects Americans and other foreigners to pay in order to be granted a leave to enter. At this moment, a single ETIAS will cost $8, much cheaper than other e-permits required by America, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.

How Does The ETIAS Change Europe Travel?

Europe is known to be have a tough stance on immigration. Even though they already carefully monitor every movement into and out of the Schengen Area, their famous border-free zone, the continent’s leaders are stepping up security efforts now that international travel has resumed. This includes the controversial ETIAS.

First of all, how does Schengen even work? In summary, it is an agreement signed by 26 European countries allowing people to move freely without any identity checks. Essentially, driving from Spain to France is as bureaucratic as crossing the California-Nevada border. Normally, there are no identity checks whatsoever, as all Schengen countries share a continuous customs territory.

Once they have cleared security at their initial point of entry, Americans can come and go as they wish within the Schengen Area. However, as per EU rules, they can remain in Schengen for up to 90 days only, out of every 180-rolling period. In other words, when staying for a full three months in Schengen, U.S. citizens must then leave the zone for a further three until they can be allowed back in.

This gives the clock time to reset, and a brand new 3-month period to start. Countries belonging to the Schengen Area include the popular tourist hotspots of Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany and The Netherlands, and will soon feature Europe’s most sought-after destination: yes, Croatia is joining the group soon.

More importantly, these rules will not change once the ETIAS starts being enforced. Americans will still only be allowed to visit Europe within the time-frame mentioned above, regardless of the three-year validity of their travel permit. You can learn more about the Schengen Area, and the freedoms it promotes, visiting the official website.

Will The ETIAS Really Be Launched In November 2023?

Well, that is a tricky question. The ETIAS is a multi-million project whose impacts will be felt across the entire EU and EU-associated countries, such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and others. To put it simply, it is not as simple as merely setting up a random web-page to accommodate the service: it is a mechanism that will change Europe travel forever.

Preparations have been underway for years, and the fact that countless delays have occurred are a testament to how complex, and challenging, reforming an immigration system is, especially in a collective as unique as the EU, where major decisions must have unanimous approval of all members.

Taking this into account, the ETIAS is in fact moving pretty quickly. Perhaps not as fast as Brussels would have hoped, after two years of stagnation due to Covid and other intra-EU disagreements, but the EU does look determined to deliver on this project sooner rather than later. Whether it’s 2023 or 2024, the ETIAS is being brought in.

That said, there may be some operational issues that could be slowing down the process more than the Commission would have liked. One of them may be, surprise, Brexit, a term referring to the UK’s withdrawal from the bloc which was finalized in 2020 after a painful five-year divorce. Prior to Brexit, Brits were able to move freely across the EU.

Now, their passports must be checked thoroughly at every entry point, like Americans’ and any non-European citizens. This has proven a problem, considering that UK-EU traffic is heavy, particularly via land: in recent weeks, the UK’s Dover Port, a gateway to France, has declared a ‘critical incident‘ due to the extremely long wait times travelers are facing.

Brits can’t just scan their way into the EU anymore: border officials must ensure they comply with the bloc’s rules, such as not having been present in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days in the last 180 days, checking they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay, having a return ticket etc – and this has created a massive backlog.

Is The EU Prepared For The Extra Documentation Check?

Now that tourism has resumed, the impact of Brexit is finally being felt at the EU’s external borders with the UK, with the French Transport Minister blaming Brexit directly for the travel chaos. You can see what we are getting at: Europe is probably not prepared for further border checks right now, including ETIAS. More worryingly, the UK impasse is only one example.

Several other non-EU citizens that travel to Europe frequently – Serbians, Montenegrins, Bosnians, Albanians – will be subject to the ETIAS system, not to mention those coming from across the pond. From our understanding, Europe can’t take any chances in aggravating the current travel disruption by adding new border requirements when airports are already crumbling under pressure.

After all, this crisis could last another year, exactly the amount of time the ETIAS launch has been delayed for. This is, of course, our view on the topic. The EU has not issued a formal statement detailing why the launch was delayed. At the same time, it is clearly visible the continent is struggling with infrastructure and staffing issues due to a pent-up travel demand, besides dealing with other major concerns.

Needless to say, Europe already has a lot in their plate right now, and we can understand why something as monumental as a Travel Authorization scheme is not an immediate priority. As things stand, the ETIAS will start receiving applications in November 2023, and all eligible, non-visa requiring tourists will be encouraged to obtain one.

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August 5, 2022
Unlimited Stays Around The World For $105 Per Year, With One Caveat
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Last Updated 27 mins ago

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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July 26, 2022
New Tourist Train Connecting Cancun To Major Tourism Destinations Will Launch Next Year
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Maya Train Set To Connect The Yucatan Peninsula Like Never Before

An exciting new railway system is set to be unveiled in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in 2023 after the government removed roadblocks surrounding its development. The controversial project will connect the popular hub of Cancun with countless towns, cities, and sites around the region like never before.

Cancun, along with the likes of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is an incredibly popular destination for sun-seeking vacationers but suffers from a lack of connectivity with the wealth of cultural attractions in its surrounding area. The vast majority of visitors to the region have their sights set on an all-inclusive resort in the hotel zone and rarely venture out unless on an organized tour.

The new railway project, The Maya Train, is set to change all that. The sprawling 948-mile line will connect Cancun with the entire peninsula with ease, offering tourists and residents alike the chance to explore the region with independence, transforming the landscape for the industry. The line will pass through the states of Quintana Roo, Yucutan, Chiapas, Campeche, and Tabasco.

If estimates are correct, tourists will now be connected with as many as 190 individual cultural sites, archeological zones, or tourist attractions. 46 Mayan sites will be accessible, as well as 14 of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” which are villages or towns noted for their cultural significance or beauty.

The final product will be a large loop with two offshoots to reach destinations slightly further out and will feature twenty individual train stations at strategic points around the peninsula.

Tourists can expect the typical big names to all have their own station. Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos, all the major beach destinations, will be connected along their short strip of the Mexican Caribbean coast, opening the opportunity for resort loyalists to try a quick trip to another town with ease.

More exciting is the new kind of travel experience it will provide regular visitors and new ones alike. Cancun is generally avoided by cultural tourists due to the lack of historic sites in the immediate vicinity and the emphasis on luxury and resort life. When the system is completed, travelers will now be able to visit the likes of Merida, recently named one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Merida highlights a drastically different experience from the beachside resorts, offering a chance to try more local food, understand the colonial history of the area, and move at a different pace than the hotel zones.

There’s also a stop for the world-famous Mayan ruin, Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world. Previously, if visitors to Cancun or Tulum had intended to visit the site, the easiest way would have been to book an organized tour or rent a car. The train simplifies the accessibility issues of visiting, adding to the value of a stay anywhere in the peninsula.

Other interesting stops on the line include often neglected Quintana Roo capital Chetumal and several other lesser-known inland towns.

The project hasn’t been without its controversies, however, and dissenters have successfully stalled its construction several times. Environmentalists and historians have scorned the seemingly rushed development of the Maya Train. Many claim the construction in some areas is bulldozing through valuable undiscovered Mayan archeology zones, destroying pieces of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Those protecting the environment are concerned about underground caverns and cenotes that will be destroyed in the process. Many of these caves were also sacred places for the Mayan civilization and could also be valuable archeology sites. Others have highlighted the destruction of rainforest areas in the region.

Mexico’s government is often accused for cutting corners for financial benefit, and it appears to have wrangled its way around any further roadblocks by declaring the project a “National Security Project,” which grants it priority over some of the cultural discrepancies that have been brought to light.

If all goes to plan, the train linee should be functional by the end of 2023, although it is likely it may be extended into 2024 along with Tulum’s new airport.

A full list of the intended Maya Train Stations are listed below:
- Palenque
- Tenosique
- Balancan
- Escárcega
- San Francisco de Campeche
- Mérida, Izamal
- Chichén Itzá
- Valladolid
- Cobá
- Cancún
- Puerto Morelos
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto
- Bacalar
- Calakmul
- El Triunfo
- Boca Del Cerro
- Xpujil
- Nuevo Xsan
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July 21, 2022
New $500 million Mega Golf Resort Set To Open In Texas Next Year
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A new $500 million mega golf resort is set to open in Texas next year – which is currently the largest resort under construction in the United States of America.

The resort will go by the name of Omni PGA Frisco Resort, and is owned by Omni Hotels and Resorts – who currently operate hotels and resorts throughout 23 U.S. states – as well two properties in the Canadian cities of Montreal and Toronto, and one in Cancun, Mexico.

Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts

And, there is no doubt that once complete – and open for business – Omni PGA Frisco Resort is going to instantly become one of the top hotels and resorts in and around the city of Dallas, Texas.

So, with their new – and highly anticipated – mega golf resort due to open in Texas in the Spring of 2023, here is what we know so far about the latest addition to the portfolio of Omni Hotels and Resorts.

Where Is The New Mega Golf Resort Located?

The new Omni PGA Frisco Resort is located in the city of Frisco – which is around 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, Texas

What Should We Expect From The New Mega Golf Resort?

There is no doubt that once complete – and welcoming guests through its doors – Omni PGA Frisco Resort is sure to not disappoint.

Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts

Not only will the resort feature 500 luxury rooms for guests to choose from, there will also be two 18-hole championship golf courses on site – which can be enjoyed by all visitors.

Here is a list of what guests can expect when they step foot onto Omni Hotels and Resorts’ incoming mega golf resort:

Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts
- 500 guest rooms and suites
- 10 four-bedroom ranch houses
- three swimming pools – including a rooftop infinity pool which is only available to adult guests
- a destination spa – which is set to feature 20 treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, a Spa Café, as well as a private swimming pool for spa guests
- 13 dining outlets
- indoor and outdoor meeting and event space – which is set to span over an area of 127,000 square feet
- Lounge by Top Golf – which offers the opportunity to play golf on one of Top Golf’s high-tech driving ranges, whilst enjoying the comforts of a lounge serving drinks and snacks
- an extensive entertainment district and retail village – which is set to feature a variety of shops, as well as a selection of dining and drinking options
Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts
- an outdoor stage – which is set to host a variety of different events, including music concerts.
This Resort Is Sure To Excite The Golf Enthusiasts

As already mentioned, the new resort is sure to impress those who have a keen interest in playing golf – as Omni PGA Frisco Resort is to feature three golf courses on site, including two 18-hole championship courses and a shorter 10-hole course, as well as a golf performance center.

This basically means that visitors will have the opportunity to play 46 different holes of golf during their stay at the resort – which have all been designed by golf course designers, Beau Welling and Gil Hanse.

Golfers will also be able to work on their putting skills on the resort’s two-acre putting green.

And, we can certainly expect ‘big things’ when Omni PGA Frisco Resort begins welcoming guests – with the president of Omni Hotels and Resorts, Peter Strebel, having this to say about the company’s new mega golf resort:

“Residents of Frisco will have access to some of the most extraordinary golfing facilities in the country, not to mention fabulous dining, spa, and more.”

Those wanting to get a sneak peek at the new mammoth Omni PGA Frisco Resort can do so by clicking here to watch a short 5-minute video – and clicking here to check out an online brochure featuring some eye-watering images of the spectacular golf resort.

Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts

When Is Omni PGA Frisco Resort Due To Open?

Although no specific opening date has been revealed as of yet, Omni PGA Frisco Resort is expected to begin welcoming guests through its doors in less than twelve months’ time – in the Spring of 2023.

Read more:

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June 14, 2022
Riu To Open Two New All Inclusive Resorts In Cancun This Year
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The Spanish hotel chain, Riu is set to open two new all-inclusive – and adult-only – resorts in the hugely-popular city of Cancun, Mexico.

The two hotel resorts – which have recently been named as Hotel Riu Latino and Hotel Riu Palace Kukulkan – will open later this year in October and November, respectively.

Once both properties are up and running – and welcoming guests through their doors – Riu will at this point boast more than twenty active properties in and around Mexico, with most of these in fact being located in the state of Quintana Roo.

The two new additions to Riu’s list of Mexican hotel resorts are also likely to not be the last – with the company’s director having recently described Riu’s properties in the Mexican Caribbean as being the much-needed “oxygen” during the ongoing global pandemic.

This is due to Riu’s Mexican accommodation offerings being able to continue welcoming guests throughout the last two years – with Mexico having had the easiest entry requirements for tourists compared to any other country in the world for large parts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What Do We Know So Far About Riu’s Two New All Inclusive Resorts Set To Open In Cancun?

What we do know so far is that both hotel resorts are to be all-inclusive and adult-only properties – with guests able to enjoy a variety of entertainment, drinking and dining options during their stay at either resort.

Let’s take a closer look at what Riu’s two new all-inclusive hotel resorts in the city of Cancun are set to offer guests.

Hotel Riu Latino – What We Know So Far

Hotel Riu Latino will be located in Condominio Costa Mujeres – an area that boasts some of the most exclusive and luxurious resorts in the city.

The hotel resort is set to feature:
- 24-hour all-inclusive service
- a Splash Water World water park
- direct access to the Costa Mujeres beach – where guests can take advantage of Rui’s own private beach area with sun loungers
- 550 rooms – with each room offering a wide range of amenities
- a full buffet-style breakfast experience
- five outdoor swimming pools – with some even featuring their own swim-up bar and in-water sun loungers
- access to a Renova Spa – which offers numerous beauty treatments, a steam room, as well as relaxation pools.
The resort is also set to offer a wide variety of entertainment options for both day and night – which includes access to a range of water sport activities, as well as catamaran and snorkeling trips out in the Caribbean waters.

For those who are looking for some nightlife activity, Riu’s entertainment team’s activities programme is sure to not disappoint – with guests able to enjoy live shows, as well as have the opportunity to dance the night away at a nightclub.

Guests are also sure to not be lost when it comes to food and drink – with the hotel resort set to offer a wide variety of ‘wining and dining’ options for guests – including a romantic open-air dining area, as well as a selection of à la carte international cuisines to choose from.

Hotel Riu Palace Kukulkan – What We Know So Far

Hotel Riu Palace Kukulkan will be located in Cancun’s main hotel area – which means that the property is situated within close proximity to some of the city’s most stunning beaches.

The hotel resort is set to feature:
- 24-hour all-inclusive service
- 400 superior-class rooms
- a full buffet-style breakfast experience
- a variety of dining options – including à la carte restaurants offering a range of some of the world’s most popular cuisines
- a sun terrace
- four outdoor swimming pools – with one of the pools offering guests the opportunity to have a drink at its swim-up bar
- a gym
- a fun daytime entertainment program
- live music shows.
The resort’s guests can take advantage of other Riu hotel chain facilities in the surrounding area – which includes water sport activities, such as kayaking, sailing, and bodyboarding.

Guests will also be able to relax and unwind with access to a Renova Spa – where they will be able to enjoy a variety of different body treatments – as well as take a dip in the spa’s relaxation pools and steam bath.

Other New Hotel Resorts And Entertainment Venues Set To Open In Cancun

The news that yet another one of the world’s most well-known hotel companies, Riu, is set to open two new all-inclusive resorts in Cancun is likely to not come as a surprise – due to the huge demand for hotel rooms in the city.

A few weeks ago we reported that the world’s biggest hotel chain, Marriott, is to open a brand new all-inclusive resort in Cancun – which is even set to have its very own water park on site.

Just last week we featured an article which revealed that a new mega theme park – ‘Malltertainment’ will soon be built next to the hugely popular Moon Palace Cancun resort.

Another ‘giant’ in the hotel industry business, Hyatt, also recently announced their plans to open a Grand Hyatt Beach Resort in the city – which is set to become the hotel chain’s 19th resort in the city of Cancun.

The company plans to open the 500-room luxury resort in 2024 – in time for the busy summer holiday period.

Read more:

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New Mega Mall And Theme Park ‘Malltertainment’ To Open In Cancun

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June 7, 2022
Summer Travel 2022: 5 Epic Road Trips In The U.S. To Take This Year

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Still worried about confusing international travel rules? There’s always a solution. Why not head out on the open road and take a drive through the U.S. this summer?

From underrated national parks to the most scenic drives in California, here are some adventurous summer road trip ideas for 2022 in the U.S. that won’t break the bank.

Indianapolis To Milwaukee

You can start this summer road trip in the Hoosier State and drive north to Milwaukee or do it the other way around. Either way, this 4-hour road trip will give you the quintessential Midwest experience (and lots of amazing views) along the way.

With the warm weather approaching, there’s no better time than to explore Indiana’s capital city. For a perfect day in Indy, head to downtown Indianapolis where you can walk along the picturesque canal in the White River State Park before sitting down for a sunset dinner at one of the many patios.

While not as popular as neighboring Chicago, Milwaukee has so much to offer travelers. The city also makes for a great road trip destination, especially during the summer months. Catch a baseball game and sample some fresh brews at one of the many breweries in the downtown area.

There are also a bunch of interesting pit stops worth taking on this road trip. Take a break in the little town of Justice, Illinois and visit the world’s largest stained glass window (it’s in the Guinness Book of World Records!) and the world’s first-ever Mcdonald’s.

Las Vegas To Great Basin National Park

This summer road trip mixes outdoor adventures with the glitz and glamor of the big city. To start this road trip, fly into Las Vegas for a few days of fun before heading to one of the most underrated national parks in the western US.

Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is a 4.5-hour drive northeast of Vegas just by the border with Utah. The park gets amazing reviews and offers camping, great trails, peaks, and even cave tours. Plan a few nights camping here and you’ll get some of the best stargazing experiences of your life.

New Hampshire White Mountains

Looking for more cheap travel inspiration? Head towards the east coast to New Hampshire and discover the beauty of the White Mountains. The weather is perfect this time of year, making New Hampshire one of the best states for an epic summer road trip.

Take a drive along Highway 112, where you can take your time to explore the beautiful northeast region of the “Live Free or Die” State before entering the White Mountain National Forest. You and your road trip buddies can spend at least 4-5 days here chasing waterfalls, swimming in lakes, camping, and so much more. If you don’t feel like roughing it, there are plenty of country cabin stays and hotels in and around the forest.

Central California Road Trip – Morro Bay To Big Sur

Nestled between Los Angeles County and a few hours drive south of bustling San Francisco is the sunny region of Central California. For many explorers, this region is the heartland of the Golden State. Why not plan a west coast road trip here this summer and discover why.

Start your road trip in beautiful Morro Bay and eventually make your way up to Big Sur by driving along the iconic Highway 1. If you have a few extra days on your road trip itinerary and want to explore a bit inland, head to Paso Robles, one of the most underrated wine regions in California.

Some of the most picturesque parts of the epic California coastline can be found here on this road trip (seriously, though), so take your time and enjoy the ride.

Kansas City To Omaha

Get more acquainted with the Heartland on this quick and fun summer road trip from Kansas City to Omaha. The trip is less than 3 hours in total, which will give you plenty of time to make stops at the little towns along the way.

Spend at least a few days in Kansas City, exploring its many museums and markets before heading over to Omaha. On a sunny summer day, the Overland Park is a great spot to explore for some outdoor fun in the heart of the city.

Read More:

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April 25, 2022
10 Non Stop International Flight Routes You Can Take From The U.S. This Year

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Traveler demand is increasing and airlines are ramping up flights to destinations around the world. Ready for some inspiration?

Here are ten international flight routes from the U.S. you can take this year.

New York To Cartagena

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s hottest travel destinations (literally and figuratively) and it’s now even more accessible with the launching of Avianca’s direct flight route between New York’s JFK Airport and the Caribbean city of Cartagena.

In less than five hours from New York City, you can be exploring Cartagena’s colorful Old Town, the backstreets of Getsemani, and feasting on empanadas from a streetside food cart as you watch the sunset over this beautiful port city.

The flag carrier also resumed flight services from Miami on March 27.

Dallas Fort-Worth To Melbourne

After two years of minimal flight activity, Australian airline Qantas recently announced some new international flight routes as the island-nation begins to reopen its borders to tourists. The new flights include an inaugural route from Melbourne to Dallas Fort-Worth, which is scheduled to launch in December of this year.

Starting April 17th, fully vaccinated travelers to Australia will no longer need to show a negative Covid test result pre-departure. So, if you have your heart set on Australia’s southeast coast, Qantas is ramping up flight services between Los Angeles and Melbourne.

San Diego To Munich

On March 30th, German airline Lufthansa launched a direct, long-haul inaugural route between San Diego International Airport and the Bavarian city of Munich.

This route replaced the one between Frankfurt and San Diego, which had to pause services in March 2020. Flights are currently scheduled five times per week. Flying to Munich gives you easy access to the rest of Germany and it’s just a short car ride to the Austrian countryside, so start planning your adventure to the German Alps!

Austin To Amsterdam

KLM’s new flight routes between Austin, Texas and Amsterdam have finally launched. Flight services began on March 28 and the route is currently running three times a week.

This new international route is one in a slew of new transatlantic flight routes announced recently by major American and European airlines.

These two cultural cities have so much to offer travelers. And since The Netherlands removed all Covid-related travel restrictions this month, it will undoubtedly be a busy summer in the Dutch capital.

Seattle To Istanbul

It was announced earlier this week that Turkish Airlines will be launching an inaugural flight route between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Istanbul. Set to launch on May 27th, this will be a long-haul flight as well as the 12th US city with direct services on Turkish Airlines.

Flights will operate four times per week on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

New York To Milan

Get ready to fly to Italy’s stylish city in the lap of luxury. European boutique airline, La Compagnie, just launched a new international flight route between Newark Airport and Milan. La Compagnie is an exclusively business class airline, and other flight services include New York-Paris and New York-Nice routes.

This new international flight route will offer travelers a menu of Italian food and drink developed by expert chefs, as well as boutique amenity kits featuring products from local Italian skin care companies. Flights depart five times per week from Thursday to Monday.

Boston To London

If your heart is set on visiting England this summer, know that you will soon be able to get there on a budget from the East Coast.

Just announced this week, low-cost airline JetBlue will be launching flights from Boston Logan International Airport to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports this summer. The Boston to London Gatwick route is scheduled to launch on June 19 and Boston to Heathrow set for August 22.

Los Angeles (Burbank) To Edmonton

As an alternative airport to the always-busy LAX, Los Angeles’ Burbank Airport is ramping up flight services for international travel, and that includes flights to major cities in Canada.

That being said, Canadian ultra low-cost airline Swoop announced it would be increasing flight routes both internationally and domestically this past year. One of the newest international flight routes set to launch by the airline is between Los Angeles Burbank and Edmonton International Airport. Thrice weekly flight services will begin on June 23rd, allowing southern Californians an easy budget option to visit Alberta’s capital city.

Orlando To Edinburgh

First of its kind on Virgin Atlantic, travelers can swap the humidity for the highlands and haggis on the new Orlando to Edinburgh nonstop flight.

This new, seasonal summer route launched on March 30th and flight operations are available two times a week from the US. Departures from Orlando are scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays and flights from Edinburgh to Orlando are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Los Angeles To Barcelona

More transatlantic flights from the West Coast are ramping up in 2022, this time with low-cost airline LEVEL. The airline’s summer flight schedule this year includes a direct route between Los Angeles International Airport and Barcelona. Flight departures from LAX to the Catalan city are currently scheduled three days a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The itinerary will expand to also include Wednesdays starting on June 1st.

This new route is currently the only nonstop flight from the US West Coast to Barcelona.

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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 7, 2022
Hilton To Open 15 New Hotels In Mexico This Year

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American hotel giant, Hilton, is planning to expand its network in Mexico this year with 15 new hotels. This huge move is probably due to how much tourism has grown in Mexico over the pandemic and its likely continued growth. Mexico was actually one of the most visited countries on Earth during the pandemic.

In an interview with MILENIO, Juan Corvinos, vice president of development for Latin America and the Caribbean for Hilton stated, “Our prospects for Mexico are very good and the development team will continue working to make it so. We have aggressive growth plans, we will arrive before the end of the year with these 15 hotels, we have many scheduled openings”

Hilton started the year by opening The Yucatan Resort Playa Del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the first all-inclusive resort for Tapestry Collection, and most recently Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort.

One of the upcoming openings to note is the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, a luxury resort that is currently accepting bookings beginning in September to 2022. This hotel/resort will be set on 100 Acres of coast line, be home to 5 different restaurants, have “luxury amenities”, a spa, and 55,000 square foot event space. Hilton is really going all out on this one!

Other hotels that the company is opening will be located in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City, Tulum, Tijuana, Saltillo, Torreón, San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas, Monterrey, Nuevo Vallarta and La Paz. Some of these locations, notably Tulum, have seen exponential growth in the past 2 years and has become a hotspot for digital nomads.

Why visit Mexico?

Well, Mexico was named one of the top digital nomad destinations for 2022 and is a top destination for leisure tourism for Americans. Due to it’s proximity to the US, It’s a quick flight and generally, you can stay close to your own time zone. The country is home to world-class cities and comfortable, relaxed beach towns. Mexico has something for every type of traveler. It has year-round comfortable weather, high speed internet across the country, and some of the most delicious food in the world. Another massive perk of Mexico is the price. Living/traveling in Mexico is significantly cheaper than a lot of other travel destinations.

Also, you can’t beat its beaches. Mexico is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The water is clear and warm, the resorts are plentiful, and the nightlife is wild! Wether you’re searching of peace or a party, city or resort, Mexico is the place to go.

About Hilton

Hilton is a global powerhouse of business hotels, leisure hotels, and resorts. In fact, 122 countries are home to at least one Hilton and the chain has approximately 6,200 properties operating under its various brand names.

Speaking of brand names, Hilton has 18 different brands that cater to different types of travelers. These include Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Grand Vacations, LXR Hotels and Resorts by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Signia by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton and Motto by Hilton.

The Hilton Honors loyalty program is a free program to sign up for. You earn points for each stay and get some perks instantly, just for joining. Some of the free perks are: Faster internet with special “Hilton Honors” routers, Free water bottles, and an occasional small gift from the hotel (Generally a fruit basket or local candy).

Hilton’s move in Mexico show’s how much the world is still very much interested in visiting the country even after the pandemic is over. So hop on a flight (there are plenty of affordable ones) and visit Mexico this year!

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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March 21, 2022