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Destination: Australia

October 8, 2021October 8, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

Foreign tourists won’t be welcomed back to Australia until at least next year, the prime minister said Tuesday as he outlined plans for lifting some of the toughest and longest COVID-19 travel restrictions. In the meantime we continue dreaming of Australia.

Located between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Australia is the world’s largest island and its smallest continent. There’s a well-known vibrancy in its natural beauty, but don’t forget to seek out its history and culture as well. There’s plenty here to inspire your future travel plans so, go on, take a look around and let yourself dream of all the possibilities.

CITIES

CAIRNS

Temperature: 31°C high; 24°C low
Season: April to September
Flight time from UK: 20h 25 m from London

For its tropical climate, easy-going ambiance and close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular vacation destinations. Located on the northwest corner of Australia, Cairns is a provincial but stylish city with a population of around 150,000 people.

The city is bordered by mountains and the Coral Sea and is surrounded by sugar cane plantations and rainforest. There are enough good bars, restaurants and shopping options to keep visitors entertained before they head off into the stunning nature nearby.

Instead of a beach, Cairns features a saltwater lagoon in the center of the city. The Cairns Esplanade along the shore is lined with trendy cafés, bars and boutiques. Numerous beaches are located just to the north of the city and are easily accessible by bus or car. The City Botanic Gardens features plants used by Aboriginal people. Opposite the gardens, a boardwalk leads visitors through the rainforest to the Centenary Lakes, a habitat for crocodiles.

Opportunities for adventure sports abound in Cairns and range from snorkeling and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef to skydiving and whitewater rafting. The Daintree Rainforest to the north of Cairns is considered the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, and a hike along an aerial walkway over the forest is an experience that many visitors won’t want to miss.

SYDNEY

Temperature: 27°C high; 17°C low
Season: September through November and from March to May
Flight time from UK: 25h 9m from London

A modern city with a long history, Sydney is defined by its scenic harbor. The region’s first inhabitants lived along the harbor’s bank for thousands of years. The harbor was also the landing site for convicts sent to Australia during the 1780s. Today, ferries take visitors for cruises under the famed Sydney Harbor Bridge and past the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Adventurous travelers can take a ferry to Manly Wharf where they can rent kayaks to paddle the inlets of Sydney Harbor National Park or sign up for surf classes at Manly Beach. The Federation Cliff Walk is a 5-km (3-mile) long walkway that starts at the Raleigh Reserve Park, providing spectacular views of the sea, harbor and the Macquarie Lighthouse, Australia’s first and longest operating lighthouse.

Sydney’s beaches are the perfect place to spend a warm summer day, to swim or just relax on the sands. The most popular are Bondi Beach, Manly and Coogee, although many others have their own charms.

No visit to Sydney is complete without a tour of the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and completed in 1973, the sailing ship-inspired performing arts complex is considered one of the world’s most distinctive architectural structures.

For adventurous visitors to Sydney, a heart-thumping climb on the harbor bridge is a must-do activity. For others, shopping at the historic Queen Victoria Building, hitting the clubs and restaurants the in Rocks district and visiting the world-class Taronga Zoo are can’t-miss activities. Visitors can count on cosmopolitan Sydney to accommodate every taste.

MELBOURNE

Temperature: 25°C high; 14°C low
Season: September to November and March to May
Flight time from UK: 21h 15m from London

The capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is Australia’s second most populated city. Located near the southeastern tip of Australia on the large natural bay of Port Phillip, Melbourne is considered the nation’s cultural capital as well as an important port. Due to its high quality of life, citizens from around the world have flocked to the streets. Its multicultural population is reflected in the delicious cuisine and the unique neighborhoods that make it such a fascinating place to explore.

Melbourne’s City Center district boasts the most attractions, including the city’s most recognizable landmark, the Flinders Street Railway Station. The multiple clocks hanging over the Edwardian Era station’s entrance is a popular meeting spot. The skyscraper Eureka Tower features an 88th-floor observation platform, the highest in the southern hemisphere. Visitors can step out onto a glass-enclosed compartment for panoramic views of the bay and the green Dandenong mountain range beyond.

In the Carlton district, visitors can explore the southern hemisphere’s largest museum. The Melbourne Museum showcases the nation’s rich social history, from its indigenous cultures to its fascination with football and horse racing, and has extensive exhibits illustrating Australia’s natural history as well.

Visitors looking for outdoor activities can enjoy the city’s parklands, many of which are shaded by large, mature trees. For swimming and sunbathing, Melbourne’s bayside beaches are ideal. For a retro feel, Brighton Beach features colorful bathing huts. St. Kilda Beach is one of the most popular beaches, both for its swimming and for the clubs and restaurants that line the shore. From dawn to dusk, visitors to Melbourne will never run out of exciting things to see and do.

ISLANDS

KANGAROO ISLAND

Temperature: 24°C high; 10°C low
Season: spring season between September and November
Getting to Kangaroo Island: Kangaroo Island is easily accessible from Adelaide, South Australia’s capital. By air it’s just a 25-minute flight, by scenic coach and ferry transfers, it is around 2.5 hours.

The third-largest island in the country, Kangaroo Island lies just off the coast of South Australia. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, its delightfully untouched landscapes are home to incredible scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Everything from huge dunes and towering cliffs to large caves and remarkable rock formations can be found in its numerous nature reserves. These are home to echidnas, koalas, and kangaroos, while penguins, sea lions and dolphins can be spotted offshore. Its diverse landscapes lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of outdoor activities, with hiking, sandboarding and scuba diving popular.

Besides its ample natural riches, wildlife, and recreation opportunities, Kangaroo Island also boasts lots of delicious local produce and fine wines for visitors to try. These can be sampled at any one of its four main towns or at the small farms and wineries that dot the island.

TASMANIA

Temperature: the average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17°C and 23°C and winter daily temperatures sit between 3°C and 11°C.
Season: between December and February
Getting to Tasmania: As Australia’s only island state, access to Tasmania is by air and sea only. Regular flights depart from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and fly direct to Hobart and Launceston.

The island state of Tasmania may be isolated from the rest of the country but it still remains one of the best places to visit in Australia; almost half of its area is protected as the government looks to preserve the natural riches.

With desolate wilderness and alpine plateaus interspersed with stunning white beaches, waterfalls, and forests, exploring its terrain is simply mesmerizing. Taking a boat trip along its craggy coast is equally rewarding and you can even see dolphins, penguins, and seals along the way.

With lots of great local produce, eating and drinking in the capital city of Hobart is an absolute pleasure and the restaurants and bars are divine. The island also hosts an eclectic range of great festivals throughout the year, where you can enjoy local beer and wine or arts and music events.

BEACHES

COTTESLOE BEACH

While many of Western Australia’s most impressive beaches lie in remote locations, you’ll find one of the state’s best beach attractions just a 30-minute drive from Perth. A favourite for both locals and visitors, Cottesloe Beach is divided into three sections. The main area of Cottesloe Beach is perfect for swimming and walking, while North Cottesloe Beach is home to Peter’s Pool – a great spot for snorkelling. South Cottesloe doesn’t have any sand for sunbathers, but it does have amazing waves for local surfers.

MINDIL BEACH

Near the Northern Territory town of Darwin is Mindil Beach. Although swimming isn’t recommended, the beach is still well worth a visit because of the festivities that happen along its shores during the dry season. At the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, you’ll find food from all over the world as well as an incredible view of the town’s famous sunsets. If you need to cool off, visit Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct. Located just a five-minute walk from the city centre, you’ll find a man-made lagoon for children, a popular wave pool, a saltwater beach and several great eateries.

HENLEY BEACH

As the coastal capital of South Australia, Adelaide is home to several metropolitan beaches. Henley Beach, home to white sand and gentle surf, is popular among locals and visitors. Walk along the jetty out to sea, or stop by one of the many bars and restaurants along the shore to taste local wine and beer.

SHELLY BEACH

Thousands of people soak up Sydeny’s beaches every year, but there’s more to explore than the big name beaches of Manly and Bondi. Manly Beach’s lesser-known neighbour, Shelly Beach, is not only great for surfing but also snorkelling and scuba diving. The shallow marine reserve offers sheltered water perfect for families as well. After your swim, take the easy track up the headland for scenic views out to the ocean. Alternatively, grab a bite to eat at The Boathouse Shelly Beach, one of the area’s buzzy cafes.

JERVIS BAY

Because the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is landlocked, it doesn’t have any ocean beaches. However, you don’t have to go far to find a stretch of sand by the sea. Head to the Jervis Bay region of the South Coast, located in New South Wales about 2.5 hours from Canberra, for countless beautiful beaches. One of these is Pretty Beach. With glassy water and lush greenery, its name is well-deserved. You may even spot friendly kangaroos sharing the sand.

Sources: Visit Australia, TourOpia, Lonely Planet

Get up-to-date COVID-19 travel guidance in CheckMyTrip

Now in CheckMyTrip, you can check the COVID-19 travel restrictions for your origin and destination as part of your travel itinerary or directly in the app, in case you don’t have a trip planned yet.

Lern more about the COVID-19 travel guidance here

5 Top destinations for food and drink

September 29, 2021September 28, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

If you are passionate about tasting good food and drink while traveling the world, we’ve got the list for you! Adding culinary activities to your vaction itinerary is one of the best ways to experience the culture of your destination. From Buenos Aires to Shanghai and Madrid, this list contains 5 of the best places to go for foodies vacation.

Bon appétit !

1. Shanghai

Anyone who’s feasted their way through Shanghai won’t be surprised to see the coastal city claim this year’s top spot. The booming metropolis is a bonafide foodie playground, with a healthy mix of fine-dining heavyweights and street food heroes – both of which pull inspiration from every corner of the world. Diners can slurp xiaolongbao, splurge on steamed hairy crab, savor braised pork and devour glutinous rice balls. Drink, sleep, repeat!

2. Tel Aviv

A nail-bitingly close second place goes to Tel Aviv, where the culinary scene is absolutely jam-packed with hot newcomers, traditional Middle Eastern eats, an astonishing array of vegan-friendly joints and lively cafés that overflow into the streets. Once you’ve eaten your weight in shawarma, falafel and hummus, try something new – sabich (a pita sandwich stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs and tahini) or malabi (rose water milk pudding) should do the trick.

3. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is synonymous with grilled meats and red wine – and you should sample plenty of both while you’re here – but the capital city is also brimming with excellent Mediterranean, Italian, Asian and Spanish foods thanks to a robust immigrant population (second only to the US). Munch on empanadas on the go, sit down and savor a pizza, explore one of the city’s indoor food markets and finish every meal with an alfajor – an addictive cookie sandwich that’s glued together with sweet dulce de leche.

4. Madrid

Spain’s capital city is perhaps best known for its picture-perfect parks and epic art museums – but its food scene is destination-worthy, too. Your dining itinerary will be torn between some of the world’s best Michelin-starred restaurants, tried-and-true tapas bars and buzzed-about novices that are blazing a new trail. Don’t fret – if you find time to sip vermouth, savor a bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich) and dunk churros into thick, piping-hot chocolate, you’ve done alright.

5. Bangkok

Ready to send your senses soaring? Consider a trip to Thailand’s capital, where food is an art form that goes way beyond pad Thai (though, you shouldn’t feel guilty about eating it while you’re here). Carve out ample time to explore the city’s vibrant street food scene, where noodles, seafood, meat skewers and soups are on full display.

*Source: TimeOut, Savored Journeys

Get up-to-date COVID-19 travel guidance in CheckMyTrip

Lern more about the COVID-19 travel guidance here

Find an airport transfer in CheckMyTrip

September 22, 2021September 22, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

You can now book transfer service in CheckMyTrip and enjoy a stress-free and comfortable ride to or from the airport. We work with partners worldwide – your driver will be on time to pick you up at the booked time and address wherever you are.

Meet & greet
Your driver will pick you up at your airport arrival gate, with a sign showing your name.

Flight tracking
Your driver will verify your flight arrival time and adjust the pick-up time in case of changes to the flight schedule, so you don’t have to worry about waiting.

Price guaranteed, no surprises
The price is guaranteed, regardless of route or traffic conditions.

How to book your airport transfer

Go to “Transfers” tab in CheckMyTrip

Select the from / to destinations

Pick your preferred transfer

After completing the payment, the transfer company will issue a confirmation voucher and send it to your e-mail address once the reservation is completed.

Note that the cancellation policies are managed directly by your transfer provider, and you can verify the cancellation rules in the terms and conditions section. Following your booking, all communication about your transfer takes place via email. If you want to make a change or have a question, please contact our partner suppliers directly.

The feature is available in our latest release on iOS & Android.

Try it now.

Nova Scotia in ‘leaf-peeping’ season

September 15, 2021September 15, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

Autumn is arguably the most visually stunning season of the year in Nova Scotia. Whilst the leaves of many species turn yellow, the pigmentation of red oak, mountain ash, blueberry and huckleberry leaves, for example, turn red, whilst sugar and red maple leaves run the range from yellow to purple.

The key to finding great spots to take in the foliage is, of course, identifying places with a variety of trees and brush—and perhaps most importantly, places that offer perspective. In many cases, that means finding woods with an elevation or a body of water to fully appreciate the canopy. This colourful time of year doesn’t last long—mid-October is when foliage tends to be the most vibrant in Nova Scotia—so take advantage while you can.

Cabot Trail, Cape Breton

There are dozens of incredible hiking trails and lookoffs around every turn—even just driving the Cabot Trail means experiencing kaleidoscopic colour and scenery—but some of the best vistas can be found on foot.

The Acadian, Aspy, Cape Smokey and Franey trails are among the most jaw-dropping in terms of look offs to highland-covered canopy.

Cape George

The ‘Cape George Scenic Drive’ also gets labelled the ‘mini Cabot Trail’ (after the ‘real’ Cabot Trail, one of the world’s great scenic drives); that’s going a bit far, but this is still a delightful and scenic little diversion.

Lovers of lighthouses, magnificent coastal scenery and hiking should include this detour (or side trip from Antigonish) in their itineraries.

Mersey River, Kejimkujik National Park

Surrounded by a spectrum of vivid maple trees, explore this gorgeous river by foot or canoe. Several walking trails are located along different points of the river, including one with access to Mill Falls. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Jakes Landing to take in the scenery by water.

Wentworth

Although best known as the largest of the province’s few downhill-skiing destinations, Wentworth and the Wentworth Valley are popular year-round with lovers of the outdoors.

When the snow has gone, the hilly region is ideal for hiking – there is a network of over 25km of hiking trails all centred on the Wentworth Hostel and nearby Wentworth Provincial Park – and biking. In autumn, the high proportion of maple trees contributes to a fine display of colours.

Find 10 places to visit in fall 2022 here.

Sources: Bradtguides, The Coast

My flight has been canceled. What should I do?

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

Whether you’re flying for work or leisure, getting to your destination on time is something most travelers take for granted. However, severe weather, airport construction and security issues make trip disruptions more common than you may think.

Here’s what you need to know when flight delays or cancellations threaten to ruin your vacation.

Stay alert for flight notifications

Late flight departures can have ripple effects on connecting flights or cruise ship embarkations, so sign up for airline alerts when you purchase a ticket. The DOT requires that airlines notify passengers of any schedule changes, such as those being made as a result of COVID-19 concerns, on their websites and telephone reservation systems within seven days of departure.

On your travel day, check your flight status online using the airline’s app or a third-party app like CheckMyTrip. Delays of 30 minutes or longer will show on the airport’s flight status displays, but CheckMyTrip sends real-time alerts sooner. When coping with a flight disruption, timing is everything.

Changing the flight – be aware of your options

Once a flight is canceled, most traveler’s first priority should, of course, be to sort out their travel needs. Cancellations may come weeks in advance or last-minute, just before travel. But the need to either cancel or re-arrange is the same. It is a good idea to act quickly, don’t just wait for the airline to contact you or sort it out.

Some things to bear in mind:

If a flight is canceled, you will always be entitled to a refund if you don’t fly. Especially if the flight is some time away, this may be the easiest solution. Just rebook another flight and follow up with the airline for cancellation.
Airlines will almost always offer an alternative flight or flights. There is legislation for this in some regions, but most full-service airlines will, in any case, offer an alternative. It pays to check schedules and to contact the airline here. Each airline differs in its policy, but many will let you change to another day, or sometimes up to a year in the future with more flexible policies than when you first booked.

Connecting flights – one or separate tickets?

Cancellations that occur during a trip or involve later connecting flights are, of course, more problematic. If you have onward flights affected by the cancelation, the outcome depends on whether the flights are booked together. If they are ticketed on the same reservations (even if not operated by the same airlines), then the airlines have the responsibility to re-arrange connecting fights.

However, if the flights have been booked separately, then you can be stuck. Airlines are not obligated to offer a different connecting flight if you booked this separately. This is usually the case even if the flights are with the same airline, although it is worth talking to the airline in these cases as it may help. Also, remember that you may have more flexibility to change the canceled flight than you are first offered by the airline; moving it earlier could help you in this situation.

Rights to compensation

Airlines have obligations both to assist passengers with canceled flights and, in some cases, to offer additional compensation. But this differs between countries. In some countries, such as China, little will be offered.

Internationally, this is governed by the Montreal Convention (covering 120 countries). This requires airlines to cover costs associated with cancellations, apart from in situations classed as extraordinary or outside airline control.

European regulations (EU Regulation 261/2004) go further for EU airlines or non-EU airlines departing from an EU country. As well as requiring the airline to re-arrange flights and pay for disruption, this mandates additional compensation to be paid for both delays and cancellations.

To be eligible for up to €600 in compensation (€250 to €600 depending on flight length), the notification from the airline must have been made less than 14 days before departure.

Canada is another country that has enhanced regulations for cancellations. The compensation depends on the airlines’ size and the total delay incurred, up to C$1,000 maximum.

Covered by travel insurance

As a final comment, remember that travel insurance may offer additional cover. Most travel insurance will first refer to the airline in the event of flight cancellation. But many insurance policies will offer cover, often as an enhanced level of cover to a standard policy, that provides cover in the event of travel disruption.

Sources: Simple Flying, New York Times

10 Tips for traveling on a budget

September 2, 2021September 2, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

Exploring exotic places doesn’t have to cost a fortune and you certainly don’t need to win the lottery to travel the world – not if you know how to watch your pennies. We’ve complied 10 tips for traveling on a budget.

Traveling is such a wonderful opportunity, and being able to travel on a budget makes it more accessible to people. Also, if you spend less on one adventure, you have money to spend on another. Budget travel doesn’t have to be any less fun either. There are cheap places to travel to all over the world, including plenty of places to travel on a budget in Europe. There are lots of ways to save money when you’re traveling, from planning your travel budget carefully before you leave, considering backpacking and car-sharing, through to the choices you make (e.g. food) when you are on your trip.

Here are the 10 tips for traveling on a budget:

1. Come up with a plan

Traveling spontaneously is great, if you have the luxury of time and money to spare. But if you’re travelling on a budget, the first thing to do is come up with a plan. You don’t have need a tight, hour-by-hour itinerary, but you should at least have an idea of how long you’ll be spending in each city or country, and know the route that your epic adventure will take. Leaving less to chance means less unexpected spends; last-minute flights and accommodation are often far more expensive.

2. Travel out of season

Avoid trips during the school holidays, this is when the travel industry hikes up prices to take advantage of families who can only travel during these weeks. Research the best time to visit your intended destination, and then travel just before or after these dates. This is called the ‘shoulder season’, where you’ll still have a great trip but maybe the sun won’t shine quite as brightly (and, on the plus side, it won’t be quite as hot.) Hotels and airlines lower their prices to attract customers during this time.

3. Pack properly

Make sure you bring everything you need so that you don’t have to shop while you’re away (apart from a few souvenirs). No matter where you’re heading, take at least one pair of long jeans, warm hoodie and waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather incidents. For some in-depth advice, check out our ‘Travel like a pro’ guide to packing for every kind of trip.

4. Book in advance

Last minute deals can be a godsend, but it’s often cheaper (and less stressful!) to book transport, accommodation and activities well in advance.

5. Or, in less touristy destinations, be spontaneous

Accommodation isn’t always advertised online and you may save money by booking directly with the owner, especially for places in small towns or in homestays. It really depends on where you’re going!

6. Embrace public transport

Buses and trains are cheaper than planes. It’s that simple! A journey on an overnight train also mean you have one less night in a hostel to pay for…

7. Fly mid-week

Flights are more expensive at weekends, because more people are free to travel. Try and fly between Tuesday-Thursday, if you can.

8. Get a local SIM

Data roaming or paying for WiFi abroad can be extortionate. One way to save money when you’re traveling is to get a local SIM card with locally priced data packages. You’ll want the data for navigating your way around and keeping in touch with home!

9. Search for free things to do in your chosen destination

A great top tip for traveling on a budget is to look for free things to do wherever you’re heading. It could be that certain museums are free on certain days or that there are local events on. Don’t forget the classic ‘free walking tour’, a great way of seeing the city you are visiting. Just remember that it’s customary to tip at the end.

10. Get recommendations from the locals

The locals definitely don’t want to pay tourist prices for food, drink and activities. Speak to someone from the area (perhaps someone at the hostel reception) and find out their favourite hotspots. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

10 (extra) Decide on your budget, and stick to it

There are very few places that can’t be travelled on a low budget. There are free things to do in every destination, so you just need to manage your expectations of how many expensive activities you can do there or how often you can eat out at restaurants, for example. Once you’ve planned your budget, try not to overspend; it’ll only cause you more stress later on your trip or when you get home.

Get up-to-date COVID-19 travel guidance in CheckMyTrip

Lern more about the COVID-19 travel guidance here

Sources: Where’s Mollie?, ef.com

10 Places to visit in fall 2022

August 25, 2021August 25, 2021by CheckMyTrip1 Comment

The fall season is fast approaching and October is one of the last months left of the year to take advantage of the great outdoors.

It’s time to visit that national park (where summer crowds will have thinned out), or to take that trip through wine country (for harvest season). And, of course, the biggest appeal of travel in October: the foliage! Travellers are also planning responsible travel experiences, and big bucket list adventures to make up for lost time. From Europe to Asia and everywhere in between, here’s our pick of the best places to visit in fall 2022.

Tuscany, Italy

With peak tourist season (and stifling temperatures) finally over, Tuscany truly shines in the fall. There is fantastic wine, golden foliage, better weather, and, perhaps most enticing of all, truffles—late September to December is when the highly coveted white truffles are found. Festivals dedicated to these expensive tubers abound, especially in the towns of San Miniato, Volterra, and Palaia. But the real treat, of course, is to hunt for them yourself.

Scandinavia

Since we’ve lost over a year of travel, more people are ready to splurge on their 2022 travel destinations. Imagine hotels set on the edge of plunging fjords and world-class train journeys winding through lush mountains. Think lavish palaces dripping in royal history, and stylish cities packed with all the best boutiques, bars and restaurants. From Sweden, Norway and Denmark, to Finland and Iceland, it’s time to go Nordic on your 2022 travels.

Monument Valley, Arizona

Everyone is already familiar with Monument Valley—it has made several cameos in films, from John Ford’s Westerns to Forrest Gump—and it was probably your desktop screensaver at one point. But there is really no way to describe the magnitude of this Navajo Nation Tribal Park when seen in real life. It may be a journey to get there—five hours by car from Phoenix, six and a half from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City—but it is located within the Grand Circle, home of the highest concentration of national parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell). The point is, don’t skip it on your southwestern road trip—tack it on to a Moab visit (see below) or add it to your Grand Canyon itinerary.

Costa Rica

There’s never been a better time to take care of your wellbeing. If you’re ready to get away and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in an eco-friendly paradise, Costa Rica has to be on your list. You’ll get back to nature with jungle adventures, wildlife experiences, volcano treks and plenty of beach time. Plus you’ll get to meet inspiring locals from organic farmers to wildlife conservationists. Sustainable travel will be one of the biggest 2022 travel trends, so get ahead and start planning your Costa Rica trip.

Moab, Utah

The cinematic landscapes of this southeastern Utah town have made it a Hollywood favorite. You’ll recognize scenes where the ending of Thelma & Louise takes place, as well as the opening sequence of Mission: Impossible II.

But Moab is hardly all style and no substance. Its abundance of national and state parks, diverse topographies, and incredible vistas provide a wealth of things to do and see. Get to Arches’ Delicate Arch in the afternoon to watch as the sunset turns it fiery red; elsewhere in the park, you’ll come across ancient petroglyphs left by the Ute tribe, who have lived in the area since the year 1,000. Take your pick of hundreds of miles of hiking trails at Canyonlands. Whitewater raft and kayak down the Colorado River. See dinosaur tracks at Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge. Go mountain biking, do an ATV tour, the options are endless.

Kenya & Tanzania

After reflecting on the impact that tourism has on people and the planet, the future of travel is all about responsible and sustainable tourism. Many communities have suffered greatly in the wake of the pandemic. We can’t wait to get back to our favourite spots to support our local hosts again, including in Kenya and Tanzania.

Spot elephants and lions in the Serengeti and meet the colourful Masai tribesman. Walk the ancient floor of the Ngorongoro Crater and visit sanctuaries for rhinos and chimpanzees. Responsible travel will be one of the biggest 2022 travel trends, and Kenya and Tanzania are at the top of the list.

North Adams, Massachusetts

While the Berkshires offer plenty to see, do, and experience in the summer, the region also shines just as brightly in the fall. October brings peak “leaf peeping” season and the best way to take in the foliage is by renting a car for a 63-mile drive along the Mohawk Trail that culminates in North Adams. So is hiking to the summit of Mount Greylock, which, at 3,489 feet, is Massachusetts’s highest point. Though it lays claim to the title of “smallest city in the state,” North Adams has plenty to offer.

Great Britain and Ireland

If you want the best of nature and history, Great Britain and Ireland should be at the top of your 2022 travel destinations list. This is a place where you can marvel at the world’s most beautiful landscapes while diving into centuries of history.

Wander through regal castles then roam through the Scottish Highlands or the golden beaches of Devon and Cornwall. Unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge and the Giant’s Causeway, then walk in the footsteps of authors and poets in the Lakes District. With friendly locals welcoming you at every stop, Great Britain and Ireland will be one of the most soul-stirring place to visit in the fall of 2022.

Napa Valley, California

October is a prime time to visit the country’s most famous wine region—it’s harvest season, the temperature, in the mid-70s, is much more pleasant, and the leaves and vines have turned beautifully golden. The wineries are obviously a hit but interestingly, vineyards make up only about 9% of Napa Valley. Much of the rest is protected by the Land Trust, providing plenty of outdoor recreation such as hiking and mountain biking.

Canada

Spending time in nature is good for your mental and physical wellbeing… And there are few better places to get outdoors than Canada. As soon as you set eyes on the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the emerald lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks, you’ll fall in love all over again with our beautiful planet. Take a ride across the Athabasca Glacier, journey through spectacular scenery on the Rocky Mountaineer train, or learn about the traditions of the country’s indigenous people.

Sources: Trafalgar.com, Town&Country, Forbes

83% of travelers believe that sustainable travel is important

August 18, 2021August 18, 2021by CheckMyTrip1 Comment

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a special report in 2018 stating that the world has just over a decade to restrict global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, beyond which the risk of floods, droughts and extreme heat will significantly worsen. With a growing awareness of climate change people are becoming more environmentally conscious. According to Booking.com, as of June 2021, 83 percent of travelers worldwide believe that sustainable travel is important with 61% saying the pandemic has made them want to travel more sustainably in the future.

How travelers are looking for more sustainable and conscious travel options

Let’s ancipate!

Amadeus data indicates that people are researching their trips 27% earlier than before, than they did in the same period in 2019. This shows travelers are putting a lot of thought into planning their next trip – in terms of safety as well as being environmentally and socially conscious about their choices.

When it comes to personal safety, Amadeus data shows a triple digit increase in travel insurance purchases on bookings leading up to summer. This indicates that travelers are more conscious about their safety while traveling. Airlines and airports have responded to this ‘great safety awakening’ with more touchless technology and off-site check-in options.

Check for official certifications

One of the easiest ways to confidently book a more sustainable property is to check and see if it has an established eco-label or third-party sustainability certification.

There are numerous, reputable third-party sustainability certifications that properties can work towards and achieve. Depending on where you plan to travel, you can consider some of these bodies such as:

Create good habits at home and bring it with you

Though we may have a sustainable and environmentally and socially conscious daily life, according to the Booking report, more than half (64%) of global travelers believe it’s harder to make sustainable choices when they travel.

This isn’t unexpected, but it is also important enough for us to not ignore. A sustainable first step could be as simple as remembering to carry those mindful habits from home along when you travel. These include making sure the air conditioning or heating and lights are off when you’re not at the property or reusing towels and bed sheets rather than changing them everyday.

Limit or stop your plastic use

Limiting single-use plastic is arguably one of the greatest environmental challenges we face. With an estimated 91% of plastic not being recycled, most of it ends up either in the ocean or a landfill. Many properties have taken numerous steps to either reduce or eliminate single-use plastics from their operations, but travelers can also take simple steps like purchasing a stainless steel water bottle or packing their own reusable toiletry bottles with all of their favourite products from home.

Fuerteventura this summer

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

An island with more than 150 km of white sand beaches and turquoise waters. You will discover immense natural landscapes, a place to practice endless activities in the best conditions. That paradise is Fuerteventura, the beach of the Canary Islands.

If you’re heading for the Canary Islands this summer then you’ve come to the right place.

One of the best things to do in Fuerteventura is ‘Nordic walking’ on Jandia’s beaches

Jandía’s beaches

Located in southern Fuerteventura, Jandía’s peaceful, endless beaches, some of the best beaches in Fuerteventura, are perfect for resting up, getting some sun and enjoying relaxing dips in the Atlantic Ocean.

Visit Costa Calma beach, which is set on a large bay that stretches from the tip of Molinillos to the Risco del Gato housing development. Although there’s always wind, the sea is calm and perfect for windsurfing or kitesurfing, so you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Jandia.

The latest trend on the beach is ‘Nordic walking’, which is an alternative form of outdoor exercise that consists of walking with the aid of poles similar to what skiers use. It’s a great way to stretch both your legs and makes walking on the sand an awful lot easier.

Acrobatics at the Corralejo sand dunes

The Corralejo Dunes National Park is only a few kilometres from Puerto del Rosario in the north of the island.

The Corralejo sand dunes are nearly eight kilometre of untouched, fine white sand making this the perfect backdrop for a holiday in Fuerteventura.

The best places to visit in Fuerteventura: the small island town of Betancuria

With only 800 residents, Betancuria is one of the least populated areas of Fuerteventura. Even so, this small town is filled with history, tradition and culture.

Tucked away in the western part of the island, time seems to have stopped here decades ago. Visiting this town gives you the chance to see Fuerteventura’s true islanders and chill out in a valley that’s sheltered from the island’s famous wind.

Fuerteventura is one of the most popular places for surfing in Europe.

Fuerteventura has a flavour of its own. Here you will be met by old volcanoes, sand from Sahara and an island completely surrounded by azure coloured water. The feeling of the landscape is more that of western Africa. The people and way of living will give you the best of the Spanish lifestyle.

The period from October to April is a big wave season for professional surfers but, there are always beaches available for beginners.

The wind blows all year round, but calm days may occur in September.

The average water temperature is between 22°C and 23°C. In February, the temperature can go down to 19°C. Between September and October, it can go up to 25°C.

There is no set season for storms in the Canary Islands. In summer, the mid-temperature of the air goes up to 30°C, and it becomes a bit higher in August. In winter, the average air temperature ranges between 22°C and 25 °C.

Sources: Barcelo.com, Visit Fuerteventura, Surfer Today, La point camps

Traveling to Europe this summer: The latest COVID-19 info

August 3, 2021August 3, 2021by CheckMyTrip1 Comment

When Europe reopened its borders to Americans in mid-June, it seemed to promise a summer of relative normality, with U.S. tourists boarding trans-Atlantic flights and once again freely strolling the plazas of the continent’s cities.

The American visitors are back, but, driven by the highly contagious Delta variant, so are the restrictions.

Greece

Some regions have brought back nighttime curfews and rules on socializing to contain a sharp rise in coronavirus infections among young people.

France

France, which is battling a fourth wave of the virus, is requiring people to show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test to access restaurants, bars, shopping malls and public transport.

Italy

Italy will introduce a similar mandate to France’s in August, requiring at least one dose of the vaccine or a negative test result for social activities, including visiting museums.

Spain

Some regions have brought back nighttime curfews and rules on socializing to contain a sharp rise in coronavirus infections among young people.

On July 26, the U.S. State Department issued a series of “do not travel” advisories for Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Britain because of a rising number of coronavirus cases in those countries, raising the warning level to a 4, the highest. But just days after that warning, the British government announced that fully vaccinated Americans could visit without having to quarantine.

> Britain

Visiting Britain can also be challenging, because it uses a complex “traffic light” system that determines restrictions based on which country you are traveling from. The list also changes every three weeks, or earlier, depending on the status of the coronavirus in each destination.

So while Americans coming straight from the United States don’t have to quarantine, if they first visit France, they would be required to quarantine for 10 days and take multiple tests because of concerns over the prevalence of the Beta variant in that country.

Going from Britain to the countries of the European Union isn’t any easier. A growing number of countries in the bloc have imposed additional measures for travelers from Britain, including PCR tests and quarantine, because of the high rate of the Delta variant in Britain. All visitors traveling from Britain to Italy must present a negative Covid-19 test before departure, quarantine for five days upon arrival, and present another negative test at the end of their isolation period.

*Source: The New York Times

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