Tag: Travel

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

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

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

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

Lern more about the COVID-19 travel guidance here

Going camping this summer? Here’re 9 tips from expert campers

July 28, 2021July 26, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

You probably love summer camping. We love it, too. But there are some things we don’t always love, like excessive heat, persistent mosquitos, and fully booked campsites.

If you’re new to camping—or usually prefer resort beds to sleeping bags—these tips will help ease you into close encounters with nature that will bring discovery, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. You might even see a shooting star.

Where to camp

Location—whether in a national park or recreation area—can make or break a camping trip. “As you add requirements, location gets more important. What I mean by that is if I have a family and a dog coming on the trip, they all need to be comfortable and safe,” says Ryan Fliss of The Dyrt, a popular camping trip planning website. Some campgrounds require reservations in advance, but plenty allow for walk-ins.

Use maps: When looking at a map of a big-name park, zoom out and look around to find other places nearby. For example, near Great Smoky Mountains—which has consistently been the most visited national park, with a total of 12.5 million visitors in 2019—is Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Its views and spaces are almost identical, if a little less mountainous, but with only a fraction of the visitors.

Stay local: Consider exploring your own backyard. Hipcamp, an Airbnb-like website that helps people book camping stays.

What to bring

Pack lots of water: Pack lotsNo matter the season, packing lots of water is a no-brainer. You’ll need it to drink, cook, and clean. However, the possibility of dehydration is greater in the hotter summer months, especially when participating in activities like swimming where you may not even realize you are becoming dehydrated. Packing larger jugs to keep at the campsite and smaller bottles for daily excursions is also a good idea.

Be prepared for cold weather and rain: Unless you’re camping way up in the mountains, the summer months are typically going to be hot. However, nighttime temperatures can dip low quickly. Make sure you’re prepared with extra blankets and warm clothing including socks, coats, and hats. Also, summer can bring about some torrential storms, and if you’re tent camping, lightning and thunder would amount to a no-doubt-get-out situation. However, a little rain doesn’t have to end your adventure. Pack extra tarps. They are affordable, easy to pack, and versatile.

Modify your first-aid kit: Packing a first-aid kit is essential when camping with the family, however, you will want to modify it to support summer-specific ailment possibilities. Sunburn, bug bites, and encountering poisonous plants are at greater risk during the summer.

How to keep safe

Why it matters: “The highest level of risk [for the virus] is indoors, and being outdoors automatically eliminates that one piece of it,” says Hanrahan, but precautions still need to be taken. Campers should assess how popular a particular place is going to be, as well as the amount and type of exposure to other people they’ll have. Using CheckMyTrip you can check the COVID-19 travel restrictions for your origin and destination directly in the app, in case you don’t have a trip planned yet.

Stay in touch: Whether or not you’re camping with other people, always let someone know where you’ll be and if you plan on doing any other outdoor activities while camping, such as hiking or swimming. Share your phone’s location with other people, which is a great way for loved ones to check in to see if you’re safe and sound. Always bring a portable battery, which will come in handy if anyone’s cell phone runs out of juice. However, cell phone signals are notoriously weaker the further into nature you go, which can be tricky if you’re using it to navigate. The Google Maps allows users to download maps to use offline.

Keep your distance: Embrace the outdoors but give wildlife their space. Research a place ahead of time to see whether there are issues with dangerous insects or animal sightings.

Sources: The national Geographic, Tents n trees

2 weeks in France

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021by CheckMyTrip1 Comment

France seduces travellers with its unfalteringly familiar culture, woven around cafe terraces, village-square markets and lace-curtained bistros with their plat du jour (dish of the day) chalked on the board. As one of the largest countries in Europe, it can be difficult to take the entire country of France in, but it is possible to travel to France and enjoy the best of its culture.

While you could easily spend two months (or all your life!) exploring all France has to offer, this 2 weeks in France itinerary is designed as a highlights itinerary to see the country for the first time.

1. Paris (3 nights)

Paris, the City of Light, is an excellent place to begin your immersion in French culture. The top sights in Paris you’ll want to see are the iconic Eiffel Tower; the Louvre, home to some of the world’s greatest art, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Follow this with soaking up atmosphere in Montmartre, and strolling along the Seine River and the Champs-Elysees, the world’s most famous boulevard. Rest your tired feet over some wine or café at an outdoor café while planning more sightseeing, such as a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ most famous monuments.

Find more activities in CheckMyTrip

2. Versailles (day trip from Paris)

A trip to Versailles deserves a day in full. Once a small village, Versailles today is a suburb where wealthy Parisians live. Prior to the French Revolution in 1789, it was the political power base of French royalty. The palace as we know it today, started out as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII. The palace fell into disrepair after the revolution, but has since been restored to its former grandeur. Now you’ll see rich furnishings in the former royal apartments, the Hall of Mirrors that is probably the palace’s most famous room, and lush gardens that beg to be strolled in.

You can decide to visit just the Palace and the Gardens or buy a Versailles Pass to visit also the Queen’s Estate, with the Trianons and the Queen’s Hamlet.

Buy the Pass or Skip-the-line with CheckMyTrip

3. Mont St-Michel (1 night)

The castle/abbey/monastery on Mont St-Michel is one of France most famous landmarks. It is an island about a quarter-mile from land on the coast of Normandy and served as a defensive site as far back as the sixth century. It’s reachable by foot when the tide is low, but anyone out there when the high tide starts rolling in could very well be swept out to sea. You don’t have to worry about this, however, as it is reachable today by a raised causeway. The Gothic abbey, built around the 11th century, is dedicated to the archangel St. Michael. Over the centuries, a small village was established on the island.

4. Bayeux (2 nights)

Bayeux is famous for at least two things: the Bayeux Tapestry and the D-Day beaches of World War II. The incredible Bayeux Tapestry, possibly made in England, commemorates the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066. Today, it hangs in the Bayeux Cathedral. Bayeux is a starting point for a tour of the beaches where Allied forces landed in Normandy to begin pushing back the Nazis on land. On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 soldiers landed on a 80-km (50-mile) stretch of Normandy coastline. Fighting was bloody, with some 9,000 soldiers dying on the beaches now known as Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold and Sword.

5. Amboise (2 nights)

Amboise was once home to the French royals, but today is a small market town, with the market’s location marked by a fountain that depicts a teddy bear atop a turtle. Located in central France on the Loire River, it is the town where Leonardo da Vinci died in the manor house of Clos Luce. Chateau d’Amboise, the home of King Francois I, who invited da Vinci here, dominates the town. Amboise is about the last place you’d expect to find a Chinese pagoda, but the Pagode de Chanteloup, built in 1775, towers over the area at more than 44 meters (144 feet) high.

6. Loire Châteaux (trip from Amboise)

Your tour of the Loire Renaissance chateaux starts in Amboise, one of several Loire Valley towns. Be prepared for some awesome sights of castles and chateaux along the Loire River. Even after King Francois I moved the French capital from Amboise back to Paris, other French royalty and nobility preferred to stay here. Their homes are picturesque, considering that some were destroyed during the French Revolution, and World Wars I and II. Chateaux, which resemble fortresses and castles more than private homes, you’ll want to see include chateaux de Blois, de Samur, de Chaumont, de Cheverny and de Chambord.

7. Bordeaux (1 night)

By now, the wine lover in you is ready for some relaxation. You’ll find this in the charming city of Bordeaux, famous for red wines. The hills around the city are dotted with vineyards. The French have been making wine here since the 8th century, and also host the world’s premier wine fair, Vinexpo. Be sure to tour some of the wineries, but don’t forget to tour the city itself, which has more historical buildings than any place in France after Paris. Top sights include the Esplanade des Quinconces, Europe’s largest square; the churches of St. Pierre and the Holy Cross, and the Bourse, with its statue of Louis XV.

Find more activities in CheckMyTrip

8. Carcassonne (1 night)

Carcassonne is such an appealing place, a board game, in which tiles are placed to form a French landscape, was named after it. In reality, Carcassonne is a fortified medieval city in southwestern France that is known for its city walls. Carcassonne has been a fortress since Roman times. To get a better feel for this outstanding fortification, you’ll want to wander through the streets inside the wall, taking in the castle and cathedral. Today, a modern city surrounds the restored old town. This picturesque city also is known for its wines and boat cruises on the Canal du Midi.

9. Avignon (2 nights)

This charming city on the South bank of the Rhône River was for a brief moment in time the center of the catholic world, as the popes left Rome and came to live in Avignon. The Papal Palace, home of seven popes, is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a must-see of Avignon. Here everything is within walking distance and you can easily explore the city while strolling through its small cobblestone lanes. Be sure to wander along the Pont d’Avignon (the famous bridge) or at least admire it from afar.

10. Provence & Pont du Gard (day trip from Avignon)

In recent years, British author Peter Mayle detailed the many charms of the Provence in his books. Believe his delightful descriptions! The Provence region encompasses about 90 villages moving inland from the French Riviera. You’ll probably have a have a hard time finding those famous lavender fields but there are plenty of other things to see and do on a day trip from Avignon. One attraction that is a Provence must-see is the Pont du Gard. It’s an aqueduct built by the ancient Romans. Spanning the Gardon River, this massive structure is part of a 50-km (30-mile) watering system. Near the village of Vers-Pont du Gard, it is the highest of all the old Roman aqueducts.

11. Cannes (stopover)

The French Riviera town of Cannes makes a good stopover between Avignon and Nice. Once a fishing village on the Mediterranean Sea, Cannes is now a playground for the rich and famous. Celebrities flock here every May for the Cannes Film Festival, the world’s most famous. While you may see celebrities at other times, Cannes offers other things to see. You might want to stroll the Promenade de la Croisette on the waterfront, walk through the Old Town, take in a history museum or simply gaze at the villas in the Quartier des Anglais, the city’s oldest residential area.

12. Nice (2 nights)

Nice is the perfect place to end your two-week tour of France. It has a colorful Old Town with a small market. You’ll definitely want to make time for a walk along the Promenade des Anglais with its views of Mediterranean Sea. The Cathedrale Sante-Reparte is a top attraction as is the Marc Chagall museum. You can people watch at the Place Massena, the city’s main square that leads to nice shopping areas for last-minute souvenirs. If you can find a few free hours, it’s only a short bus ride to Eze Village, a medieval village with a cactus garden on top, or to the glitz and glamour of Monaco.

Find more activities in CheckMyTrip

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

Sources: Lonely Planet, France Bucket List, Touropia

Workation: The new trend for travelers

June 25, 2021June 23, 2021by CheckMyTripLeave a comment

The term ‘Workation’ is formed by blending the words ‘Work’ and ‘Vacation’. By combining business and leisure travel (also known as Bleisure), people can combine work trips and vacation as a chance to explore new and exciting places whilst being away for work.

In 2020, as remote working became mainstream, ‘Work From Hotel’ packages started to appear globally. Now, with more and more companies implementing long-term remote working, holiday rentals, hotels, and members’ clubs are teaming up to help us work from anywhere. Taking full advantage of the situation many remote workers have been heading to getaways or even further with a laptop and power chargers. Picking up on the trend are homestays and hotels who now provide high speed internet, in order to cash in on the vacation-deprived workers. While work from home situation continues, workations seem to trend this year.

Pros & Cons

The main pros of a workation are that you get to enjoy the feeling of being on holiday without taking any time off work, you can change your working environment and choose somewhere more enjoyable and relaxing for your office and you can travel to places during the week when it is often quieter, cheaper and with greater availability. In terms of drawbacks, workcations are obviously not quite as relaxing as taking time off as you will still be in “work mode” and therefore you may still need a proper holiday at some point in the year.

Best workation destinations 2021

With most of the world working remotely, there’s no better time to go on a workation than now! If you’re wondering what the best places for a workation are, we have a few interesting suggestions from 32 digital nomads who pioneered the workation culture.

Bali

Bali is secretly the undisputed workation capital of the world. This tropical paradise has no dearth of coworking spaces, each of them providing high quality internet, unparalleled business opportunities – all in the most incredible locations.

Monthly cost of living in Bali

$720 to $2,600

Bali workation visa rules

While Indonesia does not have a “digital nomad visa” yet, the Social, Tourist or Cultural Visa (B-211) allows you to stay 60 days, can be extended 3 times for 30 days each. Learn more

Maldives

If you’re going to work from home, why not work from paradise? Maldives is a perfect for a luxury workation (or a budget one) with extensive WI-FI service literally under every palm tree and an impeccable view every time you look up from your laptop.

Monthly cost of living in Maldives

$827 to $1,772 (excluding resort stay)

Maldives workation visa rules

30-day tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. If you are looking to stay longer, apply for a work Visa that is issued for a foreigner to stay in Maldives for the purpose of employment. Learn more

Mexico

Mexico has become a heaven for workationers looking for affordable lifestyles, uber-cheap living costs, a stable and productive work environment as well as an inspiring and robust social life. The year-round great climate and delicious food is obviously a plus!

Monthly cost of living in Mexico

$800 to $2,000

Mexico workation visa rules

The working visitor visa is the most common type of visa for the employment of foreign nationals on a temporary basis. One can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days with permission to be remunerated in Mexico for activities carried out in the country. If you intend to stay longer, Mexico issues a Temporary Resident Visa to remote workers that are financially self-sufficient, that’s good for one year with the ability to renew for another 3 years. Learn more

Bora Bora

Overwater bungalows on lapis lazuli waters makes for an ideal vacation and a workation too. While Bora Bora is a popular hit among honeymooners, workationers are slowly moving to the islands of French Polynesia for recluse from the worldly hustle.

Monthly cost of living in Bora Bora

$1,500 to $3,000

Bora Bora workation visa rules

Any foreigner who wishes to stay more than three months in French Polynesia must apply for a long-term French Polynesia visa with the exception of citizens of the exempt countries. If you are interested in staying for less than months, visitors holding a residence permit from one of the countries of the EU or the Schengen Area are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa provided that their residence permit is valid for the duration of their stay in French Polynesia. Learn more

Montenegro

Montenegro is one of the cheapest countries in the Balkans with a rare combination of snow-capped mountains and almost year-round sunshine. It is one of the most popular Balkan states among digital nomads, and it is also very much in trend among adventure travelers. With cheap mobile phone coverage, man co-working spaces to choose from and a sprouting community of digital adventurers – Montenegro allows the perfect balance of work and adventure.

Monthly cost of living in Montengero

$600 to $800

Montenegro workation visa rules

The best visa for workations in Montenegro would be the long stay visa that enables one to stay in Montenegro up to 6 months per calendar year (no visa runs required). Learn more

Iceland

Iceland is a land of awe-inspiring natural landscapes, with its naturally occurring hot springs, bubbling mud pools, a string of unpredictably violent volcanoes. It has warm locals, a strong cultural life and presents a stunning view of the Northern Lights. Add to this scenic equation, the recently introduced Work in Iceland program and you’ve got yourself the perfect workation destination.

Monthly cost of living in Iceland

$2,000 to $3,500

Iceland workation visa rules

As per the Work in Iceland digital nomad visa introduced in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, teleworkers to work remotely for overseas companies and stay in the country for up to 6 months. However, to qualify for this visa, workers have to earn at least $88,000 per annum. In addition, Iceland requires applicants to satisfy certain health insurance requirements as well. Learn more

Find more destinations here Best Workation Destinations 2021 – The Digital Nomads Roundup

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

Sources Workcation, Workcations: From An Escape To A Trend Ruling 2021, Will 2021 Be The Year Of The Workcation? and Workcation: The New Travel Trend for 2021

10 Best travel movies that will feed your wanderlust

March 29, 2021April 20, 2021by CheckMyTrip1 Comment

How many of you have been inspired to travel just because you saw it in a movie? Movies make us dream and want to go out to explore the world. From Australia to Alaska these are 10 of the best movies will feed your wanderlust.

1. Into the wild (2007)

Into the Wild is a 2007 American biographical adventure drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Sean Penn. It is an adaptation of the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name written by Jon Krakauer and tells the story of Christopher McCandless (“Alexander Supertramp“), a man who hiked across North America into the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s.

2. The way (2010)

The Way is a 2010 American-Spanish drama film directed, produced and written by Emilio Estevez . The film honors the Camino de Santiago and promotes the traditional pilgrimage. Saying he did not want the film to appeal to only one demographic, Emilio Estevez called the film “pro-people, pro-life, not anti-anything”.

3. Lion (2016)

Lion is a 2016 Australian biographical drama film directed by Garth Davis (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by Luke Davies based on the 2013 non-fiction book A Long Way Home. The film tells the true story of how Brierley, 25 years after being separated from his family in India, sets out to find them.

4. The secret life of Walter Mitty (2013)

The secret life of Walter Mitty, in this comedic adaptation of James Thurber’s short story, Ben Stiller stars as Walter, a milquetoast proofreader for a magazine publishing firm. Walter is constitutionally incapable of standing up for himself, so he retreats into his fantasy world, where he is heroic, poised, self-assured, and the master of his fate.

5. The beach (2000)

The Beach is a 2000 adventure drama film directed by Danny Boyle and based on the 1996 novel of the same name, which was adapted for the film by John Hodge. On vacation in Thailand, Richard sets out for an island rumored to be a solitary beach paradise. It was filmed on the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Le.

6. Mamma mia! (2008)

Mamma Mia! is a 2008 romantic comedy film containing music directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Catherine Johnson based on her book of the 1999 theatre show of the same name. The film, in turn, is based on the songs of pop group ABBA, and the plot follows a young bride-to-be who invites three men to her upcoming wedding, each one with the possibility of being her father.

7. Eat pay love (2010)

Eat Pray Love is a 2010 American biographical romantic drama film starring Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, based on Gilbert’s 2006 memoir of the same name. A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to “find herself”. She discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy, the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Indonesia.

8. Amélie (2001)

Amélie (also known as Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain) is a 2001 romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The film is a whimsical depiction of contemporary Parisian life, set in Montmartre. It tells the story of a shy waitress, played by Audrey Tautou, who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better while struggling with her own isolation.

9. The motorcycle diaries (2004)

The Motorcycle Diaries is a 2004 biopic about the journey and written memoir of the 23-year-old Ernesto Guevara. The film recounts the 1952 expedition, initially by motorcycle, across South America by Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado. As well as being a road movie, the film is a coming-of-age film; as the adventure, initially centered on youthful hedonism, unfolds, Guevara discovers himself transformed by his observations on the life of the impoverished indigenous peasantry.

10. In Bruges (2008)

In Bruges is a 2008 black comedy crime film written and directed by Martin McDonagh in his feature-length debut. Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.

So, this is the list of some of our favorites travel films. Would you add any more? Tell us!