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Showing posts from December, 2021

THE 5 BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN WINTER AROUND THE WORLD | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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While most people tend to travel during warmer months, we have found a real passion for visiting new places in the winter. There truly is nothing like a real winter wonderland, and the cities on this list feel like they belong in a fairytale when you visit them in December and January. Ranging from the Americas to Southern Europe, to Scandinavia, to Asia, there are cities all over the globe that make up my list of the best winter wonderland cities in the world. This list does not include rural areas or getaways, but rather big cities that retain their hustle and bustle while gaining a polar charm. 5. New York City, United States New York City is a place that is on almost everyone’s bucket list around the world, and I felt it just had to make this list of the best cities to visit in the winter as well. It was a no brainer to include on my list of the 10 best cities to visit on the East Coast. New York City is its own species, and there really aren’t many places in the world like it.

SOON YOU CAN RENEW YOUR PASSPORT ONLINE | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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Some great news for international travelers is on the horizon! Right now the State Department tells us to expect up to 11 weeks for regular passport renewal processing. Last summer, at the height of the processing backlog, people reported it took up to 18 weeks in some cases. President Biden announced an Executive Order that should help ease passport renewal frustrations. The President Issues Executive Order for Online Passport Renewal As part of his new executive order, Biden pledged to modernize some federal services, bringing some processes online like passport renewal. The new system will allow travelers to renew passports using a secure, time-saving interface online. The new program kicks off this month on an extremely limited basis, with the rollout continuing over the next months. Will I still have to take passport photos? Yes. Though moving the processing of passport renewals online should save you time and money, you’ll likely still need to send photos via an uploading process

7 TIPS TO AVOID THE CHRISTMAS TRAVEL RUSH AT THE AIRPORT | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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For many, 2021 is the year where they can finally celebrate with their families again after much of the world went into lockdown last year in 2020. While there is still a lot of necessary caution due to rising case numbers of Covid, with some countries closing borders altogether, for the most part, travel is possible. In fact, experts are already estimating that the number of passengers preparing for Christmas travel will triple compared to last year, with numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Holiday travel this year may therefore be doubly stressful, as you will have to prepare not only for the Christmas travel rush at the airport but also have to navigate changing Covid-19 travel restrictions. If you are headed to the airport over the holidays, here are some tips on what to do to avoid the Christmas travel rush: 1. Know all Covid-19 travel regulations Since the pandemic is still ongoing, Christmas travel safety should be the first thing to consider. Covid-19 regulations c

7 THINGS NOT TO DO AT AIRPORT SECURITY | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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Airport security is a nuisance, but it’s one traveler must accept if they wish to be able to fly around the world safely. The best you can hope for is to get through security as quickly and painlessly as possible. That means being prepared and avoiding airport security mistakes that will slow you and everyone else down, and maybe even get you into trouble with the TSA. The following 10 suggestions for what not to do at airport security will make you a savvier flyer, capable of breezing through the checkpoint like a pro. 1.  Don’t leave liquids and gels deep in your carry-on. One surefire method to slow a security line down is to waste time digging through your carry-on for items that need to be placed in the bin individually. Putting travel-sized liquids into a clear, see-through quart-sized bag is not enough. Keep the bag stored in a handy place—such as an external compartment on your carry-on—so all you have to do is reach in and grab it. 2.   Don’t forget to have your boarding p

WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST MONTH TO FLY TO MIAMI? | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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Miami is the seventh-largest city in the United States. The city is glitzy and gleaming and well-known for its excellent nightlife, Art Deco buildings, and international cruise port. You may wonder what the cheapest month to fly to Miami is. There is no doubt that Miami, Florida, is a year-round destination. Many attractions and theme parks are open to the public throughout all four seasons. If you are a surfer, you can head to beaches, such as the Tides South Beach or The Fontainebleau Beach, in order to ride some waves. What Is the Cheapest Month to Fly to Miami? Cheapest Month to Travel to Miami Note that if you would like to find an affordable flight to Miami, Florida, it is best to look outside of school holidays. This means you have to avoid traveling at the busiest times, which are Christmas, Easter, and the school summer holidays from mid-June through mid-August. It is worth noting that despite its soaring summer temperatures and expensive winter hotel rates, Miami dr

THE TOP 7 AIRPORT SECURITY DOS AND DON’TS | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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Few things get our blood pressure going as much as a chaotic airport security experience. When you're stuck behind a disorganized, discombobulated traveler – or worse, if you're that person – it suddenly feels as if the world is falling to pieces. But it doesn't have to be that way! What are the top dos and don'ts of making it through airport security in one piece? Read on and we'll share our most valuable tips. Top 7 Dos and Don'ts of Airport Security 1. Do: Be Prepared Channel your inner Boy Scout and make sure to take the time to prep everything you'll need before you head to the airport. This means the most important, your travel documents – make sure your passport or photo ID is valid! – which should be readily accessible by you at all times. That's right, please don't shove them at the bottom of your backpack; the panic you'll experience as you frantically search for them at the front of the TSA line won't do you any favors. D

TSA EXTENDS FACE MASK REQUIREMENT THROUGH JANUARY 2022 | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on a commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022. Earlier this year, TSA announced an initial face mask requirement that was set to expire on May 11, 2021. Due to the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, on April 30 the agency announced an extension to the requirement through September 13 of the same year. Now, the mandate will remain valid and in effect through the first three weeks of January 2022. TSA suggests that all airline travelers check with the airline regarding any additional in-flight restrictions prior to taking a trip. All commuters and travelers are recommended to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for additional guidance. Any current exemptions to the face mask requirement

THE 6 BEST TRANSLATION APPS FOR TRAVELERS | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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Living in a hyperconnected, globalized world is amazing for travel lovers, but not speaking the local language can be a challenge. Luckily, there are great translation apps out there that take the guesswork out of the equation, ensuring your trip is an incredible one. As technology evolves and our smartphones do more of the heavy lifting, different apps that can handle translations via text, voice, or even our camera, your horizons will grow ever-broader. The next time you're heading abroad, take note of this list of the best translation apps for travelers. Top 6 Translation Apps Google Translate Google Translate is extremely simple to use, with an interface that appeals to travelers of all ages and tech levels. The app allows users to translate 108 languages in real-time by typing in a word or a phrase. It also offers offline access to 59 languages. Travelers can use handwriting (drawing text or characters rather than typing) in 95 languages. For camera translation in 90 l

5 CITIES TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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The Christmas holiday season is one that millions of people around the world look forward to every year. As we emerge into yet another phase of the "new normal" (the pandemic isn't over of course, but travel is making its comeback), lots of you might be asking yourselves, "Why not celebrate Christmas away from home this year?" Pack your bags, because the holidays are the perfect time to think big and make those magical travel dreams come true. Having the chance to learn more about other cultures and traditions around the world is the icing on the cake! Don't miss our roundup of 10 of the best cities around the world to celebrate Christmas. 10 Cities to Celebrate Christmas Around the World 1. New York (USA) Who hasn't dreamt of Christmas in the Big Apple? To see the city lit up from top to bottom, the incredible shop windows, and of course the scenes we recreate from our favorite holiday movies is on the bucket list of nearly every traveler. If

THE 12 BEST AND WORST DAYS TO TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get genuinely hyped for the holidays. We’re so happy to feel that excitement in the air – and to see people connecting with family and friends again. Those of us planning to fly for the holidays need to know – Thanksgiving is right around the corner! If you haven’t sprung for airfare yet, we’re getting very close to the time when flights will likely get quite expensive. For now, we’re still outside that “danger zone.” Use our Holiday Flights Report and its straightforward, color-coded calendar to guide you towards the best fares. Here’s a breakdown of the best (and worst) days to travel this holiday season. Best Days to Fly for Thanksgiving Let’s start with Thanksgiving since we’re getting close to crunch time. A quick look at the calendar indicates that the best value flights for Thanksgiving week occur midweek. Tuesday, Nov 23 People really love to travel on the weekend, BUT the hands-down best value airline tickets occur on midwee

CAN AMERICANS TRAVEL TO EUROPE? | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

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Are you fully vaccinated and ready and willing to take your first vacation in more than a year? If so, you may be wondering if Americans can travel to Europe. You may have another question: What European countries can you visit right now? In order to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and protect the overall health and well-being of all European citizens, some travel restrictions and limitations have been necessary. You will be happy to know that the European Commission is trying its best to allow people to meet family and friends, travel for work, as well as ensure free movement of goods, citizens, and services – with full regard to health and safety measures. There is no doubt that tourism has been considerably impacted by this pandemic. However, with vaccine rates on the rise, many countries are now slowly starting to reopen tourism. Can Americans Travel to Europe? Belgium From ‘moules frites’ to hand-crafted chocolates, you can discover Belgium’s gastronomic deli