Archives for May 2020

These Countries Are Willing To Pay For You To Visit

25 May, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

Believe it or not, these countries are willing to pay for you to visit. In fact, as part of their post-coronavirus plan to reactivate tourism, they are making an attractive offer. Looking at the actual traveling panorama, it’s actually a scary time to be planning a trip. And, who can blame you? Flights are more expensive than before, airports’ security measures are doubled, and you never know if you’ll be able to comeback. However, for those adventurous souls out there, this could be just what you were looking for, this summer.

Japan

If visiting Asia has always been part of your plans, but you never were able to do it, here is your golden opportunity. Japanese authorities have announced that they offer half the budget you need to visit. According to news outlets in Japan, the government is willing to inject ”1.35 trillion yen (approximately £10.3 billion) fund to lure back foreign visitors.” Of course, if the plan is approved (which is still being discussed.) Furthermore, in that case, it means that they can pay for half the flight ticket, housing and budget during your visit to the country.

Italy

Italy is definitely one of the European countries that suffered most from Coronavirus. In addition to the high death toll, the strict lockdown has also left the Italian economy shaking. So, it makes perfect sense that Italians will do anything to turn the situation around. This includes their willingness to pay for you to visit.

Furthermore, the Italian island of Sicily has officially announced that they will pay for half your trip. In fact, just like Japan, they plan to subsidize a portion of travelers’ expenses this summer.

Moreover, the country’s prime minister announced that borders are set to open on June 3rd.

Countries That Are Opening Their Borders This Summer

In addition to Italy reopening their territory this summer, several other countries are following the same footsteps. The European Union advised their respective countries to open boundaries, i order to save their economies. Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Italy are among the list. Of course, since these countries depend heavily on foreign tourism. So, if you decide to take advantage of these countries willing to pay for you to visit, here are few tips to travel safely in times of a pandemic.

Photos: Pixabay.

The Best Time To Get To Know Your Country Better

18 May, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

Coronavirus has definitely changed our vacation plans this year. However, and although you may not be able to catch a flight to your dream destination for the time being. You can still take some days off to get to know your country better. Furthermore, in the midst of a global pandemic, international flights are not encouraging travels. In addition, quarantine policies, closed borders and travel restrictions make it harder to even plan a vacation abroad. On the bright side, you can save some money this year, and still enjoy your vacation. How? We give you few ideas to embark on a journey of discovering your own home country.

Discover Hidden Camping Spots

Of course, anything is better than staying home all summer. A tent, your friends or family and a few isolated days in nature watching life go by. If that doesn’t make you forget all your worries, we don’t know what else can. In addition, it’s a feasible option for all budgets, since you decide what camping area you go to, and you’ll spend very little. Actually, chilling in a calm camping spot sounds like what we all need right now.

Road Trip With Friends

If camping is not really your cup of tea, how about taking a road trip with your close people? Discover new cities, beach spots, and areas where you may have never even seen before. The down part of globalization and cheap flights, is that we would almost always choose a foreign country. And although it’s always great to get to know other cultures, sometimes, we forget about our very own. So, with this Coronavirus crisis, take some times to plan a road trip to get to know your country better.

Backpack Through Towns

Moreover, instead of pack packing around Asia (which is still remotely expensive), you can choose to backpack through towns in your country. Surely, you don’t know all those small, mountain-hidden towns, where life is simple and quite cheap. Pack a few things, gather some friends or family, and venture around old towns of your home country.

Photos: Pixabay.

When Is It going To Be Safe To Travel Again?

11 May, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

This is probably the question of this year. Since the the beginning of 2020, and due to the Coronavirus outbreak, travel has been restricted almost everywhere. In addition to ruining our vacation plans, the main issue has always been safety. So, when is it going to be safe to travel again? Is it possible to plan for a get-away this year? Next year? In 2024? Let’s see what the latest updates on traveling have to say about this.

When Will It Be Possible To Book Flights?

Let’s get one thing clear: Everyone deserves an island vacation after this quarantine. Luckily, several countries are starting to relieve lockdown measures, and slowly re-opening their economies and lifestyles. However, there is still a high risk of things getting worse. Therefore, many boundaries are set to stay closed, until further notice.

That being said, several sources expect that a few countries (mainly those who depend heavily on the tourism sector) will be forced to offer their services this summer. So, if you are really sick of staying at your place, you can start checking flights for August-September.

Where Can You Go Next?

Since this nasty virus is affecting almost 200 countries around the world, there’s no place that is 100% safe to receive visitors. However, some places are less affected than others, or gained control over the disease much faster. CDC has elaborated a real-time map, that allows to see how are the Covid-19 cases developing everywhere. This will ensure a better vision of where it could be more safe to travel again. Keep in mind, that wherever you decide to go, flights are going to be way more expensive than before, and of course, with much less frequency.

Safe Traveling In Times Of A Pandemic

Furthermore, if things do get better in a few months, there will still be fear among travelers. Of course, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, right? Therefore, if you are set on not giving up your planned summer vacation, here are few tips you can use for when it’s safe to travel again.

First, make sure to book flights with airlines that offer refund/cancelation policies. Obviously, do the same for your accommodation. Additionally, when traveling, make sure to keep a mask on you, as well as a disinfectant gel. Once at the destination, request to have your room disinfected and clean all your stuff. Finally, it’s highly recommended to book an insurance before hitting the road, because, again, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Photos: Pixabay, Unsplash.

Where Can You Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In 2020?

4 May, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

Cinco De Mayo, is a well-known Mexican celebration. However, it’s as successful in the US and the rest of the world. Furthermore, given the actual Covid-19 crisis, this year’s Cinco De Mayo will probably be celebrated differently. The origin of this national holiday in Mexico, is to honor the date when the Mexican army declared victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. Moreover, this holiday has become a major celebration in the United States, which organize their own ”parties” every year. So, here are a few places where you can celebrate Cinco De Mayo in 2020.

Puebla, Mexico

Puebla is the home to Cinco De Mayo celebrations. In fact, it’s the birthplace of the parades and festivities. Furthermore, the town’s historic center, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where the parade is organized. In addition, the square is filled with vendors for the holiday, and it’s estimated that streets are flooded with around 20,000 participants for the parade.

San Diego, California

Besides Mexico, and as we mentioned before, Cinco De Mayo is quite big in America. Furthermore, California, being a festive state, is one of the big celebrators of this holiday. San Diego old town will prepare for the event like in Mexico, and will host a celebration that includes live music, entertainment, plenty of delicious bites, and even an exhibition of lowrider cars.

San Antonio, Texas

It’s more than normal that southern states are highly involved. San Antonio celebrates Cinco De Mayo every year, since over 60% of its population are hispanic/latinos. In addition, being one of the states that share boundaries with Mexico, the tradition will keep on this year, despite lockdown recommendations. So, if you are i San Antonio, make sure to head to the Historic Market Square, and celebrate cinco De Mayo this year 2020.

Photos: Pixabay.