Weekly Update: February 4, 2022 Edition

Already February? No way!

Exciting developments are unfolding in travel, including a newly launched cheat sheet for booking last-minute getaways and a road trip to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month. Let’s dive into this week’s headlines!

Your quick guide

As more places require boosters, more destinations are reopening, and some cherished events are set to return, here’s the latest in travel this week.

Who’s really taking off... Vaccinated travelers. A recent Forbes article reveals that most US residents planning to travel this year are either fully vaccinated or boosted.

The question on everyone's mind. Do I need a booster to travel? While many places require proof of full vaccination, some popular destinations are now asking for evidence of a COVID-19 booster as well.

Speaking of boosters... Numerous European countries are introducing their own booster mandates, including Spain, which now requires all US travelers to present proof to enter.

Who’s rolling out the welcome mat. The Philippines and Morocco – starting next week (2/7 and 2/10), will welcome vaccinated travelers.

Who’s back in action. Many annual festivals, such as Mardi Gras and Coachella, are set to resume their events in 2022. Time to start looking at those flight + hotel vacation packages!

Current Travel Trends

Discover what’s popular right now and how it can enhance your travel experience.

Last-minute plans are the way to go. As 2021 drew to a close, we saw a 13% increase in domestic flight searches made within a week of departure compared to 2019*, and a 38% rise in international searches made within two weeks – and this trend is holding strong. If you’re planning something spontaneous, you might think it comes with extra fees. Not so! To help you navigate last-minute planning, we’ve created a last-minute booking toolkit. Check out the features that can assist in organizing your next spontaneous adventure. Here are some highlights:

Utilize flexible search options Discover flights, hotels, and rental cars that allow changes without penalties.

Select your trip insurance wisely We’ve detailed what various insurances cover and how to choose the best policy for your journey.

Price Lock and Notifications Monitor flight and hotel prices to see if they fluctuate, or lock in current rates if you’re not ready to commit just yet.

Stay Informed on Travel Restrictions Keep abreast of which countries and public venues are accessible, along with testing and vaccination criteria.

Voices from the Community

Insights and experiences from our traveler community that can enhance your adventures.

Explore the Road to Black History in America. Black history is integral to American history. We’ve compiled a selective list of historical sites that may not be prominently featured in textbooks or are lesser-known, to guide you in planning a meaningful road trip. Visit our comprehensive blog on Black history road trips for the complete list of sites to explore.