The post Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Prior to the global pandemic taking over, the Asian city recorded 56 million arrivals in 2019. The last few years have hit the region’s tourism industry hard, however, with visitors still required to undergo mandatory isolation until just a few months ago. As a result, the city’s GDP was 3.5% lower in 2022 compared to 2021.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has now come up with a plan to attract more tourists.
From March 1, 500,000 free airline tickets will be given away in a bid to woo more visitors. The tickets were initially bought to support airlines during the pandemic and are worth around $270 million.
The ticket giveaway, which will be done in phases, is set to last for about 6 months. They will be distributed by Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines, starting with Southeast Asian countries, followed by mainland China and Northeastern Asia. An additional 80,000 tickets have been set aside for Hong Kong residents in the summer.
As part of the campaign, entitled “Hello Hong Kong,” the city will host more than 250 events this year, including the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament, the Hong Kong Marathon, and Art Basel.
The post Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Navigating Intricate Covid Testing in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>In general, Italy’s Covid spread is well under control. To enter any indoor space you do need to show a valid vaccine or recovery certificate. To enter the country, for anywhere in America, Canada, the EU and several others, you need only either a vaccine certificate or a negative Covid test—not both. It’s better to use a PCR test if possible, because they are more accurate than rapid antigen tests. You’ll also need to fill out a form before entering that allows the country to track where you’re staying for virus-tracking purposes.
If the country to which you’re returning accepts rapid antigen tests (“rapido” in Italian), then you’re in luck. There are many rapid testing centers which are relatively low in cost around the country. They can especially be found in central areas like train stations. You should be able to walk in and get one, but they do sometimes run out of tests so be prepared to get there early in the morning or to try a couple different locations. Look for the Red Cross symbol and white tents.
If you need a PCR test (“tampone moleculare”), it’s a little more complicated. The best thing you can do for yourself is to plan ahead and to make the appointment a couple weeks in advance. Most to the PCR tests available are only returned within 36-48 hours, so a last-minute test won’t fly. There are some faster ones available, but the spots for them fill up quick so be sure to not wait until the last minute to make your appointment. If worst comes to worst you can find a few labs that will do fast-returning PCR tests, but they are very expensive so it is best to avoid this and simply plan ahead.
The post Navigating Intricate Covid Testing in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Things to Know About Digital Nomadism in a Not-Quite-Post Corona World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Now, companies are more open to remote work than ever before. After all, the Coronavirus lockdowns proved that it actually is possible to run your business with your entire workforce working from home. And with many employees unwilling to give up the pleasures of remote work, a large number of companies have created permanent work from home policies. In theory, this is great for digital nomads, who now have more job opportunities than ever.
But another thing that COVID has changed in a less favorable way? Travel. Getting around from country to country is harder than we’ve ever seen it in our lifetimes, with vaccine statuses and green passports and testing and quarantines providing barrier after barrier. So while getting a remote job might be easier, figuring out where to take it is much more complicated.
All things considered, one thing’s for sure: people who are committed to the digital nomad lifestyle will find a way to take advantage of this new wave in remote work, one way or another.
The post Things to Know About Digital Nomadism in a Not-Quite-Post Corona World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Best Ways to Gain Confidence for Post-Covid Solo Trips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The destination you pick can make or break your first post-Covid solo trip. If you’re not confident enough for a completely new adventure, revisiting the places you’ve already been to is the best possible choice. If you’re not feeling insecure, feel free to go anywhere you want to and book the holiday of your dreams.
Don’t hit the road without having all the information you need about the country of your choice if you’re embarking on an international trip. Check if the place you’re visiting requires Covid test results or vaccination certificate so you can make sure to come prepared.
If you love solo traveling because it allows you to meet new people, keep in mind this is much more difficult under the current circumstances. Chances are you’ll spend more alone time during your post-Covid trips than you ever did before, but you can combat loneliness by planning an activity-filled trip.
The post Best Ways to Gain Confidence for Post-Covid Solo Trips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Yes, Things Are Opening Up Again—But You Still Need to Be Careful appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Just because people are getting vaccinated doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet. The coronavirus is still a very real thing and we need to take it seriously all the same. It would be a shame for everyone to travel at the same time right when the restrictions lift, only to create some serious crowding issues and zero social distancing.
If there’s one good thing that the pandemic taught us, it was how to be cleaner individuals. Washing our hands every chance we could, putting hand sanitizer when possible, social distancing, you name it. These are all practices that can still help us avoid getting sick, not just from COVID-19 but from all kinds of illnesses.
We need to keep a level head about all of this. Let’s be mature and wait for the right time to take a vacation. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. Not yet, at least. After all, was your quarantine really that bad?
The post Yes, Things Are Opening Up Again—But You Still Need to Be Careful appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post What Will Traveling Be Like in the Near Future? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Social distancing has become such a common practice since COVID-19 hit that it may just stick around for longer than we think. Even if the virus calms down, we may see a world in which people are afraid to touch each other. So if you meet someone abroad, don’t be surprised if they don’t exactly want to shake hands with you. If you’re at a concert, mosh pits might become obsolete.
Will people continue to wear masks long after the coronavirus has settled down? Moreover, will airlines still require their passengers to wear masks? How about establishments such as restaurants and amusement parks? These are all things that may take a toll on your experience when you travel. It’s tough to say how things will turn out, but our guess is that masks will be here to stay for a while.
The post What Will Traveling Be Like in the Near Future? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How to Deal With Travel Uncertainty appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic inevitably involves a large degree of uncertainty. You never know when a changed law or a new virus mutation will make you have to change your plans. So how can you deal with this travel uncertainty?
Actually, learning to let go and accept that you can’t control what happens during your trip won’t just help you now; it’ll be useful for all future travel and even just general life. Because you can’t change external circumstances like having a hotel reservation canceled on you or being stuck in a foreign country not sure when you can go home. But you can control how you react to it.
So use this time to practice accepting what is as it comes and focusing on what you can do, like staying up to date, practicing social distancing, and keeping a positive attitude. It’ll serve you well.
The post How to Deal With Travel Uncertainty appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How COVID-19 Vaccines Will Affect Travel appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Unfortunately, we only know that the vaccines reduce the risk of getting ill from COVID-19; we don’t know if actually reduces the risk of spreading it between people. This means that travel won’t be able to go completely back to normal just yet. Even as more countries open up their borders (some only for people who have already received the vaccine), you can still expect to wear masks, take COVID-19 tests, and research the Coronavirus situation wherever you’re travelling to.
That being said, if you want to increase your chances of being allowed into foreign countries, you’ll definitely need to get the vaccine and the documentation that proves you’ve had it, which might be necessary to be allowed past passport control.
The post How COVID-19 Vaccines Will Affect Travel appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Is Flexible Flying the Future of Travel? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>But it begs the question—should this have been the case all along? And can it be in the future? After all, flying is already incredibly expensive and the fact that tickets are typically so rigid is a major inconvenience. There are plenty of reasons to have to exchange an airplane ticket unrelated to global pandemics, such as family emergencies and health issues. So can we keep this flexible flying policy even after the pandemic ends?
The answer is—maybe. Sort of. Many airlines have already vowed to waive change fees for at least some of their flights and at least part of the time. And those who haven’t may find they lose business as a result. So let’s hope that this can be one positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The post Is Flexible Flying the Future of Travel? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post These are 2020’s Coolest AirBnBs appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Designed by Finnish designer Robin Falck, this cabin is all about encouraging you to live minimally and be more in tune with nature while minimizing your carbon footprint. It’s the size of a small bedroom and located on an island where you’re encouraged to live a zero-waste lifestyle.
If you’re big on cool interior design, you’ll love this apartment that is decorated to the high heavens—literally. You can pretend you’re in a forest or high up in the sky. Talk about cozy.
A fan of architecture? This AirBnB may just be the best one for you. It’s an open-plan, geometric wonder in the Hudson Valley designed by architect Steven Holl, with proceeds funding a gallery, architecture fellowship, and sculpture trail.
The post These are 2020’s Coolest AirBnBs appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Prior to the global pandemic taking over, the Asian city recorded 56 million arrivals in 2019. The last few years have hit the region’s tourism industry hard, however, with visitors still required to undergo mandatory isolation until just a few months ago. As a result, the city’s GDP was 3.5% lower in 2022 compared to 2021.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has now come up with a plan to attract more tourists.
From March 1, 500,000 free airline tickets will be given away in a bid to woo more visitors. The tickets were initially bought to support airlines during the pandemic and are worth around $270 million.
The ticket giveaway, which will be done in phases, is set to last for about 6 months. They will be distributed by Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines, starting with Southeast Asian countries, followed by mainland China and Northeastern Asia. An additional 80,000 tickets have been set aside for Hong Kong residents in the summer.
As part of the campaign, entitled “Hello Hong Kong,” the city will host more than 250 events this year, including the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament, the Hong Kong Marathon, and Art Basel.
The post Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Navigating Intricate Covid Testing in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>In general, Italy’s Covid spread is well under control. To enter any indoor space you do need to show a valid vaccine or recovery certificate. To enter the country, for anywhere in America, Canada, the EU and several others, you need only either a vaccine certificate or a negative Covid test—not both. It’s better to use a PCR test if possible, because they are more accurate than rapid antigen tests. You’ll also need to fill out a form before entering that allows the country to track where you’re staying for virus-tracking purposes.
If the country to which you’re returning accepts rapid antigen tests (“rapido” in Italian), then you’re in luck. There are many rapid testing centers which are relatively low in cost around the country. They can especially be found in central areas like train stations. You should be able to walk in and get one, but they do sometimes run out of tests so be prepared to get there early in the morning or to try a couple different locations. Look for the Red Cross symbol and white tents.
If you need a PCR test (“tampone moleculare”), it’s a little more complicated. The best thing you can do for yourself is to plan ahead and to make the appointment a couple weeks in advance. Most to the PCR tests available are only returned within 36-48 hours, so a last-minute test won’t fly. There are some faster ones available, but the spots for them fill up quick so be sure to not wait until the last minute to make your appointment. If worst comes to worst you can find a few labs that will do fast-returning PCR tests, but they are very expensive so it is best to avoid this and simply plan ahead.
The post Navigating Intricate Covid Testing in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Things to Know About Digital Nomadism in a Not-Quite-Post Corona World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Now, companies are more open to remote work than ever before. After all, the Coronavirus lockdowns proved that it actually is possible to run your business with your entire workforce working from home. And with many employees unwilling to give up the pleasures of remote work, a large number of companies have created permanent work from home policies. In theory, this is great for digital nomads, who now have more job opportunities than ever.
But another thing that COVID has changed in a less favorable way? Travel. Getting around from country to country is harder than we’ve ever seen it in our lifetimes, with vaccine statuses and green passports and testing and quarantines providing barrier after barrier. So while getting a remote job might be easier, figuring out where to take it is much more complicated.
All things considered, one thing’s for sure: people who are committed to the digital nomad lifestyle will find a way to take advantage of this new wave in remote work, one way or another.
The post Things to Know About Digital Nomadism in a Not-Quite-Post Corona World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Best Ways to Gain Confidence for Post-Covid Solo Trips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The destination you pick can make or break your first post-Covid solo trip. If you’re not confident enough for a completely new adventure, revisiting the places you’ve already been to is the best possible choice. If you’re not feeling insecure, feel free to go anywhere you want to and book the holiday of your dreams.
Don’t hit the road without having all the information you need about the country of your choice if you’re embarking on an international trip. Check if the place you’re visiting requires Covid test results or vaccination certificate so you can make sure to come prepared.
If you love solo traveling because it allows you to meet new people, keep in mind this is much more difficult under the current circumstances. Chances are you’ll spend more alone time during your post-Covid trips than you ever did before, but you can combat loneliness by planning an activity-filled trip.
The post Best Ways to Gain Confidence for Post-Covid Solo Trips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Yes, Things Are Opening Up Again—But You Still Need to Be Careful appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Just because people are getting vaccinated doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet. The coronavirus is still a very real thing and we need to take it seriously all the same. It would be a shame for everyone to travel at the same time right when the restrictions lift, only to create some serious crowding issues and zero social distancing.
If there’s one good thing that the pandemic taught us, it was how to be cleaner individuals. Washing our hands every chance we could, putting hand sanitizer when possible, social distancing, you name it. These are all practices that can still help us avoid getting sick, not just from COVID-19 but from all kinds of illnesses.
We need to keep a level head about all of this. Let’s be mature and wait for the right time to take a vacation. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. Not yet, at least. After all, was your quarantine really that bad?
The post Yes, Things Are Opening Up Again—But You Still Need to Be Careful appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post What Will Traveling Be Like in the Near Future? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Social distancing has become such a common practice since COVID-19 hit that it may just stick around for longer than we think. Even if the virus calms down, we may see a world in which people are afraid to touch each other. So if you meet someone abroad, don’t be surprised if they don’t exactly want to shake hands with you. If you’re at a concert, mosh pits might become obsolete.
Will people continue to wear masks long after the coronavirus has settled down? Moreover, will airlines still require their passengers to wear masks? How about establishments such as restaurants and amusement parks? These are all things that may take a toll on your experience when you travel. It’s tough to say how things will turn out, but our guess is that masks will be here to stay for a while.
The post What Will Traveling Be Like in the Near Future? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How to Deal With Travel Uncertainty appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic inevitably involves a large degree of uncertainty. You never know when a changed law or a new virus mutation will make you have to change your plans. So how can you deal with this travel uncertainty?
Actually, learning to let go and accept that you can’t control what happens during your trip won’t just help you now; it’ll be useful for all future travel and even just general life. Because you can’t change external circumstances like having a hotel reservation canceled on you or being stuck in a foreign country not sure when you can go home. But you can control how you react to it.
So use this time to practice accepting what is as it comes and focusing on what you can do, like staying up to date, practicing social distancing, and keeping a positive attitude. It’ll serve you well.
The post How to Deal With Travel Uncertainty appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How COVID-19 Vaccines Will Affect Travel appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Unfortunately, we only know that the vaccines reduce the risk of getting ill from COVID-19; we don’t know if actually reduces the risk of spreading it between people. This means that travel won’t be able to go completely back to normal just yet. Even as more countries open up their borders (some only for people who have already received the vaccine), you can still expect to wear masks, take COVID-19 tests, and research the Coronavirus situation wherever you’re travelling to.
That being said, if you want to increase your chances of being allowed into foreign countries, you’ll definitely need to get the vaccine and the documentation that proves you’ve had it, which might be necessary to be allowed past passport control.
The post How COVID-19 Vaccines Will Affect Travel appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Is Flexible Flying the Future of Travel? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>But it begs the question—should this have been the case all along? And can it be in the future? After all, flying is already incredibly expensive and the fact that tickets are typically so rigid is a major inconvenience. There are plenty of reasons to have to exchange an airplane ticket unrelated to global pandemics, such as family emergencies and health issues. So can we keep this flexible flying policy even after the pandemic ends?
The answer is—maybe. Sort of. Many airlines have already vowed to waive change fees for at least some of their flights and at least part of the time. And those who haven’t may find they lose business as a result. So let’s hope that this can be one positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The post Is Flexible Flying the Future of Travel? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post These are 2020’s Coolest AirBnBs appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Designed by Finnish designer Robin Falck, this cabin is all about encouraging you to live minimally and be more in tune with nature while minimizing your carbon footprint. It’s the size of a small bedroom and located on an island where you’re encouraged to live a zero-waste lifestyle.
If you’re big on cool interior design, you’ll love this apartment that is decorated to the high heavens—literally. You can pretend you’re in a forest or high up in the sky. Talk about cozy.
A fan of architecture? This AirBnB may just be the best one for you. It’s an open-plan, geometric wonder in the Hudson Valley designed by architect Steven Holl, with proceeds funding a gallery, architecture fellowship, and sculpture trail.
The post These are 2020’s Coolest AirBnBs appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>