Friday Around the Planet

Welcome to Friday Around the Planet, where I wrap up the travel-related news from the week to help inform your travel planning as requirements and restrictions in countries around the world rapidly change.

In light of what has happened in the past 48 hours in Ukraine, I’ve struggled with how to write this roundup of travel news you might have missed over the past week. My thoughts swing first to concern for the Ukrainians and Russians I have met who are now engulfed by this conflict. Consequently, this brings forward memories of places that solemnly memorialize the tremendous cost of war, cautioning us that violence occurs when we dehumanize each other.

But mostly it settles into worrying and sadness about what happens next.

I truly believe in the power of travel—not just for the experience of seeing all the wonder and beauty this planet holds. I have seen firsthand how people-to-people interactions between citizens of different nations can lead to a better world.

The past few years of a global pandemic have already physically closed us off from one another. I worry about the implications for traveler-to-citizen diplomacy that occurs when we can meet face to face outside the messaging of our respective governments.

And I guess that’s why I’m going to continue writing this week. Perhaps we all need a reminder about the wonderful places and people this world holds.

Travel Restrictions Rollbacks Usher in New Flights and Trains

After almost two years, the joyful reopening of Australia’s border to vaccinated foreign travelers felt like a significant milestone. Other countries have also rolled back COVID-19 travel restrictions, including the Cayman Islands, Italy, and Iceland.

With these restriction rollbacks and declining Omicron cases, anticipation is building for the return of transatlantic travel. To respond to this demand, several low-cost airlines have announced new routes between the US, Canada, and Europe. If you decide to travel, make sure to gather tips on how to manage a transatlantic flight on a budget airline.

Moreover, a new low-cost train in Spain will connect Madrid to several beach cities, offering tickets as low as €9.

The Emergence of Purposeful Travel

With travel poised to return, questions remain about how it should evolve from the pandemic. The online travel community is hopeful for a shift towards more purposeful travel.

As we prepare for travel, remember that several permits and reservations for summer visits to US national parks will be available in March. If you’re planning a visit, set reminders to ensure you don’t miss out.