Matador Network's Blog, page 713
January 21, 2021
Biden mask mandate in national parks
On January 20, the day of his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden signed an executive order mandating masks on federal property, which extends to national parks.
The executive order requires federal employees and visitors to wear masks and maintain physical distance while on federal lands, including national parks and federal monuments.
According to the executive order, “It is the policy of my Administration to halt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by relying on the best available data and science-based public health measures. Such measures include wearing masks when around others, physical distancing, and other related precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Put simply, masks and other public health measures reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when communities make widespread use of such measures, and thus save lives.”
According to Reuters, Biden also plans to require anyone in airports or on public transportation, including airplanes, intercity buses, and trains to wear masks. Many airlines and train companies (including Amtrak) have already mandated mask-wearing, though it hasn’t been required by federal law.
The mask mandate has long been a tenet of Biden’s campaign. Back in October, he said, “As president I will mandate mask-wearing in all federal buildings and all interstate transportation because masks save lives — period. Wearing masks is not a political statement; it is a scientific imperative.” 
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Charming A-frame cabins to rent
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
If Airbnb’s most wish-listed properties in all 50 US states are anything to go by, American travelers are desperate for a picturesque escape to the countryside. From log cabins to tiny homes to treehouses, travelers seem to want to vacation somewhere that’s close to nature, architecturally charming on the outside, and homely on the inside. Few structures fit those criteria better than A-frames — the quintessential cabins in the woods, with their triangular facades, steep gabled roof, and small footprint — so we’ve selected the cutest 13 A-frame cabins in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania that are available for rent on Airbnb this year.
MaineThe Maine Frame
Photo: Airbnb
The Maine Frame is located in the mountains of the Carrabassett Valley, on a private, wooded property. The cabin can accommodate up to six guests in its simple yet comfortable interior, and has a large deck for peaceful morning coffees, long summer dinners with friends, or even nights of stargazing, as well as a fire pit further down the property. This rustic A-frame is close to Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, Maine’s largest ski area, and is near hiking trails so you can visit the surrounding area easily.
New HampshireDream A-Frame
Photo: Airbnb
As pretty on the outside as on the inside, this A-frame cabin emits a cool retro vibe with its mid-century furniture and vintage color combinations. Located in the woods near the town of Bethlehem, the Dream A-Frame can accommodate two guests maximum and is a great option for couples in need of some romantic time away from it all. The best feature of the cabin is its facade with stylish accents of color and large, imposing windows that bring in lots of light and allow for beautiful views of the surrounding woods.
Quiet A-frame cabin on creek with private deck
Photo: Airbnb
This A-frame cabin can accommodate up to 11 guests, including eight adults, making it a great choice for large families or groups of friends keen to spend time in White Mountain National Forest. While the design and decor are simple, the cabin has cool features, such as floor-to-ceiling windows that provide great light and forest views, and a large, private deck for outdoor meals. There’s also a picnic table and a fire pit down by the creek that runs on the property.
VermontAlpine A-frame
Photo: Airbnb
With its blue exterior and fairy lights on the facade, the Alpine A-frame is as cute as cabins get. Inside, the decor is modern and stylish, with wood panels throughout for a cozy vibe and a mid-century fireplace worth a magazine cover. The cabin is meant for two guests only and is located on a private, forested property — perfect for low-key honeymooners. The property is only 15 minutes away from Mount Snow mountain resort, just five minutes from the small town of Wilmington, and walking distance to Lake Raponda where you can fish, swim, kayak, and more.
The Kingdom A-Frame
Photo: Airbnb
Like the Alpine A-Frame above, the Kingdom A-Frame cabin is a beautiful shade of blue, is decorated with fairy lights, and oozes charm, but it’s a better option for families as it can accommodate up to six guests (up to four adults) in its three cozy bedrooms. The interior decor is on point, with stylish furnishings, tasteful art, and a wood stove and wood panels that bring in a rustic feel. There’s a deck, patio, and fire pit in the backyard so you can spend as much time as possible outside to take in the tranquility of the 3.8-acre property.
Boho A-Frame Escape
Photo: Airbnb
This 1965 A-frame cabin has a vintage feel, but is fully functional and very comfortable with its woodfire stove, retro kitchen, large living space, and two bright bedrooms. For those who don’t have any vacation days left but want to get away from their home office, this cabin has a dedicated work space in the loft and fast Wi-Fi. There’s even a telescope for those who are keen to observe the beauty of the night sky.
New YorkThe Cozy Blue A-Frame
Photo: Airbnb
This simple A-frame cabin is a cute, yet no-frills property that can accommodate up to six guests if you don’t mind squeezing in. The best features of the cabin are the comfy and romantic loft bedroom and peaceful front deck. Located in the Adirondacks, the cabin is close to Gore Mountain and the High Peaks area for seasonal outdoor activities like hiking and biking. It’s also only 15 minutes from Minerva Lake and a short drive from Schroon Lake and Lake George.
>A Black A-Frame: Sustainable Catskills Cabin
Photo: Airbnb
This newly renovated 1961 A-frame cabin is located on two acres of woodlands on a private road in the Catskills, making it perfect for travelers looking for privacy, style, and a place to flex their cooking skills. The interior is modern and spacious, but retains the homely feel you want from a cabin in the woods. There’s a brand new chef’s kitchen with everything you need to cook your own gourmet meals and two full bathrooms with tubs so you can soak any stress away. There are three outdoor sitting areas for guests to enjoy: a large deck, a picnic table on the side of the cabin, and a screened gazebo.
The A-Frame at Evergreen Cabins
Photo: Airbnb
This modern A-frame cabin in Remsen has a simple and chic design inside and out. The elegant black roof and wooden facade catches the eye, and inside, there’s nothing to be disappointed about if you like a minimalist modern-western decor. The highlights of the interior include the sleek kitchen and bathroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open-floor plan. The coolest feature is the motorized roll-out bed that moves from the upstairs bedroom to the balcony for a night of stargazing.
New JerseyLokal A Frame
Photo: Airbnb
This modern A-frame cabin is located on a 2.5-acre wooded lot right on the bank of the Maurice River. The cabin features modern and minimalist aesthetics, both inside and out, with clean, straight lines, few colors, spacious rooms, and large windows. There’s a large deck as well as a wood-fired hot tub for relaxing nights outside.
PennsylvaniaMidcentury A-frame in the Poconos close to Lake
Photo: Airbnb
While this newly renovated A-frame is set on a wooded property in the Pocono Mountains, it is located within a gated community only two hours away from New York City, so it’s not as secluded as some might think. The upside of the location is the availability of amenities like an art center, tennis court, swimming pool, and more. Although the cabin looks simple and modest from the outside, the interior decor, inspired by Scandinavian design, is elegant, modern, and instills comfort. There are three bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, and a bathroom with views that will have you spending long hours in the tub. There’s also a large deck and fire pit outside.
The little A
Photo: Airbnb
This beautiful A-frame cabin in Greentown is a great mix of contemporary and rustic charm. While the furnishings are modern, there are touches of retro decor throughout the accommodation — mid-century furniture, funky lamps, and colorful accessories. That said, the cabin keeps its countryside roots with beautiful light wood flooring and paneling. There are plenty of indoor plants and large windows that bring the natural world inside the home, but if you’d rather spend more time outside, you can make good use of the deck, the hammock, or the fire pit.
The Alpine A-Frame
Photo: Airbnb
This A-frame cabin looks like the cliché cabin-in-the-woods from the outside and like a big, modern city loft on the inside. The cabin can accommodate up to six guests in its vast and airy space thanks to its three bedrooms. The best part is the floor lounge made of netting where guests can lay back and relax above the sitting room. If you’re looking for a country vibe, pass your way, this cabin is for those who love contemporary and trendy aesthetics. Located in Henryville, the cabin is on a wooded property, but there are neighbors nearby, so use the outdoor hot tub appropriately.
The post The 13 cutest A-frame cabins to rent in the Northeast appeared first on Matador Network.
Taiwan airport now a park
An old airport in Taiwan has found new life in an unexpected form: an urban park. A former airport in the city of Taichung has been transformed by French landscape architects Mosbach Paysagistes, who incorporated the airport’s topography into the sprawling Phase Shift Park’s design.
The architects were inspired by philosopher Rudolf Steiner’s “Principle of the 12 Senses” to create a space with 12 different fields. One field, for example, is designed to create echoes (speech), while another is full of flowers to appeal to the sense of smell.
Photo: Mosbach Paysagistes
All across Phase Shift Park, nature is combined with solar technology to shield the park from the surrounding humidity and pollution in the city. It’s home to over 200 types of plant species, and over 10,000 trees are expected to grow in the next few years. Porous folds were incorporated into the ground to maximize rainwater collection during monsoon season, and trees were planted strategically to bring shade and reduce humidity.
Photo: Mosbach Paysagistes
The architects conducted extensive research to maximize the landscape, and incorporated new technology in an effort to create a unique nature experience within the city.
Photo: Mosbach Paysagistes
There’s also a cafe, public bathroom, and cultural center, each of which was designed with a gray mesh surface that emits light at night to aid visibility.
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Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022
Procida, an island off the coast of Naples, has earned the distinction of being chosen as Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022. It’s the first island to win this title since the award began in 2014. Procida was picked among a selection of 10 finalist cities.
Photo: Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock
The announcement was made by Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage Dario Franceschini. Porcida will take over the title from Parma, which held the title in 2020 and 2021.
The theme of Procida’s winning application for the honor was “Culture doesn’t isolate,” which, according to the Capital of Culture Commission, is a vision “capable of conveying a poetic message, a vision of culture that reaches out from the tiny reality of an island as a well-wish for all of us, for the country, in the months to come.”
The town of just 10,000 people is known for its colorful buildings and sea views, and dates back to the 15th century BCE. Mayor Raimondo Ambrosio suggested that “Procida can be considered a metaphor of many places, many administrations, many communities who have rediscovered the enthusiasm and pride for their territory.”
The post Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022 is a tiny, colorful island appeared first on Matador Network.
January 20, 2021
Arctic species threatened by climate
We’re used to hearing about global warming’s impact on glaciers and sea ice, but it can be easy to forget that this also means the destruction of an entire habitat for a myriad of Arctic wildlife. A polar bear living in the Arctic ecosystem views a melting glacier not with the eyes of a sightseer but the desperation of a creature watching its home drift away. From the decimation of muskox food sources to gradually disappearing snow shelters for lemmings, global warming is one of the biggest threats to northerly-dwelling wildlife. These are the Arctic animals most endangered by climate change.
1. Reindeer
Photo: Dmitry Chulov/Shutterstock
Over the past 20 years, the Arctic reindeer population has fallen by more than 50 percent. It’s not due to predators or manmade encroachment, which plague so many other animals in warmer, more populated climates, but a result of melting ice making it difficult to find food. Once-frozen rivers are now melting due to rising temperatures, meaning herds of reindeer must swim across to reach lichen to eat, and many calves drown in the process. Increased rainfall also leads to plants icing over — rather than just being covered with snow — making them more difficult to access. There are currently around 2.8 million caribou and reindeer in the world, which is down dramatically from 5.6 million in the 1990s.
2. Polar bears
Photo: Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock
Although considered an apex predator, polar bears could be extinct sooner than many of their weaker neighbors if global warming continues at its current pace. Polar bears depend on sea ice for hunting seals and finding mates. When the ice melts, polar bears are forced to spend more time on land, limiting their access to food and their chances of survival. Ring seals are an important food source for polar bears, and they rely on sea ice to catch them. Once that ice disappears it becomes tougher to stalk their prey. Spending more time on land also increases polar bears’ chances of coming into contact with humans, which can potentially put the bears in danger. According to a 2019 report by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, of the world’s 19 polar bear subpopulations, four of them are now experiencing decline, signaling their imminent danger.
3. Narwhals
Photo: Dotted Yeti/Shutterstock
That giant horn might make narwhals look like they can resiliently hold their own, but unfortunately for them, they’re one of the few whale species native to the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. That means they’re more uniquely susceptible than their hornless brethren to the effects of global warming. Narwhals are used to living among thick sea ice. Since sea ice is melting earlier in the season now, orcas can access narwhal habitats and prey upon them. The melting sea ice has also led to an increase in industrial activity, like shipping, which can cause hearing loss in narwhals. This disrupts their ability to communicate with one another and locate food like fish, squid, and shrimp.
4. Lemmings
Photo: Angelica Klingberg/Shutterstock
No, these aren’t the ill-fated computer characters from 1991. If nothing is done about rising temperatures, though, the species might find itself similarly approaching the edge of a cliff. These Arctic-dwelling rodents live in burrows under the insulating snow, where they breed and shelter from the elements. As snowfall patterns change, however, and snow arrives later in autumn and melts earlier in spring, lemmings are left exposed to predators like foxes and owls. Since lemmings are a main source of food for many Arctic creatures, the effects of a declining lemming population would ripple throughout the entire ecosystem. Increased rainfall leading to harder, icier, and more compact snow can also make it hard for lemmings to dig out their snow holes in the first place.
5. Snowy owls
Photo: Stanislav Duben/Shutterstock
Although snowy owls are found across several areas in the northern US, Canada, Asia, and Europe, they primarily live in the Arctic regions around the North Pole. They hunt seabirds that gather around small holes in the ice, but due to warmer waters the ice is more widely dispersed than ever, making those seabirds harder to locate and prey on. Snowy owls also feed on lemmings, which are similarly vulnerable thanks to global warming.
6. MuskoxenPhoto: Fitawoman/Shutterstock
Currently found wandering the tundras of northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Russia, muskoxen have evolved to survive in frigid temperatures, sporting a shaggy coat of thick fur. Evolution couldn’t, however, prepare them for the difficulty of finding food caused by global warming. Warmer temperatures are leading to more rain, which results in a hard layer of ice freezing on the moss and lichen eaten by muskoxen. The thickness of the ice makes the plants inaccessible. More rain also means calves without fully developed fur coats are getting too cold and freezing to death.
7. Mountain goats
Photo: Josh Schutz/Shutterstock
Although mountain goats don’t typically range above subarctic regions, they’ve evolved as a cold-weather species. They have thick two-layered coats up to four inches thick in the winter, and in spring, they shed those coats to cool off. Now that temperatures are rising, and snowfall is coming later and disappearing earlier, mountain goats are experiencing heat stress. If they don’t shed their coats early enough in the spring, or take shelter in shady places, they could actually die due to overheating.
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Abu Dhabi’s new self-driving routes
Driving through the desert is the dream of many adventurers, and now you don’t even need a special guide to do it. Abu Dhabi has designed six self-drive off-road routes through the deserts just outside the city for driving enthusiasts to enjoy. Previously those desert roads required a guided tour in off-road vehicles, but now you’ll have the freedom to explore the sand dunes at your own pace.
There’s a route for all skill levels, and each will take you to some of the area’s highlights, like camel race tracks, the Telal Nature Reserve, and wildlife-watching spots to see gazelles, camels, and more. Some of the routes take a few hours while others stretch on for a couple of days, so drivers get to try some amazing camping spots. The new routes are part of the Off-Road Driving in Abu Dhabi Project; check out the website for safety and itinerary advice before getting in your vehicle.
According to Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, “Abu Dhabi is a wonderful destination for adventurers and those looking to connect with nature, thanks to its diverse and rugged landscape. Off-Road Driving in Abu Dhabi will provide adventurers with the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi’s beautiful landscape and embark on exciting and varying adventures throughout the year.”
It’s recommended that you always travel in a convoy of three vehicles for safety purposes. You can even sign up for a desert driving course with local tour operators to get more comfortable on the terrain.
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How to visit Cocora Valley
Towering palm trees welcome you to the Cocora Valley, in Salento, Colombia. The slim trees pepper the verdant, wild landscape, surrounded on all sides by green mountains. Entering this Colombian coffee region hotspot feels as though you’re being welcomed by kind giants to an enchanted land full of rich history and overflowing with splendor. It’s a magical valley, making it an ideal backdrop for Disney’s new animated feature Encanto.
Cocora Valley is home to the world’s tallest palm trees and some of the most impressive mountain-based views in all of Latin America. It’s no wonder Disney chose it as the setting of the film. However, exploring the real-life Colombian valley might just serve to be more enchanting than viewing the film itself. Here’s what to know about real-life enchanted Colombia behind the film and how you can experience the lush beauty of Cocora Valley in person.
How the Cocora Valley inspired Disney’s Encanto
Photo: Exequiel Schvartz/Shutterstock
Encanto is scheduled to be theatrically released on November 24, 2021. In the film’s first teaser trailer, a butterfly guides you toward a colorful home and into a mystical world that looks conspicuously similar to the Cocora Valley — complete with those skinny, towering palm trees the valley is famous for. The trailer also features the locally-iconic cumbia song “Colombia Tierra Querida.”
While Disney hasn’t confirmed yet that the film is set specifically in the Cocora Valley, the colossal palm trees and lush landscape suggest that it’s, at least in part, inspired by the country’s coffee region (made up of the departments of Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío, all of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage coffee cultural landscape). Currently, we know that the animated feature film will be a musical directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush of Zootopia fame with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Executive Director of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee , “Magical realism sets the musical stage as we travel to Colombia, where a magical family lives in an equally magical home.”
The real Cocora Valley
Photo: Raquel Mogado/Shutterstock
Years ago, Colombia’s government invested in a marketing campaign which advertised the idea that “Colombia is magical realism.” The campaign seemed to have worked, with foreign visitors to Colombia growing 300 percent between 2006 and 2019. Encanto promises to help promote this idea of the enchanted Colombian landscape as it becomes one of the hottest tourist destinations in Latin America.
Tourists and locals alike are treated to the different flavors of Colombia’s captivating magic when they visit different cities such as Cartagena, Guatapé, and Villa de Leyva, but few rival the scenery one encounters in the coffee region. It’s home to some of the country’s (and perhaps the world’s) friendliest locals, delicious coffee, mouth-watering eats, música guasca, and, of course, the Cocora Valley, among other natural wonders.
Salento is the gateway to the Cocora Valley, and one of the hottest stops on any backpacker route through Colombia, making it a must-visit for at least a night or two while you’re in the area. The town is tiny, small enough to walk around in about half an hour, but caters to tourists with hostels, cafes, adventure tours, and modern restaurants. To get to Salento, you have three main options.
Getting to Salento from Armenia
Photo: streetflash/Shutterstock
To visit the Cocora Valley, most travelers must first arrive in one of the coffee region’s three major cities, Armenia (capital of Quindío), Pereira (capital of Risaralda), or Manizales (capital of Caldas). Each of these cities offers buses headed straight to Salento, but the journey from Armenia to Salento is the shortest at around 45 minutes. Once you arrive at the Armenia bus station, you’ll be looking for the Cootracir bus to Salento. A one-way ticket should cost about 5,000 Colombian pesos, or around $1.50. Salento is 15 miles north of Armenia and just a short Jeep ride away from the Cocora Valley.
Pereira is bigger than Armenia but farther away from Salento. If you’re traveling to Salento from Pereira, head to the bus terminal where you’ll find ticket windows with massive signs on them. Look for Expreso Alcala or any Salento sign. One-way tickets should cost no more than 10,000 pesos, or just under $3. While Colombian buses are known to arrive and depart late, buses leave for Salento about every half-hour.
Manizales is the coffee region’s college town and well worth checking out if you have the time. The city’s cable system is similar to the one you’ll find in Medellín and makes for a great vantage point for traveling photographers. It is, however, the furthest away from Salento of the three capital coffee region cities.
The process of getting to Salento from Manizales is different in that you’ll head to the Manizales bus terminal but look for a bus straight to Pereira. From there, follow the instructions for how to travel to Salento from Pereira. There are currently no direct buses from Manizales to Salento.
Getting to the Cocora Valley from Salento
Photo: Rico Markus/Shutterstock
You’ve made it to Salento. Now, it’s time for the main event. Jeep Willys heading straight for the Cocora Valley leave from the town’s Plaza Bolivar Park throughout the day at 6:10 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 10:00 AM. A one-way ride should cost around 3,500 pesos, which is currently just over $1. If you’re looking for Encanto-esque views as you enter the valley, ask to stand on the back of the Jeep and let the mountains tower over you as you ride with the wind blowing through your hair.
What to do in Salento and the Cocora Valley
Photo: Yasemin Olgunoz Berber/Shutterstock
The lush landscape of the Cocora Valley gives off serious Jurassic Park vibes. Instead of walking among dinosaurs, however, you’re walking among soaring palm trees. A journey deeper into the valley leads you into a landscape featuring cascading waterfalls, streams, and lush plant life.
Active travelers should, without a doubt, be prepared to do the full Cocora Valley hike. It’s the only way to truly witness the wonders hidden inside the landscape, and it’s the option with the most rewarding views of the magical realism that Encanto evokes. The hike ends high up in a real-life cloud forest as you peer down onto the valley below. You’ll be almost eye-to-eye with the palm trees, immersed in a storybook setting that looks as if you’ve been dropped straight into the Encanto trailer.
After a hike through the valley, which takes about three to five hours depending on your pace, you can take a Jeep Willy back to the town of Salento (the last one leaves at 5:00 PM, so plan ahead) and delight your taste buds by trying trucha, the local trout specialty that’s cooked to perfection straight from the stream. Finish it all off with a cup of fresh coffee (ask for a “pintadito” if you want coffee with milk or order a “tinto” for black coffee) or try the local hot chocolate (which is served with a slice of cheese you plop into the cup).
While the town is filled with plenty of options for hungry travelers, Brunch is one of the best restaurants in Salento for those just finishing the rewarding yet arduous hike. There, you’ll find everything from veggie burgers to nacho plates the size of your head. Save room for its world-famous peanut butter brownies and leave a note on the art-covered wall for other travelers.
You’ll walk out of Brunch almost too full to move, so head over to Café Jesús Martín for the best coffee in town. If you’re looking for dinner plans, Donde Laurita offers a unique paisa-themed experience unlike anything else in Salento. Before you leave, be sure to book a spot for the highly-recommended coffee farm tour at Finca El Ocaso (a must for any coffee enthusiast).
This highly anticipated film will surely leave you wanting to experience all that Colombia has to offer firsthand. From its lush landscapes to its vibrant culture and cuisine, this magical country has plenty of adventure to offer. Colombia’s enchanting Cocora Valley waits to be discovered by travelers looking to explore what happens when you blur the lines between magic and reality.
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Vaccination to visit the Seychelles
In a sign of things to come, the Seychelles is making it easier for travelers vaccinated against COVID-19 to come and visit.
The Seychelles, an archipelago off the eastern coast of Africa, is now open to all visitors who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Previously, you could only visit from a country on the approved list — which certainly did not include the US — and were required to take a mandatory test within 72 hours before departure and undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
Starting now, the Seychelles will admit anyone, from any country, as long as they can prove with a certificate from their health authorities that they’ve had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Note that travelers must have had their second dose at least two weeks before departure.
In a press conference, Tourism Minister Sylvestre Radegonde said, “We hope that this will open up the tourism industry for the locals primarily for the small hotels who are struggling on La Digue, Praslin and also on Mahe. And also provide the kick that our economy desperately needs.”
Vaccinated travelers still need to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure to enter the Seychelles.
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Buying insurance during COVID
The pandemic has changed the travel insurance industry over the past year. Near the start of 2020, some travelers learned that their insurance didn’t cover their trip and were left taking a loss as borders shut down. Others settled for vouchers or spent hours navigating issues not explicitly laid out in policies.
A year into the pandemic, travel insurance companies have adapted to fit people’s needs during a time when doors can suddenly close without much warning. Rules regarding COVID-19 tests rapidly change depending on cases both domestically and abroad.
“Even less expensive trips may have to be canceled last minute because of unforeseen circumstances (i.e. a covered serious illness or injury of a family member or travel companion),” says Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications at the travel insurance provider Allianz Partners. “Travel delays are also out of your control and can get quite expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you’re covered.”
These are the things to take into consideration when purchasing travel insurance during the pandemic.
1. Consider hotels that offer travel insurance as wellIt’s no longer just travel insurance agents who are providing coverage. Resorts like Viva Wyndham provide travel insurance as part of the all-inclusive package, as well as a COVID-19 testing center — an amenity that’s becoming popular among luxury resorts around the world.
Many sectors of the travel industry have adopted a more flexible position, including many major airlines that are getting rid of change fees and, according to insuranceQuotes.com analyst Brian O’Connell, some big hotel brands are now more flexible in regard to cancellations.
2. Look for coverage that lets you cancel for any reasonUncertainty rules many parts of life when the coronavirus is present, and strict travel insurance cancellation policies may mean you won’t get your money back. A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade offers the flexibility needed when you simply don’t know what could come up. According to InsureMyTrip, the terms of coverage depend on state-specific policies, but reimbursements for CFAR covered trips could be between 50 and 70 percent of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.
“We understand travelers are concerned about this health emergency and want options in the event he or she decides to voluntarily cancel an upcoming trip,” says InsureMyTrip product manager Meghan Walch. “We expect this growing demand for travel insurance to continue to rise until the coronavirus outbreak stabilizes.”
Be sure to read the policy to make sure the coverage spans the areas that you need.
“A common mistake when shopping for travel insuranc e is assuming that it covers every single situation you may encounter while traveling,” Durazo says. “When purchasing a plan, it’s extremely important to read your policy thoroughly to understand what it covers and doesn’t cover.”
If you’re on the fence about travel insurance, find a plan that gives some wiggle room. Allianz plans, for example, have a 15-day period after purchase to look over the policy as well as temporarily allowing people to cancel their policy for a full refund of their premium or move dates for a rescheduled trip.
3. Plans will be split between those that cover COVID-19 complications and those that don’tAt the start of the pandemic, some travel insurance companies took a hands-off approach to covering anything COVID-19 related. Pandemic clauses kept many people in the US from collecting on claims as far back as February, while a handful of companies created pandemic-specific insurance plans.
“The biggest shift we saw is that travel insurance are skittish about covering anything directly COVID-related,” O’Connell says. “You may see some insurers offer COVID insurance policies, but those policies will come at a higher cost and with fees and condition attached.”
But just like in the early days of the pandemic, there are select insurance providers that offer coverage for cancellations no questions asked — if you opt to pay the price.
4. You might not need CFAR insurance for certain types of travelAirline cancellation fees were a major issue in spring and early summer as people who made travel plans tried to get their money back when travel restrictions expanded. It became a big enough issue that Congress put forward a bill regarding paying people back for cancellations.
“Travelers now have more options when it comes to travel insurance, as the industry adjusts to handling the COVID-19 pandemic,” says InsureMyTrip director of ecommerce Cheryl Golden. Examples of expanded insurance options include coverage that’s specific to COVID-19 (whether you catch it before or during your trip), quarantine protocols, and job loss due to the pandemic.
The level of medical insurance, however, varies widely.
“Another departure from the norm is medical insurance for travel, especially overseas,” O’Connell says. “With COVID constantly looming, travelers — even vaccines on the way — will want to get decent medical insurance (costs about 5-to-10 percent of the total cost of the trip). That’s especially the case when traveling overseas, where most domestic health insurance plans aren’t accepted.”
5. Consider the full cost of going without medical insurance abroad“For trips abroad, it’s important to make sure your travel insurance includes emergency medica l coverage and transportation,” Durazo says. “This is especially important for international travel because most domestic healthcare plans are not accepted out of the country. A plan with emergency medical benefits can cover the cost of your medical treatment, arrange care and determine you’re in an appropriate facility. Emergency medical transportation is also important when traveling out of the country. These transports are logistically challenging and can range in cost from $20,000 to more than $100,000. Medical evacuation benefits could cover these costs.”
6. Full travel insurance will come with an added cost“Cost is also a big issue we see travelers overlook when it comes to travel insurance,” O’Connell says. “Since decent travel insurance can cost between 5 and 10 percent of the total trip cost, budgetary concerns will add to traveler’s concerns, even with a vaccine in place. Travelers still need travel insurance, especially in the age of COVID, however. In the current chaotic scenario, insurance that covers trip cancellation, trip delays, and trip medical coverage is almost mandatory for travelers.”
As a result, those who want to and are able to pay the cost will have more opportunities while others may want to wait until there’s a lower chance that plans need to be altered.
7. Prepare for COVID-related health questions“Carriers are getting more picky, more intrusive, and more selective on what issues they’re covering — especially from a healthcare point of view,” O’Connell says.
With that in mind, expect a lot of health-related forms.
“For instance, you’ll get questions like ‘have you received the vaccine,’ ‘are you traveling internationally,’ ‘are you traveling to a hot zone,’ and ‘what is your age and do you have pre-existing conditions?’” O’Connell says.
8. Think short-term“Whether you’re traveling domestically or overseas, aim for short-term policies, or purchase insurance that’s trip specific,” O’Connell says. “That’s a good idea if you think there’s a chance you may have to cancel and want your money back. It’s also helpful to know that COVID-19 isn’t normally covered under most travel insurance policies.”
The post 8 things to consider before buying travel insurance during a pandemic appeared first on Matador Network.
Southwest $50 flight sale
Southwest Airlines has a big birthday to celebrate, but instead of accepting gifts it’s in a giving mood. To mark its 50th year of operation, Southwest is giving travelers the chance to purchase discounted one-way tickets to several domestic destinations, for as low as $50.
The sale will last through February 8, 2021, and low-fare tickets must be purchased at least 21 days in advance. Tickets are valid for travel between February 9 and May 20, 2021. To browse fares for your desired destination, check out Southwest’s low fare calendar.
For the best deals, you’ll want to target weekday routes between Southwest’s hub cities, including round-trip flights for $100 between Atlanta and Nashville, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Baltimore and Boston, and Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. There are also $50 flights from Los Angeles to Oakland, Phoenix, Reno, Sacramento, and Tucson. There aren’t any $50 flights from New York, unfortunately, but for $67 you can fly to Baltimore.
While the $50 domestic routes are the real draw, there are also some tempting international options that won’t break the bank. For example, you can fly from Houston to Cancun in Mexico for just $175 and Orlando to Montego Bay in Jamaica for just $153.
The post Southwest is celebrating its 50th anniversary with $50 flights appeared first on Matador Network.
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