17 Unforgettable Trips to Take in 2017

I always feel a bit nostalgic after the new year. Thinking back over 2016, I’ve had some extraordinary adventures. It was an incredible year that took me from South America to South Africa and beyond.

Searching for some 2017 travel inspiration? Check out some of my favorite trips of all time and a few destinations I can’t wait to check off my bucket list.

Here are 17 unforgettable trips to take in 2017!

Visit the USA National Parks

The national parks of the United States are underrated. From Alaska to Maine, the US is full of must-see natural attractions. One of my favorite National Parks is Yosemite in California.

Other greats include the Hawai’i Volcanoes, Hawaii; Olympic, Washington; Zion, Utah; and Yellowstone, Wyoming. Even if you can’t see them all, why not try to see one new national park every year?

More on USA Travel:

• Backpacking Essentials for a Weekend in Yosemite
• 10 Epic Nature Escapes in the West

Cruise The Galápagos

Sure, it’s far, but it’s so worth it! With striking natural beauty, a fascinating history, and some of the world’s best diving, The Galápagos Islands deserve a spot at the top of every traveler’s bucket list.

Visiting the Galápagos is also a great excuse to explore Colombia, Ecuador, and some of the other treasures of South America.

More on Galápagos Travel:

• Tips on Getting to the Galápagos
• Cruising the Galápagos with Ecoventura
• Staying at Golden Bay Hotel & Spa in The Galápagos

Fly over the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is definitely one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever seen. It is the world’s largest underwater sinkhole, and the only way that you can really experience it is from above.

After you’ve flown over it, dive in to check out the underwater caves along the Blue Hole, and then head back to the mainland. Beyond gorgeous, Belize is a beach lover’s dream.

More on Belize Travel:

• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Belize
• Staying at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Belize

Learn to Code in Bali

Why not double down and expand your horizons while you’re traveling? Learning poolside at a private villa in Bali felt effortless, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself and my business.

If you want to expand your résumé, start a blog, or just try something new, I’d highly recommend looking into the Institute of Code.

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a blog mentorship retreat in Bali with IOC this summer!  More information coming soon!

 

More on Institute of Code:

• My Experience Learning to Code in Bali
• Learning to Code from a Private Villa in Paradise

Take a Trip to China

China is such a diverse and unique country. From taking a selfie with the Terracotta Army to climbing Mt. Huashan to trying legit Chinese food, you could spend years exploring China.

I’ve visited the Shaanxi province as well as Qinghai, and have many more places on my list. With a rich history and culture, this place is ripe for exploration!

More on China Travel:

• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit China
• How to Plan Your First Trip to China
• Five Things to do in Xi’an, China
• Ten Tips for Your First Trip to China

Go Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch

Exploring Africa is at the top of my to-do list, and I’m so glad that I got the chance to experience South Africa last year. One of the highlights of my experience there was exploring Stellenbosch.

While very underrated, South Africa could easily be called one of the best wine regions on the planet. Discover all that Cape Town has to offer, and then make your way to this beautiful region. And come thirsty!

More on South Africa Travel:

• The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide
• Driving the Cape Peninsula in a Day
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Cape Town

Head to The Ski Week 

Between skiing, snow shoeing, mountainside yoga, and the Snocuzzi, The Ski Week is an action-packed adventure.

With so much to do and such a fun and diverse group of people to hang out with, this is something I would seriously consider making into an annual tradition. If you have never been before, it’s time to see why people from all over the world block this week off on their calendar.

More on The Ski Week:

• 10 Reasons to Go on The Ski Week

See Elephants in Sri Lanka

Far too many travelers visit India and miss out on all that its vibrant neighbor to the south has to offer.

I went on a safari in Sri Lanka last year, I got to see everything that I’ve been missing all these years. Get over there in 2017 to take in all of the sights, sounds, colors, and tastes that make Sri Lanka unforgettable.

More on Sri Lanka Travel:

• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Sri Lanka
• A Guide to North Central Sri Lanka
• A Guide to Southern Sri Lanka

SHOP my favorite travel essentials!

Discover the Deserts of Dubai

Take in the glitz and glam of Dubai, and then get out to see another side of the United Arab Emirates. Travel by camel into the desert and see what life was like in the surprisingly recent past. Take in the local culture and have some fun playing in the sand.

Tip: The summers in Dubai are so hot you could literally die. With temps breaking 110 degrees, this is not a place for the faint hearted. If you need a mid-winter escape, however, Dubai is the place to be!

More on Dubai Travel:

• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Dubai
• The Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide
• Staying at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai

Drive the Ring Road in Iceland

There’s no better place to get back to nature than in Iceland. One of Europe’s top spots for road trips, Iceland is remarkable. There are just so many natural wonders that you’ve got to circle the entire island to take it all in.

More on Iceland Travel:

• How to Survive Iceland’s Ring Road in a Camper Van
• What to Pack for a Week in Iceland
• The Best Time to Go to Iceland

Dive Komodo National Park, Indonesia

You guys already know how much I love diving. One of my favorite parts of exploring is seeing the world below the surface. While I’ve dived some epic locations, Komodo National Park was the best diving of 2016 for me, and it’s a must-see for any diver.

More on Komodo National Park Travel:

• Scuba Diving the Komodo Islands
• A Day Trip to Komodo Island, Padar and Pink Beach
• The Gateway to Komodo: Labuan Bajo

Explore French Polynesia

Another beach lover’s dream come true! While you’ve probably already heard of Bora Bora, there is so much more to see in French Polynesia. Get out there and experience Taha’a and Moorea for a dream tropical escape.

More on French Polynesia Travel:

• 10 Reasons to Visit French Polynesia
• Air Tahiti Nui Business Class Flight from LA to Tahiti

Plan a Girls’ Trip to Tokyo

Tokyo is absolutely crazy, and it’s even better when experienced with your bestie. This place was on my bucket list for way too long, and trust me, it did not disappoint. Make 2017 the year that you grab your girl and experience all that is Tokyo.

More on Tokyo Travel:

• A Quick Guide to Tokyo’s Major Districts
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Tokyo
• 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Tokyo

Spend the Winter in Canada

From Vancouver to Montreal, show a little love for our neighbors to the north. Learn the art of dogsledding or go on a ski break in some of North America’s most impressive locales.

If you are a skier, you have got to get to Canada this winter and see why Montreal is one of North America’s top cities. Hop on the slopes of Whistler and Banff, and then make your way to Quebec where you can take on Mont Tremblant.

More on Canada Travel:

• Top 10 Things to Do in Whistler During Winter
• What to Pack for a Week in Whistler
• The Ultimate Montreal Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Vancouver Brewery and Food Truck Guide

Relax in Isla Holbox

Forget Cancún! Isla Holbox is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Get off the beaten path for friendly people, fab beaches, and a bit of authentic cultura Mexicana. While I’d love to keep this place all for myself, Isla Holbox is a secret just too good to hold onto.

More on Isla Holbox Travel:

• The Ultimate Isla Holbox Travel Guide
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Isla Holbox

Go to AfrikaBurn

I’ve been going to Burning Man for the past few years, and every year is better than the last. If you love this Nevada extravaganza as much as I do, it’s time to upgrade to AfrikaBurn. South Africa’s answer to the world-famous American Burning Man…

this is a totally surreal experience that you can’t miss.

Spend New Year’s Eve in Brazil

Have you kicked off the celebration in Australia and seen the ball drop in New York? It’s time to experience celebrating the New Year Brazilian style!

These guys are serious about New Years and they party for ten days straight. Get down to the island of Florianópolis just off Brazil’s southern coast for a once-in-a-lifetime party.

More on Brazil Travel:

• The Ultimate Guide to Rio in a Weekend
• The Ultimate Florianopolis Travel Guide

READ NEXT: The Best Cities to Travel Alone

 

Read More

16 Adventurous Trips to Take in 2016

Ten Essential Tips For Solo Female Travelers

The Best Island Destinations Around the World

The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel

6 Fears You Face as a Solo Female Traveler

Best Places to Scuba Dive Around the World

Ten Mistakes Made by Solo Female Travelers

Why NOW Is The Best Time for Americans to Travel

How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip

The Ultimate Travel Gear Packing Guide

Pin Me!

17 Unforgettable Trips to Take in 2017 is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/2jrZiOK

Air Tahiti Nui Business Class Flight from LA to Tahiti

When it comes to long-haul flights, having a bit of room to spread out makes traveling much more comfortable. Arriving feeling refreshed and ready for an adventure also means that you can hit the ground running rather than needing a day in bed to feel alive again.

Air Tahiti Nui is well-known as the preferred choice for direct flights from LA to Tahiti, but also operates long-haul flights all over the world. On my trip from California to French Polynesia, I was upgraded to business class and got to experience their premium service first hand.

Here’s my experience flying Air Tahiti Nui business class!

– What to Expect –

I took a non-stop flight from LAX to Papeete, Tahiti. The flight lasted just under eight hours, which definitely makes for a long day of travel– but it is shorter than flights to a lot of other tropical destinations. I was seriously surprised as to how close the French Polynesian islands actually were!

Business class passengers on Air Tahiti Nui get priority check-in, access to a VIP lounge, and priority baggage service. On trips across the globe, these little perks save some serious time and make travel as stress free as possible.

– Upon Boarding –

I was greeted with a glass of champagne, which is always a special touch before takeoff  The whole Air Tahiti Nui experience is very tropical!

As soon as you get on, you are gifted a Tiare — Tahiti’s national flower.

With beach-inspired decor, the cabin is aqua and sand colored with tropical accents. Even the cushions are designed to look like handcrafted Tahitian textures known as tifaifai. After countless flights in drab-looking cabins, this was a seriously cool bonus.

– Amenities –

The little Air Tahiti Nui toiletry kit was basic but handy, and it came in a cute beach-style zippered bag. I was stocked up with socks, an eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, a toothbrush, and toothpaste to stay fresh during the flight.

Plus, you can reuse the bag on future trips!

I did love that the amenity bag wasn’t stuffed with items I’d never use. Instead of creating waste, the airline attendant came around with a basket of “just in case” essentials including razors with shaving cream, moisturizer and ballpoint pens.

– Seating –

The Air Tahiti Nui business class seats are what made it all worthwhile. They’ve got a hook for handbags and little storage compartments so you can keep everything organized during the flight. There was ample space surrounding the seats to keep everything handy without feeling crowded.

The seats themselves recline to “nearly lie-flat” at a 160-degree angle, so you can keep adjusting until you find a sweet spot– perfect for sleeping, which is critical during a long-haul flight.

They are also designed to optimize privacy so you never feel like your neighbors are looking over your shoulder.

– Food and Drink –

A blend of Polynesian, French, and international flavors, Air Tahiti Nui’s fare is impressive. It’s got a great selection of wine and a wide range of food. The seafood was amazing and definitely exceeded my expectations for airline food.

Air Tahiti Nui is also good at dealing with dietary restrictions of all kinds, which is another culinary essential.

It has eleven different meal types that will work for the vast majority of diets. Just call the airline about your needs forty-eight hours before your flight and you will be well fed and happy.

– Entertainment –

Air Tahiti Nui business class offers tablet-quality, twelve-inch touch screens. There’s an easy-to-use menu that will guide you through all of the movies, TV shows, music, games, and features of your destination. The on-demand options give you a few dozen movies and TV shows with a range of language options.

Of course, like on any airline, the on-board entertainment can be hit or miss for me so private entertainment is always essential. Air Tahiti Nui business class has a good setup for using your own electronics.

There is enough space to spread out and it has got conveniently located outlets and USB charging ports.

READ NEXT: 10 Reasons to Visit French Polynesia

 

Read More

Staying at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa

7 Unique Ways to Stay Entertained on a Flight

Tips for Feeling Fresh on a Long-Haul Flight

Five Things to Do Before Every Flight

The Ultimate Survival Guide for Long-Haul Flights

Why NOW Is The Best Time for Americans to Travel

How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip

The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide

SHOP my favorite flight essentials!

Air Tahiti Nui Business Class Flight from LA to Tahiti is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/2jvEvVH

Staying at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa

Visiting French Polynesia has always been a dream of mine, and it’s definitely a place that lives up to the hype. Known as Vanilla Island, the island of Taha’a is absolutely gorgeous, and it really does smell like vanilla. I decided to go for a truly luxe experience in French Polynesia, and it was unforgettable!

Here’s what it was like Staying at Le Taha’a Island & Spa Resort!

Getting There

French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands. Tahiti is one of the largest and most famous of them. If you want to get to the island of Taha’a, you’ll go through Tahiti.

I flew from LA to Papeete, Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui, then took a short Air Tahiti flight over to Raiatea.

From there, I took a boat transfer to Le Taha’a. While that might sound like a long trip, I actually had a great time. It’s not unusual to see a pod of dolphins along the way, and the scenery is breathtaking.

The Hotel

Le Taha’a Island & Spa Resort is a five-star hotel that made it onto the illustrious Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List of the World’s Best Places to Stay. The fifty-seven suites and villas of the resort have impressive Polynesian architecture and an ideal location.

Situated on the peaceful Motu Tautau islet, the resort is nestled between the island of Taha’a and Bora Bora, so you’ve got an incredible view in every direction.

Another thing that I liked about the resort is that everything feels connected to the local environment. While a lot of luxury hotels feel a bit sterile, this place is connected to nature and the traditional culture of the island.

The Rooms

Each room type at Le Taha’a offers a different view: the Taha’a Overwater Suite gives you an impressive sea view; the Bora Bora Overwater Suite has a view of Bora Bora; the Sunset Overwater Suite has an astounding view of the sun setting over the water; and the End of Pontoon Overwater Suite offers equally great views and added privacy.

I stayed in the Overwater Suite with a view of the turquoise lagoon, and it was amazing.

There are also Beach Villas and Royal Beach Villas, which are the resort’s signature accommodations.

With a private pool and tropical garden, these villas open up to white-sand beaches and crystal clear water. If you go for the Royal Beach Villa, you’ll have two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as outdoor bathtubs and showers.

The Food

The food at Le Taha’a Island & Spa Resort is top notch. There is a vast section of fresh seafood and fruit, and the staff at the resort can accommodate any type of dietary restrictions. With three on-site restaurants, room service, and a bar, you can eat like a royal without ever having to leave the resort.

Le Vanille, the main restaurant, is the place to go for breakfast and dinner.

It has also got a Polynesian Evening once a week, which is the perfect opportunity to take in folk dances and the famous French Polynesian fire dance.

For lunch, check out Le Taha’a. This al fresco restaurant is a beach lover’s dream. Indulge in some French-Polynesian fusion while you dig your feet into the sand. For an afternoon cocktail, swim up to the bar and lounge in the sun.

Activities

There is so much to do in Taha’a, I could have stayed there for weeks. From the resort, there are daily excursions to the famous vanilla plantations, and you can go snorkeling in the coral reef right off the resort.

Le Taha’a Island & Spa Resort also has a scuba diving program that will take you into the Taha’a and Raiatea lagoons. This is a top place to dive. In fact, I included it on my list of the best places to scuba dive around the world.

Some of the best spots in the area are Eleuthera in Tahiti, Nemo World in Bora Bora, The Six Passengers in Rangiroa, Scubapiti and Mahana Dive in Huahine, and Fun Dive in Moorea. If you love diving as much as I do, you’ll want to grab the ten-dive Te Moana Diving Pass, which lets you explore the entire area.

You could never leave the water here, and you’d still have a good time. Go on a wave runner or take a sunset cruise. If you want a view from above, check out the legendary helicopters tours.

While Taha’a makes for the perfect girlfriends’ getaway, it is also an incredibly romantic spot.

The resort organizes all kinds of couples’ trips, like the private beach dinners, sailing, local shows, picnics, and weddings. If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape, this is the place for you and your special someone.

More Information

• Hotel: Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
• Location: Taha’a, French Polynesia
• Accommodation: 5 Star
• Price Range: $$$$

READ NEXT: 10 Reasons to Visit French Polynesia

 

Read More

10 Reasons to Scuba Dive on Your Next Trip

The Ultimate Survival Guide for Long-Haul Flights

My Best Travel Experiences of 2016

10 Amazing Islands You Need to Visit Now

The Ultimate Travel Gear Packing Guide

Staying at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/2k5DcQW

10 Places to Propose

More proposal tips from our Couples Travel Experts, Samantha & Ryan, of Our Travel Passport!

Now that you’ve got all the details and planning worked out for how to propose on vacation, picking where you want to propose is the fun part.

The backdrop for your proposal is part of what makes the moment so special, and the location will forever be a place the two of you will want to go back to over and over again.

Here are our top ten most romantic places to propose!

Ponte de Piedade, Portugal

I’m pretty sure there isn’t a prettier backdrop in all of the world than Ponte de Piedade. Once you get there, explore the area together for a while and take in the incredible view. Take advantage of your time exploring to decide whether you want to drop to your knee closer to the water or from a higher vantage point.

Either way, you’re guaranteed a beautiful view.

Over Heart Reef, Australia

In The Great Barrier Reef of Australia you can find a perfectly shaped reef in the form of a heart called, Heart Reef.

Take an airplane tour over it and turn to your love just as you’re flying over Heart Reef. Pretty sure nothing says love quite like that. Give the pilot a heads up so he can circle it a few times for you.

On a Gondola Ride in Venice

Riding through the canals of Venice on a gondola ride is quite possibly one of the most romantic experiences there is. Make it even more memorable by dropping down on one knee.

Plan ahead to arrange for a serenade, dinner, and a romantic sunset.

Planning ahead will keep you from spending too much money on your ride, and it will make sure that all your proposal plans go through perfectly.

Paris, France

If you want to be a little more creative and don’t want do it at the top of the Eiffel Tower (even though it would be pretty magical, so I’m sure she wouldn’t mind), try doing it through the gardens of Versaille or Luxembourg.

Or for an incredible view of the city and the Eiffel Tower, drop to your knee on top of Sacre Coeur or Arc de Triomphe. Paris is considered the City of Love for a reason, so no matter where you do it in the city, you won’t regret proposing in Paris.

Underwater

Any tropical location with a beautiful reef works, but we recommend Turks and Caicos or French Polynesia. Most dive masters are more than willing to help set something beautiful up underwater for you.

Many will also take pictures, so you can look back on the moment forever. Just be sure that both of you are comfortable enough underwater to remain calm throughout the whole process.

And maybe save the kisses for once you get back in the boat!

 

Disney

Speaking of castles… you might try Cinderella’s castle at Disney World. To be a little less typical and for some comedy, you could sit behind your future fiancée and open the ring box as you’re going down Splash Mountain.

Then as you’re both running off the ride and down to see your faces in the picture taken mid-free fall, you can drop down on one knee when her mouth drops in shock and ask right then and there.

Our favorite couples travel essentials!

San Francisco, California

Okay, we’re biased, because this is where we got engaged, but there’s something so special about the city, we’re willing to share our spot with you.

Go to the Eastern Side of the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the Marin Headlands, Battery Spencer, Hawk Hill, and Kirby Cove to decide which spot is best for you two!

Outside of a Castle

Because nothing says “you’re my queen” like proposing in front of a giant castle. Some of our favorites are Mont Saint Michel, Neuschwanstein, and Eltz Castle.

On Top of the Swiss Alps

Getting to the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps isn’t necessarily cheap, but as long as you’re comfortable hanging by large cables in a gondola, it’s easy. Now you can really stand on top of a mountain and scream to the whole world how much you love her!

Rain Room, Los Angeles

We all know that kissing in the rain is romantic, but getting engaged in the rain just brings romance to a whole other level. The Rain Room at LACMA is an incredible art exhibit where, thanks to sensors, you stay dry amidst a man-made rain storm.

Disclaimer: This is a rotating exhibit, meaning it rotates around different cities throughout the world and may not be available during your planned proposal. If you and your love are passionate about art, there are plenty of other incredible museum exhibits that would make a beautiful backdrop as well.

If we were to add anything else to the list of tips in our last post we would have to say,

“Don’t drop the ring!”

In a lot of these places, if you drop it… it is probably gone forever, so consider that when making your proposal plans!

READ NEXT: Tips for Proposing on Vacation

 

Read More

The Reality of Traveling as a Couple

10 Places Every Adventurous Couple Needs to Explore

Romantic Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

10 Essential Tips for Traveling as a Couple

10 Tips to Save Money While Traveling as a Couple

The Best Luxury Honeymoon Destinations

10 Places Every Adventurous Couple Needs to Explore

Why You Should Travel as a Couple Before Marriage

10 Places to Propose is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/2jyqXt9

Where to Find the Best Food in Portland, Maine

There a couple of cities in the US that make for great weekend getaways. Short flights, good flight times, and small enough that once there that you can easily get a good sense without more than about two days.

Portland, Maine is one of these places.  

I flew in late on a Friday, dropped my bags, and headed straight into town for a dinner at Fore Street. The rest of the time was spent wandering around both in and out of the main downtown area, sampling the calm local life the entire way.

Check out Kate’s experiences with the best food in Portland, Maine!

Fore Street

Told it was the Gramercy Tavern of Portland, Fore Street is the kind of place you make sure you stop in on when in town. The evening started off just as any other would; debating a menu and realizing a couple in their 70s was simultaneously getting engaged at the table next to us. Stunned and touched by this out of a movie scene, we did our best to proceed as normal, but will admit this moment likely elevated our entire experience.  

From most tables you can see the kitchen crew at work, with the grill playing a leading role. Fish and meats are the centerpiece, with the salads not taking a backseat either.  

To end the meal perfectly, as we dug into our apple pie a la mode the man to our right who no doubt kept catching our lingering stares said softly “romance lives,” and wished us a good night.

Lobster Shack

Two dozen red picnic tables and ocean views. Lobster Shack offers a menu of lobster rolls, crinkle fries, whoopie pies and beer. It’s all a destination seafood spot, 20 minutes outside of Portland and along the coastline, should be.

Street & Company

I wandered in here on a whim, and am extremely glad I did. Located on a cobblestone side street in the heart of the city, Street & Company, sister restaurant to Fore Street, well exceeded expectations.

The waiters are so friendly you looked at them twice, the cheese plates are packed with figs, honeys and cheeses, and heaping portions of pastas are served piping hot in the large cast iron pans they are originally cooked in.

Eventide Oyster Co.

I am a lobster roll person, as proclaimed by both myself, and others. Eventide is one of the best- on the entire east coast. Eventide’s interior oozes seaside living, with the food to back it up. There are oysters, bowls of clam chowder, crudos, and a choice of two lobster rolls; the warm brown butter vinaigrette option being the reason I place this at the very top.  

Do not miss it.  

Beal’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream

Portland has ice cream galore, with every other person on the streets seemingly holding a cup or cone in their hand. When deciding, I went for the always trusty personal connection.  

Beal’s had a 1981 sign standing proud which is a good year; it birthed yours truly, and this ice cream shop, too. Wrapped in American flag paper, I took my double chocolate scoop cone to go, and continued on my way.    

READ NEXT: Top Summer Weekend Getaways in the USA

 

Read More

The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to Bridgehampton

Where to Find the Best Food in Portland

10 Winter Weekend Getaways in the USA

Where to Find the Best Brunch in Manhattan

The Ultimate Southern USA Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Find the Best Food in Portland, Maine is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/2kpbZtJ

How To Provide Proof Of Onward Travel (So You Don’t Get Kicked Off Your Flight!)

How To Provide Proof Of Onward Travel

Travel Tips

Planning to travel internationally on a one-way ticket? You might have a problem. Some airlines and countries require proof of onward travel. Here’s how you can get it.

“Before you can board this flight, I need to see your proof of onward travel.” What?! But I’m traveling on a one-way ticket!

I remember the first time it happened to me. I was checking in at Boston’s Logan Airport for an international flight to Bangkok, Thailand.

Excited to visit Southeast Asia for the first time, and planning to spend a few months living in Chiang Mai as a digital nomad. I was flying one-way because, you know, I wasn’t sure how long I’d stay.

One month? Three? Would I even go back to the United States? Maybe I’ll travel to a different country after Thailand… overland. I simply hadn’t planned that far ahead yet.

However due to my American privilege, and my inexperience with international travel, it never once crossed my mind that this would be a problem.

Can’t I just buy another ticket when I’m ready to leave? Nope.

How To Provide Proof Of Onward Travel

What Is Proof Of Onward Travel?

Basically, some countries want to make sure you aren’t attempting to move there on a tourist visa and never leave. It happens all the time here in the United States, and other countries too. They are trying to prevent illegal immigration.

Government officials need to see proof that you plan on flying out eventually, respecting the rules of their tourist visa. They want proof of onward travel to another destination.

So while you can technically travel on a one-way ticket, they also need some kind of official return ticket confirmation showing that you are leaving the country eventually.

They won’t necessarily care where that ticket goes, just as long as it’s out of their country.

Example Ticket Confirmation from FlyOnward.com

Airline Requirements

Many countries actually pass this responsibility on to airlines, meaning that it’s the airline check-in desk who will ask to see proof of your onward travel before they let you board the flight.

Because if they don’t check, and allow you on the flight with a one-way ticket, but immigration officials refuse to let you in, the airline will be responsible for the costs of flying (deporting?) you back to your home country, along with possible fines.

Some airlines are very strict about the proof of onward travel rule.

If you can’t provide proof, you won’t be allowed to board your flight. Or they’ll ask you to buy a return ticket from them right then and there — which can often cost hundreds of dollars.

Onward Travel Rules Suck!

I feel your pain. Why can’t they just make it easy and allow me travel on a one-way ticket, trusting me when I tell them I plan to leave in two months?

Some of us prefer to travel spontaneously, without plans!

Most long-term travelers are on a tight budget, trying to make their money last as long as possible. Or they aren’t exactly sure which country they want to visit next. Or they want to travel overland by bus.

Buying round trip tickets just isn’t in the cards for everyone.

Don’t take it personally though. These are their rules, and we have to respect them. We have the same laws for foreigners attempting to visit our country.

Luckily there are a few easy (and legal) ways to get around this proof-of-onward-travel requirement, so you can travel on a one-way ticket, and not be forced to pre-plan your entire trip down to the last detail.

Rent A Ticket Confirmation!

How To Get Proof Of Onward Travel

If you think you may need proof of onward travel during your adventure, there are a few legal ways to get around the rules without having to buy round trip tickets everywhere you go.

Buy A Cheap Ticket

Extreme budget airlines around the world can have some amazing flight deals. While the airline itself might not be the best, if you don’t plan on actually using the ticket, who cares!

Find the cheapest one-way ticket to a major city in the country next door, and eat the cost. Maybe $50 or $100.

This works best in cheaper areas of the world, like Asia or Latin America. Some examples of budget airlines include EasyJet, AirAsia, Volaris, etc. Click here for a full list.

Use FlyOnward To Rent A Ticket

My favorite option these days is to use the online service FlyOnward.com. For about $10, this company will go ahead and purchase a refundable airline ticket in your name, on their dime.

The ticket will then be automatically canceled after 24 or 48 hours.

While it’s active, you’ll be able to view a REAL flight reservation under your name, and show it to the airline check-in agent or immigration officer, “proving” your onward travel. Simple, fast, and cheap.

You can see an example of what the confirmation looks like here.

Purchase Your Own Refundable Ticket

If you don’t mind waiting (sometimes months) to receive your refund, then buying a fully refundable, second one-way ticket is possible too.

To make it work, you’ll need to buy that second ticket before you leave for your destination.

Once you’ve entered the country, cancel your exit ticket, and wait for the refund. Just make sure to read the fine print — because some airlines charge cancelation fees, or only refund tickets using flight vouchers instead of cash.

Use Your Airline Miles

If you are a travel-hacking whiz and have accumulated a ton of points or miles on your travel rewards credit cards, you can use those points to book a one-way return flight and cancel it later.

Most of the time you’ll find that points are refunded right away, making it a no-brainer.

Which Countries Require Proof?

Many countries technically require proof of onward travel, however they don’t always enforce the rule. To reduce your chances of them asking, it’s wise to avoid dressing like a bum/hippie with no money.

Business casual works best at airports if you want to avoid questions.

A few countries definitely require documented proof of onward travel. They include New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Peru, and the Philippines.

However depending on the airline you use, you might also get asked for proof before visiting countries like Thailand, Mexico, and Panama. Do your own research beforehand, just in case.

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard!

Even though this rule might seem ridiculous, if you are a long-term traveler who prefers to travel on one-way tickets, you will eventually get asked for proof of onward travel.

I’ve probably been asked at least 10 times over the past few years.

Luckily there are legal loopholes around it. You just need to remember to get everything sorted in advance, before you find yourself stuck arguing with the airline check-in agent, about to miss your flight. ★

READ NEXT: How To Find Cheap Flights

Have any questions about proof of onward travel? Have you ever been asked? Drop me a message in the comments below!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

from Expert Vagabond http://ift.tt/2jUSvfV