As we approach year three of the pandemic, it’s safe to say we’ve learned to be more cautious and flexible with our plans. And with the omicron variant dominating headlines, travel rules and Covid concerns will likely continue changing month to month in 2022.

That said, vaccines and boosters are widespread, international borders are opening (even when some are also closing) and countries, airlines and hotels now have systems for safely welcoming visitors despite frequent pivots.

We’re adapting to living in a world with COVID-19, and the travel and tourism industry is mostly open to those who are ready.

2022 travel outlook

If you’ve been to the airport lately, you’ve noticed that people are on the move again. Even with the rise of the omicron variant, air travel is seeing an uptick every day, with travel numbers getting close to what they were before the pandemic.

Despite rising concern due to new variants, research shows that travelers are still feeling positive about the future. Destination Analytics—a research firm that is studying how the coronavirus impacts people’s perception of travel safety—recently reported Americans’ travel outlook for 2022 as “promising,” with 76 percent of American travelers in a ready-to-go state of mind. One-third of American travelers report they will take more leisure trips in the next year, and nearly 25 percent say they are planning to increase their international travel.

And it’s not only individuals who are feeling optimistic. Many airlines are finally removing aircraft from storage and relaunching the international routes we’ve all missed. With Australia finally opening after two years of border closure, Qantas has restarted many of its long-haul flights, including their most popular routes to Sydney from London (LHR) and Los Angeles (LAX).

How to take advantage of 2022 travel deals now

With more routes reopening and airlines scrambling to fill their planes, now could be the right time to book a flight, especially if you can get your hands on a coveted deal for international summer travel.

Domestic travel is lower risk

It’s unlikely that travel will be restricted between states, so it may make sense to snag domestic tickets when you find a reasonable price. If you’re planning to hit a popular destination like Florida, New York, Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, Texas or a national park, you’ll want to book early. The same goes if you’re booking with points; award availability will be competitive for flights and accommodation.

Research international travel requirements

While international travel in pandemic times is unpredictable, booking a 2022 trip outside of the U.S. is possible. Just do your research and make sure you’re protected.

While more and more countries are “open” to travelers, each has its list of rules and requirements, and they’re all subject to change. Most countries require some proof of vaccine or negative COVID-19 test before entry, and many require you to complete government-issued travel attestation forms.

It’s certainly easiest to travel internationally if you’re fully vaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated and are planning to travel anyway (despite the current CDC guidance to delay travel until fully vaccinated), you’ll need to do double due diligence on your transit and destination and be prepared for a lot of nasal swabs. Some countries will not allow any unvaccinated visitors to transit or enter, while others will require quarantine or a more rigorous testing requirement for those not fully vaccinated.

Prepare for the worst

Above all, you must be prepared to pivot your plans at a moment’s notice; you never know when an illness or shutdown may prevent you from taking flight. If you can afford to tack on travel insurance to a non-refundable flight, doing so can give you peace of mind; just be sure the insurance covers Covid-related cancellations.

Trust your gut

Traveling in 2022 is possible, but it isn’t the best choice for everyone. Always put your health and safety first and recognize your comfort with risk. If you’re not ready for international travel, domestic travel is great. And if you aren’t ready to get on a plane yet, it’s still good to take a road trip and stay close to home. Do what is best for you as we adapt to what the new year brings.

Booking trips you can cancel or reschedule

For 2022 travel, never forget that change is our new normal. Organize your trip like you’re going to have to cancel it at the last minute—or even change it midway through.

Read the fine print

Make sure that any flight or hotel room you book is flexible, changeable and refundable. If you’re booking with your credit card points, look up the rules of the credit card, hotel or airline program through which you’re booking to make sure you can get your points back and adjust your itinerary. And if you’re shelling out a lot of money for an organized tour, cruise or another prepaid adventure, do your homework and get yourself some travel insurance.

Book directly with airlines

If you can, book directly through the airlines or hotels where possible, rather than a third party (like Expedia or Kayak). It isn’t that third-party sites don’t have great deals—They just make it more complicated to get a refund or make a change cancellation.

Most airlines still have flexible change policies for domestic tickets and international tickets originating in the U.S.—unless you’re booking the basic or saver fare. Of course, the rules will likely keep changing, so make sure you check before you buy.

Review your travel credit card strategy

After a long travel hiatus, it makes sense to ensure that your travel credit card rewards strategy is optimized. An end-of-the-year rewards audit is a good way to refresh your memory of where you’ve stashed all those points you’ve earned.

Also, it may be time to upgrade those cards you’ve let lapse because you weren’t using the lounge or baggage benefits. I’m personally back to enough domestic travel that I’m ready to re-up The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. I downgraded the card in 2020, but I’m ready to access the American Express Centurion Lounge network once again.

You can also take advantage of an airline or hotel card sign-up bonus, many of which are worth enough points to get you at least one domestic return trip anywhere in the U.S. or a couple of free hotel nights for your first 2022 trip.

The bottom line

Covid is still with us and is likely here to stay. Yet, airplanes are still full, business travelers are back in the skies and there are offers to be had as travel and tourism returns. If we’ve learned anything, we all know that we can never know for certain what the new year holds. But it’s my greatest wish for all of us that 2022 is an amazing year of getting back to whatever kind of travel is best for each of us.

All around Europe in late November and early December Christmas markets will start to open. These provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the festive spirit, as well as drink delicious mulled wine, eat tasty food, and buy seasonal items. Here are top Christmas markets in Europe that you should visit to enjoy the festive spirit.

Note that if you plan to visit any of these markets, due to Coronavirus you should check official tourism and event websites to confirm the market will be open this year.

1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna has heaps of Christmas Markets all over the city. A couple of the biggest are at Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, Belvedere and Resselpark. At these markets, you’ll find tasty Glühwein (Mulled wine), delicious sweets and beautiful gifts. Some of these markets, such as the one at Resselpark have rides and other activities which are perfect for the kids.

2. Munich, Germany

The main Christmas market in Munich can be found at Marienplatz, directly in front of the Neues Rathaus (Town Hall). You will also find stalls along Neuhauser Straße, Kaufingerstraße, as well as lots of other places around the city.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Old Town Square is the location of their biggest market. It’s located between the Old Town Hall and Church of Our Lady before Týn. Here you’ll find stalls, an incredible tree and the perfect festive atmosphere. A nice touch at the market is a special music and light ceremony on the Christmas tree, which was often repeated throughout the night.

4. London, UK

London’s Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland, which is something like a giant modern theme park. Complete with rides, endless places to eat and shop, as well as bars and live music. Some of the special things they have on offer is ice skating, a giant Ferris wheel, a circus and the Ice Kingdom. You may need to pre-book tickets for those attractions.

Across London you can find other places to enjoy the festivities, such as along Southbank near the London Eye, at Somerset house where they have Ice skating, and at Leicester Square where you’ll find rides and other festivities. There are also lots of festive lights to enjoy in London such as along major streets including Oxford Street and Regent Street and other spots around the city.

5. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg’s market can be found in the Old Town at Residenzplatz, Mozartplatz and Domplatz (various squares in the city). The decorations are beautiful and glow against the wonderful Austrian architecture and famous Salzburger Dom Cathedral.

6. Bratislava, Slovakia

At Hlavné Námestie at the centre of Bratislava’s Old Town is the main Christmas market. Here you can wander around the various stalls or gather at the tables and enjoy the tasty food on offer. For those wanting a view such as below, head up the Old Town Hall Tower. At Hviezdoslavovo námestie is another market where you’ll find an Ice Skating rink and more stalls offering food, gifts and a festive atmosphere.

7. Dresden, Germany

For a huge Christmas Market head to Dresden, where you’ll find this one located on Altmarkt, one of the cities oldest squares. Enjoy some traditional punch, German sausage or other tasty snacks before exploring the many market stalls. For the kids there is a Ferris wheel and carousel, and if you wanted to get some high views of the market climb up Kreuzkirche. Also close by is Frauenkirche, which is one of the cities most famous churches and where you’ll find lots more stalls, decorations and a joyful ambience.

8. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn in Estonia is magical at Christmas with cobbled streets, medieval architecture and beautiful stalls and decorations. When visiting around Christmas you may even get snow. Definitely a top city to visit for this Christmas.

Africa is the second largest continent on the earth and houses a whole host of unique flora and fauna which are found nowhere else on the earth. This fact alone makes sure that safaris in Africa are the most popular tourist attraction which reels in hoards of tourists from around the world. Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Masai Mara, and the Serengeti make the highlights of Africa, but there are so many other destinations that are equally, if not more diverse when there is the question of unique flora and fauna. With that said, here are a few safari location ideas that may be extremely helpful to the keen tourist.

1. East Africa’s Mara, Crater & Serengeti Migration- This safari commences in Kenya’s Masai Mara before traveling south into Tanzania for the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Concentrated on untamed life, this is an extraordinary chance to observe the wildebeest relocation so get some information about getting your planning right.
2. Botswana, Vic Falls, And Zimbabwe- This safari adventure takes you to the lushest parts of Africa when the rains hit. If you happen to visit this area, you will get to see the Okovango Delta, the iconic Victoria Falls, looks at the rich fauna of the area by walking in Hwange & Matapos parks and more.
3. Tanzania Migration & Uganda Gorillas- This has to be the most authentic of safari experiences in Africa. This trip may offer a view of the extraordinary Wildebeest Migration when in season, seek out Big 5 game viewing, life-changing gorilla trekking in, Uganda’s lush rainforests, cultural encounters with the Batwa people and night game drives in search of elusive nocturnal animals.

You’ve booked your discounted flight, secured your accommodation and even started your calendar countdown, marking down each day, but hold on! Before you get too excited picturing yourself sipping ice-cold pina coladas on the beach wearing a string bikini, you need to figure out a zillion things – like how to pack efficiently, what things go in your carry-on, how to best explore the place, among other things. We get that it can get overwhelming, which is why we’re sharing a few travel tips that will make your life easier. Thank us later!

Make A List

You might think of 10 things to pack but, when the time comes, we can bet you’re bound to forget six of them. Which is why we highly recommend you make a list. The easiest way is to note things down on a notepad on your phone; this way, you’ll remember to pack everything you need to.

Fold & Roll Clothes To Save Space

You might think that folding takes up less space but trust us when we say that rolling clothes is the oldest trick in the book. Rolled clothing can be squeezed into smaller spaces and corners than folded clothes can, and that certainly helps pack in more. You’ll also be surprised at how much space you can save if you use packing cubes; you can even separate your outfits this way.

Put Important Items In Your Carry-On

No, your carry-on isn’t just for your theplas and juice boxes! A few important items that should always go with you as hand luggage include medications, a pair of clothes, your identification documents, and a toothbrush! This way, if your bags get lost in transit, you’ll save both money and time.

Don’t Overspend

Here’s a major tip – try not to go beyond the budget you allocated for the trip. Spending a little extra is understandable but spending your next paycheck on something extravagant is not. You don’t want to come back home and feel sad and burdened about spending a lot of money on something you didn’t need in the first place.

Hire Local Guides

The next time you decide to take a tour of an ancient fort in India or learn more about magical caves in the heart of Bali, don’t book your guide online; hire one at the spot. When you book tours online, you pay the middleman, the tour operator and a lot of people in between. By hiring a local guide, you’re not just supporting the local economy but you’re also saving money by cutting out the middleman.

Strike A Conversation With The Locals

You might have googled the best spot to eat ghee dosa in Bengaluru but we can bet it still won’t be as good as the spots the locals frequent! It’s always best to ask the locals to point you to the best restaurants, the best bakeries and the hidden gems from which to witness beautiful sunsets.