COVID-19 Restrictions. flight cancellations. rising costs. Recently, American travelers have had a tricky hand when it comes to making their bucket list travel dreams come true. In fact, planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip these days takes patience, perseverance — and sometimes a pretty penny.
And yet, nearly half (41%) of American travelers said they have a trip on their wish list for the coming year, According to a recent survey of more than 1,800 TripIt users in the US. That’s a 15% increase from survey data we released in March 2021, when 26% of American travelers told us they were planning a wish-list trip.
Of those planning bucket list trips, More than half (57%) of travelers have international destinations in mind. The top travel destination? Europe of course. Almost a third (30%) are planning trips there.
As for the cost of bucket list travel? The majority (62%) said they will be more expensive than a regular trip – between $1,000 and $5,000 more for most (47%).
Continue reading: American travelers are budgeting thousands more to afford rising travel costs
Top destinations in Europe for Americans’ bucket list trips
With nearly one in three travelers traveling to Europe, nearly every country in the region can expect American travelers in the coming year. However, there are 10 countries that will stand out from the rest.
- Italy
Travelers tell us that destinations like the Amalfi Coast, the island of Sicily, and the cities of Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice are on their itineraries to Italy.
- France
Cities like Avignon, Paris and Strasbourg are all on the (bucket) list for Americans traveling to France.
- United Kingdom
While some travelers told us they only focus on one destination – e.g. B. St. Andrews, Scotland – others plan to experience the diversity of Britain and explore England, Scotland and Wales at once.
- Spain
Travelers heading to Spain for bucket list trips have cities like Granada and Madrid on their itineraries.
DYK? Granada, Spain ranks #2 in our 10 safest cities for LGBTQ+ travelers. Learn more >
- Greece
Whether for destination weddings or sunbathing in the off-season, Americans plan to travel to Greece for bucket-list adventures.
- Germany
Germany is a year-round travel destination for many Americans: Travelers tell us they plan to go there this summer, fall, and winter — as well as for business and solo travelers.
- Ireland
Many travelers have told us they have their eyes set on Ireland this autumn.
- Portugal
As a budget-friendly travel destination, Portugal will be popular with Americans this summer and fall.
- Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is a top travel destination for Americans who tick this country off their bucket list.
- Croatia
Croatia, another year-round destination, will have many Americans on their bucket list trips in the coming year.
Tips and tools for international travel
We’ve put together some helpful tips and tools to help you plan your international bucket list travel as well as possible.
So that you know exactly what you need before you travel abroad…
TripIt Pro’s international travel tools make international travel easier by showing details like embassy information, driving directions, socket and plug requirements, required vaccinations and more.
You can find these tools in the professional tab of the app or tap the three dots at the top right of your international itinerary.
For payment in local currency…
Americans soon to be traveling to many parts of Europe will benefit from a 1:1 exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro. This is the first time there has been parity in 20 years.
Not sure what currency your destination is? Consult TripIt Pro’s international travel tools for local currency and the current exchange rate. The tool also includes tips on tipping at your destination.
Do you really want to maximize your dollar? Order foreign currency from your local bank instead of exchanging it on arrival for a better rate and lower fees. Keep in mind that your bank may need to request the money, which can take a few days, so plan accordingly.
For border crossing…
While most European countries have dropped entry requirements related to COVID-19, there are still some (e.g., France and Spain, as of press time) that require Americans (and other travelers) to provide proof of vaccinations , a negative COVID-19 test, present result and so on. For the latest information on entry requirements at your destination, visit TripIt’s COVID-19 travel guide feature.
Apart from the COVID-19 documents, you should also find out what is required to enter your destination country, e.g. B. Valid passport, entry visa, etc. Most countries require a US passport at least three or six months validity.
Do you need to renew your passport? At the time of publication, the waiting time is 8 to 11 weeks. You can speed up your passport renewal – but remember it will cost you.
So if you’ve been looking for a sign, here it is: Check your passport expiry date –now! Come on, we’re waiting. (And remember, you don’t have to wait until your passport expires to order a new one.)
Information on delays, cancellations and alternative flights…
Flight disruptions, including in Europe, have been well publicized this summer. And things are unlikely to get any better anytime soon. With TripIt Pro, you’ll be among the first to know about flight delays, cancellations, gate changes and more.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, consult TripIt Pro’s Alternative Flights feature to find out what options you have to catch another flight. The feature will instantly find you new flight options if your current flight is delayed, canceled or you just want to depart on another flight.
To access alternative flights, open an upcoming trip, tap the flight, and then under TripIt Pro, tap Alternative Flights. Then you can search for alternative flights. You can also select alternative flights from the professional Tab.
To claim compensation for delayed, canceled or overbooked flights…
If you experience a flight disruption during your bucket list trip (or any trip) to Europe, TripIt can help! We have partnered with AirHelp – a company specializing in helping air passengers claim compensation for eligible delayed, canceled and overbooked flights to/from/within the European Union (EU) and Brazil, thanks to local Consumer Protection Regulations.
Here’s how it works: TripIt will automatically email you if your flight may be eligible for compensation and help you file a claim through AirHelp. Once your claim is submitted, AirHelp will do the rest of the hard work for you, including the paperwork and communicating with the airlines, and help you claim compensation for your inconvenience.
With more than 16 million travelers served, AirHelp has the resources and expertise to handle the complex claims process. See AirHelp for more information.
To track lost baggage…
We wouldn’t wish lost luggage on anyone (we know – we’ve been there!), but when the unexpected happens, there are definitely some immediate steps you should take to locate your luggage.
Contact the airline first and foremost. Do not leave the airport until you have spoken to an airline representative. Speak to the baggage claim or check-in desk for the quickest way to locate your bag(s). Call the airline if you cannot find an airline representative. If necessary, complete all airline forms to submit your claim while you are at the airport.
Want more tips? Check out these other steps you can take if your luggage is lost.
Methodology: TripIt surveyed more than 1,800 US-based users to understand their upcoming travel plans, as well as their attitudes and behaviors regarding rising costs. The survey took place from May 24 to June 1, 2022.
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