And just like that…
The year’s end is almost here. With travelers gearing up to hit the road in a few days, we’ve got the latest on travel news ahead of the holidays.
The pre-check
From a sweet discount for some end-of-year peace of mind to updates on travel restrictions, here are the latest links we’re reading.
- Get your test on.
Ahead of the holidays, travelers may find that store shelves are running low on at-home tests, and stocks are dwindling online. Our partnership with LetsGetChecked offers KAYAK travelers a 30% discount until the end of the year on at-home tests – good for any domestic travel. - 2022 #TravelGoals.
Just in time for your resolution-setting, St. Kitts and Nevis is lifting travel restrictions. Fully vaccinated travelers won’t need to take a PCR test when arriving and can also skip the 24-hour quarantine previously required. So start getting your beach bag ready. - Meet me by the Seine.
Paris has announced where its opening ceremonies will take place in Summer 2024 for the games. Organizers are calling it “the most accessible opening ceremony” ever – referring to the fact that they project over 600,000 people able to attend by watching from the river’s banks. - Setting boundaries for the holidays.
Several US cities and states including Philadelphia and California are following New York’s lead by updating their mask mandates and vaccination requirements. In California, a mask is required starting December 15 for indoor venues, regardless of vaccination status. The mandate is in effect until January 15th. In Philadelphia, it was announced this week that starting January 3, indoor dining venues will only serve fully vaccinated people. - How you can help.
With tornadoes devastating areas of Kentucky, Illinois and Arkansas, many are eager to offer help. Check out this list of organizations you can donate to to help with relief efforts.
Trending travel
Here’s what’s trending according to our data and how it can help you make the most of your trip.
Looking for last-minute NYE travel deals? We got you.
Start your “must travel more” resolutions early. We peeked into our data to see if there are any cities that are seeing some great flight deals for New Year’s Eve travel. And, fortunately, our data didn’t let us down. We checked out which domestic destinations are seeing the biggest price decreases when compared to 2019’s NYE* (ya know, when we did stuff like share straws and go to crowded bars). It looks like the universe is telling you to get your beach on to ring in the new year – can’t say we mind.
- Oakland, California
Prices are down an impressive 31% when compared to the same dates in 2019. Oakland’s proximity to San Francisco can be a great draw – but don’t miss out on Oakland’s budding food scene. - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Spend your NYE at the beach – flight prices are down 25% compared to the same NYE travel dates in 2019. If you want to spend time outside but aren’t up for fireworks on the boardwalk, you can watch them fly at midnight from the quieter, northern parts of the beach. - Santa Ana, California
A great destination for the whole family, fares are down 24% when compared to the same dates in 2019. Bring the kids to Kidseum’s New Year’s Eve Bash – a child-friendly event with craft stations and a countdown. - Maui, Hawaii
Flight prices are down 16% when looking at 2021 vs. 2019 for NYE travel. Perfect excuse to start 2022 in paradise. - Sarasota, Florida
Not just for your parents, Sarasota is a great city to celebrate in. Flight prices for NYE are down 14% compared to the same dates in 2019. Head to Selby Five Points Park for the annual midnight pineapple drop.
Tricks of the trade
As we wind down the year, we want to celebrate some of our remarkable employees. Check out this piece from the KAYAK team.
“We love to travel – it’s a part of our everyday experience working at KAYAK. And now, especially with our ability to work from (almost) anywhere, we can do it even more often. But travel can certainly present its challenges, and for those of us with disabilities, it can take more time and effort to achieve the experience we’re looking for. That’s why we’ve gathered thoughts and helpful tips from our KAYAK team on navigating the journey.” Read on to find out what our team had to say.
Social shoutouts
We’re blushing.
We love to see where KAYAK takes you, use #KAYAKPicks when you post to be featured.
*KAYAK US searches between 11/13/21 – 12/12/21 were considered for travel between 12/30/21 -1/2/22 and were filtered for destinations with the greatest Yo2Y decrease in price compared to the same search and travel dates in 2019.
Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.
