Issue 83: Some Good Travel News. We’ve still got a ways to go before travel returns to “normal”—and let’s face it, travel may not ever be exactly like it was pre-pandemic. But, there’s been some pretty good news lately.

We’ve still got a ways to go before travel returns to “normal”—and let’s face it, travel may not ever be exactly like it was pre-pandemic. But, there’s been some pretty good news lately.  Countries are lifting restrictions again Countries that imposed temporary restrictions or additional requirements during the height of Omicron’s spread have lifted those restrictions, making it easier to visit. And countries that haven’t been open for tourism at all have announced plans to welcome visitors again soon.  Travelers to the Netherlands who have received a booster no longer need to quarantine  Vaccinated travelers to the UK no longer need to take a second test on arrival  Norway lifted its quarantine and testing requirements so there are no entry restrictions  Cyprus and  Sweden eliminated their testing requirement for vaccinated American travelers  Austria has scrapped testing requirements for those who have also received a booster  Vaccinated travelers to Puerto Rico on domestic flights no longer need to test before arrival  Morocco reopened today, February 7 with no quarantine for vaccinated travelers  The Philippines will reopen on February 11 with no quarantine for vaccinated travelers  Australia expects to reopen to tourists by mid-April (no word on what rules will be in place)  Switzerland announced it may drop its testing requirements for vaccinated travelers by March  Denmark has lifted all Covid entry restrictions for vaccinated travelers  Greece has removed its test requirement for vaccinated travelers  In-flight service is (mostly) back After nearly two years with very limited food and drink service on flights, most carriers are resuming in-flight meals and alcohol service. Of course, what you get still depends on what fare class you’re in, but at least it’s nice to have the option to buy an overpriced glass of wine and a tiny cheese plate.  Expectations are sky high As we said in our State of Cheap Flights Report, if all goes to plan, a travel boom is coming. More than half of the travelers we surveyed plan to take at least two international trips and at least two domestic trips in 2022. And only 38% are worried about Covid impacting their travel (down from 66% in 2021). Still, fewer than 32% of the travelers we surveyed have booked flights for 2022, and if you’re planning to travel in the summer, we recommend you book sooner than later if you want to snag a deal (and remember, US airlines are still waiving changes on fares above basic economy). We’ve already seen some great roundtrip fares for summer, like $368 nonstop to Lisbon, $222 nonstop to Panama City, and $370 nonstop to Myrtle Beach in first class. We can’t predict the future (though Scott did venture some guesses) but we’re hopeful for a great year of travel in 2022.