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Hot diggity dog! Our tax dollars have finally been put to good use by the very people we pay to represent us.

It’s been a contentious year in the world of politics, but no matter if you’re Team Donkey, Team Elephant, or toeing the line in the middle, surely we can all agree it’s long overdue for an overhaul of travel-related fees, especially sneaky ones!

I mean, wasn’t it popcorn-worthy to watch the CCOs of Frontier and Spirit squirm being grilled by the Senate for incentivizing gate agents to scope out oversized baggage?

Well, now it’s hotels’ and vacation rentals’ turn to make things right, so there’s no more sudden surprises.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just announced a bipartisan rule officially banning so-called ‘junk fees’ just months after other traveler-friendly protections were implemented for flight delays and cancellations.

What Are ‘Junk Fees’?

Travel long enough, and you’ve probably encountered the ol’ bait-and-switch tactic at some point.

In fact, my girlfriend, who is a hotel manager, says add-on fees are guests’ most common complaint.

Fortunately, in this case, they’re bozos who didn’t read the clearly marked parking fee, but she also says there are many guests asking if her property charges a ‘resort fee‘ – Exhibit A for junk fees.

There have been many bad apples who hide charges at first glance only to tack them on your final bill, and you know exactly who the main culprit has been.

Is it a sin to tack on resort fees?

Ehh, maybe not. But ‘Sin City’ is the Mecca for sneaking in charges, where oftentimes tourists are caught by surprise with exorbitant fees higher than their room rate.

It’s similar to budget airlines selling $25 flights, only to tell you your bag is too large for a ‘carry-on’ as you board and charging you double (if not more) than what you spent on airfare before allowing you to take your seat.

In other words, a cheap trip can stack up really quickly! The FTC has taken notice and is putting a stop to it.

The bottom line is to check your bottom line. There will be so much more transparency moving forward.

Hotels and vacation rentals will still be able to charge extra fees, but you’ll know about them upfront.

“The FTC’s rule will put an end to junk fees around live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars and millions of hours in wasted time”.

– FTC Chair, Lina M. Khan

How Hotels And Vacation Rentals Will Look Going Forward

Truth be told, after visiting nearly 40 countries, the research that goes into a trip can be more exhausting than the travel itself.

Confirming prices, scouring reviews, and navigating complicated policies can be such a drag to the point you might ask yourself if it’s worth taking a trip at all.

The good news is those days will now be few and few between – at least for domestic trips.

The U.S. obviously has no bearing on what Cancun, Punta Cana, or Timbuktu charge.

Let’s use Airbnb as an example. When I plan out a trip and want more space or an amenity that hotels don’t typically have, like in-unit washers and dryers, I opt for Airbnb.

When searching apartments, you’ll see nightly rates all over the map, quite literally and figuratively, but what you won’t see right away are the big question marks that reveal themselves on the final checkout page.

These can range from pet fees, extra guest charges, and the company’s much-maligned cleaning fees, which can often be outrageous.

I’ve even had a host try to charge me extra for their electricity bill, which was never discussed until after checking out.

Needless to say that Venmo request was denied, but you can see why the FTC has needed to step in.

The primary issue with hotels is the aforementioned resort fees, so rather than think you just scored the deal of a lifetime on a $99 beachfront villa; it will now be listed as, say, a $500 beachfront villa with an itemized breakdown of resort fees, etc.

The FTC’s press release states, ‘the most prominent price in an ad needs to be the all-in total price—truthful itemization and breakdowns are fine but should not overshadow what consumers want to know: the real total’.

Live Events Are Affected Too

In a day and age where travelers follow their favorite musical acts and sports teams, the FTC is tackling the same issues for live events.

For example, when I buy tickets for my beloved Padres, I never pay anything close to the price listed for tickets.

If I think I’m buying $30 outfield seats, that likely means $55 outfield seats with all the extra fees tacked on.

Now those tickets should be listed as $55 (or close) to avoid any headaches and surprises.

The FTC estimates that consumers across the board will save over 53 million hours of time and over $11 billion over the next decade.

The new rules have already passed in a 4 to 1 vote and will become effective 120 days after it’s published in the Federal Register.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Last Updated 2 days ago

If you’re scoping out Europe for an epic vacation next year, you can skip the global icons we’ve all dreamed of visiting in favor of lesser-known destinations.

Many travel experts have been highlighting cities off the traditional tourist path, which makes sense given how many travelers are seeking out alternatives to avoid crowds, contributing to overtourism concerns.

Forbes just revealed a real surprise for most, but not for me, since I was fortunate to visit in October and totally get the hype.

With nonstop flights from the U.S., brand new ritzy hotels, and thousands of islands to explore, at first glance, you might think this city sounds like the Caribbean, but it’s actually Scandinavia.

Sweden may not be commonly associated with island-hopping, being more notable for deeply-rooted viking culture and their ‘fika’ lifestyle.

While visiting this region during winter comes with blistering cold weather, planning ahead for spring and beyond is your best bet to enjoy all the thrills, delights, and luxury of Stockholm in 2025.

Travel In Style: Stockholm’s Selection Of New & Revamped Luxury Stays

Stockholm is teeming with ritzy stays throughout the city. In fact, it holds a reputation as being pretty pricey.

I scored a great deal at the conveniently located AC Hotel on the outskirts in Solna next to the train station, which made reaching the city center a breeze.

But, many travelers will want to stay in Stockholm proper, and rightfully so. According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 5 favorite hotels heading into the new year:

1. Hotel Rival
2. Bank Hotel
3. Hotel Skeppsholmen
4. Grand Hotel
5. Hotel Frantz

Additionally, Forbes just announced a pair of exciting new hotel openings to kick off 2025, as well as another remodel to a 120-year-old staple.

So, let’s start with the ladder. Situated in Vaxholm, a vibrant archipelago village near Stockholm, the Waxholms Hotell is undergoing an extensive makeover, transforming into a ‘food and lifestyle destination’ backed by renowned local restaurateurs Jesper Ahlbom and Stefan Strömberg.

Mark your calendars for February 15, 2025 for this historic hotel’s new chapter.

As for the new additions, travelers can look forward to Stockholm Stadshotell, a 32-room boutique hotel set to open in January 2025, and Hagastrand, a new haven for the ultimate relaxation anchored by a state-of-the-art spa, slated to open doors at an undisclosed date in Fall 2025.

Explore Thousands Of Islands, Including A Breathtaking Old Town

No matter what time of year you visit, Stockholm’s incredible islands are calling your name. Although, not all are accessible, there are sightseeing tours and ferries to reach those open to the public, along with the city’s easy-to-use metro to some as well, which sells tickets from single use to yearly passes with numerous increments in between to save you money.

My favorite was Gamla Stan made up of the island of Stadsholmen, otherwise known as Stockholm’s ‘Old Town’.

While the city center beholds a mix of old and new like many major European cities, Gamla Stan’s quaint alleyways and cobbled streets take you back in time.

Here, you’ll find an array of cafes, bars, and fascinating architecture, including the Royal Palace and Riddarholmen Church, among rows of multi-level buildings seemingly illuminating every other shade on the color wheel.

It’s a beautiful place. So much so we kept going back to sip mulled wine and partake in the ‘fika’ way of life after an obligatory IKEA stop and wandering other neighborhoods.

Gamla Stan is not alone in must-visit islands. TripAdvisor highlights Sodermalm as travelers’ favorite Stockholm island, lined with endless cafes and restaurants, plus cozy hotels and vibrant streets.

I visited Sodermalm, too, and loved starting my day with a cappuccino and pastry from Embargo Cafe & Bar and capping off the night with traditional Swedish meatballs and lingonberries at Meatballs for the People (book ahead!).

Forbes also mentioned the highly-anticipated Stockholm Archipelago Trail (SAT), a new attraction spanning 168 miles and linking 21 islands in 2025.

Which Airlines Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Stockholm In 2025?

Many travelers prep for at least one connection when jetting off to Europe, but there are 3 routes and 3 airlines with direct service to Stockholm.

Bad news being a majority of the U.S. will have to opt for a layover as only East Coast routes are nonstop.

Scandinavian Airlines’ 2 routes:

• Newark (EWR) – flights every Thursday and Sunday
• Miami (MIA) – flights every Wednesday and Saturday

United’s lone seasonal route:

Newark (EWR) – flights every day from June 18, 2025 through September 2025

Delta’s lone route:

New York City (JFK) – flights 4 days per week beginning April 15, 2025

Fun fact: Believe it or not, you can stay at an IKEA Hotel and visit an IKEA Museum, both located in Almhult, Sweden.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Last Updated 1 min ago

Cancun may have the all-inclusive hotels, Puerto Vallarta the golden sand beaches, and there’s truly no beating Cabo’s wellness tourism scene, but this season, it’s Veracruz that’s stealing the limelight in Mexico as one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.

Located on the Gulf Coast, it was formerly one of the most popular beach getaways in the country before slowly fading into the background, as the Mexican Caribbean and the Pacific resort hubs soared in popularity, but it’s now making an unlikely comeback.

As stated by Iván Martínez Olvera, Veracruz has broken a series of tourism records this year, with a 100% increase in the number of visitors, and an even-more impressive 470% growth in regional tourism investment and development.

Figures aside, this means tourists are flocking back to Veracruz after years of just blatantly ignoring it, and it’s time we looked into the reasons why.

Veracruz Is One Of The Cultural Capitals Of Mexico!

First of all, it may have something to do with the fact that Veracruz is one of the most culturally-significant cities in the country, as it is Mexico’s oldest and largest port, founded as early as the 16th century by the Spanish.

It has an architectural wealth to rival Mexico City and Merida, with a landmark-packed historic center playing host to grand plazas, left virtually untouched since the Europeans first settled the area, beautiful churches and pedestrian-friendly lanes.

Think the monumental Castle of San Juan de Ulúa, a European-style fortress guarding the entrance to the harbor, the Municipal Palace, dating as far back as the year 1608, or the historical Venustiano Carranza Lighthouse, a neoclassical building with a palatial design.

The whitewashed Cathedral of Veracruz, finished in 1731, is yet another of Veracruz’ top attractions, distinguished by its five naves, richly-decorated cupola, clad in tiles extracted from Puebla, a fellow colonial gem of Mexico, and a crystal candelabra-lit interior.

Sandy Beaches For Miles On End…

Aside from the obvious historical value, Veracruz straddles the bright-blue Gulf of Mexico, with the local malecón (the popular Mexican word for boardwalk) stretching for several long miles from the colonial center, all the way into the fringe areas of town.

It offers breathtaking ocean vistas, and the taco and tamales stalls, souvenir shops, and laid-back restaurants make it an incredibly lively area to stroll day and night, and if it’s unspoiled beaches you’re looking for, look no further than these:

• Playa de Chachalacas, a peaceful sandy strip hugged by the warm waters of the Gulf, with tall dunes and limited development along the shoreline
• Costa Esmeralda, an off-path beach strip lined with tall palm trees, with beachfront stays starting at a shockingly-cheap $52
• Playa Martí, a short drive from the city center, with clean sand and serene waters, often preferred by families with small children
• Playa Mocambo, one of the best-equipped beaches near Veracruz, boasting a wide range of amenities, from spas to camping areas to tourist-friendly restaurants
• Isla Sacrificios, an islet lying just off the city harbor surrounded by a colorful coral reef, with a handful of white-sand beaches

How Actually Cheap Is Veracruz To Visit?

If you’re wondering how much cheaper Veracruz is compared to other Mexican beach hotspots, we don’t have an exact average to present you, but we can say it’s for sure on the more economical side, especially when paired with Cancun:

It’s not yet been converted into a resort haven for Americans and other gringos arriving from abroad, and the majority of the clientele remains Mexican families escaping the overpriced, jam-packed Caribbean and Pacific coasts, so prices tend to reflect the local purchasing power.

Out of the seven 5-star hotels listed on Booking.com, Gran Hotel Diligencias on the Veracruz boardwalk is the most affordable this season, with double room rates set at $64, while the pool-featuring, beach-facing Camino Real Veracruz is a moderately-priced $129.

The most expensive option is Grand Fiesta Americana Veracruz, where a king-size deluxe room will set you back by $212 per night: with 2 pools, 3 restaurants, a fitness center, poolside bar, private beach access, and airport shuttle included, it’s the closest one to a Cancun-style stay.

Nonstop flights to trendy Veracruz are available from 2 U.S. airports this winter, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston Intercontinental, respectively with American Eagle and United Airlines, with one-way fares averaging $249 for the former and $317 for the latter.

When it comes to safety, the Gulf city is among the least-dangerous destinations south of the border, officially ranking as a Level 2 destination in the U.S. State Department Advisory, on a par with Cancun and Los Cabos, and having ‘moderate’ levels of crime as seen on Numbeo.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.