A hearty welcome to my new subscribers from my Travel & Adventure Show session in New York. Welcome to the show, and glad to have ya’ll onboard!
Wow — I am overwhelmed by the response I got to the first You Paid How Much? newsletter! I’d been planning to bring this newsletter back for more than six months, and I’m so glad it’s finally back. Let’s get right into the deals!
As always, free to shoot me a line at vikkie@travelwithvikkie.com or on Twitter @vikkie if you’d like to see more of a location. I do listen to suggestions, and I love your emails!
Note: Prices are accurate at the time of publication. Flight prices fluctuate daily, so act fast and soon.
✈️Deal of the day✈️ New York to Mahe, Seychelles for $897 round-trip (May 2022 dates)
Entry requirements: Fully vaccinated travelers are exempted from needing a pre-travel COVID-19 test. All travelers need a Travel Authorization form, proof of vaccination, and travel and medical insurance.
When you’re there: Face masks are mandatory while in public spaces.
COVID situation: Nearly than 40,000 positive COVID-19 cases and 163 fatalities. 82% of Seychellois are fully vaccinated.
Logistics: Both legs on Etihad have long layovers in Abu Dhabi. If you want to explore the city, you no longer need to take a COVID-19 test before arrival if you are fully vaccinated.
Where to stay: Kempinski Seychelles Resort (Budget), Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa (Affordable), Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island (Splurge)
Miami to Santiago, Chile for $341 round-trip (October 2022 dates)
Entry requirements: Travelers must take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of boarding the final flight to Chile. Travelers also need a “Traveler’s Affidavit,” proof of health insurance and a “Mobility Pass.”
When you’re there: Travelers must wear a mask while in public or while using public transit.
COVID situation: More than 3 million positive cases and 56,000 fatalities. 91% of Chileans are fully vaccinated.
Logistics: Both legs have long layovers in Bogota.
Where to stay: Four Points by Sheraton Santiago (Budget), InterContinental Santiago (Affordable), The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (Splurge)
Raleigh to Barcelona for $500 round-trip (May 2022 dates)
Entry requirements: U.S. travelers can enter Spain with proof of vaccination. You’ll need a booster shot if it’s been more than 270 since your last vaccine dose.
When you’re there: The country has indicated that it will scrap its rules on face masks indoors soon, but the rule is still in place for now.
COVID situation: More than 11 million positive cases and more than 100,000 fatalities. 85% of Spaniards are fully vaccinated.
Logistics: The flights are on United’s basic economy, so you’ll have to pay extra if you want to check a bag. You can still bring a carry-on.
Where to stay: Mercure Barcelona Condor (Budget), Nobu Hotel Barcelona (Affordable), Le Méridien Barcelona (Splurge)
Chicago to New Delhi for $602 round-trip (September 2022 dates)
Entry requirements: Travelers must submit a travel declaration, show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken at least 72 hours before departure.
When you’re there: India recently dropped its ban on international travel for the first time in two years.
COVID situation: More than 43 million positive cases and over 500,000 fatalities. 60% of Indians are fully vaccinated.
Logistics: The flights are on United’s nonstop route between ORD and DEL, so you don’t have a layover on either leg.
Where to stay: Andaz Delhi (Budget), The Imperial New Delhi (Affordable), The Roseate (Splurge)