You'll need travel authorization before visiting this region in 2024

Welcome to The Traveler’s Digest: a bi-weekly round-up of the latest travel news, trends, and most important stories.?

This week we’re sharing the new regulations that would require visitors to obtain a ‘visa’ before entering Europe in 2024, as well as revealing the country that currently holds the world's most powerful passport (hint: it's not the US). Plus, a new booking hack that has been rising in popularity: skiplagging.

Visiting Europe next year? You’ll need a 'visa'.

United States passport holders have long traveled throughout most of the world without having to worry about visa applications, but that’s set to change next year. The new regulations are called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). When the system launches in early 2024, it will require all visitors who currently travel to Europe visa-free, such as citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, to apply for travel authorization and receive approval prior to their departure. Read more here.

Which country has the world’s most powerful passport?

At the start of this year, the Henley Passport Index 2023 revealed that Japan had the most powerful passport in the world. But according to the most recent ranking, Japan has dropped to third place for the first time in half a decade (after a five-year winning streak) and there is a new country that has ranked number one as the most powerful passport in the world. Read more here.

Everything you need to know about skiplagging

Recently, one hack that has been rising in popularity is booking hidden city fares, also known as skiplagging, because of the tremendous savings it can yield. Skiplagging means passengers can save by booking a cheaper one-stop flight with a layover at their desired destination and then leave the airport, abandoning the second leg of their booking. Technically speaking, the practice isn’t breaking any federal laws, but it is violating the airlines’ policies, so flying hidden-city fares comes with an inherent risk. Read more here.

More:

• 6 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane, According to a Former Flight Attendant
• The Best Solo Vacations to Take in 2023
• The $20 Travel Accessory That Makes Sitting in Economy Bearable

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