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I have learned a LOT about traveling over the past few years, especially what kinds of travel gifts I actually need and will use. Since I’m just one woman, I asked a few of my travel-pro peers to chime in with their must-have travel accessories and came up with this master list of travel gift ideas. …
The post Top 40 Travel Gifts For Women Under $20 appeared first on Travel Off Path.
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With its lower cost of living, fascinating culture that is unlike anything Westerners have grown up exposed to, and world-class city breaks, Asia is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads right now, and it would probably be their go-to spot, were it not for one slight caveat:
Across a majority of Asian countries, complex visa regulations continue to discourage digital nomads from traveling and staying longer, be it Bali’s limited 30-day stay policy or Vietnam’s eVisa system that bars Americans from coming unless they’ve obtained authorization in advance.
Luckily for nomads––and more specifically, those who are U.S. passport holders––there are 5 Asian destinations where they’re welcome not only visa-free but for up to 3 whole months:
Famous for its K-pop and dorama rom-com exports, a plethora of ancient palaces, flavorful cuisine, and sprawling metropolises, with Seoul and Busan to name a couple, South Korea is one of the trendiest nomad hotspots in Asia right now.
According to Nomad List, you can live in Seoul for around $2,579 a month––cheaper than the average North American and European city––and with the country’s impressive infrastructure and friendliness towards remote workers, you’ll be in no hurry to leave anytime soon.
Thanks to the visa-free agreement with the United States, American nomads can reside in South Korea for 90 days at a time as long as they enter with a valid Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), which can be obtained online within minutes and lasts for up to 3 years.
For those ready to apply, you can use the official site here at this link.
Thanks to the weaker yen, which makes your dollars stretch much further, the significant drop in consumer prices, and increased Transpacific connectivity, Japan has become an increasingly popular destination for nomads country-hopping around Asia.
And while it can be pricey to get there, we have some good news. ZIPAIR just introduced nonstop flights from the U.S. to Tokyo from 4 major cities, and tickets are now on sale here.
Living costs across numerous metropolises is now under $3,000, including tried-and-true nomad faves like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and if you’re keen on lingering a while longer and assimilating into the local culture, you’ll be thrilled to learn you can:
Nomads can stay three full months in Japan without applying for a visa beforehand, so long as they fulfill two simple criteria: they must carry a valid biometric U.S. passport and not have been sentenced to one year or more of jail back home.
Taiwan is an independently governed island best known for its vibrant Taipei, where you’ll find night markets and street food galore, dramatic nature, with forested hills occupying over half of its landmass, and, most importantly, Western-leaning policies.
Unlike mainland China, Taipei has upheld democratic values, and Taiwan as a whole is very pro-U.S. This makes it an exciting place to be as an American with a passion for all things China who’s not exactly keen on forfeiting the comforts of living in a freer society.
That’s all nomads who venture into Asia want, essentially, and lucky for U.S. citizens looking to find a temporary home in Taiwan, local authorities grant them a 90-day stay without any sort of pre-entry clearance––all that’s required is presenting a regular passport.
On a day you aren’t cozied up in a coffee shop getting some work done, be sure to explore outside Tapei!
We recommend Northern Taiwan, as it’s mind-blowingly gorgeous. To make it seamless, you can always take a tour like this one.
You’ll have a private day trip from Taipei exploring Northern Taiwan, marveling at the unique rock formations of Yehliu Geopark, and strolling through the historic streets of Jiufen, an inspiration for famous animated films like ‘Spirited Away’.
You’ll wrap up your day by releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi (pictured above), a tradition carrying wishes into the night sky.
Said to be one of the best-developed nations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia occupies a large portion of the lush Malay Peninsula, as well as parts of the island of Borneo, and Muslim-majority state with a surprising openness towards long-term guests:
Owing to its higher standards of living, multicultural scene, and a plethora of laptop-friendly cafés, Kuala Lumpur has become one of the continent’s most prominent digital nomad hotspots, especially when it costs under $1,350 a month to call it home, as noted by Nomad List.
Regarding visa policies, Malaysia is at complete odds with its neighbor and sibling nation Singapore, where the length of a tourist visa is capped at a restrictive 30 days: landing in Kuala Lumpur, Americans get issued a 3-month entry stamp.
We’ve saved the best for last.
With established nomad hubs like Bangkok and Chiang Mai to its name, a whopping 1,956 miles of combined, pristine coastline, not to mention the hundreds of paradisiacal islands––does Phuket ring a bell?––Thailand is a safe haven of the sorts for digital nomads in Asia.
Occupying the top two positions on Nomad List‘s ranking of Best Places to Live in the continent, with Bangkok going as far as leading the global chart, it offers affordable month-long stays from as cheap as $1,012, and, most importantly, relaxed visa regulations.
In case you aren’t aware, Thailand has recently eased its tourist visa rules further: previously, Americans could remain in the national territory visa-free for 30 days, in line with a majority of Asian destinations, but as of May 2024, 60 days have been added.
In effect, tourists get issued an automatic 60-day visa, which can be extended for 30 days prior to expiration, at the discretion of immigration officers––this means digital nomads can now settle temporarily in Thailand for 3 months visa-free if they don’t wish to pursue a long-term residence.
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Somehow, in a world where we crave the latest gizmos and gadgets, the old world of the Mayans has been trending in recent years despite being here way before our time.
Their fascinating culture and architectural marvels caught my eye, too, as I had just visited some incredibly preserved Mayan ruins in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, myself.
While there haven’t been any official Mayan ruins discovered in the U.S., there are some fascinating historical ruins attributed to our own timelines that often go overlooked.
And what better backdrop while perusing remnants of our past than pristine white sand along vibrant emerald green waters?
Rather than follow the crowds to Miami, Orlando, and Siesta Key for your next Florida getaway, escape to the hidden paradise of Fort Pickens this fall.
Home to beautiful beaches and American antiquities, Fort Pickens is a rare sight to behold.
Often overshadowed by dozens of more popular Florida destinations, this sliver of paradise at the very western tip of Pensacola’s Santa Rosa Island goes relatively unnoticed unless you’re seeking it out.
In other words – it’s a bit off the beaten path, but not a treacherous journey and you’ll definitely be rewarded regardless.
Boasting Caribbean-esque white sands and shimmering green waters, Fort Pickens is well worth a visit in the same sense as Tulum, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and captivating historical sites.
No, there’s no trendy arts scene, a brand new airport, or divine Mexican food, but where else can you visit a nice U.S. beach with such well-preserved ruins?
Answer: not many!
Perhaps South Carolina’s Fort Sumter or another Florida counterpart, St. Augustine, but it’s safe to say Fort Pickens is next level!
Fort Pickens’ significance dates back well over a century.
Serving as a popular landmark nowadays, its former glory continues to captivate visitors with its scenic coastal views and intrigue.
What was once a stronghold in the American Civil War, the grounds are still kempt and most structures remain intact, making for awesome photo-ops.
Fort Pickens’ job was to protect Santa Rosa Island all while stopping the enemy from infiltrating the bay and nearby Navy yard.
The base covers roughly 200 acres, easily explorable before or after time at the beach. Today, it’s overseen by the National Park Service, who should ask for a raise covering double duty as both park rangers and tour guides.
Expect a walk-through of the remaining brick forts, a stroll along the barrier island, and even kayaking through the marsh.
It may not be Chichen Itza, but it’s very impressive nonetheless.
Unlike Gettysburg, don’t expect cheesy battlefield reenactments, even though The Battle of Santa Rosa Island took place here in 1861.
Fort Pickens receives high praise on Google, holding an impressive 4.8/5 rating, where one recent visitor claimed, “…the fort is incredible. Great beaches too, much better than the packed public beach just down the road”.
Also, many who visit love to rough it by camping under the stars. Fort Pickens Campground holds 200 campsites only charging $25 for admission in addition to the Gulf Islands National Seashore entry fees:
No resorts, no wild nightlife, no Disney characters – just pure bliss along an authentic paradisal beach.
Okay, the resorts would maybe be a nice touch, but otherwise, we all love as much space as possible on our beach vacations.
Fall tends to see crowds shrink anyway, but Fort Pickens is never elbow-to-elbow like many coastal hotspots around the globe.
Here, you’ll find soft white sand and many areas without a footprint. And best of all the waters are clear and the weather is warm even in fall (think mid 70’s to 80’s)
Some Gulf beaches can become brown and murky, uninviting for a nice swim. That’s not the case here.
In all likelihood, you’ll be driving here from Pensacola.
Although, the Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers fun weekend rides.
If driving, you’ll want to input Langdon Beach as your destination since this is the most swimmable area, equipped with ample parking, restrooms, and beach showers.
Safety Tip: lifeguards are only on duty from May – September!
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Not that long ago, you’d probably laugh at the prospect of gang-dominated El Salvador, where corruption is supposedly endemic and violent crime is rampant, ever featuring on a mainstream list of the world’s safest countries.
We probably would ourselves at one point, too, but as unlikely as it sounds, especially if you’ve grown used to the damning headlines coming out of the infamous Latin American state, the impossible happened:
According to Gallup’s latest Global Security Report, one of the most reputable sources for assessing safety and living standards, El Salvador is now the 8th safest country globally.
So what changed?
The Global Security Report is based primarily on locals’ perceptions of safety in their place of residence: Do they need to maintain a higher level of situational awareness when leaving the house?
Do they feel on edge walking alone at night?
Is falling victim to violence a pressing concern?
Only 8 years ago, 30% of El Salvadorians answered those in a positive manner, and that was hardly surprising, considering the country’s strategic location for the Central American drug trade, widespread gun violence, and its status as a human trafficking hub––or should we say former?
Love him or hate him, since he came into power, President Nayib Bukele has adopted a tougher stance on crime than his predecessors ever did, introducing a ‘State of Exception’ in March 2022 that allowed for the mass incarcerations of gang members.
Despite a temporary outcry over Human Rights abuses and arbitrary arrests, its effectiveness in drastically curbing crime cannot be so easily understated: from a homicide rate of 105 per 100,000 people in 2015, the country now boasts an updated rate of just 2.4 per 100,000.
In other words, the number of heinous acts has plunged.
As a result, over 88% of El Salvadorians now feel their country is safe, leading the country to chart at number 8 on the Global Security Report, surprisingly ahead of the ultra-safe European countries like Iceland and Switzerland.
Based on this report, it is also the safest country in the entire Western Hemisphere, ahead of Canada, but to which extent is the data reliable?
As we stated previously, the Gallup report is one of the most trusted sources for assessing safety levels worldwide, as it’s based on feedback from ordinary citizens, but there are still some nuances to be observed.
El Salvadorians may feel safer walking alone at night than their Swiss or Icelandic counterparts, yet at the same time, we must remember safety perceptions in Europe as a whole have decreased significantly in recent years.
In Switzerland, for instance, serious violent offenses have increased ‘by around one third’ over the previous decade, as noted by SwissInfo, though it remains very much under acceptable levels compared to the global average.
Picture living in a country where, up until a couple of years back, you wouldn’t leave home without anxiously looking back over your shoulder, sharing your live location with friends, or even carrying a cheaper, spare phone to surrender instead of your actual phone in case you get mugged.
Suddenly, your city feels a lot safer, a majority of gangs have been wiped off the streets, leaving behind your usual backstreet, petty criminals easily dealt with, and life isn’t exactly perfect, but at least it’s not as terrible as it once was.
Your safety perception is likely to shoot up considerably.
Now, imagine living in a mountain town in the Swiss Alps, where the passing of a certain 92-year-old Mrs Heffelfinger––or whatever the knitting cat lady living up the street is called––would typically be considered a traumatizing collective experience.
Suddenly, a truckload of irregular migrants from North Africa are dropped at the front of your local parish, the social cohesion is broken, and all sorts of problems start arising from their apparent ineptitude to integrate or fully participate in society.
That’s not a right-wing talking point, it’s a verifiable figure:
As Swiss police and public prosecutors confirm, there’s been a ‘significant’ increase in the number of crimes attributed to undocumented migrants.
Add to that the wider European border crisis, and you’ll start to understand why the Swiss feel less safe in their neck of the woods, even though Switzerland continues to be considered extremely safe by any existing standards.
So is El Salvador truly safe?
Well, we wouldn’t be the first ones to test how it goes walking unaccompanied in a deserted, poorly lit street with our newly acquired iPhones in hand, dripping in jewelry and shiny Nike shoes, especially in a suburban zone with a reputation, but sure, El Salvador has gotten safer.
Again, safe-rrr.
What we’re trying to say is, locals feel their place of residence is less dangerous than it once was, and they are likely to respond to a survey on safety positively following the drastic changes of recent years.
At the same time, we suspect a non-experienced Swiss or Icelandic person wouldn’t share their perception if they were suddenly dropped in the middle of San Salvador, the bustling Salvadorian capital, and left to fend for themselves.
In short, El Salvador is now a lower-risk destination by Latin American standards.
Washington continues to list the up-and-coming Latin hub as a Level 3 country, meaning Americans should ‘reconsider’ visiting due to the higher crime levels in certain states and municipalities, and the ongoing State of Exception.
At the same time, they note there has been a reduction in gang-related activity.
Judging by the excellent outcomes on the security front, it might not be long until El Salvador is upgraded to a near-perfect Level 2, or even a perfect Level 1:
Last august, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz, Chair of the Congressional El Salvador Caucus, addressed a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinker requesting El Salvador’s safety warning is downgraded to Level 1.
Gaetz argues that the incarceration of over 75,000 violent gangsters, and the steady homicide decline from 2015 to 2024 are sufficient to prove Americans should not be discouraged from visiting El Salvador, now a thriving destination, famous for its volcanic nature, Mayan ruins and unspoiled beaches.
In his letter, the Congressman adds the homicide rate in El Salvador is now ‘less than that of nearly every major city in the United States’.
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Fall is one of the very best seasons to travel if you’re not keen to part with your cash!
According to new research from Airbnb, fall is the most affordable season to travel, and the price per night across its network is at its lowest in fall compared to the rest of the year.
As an added bonus, fall vacations also benefit from lower crowd levels, ideal weather for sightseeing, and fewer kids around, too, as they’re all back to school!
So where should you go if you’re looking for a budget break?
These are the 5 most affordable U.S. cities to visit this fall according to Airbnb:
Somers Point is a fascinating destination located on Great Egg Harbor Bay and close to the ocean.
This is a wonderful spot by the Jersey Shore where you can enjoy all kinds of seaside activities, such as paddling, fishing and crabbing.
But it’s so much more than just a traditional seaside town. It is also a destination that is proud of its rich history and keen to share this with visitors.
Somers Point is the oldest settlement in Atlantic County, having been settled by Europeans in 1693.
You can visit the Atlantic County Historical Society to find out more about this fascinating heritage.
And if all that history leaves you feeling thirsty then visit the Somers Point Brewing Company.
This is a renowned local independent craft brewery offering both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a brew whatever the weather!
Boasting a 60-mile stretch of clean, sandy beach, Myrtle Beach is best known as a coastal resort.
But there’s so much more to attract travelers to Myrtle Beach and many attractions that are particularly enjoyable during the cooler days of fall.
Take a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, one of the tallest observation wheels in America.
This offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the town.
A regular ticket with four revolutions of the wheel costs $19.99 per person.
One of the attractions I think sounds most interesting are the Brookgreen Gardens.
This is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and if you visit on the weekend of October 5/6 then you can take part in the Harvest Home Weekend.
Get lost in the hay maze, pick and decorate pumpkins, and embrace all things fall.
Finally, if you’re a golf fan, then you’ll be interested to know that Myrtle Beach boasts a whopping 86 different golf courses.
So you’ll never be short of something to do!
Norfolk is a waterfront city in Virginia named after my home county of Norfolk in the UK!
It is a city with a rich history and so much to see and do.
Visit the Chrysler Museum of Art which is famous for its glass art, but also has a huge collection of paintings and sculptures from both European and American artists.
Explore the Nauticus Maritime Museum, which is home to Battleship Wisconsin, a huge and well-preserved example of a World War 2 Battleship. Adult entry tickets are priced at $17.95.
If you’re traveling with kids, then they’ll enjoy exploring the Virginia Zoo, which sits along the river and is packed full of native and international animals.
Finally, perhaps the most popular reason to visit Norfolk in the fall is for the fall foliage season.
Leaf peepers should aim to be in the city between October 10 and October 31, because this is when the spectacular fall colors will be at their peak.
Fall is one of the best times of year to be in Florida.
The weather is perfect, and the crowd levels are low: the time is right, and the kids will be at school, but the snowbirds won’t have started descending on the region yet!
Panama City is located in Northwest Florida (away from the Orlando mayhem), and it’s best known for its incredible fishing and fine dining in its beautiful waterfront restaurants.
If you enjoy watersports, Panama City is the place to be. You can enjoy watersports here no matter the season.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and kiteboarding are all popular here, and you can enjoy these activities year-round.
I love to paddleboard and fall is one of my favorite seasons to get my board on the water.
Visit the Plaia Shop to hire all the equipment you need to get on the water.
Paddleboard rental starts from $50 a day, and surfboard rental starts from $35 per day, so it won’t have to break the bank to get out there and enjoy the sea.
Finally, the 5th most affordable destination this fall is West Des Moines.
The main attractions for tourists to explore here are the historic buildings and beautiful hiking trails, and fall is arguably the best season for hiking.
Des Moines is known as the Midwestern hub, and people travel from across the state to visit the city for shopping, entertainment, and cultural enrichment.
Take time to walk over the glass-bottomed pedestrianized bridge that connects the city to the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens.
It’s an exhilarating experience!
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, while the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoorsy types.
It looks particularly beautiful as its colors change for fall.
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Is there any destination more sought after by Americans right now than Cancun?
Of course not! It’s the most popular international vacation spot in the world for us…and by a large mark.
Lined with seemingly endless high-end beach resorts along crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why Cancun has reached unfathomable heights.
Even though it’s extremely popular, don’t hold it against Cancun that airfare can be sky-high. It’s not their fault; airlines know what they’re doing.
Cancun is just too good to pass up!
That being said, a new report from insiders at the Cancun Sun revealed the best times to plan out your next trip and good news is there’s no need to rush to plan out your sargassum-free Cancun vacation.
One of the easiest destinations to reach across our borders, Cancun has a plethora of flight options from just about any U.S. airline, plus a handful of Mexican carriers.
Airfare can be pretty pricey in the midst of summer, but not so much toward the end. If you can hold off visiting in July, then August will be one of your best bets for the ultimate savings in paradise.
According to Google Flights, major airports, such as DFW, ORD, and FLL have nonstop flights to Cancun mid-August for less than $250 round-trip.
It’s not just airfare, however. You can score big on resorts too, which is probably what you’re hoping for since Cancun is perhaps the top all-inclusive beach resort destination in the world.
Here is a sample size:
Weekend rates at the ritzy Wyndham Alltra Cancun all-inclusive resort are as low as $284 per night this August.
This same resort costs almost double crossing the $400 threshold in January, a time when many Americans are desperate for a sunny vacation.
While rates tend to soar around the holidays, if you push back your celebration you can find great deals in Cancun.
But be aware – the weather can be moody this time of year. You may not get as many sunny photo-ops as you envision, but is there ever really a bad time to vacation in Cancun?
September can be viewed as the end of summer or the beginning of fall, toeing the line between the 2 seasons.
However you slice it, it’s one of the best times of year for vacation savings. For example the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa Cancun can be booked for $93 in September compared to double the rate in December and January.
Likewise for all-inclusive stays, such as Oleo Cancun Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort as low as $81 in September, but shooting to the high $200’s in January.
It seemed like summer would never get here, but here we are. Travelers are flocking far and wide with Cancun high on many travelers’ wishlists.
While many of us are still putting the finishing touches on summer trips, it’s never too early to plan ahead.
October is a great time to visit Cancun for less crowds – quite the opposite of Spring Break.
The most expensive months to visit are December through March, so why not jump the gun and get in while you can?
Rates drop significantly during the month of October across the board, from boutique hotels to lavish 5-star resorts.
While opting for all-inclusive may seem pricier at the time, think of it this way – the only extras you’ll be spending are souvenirs since food, drinks, and oftentimes transportation is covered.
One of the best deals to book in October is a stay at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive for as low as $145 per night.
If you were to stay here later on during the bitterly cold winter for many Americans, rates spike to as much as $493 in January.
How’s that for savings?!
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This last summer season saw a notable influx of tourists choosing to spend their holiday cruising along gorgeous coastlines.
However, what some might have perceived as a seasonal trend is, in fact, an enduring phenomenon that shows no signs of going away any time soon.
Here are the top 5 reasons why Americans are still favoring cruising over other types of travel this fall:
One of the main reasons why cruises continue to rise in popularity is that they offer excellent value. This is especially true of longer, more distant travels.
Let’s take a practical example.
A 7-day cruise, which departs from Miami and covers four destinations in the Caribbean, currently starts at $529 per person – this includes travel and lodging.
On the flip side, say you were to book a flight from Miami to just one of the destinations the cruise covers.
In this case, let’s assume you’re going to the Bahamas since it’s one of the most popular destinations for American travelers.
The cheapest two-way ticket (per person) right now goes at $262.
Though airfare prices have dropped this shoulder season, remember that you’ll still have to account for lodging expenses for a one-week stay.
Once in the Bahamas, you’ll find that the average hotel will set you back $150 a night. While it is possible to find accommodation that costs less than $100 a night, the 7-night total will still trump the $529 you’d pay on a cruise.
Since our hypothetical vacation is one week long, let’s also account for food and drink expenses.
Most cruises will charge an extra $200-$400 for unlimited drinks and food credit. Let’s assume a $300 average – that boils down to a $43 daily food budget, which is far cheaper than what you’d spend if you were to eat in cafes and restaurants close to your destination of choice.
When you combine the notable price difference with the ease and flexibility that cruises provide, it’s clear why so many travelers consider them to be the best bang for their buck.
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Most travelers have just finished dealing with the logistics of their tropical beach getaways and are looking forward to an even more hectic winter season – when it comes to planning their fall vacation, there’s just not that much mental space left.
Most cruises come with all-inclusive packages you don’t have to think much about.
Once you choose the line you want, the planning process is pretty much over. The extra time and freedom encourage you to sit back and enjoy your time off rather than obsess over your itinerary.
Packing and unpacking is also a breeze since you’ll only be doing it once.
If you were to fly to three or four destinations in the span of a week, organizing your belongings every time you move would surely take over your sightseeing time.
Cruises are nothing if not time-efficient.
They get you to 4, 5, or even more destinations in the span of a week, something that’s near-impossible to achieve through any other means of transportation.
Since most travelers want to experience as much as possible during their trips, taking a cruise is a great way to do that with minimal time and effort.
While it’s true that cruises are far less flexible than other types of travel, seeing as the itinerary is set in stone, the fear that once you set foot in the vessel you can’t get out until the end is usually unfounded.
Some cruises may allow you to jump on or off at ports other than their original set-off point, as long as you let the staff know beforehand.
However, always make sure to read your specific line’s policies or, better yet, contact the staff beforehand to ensure that’s actually the case.
Lastly, some cruises have a reputation for being too wild or, at the other end of the spectrum, too sedate.
The truth of the matter is that there’s a cruise for every type of traveler; you’ll just have to do some due diligence and find one that matches your energy.
Those who strive for a sense of community during their travels will find themselves right at home on a cruise.
Traveling with like-minded people and sharing the same experiences fosters a bond that can’t be replicated through any other type of vacation.
A good fall trip ultimately revolves around the gorgeous views you get to see this time of year, and the scenery you get to enjoy on a cruise is just unmatched. If you’re cruising somewhere the seasons change, the ocean is mesmerizing, the sunsets are to die for, and once you get a glimpse of the stunning landscape draped in golden leaves, it’ll take your breath away.
If you’re still not sure whether taking a cruise this fall season will be worth it, we recommend booking a shorter trip of 3-4 days to see how you like it.
That way, the financial and time commitment will be minimal. In the end, if you’re left feeling like the trip was too short, you know what to do the next time you have some time off.
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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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San Diego hasn’t been all it’s cracked up to be in 2024.
Locals and tourists alike become mesmerized by the sheer beauty of ‘America’s Finest City’, but that’s only because they can’t see the bacteria permeating through many of the beaches in the area, including some flocked by tourists.
Beach closures have been constant, stretching from the Tijuana border, the vacation hotspot of Coronado, to San Diego’s own beautiful shores.
Factor in the hassle of airport construction and unenforced homelessness laws, and I’m happy to report a bright spot in San Diego rather than rip the city a new one.
The good news is that San Diego is much larger than given credit for, so there’s more than meets the eye in terms of the negative aspects.
Oftentimes, nearby LA casts such a large shadow that it may seem to shrink the rest of Southern California like a Rick Moranis movie.
Located in ‘North County’ as locals say, Carlsbad is truly one of San Diego County’s best kept secrets despite being home to more than 100,000 people, but the secret is coming out with a newly opened airport.
I recently perused the delightful Carlsbad Villages district; expect minimal homeless encampments, clean, pristine beaches, and perhaps the most enjoyable resort minutes away from the heart of town.
5-star Park Hyatt Aviara is the perfect blissful retreat away from the rush of San Diego’s tourist season.
Relax and recharge absorbing some of the region’s most scenic landscapes and treat yourself to a world-class spa, immaculate award-winning restaurants, or 18 holes on golf legend Arnold Palmer’s only SoCal course.
Take ‘hideaway’ literally. I’ve lived in San Diego for 10 years and never knew such a lavish resort existed in Carlsbad.
While it’s certainly not alone in terms of luxurious stays in this underrated beach city, Aviara stands out the most now that I know how great it is to stay here.
Formerly a Four Seasons property, the hotel was hit hard during the dark days of Covid and, like many of us did, they seized the opportunity to reset, and man, did they succeed!
While the aesthetic still appears Four Seasons-esque, adding some new and improved touches made this resort even more of a draw, like the expanded courtyard, one of the prettiest aspects of Aviara.
Perhaps this is why celebrities have Aviara pinned as their top San Diego resort, such as Janet Jackson and Tony Hawk, the latter of which just happened to be here when I visited.
It’s easy to see why the rich and famous come here for some R & R. The resort oozes exclusivity being tucked away on a long winding driveway nowhere near the hustle and bustle, even for Carlsbad’s generally laid-back vibes.
I’m not ashamed to say I’m a no-name travel writer, but even I had to keep my ego in check with how important all the friendly staff made me feel, which isn’t something you can say for every resort.
I felt like the center of attention all around from the front desk check-in, valet drivers, to the exquisite restaurants’ wait staff.
Not to mention being chauffeured around site to site in a brand new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, a far cry from other resorts’ typical beaten-down vans.
There are only 6 Park Hyatts in America, but Aviara knocks this one out of the park providing a blissful luxurious escape, no better place to feel unbothered in this slice of SoCal paradise.
Anyone who has splurged on vacation knows one of the best and worst parts of resorts is loud booger-pickin’ kids running rampant when you’re just trying to relax.
Best being it’s great for parents, worst being they’re not your children.
Park Hyatt Aviara is the best of both worlds, which makes sense due to Carlsbad’s family-friendly allure boasting LEGOLAND, the popular Carlsbad Premium Outlets and sunny spacious beaches.
Whether you’re activating Vacation Mode or Staycation Mode, adults won’t lose their minds from screaming kids running wild as Aviara has all the bases covered, including being a pet-friendly resort with fun events like Paws at the Park.
But families can have a blast together too. Despite being a golfer’s dream destination, you don’t even have to step outside to hit the links with the Topgolf Swing Suite indoors – super fun for all ages and a lot cheaper than playing 18 holes.
Featuring two grand pools on-site, one is catered for families, while the other is a picture-perfect oasis for 18-and-uppers.
The family pool, as we’ll call it, is a kiddo’s dream come true. The pool itself is massive, but the big prize is the neighboring mini-waterpark with a pair of fun slides crashing into a separate pool.
And yes, a lifeguard is on duty so you can turn off ‘Mom and Dad mode’ and enjoy a cocktail.
The kids were having the time of their lives, which was my cue as a 34-year-old childless man to walk a short distance to the adults-only pool—the highlight of my stay.
I’ve been to numerous resorts and some pools can be a disappointment, but not this one. My one small gripe would be the ‘18+’ rule wasn’t entirely enforced.
Overall, sitting poolside with a pitcher (yes, a pitcher!) of margs overlooking vast rolling hills and picturesque lagoons couldn’t be better.
Better yet, there’s a secret jacuzzi for even more privacy and was rarely used by anyone else.
It truly felt as if I reserved it for my own personal use for stargazing over the Batiquitos Lagoon, essentially forgetting my spacious King Room was equipped with its own hot tub.
Renting private cabanas was also an option. Since the pool was relatively crowd-free, I didn’t see a purpose, especially since rates are not clear-cut, changing daily.
Backed by celebrity chef and all-around good guy, Richard Blais, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, Ember & Rye is my new go-to splurge for date nights.
‘Staycation’ or not, a 45-minute drive from my apartment is worth every drop of California’s overpriced fuel.
Recently revamped after an unfortunate fire accident, this ‘steakhouse of sorts’ is back, better than ever, and all sorts of incredible from the award-winning wine list to melt-in-your-mouth steak.
Better yet, the menu hits every price point up to the sinful A5 Japanese Wagyu, which…no words…it doesn’t get any better.
I could write a separate article on how this should be the most hyped restaurant in SoCal. Richard, hit me up!
Although, if you’re more into ‘sorts’, the Veal Chop with green blueberry capers (yep! you read that right!) was phenomenal.
Ember and Rye is not alone, however. Don’t skip out on Ponto Lago, rounding out Aviara’s dynamic culinary duo.
Most conveniently located to your room, this impeccable restaurant highly touted by Forbes Travel Guide served up a mean ‘Baja’ brunch available on Sundays.
Tip: when dining at Ember & Rye, ask for patio seating. The amazing views rival Aviara’s adults-only pool and as summer nights cool down, they offer cozy fire pits.
If you’re the type who loves to pamper themselves at lavish resorts, perhaps you’re aware of the Miraval brand.
Park Hyatt Aviara is home to the only Miraval spa in California, Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara.
Full disclosure: be prepared to fork over a pretty penny. The prices were quite shocking.
After scouring the menu up and down and enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne, I chose to book something I’ve enjoyed in the past, but am by no means an expert, so bear with me…
I am new to the sound bath game, but my Sacred Sounds Himalayan Bowl Massage guided by aromatherapy, breathwork, and vibrational sound therapy was eye-opening and just what I needed to calm my mind as a ‘work-a-holic’.
Accompanied by a full-body massage, my physical ailments melted away by minute 50. The Himalayan sound bowl evoked a sense of calm, only intensifying my desire to dive deeper into the spiritual realm of this trendy meditative service.
Aviara does offer a 24/7 fitness center as well with various classes, such as yoga. It may seem like a small touch, but the fact they offer cold towelettes post-workout was another level of bliss.
Tip: Ask for Kerri at Miraval. She did an incredible job as my massage therapist making sure I was comfortable and at ease the whole service.
Travel Off Path was a guest of Park Hyatt Aviara, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
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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