How is it possible nearly 12 million people visit a place you’ve likely never heard of each year?
The same way we all have our beloved secret getaways close to home, the same goes for Asia.
Travelers have been enjoying idyllic escapes to South Korea’s lesser-known paradise for years.
Seoul is always abuzz and thrilling to visit, but Jeju Island invites travelers to experience Korea’s charm in a more peaceful atmosphere highlighted by epic eats and otherworldly nature.
According to local publication, JoongAng Daily, more travelers have been trickling in this year and now it’s ready for the world stage.
Despite being mostly unknown to Western travelers, Jeju isn’t a far-flung remote island unequipped for a spike in tourism; there are ritzy name-brand hotels and centuries of astounding culture waiting for you.
Jeju Island: Closer Than You Think
How many cool places across the world would you be willing to sit through layover after layover to reach?
Being such a drag and energy zapper, that’s a promise I’ve made to myself not to do anymore unless it’s truly unique.
Jeju might be an exception, but the good news is that you can easily reach this 2 million-year-old island with a single connection.
With so many nonstop flights to Seoul, Taipei, and numerous Chinese cities, Jeju is a lot closer and easier to reach than you might think.
This volcanic wonder is set south of South Korea’s mainland in the Korea Strait alone, unlike other Asian countries with paradisal blips dotting the map.
Winter makes for a great time to visit with ideal weather for exploring the island. Agoda notes ‘crisp air’ and ‘minimal rainfall’ perfect for scenic hikes , especially with free entry to place like Hallasan National Park.
Jeju’s Otherworldly Nature & Postcard Villages
When we hear the word ‘island’, we automatically think of pristine beaches. In Jeju’s case, there’s far more to discover.
Take Jeongbang Falls, for example, the only waterfall to crash into the sea; an absolute must on your trip!
Then there’s Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO-protected site that’s an excellent stop for sunsets and to take in the island’s past volcanic past visit a huge crater than only be described as other-planetary.
Of course, this island has its fair share of incredible beaches to visit, such as Hamdeok, Hyeopjae, and Yongmeori, rounding out TripAdvisor’s top suggestions, but exploring other natural attractions is what will truly captivate you.
The island is teeming with scenic waterfalls, but the most amazing otherworldly experience may be paying a visit to Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest naturally formed lava tubes on Earth.
When visiting Korea, you may not think of such an astounding nature. It’s likely that the food, culture, and bright lights of Seoul come to mind.
But don’t sleep on Jeju’s postcard villages, which make for a great alternative to Seoul’s popular Hanok Village since the new implementation of curfews and fines to combat overtourism concerns next spring.
Jeju Folk Village is a restored village from the 1800s, displaying more than 100 structures and historical remnants.
Seongeup Folk Village is another worthy photo-op where locals have been calling this place home continuously for over 600 years – and don’t skip the Green Tea Cave nearby!
Kimchi, BBQ & Incredible Seafood: Add Some Spice To Your Life In Jeju!
Surely, you’ve realized Chinese takeout and cheap supermarket sushi aren’t the only Asian delights back home.
The U.S. has seen an explosion of Korean restaurants largely highlighted by Korean BBQ garnished by Korea’s spice of life, kimchi, a spicy staple made of fermented vegetables and chilis (and very healthy!).
In Jeju, you can have the real deal at various markets, street vendors, and top-rated restaurants, much of which you’ll find in Jeju City, the island’s largest population.
Albeit winter makes for a great time to visit local citrus farms to sample Jeju mandarins too. Here are some savory dishes to keep an eye for when it’s time to feast:
Black Pork BBQ
Gogi Guksu (pork broth-based noodle soup; great for chilly nights!)
Haemultang (seafood-based soup; equally great for nippy weather!)
Seafood is the claim to fame around here as ingredients are proudly locally sourced. According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 3 seafood restaurants to visit (all with perfect ratings!):
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.
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.
Heading to a sunny Cancun this winter, and as usual, you’re concerned with your personal safety after being bombarded with mainstream news stories on how crime in the Mexican Caribbean is rising?
While there is some truth to that, and we would definitely recommend you exercise greater caution visiting, Cancun remains one of the safest––if not the safest––beach destination in Mexico this season, especially if your primary reason for going is, well, basking in the tropical sun in a luxury resort.
Unless you’ve kept up to date with the latest developments on the security front lately, you may be wondering what exactly makes us so certain Americans have nothing to worry about visiting Cancun in the near future, so here’s why:
Why Is Cancun Safe For Americans?
For starters, Cancun is and always has been, a low-risk destination for U.S. citizens.
It is classified as a Level 2 city by U.S. authorities, which means they do not discourage Americans from visiting, and instead, simply warn them on the necessary precautions that need taken when vacationing south of the border, which we’ll get to in a minute.
It is highly-surveilled, with CCTV and patrol units everywhere to be seen, particularly in the Hotel Zone, and even a Tourist Police––a battalion charged with the care of visitors––having been formed to ensure Americans, and every other guest, feels protected.
Back in 2022, we even reported extensively on how the U.S. issued an alert on kidnapping risks for the whole state of Quintana Roo––including Cancun––over a single individual who had been abducted, in unknown circumstances at the time.
For comparison purposes, can you imagine if there was ever a safety warning that applied to all and mentioned a similar, very specific incident that occurred sporadically in a big U.S. city like Atlanta, New York, or San Francisco, as if it were recurrent?
All of this to say that, based on how travel alerts are issued, government bodies seem to play it conservative in how they assess safety risks in Mexico, and you may agree or disagree with that, but it’s evident that, in reality, the risk of kidnapping in Cancun is minimal.
That’s just one newsworthy event: we can’t exactly tell you the last time we caught wind of shoot-outs where tourists got injured within Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
This should already be enough encouragement, but we’re glad to report the Caribbean hub is going even further:
As of this week, Ricardo Morales Santos, director of the Tourist Police, has confirmed they will be ramping up security in the Hotel Zone, with a total of 8 units, each with 7 to 8 officers, being deployed to the area to ensure crime levels stay low.
Gun violence affecting tourists may be uncommon… extortion and corruption, on the other hand, are more common.
Cancun Is Low-Risk, Yes, But…
We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had reports of readers claiming they were pickpocketed, or fined after breaking poorly-defined traffic rules, particularly when renting cars locally.
These are all seriously inconvenient, and Santos has stated the main objective of the latest deployment is to keep extortion under check, as well as curb drug trafficking, a major concern in Quintana Roo, and ‘high-impact crimes’.
We can’t promise you corruption will decrease in response, but based on what we have seen for crime trends in Cancun, petty criminals may feel less emboldened to target tourists:
Down in Mexico, they call it the ‘cockroach effect‘, when criminals feel cornered by an increased presence of police, and jump to the next town where surveillance isn’t as strict yet.
Interestingly enough, locals in Cancun’s direct neighbor to the south, Playa Del Carmen, are concerned that, now that state authorities have made it very challenging, if not impossible, for lawbreakers to operate from Cancun’s Hotel Zone, they’ll be flocking there instead.
That’s a concern raised by the National Association of Regional Business Councils (Ancer), and it’s not exactly a good thing, by any means, but it only goes to show how actually effective Cancun has been in driving the zero-tolerance message home.
On top of the 8 new Hotel Zone units, Santos is adding 16 motorcycle units, to attend more efficiently to incidents taking place from kilometer zero to 20, in the event there are traffic jams along Kukulcan Boulevard.
The result is a much-safer Cancun, as Mara Lazama Espinosa, the Quintana Roo State Governor, has remarked herself.
The Bottomline
In short, Americans truly have no major concerns traveling to the Caribbean destination, other than keeping an eye on personal belongings in public spaces, notably highly-crowded ones, avoiding marginal districts tourists have no business visiting anyway, and keeping valuables in a hotel safe.
Crime can occur, for sure, like in any popular tourism hotspot, but it’s often restricted to nonviolent mugging and pickpocketing on public beaches––within resorts that straddle their own private beach, it’s very rare––and shopping zones.
Either way, the Hotel Zone and adjacent streets and leisure centers are incredibly safe, with police being promptly available to help if needed, and English being widely spoken, in the very least at a basic level.
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.
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.
When it comes to a place as iconic and stunningly diverse as Italy, it can be hard to pick a single place to visit and even harder to differentiate between the unmissable gems and the overhyped tourist traps.
Milan, in particular, has always been the subject of an ongoing debate among travelers, with some insisting it’s one of Italy’s most visit-worthy cities and others claiming it’s a waste of both time and money.
So I decided to take a leap and see for myself – is Milan actually worth visiting, and more importantly, can you do it on a budget?
After four amazing days in the city, I’m happy to report that the north Italian gem is not only one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen in my life, but I was actually able to have an incredible time on less than $100 a day.
Here’s how:
Finding Low-Cost Accommodation In Milan
Accommodation might be the trickiest thing to do on a budget in Milan, especially if you have certain expectations regarding location or overall quality, but it’s not impossible.
The no. 1 tip I can give you here is to prioritize Airbnb over hotels.
I loved the view from my Airbnb
I know that Airbnbs have notoriously become more expensive than hotels in most destinations, but after searching for the perfect affordable place to stay for at least a month, I can confidently say that Milan is not one of them.
Places like these (1, 2) while unassuming, are still comfy, clean, and conveniently located, offering excellent value for the money (assuming you’re traveling with a companion, the nightly cost ends up somewhere around $40-$55 per person).
You’ll notice that both of these apartments are located in Porta Venezia – in my opinion, that’s the best area for a tourist to stay in the city.
This was just one of the many gorgeous buildings in Porta Venezia. Not just conveniently located but beautiful too!
You’re close to both the city center (~25-minute walk) and Milano Centrale, the main train and bus station (~15-minute walk), and believe me, if you don’t have your own car, you’ll want to be close to Minano Centrale because that’s where you’ll go for every day trip and airport transfer.
The neighborhood itself is peaceful but still lively and near great shops and bars, and you even have access to a beautiful park (Indro Montanelli).
I always looked forward to passing through the Indro Montanelli Gardens on my way to the Duomo
Getting Around The City
OK, so you want to be close to Milano Centrale for all inter-city trips, but what about getting around Milan itself? How do you do that and how much can you expect to pay?
The easiest and most convenient mode of transportation here is by metro, no competition.
There’s a station at almost every corner, and as long as you do your best to understand how the system works, you should get the hang of it in no time.
Getting used to the metro system took a bit of trial and error, but I got the hang of it in less than two days – not too shabby
Basically, there are three main lines that cover most of the city, Red (M1), Green (M2), and Yellow (M3), each with its own set of stops which you can learn more about here.
Still, as a tourist, you might have a challenging time figuring out what station you need to get to and what line you should take, so I highly recommend you download the ATM Milano App.
You just type in your location and where you need to go, and the app will come up with an exact itinerary of how to get to the right metro station near you, what line to take, and where to stop, and it’s definitely a time and headache-saver.
The ATM Milan app is completely free so definitely give it a try
Even with the app, though, you’ll still want to pay close attention to the signs and maps displayed inside metro stations as well as the digital displays inside the actual metros to make sure you’re going in the right direction.
As far as pricing is concerned, a single ticket (which can be used as many times as you want within a 90-minute time frame) costs 2.2€ or ~$2.5, while a 3-day pass costs 15.5€ or ~$17.
Eating Out And Well Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive
Eating out in Milan can get pretty expensive – there are probably thousands of restaurants and fast food joints in the city and most of them are obvious tourist traps with sky-high prices and mediocre food.
With that said, there are still some places where you can get amazing, great-value food, even in more touristy areas.
Be it the food itself or the overall vibe of Navigli, I had the best time with this meal at Pizza e Mozzarella
This pistacchio and biscotti gelato I got from Gelato Fatto Con Amore was one of the best I’ve ever had
The Same Goes For Entertainment
With accommodation, food, and transportation covered, it’s time to delve into what it costs to do other touristy activities in Milan, you know, things like visiting a museum, exploring a historical attraction, or going out for a cocktail.
With museums, you’ll want to try your best to time your visit to Milan so that you’re here during the first Sunday of the month – some of the city’s most coveted historical and cultural attractions are free to enter on that day alone.
If that’s not possible, you’ll want to aim for either the first or third Tuesday of the month, when there will still be some gorgeous museums you can enter for free (places that charge anywhere between $5 and $25 per ticket the rest of the month).
Castello Sforzesco is free to enter every first and third Tuesday of the month – definitely worth a stop!
With Duomo, you’ll have to pay for a ticket no matter the time of the month you go, but there are a few tips I can give you to get the most out of the experience:
If you’re reasonably fit, choose the Combo Stairs ticket instead of the Combo Lift – there are only 200 stairs, the lines for the lift can get insane during specific times of the day, and there’s no descending lift, so you’ll still have to make your way down by foot
Make use of the 10% discount code for the gift shop that comes with any Combo Ticket
None of the pictures I took inside the Duomo (this one included) can do the actual view justice
Now when it comes to bars, the best places to go for those on a budget are definitely neighborhoods like Porta Romana or Porta Venezia, where cocktails cost anywhere between $8 and $10.
If you’re set on having a drink with a gorgeous view of the Duomo, my top recommendation would be SunEleven Rooftop Bar – for just $16 a cocktail you get great service and the most incredible backdrop.
This view and a good cocktail were the recipe for one of my best nights in Milan
So, with all of that said, what can you expect the average day in Milan to cost you?
Airbnb – $45
Breakfast + coffee (espresso) – $6
Sightseeing + museum tour – $0
Lunch – $18
Cocktail – $10
Dinner – $15
All of that adds up to a total of $94, well under $100.
Having explored over 20 countries in the last 3 years, Megi is committed to bringing the freshest, most up-to-date news and perspectives on the world’s most fascinating destinations.
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.
For better or worse, Paris is having quite a year. First, the French icon was dethroned by Istanbul as the most visited city in the world, and now they have fallen out of the top 3 entirely.
Followed by the looming Olympics as the City of Light lays down their welcome mats to the world playing host to this magnificent global event Jul 26, 2024 – Aug 11, 2024.
However, early reports are showing mixed reviews of Paris during this period.
Air France, expecting a gargantuan loss of $193 million, was quoted as saying, “International markets show a significant avoidance of Paris.”.
Taking a page out of Southwest Airline’s playbook, tourists are saying they ‘wanna get away’…or stay away for that matter.
Good news is you can, and very cheap at that. One of the main concerns tourists have visiting Paris during the Olympics is the all but guaranteed surge in pricing.
Fortunately, that doesn’t impact trains outta town, but there’s also great deals extending through fall.
Travel to these 4 underrated destinations from Paris under $30 by train:
Ditch France Entirely! Take A Short Ride To Luxembourg ($27)
Luxembourg is undeniably one of the most expensive destinations in all of Europe and also insanely beautiful.
Don’t let your travel budget deter you from visiting one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, however.
Although pricey for hotels and dining, Luxembourg is worth a splurge for a day-trip or weekend getaway and it’s more than meets the eye with small towns like Echternach, known as “Little Switzerland”.
Everybody likes free stuff, and when it comes to traveling, we all appreciate freebies even more.
In this case, you would be arriving by train via SNCF Connect, so all you have to purchase is your ticket from Paris (Gare de l’Est) into Luxembourg, totaling 2 hours, 43 minutes after a brief stop in Metz.
Those looking to escape the crowds watching Lebron James light up the scoreboard will have to fork over anywhere from $50 – $100 during the Olympics, but can score $27 tickets various dates Sep – Oct.
Au Revoir, Nice! Hit Up The Northern Coastal Town Of Le Havre ($23)
Paris, Lyon, Nice, Cannes…none of these household names are Le Havre. You may have never heard of it and that’s okay.
The road less traveled, or in this case, the rail, is one of the best ways to explore the world.
Those looking to check out more of France and want to stay close to Paris should check out Le Havre, which is just a 2-hour and 18-minute nonstop journey.
According to Rail Europe, tickets are $27 during the Olympics and $23 in October – the perfect escape for a day trip away from crowds, especially since trains run throughout the day.
Visitors may find Le Havre is a bit quirky, but aren’t we all?
This artsy port city, blending modern architecture and well-preserved structures surviving World War II bombings, has earned itself UNESCO recognition.
Easy to explore with the city’s grid-like layout, Le Havre is full of surprises, from savory beachside seafood restaurants to eye-popping art installations.
If there’s one thing not to miss out on it’s the remarkable Saint Joseph’s Church, a feast for the eyes.
Toast To New Adventures: Visit France’s Champagne Capital($14)
Reims is a city steeped in history, but its claim to fame is being France’s champagne capital.
We’ll toast to that!
Boasting phenomenal attractions ranging from historic to indulgent, you can visit such sites as the Gothic-style Reims Cathedral to the beautiful Abbey of Saint-Remi, both protected by UNESCO.
Of course, you can’t visit the ‘champagne capital’ without sipping some bubbly.
Feel free to pop bottles at Reims’ renowned Champagne Houses for tours and tasting.
A few of the top-rated are:
Mumm
Veuve Clicquot,
Taittinger
You can reach Reims easily from Paris (Gare de l’Est) as low as $14 during the Olympics on SNCF Connect. Oddly enough prices go up to $19 in fall.
The route takes 2 hours 11 minutes for these fares, but an express route via TGV Inoui will get you there in just 46 minutes for $26.
A Grand Tour Through Tours ($11)
Tours, France is a hidden gem in the Loire Valley and just a stone’s throw from Paris in terms of train travel.
The city is quaint, easily navigable, and underappreciated for authentic French cuisine, but the real draws are the world-class chateaux and wineries outside the city limits.
Explore more of Loire Valley and visit stunning castles like Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, and Amboise, each with its own unique style and backstory.
But first, you have to get to Tours. Doing so is easy aboard the direct SNCF Connect route from Paris Montparnasse station, reaching Tours in as little as 51 minutes.
Tickets are as low as $17 July 29th during the Olympics and as low as $11 September – November.
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.
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.
Hear me out. I also used to think chartering a super yacht was something reserved for the ultra-rich and famous, and not something I would ever experience myself.
Most of us have seen Below Deck and imagined ourselves on a super yacht with our friends or family, sailing around gorgeous Mediterranean islands, eating fresh seafood with truffles and drinking fine wines. But then reality hits us that we probably don’t have an extra $20 million sitting in the bank to buy a 50-meter yacht.
However,there is a solution. One that doesn’t require much more money than you would spend on a 4-star All-Inclusive resort in Cancun for example. And I’m going to show you how to get it.
I recently got the chance to spend a week on a super yacht in Croatia, and I’m here to tell you all the juicy details.
Pricing (which is surprisingly lower than I thought), the perks that are included, exactly how to book it yourself, and why Croatia has recently become the hottest sailing destination.
While of course time on a super yacht is going to cost more than a Carnival cruise, I’m happy to report this bucket-list experience is within reach for many travelers, even easier if you have a group to travel with, and it will surely stand out from any vacation you’ve had before.
Let’s dive in.
Goolets – A charter company that offers luxury for less
I recently sailed with a European yacht company called Goolets, aboard their yacht called ‘Cristal’ throughout stunning Croatia.
Goolets is different than your average stuffy yacht charter company. They’re making a name for themselves in the yachting world because they make charting more affordable without skimping on the luxury. Where traditionally, it’s difficult to find a luxury yacht charter for under $250k a week, Goolets is offering charters for much less, but keeping the experience high-end.
This is what originally piqued my interest, their ability to compete in the market and offer a prime yacht experience for less, and of course, then I saw how extravagant Cristal really was.
I stepped aboard the Cristal in the middle of the enchanting city of Split, Croatia, which is an experience in itself, and immediately fell in love with how different the yacht world is compared to other types of vacations.
The Experience – What Sailing on a Yacht is Actually Like
I’m no stranger to traveling, I’ve been doing it full-time for the last 8 years, so when I say I am impressed by something, it’s a genuine declaration. I think anyone in the world would say they were superbly impressed by a week on a super yacht, but I’m going to tell you why.
The one-on-one service, the attention to detail, and the small intimate environment make it unbeatable in terms of memorable experiences. I was on the ship with 25 other people, which still felt social and fun, but extremely private at the same time. Everyone had their own space and freedom but was easy to connect when we wanted to.
The service on a super yacht is unlike anything you can find at a hotel, resort, or on a cruise. The staff has a psychic-like ability to predict what you need, when you need it.
To be honest, the service is so unparalleled, it kind of ruins you for other types of travel. Just imagine a team of staff that is excited about meeting your every need and executes everything from a simple drink to a towel refresh, to a gourmet meal with ease.
Here’s what I did on a typical day:
A day in the life of super-yachting
8:00 am – wake up to the light sound of the motor as we get ready to set sail from port and onto the Adriatic
8:30 am– Having breakfast upstairs while leaving city port, watching the cityscape and the coastal scenery.
10:00 am – Taking a coffee and a book on the sundeck as we’re cruising through open waters
1:00 pm – Lunch is served in the lounge, Tuna tartar, roasted sea bass with veggies, and lavender panna cotta to finish.
2:00 pm – We’ve set anchor in a crystal clear bay, time to go down the mega-slide, have a swim and get on the jet-skis.
4:00 pm – We’ve anchored in a quaint and charming Croatian island town. Taking the next few hours to walk around, try some local snacks, do some shopping, take some photos, and enjoy the quiet vibe.
6:00 pm – Cocktail hour on the bow deck with champagne, appetizers and martinis, watching the sunset, spending time with friends on board.
8:00 pm – 3-course dinner in the lounge of seafood salad, black truffle and caviar pasta, finishing with pistachio cannoli.
10:00 pm – Dance party on the sundeck with cocktails, followed by a dip in the hot tub.
Now, I know you came here for the nitty-gritty, so let’s talk numbers…
The Pricing – Chartering A Super Yacht In Croatia Is More Affordable Than You Think
When I say affordable, I mean it, but there is a caveat to having some friends, family, or a small group join you.
How does vacationing on a private super yacht, casually sailing through crystal blue waters of Croatia, being spoiled by attentive staff, with gourmet food and drinks included, for around $3900 a week sound?
That is how much a week-long luxury vacation is aboard the Cristal when all of her cabins are occupied.
Per person breakdown:
3900 euros
1 week
Gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner included
All-inclusive drink package
This is based on the yacht having all 15 cabins booked, roughly 30 guests, as the price per week starts at 90k. Traveling as a group significantly reduces the cost per person, making this luxurious experience surprisingly affordable.
While you might be thinking “Okay, I can’t even wrangle my immediate family together for Christmas dinner, let alone a vacation in Europe”, here are some other ideas where getting a group of 20-30 people together for a trip is perfect:
Hosting a retreat or a workshop
Having your wedding aboard
Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations
Family or school reunions
Corporate Incentives
Groups, clubs, or teams you belong to
And of course, friends and family will make the most memorable vacation
The price changes based on occupancy, so for example if you have 10 people, it’s roughly $10k each, or 20 people around $4800 each.
Compare This To An All-Inclusive Vacation
To put this into perspective for you, here is a great example of a different kind of vacation you could take for the same amount of money, even if you only had 15-20 people on the yacht.
As I write this, I just returned from an All-Inclusive trip to Cancun, so I have my recent hotel bill to compare.
While an All-Inclusive resort in Cancun and a super yacht in Croatia are extremely different, it’s very important to note how similar they are in price.
I stayed at the Andaz, a 5-star resort tucked away in a gated community near Cancun called Mayacoba. 1 week here in an ocean view room is $4400 per person during shoulder season, coming in at the same for the Croatia super yacht experience with 20-30 passengers.
However, the value inclusions are strikingly different.
While I have nothing bad to say about the Andaz, the level of service and the level of experience are intensely contrasting.
At the Andaz, there is no personalized service; it’s just a normal, white-washed rectangle room in a spread-out compound with no real charm. The property itself, while good-looking, isn’t jaw-dropping by any means. And, well, it’s no yacht!
Yes, the Andaz doesn’t need you to gather 10 other couples for that pricing, but if you’re going down as a group for a wedding, to me the yacht trip makes way more sense.
What About Compared To A Cruise?
If we compare a super yacht experience to a luxury cruise experience, there are definitely more similarities, but also notable differences.
To compare apples to apples, I’ll have to compare to a luxury line, smaller ship vibe.
We are talking gourmet food, nice cabins, and no buffets in sight. (Sorry Carnival, you cannot be not included in this comparison)
A week sailing around the Med on a luxury liner with 200-2000 other guests will set you back $4500-$1200 per person. While some of the benefits, like sailing into different ports, beautiful sea views, and the gourmet food might be the same as the yacht experience, here is where they differ: the personalized service. Even on one of the highest-end cruise liners, the staff have too many other guests to attend to, changing the level of personalized service you receive.
Luxury Liner compared to Yacht Charter
Pros for Luxury Liner
More onboard amenities and services, like shows, lectures, or large pools
More options for having daily variety in dining
Pros for Yacht Charter
In most cases, the cost is lower on a yacht charter, with Goolets at least.
More one-on-one attention and service.
The other guests will be people you know.
A yacht can enter more diverse ports, even ones in the middle of town (like in Split for example) where a cruise liner usually has to park far away.
More customization of the trip, itinerary, menu, and schedule.
More private and exclusive.
On-demand access to water toys and equipment.
The clout of charting a yacht, plain and simple.
The yacht charter still takes the cake for pricing, exclusivity, customization, and overall experience.
What’s Included For $90k A Week?
Okay, you’ve got a bunch of excited friends and you’re ready to book the charter, but what is actually included for the 90k rental?
You’ll get:
Goolets concierge and planner (to help you plan and customize your trip)
The yacht rental with 15 cabins, sleeping 30 (for the Cristal ship, their other yachts have different configurations)
4 hours of cruising fuel per day
11 crew members to take care of your every need, including housekeeping, bartending, cooking, serving, laundry, and really everything else under the sun.
Unlimited use of the A/C
Wi-Fi on board so you are always connected
VAT/TAX on the rental
On top of the rental, there are food and drinks packages for you to add on and customize as well.
HALF BOARD (breakfast, lunch): 450 €/person/week
ADVANCED HALF BOARD (breakfast, lunch, and 3x dinner): 500 €/person/week
FULL BOARD (breakfast, lunch, and dinner): 650 €/person/week
So how we came to our $3900 per person per week price was:
The yacht rental with 30 people in May + plus full board meal plan + domestic drink package = $3900
You’ll also need to account for port/tourism taxes and tips.
The Spaces and The Vibe
This was my first time spending more than a few hours on a yacht, so I had a lot of questions. What are the rooms like? Is there a lot of movement? What are the amenities like? Are there places to work?
(Okay maybe that last question just applies to me, but with more people remote working than ever before, you never know!)
Cabins: The cabins are surprisingly spacious for the size of a yacht and how many passengers she fits. They were remodeled recently to be ultra-modern in color and vibe and have everything you need. The en-suite bathrooms are also bright with great lighting for makeup and showers larger than I had expected.
Outdoor Space: There are many decks to relax on, both in and out of the shade, front and back of the ship.
On the top sun deck, there is also a hot tub which is perfect for after dark or on cooler days. The outdoor spaces are a mix of couches, chaise loungers, bar with stools, and tables with chairs.
There is pretty much a space for everyone and every kind of activity.
Indoor space: We had most meals served inside the lounge area, a space with proper dining tables, couches, and another bar. This area is super modern, and luxurious, and a nice break to get out of the sun.
There are massive windows beside the dining tables, so you won’t miss a thing going on outside.
Goolets has also just installed a cinema room in the Cristal for the 2024 sailing season, perfect for dealing with bad weather.
Vibe: We luckily didn’t deal with any bad weather during our charter, so there were no rough waters or crazy movements to deal with, just a light rocking while we were cruising though open waters.
Everything was extremely relaxed and pleasant.
Croatia: The Premier Yacht Charter Destination of 2024
Why Croatia?
I have been a raving fan of Croatia for years. From their digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work for extended periods of time, to their insanely good food that rivals Italy’s (hello truffles and olive oil), to their jaw-dropping beaches, historical cities, and vibrant culture – Croatia has it all.
Croatia was the most popular sailing destination in the world in 2022, and came in 2nd place for 2023, with over 38% of the worldwide yacht charter bookings, so it’s no wonder Goolets has positioned itself in the perfect market.
Croatia is cheaper than Italy, it’s arguably more beautiful than Greece, and it’s safer than many other Mediterranean sailing ports.
With over 1000 islands, you can easily pull your yacht right up to many different cities and towns, including:
Even if you don’t end up gathering 30 of your closest pals and chartering a super yacht anytime soon, you do need to add Croatia to your bucket list.
How To Book
It’s super easy and they help you the entire way through. Goolets has yachts all over the Med and is expanding into more destinations as we speak.
They have yachts for all sizes of groups and budgets. While the one I had the delight of sailing on, The Cristal starts at $90k per week, they also have yachts running from just $36k per week. For group sizes, they can accommodate as little as 2 people, all the way up to 36 guests.
Travel Off Path was a guest of Goolets who helped with the creation of this article by hosting our accommodation and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.
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.
So much for the Mayan calendar, huh? Well, you may question if yours is right too.
As many of us feel forced to sip pumpkin concoctions, throw on a dusty flannel from the back of the closet, and hit the back roads for incredible vibrant scenery this time of year, some places simply didn’t get the memo that the seasons have changed.
September 22nd may have marked 2024’s official start to fall, but summer vibes galore away from the endless amounts of autumn ‘leaf peepers’.
According to MySA, a local news publication in San Antonio, the marvelous beach town of South Padre Island is the place to be where summer has yet to end.
With perfect afternoon temps around hovering 80 degrees, the Gulf feels like bath water.
All the fall splendor can await back home; you’ll be mesmerized by your newfound island life of palm trees, white sand, and affordable beachfront resorts in this slice of Texas paradise.
34 Miles Of White Sand Beaches
There’s no shame in South Padre’s game; their tourism board proudly boasts their claim to fame front and center as a 34-mile-long barrier island with ‘white sand and clear emerald water’.
Now, even the colorblind can tell you Padre white is not Maldives white, so let’s temper expectations here.
And before carrying on, a little message for Crayola – Padre White is my original idea so I better not see my niece coloring with a new shade of crayon!
As a born-and-raised Texan, I can attest that anything, and I mean anything, is an upgrade from Galveston, another coastal town locals escape to for sun, sand, and definitely not white sand and emerald waters.
To sum up Galveston for you – last time I was there I stepped on a soiled diaper. ‘Nuff said?
South Padre may share the Gulf with Galveston, but they are apples and oranges in comparison.
Padre is a tried and true paradisal beach town hugging Mexico in a part of Texas that far too often flies under the radar, especially for the deals you can score in the off-season!
You may want to avoid the crowds of Spring Breakers here, but fall is pure bliss and ultimate savings for a nice vacation.
Tip: Isla Blanca is rated #1 on TripAdvisor out of South Padre’s beaches
Book A Beach Resort Under $100 Per Night This Fall
You can’t get much closer to Mexico than South Padre Island.
Many vacationers overlook this Texas escape for a sexier Mexican vacation with the likes of Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta across the border.
In doing so, travelers typically fork over their whole paycheck to stay there. If only they had known about Padre…
Beach resorts here are very affordable right now. In fact, if you were to book a last-minute vacation for September, you would be shocked!
For example, the Margaritaville Beach Resort is only $88 on select dates beginning September 30th, and even as low as $75 mid-October.
Better yet, there are many others to choose from in case the Parrothead vibes are a little too much to handle.
Here are 3 more outstanding resort deals this fall: (in order of lowest rate found on Google Travel)
Sand Rose Beach Resort – $60
Holiday Inn Resort at South Padre Island – $84
Peninsula Island Resort & Spa – $93
What To Do And How To Get Here
Despite MySA rejecting my job application for a Reporter role, they did pick the right Texas beach to showcase as a tourist destination since it’s so well-suited for all ages and interests.
MySA mentions wildlife is plentiful where Laguna Madre Nature Trail and Sea Turtle Inc. are excellent options for tourists to see the region’s vast array of animals, the ladder being an up-close-and-personal
Beyond lounging in the sun with the tide at your feet, there are many fun water activities to consider.
For the more adventurous, parasailing and jet skiing are always top choices, while those looking to relax can choose from snorkeling on their own or the numerous fishing or dolphin-spotting excursions like top-rated Captain Murphy’s Deep Sea Fishing.
Remember, this is a popular Spring Break getaway for a reason, so there are still lively bars to choose from in fall too, like Clayton’s, the ‘Biggest Beach Bar in Texas‘ or more casual digs, such as Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill.
I don’t know about you, but they had me at ‘Tequila’ and ‘Sunset’.
Reaching South Padre is easy peasy since they share an airport (BRO) with nearby Brownsville where United and American offer flights year-round.
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.
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.
Secluded beaches, laid-back pace of life, and old-world charm.
These are just some of the reasons to explore the lesser-known allure of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
These stunning islands just don’t get the attention that they deserve.
But now, to make getting to these paradise islands even more convenient, JetBlue has added new flights to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to their seasonal schedule.
This will be a twice-weekly service, with inbound and outbound flights on Wednesdays and Sundays.
To celebrate the launch of this new route, JetBlue is offering limited $139 fares.
In fact, when I checked out the JetBlue website, I found single tickets for a little less than that.
Taking an outbound flight on November 13 would cost just $121 while returning a week later on November 20 would cost $184. This gives you total flight price of $303 including taxes and fees for this particular example.
The outbound flight departs at 8am, landing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 1.41pm. This flight has a 4 hour 41 minute flight time.
These prices are based on a Blue Basic fare which is the cheapest option available, and there are extra charges for choosing seats or taking luggage (although carry-on is free in every flight class).
JetBlue is the airline with the most legroom in coach, which is good news for budget travelers who don’t want to upgrade their tickets for a little extra space.
Why Visit St. Vincent And The Grenadines?
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the lesser-known Caribbean destinations, but that only adds to its charm.
It isn’t actually a single destination but rather a group of 32 islands and cays, though only 9 of these are inhabited.
But sailing between the islands for snorkeling and swimming is one of the charms of visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
St. Vincent is the largest of the islands, so if you’re looking to explore its history and culture, this is the place to be.
Think fascinating colonial mansions and Gothic churches with towers that dominate the skyline. The St Vincent Botanical Gardens should be included in this cultural hit list.
These stunningly beautiful gardens were established in 1765, making them the oldest botanic gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Entry costs just $5 per person.
St. Vincent has also been given the curious nickname of “Critter Capital of The Caribbean”. This is because of the abundance of sea life found in its waters, making it a mecca for scuba divers and snorkelers.
Project Expedition offer an affordable snorkel tour of St. Vincent which lasts 3 hours and includes all equipment and light refreshments. This costs just $55.
Immersing yourself in St Vincent and the Grenadines underwater world is one of the very best things that you can do on the island, so be prepared to get wet!
Staying In St. Vincent And The Grenadines
Because almost all international flights (including the new route from JetBlue) land into St. Vincent, this is considered the most convenient place to stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
But if you’re looking to explore something even more off path then look for resorts on the destinations hidden private islands. Palm Island and Petit St Vincent are both great choices.
Choose a chic, private cottage on Petit St Vincent where you can enjoy incredible fine dining and relax on huge, unpopulated white sand beaches. Rooms on this boutique beachfront private island resort are rarely available due to its outstanding popularity.
For something a little more budget friendly look to the Spring Hotel just outside of Port Elizabeth. The hotel is small and the rooms are simple but comfortable.
Prices here start from $150 per night, proving that you don’t have to break the bank to explore the Caribbean.
Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.
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.
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a city with a troubled past but a very bright future. This small Balkan capital is full of history, colorful locals, amazing food, and endless cobblestone alleys to explore.
Recently named a best value destination for 2023, the reasons to visit Sarajevo just keep growing. I spent 4 days exploring this city and left with a strong impression of not only Sarajevo, but Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole.
Sometimes referred to as the Jerusalem of Europe, Sarajevo is a city of contrasts around every corner. In the same afternoon, you can visit a Mosque, a Synagogue, an Orthodox Church, and a Catholic Church. Turn a corner in this city, and you can see hints of Vienna and Istanbul in its architecture and history everywhere you look.
Is It Safe?
The very mention that you are traveling to Sarajevo might be met with some trepidation or worry from your loved ones, as it’s known for its violent past. While the infamous siege from 1992 -1996 is one of the main things people know about Sarajevo, today, it’s safe to visit.
The Balkan region is no stranger to politically complex cities, and Sarajevo is no exception. The complexities of the political situation that led to the Siege of Sarajevo in 1992 are a history lesson in itself, so I won’t get into it here. There are numerous resources to learn about the longest siege in military history and how it came to be. A visit to Sarajevo is a history lesson in itself, and the many local guides who lived through it will be your best way to learn about this major historical event.
So, why did I venture to Sarajevo, and what kind of impression did it leave on me?
Let’s just say that after an 8-month trip exploring the Balkans, this city was one place that really stuck with me for many reasons.
5 Reasons You Should Consider A Trip To Sarajevo
Historical Importance
Did you know World War I technically started right in the center of Sarajevo?
The Latin Bridge in the middle of town is where Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated while riding in his motorcar. This event triggered a political crisis among the major European superpowers and led to a domino effect of decisions leading to the start of WWI.
Endless Things To Do
There is just so much to see and do in this small capital city, and my 4 days were not enough time to explore everything. The entire city is basically a history lesson in itself, with many walking tours dedicated to the siege, history, architecture, or street art. When you are exploring, make sure to look for the Sarajevo Roses. I won’t spoil it for you here, but let’s just say they are not what you think.
While there is SO much to do in Sarajevo, here is a brief list of things I did and 100% recommend:
Take a siege tour to really get the full experience of what happened when the city was blocked off from the rest of the world in the 90s. I went with FunkyTours, and they are known as the most reputable agency in town for a good reason. Our guide spoke passionately about his experience, and the tour was very eye-opening.
You cannot miss the war tunnel experience, where you can witness the drastic measures locals took to move goods in and out of their city.
Head up Trebević Mountain and walk along the abandoned bobsled track used in the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Check out the historic Sarajevo Brewery, taste the local brews and learn why this brewery is considered to have saved the city.
Spend hours wandering around the old bazaar, full of metal works and other stalls. Sit in Baščaršija Square and sip a Bosnian Coffee next to the famous Sebilj Fountain. I spent far longer than I care to admit watching the locals and tourists feed, photograph, and get bombarded by the famous pigeons that call this area home.
Head up past the striking Alifakovac cemetery to the Yellow Bastion for a great sunset over the city. While you are up there, check out the little hidden Kamarija cafe nearby. This place has amazing views over the valley, nestled in the trees of the hillside.
A City Full Of Characters
The people of Sarajevo have been through a lot, that goes without saying. The siege was not all that long ago and most of the residents are old enough to remember the daily terror they lived through for 4 years, and every local I spoke with had lost family or friends in the violence.
Despite their bloody past, the people of Sarajevo are absolute characters. I couldn’t believe the smiles, belly laughs, and overall happiness that I saw in this city. I was expecting rough and tough and was blown away by the opposite. Sarajevo is full of talkative, friendly, and yes sometimes solemn locals. If you ask questions, they are eager to answer and educate foreigners on the complexity of their city’s past. After 8 months of traveling throughout the Balkans, I quickly listed Sarajevans as the friendliest people I had encountered.
Connectivity
Sarajevo is becoming increasingly connected to the U.S. and Canada, with more airlines including it in their 2023 routes, and this is one of the main reasons I was able to sneak it into the end of my Balkan trip.
Finding ourselves in Split, Croatia, and needing to get back to New York rather quickly, the best flights I could find were actually out of Sarajevo. After a quick search, I realized that reaching Sarajevo from split was fairly straightforward, cost-effective, and allowed us to stop in Mostar on the way. So not only did we save hundreds of dollars on flights, we also got to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina a bit.
Aside from flying, Sarajevo is well connected to the rest of the Balkan region via bus and rail, and traveling these methods is easy and cheap. Located between Belgrade and Croatia, the city makes a logical stopping point to explore.
One thing not to miss when talking about Sarajevo transportation is the tram network. In fact, this might be where my love of tram travel started. Sarajevo’s trams crisscross the city and into the suburbs. Some are quite old and rustic, while others are a bit more modern. A local told us that the Sarajevo tram network is actually one of the oldest in Europe and was used as the model for other famous tram systems, such as Vienna.
One Word: Mostar
As I mentioned before, our trip from Split, Croatia to Sarajevo required a stop in the small town of Mostar. Being one of those places I have always wanted to see for myself, there was no way I was settling for just an afternoon in this little gem tucked into the southwest corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While we stayed 3 days and had to pry ourselves away, Mostar is an easy day trip from Sarajevo if you want to get out of the city for a bit.
Reachable in under 2 hours from the city by bus or train, a day trip to Mostar is a must when visiting Sarajevo. Amble among the hilly cobblestone streets and market stalls, and head for Stari Most (Old Bridge), easily the most famous landmark in Mostar. If you are lucky, there will be high-rise divers on the day of your visit, collecting money and taking the death-defying plunge into the shallow Neretrva River below.
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.
