Archives November 2024

All Aboard! Exciting New Train To Connect 2 Timeless U.K. Cities For The First Time

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History is still being made in a pair of timeless U.K. cities. As you know, getting from A to B in Europe is a lot different than the States.

Rather than be shuffled through security like nameless cattle and scrolling TikTok for hours waiting for a flight to board, you gotta hand it to Europe for their impressive rail system end to end.

Young traveler at train station in winter

I just took a high-speed train from Paris to Marseille and it couldn’t have been more flawless, and while the latest exciting train announcement won’t zoom through the French countryside, it will connect 2 must-see destinations for your next U.K. adventures.

CrossCountry’s new direct service will benefit travelers looking to explore more of the U.K. beyond the bright lights of London with at least one familiar name and another up-and-coming capital city.

History in The Making: First Direct Route Connecting Cardiff & Edinburgh

CrossCountry is excited to announce their first-of-its-kind route connecting Cardiff and Edinburgh.

CrossCountry train in Edinburgh

As the U.K. has spiked in popularity, travelers will soon have an easier way to reach Scotland’s Gothic icon of Edinburgh and Wales’ trendy capital with plentiful hidden gems in between.

Set to launch December 15th, just in time to make use of your holiday vacation days or start 2025 off right, you can seek new thrills in the U.K. from either Edinburgh or Cardiff as the train will travel both ways every weekday.

Expected to total roughly 6 hours in length, there are 20 stops in between along the 455-mile journey.

Choose to hop off to explore a treasure trove of lesser-known gems, such as Gloucester or Sheffield or enjoy the full journey on CrossCountry’s Voyager trains.

CrossCountry U.K. train at station

Keep in mind, the route does split at Birmingham and Gloucester, so keep an open ear for announcements to make sure you’re heading the right direction!

Otherwise, you may end up on the English seaside in Plymouth or Penzance wishing you packed swimwear.

Why Visit Cardiff?

Cardiff is an up-and-coming destination, backed by Conde Nast’s article crowning this lesser-known capital as the U.K.’s ‘Best City‘ in 2023.

Cardiff Castle with snow

As we turn the page to 2025, the hype has only grown stronger for Cardiff, and now travelers have a more convenient way to discover all the delights of this city.

Equal parts timeless and modern, there’s no shortage of places to immerse yourself in Cardiff’s past timeline or enjoy there here-and-now with trendy neighborhoods lined with buzzing bars.

Hit up the unmissable medieval Cardiff Castle for a grand tour (only $5!) or visit the revamped Cardiff Market oozing Victorian vibes, where local vendors sell local goodies like Welsch cakes.

While British food may get a bad wrap from time to time, cuisine here goes way beyond endless tea and bland crumpets.

Inside Cardiff Market (U.K.)

Skipping anywhere in the U.K. without grabbing a pint is a hard pass. Here, one of your best bets is The Duke of Wellington, a real traditional pub dating back to the 1880’s and still whipping up savory pub grub and pouring the best cold ones.

And don’t skip out on classic Fish & Chips on Caroline Street (known as ‘Chip Alley’ for a reason!).

Why Visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a lot going for it, especially for Americans. As the only U.K. destination exceeding pr-Covid tourism numbers, there’s no reason to think the city will backtrack any time sooner.

Old town Edinburgh and Edinburgh castle in Scotland UK

With the soon-to-launch train and current nonstop flights from the U.S., Edinburgh makes for a great alternative to London’s chaos as a shrunken-down urban jungle with great attractions.

Perusing Old Town is an absolute must and will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into a storybook no matter the season.

Home to towering grandeur castles like the rightfully named Edinburgh Castle, among others in and around the city, Edinburgh certainly holds its own against any other European icon in terms of architecture and history.

The only problem you may have visiting here is questioning if you want to continue on to Cardiff!
There’s no doubt Edinburgh is an easier starting point since there’s direct flights here.

view of the royal mile in edinburgh scotland on a sunny day

No matter where you depart, you can book your journey now on CrossCountry’s website.

But keep in mind the U.K. will begin requiring a permit for American travelers January 8, 2025.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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U.S. Issues 5 New Travel Advisory Updates Including Popular Caribbean Destinations

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned traveler, you might be used to checking the U.S. Department of State for updates regarding the security situation in a number of countries:

It’s strange times we’re living in, after all, with all these geopolitical conflicts, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting some reassurance.

For Americans, this means checking their destination’s status on the State Department’s official website: if it’s Level 1 or 2, they’re good to go, though some caution is advise for the latter, if it’s Level 3, they should maybe reconsider traveling, and at Level 4

Panoramic View Of A Beach In Grenada, Caribbean Sea

Well, that’s the likes of Russia, North Korea and Iran for you.

This week, the entity updated its list, reissuing travel advice for 5 destinations, including 3 popular Caribbean getaways some Americans might have on their radar this winter, and we have good news for you:

Updates have been mostly positive. Let’s start with the Caribbean.

3 Caribbean Islands Placed At Level 1

Aerial View Of Bermuda, Caribbean Sea

Featuring at Level 1, the most desirable status any country can aim for, we now have Bermuda, a British island territory famous for its pink sands, picturesque capital Hamilton, featuring pastel-colored buildings and red telephone boxes, and luxury resorts.

According to the State Department, Americans visiting Bermuda this season should exercise ‘normal’ precautions, as levels of crime on the island aren’t significant, and the vast majority of vacationers have a hassle-free stay.

After Bermuda, U.S. authorities included an offbeat, yet incredibly-beautiful Grenada in their Level 1 advisory: an archipelago-nation comprising a mountainous main island and several satellite islets, it boasts a rich British-colonial heritage, with historic plantations and 18th-century forts galore.

Grenada is also highly sought-after for its unruffled golden sand beaches, that are nowhere as crowded as in other resort islands, and the fact safety risks are minimal makes it particularly appealing to U.S. guests.

Caribbean Sea In Grenada

That being said, the islands of Carriaocu and Petite Martinique are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, as noted in the advisory, and some services may yet to be re-established.

Last but not least, there’s Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, yet another independent collective of islands distinguished by yacht-lined harbors, dramatic volcanic landscapes, especially in St. Vincent, the largest landmass, and paradisiacal isles that host private villas.

Be it lounging on a deserted Princess Margaret Beach, where the sands are powdered-sugar white, or sailing along a reef-fringed Bequia Island, this safe, mostly crime-free island is perfect for unwinding, with overnight stays in beachfront hotels starting at $220.

woman relaxing in an infinity pool in gorgeous caribbean destination

Similarly to Grenada, however, you should know the islands of Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Islands, and Union Island are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl.

One Of The Safest Destinations In The World Is Now At Level 2

Greenland is one of the safest destinations in the world, as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark only 56,865 people call home, with low, to negligible crime, so you’d naturally expect it to be part of the Level 1 crowd.

That’s no longer the case, but not for the reason you may be thinking.

Greenland

Greenland continues to be a low-risk adventure when personal integrity is concerned, but on the downside, its extreme weather conditions and limited emergency services may pose a problem to American visitors in need.

As the State Department reiterates, consular assistance in Greenland is extremely limited, and as the weather can be harsh, most notably in winter, and resources are scarce away from larger settlements like Nuuk, visitors should proceed with ‘increased’ caution.

In other words, as fun as those can be, don’t go snowmobiling or dog-sledding by yourself, as it can take search and rescue efforts several days to reach the site of an accident.

Colorful Houses Of Nuuk, Greenland

South Africa Remains At Level 2 Despite Rising Crime

To end this story on a good note, advice has been reissued for South Africa, a bucket list country for millions of travelers, and we’re glad to report it is officially considered moderately-risky to visit.

Though a lot has been said in the media about South Africa in recent years, following the significant spike in inter-communal violence and incessant power outages, Washington officials have refrained from issuing their feared Level 3, or even Level 4 alert.

It continues at Level 2, as per the November 7 review.

Beach at Camps Bay before the twelve apostles in Cape Town, South Africa

That’s not to say Americans should let their guard down when traveling in Africa’s southernmost state, with crime, civil unrest, and even kidnapping remaining major concerns––still, incidents involving foreigners do not occur at alarming rates so as to warrant more serious warnings.

The advisory reads that ‘violent crime is common and includes armed robbery, rape, carjacking, and mugging’, as well as ‘smash-and-grab attacks’ on private vehicles, so you should be vigilant at all times when traveling through urban areas.

Here are some safety tips for South Africa:

Aerial View Of Cape Town, South Africa, On A Sunny Afternoon, Taken During A Helicopter Tour
  • Keep your valuables in a hotel safe, if you’re traveling with jewelry and/or luxury watches
  • Do not use your phone in public (newer iPhones and other expensive models are most-targeted)
  • Avoid joining demonstration and protesting crowds as these have the potential to turn violent
  • Do not go to suburban areas unaccompanied
  • Beware of existing racial tensions within certain communities
  • If traveling inside South Africa, plan your route in advance and stick to the main highway (shortcuts are not advised as these may be controlled by militia)
  • Roll up windows and lock doors when driving
  • Avoid walking alone at night in poorly-lit, deserted areas

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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These 5 Countries Have Eased Covid Entry Requirements This Week

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Are you glad COVID-19 feels like history? Many nations have dropped all travel restrictions for Americans — including Greece, Mexico, The United Kingdom, Costa Rica, and Jamaica — but that’s not the case for all nations. 

Some nations still have strict COVID-19 restrictions in June 2022. 

With that said, these nations have eased or removed COVID-19 entry requirements this week:

1. South Korea 

South Korea has had very strict COVID-19 entry requirements since March 2020. Although the nation hasn’t removed entry requirements, they’ve significantly eased them this week. 

The nation is now issuing short-term travel visas for the first time in two years. Foreign visitors can now apply for C-3 visas, which allow international visitors to enter South Korea on group or individual tours. 

Previously, South Korea only allowed international tourists to apply for a C-3 visa if they met specific requirements — such as diplomacy, conducting government affairs, or preparing treaties.

The nation will now lift its regulations on international flights, so it’ll be more straightforward to fly to South Korea from North America.

Bukchon Hanok Village With Modern Building In Seoul South Korea

In addition, South Korea has lifted the 7-day quarantine requirement for unvaccinated tourists.

However, South Korea will maintain the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test before entry and a PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival, regardless of a traveler’s vaccination status.

Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, said: “While there was a 7-day quarantine obligation for non-vaccinated foreign arrivals until now, such requirement will be eliminated from June 8 regardless of their vaccination status,”

However, face coverings are still mandatory on public transport in South Korea. The police may issue fines of around $70 for not wearing face coverings

2. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Although Bosnia & Herzegovina isn’t the most popular nation for American tourists, many backpackers love the Balkan nation. Better still, the country removed all COVID-19 entry requirements last week.

Therefore, visitors no longer need to:

  • Undergo testing.
  • Undergo mandatory quarantine.
  • Show proof of vaccination.
  • Complete passenger locator forms. 

The nation is back to complete normality and ideal for Americans. 

Bosnia & Herzegovina has also removed almost all COVID-19 internal restrictions — including mandatory face masks in indoor areas. 

3. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan joined a growing list of nations worldwide to end all COVID-19 entry requirements on June 8, 2022. As a result, all tourists will no longer need to:

  • Undergo testing.
  • Undergo mandatory quarantine.
  • Show proof of vaccination.
  • Complete passenger locator forms. 

Therefore, Uzbekistan is back to normality for American tourists in regards to entering the country.

However, there are still some internal COVID-19 restrictions, such as mandatory quarantine for positive COVID-19 tests. Anyone who breaches the mandatory self-isolation after testing positive could face ten years in prison or fines of up to $1000. 

The government no longer mandates masks face masks.

4. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan also joined a growing list of nations worldwide by ending all COVID-19 entry requirements from June 10, 2022. Therefore, tourists no longer need to:

  • Undergo testing.
  • Undergo mandatory quarantine.
  • Show proof of vaccination.
  • Complete passenger locator forms. 

According to local media, “The Interdepartmental Commission made the decision to cancel requirements due to the stabilization of the epidemiological situation in the country and worldwide.”

In addition, the nation has removed almost all internal COVID-19 restrictions, including mandatory masks in most indoor places (other than medical facilities.)

5. Tunisia 

Tunisia is a relatively popular destination for European tourists, but it’s not as popular with Americans compared to other North African destinations, such as Morocco. With that said, Tunisia significantly eased its travel restrictions this week. 

Unvaccinated tourists no longer need to self-isolate on arrival in the country. Instead, unvaccinated tourists will require proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or a negative lateral flow test taken within 24 hours of arrival. 

However, fully vaccinated visitors don’t need to undergo testing requirements. 

All travelers may be subject to random testing on arrival. 

Tunisia still requires travelers to wear face coverings in indoor spaces, mandatory temperature checks, and sanitizing upon entry. Travelers also need proof of vaccination to enter many public places. 

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

These Are Your Top Underrated Summer Travel Destinations In Europe For 2022

Americans Flying To The UK Risk Long Delays At Border And Flight Cancellations

The Top 5 Most Affordable Summer Destinations In Europe For 2022

Hotel Prices Across Europe Surging To Record Highs

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This Northeast City Was Just Named Among The Best Destinations For 2025 – And It’s A Shocker!

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While most people are trying to get a sneak peak of Black Friday deals or making last-minute preparations to avoid Thanksgiving disasters, travel nerds like me look forward to the so-called “experts” listing the next big “it” destinations.

The Points Guy just released their 2025 list of ‘The 29 best places to travel‘ and there are some real humdingers!

Ranging from trendy islands, places you’ve never heard of, and some outright surprises, one Northeast city falls under the latter.

Buffalo Savings Bank building in Buffalo, NY

This side of the States is teeming with incredible cities dotting the map, but this one is rarely discussed as a top-tier getaway unless it’s football season.

One reason being you may want to avoid winters here as it’s known for unbearable weather, but hey, there’s 3 others seasons to enjoy all the surprising delights of Buffalo in 2025.

New York’s Biggest Surprise

What do you know about Buffalo?

If you’re like me, if you’ve heard anything at all, it’s that it’s drab, cold, and the Bills are forever cursed after 4 consecutive Super Bowl losses in the 90’s.

Buffalo skyline at night

Other than that, it’s somewhat of a question mark for most travelers. Heck, even nearby Niagara Falls has its own airport to bypass stepping foot in Buffalo if you want.

But what if we’ve had the wrong interpretations all along? You know what they say, “don’t judge a book by its cover”…

Buffalo is neighbors with some pretty cool places. While eyeballs never seem to lose sight of our southern border, one could argue Buffalo is America’s most underrated ‘border city’. Sorry, El Paso.

Hugging Canada’s iconic city of Toronto and under half an hour from world-famous Niagara Falls, Buffalo seems to behold prime real estate, so why the negative reputation?

It could be a lot of things, but it’s mainly that it’s simply overshadowed by Toronto, Niagara Falls, and since it’s a New York zip code, it’s way off the radar for those magnetized to Manhattan.

But here’s the thing – locals love their city. Not to make this a sports article by any means, but here’s an example:

Now retired NFL Quarterback, and former Buffalo Bill, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is what’s known as a career journeyman, playing for 9 teams over 17 years.

When asked his favorite city to play for his answer was simple, but spoke volumes. He said, “It’s Buffalo. That’s why, because it’s Buffalo.”

Roman Catholic Diocese in Buffalo, NY

Welcoming people, gorgeous architecture, surprisingly cool neighborhoods, great food, intriguing museums – what’s not to love besides the sub-zero wind chills?

New York’s Other Cultural City

Despite being overlooked, one reason Buffalo’s proud residents love their city is there’s something fun and unique going on all the time.

As highlighted by The Points Guy, one of the most anticipated events of 2025 (other than the Bills being Super Bowl contenders), is the 50th Juneteenth Festival, one of America’s oldest and largest festivals.

Here, you’ll get a glimpse into Buffalo’s fascinating history and sample the culture through a surprising array of diverse cuisine, such as Jamaican, and even Egyptian.

Festival in Buffalo

Another awesome place to visit is reopening its doors at the turn of the new year. Don’t skip out on the Historic Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum, the longest running Black-owned music venue in America.

Beyond events and top-rated museums like Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the city is great to explore 3 seasons out of the year before it’s blanketed in snow.

Lake Erie’s waterfront is a great hangout spot to get a feel for the city, but one place that can’t be missed is the Westside Bazaar, a buzzing market and groundbreaking concept where all walks of life no matter of status have equal opportunities to showcase their products or services.

Great Places To Stay & Eat

You might be too chicken to brave Buffalo’s winters, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on some bird in the birthplace of Buffalo wings.

Legend has it Anchor Bar is the go-to spot to try the world’s first Buffalo wings, but the city’s food scene goes well beyond messy bar food.

Food trucks are commonplace, and there’s a thriving brewery scene. Keep an eye out for local staples Beef on Weck where it’s equivalent to Philly’s cheesesteak battle – everyone has their own secret spot.

Buffalo will soon be much easier to navigate with the opening of a new light-rail station coming to the action-packed Cobblestone District.

Buffalo's Statler hotel

Better yet, there’s some great places to rest your head at night, but perhaps no more than the historic century-old Statler.

But if you’d like something recently revamped, check out The Richardson set in a former State Asylum, which that fact alone sounds like it will soon be added to Buffalo’s ghost tours.

See? There’s always something to do.

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How I Visited Over 50 Countries With Only A Carry-On Suitcase

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Tired of overpacking on trips?

I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries around the world (sometimes for months at a time!) with just a carry-on suitcase, and I’m going to let you in on my best tips.

Some people have been absolutely shocked when they hear that all I have is a carry-on suitcase for a multi-month trip around Europe or South America.

But I honestly can’t imagine packing any other way!

Here’s how I do it, and how you can too.

Woman with a Carry On Suitcase

Why Travel Carry On Only?

First of all, let’s talk about why you would even want to travel with just a carry-on.

One of the perks of traveling with a carry-on suitcase for me is that it’s simply less hassle.

As a solo traveler, I don’t want to get stressed out because I have to lug around an enormous suitcase and maneuver it through airports, train stations, bus stations, public transportation, city streets, and more.

You may also save money traveling with a carry-on suitcase because you won’t have to pay checked baggage fees on airlines.

I also like that I just feel lighter when I travel with a carry-on — literally carrying less baggage!

Now let’s talk about how to pack with just a carry-on suitcase.

Carry On Luggage on plane

Plan Your Outfits

If you’re packing for a short trip of 10 days or less, packing in a carry-on only should be really easy because you can pack enough to wear every day without even needing to do laundry while you’re gone.

If you’re traveling for longer, you will want to pack clothing that you can easily mix and match into multiple outfits.

And yes, you’ll have to be okay with repeating outfits frequently!

I find that it’s easier to pack for warm weather in a carry-on suitcase because it’s lighter clothing that takes up less space.

For trips to cold weather climates, you might be more limited in how much you can pack because winter sweaters obviously take up more room than summer sun dresses.

Woman packing her suitcase and checking off a list of luggage items

Packing Cubes Are Your Friends

I absolutely LOVE packing cubes. I used to roll my clothes when I packed it, but then I discovered packing cubes and it was a game-changer for me.

Packing cubes save even more space than rolling your clothes and they help you stay organized.

You can use one packing cube for all your tops, one for all your bottoms, one for pajamas and underwear, and so on.

Packing Cubes

Limit Your Footwear

This might be tough for the shoe aficionados out there, but if you want to successfully pack in just a carry-on suitcase, you’ll need to limit your footwear.

Shoes are bulky and take up a lot of space, so this is the first thing to go for me.

I have traveled for multiple months with just one pair of sneakers and then one pair of boots (if it’s somewhere cold) or one pair of sandals (if it’s somewhere warm.)

young woman walking along the famous luis bridge in porto portugal

Pack And Then Pack Again

Before a big trip, I never pack just once.

I will lay out everything I want to bring, with the knowledge that I will end up removing multiple items, and then start packing.

As I go, I’ll determine what I really need and what gets cut.

female solo traveler packing a suitcase at home

Choose A Practical “Personal Item”

For most airlines, you can bring a carry-on suitcase and a small “personal item” for no extra charge.

The personal item might be a handbag, tote bag, small backpack, or briefcase. I personally love my sturdy Longchamps canvas tote bag — I traveled with one for over 10 years and only recently had to replace it with a new one.

This bag is super lightweight and it’s what I use as my daily handbag as well as a tote bag for travel days where I keep my laptop, laptop charger, and other essentials.

You could also bring a small backpack as your personal item instead of a tote bag.

female solo traveler in japan

Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes On Travel Days

One tip for packing in a carry-on suitcase only is to wear your bulkiest clothes on travel days.

For example, if you need a winter coat in your destination, be sure to wear it to the airport rather than trying to pack it. This also goes for footwear — wear your bulkier pair of boots or sneakers while traveling and pack lighter footwear.

Yes, you might be a little warm wearing your heaviest clothes and shoes, but it’s worth it!

woman with luggage on an airport

Think Wisely About What You Really Need

Before you pack, think about where you’re traveling and what you’ll actually need there.

You might want to do some research and look for packing lists online for the destination(s) you’re visiting.

Don’t let yourself pack things “just in case” if you’re not 100% certain you’ll wear or use them.

Ahem… looking at myself when I packed multiple heavy sweaters and sweatshirts for a multi-month trip to Central America where I was extremely warm almost the entire time.

One single sweatshirt for the occasional chilly evening would have been just fine.

Woman in costa rica on the beach

Do Laundry

Finally, let’s talk about laundry! Obviously, there’s no way I could travel for months at a time with just a carry-on suitcase if I wasn’t frequently doing laundry.

If I’m staying in one place for a week or more, I usually stay in an Airbnb, and I always make sure that it has an in-unit washing machine (a dryer is a nice bonus, but these aren’t very common in most countries around the world.)

When I’m moving around and staying in hotels or hostels, it requires a bit more effort to get laundry done. I always look for nearby laundromats that offer a wash and fold service.

This is usually pretty affordable, and sometimes even includes free delivery to where you’re staying. I never get laundry done at a hotel because the rates are always exorbitant.

And if I can’t find a laundromat with a wash and fold service, my last resort is a self-service laundromat.

Laundromat

I hope these tips for packing in just a carry on helped you!

If you’re looking for more, check out this ultimate travel packing guide.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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These Are The 4 Best Beach Destinations For Digital Nomads According To Experts

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There are 2 things digital nomads always seem to be drawn to when planning a relocation, either temporarily or permanently: a higher quality of life than their former morose, Stateside suburban existence and great weather.

Aerial View Of A Coastal Zone In Dominica, Caribbean Sea

In other words, most nomads are flocking where the nearest beach is––just look at places like Playa Del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta, for instance.

With so many workcation hotspots to choose from in the Global South, however, you may be wondering which tropical locations offer the best infrastructure (and minimal bureaucracy) to aspiring nomads.

Well, thanks to the experts at Nomad Capitalist, a community helping entrepreneurs build a ‘freedom lifestyle’ anywhere in the globe, now we have the 4 best picks:

Dominica

Digital Nomad Working From A Beach

Not to be mistaken for the Dominican Republic, the home of Punta Cana and La Romana, Dominica is a lesser-known island––still in the Caribbean––except it’s not somewhere you go primarily for all-inclusive resort stays and bachelor parties.

The main reason why the Nomad Capitalist has handpicked Dominica is the fact it’s a tax-free haven where foreigners making money from abroad are essentially exempt from paying contribution––not to mention they can get citizenship by buying state-approved property at over $200,000.

Emerald pool waterfall on Dominica island

That’s good-enough an incentive already, but we’d argue Dominica’s greatest strength is the fact it’s a wonder of nature: picture a mountainous island dotted with hot springs, criss-crossed with hiking trails that lead to monumental waterfalls, and honey-colored sands lapped by teal-colored seas.

Additionally, rent in Roseau, the colorful capital with timber houses, can be as low as $916 a month, and the cost of living is probably the lowest among the destinations on this list: based on Numbeo estimates, you can live comfortably on the island on $927 (not including rent).

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts And Nevis, Caribbean Sea

A dual-island state nestled between the azure Atlantic and the turquoise Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the perfect alternative to the jam-packed Jamaica and Dominican Republic, with its unruffled beaches lined by select few hotels, peaceful atmosphere, and lower crime rates.

It is also popular for hiking: in Saint Kitts, the most sought-after climb is a cloud-enveloped Mount Liamuiga, home to a crater lake, whereas in Nevis, the Nevis Peak Trail hike rises 1,200 feet above sea level, offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding greenery.

Brimstone Hill Fortress In Saint Kitts And Nevis, Caribbean Sea

If you’re a culture buff like us, you can’t skip Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 17th-century St. Thomas Church, one of the oldest in the Caribbean, and Hamilton House, a plantation where Alexander Hamilton––yes, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury––was born!

With so much to offer, Saint Kitts and Nevis is definitely not just another long weekend getaway, so we guess it’s a good thing Basseterre, its 17,000-people-strong capital boasting a high concentration of colonial landmarks and museums, has Airbnb stays for as cheap $1,052 monthly.

Antigua and Barbuda

Shirley Heights Antigua

This one’s for the crowd-adverse nomad who’s looking simply to unwind, bask in the balmy sun, and get themselves a cozy nook to work by the beach with ocean vistas: a Caribbean country comprising two namesake islands, Antigua and Barbuda is the answer to all your prayers!

It’s one of the westernmost sovereign states on the sea, right at the point where it meets the open Atlantic.

It’s best distinguished for its reef-fringed beaches, lush rainforests, and yachting clubs for the super-rich.

Woman going on a jungle zipline adventure in Antigua and Barbuda

As a nomad who’s based here for longer than a week, your needs are likely to be met in the small capital of St. John’s, away from the resort zones, where there are fully-furnished Airbnb apartments starting from an acceptable $1,219 a month, and a seafood dish in a no-frills restaurant costs $9.25.

Other than the warm climate and abundant nature, one of the biggest appeals is the fact that U.S. citizens are granted a 6-month stay, with no requirement other than nationality, provided they can prove they have sufficient funds to cover expenses and will be leaving at the end of said period.

Cayman Islands

Pier on the Caribbean Sea at Rum Point, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Elected best beach destination in the world by the Nomad Capitalist, the Cayman Islands are best known for their stunning swimming sites––the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach has powdery white sands and aquamarine waters––colorful reefs, and laid-back resort towns.

Beautiful Caribbean scenery aside, the Caymans have a charming, surprisingly well-equipped capital in George Town, a relic of the British colonial period, where nomads will find a lively social scene and laptop-friendly eateries with reliable WiFi (check out AROMA in Camana Bay).

Man and woman on beach in mexico that are digital nomads, Latin America

Cayman Islands are the darling of millionaires who are looking to invest in real estate, and indeed, a USD$ 2.4 million investment in real estate offers an easy pathway to citizenship, but that doesn’t mean small business owners on a tighter budget aren’t welcome.

It’s definitely not the cheapest nomad hub in the Caribbean, but according to Numbeo, you can still eat affordably in local restaurants for around $30, and you don’t need to make millions of dollars to qualify for a long-term stay: all Americans get a six-month leave to enter traveling as tourists.

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This Lesser-Known Caribbean Island Welcomes Digital Nomads For One Year

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Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and snow will blanket much of the U.S. before we know it.

The good news is that there are still plenty of places to visit for winter sun, and perhaps no type of traveler knows this better than digital nomads.

Digital nomad working outdoors under palm trees

This newfound travel trend of recent years has quite literally taken over the globe, where remote workers bounce around the world with their laptops in tow.

Chances are not many digital nomads have Iceland, Norway, or Sweden in their sights for the coming months, but the Caribbean is another story.

Why suffer through a frigid winter with such a flexible lifestyle?

While Cancun, Punta Cana, and even Curacao make for great bases, there’s one little-known island welcoming digital nomads for a full year – and the ‘Remote Workers Stamp‘ is a straightforward process to get approved.

Montserrat: A Blip On The Map Ready To Make A Name For Itself

Aerial view of Montserrat marina

Ever heard of Montserrat? Most people would say no.

This tiny island between St. Kitts & Nevis and Guadeloupe, a pair of other lesser-known gems in their own right, sandwich Montserrat in the open sea.

This British Overseas Territory is a stunner, though. Boasting postcard landscapes from black sand beaches given its volcanic past, along with lush jungles, and vivid blue waters, this place doesn’t sound too shabby of a work environment, does it?

Recently hyped up as one of the world’s ‘top 25 beach destinations for digital nomads’, local publication Montserrat Focus backs the claim that their beloved island is an ‘ideal spot’ and could be your ‘private paradise office’.

Bright blue water of Montserrat

Before and after Zoom meetings, you can shut your laptop and swim in crystalline waters, explore numerous hiking trails (including ancient sites), kayak hidden coves, and join local community events like group yoga classes.

Don’t let size be a deciding factor; Monserrat packs a punch and is ready to become a digital nomad hub.

Montserrat’s ‘Remote Worker Stamp’

Sometimes digital nomads find loopholes in certain countries without an official digital nomad visa.

Oftentimes countries allow tourists to stay within their borders 30, 60, or 90 days, but are a little behind the times with the new digital nomad craze.

Digital nomad working on palm tree lined beach in Caribbean

Montserrat is already with the program, launching their ‘Remote Worker Stamp’ program back in 2021, so no need to try to “sneak in,” so to speak.

Applying is super easy. You simply go to this website and fill out a brief form, submit it, and you’ll hear back within 7 days.

The cost is $500 to apply for a single individual for a 12-month stay. There are some requirements to be considered:

  • Must prove $70,000 income
  • Must prove you work for a foreign company*
  • Must carry valid health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
  • Must provide a police record
  • Must provide passport and photo (passport size)

*To bypass the requirement of a foreign company, you may also offer freelance/consulting services.

Digital Nomad Working

Being on the low end of Caribbean crime statistics, you couldn’t feel more at home with friendly locals and being able to go out and about without feeling like your head is on a swivel.

For those who prioritize speedy wifi for their work tasks, Montserrat’s average speed is 20Mbs.

Affordability

Montserrat ranked 26th on VisaGuide’s 2023 Digital Nomad Index – not too bad for such a microscopic island.

While income requirements are higher than the average digital nomad visa, living in Montserrat is quite doable.

Aerial view of Montserrat homes

According to the same report just mentioned, cost of living won’t deter you as there are far more popular digital nomad destinations with higher costs across the board.

For example, rent is about $1000 (slightly more for serviced apartments on Airbnb) in the capital, Brades.

Many of which are spacious with designated working spaces, but towns like Brades have great cafes like Saje Cafe, where iced lattes and sandwiches are under $5.

Obviously, rent is the highest expense, but there are so many free things to do outdoors, as Montserrat’s astounding nature is practically begging to be explored—paddleboard through Little Bay, read a book at Spanish Point, or visit the free Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat

The only other high-cost option might be a flight since there are no direct connections from the U.S. For a full list of flight options, click here.

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No Longer Off-Limits! U.S. Updates Travel Advisory For This Trendy Latin American Country

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If you ever considered visiting a trendy El Salvador for its lush jungle, unspoiled Pacific beaches and vibrant capital city, but you’ve always been taken aback by how dangerous it is––was?––as a destination, we’ve got great news for you.

For the first time since records began, the U.S. State Department has added the Central American country to its list of moderately safe destinations, known among travel geeks as Level 2, on a par with Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica.

In other words, El Salvador is no longer off-limits to U.S. citizens, and they can plan their trip knowing it’s now (far) less likely harm will come their way:

Aerial View Of San Salvador, El Salvador,  Central America

El Salvador Finally Gets Its Level 2 Status!

On November 8, 2025, the State Department downgraded El Salvador from Level 3 to Level 2, finally acknowledging the significant improvement in security across the country following months of pressure of deliberation.

Prior to 2022, El Salvador was known as one of the homicide capitals of Central America, with staggering levels of violent and petty crime plaguing a majority of its cities, especially San Salvador, the capital home to over half a million of the country’s 6.3 million inhabitants.

Historical Building In San Salvador, El Salvador

In only two years, however, it went from a crime hotspot to one of the region’s safe havens, largely due to the tough stance on organized crime taken by incumbent President Nayib Bukele: it’s not been without criticism, but it seems to be paying off.

In March 2022, Mr Bukele announced a ‘State of Exception’ across the territory that made incarcerating criminals and traffickers a lot easier––some would argue arbitrarily, with critics pointing out the due process was not always observed, but the numbers don’t lie:

Police Carrying Out Checks In San Salvador, El Salvador

El Salvador went from a shocking homicide rate of 105 per 100,000 people in 2015 to only 2.4 per 100,000 in the latest count: either the usual murderers have had a change of heart since, or they ended up in jail following Bukele’s mass incarceration program.

We’re banking on the latter.

How Safe Is El Salvador In Reality?

According to the Global Security Report, 88% of El Salvadorians feel their country is now safe to live in, helping it place number 8 on the overall chart, ahead of exceptionally-safe countries like Canada, Iceland, Finland and Japan, even.

Beautiful aerial view of the City of San Salvador, capital of El Salvador - Its cathedrals and buildings

That’s not to say El Salvador is safer than those countries: as we pointed out previously, a majority of El Salvadorians may feel their livelihoods have improved, thus contributing to a positive turnout, but a Swiss or Icelandic person is probably less likely to feel as safe in El Salvador.

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Regardless, the country’s success in tackling crime and becoming low-risk by Central American and Latin American standards is truly unprecedented, not to say mind-blowing.

This Is Why The U.S. Has Changed Its Position On El Salvador

South Portico Of The White House, Washington DC, USA

The United States Department has 4 main categories to categorize countries when it comes to safety:

  • Level 1: normal precautions must be taken
  • Level 2: increased caution should be exercised
  • Level 3: travel should be reconsidered
  • Level 4: travel is strongly discouraged

In the years it battled the surge in crime, El Salvador was placed at Levels 3 and 4, at different periods of time, and even throughout 2023, when it had already become clear the security situation had changed, Washington refrained from revising its advisory.

San Salvador City, El Salvador

The fact that it now features at Level 2 sends a strong signal to Americans their own Government recognizes the El Salvadorian administration’s effort in quashing crime, but feels confident they will continue upholding their promise to citizens and tourists alike.

They have noted ‘crime remains a concern in El Salvador‘, while adding ‘there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crime in the last two years’, with a noticeable drop in violent crimes and murders.

Santa Ana Cathedral In El Salvador, Central America

The State Department mentions the ‘State of Exception’, which continues to be in place, citing the suspension of constitutional rights for prisoners, and the fact that several U.S. and foreign citizens are currently detained under ‘harsh’ conditions.

We do not know whether these individuals are involved with crime, though that is very likely, and again, as long as you have a clean record, and you’re not coming to El Salvador with malicious intent, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

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