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Last Updated 2 years ago

Close your eyes and imagine a perfect tropical paradise with incredible sunsets, overwater bungalows, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. That’s Bora Bora in a nutshell. This remote island in the South Pacific is 143 miles northwest of Tahiti and feels a million miles from anywhere.

The small, 5-mile by 3-mile island is made up of a lush, rainforest-covered dormant volcano. Surrounding the island is a lagoon, coral reefs, and motus, the small islets where many of the resorts are located. Bora Bora is the epitome of romance, relaxation, and tropical vibes that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

But before setting off, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Bora Bora, including:

• What are the costs for travelers?
• Things to know about culture and etiquette
• What are the top activities?
• How safe is it?
• Local food and drinks
• How good is the wifi?
• How long can you stay?

Ready? Here are the top 7 things you need to know before visiting Bora Bora:

Did you know… Bora Bora is part of the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia and has a population of around 10,000. During World War II the U.S. set up a base on the island where more than 6,000 soldiers were stationed. While the base closed in 1946, the military left behind several cannons which are still in place on the island today.

1) Bora Bora Affordability

You know the saying “you get what you pay for”? Well, nowhere is that more true than in Bora Bora. This tiny French Polynesian Island is certainly not cheap, but boy, does it deliver.

The currency in Bora Bora is the French Pacific Franc or CFP/XPF. Currently, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 112 CFP.

Here are the average costs for travelers in USD:

Accommodation

Bora Bora’s high season is from May – October. Slightly cheaper rates can be found during the low season, but rain showers and mosquitoes could put a damper on your vacation.

• Average hotel price: The current average price for a 3-star hotel in Bora Bora is $249 per night, while a 4-star hotel costs $879/per night.
• Luxury 5-star hotels: One night in a luxury 5-star hotel, such as the incredible St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, will cost around $2,385 on average. This includes many of the overwater bungalows that the island is famous for.
• If you’re on a budget: There are a handful of smaller hotels and guesthouses with rates under $200/night.

Food

Food is very expensive in Bora Bora. Because of its remote location, much of its food is imported, which adds to the cost.

• Hotel breakfasts typically cost around $35-$40
• A 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two can cost between $130 – $175
• For a cheap meal at an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay around $20.
• A bottle of beer costs around $9, while cocktails can range between $18-$30 each.

Transportation

If you plan on leaving your resort, there are plenty of ways to get around the island.

• There is a free ferry from the airport into Viatape, although most resorts will also provide boat transfers from the airport, so be sure to check ahead.
• Most resorts have shuttle boats that can take guests into Viatape, the cost, if any, depends on the resort.   
• The island does have a local minibus dubbed Le Truck, although it is notoriously unpredictable. The bus circles the island on the coastal road and costs around $3.75 per journey.
• Rental cars average $250/day, but drivers should know that the majority of available cars are manual transmission. Scooters can also be rented for $100/day. Bikes are a great way to explore the island. Rates start at $20/day for a standard bike or $35/day for an electric bike.
• Taxis and water taxis can be arranged through your resort or by calling the taxi company directly. Rates typically start at $20 during the day and $30 at night, depending on the destination, and be sure to settle on a price with the driver before taking off.

2) Culture And Etiquette In Bora Bora

Check this list before your trip! Here are some of the major Dos and Don’ts in Bora Bora.

• DON’T wait for the bill: Many restaurants (with the exception of in-resort restaurants) expect guests to pay the bill at the front rather than at the table. So don’t wait around for the wait staff to bring you the bill when you are ready to leave.
• DO put on shoes: While the island is very casual, visitors should cover up their swimsuits and put on footwear when away from pool or beach areas.
• DO ask the restaurant about transportation: Many restaurants will offer transportation to and from the resorts for anyone with a reservation.
• DO tip your tour guide: It is customary to tip local tour guides around 10% for their services. Tipping for other services is generally not expected but always appreciated for exceptional service.

3) Top Activities in Bora Bora

• Matira Beach: Often touted as the best beach in Bora Bora, Matria Beach is a can’t-miss. The mile-long stretch of white sand and the pristine waters of the lagoon are calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Bike around the island: The island’s small size makes it perfect for exploring on a bike. The 19-mile coastal road is mostly flat and takes you past ancient Polynesian temples, relics of WWII, and breathtaking views of the island and lagoon.   
• Take a hike: Bora Bora is home to some incredible hikes that are well worth the effort. Local guides are available to help choose the right trail and lead the way.

4) How Safe Is It For Tourists?

The crime rate in Bora Bora is very low. However, there are still some things that travelers should keep in mind to stay safe and healthy:

• Be mindful of marine life: swimmers should take care to avoid sharks, stingrays, and barracudas in the water, and watch out for stonefish and urchins hidden in the sand.
• Know what to do in an emergency: As a remote Pacific island, Bora Bora is vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly tsunamis. Be aware of your surroundings and know the fastest route to higher ground.
• Look out for falling coconuts: this sounds like a joke, but people have been seriously injured by falling coconuts.
• DO get travel insurance: Travel insurance can help in health emergencies as well as with covering the costs of any travel mishaps during your Bora Bora trip. For 5 great options, read more here.

5) Local Eats And Drinks

One of the best parts of travel is checking out the local cuisine. Don’t let yourself leave Bora Bora without trying at least one of the following:

Food

• Poisson Cru –  This is the national dish of Tahiti and is on most menus in Bora Bora. It consists of raw tuna, lime juice, coconut milk, and fresh veggies.
• Fresh Fruit – Is there anything better than a breakfast of fresh tropical fruits? The island’s tropical climate means that coconut, mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, and melon all grow locally.
• Po’e – the most popular dessert, usually made with banana or papaya puree that is baked with sugar and coconut milk

Drink

• Hinano Beer – the local beer, brewed in Tahiti since 1955
• Coconut water – did you even go to Bora Bora if you didn’t drink the water straight from a coconut?
• Cocktails –­ No trip to Bora Bora is complete without a visit to Bloody Mary’s, the famous beachside haunt with incredible cocktails.  

6) How’s the WiFi?

WiFi in Bora Bora isn’t always the best as it can be unreliable. Some resorts boast speeds of 100+ mbps however, guests have noted that it is typically much slower and tends to cut in and out.

7) How Long Can I Stay?

Americans traveling to Bora Bora or other destinations in French Polynesia can visit without a visa for 90 days within a 180-day period.

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Last Updated 3 months ago

With its lower cost of living, fascinating culture that is unlike anything Westerners have grown up exposed to, and world-class city breaks, Asia is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads right now, and it would probably be their go-to spot, were it not for one slight caveat:

Across a majority of Asian countries, complex visa regulations continue to discourage digital nomads from traveling and staying longer, be it Bali’s limited 30-day stay policy or Vietnam’s eVisa system that bars Americans from coming unless they’ve obtained authorization in advance.

Luckily for nomads––and more specifically, those who are U.S. passport holders––there are 5 Asian destinations where they’re welcome not only visa-free but for up to 3 whole months:

South Korea

Famous for its K-pop and dorama rom-com exports, a plethora of ancient palaces, flavorful cuisine, and sprawling metropolises, with Seoul and Busan to name a couple, South Korea is one of the trendiest nomad hotspots in Asia right now.

According to Nomad List, you can live in Seoul for around $2,579 a month––cheaper than the average North American and European city––and with the country’s impressive infrastructure and friendliness towards remote workers, you’ll be in no hurry to leave anytime soon.

Thanks to the visa-free agreement with the United States, American nomads can reside in South Korea for 90 days at a time as long as they enter with a valid Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), which can be obtained online within minutes and lasts for up to 3 years.

For those ready to apply, you can use the official site here at this link.

Japan

Thanks to the weaker yen, which makes your dollars stretch much further, the significant drop in consumer prices, and increased Transpacific connectivity, Japan has become an increasingly popular destination for nomads country-hopping around Asia.

And while it can be pricey to get there, we have some good news. ZIPAIR just introduced nonstop flights from the U.S. to Tokyo from 4 major cities, and tickets are now on sale here.

Living costs across numerous metropolises is now under $3,000, including tried-and-true nomad faves like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and if you’re keen on lingering a while longer and assimilating into the local culture, you’ll be thrilled to learn you can:

Nomads can stay three full months in Japan without applying for a visa beforehand, so long as they fulfill two simple criteria: they must carry a valid biometric U.S. passport and not have been sentenced to one year or more of jail back home.

Taiwan

Taiwan is an independently governed island best known for its vibrant Taipei, where you’ll find night markets and street food galore, dramatic nature, with forested hills occupying over half of its landmass, and, most importantly, Western-leaning policies.

Unlike mainland China, Taipei has upheld democratic values, and Taiwan as a whole is very pro-U.S. This makes it an exciting place to be as an American with a passion for all things China who’s not exactly keen on forfeiting the comforts of living in a freer society.

That’s all nomads who venture into Asia want, essentially, and lucky for U.S. citizens looking to find a temporary home in Taiwan, local authorities grant them a 90-day stay without any sort of pre-entry clearance––all that’s required is presenting a regular passport.

On a day you aren’t cozied up in a coffee shop getting some work done, be sure to explore outside Tapei!

We recommend Northern Taiwan, as it’s mind-blowingly gorgeous. To make it seamless, you can always take a tour like this one.

You’ll have a private day trip from Taipei exploring Northern Taiwan, marveling at the unique rock formations of Yehliu Geopark, and strolling through the historic streets of Jiufen, an inspiration for famous animated films like ‘Spirited Away’.

You’ll wrap up your day by releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi (pictured above), a tradition carrying wishes into the night sky.

Malaysia

Said to be one of the best-developed nations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia occupies a large portion of the lush Malay Peninsula, as well as parts of the island of Borneo, and Muslim-majority state with a surprising openness towards long-term guests:

Owing to its higher standards of living, multicultural scene, and a plethora of laptop-friendly cafés, Kuala Lumpur has become one of the continent’s most prominent digital nomad hotspots, especially when it costs under $1,350 a month to call it home, as noted by Nomad List.

Regarding visa policies, Malaysia is at complete odds with its neighbor and sibling nation Singapore, where the length of a tourist visa is capped at a restrictive 30 days: landing in Kuala Lumpur, Americans get issued a 3-month entry stamp.

Thailand

We’ve saved the best for last.

With established nomad hubs like Bangkok and Chiang Mai to its name, a whopping 1,956 miles of combined, pristine coastline, not to mention the hundreds of paradisiacal islands––does Phuket ring a bell?––Thailand is a safe haven of the sorts for digital nomads in Asia.

Occupying the top two positions on Nomad List‘s ranking of Best Places to Live in the continent, with Bangkok going as far as leading the global chart, it offers affordable month-long stays from as cheap as $1,012, and, most importantly, relaxed visa regulations.

In case you aren’t aware, Thailand has recently eased its tourist visa rules further: previously, Americans could remain in the national territory visa-free for 30 days, in line with a majority of Asian destinations, but as of May 2024, 60 days have been added.

In effect, tourists get issued an automatic 60-day visa, which can be extended for 30 days prior to expiration, at the discretion of immigration officers––this means digital nomads can now settle temporarily in Thailand for 3 months visa-free if they don’t wish to pursue a long-term residence.

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Last Updated 2 months ago

Somehow, in a world where we crave the latest gizmos and gadgets, the old world of the Mayans has been trending in recent years despite being here way before our time.

Their fascinating culture and architectural marvels caught my eye, too, as I had just visited some incredibly preserved Mayan ruins in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, myself.

While there haven’t been any official Mayan ruins discovered in the U.S., there are some fascinating historical ruins attributed to our own timelines that often go overlooked.

And what better backdrop while perusing remnants of our past than pristine white sand along vibrant emerald green waters?

Rather than follow the crowds to Miami, Orlando, and Siesta Key for your next Florida getaway, escape to the hidden paradise of Fort Pickens this fall.

Dare We Say A ‘Poor Man’s Tulum’?

Home to beautiful beaches and American antiquities, Fort Pickens is a rare sight to behold.

Often overshadowed by dozens of more popular Florida destinations, this sliver of paradise at the very western tip of Pensacola’s Santa Rosa Island goes relatively unnoticed unless you’re seeking it out.

In other words – it’s a bit off the beaten path, but not a treacherous journey and you’ll definitely be rewarded regardless.

Boasting Caribbean-esque white sands and shimmering green waters, Fort Pickens is well worth a visit in the same sense as Tulum, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and captivating historical sites.

No, there’s no trendy arts scene, a brand new airport, or divine Mexican food, but where else can you visit a nice U.S. beach with such well-preserved ruins?

Answer: not many!

Perhaps South Carolina’s Fort Sumter or another Florida counterpart, St. Augustine, but it’s safe to say Fort Pickens is next level!

It’s Okay To ‘Ruin’ Your Beach Vacation

Fort Pickens’ significance dates back well over a century.

Serving as a popular landmark nowadays, its former glory continues to captivate visitors with its scenic coastal views and intrigue.

What was once a stronghold in the American Civil War, the grounds are still kempt and most structures remain intact, making for awesome photo-ops.

Fort Pickens’ job was to protect Santa Rosa Island all while stopping the enemy from infiltrating the bay and nearby Navy yard.

The base covers roughly 200 acres, easily explorable before or after time at the beach. Today, it’s overseen by the National Park Service, who should ask for a raise covering double duty as both park rangers and tour guides.

Expect a walk-through of the remaining brick forts, a stroll along the barrier island, and even kayaking through the marsh.

It may not be Chichen Itza, but it’s very impressive nonetheless.

Unlike Gettysburg, don’t expect cheesy battlefield reenactments, even though The Battle of Santa Rosa Island took place here in 1861.

Fort Pickens receives high praise on Google, holding an impressive 4.8/5 rating, where one recent visitor claimed, “…the fort is incredible. Great beaches too, much better than the packed public beach just down the road”.

Also, many who visit love to rough it by camping under the stars. Fort Pickens Campground holds 200 campsites only charging $25 for admission in addition to the Gulf Islands National Seashore entry fees:

• $15 per person
• $20 per motorcycle
• $25 per vehicle 
• $45 annual pass

A Blissful Beach Escape Away From Florida’s Typical Crowds

No resorts, no wild nightlife, no Disney characters – just pure bliss along an authentic paradisal beach.

Okay, the resorts would maybe be a nice touch, but otherwise, we all love as much space as possible on our beach vacations.

Fall tends to see crowds shrink anyway, but Fort Pickens is never elbow-to-elbow like many coastal hotspots around the globe.

Here, you’ll find soft white sand and many areas without a footprint. And best of all the waters are clear and the weather is warm even in fall (think mid 70’s to 80’s)

Some Gulf beaches can become brown and murky, uninviting for a nice swim. That’s not the case here.

In all likelihood, you’ll be driving here from Pensacola.

Although, the Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers fun weekend rides.

If driving, you’ll want to input Langdon Beach as your destination since this is the most swimmable area, equipped with ample parking, restrooms, and beach showers.

Safety Tip: lifeguards are only on duty from May – September!

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Last Updated 2 months ago

Not that long ago, you’d probably laugh at the prospect of gang-dominated El Salvador, where corruption is supposedly endemic and violent crime is rampant, ever featuring on a mainstream list of the world’s safest countries.

We probably would ourselves at one point, too, but as unlikely as it sounds, especially if you’ve grown used to the damning headlines coming out of the infamous Latin American state, the impossible happened:

According to Gallup’s latest Global Security Report, one of the most reputable sources for assessing safety and living standards, El Salvador is now the 8th safest country globally.

So what changed?

How Did El Salvador Even Get Here?

The Global Security Report is based primarily on locals’ perceptions of safety in their place of residence: Do they need to maintain a higher level of situational awareness when leaving the house?

Do they feel on edge walking alone at night?

Is falling victim to violence a pressing concern?

Only 8 years ago, 30% of El Salvadorians answered those in a positive manner, and that was hardly surprising, considering the country’s strategic location for the Central American drug trade, widespread gun violence, and its status as a human trafficking hub––or should we say former?

Love him or hate him, since he came into power, President Nayib Bukele has adopted a tougher stance on crime than his predecessors ever did, introducing a ‘State of Exception’ in March 2022 that allowed for the mass incarcerations of gang members.

Despite a temporary outcry over Human Rights abuses and arbitrary arrests, its effectiveness in drastically curbing crime cannot be so easily understated: from a homicide rate of 105 per 100,000 people in 2015, the country now boasts an updated rate of just 2.4 per 100,000.

In other words, the number of heinous acts has plunged.

As a result, over 88% of El Salvadorians now feel their country is safe, leading the country to chart at number 8 on the Global Security Report, surprisingly ahead of the ultra-safe European countries like Iceland and Switzerland.

Based on this report, it is also the safest country in the entire Western Hemisphere, ahead of Canada, but to which extent is the data reliable?

So How Safe Is El Salvador?

As we stated previously, the Gallup report is one of the most trusted sources for assessing safety levels worldwide, as it’s based on feedback from ordinary citizens, but there are still some nuances to be observed.

El Salvadorians may feel safer walking alone at night than their Swiss or Icelandic counterparts, yet at the same time, we must remember safety perceptions in Europe as a whole have decreased significantly in recent years.

In Switzerland, for instance, serious violent offenses have increased ‘by around one third’ over the previous decade, as noted by SwissInfo, though it remains very much under acceptable levels compared to the global average.

Picture living in a country where, up until a couple of years back, you wouldn’t leave home without anxiously looking back over your shoulder, sharing your live location with friends, or even carrying a cheaper, spare phone to surrender instead of your actual phone in case you get mugged.

Suddenly, your city feels a lot safer, a majority of gangs have been wiped off the streets, leaving behind your usual backstreet, petty criminals easily dealt with, and life isn’t exactly perfect, but at least it’s not as terrible as it once was.

Your safety perception is likely to shoot up considerably.

Now, imagine living in a mountain town in the Swiss Alps, where the passing of a certain 92-year-old Mrs Heffelfinger––or whatever the knitting cat lady living up the street is called––would typically be considered a traumatizing collective experience.

Suddenly, a truckload of irregular migrants from North Africa are dropped at the front of your local parish, the social cohesion is broken, and all sorts of problems start arising from their apparent ineptitude to integrate or fully participate in society.

That’s not a right-wing talking point, it’s a verifiable figure:

As Swiss police and public prosecutors confirm, there’s been a ‘significant’ increase in the number of crimes attributed to undocumented migrants.

Add to that the wider European border crisis, and you’ll start to understand why the Swiss feel less safe in their neck of the woods, even though Switzerland continues to be considered extremely safe by any existing standards.

El Salvador Is Low-Risk By Latin American Standards

So is El Salvador truly safe?

Well, we wouldn’t be the first ones to test how it goes walking unaccompanied in a deserted, poorly lit street with our newly acquired iPhones in hand, dripping in jewelry and shiny Nike shoes, especially in a suburban zone with a reputation, but sure, El Salvador has gotten safer.

Again, safe-rrr.

What we’re trying to say is, locals feel their place of residence is less dangerous than it once was, and they are likely to respond to a survey on safety positively following the drastic changes of recent years.

At the same time, we suspect a non-experienced Swiss or Icelandic person wouldn’t share their perception if they were suddenly dropped in the middle of San Salvador, the bustling Salvadorian capital, and left to fend for themselves.

In short, El Salvador is now a lower-risk destination by Latin American standards.

Does The U.S. State Department Agree El Salvador Is Safe?

Washington continues to list the up-and-coming Latin hub as a Level 3 country, meaning Americans should ‘reconsider’ visiting due to the higher crime levels in certain states and municipalities, and the ongoing State of Exception.

At the same time, they note there has been a reduction in gang-related activity.

Judging by the excellent outcomes on the security front, it might not be long until El Salvador is upgraded to a near-perfect Level 2, or even a perfect Level 1:

Last august, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz, Chair of the Congressional El Salvador Caucus, addressed a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinker requesting El Salvador’s safety warning is downgraded to Level 1.

Gaetz argues that the incarceration of over 75,000 violent gangsters, and the steady homicide decline from 2015 to 2024 are sufficient to prove Americans should not be discouraged from visiting El Salvador, now a thriving destination, famous for its volcanic nature, Mayan ruins and unspoiled beaches.

In his letter, the Congressman adds the homicide rate in El Salvador is now ‘less than that of nearly every major city in the United States’.

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Last Updated 2 months ago

Fall is one of the very best seasons to travel if you’re not keen to part with your cash!  

According to new research from Airbnb, fall is the most affordable season to travel, and the price per night across its network is at its lowest in fall compared to the rest of the year.  

As an added bonus, fall vacations also benefit from lower crowd levels, ideal weather for sightseeing, and fewer kids around, too, as they’re all back to school!  

So where should you go if you’re looking for a budget break?  

These are the 5 most affordable U.S. cities to visit this fall according to Airbnb:

Somers Point, NJ 

Somers Point is a fascinating destination located on Great Egg Harbor Bay and close to the ocean.  

This is a wonderful spot by the Jersey Shore where you can enjoy all kinds of seaside activities, such as paddling, fishing and crabbing.  

But it’s so much more than just a traditional seaside town. It is also a destination that is proud of its rich history and keen to share this with visitors.  

Somers Point is the oldest settlement in Atlantic County, having been settled by Europeans in 1693.

You can visit the Atlantic County Historical Society to find out more about this fascinating heritage.  

And if all that history leaves you feeling thirsty then visit the Somers Point Brewing Company.

This is a renowned local independent craft brewery offering both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a brew whatever the weather!  

Myrtle Beach, SC  

Boasting a 60-mile stretch of clean, sandy beach, Myrtle Beach is best known as a coastal resort. 

But there’s so much more to attract travelers to Myrtle Beach and many attractions that are particularly enjoyable during the cooler days of fall.  

Take a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, one of the tallest observation wheels in America.

This offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the town.

A regular ticket with four revolutions of the wheel costs $19.99 per person.  

One of the attractions I think sounds most interesting are the Brookgreen Gardens.

This is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and if you visit on the weekend of October 5/6 then you can take part in the Harvest Home Weekend.  

Get lost in the hay maze, pick and decorate pumpkins, and embrace all things fall.  

Finally, if you’re a golf fan, then you’ll be interested to know that Myrtle Beach boasts a whopping 86 different golf courses.

So you’ll never be short of something to do!  

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk is a waterfront city in Virginia named after my home county of Norfolk in the UK!

It is a city with a rich history and so much to see and do.  

Visit the Chrysler Museum of Art which is famous for its glass art, but also has a huge collection of paintings and sculptures from both European and American artists.  

Explore the Nauticus Maritime Museum, which is home to Battleship Wisconsin, a huge and well-preserved example of a World War 2 Battleship. Adult entry tickets are priced at $17.95.  

If you’re traveling with kids, then they’ll enjoy exploring the Virginia Zoo, which sits along the river and is packed full of native and international animals.  

Finally, perhaps the most popular reason to visit Norfolk in the fall is for the fall foliage season.

Leaf peepers should aim to be in the city between October 10 and October 31, because this is when the spectacular fall colors will be at their peak.  

Panama City, FL

Fall is one of the best times of year to be in Florida.

The weather is perfect, and the crowd levels are low: the time is right, and the kids will be at school, but the snowbirds won’t have started descending on the region yet!  

Panama City is located in Northwest Florida (away from the Orlando mayhem), and it’s best known for its incredible fishing and fine dining in its beautiful waterfront restaurants.  

If you enjoy watersports, Panama City is the place to be. You can enjoy watersports here no matter the season.  

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and kiteboarding are all popular here, and you can enjoy these activities year-round.

I love to paddleboard and fall is one of my favorite seasons to get my board on the water.  

Visit the Plaia Shop to hire all the equipment you need to get on the water.

Paddleboard rental starts from $50 a day, and surfboard rental starts from $35 per day, so it won’t have to break the bank to get out there and enjoy the sea.  

West Des Moines, IA  

Finally, the 5^th most affordable destination this fall is West Des Moines.

The main attractions for tourists to explore here are the historic buildings and beautiful hiking trails, and fall is arguably the best season for hiking.  

Des Moines is known as the Midwestern hub, and people travel from across the state to visit the city for shopping, entertainment, and cultural enrichment.

Take time to walk over the glass-bottomed pedestrianized bridge that connects the city to the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens.

It’s an exhilarating experience!

Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, while the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoorsy types.

It looks particularly beautiful as its colors change for fall.  

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Is there any destination more sought after by Americans right now than Cancun?

Of course not! It’s the most popular international vacation spot in the world for us…and by a large mark.

Lined with seemingly endless high-end beach resorts along crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why Cancun has reached unfathomable heights.

Even though it’s extremely popular, don’t hold it against Cancun that airfare can be sky-high. It’s not their fault; airlines know what they’re doing.

Cancun is just too good to pass up!

That being said, a new report from insiders at the Cancun Sun revealed the best times to plan out your next trip and good news is there’s no need to rush to plan out your sargassum-free Cancun vacation.

Cancun Is The Perfect Spot For A Late Summer Getaway

One of the easiest destinations to reach across our borders, Cancun has a plethora of flight options from just about any U.S. airline, plus a handful of Mexican carriers.

Airfare can be pretty pricey in the midst of summer, but not so much toward the end. If you can hold off visiting in July, then August will be one of your best bets for the ultimate savings in paradise.

According to Google Flights, major airports, such as DFW, ORD, and FLL have nonstop flights to Cancun mid-August for less than $250 round-trip.

It’s not just airfare, however. You can score big on resorts too, which is probably what you’re hoping for since Cancun is perhaps the top all-inclusive beach resort destination in the world.

Here is a sample size:

Weekend rates at the ritzy Wyndham Alltra Cancun all-inclusive resort are as low as $284 per night this August.

This same resort costs almost double crossing the $400 threshold in January, a time when many Americans are desperate for a sunny vacation.

Squeeze In A Post-Labor Day Vacation

While rates tend to soar around the holidays, if you push back your celebration you can find great deals in Cancun.

But be aware – the weather can be moody this time of year. You may not get as many sunny photo-ops as you envision, but is there ever really a bad time to vacation in Cancun?

September can be viewed as the end of summer or the beginning of fall, toeing the line between the 2 seasons.

However you slice it, it’s one of the best times of year for vacation savings. For example the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa Cancun can be booked for $93 in September compared to double the rate in December and January.

Likewise for all-inclusive stays, such as Oleo Cancun Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort as low as $81 in September, but shooting to the high $200’s in January.

It’s Never Too Early To Plan A Trip

It seemed like summer would never get here, but here we are. Travelers are flocking far and wide with Cancun high on many travelers’ wishlists.

While many of us are still putting the finishing touches on summer trips, it’s never too early to plan ahead.

October is a great time to visit Cancun for less crowds – quite the opposite of Spring Break.

The most expensive months to visit are December through March, so why not jump the gun and get in while you can?

Rates drop significantly during the month of October across the board, from boutique hotels to lavish 5-star resorts.

While opting for all-inclusive may seem pricier at the time, think of it this way – the only extras you’ll be spending are souvenirs since food, drinks, and oftentimes transportation is covered.

One of the best deals to book in October is a stay at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive for as low as $145 per night.

If you were to stay here later on during the bitterly cold winter for many Americans, rates spike to as much as $493 in January.

How’s that for savings?!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.